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Last Word On Sports

Sports News Since 2011. Honestly.

Last Word On Sports Logo

Sports. Honestly. Since 2011

Year: 2012

NHL Mock Draft Part 4: Picks 49-65

Posted on by Ben Kerr

Yesterday I brought you the Part 3 of our 2 Round NHL Mock Draft.  You can read Part 1 (Picks 1-14) here and Part 2 (Picks 15-31) Here, and Part 3 (picks 31-48) Here.

Before we move on to our final part, let’s quickly review the FAQs about this mock draft.

– Our draft Rankings are arrived at jointly, while the mock draft is my work alone.  So if I go away from the rankings greatly that could be one reason why.

– The rankings are pure “Best Player Available”.  The mock draft takes into account the team style of play, the prospects already in the team’s system, and prior draft trends, this is another reason why I haven’t followed the ranks exactly.

– I am doing a mock draft with no trades (except those that have already been made).

– If you click the player’s name, you will get a link to their draft profile.

Got it?  Good.  Let’s move on and finish Round 2 of the mock draft.

49) Detroit Red Wings – Jake McCabe
This is Detroit’s first pick of the draft as they traded their first-rounder to the Lightning in the Kyle Quincey deal.  The Wings have decent depth in their system at both Forward and Defence and have always drafted the best player available.  This continues with the pick of Jake McCabe, a versatile 2-way defender playing NCAA hockey at the University of Wisconsin.

50) Nashville Predators (from Philadelphia via Tampa Bay) – Lukas Sutter
Previous Pick: Jordan Schmaltz
With the second pick acquired in the Anders Lindback deal the Nashville Predators take Lukas Sutter.  Size, intelligence, grit and two-way play have always been important components of the Nashville model, and Rich Sutter’s son has these attributes in spades.  The Predators hope that the latest member of hockey’s greatest family continues to develop his offence and becomes a top 6er.  However, even if he can’t, he’ll still be a good third-line player.

51) Montreal Canadiens (from Nashville) – Scott Kosmachuk
Previous Picks: Alex Galchenyuk, Mark Jankowski
The Canadiens have added to their center depth with their first two picks. With their third pick, they take Scott Kosmachuk who despite being a Right Wing (a position where Montreal is relatively deep in prospects) is the best player available at this stage of the draft. Kosmachuk is a great skater and an offensively talented agitator. The Canadiens hope that he will bring his ability to get under an opponent’s skin to the Bell Centre one day.

52) Pittsburgh Penguins – Brady Vail
Previous Pick: Pontus Aberg
The Penguins have a deep system and choose to go with the Best Player Available. As such they take Vail, a two-way center with size here.  Vail really broke out with Windsor this season, and the Penguins hope they have found a gem in the Palm City Florida born player.

53) Florida Panthers* – Mike Winther
Previous Pick: Tomas Hertl
As mentioned when they picked in the first round, the Panthers have built up a nice stable of prospects at all positions.  As a result, they are again able to take the best player available here.  The go with Winther, a versatile forward with the WHL’s Prince Albert Raiders.  Winther is capable of playing both left-wing and center, and is great on both the powerplay and the penalty kill.

Note: The Florida Panthers have the option to give this pick to the Tampa Lightning, or to give the Lightning a 2013 2nd rounder as part of the Kris Versteeg deal with Philadelphia and the subsequent Pavel Kubina Deal between Philadelphia and Tampa.  NHL.com indicates that as of now the Panthers seem to be keeping the pick.

54) Washington Capitals (from Boston via Toronto via Colorado) – Matt Murray
Previous picks: Radek Faksa, Matt Finn
Another pick that’s already been around the block a few times, Washington gets this pick as part of the Semyon Varlamov deal made on July 1st, 2011. The Capitals always seem to have another goalie in the pipeline, and with Brayden Holtby looking to make the big club, there is once again room to develop a prospect. The Caps tab Matt Murray to be that prospect as they load up on OHL talent this year.

55) San Jose Sharks (compensatory pick) – Brian Hart
Previous pick: Zemgus Girgensons
After adding Girgensons in the first round, the Sharks again look for a big physical forward in the second.  They grab Brian Hart from Exeter Academy in New Hampshire.  The Sharks haven’t been afraid to allow their prospects to develop in the NCAA and will watch Hart’s progress at Harvard intently.

Note: This pick was awarded because the Sharks did not sign 2007 First round Pick Patrick White.  White was a Vancouver selection but his rights were traded to the Sharks in the Christian Ehrhoff deal.

56) St. Louis Blues – Anton Slepyshev
Previous Pick: Ludvig Bystrom
The Blues added the offensively talented defender Bystrom in the first round. In the second round, they look to add even more high end scoring talent upfront in taking Anton Slepyshev. With Vladimir Tarasenko committing to come to North America for the 2012-13 season, the Blues are less concerned with the Russian factor than some other NHL teams might be and look to once again steal high-end talent who has slipped due to the fears of other teams.

57) Vancouver Canucks – Trevor Carrick
Previous Pick: Tom Wilson
The Canucks added the big, physical Wilson in the first round, and look to improve on defense in round two.  They take Carrick, whose primary specialty is as a defensive defenceman.  While not hugely physical, Carrick plays his position smartly and effectively.   The Mississauga defender really came into his own this season and showed his worth when Stuart Percy was injured.

58) Phoenix Coyotes – Kevin Roy
Previous Pick: Henrik Samuelsson
The Coyotes, searching for pure top 6 offensive talents decide to take a chance on the diminutive but skilled Kevin Roy. The former youtube sensation put up the highest-scoring season in the history of the USHL (in its current form). He has all the offensive skills you would want in a hockey player, now if he can overcome questions about his size.

59) New York Rangers – Dane Fox
Previous Pick: Colton Sissons
The Rangers take Fox an agitator and two-way center who spent the season split between the London Knights and the Erie Otters. Fox really took a number of steps forward offensively this season when given increased minutes and offensive responsibility.

60) New Jersey Devils – Tomas Hyka
Previous Pick: Michael Matheson
The Devils have never been afraid to take an undersized forward with offensive talent, and grab the Czech born Hyka at the end of the second round.  That Hyka is only available due to the CBA mistake of rival Flyer’s GM Paul Holmgren in 2011 makes this pick that much sweeter for Devils fans.

61) Dallas Stars (from Los Angeles via Philadelphia) – Gemel Smith
Previous Picks: Olli Maatta, Cristoval “Boo” Nieves
The Stars add the diminutive Smith with the last pick of round two. Smith won the fastest skater competition at the CHL top prospects game and is an extremely hard-working player, so he has the skating and work ethic to overcome his size. Despite his size Smith isn’t afraid to be physically involved in the play, agitating opponents and getting under their skin.

Bonus Picks Round 3

Due to popular demand, we’ve decided to add 5 picks to this draft in the third round.  This is due to both the placement of the picks in this round, and the overwhelming support that this website has received from fans of the Edmonton Oilers, Montreal Canadiens, and New York Islanders.  We’d also like to thank the Leaf fans for their support, but they no longer hold the 66th pick as it is now the property of the Nashville Predators,

62) Columbus Blue Jackets – Branden Troock
Previous Picks: Ryan Murray, Stefan Matteau, Oscar Dansk
The Blue Jackets take the big, physical power forward prospect Troock of the Seattle Thunderbirds.  After missing the entire 2010-11 season with concussion and neck issues, Troock returned to the Thunderbirds lineup and played every game this season.  He seemed to get more comfortable and played more effectively as the season went along.  A bit of a project due to the missed development time, the Jackets continue to build a big and physical forward group with this pick.

63) Edmonton Oilers – Nick Ebert
Previous Picks: Nail Yakupov, Dalton Thrower
The Oilers take a true boom or bust Defenceman in the third round.  Ebert was touted as a sure fire top 5 pick just one year ago.  After an underwhelming season in Windsor, Ebert has fallen far on draft boards.  Based on his 2010-11 season though, Ebert possesses the skills necessary to be a top defenceman.  The Oilers take him hoping that they can help get his game back on track.  If they can, they will get a true draft day steal.

64) Montreal Canadiens – Charles Hudon
Previous Picks: Alex Galchenyuk, Mark Jankowski, Scott Kosmachuk,
The Canadiens go 4 for 4 in taking forwards in this draft. Having already addressed needs at the Centre position, and the need to add some size, the Canadiens address their need for a talented LWer in grabbing Hudon. The best forward on the board at this point in the draft, that he’s a native of La Belle Province, is just a bonus for the Habs.

65) New York Islanders – Brandon Whitney
Previous Picks: Matt Dumba, Martin Frk
With the great number of high picks they have amassed in recent years, the Islanders have really built the depth of their system. However they do lack a young goaltending prospect and address that in the third round, grabbing Brandon Whitney, a huge goaltending prospect from the QMJHL’s Victoriaville Tigres.

As always, feel free to leave your comment s below and follow me on twitter @LastWordBkerr

 

NHL Mock Draft Round 2: Picks 31 – 48

Posted on by Ben Kerr

Earlier I brought you the Round 1 of our NHL Mock Draft.  You can read Part 1 (Picks 1-14) here and Part 2 (Picks 15-31) Here and Part 4 (Picks 49-65) here.

Before we move into the second round, lets quickly review the FAQs about this mock draft.

– Our draft Rankings are arrived at jointly, while the mock draft is my work alone.  So if I go away from the rankings greatly that could be a reason why.

– The rankings are pure “Best Player Available”.  The mock draft takes into account team style of play, the prospects already in the team’s system, and prior draft trends, this is another reason why I haven’t followed the ranks exactly.

– I am doing a mock draft with no trades (except those that have already been made).

– If you click the player’s name, you will get a link to their draft profile.

Got it?  Good.  Lets move to Round 2 of the mock draft.

31) Columbus Blue Jackets – Stefan Matteau
Previous Pick: Ryan Murray
We released this pick as our bonus pick in Round 1.  Columbus takes Matteau to start the second round, getting a big, powerful forward with NHL bloodlines.

32) Edmonton Oilers – Dalton Thrower
Previous Pick: Nail Yakupov
After resisting the temptation to pick for need in round one, the Oilers quickly move to add a defenceman with their first pick in Round 2.  Thrower has all around skills, and plays a tough game that will make him a popular prospect amongst Oiler fans.

33) Montreal Canadiens – Mark Jankowski
Previous Pick: Alex Galchenyuk
Montreal’s head scout Trevor Timmins has never been afraid to take kids who are playing high school hockey in their draft year. With Mark Jankowski’s uncle Ryan Jankowski working as a scout for the team, as well as recent hire Bobby Kinsella who drafted Jankowski in the USHL draft, there will be plenty of support for this pick amongst the Habs scouting department.

34) New York Islanders – Martin Frk
Previous Pick: Matt Dumba
The Isles take Frk who is the best skater on the board. They hope the talented Czech will eventually become a scoring line winger with John Tavares or Ryan Strone. Frk plays a pests game and will get under the skin of his opponents.

35) Toronto Maple Leafs – Andrei Vasilevski
Previous Pick: Filip Forsberg
With two picks in a row from Europe, Brian Burke is sure to infuriate Don Cherry. However the leafs believe that Vasilevski is the most talented goaltender in this draft and the Leafs hope to develop him to fill the void in their crease down the road. Even with Reimer and Scrivens in the system, Burke has never been afraid to load up on goalie prospects.

36) Anaheim Ducks – Damon Severson
Previous Pick: Mikhail Grigorenko
The Ducks defensive depth has taken a hit with the defection of Justin Schultz.  They add the big and talented Severson from the Kelowna Rockets to help make up for the loss.  With Cam Fowler, Luca and Sbisa on the NHL team, the Ducks hope to develop Severson to get a big three of great skating threats on the blue line.

37) Nashville Predators (from Minnesota, via San Jose and Tampa) – Jordan Schmaltz
This pick has been passed around quite a bit before the draft, and after 3 trades appears to have finally settled in the hands of Dave Poile and the Nashville Predators.  This is Nashville’s first pick after trading their 1st rounder to the Buffalo Sabres in the Gaustad deal.  The Preds have never been shy about their strategy of constantly building depth on the blueline and this year is no different as they take the offensively talented Schmaltz.

38) Carolina Hurricanes – Timothy Bozon
Previous Pick: Teuvo Teravainen
The Hurricanes take the best player available grabbing the sniper Bozon from the WHL’s Kamloops Blazers. The American born, Swiss trained Bozon scored 36 goals in winning the WHL Rookie of the Year Award. The Canes hope he can develop and bring that goal scoring ability to the next level.

39) Winnipeg Jets – Tanner Pearson
Previous Pick: Jacob Trouba
The Jets are ecstatic to see Pearson still on the board. Keeping a close eye on their 2011 first round pick Mark Schiefele, the Jets have seen plenty of Pearson. With the chemistry between the two players, Kevin Cheveldayoff, is pleased to add Pearson to the system. The older Pearson will be ready to join the AHL’s St. John Ice Caps immediately for the 2012-13 season.

40) Tampa Bay Lightning– Daniil Zharkov
Previous Picks: Griffin Reinhart, Malcolm Subban
Steve Yzerman accumulated quite the cache of picks heading into this draft.  He’s now traded two of his three 2nd rounders to address the teams goaltending adding Anders Lindback from the Nashville Predators.  Yzerman uses the remaining pick to add the offensively talented Russian Zharkov.  Yzerman has shown that he’s not afraid of the Russian factor with picks Kucherov, and Namestnikov in 2011.  Zharkov’s talent is too much for the bolts to pass up.

41) Colorado Avalanche- Nicolas Kerdiles
After dealing their first rounder to Washington, this is the Avs first pick in draft.  The Avs are pleased to find Kerdiles still on the board.  The versatile forward from the US NTDP is an incredibly intelligent player who the Avalanche hope will be able to bring offence at the next level.

42) Buffalo Sabres – Scott Laughton
Previous Picks: Sebastian Collberg, Hampus Lindholm
After adding a sniping winger, and an offensive defenceman in the first round, the Sabres use their first of 2 second round picks on the two way centre from the Oshawa Generals.  The best player available at this point in the draft, the Sabres are more than pleased to get Laughton who really started to blossom offensively down the stretch for the Generals.

43) Dallas Stars – Cristoval “Boo” Nieves
Previous Pick: Olli Maatta
Dallas lacks Centre prospects in their system right now. After taking Olli Maatta in round one they decide to take the best Centre available in round two. Nieves is a big centre, who is a sharp playmaker, and has excellent skating ability. The Stars hope that the player who spent his season playing high school hockey before finishing the year in the USHL will continue to progress under Red Berenson at Michigan.

44) Buffalo Sabres (from Calgary) – Jarrod Maidens
Previous Picks: Sebastian Collberg, Hampus Lindholm, Scott Laughton
This is thes Sabres 4th pick in the top 44.  With so many high picks already the Sabres are prepared to gamble on Maidens.  Maidens has first round talent as a power forward, however a concussion has kept him out for the second half of the season.  With the surplus of picks, its worth the injury risk to the Sabres, as Maidens has the talent that could make him a draft day steal if he stays healthy going forward.

45) Columbus Blue Jackets (from Ottawa via Phoenix) – Oscar Dansk
Previous Picks: Ryan Murray, Stefan Matteau
Dansk slips a bit as there haven’t been many teams drafting lately with the big need for a prospect goalie.  The Jackets’ may be starting to grow impatient with incumbent starter Steve Mason who just has not lived up to the promise of his rookie season.  Dansk may be a couple of years away but he has the potential to be a number 1 goalie, and he’s not that far behind Subban and Vasilevski talent wise.

46) Minnesota Wild (frow Washington, via New Jersey) – Ville Pokka
Previous Pick: Morgan Rielly
As mentionned in Round 1, the Wild have a ton of offensive prospects in their system.  They grabbed offensiver blueline Rielly with their first pick, and grab the two way Finn Pokka with their second pick.  The Wild have had a lot of success with Finish born players and hope that Pokka can continue to bring the spirit of Sisu to Minnesota.

47) Carolina Hurricanes (from San Jose) – Patrick Sieloff
Previous Picks: Teuvo Teravainen, Timothy Bozon
After going for forwards with their top two picks, the Hurricanes turn to American blueliner Patrick Sieloff with their third pick.  The Canes have a number of good young defencemen on their team and in their system, but don’t really have a prospect like Sieloff.  An absolutely punishing hitter, and the Canes hope that he will eventually make opposition forwards think twice before crossing their blue line with their heads down.

48)Chicago Blackhawks – Andreas Athanasiou
Previous Pick: Derrick Pouliot
The Blackhawks have had a ton of organizational success with forwards from the London Knights, as Patrick Kane and Dave Bolland were key members of the 2010 Stanley Cup Champions. The Hawks head back to London taking the offensively talented Athanasiou with their 2nd round pick. Athanasiou will need to add more edge to his game, but his skating and stickhandling ability are both among the elite levels in this draft.

And that brings us to the end of Part 3 of my mock draft.

Part 4 (Picks 49-65) is available by clicking here.

Feel free to leave your comments below, and follow me on twitter @LastWordBKerr

For a listing of NHL Mock drafts around the internet, please check out our friends at the NHL mock database.

… and that’s the Last Word.

Two Left Cleats – Special Issue "Father’s Day"

Posted on by Michael Kovacs, ADMIN

G’day, all.  To celebrate Father’s Day, a colleague, Michael Kovacs, wrote a nice short story I thought particularly pertinent and timely given the fact we are all celebrating our dads today.  Enjoy…

…until tomorrow, lads.

The End of Our Ritual

By Michael Kovacs

“Mischief, get off of that window ledge!”

I remember being woken by my father’s persistent yelling at our so-aptly-named cat “Mischief” one Saturday morning.  Then again, when you are 14 years old and jaded everything your parents say is somewhat annoying.  I’m not sure whether it was what he said or how he said things that was so nails-in-chalkboard so early in the morning.  Regardless, it made me roll my eyes as only a teenager can.

I was just a typical Canadian kid.  I liked hockey—it was as cemented in my DNA as my eye colour or the fact that I write with my right hand. I played and watched the game as far back as I could remember.  In fact, one of my earliest memories is of my father allowing me to sneak out of my room and join him to watch “Hockey Night in Canada” (Canada’s version of Monday Night Football) while my mother lay in bed pretending not to notice.  It was this ritual that I remember, not the game itself. I couldn’t tell you anything about a single game I ever watched as a young kid because that wasn’t what drew me to the television.  Rather, it was the flicking on and off of the lights by my father to signal that “it was time” that made the game special.

I will always be thankful for my mother.  “What about your father,” you might ask.  That seems so obvious, but I argue that he got to have the fun.  It was my mother who sacrificed sharing in this ritual so that we, my father and I, could have that bond, which we have to this day.  I have never told her that.

My brother, Jeff, played hockey too, but he gave it up after only a few seasons.  I guess it just didn’t go well for him and he didn’t have the interest.  He didn’t really watch it on television either, even though we asked him countless times to share in our ritual.  For the record, this wouldn’t be the first time that Jeff was left out despite our pleading.  I wonder if this bothered him.

Most evenings of my childhood were spent playing road hockey until the streetlights came on.  Winters were always a struggle, but not because of the five or more inches of snow that slowed the frozen tennis ball down considerably; that was just one more element to add to the fun.  Instead, we dreaded winter because it meant that the streetlights would come on by 6:00pm.  A dozen or so familiar faces from around my neighbourhood would join in the game each night, including my father.  He was the only dad who played.  It was all perfect.  Hockey was more than just a game; it was a culture, even for a young boy.

By the time I was about nine or ten, I can remember not finding the ritual of watching Hockey Night in Canada with my father to be as interesting.  He was just as enthusiastic about the ritual, and my mother was trying her best to continue her role, but it was me that was having the difficulty.  I don’t know why, but it lost its luster. I still liked hockey; it just wasn’t as fun to sneak out of my room.  Of course, by this age, I knew my mother wasn’t really sleeping. Perhaps that took away some of the magic, kind of like finding out that Santa was really my dad.

As I got a bit older, into my teens, my relationship changed drastically with my father, and the horrible part is that I know the exact minute when that happened.  We were going to the park with our hockey nets and my father was putting on his shoes, getting ready to come and play.  Carelessly I said to him, “Dad, I think I’m just gonna play with my friends today.”

“Okay”, he said, as he took off his shoes and placed them by the front door.  I didn’t try to hurt him, but I knew I had.

The next morning, as my tabby-coloured cat was perched in the morning sun on our window ledge, I had the nerve to be annoyed at my father.  That was the exact moment when our relationship changed once more.  I was wrong, completely wrong. This is when I learned what it meant to take something, or someone, for granted.  As I lay in my bed, memories raced through my mind. I remembered the “ritual” and what it really stood for— the uncompromising bond between father and son.

Though we don’t play hockey together anymore, that game has shifted to my two-year-old son, Nicholas, as we watch it on television.  For the first 14 years of my life my parents sacrificed so much.  Of course my mother would have, and did, everything for me, but the difference was that I never wounded her like I did my father.  It is not the fact that I asked my father not to play hockey with me and my friends anymore that I regret most, as that day comes for all fathers.  Rather, it is that I have never spoken about it with him and offered any form of explanation or apology.

Now, as I play hockey with Nicholas and Thomas, I wonder how long our ritual will last.  I should call my father.

 

Must Roy Hodgson Start Rooney Against Ukraine?

Posted on by Michael Kovacs, ADMIN

Yes.  Simply, yes.

From our perspective the debate has less to do with whether the England Manager must start Rooney, but rather which bunker he would retreat to if he chooses not to.

Hodgson has come forward and revealed that Wayne Rooney will likely get the nod next Tuesday versus Ukraine in what is a very important match.  The decision is not quite so cut and dry like it appears to be, however.  In the match versus Sweden yesterday, both forwards, Welbeck and Carroll, had very impressive goals.  I won’t go so far as to say their overall games were at all impressive, but I concede each goal was world-class.  Carroll’s header, as he towered over the defender, was perfectly timed and placed.  Welbeck’s was more acrobatic, as he heeled a Walcott (What a nice substitution that was!) pass with his back to the goal.  But are these two goals enough to dethrone Rooney from his perch at the head of the English attack?  No.

Oftentimes in sports, when a player returns from injury there is an unwritten rule that he or she will earn their spot back.  That said, there is always the hesitation of a manager to keep the line-up intact in instances that there has been success during the injured player’s hiatus.  While Rooney was suspended, not injured, it doesn’t take away from the fact that the team have been good.  Not spectacular, just “good”.  Actually, “efficient” might be a better choice as they have executed two different game plans against quality opponents very well.  The first, against France, was much more “defend and counter” than their more aggressive match versus Sweden.  While they were sloppy holding the ball, they earned the three points.

“Against Ukraine, a player like Rooney can make a major difference and I am delighted to welcome him back. If I did leave him out, all hell might break loose in the dressing room!”  ~ from the mouth of Roy Hodgson

Rooney will start on Tuesday, with very good reason – everyone wants him to.  While admittedly I am not a big fan of his, I can appreciate what he brings to the pitch each week.

Rooney plays with fire and determination every time he steps on the pitch.  While his hot-temper has landed him in hot water on several occasions (leads England in international competitions with two red cards), the spark he plays with is infectious.  I don’t know how many United games I’ve watched where I have seen him in the attacking end of the field, only to see him track back all the way to his own goal.  His relentless pursuit is admirable, and as a result he sets the bar very high.

The fact that he has been playing for England since he was 18 , he brings a lot of experience while still at the top of his game.  Many players with as many caps as he has are much further along in years.  But Rooney, still only 26, has the experience while still being considered England’s greatest player (open to debate on that, by the way – I’m not completely convinced).  His presence on the pitch will bring confidence, particularly for the younger players.  Above all else, Rooney demands his team mates match his intensity, which is easier said than done.

Finally, Wayne Rooney is unselfish.  If you have watched him play at all, you will almost assuredly agree (unless you live on the other side of Manchester or in Liverpool) that he is a star player who does what he needs to do for the team.

Hoping to see Rooney dominate again on the pitch for England.  I’ll sign-off today with a quote;

“We all know football players at the top level are blessed with high wages, it’s no secret. But Rooney would play for 100 euros-a-week. You can see the fire in his eyes. It’s that fire which makes him the best of the best.” ~ Lionel Messi

…until tomorrow, Lads.

NHL Draft Prospect Profile #68: Troy Bourke

Posted on by Ben Kerr

Drafted 72nd overall by the Colorado Avalanche.

It was a difficult season for Troy Bourke and the Prince George Cougars as their 24-46-0-2 record saw the team finish 2nd last in the entire league, and out of the playoffs.  Quite simply the Cougars were a very young and rebuilding club.  Bourke was the biggest bright spot on the team.  His 56 points in 71 games may not seem that impressive, but when you consider he led the team by 17 points, you see that Bourke just didn’t have very many other offensive players to play with.   Bourke would get the chance to show what he could do when playing with other gifted players at the 2012 IIHF Under 18 World Championships, where he would represent Canada and play on a line with Hunter Shinkaruk (eligible for the 2013 draft) and Kerby Rychel (eligible for the 2014 draft).  As the elder statesman of the line, Bourke led by example and produced offence with his fellow youngsters.  Bourke’s 7 points in 7 games was a big reason why Team Canada was able to leave the event with a bronze medal, instead of coming home empty handed.

Left Wing
Born Mar 30 1994 — Onoway, ALTA
Height 5.10 — Weight 170 — Shoots L

2009-10 Prince George Cougars WHL 5 3 0 3 4 -3 — — — — —
2010-11 Prince George Cougars WHL 68 19 23 42 20 15 4 0 1 1 0

Bourke isn’t blessed with blazing speed, as his top end speed is merely average.  However the rest of his skating game is really strong.  He has quick feet, a good first step and good accleration.  He’s definitely a player who is more quick than fast, as he is able to pounce on loose pucks.  He also has very good edgework and agility, allowing him to slip past defenders and into prime scoring areas.  Bourke could stand to work on his balance and be a little stronger on his skates and on the puck, but this should come with added core strength and muscle mass.

Bourke is a slippery and elusive player in the offensive zone.  Blessed with excellent hockey IQ, Bourke is able to find the soft spots in the defence and seems to always find an opening.  He possesses a decent shot with good accuracy and good quickness on his release.  Bourke is more playmaker than sniper however.  He distributes the puck very well from his Left Wing position, threading passes and always seeming to find the open man.  He is also a good stickhandler who is able to beat defencemen with his quick moves.  He could stand to bulk up, as Bourke’s limited size causes him to loose board battles to bigger and stronger opponents.  Bourke is not shy to be involved in those battles, so this area may improve with some added strength.

Defensively, Bourke’s game certainly needs some work.  His positioning is a flaw, as Bourke has a real tendency to chase the puck and get himself caught out of position.  He works hard, but he doesn’t always work smart and his defensive zone acumen will need some work.  He also needs to continue to put on bulk in order to contain bigger opponents.

Bourke is a real boom or bust prospect.  He could become a top 6 NHL player, however there is still plenty of work for him to do before that day will come, if at all. If he can bulk up and continue to progress we feel that he has the potential to be a player similar to Clarke MacArthur of the Toronto Maple Leafs.

As always feel free to leave your comments below, and be sure to follow me on twitter @lastwordBKerr

… and thats the Last Word.

The Real Reason That I’ll Have Another Couldn’t Complete the Triple Crown

Posted on by Dwayne Edwards

There are many reasons the Triple Crown is so hard to win. Some think the competition is too tough and others believe the last leg at Belmont Park, which stretches a mile and a half, is too far. I believe winning three races in a row in 35 days is the task, yet is near impossible.

The horses who contend for the big races, these equine athletes, are at the top of their game, and give everything they have to get their 1100 lbs bodies around as fast as possible. The stress that these horses incur over the 35-day period between the Derby and the Stakes is absolutely grueling and has proven time and time again to be too much.

This year was no different, with I’ll Have Another pulling out of the final leg of the Triple Crown because of a tendon problem. This horse has been in rigorous training since he was two years old, and had already overcome an initial soreness in young horses: bucked shins.

Very similar to human shin splints, bucked shins are very painful and make it nearly impossible for a horse to be comfortable when training and therefore, would not be at top performance-level to race.

When a horse is free of buck shins, he continues to train every day to get ready for the next race. A race takes a lot out of a horse, hauling those massive bodies around so fast creates a lot of wear and tear at every muscle, joint, and bone. Therefore, after a race, horses usually get a few days “off” to recover.

On the “off” days, the trainer and groom constantly check the horse over to ensure no new problems occurred affecting the horse’s well being. Very often horses don’t eat well after a race, and when a horse is not eating usually there is a problem. Whether they are just overly tired, have soreness that is bothering them, or they could be sick (as we all know immune systems get shaky when the body is overtired) there is potential for a red flag. This is all in the trainer’s hands to determine when the right time is to get the horse back to the training track after a race.

Generally speaking, horses of this caliber rarely race more than once a month, that alone can illustrate how difficult three races in 35 days would be. There is a reason why trainers don’t run their horse every week: the horse’s body or mind often cannot handle it. Every trainer has their own process of getting the equine athlete back to a race, usually a few “walk days” proceeded by a couple of light training days, maybe just getting the rider back on the horse’s back. Then the horse usually begins to train harder, leading up to a morning breeze run (a run fast enough to simulate a race) followed by a thorough inspection of the horse, and several days off. The process is repeated until the trainer believes the horse is happy, healthy, sound and fit to race again.

It is important to understand there is a method to a trainer’s madness when it comes to having a horse ready to run. It’s not like you can just enter a horse in a race whenever you choose. These horses are delicate flowers; they get the best treatment, constant care and many steady eyes assuring their health and safety. If a horse is not 100% healthy, trainers of these prestigious animals take precaution and protect their owner’s investment. If the trainer feels the horse may injure themselves, it is their decision about whether or not to let the horse run.

Oftentimes in the pursuit of the ultimate glory in horse racing, the Triple Crown, trainers still run their horses when not in perfect condition. After running two races in two weeks, the Derby and Preakness, it’s almost a guarantee that the horse is tired. History shows that in pursuit of the record book, trainers will still run a tired horse, but this puts the horse in an almost unfair position running against horses that have had four or more weeks since they last raced.

There have been 12 horses that have won the Kentucky Derby and Preakness since the last Triple Crown winner in 1978, with obviously none having been able to complete the sweep. Everyone has their own beliefs of why that last leg is so tough.

I strongly believe there are several reasons why horses such as I’ll Have Another can’t complete the Triple Crown; horses get tired, sick or sore, and racing against the best causes a lot of stress on these athletes in too short of a time period.

Another year goes by with no Triple Crown champion; 34 years and counting since the last one. Now we have to wait another year and watch the next crop of two-year olds mature into the 2013 Kentucky Derby hopefuls for that hope that every owner and trainer has – to do what seems near impossible, to go down in history and win all three races – to win the coveted Triple Crown.

 

NHL Draft Prospect Profile HM2: Brian Hart

Posted on by Ben Kerr

Drafted 53rd Overall by the Tampa Bay Lightning.

We’ve got a 2 for 1 Draft Special today, as we already published Brett Kulak.  Our next prospect plays for Exeter High School in the US High School system.  Due to the limited coverage of New England High School hockey, none of our contributors have personally seen Hart play.  For this reason, he is getting an honourable mention, just like Mark Jankowski earlier this week.  Hart is a two sport star, who had offers to pursue a full NCAA Division 1 scholarship in soccer.  He set the New Hampshire state record for most goals in a soccer season while playing for Exeter.  However, Hart has choosen to pursue hockey as his career path and has been committed to Harvard for the last two years.  Its unclear whether he will join Harvard next season, or spend a year in the USHL first, and join the university team in time for the 2013-14 season.

Right Wing
Born November 25 1993 — Cumberland, Maine
Height 6.02 — Weight 216 — Shoots Right

2010-11 Exeter Academy USHS 27 29 32 61
2011-12 Exeter Academy USHS 29 31 34 65

Here are what some experts have to say about Hart.

The Hockey News Draft Preview ranks Hart at 56, they got the following quote from an anonymous NHL Scout:
“He’s got the size, his skating’s pretty good and when he gets a head of steam he’s tough to stop.  Heavy shot, too.”

McKeen’s Draft Guide ranks Hart at 54.  Here is a quote from their report on Hart:
“Once he is in motion, he is difficult to stop and he understands and uses this to his advantage to actively drive the net.  He relies solely on his shot, as it is hard and heavy and can handcuff goalies.  His assists would come as the direct result of the rebounds his shot would create.”

The Future Consideration’s Draft Guide ranks Hart at 46 and states the following:
“He is surprisingly quick on his feet for such a big, and still growing, body. He is strong on the puck down low and dominates in puck battles. He creates havoc for defenders by coming off the wall and driving to the net with the puck like a bull in a china shop.”

They do however note that Hart has some defensive deficiencies that he needs to work on.

NHL Central Scouting has Hart as their #54th Ranked North American Skater

Hockeyprospect.com ranks Hart at 95.

 

It would appear the consensus is that Brian Hart is a power forward prospect who is ranked as a late 2nd/early third round draft pick.  Obviously, his size, power, and offensive abilities will be sought after commodities on draft day.  However NHL teams must ask themselves how well his game will translate to the next level when facing stiffer competition than what is seen on the New England Prep School Circuit.

As always feel free to leave your comments below, and follow me on twitter @lastWordBKerr

… and thats the Last Word.

Liverpool Need to Make a Splash – NOW

Posted on by Michael Kovacs, ADMIN

I scan the transfer rumours every morning as many of you do, mostly for the fun of seeing what absurdities I can find.  While it’s somewhat slower than usual because every Tom, Dick and Harry Redknapp seem to be discussing Euro 2012 exclusively – I don’t blame them, for the record.  There is one team who I am more concerned with than others – Liverpool.

Simply, Liverpool have finished 8th, 6th and 7th over the past three seasons, failing to seriously make any challenge into the top two or three at any point, and barely flirting with Champions League play.  By comparison, since 1994 the club finished in the top four 12 times.  Obviously with a team who have a rich history as Liverpool does, this dry spell will need to be remedied.

I’m sure I am going to hear from many who will tell me about this player and that, and how they won the League Cup and played very well through the FA Cup.  Those are all great, and look nice over the fireplace on a crisp evening with some hot cocoa, but at the end of the day  the money that comes with earning a trip to the Champions League, and the prestige of participating, must trump almost all else.

Don’t get me wrong, the Reds have some nice players – Suarez, Henderson, Johnson, Downing, Gerrard, Carroll, etc.  The problem isn’t necessarily that they don’t have talented players.  The problem is that their talented players don’t compliment each other well, and when you have paid $60 million for two somewhat recent signings (Suarez and Carroll), the obvious inclination is to make them work together.  The difficult decision is at what point must you contemplate selling them.

When I look at who the other big clubs have on their rosters right now, as well as potential and secured transfers already (Arsenal sign Podolski and are about to sign Giroud, for example), I just can’t see how Liverpool can find their way back to a Champions League spot.  I have been following many discussions surrounding many teams for a while now, and there are a notes concerning Liverpool that must be considered:

  • Kalou has publicly stated he wouldn’t mind a transfer to Anfield – after six good seasons at Stamford Bridge, he could bring a good deal of experience and stability to a club who was in turmoil for much of the season
  • Carroll is being linked to several teams, including PSV  – clearly he was not worth the price tag they paid.  With him starting today vs. Sweden, perhaps Liverpool can see his stock rise with a good performance.  In that case, sell him (or Suarez – can’t keep both!)
  • Suarez, with his public relations nightmare of a season, might be better if he were to move on
  • If truly available, sign Milos Krasic NOW!  He is a very talented winger from Juve that would fit in well at Anfield
  • While incredibly unlikely, there are several reports that the Reds are, or have already have, inquired about signing Berbatov from the Red Devils – any fan of either club will already be laughing by now… (I added this last one purely as entertainment.  These are the kind that make me love the rumour mill – just stupid!)

These are just a few rumours floating around that I felt were worth discussion.  Again, I don’t so much mind Liverpool’s talent – I just think that the talent they have do not play well with each other.

…until tomorrow, lads.

NHL Draft Prospect Profile #67: Brett Kulak

Posted on by Ben Kerr

Drafted 105th Overall by the Calgary Flames.

We’ve remarked on it before, but it really is amazing how many good defence prospects there are in this year’s draft, and the greatest source of these defencemen continues to be the WHL.  The WHL’s crop of defenders is seemingly endless, and it continues today with Brett Kulak of the Vancouver Giants.  Kulak may have been just a rookie in the WHL this year, but he played an important role for the Giants at both ends of the rink.  Kulak seemed to get better and better as the season wore on, and was a key playoff contributor for the Giants with 4 points in 6 games in their opening round playoff loss.  In a more obscure and fun moment for Kulak this year, he scored the Teddy Bear Toss goal in a December game that was covered live coast-to-coast in Canada on Sportsnet’s Friday Night Hockey.  For those who don’t know, every December a number of CHL teams hold a “teddy bear toss” where they encourage fans to bring the stuffed animals to the game, and throw them on the ice after the first goal by the home team.  The bears are then rounded up and given to local charities to distribute to worthy causes at Christmas time.  Fellow draft prospect Derrick Pouliot, could only sit and watch as the Teddy Bears came flying down in Vancouver.

Defense
Born Jan 6 1994 — Stony Plain, ALTA
Height 5.11 — Weight 165 — Shoots Left

2011-12 Vancouver Giants WHL 72 9 15 24 22 28 6 0 4 4 2

Kulak’s biggest asset is his tremendous hockey IQ.  Whether it be offensively or defensively he plays such a calm steady game.  His positioning on the ice is outstanding, as is his decision making.  He always seems to pick the right time to join the rush, make a pinch at the blue line, play it safe and hang back, or make the smart pass.  He reads the play exceptionally well, and this will help him immensely going forward.

Offensively Kulak has good vision and passing ability.  His outlet passes are tape to tape and start the Vancouver transition game effectively and efficiently.  He continues this excellent playmaking ability in the offensive zone where he is able to set up teammates for good scoring opportunities.  At the point, Kulak doesn’t have the hardest slapshot, but he keeps it low and accurate where it can provide for screens, deflections, and rebound opportunities.

In the defensive end, Kulak understands how to cut down passing and shooting lanes.  He keeps his man to the outside when defending against the rush and plays his position with textbook efficiency.  His size however is a concern as he can be overpowered in board battles, and he is not very physical.  He also is more likely to work at tying up an opponents stick in front of the net than to be a physical crease clearer.  His other assets do make him a good defender however.  He may become even better if he can add some muscle to his frame in the coming years.

Kulak’s biggest weakness is his skating.  It is merely average, and holds him back from being an elite defender.  His top end speed and acceleration are slightly below average and Kulak will need work on these areas.  His pivots, edgework, and agility are slightly better which allow him some decent mobility defensively.

Kulak has the potential to be a top 4 defender in the NHL, capable of being used in all situations, and getting big special teams minutes.  We’d peg his potential as being a defender similar to Matt Carle of the Philadelphia Flyers.

As always feel free to leave your comments below, and follow me on twitter @lastwordBKerr.

… and thats the Last Word.