Who Am I?

Eric suggested that I post a little about myself. So, here goes.

I am a post grad sports journalism student at a college in Toronto. I have a couple of published works as a freelancer but freelancing is difficult and the pay is crap. So, I went back to school.

Mostly, I will try to cover the Leafs and the Sabres as well as any other information that I think would be interesting. I have known Eric for a long time and I will do my best to bring quality stuff to the table. Hope you enjoy the work.

Gord

Nashville ownership update

The Nashville Predators may be in the process of securing another minority owner.

Research In Motion (RIM) founder and Co-CEO Jim Balsillie is apparently in talks with Predators majority owner David Freeman to purchase 27-per-cent of the troubled hockey club.

Balsillie is after a stake in the club after controversial owner William J. "Boots" Del Baggio filed for bankruptcy in June and found himself facing several lawsuits and charges of fraud by various money lenders.

According to Prime Time Sports host Bob McCown, the Blackberry king has been in contact with the Predators for quite some time and at any moment (which could be a day or a year from now) the deal could be announced. There have been no confirmations from either side regarding this issue. Balsillie's lawyer Richard Rodier went on record stating that the rumour is false.

In a June interview on the Fan 590 (Toronto sports radio station) Rodier went on record stating that Balsillie would be looking at September as the time to make a splash into NHL ownership status.

This salvo represents the third time Balsillie has tried to buy an NHL team and it marks the second time he has tried to buy the Predators. What makes this particular purchase sensitive is that the 27-per-cent is under control of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in San Francisco.

The share is estimated to be in the neighbourhood of $20 million.

Stay tuned...

Illegal Curve ranks the top fantasy D-men... (Former NCAA)

I found this on the Illegal Curve one of my top daily reads for hockey information. Since it is almost that time of the year again here are some of the best fantasy defensive players in the NHL as ranked by the Illegal Curve.

I don't see much to take issue with other than I disagree with is that Burns will have more than 40 baring injury.I think Brent Burns is quickly becoming an elite player in the NHL and that is a major reason the Wild locked up to a long term deal.

1. Dion Phaneuf (projection: 70 points)
Possesses a cannon of a shot, and quarterbacks a potent power play. A workhorse that never misses a game.

2. Nicklas Lidstrom (projection: 67 points)
Although Father Time is catching up to him, Liddy still skates like the wind and will be in the running for another Norris Trophy.

3. Mike Green (projection: 65 points)
Playing for the high-octane Caps, Green will no doubt get his fair share of points this season. You probably could too if you were playing with Ovechkin.

4. Brian Campbell (projection: 64 points)
The newest Blackhawk cashed in quite nicely this off season as a UFA. Although there will be pressure to live up to his new contract, the Hawks forwards are just too good for him not to rack it up.

5. Dan Boyle (projection: 63 points)Former Miami U
Just what the Dr. ordered for the Shark Tank. Fully recovered from his bizarre wrist injury last season, Boyle could post career numbers.

6. Andrei Markov (projection 63 points)
Playing for the best power play in the league last year likely inflated Markov’s numbers. Similarly, this year’s power play will keep his points inflated, despite Streit’s exile to Long Island.

7. Chris Pronger (projection: 59 points)
They don’t come tougher than Pronger. Well, maybe Kevin Lowe. If healthy, Pronger should hover around the 60 plateau.

8. Joe Corvo (projection: 58 points) Former WMU
Corvo’s production once he was traded to the Canes last season was real and spectacular. Look for his numbers to be enlarged once again this year.

9. Sergei Zubov (projection: 56 points)
Despite his hip injury, Zubov will match his age and still score points in the mid 50’s.

10. Kimmo Timonen (projection: 55 points)
It’s just Kimmo being Kimmo.

11. Lubomir Visnovsky (projection: 54 points)
The newest Oiler with a great shot will run a young, but effective powerplay.

12. Zdeno Chara (projection: 53 points)
Big Zdeno Chara plays big minutes and will accumulate big numbers once again this year.

13. Brian Rafalski (projection 53 points)Former Wisconsin Badger
The mobile Rafalski should again get around 50 points. Rumours have Hossa playing the point on the powerplay as well, so things could get a tad interesting in MoTown.

14. Tomas Kaberle (projection: 48 points)
Despite the mess that is the Toronto Maple Leafs, Kaberle should still get his points. Now if only he would shoot.

15. Sheldon Souray (projection: 46 points)
How can a man married to a former Baywatch star not get around 50 points? And no, I don’t mean Mitch Buchanan.

16. Scott Niedermayer (projection: 45 points)
Oh hi Scott. Are you planning on playing again this year? That’s nice. Thanks for telling us ahead of time this year.

17. Shea Weber (projection: 42 points)
Weber’s season got off to a brutal start after he was injured right away. Look for the Pred’s #1 blueliner to get back to form. Terry Crisp will tell you the same thing.

18. Ed Jovanovski (projection: 42 points)
After playing his first injury-free season in quite some time, JovoCop is guaranteed to go down for a brief period with a “groin” injury.

19. Brent Burns (projection: 41 points)Wild Defenseman
A great skater with a cannon of a shot, Burns could lose the odd 5 on 3 situation to the newly acquired Zidlicky. Also of note, he is coming off of an elbow injury.

20. Wendy Redden (projection: 40 points)
A change of scenery was desperately needed for Redden, and should help him rehabilitate his offense production.

WCHA coaches poll.

The much awaited WCHA coaches poll is finally out. Interesting, I actually think Minnesota might be too low. I also think 2-5 could be a crap shoot as well.

38th annual Herald
WCHA coaches poll

1. Colorado College (8) 78
2. UND (2) 67
3. Denver 62
4. (tie) Minnesota 53
4. (tie) Wisconsin 53
6. St. Cloud State 48
7. MSU-Mankato 38
8. Minn.-Duluth 24
9. Michigan Tech 14
10. Alaska-Anchorage 13

Here is how I picked them. I think there is a consensus on the top team and the bottom teams.

1. C.C.
2. Minnesota
3. UND
4. Denver
5. Wisconsin
6. Minnesota State
7. UMD
8. SCSU
9. MTU
10. UAA

EZAC and CHA preseason polls.

Here is how the EZAC poll shaked out today. I am not surprised that Princeton got the number one spot based on how they played in the NCAA tourney last season. Personally, I think that Clarkson is the team to beat.

ALBANY, N.Y. (Sept. 30) — According to this year’s preseason coaches and media polls, defending tournament champion Princeton is the team to beat in ECAC Hockey this season. The Tigers, who return 21 players from last season’s roster, claimed the top spot in both preseason men’s polls this year, but according to the poll results, it will be another tight race en route to the 2009 league crown.


ECAC Hockey Preseason Coaches’ Poll

Princeton (9) 118
Harvard (2) 103
Cornell (1) 100
Clarkson 88
Union 80
Quinnipiac 72
Yale 67
St. Lawrence 48
Colgate 43
Rensselaer 38
Dartmouth 33
Brown 11

ECAC Hockey Preseason Media Poll
Princeton (15) 278
Harvard (4) 247
Cornell (2) 244
Clarkson (2) 234
Quinnipiac 178
Union 160
Yale 156
St. Lawrence 129
Rensselaer 107
Colgate 99
Dartmouth 81
Brown 34

Here are the results of the CHA preseason poll.

1. Niagara
2. Bemidji State
3. Robert Morris
4. Alabama-Huntsville

CCHA preseason polls.

The CCHA had their media day and here is how their preseason polls shook out. I think it is safe to day that Notre Dame is not going to fly under the radar this season. There is a tie for last place in the coaches poll, the fight to be the top cup cake. I do find it kind of puzzling that Notre Dame is ranked so high, they are a decent team but I wouldn't call them elite. If you rewind to last season after the first of the year Notre Dame was a mediocre team that went 11-11-4 their last 25 games of the season, limped into the NCAA playoffs and got hot in the NCAA tourney. Some have made the argument that they were lucky to make the NCAA tourney and were basically one of the last teams to make the NCAA.

Wolverines in top 2 in CCHA's preseason polls
FREE PRESS NEWS SERVICES • September 30, 2008
Michigan ranked first in a poll of media members and second in a poll of coaches when the Central Collegiate Hockey Association announced it preseason rankings at its annual media day today in Grand Rapids.

Notre Dame switched places with the Wolverines in the two polls. Michigan State was tapped fifth by the coaches and third by the media.

Coaches poll
1. Notre Dame, (8) 128
2. Michigan, (3) 122
3. Miami, (1) 108
4. Northern Michigan 102
5. Michigan State, 96
6. Ferris State, 84
7. Ohio State, 67
8. Nebraska-Omaha, 59
9. Bowling Green, 56
10. Lake Superior State, 46
11. (tie) Alaska, 28
Western Michigan, 28.

Media poll
1. Michigan (43) 945
2. Notre Dame, (35), 915
3. Michigan State, (2), 776
4. Miami, (2) 746
5. Northern Michigan, (1) 700
6. Ferris State, 529
7. Bowling Green, 444
8. Nebraska-Omaha, 415
9. Ohio State, 339
10. Lake Superior State, 322
11. Alaska, 198
12. Western Michigan, 145

More on the shootout. (Oshie)

I don't get the logic when people say that shootouts are gimmick and or are boring check out this video from a preseason NHL hockey game. If a sport like the NHL can institute a shootout then NCAA division one hockey can as well even with some of the leadership in various division one leagues.

A tip of the hat to Cedarbrewsioux for giving me a heads up on this video. At the end of the shootout former Sioux T.J. Oshie has a chance to win the shootout, has the goalie beat but lose the puck. Oh the drama.

Landon Wilson fighting for a spot on the Stars roster.

I have to admit that I am pulling for this guy. I loved watching Landon Wilson play for the Sioux back in the 1990's. It would appear that Landon has a good attitude and that Landon is taking nothing for granted coming into training camp and knows that he has to give it his all if he is going to play a role in the 2008-2009 Dallas Stars.

Landon Wilson might be a coach someday, just like his dad.
But today is not that day. No, the 33-year-old right wing and son of Stars associate coach Rick Wilson says he still has some good hockey left, and that's why he's fighting for a roster spot with the Stars.

"Right now, my only focus is making this team," Wilson said. "If that doesn't happen, then my focus will be helping this team at some point during the season. That's the drive for me."

And that drive is one of the reasons the Stars signed Wilson this summer.

The 19th overall selection (by Toronto) in the 1993 entry draft, Wilson has had an up-and-down career that included a serious eye injury in 2002. He has spent the last three seasons in Europe.
->Read the rest of the story here<-

Going Five Holes reviews the rookies to watch (Oshie)

Sean Leahy reviews the 08-09 NHL rookies to Watch and Former Sioux T.J. Oshie has been included on his list.

TJ Oshie, St. Louis, F
Blues fans expect big things from the former North Dakota Fighting Sioux star. He plays a physical game using his 6'4 frame and with low expectations in St. Louis, he could find himself a part of the Calder Trophy race. There's not many scouts who don't believe Oshie won't be a top player in the NHL. Despite a probable high draft pick ahead of them, a productive rookie campaign from Oshie could bring some hope back to the Blues.

Hockey East Poll released...

How the mighty have fallen: I saw this story in the Boston Globe, I would predict if the Black Bears finish that low again this year they will have a coaching Change, the Black Bears are only one season removed from going to the Frozen Four before bowing out to the eventual NCAA champion.

Maine tabbed No. 9 in Hockey East poll--- September 29, 2008
The University of Maine hockey team has been picked to finish ninth in the Hockey East conference in this year's preseason coaches poll.

The poll was released Monday at the Hockey East media day at TD Banknorth Garden in Boston.

Boston College was picked to finish first in the conference, followed by Boston University, New Hampshire and Northeastern.

Vermont was picked to come in fifth, followed by Massachusetts, UMass-Lowell, Providence and Maine. Merrimack was picked to come in last.

The Black Bears missed the Hockey East playoffs last year for the first time since 1998.

Of course on the flip side of that equation the Boston College Eagles have been picked to finish first in Hockey East. Way to go out on a limb there.

Defending NCAA champ BC tops preseason Hockey East poll
September 30, 2008 --- Defending NCAA men's national champion Boston College received six first-place votes and 86 points yesterday to edge Boston University atop the Hockey East preseason poll, the conference announced at media day at TD Banknorth Garden.

The Eagles, who earned the nation's No. 1 preseason ranking according to the USA Today/USA Hockey Magazine poll released last week, return 15 letter men from last season's 25-win club.

Joe Whitney and Ben Smith, the second- and third-leading Hockey East scorers, and goalie John Muse (25-11-8 in his freshman season) are back for BC, which opens its season Oct. 10 against Wisconsin at Conte Forum.

This is how it looks on paper

1. B.C.
2. B.U.
3. UNH
4. Northeastern
5. UVM
6. UMass
7. UMass-Lowell
8. Providence
9. Maine
10. Merrimack

Jeff Frazee's WJC back up sent down to Manchester.

I was checking the NHL wire and found this story. If you look at the players that were sent to Manchester you will see a good balance of former NCAA Division one hockey players.

KINGS ASSIGN 13 TO MANCHESTER
LOS ANGELES – The Los Angeles Kings have announced the following player transactions: Assigned to the Manchester Monarchs (AHL):

Justin Azevedo - C
Andrew Campbell – D
Paul Crosty – D
Vladimir Dravecky - RW
Gabe Gauthier - C (DU)
Bud Holloway - LW
Josh Kidd - D
Brady Murray – LW (UND)
Marty Murray - C
Scott Parse - RW (UNO)
Daniel Taylor – G
Eric Werner – D
Jeff Zatkoff - G (Miami)

CHN looks at the shootout.

The discussion of the shootout has been an on going topic of heated debate, the discussion seems to be making a come back in the pre-season. Most of us have read the numerous blog articles and message boards posts discussing the shoot out and where they stand in relation to it. Some have even proposed silly petitions drives to send to the NCAA urging them to reject the notion of having a shoot out to decide ties.

I have personally talked to quite a few people about the subject as well, it is an interesting subject. I also liken it to the Rush Limbaugh comparison you either really like him or you despise him, there seems to be little middle ground on the subject. The same emotions are exhibited when it comes to the shootout debate.

Personally; from watching about 500 games the post NHL lock out I can honestly say that I am for the shoot out, put me squarely in the pro column. I think the NHL has done a good job enacting/executing the shootout and marketing it; I don't see why college hockey couldn't do it as well? Frankly the NHL gets it, after the lock out the NHL tried to put offense back into the game of hockey, the same needs to done with the college game. People don't normally watch hockey to see a 0-0, 1-0 trap feast. They watch hockey to see offense and hard hitting.

This season the NCAA and the NCAA division one hockey leagues have said they are going to open up the game and start calling the obstruction more closely. I applaud this action, but I am skeptical because I don't think the WCHA will be able to keep up with the growing trend in college hockey. Personally, I am bored with watching a team that can't barely skate hook, hold and slash a team up and down the ice and try to tell me it is smart defensive hockey, it is boring and about as fun to watch as a rectal exam. Imagine having the game of hockey called more closely to the NHL and then having the ties settled in the same matter. I think it would be an exciting concept.

Special Report ... Shootouts
by Adam Wodon/Managing Editor --- The push to eliminate ties seems to have arisen in recent years over a concern that too many games end up deadlocked. This is certainly true -- to some extent over recent years, and to a large extent when compared to, say, 30 years ago. This is because games are lower scoring and played tighter, which just mathematically makes it more likely to end up tied.

But is this a problem? Some say yes, some say no.

Those who think it's a problem believe that fans get cheated when there's no result. They think people want to see a winner. And some think the shootout is just plain fun.

Last year, 18 percent of games went to OT -- two-thirds of those were not decided.

I think we can put the MTU coach in the not for it column. I actually read somewhere that only one WCHA coach was FOR the shoot out.

"I am very much against removing ties," said Michigan Tech head coach Jamie Russell. "We don't play enough games to reduce ties. In the WCHA, the standings are so tight, points are like gold. Look at the NHL. How many teams have records at or above .500? The shootout, and getting a point for an OT loss, creates parity, it doesn't eliminate it.

Linkorama:

Chris from WCH made his prediction for the Order of finish in the WCHA.

Projected Order of Finish

1. Colorado College
2. Denver
3. Minnesota
4. North Dakota
5. Minnesota State
6. St. Cloud
7. Wisconsin
8. Minnesota-Duluth
9. Michigan Tech
10. Alaska-Anchorage

First off I don't see Wisconsin finishing 7th, if that is the case there will be a coaching change in Madison.

I would change a few things up and this is how I would rank the teams.

1. C.C.
2. Minnesota
3. UND
4. Denver
5. Wisconsin
6. Minnesota State
7. UMD
8. SCSU
9. MTU
10. UAA

Linkorama: (WCHA focused)

Former SCSU Husky was the latest victim of the Philadelphia Flyers goon squad. It seems the Flyers are up to their old tricks early in the season again as they have another one of their goon's checking someone from behind. Hitting someone from behind is a gutless act that needs to be rewarded with more severe punishment. Someone is going to end up in a wheel chair...

Cullen absence 'precautionary'Submitted by chipalexander on 09/28/2008 - 19:13
It was an unsettling moment for Canes coach Peter Laviolette and the Hurricanes players -- center Matt Cullen taking a big hit and then being pulled from the game.

Cullen was blindsided by the Flyers' Nathan Guenin in the first period and did not play the rest of the game. Cullen missed several games last season because of vision problems after a pair of concussions.

"They checked his head for concussion symptoms and everything seemed positive and clear,'' Laviolette said. "It was more precautionary than anything else.''

It appears that there is a little news coming out of the Devils Camp during the training camp. First off Goon's World would like to wish Barry Tallackson a speedy recovery as he just had heart surgery. The Devils are expecting more out of former Gopher Paul Martin.

Devils Doings
September 28, 2008, 12:28 AM ET [23 Comments]

Its been a while since the Devils so much buzz for our hockey fans, here are some of the recent tid bits and my random thoughts...

Barry Tallackson had successful heart surgery for an irregular heart beat. We all wish him well and a speedy recovery.

I like Bryce Salvador and the attitude he is bringing to our back line. I think this is a critical year for Paul Martin and he needs to elevate his game - I think he will.

Paul Newman dead at age 83.

Goon was sadden to hear on Saturday morning that actor Paul Newman the star of classic hockey movie Slap Shot died of cancer at age 83. In my opinion the movie Slap Shot is an all time movie classic that has yet to be replicated as far as humor goes. Here are a few of the scenes from the movie that I really think are funny. Reggie Dunlop meets with the owner of the Chiefs is less than impressed with her. This is a funny scene where Reggie Dunlop meets the Hanson Brothers at the bus station. Reggie trys to give a pep talk in the locker room and the Hanson brothers chime in...

Actor Paul Newman dead at age 83
By Howard Kissel --- DAILY NEWS STAFF WRITER

Ten-time Oscar nominee Paul Newman, creator of iconic movie anti-heroes in "The Hustler," "Cool Hand Luke" and "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid," has died after a battle with cancer.

The 83-year-old screen legend with the piercing blue eyes died Friday at his farmhouse near Westport, Conn., said publicist Jeff Sanderson. He was surrounded by his family and close friends.

Jonathan Toews' two power-play goals lift Blackhawks over Stars 4-3

I have former Fighting Sioux star Jonathan Toews on one of four my fantasy hockey teams. I just hope that he keeps scoring at this pace during the regular season.

CHICAGO - Jonathan Toews scored two power-play goals, and newcomer Brian Campbell had four assists in the Chicago Blackhawks' 4-3 pre-season victory over the Dallas Stars on Sunday night.

Patrick Sharp and Jack Skille also scored for Chicago, which improved to 3-0 in exhibition play. Sharp's goal was his fourth in three pre-season games.

Toews opened the scoring on a power play just 32 seconds in, when his centring pass deflected in off the skate of Dallas defenceman Garrett Stafford.

Niskanen tied it at one at 5:41 of the first on a bouncing shot from the right point that slipped between Niemi's pads.

Sharp's power-play score later in the first period, on a screened shot from the left circle, gave Chicago a 2-1 lead.

Toews' second goal, also on the power play, made it 3-1 less than two minutes into the second. He deflected in Campbell's drive from the top of the slot.

Steve Reinprecht to blame for Claude Lemieux

I saw this over on Puckdaddy. So now we you know who you can blame for the possible return to the NHL of Claude "the Fraud" Lemieux former Badger Steve Reinprecht.

He is 43 years old and hasn't played in the NHL in five years. But Claude Lemieux says he is in better shape than he was when he played for the Avalanche in the late 1990s, and says he will attempt a comeback to the game he loves.

"I got the passion back, and I know I can do it," Lemieux said.

Lemieux retired from the NHL after the 2002-03 season with Dallas, partly because of injuries to his groin and ankle. He then played briefly in Switzerland in 2003-04, before becoming president of the Phoenix RoadRunners of the East Coast Hockey League.

Lemieux tired of front-office duties and has since done things like run a hockey school in the Phoenix area. He said he decided two and a half months ago he wanted to try an NHL comeback.

"I skated with some guys from the Coyotes, including one that played with the Avs for a while, Steve Reinprecht. After a scrimmage, he said to me, 'You're flying out there, you going to play again?' And I said, 'You think I should?' and it kind of went from there," Lemieux said.

Will Colton Gillies make the Wild?

What little I say this past weekend impressed me. If Gillies puts some size on his tall frame he could be a big force for the Wild in front of the net, which they desperately need. In a way he reminds me of Milan Lucic last season, because it appears Colton will also not benefit from another year in the major junior ranks as well.

If forward doesn't make team, he must return to junior hockey
By John Shipley --- Pioneer Press 09/26/2008

Right now," he explained, "I'm trying to lay low and hopefully make the team."

That's a tall order for a 19-year-old, but the Wild are taking a long, hard look at the 6-foot-4, 190-pound winger because they think he can contribute this season and, if Gillies doesn't make the big-league roster, he must return for his fourth season of junior hockey.

Asked Thursday if there's more for Gillies to learn in juniors, coach Jacques Lemaire rubbed his face and thought a moment.

"Not a lot," he said. "Not a lot."

Lemaire plans to take another long look at Gillies tonight in Chicago when the Wild play their second exhibition game against the Blackhawks. "I like what he does on the ice," Lemaire said. "He's a good skater, he plays a physical game. He's fast, quick for his size. He has a presence. We'll have to work on his shot, around the net, his hands so he can get some points.

Linkorama: (WCHA/Sioux focused)

Here is a nice right up on Toews and Kane. It is no mystery that these two kids have the Chi-town buzzing. Luckily I just renewed my NHL center ice so I will be able to watch the Toews and Kane show.

Kane, Toews playing as one
Their differences are striking, so much so that it makes you wonder how Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews have developed their amazing chemistry.

Toews wears the maple leaf on his chest in international play. Kane dons the red, white and blue. Toews is a fearless leader who earned the nickname "Mr. Serious" from teammates. Kane is a glitzy acrobat on the ice who owns a smile that can light up a room.

Toews grew up in Winnipeg, playing shinny on an outdoor rink his dad created for him. Kane grew up in Buffalo, playing inside the local rinks.

Toews stands a healthy 6-foot-2. Kane is a diminutive 5-10.

Despite the differences, they are the two most important elements in the ongoing rebirth of hockey in Chicago, and they are strikingly different. But according to Kane and Toews, their differences make them one of the NHL's greatest singular sensations.

"It's almost like we're one person," Kane told NHL.com. "It's Kane and Toews, or Toews and Kane."

And neither name tops this ticket.

They're side by side, because Kane and Toews (or Toews and Kane if you prefer) believe that by embracing their relationship and the expectations that come with being who they are, the odds for an extraordinary run in Chicago dramatically increase...

It appears that Kyle Okposo is ready to make the step to the NHL. It will be interesting to see if Kyle plays the whole year with the Isles or not. I saw a few of his games last spring and I have to admit I wouldn't be surprised to see him play with the big club this season either.

Well-traveled Okposo ready to stick with Islanders
If a player keeps a sweater from each team he plays on, then Kyle Okposo nearly filled a dresser just from last season.

A whirlwind campaign swept Okposo from the University of Minnesota to the Czech Republic for the World Junior Championship, then blew him to the American Hockey League's Bridgeport Sound Tigers, and eventually set him down in his own version of the Emerald City -- the Nassau Coliseum for his first taste of the NHL with the New York Islanders.

"It was an interesting ride, definitely," Okposo told NHL.com. "It was a little tough to keep track (of teams), but it was a fun season."

He plans on doing far less moving this season, as Long Island should become a more permanent home. The seventh pick in the 2006 Entry Draft almost assuredly will resume his role as a top-six forward on an Islanders club that has committed to rebuilding around young players.

In 9 games late last season with the Isles, Okposo had 2 goals and 3 assists, and the 6-foot-1, 200-pound right wing never looked out of place.

Okposo has been a star no matter where he's played. After posting 40 points in 40 games as a freshman at Minnesota in 2006-07, he had 7 goals and 11 points in 18 games as a sophomore when he decided he had reached his development ceiling and signed a contract with the Islanders last winter
----snip----
He finished his season in the NHL, and plans on using what he learned last season to keep him in one place in 2008-09.

"I feel like I'm ready for (the NHL)," Okposo said. "I can't wait to get to camp and show the staff what I can do and how I progressed throughout last year and this summer. I feel like I'm ready to have a good season."

Part of what will go into him having a good season was the foundation laid last season.

"From college to the (AHL) was a little tough, but it wasn't so bad; I adjusted pretty quickly," Okposo said. "It was more controlled. The guys weren't running around as much trying to kill people all the time, it was much more play your position and the puck will come to you type of attitude, as opposed to college, where it was a little bit more running around, and you're only playing twice a week so you've got fresher legs. The transition, the guys are bigger and stronger, too, because they're older, but it wasn't so bad."

.
Former Fighting Sioux and Hobey Baker Candidate Jason Blake talks about dealing with cancer. Blake's article really puts things in perspective that there is more to life than sports. I personally will be pulling for Blake this season.

Blake has moved past depression, ready for 2008-09
"I spent the first two months of the season after I found out about my condition just banging my head on the pavement and trying to figure out 'Why me?'" he said. "It was just really difficult to comprehend the magnitude of it. I tried my best to move on and played 82 games, but deep down inside it took its toll on me. Physically, I lost 12 pounds in the first month on the medication. I'll be the first to admit I wasn't a great person to deal with and I wasn't always the best teammate over the years.

"Last year there were times where I just hated life and hated everybody, and just kept asking, 'Why me?' I didn't want to go play sometimes and I just didn't have the desire anymore. It's scary when that happens. But I was just questioning a lot about my life and hockey just seemed to take a back seat at times."

Smaby and Bochenski don' t make the cut.

Tampa Bay Lightning blogger Jon Jordan from hockey buzz is reporting that former Fighting Sioux player Brandon Bochenski has been put on waivers and former Fighting Sioux Matt Smaby has been sent to the Admirals.

Lightning Cuts --- September 25, 2008.
With Bochenski and Konopka on waivers, in hopes that they clear and head to Norfolk, and Smaby headed directly to the Admirals.

It appears that Smaby and Bochenski were on the bubble to make the Lightning
roster.

Your bubble guys, as I identified earlier, that are in tonight's lineup? Bochenski, Koci, Konopka, Ouellet, Hutchinson and Smaby. Defensemen Vladimir Mihalik and Mike Lundin will not dress, nor will forwards Ryan Craig or Jason Ward. Does this mean decisions, one way or another, on those four have already been made? That, my friends, is what they call a definite maybe.