UPDATE – Omaha Hockey

Well, I am now convinced I cannot maintain a hockey blog during hockey season. Between Lancers, Mavericks, work, life and little Timmy’s hockey schedule, it’s just not possible. But here is a quick update on all fronts.

Lancers – Hopper found his way to Omaha, just as I expected. Teglia seems to have found his game and Coach Bliss has this team on track. Good for him. He’s a quality coach and an even better guy. I hope he has a long and distinguished career here in Omaha.

OMAHA youth hockey – Quite a showing bringing home Bantam AA, Peewee AA, and peewee A league championships. Squirts faired well, as did Bantam A. This didn’t come without incident but I think Omaha and their coaches handled themselves very well. Not exactly sure how the Jr. Lancers fared in the CSDHL. There wasn’t much expected from the Majors but Minors should be interesting.

Gladiators – Hats off to them. They only had one travel team this year and they fared pretty well, given the short roster. Their HS teams playing in the Midwest HS league haven’t shared nearly the success. I’m not sure their Varsity has won more than one game.

UNO Mavericks – Here’s a story! Great start but weak schedule. Schedule toughens up the second half of the season and they start to dribble it down the front of their sweaters. Kemper has one year left on his contract but nobody knows if he’s going to make it that long. Here’s my take: If a “top shelf” replacement can be found, bring him in. If not, keep Kemp’s contract in place for one more year. I don’t know if Kemp is the problem but I do question his support staff (assistants). Not much there, when compared to organizations that UNO strives to be like. But if a quality guy is interested, give it to him. I’m not talking about a Hastings kind of guy. I’m thinking Dean Blais, whom is rumored to be interested.

Lancers – Let the Games Begin… on and off the ice.

Lancers open at home tonight against struggling new comer, Fargo.   This will be a good team for the Lancers to open up against.  It should build some team confidence ss the Omaha works through certain woes in the defensive end.  Fargo is struggling in that end of the ice too, going 0-3 in Sioux City last week and getting out shot 92-54  (3 game total).  The difference between these two teams is that Omaha is able to find the back of the net despite defensive woes, Fargo has not.  Lancers will win and should put of 6 or more goals tonight.  The big question is will the Lancer defense/goaltending be able to shut down Fargo’s lackluster offense.  Hopefully they will and continue to build confidence in that end of the ice.

 

Speaking of goaltending, the shake up has started, err, continued.  Goetz was sent packing, as well as Weninger.   The Weninger departure caught some off guard but I suspected either Teglia or Weninger to leave, though I didn’t see it happening before tonight’s matchup.  Obviously Bliss see’s something in Teglia that he didn’t see in Weninger.   To replacling Weninger, Bliss has brought in Dan Sullivan.  Sullivan played for Apple Core of the Eastern Junior Hockey League last season and compiled a 4-6 record in 10 starts with a 4.04 goals-against average and .886 save percentage.   Dan played for Apple Core Junior B team in the EMPIRE league at the start of last season and was arguably the best goalie in the leage.  Apple Core called him up to their Jr. A team in February to play for their EJHL Junior team where his 4-6 record comes from.  The EJHL is not the strongest of leagues, taking a back seat to the NAHL.  But it is getting better and some argue that the NAHL is falling off a bit.  The gap seems to be closing between these two leagues.

 

In summary, I think Dan Sullivan is worth a look but I don’t foresee him being the “end all, be all”.  I don’t think this fixes the Lancer’s goaltending issues and I don’t believe this will be the last major goaltending change on the roster.  I still look for a trade to happen in the first half of this season and I don’t think we see our post season starting goalie present on the roster yet.

 

In other news, Bliss cut USHL veteran Ryan Peltoma and acquired defenseman, Ian Ruel from Indiana.  Ian is a 6’ 4” second year player and Michigan native that should help our depth on the blue line.  I think Bliss will continue to keep his eyes open for defensive changes but his is a start.

 

Tyler Elbrecht also left the team this week to attend college at Iowa State.  I assume he will play for their club team.  Tyler was the only returning defenseman from last year’s championship team.  I was hoping Tyler would step up this season, but looking at the numbers in Sioux City, the only role he was looking to fill was Conboy’s goon role (minus Conboy’s ability to score).  I know fighting is part of hockey and nobody agrees that hockey has a necessary place in the game more than me.  But anybody that knows me, and none of you do, knows that I’m not a fan of cheap or unnecessary penalties, or unnecessary fighting.  With that said, before we get into a Conboy discussion, let me say this:  Conboy is a decent hockey player but I think he could have been more effective if he wasn’t so focused on being a goon last season.  I think many of his fights were unnecessary.  At times he showed great discipline but many times, he was a loose cannon.  From what I saw in Elbrecht last weekend, he was trying to fill that role.  It’s my opinion that this team has other problems to address outside of who’s going to be the goon and judging by last weekend’s performance, we could have done without Elbrecht’s 24 penalty minutes.  I don’t see this as a big loss.

 

So the game is on tonight.  More to come on this next week. 

Lancer Preseason Thoughts

After Lancers won a pre season scrimmage against Tri-City 6-4, things looked in order for the 08/09 Lancer Squad.  There were obvious things that needed attention, but you walked away feeling that this team was going to be decent.  Maybe not capable of repeating both championship cups, but decent and competitive at the top of the league.  I mentioned goaltending woes prior to the season, when Palmisano announced he was leaving for Michigan State.  After the Tri-City Scrimmage, I felt better about our goaltending situation.  Not great, but better.  Weninger and Teglia split the game.  Time in net, shots and scoring was similar for each.

 

Now I didn’t make it up to Sioux City for the Fall Classic.  But I have looked at the box scores and I have to say, I am, at the very least, concerned about this team, especially defensively.  It’s one thing to give up 4 goals on 28 shots against Tri-City, but quite another to give up 10 goals on 32 shots against Cedar Rapids.

 

Lancers squared off against Indiana on Thursday of the Fall Classic.  With Weninger in net, they lost 6-2, giving up 41 shots.  And .850 save percentage is not great but you can win games with that number.  But if you are giving up 41 shots with that save percentage, you won’t win many games.  So I’m thinking goaltending might be an issue, but a correctable issue.  Besides, I think Teglia might be the better of the two goalies this year and there is hope that he can post better numbers.  The storyline and bottom line after this game is that we need to pick up our game, defensively.  69 shots in two games is unacceptable.  And you just don’t win many games, period, when you give up over 40 shots.

 

That brings us to today’s game against Cedar Rapids.  Holy Shit.  At the end of one it’s 5-0, Cedar Rapids, with shots 14-5.  Andreas Goetz is in net for Omaha.  WHO?  I’m not sure when they picked him up but Bliss must be concerned with goaltending as well.  Andreas comes to us from the GMHL, a league that people have a lot of opinions about.  He played for what appears to the best team in the league last year, the Bradford Rattlers and most likely played a big part in Bradford’s success.  But if you look at this league objectively, you have to wonder how great the league really is.  Oh well, it never hurts to bring a guy in to see if he can cut the mustard.

 

Back to the game…  apparently, Andreas couldn’t cut the mustard today.  14 shots and 9 saves.  Welcome to the USHL, Andreas.  You aren’t in the GMHL anymore.  Teglia starts the second period and the scoring continues, although Omaha was able to start finding the back of the net.  Final score, 10-6.  Teglia has 13 saves on 18 shots (Total 32 shots, 22 saves).  Hmmmm.  A good old fashion ass kicking.  Too bad Omaha Native,  Cedar Rapids veteran, and UNO commit, Nick Oddo, was a scratch for this one.  Nick posted 2 goals Thursday night in a 4-0 Cedar Rapids win over Fargo.  He would have probably been good for 2-3 more against his hometown hero’s.

 

In all honesty, I say send Andreas home and continue looking, Bliss.  I believe you’ve got serious goaltending issues at hand and they need to be addressed.  I know, any moron can see that and say that.  But it’s Bliss’ job to fix it.  That’s why he’s on the payroll and I’m not.  A couple of notes…

 

1.        I think we might see Tommy “TNT” Tartaglione play this weekend.  He’s a California native and played in the WHL and BCHL last season.  He has shown promise but had an off year last year and bounced around a bit lately.  I don’t expect him to be the fix to the problem, I think he’s worth a look.

2.       Don’t give up on Weninger or Teglia.  Weninger faced 41 shots against Indiana.  The problem is not solely in net.

3.       I wouldn’t be surprised to see Bliss work out a trade early on.  As the goalies shake out around the league, there may be a good find.  Nick Hopper could be one.  Bliss and Nick have history.

 

The other issue is on the defensive side of the puck.  Having given up 101 shots in 3 games, that number can certainly be improved upon.  But there is no hiding the .802 combined save percentage of this team and an average GA of nearly 7!

 

It’s not all doom and gloom though.  I’m not nearly as concerned about this team offensively.  They seem to have some fire power but it hasn’t exactly broken loose yet.  But when you have the issues defensively, it’s difficult to unleash thing offensively.  The season is still in its infancy stages and the regular season hasn’t even started.  Bliss is still figuring out what he has to work with and I have confidence that he is capable of getting things on track.  He’s a great coach and will take the necessary steps for this team to succeed.

 

Summary:

 

#	GOALIE	HT	WT	GP	W	L	OTL	GAA	S%
1	Teglia, Jeff	6-0	182	1	0	1	0	7.50	.722
34	Weninger, Matt	6-0	175	1	0	1	0	6.00	.854
35	Goetz, Andreas			1	0	0	0	15.00	.643
	Tartaglione, Tommy			0	0	0	0	.00	.000

 

 

Hockey Parents, What have you learned from youth hockey?

We all hope that our kid(s) learn something from playing youth hockey.  Sure some are destined for the NHL, at least it looks like that from the way some parents act around the rink.  But most are simply hoping that our children learn good morals and values, that hardwork can be rewarding, how to be a team player, learn to be respectful and responsible, etc. 

 

But what, as parents, have we learned?  This is your chance to chime in.  I ran across this and found it extremely funny (and sadly true for many).

 

Did You Ever Notice…

 

…that when your kid was a Mite, that was by far the most important level of hockey?

…that when your kid cross-checked another kid, it was a good, physical play?

…that when your kid was crossed-checked, the opposing kid must have a criminal record?

…that when you scream and argue a call, it’s justified?

…that when the opposing fans scream and argue a call, they are loud mouth parents?

…that your kid’s goal was a thing of beauty?

…that the opposing kid’s goal was the luckiest thing you’ve ever seen?

 

…that when your kid was a squirt, that was without a doubt the most important level of hockey?

…that when your kid played well and his team won, his coach was a genius?

…that when your kid struggled and his team lost, his coach was a total bonehead?

…that when your kid has long forgotten a loss, you’re still stewing over it?

…that when your kid has long forgotten a win, you’re still bragging about it?

…that your team was obviously robbed by the officials on a disallowed goal?

…that the officials made the proper call on an opponent’s disallowed goal?

 

…that when your kid was a peewee, that was unequivocally the most important level of hockey?

…that your kid should “be more creative” with the puck?

…that the other kids on the team are puck hogs and need to learn how to pass?

…that your kid has nice-looking hair?

…that the other team’s kids all have mullets and are in dire need of haircuts?

…that your kid’s team is so well behaved in the hotel on overnight trips?

…that the opposing team in the same hotel is running around without any control, being too loud?

 

…that when your kid was a bantam, that was undeniably the most important level of hockey?

…that your kid can skate like the wind?

…that your kid’s teammates really should be taking power-skating lessons?

…that when your kid registers a hat trick, a thrown hat is pretty cool?

…that when an opposing player gets a hat trick, a thrown hat is just plain uncalled for?

…that a 6 – 2 win was a blowout?

…that a 6 – 2 loss was a simple case of a few missed opportunities and some really bad calls?

 

…that when your kid was nearing the end of his high school or midget career, you wished you could do it all over again?

CCHA announces shootouts for the 08/09 season

The Central Collegiate Hockey Association announced today that an NHL style three-player shootout will be used in the 2008-09 season to determine a winner for all of the 168 regular-season conference games that are tied after 60 minutes of regulation play and five minutes of overtime.

 

The CCHA also approved the following point system for regular-season play: two points for a win in regulation or overtime, one point for each school if the game is tied at the conclusion of the five-minute overtime period and one point is awarded to the team who wins the shootout.

 

I like this idea.  I am sure it’s received a lot of criticism across the CCHA region, but as a fan of the game, I like the idea of shootouts.  And let’s face it, college hockey (or any college athletics)  is for fans.  It promotes their university and in some cases it may be profitable.  The shootout will create a more exciting finish to a lot of hockey games.  The CCHA had 31 games that ended regulation play in a tie.  19 of those 31 games were still tied at the end of the 5 minute overtime period.  Witnessing several games in the past years, I can honestly say that half of the crowd was gone by the time that game ended.  Maybe this will be a way to keep people in their seats.  I also really like the way the CCHA is awarding points in these shootouts.

 

I certainly understand the points people make against games settled by shootouts.  I believe some are very valid points.  But I honestly believe games at that level should not end in a tie.  Maybe a better answer would be a 20 minutes 3v3 sudden death overtime.  Surely that would be enough to decide a winner and in most cases it would be decided in the first 5 minutes.  I believe that would be just as exciting if not more exciting than a shootout.

The history of the butt end of a hockey stick

Remember the days when there was one size stick and Mites to Midgets used it…  actually there was no Midget division then, but you get my drift.  In my case, it was always a handy down or something found at the rink.  I don’t think I had a new stick until I was 12.  Any old piece of lumber would do and it was probably comparable to a flex 390, by today’s standards.  Dad would cut it off and slap that big black plastic/rubber knob thingy on the end.  It made the already too fat stick, twice as fat in the single place you needed to hang onto.  Wow, has our sport has come a long way.

 

Fast forward to today.  My kid started in a youth stick that you could practically bend into a semi-circle.  Soon after, I put him into a nice two piece junior shaft and now he is moving into an intermediate shaft.  I, on the other hand, find myself moving the opposite direction.  I recently purchased an intermediate shaft for my own use.  A 75 flex.  Why?  Probably for the same reason I can’t hit 3 and 4 irons anymore and have moved to hybrids to replace them.  I’m not exactly sure what the reason for both are, but I’m pretty sure it has to do with the fact that I’m getting older.

 

Back to the topic.  The other day, while taping my new intermediate stick, I was thinking about those big black “end knobs” everybody had on their sticks in the 70’s and maybe 80’s.  Seemed normal at the time but so did suspenders.  We, as the hockey community, have largely done away with those knobs and replaced these with a taped knob of some sort.  The beauty of the taped knob is the uniqueness of each.  Everybody has a style and it’s almost like snowflakes, where no single tape job is exactly the same.  When you think about it, it’s almost an expression of ourselves.  Look at any pro, college, or junior bench and observe the line of sticks, specifically the tape jobs on the knob.  They are almost so unique, you can pick out your stick out of 100, simply by looking at the knobs. 

 

My style, like most I would assume, has evolved over years.  I used to tape a 6 inch long knob with paper in the end to make it bigger (and saving tape).  I would then twist the tape into a string and spiral it down and back up for a “cross-grip”.  Then cover it with a layer of tape.  I was always on a strict tape budget then so, along with filler paper in the knob, I would also sometimes use a shoe string for my grip, instead of twisted tape.  That would save me 12” of tape.  That evolved into several reiterations and I also started making more than 4.50/hr.  For a long time I used twisted tape and made three passes around the very end, then continued down the shaft, for the grip, for about 3 inches and back up, for my “famous” cross grip.  After years of using this, it has evolved into what I use today.  Two passes of twisted tape at the very end than simply taping over it for about 2.5 inches down the shaft.  Yes, I did away with the “cross grip.” 

 

So the days of my old Titan stick (no longer than 30 inches) with a big gawd-awful black knob have evolved into my Easton Elite with a small, neat, simple knob.  This is probably of no interest to anybody, hockey player or not.   But I just got to thinking about it the other day the thought of the big black knob made me smile.  I thought I would type my thoughts on here.

Tryouts – How should hockey teams get picked?

I started this blog a year ago and quickly found out how time consuming it was to maintain.  I had every intention on maintaining it but lost track of it once I got into hockey season.  I’m taking another stab at it and will make every effort to maintain it on a weekly basis.

 

As I got back into it this week, I was surprised that something I wrote last year was still getting hit on a regular bases.  A topic about how coaches pick teams at youth hockey tryouts.  It is always a hot topic around here this time of year and being tryout season, I found myself thinking about it too.

 

But all of this reminded me of a conversation I was involved in some time ago.  There was a group of us talking to a certain Tier 1 Junior A coach at his tryout.  If you are familiar with these tryouts, you know that some are open tryouts and some are not.  Even the closed tryouts will have 90 kids attending and every one of them are outstanding Midget hockey players, most from AAA organizations.  Of course some are drafted or returning players.  Most are not.  The number of spots the coach is trying to fill varies from team to team and year to year.  Not unlike any youth tryout at a Peewee or Bantam level.

 

But during that conversation, somebody asked this coach how he evaluates 90 kids when he’s only got 5 spots available on the team.  This coach replied by saying that he already has a very good idea which kids are going to make this team even prior to this closed tryout.  And the single most import factor between decided between two kids is his family and upbringing.  He’s looking for a good kid that will get along with others, that is strong academically to meet the academic challenges these kids are faced with, with a desire to work, learn, play and win, and that also comes from a good stable home.  He really emphasized that last part.  What type of home and parenting these kids come from has a big influence on which kids get picked to play Tier 1 Junior A.  Obviously you have to have talent to play at that level, but these things he listed were deciding factors when deciding between two kids.

 

I walked away from that conversation thinking this:   Is it any different at a Div. 1 NCAA level?  Absolutely not.  Is it any different at PF Changs or Russell Stover Midget AAA programs.  Not likely.  Should it be any different at a bantam AA, Peewee AA or Squirt AA level?  You tell me.  Should these teams be picked only by the merit of hockey skills shown during a 3 hour tryout?  Or do the coaches have the liberty to take in other factors as attitude, family, history, etc?

My favorite time of year – Youth Hockey Tryouts

We are nearing the most anticipated time of the year.  Youth hockey tryouts.  I truly believe youth hockey parents get more stressed out and concerned this time of year than most of the players.  Omaha Gladiators have announced coaches and tryout dates.  OMAHA Jr. Mavericks have announced dates but have not announced coaches yet.  Is this cause for panic?  For some, yes.  Some seem ultra concerned.  You see, hockey has historically been a team sport.  But in the last 5-10 years, a phenomenon has taken place.  This once great team sporting event has now turned its focus from the team and put that emphasis on the “personal development” of our young Sidney Crosby’s.  As a hockey fanatic being involved in this sport for almost 3 decades, it’s sad.  It’s not limited to Omaha by any means.  Actually, I think USA Hockey is as much to blame as anybody.  USA Hockey has good intentions and is a good organization, but even their emphasis is on personal development.  Everything is about the development of our children.  It’s not about the team anymore, which is sad.  But the sooner we realize that your young budding BPHL super stars are really nothing more than that, the better off our sport will be. 

2008-2009 UNO Maverick Season

On a different note, the UNO Mavericks posted their roster.  Unfortunately, there were two names missing from this year’s squad.  Blake Martin and Juha Uotila.  Blake only played 9 games last season and registered 1 point and was -6.  I didn’t know Blake and obviously didn’t get to see him play much.  As cruel as it sounds, I don’t view this as a big loss.  But Juha on the other hand, would have been our lone senior defenseman.  He’s been the core of a very young defense and will be missed dearly.  Delgrosso and Bernier will really need to step it up and that sophomore class of 5 defensemen will need to drastically improve over last year.

 

Unfortunately, I think this Maverick team is going to struggle this year.  I see a very average defense, which is still improved from past years.  But unlike past years, I think this team may struggle putting the puck in the net.  I look for Charleston, Klempa and Joey Martin to lead the charge but hopefully there will be some freshman and sophomores that surprise me.  One freshman I’m looking forward to watching is Alex Hudson.  He’s only 6 foot but plays big.  If he can make the transition to college hockey smoothly, I think he will be an exciting player to watch.  He may not be the most prolific goal scorer coming in, but he’s tough as nails and a guy you want on your line.

 

Of course goaltending will be full of drama again this year.  Kaufmann returns for his senior year.  You have to like this guy.  He’s a blue collar goalie, came to Omaha last minute, was never really seen as a starter, and bailed us out the last 3 years.   Well, that last part may be a stretch, but he did bail us out in the 05-06 season and again last season.  Then you have Junior goalie Dupont.  Despite being a junior, he’s still the youngest guy on the roster.  This could be Jeremy’s year.  I truly believe he got hammered with the sophomore slump and will come in fighting this year.   He has the talent to take that #1 spot.  I think his age (and weight) has held him back.  He’s still physically developing and a year can make a big difference.  Hopefully he’s put on some bulk and strength and will make his mark this year.  Nick Hopper will spend another year at Kearney and we have Freshman John Faulkner coming in.  This guy just got pelted in net for the Sarnia Blast in the WOHL.  He was a fan favorite and held a team in games that they probably had no business being in.  He didn’t post the greatest numbers but he faced an obscene amount of shots.  I hope to get to see him play but with a Kaufmann/Dupont combo, he’s going to have to stand on his head.

2008-2009 Omaha Lancers

First, let’s talk about the Lancers.  For the serious fan of the game, all eyes will be fix on this organization as we exit the “Hastings Era” and enter the “Era of Bliss.”  I’ve had the opportunity to speak to Bliss on more than one occasion in the past and have always been impressed with him.  He does have big shoes to fill, but I think he was an excellent choice and no doubt, hand picked by Hastings.  I really think he’s going to enjoy his time in Omaha.  I’m sure he was fighting an uphill battle in the middle of Nebraska with the financially struggling Storm.  Coming to Omaha and a rich Lancer history of winning, should be a welcome change for Bliss.  I think he’s a great coach and a great hockey mind.  He doesn’t put the most flashy product on the ice being what I would consider, one of the most conservative coaches in the league…  even more so than Hastings.  Like it or not, that is how the game is played today and that is how you win championships.  I think Bliss will do fine.  Welcome to Omaha!

 

Lancers return 7 players this year.  Eveland, Arnt, Diamond and Lewadniuk should all have fantastic seasons and will be a lot of fun to watch.  With a lot of new faces coming in, I’m most interested to see Ludwig and Ambroz.  CJ Ludwig is son of Craig Ludwig and should prove to be a solid hard hitting D-man.  Seth Ambroz will likely be one of the youngest, yet biggest kids on the team.  With a 93 birth date, he just turned 15 in April.  He’s a New Prague native and played with the Russell Stover Stars organization last season.  I think he’s 6-2 or 6-3 and probably still growing.  Yes, he is the younger brother to Maverick Matt Ambroz.  Any chance we can keep this kid in Omaha Kemper?

 

My concern with the Lancers this year is goaltending.  Palmisano was ready and waiting to lead the Lancers to back to back Anderson and Clark Cup Championships but rocked that idea after tryouts when he announced he was going to Michigan State a year earlier than previously planned.   I guess they want him to play behind Lerg for a year before passing the reigns over to him.  Either way, it is a huge loss for the Lancers.  I did attend many of the tryouts and did specifically watch the goalies.  In my opinion, there was nobody out there that even compared to Palmisano.   I hope 4^th round draft pick, Teglia can step up and fill that role.