We start off this week’s blog with some news and notes from the Subway Super Series.
QMJHL at the SSS
There was great chemistry between Charles Hudon and Jonathan Drouin. Not quite as dynamic as Anthony Mantha alongside Drouin, but Hudon’s goal-scoring will be tough to overlook.
I have to wonder if the six-game suspension for Chicoutimi’s Laurent Dauphin would’ve been issued if he hadn’t have hit another QMJHL player.
Zachary Fucale would’ve been a favourite of the late Al Davis — “Just win baby!”
It was my first time to Sherbrooke and it’s hard to believe the Q ever left in the first place. It’s a beautiful little town and a perfect arena. The retro-fitting of Palais des Sports not only gives the rink an intimate feel but provides good business opportunities for the Phoenix.
OHL at the SSS
Dale Hunter raved about the play of 17-year-old Aaron Ekblad.
Josh Anderson has come a long way from an undrafted OHLer to a signed NHLer. He’ll garner strong consideration for a spot on the WJHC roster.
Nicholas Baptiste didn’t start playing hockey until he was 11. He asked his father Ralph and mother Michelle if they would take him to the rink to skate. Ralph, born in Haiti, never played hockey, nor did Michelle. Baptiste has had an amazing progression in just seven years. From what I’ve seen, his speed and energy deserve a good look at the world junior camp.
Sudbury never disappoints when hosting a major event. Despite limited resources in an arena built in the 1950s, the Wolves always find a way to put on a good show.
Oshawa has one of the best broadcast booths in the CHL. Vantage point is great, you’re high above the ice, not too far away from it, there’s great desk space and the gondola is enclosed.
First-ever sweep for Russia in the OHL. Check out the split numbers of the OHL portion of the Subway Super Series in Stat Trick below.
Hockey Canada’s Fred Brathwaite took home the 50/50 in Sudbury Monday night.
What will become of WJHC eligibles Morgan Reilly, Sean Monahan, Matthew Dumba, Tom Wilson and possibly Nathan MacKinnon?
Stat Trick: OHL vs. Russia in the SSS
Russia
I’ve been more than impressed with Russian head coach Mikhail Varnakov. His practices (and morning skates) are always up-tempo. He’s constantly coaching — be it in game or in practice. He’s made great in-game and between-game adjustments and he’s done it all with a only a handful of players that will be playing at the world juniors.
Vladimir Tkachev has been the talk of the team. He’s slippery and, as play-by-play announcer RJ Broadhead pointed out, stronger than he appears. He’s fun to watch, and plays with a carefree attitude.
Both Ivan Petrakov and Eduard Gimatov were sent back to Russia due to injuries.
Including the shootout, Ivan Nalimov stopped 98 of 103 OHL shots for a gaudy .952 save percentage. He should make Russia’s world junior team.
Kirill Maslov has been steady in the back for Russia.
Varnakov’s confidence has grown daily in 17-year-old defenceman Vladislav Gavrikov.
Bodi tribute
Deeply saddened by the loss of longtime OHL Officiating Supervisor Ken Bodendistel. He was a true gentleman, always polite, always well-dressed and a calming influence in a job that demands that trait. He will be missed dearly.
Friday Night Hockey
Windsor played one of the best road games I’ve seen in a long-time in its 4-2 win over Guelph.
Credit to Bob Boughner and his savvy use of the TV timeouts. Nick Ebert, Slater Koekoek, Kerby Rychel, Josh Ho-Sang, Ben Thomson and Brady Vail all saw more than their fair share of ice.
Further credit to Boughner and Bob Jones for the success of reclamation projects Ebert and Koekkoek.
Brock McGinn’s unofficial point streak came to an end at 23 games. Guelph’s 15-game point streak also ended. Guelph lost for the first time in regulation at the Sleeman Centre this season and Windsor extended its road win streak to six games.
Speaking of McGinn, according to Storm play-by-play announcer Larry Mellot, McGinn was credited for an October assist in Belleville that he wasn’t even on the ice for. That said, the OHL’s official website had it as a 23-game point streak going into Friday.
The Storm has one of the best group of forwards in the CHL.
Completely off topic
In just about every arena we end up in, I get asked about the Blue Jays for 2014. My answer: Who knows! I thought they were on the right track last year, but we all know how that ended up.
Upcoming FNH
December 6: Erie @ Ottawa
December 13: Medicine Hat @ Calgary
December 20: Charlottetown @ Blainville-Boisbriand
Please check local listings for game time in your area.
Pipeline Show
I appear Tuesday nights on the Pipeline show. Great show, great host, check it out here.