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Last Word On Sports

Sports News Since 2011. Honestly.

Last Word On Sports Logo

Sports. Honestly. Since 2011

Month: May 2012

NHL Draft Prospect Profile #43: Ville Pokka

Posted on by Ben Kerr

Drafted 34th Overall by the New York Islanders

Sometimes all a young player needs is the opportunity to showcase his skills to a wide audience.  This year Ville Pokka received this golden opportunity and has used it to his full advantage to show his potential to NHL scouts.  In the first game of this year’s World Junior Championships, Finnish Defenceman Olli Maatta was hit hard and suffered a concussion.  He would be out for the tournament.  Into the gaping hole on the Finnish defence stepped the largely unknown Ville Pokka.  His performance in place of Maatta opened the eyes of many a scout and started a rise up draft boards.  A similar good showing for Finland at the Spring IIHF Under 18 World Championships helped to confirm that Pokka was more than just a flash in the pan.  Domestically Pokka played the majority of the season for Karpat of the Finnish Sm-Lilga or Elite League.

Defense
Born Jun 3 1994 — Tornio, Finland
Height 6.00 — Weight 195 — Shoots Right

2011-12 Karpat SM-liiga 35 0 3 3 12 -3

Pokka proved to be a solid defender at the World Juniors where he stepped in seemlessly to Maatta’s spot on Finland’s top defensive pair.  He is very difficult to beat off the rush as he uses excellent positioning and good quickness to always keep the forward in front of him.  He has a quick stick and is good at pokechecking opponents.  Pokka has shown that he can be physical and throw a hard hit if he catches a forward in a vulnerable position.  He is also willing to battle hard in the corners and in front of the net, however Pokka is sometimes overwhelmed by a big, physical forward.

Offensively Pokka plays a simple, but very effective game. He has great vision and hockey IQ which help him to quarterback the powerplay.  A very good passer, Pokka can make effective tape to tape passes to teammates both from the blue line in the offensive zone and in his own zone to start the breakout. Pokka’s slapshot needs work, as it lacks both power and accuracy, however he does possess a good wrist shot, and can often be seen sneaking in from the point on the PP in an attempt to recieve a pass and unleash it.

Pokka is a decent skater, but not great.  His top end speed is good, and his balance is also adequate.  He does however need to work on his pivots, agility and changes of direction before he will be ready for the next level.

Pokka can be an effective 2nd pairing defender in the NHL.  There are some aspects of his game that need work before he reaches the pros, but the potential is certainly there.  We believe his high end potential would be to become a defenceman similar to Matt Carle of the Philadelphia Flyers.

… and thats the Last Word.

Kerry Wood to Call it a Career

Posted on by Michael Kovacs, ADMIN

Just as the Windy City Series is set to get underway, where the Cubs and White Sox will renew acquaintances, pitcher Kerry Wood is set to announce his retirement.

Wood has had a difficult start to the 2012 campaign, going 0-2 with a monstrous 8+ ERA.  Added to that, he has experienced nagging soreness and fatigue in his throwing shoulder.  Wood has had many injuries through his fine 14-year career, including the dreaded Tommy John surgery (though it isn’t quite as devastating as it once was) back in 2000.  His career was spent almost equally as a starter in the rotation, where he good success, and later as a reliever and closer.

From 1998 through 2006 he was an important part of the rotation before a disastrous injury kept him out of lineup for much of 2006.  When he returned the next year, he assumed his position now as a middle reliever, and was made the Cubs’ closer in 08.  Having excellent success as a closer gave Kerry the bargaining power to test free agency, and he eventually settled on the Indians.  Doing well in Cleveland prompted the Yankees to come knocking, and the closer was traded to New York, helping them to the ALCS Championship in 2010.

Kerry Wood was, and still is, enamored with the Cubbies, and re-joined his old team last season.

Kerry Wood had a very promising early part of his career, even winning the 1998 NL Rookie of  the Year Honours.  Combined with Prior, the Cubs were supposed to finally be serious competitors in the early 2000’s.  In fact, in 2003, the team was only five outs from earning a trip to the World Series, but the Curse of the Billy Goat, or in this case the Bartman Foul Ball (I’m not even going to entertain that debacle) was back with a vengeance.

Whether the Cubbies used him a bit too much early in his career, which some argue attributed to his litany of injuries, is debatable.  He had a nasty curveball, and a dynamic arm in general.  He will be sorely missed by Cubs fans the world ’round, but in my opinion, it is the right time for him to hang up the glove.

…and that is the last word.

NHL Draft Prospect Profile #42: Cristoval "Boo" Nieves

Posted on by Ben Kerr

Drafted 59th Overall By the New York Rangers.

Its often extremely difficult for us to see footage of players playing in the United States High School system.  With Cristoval “Boo” Nieves this was a bit of a problem this year, as he played prep school hockey for Kent School in Connecticut.  However fortunately for us, we were able to catch a glimpse of Nieves at the 2011 Ivan Hlinka Tournament, where the New York state native represented the United States.  Nieves also finished the year playing for the Indiana Ice in the USHL, so there was an additional opportunity to view him at that level.  Nieves is committed to become a Michigan Wolverine, and will be a future teammate of Phil DiGiuseppe and Jacob Trouba.

Centre/Left Wing
Born Jan 23 1994 — Baldwinsville, New York
Height 6.03 — Weight 176 — Shoots Left

Nieves has all the tools to be a top line player in the NHL.  He has great size as he is already 6’3″ and may still be growing.  He is a little skinny right now, at only 176 lbs, but he will have the time to pack some muscle on to his frame.  Nieves is an elite skater.  He has a beautiful stride, it is long and fluid.  He generates great acceleration and top-end speed.  He also has very good agility and edgework.  He could use a little bit better balance, and to be stronger on the puck, but this should come with the additional muscle he needs to add to his frame.

In the offensive zone, Nieves is a terrific playmaker.  He has elite level vision, and can thread tape to tape passes to teammates with ease.  He has great puck control and soft hands which allow him to control the puck and make the patient effective play.  He’s got a hard shot and a good release, but we are a little puzzled by his goal scoring totals (especially considering the level of competition at the US Prep School level).  We’ve seen him score some nice goals in the Hlinka and a couple in the USHL, and he has shown that he has a nice shot, but overall the goal totals are far below what we would expect, and this is a bit of a concern.

Despite his ideal size, Nieves is not very physical.  He does not engage in physical battles along the boards the way we would like to see from a player with his physical tools.  We’d also like to see him use his speed and size to be more physical on the forecheck, and in the defensive end of the ice.   He definitely also needs work on his defensive game, especially his positioning; however this is not unexpected.  We would anticipate that he didn’t need to play much defense at the Prep School level as his line would probably be on the offense for most of his shifts.  This is something often seen from a prospect coming out of a lower level league.

Nieves also needs to work on his consistency and effort level as these can vary greatly game to game, and even shift to shift.  There were times he was an absolute force for Indiana, however there were also times he was completely invisible.

Nieves is a real boom or bust prospect.  He’s a bit of a long term project, and will definitely need the time at Michigan to learn how to play against tougher competition, to develop consistency and to add size and strength to his frame.  If he can do these things and develop properly he has a bright future in the NHL.  We’d compare his career potential to being similar to bigger version of Marc Savard (currently on the LTIR of the Boston Bruins).  However there is a big risk here, as there is a significant chance that Nieves could bust.

Nieves is also a bit of an internet superstar for this goal scored against Russia at last years Ivan Hlinka tournament.

Thanks to youtube user drpabloramirez for the upload, and to yahoo’s Puck-Daddy for featuring it.

… and thats the Last Word.

Jonathan Vilma Sues Roger Goodell in Federal Court in Louisiana

Posted on by Ben Kerr

More Breaking news from Bounty Gate.

Jonathan Vilma (whose appeal of his NFL suspension was heard last week) is suing Roger Goodell in Federal Court in Louisiana.  You can see a copy of the claim here.

Vilma is alleging that Goodell has made public comments about him that are false, defamatory, and injure Vilma’s personal and professional reputation.  These comments are related to what Goodell has said was Vilma’s role in the New Orleans’ Saints Bounty program.

The issue appears to be that Goodell has accused Vilma of putting $10,000 cash up for the injuring of Brett Favre.  Of course if Goodell can prove that his statements about Vilma are true, it would essentially defeat the defamation claim.

This appears to be an attempt by Vilma and his Lawyers to force Goodell to release the Bountygate evidence, something the NFL has been unwilling to do to this point.  Without releasing the evidence, Goodell will be unable to prove that what he has publicly said about Vilma is true.  This is a key point in the case and one made throughout the pleadings.  The statements of Goodell in the media stating that he has the evidence but then refusing to release it when requested by Vilma’s counsel are going to be a key issue in the case.

The claim asks for both compensatory and punitive damages, meaning there could be huge money on the line here (especially considering Vilma’s salary as an NFL player, and his opportunities for endorsements on the compensatory side) and whatever the courts will award for punitive damages.

It is important to note that this claim has been filed against Roger Goodell personally and not against the National Football League.  This is an important distinction as it may be a way for Vilma to avoid being forced to use the grievance process provided for under the NFL/NFLPA Collective Bargaining Agreement.

I caution of course, (along with the disclaimer below) that I am not a Member of the Louisiana Bar, and as such am not an expert in the particulars of the law in their state… this is just a personal overview of the case and is no way intended to be legal advice.

…. and that is the Last Word (for now).

 

Winning at Woodbine Race Track: A Day in the Life of a Thoroughbred

Posted on by Dwayne Edwards

Bob Sinclair & Raffaela Carra – Far L Amore (Radio Edit)

Allow me to take you on a race-day journey – a great love story of horse and trainer that I was lucky enough to be a part of for the race at Fort Erie Race Track on Saturday, May 12th, 2012.

The gorgeous, big, strong Roman-nosed chestnut gelding Ronaldino, was a multiple stake horse in 2008 at Stampede Park before making his way to Woodbine.  It was at Woodbine where he competed against a very tough class of $50,000 claimers, until being dropped to $32,000, only to later drop to a very suspiciously low $5,000 price tag in Fort Erie eleven months ago. This did not scare off the Fort’s leading trainer at the time, Mark Fournier, as he jumped at the opportunity to train the classy gelding from the west.

Fournier is a great horseman; he takes pride each and every day with his horses, and trains accordingly. That is exactly what “Ronnie” needed – to be felt appreciated.  This is why he gives his best every time Fournier runs him. Ronnie had an outstanding record before joining Fournier’s stables, but with the aforementioned as his trainer he has sizzled with 6 wins, 5 seconds, a third and two fourths in the past 14 races.

This brings me to this past Saturday where Ronnie was scheduled to run at Woodbine in the 2nd race. Both Fournier and Ronnie had to make the trip up the QEW to Toronto from Fort Erie to take a stab at the $24,000 purse. The two of them, whom have rarely been apart in their near three-year long relationship, left the Fort at 6 A.M. to ensure an early arrival without the chance of being scratched due to tardiness. I was picked up along the way in Hamilton, and from the moment I climbed aboard I could feel the excitement and nervousness Fournier exuded.

I would anticipate his nervousness, as for the past four weeks he has spent countless hours babying his pride and joy in hopes of having him in peak condition for this race. Money is on the line – if you don’t win, you go home empty-handed.  It’s really that simple in horse racing; you’ve got to win to stay ahead.

As we arrived at the track, Ronnie came out of the horse trailer as calm and happy as could be expected. Standing tall, examining his surroundings, and overall, just enjoying himself as he pranced away into the receiving barn. After a couple of turns in the barn, Fournier already yelling at me (well, he would say he was merely “strongly” asking me) to “get the water pail filled, a small amount of feed in his feed tub, hang his webbing and hang his hay net”. I understood his demands, and acted promptly to them, and together we had Ronnie settled in to his stall, very relaxed and awaiting the call.

Race time was 1:30, which meant we would leave the barn at around 1:00.  It was only 8am, and Fournier refused to venture too far away from the chestnut for those 5 hours, keeping Ronnie calm and relaxed. The trainer showed him to the track vet whose job it is to assure the gamblers he is healthy and ready to run, as well as to Fournier’s own vet to make specially sure everything is as it should be for Ronnie’s pre-race.

The time came to give a last-minute cleaning, throw on his race day bandages, pretty him up and throw on the bridal. Ronnie has been known to get a little excited venturing over to the front side on race day, so a pony takes him over to keep him quiet so he doesn’t lose unnecessary energy.

As we reached the paddock, we showed his tattoo to prove his identity.  We got to his stall where the valet and Fournier were waiting to throw the jockey’s saddle on.  After he was saddled up, Ronnie certainly looked impressive.  As he pumped himself up, I swear he grew in stature.  I took him for a couple turns of the paddock as he showed off for the fans, prancing around happily and throwing his head showing he was ready to run.

Fournier at this point was talking to the jockey, Justin Stein, with some last-minute suggestions of how to ride him when the paddock judge warned, “Riders up!”  We started to the race track. Fournier assumed his place to watch the race.  Ronnie was second choice to a heavily bet favorite.

“AANNNNNDDD THEY’RE OFF!”  It’s a fair break and the expected speedballs go out in a blistering 21.2, as Ronnie sits a distant 3rd. Stein sits patiently, holding Ronnie until about half the five-furlong race is done, and then begins a move and closes in on the leaders. The favorite still had a few lengths on Ronnie at the head of the lane, and this is when he accelerated to catch the leader with about 1/16th of a mile left – Ronnie WON!

I met Fournier down at the Winner’s Circle where I had to rip his arms away from hugging his Dad so I could celebrate with him.  The tears of joy streaming down Fournier’s face as Ronnie made his way to the Winner’s Circle was indescribable.  That single memory will stay with me and resonate in my mind for years to come.  You know how a picture tells  a thousand words?  Well that very much applies here.

Fournier then went to congratulate the jock, and made his way to Winner’s circle, alongside his horse. Ronnie, as happy as ever, with his head up so high and his ears perked, posed for the camera.

It was a great day, a great outcome, and once again proved the strong bond between trainer and horse.  The relationship between horse, trainer and jockey is very unique, and the reliance on one another is what makes the Sport of Kings so special.

Here are a few links for you to get a better sense of the race:

http://www.woodbineentertainment.com/Woodbine/Racing/Pages/RaceResults.aspx

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pJF4OG1cw_U&feature=relmfu

…and that is the last word.

 

NHL Draft Prospect Profile #41: Nicolas Kerdiles

Posted on by Ben Kerr

Drafted 36th overall by the Anaheim Ducks.

We can debate the success of the NHL’s expansion to the southern United States in many ways, and it has been done many times.  However when we see a prospect come along like Nicolas Kerdiles who grew up playing hockey in California and Texas; there is no doubt that the game has made at least some impact in the south.  In 2010 Kerdiles joined the United States National Team Development Program in Ann Arbour, Michigan and immediately proved to be one of the most talented forwards on the team.  Kerdiles was on the Under 17 team but was called up to play for the Under 18 team in the 2011 IIHF Under 18 World Championships where he won a gold medal.  Kerdiles would join teammates Jacob Trouba, and Brady Skjei, in helping the United States to another gold medal in the 2012 tournament.  Kerdiles led the U.S. team in scoring and was especially impressive in the Gold Medal Final vs Sweden where he had a 5 point night. Kerdiles is committed to the University of Wisconsin.

Centre/Left Wing
Born Jan 11 1994 — Irvine, CA
Height 6.01 — Weight 183 — Shoots Left

2010-11 U.S. National Development Team USHL 32 12 8 20 52 -2
2011-12 U.S. National Development Team USHL 18 4 9 13 18 -5

Kerdiles is a talented offensive player.  He is an incredibly smart player and has a very high hockey IQ.  Kerdiles is great at working down low, and playing the cycle game.  He makes great tape to tape passes and has very good vision.  Kerdiles also has a real knack for finding open space from where he can unleash an extremely accurate shot.  He’s got soft hands in close which he uses to score goals from tip ins and rebounds. He’s a versatile forward who has been used both at Centre and on the Wing.

A natural leader, Kerdiles possesses an insatiable work ethic.  He is an effective forechecker chasing down opposing defenders and getting on the puck.  He’s also extremely gritty, winning a ton of board battles and he takes a ton of punishment in front of the opponents net.  He’s a fearless player, committed to winning, and is willing to take a hit to make a play.  Kerdiles is also known to look for the big hit if it is available.  Its not something that he’ll do recklessly or get himself out of position to do, but if an opponent makes a mistake, Kerdiles can lower the boom on him.

Kerdiles is also good in his own zone.  He is an active and committed back checker.  His hockey IQ translates into the defensive zone, as he is excellent positionally and anticipates plays well.  He is very good at cutting down passing lanes, and has an uncanny ability to strip opponents of the puck.  Kerdiles is very much a complete player, capable of playing in any situation.

One area of his game that could stand to be improved is Kerdiles’ skating.  He does have solid balance and is strong on the puck, and difficult to knock off of it.  However he could work on his top end speed, his first step and his acceleration.  While we wouldn’t say that Kerdiles is slow, he is merely average in these aspects.  His great work ethic and smart play helps him to cover up his average skating, however if he can show improvement he can really take his game to the next level.

Overall we see Kerdiles as a forward with top 6 potential.  We think he can be a forward similar to Andrew Brunette (in his prime) currently of the Chicago Blackhawks.   With an improvement in his skating, he could be even better, as the skating is really the only thing that is holding him out of being ranked in the teens.

… and thats the Last Word.

Randy Moss: Finished, or Does he Still Have "It"?

Posted on by Jack Stone

After spending one year “retired” Randy Moss is back in the NFL and playing with the San Francisco 49ers.

San Fran has a solid WR depth chart with Michael Crabtree, Mario Manningham,  promising rookie A.J Jenkins, Ted Ginn Jr, Kyle Williams, and of course, Randy Moss.  There has been much speculation over whether Randy would make even make the roster, but with the 49ers ranked 29th in passing last season, and finishing the year with just one pass completed for more than 41 yards, it’s hard to imagine they would pass on the future HOF’er.  Moss is often-touted as the greatest deep ball WR in NFL history, and adding that deep ball threat is just one more reason why San Franscisco should keep him.

Yes, the phenom is now 35-years-old, but reports out of SF say he still has the speed and hands.  Now having said all of this, how will he do with the team this season?  The solid depth at WR, and also having Vernon Davis at Tight End, will mean less passes Moss’ way.  Also a reason for last season’s lack of deep passes has to do with QB Alex Smith being inaccurate down field. Certainly you can add as many star receivers as possible, and it very well may help, but not if your QB doesn’t have the arm strength to go deep.

My thoughts: Randy Moss signed a small contract that was loaded with bonuses, and we all know how he loves his “straight cash homie”.  Moss also doesn’t need the best QB to throw down field, because he can still use his own talents out leap DBs and make anything happen.  Just heave it up, and Moss will find it.  He has arrived in San Francisco not wanting to be a decoy; he wants the football.  Randy is back and  ready to post numbers!  The only thing that can stop Randy Moss is if he becomes unmotivated, which is entirely possible. If the 49ers get him the ball early in the season then I think you will see Randy Moss reach double digits in touchdowns.  If  they fail to motivate Moss early,  you will see the official end of the great and entertaining career of Randy Moss.

…and that is the last word.

NHL Draft Prospect Profile #40: Jordan Schmaltz

Posted on by Ben Kerr

Drafted 25th Overall by the St. Louis Blues.

Jordan Schmaltz has had what some would describe as a very tumultuous year.   At the start the season he began his second full year in the USHL playing for the Sioux City musketeers.  However he would soon give the team a trade request and would end up traded to the defending Clark Cup Champion Green Bay Gamblers.  There were also very public rumors that he would be headed to play for the Windsor Spitfires in the OHL, and would be reneging on his commitment to join North Dakota next season.  Schmaltz would deny this rumor and remains committed to play for the North Dakota Fighting Sioux.  Despite all this Turmoil, Schmaltz went about his business and was an offensive force for Green Bay this season.  He’s a big reason why they are currently in the Clark Cup Final, tied at 2 games a piece against the Waterloo Blackhawks.  He is another talented American defenceman in a class full of guys like Brady Skjei, and Jacob Trouba.

Defense
Born Oct 8 1993 — Verona, Wisconsin
Height 6.03 — Weight 175 — Shoots Right

2010-11 Sioux City Musketeers USHL 53 13 31 44 22 0 3 0 1 1 4
2011-12 Sioux City Musketeers USHL 9 3 3 6 9 -4
2011-12 Green Bay Gamblers USHL 46 7 28 35 20 15 9 2 4 6 4

Schmaltz is yet another offensively talented defenceman in this year’s class.  His passing is superb, especially in the offensive zone.  He makes crisp, hard tape to tape spaces, and is able to thread the needle through some tight passing lanes.  Schmaltz really excels setting up his teammates on the PP.  His shot is not the hardest in the draft, but he does have above average power behind it.  However what Schmaltz is really good at is keeping his shot low and accurate and getting it on net and through traffic.  This can lead to tip ins and rebound goals for his teammates.

Schmaltz’s skating is a work in progress.  His stride is long and he generates decent top end speed.  He is also agile and changes direction well, and makes good pivots.  He could stand to work on his acceleration, balance, and strength on his skates, which are all below average for his draft ranking.

In the defensive end of the rink Schmaltz is good positionally.  You can definitely see that he has a high hockey IQ and understands the defensive aspect of the game.  He has a quick stick and is good at poke checking the puck off of a defender.  However Schmaltz really needs to bulk up to be an effective defender.  He has the ideal height, but really needs to put some muscle on his 6’3″ 175 lb frame.  He gets beaten in board battles by bigger stronger forwards, and is often beaten down low by a strong cycle game.   However given his good positioning, this is something that should improve with added size, and a college schedule with more time to get into the weight room would be perfect for a prospect like Schmaltz.

Schmaltz is a bit of a project, but he has the ideal height that NHL teams look for and a ton of offensive skill, which should make him an early pick in the NHL Draft.  We’d compare Schmaltz’s high end potential to Keith Yandle of the Phoenix Coyotes, however it may take a few years before he can begin to reach this level of play.

… and that’s the Last Word.

Toronto FC Shake Things Up: Too Little, Too Late?

Posted on by Michael Kovacs, ADMIN

I want to love TFC, but they certainly aren’t making it easy.

Since their inception six years ago, the team has experienced excellent success off the pitch.  The fans are what has kept the vehicle running smoothly, as they have earned the respect of footy fans from around North America.  BMO field is a tough place for visitors to play.  Not because of the team’s performance, but rather a direct result of the rabid fans who make life difficult for opposing players.  If you’ve ever been to a TFC home match, you will undoubtedly remember experiencing the first corner kick coming from an opposing player, as streams of paper peppered him while he tried to curl one in the box.  The fans are relentless.  As a result, the atmosphere at home matches is quite the experience.  Added to that, TFC regularly sold out of home matches for the first few years of their existence, and only recently are seeing the effects of poor performances on the pitch, which is the motivation behind my article.

The team poor success on the field is already well documented, so I will try to avoid regurgitating the obvious.  The team has missed the playoffs every season, and is currently in last place in the entire MLS.  In fact, they are winless thus far in the 2012 campaign and are only two loses away from equalling the longest losing streak (“enjoyed” currently by Real Salt Lake).  Enough said.

In response, the team has recently promoted Jim Brennan to Assistant Coach, replacing Bob de Klerk.  Brennan was TFC’s first player it signed, and was the longest-serving player before joining the coaching ranks.  Having played in Europe, he has been exposed to top-flight football and hopefully will bring stability, guidance and leadership to a group of reeling players.  Out, is Bob de Klerk.  The Dutchman, while very experienced, has become somewhat volatile as of late.  Whether the motivation was based on performance or behaviour, either way the move can’t be bad, right?

In desperation, rumours have been running rampant about Alessandro Nesta, the Italian international who has been highly successful in Milan, possibly joining TFC or another MLS team.  While Nesta himself admitted considering the move, what motivation would there be for him to join a team in dead last with next to no chance at playing for the MLS championship match?  It just doesn’t make sense.  I’m sure most TFC fans, for which I consider myself as part of this group, would love to see him anchoring our defense. Just don’t hold your breath.

I can’t pinpoint what has gone so wrong with the club’s performance.  I really thought they were on to something with the signings of internationals Koevermans and Frings, but success has still alluded them.  Do they need to open the pocketbooks and find that Thierry Henry or David Beckham?  I don’t think that would solve their problems and would be more of a band-aid solution.  They need to make wise selections in the draft, find a coaching staff that work well together, and begin to find ways to win, as overly-simplistic as that sounds.  Winning begets winning.  Successful clubs build a winning tradition, and then the pieces seem to fall in place more often than not.

Whatever path TFC take, I just hope they realize the window is closing, and the pressure to choose the right one will become almost unbearable.

…and that is the last word.