May 2012 - Page 8 of 12 - Last Word On Sports

NHL Draft Prospect Profile #37: Tanner Pearson

Posted on May 12, 2012November 4, 2021 by Ben Kerr

Drafted 30th Overall by the Los Angeles Kings.

They say that the third time is the charm and for late blooming prospect Tanner Pearson, he certainly hopes the old adage holds true. Pearson was passed over in all 7 rounds of both the 2010 and 2011 NHL drafts. However given his great improvement this season, we highly doubt that Pearson will be on the outside looking in again.

After a good rookie season in 2010-11, Pearson was obviously disappointed to not be picked last year. He showed great dedication in the offseason and came back to the Barrie Colts of the OHL and put together a season that made him impossible to ignore for a third time. Pearson burst out of the gate and was selected as a member of Team Canada’s entry in the World Junior Championships, joining Ryan Murray as the only draft eligible players to make the team. Pearson would carry this momentum back to the OHL where he remained among the league leaders in points all season. Unfortunately a broken ankle in the last week of the regular season would end Pearson’s season prematurely and keep him out of the OHL playoffs.

Left Wing
Born Aug 10 1992 — Kitchener, ONT
Height 6.00 — Weight 192 — Shoots L

2010-11	Barrie Colts	OHL	66	15	27	42	35	-12
2011-12	Barrie Colts	OHL	60	37	54	91	37	21

The greatest improvement in Pearson’s game this year is in his skating. In 2011 his poor technique, and slow skating was the biggest knock on him, and probably was the biggest reason why he went undrafted. Pearson worked hard all summer on improving this aspect of his game. His stride is still choppy and unorthodox, however Pearson has greatly improved his speed. He’s not a speed demon, but he’s now above average.

The strength of Pearson’s offensive game is as a playmaker. Pearson has excellent vision and is a great passer. He has excellent hockey sense, and he’s able to create both off the rush, and by setting up in the offensive zone. Pearson has good size and stickhandling uses these effectively to protect the puck and is an effective player down low on the cycle game. As a goal scorer Pearson has a hard wrist shot, but could work to have a more effective release. His best goal scoring attribute is his soft hands, he’s able to convert goals in tight with slick moves, and with quick reactions leading to tip in and rebound goals. The hard work and dedication to improve that Pearson put into his game has certainly paid off, and is evident in his improved offensive totals this season.

Pearson is a decent defensive player as well. He works hard in his own end of the rink and has become an effective penalty killer. Pearson has good positioning and is able to use his size to keep opponents to the outside. He’s a hard working dedicated player and is willing to do whatever his coaches ask. He’s a willing shot blocker.

A big advantage of Pearson is that due to his advanced age he could be NHL ready a lot faster than some of the other prospects picked around him. If he can continue to work on his game, Pearson can be an effective top 6 contributor at the NHL level. We’d compare his NHL potential to be a player similar to David Perron of the St. Louis Blues.

… and thats the Last Word.

Ivor Wynne Stadium: Saying Farewell to an Important Piece of Canadiana

Posted on May 11, 2012November 4, 2021 by Michael Kovacs, ADMIN

Let me paint a picture for you.

It was a chilly Spring afternoon, and it seemed we were walking forever from our parked car off of Landsdowne Ave in Hamilton. My father and uncle’s giant steps interrupted the pitter-patter of my six-year-old feet. I was on cloud nine, while for them it was just another trip to the historic Ivor Wynne Stadium. That was in 1986.

As we walked through neighbourhoods, past houses marked with “Park Here – $5” signs, I was eagerly anticipating my first Tiger-Cats game as a season ticket holder. One man yelled something about Tigers eating something raw, while another shook a beer around from the safety of his front porch, taunting the passers-by. We were nearing the stadium as I began to hear the distant P.A. announcer informing the crowd of something I couldn’t quite make out.

As the stadium came into view, and the throngs of people waiting to gain admittance were revealed, I was hooked. It’s funny that, now, as a 33-year old man I don’t remember a single snap from my first game as season ticket holder. I do, however, remember the drunkard behind me spilling his beer on my head, and my mother’s reaction when my father brought me home. We’ve shared a few laughs over that over the years. It became part of our history of Ivor Wynne Stadium.

See, sports isn’t just about the 48, 60 or 90 minutes of regulation time. Sports is a lifestyle, a release, comradery at its finest. We grow with our teams and fellow fans, and they become our families. The stadiums in which they play become our vacation homes. We build memories to last a lifetime.

Humour me for a minute. Close your eyes. Even if you’re in your office, classroom or at home while the little ones are playing with their Lego, close your eyes. Picture your favourite sports team, the one you’ve seen most often. Really think of all the memories you’ve had over the years. We take a lot for granted, right? Perhaps I’m just having a sentimental moment, or maybe I’m onto something.

When I read the announcement from the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in regards to celebrating the final season the football club will play at the 84-year old stadium (the Tiger-Cats didn’t play there until 1950), it was bitter-sweet to say the least. The prospect at losing my “vacation home” is a tough pill to swallow, however, I think the club is doing an admirable job at saying goodbye to this historic site.

First, the team has announced it will hold an “All-time Tiger-Cats Team”, which will be chosen by fans starting in June. As one of the oldest professional sports teams, dating back to 1869 and long before any NFL team, it will be a daunting task to say the least. The team will also have two large commemorative logos displayed on the field, as well as in their marketing plans. Former legends will also be on hand at each home game to pose for pictures, give autographs, and mingle with fans. While my boyhood idol, Steve Stapler, is unlikely to be there, I am sure I will find a few DiPietro’s, Zambiazi’s and Winfield’s to satisfy my mingle with the players I grew up watching. On the day of the team’s last home game, there will be a special ceremony to acknowledge the rich history of football in Hamilton, specifically at Ivor Wynne. Finally, the team is excited about its partnership with Tim Horton’s, which opened its first store in Hamilton on Ottawa St., and are going to be featuring Ti-Cats cups at all area locations.

The fact that you are reading this means that sports is very likely an important part of your life, as it is mine. For whatever reason you fell in love the game, you have a lifetime of memories that transcend a stadium. For me, though, the stadium just happens to be what I first fell in love with.

…and that is the last word.

NHL Draft Prospect Profile #36: Damon Severson

Posted on May 11, 2012November 4, 2021 by Ben Kerr

Drafted 60th overall by the New Jersey Devils.

For those who have been following our prospect profiles, it is clear that this year’s draft is just full of defence prospects. It should also be noted that the WHL in particular has a very large crop of talented defencemen in this year’s draft class. In the last decade or so there is one WHL team in particular that stands alone when it comes to producing NHL defencemen, and its no surprise that they have another good one in this year’s draft. Damon Severson hopes to follow in the long line of Kelowna Rockets defence alumni which includes Shea Weber, Duncan Keith, Josh Gorges, Tyler Myers, Alex Edler, Luke Schenn, and Kyle Cumiskey. Severson joins his Kelowna teammate, forward Colton Sissons, as prospects we have projected for the early 2nd round of this years draft.

Severson was also a member of Team Canada at this springs IIHF Under 18 World Hockey Championships where he came home with a bronze medal. He did not look out of place playing against fellow top junior players, and showed that he was capable of playing a strong defensive role.

Defense
Born Aug 7 1994 — Melville, Saskatchewan
Height 6.02 — Weight 198 — Shoots Right

2009-10	Kelowna Rockets	WHL	5	0	0	0	0	-4	—	—	—	—	—
2010-11	Kelowna Rockets	WHL	64	4	13	17	53	11	10	2	0	2	13
2011-12	Kelowna Rockets	WHL	56	7	30	37	80	6	4	2	0	2	2

Severson has ideal NHL size (though he needs to add muscle to his frame), and is a solid two way defender in the WHL. Severson is a fluid skater. He has a great first step and very good accleration. He reaches his top speed quickly, and this helps him to shake off forecheckers in the defensive zone. However, he is more quick than fast, as his top end skating speed is only slightly above average. He does have good mobility, as he is agile and makes good pivots and changes of direction.

Severson’s biggest strength is his defensive game. He is a great shot blocker, one of the best in this year’s draft class. While not usually a big hitter, Severson is physical in battling hard along the boards and working to keep the front of the net clear. A big body, he does use his size to his advantage. His agility and mobility allows him to keep on rushing forwards to the outside and keep most plays in front of him.

Offensively Severson has a great point shot. He’s got a very hard one-timer and is used on the point in Power Play situations. His passing is good and crisp, especially in starting the breakout and transition game, however his vision in the offensive zone is average. He projects as more of a second unit Power Play defenceman at the NHL level than a true power play quarterback, as he doesn’t have the offensive skills of guys like Matt Dumba, Morgan Rielly, and Derrick Pouliot.

Severson needs to work on his consistency. We have seen games this season where he was the best player on the ice, and where we walked away thinking that this kid would challenge to be a mid first round draft pick. However we have also seen games that have left us wondering if we were watching the same player. There are nights when Severson is a smart, effective defender, who makes excellent decisions and is calm and poised with the puck. There were other nights when we saw Severson make huge gaffes, and silly mistakes in his own end of the rink. Times where he tried to get “too cute” with the puck leading to bad giveaways and turnovers, and scoring chances against. This inconsistency will be his biggest issue to correct and will determine his ultimate role in the NHL. We do believe that Severson has the potential to be a shut down defenceman, ala an Eric Brewer of the Tampa Bay Lightning, with even a little more offence than that; however it remains to be seen if he will ever reach that level.

… and thats the Last Word.

Kentucky Derby Result and Opening Day at The Fort Erie Race Track

Posted on May 10, 2012November 4, 2021 by Dwayne Edwards

“I’ll Have Another” (I’m pretty sure that’s a cookie slogan), won the Kentucky Derby in impressive fashion! It seems like the winner of the Derby always has an amazing story behind them and this year is no different. Mario Gutierrez from Hasting Race Course in Vancouver was aboard the colt for his first ever Grade 1 victory. Add to that, the owners of the horse are from Windsor, Ontario. Canadian connections getting it done at the Derby are great to see, but now it’s time to tackle Bodemeister once again at the Preakness to see if he can become the first Triple Crown winner since Affirmed did it way back in 1978!

The fans of Fort Erie Race Track were out in full force on Sunday with one of the busiest (non-Prince of Wales) days I have seen in years. It was a great day for the races with the sun out and a fast track making for a great day of entertainment and gambling.

The day’s spotlight shone brightly on a couple of veteran jockeys, and a trainer who is in his 3rd or 4th year of training. Martin Ramirez and Kirk Johnson each won a pair of races and Regina Sealock also won two races on the card. I’m sure the long time Fort Erie jockette was excited to start 2012 off on the right foot after what she says was a disappointing 2011.

One of trainers Regina won for was Gary Chudobiak who also stepped into the winners circle twice. Although Gary has not had his trainer’s license for very long he has been a long time owner at Fort Erie.

It was a bitter-sweet day at the Fort and with these proud long-time family members of the Fort Erie Race Track winning made it seemed like it was almost a sign from above to our government. Although everyone was excited for opening day, there was a tingle in the air, a quiet little buzz you would hear every so often – “Was, or could this really be, the last Opening Day at this fantastic race track?” The Border Oval, 115 years of live thoroughbred racing, home to thousands of employees and a second home to even more racing fans is still in jeopardy of ceasing to exist.

Our government needs to understand this; the trackers have invested their lives into this industry. An industry which they are single-handedly destroying. The first blow was already hit when the slots at Fort Erie are shut down, and many people are out of a job. The ripple effect is a definite possibility if something doesn’t change, as the first few hundred are now unemployed. In this world where unemployment is at all time high levels the government is about to put thousands of more out of work if they can’t work with the racetracks. The town of Fort Erie and the race track administrators are doing everything they can to save these jobs and are presently trying to privatize the slots in order to keep live racing. Perhaps a solution is imminent.

Besides that little bit of buzz in the air, racing was exciting and some of the winners were well touted and good bets! A horse from Tampa Bay won paying a respectable $40. Horses who got their starts at Woodbine also had a particularly good day winning in several races. The feature race of the day was won by Molinaro Warrior, and this horse absolutely loves the Fort Erie dirt and is bound to be tough every start at the track this year. Definitely keep an eye on him!

Another horse with a very impressive win was Nick Gonzalez’s, Worth A Punt. What impressed me the most was his sprinting ability. Keep a look-out for this guy next time in the entries as he will likely stretch-out. After that performance he will very likely win right back.

If you are interested, check out the track’s official page, www.forterieracing.com/racing/live/news to stay on top of what’s going on.

…and that is the last word.

NHL Draft Prospect Profile #35: Tim Bozon

Posted on May 10, 2012 by Ben Kerr

Drafted 64th Overall by the Montreal Canadiens

After being selected in the first round (27th overall) of the 2011 CHL Import Draft, Tim (Timothé) Bozon burst onto the scene with 36 goals and 71 points in 71 games this season for the Kamloops Blazers of the WHL. His performance earned him the Western Conference nomination for WHL Rookie of the Year. He stands a good chance to win the league award to be handed out after the WHL final. Bozon was born in St. Louis, Missouri but grew up spending his winters in Lugano, Switzerland and his summers in France. Bozon has already declared that he wishes to play international hockey for the French national team. He is the son of former St. Louis Blues winger Phillipe Bozon, joining Griffin Reinhart, Henrik Samuelsson, and Stefan Matteau as draft prospects who are the sons of former NHL prospects.

Left Wing/Right Wing
Born Mar 24 1994 — St. Louis, Missouri/Lugano, Switzerland
Height 6.01 — Weight 178 — Shoots Left

After coming over from Swiss team HC Lugano, Bozon adapted incredibly quickly to the North American style game. He is a natural goal scorer with an excellent wrist shot and a quick, deceptive release. Bozon is also a talented playmaker, as he possesses good stickhandling and puck control, good vision, and the ability to thread a pass through the eye of a needle. He’s a hard worker who gets in quickly on the forecheck and is effective in doing so. He has a bit of grit and physicality to his game, but isn’t what we would a “power forward”, however he’s not soft either.

Bozon possesses excellent skating which he uses to beat defenders on the rush and create offense. He has excellent acceleration and changes gears quickly. He also has good agility. Bozon could stand to work on his balance however, as he sometimes can get knocked off the puck. Increased muscle on his frame may go a long way to solving this issue.

Bozon is a decent defensive player. He works hard on the backcheck and plays an effective positional game. Bozon is good at pressuring the puck carrier in the defensive zone and at keeping his man to the outside. He cuts down passing and shooting lanes effectively. Bozon is able to use his skating ability to stay with and check almost any opponent.

We’d compare Bozon’s potential to be an effective 2nd line forward similar to Kris Versteeg of the Florida Panthers. His defensive game is such that he can develop into a player capable of playing in all situations.

.. and thats the Last Word.

2012 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship’s Legacy Around the Stanley Cup Playoffs

Posted on May 9, 2012November 4, 2021 by Dom Egloff

World Championship 2012 in Helsinki and Stockholm

This year, the IIHF Men’s World Championship takes place in Finland and Sweden between May 4 and 20, 2012. As the world’s best 16 countries compete for the title of world champion, every year we are without some of the best players of the world. After every European country has crowned a champion, the IIHF (International Ice Hockey Federation) starts its tournament. Unfortunately there are still eight NHL teams left in the fight for the Stanley Cup.

This setup gives teams with only a few NHL players a disadvantage as the players still have to play for their North American franchises, but are desperately needed to play for their country. NHL players from teams that lose in the 1st round are able to play, but Belarus could certainly use Andrei and Sergei Kostitsyn, who are still playing for Nashville, and Roman Josi, also under contract with Nashville, would strengthen Switzerland as would Boedker in Phoenix for Denmark. Some players will be called upon during the World Championship to adapt and strengthen the teams, mostly with players who lost their 2nd playoff round in the NHL. At the same time, NHL franchises with many national team players can argue that they have a disadvantage as risk of injury and possible distraction arises.

2014 Olympics seeding
An important fact is that the IIHF world ranking is used for the Olympics seeding and qualification. After the 2012 IIHF World Championship, the nine highest ranked teams will qualify for the 2014 Olympics in Sochi. The remaining three spots will be up for grabs by everyone else. So even though not all hockey players are able to play in the World Championship if they are still competing in the Stanley Cup playoffs, its outcome will influence the groups in the Olympics. Yet the NHL interrupts its regular season schedule, enabling all players to compete in the Olympics. The NHL started interrupting games for the 1998 Olympics in Nagano but is currently considering going back to its archaic state of ignoring international competition. But that is a whole new topic (and comments are welcome about the NHL’s tendencies).

Ranking prior the 2012 World Championship

Finland 2245 Points
Sweden 2240
Russia 2225
Czech Republic 2210
Canada 2195
USA 2045
Switzerland 1990
Germany 1985
Norway 1960
Slovakia 1940
Belarus 1845
Denmark 1830
Latvia 1825
France 1700
Austria 1685
Kazakhstan 1620

To give you a sense of the point distribution, the winner of the 2012 tournament will get an additional 1200 points and the 16th placed team 820. This is due to having 47 countries involved in WC, WCIA, WCIB, WCIIA, WCIIB and WCIII, including the United Arab Emirates as currently last in the ranking.

From www.iihf.com: “In the 2012 Pre-Championship report, the values of the 2011, 2010 and 2009 IIHF tournaments (World Championships and Olympics) are reduced by 25 percent compared to the 2011 Final Ranking and only the points of the 2012 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship need to be added to get the final 2012 IIHF Men’s World Ranking.”

As you can see the top countries are quite close point-wise. And every point will count to determine the seeding for Sochi 2014.

I remember when the Czech Republic team won their first Olympic gold medal in 1998… who would have guessed! Prior to the tournament, the media only talked about who would win the final, Canada or the USA, because of all the participating NHL players.
That is why I would like to see the best players of the world competing every four years. It’s not as clear as it appears. And in all fairness, the NHL players must play on a bigger rink at IIHF tournaments than they are used to in their league. At the Vancouver Olympics in 2010, Canada and the USA met in the final… on NHL rinks.

…and that is the last word.

With what has been a bizarre playoffs so far in regards to player safety and the controversial manner of discipline, now sees its leading scorer join the list of offenders.

Claude Giroux of the Philadelphia Flyers delivered what appeared to be an illegal check to New Jersey Devils player Dainius Zubrus during game four of their second round matchup. The hit was reviewed by Senior Vice President of Player Safety Brendan Shanahan, and was deemed an illegal check to the head. Giroux was subsequently suspended for one game. Shanahan’s breakdown of the suspension underlined three key factors – One, the head was the principal point of contact making it a reckless and illegal hit. Two, Zubrus was shaken up on the play, but ultimately suffered no apparent injury. Three, Giroux has no prior history of suspension or fines. One game seemed right on the money based on Shanahan’s breakdown, and what we’ve seen from him during the playoffs so far. So there are really only two questions to ask yourself; do you agree that it was an illegal hit? And do you agree with the verdict of a one game suspension?

Here is the link to Shanahan’s explanation

http://video.nhl.com/videocenter/console?catid=60&id=176718&cmpid=embed-share-video

Was it an illegal hit?

When I was first watching the game and I saw the hit live, and then replayed it several times, I didn’t think the hit warranted a suspension. I thought there could have been a slashing penalty against Giroux, but I didn’t think the hit was illegal. It looked to me like Zubrus was skating with his head down, and when he saw Giroux coming toward him, he tried to juke to the left at the last second to avoid the hit. This is similar to how forwards try to get around defenseman on a dump-in. However, I changed my mind about the hit when I watched Shanahan break it down in slow motion. Giroux was previously upset on the play, and, while that should have no bearing on the review, it does show the frustration that led to the reckless hit. Under normal circumstances Giroux would have just slashed the stick the way he did, and then taken off in pursuit of the puck. But he was angry and frustrated, and when I watched the hit again with the aid of slow motion, he throws his shoulder towards Zubrus without looking. He was not looking at his target. He threw a blind hit, and unfortunately Zubrus was in a low and very vulnerable position. It definitely wasn’t an intent to injure, but like an accidental high stick, you have to be in control of your actions at all times.

Was a one game suspension a fair verdict?

Once I had determined that the hit was illegal, and did warrant supplemental discipline, a one game suspension was the obvious outcome. It is congruent with what we have seen from Shanahan so far this playoffs (with exception to Torres), and I think, right or wrong, consistency is the key. Some people might have a problem with Torres getting 25 games, and then Giroux, a superstar in the league only getting one game. But I don’t think there was any superstar leniency here. This is Giroux’s first infraction, there was no injury on the play, and it is consistent with other rulings.

This is, however, a huge blow to the Philadelphia Flyers. They are facing elimination tonight against the Devils, and Giroux is by far their best player. He has a veteran presence on the bench and in the locker room, and leads the team by example on the ice. He is also currently leading the playoffs in scoring with 17 points. That is five points more than teammate Daniel Briere, who currently sits in second. Needless to say this will be a big loss for the Flyers.

Philadelphia isn’t the first team to go into battle without their leading scorer this playoffs, and in other instances it has proved to be a rallying point for the team. Radulov had missed game three for the Predators, and Kovalchuk missed game four for the Devils. Both teams were victorious without their star, as the rest of their teammates dug deep in their absence. But I’m sure despite the positive results, Philly would like to have their leading scorer in the game tonight. Now only time will tell if Claude Giroux has laced up his skates for the last time this season.

…and that is the last word.

Sports. Honestly. Since 2011

Month: May 2012

NHL Draft Prospect Profile #37: Tanner Pearson

Ivor Wynne Stadium: Saying Farewell to an Important Piece of Canadiana

NHL Draft Prospect Profile #36: Damon Severson

Kentucky Derby Result and Opening Day at The Fort Erie Race Track

NHL Draft Prospect Profile #35: Tim Bozon

2012 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship’s Legacy Around the Stanley Cup Playoffs

NHL Draft Prospect Profile #34: Dalton Thrower

Forget Hartnell Down… How About Giroux Out!

Everything Will Be Decided on Sunday in the English Premier League

2009-10	Saskatoon Blades	WHL	55	0	7	7	61	2	8	0	1	1	2
2010-11	Saskatoon Blades	WHL	68	6	14	20	91	14	10	2	1	3	11
2011-12	Saskatoon Blades	WHL	66	18	36	54	103	-4	4	0	1	1	4

2	Man City	37	63	86
1	Man United	37	55	86
3	Arsenal	37	24	67
4	Spurs	37	23	66
5	Newcastle	37	7	65