On the Topic Of Vindictive Reporting

Morning Radio Zoo co-host and part-time sports writer Eric Francis had a gem of a column today when it comes to what he's been able to put together. In his recent piece, Francis said that Flames goalie Miikka Kiprusoff should have been more forthright with the Flames about his impending retirement rather than have the news break thanks to the Finnish media. Also, Kipper should have done more of an exit for the organization, fans, and community.

Of course, Francis forgets that whole thing about Kipper saying he wouldn't show up if moved at the trade deadline, but who needs to remember that to put out a story about how he personally feels let down that Kiprusoff didn't make a bigger exit.

And forget that on April 16th, Eric Francis knew that this was Kiprusoff's last home-stand and on April 17th reviewed Kipper's last game and wrote, "The end is near ­-- one day away in fact. Kiprusoff may not go out with much fanfare, but he seems focused on going out in style -- something he certainly did Wednesday night as the game's shining star."

Yet, it seems that Francis was shocked (SHOCKED) by Kiprusoff not giving a big farewell. Luckily, a Calgary writer named Eric Francis (yes, the same guy) knew that when he wrote on the 16th:

After rounding out the season -- and most likely his career -- on the bench watching Joey MacDonald audition for Kipper's old gig, the bearded Finn will no doubt punctuate garbage-bag day by doing his annual backdoor dash.  

No sayanora (or however you say goodbye in Finnish) news conference thanking the fans, city or organization for embracing him and his family over the years. After years of fishing pucks out of his net with a stunningly calm sweep, swig and stare at the Jumbotron, far be it for Kiprusoff to get all misty-eyed at the prospect of perpetual anonymity, peace and quiet in Finland's remote lake district.  

He'll leave just like he arrived; under the radar.

The fact that Francis thinks that he was let down by Kiprusoff not giving the Flames, their fans, and the media more of a send-off is just another example of writers thinking it's a little more about them and a little less about the facts of the story that have been out there for a while. Even written by Francis himself.

This is one day after Randy J. Miller of the South Jersey Courier-Post went on a Twitter tirade about Ilya Bryzgalov's antics in the locker room were the big thing that got him bought-out by the Flyers and not the media scrutiny that Bryzgalov had implied during the season-closing interviews.

Even with the traditional media bashing the new media of blogging and podcasting as something that is not needed in hockey media; the traditional media themselves may need to take a step back and not make themselves a part of the story as much as referees and linesmen shouldn't make themselves a part of the game with false face-offs and penalty junk.

No player or coach or GM owes writers much of anything. Even if there's something pressing, just because the information isn't put out there doesn't mean the writer has to take it as a personal insult and then try to actually embarrass the organization by airing out their own personal gripes because they didn't get exactly what they wanted. This isn't the toy store and writers don't need throw a tantrum just because the overseer doesn't allow them to get something because the writer thinks they deserve it.

On the Topic Of Joey MacDonald's Future in Calgary

With the Calgary Flames season in disarray, the look is to the future-- which many think is not looking too much better for the foreseeable future-- especially between the pipes. With the future of Miikka Kiprusoff up in the air with how serious he is when it comes to his retirement threats, what's to come next for the goaltendings.

Enter Joey MacDonald and his audition that has been going in the past two weeks or so. MacDonald has gone 4-1-0 since March 27th in his seven appearances with the Flames and, to me, I think he's at least garnered another contract for at least next season to be in a 1A/B model for the 2013-14 season for the incoming European goalies-- or as a back-up for Kiprusoff should he not stick to his retirement talk.

MacDonald has been a somewhat serviceable back-up or third string goalie, though his numbers tell a different tale. Despite being 7-6-1 overall for the Flames, the fact he has been playing better as the team has been getting somewhat better is a definite good sign for things moving forward. Plus, considering the fact MacDonald has been known to linger on the bench for long stretches at a time-- should Kipper come back, he'd be one of the best choices for a back-up as any of their younger guys or European import.

Taking into account that Kiprusoff won't be back-- what could the Flames do with their prospects coming over for next season. Karri Ramo has been highly regarded by GM Jay Feaster as the best goalie not in the NHL, but while he has done well in the KHL-- it doesn't mean it'll always translate to the NHL game. Same goes for the other European goalie in Reto Berra, who has done well in the Swiss league, but may not be able to thrive in the NHL or North America as a whole.

Already in their system is Danny Taylor, who was signed by the Flames when Kipper went down with an injury. Taylor overtook the starting role in Abbotsford of the AHL from Barry Brust, who was hot for Abbotsford early in the season, but Taylor has taken the NHL experience and stepped his game. So much so that the once promising prospect in Leland Irving has been relegated to third-string in Abbotsford and very much off the radar for the Flames.

With all this uncertainty, it definitely makes a strong case for MacDonald to actually get another shot with the Flames. He's the devil that is known and can actually get the job done on a team that may not know or understand it's new identity. MacDonald is having a strong stretch run and if Feaster just let's MacDonald get away in hopes that the imports without contracts and who have been out of (or not been in) the NHL for a while will be a better option-- then he deserves to be tarred-and-feathered after his firing.

To Stay Or Gaudreau

"It may be the right decision, but he's not doing it for the right reasons."

That was the parting comment from Dan "Boomer" Molberg when it came to the discussion about whether or not it is right that Boston College forward, Hobey Baker Finalist, and Flames draft pick John Gaudreau is sticking around Boston College for another season rather than signing with the Flames and moving along his professional career.

While that comment pretty much sums up the discussion, the fact former Flames defenseman and morning show co-host Rhett Warrener claimed that Gaudreau was "scared" to come out of college to play for the Flames is what took people a little off-guard. Warrener's points of him not going to get much bigger than his listed 5'6, 141lbs. frame, as well as having the best chance right now for making the Flames roster and getting top-six minutes are very valid; the fact he used "scared" right off the back when the talk came up is what maybe made him come off a little too harsh.

Third co-host Andrew Walker was trying to defend the decision saying that Gaudreau may not be ready-- his comment was brushed back by Boomer and Warrener saying he had nothing more to achieve in college, considering he has a National Championship, was the leading scorer, won the Beanpot, and could win the Hobey. Walker tried to draw comparisons to other small BC alum like Nathan Gerbe and Brian Gionta waiting another year, but Boomer and Warrener brought up he may just want to stay because his brother was coming onto the squad next season as well.

Most certainly, the points that Boomer and Warrener were making are very solid and correct, the term "scared" being thrown out there without prior knowledge to what his clear mindset is for staying at BC is a little heavy-handed. It's something that could actually be a better decision if he doesn't think he can cut the workload for the NHL schedule and the competition that comes with it, especially with his size. Staying in school and actually getting a degree could be a better fit in Gaudreau's mindset rather then playing in the NHL.

Notwithstanding the reasoning, it could be a bit alarming for the Flames' brass to hear about this decision being made. Gaudreau has already done all he could with his college career and him balking at taking the next step in a full rebuild where he could learn on the fly and adapt to the NHL game without really hurting the team's fortunes could be the best route for him to grow as a player on the job. As he is considered one of the Flames top guys coming up the pipe, it's not something you want to hear for a guy who has done it all as an amateur.

Despite that, to assume that a player is feeling one thing or another without having an inside track about it is something that's not really journalistically responsible. Even if it came from a former player who may have his own values in his head on how ready a guy may be; doesn't mean he's "scared." Of course, if Gaudreau's not ready to take the next step even with all his accomplishments and maybe all the confidence in his abilities, that should throw up some warning signals about what may happen with his NHL career when he actually gets there.

Minor League Silly Season Begins

The St. Louis Blues shook up the AHL landscape a bit on Friday when it was learned that they were going to opt out of their final two years in Peoria and move their AHL team elsewhere for the 2013-14 season.

According to the rumors, the Blues will sell their franchise in Peoria to the Vancouver Canucks, who will then leave their current affiliate in Chicago for another site, rumored to be Abbotsford, BC-- which is currently home of the Calgary Flames affiliate-- the Heat. Then the Blues would move to the old Canucks affiliate, the Chicago Wolves-- who will run and operate the team for the Blues. As for the Flames-- they've been rumored to go to Utica for their AHL affiliation.

Confused enough?? Good-- that's the life of the minor league Silly Season when it comes to affiliations and where teams want to have their prospects. There are quite a few NHL teams that actually own their AHL affiliate, so when they pick a spot-- they better enjoy it for a while because odds are they'll be there for the long haul. Even so, for fans in cities where they connect close to the minor league team-- it's a stressful part of the year not knowing how many of the guys who are there this year will be playing there next year.

That's just a testament to the die-hard nature of minor league fans, who stick by their city for whomever could be their affiliate. The Norfolk Admirals were the Tampa Bay Lightning affiliate last season, won the Calder Cup, then this season-- the Bolts moved out of town and the Anaheim Ducks are the new affiliate there, but the fans have continued to come (5,119 in 2011-12; 5,403 to date for 2012-13) even with the new faces that have shown up. Conversely, the Bolts new affiliate in Syracuse have maintained the attendance, as well (5,246 in 2011-12; 5,388 to date in 2012-13).

It doesn't mean it's not as hard for the fans emotionally in terms of letting go of a group of players or affiliates or the team themselves. The Peoria Rivermen name has been around the city since the 1984-85 season in different leagues. For fans of the identity are probably hoping for the best that an ECHL or other minor league team will come through for the city to keep the Rivermen name a mainstay in the area.

Regardless of how the parent teams act, many players are as connected to their minor league city through doing community work at schools, health care facilities, and other ventures that allowed the players to reach out and connect to the community. You can bet some of those guys are just a shook up as the fans.

Yet, that's the nature of the business. You have to make sure you take care of your minor league team's travel, budget, and all that stuff-- on top of managing prospect development and the NHL side of things, too. Sometimes dollars don't add up and you have to move around the US and/or Canada to find the right spot....or the right spot for right now.

Debating the Inevitable Rebuild

Whether it be the shortened-season or something coming to a head as it was, but the idea of blowing up some teams has been very rampant from this season. Of course, there are some teams that are long overdue for it, as their teams have been in a sinkhole for a while, but these talks have since been escalated with their lack of things happening during this short season.

One of the teams who have had a lot of talk behind them recently is the Buffalo Sabres. With Lindy Ruff being canned earlier in the season, you have to think that they are looking for a new kind of look about them. While the free-spending of Terry Pegula hasn't yielded many results-- it does yield talk about whether or not Thomas Vanek and Ryan Miller want to stick around for misfitting puzzle pieces and hope that they work. Those frustrations have one foot out the door with the both of them, the big blow-up happening as soon as this trade deadline, as their return would probably be as high as it ever will be then.

Though, while Vanek and Miller are on their way out, the big question is whether GM Darcy Regier will join them. The fact remains that regardless of what parts you move out, if you truly want a full rebuild; you have to get rid of the decision maker Regier in this. Ruff and Regier were there from the same times and you'd think they'd both go down with the ship-- but it seems that Regier somehow found a way to dodge a bullet. My guess is that he won't dodge it in the summer time, which could create quite the rebuilding ripple for the Sabres.

The Calgary Flames are another team that has people wondering if they need to start looking at a solid rebuilding model rather than picking up parts here and there and hoping the playoffs are in the crystal ball. Fact of the matter is that Jarome Iginla and Miikka Kiprusoff are both likely gone from the Flames plans sooner rather than later, either by trades or impending free agency (Kipper still has one more year after this)-- but they are a team in need of a full-rebuild, though it's almost not possible with their minor league affiliate not being as strong as others and draft picks not panning out as well as they thought.

With the Flames, you'd think something different would have happened with Jay Feaster taking over, but he seemed to get kneecaps by the contract he inherited. And while you can say the contracts with the No-Movement/Trade Clauses hamper him, there are some player who would probably lift it to get onto a contending team rather than floundering where they are. While many are calling for Feaster's departure, the lack of progress from the prospects can't be completely put on him, but inheriting the prospects or contract or not-- it's his job to move things around and get the right people in there to maybe give a shot to the arm of others.

Other teams, namely the Washington Capitals, could probably be looking at a sort of a rebuild-- but they're either too stubborn to do so or think this trend will work itself out. That's not always the case though, as it often takes a big shake-up to actually bring a team back to life and give them an actual turn-around.

Drastic times call for drastic measures and there are played time that many teams are way too late in picking up on their teams downward spiral. There's a fine line of thinking a team will actually "snap out of it" and noticing a complete collapse, but it's picking up on that certain thing that separates the good GM and a great GM....and also helps them keep their job as well.

Absurd Goalie Monday: Tim Bernhardt

In this week's AGM-- many things to be taken away were the disorganization of his organizations goaltending situations could be the reason for his career demise. However, if nothing else can be taken away,  this week's AGM was involved in two franchise relocations while he was on the roster. This week, the profile of Tim Bernhardt.

Starting in the 1974-75 season, Bernhardt got started with the Sarnia Army Vets Junior A team, but would soon move onto the QMJHL to play for the Cornwall Royals, where Bernhardt finished the 1975-76 season with a 24-16-9 record in 50 games, then a 4-4 record in the playoffs. In the 1976-77 season, Bernhardt played in 44 games and finished with a 24-12-6, then going 4-5-3 in 12 playoff games (ties happened in the QMJHL playoffs, with goals counting toward the final total). During the 1977-78 season, Bernhardt recorded a 35-13-5, then went 5-4 in the playoffs; as well as playing in the World Juniors for Canada, in which they would take home a Bronze Medal.

The 1978 Draft saw Bernhardt selected by the Atlanta Flames in the 3rd Round, which placed him in the minor league Tulsa Oilers of the Central League for the 1978-79 season, posting a 15-26-3 record in 46 games. Staying in the Central League, but with the Birmingham Bulls in the 1979-80 season, Bernhardt had a 15-16-1 record in 34 games, then 1-2 in the playoffs. Back with Birmingham in the 1980-81 season, Bernhardt had a 11-13-2 record, but in the 1981-82 season; Bernhardt played only 10 games in the Central League with the Oklahoma City Stars (1-8-0), before getting a call-up to the AHL and the Rochester Americans, playing in 29 games with a 15-10-2 record with a 4-3 record in nine playoff games.

In the 1982-83 season, Bernhardt spent most of his time back in the Central League, but with the Colorado Flames, compiling a 19-11-1 record in 34 games, then going 2-3 in the playoffs. Also that season, Bernhardt got the call-up to Calgary, where he would go 0-5-0 in six appearances with the Flames.

The Flames did not give Bernhardt a contract after that season, so he went to the AHL and signed on with the St. Catherines Saints for the 1983-84 season, putting together a 25-13-4 record in 42 games, then 2-3 in the playoffs. Bernhardt played 14 games with St. Catherines in the 1984-85 season (5-7-2) before having the Toronto Maple Leafs sign him, where he would spend the rest of the season for 37 games (13-19-4). Bernhardt started the 1985-86 season in Toronto, playing in 23 games, but going a dismal 4-12-3; thus earning him a trip back to St. Catherines, where he would put up a 6-4-2 record, then going 0-3 in the playoffs.

With the 1986-87 season, the Saints moved to Newmarket, where Bernhardt would go 6-17-0 in 31 games, while also appearing in relief for one Maple Leafs' game. For the 1987-88 season, Bernhardt was back in Newmarket, posting a 22-19-4 in 49 games, while in the 1988-89 season-- he would put together a 17-16-2 record in 37 games. Closing out in the 1989-90 season, Bernhardt would only play in 14 games and have a 4-7-1 record for his duties. After that season, Bernhardt would hang up his pads.

After hockey, Bernhardt went into scouting-- joining the Dallas Stars staff in 1993, being promoted to Director of Amateur Scouting in 1998, but let go by the team in 2011.

While stuck in the minor and then trying to get through the Ballard years in net for the Maple Leafs, Bernhardt didn't get a too much a chance to shine when he was given the chance. While he did have some ups and downs in the minors, the downs may not have been able to be helped considering the organizations he was in.

Is Iginla's Fire Flickering??

On the Wild's only regulation goal of the night, Jarome Iginla tried to get the puck out of the Flames' zone and it deflected off Ryan Suter's skate and right to Devin Setoguchi. Iginla appeared to be coasting after the blotched clearing attempt, all the while Kyle Brodziak received the Setoguchi pass, made a move and scored. Iginla was the closest back-checking Flame, not looking to make an effort to make a play on it.

That's not the mark of a passionate player Not the leadership by example Iginla has been known for. Not what anyone wants in a franchise player.

The Fan 960's Rhett Warrener said as much when it comes to Iginla this morning.

Of course, if Iginla gets traded, he's going to have to approve it and who knows if he would or not. While he loves being in Calgary, is he more of a detriment to the team than an asset, even as a captain. For a guy who is on the last year of his contract, you don't see the intensity that Iginla has had in the past.

Maybe it's because he didn't intensely skate during the lockout and it's taking a while to get his step back, but he's not showing the signs of being the Jarome Iginla that made him a folk-hero in Calgary and the NHL starting back in the 2004 playoffs.

To be honest, Iginla is on a team that he is a superstar on a team who doesn't seem to have much else in the past, which put him into the role that he is in right now. If he gets traded to a contender, he wouldn't be in such a prime role that he is in Calgary. He'd be a depth player who wouldn't be called on to be the superstar player that Calgary fans and coaching think he should be right now.

If Iginla wants to be traded, he'll be able to choose his destination and the Flames management will have to work around what he wants because of the No-Move Clause in his contract. Most teams may not see that he still has that spark he seems to be missing, which means little return for the Flames; but are they better off with him slumping and looking out of sort or are they better off without him??

Absurd Goalie Monday: Fred Brathwaite

While this goalie is a fresh retiree, he does have quite a resume to show. From winning a Memorial Cup to scoring a goal in the IHL, to being in a hip-hop video, this week's AGM savvy nature has made him a great personality in the game and has moved him along to a life in hockey by coaching and technology, as well. This week, the profile of Fred Brathwaite.

Brathwaite's start was in Junior "A" in the 1988-89 season with the Smiths Falls Bears, where he would play in 38 games and have a record of 16-18-1, while in the 1989-90 season-- Brathwaite played in Junior "B" for the Orilla Terriers for 15 games before getting a call-up.

The call-up for Brathwaite was to the Oshawa Generals of the OHL, where he would finish that campaign with a 11-2-1 record in 20 games, then went 4-2 in 10 playoff games, as the Generals won the OHL title. In the Memorial Cup that year, Brathwaite played one game (a win) en route to the Generals winning the Memorial Cup. In the 1990-91 season, Brathwaite appeared in 39 games for Oshawa and compile a 25-6-3 record, then post a 9-2 record in 13 playoff games. The 1991-92 season put Brathwaite in Oshawa again, but only for 24 games (12-7-2), then he was dealt to the London Knights where he would go 15-6-2 in 23 games, then 5-5 in the playoffs. Brathwaite was on the move once again before the 1992-93 season, where he would play for the Detroit Jr. Red Wings, putting up a 23-10-4 record in 37 games while going 9-6 in the playoffs.

Going undrafted, Brathwaite was signed by the Edmonton Oilers before the 1993-94 season, where he would go 3-10-3 in 19 appearances, while being sent down to the AHL's Cape Breton Oilers for two games going 1-1-0. The lockout shortened 1994-95 season had Brathwaite in Edmonton the entire season, posting a 2-5-1 record in 14 games. Brathwaite struggled with Edmonton in the 1995-96 season, going 0-2-0 in seven games before having a stint in the AHL with Cape Breton, where he would have a 12-16-0 record in his 31 games there.

With no NHL contract, Brathwaite signed with the IHL's Manitoba Moose for the 1996-97 season, where he would put up a 22-22-5 record in 58 games, but he would record a goal in November of 1996. Returning to Manitoba in the 1997-98 season, Brathwaite had a 23-18-4 record in 51 games, then went 0-1 in two playoff games.

Brathwaite moved onto the Canadian National Team at the beginning of the 1998-99 season, playing 24 exhibitions and going 6-8-3 in those games before he would get a solid break.

In January of 1999, Brathwaite was signed by the Calgary Flames and would play 28 games the rest of that season, posting an 11-9-7 record along the way. The 1999-2000 season allowed Brathwaite to get starting goalie time, playing in 61 games and finishing with a 25-25-7 record for the Flames, as well as going to the AHL for two games (both wins) with the Saint John Flames; in addition to that-- Brathwaite played a game in the World Championships for Canada, a loss. In the 2000-01 season, Brathwaite played in 49 games for Calgary and went 15-17-10, while on the Canadian team in the World Championship-- Brathwaite played in four games with a 3-1-0 record.

During the summer of 2001, Brathwaite along with Daniel Tkaczuk, Sergei Varlamov, and a pick went to the St. Louis Blues for Roman Turek and a draft pick. With the Blues in the 2001-02 season, Brathwaite was a back-up to Brent Johnson and would play in 25 games and finishing with a 9-11-4 record and playing in six seconds of a playoff game. In the 2002-03 season, Brathwaite was a part of a seven goalie system in St. Louis-- playing in 30 games and finished with a 12-9-4 record.

Brathwaite signed with the Columbus Blue Jackets before the 2003-04 season and would go to 4-11-1 in 21 games, while playing in the AHL with the Syracuse Crunch for three games and finishing with a 0-2-1 record.

Brathwaite went overseas for the 2004-05 season to play with Ak Bars Kazan in the Russian Super League, playing for two years there in 66 games with 14 shutouts in that time. Brathwaite came back to North America for the 2006-07 season, signing with the Atlanta Thrashers, but being assigned to the AHL's Chicago Wolves, playing in 40 games with a 22-13-5 record to show. In the 2007-08 season with the Wolves, Brathwaite only appeared in 13 games (10-2-0) before leaving the team and going back over to Russia to play with Avangard Omsk for 18 games to end out the season.

Staying in Europe, but moving to Germany, Brathwaite started out with Adler Mannheim in the 2008-09 season, playing in 49 contests and posting a 27-22-0 with six shutouts, then 5-4 in the playoffs, a performance good enough for Brathwaite to get the German League MVP. During the 2009-10 season, Brathwaite put up a 21-25-0 record for Mannheim in 47 games, then 0-2 in the playoffs; while in the 2010-11 season, Brathwaite went 25-24-0 for a 49 game season, then 3-3 in the playoffs.

Brathwaite attempted to get another NHL role, but has been unable to find a spot-- settling for an assistant goalie coach for Adler Mannheim. As well, Brathwaite is the Public Relations director for a new stadium smartphone app called SweetSeat, where fans can order food, drink, or merchandise from their seat and have it delivered to them.

With brief promises, the cards seemed to be stacked against Brathwaite-- being shuffled around a logjam of goalies from organization to organization. While he did start out to be a solid prospect, it never turned out-- but he chalked up many miles to keep his dream alive and well, regardless of cost.

On the Topic Of Keeping Miikka Kiprusoff Starting

Is it possible for Miikka Kiprusoff to start all 48 games for the Calgary Flames this season??

Simple answer is yes.

Long answer is yes, but in doing so; you're not only wearing out your workhorse and maybe not giving your team the best chance to win-- but you're also hurting the development of the young back-up Leland Irving, who won his spot on the bench in training camp.

Yet, at the same time-- Kiprusoff is the Flames guy through thick and thin. Since the lost 2004-05 season, Kiprusoff has played in 524 of the Flames 580 games, coming on in relief for only four of those 524. That shows that Kiprusoff is able to give the outcome the Flames want-- in which he hasn't had lower than 35 wins in those seven seasons-- but also shows that the team probably can't play that well in front of the back-up, for which there has been nine back-ups in the seven season span.

The problem with Kiprusoff being in there all the time this shortened season is the fact that he's just getting warmed up after not playing or practicing much during the work stoppage. His numbers are showing it, too, with a 3.42 GAA and .859 save percentage in his six games this season, very un-Kipper like for him.

Even with all the problems, this sprint of a season is something where Bob Hartley is probably going to live and die with their gamer of a goalie. Odds are, Kiprusoff will not turn down a chance to play when he's asked. That's why at some point, Hartley has to tell Kipper to take a seat and let Irving have a spot. For a young kid like Irving, who has gotten better in the AHL, but being behind Kiprusoff; hasn't been able to make a great NHL splash as of yet. And because of that, Kiprusoff has had to taken the brunt of the starts due to seemingly a lack of confidence in the young back-up.

While he has gotten "better" in some sense of the word, the 1-3-2 record isn't helping the cause for Kiprusoff to keep playing every minute of every game. While his experience is something that has worked well in the past, it may not be the best for the team if his struggles are hurting the team in the long-run. Irving may not be the answer, but with the starter dealing with struggles-- the back-up at least deserves one shot.

Absurd Goalie Monday: Doug Dadswell

While a college career is often useful for some for a short time, others need a longer time. This week's AGM appeared to give the old college try for so long before the NHL came calling-- and it could have been a bad decision. He did have himself a hiccup while playing, but got back to it only to finally call it a career not long after. This week, the profile of Doug Dadswell.

Dadswell moved in and out of the Ontario Junior A and B scene, playing for the St. Michael's Buzzards, Thronhill Thunderbirds, and Pickering Panthers in Junior B and the Richmond Hill Rams in Junior A from the 1980-81 season until the 1983-84 season.

Going to the NCAA route, Dadswell played at Cornell University for the Big Red starting in the 1984-85 season, playing in 28 games and finishing with a 17-10-1 record, then a 20-7-3 record in 30 games during the 1985-86 season. Dadswell received ECAC Second All-Star Team honors and NCAA East First Team All-American during that season, as well.

Foregoing his last two years of eligibility, Dadswell signed with the Calgary Flames before the 1986-87 season, playing mostly in the AHL with the Moncton Flames, posting a 23-12-0 record in 42 games, then going 4-2 in the playoffs. Dadswell also played in two games with the Flames, going 0-1-1. During the 1987-88 season. Dadswell backed up Mike Vernon and went 8-7-2 in 26 appearances with the Flames.

However, the Flames got experience back-up Rick Wamsley for the 1988-89 season, sending Dadswell to the IHL's Salt Lake Golden Eagles and he put up a 15-10-0 record with Salt Lake and also spent time with the Indianapolis Ice, going 4-15-0 in 24 games there.

Dadswell took off the entire 1989-90 season, coming back in the 1990-91 season with the Canadian National Team were he would post a 16-6-1 record in 20 games. The 1991-92 season saw Dadswell start with the ECHL's Cincinnati Cyclones for 24 games (14-9-1) before getting a call up to the AHL's Utica Devils for 22 games (7-9-2) and appearing in two playoff games-- both losses.

For the 1992-93 season, Dadswell returned to the Cincinnati Cyclones-- who now played in the IHL-- and going 5-11-1 before he moved to the ECHL's Birmingham Bulls for eight games with a 3-3-0 record. Dadswell returned to Calgary in the summer of 1993, but it was to play for the Roller Hockey International team, the Calgary Radz, where he would go 5-4-0 in 10 appearances before he would hang up the pads for good.

While Dadswell college accomplishments were good enough to get him into the Cornell Hall of Fame in 2000, I'm sure he'd much like to be considered for his professional career-- but it was much too short to register for some people. While he was unceremoniously shuffled out of the Flames line-up, it seemed taking time off to regroup didn't do him any favors when all was said and done.

Absurd Goalie Monday: Philippe Sauve

With many family lineages, the goaltending position is one that is the hardest to have success from top to bottom. This week's AGM is a guy who's father blazed a trail for the Buffalo Sabres and was one of their first great goalies. Although, in the end-- the son couldn't make the same impact and shouldn't have been expected to. This week, the profile of Philippe Sauve.

Sauve started with his midget AAA team in Laval-Laurentides and post a 9-10-0 record in 25 appearances and then 7-8 in 15 playoff games. In the 1996-97 season, Sauve moved to the major junior ranks for Rimouski Oceanic in the QMJHL, putting up an 11-9-2 record in 26 games, while in the 1997-98 season, Sauve went 23-16-0 for Rimouski and then 0-5 in seven playoff appearances. The Colorado Avalanche drafted Sauve in the 2nd Round of the Draft and then in the 1998-99 season, Sauve posted a 16-19-4 record for Rimouski and then 6-4 in 11 playoff games.

During the off-season, Sauve moved to Drummondville to play for the Voltigeurs for the 1999-2000 season and would go 12-12-2 in 28 games, then was traded to the Hull Olympiques mid-season and would go 9-7-1 in 17 games and 6-6 in the playoffs. Sauve also played for the USA in the World Juniors and go 0-1-1 in two games.

Embarking on his professional career, Sauve went to the Hershey Bears of the AHL in the 2000-01 season and finish 17-18-1 in 42 appearances, then 0-3 in the playoffs. The bulk of the starts went to Sauve in the 2001-02 season when he played in 55 games and compiled a 25-20-6 record with six shutouts and then a 3-5 record in the playoffs. Sauve would play 60 games in the 2002-03 season for the Bears, finishing there with a 26-20-12 regular season record and 2-3 playoff record.

In the 2003-04 season, Sauve was the back-up for the Colorado Avalanche behind David Aebischer and play in 17 games, putting up a 7-7-3 record, but would be sent down to Hershey for the end of the season and play in 10 games, finishing with a 3-7-0 record. During the lockout season of 2004-05, Sauve signed with the ECHL's Mississippi Sea Wolves and would go 13-4-4 in 21 games while going 1-3 in the playoffs.

In the summer of 2005, the Avalanche traded Sauve to the Calgary Flames for future consideration, but Sauve would only play for eight games in Calgary (3-3-0); then he would be traded in February to the Phoenix Coyotes with Steven Reinprecht for Brian Boucher and Mike Leclerc; though Sauve would go 0-4-0 in five appearances for the Coyotes.

The 2006-07 season was a whirlwind for Sauve. At first, he reported to the Coyotes' AHL affiliate-- the San Antonio Rampage-- for 10 games (4-5-0), but he would get traded to the Boston Bruins for a prospect. Sauve appeared in only two games for Boston, but didn't have a win-loss record. Sauve did go to the Providence Bruins in the AHL and go 10-11-1 in 23 games and then would be loaned out to the Hamilton Bulldogs for six games and post a 2-3-0 record.

In the 2007-08 season, the Iowa Stars called Sauve to play for them and he would play for 12 games and have a 5-5-0 record to show for it. Mid-season, Sauve went to Germany to play for the Hamburg Freezers for 13 games and have a 9-4-0 record, then 3-4 playoff record. At the end of that season-- Sauve hasn't been heard from.

Though it was hard to deal with the shadow that his dad casted over him with his name, Philippe did what he could to make his own mark. Whether it was mismanagement by those who tutored him or his skill being overvalued, Sauve seemed to just never reach the brass rings set out for him.

Booth Boosts 'Nucks; Varlamov Makes St. Louis Blue

David Booth pots the OT winner

1st Star: David Booth, VAN: 2 goals

2nd Star: Cory Schneider, VAN: 20 saves

3rd Star: Ryan Kesler, VAN: 2 assists

A mistimed line change sprung David Booth for his second goal, the overtime winner, to ruin Bob Hartley's debut as Flames' head coach. Miikka Kiprusoff stopped 33 shots, but got little help from his teammates who only put 21 shots on the Canucks net, rookie Roman Cervenka netting the lone Flames goal. Ryan Kesler helped with assists on both Booth goals. 

1st Star: Semyon Varlamov, COL: 26 saves, shutout

2nd Star: Erik Johnson, COL: 2 assists

3rd Star: Steve Downie, COL: 1 goal

Standing tall in net, Semyon Varlamov got the first shutout of this young NHL season, stopping all the Blues threw at him. Meanwhile, Jaroslav Halak came back from last year's knee injury to stop 28 shots, but it wasn't enough when he didn't get help scoring from his teammates. Steve Downie, Ryan O'Reilly, and Jamie McGinn were the unlikely goal-scorers for the young Avalanche squad. 

Ryan O'Reilly pots his first goal of the year

On the Topic Of....Trade Talks

With the drama of Zach Parise and Ryan Suter now over and the free agency tank not on empty, but running on fumes-- it's now time to focus on who is going to be a tradeable asset. This summer seems to have quite the stock of assets that are just begging to be moved for one reason or another. However, the bigger names that could be traded could not be as desirable as the names who are just as comparable; but may have a little more overall upside than the names.

Case-in-point: Bobby Ryan and Rick Nash. These are two guys who many think will be moved this summer after turmoil with their current club, but which will be a better pick-up?? To be honest, when you look at the numbers-- both are comparable to each other and you'd probably get more out of them if they were surrounded with a better support team (though Ryan has it made with Perry and Getzlaf). But the bottom line coming down to it is whether or not a team has the assets and then want to depart with those assets in order to acquire one of the other. Of course, Ryan's asking price will probably be much lower than Nash and his salary hit will be much less and the contract is shorter. All of those will be a great selling feature with the two right wings pitted against each other.

Granted, Nash is the "sexy" name and will have fans bemoan the fact that they weren't able to get him. Nash, however, seems to be only the name. We haven't seen what he can do when playing with elite level players on the NHL stage, but one can assume that if Nash has a true #1 passing center, he'd reap the benefits. The San Jose Sharks name keep popping up from the attachment that Nash and Joe Thornton have-- but that was seven years ago and who knows if the the chemistry is still there.

Moving from the forwards, the name of Jay Bouwmeester is coming up, mostly because Jay Feaster gave Dennis Wideman an insane amount of money on an insane term; thus seemingly make Bouwmeester expendable. At two years left on his contract and a $6.68M cap hit, there's probably not going to be any teams burning up Feaster's phone lines. If anything, they'll make sure he stays hampered with that contract until the 2014 trade deadline. While Bouwmeester can be a great player when he applies himself, odds are teams wouldn't want to take on his streaky play, especially not in a contract year. Of course, should Feaster just give him away, that'd be attractive to some teams. Another option is for the Flames to bury him in the minors, as he only has a NTC, but very unlikely.

Yet, the biggest name, still, is Roberto Luongo. Since the Canucks playoff run ended, many were speculating on where his next destination would be because of his inability to get past Round One after being the Western Conference representative in the Stanley Cup Finals. Of course, that helped Cory Schneider break out and get a decent re-signing for his effort, but it also shows that the Canucks are willing to let go of Luongo, who has 10 years left on his contract and will have a cap hit of $5.33M for those seasons. Plus, considering he has a wacky NTC though it all-- it makes you wonder if any team would take the flier on him or not, especially when they know he can be great at times and horrible at times.

The biggest upside for Luongo is the lack of decent free agent goalies out there for a team that needs one. Rumor has it that Luongo only wants to go to the Panthers, but whether or not they are willing to give up on Jacob Markstrom just yet is another story. Of course, with the Panthers making the playoffs last year and coming within one goal of advancing to the second round-- Luongo could be the one thing that actually makes the Panthers true contenders in the Eastern Conference. That said-- both Jose Theodore and Scott Clemmensen are under contract next year-- Clemmensen for another year after next. It'd be a hard sell for the Panthers to get yet another goalie.

So, with the summer just starting/ending for free agency, you can bet that trade talks will be heating up sooner or later. Whether or not anyone gets moved is another story and whether it happens this month or closer to training camp is yet another story. At least we'll have something to talk about this summer....I think....other than that whole CBA crap.

Absurd Goalie Monday: Steve Guenette

As the Memorial Cup is going on in Shawinigan, Quebec; this week's AGM was able to capture the Memorial Cup after an unlikely road to the junior championship after a rocky first couple of seasons, However, he was able to get into the NHL for a short time, then build his way to a career after hockey. This week-- the profile of Steve Guenette.

Guenette started off his career with the Gloucester Rangers for 31 games in the 1981-82 and 1982-83 season. In the 1983-84 season, Guenette would move onto the OHL's Guelph Platers, going 9-20-1 in 38 appearances. The 1984-85 season saw Guenette play in 41 games and compile a 16-22-4 record. The breakout year for Guenette was the 1985-86 season, where he would finish with a 26-20-1 record in 50 games, then going 15-3 in the playoffs-- helping Guelph win the J. Ross Robertson Trophy for league champion. Moving onto the Memorial Cup, Guenette went 3-1 in four games, taking home the Hap Emms Trophy for top goalie in the Memorial Cup and All-Tournament team.

After that last season, Guenette was signed by the Pittsburgh Penguins. In the 1986-87 season, Guenette spent most of the season playing in the AHL for the Baltimore Skipjacks, going 21-23-0 in 50 games, while getting called up to Pittsburgh and lose both his appearances. The Pens moved their primary affiliation to the IHL's Muskegon Lumberjacks, playing in 33 games with an impressive 23-4-5 record, then getting called up to Pittsburgh for 19 games and putting up a 12-7-0 record. That season, Guenette captured the James Norris Trophy for fewest goals against in the IHL. Guenette spent the first part 1988-89 season as a back-up in Pittsburgh, getting into only 11 games (5-6-0), while spending 10 games with Muskegon (6-4-0).

The second half of the season would be after Guenette was traded to the Calgary Flames for a draft pick. Guenette stayed in the IHL, but with the Salt Lake Golden Eagles and go 24-5-0 in 30 games to round out the season. The 1989-90 season had Guenette stay in Salt Lake, playing 47 games and finishing with a 22-21-4 record, while spending two games in Calgary-- going 1-1-0. Guenette would be back in Salt Lake again for the 1990-91 season, finishing with a 26-13-4 record in 43 appearances, as well as winning the only game he played in Calgary that year.

During the summer of 1991, Guenette was traded to the Minnesota North Stars for a draft pick, but he would be put back in the IHL with the Kalamazoo Wings. He would play 21 games and finish with a 7-9-3 record before finally hanging up his pads for good.

Currently, Guenette has dipped his hand into home improvement, working as a partner for Roofers World, which manufactuers and distributes roofing products across North America. Guenette is also a part of the Ottawa Senators Alumni team, as he lives in the Ottawa region and is accepted into the team's alumni group.

After a slow start, then a quick rise to the top in the juniors-- the struggles on the pro teams and the logjam that happened made Guenette bounce around from team to team, mostly getting stuck in the minors. However, he's still active with the Sens alum and made a great career choice outside of the game.

Why Does Brent Sutter Hate His Job??

With his season on the line, with little margin for error-- Brent Sutter went into Vancouver's Rogers Arena knowing that he needed to win-out to even had a chance. Who else would he turn to but his only hope in net-- Henrik Karlsson.

Wait, what??

Sure, in the end, Karlsson was solid and they did pick up a point in the overtime loss; the fact remains that this is a continuation of the follies that has happened during Brent Sutter's tenure as the Calgary Flames head coach. Sutter has been behind the Flames bench for three seasons, each of which he did not qualify for the second-season. With not playing the starting, franchise goalie in a must-win game, combined with a few weeks ago not putting in his top scorers in the shootout-- you have to wonder if Sutter is doing this all on purpose or not. While a lapse in judgement is possible, the fact remains that some of these decisions are head-scratchers and makes many wonder if he was possessed or not when making these moves.

While some "experienced" scribes believed that Sutter may deserve a contract extension because of the team's second half surge (then going on TV that same week and say he could be going to Edmonton to coach there); the results when all is said and done, Sutter shouldn't be behind the Flames bench. I don't know who should, but I know that Sutter probably isn't the guy if he can't get anything out of this team for three seasons. Plus, he isn't GM Jay Feaster's guy-- which could make a bumpy ride for Sutter when he eventually goes out the door.

It's quite interesting on how Sutter was able to succeed (relatively speaking) with the New Jersey Devils, but when he moved closer to home and with family-- and possibly a better forward roster-- Sutter hasn't been able to get much of anything out of the the Flames or when he does....it's far too late to make up the ground lost. The awful part about this is that Sutter can't play the game, which doesn't help the slumps and injuries that have happened-- but at the same time; there's plenty of points that the team left out there and since you can't fire the players or grill them all the time, you have to look higher-- which is Sutter.

The start of this tenure seemed like a match made in hockey heaven-- the brothers Sutter combining to give the Flames a spark and bring back the mucking-and-grinding glory that propelled the team to the 2004 Stanley Cup Finals. Coming back to his home Province and only 90 minutes south of where he built a Major Junior empire with the Red Deer Rebels, bringing along players like Cam Ward and Dion Phaneuf-- Brent would be the guy to help the veterans stay hungry and develop the youngsters to be like the seasoned vets.

Even so, it ended in the brothers not talking, then Darryl getting fired, then just a downward spiral from that point forward. The players should be held accountable, but the fact that Brent couldn't get the motivation needed for the crucial time of the year, it says more about the leadership behind the bench rather than those on the ice.

In a mere couple games, this whole dream could become a nightmare that many fans would want to forget. So much promise, so much miss opportunities. So much for "Every Game Matters," eh Flames??

On the Topic Of Loyalty and Trade Rumors

Despite having a No-Movement Clause in his contract, rumors of Jarome Iginla being traded out of Calgary continue to be a hot topic the hockey world. While Iginla and GM Jay Feaster said that there's no trade imminent or even being considered-- these things still pop-up.

The biggest argument seems to be the desire for others around the league to see Iginla raise the Stanley Cup in almost a Ray Bourque-esque fashion. Yet, there's a guy across the country that had some questions about his future with the team he's been with his whole career; but it seems that he's been forgotten about when it comes down to it. That person is Daniel Alfredsson.

When you look at the two, there's a lot of similarities between the two:

• Both played with the same team their whole career
• Both the face of their franchise
• Both long-term captains
• Both right wingers
• Both helped their team to the Stanley Cup Finals
• Both won Gold Medals (though Iginla has two)

Though, as Spector's Hockey's Lyle Richardson pointed out on the November 30th FOHS, Iginla seems a little more of a desirable acquisition because of his playing style. He's a gritter player than Alfredsson, willing to go to the dirty areas for a puck, as well as stick up for himself when play gets rough.

Yet, at the same time-- you'd think that Alfredsson's offensive upside is what's needed when it boils down to needs-- especially with their ages coming into effect. Coming into the season, Alfredsson had a 0.97 points-per-game average, while Iginla had only a 0.91 average. Albeit, Alfredsson is older and has played less due to injury, but he knows how to put points on the board when he is healthy. Iginla's age is definitely another nod to his upside for teams looking to put something together that will apparently never happen. That said-- while he's a 35+ contract, Alfredsson doesn't have a No-Movement Clause in his contract; so if he wants to go-- he can be shipped out, but you know the Senators will respect his wishes if he wants to stay or not due to his tenure.

In the end though, neither of these guys are likely to be traded this season. Next season, maybe a different story for Alfredsson, but Iginla controls his own destiny. Plus, as Lyle said during the show, too-- not every player wants to have the Bourque moment and could be fine without winning the Cup, legacy be damned. Most fans and some GMs just like the return and if they don't get the return-- they resent the player and deem them to be selfish. The player is screwed if he wants out, screwed if he wants to stay.

The fact of the matter is that while Iginla is getting all the publicity; it's interesting to see Alfredsson pretty much getting pushed to the side, though they do have parallel careers in length and decent enough upsides-- though Iginla has the grit X-factor going for him. Just food for thought.

Absurd Goalie Monday: Jamie McLennan

While we seem to have a lot of commentators that have been AGMs in the past, this week's has only recently taken that step in his career. After dealing with the highs of junior success, to the fear of dying in the off-season, to the rejuvenation of his career, finally settling in with being a back-up to work horse goalies, this week's inductee has been through it all. This week, the career of Jamie McLennan.

McLennan started off by playing in the Alberta Jr. League for the Saint Albert Royals in the 1987-88 season before moving to the WHL in the 1988-89 season, first for 11 games with the Spokane Chiefs before getting traded to the Lethbridge Hurricanes, where he would play for seven games. The 1989-90 season had McLennan in 34 appearances and would respond well to the added time, going 20-4-2 in those games, then sporting a 6-5 playoff record in 13 games. McLennan would take the starting role in the 1990-91 season, playing in 56 games and finishing with a 32-18-4 record, then lead Lethbridge to the WHL Finals with a 8-8 record in the playoffs. McLennan would win the Del Wilson Trophy for top goaltender in the WHL.

After that season, the New York Islanders selected McLennan in the third round of the NHL Draft. That 1991-92 season saw McLennan start out in the ECHL with the Richmond Renegades, playing 32 games and going 16-12-2, while also playing in 18 games with the AHL's Capital Distrcit Islanders, going 4-10-2 in those match-ups. The 1992-93 season had McLennan staying with Capital District and appearing in 38 games with a 17-14-6 record to show for his efforts.

For the 1993-94 season, McLennan split his time between the Salt Lake Golden Eagles of the IHL for 24 games (8-12-2), as well as getting into 22 games in the NHL with the Islanders, finishing with a 8-7-6 record. The 1994-95 season had McLennan in the Islanders line-up for 22 games after the lockout happened, going 6-11-2; but would spend the last part of the season with the IHL's Denver Grizzlies, going 3-0-1 in four regular season games, then going 8-2 in 11 playoff games, helping the Grizzlies win the Turner Cup. The 1995-96 season was a whirlwind for McLennan, playing on Long Island for 13 games (3-9-1), then 14 for the Utah Grizzlies in the IHL (9-2-2), then 22 for the AHL's Worcester Ice Cats (14-7-1), but it would be the off-season that would really make things interesting for McLennan.

While on his way back from Salt Lake City, Utah to his home in Edmonton, Alberta; he stopped in Lethbridge, Alberta to visit family. While in Lethbridge, McLennan got sick and went to the hospital thinking he had the flu. However, on further testing, it turned out McLennan had contracted bacterial meningitis and, had he not been treated, would have died. After spending a week in intensive care and on a heavy dose of antibiotics, he was released in good health.

Yet, the Islanders didn't re-sign McLennan, which allowed the St. Louis Blues to pick him up in the summer of 1996. The 1996-97 season had McLennan in the AHL with the Worcester Ice Cats, playing in 39 games with an 18-13-4 finishing record, then going 2-2 in the playoffs. McLennan was able to make the Blues' roster in the 1997-98 season, backing up Grant Fuhr, and playing in 30 games with a 16-8-2 record to show. Coming back that season allowed McLennan to win the Bill Masterton Trophy for dedication and perseverance to the sport of hockey. The 1998-99 season saw McLennan play in 33 games with the Blues, but finished with a 13-14-4 record, while he would only get 19 games in the 1999-2000 season, finishing with a 9-5-2 record.

With the Expansion Draft, McLennan was picked up by the Minnesota Wild, where he would play in 38 games, but would go a dismal 5-23-9. Due to that season, McLennan was sent to the AHL's Houston Aeros for the 2001-02 season, where he would go 25-18-4 in 51 games.

During the 2002 Draft, McLennan was traded to the Calgary Flames for a ninth-round pick. McLennan in the 2002-03 season went 2-11-4 in 22 games for the Flames that first year. The 2003-04 season was better in Calgary for McLennan, who went 12-9-3 in 26 games. McLennan was traded to the New York Rangers at the trade deadline that year with Blair Betts and Greg Moore for Chris Simon, while McLennan would only play four games with a 1-3-0 record.

When the lockout happened in the 2004-05 season, McLennan went to Great Britain to play with the Guildford Flames for three games, winding up with a 2-1-0 record to show in the regular season, then a 4-3 record in seven playoff games.

When the NHL returned in the 2005-06 season, McLennan signed with the Florida Panthers, where he would be behind Roberto Luongo for the season, only seeing 17 games during the season finishing with a 2-4-2 record.

McLennan signed with the Calgary Flames again for the 2006-07, where he would only play in nine games, finishing with a 3-5-1 record. However, how he ended his NHL career was memorable. McLennan was in a playoff game for the Flames against the Red Wings for 18 seconds-- in which he slashed Johan Franzen in the stomach, for which he was suspended five games. He would not play in the NHL again.

The 2007-08 season had McLennan go overseas, first having a five week stint with Russian Elite League's Metallurg Magnitogorsk, then going to play with the Nippon Paper Cranes of the Asian Hockey League, where he would appear in 17 games before retiring.

Post playing career, McLennan was a goaltending and assistant coach for the Calgary Flames for a couple of season, but would move onto the media world in 2010-- first writing a column for The Hockey News, then moving on the NHL on TSN staff.

He's been up, he's been down, and he faced death-- but the man they call "Noodles" always took things light-heartedly and was a guy who was upbeat according to his teammates. His personality helped him get jobs in the league, as well as now in the media side of things.

Wade Belak 1976-2011

The world lost Wade Belak on Wednesday. It was the second time in just over two weeks the NHL has lost someone close to the community, as Rick Rypien passed on the 15th of August. Both cases seem to be by way of suicide. This is also the third death this off-season, including Derek Boogaard's passing earlier in the summer.

While Belak wasn't always a guy who jumped out on the score sheet for goals or assists, he was a fan favorite and a guy who was always there to help out the team with an energy shift or to stir up things with the other team. He was always there for the media to give a quip and always seemed to have a light-hearted person. He was a character. On the ice, Belak was a scrapper, but it seemed off the ice, he was a teddy bear. The most heartbreaking part of this is him leaving behind a wife and two young daughters who may never know the answers as to why.

---------

While people are quick to jump on sides and try to play armchair commissioner; it's not that easy. People can clamor for change as much as they want, but by all knowledge; Belak didn't have any known cases of depression nor concussions (according to him, at least). He was a character and always seemed to be a happy-go-lucky guy. The world is less without him on it anymore.

But as far as people blaming the NHL or NHLPA for not doing enough to help out their players-- who's to say they didn't?? Like I mentioned and has been mentioned abound, it didn't seem like Belak showed any symptoms of depression and it hasn't be documented that he ever requested to go into the program at all.

As I mentioned in my post about Rypien, there's a lot of times where guys aren't going to broadcast their problems out there. A lot of guys are on guard because of the profession they got into. They have a strong pride factor with their toughness and if they even show some vulnerability, it could be seen as weakness and they never showed weakness at all.

People can go on and on about the programs and how the league and the PA needs to get harsher on testing and monitoring of players-- but you cannot force someone to go into these programs. They aren't children and if they feel there is nothing wrong; you have to trust them-- especially if they aren't doing any harm to themselves or others outside of the rink.

Any kind of program a person gets into when it comes to depression is only as good as the person who is getting the help. The NHL and NHLPA could have thrown every available option at guys like Rypien and Belak and it still may not have been enough. Hell, Rypien was in a program a couple times and wasn't rushed at all to come back. He had the wherewithal to actually voluntarily go into the program; because he knew something was up and wanted to get himself better.

There's no cure-all for depression, and while the psychological part of it all is just as important as the physical part-- it's much, much harder to diagnosis and to treat; especially if someone believes they are okay the way they are. All the medicine, counseling, and time in the world could be given to any player-- and it still may not be enough.

Because of that-- you cannot blame any party involved. These are sad happenstances that occur and sadly, would have occurred regardless of how early it was caught, how much medicine was given, how much advice or life changes were suggested. That the messed up part of the brain chemistry; no one really knows how someone else feels and you have to be trusting if they aren't showing any signs.

People can go on and on about how fighting or overly physical nature of the game is to blame; but sometimes that's not always the case. These players are also humans-- they have real-life issues, real-life problems, and are just like you and me; but put on a highly pedestal because of their skills they were able to pick-up through playing a game they love, which they turned into a career. It's easy to lose sight of the humanity of the situation until it turns tragic.

God speed to you, Wade-- I hope you have found peace. To the Belak family, my deepest condolences to you all and I hope one day you may all find some peace in all of this.

To those reading this-- hug the ones you love today and let them know you love them. And hopefully I won't have to write another one of these for a good, long while.

On the Topic Of Mascots

As the Draft is being revealed as heading to Pittsburgh for June 2012, there needed to be some shuffling of scheduling for the Consol Energy Center. One of which was a "Furries" Convention that needed to be pushed a week earlier. If you're not familiar with the "Furries" craze....then read up on it at the link.

Not only is that kind of amusing to me, but it made me wonder about mascots and how fun it would be if the mascots actually picketed outside during the FanFest wondering where the convention was and why they weren't notified.

In any case, since it's August and not much is going on out there-- this is a post on mascots that are my favorite-- sans Boomer, because I've already done something about him before.

1. Harvey the Hound-- You always got to love the first in any movement and Harvey is the first mascot in the NHL. Introduced in 1983, Harvey has been most noticeable for having his tongue ripped out by then Oilers' coach Craig MacTavish. Plus, the fact they use-- I guess-- a rescue dog for the Flames and he doesn't have a shirt on.....makes it even more interesting. Good on Harvey for being the first and most unusual-to-the-team-name mascot.

2. Badaboum-- This was the mascot of the Quebec Nordiques and it almost seemed like the starting for the Quebecors to actually have crazy muppet-esque mascots for their representation. Sadly, Badaboum did not make the trek to Colorado and could make a comeback (doubtful) if there's a team that relocates to Quebec City.

3. Youppi-- To continue with the Quebec theme, the Canadiens' mascot could be the most versatile, as Youppi was the iconic mascot of the Montreal Expos; but when they moved to Washington, DC-- the Habs picked up the pieces and kept the tradition of the Expos alive. They have the retired Expos numbers in the rafters and brought over Youppi in order to kept that tradition alive.

4. Stormy-- A hog shouldn't correlate with a hurricane, but it does in Raleigh. You see, the Hurricanes could have been called the Ice Hogs because of the all the hog farms in North Carolina. Yet, it still makes me laugh that a hog is the mascot of the Hurricanes-- but it's probably better than anything they could have come up with otherwise.

5. Nordy-- While I did say once that he was an odd looking mascot-- you have to respect the Wild's mascot. Not only is he half-bear, half-fox, half-man (ManBearFox??), but he has a mullet. Any mascot that can rock the mullet is alright in my books, even if they look freaky as hell and make people cock their heads to the sides wondering what it is.

That's my five-- and while these choices aren't like the NHL Guardians, it's a little more family friendly and unique to the team at each turn. Some have a lot to do with the team, some do not-- but the ones that do not are the best because of the guessing game of why they actually exist.

Absurd Goalie Monday: Tyrone Garner

It's rare that the AGM didn't spend his entire pro career as a goalie, but at the same time-- the story of this AGM is too good to pass up. Thanks to the suggestion from the fantastic Sasky from Australia, this week-- the profile of Tyrone Garner.

The native of Stoney Creek, Ontario, Garner began his part in Junior "B" with the Stoney Creek Spirit, going 2-7-1 in 10 games during the 1994-95 season. Garner would also spend eight games with the Junior "A" Hamilton Kitty B's, finishing with a 4.01 GAA.

The 1995-96 season saw Garner make the next step, going to the OHL's Oshawa Generals and playing in 32 games with an 11-15-4 record. That was enough for the New York Islanders to select Garner in the 4th Round of the 1996 Draft. Yet, the 1996-97 would be a rough one for Garner, as he would only play nine games with Oshawa, putting up a 6-1-0 record, then a 1-0 record in three games in the playoffs.

During that season, as well, Garner's rights, Marty McInnis, and a draft pick were traded to the Calgary Flames for Robert Reichel. Garner wouldn't make the jump to the professional ranks, as he would stay with Oshawa for the 1997-98 season, going 23-17-8 in 54 games, but then going 3-4 in seven playoff appearances. The fourth and final year of OHL play for Garner had him play in only 44 games with a 24-15-3 record with four shutouts and then going 9-6 in the 15 playoff games he appeared in. Garner got Second-Team All-Star honors from the OHL.

When Oshawa's season was done, Garner made the jump to the Calgary Flames for three games that season; going 0-2-0 in those games.

The 1999-2000 season had Garner bounce all around the minor leagues, starting off the AHL's Saint John Flames, where Garner got into 19 games with a 4-8-4 record in those games, before being loaned out to the Dayton Bombers of the ECHL, where he would play three games with an 0-2-0 record. Garner wasn't done there; being loaned out to the Johnstown Chiefs of the ECHL-- going 8-6-3 in 17 games then losing his only playoff appearance.

The 2000-01 season had Garner still in the ECHL, first starting off with the Johnstown Chiefs for five games (3-1-1) before moving onto the Greenville Grrrowl, where he would play in 35 games, compiling a 17-15-3 record. The Grrrowl would retain Garner for the 2001-02 season, only playing in 29 regular season games, posting a 12-12-5 record; but the playoffs were another story, as Garner put up a 12-2 record, leading the Grrrowl to the Kelly Cup championship. Garner would share the Playoff MVP with teammate Simon Gamache.

The 2002-03 season had Garner signed with the Florida Panthers. He would still be in the ECHL, but with the Jackson Bandits-- going 18-17-4 in 39 playoff games, as well as getting one game in the AHL with the San Antonio Rampage, which was a loss.

With no opportunities in North America, Garner decided go overseas to Germany to play for the Stuttgart Wizards for the 2003-04 season, playing in 54 games with seven shutouts and a 2.54 GAA. The 2004-05 season had Garner only play in 39 games with a 3.04 GAA and one shutouts.

The journey continued in the 2005-06 season, as Garner went over to Norway, which would change his career forever. Garner played with Valerenga IF Oslo for 27 games with a 2.59 GAA and .914 save percent, accompanied by two shutouts. Yet, it was the playoffs that really changed Garner's career and life around.

During the league semi-finals again the Storhamar Dragons, Garner was facing a penalty shot; where the shooter severely deked Garner out, forcing Garner to over-extend his leg. The over-extension caused Garner's groin muscle to snap off the bone, leaving the goalie in severe pain and his career in peril. The doctors said he would be able to play, but he couldn't play goaltender for at least one full year.

Knowing he probably had to stay in some kind of ice shape to make a comeback, his father made a suggestion to make a move to the forward position. His size (6'0, 215) made him a natural fit for a power winger. Luckily, Garner was able to catch on with the Jacksonville Barracudas of the Southern Professional League for the 2006-07 season, putting up 12 goals and 22 points in 47 games as a winger.

While he seemed to enjoy playing forward, the bug for playing in net remained, which is why he decided that rather than perform dryland training, he would go to a place where it's winter time in summer. Garner signed on with the Brisbane Blue Tongues of the Australian Hockey League for their 2007 season to play in net for them. In the 13 games with the Blue Tongues, Garner went 8-2-2 in his return to the crease.

That fall, Garner returned to the SPHL's Barracudas as a forward and would put up 12 goals and 27 points in 41 games in the 2007-08 season. Garner used the 2008-09 season to play senior's hockey in Ontario for the Brantford Blast, putting up seven goals and 11 points in 13 games.

After that, it seems that Garner stopped playing puck-- at least in places where stats are tallied up for internet consumption.

While he took a unique route to keep playing after his career path changed, the fact he still had the wherewithal to actually continue playing hockey despite not playing in his natural position shows that you can make something out of nothing if you put your full effort into it. Plus, if nothing else-- that injury and return got him more coverage of his career than probably ever before.