Between the Posts - Entre les Poteaux

2011-07-03T19:21:00.001-06:00

Patrick Roy was born October 5 , 1965 .
He played 18 years in the NHL winning 4 Stanley Cups 2 with each team he played for. He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame November 16 , 2006. He played 10 years for the Montreal Canadians and 8 for the Colorado Avalanche.

He won three Vezina trophies for the best Goalie for the season, five Jennings trophies for the fewest goals allowed , and played in 11 All Star games. He was the first three-time winner of the Conn Smythe Trophy as the playoff's most valuable player. He had a career .910 save percentage and 2.54 GAA, not to mention 66 career shutouts.

Patrick is the only goalie in NHL history to win over 200 regular season He owns records for most career playoff games played by a goaltender 247, minutes played 15,209, most career playoff wins 151, and most career playoff shut outs 23. He led the Canadiens to an unexpected Stanley Cup championship in his rookie season. At the age of 20 Roy became the youngest player in the NHL's history to win the Conn Smythe and the Stanley Cup.

Patrick Roy retired in 2003 as the goaltending leader in regular season games played 1,029, minutes played 60,235, career wins 551, and most career 30-win seasons 13. At the May 28, 2003 press conference to announce his retirement, Roy was asked by a reporter which NHL player he feared the most when playing. Roy replied that there was no one he feared when playing, but that Cam Neely had given him some trouble.

In the 1993 play offs Roy was ridiculed by the then coach of the Quebec Nordic after loosing the first 2 games . Patrick responded by winning the next four consecutive games against the Nordiques. He didn't stop there. Then he swept the Buffalo Sabres in the next round, and winning the first three against the New York Islanders to complete an NHL record eleven ,11, postseason game winning streak.

In the 1993 play offs Patrick arrogantly winked at Tomas Sandstrom after another impressive save. In true cocky form, Roy confirmed that during a tight game 2, he told his teammates "just get one, because I'm not going to give them any." And he didn't. The Roy wink is part of his legend.

Hockey goes on .....

2010-03-02T23:24:00.008-07:00

No Scorpions in New Mexico

2009-10-03T04:56:00.004-06:00

The National Hockey league season has just started. The Central Hockey League has the stirrings of hockey with ice in Amarillo , player signings , and camps being announced . There will be no hockey in New Mexico. The Santa Ana Star center will sit life less.
There are many factors for the lack of crowds for the Scorpions games. Rio Rancho was just to far for most people on Albuquerque to drive for hockey. Management let season ticket holders down in so many ways. If general manager Gary Gelinas had been with the team longer they might have done much better. He was much more aware of the fans and how important they were to the team.
Scorpions owner Dave Ellett searched for an influx of cash to keep the team playing for the 2009-10 season. Having no luck the team went black for the 2nd time on 5 years. A sad end of a great hockey tradition in New Mexico.
The one good point in this story is the players of the New Mexico Scorpions. For the 3 years that there was hockey in Rio Rancho there were so many great guys that donned the Scorpions jersey, Andrew Smale : currently playing for Amarillo Gorillas , Shawn Skiehar , Matt Frick : currently playing in another league , Mike Pirpich : currently playing in Europe ,Vlady Hartinger , Rob Guinn , David Cacciola , Kyle McNulty , Scott Reid , Chris Robertson : currently playing in IHL Toledo , Craig Macdonald , and many others.
We had Aaron MacInnis : Al MacInnis nephew , Lyon Messier : son of Mark Messier , Ryan VandenBussche former NHL player.
The 2008-09 season was a real challenge for the players. They often went with out pay,had wild road trips with a driver who scared hardened veterans of bus trips , dealt with the bus breaking down & being wrecked.
They voted to play with out being payed. They could have let the fans down & walked out but they didn't. They always had heart. I am sure it was difficult to play at 100 % but they didn't walk away. I don't know how many people know this. I can tell you the fans loved the players for not giving up in 2008-09.
I personally hope Dave Ellett finds a new buyer for the team. I hope they have an arena in Albuquerque to play in , the fans in New Mexico love hockey and we will miss the cheers ,hanging with hockey friends ,fights and good times the hockey season brings with it.

Helping hands : Jonathan Bernier

2009-03-03T11:30:00.005-07:00

Jonathan Bernier of the Wichita Thunder is doing a telethon of sorts to raise money for his former Coach Rob Wlingartner who has colon cancer.
Jonathan is raising money to help Rob who has been in & out of the hospital.
Rob is 37 years old & has 3 small children.
Rob had opened a bar in Wichita called the Penalty Box. He needs our help.
We are all family in the hockey world and need to help each other how we can.

http://talkwichita.com/thunder/weiny_flyer.pdf
You can reach Amy Wilds at the Wichita Thunder at 316-258-5999 she can give you more
details.

Thank You for your help & support.

Jonathan Bernier du Thunder de Wichita organise une levée de fonds pour venir en aide à son ancien entraîneur, Rob Wlingartner qui est atteint d'un cancer du côlon. Rob Wlingartner a 37 ans et père de trois jeunes enfants. Il a ouvert un bar à Wichita du nom de "Pénalty Box". Il a besoin de notre aide et nous sommes une grande famille dans le monde du hockey. Il va de soi de s'entraider comme nous le pouvons.

Vous pouvez contacter Amy Wilds du Thunder de Wichita au 1-316-258-5999. Elle vous donnera plus de détails.

Merci pour votre support.

Sundogs vs. Scorpions

2008-11-22T10:45:00.003-07:00

Shawn D , Amazing Mazei & Torren D

Sundogs / Scorpions game was it's usual variety of dirty , chippy hockey
and great stuff.
The Sundogs seemed hell bent to pick on Torren Delforte & Make McDonald.
But they just stiffened their resolve.

We had some good fights. Robertson vs/ Sellan- I gave this one to Robertson.
Bowles vs/ Kolanos - I think a tie. But Sammy got a couple of beauts in .
MacInnis vs / Liebel - Gotta give it to Aaron. He was pissed. Liebel must have done
something to get MacInnis so riled up.

There were 2 empty net goal for the Scorps. Jamie Harrington got one. Craig MacDonald got the other.
Seth Leonard had 2 goals for the Scorps.
Torren Delforte had 3 assists.

Joel Irving had 2 goals for the Sundogs as did Adam Perry.

It could have a little less dirty & been a great game.
Over all I would say it was the Scorps best game to date.
The Scorps play the same team tonight. So stay tuned.

New Mexico Art : In loving memory.

2008-10-23T01:04:00.003-06:00

Santa Fe Artist David Lucero has donated a piece of his art to be used
to raise money in Rob Guinn's memory for Olivia "Ollie" and her educational fund.

If you like traditional New Mexico art you won't want to miss the chance to
own this David Lucero piece & give to a great cause.

This piece is valued at Appox $700.00

Come out & share in making memories for Rob's family.
Let's show them how much Rob meant to us as our Captain & a part of our
hockey family.

Rob Guinn : In loving memory .

2008-10-22T22:32:00.002-06:00

If you don't know our former Captain Rob Guinn was killed in July in a car accident.
The teams that Rob had played for have been raising money for his daughter Olivia's educational fund. The Scorpions are hoping to have Brooke Guinn out to New Mexico
in November to give her a check for Oliva.

There will be a fund raising event for Rob Guinn's family this weekend in New Mexico.
There will be t-shirts for sale for $10.00 & items to be raffled off or for sale.

Please bring your extra money & help to honor our former Captain. There will be a live auction after Saturdays game. They will auction off Rob Guinn's jersey. The last jersey Guinner wore as a Scorpion.

I hope that the Scorpions & the great fans of New Mexico keep Rob Guin's memory alive
and encourage collections for the whole season. The Tulsa Oilers will be collecting
all season for Olivia's future.

Rob was our Captain & I know he is missed by his mates. Matt Frick was disappointed
that nothing was done at our first game. He wanted to be here to share in the remembering of Rob. Rob's a part of the Scorpion family and always will be.

It makes me sad that Olivia will never know her Dad. All she will have is memories & stories from the people who knew her Dad. I hope we all help to keep Rob's memory alive. Being a Dad was something he loved so much.

He and Brooke had only been married a short time when he was taken from their lives. They would have celebrated their second anniversary September 16 ,2008.

We need to remember all of the players who have had misfortunes this off season.
Jason Baird who was burned in a off season job. He is at home now & going to 8 hours
of therapy a day. Les Borshiem who is paralyzed & struggling to regain some mobility
for independence. We all are one big family.

Andrew Martin : Scorpions All Star Goaltender .

2008-10-19T20:41:00.003-06:00

Andrew Martin played Goaltender for the New Mexico Scorpions of the Central Hockey
League in 2007-2008 & is returning for the 2008-2009 season.

Here is his HockeyDb link.
http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid%5B%5D=77792

How long have you played hockey Andrew ?

- I’ve played 11 years of ice hockey going into my 12th. I started playing roller hockey when I was 12 and ice when I started high school at 14.

I read that you played football in Texas.

-I played quarterback in 8th and 9th grade…only on the B team though.

You played hockey in Texas. People don't think about hockey in Texas.
How did you get to be a goalie ?

-I wasn’t a great center and took too many penalties. The goalie on my team quit half way though a season and we had to rotate through playing goal. They wouldn’t let me quit even though I did not want to be a goalie…good thing everyone else made me stick it out looking back now!

How different is play in the CHL from college ?

-College was too much chaos. Plus there were no fights in college.
*side note , Andrew will take a poke at a guy in his crease.*

What is your the biggest or most challenging goal ?

-Making it to the NHL.

What were your best & worst moments in the CHL ?

-Anytime I give up more than 5 goals. There was a weekend last season when we gave up more goals in 3 games than we did the entire 8 game winning streak…Saw the red light too much for my own good.

How much better a goalie are you after your first year in the CHL ?

-So far every year has been 10 times better than the year before, so I would have to saw 20 times better. I think I understand parts of the game better learning from successes and failures the season before.

What were you thinking during your first shut out against the Colorado Rage ?

-“We are up by 10 goals…don’t give up 11.”
* side note: When I asked Marty about his shut out that night after the game. He said
"I saw there was 45 seconds I thought , Surely I can't screw this up."

What are your game day superstitions ?

-Just try to stay relaxed and try not to think of superstitions as controls to how the game will go. I got over them after awhile and just realized I am at my best when I have no worries.

What is your favorite game day meal?

-Usually chicken parm with pasta.

Do you like having contact with fans?

-Yes, I do because I enjoy making the fans happy off the ice so they will take it easy on me on the ice…ha-ha! It also helps when you have supportive fans that give so much which gives guys like me have this opportunity to live out my dream.

What was your favorite game?
Does the All-Star Game count?...I enjoy playing Texas, since I get to see my family and high school friends. They come out and form a Martin section in the corner of the Brahmas new rink which was actually where I played Midget AAA my senior year of high school.

What are your favorite & worst games?

-Favorite game…probably the 3-2 overtime victory over the Thunder last year which was also my first seven game win streak.
-Worst…the game in Arizona when they scored 5 goals in the second period after we lead 2-1 going into the period.

Who on the team last year was the biggest help to you ?

-Mike Minard was a big help to my mental approach to the game. Any time you can be around a player with NHL experience you pay attention to every little detail in their game on and off the ice. I had the privilege of being around him everyday and learning from his habits. He was a great person to bounce of positive and negative experiences I went through last year and helped me find my game.

What will be the biggest change with you being the returning goalie this season ?

-I will be looked upon as a player who has been in the league for 3 years and has seen what it takes to be a good team, a bad team, and a great team. I will have to be a good teammate and leader and take advantage of what I have learned the last few seasons and keep in mind I have much much, more to learn this year.

What do you expect from yourself and the team your second year in New Mexico ?

-I expect to be a better goaltender, knowing the ups and downs a season brings and to stay physically and mentally sharp. The team and I must work hard all the time thanks to memories of a playoff exit. We expect nothing less than what we accomplished last year.

Rillas Kudos

2008-10-18T13:28:00.002-06:00

There were 2 small kids standing by the entrance to the ice for the away
team. They were maybe 4 or 5 years old. I thought they had Scorps jerseys on. You know the ones that were give aways.

They stood there with their little hands out waiting for bumps and everyone
of the Ama guys bumped them as they went on the ice.

Their little faces were so lit up. Grins from ear to ear.
The little ones don't care what color the jersey they just see hockey players.
I have seen players from other teams not be so nice.
It's part of what makes hockey so great. Seeing things like this.

Congrats to the Rillas for being nice to 2 little kids who might not remember
this. But I won't forget.

I also met Mark Black from Amarillo.
He is a really nice guy & we chatted a lot about hockey.
He is a well spoken , smart guy with a great sense of humor.
As usual players not playing are itching to get out there.
He was chomping at the bit to be on the ice.
He is a big drink of water , standing 6'5".

Hockey in September .

2008-09-10T02:24:00.005-06:00

Scorpions fanz!
Who is this masked man ?

Hockey in New Mexico : The off season.

2008-08-11T00:34:00.001-06:00

Pictures: Andy Smale & Jamie Herrington , Peter Kennedy , Rob Guinn
It seems that we will have Jamie Herrington with us this year. He played with us in 06-07.
It will be nice to have my favorite singing Scorpion back.
I am glad your back Herry.

Dominic Osman is going to be playing with the Komets. Good luck Dom. You will be
missed here.

Kevin Harvey is off to the Komets. Good luck Kevin.

Jason Tapp from the Rays will be playing for the Komets. If goalies don't count against the
Vets rule as I was told. Someone in the CHL should have been smart enough to sign him.

Vlady Hartinger is off to Italy & I hope he makes it back should we make the playoffs.

Rob Guinn's death makes me ponder life. I hope that the Scorpions organization does
something for the educational fund for his daughter Olivia. He was our Captain & his
memory deserves the respect he got in life. Keep Brooke in your prayers.

Jason Baird is making great progress since his horrible accident. Keep him in your prayers.

We are all one big family. You never know how much you can count on them till you need them.

Hockey in New Mexico

2008-08-07T01:54:00.002-06:00

Well it almost hockey season & there are changes in the air.
Unsung hero that won't be returning.
Some Fan favorites that won't be returning,
Old Scorpions that are returning.

Each new season brings ups & downs for the fan.
Players that smile & say the P.C. thing.
It's all part of the dance that is hockey.

A poem by Heather Current

2008-07-04T16:08:00.002-06:00

This poem was written by Heather Current.
She gave permission to use it.

Hockey Players

Tommy , Tommy is so fine
Cacciola just blows my mind.

Skiehar is nice & sweet
Doninic Osman loves to eat.

Jay Holiday lives to smile
Aaron MacInnis just walked down the isle

Conrad Reeder is consistent
Chris Robertson is assistant

Andrew Smale is easy to sight
Kevin Harvey LOVES to fight

Andrew Martin is quick , Holy Moly !
Mike Minard is our other goalie

All the others shine
Randy Murphy coaches all the players down the line.

Sylvian Michaud in NM.

2008-06-10T23:48:00.002-06:00

The New Mexico Scorpions of the Central Hockey League announced they have signed Sylvain Michaud. The 6 foot one inch, 188 pound goalie comes from Le Gardaur, Quebec , Canada.

The 23 year old goalie was a number 9 round draft choice of the New York Islanders in 2004. He was number 276 overall draft pick.

He played in Drummondville from 2001-02 till 2004-05. His 3rd year there he played
53 games. He was 22-23-7 that year. He faced 292 goals , his save percentage was.908. He was traded to Rouyn Noranda mid season where he played 29 games . He had a 17-7-3 season there with 303 goals against .

Sylvain's career moved to Chicoutimi in 2005-06 where he played and had a 30 -12 record. Here he had 4 shut outs for the season. His team gave Patrick Roy fits. The rivalry between the 2 teams was very intense.

Sylvain played at the University of Quebec at Trois Riveres in 2006-07 . There he
a GAA of 2.15 and a .913 save percentage.

Here in New Mexico he might start out as a back up goalie but with hard work
he could share the ice with Andrew Martin. I am looking forward to seeing him
adjust & grow into a even better goalie.

A new Season

2008-06-09T01:37:00.005-06:00

Here are pictures of Vladimer Hartinger , Aaron McInnis & Andrew Martin . Our returning players. Billy McCreary is pictured in the article before this one.
History in the making folks. LOL Players signed before September. What is the world
coming too? Some people are such asses.

In fact Welcome to all the resigned Scorpions. I am looking forward to the other
players that haven't been announced yet. I am crossing my fingers for a few more
of my favorites getting resigned.

Corpus Christi isn't going to have hockey this year. I will miss my hockey friends there. Geno Parrish , Adam Hogg , Adam Powell , Brad Smith ( former Scorpion ) &
one of my favorite Goalies Jason Tapp.

Austin Icebats , according to the Central Hockey League won't be in operation next year. I have heard that some players aren't looking for teams yet because they
haven't heard from the owners when I last talked to them. Jason Tessier , RG Flath & Miguel Beaudry will be looking for teams.

The Youngstown Steelhounds are going to a different league. Former Scorpions Chris
Richards , Jeff Alcombrack & David Simoes , Jeff Genovy will be in another league or
look to get back to a CHL team.

There will be a new team in South Dakota. The Rush. They will be getting players from
each team to help fill their first year rosters.

I look forward to the start of the new season and getting to know the new players
as well as being happy to see old friends. Hopefully the price of gas won't stop
me from going on some road trips to see my hockey friends that live away from New
Mexico.

Would you believe it!

2008-05-29T18:51:00.002-06:00

Well it's only May 29th 2008 & The Scorpions have 3 players signed. How can this be?
People on the Scorpions boards say this doesn't happen till September. Looks like
someone was full of shit. LOL

Welcome back to Vladimer Hartinger , Andrew Martin & Billy McCreary!
There will be a warm welcome for this trio of players from last year.
Andrew Martin will be a 2nd year rookie. My guess is he will improved from last year.
Vladimer Hartinger was our Captain & I look forward to that repeating this season.
Billy McCreary was a welcomed addition to the defensive corp & my guess is he will
Play even better this 08-09 season.

Welcome back to New Mexico all of you.

Life in the off season & other thoughts.

2008-05-22T23:32:00.002-06:00

For a hockey lover nothing is worse than the off season. Players want to play & fans want to watch.
Fans scan emails , websites & MySpace to glean any news of the season to come.

We are waiting for the favorites to return, waiting to see what rookies will appear. Hating the league for
it's stupid "Vet" rules. Who is a favorite for some may not be for others.

We wait to see what "enforcers" will protect our boys. Will there be Coaching changes? Who will be our
Captain?

Owners change , GM changes , teams fold , teams struggle. Ticket prices , barn food , the price of beer.
Can't smoke in the barn , the price of jerseys, auctions , tailgates & taking pictures.

Hockey is the greatest sport ever.
Now the NHL'ers are playing for "The Cup". Lord Stanley's Cup is the oldest trophy in professional sports.
Last year I got to see it and touch it. The names appearing in each ring , representing years gone by. It
gave me chill bumps. Over a year later I still get choked up thinking about the players who struggled so hard
& gave their all to earn the right to hoist that Cup over their heads.

Every player as a boy dreams of that moment. Skating with that Cup held over his head. Every player in every
league has had that dream.

The fans have that dream for their favorite players. Dave Andrechuck played 22 season in the NHL before he
won The Cup. To dream so long & then finally able to savor the pure joy of that last win. Then there is no
pain ! Just happiness.

Minor League Hockey

2008-01-15T20:29:00.000-07:00

There is hockey outside the NHL. There are smaller leagues where guys are living the dream.
There is the Central Hockey League, that covers an area from Youngstown Ohio to Corpus Christi Texas. From Broomfield Colorado to Prescott Valley Arizona. Most of Texas has a team or had a team in the CHL.
Yes , Bunkie New Mexico has a hockey team. Rio Rancho New Mexico is home of the New Mexico
Scorpions.
The Scorpions started in Albuquerque 11 years ago. They played in Tingley Coliseum an old metal building that had rodeos & monster trucks shows . But that didn't stop an average of 4,000 plus people from coming for every game.
The players come from Canada , The Czech Republic , Slovakia , Boston, Michigan and anywhere else. They love playing hockey. They are living their dream. They aren't working on the farms or in the factories. They work hard to hone their skills , spend long hours in buses on road trips and entertain the fans home & away.

We have players on our team who have family who have played in the NHL. There are a few rare players from our league
who have made it to the Show. At least for a few game. They had that spark & their love of the game still burns bright.

Check out the smaller league hockey teams in your area and enjoy hockey live & at a price that won't bankrupt your budget like an NHL game would. You can meet the players at team functions &
get to know & appreciate how hard they work & how much they share your love of hockey.

Spread the work & lets get some more poeple loving the game.

Carey Price : The Goaltender of future. 4

2008-01-07T15:55:00.000-07:00

I think Carey has played very well for a young rookie. I hope that with this year of experience he will get better
and better. It's nice to see a young guy come into the NHL from Juniors & play so well.

His last 5 outs haven't been his best. I hope he gets back in a groove or he will be back in the AHL.

Carey Price has 19 games played 9 wins 7 losses
His last 5 games he has 2 wins 2 losses 1 pull
He has averaged 30 shots against.

W L GAA Sv % GA SHA
Jan 5, 2008 Washington 0 0 5.00 0.828 5 29
Dec 23, 2007 Dallas 0 1 4.0 0.810 4 21
Dec 18, 2007 Florida 0 1 3.10 0.900 3 30
Dec 15, 2007 Toronto 1 0 1.02 0.966 1 29
Dec 13, 2007 Philadelphia 1 0 1.02 0.968 1 31

Jason Tapp 58 saves

2007-12-16T14:53:00.003-07:00

December 13, 2007
Jason Tapp had a hell of a game stopping 58 of 60 shots on goal.
They were playing the Arizona Sundogs. A team that has been hard to beat.
At this writing 23-16-6-1

I wish I could have been there to see this game. It must have been like watching "The Big Unit" throw
a no hitter. Gives me goose bumps just thinking about it.

Congrats Tapper on a great game.
Best of luck to you on your season.

Scorpions v/ Bees 12/15/07

2007-12-16T13:42:00.000-07:00

It's rare to see 7 goals scored in a game. But The Scorpions scored 7 in the first period. They scored 3 goals in 5 minutes on a talented Goalie from the Killer Bees named Jeff Van Nynatten. The Goalie change at 5:40 of the first period didn't help much.
David Lemanowicz took over and got 7 goals scored on him total. Lemanowicz held the Scorpions scoreless in the 2nd period.

Andrew Martin stopped 21 of 24 shots on goal. He played an excellent game & had help from his defense corp.
Martin is the number eight Goalie in the League with a GAA of 2.59 and a save percentage of .918.
He has been playing very well in his first year in the CHL.

Here is the link to the game sheet.http://www.pointstreak.com/prostats/gamesheet_full.html?gameid=534434

Craig MacDonald scored his first hat trick in the CHL.
Konrad Reeder had 6 assists in this game.
Andy Smale had 2 goals & an assist.
Vladimar Hartinger , team Captain, had 2 goals & an assist.

The Scorpions played well & deserve the win. They should feel good beating the number 2 team in the South East division
of the Central Hockey League. The Killer Bees have some talented player & the took the loss hard.

Scorps 2 game road trip to Odessa

2007-12-09T17:22:00.000-07:00

I was in Odessa for 2 games.
I guess they are still having trouble with the ice. That makes it harder to skate on.
The Boys split the Jack's home stand.

Game one , we won. In OT shoot out.
It was a very good game. The excitement of watching the Tenders pit
them against the shooters is so exciting. Minard & Gorman were very good.
Each team worked at getting shots Odessa had more in the 1st , NM more in the 2nd.

The Scorps first goal was by Dominic Osman : asst by Erik Johnson & Ray Ortiz
The next goal by Vladimir Hartinger : asst Konras Reeder & Mitch Stephens
Both of theses were in the 2nd period.
The Scorps scored 2 goals in the 3rd period The first was the 2nd goal by Dominic Osman : asst
by Aaron MacInnis & Craig MacDonald. The 2nd , the 2nd goal by Vladamir Hartinger : asst by Reeder
& Stephens again.
The result was a 4-4 tie.

In the shoot out the Scorps won by Ray Ortiz , Mitch Stephens & Michael Kolarz.

Aaron MacInnis scored his 100th point of his carrer & Michael Kolarz got his first GWG !
Congrats to both.

The second game we just didn't step up our play when we needed too.
The rookie Tender for the Jacks played very well. Vincent is a big kid at 6'4" , 214 & just turned 21. If he keeps it up he will only get better as the season rolls along.
The Scorps only Goal was scored by Andy Smale : asst by Erick Johnson & Jay Holladay.

If anyone you want to make a road trip of it go to Odessa. It's a friendly barn. Don't act like a horses ass and they will
treat you well. If you act like a horses ass don't tell em you heard about their barn from me.

Scorpions 13 games in.

2007-11-19T23:33:00.000-07:00

The Scorpions have played 13 games now. We have a couple of newer guys I have been keeping an eye on. And the returning Vets & tweeners. They are 7-5-1 and have one shutout.
Konrad Reeder is our leading scorer. He is like "Cool Hand Luke" He just digs in & smiles. He is the guy who just tries harder when you mess with him. Conrats to KR & his wife on their new baby. Dominic Osman is our 2 guy. He is very intense on the ice & a really nice guy. Jay Holladay is a really nice guy. He has had some good games. He can be everywhere pushing the other team. Then there is our beloved Kevin Harvey. He has improved his level of play so much his second year with us. He has matured & doesn't go wild man like he used too. He knows that the Refs will call things on him even if he doesn't start it.
There is Ross McCain & Blair Stayzer . Mature players who don't get rattled & who add layers of experience to a team with
so many rookies.

There is one singing goalie , He is pretty good & way funny. MIke Minard
There is one shut out goalie. Not the same guy as above. *wink* Andrew Martin
They had 2 mohawk guys , now they are down to one. We miss you TK. Kevin Harvey & Tommy Kotopolous
They have had some sucess & it seems like the boys are getting the hang of each other.
There are guys who love hockey & are trying hard to do their best. It's fun to watch when it working. And the hope for better is just a few steps way.
Here is too more good hockey !

Gorillas / Scorps.

2007-11-17T11:49:00.000-07:00

This was a hard fought game.
The rillas knocked the net off & didn't even get a call. It wasn't the goalie this time.

Jay Holladay was on fire. He was all over the place. Pushing the rillas back on their
heels. He may have not gotten a point but he sure made a point.

The big fight was started because the rillas boarded KR & while he was sitting on the
ice trying to figure out what happened hell broke loose. There was a huge pile up.

Who ever was fighting David Simoes pulled the fighting strap off his jersey. The
ref looked & couldn't give him the "toss" cause it was still attached to his belt.
It was a a classic look. He just shook his head & dropped it back on to Davids backside.
LOL

The Scorps won in OT.
It was a hellva game.

Will add pictures later.

Photos from home games.

2007-11-11T21:40:00.000-07:00

Top : Andrew Martin
Mike MInard
Scorps Gorillas
Blair Styzer

Carey Price : The Goaltender of future. 3

2007-11-04T12:31:00.000-07:00

The Rookie has a few games under his belt. He has done pretty well.
He has a toughness mentally and despite his young age he is playing very well.
He has 2 wins : against the Pens.
one loss in a shoot out. : against Atlanta
one loss : against Ottowa

His GAA is 2.65 / GA 11 / 117 saves.
Save % .906

Carey played the Briuns & won another game. Nov 8 07
In 5 starts he has 3 wins , one loss , one OTL
His GAA is 2.33
save % .918
Goals against 12
Saves 146

As of 12-17-07
Carey has played 16 games. He has 16 games with 9 wins 5 losses
His GAA is 2.70
His save percentage is .916
Goals against 43
Saves 509

He has played with poise so far. He will be better as the season goes on.
He plays calm & inspires his his teamates.

He stopped 30 shots against the Leaf's December 15 for a win,
Carey has won 2 games against the Leafs this year.
With more than half of the season left the Habs could turn their season
around. Carey Price will be able to help.

Pictures from Oddessa. October '07'

2007-10-27T23:32:00.000-06:00

I didn't have a lot but enjoy.

Scorps home opener.

2007-10-21T13:39:00.000-06:00

Andrew Martin 2007-08
New Mexico Scorpions

The new season starts for the Scorpions with many changes. Unlike some teams who have so many returning players the Scorpions don't. We have 6 returning players on a 17 man roster. Things take time to settle in and for them to get a feel for each other on the ice. The Scorpions opened their season at home against the Laredo Bucks.
The first game against the Bucks we got schooled. There was a lack of defensive effort & we needed help in goal. An 8 -2 loss is hard to take. We now have enforcers who will keep the Goons off our Boys. That's one good thing. But almost a moot point when loosing so badly. While we all know that the referees can't see everything having them for an opponent is another matter. When I talked to the Scorpion players after the game they realized that their performance was lacking. There will be another chance to step up & gain some momentum in a positive direction.
The second game was a much better showing. The final result the same. Having the defense show up was a major factor in keeping the scoring against the Scorpions down. The Goaltender still seems to have a problem with getting scored on when he goes down. I was told by a Scorpions player that he had a long off season from the end of his season in Ireland. They both feel that he will improve with play. I wish I could have taken a picture of the stunned looks on the Bucks at the end of the first period. The Scorps lead the Bucks 3-0. The Scorpions played a really good first periond. The Bucks are not the kind of team to just give up & the game ended in a 4-4 tie at the end of regulation. With 2:58 left in OT the Bucks scored. While loosing is never easy, it was a boost for the Scorpions knowing that they played one of the best teams in the Central Hockey League as well as they did this early in the season.

There was an after the game gathering at a local establishmet. The Boys got to meet & mingle with their fans. It's part of what makes CHL hockey so much fun. I talked to Andy Smale about the lack of our Captain being on the ice. He said that
"Vlady (Vladimer Hartinger) brings not only experience & wisdom but heart." Very good qualities for a Captain.
We have guys like Tommy Kotsopoulos , David Simoes , Blair Stayzer ,Shawn Skiehar , Ross McCain , guys who make the
Scorpions tougher and create sparks.
We have 2 new Goalies , Mike Minard & Andrew Martin. I have yet to see the resuls I have hoped for but it is early in the
season.

The Scorpions : 2007

2007-10-21T10:52:00.000-06:00

From top to bottom
Vlady Hartinger
Michael Kolarz
Andrew Martin
The Scorpions have a lot of really nice guys on the team. They love hockey & are working at becoming more
in tune with each other.
There is Michael Kolarz from the Chezch Republic. He is a very nice guy. He started playing hockey at age 4.
He started playing defence at age 8 because he could skate backwards fast. lol
Vlady Hartinger is our Captain this year, He Just skated his 200th game as a Scorpion. A milestone that was announced
during the 2nd period. I was very happy for him. He is a good man & a good defense man.
Andrew Martin is a good Goalie and nice guy, I love to watch him in net. He comes fron Texas & can be seen with his
Longhorns cap on in bench.

Scorps for 07-08 season.

2007-10-16T02:57:00.000-06:00

Here are a few pictures from hardware store
From top to bottom.....
Vlady Hartinger ( Captain )
Blair Stayzer
Coach Murphy
Mike Minard (Goalie)
Kevin Harvey
A herd of Hockey players.

Scorps camp 3

2007-10-16T00:28:00.000-06:00

I am sorry to be so slow.
The team really seems to be coming together.
The game in Oddessa was a good measuring stick , I think.
We now have enforcers that will keep our rookies from getting
the crap beat out of them,

Scorpions Camp 2

2007-10-11T19:35:00.000-06:00

I will be glad to know who every one is.
The guy in the red shirt is cute.

The goalie with no helmet is Minard . ( I do believe.)

Scorpions Camp

2007-10-11T14:49:00.000-06:00

The Boys are coming together.
As one might suspect I was watching the "netties" carefully.

Matt Frick

2007-10-04T18:44:00.000-06:00

I had 2 interviews with Matt Fricks father Bob Frick.
For the record Matt Frick was taken advantage by this team and treated like yesterdays trash.
VERY UNCOOL .
The following post came from the CHL Forums. By Matt Fricks father.

Matt made the unfortunate mistake of signing a document at his exit interview last Spring stating he was "OK" when he, his coach, the trainer, the owner himself, and the team doctor knew that was not the case. Matt has learned several valuable lessons from this debacle. First, you must read what you sign and had he noted that he wasn't fully recovered from an on-ice injury, all of this might have been avoided.
Matt injured his lower back several weeks before the end of the regular season, received several injections, and was given a "cocktail" 1-1/2 hours before games. He played in a great deal of pain for an extended period of time.
The team doctor examined him, took X-rays (which were negative) and daignosed him with a muscle or nerve problem. He told Matt to rest for a few months, start building up his workout routine, and then test it on the ice. Matt followed the doctors orders. When he treid skating ahrd, the pain returned. He and I contacted the scorps and were instructed to get an MRI and were given the Fax number for the doctor to fax the invoice to. Then, as Matt puts it, the Scorps pulled the rug out from under him by saying that they would not pay for the MRI. In addition, we were told that the owner didn't want to bring Matt to camp if he was injured. Matt was, therefore, caught in a revolving door. He had signed his contract before coming home for the summer, he was still trying to recover from an injury that occcurred last season, but his team wouldn't pay to find out what the problem was. I have enough experience with back injuries to know that if the X-rays don't show anything, trying a chiropractor isn't a bad way to go. The first visit to the chiropractor revealed that Matt's hips were knocked out of alignment. The first thing any "Orthopod" I've ever been to checked this out first. Matt has been undergoing aggressive treatment, has been doing the prescribed therapy, and is responding as anticipated.
Matt asked for and has been granted his unconditional release making him a free agent. I confirmed that the CHL office has received this from the Scorps.
The bottom line is that the apple doesn't fall far from the tree, and loyalty is something that runs deep in the Frick family. Matt was deeply hurt that, after playing in pain for so long, his team hung him out to dry. He was especially shocked that Dave Ellett, a former player, would say that he had hurt his back after he left the team for the summer. He knows better, because he was on the ice with Matt in practices and saw how he struggled. It's uinfortunate that a club would treat it's players, especially one who has been as loyal as Matt, not much better than Mike Vick treated his dogs.......another lesson learned.
If anyone has any specific questions or comments, please feel free to e-mail me at fricker88@msn.com.

Bob Frick : part two : the Scout & Coach.

2007-09-27T16:45:00.000-06:00

This is the second part of a interview with Bob Frick.
He is the father of Matt Frick who plays in the Central Hockey League.

Bob how long did you Scout?
I started out scouting with the Compuware Tier II Junior "A" team. I served as the Director of Player Development and played an active role in our pre-draft meetings and sat at the draft table numerous times. With my son, Matt, playing prep school hockey back east and my knowledge of Eastern college hockey, I was a "natural" to become a bird dog for college programs. Colleges have limited resources and the NCAA recruiting rules restrict the number of times a coach can watch a player, so the bird dog fills in the blanks about a players character, any "issues", parent, brothers playing, etc. I was very active until Matt went to college to play (Lake Superior State) in 1997, but to this day may get a call from a coach back east to research a prospect.

I was recruited to scout for USA Hockey in the early stages before the National Development Program was established in Ann Arbor, MI, then migrated into working for junior "A" teams and doing independent scouting. A part of me scouts even today.

What do you look for in a skater and a Goalie?

I watch edges a lot. For a D-man I look to make sure they can pivot from front to back in both directions. I look at their confidence on their skates and how solid they are. For example, Mike York, the Michigan State player who has had a good NHL career played with Matt as an underage Mite. He was a year younger than the players he was playing with, but impossible to ride off the puck. He's the same way today. Also, at the end of our first practice we had a shootout. Mike tried four or five different moves, which was "special" for seven year old. BTW, the goalie he was shooting at was special too. At the start of the practice the head coach (I was one of the two assistants) asked me to warm up one of the goalies. I started by sliding pucks to the corners of the net. Remember, he's only eight years old. He immediately butterflied post to post!!!! His name was Brent Johnson, his dad was NHL goalie Bob Johnson and his grandfather the great Sid Abel. he's now backup tender for Washington. I don't do much goalie scouting, referring that to goalie guru's.

What three traits do you look for in a player?

Obviously, first is skills - skating, shot, etc.
Second is character - does he mix it up, does he shy away from contact, can you read his body language when the games on the line, I.e. is he standing up, ready to go and determine the outcome of the game?
Last is leadership qualities. When Matt was 12 and playing for what would become the Pee Wee National Championship Little Ceasars AAA team, a visiting coach went to one of Matt's practices at Melvindale Arena. He didn't know any player except Matt. He watched players file in, watched them interact at video games, watched "free time" on the ice before practice started, and watched the entire practice. At the end of the practice he told me, with one 100% accuracy, the team leaders, the players with "the heart of a hunter" and the kids that could cause problems. It amazed me as much then as it does today.

Would you have picked someone with natural talent or someone who has to work harder to play well?

Good question, and it all depends on the needs of the team I'm assembling. usually, your first picks are for your skill players, the gifted scorer, the playmakers, the offensive D-man, etc. As the depth chart is filled out, you look for the role players who will ultimately be the "glue" that holds a line or the team together. You can't have three undersized, super skilled center on the same line cuz nobody will go into the corner and get the puck.
Over the years, the most enjoyable players for me to coach have been the players who refuse to lose. As a coach, nothing can be more frustrating to lose a close game and know that one or more of your players didn't come to play. A cute example was what I did with a very talented Pee wee AA team that I coached and Brian played on. We had a strong nucleus of players with AAA, a great goalie, and were looking forward to a big season. In one of our first exhibition games, I knew we were in trouble in the locker room. my No. 1 D-man only had one skate, another player forgot his sticks, and the buzz was about everything except hockey. Not surprisingly, we got waxed. Later that weekend I was at a practice with Matt when I noticed a flyer looking for games with Midget A teams. The team was the Falcon's women's team!!! Perfect!!! The Falcon's also were a AAA club, so when I put out the announcement that we were playing the Falcons in an exhibition game, it didn't raise any eyebrows. However, when the players started showing up and looked at locker room assignments, they were shocked to see we were playing a girls team. Obviously, questions were flying.......can we check, can we take slap shots, should we be "nice"? They the "ladies" started filing in..... jeans & sweatshirt, tattoos, missing teeth, these weren't "typical" women. We had to work hard for a one goal win with our goalie being the difference. In the locker room afterwards I asked, "why do you think we played this team?" 'Ol one skate, our flaky defenseman immediately blurted out "you gotta come to play every night, no matter who you're playin' "...it carried over for the entire season.

With my last pick I always picked a player with "the heart of a hunter" or the preverbal late bloomer who can develop to go to the next level

Tell me about people that you scouted that went on to be professional.
Wow.....it's a pretty long list. I started my scouting career when my oldest son, Brian went to the Octoberfest as an eight year old Squirt Major with the Compuware AAA team. I had never been to a AAA tournament before, never been to a kids event in Canada (Kitchner) so it was all new for me. I know that Canada was the primary feeder of players to the NHL, so I said, if I'm going to be here, I might as well see how well I can pick future pros. The first team I watched was the Toronto Marlies. They had this big lug of a D-man who scored four or five goals and totally dominated the game. His head was down, he was a coast-to-coast one man band. I scouted him again at the holday tournament in Ottawa and his head was up and he had four or five assists. His name - Eric Lindros. (not a bad start, eh?). Brian played against Eric for several years.
Michael Peca was on several of those Toronto teams. I was with the Compuware Junior program when we had three 16 year old centers that became NHL players; Lindros, who refused to report to The Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds when drafted in the OHL draft, Pat Peake, a local player who's career was ended by a shattered heal while playing for the Washington Caps, and Brian Rolston, another local player who grew up in the AAA ranks with Brian. Rolston played two years at lake State, scored the winning goal in the NCAA Championship game, and then joined the new Jersey Devils and won a Stanley Cup all in the same year!!!

I also watched/scouted Matt's opponents at the 1993 World Tournament in Quebec. They played Quebec in the finals and I watched Matt go one-one-one with Briere and face J. C. Giguerre!!!

I scouted Todd Marchant when he was with the Niagara Scenics and had an input to Clarkson, where he went before starting his NHL career.

From years and years of scouting, I have no better than a 50% batting average of predicting a players success. At age twelve you can see the skills, at age 15-16 you can see their capacity to handle the physical aspects, but so much is in their desire to sacrifice to max out their talents. A prime example is Brian Rafalski, who is Brian's age. he was never the top defenseman on youth teams, blossomed in college (Wisconsin) and still drew no NHL interest because of his size (5'7"???). He played several years in Europe until "discovered" by NJ Devils GM Lou Lammeriallo (sp?). He was at a game to watch another player and returned to the US beaming about his "discovery". Whe he told his scouts of his find, they chuckled and said, "Lou, we've been telling you about him for years". he has gone on to be Scott Stevens partner for years and now is with his home town team, the Detroit Red Wings.

You told me that you watch a game 2 ways. Can you give me the details of the differences?

I watch the game as a scout, sometimes taking notes, where I focus on a particular player or two. If on a scouting assignment, I might not even know the final score of the game. I watch the player in warm-ups, on the bench, in the penalty box, and see the game situations where he is used.
Then, I can watch the game as a parent or fan. I can focus on Matt, watch the other teams strategy and report to a coach, or just sit back and enjoy the game. At Red Wing games, I am the ultimate fan, watching both teams and hoping for a competitive and exciting game.
Winning a specific game never has been that important to me as a parent or a coach. Winning the right game is vital! I have pissed off parents of my team when I was coaching for applauding a good play by an opponent. Ultimately, I am a fan of good, hard, clean hockey.

HOCKEY RESUME: R. C. (BOB) FRICK
COACHING:

1984/86/88 AHAUS ASSOCIATE/INTERMEDIATE/ADVANCED LEVEL CLINICS

1981-84 HEAD COACH - BIRMINGHAM & BLOOMFIELD HILLS HOUSE TEAMS

1984-85 HEAD COACH - BIRMINGHAM BEARS SQUIRT AA (STATE CHAMPIONS)

1985-86 HEAD COACH - COMPUWARE MITE AAA (MNHL)

1986-87 HEAD COACH - BIRMINGHAM BENGALS PEE WEE AA

1986-87 ASSISTANT COACH - GPD MITE AAA (MNHL)

1987-89 HEAD COACH - MICHIGAN TRAVELERS SQUIRT MAJOR AAA (MNHL)

1988-89 ASSâ€™T COACH - WARREN BLUES BANTAM AA (NATIONAL CHAMPIONS)

1989-91 ASSâ€™T COACH - WARREN BLUES MIDGET AA (STATE CHAMPIONS)

ADMINISTRATION, PLAYER DEVELOPMENT, & SCOUTING:

1982 - PRESENT PRESIDENT - BLOOMFIELD HILLS HOCKEY ASSOCIATION (BHHA)

1984-85 VICE PRESIDENT - BIRMINGHAM HOCKEY ASSOCIATION

1985-88 TRAVEL HOCKEY DIRECTOR - BIRMINGHAM HOCKEY ASSOCIATION

1985-90 DIRECTOR - MICHIGAN TRAVELERS HOCKEY CLUB (MNHL)

1988-93 DIRECTOR - PLAYER DEVELOPMENT - COMPUWARE TIER II JR â€œAâ€ (NAHL)

1992 -93 CO-MANAGER - LITTLE CAESARS BANTAM MAJOR AAA (MNHL)

1993-95 COLLEGE LIAISON - MICHIGAN NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE (MNHL)

1994-1997 REGION SCOUT - USA HOCKEY PLAYER DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM

1995-1997 DIRECTOR OF PLAYER DEVELOPMENT - SAGINAW GEARS & GAYLORD GRIZZLIES, TIER II JUNIOR â€œAâ€ (NAHL)

1997-1998 SCOUT - WATERLOO BLACKHAWKS JUNIOR â€œAâ€ CLUB (USHL)

1990-PRESENT INDEPENDENT SCOUT - â€BIRD DOGâ€ - NUMEROUS COLLEGE programs

Bob Frick : part one the player

2007-09-19T10:39:00.000-06:00

Bob Frick is the father of Scorpions defenseman Matt Frick.
He has years of experience coaching & scouting for different teams & leagues.
He has been my online teacher. I want to thank him for increasing my hockey knowledge.
I thank him for the time he has spent on his computer to help me with my hockey education & and the interview for my blog.

Bob what postion did you play? What league?
I was a D-man or a center. I played HS & prep school in the early 60's in Massachusetts. I have the "M" states that produce US hockey players covered. My dad, who played at West Point, and mom are both from Minnesota. I grew up in Massachusetts, and my two boys in Michigan.

How long did you play? Why did you stop ?
I started skating when I was three, and played well into my fifties. I was stopped by a lateral muscle pull in my stomach caused when I was leaving the ice after a shift, skating slowly, and my inside edge caught a rut. Just the right angle at the wrong time.

What were your strengths as a player?
I was not a gifted skater, not a very hard shooter, but loved to mix it up. Most games I was assigned to play against the other teams top line and my job was to frustrate them and shut them down. I took it very personally, and obviously, there's always a "faster gun" so I was not happy when we lost and I couldn't contain a bigger/faster/better player.

What were your biggest challenges as a player?
The biggest challenge in my game was the same as it was in real life - funneling my energy into something positive instead of losing my cool, getting in trouble (penalty box), and hurting my team. Managing my aggressive personality was as much a challenge in sports as it was in business or on the bench as a coach. Overcoming mono in my senior year of high school was a challenge I never overcame.

What are the biggest changes you have seen in hockey?
Probably the biggest change is the evolution of the defenseman into an integral part of the offense. When I started playing, the D-man stayed at home, got the puck up to the forwards and coasted to the offensive blue line. First came Bobby Orr, then the European style of making the D-man the fourth man in a rush or the trailor on the play.

Equipment obviously has changed dramatically. I remember when we first got our hands on curved sticks. We spent practice shooting at the clock on the wall, at the end of the rink, fifty rows up. We were down 2-0 in our first game using them. After one period, they were replaced by straight sticks and the novelty wore off.

Tell me about players you have met or played with?
I really haven't met too many famous people. I met Bobby Orr on summer in *North Bay. We had a line from *NB play at Clarkson and Bobby Orr is a year younger than those guys so they knew him. He was shy, quiet, and very poised.
My hero growing up was Bobby Hull and I met him one September at Clarkson when Hull, Stan Makita, and Kenny Wharam came thru to see one of the *NB guys. I also watched the Black Hawks practice at Boston Garden and watched as Hull turned a pane of glass to dust with his shot.

Carey Price : The Goaltender of future.

2007-09-16T00:47:00.000-06:00

Carey Price is a name not many have heard of yet. But if he continues to play as has started his career everyone
will know his name. Carey is just 20 years old. Born August 18 , 1987 in Vancouver Canada. He is 6 foot 2 inches tall
and weighs 215.

He is proud of his heritage & where he came from. His mother , Lynda Price is the chief of the Ulkatcho First Nation in B.C. His father, Jerry Price was drafted by the Flyers in 1978 but never played in the NHL. One of his cousins is Shane Doan of the
Phoenix Coyotes.

He is being compared to Patrick Roy. He is mature for his age and is mentally tough as Patrick was. His puckhandling skills
are being compared to Martin Brodeur & Marty Turco. His overall skills to that of Ken Dryden. Now that is some pretty lofty company to be compared to.

He played for the Hamilton Bulldogs of the American Hockey League. In his first professional game , April 13 , 2007 , he not
only won the game he only allowed one goal. He stopped 27 of 28 SOG . He was awarded first star of the game.
His teamates call him the real deal & a phenom.

He was the MVP of the Calder Cup playoffs. In his first play off finals game he not only won the game but recorded
a amazing shut out. He stopped all 46 SOG !

He lead team Canada to a Gold Medal in the Juniors World Cup. And was named MVP for the Tournament.

He is the only Goaltender in history to win CHL Goaltender of the Year , The Jack A. Butterfield Trophy : The Calder Cup
MVP , Juniors World Cup MVP in one year.

If he doesn't win the starting role in net he will most likely return to the AHL Hamilton Bulldogs to season his skills & wait
to see if the Habs will start him in the 2008-09 season.

JF Picard : Febuary 20, 2007 interview

2007-09-15T16:32:00.000-06:00

This includes material not used in print before. I think it tells a lot about the men who play hockey
and of this man's feelings for the game he loved.

Jean-Francois Picard He is from St. Remi PQ Quebec. He is 6 foot tall & weighs 215.
He played defense for the Austin Ice Bats.
He has played for several different leagues starting from 1997-98 with Victoriaville Tigers in the QJAHL , WCHL , CHL , UHL , LNAH , QSCHL , SPHL and then back to the CHL again.
He had played 47 games for , 7 G , 9 A for 16 points as I write this.

He was very gracious to call me the morning after a game.
He has a very warm & rich voice with a slight French accent.

Do you like playing in the Central Hockey League?
Picard : The CHL I think it one of the better leagues as far as double "A" leagues.

How does the CHL compare to the Quebec League you played in?
Picard: I was only been there a few months. It's totally different. There it was about the show & mostly the fighting. They have a few goal scorers but like I said it's mostly about the show. If you don't fight you don't get recgonized. The guys who make the most money are the fighters. For me it wasn't the best experience. For me it was so I could stay close to my family. It's a total different game you can't compare.:

How much more physical is the Quebec league compared to the CHL ?
Picard : The CHL isn't even close as far as physical. The guys are way more bigger . bigger ,stronger. It's not as mental a league.

How do you rate your skating skills?
Picard: (laughing) I am a decent skater. Not the fastest. I am decent skater for a guy who is 6 foot 215 pounds . I skate pretty good out there.

How do you rate your puck handling skills?
Picard : I mean , I am not like one of those banging through 5 guys. I am more like get the puck out of the Zone . Make a good first pass. On a scale of one to ten I rate myself a 6. But like I said , that's not my job. My job is to get the puck out of the zone, finish my check , run the power play a little bit , shoot the puck.

What do you think your strengths are?
Picard : My shot would be my strength. My shot for sure. I am kinda like an overall Defense man. I can put some points on the score board ,finish my check , take care of my own zone.

How do you compare the 3 CHL teams you have played for ?
Picard : Wichita was a team in transition. Laredo was an expansion team. A bunch of hard working guys who finished their checks , grind ,bumping & grinding.Like I said bunch of young guys. I won the Cup tournament while I was there. We had a pretty good team.
As for this year. We have a Coach change , We got a pretty good "D"squad. We have 5 or 6 guys who could score 30 goals this season. We have Murphy , Doyle ,
Smegal. We have a good 3rd line. I would say we are a pretty team & might make a good run at the playoffs.

You have some goal tenders too
Picard : Yes , we do have some good goal tenders . One from the AHL and Miguel
(Miguel Beaudry.) There are no surprises there he is a good goalie.If you look at his stats he put up good numbers in the OHL & has done well in the CHL. My job is to help him so we win some more games.

Do you see your self playing in the AHL ?
Picard : As for me I am 27 . They are looking for guys 21-24. So for I am just enjoying my self in the CHL. I have already won a cup but I would like to win another cup before I hang up my skates.

Thank you for calling me back and letting me ask you questions.
Picard : It was my pleasure Robi.

I spoke to JF later He isn't playing hockey in 2007-08 . He has started a real Estate Business.
He said he would think about playing in the playoffs if there was a need for his talents.

Jason Tessier after the regular season.

2007-09-10T03:00:00.000-06:00

Photo courtesy of John Coffin
Jason Tessier RiverKings 06-07 season.

Jason Tessier is from St. Jerome PQ
Born October 28, 1979
He played defense for the Memphis River Kings for the 2006-20007 season. He had 2 g, 22 a (24 t) +1 and 30 PIM in 33 regular season games.
Jason You had a good regular season.
Looking as the team success and my stats the season looked good for me, but personally i am a little dissapointed with my play in the first half, even if i was nominated for the all-star game. I had a bad groin since the 2nd week end and never got better until i was hurt more seriously jan 12th. Then after a 2 months recovery, i felt way better, but my cardio wasnt there at first....

You played well during the playoffs . You played 18 games , had 9 A ,+6 , 24 PIMS.
I think i did a good job defensively during the playoffs against the
other teams big lines. When you play 5-6-7 games against the same team, it's important to be able to shut their best players down offensively. My shooting wasnt really there even if i hit a few post.

How did it feel to get as far as you did in the playoffs ?
I think that we had a good playoff run. The series against Colorado was really close. It was the question of one shift every game, one goal, one bad play or one(or many) bad call by the refs
(game 2, 2 goals disallowed for no reason)
(game 4 overtime goal disallowed cause their player push the net off, no penalty)
(game 6, penalty shot awarded to Tobler for no reason, player wasn't in control of the puck or on a total break away)... but anyway it's all over now, nothing we can do about it.

How much longer will you play in the CHL ?
Well it will depends on(my) contract and if i can get a good situation for the future as well. but i feel like i can play something like 5 more years

Will you stay with Memphis ?
well, too soon to tell right now.
*Jason is now signed with the Austin Icebats of the Central Hockey League

** Jean-Fransois Picard was retiring last I spoke to him. He was starting a real estate business. He said he might considerate playing in the playoffs. it's hard to give up hockey.

2007-09-04T00:30:00.000-06:00

Jean-Francois Picard
Austin Icebats 06-07 season.

Des Québécois dans la Ligue Centrale.

Loin de chez-eux et du grand show de la LNH, après avoir fait leur
apprentissage dans la LHJMQ ou dans les rangs universitaires, certains
joueurs poursuivent leurs carrières dans le Sud des États-Unis pour l’amour du hockey.
J'ai la chance d'écrire sur ces joueurs Québecois qui jouent dans
la Ligue Centrale. Des hommes intéligents qui connaissent le jeu qu'ils jouent et qu'ils aiment. Voici trois d’entre eux.

Jean-Francois Picard de St. Remi QC
6 pieds, 215 livres
Défenseur pour les Ice Bats de Austin.
Il a joué pour plusieurs ligues en débutant par les Tigres de
Victoriaville quelques matchs ensuite dans le junior A, WCHL, CHL, UHL, LNAH, QSCHL, SPHL
Et de retour dans la Ligue Centrale.
Au moment d'écrire ceci, Il avait joué 47 parties; 7-9 pour 16 points.

Bien qu'Il n'a été que quelques mois a jouer au Québec, il préfère
de loin la Ligue Centrale en référence à son passage dans la LNAH. "Il y'a
quelques bons marqueurs mais tout est en fonction du show. Les joueurs qui font
le plus d'argent sont ceux qui se battent. Ce ne fut pas ma meilleure expérience. Ça me permettait surtout d'être proche de ma famille. Ce sont deux ligues différentes qu'on ne peut pas comparer.''
Pour lui la Ligue Centrale est l'une des meilleures ligues de type double A.

Picard a gagné la Coupe dans la Ligue Centrale avec Laredo. Il aimerait en
ajouter une autre avant d'accrocher définitivement ses patins. Il
s'est trouvé une place là-bas où il joue au meilleur de ses habilités. Il est un rouage important de son équipe.

Pascal Bedard. St-Jerôme, QC.
5 pieds 8 pouces,175 livres.
Défenseur pour les Jackalopes de Odessa.
Au moment d'écrire ceci. Il avait 3 buts 21 passes pour 24 points et 80 minutes de pénalités.

Ce n'est pas un défenseur au physique typique.
Un bon patineur qui manie bien la rondelle.
Le regarder patiner c'est de la poésie sur glace. Ses passes sont précises
et il sort bien la rondelle de la zone. Il n'hésite pas à prêter main forte à son gardien pour balayer le devant du filet.

Les statistiques ne racontent pas tout. Et Pascal Bedard fait beaucoup de
choses sur la glace. Ce fut un pur plaisir à le regarder jouer. Bedard a aussi joué en France dans le passé.

Jason Tessier. St-Jerôme, Qc.
6 pieds 1 pouce, 205 livres.
Défenseur pour les Riverkings de Memphis.
Il a joué de 1997-2000 avec les Huskies de Rouyn-Noranda de la LHJMQ.
Il a aussi joué en Italie et dans plusieurs autres ligues.

Je lui ai demandé comment Il avait aimé son expérience dans la LHJMQ.
Il répond sans hésiter. "C'était une belle expérience." Il a passé 3 ans à
Rouyn-Noranda. ''C'est une adorable ville de hockey." Le temps qu'il a passé
chez les Huskies lui a plu. Il a senti le support des gens de la ville pour
son équipe. ''C'était bon de vivre l'expérience de jouer au hockey et d'être
traité comme des professionnels." ajoute- t-il. Une des personnes qui a le
plus influencé sa carrière, c'est son instructeur, Jean Pronovost à l'époque.

Et que pense t-Il de la Ligue Centrale?
"J'aime ça! J'aime tout!'' Il trouve que les voyages sont longs mais qu'Ils
permettent de visiter de beaux endroits. ''Nous sommes traités comme des
pros." Il raconte que plusieurs d'entre eux ont oublié le rêve de jouer dans
la LNH. "Nous jouons parce que nous aimons ça. Dans la LHJMQ, la plupart
rêvent de jouer dans la LNH. Les joueurs travaillent pour leurs
équipes mais se développent dans le but de jouer dans le grand show.''

En terminant, je pense que les joueurs du Québec auxquelles j'ai parlé ont
les pieds sur terre et prennent plaisir à jouer au hockey. Je leur souhaite
la meilleure des chances dans le reste de leur carrière et dans leur vie.

J'aimerais remercier les River Kings de Memphis, les Ice Bats de Austin et
les Jackalopes de Odessa ainsi que la direction des Oilers de Tulsa pour
leur aide.

Quebec players in the CHL .

2007-09-03T19:34:00.000-06:00

Jason Tessier
RiverKings 06-07 season.

I wrote an article for a Quebec based magazine called SportsJuniors.
It was about Quebec players in the CHL this season . 2006-2007 .
For those of you who speak / read French they have a blog.

I got a chance to write about Quebec players that are playing in the Central Hockey
League. The Players I had contact with were intelligent men who know the game they play and love. I would like to thank the PR people from The Tulsa Oilers , Memphis River Kings , Austin Ice Bats .
JF Picard who contacted me by phone is a warm & charming person.He loves the game he plays & plays to the best of his ability. I regret that I can't get his accent on the page.
I sit near the ice during the game. I love to watch the players warm up. They range from the very serious to smiling ,laughing guys. At this league level I don't think
they are thinking about playing in the NHL. But they are playing hockey for a living.
Most seem happy to be doing just this.

Pascal Bedard plays for the Odessa Jackalopes of the Central Hockey League.
He is from St. Jerome PQ. Hockey DB list him as a Montreal native.
He played one year in France in 2003-04
Height: 5'08" Weight :175
He has played for Odessa for 3 years.
He had 23 points in 56 games 2004-05 , 35 points in 64 games in 05-06 , 20 points 48 games so far in 06-07
His team made the playoffs in 2006. He played 11 games . He had 4 g ,3 a .
I didn't get to talk to Pascal so I watched as carefully as I could.

He isn't a big guy for a defense man

He seemed to be a very good skater and has good puck handling skills.
He could skate through the crowded zone darting between players like
a Ballerina on skates.

He took the puck from his zone through 4 or 5 of the opposition to pass the puck to his offensive players. He was fast and quickly weaved through the bodies. He returned to the blue line but was ever alert . I had the feeling his goalie was glad he returned to help keep the rush of opponents from swarming the net.

Stats don't always tell the whole story on a good defense man. His team lost 2
of 3 games played in my barn to date. But his over all play was what I would call good.

I enjoyed watching him play.

Jean-Francois Picard He is from St. Remi PQ
He is 6 foot tall , weight 215
He plays defense for the Austin Ice Bats.
He has played for several different leagues starting from 1997-98 with Victoriaville Tigers in the QJAHL , WCHL , CHL , UHL , LNAH , QSCHL , SPHL and then back to
the CHL again
He had played 47 games for , 7 G , 9 A for 16 points as I write this.
He was very gracious to call me the morning after a game.

How does the CHL compare to the Quebec League you played in?
I only been there a few months. It's totally different. There it was about The Show & mostly the fighting. They have a few goal scorers but like I said it's mostly about The Show. If you don't fight you don't get recgonized. The guys who make the most money are the fighters. For me it wasn't the best experience. For me it was so I could stay close to my family. It's a total different game you can't compare.

The CHL I think it one of the better leagues as far as double "A" leagues.
I won the cup tournament when I played in Laredo. I would like to win another before I hang up my skates.

Jason Tessier
Height 6'1" weight 205 . Plays Defense.
He plays for the Memphis Riverkings of the Central Hockey League.
He has 24 points in 33 games. His team is in first place in their division. They have played 49 games 34 W , 12 L, 3 OTL & have 71 points.
Played from 1997-2000 with Rouyn-Noranda Huskies QMJHL
several other leagues in the years to follow. In 2005-06 He played in Italy.
He returned to play in the States this year.
He replied to an email for me and was very nice about replying in open manner.

How did you like playing in the QMJHL?
It was a nice experience. I spent 3 years in Rouyn-Noranda. It a lovely nice hockey town. At the time I was there really feel the town support for the team. It was too
the experience playing hockey and being treated like a professional. One of my
greatest influence was head coach Jean Pronovost. A former NHL player.

How do you like playing in the Central Hockey league?
I love it. All of it. Long travel,but nice places to visit. Nice rinks & we get treated like real pros. The CHL is more for the love of the hockey. We are treated like Pros , but most of us have dropped the dream of playing in the NHL one day. We play because we love the game so much. In the QMJHL , Most of the players only dream about
playing in the show. They do care about their team. But the main goal is to play in the NHL.

Goalies rock !

2007-08-30T00:51:00.000-06:00

David Cacciola , NM Scorpions , 2006-07

There isn't a player who gets more glory or grief than a Ice Hockey Goalie.
"Goaltending is a suffering position. Your equipment protects you from injury, but not from pain, every time you go out there. And if you allow a goal, the red lights go on for everyone to see. But you get to be a hero too." - Kevin Constantine

"Any discussion on hockey goaltenders must begin with the assumption that they are about three sandwiches shy of a picnic. I can prove this. From the moment Primitive Man first lurched erect, he and those who came after him survived on the principle that when something hard and potentially painful comes at you at great velocity, you get the hell out of its path. Goalkeepers throw themselves into its path. I rest my case." - Jim Taylor, columnist

"Only a goalie can appreciate what a goalie goes through" - Jaques Plante, goalie
Inducted in the Hall of Fame 1978.

"Goaltender is a normal job. Sure. How would you like it if at your job, every time you made the slightest mistake a little red light went on over your head and 18,000 people stood up and screamed at you?" - Jaques Plante, goalie

"There is no position in sport as noble as goaltending" - Vladislav Tretiak, Russian goaltender
Inducted in the Hall of Fame 1989.

A couple of my favorites : "Patrick Roy. If there's anybody worth a million bucks it Patrick" Don Cherry 1989.
Bumper sickers in Philadelphia : "Only God saves more than Parent" Bernie Parent inducted in the Hall of Fame 1984.
Goalies :Catches bullets with his teeth and eats em ,Freezes water with a single glance (who needs a Zamboni ! )
He is Hockey God!

I regret that I never got to see Partick play hockey. The people I have talked to about hockey either seem to love ot hate him.
From his stats there is no doubt that he was a good tender.
In 2001-02 he had 9 shutouts while playing 63 game with 32 wins.
Patrick Roy had 14 seasons of 30 + wins in 19 NHL seasons.
2000-01 he had 40 wins while playing 62 games. Amazing.

Patrick Roy was inducted in Hall of Fame in 2006.
Patrick won 4 Stanley cups. He won the Stanley Cup in 1985-86 , 1982-83 ,1995-96 & 2000-01
He won the Conn Smythe Trophy (Playoff MVP) 1985-86, 1992-93 , 2000-01
He won the Vezina Trophy (Goaltender of the Year) 1988-89 , 1989-90 1991-92
Patrick also won the William M. Jennings Trophy ( Lowest Goals Aagainst ) 5 years.

Martin Brodeur's play is in the league as Patrick Roy.
2006-07 season GP 78 W 48 L 23 OTL 7 4696 : SO 12 GA 171 SHA 2182 GAA 2.18 SV% .922
Martin won the Vezina Trophy ( Goaltender of the year.) in 2002-03 , 2003-04
Martin won the Stanley Cup 3 times. 1994-95 , 1999-00 & 2002-03.
He won the William M. Jennings Trophy (Lowest Goals Against ) 4 years

There are a few up & coming Goalies in the NHL. Cam Ward is one of them. He plays for the Carolina Hurricanes of the NHL.
He won many awards in the CHL & WHL.
His first season in the NHL 2005-06 he won the Stanley Cup & Conn Smythe Throphy.
Last season he played 60 games with 30 wins. Not a Stanley Cup season. But he is young & might very well turn things
around. It makes hockey worth watching to see how he will do.

Another is Ryan Miller he plays for the Buffalo Sabers. In 2005-06 he was one game away from taking the Sabers to play for The Stanley Cup. Last year he played 48 games & had 30 wins. Another new up & coming Tender that has the potential to
keep the NHL interesting.

A quote from Patrick Roy - A goalie has to show he's confident to his teammates, as well as himself, You are the last guy before that special red line. You have to make yourself confident. You make yourself hard to beat."

Jim Craig : "It was tough to get better when you had so many telling you that you were better than you really were."
1980 Olympic team Goalie.

Martin Brodeur : "It's real important to work hard and you either have skill or you don't, but you have to refine your skills by working hard. For me, I have a lot of skill, but anybody that's played with me will tell you what makes me different from other people is the work ethic. I don't care how skilled you are, if you don't have the work ethic and put in the time to develop your talent and technique, you'll never make it. It's important. All the best goalies I've come across at All-Star Games and the Olympics, we have one thing in common and it's that we really care about what we do."

"You don't really know a player until you have to live with him, day in and day out," Devils coach Pat Burns said of his goaltender, Martin Brodeur. "He loves this game. He loves playing and practicing -- and he hates to give up a goal, even in practice.

The Boys in Net are the last man to stop the opponets form scoring. They rarely recieve a lot of camera time in NHL games.
But with out their nerves of steel there would be games with scores like pinball machines.

Hockey in New Mexico

2007-08-25T02:00:00.000-06:00

Goalie David Cacciola : New Mexico Scorpions 2006-2007
Yes, there is hockey in New Mexico.
We have the New Mexico Scorpions of the Central Hockey League.
We are the Southwest Division Champions for 06-07.
We want to thank Coach Ray Edwards & staff for the excellent season.

Many of us here survived the season with "no hockey" so to have hockey back was like going to DIsneyland.
But to have a run at the play offs & do so well was like frosting on the cake.

We had players that made us laugh & cry.

We have learned that we will have a new coach. The Assistant Coach Randy Murphy in now our head coach.
Ray Edwards will be coaching in the AHL.

Welcome to Between the Posts

2007-08-25T00:33:00.000-06:00

Welcome to my blog where we will talk about The CHL* Central Hockey League, AHL, NHL , any professional
hockey really. I love Goalies the best but hockey rocks !

I am from New Mexico and I write for a French magazine name Sports Juniors.

This magazine is based out of Quebec Canada.

I have been a hockey fan for 5 years now & I love it.
I look forward to learning more & sharing as my knowledge grows.

I want to thank Denis Ouellet for all of his inspiration & support.