OK, Saginaw is absolutely brutal, and so is their coaching staff. On the flipper, London is a friggin' machine. Dylan Hunter (+3) with a goal (30) and four assists tonight as London beat the piss out of the spirit 12-0. "Red Light" Weber let all 12 goals past him tonight. You think he would've been able to call it a night after letting seven past him on 29 shots at the end of two, but nope, he went back out there and got pelted for another 18 shots in 20 minutes. Why not let the other goalie get peppered in the final stanza?
Ottawa doubled up Barrie by a score of 6-3. Mancari had the hat trick (two on the PP), and an assist to go with it. Goals 27, 28, and 29 for the kid. To futher knock the rust off from his recent suspension, he had a third period fight with 16-year old Jordan Shine (who got tossed around like a dummy).
The games are in the early stages out west with MacArthur and the Tigers at Red Deer, and Funk and the Hawks at Vancouver.
Last night in the OHL:
Peterborough beat Kingston 5-1, with Pat Kaleta (+1) notching an assist and 9 PIMs. Five of those came from a second period fight with the hard-nosed Anthony Stewart. Kaleta doesn't like to fight (just seven this year), but rather prefers to crunch the opponent with his countless hits. The bout with Stewart was more of a wrestling match, and two each for roughing would have been more appropriate.
Kaleta, clearly the OHL's most hated player (but still highly respected), has lately been laying his best hits since he busted Klapkowski's back last year. Stewart was giving the stick to a few Petes last night, and Kaleta took him on to both let him know that it isn't cool to do that crap, and to also take the Fronts best guy off the ice for five. This kid is a hard-working, pure body checker who certainly has a future. Barnaby with less fist-tossing and more heart, Peca with less O but equal hitting prowess. Ken should really look at having him crack the next Sabres Top 20 on the main site.
Elsewhere, Dylan Hunter (-1) had two assists in London's 5-1 win over Erie, and Andrej Sekera (-1) had a so-so outing in a 5-2 loss to the Colts.
In the dub, Clarke MacArthur had an assist in the Hat's 2-1 loss to their nemesis from Calgary. Mike Card (+1) had an assist in Kelowna's 4-1 win over Spoke.
Mancari had a huge game tonight (3 G, 2 A, +4, unsportmanlike conduct minor penalty) and I was wondering what people think about his chances of getting a contract?
He seems very Gaustad-like both in size and style as well as both being overage draft picks. With the glut of bottom six prospects in this organization I wonder what his odds of getting a contract are. He does have better size than the Staffords, Pailles, MacArthurs etc and considering Ottawa was thinking of putting him on the blueline at the beginning of the year, maybe he'll be a future defenseman?
BTW, I'm not sure about Ottawa's playoff chances, could it be Mancari ends up with the ATO to help out Rochester?
Mancari had a huge game tonight (3 G, 2 A, +4, unsportmanlike conduct minor penalty) and I was wondering what people think about his chances of getting a contract?
He seems very Gaustad-like both in size and style as well as both being overage draft picks. With the glut of bottom six prospects in this organization I wonder what his odds of getting a contract are. He does have better size than the Staffords, Pailles, MacArthurs etc and considering Ottawa was thinking of putting him on the blueline at the beginning of the year, maybe he'll be a future defenseman?
BTW, I'm not sure about Ottawa's playoff chances, could it be Mancari ends up with the ATO to help out Rochester?
No thunder stolen at all. Good job getting the word out, as this is not intended to be a one-man show.
I've had limited access to Mancari this season, but I can say that his skating seems to have improved. If the Sabres see him as a bottom 6er, this will probably be the deciding factor to him gaining contract consideration. If a precedent has been set, remember that Gaustad was rather rough around the "edges" (bad pun in reference to skating ability) when he came aboard. Aside from his legitimate game-ready frame and a pretty heavy shot, two main things Mancari has demonstrated this season that would suggest he's earned himself a future in the Sabres organization: 1) despite the slow start, he can definitely score without having perfect passes laid on his tape from Corey Locke, and 2) he is one heck of a leadership guy, playing with heart night in and night out. Saying this, a jump to the AHL would obviously offer a glimpse of whether or not he's got the game to hang with the big boys, but he'll likely need a fair amount of time next season to properly put it all together (adjusting to game spped, playing against players of equal or greater strength, etc.). I don't see him being a contributor if (a big IF) called to Rochester. It took guys like Thorburn and Gaustad over a season to figure it out, and Mancari should be no different. I hope there's room to bring him aboard. Just my opinion....
No thunder stolen at all. Good job getting the word out, as this is not intended to be a one-man show.
I've had limited access to Mancari this season, but I can say that his skating seems to have improved. If the Sabres see him as a bottom 6er, this will probably be the deciding factor to him gaining contract consideration. If a precedent has been set, remember that Gaustad was rather rough around the "edges" (bad pun in reference to skating ability) when he came aboard. Aside from his legitimate game-ready frame and a pretty heavy shot, two main things Mancari has demonstrated this season that would suggest he's earned himself a future in the Sabres organization: 1) despite the slow start, he can definitely score without having perfect passes laid on his tape from Corey Locke, and 2) he is one heck of a leadership guy, playing with heart night in and night out. Saying this, a jump to the AHL would obviously offer a glimpse of whether or not he's got the game to hang with the big boys, but he'll likely need a fair amount of time next season to properly put it all together (adjusting to game spped, playing against players of equal or greater strength, etc.). I don't see him being a contributor if (a big IF) called to Rochester. It took guys like Thorburn and Gaustad over a season to figure it out, and Mancari should be no different. I hope there's room to bring him aboard. Just my opinion....
So......the Sabres may one day have inked contracts to all 2004 draft choices.
Who are we going to sign for next season? I would say Vanek, Roy, Milley and another forward are out, and two or three defensemen. McArthur, Hunter, Kriukov, Mancari at forward. Card, Funk, and one of ours Russians on D?
Who are we going to sign for next season? I would say Vanek, Roy, Milley and another forward are out, and two or three defensemen. McArthur, Hunter, Kriukov, Mancari at forward. Card, Funk, and one of ours Russians on D?
If Milley is out, it isn't because he will be with the Sabres. Aside from Jillson, the same goes for the defensemen (though Janik has a slight chance, I suppose). I'm not saying you implied that would be the case; just thought it should be said.
I think MacArthur is a pretty sure thing be in Rochester at this point. We damn well better get something done with Kriukov or it'll be too late. I wish we'd finally dumb Novotny to make ice time for guys who can develop with it.
I think the organization owes it to Milley to give him a chance somewhere else at this point. Im not sure the status of his contract but he could easily be traded and a top forward on most AHL clubs.
I think the organization owes it to Milley to give him a chance somewhere else at this point. Im not sure the status of his contract but he could easily be traded and a top forward on most AHL clubs.
Janik could float between Rochester and Buffalo, as long as he is re-signed. Paetsch, probably another year in Rochester. Card, Funk and Sekera will probably all be in the CHL again next year. Adams's collegiate career is over. Who knows what happens there. Denisov and specifically Ezhov, will probably remain in Russia.
Forwards: Vanek will at the least get the bus trip from Buffalo to Rochester. MacArthur could still play one more season in the WHL, or has he outgrown that league? Hunter has 4 years in the OHL.....whre does he go? LP Martin has 4 years in.....I know KB said the Sabres probably or was it definitely won't sign him. Kaleta has another year in the OHL......I think Mancari has his 4 years in.....these guys could be overagers in the CHL next year......Isn't Kriukov's contract in Russia up for renewal? Seems like now or never to bring his arse over here for a look.
Janik could float between Rochester and Buffalo, as long as he is re-signed. Paetsch, probably another year in Rochester. Card, Funk and Sekera will probably all be in the CHL again next year. Adams's collegiate career is over. Who knows what happens there. Denisov and specifically Ezhov, will probably remain in Russia.
Forwards: Vanek will at the least get the bus trip from Buffalo to Rochester. MacArthur could still play one more season in the WHL, or has he outgrown that league? Hunter has 4 years in the OHL.....whre does he go? LP Martin has 4 years in.....I know KB said the Sabres probably or was it definitely won't sign him. Kaleta has another year in the OHL......I think Mancari has his 4 years in.....these guys could be overagers in the CHL next year......Isn't Kriukov's contract in Russia up for renewal? Seems like now or never to bring his arse over here for a look.
I agree on Janik, he'll probably be a Chris Taylor-type to this organization throughout his career. Paetsch should be in Rochester again next year in my opinion. I'd like to see Denisov come over, he's getting too old for a NHL prospect to be in Russia. If Kriukov doesn't come over now, I doubt he ever will. Ezhov will likely stay in Russia for a year or two.
According to KB's sources, Buffalo said they definitely wouldn't sign Martin and told him as much.
I'd like to correct me saying MacArthur will definitely be with Rochester next year, I was mistakenly thinking (more like, I wasn't thinking) he had 4 years in. Mancari does have his 4 years in, as does Hunter. I don't know if Hunter has a future with the Sabres, but I'd like to see us sign Mancari over him. Both have a good chance of being overagers, especially Hunter. Funk, Card, and Sekera should all return to their CHL teams next season. I don't see Adams as doing anything with the organization.
I wonder why the team would tell Martin before the season is out. Or they told him several weeks ago. Unless Vanek passes him (probably will), his 37 goals will lead all the prospects, although he did not play a full schedule. Is it the small stature, 19-20 years old?
Kriukov will be this generation's Dudacek if they don't bring him over in a year or so. Denisov should be brought over as well. Didn't Denisov show up at a training camp a year or two ago?
The Sabres maybe shouldn't give up on Hunter like they gave up on Wideman.
The Hockey News has mentioned Adams several times in their College Hockey Section. Whoevfer reports on his conference seems to think that BC's top pair of Adams and Alberts both have proessional futures. I know that he hasn't produced offensively, but I seem to remember reading that he has a hard shot, and that he's solid defensively. That being said, I know nothing about his skating ability. I'd assume that if he were signed, he should be able to knock Jorde down the depth chart in Rochester.
Just a little bit on our boys in the WHL. Encouraging News:
Mike Card GP-72. G-10. A-35. P-45 +/- +22. PIM-85
Mike Funk GP-71. G-8 A-22. P-30 +/- +13. PIM-84
Looks like Card has grown into his expectations, albeit later than hoped for in Kelowna. Better late than never, who know's if it means anything in the long run.
I wonder why the team would tell Martin before the season is out. Or they told him several weeks ago. Unless Vanek passes him (probably will), his 37 goals will lead all the prospects, although he did not play a full schedule. Is it the small stature, 19-20 years old?
I'd assume they didn't tender Martin a contract offer before last June 1st and relinquished his rights. They're not very good about making that public. Draft picks have to be tendered contract offers just like Group II free agents. Thirty-seven goals in the Q isn't anything to get excited about unless the player brings a lot more to the table. Pominville and Hamel were 50 goal scorers in that league. Even Matt Barnaby had a 37 goal season. Martin is small, injury prone, and not particularly aggressive. I think the Sabres simply decided after a year, that he wasn't an NHL prospect.
It'll be interesting to see how unsigned picks are handled without a CBA. They need to be tendered NHL contract offers and signed to NHL contracts. That can't be done without a CBA. Signing players to AHL contracts isn't going to protect their rights. I'm sure the league has something up their sleeve to deal with it, but it could get very messy in the courts.
OK boys,
It's playoff time in the CHL. With the exception of Jeff Weber's Saginaw Spirit(less), all teams with Sabres prospects are having at it up north. In the OHL, Mancari's (1G, +2) 67's are locked at one game apiece with Barrie. Pat Kaleta (1PPG) and the Petes are up 2-0 versus Belleville, and Sekera's (injured?-DNP in first two games) Attack are up 2-0 against Plymouth. Dylan Hunter (1A, +2) and the Knights are also up 2-0 versus Guelph.
In the Dub, Mike Card (2A, +1) and the Rockets have begun their title defense with a 1-1 deadlock against Vancouver. MacArthur (bagels) and the Tigers lead Red Deer 1-0, and Funk's (1A, +1) Winter Hawks are also up on Everett 1-0.
Both Portland and Med Hat fall tonight, so those series are tied at 1-1. MacArthur had a goal for the Tigers against the Rebs, while Funk went scoreless with 2 PIM against the Tips. Both series will resume action on Tuesday...
Peterborough beat Belleville 5-1 to take a 3-0 series lead over the Bulls. Kaleta goes scoreless with 4 PIM.
Pat Kaleta (1PPG) and the Petes are up 2-0 versus Belleville, and Sekera's (injured?-DNP in first two games) Attack are up 2-0 against Plymouth. Dylan Hunter (1A, +2) and the Knights are also up 2-0 versus Guelph.
Sekera's listed as day to day with a "lower body injury". He's had it for quite awhile.
London sweeps Guelph with a 5-2 win. Dylan Hunter gets an assist in the victory.....Pat Kaleta had bagels in the Petes 4-3 loss to Belleville. The Petes lead the series 3-1....Andrej Sekera returned to action going scoreless in Owen Sound's 5-0 win over Plymouth. The Attack lead the series 3-0......Clarke MacArthur notched a pair of assists in Medicine Hat's 4-3 OT loss to Red Deer. The Rebs have the edge in the series 2-1....Kelowna fell to Vancouver 4-3, with Mike Card posting an assist and a -2. The Giants lead the series 2-1....Portland lost to Everett 3-0, with Funk checking in with a -1. The Tips lead the series 2-1.
Mark Mancari (+1) scored the game winner with 20 seconds to go as the 67's edged out Barrie 3-2. Ottawa holds a 2-1 series lead after the victory....
Out west, Medicine Hat leads Red Deer 4-1 after two, with MacArhtur assisting on the first two Tiger goals. Portland (Funk) and Kelowna (Card) are also in action tonight...
MacArthur finished with 2 assists, 2 PIM, and a +2 in a 6-1 Med Hat win over Red Deer. The series is tied at two apiece......Mike Card had 2 PIM in the Rockets 2-1 OT win over Vancouver to even up the series at two......Mike Funk had a goal in Portland's 3-2 OT loss to Everett. The Tips now hold a 3-1 series lead over the 'Hawks.
Ottawa tops Barrie 8-2 to win the series in six. Mark Mancari with three goals on the night to pace the 67's. London, Peterborough, and Owen Sound already advanced to the second round, so there's still some hockey to be played by Sabre OHL prospects Dylan Hunter, Pat Kaleta, and Andrej Sekera as well.....
Medicine Hat and Portland play game sevens tomorrow night out west. Mike Card and the Rockets have already advanced to round two....
Mark Mancari is Ottawa's nominee for the Dan Snyder Memorial Trophy
Quote:
Dan Snyder Memorial Trophy
(to be announced on April 26)
Awarded annually to the player that best demonstrates outstanding qualities as a positive role model in the community. The winner is the OHL nominee for the CHL Humanitarian of the Year.
London currently leads Windsor two games to none in their second round series. In game one on Thursday, the Knights pounded the piss out of the Spits 8-0, with Dylan Hunter (+2) netting the first four goals. Last night's game two resulted in a 5-3 London win, with Hunter (+2) adding another goal, two assists, and 2 PIM.
Owen Sound has started off their series with Kitchener in a 2-0 hole. Andrej Sekera, who was recently voted third in the Best Offensive Defenseman category of the OHL Western Conference coaches poll, was a +1 in the Attack's 2-1 OT loss in the Wednesday opener, and was even in their 3-0 loss to the Rangers last night. Game Three will be played this evening.
Peterborough and Toronto split the first two games of their second round tilt. Pat Kaleta was a -1 with 2 PIM in the Petes' 5-4 OT win in the first game. The Majors won a high-scoring affair in game two by a score of 8-6, with Kaleta (+1) scoring a goal and assist in a losing effort. It should be noted that Pat was named the Best Body Checker and placed third in the Hardest Worker category in the OHL Eastern Conference coaches poll for the 2004-05 season.
Ottawa beat Sudbury 3-2 to open their series on Wednesday night. Mark Mancari had an assist and 2 PIM in the win. As a side note, Nick Foligno (crooked nosed Mike's son) had a goal for the Wolves. Game Two will be played tonight.
Out west, the defending champions from Kelowna dropped the opener of the second round series with Seattle 2-1. Mike Card was left off the scoresheet. Game two is tonight.
Medicine Hat begins their second round action against Prince Albert later tonight as well. Clarke MacArthur (3-5-8) is currently 9th in WHL playoff scoring. The feisty forward also had 12 PIM in their first round win.
Last edited by Hobey Baker: 04-09-2005 at 09:21 PM.
Reason: MH is playing PA not PG
