Richmond Ravens' Tournament a success - 23 March 2022

Spring brings not just flowers but also is a sign that the hockey season is slowly drawing to a close after what has been somewhat of a frustrating season for all associations.  The season was made a success all due to what I call the unsung heroes of sport, namely the volunteers in various regions of not just BC but Canada as well.  Locally in North Delta the spring tournament was a success and for those who wondering how the season played out for all associations, it was stressful.  The governing body of hockey in the lower mainland is the PCAHA which actually dates back to 1937 and yes long before my time.  While minor hockey continues to grow in the area its success is due to BC Hockey which was formerly known as the BCAHA which is the governing body in BC.  Not only has boy’s hockey grown over time, it’s the female program that has taken Canada by storm setting record numbers of players signing up from coast to coast.   That alone shows its popularity of the sport and it’s not just hockey that is attracting female players but also other various sports such as lacrosse and ball hockey to name only two.  Locally the Richmond Ravens Female Hockey Association held its 24th Annual Richmond Ice Classic Tournament kicked off last weekend that managed to attract close to 1,000 female athletes.   This included a total of 66 teams who managed to play 143 games which saw a first for BC Hockey and for the first time at the event, by all-female referees.  To no surprise  there was a record number of teams (40) from out-of-town coming from Alberta to the east. the Yukon and Northwest Territories up north and Oregon in the US.  Player development came through namly for local teams for the Ravens, as their U15 C2 team pulled off the win defeating the Victoria Reign for gold while both the U13 C1 and U15 C1 teams managed to win silver.  Many simply won’t know, but years back the smaller aged groups played within the end zones  or as some referred to it as half ice and in the name of sportsmanship everyone received participation medals.   All of the older age teams (9-18, played a full game striving to earn spots in Sunday’s championship games which were all extremely entertaining.   Mark Kusec, Richmond Ravens tournament director commented “We are especially proud that all 143 games of the tournament were refereed by all-female officials.”    “This is a new achievement for the Ravens, and full credit goes to our referee-in-chief, Lolly Gagnon, and all of the fantastic young officials who participated.”  He continued “For many of the participating teams who traveled, it was their first hockey tournament ever, and for some it was their first time seeing other female hockey teams and for a few guests, it was even their first time seeing the city or the ocean.  And for some of the oldest players, this was their last game of minor hockey ever, which made it extra meaningful.”  For those who still think that female hockey isn’t growing – think again!!!  

                                                  Photo Credit - Vancouver Canucks

                                                           Story by Steve Erickson

Trading deadline is always on the mind of the players and say what you will, in today’s sporting world it’s all about money and not a long-time relationship with one club.  Locally the conversation revolves around the Canucks and what moves they might  make to get the club into a playoff contender, but that’s an uphill climb.  Trading deadline is extremely worrisome for the players and they all understand that it’s clearly a business decision which in some cases frees up cap space.  While the cap space continues to grow, players salaries don’t get any less for any team and if for no other reason all teams are looking at bringing home Lord Stanley’s coveted trophy  Locally the only sports station we currently have and if you ask anyone we clearly need another one were working hard to sort out who the Canucks would move out as well as who they would bring in to fill that player’s stall.  Nothing transpired early in the day and as tradeline was coming close the Canucks made it official by announcing that “D” many Tyler Mott had been dealt to the Rangers for a fourth round pick.  Many feel they could have gotten more for him but given his size and how he has played of late he has grabbed 7 goals and 15 points in 49 games this season and is in the final season of a two-year, $1.225 million deal.  Partick Allvin the 12th GM of the Canucks mentioned to the media “We would like to thank Tyler and his family for their dedication to the Canucks organization and the city of Vancouver over the past five years.”   He continued “Tyler’s involvement in the community and his willingness to speak out about mental health has made a lasting impact on the organization and the game of hockey as a whole.”  The Canucks now have seven selections in the 2023 Draft across the following rounds: 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 4th (via NYR), 5th, 6th.  Thanks to the Canucks media department for the above press release.   Cap hit plays a key role as it’s important to remember that he carries a $3.64 million cap hit and becomes an UFA this July for someone who was drafted 104th in 2013 by the Jets.  For everyone who remembers the name Domi it’s interesting to know that Columbus moved Max Domi (26) to Carolina.  This season he has managed 8 goals good for 21 points in 36 games and has played with the Canadians, Arizona getting a career-high of 28 goals in 82 games with the Habs in 2018-19  Many feel the trade of the day surrounded Chicago who acquired a 2022 conditional first round draft selection from the Wild for Marc Andre Fleury.  Hawks GM Kyle Davidson mentioned “We are in a better position at the 2022 Entry Draft that gives us a pick that will land early in the draft and are better than we were yesterday.”   A key point for the trade is that the Hawks receive Minny’s first round pick in the 2022 draft and if this condition isn’t met, Minny will instead transfer their own second round pick in the 2022 Draft.  Closer to home we hear that the Kraken moved Marcus Johansson to the Capitals for Daniel Sprong (25) who is a fourth-round pick in 2022 and a 6th-rounder in 2023.  Many wonder who Sprong is and in 47 games he has 8 goals and 6 assists who earns $725,000 against the cap and becomes an RFA compared to Johansson, who is a UFA.  When asked about the trade Sprong mentioned to the media “I’m an offensive threat — I think I’ve got a pretty good shot, and I think I can be a threat offensively and. the puck hasn’t really been going my way this year, but there’s been a lot of chances and good opportunities, and I know I can score and produce in this league.”  Seattle also claimed Derrick Pouliot (28) was drafted 8th overall by Pittsburgh in 2012 and claimed off waivers who played Junior with the WHL Portland WinterHawks.  The NHL saw other trades, some of significance others not so, but those living on the west coast and mainly looking to see if the moves gives the Canucks more of a “push” as they head down the  stretch run.  Trades of interest for those living on the coast last week we saw former Canuck and Richmond Minor Hockey player Troy Stecher come to town with the Wings and today his next trip to Rogers Arena will be with the LA Kings following a trade earlier in the day.  With everything going on in the world our thoughts are still with those in Ukraine.   

                                               Photo Credit - Vancouver Canucks

                                                       Story by Steve Erickson

Following the performance against the Wings and the Flames the Canucks are in need of a huge win to keep them in the hunt for postseason play, which conceivably could be reached, but their fate is in their hands.  To the surprise of some the Canucks started Demko between the pipes for another start and playing against an eastern rival it’ll be interesting to see if they can jump out to a quick start.  Cody Eakin channeled his inner Rick Jeanneret, dropping a line fit for a Dominator once Rasmus Dahlin walked out of the interview room inside Rogers Arena.  “We are not worthy!” Eakin shouted, a playful but fitting poke at the Sabres defenseman following an effort that can only be described as dominant.   Demko played exceptional as usual, turning aside shots from various angles, but to no surprise it was Dahlin who slid one under Thatcher Demko pulling out a 3-2 victory for the Sabres on a rainy night in Vancouver.  The Sabres have won four of their last five games dating back to a home win over the Vegas Golden Knights and former captain Jack Eichel on March 10th taking two out of three games on the Western road trip.   Granato remarked after their win in Calgary how players seemed unphased by a 0-0 score against a Stanley Cup contender. They played the same against the Canucks, who erased one-goal deficits on two occasions and are making a strong push to grab more points in the stretch run that saw Craig Anderson have a 30-save night   The Canucks continue to struggle mostly in the first period failing to stop the opposition from gathering the early lead 1:50 in sending one top shelf over the shoulder of Demko which has the Canuck coaching staff mystified beyond words.  The press box was full for the previous two games, including this game with scouts and media having fun filled conversations on various topics throughout the game.  The Canucks managed to get even with Miller getting the Canucks on the board at 2:31 of the 2nd after taking a pass from Garland turning the red light on behind Anderson.  The Sabres second came when both clubs were playing 4-on-4 following a roughing play in the corner that saw Garland and Dylan Cozens called for roughing.   The Canucks had a poor clearing play that saw Juho Lammikko get the puck free from behind the net sending one to Tyler Myers as he fell in front of the Vancouver net.   Myers was unable to get up in time to stop Skinner only to have him put one past Demko at 3:55.  Video review can be interesting and realistically speaking you have a 50-50 chance of winning one as the Canucks challenged for an offside zone entry.   It took a while and after a long review, the linesman felt the play was on-side and a good goal that saw the Canucks handed a bench minor penalty for delay of game.  Canucks Captain Bo Horvat tied the game at 2 while on a PP halfway in the second following a hooking minor to Skinner.  Following the game Miller mentioned to the media “Because for me, I think it’s effort based and I think it’s will, wanting to play in the playoffs, and wanting to beat your opponent. We talked about how late in the season every team is good, there’s no excuses.”  Sabres coach Don Granato joked to the team post game that Dahlin should have scored sooner. The defenseman seemed to have the puck on his stick in the offensive zone for much of the 22:50 he skated, during which the Sabres earned a 24-14 edge in shot attempts.  Vancouver hits the road to see if they are able to sort out the first period woos, but there is still an outside shot that the Ca  Upcoming games have the Sabres host Pittsburgh on Wednesday night, while the Canucks: At Colorado on Wednesday night.  One a note of interest it’s interesting to know that Granato is the older brother of Canucks assistant general manager Cammi Granato.  

                                                    Photo Credit - The Canucks Way

                                                         Story by Steve Erickson

Following the performance against the Wings, the Canucks are in need of a huge win to keep them in the hunt for postseason play, which conceivably could be reached, but their fate is in their hands.  Well tonight’s game as well as tomorrow’s game are both huge and we can’t simply forget that the trading deadline is only two days away and we  have to ask if we will see the same team following their road trip.  As you night expect many are expecting the Canucks to make a move that could be one that might change the Canucks as they look forward to reaching postseason play.  It’s no real surprise that Thatcher Demko get’s the start.  The Flames come to town sitting first in the Pacific Division with 82 points (37-168) over 62 games while the Canucks sit fifth with 67 points (30-25-7) through 61 games.  Tonight’s game features (again) lots of local talent on the ice having Nic Petan suited for Vancouver, while Milan Lucic suited up for the Flames and if you support the ‘stripes” it’s nice to see Richmond’s Kelly Sutherland doing the game.  Intermission was enlightening in the media booth considering the number of scouts on hand  and of course they were all talking about the trading deadline and what’s a possibility.  Some still think that there’s a possibility that Boeser could be moved for a solid “D” player as well as futures, but that alone is again pure speculation.  While the Canucks were playing to a full house for the second of three home games before hitting the road, it’s fair to say they are hoping to put this game on the back burner and focus on tomorrow’s game against the Sabres.  With the Flames up after two, it was no real surprise that Demko would be pulled at the start of the third, while many thought it may have been earlier.  Regardless of the change the Canucks came out playing more aggressive, but the Flames continued to play solid in their zone forcing all shorts to be taken from the perimeter.  With the trading deadline set for Monday, you have to wonder if this plays on the mind of the players and we’ll truly never know, but realistically speaking we could see a different looking team once they return home.  Post game comments from both Miller and Horvat were all focused on the continued slow start the team continues to show with both players not offering up any real solution.  Bench boss Bruce was more direct, mentioning that he continues to “hammer home” the fact that it’s continuing to be an issue that the coaching staff will address in the morning.  He mentioned “I can’t understand it. It’s not like it’s a surprise to them that another team that we had just beat 7-1 and who lost last night is going to come out, they’re going to be coming out flying and I told them in warm up again, I said they looked very serious.”  He continued “I’ve been doing this for a long time and you change things up in warm up, maybe you change the pregame ritual but I think quite frankly, in the end, it’s on the self, of getting ready for the game and understanding how hard you have to play and we didn’t play hard enough in the first period.”  With the Sabres resting waiting, it’ll be interesting to see what line-up he throws on the ice and also who gets the start between the pipes?  It’s possible that come Monday any pressure will be off everyone, but that’s a question that we won’t know until then and we might have seen the Canucks season go up in Flames.  Thanks to the Canucks media department for all their assistance with our request.  

                                                 Story by Steve Erickson

Tonight’s match-up featured the once powerhouse Detroit Red Wings who were on a six game losing streak in hopes of getting back into the “W” column.  If you were young like me, years back growing up in Ontario you either cheered for the two of the original NHL six, one being Toronto and the other being the  Red Wings.  Back then was the hay-day for the original six and having the luxury to watch super stars of decades gone by, for me personally it was easy to cheer for my favorite Red Wing’s player, Norm Ullman.  Ironic as it sounds he wore the same number as I did, or is it vice versa, but regardless of playing wing at times on “D” they were the team I enjoyed watching in a bygone era.  Ullman grew up in Provost Alberta and played 20 seasons in the league playing 1,410 games of a possible 1,458 regular season games.for both the Wings and  the Leafs.  His career ran from 1955-75 and is one of only 20 players in league history who reached the 20-goal mark in 16 of his 20 seasons, which included 12 straight running from 57-69.  Ullman finished his career collecting 1,229 points (490 goals, 739 assists), which included 59 game-winning goals and 288 power-play points (116 goals, 172 assists).  He also scored 30 goals and finished with 83 points in 106 Stanley Cup Playoff games.  Looking back it’s important to know that he played center early in his career featuring future Hall of Famers Gordie Howe and Ted Lindsay and also centered Gordie Howe and Alex Delvecchio during the 1960s.  In a game April 11th, 1965 he scored two goals in five seconds against Hall of Fame goalie Glenn Hall of the Chicago Blackhawks in Game 5 of the Semifinals  Fast forward to the game at hand the press box is full with lots of scouts all getting a last minute possible players who could be on the move come the trade deadline Monday March 21st.  Naturally there are skeptics who are contemplating Canuck trades, some of which  make sense while others make no sense at all, well at least not to me.  For the second consecutive from a local perspective it’s great to see North Delta’s Nic Petan in the line-up along with the return of former Penticton Vee and Richmond BC’s Troy Stecher.  Entering the game the Canucks have managed 67 points sporting a record of 30-24-7, while the Wings have managed 55 points on a record of 24-29-7.  While many of late have questioned the work ethic of the Canucks, no one should question that from the highlights in the first two periods.  Both teams continued to pepper shots at the opposition tender that saw Demko face 31 shots through two allowing one, while his counterpart 190 feet away Greiss pulled a rabbit out of his trapper stopping 29.  It’s fair to mention that bench boss Bruce Boudreau wouldn’t have much to say, other than stay the course and continue to drive the net and challenge for any rebound.  While both teams played exceptional, the ones who literally stole the show was Demko who was forced to make several close in saves.  The Canucks best chance was on the PP mid-way through the third that saw Miller and Hughes on “D” while Boeser, Horvat and Garland were up front getting rebounds or hoping to get any rebound.  While we expect minor hockey players or even junior players to miss the net from various areas of the ice, one questions why pro players shoot from 30 or more feet out. Ron’s track record is anything worth a try.  Given the manner in hush technology has changed over the course of the past few years one  has to think that quite possibly the Canucks should look at contacting Delta’s Ron Johnson utilizing the Elite Hockey shooters.   At this level of the game, money is spent in various areas and given the fact that the Canucks have made huge strides since Bruce arrived, I’m sure it would be a welcome addition to the PP unit for one.  While the Canucks came up short dropping the contest by a 1-0 score no one can go home saying they weren’t entertained.  The Canucks hit the ice for practice Friday and return to the ice for a pair of games Saturday against the Flames followed by a game the following night against the Sabres before hitting the road.  Three Stars:  1) Alex Nedeljkovic  2) Thatcher Demko  3) Dylan Larkin  Vancouver remains on a home stand with two games against Calgary on Saturday followed by a short turnaround against the Sabres Sunday at 7 pm at Rogers Arena.  With the trade deadline upcoming, there’s no question that there is added pressure on various players.  We’ll see what moves the Canucks make come the first of the week.  

                                                           Story by Steve Erickson

The season for the Delta Ice Hawks was like Judy and ToTo taking a trip up the Yellow Brick Road searching for the wizard to get them back to Kansas.  The season started on a high with GM and Head Coach Steve Robinson putting all the pieces in place for what he was hoping could be the PJHL championship team as they host the Cyclone Taylor Cup April 7-10.  The season for the PJHL wasn’t without concern, wondering if Covid would force a shut-down, but that alone was out of their control as they along with other leagues were forced to deal.  Mother nature is something that was not just out of their control, but all leagues as being a league that only plays in the lower mainland they were forced to deal with the flood in the Fraser Valley.  With the newest franchise the Chilliwack Jets who are playing their first season in the league they are located in the Chilliwack finishing the season with 61 points (30-13-1) in 44 game season.  Delta’s season was more of an up and down ride with players in and out of the roster finishing their 44 games with (27-13-1-3) with 58 points and a massive 1288 PIM’s in third place.  Their first round of the playoffs saw them fight off the Richmond Sockeyes (31-12-1) in a tough seven game series pulling out a squeaker 1-0  win at Minoru Arena advancing them to the second round.  While the first round was difficult they never went down without a fight considering the Whalers pressed and had the Ice Hawks down three games to one, but Delta fought back forcing a six game series.  The Kootenay International Junior Hockey League started its third round of the Teck Cup Championship with the Nelson Leaf’s and Kimberley Dynamiters battling for the Kootenay Conference championship, while the Revelstoke Grizzlies take on the President’s Trophy winning Osoyoos Coyotes for the Okanagan Conference title.    The VIJHL South Division has the Kerry Park Islanders facing the Peninsula Panthers, while the North Division see’s the Campbell River Storm facing off against the Oceanside Generals.  The Panthers defeated Westside Warriors in a six game series ousting them 4-2, while Kerry Park Islanders defeated the Victoria Cougars in four games to advance to the final.  Campbell River defeated the Port Alberni Bombers in an exciting seven game series advancing in the final game, while Oceanside defeated the Comox Glacier Kings also in a seven game series advancing to the North final.    Four of the six games went to O/T that saw Delta outscored 19 compared to 22 and ranking the penalties they were also close with Delta grabbing 116 minutes compared to White Rock’s 106.  It’s important to know that the Cyclone Taylor Championship hosts the Championships teams from both the KIJHL, the VIJHL as well as the PJHL Champion team, which will be either the Langley Trappers or the White Rock Whalers.  While some fans were questioning the penalty calls dealt out by the officials, let’s first remember that the officials who worked both rounds are top caliber officials who officiate at a higher level.  There’s no question that Delta will be well rested for the Cyclone Taylor Championship and I for one knows that come April the Ice Hawks will be up for the task in hopes of making Delta proud.  If you are looking to promote your business and you would like to be a sponsor for the Cyclone Taylor Championship please send me an e-mail to sportswave@dccnet.com.   While the season was exciting, next season for the PJHL proves to be even more exciting than this one was.  Thanks for supporting the PJHL!!!!  

Story by Steve Erickson

 For many their first part of the day was catching the action of the  Winter Classic played in Hamilton that saw the Sabres defeat the hometown Maple Leafs albeit just up the QEW a short driving distance.  For those who were fortunate enough to grow up in a part of Canada where you could actually play on outdoor rinks this was like reliving the past, bringing back memories of yesteryear.  Reflecting back this was an era where any issues were put “on the back burner” and was simply a friendly game of shinny playing in some cases by the moon light and heaven forbid the one who lost the puck in the snow bank.  On a night when the Canucks were playing host to Tampa strangely enough this was actually part of the conversation at the supper table served up by the exceptionally friendly staff at Rogers Arena.  With the game getting close to puck drop there was lots of conversation with many of the attending scouts on hand with some sorting out the topic of who the Canucks should move out and who they should keep.  It was interesting that for the pre-game announcements they were handled by 10-year old Max Andrews, son of local announcer Don Andrews who was filling in for Al Murdoch who was in Hamilton at the Winter Classic.   This alone was quite the topic of conversation, not just from the scouts but also various media on hand all solving the issues they feel are facing the Canucks.  Regardless as the clock moved ever so close to game time and given the fact that some are still sorting out the time change, moving forward it was time to watch the first class game promo both on the scoreboard as well as displayed on the ice.  The Canucks return to Rogers Arena taking on Tampa Bay for the first time since December 18th, 2018 which is the second and final meeting between both Vancouver and Tampa Bay this season with the two previous ones Jan. 13 (4-2 L) and a home match-up Mar. 13th.  Overall Vancouver’s record currently sits at 20-14-2-2 all-time record against the Lightning, including a 10-4-2-2 record at home against Tampa Bay.  One key for the Canucks is managing to block shots keeping the game within reach from the opening draw.  The Canucks are managing 2.86 while Tampa are collecting 3.38 per game compared to the PP of  21.7 for Vancouver matching 20.0 for Tampa.  Entering the game one might think that the Canucks would have the upper hand in part due to the fact that Tampa flew in earlier in the day, while Vancouver should be more rested.  Tampa comes to town on a four game losing streak and the last time they faced a situation like this was in the 2019-20 given that they were coming to town after a 4-1 drubbing by the Oilers.  Tonight’s match-up is more of a battle between two of the league’s top goaltenders, namely the Canucks Thatcher Demko who has a GAA of 2.67 and aS% of .916 through 47 games played.   Tampa’s Andrei Vasilevshiy on the other hand has a GAA of 2.43  anda  SV% of .917 through 45 games..  One area the Canucks face is allowing the opposition to control the opening period and if we look back they have only been able to manage 30 goals in the past 59 games in the opening period which has them in 30th in the league.  Continuing to play a solid role was Canucks Miller who came to the Canucks following a trade with Tampa in 2019 when they felt that they were more focused on dealing with Bradem Point for his impressive 93 point season.  Missing from the line-up was Elias Pettersson who has 7 goals, 11 assists for 18 points in his previous 17 games played and is out with an undisclosed upper body injury.  The Canucks were focused for the game, but got off to a slow start allowing two goals in the first with the first at 3:26 and the second at 5:06 both even strength markers by Ross Colton and Victor Hedman.  Miller got the Canucks on the board in the third getting his 24th of the season and with the play around the net Garland continued to play managing to put it in, tying the game at two.  While everyone has a different view from the officials positioning he obviously felt it was frozen and while it was pushed in the net, it was waved off keeping it a 2-1 game and according to Garland he never heard the whistle.  The Canucks came out on the short end in this game, but let’s not forget who they were playing against and question what you will, this is far from the team last November, which is a breath of fresh air.  Following the game during the media press conference Garland told the media “Obviously, not a good start knowing how hungry they were going to be and to not come out the way we should was disappointing. It was good to see the push and we know the character we have in the room and we don’t ever feel like we’re out of it.”  He continued “We have to have better starts and that’s what is killing us right now. If we play like we did in the second and third, we’re going to win a lot of games. But good teams close games out and they’ve won two Cups and you can’t win them without closing games. It’s too good a team to give them that start.”  Wrapping up the media conference if you think you’re frustrated it’s nice to actually hear a coach tell it the way he feels and such was the case again with Bruce who when asked what he should do mentioned “I have no idea — get some psychologists in here and we’ll work with them.”  Garland’s not the only one frustrated as Ekman-Larsson mentioned “It takes a lot of energy out of us pushing that hard in the second and third and it would be nice to play with the lead going into the second.”  The Canucks are on a home-stand with them facing the Devils on the 15th, the Wings on the 17th, the Flames on the 19th and the Sabres on the 20th, then hit the road for four before returning to take on St. Louis on the 30th  Note:  Call up from Abbotsford saw Sheldon Rempal make his season debut for the Canucks.  

                                                      Story by Rocky Rhodes

More so than any other game this one could prove to be one of the harder games for Capitals star forward Alexander Ovechkin to play in while on his west coast swing.  Mainly due to the on-going conflict in Ukraine as well as his lack of response to Russian President Vladimir Putin who is nothing more than a control gouging monger.  The past two years everyone and everything has been put on hold and as we get set to move forward and come out of the pandemic we watch the horrific war that was created by Putin and his army of control freaks. The most part of Ovechni’s trip has been been far but a warm welcome for the mega superstar in Calgary and Edmonton, but what will Canuck fans do when he hits the ice?  If he thought the reception was cool in the prairies this could prove to be one of his biggest hurdles to overcome, but one has to ask should he or shouldn’t he speak up?  Many say he should at least mention something one way or another, but if he does what could be   the outcome of his words that carry lots of weight in the community.  In the past he has had a strong connection with Putin and also knowing that Western Canada has a large concentration of Ukrainian while also noted that Canada has the third-largest population of Ukrainians in the world, so we’ll see how this plays out.   Also noting that Alberta has some 370,000 Ukrainian decedent, so tonight’s game is far more  “coat-tails” and realistically speaking we have no idea of what relationship he has with other Russian stars such as Igor Lorioniv or Vladislav Tretiak might be.  One has to question what his relationship is with his fellow team-mates might be, but knowing players they have probably put this aside as hard as it might be.  Ovi was a first-round draft managing to score over 1,300 points in his 17-year professional career with the Capitals and the fourth Russian-born player in the league to cross the 1,000-point mark.  He stressed his desire to see the conflict end, and that people on both sides would stay safe.  The friendship probably is due to the fact that Putin loves hockey and who better than Ovi to ride theDating back to 2017 he (Ovechkin) wrote “I am confident that there are many of us supporting Vladimir Putin. So let’s unite and show everyone a united and strong Russia!”  A few short days ago he (Ovechkin) maybe tried to put distance between himself and the president when he told various reporters “But how – I not in politics and only an athlete and you know, how I said, I hope everything is going to be done soon. It’s a hard situation right now for both side and everything. Everything, I hope, is going to end. I’m not in control of the situation.”  Ovi urged “Please, no more war,” “It doesn’t matter who’s in the war. Russia. Ukraine. Different countries. I think we live in a world like we have to live in peace and a great world.”  True; Athletes are an elite brand that do carry a lot of weight, but not when it comes to make world wide decisions – especially regarding what is happening in Ukraine; but I wish they did!!!!!  Let’s see how the night plays out tonight and how he handles it?  

Any relationship can be full of traumatic issues that can cause it to go off-side forcing one or the other to go to the penalty box or be judged by someone who has the final say with any on-going proceedings.  Such is the current case between the KHL and the NHL, which was terminated earlier in the week all focused on the Russian invasion of Ukraine, which included terminating the NHL’s Russian broadcast agreement.  This came to a head following the statement by the NHL condemning Russia’s invasion which suspended any relationship with all Russian business partners thereby pausing NHL digital as well as social media websites.  Communication is imperative for the success of any league, but following the press release it’s fair to mention that any communication between both leagues will officially cease, which include data on players currently under contract.  It’s fair to mention that moving forward the parent league (NHL) will continue to honor any existing player contracts.  It’s reported that the NHL are extremely concerned about the well-being of the players from Russia, who currently play in the league and clearly NOT on behalf of Russia and fully understand the players and well as their families are like pawns waiting to be crowned.   Possible Fallout Players/Prospects  Overall this could have huge effects for all Russian NHL players, noting that the NHL clubs are unable to sign KHL-rostered players without first negotiating with the Russian Central Registry about player status.  Of course this will have an effect on this year’s NHL Draft and stating another fact is that on an outside chance Russian-born players may be denied status to play in the NHL.   Given the fact that upcoming young star players such as 18-year old forward Danila Yurov is slated to be a top-15 pick in the 2022 draft.   As we all know communication is the key to success, but this may have an outcome on five players in but his status is now tossed into question.  

                                                   Photo Credit SLN

                                             Story by Steve Erickson

Rumor has it that in light of the recent problems with Russia that the NHL has finally jumped on board mentioning that they have cut all ties with the KHL. 

This after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, telling their teams to cease contact and suspending the memorandum of understanding between the two leagues.

Reportedly; Bill Daly told clubs in the memo that they will now “have only limited contractual information regarding players who are currently or last played in the KHL.” 

All teams are now required to go through the Central Registry to request any contract information on a player’s contractual status. 

In addition they will have to produce “independent written evidence” that confirms that a player is entirely free of KHL obligations, before signing them for the 2022-23 season.

In the past both leagues did not operate under a transfer agreement but had an Memorandum Of Understanding which indicated they would respect contract terms. 

It’s reported that the NHL told the KHL that it continues to respect any and all existing and future contracts, though communication will now be cut off.

This will drastically complicate not only free agency but the upcoming draft, which was currently in discussion and given the possibility that young Russian athletes would be denied or refused work visas to enter. 

Both Canada and the US were expected to be near the top of the 2022 draft but are presently under Magnitogorsk for the 2022-23 season at least. 

Baring any on-going communication, it’s hard to know and believe any NHL team that might draft him will be able to even speak with the young forward, though the memo does indicate that teams are still allowed to work with North American-based agents.

There are also several pending KHL free agents like Andrei Kuzmenko were expected to sign after the KHL playoffs are completed. Kuzmenko was drawing the attention of many NHL teams around the league after an outstanding season, where he managed 20 goals, 53 points in 45 games. 

At press time it seems uncertain ifr his future is in North America or he might re-sign in Russia and stay with SKA.

Other KHL news:

Remembering Abbotsford’s Jake Virtanen (25) and former Vacouver Canuck, well now he’s a former  Spartak player who had his contract terminated by the KHL club.Moscow-based KHL team. 

In light of his leaving the club it’s reported that he’ll have to pay two-thirds of the remaining amount of the contract for violating the terms of the agreement,

At press time it’s not clear why he (Virtanen) had his contract terminated, but given on-going speculation it’s a possibility that it’s related to the war in Ukraine, considering that the federal government has advised Canadians to leave Russia while they still can.

As one might expect he isn’t alone in leaving the KHL considering the fact that Markus Granlud as well as Philip Larsen have also left.

Virtanen was selected by the Canucks sixth overall in the 2014 NHL Entry Draft and this season has seen him score 16 points (9-7-16) in 36 KHL games, which placed him ninth in scoring among all Spartak players.

The Canucks placed him “on leave” May 1st and had his $3.4 million contract bought out by Vancouver in July. 

This after an investigation by the VPD for an incident that took place September 26th, 2017.

Buying him out frees up cap space that was used to re-sign restricted free agents in Elias Pettersson and Quinn Hughes, as well as their newest pair – namely Conor Garland and Jason Dickinson.

FYI:

Only due to his age allows the Canucks to buy him out at a mere one-third of his $3 million base salary which counts as $50,000 against next season’s cap and $500,000 in 2022-23.

Ovechkin News:

Alex Ovechkin switched hockey stick models ahead of Thursday’s game against the Carolina Hurricanes

Ovechkin scored his 763rd career goal using a JetSpeed FT4 stick made by CCM.

The change was spotted by several hockey gear accounts including Geer Geek and Everything Pro Stock.

Many are wondering what type of reception he’ll get this weekend when the Caps visit Vancouver?