February

Feb 28 - An early post today as I plan to have some time for myself. Another month shot - We are now two months into 2009 and it seems like it just started. Hitting March also means you are really ramping up to ramp down in hockey. HL Play-offs under way. Rep teams either moving on or done. NHL deadline almost here leading to their run to the play-offs. It also means you better be well into planning for next year.

Playdowns - Today looks to be a busy day for games so remember this is an early post and you may want to "click the link above to check for current updates on your favourite team. I have other stuff to do today.

NCCP - All you Intermediate coaches out there who were told you are good for life on the certification program - They Lied! - You are dead unless you refresh / recert before next season (myself included). It is going to sneak up and bite you unless a) people start planning now or you go somewhere else for it (not a bad idea). A number of centres have figured it out (check the OMHA Coach Clinic list)

You can always pick up CE credits at other events but you need to plan now as I will predict a mad panic come fall and roster time. Whatever your choice plan / do it now and get it out of the road.

FHP - I have not mentioned this for a while and I know some of you are curious as to the status. Probably hoping I have gone down in flames. Not Happening Folks. I am posting the current stats (at great personal risk I might add) to reinforce that Team Omnipotent truly is! Sorry! I think folks are working on their concession speeches. As they say, when you are as great as I am it is hard to be humble!

Sports Movies - There was an interesting article on www.canoe.ca today regarding a list of the best sports movies ever. I have not given the list a lot of thought but on the surface I agree wholeheartedly with #1 Slapshot and #2 Caddyshack. I have both on DVD and will rewatch whenever I need a laugh. I will have to give some thought to this as the list does not go back that far (Is Rollerball a sports movie?) and I know I disagree with some. Here's the Canoe list.

Not being a big roundball fan, I would knock Hoosiers down the like, but having said that I would add "We are Marshall". I thought it was much better. Any Given Sunday has to move up based on Al Pacino's classic motivation speech / rank. Kingpin has to go - you can't count bowling as a sport. Rudy is just sentimental trip - not a sports movie.

They also don't have The Longest Yard (original) and one of my other all time favourites "Brian's Song" about Brian Piccolo, Gale Sayers and da Bears should definitely be on the list. That one is a must watch. Maybe I will do my own or maybe there should be two lists "Current" last 15 years - "Oldies" over 15 years oago? Any suggestions let me know. Wayne@minorhockeyfan.com

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Feb 27 – Friday at last! It has been a very busy but I hope productive week, and just so you know - the gas price increases this week and the extra penny tonight are not my fault and were not part of what I was busy with.

GTHL fees – Based on media releases, it looks like we may be able to go and watch the dreaded GTHL games without getting dinged for the hated $5 gate fees. Other than for the displaced ticket/money takers, this sounds like a good thing – unless you are a GTHL parent. You will likely get to pay $520. As the gate fee replacement. Article

A colleague of mine with a young man in the “G” has indicated he is OK with this as in his case it would a) represent a cost savings re his family attendance and b) mean he can go and watch other games without having to pay.

Such a deal – right! Hmmm. By my math if Dad and Mom go to all of little Billy’s hockey games, they start to “save” money at the 35^th game.  If dad takes Billy by himself it is 52 games. Remember, this is on top of all team registration and fees.

This article does not talk about what level (if any) multiple player discounts may or may not apply and it is an upfront apparently non-negotiable amount – even if you don’t go to the games, in effect you pay.

Get to work on this one you spin doctors. Looks to me like a way to make money, not save money for the parents.

Toronto 4 pad - $34 M. – The Star has an article on developing a quad pad to cure all of their hockey ice time woes. Interesting “female” quote reprinted below from Mayor Miller. But read on and compare the “TO” cost estimate to some quick numbers I grabbed on Oakville’s North Park. TO $34 M versus O-NP of 42.2 M (Upscale ??).

"The whole reason to do this is for women and girls," said Miller, adding that boys and men would be accommodated, too. "There's a huge demand (by hockey players) and not nearly enough ice and that's why this is important to do and worth doing." Article

Compare to Oakville’s North Park (Phase I) that in July 2008 had a budget forecast of $63.1 M. Besides the 4 plex, this total does include 2 artificial lit soccer fields, 2 natural grass soccer fields and cricket patch, leash free dog area, BMX and skate board facility, splash pad and other (?) park amenities. The Recommended EllisDon Arena contract was 42.259 M.

Are Toronto’s number right? Are Oakville’s numbers right? Is an Oakville 4 pad (deluxe) worth 8 million more? What I think you will find as a big piece of the answer is the premium for the "Olympic" pad and extra seating.

Leafs Tickets – As follow-up to the increase announcement, it seems the Tampa Bay guys are decreasing their for next season. The Star quotes a comparison.

“Lightning season-ticket packages will range from US$5.69 to US$85.69 a game. In contrast, the Maple Leafs' price range for next season is C$38 to $187.”

Forget the currency exchange or allow something for it and the Leafs are 5 to 6 times more expensive. In Tampa, you can get “Pizza / Ticket” deals – four seats and pizza for $50 bucks! Go Bolts Go!

CBC / CanWest – With both orgs teetering away in financial crisis, it looks like the Canadian Media landscape could be up for some major upheavals. CanWest could be forced into bankruptcy protection and CBC is looking at cuts, selling radio ads and horror of horrors, bringing US content into Canadian prime time.

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Feb 26 - Thursday night - the week-end is in sight and so far I have survived a very challenging week. However, I must admit being busy and challenged is a much better option that that being faced by a number of Canadians and it seems even more each time I scan the paper. Maybe I better keep a low profile on the "complaints".

PVRs - Are a wonderful device. They let you "tape" (it's not really taped or recorded in the conventional sense and "store on disc" sounds stupid) your shows so you can watch them later and, dare I admit it as a marketing guy, skip through the commercials. The problem is I have been spoiled on my "series" watching and now can't stand the prime time - watch one episode - wait a week mentality. It's frustrating! This is particularly irksome on "24" which takes forever for anything to happen. . With all my new found free time I was playing catch-up on this and other shows via the DVD collection route (which hopefully someone else had bought). I would sit down, glass of milk and cookies in hand and watch three or four episodes - feeling I accomplished something. I could repeat if necessary the next night and be entertained. This once a week crap is unacceptable - write your congressman - it's all a mind numbing commie plot.

Playdowns - Congrats to the Minor Peewee A's. They won their secret tie breaker game with Woolwich (last night) and now advance to the semis against Riverside (check the schedule - typing looks like someone has been in the grape juice). Clearly they did not want anyone at the game (like me) so they did not post it. At least I can now revamp my update list for the semis and drive certain people crazy.

Tri County OMHA Quarter Final Count - 9 In 5 Out. Pretty good show folks.

Semis are up and running - Go Rangers Go!

SCTA Qualifiers - wondered why Oakville chose / got picked to host Minor Atom AAA. Silly me - should have seen that truck coming a mile away. Chock up another one!

Leafs miraculous run to the cup underway - Not - bet I had you there for a minute. The only cup they will see is a "Tin Cup" on the golf course. I did turn the game on at the start for a few minutes last night and realized that the Leafs have now dropped to second fiddle to Women's Curling. The Scott's were on and the feature game was going to extra ends. The question was - Would they cut to the Leafs or stick with curling. They stayed with the curling. Guess what - no one complained - I wonder why.

WTC - While they are gone now and 9/11 will never be forgotten, the first run at the World Trade Centre was taken on this day in 1993. The bomb blast created a 60 foot crater, collapsed several floors near the blast, killed six people and injured a 1,000 more. Pretty terrible in and of itself, but nowhere near what was to follow.

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Feb 25 - The Leafs continue to "shock and Amaze"!

Situation:

• Economy going to hell in a hand basket

• Team is terrible

• Prices are already among highest if not the highest in the league

So what do you do?

Simple - raise the price!

The other hidden kicker is that you need to order now and put 20% down. This used to be a refundable deposit but apparently this year it is not. Great revenue opportunity. Not only do you have to pay more but if circumstances change and you can't afford them - you lose your deposit. Gives customer service a whole new slant.

At what point do they hit the proverbial straw that does in the camel. I guess they feel they can deal with the drop outs via the purported 20,000+ on their waiting list.

Bell Ringer - Mark Bell gets claimed off re-entry waivers by the rangers. Another deal that did not work out for the Leafs as Bell was making 2.5 million US to play for the Marlies. Leafs have to pay half of the balance for the year. One of the type of decisions they make that lead to the ticket price increases.

SCTA Qualifiers - The silly weekends are coming up for the win now or your season's done schedules. Dates and times are below with the link (in the level column) to the OMHA schedule / standings page. Let's see how many first and second place league play teams make it through.

I lost - Today in 1964 a young inexperienced 22 year old Cassius Clay knocked out Sonny "The Bear" Liston to win the Heavyweight Championship of the world. Liston was the odds on favourite to "destroy Clay (you may know him better as Mohammed Ali). Liston was the brute, the heavy puncher who was going to knock Clay into the middle of next week if not farther. I believed it - Wrong! You have to remember that Liston had won the title and a rematch from the former champ Floyd Patterson with first round knockouts. I forget what my bet was, as a kid it was not much but I still hated to lose.

Liston could not land the anticipated bombs on Clay who jabbed and danced all night until Liston refused to answer the bell for the seventh round/ Clay celebrated his win by attending a post fight party with Malcolm X in attendance and a few days later shocked the world by renouncing his slave name and becoming Ali.

He subsequently beat Liston in a rematch with "The Phantom" punch and Liston was done.

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Feb 24 - Sometimes no matter how hard you try you step in it! Not once but twice!

Maple Leaf Foods - As A purely personal opinion (obligatory qualifier), I am going to have a hard time reaching into the grocery Case for a Maple Leaf Foods meat product. I gave the company credit for how they handled round 1 and even went so far as to buy some ham steaks and feed the family in defiance of the microbe odds. However "again"? Tonight's story in the Star "Listeria forces Maple Leaf to recall wieners" has knocked me off the "give them a break band wagon. It cites human error and corrective steps have been taken (do I hear Ready, Aim, F...) but sorry - no weenies for me. Quick - check the fridse / freezer and mail them back. Two words - Unbelievable - Unforgiveable.

Playdowns - I have been trying desperately to complete my Quarter final info before switching to Semis and AAA . Unfortunately, I have to red ink the Peewee AE's who succumbed to Caledon. However, it seems that nobody wants to finalize a game 6 tie breaker for the Peewee A's. What are we waiting for - Spring (or is someone on vacation)? Get it on, get it over. Let's go - It was supposed to be over yesterday (23rd).

Count- 8 In, 5 Out, 1 in hiatus.

Fighting in minor hockey - Not a good plan - Two N.L teams suspended after fight sends player to hospital (stitches, screws and plates). article.

Check that eligibility - A good plan - Team suspended in N.S. for ineligible player. Sounds like team knew he was not eligible (10 games?) but figured they would get away with it. article

Back to salt mine activity. One presentation down - today, big meeting tomorrow, presentations Thursday. Oh the fun - what did we do PPP (Pre PowerPoint)?

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Feb 23 - Advance notice - this will not be a good blog week. Too much on the go at the salt mine. So I will try to keep the Playdowns updated but don't count on much else.

Playdowns - more news

•   Minor Midget AE - Congrats on knocking off Strathroy. You now get to come back and play Brampton in the Semis. Figure that one out?

•   Minor Bantam AE - Condolences - bumped off by Georgetown

•   Peewee AE - Game 6 tie breaker tonight - probably over by now!

•   Minor Peewee AE - Game 6 Tie Breaker TBD

•   Status - 8 In, 4 Out, 2 Pending.

The two area contestants have been ID'd as noted above (Southpoint and Whitby). Oh the joys of driving back and forth across the big smoke!

Oscars - Did not watch. Had them on in the background just to make sure The Joker won. He did. Turn off. Hit the rack.

History - As a bit of a history / military fan I must mention that today in 1945 marked the famous flag raising on Iwo Jima, immortalized in memorials, movies, books etc. The most recent being Clint's look at "both sides.

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Feb 22 - It seems I have more work on week-ends than during the week. For whatever reason, now that we have positioned and repositioned furniture on the main floor, it seems folks want to do the same on the deuxieme etage. Saturday was fun lugging stuff around and down and up TWO flights of stairs. I should have snuck out to the rink. Then today I had to work on "office stuff" as I have a couple of presentations coming up this week and no time to prep them. Maybe it is a good thing the weather was rather crummy as it removed any incentive to want to go out.

Playdown Update - still a number to sort out but we have some resolutions.

Peewee A - Defeats Brampton three games to two to advance to the Semis against the winner of Area A/B/E?

Peewee AE need a 6th game in their Caledon series as both teams have five points. (Feb 23).

Atom AE - Game 5 over but not posted = Oh Oh - posted now and unfortunately bad news for the Home Boys - Ancaster wins.

Minor Atom AE - Get my vote for series of the year as they win game five (and the series) 1 - 0. In this five game series there were only 6 goals scored, three of them (half) in the first game. Every other game was either a 1 - 0 result with one 0 - 0 tie. Incredible.

Minor Bantam AA - Another "hot" update - The guys beat Georgetown this evening and move on to the Semis against Tecumseh. Well done.

Current Count - 7 In, 3 Out, 4 Pending - at least a couple yet tonight.

Leafs - seem to have perfected their formula. Take a lead into the third, cough it up, struggle through OT and then lose the shootout - to Sundin no less. glad to see the Toronto crowd had enough class to cheer not jeer him.

6/49 - My retirement plans have been postponed again as for some reason my numbers did not come up. I can't even seem to pick up enough for a free ticket these days let alone any real money. It is insidious though as it is hard to resist at least one throw away ticket when the big one hits double digit millions.

Something's up - Number two son offered and made me fresh squeezed Grapefruit / Orange juice this morning. This is unheard of. I would hate to suggest this is simple goodwill and respect for the old man as opposed to the precursor for an ulterior motive, but. . . - we will wait and see. I must confess it was very, very tasty.

Fate - With every disaster it seems there are some "miraculous" stories associated with it. Turns out that Jeff Smith (an AHL Referee) was supposed to be on the ill-fated Newark-Buffalo flight but was advised to take another flight with his family (wife and two kids) to avoid potential turbulence for the kids. Read article As he says - If I was on my own, I would have taken it regardless - he should buy the lottery ticket!

Miracle on Ice - given this is a pseudo hockey blog, it would be sacrilege to not mention one of the biggest hockey upsets ever. The U.S. Olympic Team (essentially a bunch of college "kids") upset the mighty four time defending Russian Champs at the 1980 Olympics in Lake Placid. I remember watching that game and thinking - "This can't be happening". but it was, and it did.  American pride being what it is, they have made not one, but two movies about this story with both Karl Malden and Kurt Russell portraying coach Heb Brooks. I liked the original Malden film better but either way it was truly a great story.

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Feb 21 – Hockey Day in Canada – not a lot different from any other winter Saturday in terms of activity, it just happens to be the “televised” profile day. Unless you live in or around Campbellton New Brunswick, you probably won’t notice much different.

Saturday Quickie – It seems the job jar has a number of pressing items in it so today will be a quick hit and run. Plus - it's Hockey Day not Blog day.

Congrats – Minor Atom AE for advancing to the semis. A bunch more to be decided this weekend.  Four in, Two out, Eight pending

Sundin – Give him and cheer and then just play the game. There has been enough ink spilled and B-Roll shot on this already. Top three leads in the Sun web sports are Sundin stories. So much for Hockey Day.

Our Game – I am not sure what CBC/Ford/Tim Hortons et al want this site to be when it grows up but they do have some good content. Link At the moment from the “joining” perspective it is a bit of a hodge podge.

Montreal Criminal Conspiracy – Give it a rest.

FHP – Not a good topic at home – Omnipotent has built a 250+ point lead on his nearest contender and folks are getting a tad sensitive about the “gloating” (I consider it polite enquiries about the points). I have been advised there will be no “prize” this year – Again!

My Wings – Roast the Ducks – 11 straight wins at home (didn’t the quackers win a cup recently?) Go Wings Go!

Football! – Wrong sport but you might want to read the loooong article in the Beaver which other than a big promo for the team sounds somewhat like a “sell” job on a certain somewhat “notorious” ex GTHL guy?

Oscars – A waste of good TV Time – Other than if best supporting actor does not go to Heath Ledger you will know that the Academy is nothing more that a bunch of political, self-serving hacks and I will have to launch an official protest. I won’t be watching as I think there are reruns of Lassie (the dog not Irish Colleens) on at the time.

History – In 1848 Marx (and Engels) published “The Communist Manifesto”, one of the most influential publications of all time and basically a primer for communism, a government style some of you may have heard of (dangling preposition).

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Feb 20 – Mason got the win. It wasn’t necessarily pretty but it still counts. Again the mighty Leafs coughed one up with both a Keystone Cops goal against in the last second of the first period and giving up a third period lead. Coaches hate being scored on in the last minute of a period. They go apoplectic for a “last second” goal. Pogge did OK but he maintained his streak of never stopping an NHL Shoot Out shot. So what if he has only had two – he still hasn’t stopped any.

Playdowns - A relatively good update with two more teams advancing to the OMHA Semi-Finals 3 in, 2 out, 9 pending.

• The Minor Peewee AE gers defeated Flamborough and move on to face whoever is the "Area J/K" rep and

• The Novice AA squad who defeated Ancaster and move on to play Orangeville in the Semis.

A number of Winner Take All games are coming up with series knotted at 2 - 2.

Stay tuned.

Les bleu, blanc et rouge – As their hundredth year, the Habs were to have no end of great publicity and celebrations. They were also expected to do quite well on the ice. Well so much for the best laid plans. The team has perfected the mid season swoon, their everyday supposed superstar gets banished for (insert reason here) and now there are reports of certain players socializing with “criminals”. Not the celebratory season they were hoping for. The criminal one does entertain me though as I wonder how many of us supposed upstanding law abiding citizens have not at one time or another associated with these “terrible” people. Those of you who live in the Oakville hockey world and read the paper know the answer to that question.

Hornets Time – Just in case you have not noticed, this is the Hornets’ annual tournament week-end. Make sure you check and make sure if your ice times have been pre-empted. In many instances this enforced holiday was also the break between regular season and play-offs for House League and nobody liked a week off going into the play-offs.

Say No to Europe – Once again the NHL has decided they need to showcase NHL games across the pond. Why? That’s all we need – another league or more teams. The KHL (Yes K not N) looks to be in trouble, American teams are struggling / desperate and the Comish figures he has to continue this silliness. Especially dumb given it is an “Olympics” season. Normally I wouldn’t care but they are sending my Detroiters to Sweden. Kicking off the NHL season with a European swing is not a good idea and does not help teams get off to a good start. Take a look at Ottawa and Pittsburgh – two victims this year. I notice they are both right at the top of the standings, exactly where you would expect them to be based on their last season performance – NOT!

Get the right Guys – Another story about a young (13 year old doing novice) referee getting blasted by parents, terrified and packing it in (Edmonton Sun). When will people ever learn not to yell at the kids. Yell at the old guys who should know better. You know who I mean.

Vernon BC – This situation has been quiet for a while (probably in part because it has apparently been so badly mishandled). However, there is a good piece on VernonMorningStar.com from a former volunteer who says in part that folks are missing the boat on what Minor Hockey is or should be all about.

“It is not about developing NHL stars or beating all countries who play against us. It is about the development and entertainment of as many kids as it can accommodate. It is about teaching the skills of the game as well as teamwork, appreciation of others, respect and above all else providing a healthy and fun environment for our youth.”

I could not agree more.

Read the article here.

Poke em again – I see we have links now added to MINORHOCKEY.NET and the OMHA stats on MOHA’s site. I wonder why they did that? Where shall we poke next.

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Feb 19 – I guess yesterday’s post made it through the snail trap. I was not sure as my internet literally died (was cut off) as the upload was ending. A page that normally takes seconds to upload took over 20 minutes. I could literally watch the little green dots marching across the screen one at a time. Apparently all is now well, whatever that means.

BO Hype – the Canadian world is a twitter over the Obama visit today and how wonderful it is that he picked Canuckland as his first foreign destination. It only goes to show how easily fooled we are.

It was just a test run! As the new guy, they needed a low risk, limited duration opportunity to check BO out on all the gadgets, gizmos, toys and protocols that go with being the big cheese. What is easier than an afternoon flip to grab a beaver tail up north with those Canadian folks who will do anything for attention. Downside – he had to spend 10 minutes alone with Harper.

Think about all the new stuff that BO has to learn to deal with:

• Practice commanding Air force 1 and it’s fighter escort.

• Keep an eye on the football (codes not pigskin)

• Take the Beast travelling (no not her).

• Go through immigration and customs (where do they do that?).

• Practice the big smile with the other guy (who can’t smile).

• Give the secret service guys a workout (any new weapons?)

• Meet the press and get the press everywhere

• Pick up a few trinkets (Eskimo carvings and a gallon 4 litre jug of Maple Syrup)

All of this and back home in time for the evening news. Good plan, but you didn’t fool me.

Hah! I knew it - just saw in the Star that BO did stop to pick up a beaver tail. Gosh - I just hate it when I'm right (although I should be used to it).

Number 8 – There are mere mortals and then there is Ovechkin. The human highlight reel added another vignette last night with his goal against Montreal. The scary part is it looked like he had it figured all along. Use the old chip and spin to beat one. Crash avoiding a check from number two and then simply push the puck past the goalie while you happen to be sliding by him on your back. There have been some dandies, but this is the best I have seen in real time where you simply sit there and say “did he really just do that” (The shoot-out goal the Wolf Pack Tyke Dude roofed in the shoot-out was close). The even better news is I have him in the FHP which has helped the old points total.

Goulies - Will it be a Mason vs Pogge duel? I hope so but I will be cheering for Mason. He's had a bit of tough luck over the years on the illness injury front but has done exceptionally well regardless. Where would he be if everything had gone well? Regardless it is nice to have a bona fide NHLer from Oakville.

Web Stats - In the continuing saga, the hits keep on coming, well over 15,000. (at least 14,500 family).

T-Bird - With all the Big 3 auto bailouts going on and being talked about it is good to remember that they were once a force to be reckoned with. Today in 1954 the first T-Bird was "hatched" in prototype form. This "image" car priced out at $2,944 US - with removable fibreglass roof - canvas top and a bunch of other goodies. The Thunderbird was Ford's answer to the 'Vette even though as the conservative company they referred to it as a "personal" not sports car (until my daddy took it away now).

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Feb 18 – The playdowns progress

Congrats – to the Minor Peewee AA team in their steam roller victory over Orangeville and moving on to the Semis.

Condolences – to both the Minor Atom As and the Novice As in getting knocked out. Both teams played a “Wellington” team and met their Waterloo (sorry, I had to).

The Series – Minor Atom AE. Oakville and Caledon are battling it out in a real nail biter. Four games in there have been a total of five goals (three of them in the first game. Oakville has battled to a 2 – 1 – 1 lead with five points and just need 1 more point to move on, but it looks like points are tough to get in this series.

Game 5 is set for Oakville Arena at 4:20 on Feb 21. Get out and cheer them on.

NFL News – They used to say there were daring pilots and old pilots but no daring old pilots. It seems the same is true for old NFL players. Brad van Pelt, a star linebacker with the New York Giants passed away today of an apparent heart attack. He was 57 – so am I.

Different US studies have shown that the life expectancy of an NFL veteran is 55.2 years. That is after an average NFL career of 3.5 seasons and is roughly 22 years less than the US male average. Now you know why I did not take up football (besides no talent) and why hockey is my game. There seem to be a lot of old hockey players. You have to ask yourself two questions:

1. Why would anyone play pro football?

2. Would you let your kids pursue it seriously?

Don’t believe me – look it up. Do a Google search on NFL life expectancy. I would do it for you but my internet is killing me. Not even sure I will get this posted

Internet Blues – It seems like I am on Cogeco’s S list. I got some more hate mail about “suspicious activity” and a) I don’t have a virus and b) number two son assures me (validated by web stats) that he is not in mega download mode. Meanwhile it looks like the hamster in the wheel has been replaced by a snail as it feels like I am back on dial-up mode with a 300 baud modem. FIX IT!

As per issues above – short post and sign-off.

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Feb 17 – Will it snow or will it rain? At this point I think I would rather have the 15 mm of rain than 15 cm of snow. Wash up some of the dirty, grungy stuff. That also implies it will be warmer and I’m OK with that.an

Another one bites the dust – I hear another MOHA director is gone (with several others basically “retired”) and that there is allegedly some nasty business around this. Let’s just say that some of my stories about challenges faced in other organizations are not too far off the mark locally. Time to update the lists again. I feel like Hedda Hopper.

$500 Million for GO! – So tell me how (in my lifetime) this will improve my commute – better service – on time – with parking – decent facilities at reasonable fares. As a confirmed (required transit user) I get tired of promises that are supposed to help me but typically make things worse in the short term and I have never really seen the “long term” improvements. They are outmoded or outgrown before they happen. GO, Toronto, Ontario just don’t get it. A simple example is the fare system. Used to be you could buy a Twin Pass that combined your monthly GO pass with a Metro Pass at a discount. Good idea – so they killed it. For any commuter who simply travels to and from work and uses the subway it is cheaper to buy tokens then using a pass. How dumb is that. Contrary to political double speak, this is not a transit friendly province / area. Oh well, great sound bites, photo ops and PR exposure. Someone wants to get elected.

In days of Yore, From Britain’s shore – Wolfe the conquering hero will not be coming. The battle re-enactment of the Battle of The Plains of Abraham has been cancelled because of safety and security concerns. Does this sound like somebody’s a sore loser? Silly me, I thought something like this could be fun, a learning experience and bring tourist dollars to town. I compare it to the mini industry in the US of Civil War re-enactments and how this goes on all the time. Last I heard the Confederacy lost but does the South complain – No! they stage it and make a buck at it. Apparently it is important to hold the commemoration somewhere, just not in Quebec. Read the article. Get over it.

Leafs – Catch a break It should be 4 – 0 for Buffalo, not 3 – 0. The goal should not have been disallowed as Jason Pominville did not direct the puck into the net. It simply went in off of him as he was being directed by the Leaf defender. Looks like a sympathy call and a bad one. What’s Pogge’s GAA (single or double digits)? Not to worry, it is still early. The first period is just over.

Costs zooming? The 2009 / 10 season is a ways off yet but I hope folks have their ears to the ground (good place for them). Stort in the Hamilton Spec making noise about ice cost increases being proposed - $75 and hour over three years. Article The leagues were paying $110. This year (compared to about $140.? In Oakville this year net of subsidy) and would go to $185. The city says the cost is $220. Seems to me Oakville says their cost is higher than that. The numbers start to get challenging for registration feed as ice – the largest budget item would show a 220% increase. With economic issues as they could shake out, next season could be really tough for a lot of people. Not the time to add unnecessary expense.

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Feb 16 – Family Day at Ice Sports, but first;

Oakville Loss - I just read in the Beaver that young Mr. Alex Pace lost his battle with cancer. The Pace family have been involved with Minor Hockey in Oakville for a number of years and Alex was a valued member of the association. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family in this difficult time. To quote someone else, "hug your kids".. I can't and do not want to imagine facing this type of situation. No parent does.

Tyke Exhibition – Some great games that were lots of fun to watch (and listen too). With all the NHL bound parents just a hollerin’ at the games (mostly positive) there should be no shortage of noise in this divisions through the play-offs and for years to come.

Seven of the 8 Tyke Red teams participated as well as a “White” All Star team.

Congratulations to the Tyke White All Star Canadiens who ended up winning the “B” Pool with an exciting 2 – 1 squeaker over the Eagles. There was no shortage of enthusiasm on this team as noted by the picture below of their celebration after a round robin win – nice sweaters, they must have been competing with the Hans Taal Century 21 Hound Dogs, but I give the nod to the Hound Dogs – their bench staff were wearing ties.

The “A” pool was just as exciting if not more so as the Hound Dogs and Wolfpack locked up in a classic come from behind Cinderella story. Down 3 – 1 in the third, the Wolfpack took advantage of a powerplay opportunity to close to within 1 and then tied things up with about three minutes to go. A five minute sudden death solved nothing sending the game to a shoot out decision. In the three man NHL style (except they go at the same time), both first shooters scored, both second shooters were stoned but the third Wolfpack skater buried his shot and the Hound Doggie didn’t. Wolfpack win. Story is the Hound doggies may have been a bit tired as this was apparently their seventh game in 4 days.

Everyone involved in putting this event on for the kids is to be congratulated. I saw a lot of smiling faces (win or lose) I think they just wanted to know when was the pizza and Gatorade!

Since I can’t resist commenting on just about any topic, I would look at a couple of format options for future events.

First, as a simple suggestion, I would go across the pools for the finals – e.g., Winner A plays Winner B, 2^nd A plays 2^nd B and so on. This way no team ends up playing the same team twice as happened in all of the “finals”. Regardless it was a fun event.

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Feb 15 - Time for a slow day - the job jar needs attention so I can't spend much time here.

Playdowns - I have updated as of last night's scores. Some good news, some bad news and some no news. I see that after my tirade comments a certain association has typed the link info on their site (but not set it up as a live link. Duh! It is fun watching what a little jab here or there does. You would think that an update like the above chart might be a nice service to members.

Looks like do or die time has arrived for the Minor Atom A's and Novice A's. Apparently you do not want to meet Wellington (omit opportunity for sick "Waterloo" joke). Come on guys - you can do it. Good luck.

Don Cherry - wearing one of his more pedantic wardrobes gave the Eagles a plug for their Paint the Rink Pink fundraising. Good for him. Nelson must not have got all the right cue cards to him and the picture since Don was struggling to remember what he was talking about and who they were. So what - you got the plug. Way to go Nelson, Gord, Tom and the Eagles. I see you finally got your pink laces just in time. I heard about the office screw-up on that one. What's next?

Tykes - Monday is both Family Day and Tyke Friendship tournament day at Ice Sports. I think it is supposed to start with the first game at 8:30 AM (someone was supposed to send me a schedule but forgot). Go down and cheer for the youngsters. Especially the Tyke White All Star Dragon Slayers who are out to challenge their Red colleagues. Have fun guys.

Logo Break - It looks like the idea of HC adopting my logo has brought the IOC to their knees. In today's FACEOFF.COM  there is a story that suggests there is a way that Canada can use their logo? Can you spell - P A Y O F F? Read it here. One suggestion is that it could be a rework of the 1972 Summit Series sweaters. I hope not as I thought they were really ugly. Have to watch my DVD set again.

The power of Moorehead!

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Feb 14 – St. Valentine’s Day – that’s nice, now pass the remote. An interesting spin we put around a somewhat pagan practice inspired holiday. It is all a conspiracy from the Florist / Greeting Card / Chocolate cartel.

Under the rule of Emperor Claudius II Rome was involved in many bloody and unpopular campaigns. Claudius the Cruel was having a difficult time getting soldiers to join his military leagues. He believed that the reason was that roman men did not want to leave their loves or families. As a result, Claudius cancelled all marriages and engagements in Rome. The good Saint Valentine was a priest at Rome in the days of Claudius II. He and Saint Marius aided the Christian martyrs and secretly married couples, and for this kind deed Saint Valentine was apprehended and dragged before the Prefect of Rome, who condemned him to be beaten to death with clubs and to have his head cut off. He suffered martyrdom on the 14th day of February, about the year 270. At that time it was the custom in Rome, a very ancient custom, indeed, to celebrate in the month of February the Lupercalia, feasts in honour of a heathen god. On these occasions, amidst a variety of pagan ceremonies, the names of young women were placed in a box, from which they were drawn by the men as chance directed. Each young man would draw a girl's name from the jar and would then be partners for the duration of the festival with the girl whom he chose.

Which part of the above are we celebrating?

OMHA in the News – Not a nice story in today’s Star about police charges coming out of an alleged stick swinging incident in a midget game in Southampton three weeks ago. Even with a three man system, the apparent slash went undetected as it was not penalized (even though the recipient was temporarily KO’d and ended up hospitalized. The article does not say who dropped the dime (Oops – it’s $0.50 now) but there is more and more of this cropping up. Camcorders are becoming a standard team accessory at the rink and people (especially zebras) are sensitive to it. Where charges lead, lawsuits are not far behind. Here’s the article. The CP clip is a bit longer.

We have the debate about “fighting”, we have a charge for “stick swinging” is a “clean check” next as “unnecessary violence”?

Kamloops – Lest we think problems are localized, read the letter to the editor from the mom of a seven year old in Kamloops - “2 down – 14 to go”. Tell me it ain’t so! I think everyone has to take a bit of ownership for these problems. Playing SOGDit does not work if you go to a rink and just “spectate” – which is what I do these days. At the risk of offending anyone I have not offended yet, it is the parents and officials (bench and on-ice) who are the culprits here as they either support, encourage, or ignore inappropriate behavior. As a take off on Ivory Soap – 99 and 44 one hundredths of the time IT IS NOT THE KIDS / PLAYERS. It is the so-called adults. Stop and listen to yourself (impossible) - so listen to those around you.

Take ownership and do something about it or guess what – it will continue to get worse and may impact YOU.

Hide the kids – Apparently it is not safe to take your kids to watch a “skills camp” Leaf practice. While the big brooms are out busily sweeping it under the carpet, Grabovski and Blake had a little “dust-up” in practice at Lakeshore Lions in front of 100+ kids watching the action.

Reading Wilson’s comments about the Belarusian suggest he has an assigned suite in the brain trust dog house. Players implode on the ice, fight each other in practice and get ripped by management. How much better can it get?

Money Woes at HC – Hockey Canada has not escaped the brunt of a slumping economy and Bob Nicholson speaks out on the issue. CBC.ca article. A big concern is still around the Olympic jersey and potential losses in licensing fees that have been a huge revenue source for HC -0 especially in Olympic years. Who knows what it could be if the local venue gets Bucky the Canadian Beaver Fever going. Apparently they have already nixed six alternate designs since they can use the HC logo that has been so prominent and successful in prior years.

No sweat, as I said in earlier blogs, they can use my design for a very modest fee (especially if I win the 6/49 draw tonight).

Reprinted by unpopular demand.

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Feb 13 - With the plane crash in Buffalo last night a very bad start. From early indications there is suspicion that it may have been ice build-up. A scary thing about ice is that is can form very quickly, insidiously adds weight and disrupts the airflow such that all of a sudden the plane stops flying and turns into a brick. As someone who has done a fair amount of flying, I  have my own horror stories, one of which coincidentally concerns a flight in the reverse direction from the ill fated one last night. I was in Buffalo (selling Twinkies) and had to get to Connecticut to ride routes for four AM the next morning so I had a late flight from Buffalo to Newark. The plane was late boarding due to mechanical issues.  We finally boarded an hour late and the pilot taxied to the end of the active and did the usual engine run-up. Started our take off roll but were only part way in when the pilot aborted based on something he did not like? - back to the gate, unload, wait for mechanic to recheck. Being a canny traveler, as soon as we disembarked I went to every other airline to see if I could switch flights. Found one leaving at midnight so I booked a seat on it (just in case. Went back and reboarded my original flight  Reassurances from the Captain that all was now kosher and we were ready to go. We head back out to the active, do the run-up, get clearance and release brakes. We are flying down the runway and just when you expect them to rotate there is this huge bang and a flash outside my window and all you hear is the scream of the reverse thrust and brakes as the pilot aborts. I think we got stopped with about 10 feet of runway left - obviously we blew an engine - not good! Amazingly when we got back to the terminal they wanted us to wait for a replacement aircraft as soon as they could find one? Not me, I beat the line of lemmings over to my alternate booking and got out of town.

The funny conclusion is that I finally got into Newark around 1:30 AM and for those of you who know that area, here was White Bread Wayne looking for transportation out of Newark in the middle of the night. Shall we just say Caucasians were in a minority position.

Paint the ice Pink - Tonight was the St. Hilda's Eagles (Nelson Pavao - Peewee Red) Breast Cancer fund raising event at the Hershey Centre. The boys played a make-up game against the Wolfpack and either the Eagles decided to be good hosts or the Wolfpack were ungrateful guests as the "Pack" won 2 - 1. (kudos to the Wolfpack guardian of the hemp hut who I thought made some great saves)

To stay away from all the negative stuff I will just post some shots from, tonight's game - I couldn't be bothered staying for the Junior game.

The Eagles in their National Anthem Line-up before the game. Both teams were announced on to the ice. I am not sure they knew which way to face.

Pre game warm-up in the Eagles end. You can see the Wolfpack at the other end. The St Hida's pink sweaters, combined with the Wolfpack teal and the pink swirl ice lead to quite a colourful combination.

Big face-off early in the game. The Eagles bench staff should have had their players sitting down to conserve energy fot that much needed third period push. Didn't happen. The stands were really full, you just can't see them in this picture.

The Eagles bench (well at least most of them) are clearly focused on the game. Meanwhile on the ice there seems to be either a lot of standing around going on or the Wolfpack have gone into their deep prevent defense. Check out the threads on the Zebra. That's what happens when you leave them out in the sun too long. Their white stripes get sun burnt.

The obligatory post game group shot. Excuse the quality but I was shooting telephone on a hand held point and shoot from the stands. Unfortunately, some of these folks are still recognizable. At the end of the day, my congratulations to the Eagles for their continuing community support efforts and fund raising for a worthy cause that has special meaning to a lot of us. Well Done Eagles!

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Feb 12 – Tomorrow will be Friday the 13^th. An inauspicious day. For safety I have decided to bail on the commute and work from home tomorrow on a couple of items that are better off with full attention and away from office distractions. At least that is my story and I am sticking with it. I was meetinged to death yesterday and bailed on the blog.  Today that leaves any number of opportunities for comment.

Leafs – blow a 4 – 1 lead in the third. Lose in overtime. They may as well have dumped it in regulation and avoided the point. It may hurt their draft position. From all accounts they looked like a bunch of whipped puppies which is hardly surprising based on the positive reinforcement they have been receiving from management.

Alomar – Topics I try to avoid with the pampered princes of sport are egos and libidos. Each independently can get “normal” individuals into trouble. However, when you put both into play with individuals like Alomar, you have almost a sure recipe for disaster. This one will get a lot of attention. Will the Blue Jays take him off of the treasure wall? Remember at this point everything is “alleged” not proven. Sort of like the alleged spitting incident. I bet a certain umpire is off to the clinic for some tests. I will admit he could play ball – but – I never liked him, there were too many insider stories that leaked out.

Harry – Buy a muzzle. Speaking of princes lets go with a real blueblood who is now apparently being sent off for sensitivity training. Apparently it is not cool to tell a black man (is that PC?) that he does not sound like a negro. Oops. Guess he comes by that honestly – talk to HRH Chuck. Maybe they can get a group rate. Then again, with Chucky turning 60, it may be too late to teach an old monarchist new tricks. If the Brits qualify for pension at 65, the betting line is will Chuckie move on to his real job before he hits pension age?

Tykes - I hear the Tykes have a “friendship” tourney setup for Ice Sports on Family Day. Good for them. Apparently seven of the eight Red teams are entered with an All Star White team filling in for the AWOL eighth Red guys. I may have to go watch some of this as it promises to be a fun day for the kids. Not to mention the challenge to the class conscious Red guys who play the White guys. Go All Stars Go!

Watch the Paperwork – it seems the OMHA has elected to get a divorce from their current “data repository” (ITSportsNet) and are moving on to a Hockey Canada product.  All the player registrations and team rosters that were going through ITSportsNet are now going down this new pipe. Just when the current system was getting to work (I think) the OMHA pulls a major switcheroo! I’ll bet ITSportsNet is thrilled and I wonder if this was an OMHA “idea” or was a “You vill do it and you vill like it” Sergeant Schultz type of decision. Anyone got some more molasses for the machinery? I hope for your sake that this is orchestrated, coordinated and supported better this time around.

Space Invaders – It had to happen. The first satellitemobile traffic accident. Apparently an “American” and Russian satellite had a close encounter of the worst kind when they crunched each other. One at 1,200+ pounds, the Russians bigger and badder at over a ton smoked each other 500 miles up with pieces flying everywhere. Nobody seems too exited on one hand but then in the same breath they say that the biggest risk factor in space trips is the risk of object impact. Think I’ll cancel my visit to the space station until somebody gets out the super size vacuum cleaner (now that was a good pun that nobody probably caught).

Olympics – It is now official we are on the 365 day countdown. I have to figure out what angle I am going to take on this (pro / con?). If the economy continues to slid – as it is, there are a lot of high stakes hear that will cost someone a whack of dough (can you spell taxpayer). On the other hand I am a sucker for the Winter Olympics as they have a disproportion number of sports that I both enjoy, and enjoy watching – Hockey – Curling – Downhill – Bobsled – Luge – Skeleton etc. And No – just for the record I have not altered my stance on the ballerinas – a waste of good ice!

Gate Fees – The controversial gate fee system employed by the GTHL is under review and expenses to parents will increase one way or another based on information reported in the Star.

A three option proposal is being looked at to bring in more bucks to offset a reported $400,000 deficit expected by the GTHL governing body.

1. Increase the gate fee from $5 to $7 per fan and player.

2. A $547 charge per player paid directly to the GTHL and the elimination of any gate fees.

3. A charge of $150 per player to the league and keeping the gate fee at $5.

Don’t confuse this with club fees and budgets which are a totally separate and add on amount. If proposal 1 is accepted, a family of four (two parents, the player and a sibling) who attend and play 30 games are looking at $840 (don’t forget Grandma and Grandpa and Uncle Bill). I am pretty sure I can get a good Marlies season’s ticket packet for that kind of green. This is entirely an add-on to their “team costs” which are not coming down either. Higher costs – tougher economy – Hmmmmm!

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Feb 10 – Odds and Sods.

Labour relations 101 – A far wiser person than me once said, don’t negotiate in the media.  I still believe that’s right and just don’t understand the Leaf management philosophy of shall we say bad mouthing or denigrating their players in public. A number have been in the cross hairs, most recently Toskala and Andropov. Maybe this is a new motivation technique but I doubt it.

The recent “attack” on Andropov as a case in point. In Damien Cox’s article in the Star he quotes Wilson as saying "We need to get younger, quicker and meaner. We also need to get more skill”. Ergo, Andropov is older, slower, gentler and less skilled than the Leafs want. a) that evaluation will really motivate him to play and b) just where and how is the new blood coming from? This has all got to be part of the sink to the bottom for a good draft pick strategy because it sure won’t be helping “the room”.

As per my dis the Leafs moratorium, I think this kind of messaging meets the exception criteria. Unfortunately it looks like I am running into exceptions every day and may have to moratorium the moratorium.

 Avery – off to the Rangers AHL club for tune up. Quick check – no more Hartford games with the Marlies. Thought it might be fun to watch. At least Slats has given him a place to tune up and don’t be surprised if the big apple gets another fruitcake.

MLB – Accept that your stars had help. Put your go forward controls in place. Get over it and move on. What’s the value in any of the current witch hunts about history that are doing nothing but emphasize the past problems, cheapen reputations and make a joke of the game. Look ahead, not back – you can’t change history. Every time you turn over one rock you expose two more. This “scandal” would have been long gone if agenda items like nailing Barry Bonds weren’t such personal ambitions for folks. Is there anyone out there who doesn’t think this type of practice was in play with the money that’s at stake. Besides that, at the time, they had no rules against it.

Priceless – An OPP officer has been charged under Ontario’s street racing legislation and her police vehicle seized for doing 165 in a 100 k zone WHILE ON DUTY. Talk about the old CLM probably a CEM (Career Limiting / Ending Move). Who ends up with the bigger black mark. The speeder or the “brother” officer who bagged her. She must not have been well liked!

Tough Times – GM is struggling with 10,000 salaried jobs being cut - with likely in excess of 300 of them in Canada. Lay-offs, bankruptcies and shut-downs seem to be filling the news.

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Feb 9 - Other than AAA the OMHA qualifiers for the quarter finals are done with the Peewee AE making the grade and rounding out the list. Stay tuned for further updates as there are games on tonight.

Surprise - Sean Avery cleared waivers! Who would have guessed that!. Now what kind of a deal can Dallas work out. They can't send him to their affiliated AHL team 'cause they don't have one. Marrrrlies - is Avery someone Mr.(s) Wilson and Burke feel they can handle and would add value. Put him on a line with Brad May. They would just need one more ____ to fill it out. Forgot - I was not going to dis the Leafs except under exceptional circumstances and this does not qualify.

Luv 'em or hate 'em - Don Cherry has turned 75 and was written up in The Globe and Mail of all places (and positively slanted!). Read it here. It should come as no surprise that I'm a Cherry fan. First, I envy his wardrobe and taste in clothes.

but more importantly behind the bluster and flamboyancy he is often right. The tip off to the real thing usually comes with the "Now listen you kids . . . ". Lunch box mentality, Patriotism and usually good hockey sense has turned his schtick into an iconic figure.

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Feb 8 - I was remiss in not commenting on this yesterday as it is a big deal for Canada.

Downhill Demons – Congrats to John Kucera a member of the Cowboy Canadians for pulling off the stunning upset in winning the stunning upset in winning Gold in the Men’s Downhill at the World Alpine Championship – the profile equivalent of the 100 yard dash in track and field. This is “the” event and had never been won by a Canadian – not even a member of the original Crazy Canucks.

Anyone who skis has to be in awe of what these guys do – and consider them somewhat nuts. I lived in Red Deer, Alberta for a year many moons ago while teaching at Red Deer College. I was “lucky” enough to set my courses up for three days a week that let me go skiing on a regular basis (where they have real skiing – not like mud mountain). My favourite venue overall was Lake Louise and my favourite run was the “knob” at Marmot Basin in Jasper. If you survived the sheer terror of the first drop, it was an exhilarating run. I sort of knew my limits (foolish as I was) so I did not do Norquay. Back then those slopes were for the real skiers or folks with a death wish. Having a basic understanding of the concept that E=mc2, und tipping the scales north of two bill pointing myself downhill creates an interesting physics experiment. I think a friend of mine and I are still tied for the record with the longest vertical and most spectacular wipeout in Louise history. I think it started about half way down and ended up in a trail of equipment and clothing in front of the chateau.. I still have the scar on my knee but we did not let that interrupt our day – skip the stitches, rinse off the blood, tape it up and off you go.

Having said that I still can not comprehend the ability level, concentration and insanity that these guys need in those runs. Watching the tapes yesterday, Kucera caught a break as number two, as his later challengers (probably better downhillers) had to contend with fog on the course. It sort of helps to see where you are going at those speeds. Regardless, it is a great win. We think hockey’s expensive, apparently it was costing Kucera’s parents $25,000 to $30,000 a year to keep him in the sport. Good article in the Star.

Dollars and Sense – As the economy struggles, employment becomes an issue and costs likely continue to rise, minor hockey may become a “luxury” item instead of something that most people can afford. There are a number of articles cropping up about both concerns and solutions across the country. Under the guise of there is always learning available, they are worth looking at and considering.

The cost of House League hockey – especially where teams are looking at extra events has always been an interest and concern of mine, first as a coach and then as VP. On my teams we always did fund raising, but it seems that more and more this has fallen out of style. Don’t have time, just let me write a cheque, are two of the common excuses. How will this hold up if things get tougher. The use of funds for non-hockey / development purposes – i.e., wardrobe etc., are a real bugaboo for me. Here’s an article from Our Game that lines up on this.

GM Bankrupt – not yet but in 1936 (72 years ago) GMs founder, William Durant, filed for personal bankruptcy. He had bought Oldsmobile and Oakland (later Cadillac and Pontiac) to add to the GM umbrella but had over-extended. He then started Chevrolet, got GM back and lost it again.

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Feb 7 – Decisions, Decisions, Decisions. Last night I had a choice between going and watching a couple of Peewee games or going home and blogging. While I know my blogging creates priceless archives, it was an easy choice – And no, I was not going to watch the games and then go blog – I definitely need my beaty sleep.

Peewee Red – Is fun and usually good hockey. Minor Peewee and Peewee are my favourite age groups The players are still learning big time and importantly are willing to learn and listen. The parents are generally not completely jaded yet and come out to watch with siblings, relatives and enthusiasm. And, there are lots of things you can do with the team – hockey – social- alternate sports etc. So if I seem to focus disproportionately on this group, you now know why.

Having said that and with no disrespect meant to the players or staff on any team and a team in particular, as a former league administrator, last night’s 7:00 PM game was disappointing. We got to watch a 1 and 16 team go to 1 and 17 on the basis of a 10 to 1 shellacking. Balancing is always a challenging topic. Most coaches “don’t want it” and say that “I will play who I picked and work with them”. More power to them, but in the best interests of everyone in the league, there are times when you have to say – I hear you, I appreciate your commitment but we need to step in. I would suggest that based on what I saw last night there should have been some action taken – action that short term would not have been popular with some people but guess what folks – that is why you get paid the big bucks – to look after the kids. This is not a popularity contest of social club – there are lots of folks in this town who won’t speak to me (probably voted against me) because of these types of decisions. Ask the kids from last night how much fun they are having?

Playdowns – I know I said I would only include the teams that advanced in future posts but I am once again including all the rep teams below now that all qualifiers are decided – Oops – waiting for Stoney Creek in Peewee AE - SC must win two to tie Oakville so I won’t count that one. (There is method to my madness so look at it and read on).

My Point - Many of you have heard me bragging about our (can't say that anymore) the MOHA IP Timbit program. About the development it provides for the kids. How important and fundamental it is and that it needs to get full focus and support from the organization because of the great start it gives to the youngsters entering the game. I also know many of you tune it out with the "Yeah, Yeah" typical self-serving egotistical bull crap.

As proof of nothing other than these are facts, look at the results above. This past season, the Peewee age group was the first year that entered the "revised" IP / Timbit program.

Minor Bantam and up - 11 qualifiers decide - 3 teams qualified = 27%

Peewee and down - 13 qualifiers decided - 10 teams qualified = 77 %

I am sure the gene pool changed after minor bantam and all of this is just a fluke! Now help me understand why there is talk of farming this program out? I know why and so does anyone else who cares to think about it.

Leafs - the team is so dysfunctional that I think I will call a moratorium on Leaf bashing for a while unless something really "breakthrough" comes along. It is just too easy and getting too boring. New targets please.

British Invasion - Today, in 1964 the Beatles landed in north America - Pan Am Clipper flight 101 from London to Kennedy Airport ( I think it was Idlewild until renamed after the assassination when half of the US got a Kennedy name). Two days later they made their first North American appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show and I was one of the estimated 70 million plus viewers who watched. I remember you really didn't hear much because of the sustained "screaming". Their first Number 1 US hit - "I wanna hold your hand".

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Feb 5 – Back from the hinterlands. The joys of travelling Eastern Ontario in balmy Febrrrruary weather. Tours through such special destinations as Whitby, Oshawa, Port Hope, Cobourg, Peterbotough, Trenton, Belleville and Bancroft leave one amazed. The opportunity to spend an evening at the Sword Motel in Bancroft in their miniscule cabin style rooms and dining in their sumptuous 5 star unrated dining room takes your breath (and a lot of other things away).

The extensive menu made choices difficult. There were three wine choices (actually two, our first choice was out of stock) and the only theoretically edible “steak” was a “hand-cut” (as compared to what? – Chain saw) 10 ounce New York strip that you were not allowed to order well done. I now know why – rare shoe leather and gristle is tough enough without over cooking it.

This holds even more allure when you realize that you have the opportunity to enjoy that same excursion – reversed the next day. Oh the joys of travel and the open road. You know you’ve gone over the edge when the snowmobiles outnumber the cars in the motel parking lot.

This evening will be dedicated to thawing out, trying to figure out my expense account and some medicinal beverages to stave off pneumonia.

Leafs lose – apparently I did not miss much as the Leafs seem to have mailed it in against the Beefaloes. Pogge will be asking to not get called up if this is what he gets to look forward to each trip.

BC Hockey – says they are standing by their ruling to suspend the GVMHA Bantam team for the balance of the season but nobody is providing any details for the why. Part of that is good in that there are aspects of situations like this that need to be kept confidential, but on the other hand a whole team is being “punished”. Suggests more than a one player / parent issue.

Update – As promised here is an update on where teams stand.  Remember, the list to access yourself is at this link  Future updates will be limited to "qualified" or undecided teams only.

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Feb 3 – The day the music died. At least according to Don Maclean and American Pie. As you have noted, this blog can go anywhere, anytime – who knows today’s topic? I sure don’t before I sit down.

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Feb 2 - Steelers Win – Steelers Win! – It wasn’t pretty or the way it was supposed to happen but the Vince Lombardi trophy is off to Pittsburgh again. This would be it’s sixth visit – more than anywhere else. Arguably it is one of the most difficult championships to win based on the NFL scheduling algorithms and the week after week of sudden death games. Super bowls are often known as Stupor Bowls but this was a very entertaining game to watch. If you were watching and paying any attention not too many would have left their seats (possible exception was when they cut to Brent and Mad Dog Madden – whose insightful comments – weren’t). Great plays both ways, classic stupid penalties, offense that was and was not, defence that was and was not and as a Steeler fan, a couple of game breaker / saver highlight reel plays -  Harrison’s pick and romp to close out the first half and Holmes final reception to cap of a “Cinderella” drive to get the comeback win.

The Cardinals broke the Steeler “D” which surprised a lot of folks especially in Q4 but the Steel Curtain did plug the leaks when it counted and got the ball back after what for many teams would have been the game breaker comeback TD. Pittsburgh then returning the favour, courtesy of four reception from Holmes was almost preordained. MVP – perfect choice.

The only reason the game was this close was that I could not find my lucky Steelers beer mug. I’ve had it for around 30 years and figure it has been hidden by some of the bitter resident FHP members.

Bragging Rights – Things are great these days for yours truly.

• Hockey – Wings – Stanley Cup Champs

• Football – Steelers – Super Bowl Champs

• FHP – A commanding lead

I get to be insufferable in circumstances like this.

Bong – Good morning Mr. Phelps. Your mission, should you choose to accept it is to explain how you could be so “dumb”? That noise you hear is your endorsement deals and your career hitting the rocks if your spin doctors can’t get you past this one. As usual, if you or any members of your Agent force should be captured or killed in burying this one, the IOC will disavow any knowledge of anything.

I respect that celebs are under the microscope and this is not a capital offense, but use your head. It seems that Mr. Squeaky Clean is not so squeaky after all and that perhaps fame has gone to someone’s head. Check out the article in News of the World. article

The picture above is the infamous shot in the News of the World.

Interestingly, I caught it as a news item on Global News tonight. Bye Bye Big Bucks!

It gets better – apparently it is be an item on Entertainment Tonight (I won’t be watching). I am still in shock over the following late breaking story.

Under the topic of – If you keep sending I will keep reading.  It seems there has been a “Frozen Watergate” surfaced about practice ice allocation and, or extra ice allocation within the Minor Peewee Red division.

Correspondence ending up in my inbox suggests that one MPW Red team has had a pipeline into the MOHA Office and has ended up with a whack of additional ice – something the other teams have just “twigged to” and they are not happy. Perhaps that could be due in part to the benefiting team currently enjoying first place. Seems they was some suggestion that it was a scheduling issue with a new program, but since 15 extra hours of unshared ice is being quoted for said team versus “zero” for other teams – I don’t think so!

Would love to hear the explanation of this one – as would the parents on 5 other teams who have been shelling out for extra ice.

This is one division – are there others? “Open, Honest Communication”! Enquiring minds want to know.

The Axe falls - No shortage of hockey content today. As predicted the axe came down on Coach Craig today.  No a surprise - players don't play - step one coach toasted. No change - step two bye bye GM. Will it happen in silly servant land. Only Eugene knows and I am not sure I would believe him. Maybe Mr. Harper can find a spot for a former Senator in the Senate? Oops already got their quota of former hockey guys - right Frank. Maybe they need a mediocre blogger!

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Feb 1 - I know I said I likely would not post today but I figured that since I needed to update the "calendar" anyway I might as well post something (keep the streak going although Jose's was snapped). I also thought I would let people know that I have ordered my Leaf playoff tickets now that the juggernaut is rolling. A 2 and 0 streak - look out. Fortunately for the Leafs last night, they discovered they are not the only team with goal tending woes.

I would also suggest they play down the Luke Schenn the Brawler story as they are setting the kid up to get smoked by a real heavyweight and that would be too bad. A headline in today's Star "Leafs' Schenn shows off his Killer instinct" Is he supposed to be a new Gilmour (who was honoured last night)? If they are that desperate to grab at straws for story lines, fuel the trade rumours. You would also think with the "focus" currently on fighting in hockey that this is the last topic they would want to "promote".

Play-offs - speaking of play-offs, I suspect a number of folks are interested in how the "Ranger" teams are doing in the OMHA playdowns but it seems like a state secret to track down the info As a public service feature I will produce the following chart and update it as religiously as possible so that somebody puts an update in one spot. What a concept (feel free to steal it cabal).

Caveats - I have other things to do as well and I am basing this on the Tri County grids and other info which may or may not be correct or current. If you spot any Boo Boos, let me know.

I am also posting the link to the Tri County "list" page so you can check out teams yourself if you want.

Tri County "list"

Current as of High Noon on Feb 1 - does not include today's games

I will move this to the top of my page for subsequent update.

Enough for Hockey and posting - It is Super Sunday.

Go Steelers Go!

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