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Home / Archive: 25. February 2009
by Louis “King of Roncesvalles” Pisano…
The Toronto Maple Leafs made a visit to High Park’s outdoor rink yesterday, on which I have played for over twenty years, in order unveil the newly refurbished facility. In three years Home Depot and The Toronto Maple Leafs have invested over 400,000 dollars in collaboration with Toronto’s Parks & Recreation to bring eight of Toronto’s outdoor rinks back up to par. The Toronto Maple Leafs coach Ron Wilson, Mayor David Miller and Home Depot’s Vice President of Supply Chain Geoff Frodsham, opened the practise with a wood cutting ceremony. There were 200 students from a couple of local public schools cheering on the Leafs, joined by a minor hockey team from the George Bell Hockey association who took the ice for a little scrimmage before the main event. There were also tons of Leafs fans surrounding the rink and the Leafs were giving out all kinds of swag.
The light practise full of joking from the players were mostly shooting drills which brought the crowd complete enjoyment, as Cujo and Vesa fended off a barrage of pucks. I heard Brad May say “Cujo’s on fire out there!” Brad May had on a pair of 70’s style cop glasses and in a post practise interview which I got, he began by saying “First thing is they weren’t my glasses” he was asked about his youth playing outdoors, “I grew up in Stouffville, and my Dad built a house up in Goodwood, in a place called Bristol Ponds, we skated everyday in the winter you know from what ya remember and I remember my brother falling through the ice and all of us having to get him, but it was great I’ll tell ya what I grew up on the pond and it was fun!”
Talking with Jon Mitchell about the outdoor experience he said “It’s great now that they have actual ice rinks with boards and fences up and around, when we played it was just kind of a pond there was no boards or anything like that, so you didn’t really raise the puck when you shot it or anything so, but it’s great to get outside and actually play so yeah it’s a lot of fun!”
When asked what it meant playing outdoor hockey growing up Dominic Moore said “It’s been a long time since I’ve been able to play outdoor hockey it’s a lot of fun and rinks like this are fantastic, you know you come outside and just get together with your friends and play hockey like it’s meant to be played” describing the ice in High Park he continued “Ice is fantastic, ice is better than any ice in the NHL, its fast and smooth!”
I had to ask Boyd Devereaux if he missed a few of his buddies down with the Marlies, after a little chuckle, he said “Oh for sure, you know I’ve only been up a little while here and I’ve battled with those guys all season and it’s a really great bunch there so yeah I miss those guys and I know they’re playing really good hockey right now.”
I told Boyd that the Marlies next game is March 1st and that I would say hi for him and he laughed and said “yeah forsure, I’d really appreciate that, to all the boys”
The day overall was a complete success for the community and will ensure that kids and adults alike will have a place to go and play the great game of hockey for years to come, I am going out for our last skate of the season tonight.
Thanks from this guy and from our community!
by Adam Greuel… Spring Training is now under way, and I think it is a good time to reveal my predictions for the starting rotation for the upcoming 2009 season. However, this is no easy task, as only the first three spots are pretty much guaranteed until Dustin McGowan comes back from shoulder surgery in mid-May.
I have penciled in Brett Cecil and Casey Janssen for the fourth and fifth spots, as I believe they are the early favorites and I believe they should be the ones heading north with the rest of the team when April hits.
Roy Halladay
Does anything really need to be said about staff ace Roy Halladay? Always dependable, it’s anyone’s guess as to why Halladay continues to stay with the franchise despite never competing for a play-off spot in his more then ten years with the team.
Halladay should be a top fantasy pick and a preseason favorite for the AL Cy Young award.
2008 Stats: 20-11, 2.78 ERA, 33 GS, 246 Innings, 206 K, 39 BB
2009 Projections: 22-7, 2.88 ERA, 35 GS, 241 Innings, 180 K, 43 BB
Jesse Litsch
Jesse has been a very pleasant surprise these past two seasons. He has a 3.67 career ERA and a career record of 20-18. His stuff is underrated and he figures to be the No. 2 man in the rotation this year, at least until Dustin McGowan comes back.2008 Stats: 13-9, 3.58 ERA, 28 GS, 176 Innings, 99 K, 39 BB
2009 Predictions: 12-12, 3.99 ERA, 31 GS, 188 Innings, 95 K, 44 BB
David Purcey
Once thought to be a draft bust, this young lefty has turned his career around enough that he will likely be the Jays third starter when April rolls around. He struggled in his first few starts last year, which was to be expected, but pitched good during the last month of the season.
2008 Stats: 3-6, 5.54 ERA, 12 GS, 65 Innings, 58 K, 29 BB
2009 Predictions: 10-13, 4.19 ERA, 25 GS, 153 Innings, 121 K, 57 BB
Brett Cecil
Another’young lefty, Cecil is just 22 years old, yet still projects to be the fourth starter in this years rotation. Drafted by the Blue Jays as a closer, they moved him to the rotation and has it ever payed dividends.
Cecil will be watched carefully throughout the season, as he still is not ready to throw 200 or more innings just yet.
2008 Stats: No Major League stats available
2009 Predictions: 8-10, 4.09 ERA, 22 GS, 140 Innings, 111 K, 50 BB
Casey Janssen
Janssen got some devastating news during training camp in 2008 after a great 2007 season as the set-up man in the bullpen, his labrum in the shoulder was torn and he would need surgery that would keep him out for the entire 2008 season.
Fortunately, he is back fully healthy this season and he is the odds on favorite to win the fifth spot in the rotation.
2008 Stats: Out for the year with torn labrum
2009 Predictions: 11-15, 3.99 ERA, 30 GS, 189 Innings, 89 K, 42 BB
Dustin McGowan
McGowan started off really well last season, but his play really started to decline in June, where it was revealed that he would need major shoulder surgery. He isn’t expected to be back until at least mid-May this season, and who knows how effective he will be when he returns?
2008 Stats: 6-7, 4.37 ERA, 19 GS, 111.1 Innings, 85 K, 38 BB
2009 Predictions: 9-8, 4.22 ERA, 21 GS, 133 Innings, 80 K, 48 BB
by Derek Harmsworth… As the winter blahs are actively doing their best to get even the most bubbly of persons down in the dumps, one would wonder why I am gleefully standing here, humming the tune to “It’s The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year.”
The answer to why I am doing this?
Trade deadline day. And maybe a little lack of sanity.
A huge fan of the NHL and everything it encompasses, I am what you would call a bit of a roster movement freak. As I have told many readers before, I enjoy watching the deadline day shows, and talking trades almost as much as I do the on-ice product.
I know, a little weird.
Nevertheless, as the NHL trade deadline nears, the whispers become shouts, the speculation becomes that much more intense, and the excitement of what could be, is ramped up for hockey fans around the globe.
There may not be a team with more questions right now than the Toronto Maple Leafs. A team looking to be a seller, (although if Burke could make a move to get into the playoffs he would) the Maple Leafs have a lot of players who could be available come next Wednesday.
Let’s take a look, a Toronto Maple Leafs roster audit, starting in goal:
Vesa Toskala: Have to start with the starter. Vesa has had a bad year in between the pipes for the Leafs, in fact, some blame him for their record right now. A team that has been competitive on most nights, the Leafs might be a playoff contending team with some goaltending.
Still, one bad year doesn’t make a career, and there are some, myself included, who feel a healthy, confident Vesa Toskala can return to form in Toronto next season.
I spoke to good friend Darren Dreger last week, who told me there was no interest around the league in Toskala, which was a relief to me. Toskala is an above average goalie in the NHL when he is healthy. He also needs to build confidence to get on a roll.
As we have seen in games against Vancouver and New York, he is certainly playing with more confidence than ever, and his numbers reflect that.
If I had it my way, Toskala would stick around and split time with Pogge next season, but time will tell, his recent play may spike the trade value a little.
Curtis Joseph: Will not be moved at the deadline, and is likely riding out his last on-ice job in the NHL. While some other goalies may complain about the situation Cujo is in, the veteran goalie is taking it in stride, and doing his best to help out Toskala and Pogge wherever possible.
Justin Pogge: Has shown a little bit of everything in his short time in Toronto. Confidence, athleticism, determination, and shakiness. It’s way too early to tell if Pogge is the goalie of the future in Toronto. Look for Pogge to take on a bigger role next year, splitting time with another goalie (likely Toskala.)
Moving from the net out, let’s shift our focus to defense, where the Maple Leafs have gotten some good performances this season.
Pavel Kubina: Is as good as gone. If not by next week, then most definitely by the summer. Kubina has had a strong season, potting 33 points. His contract, once considered large, is now deemed acceptable as he nears the end of it.
A big, physical blueliner with a cannon of a slap shot, Kubina can do a good job of anchoring the powerplay, and is someone who won’t be easy to replace for Toronto.
Still, unless Kubina comes to Brian Burke within the next week, he is staying put. He has not submitted a list of teams he would accept a trade to, and as Dreger reported to me last week, the Maple Leafs won’t ask him to.
Tomas Kaberle: As smooth skating, puck moving defenseman go, Tomas Kaberle is one of the best. Bargain priced at $4.25 million, there will be unbelievable interest in Kaberle over the next week, leading up to the 3 PM deadline.
However, as stated with Pavel Kubina, Brian Burke respects the no trade clauses, and likely won’t ask Kaberle to waive it. Burke, showing good cap management, thinks it would be wiser to keep Kaberle at $4.25, then trade him and have to find a replacement at a higher price tag in the summer.
Ian White: There is considerable interest in Ian White, the forward/defenseman who’s versatility has been vital to the Maple Leafs this season. The question now becomes, is White more valuable as a member of the Leafs, or in a trade, which would bring the Leafs a draft pick in return?
Jeff Finger: The focus of a future in-depth article by yours truly, Jeff Finger has gone from Summer punch line, to one of the more dependable Leafs defenseman. While his plus/minus isn’t a fantastic reflection of his play, Finger has been solid both on and off the ice for the Leafs.
He likely won’t be traded. Brian Burke likes his grind-it-out defenders, and he has a good one in Finger.
Mike Van Ryn: A nice surprise to the Leafs this season when healthy, Van Ryn brought puck moving skills, and a strong shot from the back end to the Leafs game. Unfortunately he has been slowed by numerous injuries this season, all of which have limited his playing time.
Van Ryn will be back in blue and white next season, which will hopefully be a healthy one.
Anton Stralman: The subject of at least a little trade chatter this year, Stralman hasn’t progressed the way Leafs management have wanted him to. After showing some flashes of brilliance last season, Stralman spent part of this year in the minors after a lackluster start.
Stralman has nine points in 28 games this year for the Leafs.
When speaking of Kaberle, Burke talked about how valuable puck moving defenseman are. Here is hoping he sticks to that mantra and keeps Stralman around. A young, smooth skating defender, Stralman has the chance to develop into a real strong top four defenseman for this team, if given the time and opportunity.
Jonas Frogren: I am telling you now, this guy will receive a year end award when I hand them out following the conclusion of the regular season, and you can bet it won’t be for his offensive flare.
A lunch bucket and hard hat type guy, Jonas Frogren was lured over from his native Sweden by Cliff Fletcher in an effort to add some toughness to the Leafs defense corps. In just 35 games, Frogren has 66 hits, and 35 shot blocks, numbers that would be much higher had he played the full season.
He suffered a few injuries due to his rugged style, but Jonas Frogren has been a solid, sand-paper addition to the Maple Leafs, and he should only refine that style of play in next season.
Luke Schenn: The future alpha-male of the Maple Leafs defense. Schenn, the fifth overall pick in last year’s draft, has stepped into the lineup and looked right at home. Hard physical play, chipping in on offense where he can, and not playing with the confidence of a veteran, Schenn has been a key contributor to the blueline.
Though he missed some time with a knee injury, Schenn has come back stronger than ever, and leads the team in hits by a wide margin (155 hits in 48 games, fellow defense partner Jeff Finger is second with 103.) Schenn has also logged considerable minutes for the Leafs, and will only get better as the years go by.
Jamie Sifers: Another nice surprise for Toronto this season. After some strong play in the AHL, Sifers got the call to come play with the big club and hasn’t disappointed. Showing a physical edge and some grit, he has fit in well as No. 5 or 6 defenseman.
Join me for part two of this roster audit, when we take a look at the forwards.
by Martin Avery… The last time the Rangers played the Leafs, they lost their coach.
The Toronto Maple Leafs defeated the New York Rangers in overtime on Sunday. The next day, Rangers head coach Tom Renney was fired.
On Wednesday, the Rangers travel to Toronto under new coach John Tortorella, looking for a win to stop their losing skid, turn their season around, and start to fight their way into the playoffs.
The New York Rangers (31-23-7) started the season strong, but slipped into a midseason slump going 2-8-2. They won 10 of their first 13 games, but now have lost 10 of their last 12.
New York now ranks 29th of 30 teams in goals per game (2.33) and has scored two or fewer 14 times in 19 games—including their past 12 losses. The Maple Leafs (22-26-12) have won only three times in their last 10 games.
Niklas Hagman was the hero for the Leafs Sunday night, knocking in a goal three minutes into overtime to send the the team home with a 3-2 victory. Hagman drew a penalty in overtime, then deflected Pavel Kubina’s blast behind Rangers netminder Henrik Lundqvist.
The Leafs now have 56 points, good for fourth in their division, and 11th in the Eastern Conference. The Rangers are 31-23-7 with 69 points, in third place in their division and sixth in the conference.
Meanwhile, the Rangers’ AHL affiliate Hartford Wolf Pack, with Sean Avery in the lineup, won their third game in a row, beating the Manchester Monarchs 3-2.
On Wednesday it will be the talent-rich but underachieving Rangers against the young and overachieving Leafs, and both teams must be thinking about claiming Sean Avery.The Rangers need a spark plug and the Leafs could use a hometown hero.
Rangers GM Glen Sather is talking about Avery as if he were already Rangers property, but Tortorella once told the TSN audience he thought Avery does not belong in the NHL.
Avery did not play for three months while he was in anger management after being suspended by the NHL, and has played just four games in the AHL.
The Rangers will be looking for a win to stop their skid, keep their coach, and keep their playoff dreams alive. The Leafs will not be looking for a loss to keep alive their plans for next year.
by Stoker Defire… The beautiful but deadly Gina Carano is a “knockout” in more ways than one, now she may also be a collectable figurine.
The unbeaten MMA star has announced she will be working with Round 5, the leader in collectible MMA figurines, to produce a figure that reflects her stardom.
Carano joins an All-Star lineup of 13 other MMA standouts who currently work with Round 5.
“Carano has emerged as a star, not just in MMA but in the mainstream,” said Damon Lau, Round 5 President. “As the first female in the Round 5 line, we expect her figurine to be popular among the sport’s enthusiasts as well as those who have seen her on TV or in magazines.”
“I’m incredibly blessed to be a part of so many wonderful opportunities and to now be included in Round 5’s line up of gifted fighters is another exciting privilege,” said Carano.
“When I was a little girl my dad always joked about making a ‘Gina doll’, and I smile when I think it has become a reality. It is both humbling and invigorating to consider this is just the beginning with so many other gifted women whose figurines are yet to be made.”
Gina Carano started her career in the sport of Muay Thai.
After achieving a record of 12-1-1 in Muay Thai competition, Carano received an offer to participate in the first-ever sanctioned female MMA bout in Nevada.
She accepted and was then invited to the show in Las Vegas to fight Rosi Sexton from England
She has also fought live on Showtime, Feb. 10, 2007, defeating Julie Kadzie via unanimous decision in what was called “the fight of the night.”
Carano has been named as the face of women’s MMA; and let’s face it, from this male writers point of view, it’s damn good viewing.
Even the great female boxer Laila Ali would no doubt take a backward step to Carano.
And that beautiful face is sitting on a 5′ 8″ frame that has more than enough firepower to knock out most men that I know.
Carano has been critiqued by the media for not being able to make weight. The way I see it, Carano is 5′8″, she will be just as great if she moves up a weight division—which she has also hinted at doing.
Carano is currently undefeated at 7-0 and is supposed to meet her biggest test so far in Christianne Santos Cyborg sometime this year.
She has also been offered some movie roles and has dabbled in acting, as well; she also stars on American Gladiators.
I hope I don’t sound too chauvinistic when I say this, but I could sit and watch her all day on the screen, no matter what she was doing.
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- If there is one thing worse than being an ugly duckling in a house of swans, it’s having the swans pretend there’s no difference.
- Teena Booth, Falling From Fire
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