I hope everyone had a great Christmas, and in finally getting a wireless connection for the laptop, I was able to see that the Hawks came screaming back from the holiday break to thump the Thunderbirds 6-1. It sounds like it would have been on heck of a great game to watch.
I will miss the game again tonight in Portland as I am up in Chilliwack BC, attending the 50th Pee Wee Jamboree. My son's team is playing, representing the Portland Jr Hawks. We are going to attend the Bruins vs. Tips game tonight as we play on the practice sheet adjacent to the main rink where the Bruins play. It should be a fun afternoon and evening.
Good luck to the Hawks playing in both the U17 and World Juniors. What a great honor to represent your Country.
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Monday, December 22, 2008
Still Snowing
Can you believe that we are into day 8 of Arctic Blast Storm Watch 2008. Portland is not a town that can function in this weather... too many cars unprepared on the roads, and too many drivers that do not have any experience with slick roads. Heck I have seen many drivers who can't function in the heavy rain, let alone snow and ice.
This may seem odd to the folks back east or up north, but once again the city and area is shut down by the weather. As I told my neighbor yesterday, ice bad, snow good, unless the ice is a rink right?
All in all this weather looks like we may get a white Christmas after all. Stay safe out there folks.
This may seem odd to the folks back east or up north, but once again the city and area is shut down by the weather. As I told my neighbor yesterday, ice bad, snow good, unless the ice is a rink right?
All in all this weather looks like we may get a white Christmas after all. Stay safe out there folks.
Monday, December 15, 2008
Winter Wonderland
Yesterday ended up to be like any other snow event in Portland... Storm Watch 2008, everywhere. It was interesting to see how the kids all reacted to having some winter fun, and get the day off today... On the other hand, us adults had to trek into the office.
As for the Winter Hawks... I know it was a frustrating weekend, for both the fans and players. The last second goal in the PG game was a killer. The Hawks needed that game, not only to make up ground on the teams ahead of them in the standings, but to also let teams know that they are up for a real fight and that if you don't bring your A game, Portland will beat you. Portland had chances to bury PG, and just didn't capitalize on them.
Medicine Hat is a good team. This season several times Portland has skated with the better teams and gone toe to toe with them. Saturday night was actually a better game in my opinion. For the most part Portland played better, but couldn't keep pace with putting the puck in the net. Portland would score and seconds later it seemed the Hat would put one in... never allowing Portland to get back into the game, scoring wise. This is something that Portland needs to get, the attitude to put opponents away.
Stay warm folks, it looks like a cold week in Portland.
As for the Winter Hawks... I know it was a frustrating weekend, for both the fans and players. The last second goal in the PG game was a killer. The Hawks needed that game, not only to make up ground on the teams ahead of them in the standings, but to also let teams know that they are up for a real fight and that if you don't bring your A game, Portland will beat you. Portland had chances to bury PG, and just didn't capitalize on them.
Medicine Hat is a good team. This season several times Portland has skated with the better teams and gone toe to toe with them. Saturday night was actually a better game in my opinion. For the most part Portland played better, but couldn't keep pace with putting the puck in the net. Portland would score and seconds later it seemed the Hat would put one in... never allowing Portland to get back into the game, scoring wise. This is something that Portland needs to get, the attitude to put opponents away.
Stay warm folks, it looks like a cold week in Portland.
Friday, December 12, 2008
The one that got away...
The title of this post pretty much tells the story to me... The Hawks out worked the Cougars for 55 minutes in my opinion, and then went into a lets not lose mode, instead of a we need to win mode. A couple of things stood out at the end...
1 - With 30 seconds to go, the Hawks lost every face off in there end... amazing, they could not win just one, and clear the puck. Coach tried a couple of guys out there, and yet in the end they could not get just one...
2 - With an empty net and the Hawks driving the puck, they needed to get a shot off, instead Luke Walker tried to play keep away and kill the clock. The Hawks needed that goal so that one fluke, like with 3 seconds left would not cost them the game....
I really feel like the team let this one get away tonight and instead of getting a good start to the weekend with 2 points, they end up with 1. I heard several folks leaving the game, saying "I'll take a point tonight..." My thought was, what? Have we as fans gotten to the point where loosing in OT or a shoot out is good? Portland should have won the game, period.
A side note... Savage called a terrible game tonight... I hope he is not around for tomorrows game...
Another side note... Tristan King is back in town. Should be interesting to see how he and Killian play. I really do believe that Portland got a player more suited to what Portland needed in that deal.
1 - With 30 seconds to go, the Hawks lost every face off in there end... amazing, they could not win just one, and clear the puck. Coach tried a couple of guys out there, and yet in the end they could not get just one...
2 - With an empty net and the Hawks driving the puck, they needed to get a shot off, instead Luke Walker tried to play keep away and kill the clock. The Hawks needed that goal so that one fluke, like with 3 seconds left would not cost them the game....
I really feel like the team let this one get away tonight and instead of getting a good start to the weekend with 2 points, they end up with 1. I heard several folks leaving the game, saying "I'll take a point tonight..." My thought was, what? Have we as fans gotten to the point where loosing in OT or a shoot out is good? Portland should have won the game, period.
A side note... Savage called a terrible game tonight... I hope he is not around for tomorrows game...
Another side note... Tristan King is back in town. Should be interesting to see how he and Killian play. I really do believe that Portland got a player more suited to what Portland needed in that deal.
Holiday send off...
This weekend we find ourselves once again at the get a way weekend for the players and fans before the Christmas holiday. Typically this weekend has been a time for players and fans alike to have one last hurrah before the players head home for a holiday break. This year the break seems early, and I believe the players will actually not start for home after the game on Saturday, rather mid week.
In any case, the Hawks have two very winnable games this weekend. The last time PG was in town, the Hawks handled them 4-1 at the MC. It would be fantastic if the Hawks could start this weekend off with another great effort game, and another home ice win. It would be great to see some passion from these guys, some Ryan Kerr energy tonight as Portland needs to head off into this break with some positive momentum.
Tomorrow is the Hat. The Hat is in second in the central, just ahead of the Ice, who Portland beat at home last week. Portland has skated to their opponents level many times this season, down to low teams and up to play the top teams. This weekend Portland has one of each (not that Portland isn't looking up at PG in the standings...). It is time for Portland to play their game on home ice, and have some consistent energy filled passionate games of hockey.
Let's see if everyone can get their holiday season really started with a couple of wins on home ice before the break.
In any case, the Hawks have two very winnable games this weekend. The last time PG was in town, the Hawks handled them 4-1 at the MC. It would be fantastic if the Hawks could start this weekend off with another great effort game, and another home ice win. It would be great to see some passion from these guys, some Ryan Kerr energy tonight as Portland needs to head off into this break with some positive momentum.
Tomorrow is the Hat. The Hat is in second in the central, just ahead of the Ice, who Portland beat at home last week. Portland has skated to their opponents level many times this season, down to low teams and up to play the top teams. This weekend Portland has one of each (not that Portland isn't looking up at PG in the standings...). It is time for Portland to play their game on home ice, and have some consistent energy filled passionate games of hockey.
Let's see if everyone can get their holiday season really started with a couple of wins on home ice before the break.
Monday, December 08, 2008
Interesting Chat
I had an opportunity to chat a bit with both Joe Morrow (Happy 16th tomorrow) and Travis Ehrhardt this evening. It was interesting to talk with them about where they have been and where they think they may have the opportunity to go.
First in talking with Joe Morrow, it was interesting to learn that he, like Luke Walker is a second generation Winter Hawk. Joe's dad, played on the first Winter Hawk team in Portland. Joe is also from Sherwood Park, and attend school for a time with Kurtis Mucha's younger sister. One of the things that really stood out to me is that Joe is a young player (just 16 tomorrow) and he wants to be a defenseman.
I also got a chance to chat with Travis, about is short time with Detroit, his being the "C" this year and about how much his foot work has improved.
Being a defensemen, in my opinion is one of the harder things to do on a Hockey team. I know you say that when the team has the puck it takes 5 players to score, and when the team doesn't have the puck, then 6 players are playing defense, but... To me, defensemen have to be able to read the play, and make better decisions on ice. For instance, the play is mostly coming at them, when should they pinch, when should they not. When do they challenge the puck carrier, when should they take away the pass... and if they are beat, then it is usually the goalies seeing a skater firing at them one on none...
So, what makes a good defensemen? Well for starters they have to have hockey knowledge and the ability to see the ice. Many times a defensemen is as concerned about where the puck isn't as opposed to where it is. If the puck is deep in a corner, and it is not my side to dig on, then as a D-man, I need to be guarding the crease as well as watching where the other skaters are moving. It is a tough mental as well as physical position and requires great foot work. I feel that Travis may not have the points that he did last year, but his foot work is improved and his transistions from back to front and front to back are maybe the best on the team.
As for the games over the weekend... I liked the effort against Calgary, up until the start of the third. The team lost focus for a few mintues and bang, the Hitman, hit'em, and it was 4-1 before you could get comfy in your seats. I feel that is what killed the Hawks on Friday.
On Saturday, I was frustrated that the team couldn't put the puck in the net. Several of the shots were not quality plays, and to score this team is going to have to work and grind. Several times it looked as if players were still not sure where they should be, in fact I noticed Killian Hutt pointing a few times to Brad Ross to get in a particular place or go in a direction. That has got to be a hard thing for a young player, one who domintated his bantam and midgit games, to coming to the WHL where skating talent alone will not make you great. Team work is the name of the game, and Calgary worked it time and time again. I guess that is one reason the Hawks PP is not where it needs to be, they lack the ability to move the puck consistently as a team, to create scoring chances, and bury shots. The team is getting better, but it will take some serious effort in practice to get there... two games left before the break, PG on Friday and MH on Saturday. A couple of former Hawks will be back in Cepek and King.
First in talking with Joe Morrow, it was interesting to learn that he, like Luke Walker is a second generation Winter Hawk. Joe's dad, played on the first Winter Hawk team in Portland. Joe is also from Sherwood Park, and attend school for a time with Kurtis Mucha's younger sister. One of the things that really stood out to me is that Joe is a young player (just 16 tomorrow) and he wants to be a defenseman.
I also got a chance to chat with Travis, about is short time with Detroit, his being the "C" this year and about how much his foot work has improved.
Being a defensemen, in my opinion is one of the harder things to do on a Hockey team. I know you say that when the team has the puck it takes 5 players to score, and when the team doesn't have the puck, then 6 players are playing defense, but... To me, defensemen have to be able to read the play, and make better decisions on ice. For instance, the play is mostly coming at them, when should they pinch, when should they not. When do they challenge the puck carrier, when should they take away the pass... and if they are beat, then it is usually the goalies seeing a skater firing at them one on none...
So, what makes a good defensemen? Well for starters they have to have hockey knowledge and the ability to see the ice. Many times a defensemen is as concerned about where the puck isn't as opposed to where it is. If the puck is deep in a corner, and it is not my side to dig on, then as a D-man, I need to be guarding the crease as well as watching where the other skaters are moving. It is a tough mental as well as physical position and requires great foot work. I feel that Travis may not have the points that he did last year, but his foot work is improved and his transistions from back to front and front to back are maybe the best on the team.
As for the games over the weekend... I liked the effort against Calgary, up until the start of the third. The team lost focus for a few mintues and bang, the Hitman, hit'em, and it was 4-1 before you could get comfy in your seats. I feel that is what killed the Hawks on Friday.
On Saturday, I was frustrated that the team couldn't put the puck in the net. Several of the shots were not quality plays, and to score this team is going to have to work and grind. Several times it looked as if players were still not sure where they should be, in fact I noticed Killian Hutt pointing a few times to Brad Ross to get in a particular place or go in a direction. That has got to be a hard thing for a young player, one who domintated his bantam and midgit games, to coming to the WHL where skating talent alone will not make you great. Team work is the name of the game, and Calgary worked it time and time again. I guess that is one reason the Hawks PP is not where it needs to be, they lack the ability to move the puck consistently as a team, to create scoring chances, and bury shots. The team is getting better, but it will take some serious effort in practice to get there... two games left before the break, PG on Friday and MH on Saturday. A couple of former Hawks will be back in Cepek and King.
Wednesday, December 03, 2008
Another MC Win...
For starters, I was happy to see the Hawks get another win, yet missed the game as I was coaching my son's Pee Wee team instead. So, I only have a couple of second hand comments...
1 - According to what I could get on the radio, and from a couple of friends at the game, is sounds like Muhca was back on his game last night. After a couple of games where Muchs struggled a bit, it was good for him to get back into his groove.
2 - I find it interesting that Stefan is playing wing. He is a big body, and with some folks sitting for what ever reason I guess the team needs some size up front. If I was a healthy scratch and saw a defender getting my minutes, I would be busting my arse in practice to get minutes... and it seems like the Coaches have some real faith in Stefan up there as he was getting a ton of shifts in the closing period, when the Hawks were holding on to a 1 goal lead.
3 - 8 Wins... while this does not seem like a ton, remember the Hawks had 11 last year. We could see them get that by Christmas... or by the end of December for sure.
4 - Back to the Garden again on Friday night... hopefully the Hawks will draw better, 3K in that buidling is just not enough...
Have a good rest of the week, 4 more games at home before the break!
1 - According to what I could get on the radio, and from a couple of friends at the game, is sounds like Muhca was back on his game last night. After a couple of games where Muchs struggled a bit, it was good for him to get back into his groove.
2 - I find it interesting that Stefan is playing wing. He is a big body, and with some folks sitting for what ever reason I guess the team needs some size up front. If I was a healthy scratch and saw a defender getting my minutes, I would be busting my arse in practice to get minutes... and it seems like the Coaches have some real faith in Stefan up there as he was getting a ton of shifts in the closing period, when the Hawks were holding on to a 1 goal lead.
3 - 8 Wins... while this does not seem like a ton, remember the Hawks had 11 last year. We could see them get that by Christmas... or by the end of December for sure.
4 - Back to the Garden again on Friday night... hopefully the Hawks will draw better, 3K in that buidling is just not enough...
Have a good rest of the week, 4 more games at home before the break!
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