tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33284104393476324912024-03-13T00:49:48.866-06:00Tiger Turf Fan Blog About the Medicine Hat TigersTigerTurfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14359764110928059937noreply@blogger.comBlogger1106125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3328410439347632491.post-36194123291986761472022-09-23T11:41:00.001-06:002022-09-23T11:41:45.853-06:00This Blog is going to End....again.Blogger is difficult to work with<div>I've created a subreddit. This gives much more access for people to make posts and comments.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>New Format</b></div><div>https://www.reddit.com/r/medicinehattigers/</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Old Format</b></div><div>https://old.reddit.com/r/medicinehattigers/</div>TigerTurfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14359764110928059937noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3328410439347632491.post-52155869471275851432022-09-21T17:43:00.002-06:002022-09-21T17:45:38.406-06:00Season Preview <p>I'm going to keep the reviews fairly light, because I'm rusty. I've barely watched the Tigers let alone the WHL very much the last 2 seasons. </p><h2 style="text-align: left;"><b>Brandon Wheat Kings</b></h2><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Goaltenders (B) - </b>Their starter will be Carson Bjarnason whom was a backup on Canada's Under 18 Hlinka Gretzky Cup gold winning team. He is only 18 this season. They will have a couple other rookies battling for the backup job. I'm giving a B here because they don't have the depth at backup yet. This could be a B+ or an A- if their starter plays really well. Goalies are fairly volatile and their is potential this rating is too high and too low.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Defenceman (B-)</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"> At first glance it looks like they may lack experienced depth. Mason Ward and Logen Hammett will likely anchor the top pairing. again my knowledge is lacking but my understanding is they are average defenceman. They do have a couple interesting kids who are 16,17 but that is quite young still. They brought over an 18 year old import to help their depth. I feel like they are also volatile in this position in terms of skill as they could have both good or bad seasons.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Forwards (B+)</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">Their strength looks to be the forward group. They'll have a very elite top line. If they can spread that out they should be able to dress a very solid top 2 lines. They have 3 WHL first round picks turning 18 who are all primed for big Up years, as well as NHL drafted Jake Chiasson. They are probably another impact forward away from bumping into the A- category, but their depth up front looks really good</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Questions</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">They have 4 Overagers. 3 Forwards and a Defenceman. They may have an OA forward who can put up .65-.75 PPG for sale. If they sell a defenceman, their defence will be an achilles heel and I'd downgrade them C+</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Draft Positioning</b><br />Their 19 year old age group had 2 extra 2nd round picks, but they didn't work out. Their 18 year old group has 3 first round picks and an early draft order. Those extra picks in those age groups suggest they should be making noise at forward this season. They also have 3 first round picks in the 16 year old group, so it suggests they should have some really young talent stepping up. It suggests that they should be near the middle rungs and pushing up.</div></div><p style="text-align: left;"><b>Overall</b></p><p style="text-align: left;">My first instincts is that this looks like a team that will be fighting for the middle rungs of the playoff ladder. Their offense looks too good to miss the playoffs. If their defence was more experienced I'd push them up a notch or two. </p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><h2 style="text-align: left;"><b> Edmonton Oil Kings</b></h2><div style="text-align: left;">It's never about what you loose, but what you keep. Having said that the Oil Kings lost a kings ransom worth of depth. They already made a trade in the off-season, trading away one of their bigger scorers who may or may not come back for 2 roster players and a 2nd round pick.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br />Goaltending:</b> C+<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Their backup last season on the best team in the league had a .846 save percentage as a 17 year old. That could be misleading as he may not have faced many shots. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> They also have 2 rookies in camp. Their will be a lot of new faces in Edmonton so they may be under-load often and with no experienced veteran guys I feel like a C+ is a worthy ranking. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Defence:</b> C+:</div><div style="text-align: left;">They have a decent mix of ages on the back-end, but high end skill is shallow. Their work-horses will be Logan Dowhaniuk back for his overage year and Ethan peters who is a 19 year old. After that the depth falls off.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Forwards: C+</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">Very Top Heavy. Future NHL'er Dylan Guenther may start the season in Arizona with the Coyotes. The coyotes have no real reason to keep him as they are dressing a borderline AHL lineup. Once he is back whatever line is one should be able to score at will. They should have import Jakub Demek back for another PPG forward. Overage Jaxsen Wiebe compliments the rest of the higher skilled forwards. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">After that depth falls off dramatically with a lot of younger players. I expect some selling at the deadline</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Questions</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">Does Dylan Guenther come back as a 19? He could probably make Arizona because they are terrible, but it may not be a good idea to do so. I think they should give him a few NHL games and send him back. Play him at the world Juniors and the Oil Kings trade him for some exceptional value.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Draft Positioning</b><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">They modified their roster to go for it last season. After that they have late picks and few picks in the top rounds, so the depth they have will be behind other teams. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Overall</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div>They will be at the bottom of the totem poles for a few seasons recovering. It was unlucky that they had big UP years during pandemic shortened seasons.</div><div><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: left;">I think they will be near the bottom of the rungs because I also expect them to sell. I have their offence as one of the worst in the league and that is with counting Dylan Guenther scoring at a 1.75ppg rate and 19 year old Import Jakub Demek at a 1.2PPG rate. Very likely both players may be shipped off at the trade deadline.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><h2 style="text-align: left;"><b>Red Deer Rebels </b></h2><p style="text-align: left;"><b>Goaltending (C) </b> They had a big unfortunate and unexpected blow. Expected starter Chase Coward(19) did not report to camp with a congenital defect to his lower body. They made a trade in the off-season to shore this area up, but have 2 goalies with no whl experience. It's uncertain if chase will return this season. If he does it boosts this rating to an A-. If that doesn't happen this position will be volatile and could be a weakpoint.</p><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Defence (A-)<br /></b>Defence is a big strong point for the rebels. They have some depth. Christoffer Sedoff, Tanner Brown and Blake Gustafson are 3 OA's. The rebels will likely part with 1 of them. <br />The rebels have another pair of strong 18's in Mats Lindgren, Jace Weir and Hunter Mayo That gives them 5 strong defenders. They also have a young 17 year old import stepping in freshly drafted.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Forwards (A-)<br /></b>Their forward core looks average on an initial graze through, but IMO has a lot of potential. I think this will be a hidden strength for them. They have some guys who broke out last season. (Kalan Lind, Kai Uchacz, Jhett Larson) who could be poised for big years. Combine that with Ben King and some older veterans in Jayden Grubbe and Craig Armstrong and their is the makings for a very solid group with a good mix of ages. Maybe I'm over-rating them, but with an older defensive group I think their is some hidden scoring by committee potential. I could see them getting stronger as the season goes on.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Questions<br /></b>They have 2 overagers for sale. Their goaltending situation could be their Achilles heel. They have some dark horse strength, but goaltending may hold them back.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Draft Positioning<br /></b>Their 16's through 19's had early draft positioning. They did do some tinkering, but their draft positioning suggests they should be at a place of strength right now. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Overall<br /></b>They have strong depth and skill in their lineup. I just get a feeling that they may start slow and finish very strong with the uncertainty in the goaltender position and some players who maybe ready to take a step forward in their game.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I would say they would be near the top rungs of the ladder with the exception that their goaltending is very poor and inexperienced. It is tough to see an 18 year old with 1 game experience or an 16/17 combo carrying the load. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />If they can shore up the back-end they will be near the top of the East, but it's a big enough hole that could sink them further back into the middle rungs.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><h2 style="text-align: left;"><b>Moose Jaw Warriors</b></h2></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Goaltending (A-)</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">20 year old Connor Ungar was traded from the Rebels to Moose Jaw. He was a split time starter last year as a 19 year old. They also have an 18 year old backup who played in 18 games last season.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Defence (A-)</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">Their have an older defensive group highlighted by NHL 1st round pick 18 year old Denton Mateychuk who put up 1ppg numbers on the back-end. They are complimented by 19 year old and NHL draft pick Max Wanner and overage Cole Jordan. For depth they have 19 year old Lucas Brenton and 18 year old Matthew Gallant, giving them 5 players 18 or older</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">A couple solid 19's and a couple 18's on the back-end. I don't know enough about their defenceman to give a better rating, but judging on stats they look very solid on the back-end.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Forwards(A-)</b><br /><span style="color: #212121; font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;">They have some heavy young firepower and a good compliment of 19's. Jagger Firkus will be 18 and he put up 1.21PPG last season as a 17 year old. Brayden Yager is 17 and he put up almost a PPG last season. Complimented with 19 year old Eric Alairie who should be a ppg player, 19 year old Atley Calvert and a couple of import picks with Robert Baco and Martin Rysavy who will be at or near that figure. You could say their forward group is similar to Red Deer.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Questions</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">They have room for a 3rd overager. I suspect they would go with a forward. Another forward near the ppg mark could really power some of the 18's to put up very strong years. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Draft Positioning</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">Moose jaw had an interesting strategy because their were 3 years in a row where they had no 2nd or 3rd round picks in years where they had mid to later draft positions. Their draft positioning based off that with later picks suggests they should have a slightly weaker team.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">However their drafting jumps out to me in a big way. They have done extremely well with what they had. Their 2019 draft was incredible. They had no 2nd, or 3rd round pick, but their 1st and 4th rounders turned into incredible players. Their 1st overall selections in 2018 and 2020 were also elite players. Their Import selections are good players. They have found some players picked up as free agents who are contributing like Atley Calvert and NHL 7th rounder Maxximus Wanner.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> By all means it looks like they will have a couple interesting good seasons predicated on insanely excellent drafting and recruiting and I'm going to watch this going forward because what they are doing is working. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Overall </b></div><div style="text-align: left;">Moose Jaw is likely in the A Tier this season. I expect them to compete in the top rungs of the East Division. They have an older solid defensive core. They have a great young offense and veteran presence. They have another room for an Overager spot.. Their youth is impressive. Next season they should still have some elite players at both offense and defence.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><h2 style="text-align: left;"><b>Prince Albert</b></h2><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Goaltending (A)</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">19 Year old Belarus goaltender Tikhon Chaika is back for his 2nd season as a starter. He was their starter last season putting up a .904 save percentage. 18 year old Max Hildebrand will be back in net as the backup. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Defence (A-)</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">It looks like they will have an older veteran group and this will be a strength. 20 year olds Landon Kosior and Trevor Thurston to go along with 1st round NHL draft pick 19 year Nolan Allen, will anchor the blueline with a very strong presence. Their top 4 are 19 or older.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Forwards (B)</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">Good Top line: Forwards Evan Herman, Sloan Stanick and 4th round NHL draft Pick Carson Latimer, should all be near the ppg mark. Import Vladisalv Shilo will be their secondary scoring presence up front. After that depth falls off. Their age mix is decent, but they have a bunch of inexperienced youth in the bottom 6. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Questions</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">4 Overagers in camp. Do they keep Keaton Sorenson(F) or Trevor Thurston(D). I think they'll go with thurston. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Draft Positioning</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">Suggests a slightly above average crop of 19's, an insane 20's, and a slightly below average 17+18 year old core. The 15 and 16's should be slightly above average. Basically it suggests an average team, slightly top heavy with weaker depth. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Overall </b></div><div style="text-align: left;">Everything I see tells me average. They aren't going to be pushovers as they have some really good players in all 3 positions. They just lack depth on forward. From what I've seen teams with strong back-ends can outperform their offensive reach. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> IF their younger players can provide depth they have a shot to push up from the mid-rungs of the ladders. If they cannot provide depth, they do have a lot of very tasty pieces for trade bait and potential to fall back especially if a key injury occurs. They also have an extra 1st round pick already in next years draft from Edmonton. I'd place them in the 5th to 7th category</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><h2 style="text-align: left;"><b>Regina Pats</b></h2><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Goaltending (B+)</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"> They traded for an overage in Koen MacInnes who was a split starter in Everett as a 19. They also have last seasons split starters with 19 year old Drew Sim and 18 year old Matthew Kieper. A big battle here.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Defence (C+)</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">They have a lot of older defenceman. 4 guys are 19, but 3 of them are pure depth guys. They will be led by NHL 3rd round pick and 10 year old import Stanislav Svozil, and 18 year old Layton Feist. After that the depth tends to fall off. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I don't know enough to read their defence. It's tough to tell based on stats if a defenseman is a good stay at home guy, or the lack of offensive production is just a lesser quality defenseman. I do see that they have 2 guys with decent point production but after that it falls off quick. It feels like they lack some depth on the back-end as predicated by their later draft positions in the older age groups.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">It looks like in training camp they have some decision to either go with an older crew, or go with some youth and experience. It's both possible they try to add for Bedard, but they could also have a disappointing season and have top of the line trade bait.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Offense (A-)</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">They have some HEAVY HEAVY firepower up front. Connor Bedard, Tanner How, and overage forward Cole Dubinsky. They have a solid 2nd line with Zach Stringer, Borya Valis, and newly acquired import and 3rd round NHL Draft Pick Alexander Suzdalev. I've pegged Connor Bedard at a ridiculous 2 PPG pace as he scored at a 1.61 PPG pace in his 16 year old season....that is insane, nuts, those numbers don't happen with anything other than generational players. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Questions</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">They have 4 Overagers on their roster. Likely a decision between defenceman Luke Bateman and Jakob Brook. This is likely Connor Bedards last season in the WHL. If they can't make a push he would demand a kings ransom in a trade.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Draft Positioning</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">They are still suffering from going for it in 2016-2017 as their 19 and 20 year old age groups had no first,2nd or 3rd round picks in those corresponding draft years, so their older talent maybe lesser quality.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> Their 17 group should be strong with the #1 overall pick in Connor Bedard as well as 2 extra 4th round picks, but their 16 year old draft might be slightly weaker with a late 1st, and no 3rd rounder. Their recent drafts are mixed, they have a lot of deals and a lot of picks that aren't their own. Their is no set conclusion from here other than their older group maybe weaker.</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Overall</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">Their offense and overage goaltender are strong points. They don't have much of a 4th line so when the game is on the line you can expect them to run 2 lines. I don't have a good read on their defence, but it doesn't look elite and could be a weakness. Their offence could catapult them into a home ice playoff. I could see them fall and drop back as well. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><h2 style="text-align: left;"><b>Saskatoon</b></h2><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Goaltending (C-)</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">Their goaltending has a combined 14 games of experience. They have 2 18 year old's, and a rookie in camp. This is probably a weakpoint.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Defence(C+)</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">Overage Aidan De La Gorgendiere will anchor their blueline. 19 year old Charlie Wright is likely to be alongside him on the top line. The blades do have 4 defenceman 19 or older, but 2 of them are depth defenceman that may not play as 20's. They seem to be missing 2nd line caliber defenceman</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Offense (A)</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">The blades have 2 very good offensive lines and that will be a big strongpoint. They have 6 forwards that should hit near the PPG mark. even with a terrible defence and goaltending the potential is there for Home Ice playoff spot potential. However, they also have 7 forwards that are 17 or younger. They are going to be a team that overplays their top 2 lines when the going gets tough because depth is not there. I could see trades happening for more experienced depth vs their younger depth.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Questions</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">They have room for a 3rd Overager slot. Their pre-season interviews state they think they can make some noise this year. They could use both depth up front and another defenceman. </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Draft Positioning</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">They made so many trades this is a poor metric for them. They spent 5 years out of the playoffs from 2013-2018. They should have been SWIMMING in talent now as all those higher draft picks should be blooming. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Overall</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">It's like they concentrated on offence and forgot about everything else. Their roster is very top heavy and they have weak depth. I think it would make sense to use the extra Overage slot getting a defenceman, and then perhaps deal one of their older depth 19's for a return on forward.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I see them as a 2nd/3rd place team after an overage acquisition and some tinkering. Because of the weaker depth they could potentially run cold against the better teams with more depth. Their is a lot of volatility here.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><h2 style="text-align: left;"><b>Winnipeg</b></h2><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Goaltending (A-)</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">17 year old Daniel Hauser was a split-time starter with the majority of games. It's very rare to see a 17 year old be the main backstopper, but he did go undrafted in the NHL entry draft. (likely due to his size at 5'9). NHL likes seeing goalies 6'2 or bigger. Winnipeg was heavily, heavily scouted last season with 3 first round NHL draft Picks.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Hauser will be back for another season as their main guy. He was their main guy in the playoffs last season. We may see them look to add for depth purposes on a run as their other 2 goalies in camp don't have much WHL experience. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Defence (B)</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">Ben Zloty and NHL first round pick Carson Lambos anchor the back-end. They do have an older group with 5 of their top 6 18 or older. But 3 of their 18 year olds look "fresh" as they lost 3 of their top 6 defenceman last season.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">At first glance they look a bit top heavy and they lack depth; however their top line D pairing are exceptional players. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Offence (A+)</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">OMG. Their top end offensive potential is insane, IF they get everyone back from pro's. My projections have 3 players scoring at a higher pace than 1.5 PPG ratio. Followed with 2 more at around 1.3-1.4 ppg pace, and another one at just over 1ppg. (That doesn't include 2 defenceman who will be over the ppg mark). Or a 4th overage forward who they also have, but may have to deal away. That makes 8 guys in total who should reach that mark.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Connor Geekie and Matthew Savoie were the #11, and #9 overall NHL draft picks. More on them in the questions section.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> They do seem a little lean on the potatoes part of their lineup. They have 6 PPG forwards(not including the extra overager) and 2 more that are close by. After that it's all rookies. They may want another 3rd line body or 2.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Questions</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">Winnipeg has 4 overages' on the roster. 3 of them are forwards who will be at a point per game pace. Mikey Milne was drafted in his 2nd year of eligibility with Minnesota in round 3. He hasn't signed yet, so he is probably back. Winnipeg also has the #9th and #11th overall NHL draft picks in Matthew Savoie and Connor Geekie. When players are taken that high their is always a risk of them being plucked into the NHL at 18. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I've read it's likely both are back. Buffalo(Savoie) has 13 signed NHL players. It could be likely that he starts the season in the NHL and then gets sent back. Geekie is with Arizona and they should be in no rush to bring their prospects up. He too could see a game or 10 of action before being sent back. As such winnipeg could be slow starters with their draft picks away at camp.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Draft Positioning</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div>They have 3 NHL first round draft picks on their roster. They also have a 17 year old who put up a 1ppg pace as a 16 year old who may be another future 1st rounder. </div><div><br /></div><div>Their whl draft is unique. In 2019 they had the first and 2nd overall picks with Matthew Savoie and Connor Geekie. The year after they had the 2nd overall pick with defenceman Carson Lambos. Those groups have matured and so has their talent.</div><div><br /></div><div>Their 15-17th age group has a lot of picks missing with late draft positioning. This suggests a Top Heavy roster, which is relatively true and in 2 years they will be weaker.</div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Overall</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">I could say top heavy, but they are so Top heavy it should carry their team to an amazing year. They do lack of a bit of depth. If injuries bite, especially on the back-end it could play a concern. I see them adding depth at every position. They won't need stars, they may just need some bodies to not give up goals. so it doesn't become a concern. I don't know enough about their roster to conclude on if they have that depth or not, so it's possible I'm out to lunch by suggesting that. If their is a year to go for It, it's this season. I expect them to be top Dog</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><h2 style="text-align: left;"><b>Calgary Hitmen</b></h2><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Goaltending(A)</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">One of the few Eastern Conference teams with a set starter and backup. Brayden Peters(20) the overage started most games last season with .906 save percentage and was backed up by now 18 Ethan Buenaventure. The hitmen also have a couple younger goalies looking to crack the roster.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Defence (B)</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">Their defence is really old. They have 5 19 year olds on the roster; however I think all but 2 are more of the depth type quality and not the top 4 pairing type. They also have 4 17 year olds looking to crack the roster. I don't really see top end depth, but a bunch of solid 3rd - 5th type defenceman. For that I'm going to rate them as a B as the depth looks average.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Forwards (B)</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">I would consider their forward group average. 3 near PPG forwards, then 6 forwards who I project around the .4 - .6 ppg mark. So decent depth, but they may run into secondary scoring issues at times.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Questions</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">They have room to add an Overage. I could see them getting younger with removing some of the 19 depth defenceman and adding an overage. Or we could see them add depth up front. They can't really go wrong</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Draft Positions</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">When I look at the hitmen they look average and "stuck". Their draft positioning suggests they should be right in the middle of the pack with mid round picks from their 17 through 19 year old drafts. Too good to be bad, but not bad enough for good drafting positions.</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Their 16 year old class maybe slightly weaker with no 2nd round pick and a late US prospects pick.</div><div style="text-align: left;">They do look like they should be building around their 15 year old draft class. They drafted in the early rounds, with 2 extra 2nd round picks. If they could compliment next draft, or their 16's it would set them up well for a few years down the road.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Overall</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">They have depth at all positions. They have 18 players who are 18 or older and as such maybe more likely to float in the higher middle rungs in the standings.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><h2 style="text-align: left;"><b>Lethbridge</b></h2><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Goaltending (B+)</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">Overage Bryan Thomson is back. He was their starter last season as the canes finished as the 7th seed.</div><div style="text-align: left;">Backup Jared Picklyk is back for his 19 year old season. They also have a couple younger goaltenders still in camp. They have a bit of a decision to make. Next year they have a strong crop of overagers. They may be better suited to trade their 19 year old and bring up a rookie goaltender. This will allow them to keep an extra Overage next season. Their also may be some demand for a 19 year old goaltending this season.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Defence (A-)</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">They have some experience on the back-end with 3 19 year olds and 18 year old Logan McCutcheon who put up good numbers last season as an undersized 5'9 156 defenceman. Their top 4 is pretty solid. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Offence (A-)</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">They have a well balanced group in terms of ages. All 3 of their 20's are forwards. Their top 6 are 19 or older. They have 3 players who I think will come very close to a ppg pace, and 3 more lurking around that area in a 2nd line role. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Questions</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">Do they make a push or become sellers? Both options maybe available to them. They will probably see how the season goes and make a path forward from there.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Draft Positioning</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">Their draft positions was rather mixed. Bunch of traded picks.They didn't have a 1st/2nd round pick in their 18 year old age group so that suggests the 18 yr old core may have weak depth. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Overall</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">They have a maturing group of players. Like calgary they have some depth to their roster.</div><div style="text-align: left;">Their will be a degree of turnover the next couple season. I think their will be a lot of temptation to add to this group. I see them as competing for a Home Ice playoff spot.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Edit: Recently made a trade to upgrade an Overage Forward spot.</b></div><h2 style="text-align: left;"><b>Swift Current</b></h2><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Goaltending (A-)</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">They have 2 NHL drafted goaltenders. 20 year old 6'7 Alexander Gage who was a split-starter/backup last season for Winnipeg. As well as 18 year old Reid Dyck who played in 23 games last season. Both goalies still seem a little raw by their numbers, but if NHL teams have drafted them it means they show potential. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Defence (B)</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">Led by NHL first round pick Owen Pickering and Overage Sam McGinley. They have a nice balance of ages, but they also have 4 of their 8 guys as 17 or younger. I'm unsure what to think of this. Their top 4 looks decent enough so I'll grade them a B. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Forwards (B+)</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">They have a very strong group of up and coming 18 year old forwards who should get better as the season goes on including 3 NHL draft prospects in Josh Davies, Josh Filmin, and connor Hvidston. Pair that up with Overage Raphael Pelletier and 18 year old Matthew Ward and that is 5 players on or close to the PPG mark. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Questions</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">They have 4 overage's on the roster, but I think it's an easy decision.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Draft Positioning</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">The pandemic years with no playoffs was a benefit for them as they had drained their cupboards for the run in 2017-2018. They've had 4 years of terrible seasons because of it. They were able to recoup a lot of draft picks but it still left their 2018 draft with a single 3rd round pick. That draft of players is 19 this season, so they will be lean there. The 18 year old group has an extra 1st rounder and an extra 4 picks in rounds 3 and 4. That group could be stronger than normal. They do have lots of early picks coming up through the 17 and younger age group and we should see them start becoming strong over the next couple seasons.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Overall</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">Their 19 year old group is lean, but they have an exceptional 18 year old forward group. I keep thinking they could be a big dark-horse, to hmm maybe it will take another year before they get stronger....</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><h2 style="text-align: left;"><b>Medicine Hat Tigers</b></h2><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Goaltending (B-)</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">19 year old Beckett Langkow is the starter in his 3rd season with 30 games experience. The backup is 16 year old rookie Ethan McCallum. It's on the rare side to see a goalie make the team at 16. It could be a sign the Tigers found a good one. 20 year old Garin Bjorklund is gone to pro's.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Last year Langkow's stats were underinflated because of such a young team with limited scoring potential. The Tigers still have a youngish team and Langkow is still likely to be peppered. He started the season off strong last season, but when you are getting peppered every game with odd man rushes it's easy to loose confidence.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Defence (B)</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">They have an older backend with 3 19's and an 18 year old. Anchored by Dru krebs and Bogdans Hodass. They also have a bunch of younger guys with 3 17's. The depth looks pretty good as their are quite a few teams with very weak defensive depth this season. Tigers could be fielding trade calls all season. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Forwards (B)</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">They completely changed their overage group adding 3 players with Dallon Melin, Alex Dover, and 20 year old Import Oskari Kuntonen. They also have Overage Brendan Lee on the roster,. It's extremely rare to see a first year overage import. They will also likely start 15 year old Gavin McKenna in Medicine Hat for a few games as previously stated in media interviews.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I count them as having ten players popping in at at least a .5ppg rate. I counted the entire Eastern Conference and they lead the league in that category. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">They have 3 2nd lines. They just don't have a bona-fida top line. Secondary Depth is a strong point for the Tigers and their game will be to wear the opposition out. Tyler Mackenzie could probably get close to a point per game pace. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> Their depth maybe able to pushup to a B+ Category.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Questions</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">They have 4 Overage forwards. 3 of them are New to the Team. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Draft Positioning</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">Suggests their 20 year old group should be weaker with the 2nd last pick in that draft. The 19 year old draft was just average and unfortunately their star pick Cole Sillinger only played for 1 year, so that kinda makes the current group below average because of it.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> The Tigers had 8 extra picks in the top 3 rounds in the 15 to 18 year old age groups.</div><div style="text-align: left;">Where the Tigers shine is the 2021, and 2022 drafts. (The 15 and 16 year old age group). They have early draft picks with an extra 1st, 2nd and 3rd. That's a 2-3 year wait until those picks are ripe. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The positive thing about taking Gavin McKenna first overall is that he has a late birthday and as such guaranteed to play in his 18 year old Junior season because if you are born after Sept 15th, you don't get draft until you turn 18. His birthday is December 20th.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Overall</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">The hype is still a couple years away, but this season they have potential to be surprising due to their depth. AT first glance you don't see elite talent, but they have the most depth out of every team in the East. Their 3rd and 4th lines will likely have edges on their competition.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> It is a year of tinkering and they have already tinkered quite a bit trading away Ashton Ferster, James Venne and releasing Noah Danielson who I projected at a .75ppg pace(although he hadn't played a full season because of injuries)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> They may face interesting questions at the deadline as they have some 3 19 year old defenceman that maybe heavily sout after. They may be offered a bunch for them, but it could also hurt their playoff push chances. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><h2 style="text-align: left;"><b>Tiered Standings</b></h2><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Championship Tier: </b></div><div style="text-align: left;">Winnipeg</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Home Ice Playoff Tier</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">Red Deer/Moose Jaw/</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Middle to bottom rungs</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">Swift Current/Calgary/Prince Albert/Regina/Brandon/Lethbridge/Medicine Hat/Saskatoon</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Bottom Rungs</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">Edmonton</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">This was very very difficult to separate teams. I see volatility everywhere. So many teams with strong elements, and weak elements. Some teams have great offence, but poor defence, some teams have great depth but no elite talent. Some teams have great depth, but poor goaltending...</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Who wins and looses in that scenario? Their were times I had both calgary, Lethbridge, swift current,calgary and saskatoon up a rung higher. Then I'd compare them to one of the other teams and I'd think they are awfully close in talent and drop them. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Usually when I have troubles making a ranking it's a sign of parity. I expect a super tight and close race. The only prediction I'll make is that their will be a 1 game tiebreaker to make the playoffs.</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Interesting Notes</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">I think Edmonton will become trade deadline sellers even though they may not be 100% out of it. They still have a potent top line, but for their long term development it may be wise to become sellers. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I think Saskatoon is the team most likely to trade to add to their team. They have 7 potential ppg players and the ability to add another Overage. Their depth is an issue and I dropped them a rung because of it, but I do think they may seperate themselves from the pack and Join the Home Ice playoff tier after making some moves. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Regina is also in a weird spot because they have a generational talent, yet the supporting cast is weak.</div><div style="text-align: left;">Red Deer has a strong roster, but goaltending issues....</div><div style="text-align: left;">Medicine Hat doesn't really have top line offence, but they could have the best overall depth with 10 players that could hit the .5 ppg mark. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><h2 style="text-align: left;"><b>Goal Scoring Index</b></h2><div style="text-align: left;">This is my estimation of offensive potential. Winnipeg is a clearcut runaway</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Winnipeg 317 </div><div style="text-align: left;">Moose Jaw 263 (May increase after adding an OA)</div><div style="text-align: left;">Red Deer: 263 </div><div style="text-align: left;">Regina: 258 </div><div style="text-align: left;">Swift Current 233 </div><div style="text-align: left;">Lethbridge 234 </div><div style="text-align: left;">Calgary 221 <br />Brandon 216 </div><div style="text-align: left;">Saskatoon: 217 (This will increase after adding an OA)<br />Medicine Hat: 209 </div><div style="text-align: left;">Prince Albert: 195 <br />Edmonton 199 </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><h2 style="text-align: left;"><b>Projected Point Per game Players</b></h2><div style="text-align: left;">Winnipeg: 8</div><div style="text-align: left;">Saskatoon: 7</div><div style="text-align: left;">Moose Jaw 4 ( 1 close)</div><div style="text-align: left;">Red Deer 3 (2-3 knocking on the door)</div><div style="text-align: left;">Brandon: 3 </div><div style="text-align: left;">Price Albert: 3</div><div style="text-align: left;">Swift Current 3 (Another one close)</div><div style="text-align: left;">Regina 3</div><div style="text-align: left;">Lethbridge 3</div><div style="text-align: left;">Calgary 3</div><div style="text-align: left;">Edmonton: 2</div><div style="text-align: left;">Medicine Hat:0 (Mackenzie or Dover could be close)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>TigerTurfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14359764110928059937noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3328410439347632491.post-13081141822500357212022-09-15T09:48:00.008-06:002022-09-19T18:05:23.204-06:00Working On A Season Preview<p> Working on a season preview post with rankings. I will release before season starts. It won't be as big or as specific as past seasons as I haven't watched much WHL the past 2 years.</p><p><br /></p>TigerTurfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14359764110928059937noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3328410439347632491.post-73083858028223234482022-08-23T21:33:00.000-06:002022-08-23T21:33:18.149-06:00Sykora sticks with HK Nitra<div style="text-align: left;"> The MH News released an article saying that Sykora will be playing for HK Nitra this year. <br />This is a bit of a blow losing the top overall import selection.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://medicinehatnews.com/sports/local-sports/2022/08/04/adam-sykora-staying-in-slovakia-for-22-23-season/">https://medicinehatnews.com/sports/local-sports/2022/08/04/adam-sykora-staying-in-slovakia-for-22-23-season/</a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">They definitely haven't been getting the luck of the draw with Sillinger being plucked to the NHL last year and Sykora not coming over this season. The Tigers say they will keep the door open and watch him play at the world juniors. I think it may still be possible he could come over for his 19 year old season the year after next. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Trade</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Open Sans", Arial, Helvetica, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">The Tigers traded forward prospect Diego Buttazzoni to the Portland Winterhawks in exchange for two conditional draft picks, a 2024 second-round pick and a conditional 2025 fourth-round pick.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">This likely was precipitated by the player being asked to be moved. He was a 2nd round selection in the 2021 draft, so the Tigers recouped the pick and got a 4th.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Next Season preview<br /></b>*Just for depth Purposes* Some of the prospects I have listed might be wrong/outdated.</div><p><b>Forward</b></p><div>Brendan Lee(20)Owen MacNeil(19) Noah Danielson(20)<br />Tyler MacKenzie(18) Oasiz Wiesblatt(18)Ashton Ferster(19) </div><div>Oren Shtrom(18) Steven Arp(18) Brayden Boehm (18) </div><div>Andrew Basha(17) Tomas Mrsic(16) Gavin McKenna (15)</div><div>Cayden Lindstrom(16)</div><div>Hunter St. Martin(17)</div><div>Cru Hanas(17)</div><div>Shane Smith(17)</div><p><b>Defence</b></p><div>Dru Krebs(19) Bogdans Hodass(19) <br />Rhett Parsons(19) Pavel Bocharov(18)<br />Reid Andresen(17)(.35) Josh Van Mulligen(17)(.2)<br /></div><div><br /></div><p><b>Goaltending </b></p><div>Beckett Langkow(19) (.900)<br />Ethan McCallum(16) (.865)<br />Ben Vatis(16)(.865)</div><div>--</div><div>Garin Bjorklund(20)(.910)</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Intangibles</b></div><div>Garin Bjorklund - Will he be back as a 20??? He signed an ELC from Washington a few weeks from the signing deadline. That usually means he is headed back because a late signing is indicating they just want to keep his rights...however....Washington did a Goalie Overhaul this off-season and I think he may be at risk for being lost the ECHL.</div><div><br /></div><div>Washington did not re-sign their 2 NHL starters and signed 2 Free Agents.</div><div><br /></div><div>For depth in the AHL they have 4 goaltenders signed including Garin. 2 of their AHL goaltenders are 27 and one the last year of their deals. They may be looking at Garin to be in the AHL in 2 years, which means they could send him to the ECHL this season.</div><div> </div><div>Their isn't room for him in the AHL, but I easily see a scenario where he starts with splitting time in the ECHL and a possible starter should he play well.</div><div><br /></div><div>A MH news article gave some interesting things to think about. In the Article Bjorklund says: "<span face=""Open Sans", Arial, Helvetica, Verdana, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 13px;">Bjorklund said when he left Hershey it was hinted he would playing professional hockey next year and that’s what he is focused on." </span><span face="Open Sans, Arial, Helvetica, Verdana, sans-serif" style="color: #050505;"><span style="font-size: 13px;"><a href="https://medicinehatnews.com/sports/local-sports/2022/05/07/bjorklund-excited-to-start-pro-career/">https://medicinehatnews.com/sports/local-sports/2022/05/07/bjorklund-excited-to-start-pro-career/</a></span></span></div><div><br /></div><div> With the luck that the Tigers have been getting and the quote mentioned in the paper, I'm very nervous he won't be back and think the Tigers should plan without him in the lineup.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Forward Thoughts</b></div><div>They didn't loose much at forward and everyone is a year older. This year will be about seeing who's improved and who has fallen off the radar. I don't expect anything earth breaking, but I've never been more uncertain as to what type of offense the team will have.</div><div><br /></div><div>The Tigers have a lot of potential for players to have smaller breakout seasons and they do have a lot of 2nd/3rd line type depth, which is better than last years 3/4th line depth.</div><div><br /></div><div>The problem is that they don't really have top scoring line depth. They have some veterans, but their are later bloomers and overagers. They are more of the guys you want on your checking line or supplementing the 2nd lines.</div><div><br /></div><div>Their lineup seems to be more of a scoring by committee group. I do see a case at the end of the season, where their offense picks it up a notch or two. I think we will see Gavin McKenna play more than 5 games. The Tigers could play him 5 games at the start of the season, then call him up on emergency basis later in the year. Similar to what Winnipeg did to Matthew Savoie </div><div><br /></div><div>Going by the numbers Tyler Mackenzie looks primed for a breakout season. I think a .9PPG season is possible. </div><div><br /></div><div>Oasiz Weisblatt, 19 of his 29 points came after the new year, so I have him reaching .7PPG which may be optimistic. (A bunch of points later in the season is usually a sign a player is closer to breaking out)</div><div><br /></div><div>Brendan Lee was almost a .5 PPG player after his trade, but a late bloomer type so I'm expecting around a .65 ppg rate.</div><div><br /></div><div>Owen MacNeil doubled his previous point totals from the previous season. I expect around a .65 to .75 ppg rate.</div><div><br /></div><div>Oren Shtrom had a real quiet season last year. The pandemic year saw him scoring 14 points in 22 games, and last season managed 19 points in 60 games. When he had points they came in bunches, but he also had a slow finish and didn't record a point in the final month last year. I guess we shouldn't expect a huge year, but eventually I think it's very possible. I've put him at a safer figure of around .5 ppg, which is what I was expecting around last year. It's possible he pushed hard up quick though if he can stay healthy.</div><div><br /></div><div> Noah Danielson missed a lot of time last year, and their is potential for a breakout season if he can bring a consistent work ethic and stay healthy. I think he is capable of having a .75ppg season.</div><div><br /></div><div>Brayden Boehm had a lot of speed, once he develops some finish and other players around him improve that could see an offensive explosion as well. Although for a lot of players 18 is a bit of an up and down year, and it's not until their 19 year old year where they really breakout. it will be interesting to see Braydens' Progress. I think he may be more of a candidate to breakout at 19 than 18, but we'll see.</div><div><br /></div><div>They still have some inexperience and are missing great top line depth. Their were dead last, the previous season with 154 goals scored. My initial prognosis puts them at around 206 goals scored which puts them very close to the last playoff spots taking into consideration the past years goals scored among teams in the playoffs.</div><div><br /></div><div>Gavin McKenna is also a wildcard. He is only eligible for 5 games, but I expect him to get some sort of emergency callup role and play more than 5 games. It could be very possible he ends up in a similar path to Lethbridge's former star Dylan Cozens who played 3 regular season games, then scored 8 points in 12 games in the playoffs as a 15 year old.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Defenceman Thoughts</b></div><div>This group looks pretty solid. 3 Solid 19's an 18 year old looking to have a breakout year and 2 good younger players in their 17 year old years. Even if the Tigers give up some goals, the defensive group will be much much stronger and possibly the biggest strength of the group. </div><div><br /></div><div>Dru Krebs and Bogdans Hodass are both primed for big breakout seasons. Rhett Parsons was a huge physical presence last year and he will be a year older. Pavel Bucharov will be looking to make a big impact after going undrafted in the NHL entry draft.</div><div><br /></div><div>A lot of times a strong defensive group can greatly lift a team with a weaker offensive output, although last season the Tigers offence was too weak.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Goalie Thoughts</b></div><div>At this point I'm expecting Garin to be gone. If he comes back that fills out the 20 year old spots.. If he doesn't come back I'd expect the Tigers to look at an overage forward, or maybe even an overage goalie, depending what is out there.</div><div><br /></div><div>Beckett Langkow and a rookie 16 year old goaltender is a lot different than a 20 year old NHL drafted and signed goalie in net. I think Langkow is a solid goaltender, but I also think his confidence was likely shaken up a lot as the Tigers were the weakest in the league last season. We will see what happens, but this group could be very similar to the offence in a developing group.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Overall preliminary Thoughts</b></div><div>This will be a year of. "Let's see what we have, and make tweaks if necessary". This will be the type of year that can define their future success. It will be easy to sway into temptation to get better in a push for the playoffs. They are still a little too young, but should be miles better than last season.</div><div><br /></div><div>I think a successful season will be making the playoffs. An ultra successful season would be sneaking into the 6th or 7th seed and creating havoc in round 1 of the playoffs.</div><div>I do think missing the playoffs is also a possibility but I have yet to delve deep into the other Eastern Conference and Central Division teams. I hope to have that out as the season gets closer.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Age Breakdown</b></div><div>20- 2 (3)</div><div>19 - 6</div><div>18 - 6</div><div>17 - (3-6)</div><div><br /></div><div>This is a much better spread than last season, where their was I think at times the only 19 in the lineup was the goalie.</div><div><br /></div>TigerTurfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14359764110928059937noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3328410439347632491.post-20735662022541456682022-07-15T15:09:00.009-06:002022-07-15T15:17:09.061-06:00Adam Sykora Signs with Rangers<div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>NY Rangers</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">Tigers first overall CHL Draft Import pick signed and Entry Level contract with NY Rangers today.<br /> This will kick in a clause called the NHL-IIHF transfer agreement.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />If the NHL team decides to send Sykora to any minor league team (including the Tigers) his home club back in Slovakia has the right to call him back since he is still under contract.</div><div style="text-align: left;">--</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Sykora's Future</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">Sykora has said in a news release that he plans to make his decision on where he wants to play after the World Juniors next month. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I'm not sure if he didn't sign would that would mean for his eligibility on coming over as I don't know the details on his current contract and not up to date on the transfer rules. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> The only assurance this signing does is give him potential eligibility to play in the AHL, which makes me warry. I'm not sure if the signing gives him a better chance of coming to the WHL or not? so I don't know if this is a good thing or a bad thing. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I don't know enough to understand what this signing means for his chances on coming over so we will have to wait for more information.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>TigerTurfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14359764110928059937noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3328410439347632491.post-67757039812105129042022-07-10T12:22:00.002-06:002022-07-10T12:22:25.476-06:00CHL Import Draft - Adam Sykora<p><b> The Tigers draft Adam Sykora 1st Overall</b></p><p>Sykora is listed as 5'11 174 lbs and plays Centre/Left Wing. Last season he played in the Slovakia's mens league, recording 17 points in 46 games and added 5 points in 19 games in the playoffs. His team lost in the Slovakian Finals last season. Sykora will be in his 18 year old season next year.</p><p>He has not signed with the Tigers and hasn't committed. He is on record saying he will play where the NHL team that drafts him wants him to play.</p><p><b>NHL Draft</b></p><p>Adam Sykora was picked late in the 2nd round 63rd overall by the New York Rangers.</p><p><b>Scouting Report</b></p><div style="text-align: left;">Sykora's scouting report says he is an in your face, speedy defensive forward with an insane work ethic. He is great on the Penalty Kill. A "pain in the butt" type player and he models his game after Boston Bruins Brad Marchand. He creates a lot of little turnovers from stealing the puck away from opponents.</div><div style="text-align: left;">A type of player you hate to play against, but teammates love him and are thankful when he is on your team.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I guess we could compare him to former Tiger Derek Dorsett, however Sykora doesn't take many penalties. The scouting reports says Adam Sykora has an elite level work ethic and compete level. He excels in creating turnovers and hunting the puck down from oppositions top players. He could improve his passing decisions and physical strength, but he is reliable getting the puck out of his end. </div><p>He is listed as on the "raw side" with the online scouts predicting a bottom 6 potential in the NHL due to his offensive game being a bit raw. His compete level alone could see him playing in the NHL one day.</p><p style="text-align: left;"><b>Important Intangible's</b></p><p style="text-align: left;">Because Sykora was not signed by the Tigers he isn't under the CHL-NHL agreement. That means he can play AHL at 19. Like I mentioned in the previous post, Picking a player who is 18 next season came with the risk of having a 1 year player who is gone at 19. </p><p style="text-align: left;">Since Sykora's scouting reports list him as raw and a defensive forward, it seems unlikely he would make a jump to the Pro's at 19. The Rangers traditionally give their prospects lots of development time. </p><p style="text-align: left;">The Tigers have had a couple Imports drafted by the Rangers and they have played with the Tigers as 20 year old Imports (Roman Psurny 5th round, and Tomas Kundratek 3rd round). Kundratek played 30 games in the NHL with washington and played 5 seasons in the AHL.</p><p style="text-align: left;">Derek Dorsett a former Ranger seems to be the most comparable Tiger to Sykora with the compete level, although Sykora doesn't take many penalties. </p><p style="text-align: left;"><b>Where Will the Rangers Send Him?</b></p><p style="text-align: left;">Willie Desjardins - He is known for developing small, fast speedy players. This seems like a match made in heaven for Sykora. </p><p style="text-align: left;">We don't know yet where he will go. It sounds like he will look for a recommendation from the Rangers and go where they recommend. </p><p style="text-align: left;">The Slovakian's Mens' league used to be highly rated, just behind the swedish elite and german elite leagues but that was prior to the KHL. The hockeywriters.com website lists the AHL and OHL as higher quality leagues now. </p><p style="text-align: left;"> If you look at the slovakian leagues top canadian players you see a couple former CHL'ers who were mostly 2nd/3rd line players and some players who played Junior A and went the NCAA route. Their are a few players who had good points in the CHL but they've also hopped leagues every couple years with most of them not playing in the swedish/german/russian elite leagues or minor pro in the AHL.</p><p style="text-align: left;">I would think playing in the WHL would give him a better opportunity to develop this offensive game and strength but we will see what the Rangers recommend to him. </p><p style="text-align: left;">Sykora has only played in the Slovakian Junior and men's league within the HK Nitra organization so having him branch out to a different organization could be a good thing for adaptation to the pro's.</p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b>The New York Rangers Development Camp</b> </p><p style="text-align: left;">The Rangers just announced their prospect development camp and Sykora is listed on the Roster. We may find out more information after camp on where they want Sykora to play. </p><p style="text-align: left;">I think the chances he comes over are very high. Their Prospect camp concludes July 15th, so it's very possible we'll know more information about this immediate future after camp.</p>TigerTurfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14359764110928059937noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3328410439347632491.post-10144041871839316772022-06-24T13:08:00.005-06:002022-06-24T13:13:18.808-06:00Interesting Memorial Cup Observation - Defenceman & CHL Import Draft<p><b>Memorial Cup </b></p><p>I was running through the rosters of this years' memorial cup teams and I noticed Hamilton had 3 Overage Defenseman. I thought that was interesting and it peaked my curiosity, so I started looking more into championship teams and the age of their defenseman.</p><h4 style="text-align: left;">2022 Memorial Cup<br />Edmonton - <span style="font-weight: normal;">5 of their top 6 </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">defenseman</span><span style="font-weight: normal;"> are 19 or older. Average age of 19.2</span><br />Hamiltion - <span style="font-weight: normal;">Their top 5 </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">defenseman</span><span style="font-weight: normal;"> have an average age of 19.4 ( 3 OA </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">defenseman</span><span style="font-weight: normal;">)</span><br />Saint John - <span style="font-weight: normal;">5 of their top 6 </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">defenseman</span><span style="font-weight: normal;"> are 19 or older average age of 19.2</span><br />Shawinigan - <span style="font-weight: normal;">Average age of their top 5 </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">defenseman</span><span style="font-weight: normal;"> is 19</span></h4><div>Basically it means the winners of all leagues had stacked defensive groups.</div><p><b>Previous Memorial Cup Winners. (Average Age of Top 5 Defenseman)</b></p><div style="text-align: left;">2019 - Rouyn Noranda Huskies - Avg: 19<br />2018 - Acadie-Bathrust - Avg:19.2<br />2017 Windsor - Avg: 18.8 <br />2016 London Knights - Avg: 18.6 (OA Goalie)<br />2015 - Oshawa - Avg: 19.6 (3 OA defenceman)<br />2014 - Edmonton Avg: 19</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Thoughts</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"> It makes sense that these teams are older on the back-end, but I was a bit surprised that so many of these teams defensemen were heavily, heavily, stacked on the back-end. It means high risk/high reward. You fail and don't make it, next season your at the bottom.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Oshawa who won a Memorial Cup in 2015 had 3 Overage Defenceman. London in 2016 is the lowest average defensive age of their top 5 among recent winners at 18.6 Their defensive roster had 6 NHL drafted players, with 2 players currently playing in the NHL and an overage goaltender.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>WHL</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">In recent years the lowest defensive age group of WHL winners I could find was In 2013. Portland had an average Top 5 defensive age of 18.5. This was a transition year of sorts for them as they made the WHL Finals in the previous year, as well as the next. During 2013 they also had 2 NHL first round draft picks as well an an NHL 2nd rounder as well as an Overage Goalie. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Based on these numbers is seems like if your average top 5 defensive age is below 18.8 you need an OA goalie and future NHL'ers on the roster.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>The Last 2 WHL Tiger championships.</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div>2006-2007 WHL Championship Tigers: Avg Age: 18.8 ( 6 defenseman, 18 or older) OA Goalie</div><div>Memorial Cup Winner: Vancouver Avg Age:19</div><div><br /></div><div>2003-2004 WHL Championship Avg Age:18.8 (7 defenseman 18 or older)</div></div><div style="text-align: left;">Memorial Cup Winner Kelowna Avg Age: 18.6 ( OA Goalie. They had 3 future NHL defenceman including Josh Gorges, Shea Weber, Kyle Cumiskey)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Conclusion</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">If you want to win the WHL or the Memorial Cup, your average age of the defensive group needs to be very close to 19 and if it's not you better have an Overage Goaltender or a couple NHL Calibre defenceman on the roster. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Tigers Current Roster</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">Dru Krebs - 19</div><div style="text-align: left;">Bogdans Hodass - 19</div><div style="text-align: left;">Rhett Parsons - 19</div><div style="text-align: left;">Pavel Bocharov - 18</div><div style="text-align: left;">Reid Andresen - 17</div><div style="text-align: left;">Josh Van Mulligen - 17</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Tigers Roster</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">Tigers average age of the Top 5 next season is 18.4, which suggests above average experience and high for a rebuilding team. Because their average age is higher and they are decent players, it's possible to have a better year than initial expectations, (which aren't super high)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Nonetheless it also gives flexibility to add to the future of the team and get younger. We know that 19 year old Defenceman are in demand for championship teams and the Tigers have 3 good ones.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div><b>Upcoming CHL Import Draft</b></div><div>The CHL has banned Russian and Belarusian players from this draft. Last year their were 27 players from these 2 countries that were picked, so it will likely leave slim pickings and some shallow Import depth.</div><div><br /></div><div>Luckily for the Tigers they have THE Top pick in the entire Import Draft. It doesn't make sense not to use it. It is very likely that Gleb Ivanov is then relegated if this pick doesn't come over. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>CHL Import Draft </b></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div>Since the Tigers are building around the youth movement and taking the average age of defenceman into consideration it looks like it may make a lot of sense to use that Top Import Pick to draft a 17 year old defenceman to compliment the 17 year old group. </div><div><br /></div><div>The risk of taking an 18 year old Import Defenceman first overall is that they may only be here for 1 year. They would likely AHL Eligible at 19 so that is an added risk. You don't have that problem with a 17.</div><div><br /></div><div>The Tigers forwards are still pretty young, so an immediate need is more scoring. </div><div><br /></div><div>If they do get a scoring forward though, because of the potential slim pickings of Imports, that could be a huge Immediate benefit as well as a potential huge trade bait peace. It's high risk high reward. If they do pick an impact scoring forward, I wouldn't mind it either. It addresses an immediate need, you also wonder about potential future returns should that spot be traded to a contender. </div><div><br /></div><div>It wouldn't be ideal though if you got a good scorer for one year and he was gone the next.</div><div>It's really tough to go wrong at that draft unless they get someone who doesn't come over. </div><div><br /></div></div>TigerTurfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14359764110928059937noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3328410439347632491.post-71880485684545873342022-04-17T21:38:00.004-06:002022-04-21T19:20:44.433-06:00Season Thoughts<h1 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Season over </b></span></h1><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">I'm not nearly as active as I used to be but this season didn't really matter a whole lot. We knew the Tigers were going to have a down year. We hoped that they could still be competitive, but when Cole Sillinger stuck in the NHL, it made a youthful team even younger.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">My thoughts are I really don't care if they win 23 games or 5 this season. This is not their year. To be honest, neither is next season. They are a full good year of seasoning away before this youth starts maturing.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">For this season, It's always nice to win some games and make the playoffs, but with the youth they had on the roster, it just wasn't going to happen. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">Protip: If you know someone that says the Tigers coaching staff is washed up or they won't last long, they are outing themselves as having zero hockey knowledge. Read on to find out why I say that.</span></p><h2 style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Age Is King</span></b></h2><p><span style="font-family: inherit;"> In the WHL age groups are king. </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">As an example of this, let's look at the WHL leading scorer Arshdeep Bains. He finished this season with 112 points in 68 games.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;"> As a 16 year old he had 7 points. As a 17 year old he had 18 points. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Let me re-iterate that. The WHL scoring leader had 18 points as a 17 year old.</b></span></p><p>If Red Deer had a whole team full of Arshdeep Bains' they would have been terrible 3 seasons ago. A team full of this type of player would have set records for scoring. This is something that many WHL GM's don't fully realize, let alone fans. </p><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">What I Care About - Improvements</span></span></h2><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">The Tigers made a couple trades. In total they picked up an extra 1st, 2-2nds 3rd, and Pavel Bocharov. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">When a team is going through a down year, attempting an upgrade and giving away assets is very tempting, but it is also the wrong thing to do for long term success. You are fighting gravity and their is no point in battling it. Desjardins stayed the course and picked up some improvements. It's a good season in that regards,</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> because buying in a down year is the sole destroyer of </span>future<span style="font-family: inherit;"> championships. </span></p><p><b><span style="font-size: large;">More Interesting Stats</span></b></p><p>I pulled this from a couple years ago when I tracked all points among player age groups. The following shows us how much of a scoring difference their was per age group in 2017-2018. </p><p><b style="color: #222222;">2017-2018 (72 game season) Forwards</b></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: inherit;">20 Yr Olds = 1.02 Pts/Game = 73.4 Pts<br />19 Yr Olds = 0.76 Pts/Game = 54.9 Pts<br />18 Yr Olds = 0.58 Pts/Game = 41.98 Pts<br />17 Yr Olds = 0.32 Pts/Game = 23.26 Pts<br />16 Yr Olds = 0.30 Pts/Game = 21.82 Pts</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: inherit;"><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;">Lets Remember the current whl scoring leader at 17 years old, had 18 points as a 17 year old in a 72 game season, compared to the 68 games that are played this season. </span></span></p><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white;"><b>Compare The Current Tigers Roster To Average WHL Scoring Stats</b></span></span></div><div><br /></div><div>Players- AgeGroup - Notes</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;">3 - 20's (3 players below Pace |1 defenceman) 0% on pace<br /></span></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;">3 - 19's (1 goalie, 1 player on pace, 1 slightly below pace) 50% on pace</span></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;">7 - 18's (4 players on Pace, 3 players below pace) 50% on pace</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;">6 - 17's (6 On Pace or above pace) 100% on pace</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;">2 - 16's (2 full time players Both Above pace) 100% on pace.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;">Note: Can't really count defenceman for meeting these as it's forward only stats, but I did anyway.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></div><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;"><b>Team Summary and Outlook</b></span></span></h2><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="background-color: white;">We can now clearly see why the Tigers missed the playoffs and why this wasn't unexpected. Youth equals less scoring. Older players not meeting WHL Averages equals less scoring. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="background-color: white;"> </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;">This shows the strength and potential of the Tigers is in the 17 year old age group and very likely 16 year old age group. The 18 year old group is split, but by the time that age group is 20, a team can only have 3 of them anyway.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">If we count how many players that could potentially double their scoring, it's 11 players. 2+6+3(18year olds) </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">This is exciting! </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Next Season Early Thoughts</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">The sign of a team starting to Emerge is a late season Push. We didn't see that this season. The Tigers basically return their entire team and everyone is a year older. A safe bet is to place the Tigers on the "border" of the playoffs next season. However, I look to their roster and definitely see a big "surprise" type of potential. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The 2003 age group is strong on defenceman who will be 19 next season. They also have a potential overage goaltender. From what I've noticed is that teams that have a strong back-end, but their forwards lack scoring, can still be quite surprising. If they can get some finish around the net, they can realize some of that "surprise" potential. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">At the surface we see a team who only won 11 games, but in my viewings it was youth and a lack of finish around the net. When I talk about "surprise" sort of potential, I view that surprise as more of a 4th-5th place finish, rather than bordering the edge of the playoffs. Still they will need a few players to step up scoring wise to get there.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I think they may repick one of their Imports and look to use it for a forward. A good question is whether to try for an 18 year old who could be back for a 2nd year, or a 19 year old and likely re-pick the following season.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>TigerTurfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14359764110928059937noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3328410439347632491.post-56016516864117336502021-12-28T18:54:00.001-07:002021-12-28T18:54:29.878-07:00Trade Deadline Comes Early<p><b> Tigers Make 2 Big Trade</b></p><p>First off I haven't followed the whl very much the last 2 season. I used to feel a ton more knowledgeable on happenings, player talent levels etc, but you can quickly loose key insights into the league and players if you don't pay attention. As such my comments are basically trash. </p><p><b>Lukas Svejkovsky</b></p><p>Their biggest trade piece has left the table. Lukas Svejkovsky has been traded to Seattle in return for a 2022 first round pick, conditional 2nd round pick in 2023, and conditional 3rd round pick in 2025.</p><div style="text-align: left;">Svejkovsky was the only point per game player in the lineup. It also left the Tigers temporarily down an Overager. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />The Tigers ended up filling that slot by signing a player that was let go earlier in the season to OA numbers. Carter Chorney. He had .5ppg as a 19 year old in the WHL and this season was near a ppg player in the AJHL.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Chorney has played for rebuilding teams in Regina and Swift Current. He will be looked upon to provide some guidance and experience for this young squad.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>2nd Big Deal</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">This was a 3 way deal involving 3 teams. I will just point out the returns for the Tigers and players sent away.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Leaving the Tigers:</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">Carlin Dezainde(17) - F</div><div style="text-align: left;">Cayden Glover (17)- F</div><div style="text-align: left;">2023 Second Round Pick (conditional)</div><div style="text-align: left;">Ryan Nolan(17) - F</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;">I might be wrong on this, but as far as I'm aware a team can only trade 17 year olds if they request a trade as per the new rules in 2018. This meant all 3 players requested a trade. </div><p><b>Coming to the Tigers</b></p><div style="text-align: left;">Pavel Bocharov(17)<br />Brendan Lee(19)<br />2025 5th Round Pick</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The key piece to this deal is likely landing Bocharov. Also the Tigers are going into next season with just 2 overagers. Picking up a 19 complements the need to balance out the age groups and have 3 20's for next season.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Pavel Bocharov</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">Pavel Bocharov, a defenceman, played for the under 18's and was the captain of team USA. He is in his 17 year old year and put up 7 points in 30 games for Saskatoon. As a 17 he must have asked for a trade. He is listed as "C" prospect for the upcoming NHL draft.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Brendan Lee</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">Is a 19 year old who's put up 11 points in 30 games for Saskatoon.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Thoughts</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">The Tigers gave up youth that have been in and out of the lineup. Bocharov is probably the key piece in this deal for the Tigers, but this deal to me feels like it was initiated by players requesting trades. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Ryan Nolan was only dressed in 8 games</div><div style="text-align: left;">Cayden Glover was only dressed in 15 games</div><div style="text-align: left;">Carlin Dezainde was dressed in 21</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I haven't watched a lot of Tiger games this year or last year, so my thoughts on talent are not accurate in the least. The few games I saw, Cayden Glover seemed like one of the better 17's on the Tigers team. I say that with hesitations because watching a player casually for a few games is a terrible way to judge a players talent. Glover only has 15 of 27 games games this season so he was a player that was scratched on and off and so perhaps saskatoon saw a young player who wasn't being utilized as a big return for them.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><p><b>In Total</b></p><p>Their lineup changes quite drastically with the addition of 2 older players, and the loss of scoring leader as well as 3 younger players. </p><p>Their is still 41 games left in the season. The WHL playoff format has changed back to a conference formatt. The conference is very top Heavy which means the majority of teams are around the .500 mark. The Tigers only have 14 points in 27 games, and are 13 points back of a playoff spot. </p><p>These big changes as well as lots of time remaining in the season means their is still lots of time for them to catch up. </p><p><br /></p>TigerTurfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14359764110928059937noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3328410439347632491.post-56978177584936250702021-12-03T19:13:00.000-07:002021-12-03T19:13:10.276-07:00Tigers Losing Streak<h3 style="text-align: left;"><b>Normal Expectations</b></h3><p> Being completely honest I don't think this losing streak is anything out of the ordinary. You have a team that pretty much lost all their scoring power over the past 2 seasons. </p><h4 style="text-align: left;"><b>The Covid Cancelled Season</b></h4><p>The covid year really put a dent on the Tigers talent as they had numerous overagers expiring and they couldn't get any value from them. This is an area Willie Desjardins is really great at. Recouping those late round draft picks and extracting value.</p><p> The covid year also cut short a team that had merit to go on a whl finals run. It was the first time in a long time I had felt that way. Especially as they had laid a beating down on Edmonton late in the season who were the Favorites.</p><h4 style="text-align: left;"><b>The Covid Shortened Season Last Year</b></h4><p>Last season they still had a pretty strong team, but it didn't matter. The season was super short, and their was no playoffs. The Tigers had a split roster of very mature players and a very youthful contingent backing them up. Their were very few trades last season so it was basically a poor year to have an older core. </p><p><b>One of the Few teams who suffered Worse than the Tigers.</b></p><p>Edmonton is also a team that has suffered a lot because of Covid. They had been basement dwellers and had been recovering with 4 of 5 seasons of missing the playoffs. The past 3 seasons and this season was their prime. They lost out to a Dominant PA team in their first Up season. Then Covid basically cancelled their last 2 seasons. This could be their last shot before their "up" cycle runs out of juice for championship contenders...*This part was written before their last big trade**</p><p>If we compare their current roster to the Tigers roster; 12 of 15 Edmonton forwards are 18 or older. Half of them are 19 or older. When you have a core of 19's playing against a core of 17's, it's too much of a gap.</p><h1 style="text-align: left;"><b>Medicine Hat - Young Team</b></h1><div style="text-align: left;">8 of their 14 forwards are 17 or younger. Three of their 18 yr olds had a combined 15 points in the WHL prior to the season starting. They have one 19yr old forward. They have 2 OA's who have scored half their goals and 1 of them is out week to week with an injury and the other is not playing against Winnipeg Ice tonight.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> It's simple math why they are on the losing streak. By their numbers they should be last or near the bottom of the league. In a league where experienced mature players dominate, it's simply not their turn. A successful season is making the playoffs. The thing about Willie Desjardins teams is that they are always 100% better going into the playoffs than they are during the season, but they literally have a roster than is a non playoff contention type roster. I'll talk more about this down below...</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Going Forward</b></div><p>Come Trade Deadline Time it's possible we see some movement. Lukas Svejkovsky could be an attractive Overager should a team need some veteran scoring. He would demand a 1st rounder Plus extra's. If their is demand for Overage scoring we possibly might see Hopwo generate some interest. I think he may be less likely to go but it's a possibility. </p><p><b>Season Progress</b></p><p>Typical progress of an above average core player is often something akin to 0.5-0.2ppg as a 16 year old. 0.2-.4ppg as a 17 year old. 0.4-0.65 as an 18 year old. .7-1ppg as a 19. 1ppg+ as a 20.</p><p>As the Tiger forward core is 16 and 17 their numbers are in line with that. It also means their scoring isn't as high as it's been the past few years.</p><p><b>Positive Progress</b></p><p>Tyler MaKenzie has quintupled his point production going from 2 points in 19 games to 10 points in 17 games as a 17 year old. </p><p>Ashton Ferster(18) has roughly a .5ppg pace after going pointless in 10 games last season.</p><p>Oasiz Wiesblatt(17) is up .15ppg to a .37ppg pace as a 17 year old. </p><p>Teague Patton(18) has doubled his goal totals from last season. (Current .26ppg pace)</p><p>Cayden Glover(17) has tripled last seasons 1 point in 15 games to 3 points in 10 games. (.3ppg)</p><p>Tigers have a 16 year old defenseman who's played 30 whl games already. His plus minus of +1 this season is very solid when you factor in the Tigers as a whole are -26 at the time of writing this.</p><p>Their Import defenceman Bogdan Hodass and Gleb Ivanov have some skill and they could both be around next season. </p><p>Their are some players who have had their production drop off including Dru Krebs and Oren Shtrom, but they also do not have the supporting cast they were playing with the previous season.Shtrom has had some minor Injury issues as well as he has only appeared in 16 of 21 games. Krebs in the few games I watched had a weird game where He was terrible for the first half, but played well the second half. To be honest though, the 18year old season is usually the toughest season for players. It's filled with ups and down so that is a bit normal.</p><p><br /></p><p><b>My Armchair Thoughts</b></p><p> I haven't watched the Tigers very much and when I turned on the webcast I was expecting a team that was losing battles and in general slower team speed, but that isn't what I saw against Winnipeg even though they were down big in the game. </p><p>It's obvious their is some skill in the Tigers lineup. They win lots of small battles a LOT more than I expected facing the top team in the league. They were trying and skating hard. They also make some nice outlet plays out of their zone. Speed or skill isn't their issue, experience is.</p><p>Their finish around the net seemed "panicked' or "youthfull" What I mean by that is it looked like they would run out of ideas at the net. Like they had to be perfect in order to score. Looking for a lot of cross icepasses with 3 defenders in the way. </p><p> Last minute shots that would miss the net or passes that went to nobody in prime scoring areas of the slot. A sign of youth. A feeling they need to be perfect to score goals or rushed opportunities. </p><p><br /></p><p><b>I saw One Main Issue</b></p><div style="text-align: left;">Their biggest flaw is their defensive positioning in the offensive zone. What I mean by that is....When a defenceman would pinch, covering by a forward was an afterthought. Their was also quite a few instances where their forwards were on the wrong side of the puck.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The Tigers cycle in the offensive zone created a lot of pressure, but Eventually it would break down. Pretty routinely 2 forwards would be caught deep and flat footed. When Winnipeg won a battle it would be out from a scrum of 2 Tigers deep in the zone flat footed and it would result in Winnipeg coming out full speed with the control of the Neutral zone. That puts a ton of pressure on the Tigers defenceman. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I actually felt that the Tigers won more small battles, but with the winnipeg game speed routinely caught the Tigers with their pants down after a simple outlet pass as described above.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I feel like if they can be on the right side of the puck more often in the offensive zone it will help them. When they loose a battle it will be much harder for the opponent to skate out easily with speed. </div><div style="text-align: left;">Still they are youthful and I don't expect much. Honestly I'm not expecting much from them. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I also find it kinda funny about some fans who post things on facebook. This season was super obvious to me and really anyone who understand anything at all about how the WHL works. I hope the players concentrate on having fun and learning. They arne't supposed to do well this season and making the playoffs will be considered a success.</div>TigerTurfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14359764110928059937noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3328410439347632491.post-36913215943719720442021-11-05T14:32:00.003-06:002021-11-05T14:32:46.261-06:00Cole Sillinger Era Over<p> Cole Sillinger no longer appears on the Tigers Roster. He has been told he is staying in Columbus.</p><p><b>Columbus Injuries</b></p><div style="text-align: left;">Columbus recently lost Patrik Laine for 4 to 6 weeks. Today Sillinger has been practicing on the top line, including the Top Powerplay Unit. Prior to his last game he was seeing steady icetime on the 3rd line and 2nd powerplay unit. Last game he started on line2 and moved up to the Top Line by the end of the game.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">That is quite Impressive for an 18year old to be suiting up on the top line when 2 months ago it was thought he would probably be sent down for more seasoning....However it's also a bad sign in terms of Overall Depth for Columbus. I wish Sillinger well it's one heck of an opportunity.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Junior Eligibility</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">For most above average players, they play junior for at least 4 years. (16,17,18,19) before moving on. The exceptional players make that 2 years(16,17) before the NHL comes calling. Well Cole is an exceptional player , but with the Covid shortened season(s) we only got to watch him for 58 games, which includes 6 playoff games as a 15 year old rookie.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">That is the Junior curse of drafting a very good player as sometimes the fruits of good scouting are plucked away early.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Speaking of 15 yr olds</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">Reid Andresen played in the shortened Covid year as a 15 year old. He remains as the only 16yr old on the Tigers roster.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>New Tiger</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">Defenceman Gleb Ivanov has joined the Tigers. He is an 18yr old defenceman from Russia. It may take him a bit to get adjusted as he recently joined this Wednesday and doesn't speak English. His scouting report on Elite Prospect says he is a puck moving defenceman and isn't afraid to get physical.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>19 Year Olds</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">With the trade of Caleb Wilms earlier in the season the Tigers only have a single 19yr old in Noah Danielson. This means Youth and so far their record is in line with those expectations.</div>TigerTurfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14359764110928059937noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3328410439347632491.post-81230546055011300202021-10-21T19:56:00.013-06:002021-11-03T22:03:21.034-06:00Sillinger NHL Watch<div style="text-align: left;"><b>Games Played:9</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Edit:</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">Sillinger is dressed tonight. If he remains dressed for next game he is for sure 99.9% not coming back. (Their is another 40 game mark but that is about free agent contract status) We will probably see some sort of official announcement soon.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">He has been bumped up to Line #2 tonight for Columbus. He's been on Line 3 through his first 8 games. He ended up on the top line by the end of the game and put up 2 goals and 1 assist for a 3 point night.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Important MileStone</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">Sillinger is Eligible to play in 1 more game before his NHL Contract kicks in. I used to think it was 10, but it is indeed 9</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">At that point Columbus will decide to either keep him, send him to the AHL (Cleveland Monsters) or send him to the WHL. (Cleveland is also where former Tiger Cole clayton is playing.)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">If they send him down to the AHL, it means Columbus cannot recall him to the NHL without burning a year off his contract. If they do recall him it burns a year off his ELC contract.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">If he is sent down to the Tigers. He cannot be recalled.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I feel their is no way Columbus wants to send him back to Junior. It's possible and I'm hoping for it, but I feel that option is extremely small</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I still wonder about the legality of his AHL eligibility, but all the Newspapers and Columbus feel this is still valid. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Columbus plays wednesday and Saturday next week. So if Sillinger plays on Saturday it means he is staying in the NHL for now.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> If they are struggling with their decision it is possible they healthy scratch him for a game because that would then delay their decision until November 12th instead of November 6th.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>October 21st</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">2 shots ,10:29 icetime.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>October 29th</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">4 SOG, -1, 12:44 icetime</div><p><b>October 25th</b></p><p>4 PM, 4 SOG, 13:41 Icetime || 1:58 PP Time.</p><p>The 4PM due to a double minor where he dropped the gloves and got into a fight that wasn't penalized as a fight.</p><p><br />
</p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p dir="ltr" lang="en">Cole Sillinger pummels Joe Pavelski (37 years old) who then draws attention from Denis Gurianov (24 years old)… who he also takes care of.<br /><br />This kid is EIGHTEEN. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CBJ?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CBJ</a> <a href="https://t.co/6yoEWda7Hl">pic.twitter.com/6yoEWda7Hl</a></p>— CBJ Coverage (@CBJcoverage) <a href="https://twitter.com/CBJcoverage/status/1452801782493626368?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 26, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
<p></p><p><br /></p><p><b>October 23rd</b></p><p>1 SOG || 15:52 IceTime</p><p><br /></p><p><b>Oct 21st</b></p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p dir="ltr" lang="en">🚨 COLE SILLINGER 🚨<br /><br />First NHL goals are just the best. <a href="https://t.co/7uhPKyMWVR">pic.twitter.com/7uhPKyMWVR</a></p>— NHL (@NHL) <a href="https://twitter.com/NHL/status/1451349642512420869?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 22, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
<p><br /></p><div style="text-align: left;">17:17 Icetime, 1 Goal, +1, 6 shots, including 1 shift of 3v3 OT </div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br />Oct 19th</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">9:46 of icetime, 2 Penalty Minutes</div><div style="text-align: left;">*Cole was benched in the 3rd period for taking 3 minor penalties in his first 3 games.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br />Oct 16th</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">13:54 of icetime, 2 penalty minutes, 2 shots</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br />Oct 14th</b></div><p>13:37 of icetime. 1 assist, +1, 3 shots, 2 penalty minutes</p><p><br /></p><p><b>Thoughts</b></p><div style="text-align: left;">He is seeing 3rd line minutes and 2nd line pp minutes. He is not seeing any PK time. <br />Columbus suffered an injury with Max Domi and called up a young russian player. The russian and cole has beat out a few other vets for roster spots.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Sillinger now has 2 points in 4 games with a plus 2 rating. He was benched in his 3rd game and came back with a vengeance the following game. Coaches love that. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I watched the game tonight and he looks like an NHL player. He kept his game simple, and when he had puck possession he always seemed to make the right play. He is doing what someone on the 3rd line needs to do. One knock is that his faceoff percentage is under 40%</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Getting .5 ppg from your 3rd line is very good production. It's only 4 games in but he doesn't look out of place. It seems like a very good fit for him. Columbus is also 3-1 to start the season when many expect them to be near the bottom once the season ends.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>WHL Eligibility</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">I don't like judging players after a really good game, or a really bad game. You can't expect that to continue and emotions cloud clear thinking. Sillinger faced a little adversity with being benched and played a strong game thereafter.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I also think the situation changes if the jackets were 1-3 instead of 3-1. Your not going to send down a player contributing when your team is winning. We will see if that changes over the next 6 games, but after 10 games if the jackets have a .500 record or better, I think they will keep him especially since his AHL eligibility seems to be a truth. (Although I feel that could be challenged)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">My expectations of him coming back have dropped to 5-95 not coming back. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>TigerTurfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14359764110928059937noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3328410439347632491.post-5191760551570225902021-10-10T22:19:00.002-06:002021-10-10T22:19:38.358-06:00Sillinger Watch - Sillinger Inches Away from Opening Night Roster<h4 style="text-align: left;">Sillinger Makes Blue Jackets Opening Night Roster?</h4><div>The Blue Jackets made a bunch of roster moves in preparation for the season. The roster isn't "open night official" as of yet, but they are down to 23 players with the expectation that 1 of them will be put on the IR. It means 1 player on the roster won't make opening night.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Is He Coming Back</b></div><div>Scott Roblin posted on Twitter that Columbus confirmed Cole Sillinger is eligible to play in the AHL, since he played in the USHL last year. </div><div><br /></div>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p dir="ltr" lang="en">Columbus Blue Jackets confirm <a href="https://twitter.com/tigershockey?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@tigershockey</a> F Cole Sillinger is indeed eligible to play in the American Hockey League this season. So Columbus could elect to send Sillinger to either the AHL or WHL if he doesn't crack the NHL. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WHL?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WHL</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Tigers?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Tigers</a></p>— Scott Roblin (@CHATTVRoblin) <a href="https://twitter.com/CHATTVRoblin/status/1445528000879943681?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 5, 2021</a></blockquote><p><b>USHL Loan </b></p> <script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
<div>I might be wrong here since Columbus thinks Sillinger can play AHL, but I don't believe that is 100% legal. Sillinger was signed to a whl standard contract which is bound by the CHL transfer agreements. He was loaned to Sioux Falls..so the CHL transfer agreements are still valid.</div><div><br /></div><div>When a player is drafted, the league the player is drafted from, determines his NHL eligibility. The USHL allows 18 year olds to play AHL. Since Sillinger played USHL last season he earns eligibility to play in the AHL at 19.</div><div><br /></div><div> Is this a loophole? I think this is a unique situation that hasn't been encountered before. </div><div><br /></div><div>Their are 2 different laws applying but from what i've read in the Columbus newspaper and scott Roblin's twitter it sounds like Sillinger is eligible for both the AHL and the CHL.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>NHL Transfer Agreements</b></div><div> Their was a special Transfer Agreement document made just for the Covid season. The agreement has deviations for import players, or players who were in North America who went to play in Europe, but the CHL transfer agreements remain the same as per tradition.</div><div><br /></div><div>I don't see how a loan constitutes an over-ride of the CHL Player Transfer Agreements which Sillinger is still signed and bound by. </div><div><br /></div><div>If this was fought, I feel like the CHL would have a winning case. </div><div><br /></div><div>If we read back to a <a href="https://medicinehatnews.com/sports/local-sports/2021/01/15/sillinger-off-to-sioux-falls/">MH News Article last season</a>. </div><div><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Open Sans", Arial, Helvetica, Verdana, sans-serif;">He’s a big part of our team, he’s a big part of our future, and that’s part of the agreement – that he’ll be back here again next year,” said Desjardins. “Once their season is done, then he would come back. If we go later than they do, then he could come back at that time.”</span></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Case For Juniors</b></div><div>One positive junior hockey has over the AHL, is that Sillinger would burn a year off his ELC by playing in the AHL. Their current GM has only ever had 1 player stick in the NHL who was 18. Their was also a recent article that said they would be a fan of sending him to the world juniors, if he wasn't playing Top 8 minutes.</div><div><br /></div><div>Sillinger is marked on the 2nd line, and 2nd powerplay unit as the 4th forward. </div><div><br /></div><div>I don't really know what to think here. I do think their is still a chance he returns because their GM does not have a history keeping 18 yr olds up. Plus it means they keep an extra year of his contract. However Columbus centre position is very weak. I feel that they are going to pencil him his 10 game NHL trial and go from there. </div><div><br /></div><div>Here is his performance from his NHL Pre-Season games. Columbus opens the season thursday night against Arizona.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>October 9th</b></div><div>1 assist, 3 shots, 3:23 PowerPlay Time || 14:09 IceTime</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p dir="ltr" lang="en">Welcome back Max Domi! Cole Sillinger with the steal and then a great pass to Domi who one-times it past Jarry. 3-1 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CBJ?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CBJ</a> <a href="https://t.co/axuerIQvAF">pic.twitter.com/axuerIQvAF</a></p>— SpecmenceCBJ (@SpecmenceCBJ) <a href="https://twitter.com/SpecmenceCBJ/status/1447035602231201798?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 10, 2021</a></blockquote><p><br /></p><p><b> October 6th</b></p><p>-1 rating, 1 shot, 15:20 Ice Time || 0:28 PP Time.</p><p><b>October 4th</b></p><p>14:29 IceTime || 1:25 PP Time || 0:46 SH Time</p><p><b>September 29th</b></p><p>-1 rating, 2 shots, 17:31 IceTime || 2:00 PP Time</p><p><b>September 27th</b></p><p>1 Assist, 2 PM, 4 Shots, 16:26 Icetime || 2:56 PP Time || 1:49 SH</p><p><br /></p><p><b>Juniors or NHL</b></p><p>I'm reducing the odds of him returning. I'm legit scared the Tigers may loose him. I'm thinking it's 25-75 that he won't return.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p> <script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
TigerTurfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14359764110928059937noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3328410439347632491.post-36329342452737837022021-10-01T21:33:00.006-06:002021-10-01T21:38:40.086-06:00New Season<p> I've been completely burnt out by the whl. Maybe it's the pandemic, but I had a plan last season to come back and start posting again. Once I learned their would be no post-season it drained any interest I had.</p><p>Will I keep posting?...I'm not sure. I may take a few years being "casually off", posting very infrequently. We will see. Checking the view counts I find it crazy how people still check this blog out sometimes daily and I feel a bit guilty for not posting something. </p><p><b>Central Division Expectations For This Season.</b></p><p>Normally I would have a through look at all the other teams in the league, and have a decent understanding of the strengths and weaknesses, but this year I haven't looked at the various rosters with any specificity. </p><p>I can see that Edmonton should have another dominant team, but their are a lot of other teams that are harder to read from not actively watching and understanding their rosters. Their seems to be a lot of inexperience through the central on a casual glance.</p><p><b>Medicine Hat Tigers Expectations</b></p><p>The roster this year is very young. I would consider it a transition year. If we look at the roster the Tigers only have 2 19yr olds. Their 17 year old group has 9 players. Very young. Young teams usually are near the bottom of the standings or fighting for the playoffs. I'm not saying the Tigers will be in that position, because the Central division as a whole looks inexperienced with the exception of Edmonton.</p><p>Competition could be fierce and their could be some interesting battles as it seems like multiple teams maybe in similar type of transition years.</p><p>Tigers still have 4 20 year olds on the roster, so one of them will eventually need to go. (Baker, Van Impe, Hopwo, Svejkovsky) I feel like van Impe could be an odd guy out, but if the Tigers could get a return for a guy like Hopwo I would definitely feel that would be advantageous long-term. </p><p>Svejkovsky is out for tonight and he will be relied on heavily to be a big scorer for the Tigers. </p><p>Oren Shtrom I really liked from last year is also a scratch against swift current. He will probably be near the top in terms of points for the Tigers. </p><p>The Tigers offence is already a lot leaner than the past couple years, so when those guys are out, you wonder who is going to score the goals, which is normal for a younger roster. It is a very good time to be a young guy for the Tigers because their is ample opportunity to step up. Sillinger coming back would greatly boost the Tigers goal scoring in a significant way.</p><p><b>Cole Sillinger</b></p><p>I think I do well predicting whether older players who have cases for the NHL or AHL end up.</p><p>The bad thing for the Tigers is that Columbus has terrible depth at centre. Max Domi a center is currently injured and will be out for a month into the NHL season, so their is room for an extra centre to start the season. The jackets also have a lot of players who play a couple positions and can move to wing.</p><p>The Blue Jackets are not expected to do well this season. Do you really want to burn a year of a good prospect with a team that may not do well? </p><p>Salary cap usually dictates where players play. The time of year prospects are signed are also highly relevant to where they play. The earlier the signing, the higher the expectation that player makes the jump sooner rather than later .</p><p>Sillinger was signed soon after getting drafted which is a good indication the Jackets like him a lot. He is 100% gone next season for sure. But what about this season?</p><p> Blue Jackets have 14 forwards under salary and 4 of those are eligible to be sent down, including another young russian who is in a similar spot as Sillinger...so their is room in Columbus for Sillinger should he play well enough. </p><p>Sillinger was paired on the Jackets top Line and 2nd PP unit in the last exhibition game, which was very interesting. I think it's hard to see him continue that beyond the pre-season, but that is a sign that the bluejackets are very curious to see what he can do at the NHL level, by pitting him against tougher opposition. They are testing him to see if he can hold a roster spot.</p><p>This makes me feel like the Jackets don't yet know what they are going to do. It's not difficult to see a case where he plays his 10 games of NHL before being sent back. </p><p> My instinct says he may be a late return to the Tigers. However... If the blue jackets were to go through injuries, this situation changes dramatically. Something as simple as an extra injury to a centre could change things a lot.</p><p>This is a situation where I'm watching closely, but I think it's 60-40 he will eventually be sent back. That means I think he is more likely to be sent back, but I'm not confident in that and the situation could easily change.</p><p> If I was the Jackets GM my thinking would be to keep him up to push other players to perform, possible play him for his 10 NHL games before sending him back down.</p><p><br /></p><p><b>What I'm watching For</b></p><p>The Tigers have 9 17's which is exceptionally high. They have brought the banff hockey academy to the hat. The coaches include former Tigers and the Willie Desjardins son, Brayden Desjardins. I feel like this means the Tigers have an extended capability of scouting alberta hockey, which could lead to future WHL dynasties, but we may need to go through a leaner year to get there first.</p>TigerTurfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14359764110928059937noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3328410439347632491.post-66563204324399715182021-02-26T11:08:00.007-07:002021-02-26T11:12:01.387-07:00Initial Roster Thoughts<div style="text-align: left;">The Tigers have a lot of changes this season. Players not returning<br />Soogard, Brinkman, Plouffe, Hamblin, Gavlas, Brown, Lockner, Anderson,McNabb, Plouffe, Perna</div><p>The Equivalent of 2 full lines + 1. Big changes usually bring some volatility.</p><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Forwards</span></b><br />McCarry Chyzowski Hopwo</div><div style="text-align: left;">Danielson Svejkovsky Kemp </div><div style="text-align: left;">Glover Weisblatt Wilms</div><div style="text-align: left;">Boehm/Shtrom Patton Ferster</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Initial Thoughts</span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;">The Tigers could go with a top-down approach of giving a lot of ice-time to a powerline of Chyzowksi, Kemp, Svejkovksy, which they may do in crunch time, powerplay, and late in games. For overall health and longevity, they may decide to spread the wealth out for more balance which is the typical direction of Desjardins coaching style.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> Experience wise this is probably one of the leanest or more polarizing forward groups the Tigers have seen in a long time. The loss of the imports not coming back dampers secondary depth up front. They have some top-end strength and then a lot of inexperience. They have a record high of 5 16yr olds up front...which will probably mean a more powerful forward group in a few years</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The interesting thing is that when the USHL season ends and Cole Sillinger returns it will change the dynamic of this group to be above average barring any significant covid tests or injury issues. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Youthful lineups tend to do well early and then fade quickly. With a shortened season let's hope that this youth comes out of the gate strong and then Sillinger is able to return to provide some stability.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Defence</span></b><br /><br />Baker Clayton</div><div style="text-align: left;">Krebs Van Impe</div><div style="text-align: left;">Agyman/Brook/Parsons<br /><br />A balanced and above-average group. Great veterans in Baker and Clayton. A good mix of future top liners with Krebs and Van Impe and some youth. I think Van Impe has been a little under-rated. I've seen flashes of incredibly strong smart play when he's on his game and playing with confidence</div><div style="text-align: left;">Krebs is a puck mover who will likely be a cornerstone for fast transitions in years to come. With that top 4 there is a degree of strength there.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Goaltending </span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;">Bjorklund</div><div style="text-align: left;">Langkow</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Bjorklund competed for the top position last year and we have full confidence that he will become a top goaltender in the league and should be again next year.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Overall Thoughts</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">The Tigers defence and goaltending are above average. A veteran defensive group and strong goaltending. Their forward core has a very high turnover and there is potential volatility there. An injury to a key player could spell a bit of trouble. Defencemen may need to adjust based on if they are playing with the experienced forwards vs the inexperienced youth.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The positive is that the Tigers have 3 players in the top 2 rounds of the whl bantam draft entering as 16 yr olds, including highly-touted Oasiz Wiesblatt. It could not be a better time to infuse youth into the lineup with a short season.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">However...there is a catch22 Does the competition stack their lineup with shortened benches? Jumping right into the season the risk/reward ratio of using older players with more ice-time is definitely a factor. There could more a lot more recovery time than usual, which also comes with the risk of losing those players to injury with a shortened season. If you are a coach that has an "overwhelm" type strategy or is at risk at their job expect them to quickly shorten their bench. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We don't know the full schedule and it's very possible that we see 1 or 2-week gaps between schedule releases so other divisions can catch up to games being played.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Normally I would have gone through all the opposition rosters and grabbed a feel for their strengths but I haven't this season. I know Edmonton is going to have a team to beat and probably a favorite to win the league and the Tigers play them twice in the first 4 games.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">In this 24 game short season anything can happen and it will be exciting to watch all these new younger kids. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Some News Articles</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://medicinehatnews.com/sports/local-sports/2021/02/26/a-day-in-the-new-life-of-a-tiger-whlers-face-significantly-different-lifestyle-in-pandemic-shortened-season/">https://medicinehatnews.com/sports/local-sports/2021/02/26/a-day-in-the-new-life-of-a-tiger-whlers-face-significantly-different-lifestyle-in-pandemic-shortened-season/</a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://rdnewsnow.com/2021/02/26/rebels-open-shortened-season-versus-medicine-hat/">https://rdnewsnow.com/2021/02/26/rebels-open-shortened-season-versus-medicine-hat/</a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://medicinehatnews.com/sports/local-sports/2021/02/26/lets-take-a-trip-back-in-time/">https://medicinehatnews.com/sports/local-sports/2021/02/26/lets-take-a-trip-back-in-time/</a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://chl.ca/article/2020-21-whl-season-preview-medicine-hat-tigers">https://chl.ca/article/2020-21-whl-season-preview-medicine-hat-tigers</a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://chatnewstoday.ca/2021/02/25/bob-ridley-banner-to-mark-legends-4000-games-called/">https://chatnewstoday.ca/2021/02/25/bob-ridley-banner-to-mark-legends-4000-games-called/</a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>TigerTurfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14359764110928059937noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3328410439347632491.post-84729683441787425992021-02-19T15:10:00.005-07:002021-02-26T09:18:23.933-07:002020-2021 SeasonWho knows If anyone still checks this blog, but I've decided to start posting occasionally again. It will be read-only no comment mode.<div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Us Prospects Draft</b></span></div><div>The whl now performs a 3rd draft called the US Prospects draft. All WHL eligible US regions are eligible. The first draft was online almost a year ago and the first batch of players hopefully arrive in the 2021-2022 season depending on the covid situation.</div><div><br /></div><div><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Banff Hockey Academy</span></b></div><div>The Banff Hockey Academy has moved to Medicine Hat. Former Tigers Stefan Meyer, Emerson Etem, Jarred Sauer, Ben Thomson, Lorne Toews are listed as instructors. Tigers goaltending coach Matt Wong as well as Willie's son Brayden are listed as coaches. The Tigers organization will have great insight to some High Caliber Alberta prospects with this school in their backyard. Unfortunately due to covid Hockey Alberta has cancelled all remaining games for the 2020-2021 season with a possibility of a spring season.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b><span style="font-size: medium;">2021 Season Format</span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;">The WHL has announced they will compete in a 24 game season. The playoff format has yet to be announced. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b></div><div>Teams will be competing against teams within their own division. To make things interesting, some divisions will be starting at different times</div><div><br /></div><div>The U.S division will start play on March 18th</div><div>The Central division Starts play February 26th.</div><div>East division "intended" start date is March 12th.</div><div>The B.C division is not settled yet.</div><div><br /></div><div>The East Division will have a "hub city" in Regina where all games will be played. </div><div>In the BC division it's suspected they will have 2 Hub Cities in Kamloops and Kelowna; however details are still being worked out.</div><div><br /></div><div> The <b>Calgary Hitmen</b> will be playing out of the Tsuut'ina Nations Seven Chiefs Sportsplex as the saddledome has been taken up by the Flames and AHL's Stockton Heat</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><b><span style="font-size: medium;">2021 Season Roster & Predictions</span></b></div><div>I'm not going to do a prediction this year as everything is so different and it takes up a ton of time. </div><div>Their are a handful of players who are playing in other leagues. A positive covid test to a coach or key player could change everything as well.</div><div><br /></div><div> I've read that a few Imports are playing back in their home countries. There are also handful of American and Canadian kids who are playing in the USHL. There are older players and potential overages who've decided to play in leagues closer to home or elsewhere.</div><div><br /></div><div>From what I remember Edmonton has an expected powerhouse team and is likely a strong candidate to win the league. Both Red Deer and Lethbridge seem to have youthful backends, but decent goaltenders.</div><div> Every central team except Calgary has their rosters up on the WHL website.</div></div><div><br /></div><div><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Talent Losses Tigers</span></b></div><div>For the Tigers Imports Mads Sogaard, Jonathan Brinkman are playing in their home countries of Denmark and won't be back and I don't see the newly drafted import oskari kuntonen on the current roster</div><div><br /></div><div>Cole Sillinger is expected to report after his season with the USHL Sioux Fall Stampede where he is putting up a 2PPG pace. The USHL season goes until April 24th. I don't know the status as to their playoffs. Sioux Falls has a 13-14-3-0 record for 6th out of 8 teams.</div><div><br /></div><div> It's also unfortunate that the plethora of good quality overages the Tigers have developed will be lost without any return value. Players such as Elijah Brown, Cyle Mcnabb, and Bryan Lockner appear to either be playing for other leagues or have been dropped from the roster. In a normal year, I would think the Tigers could get an extra couple of draft picks from that.</div><div><br /></div><div>Teams that were high in the cycle in terms of skill and experience will lose a lot of value, teams that are low in the cycle will highly benefit. I expect the overall age of the league may decline as a shortened season would benefit a rebuilding team.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>WHL Fans & LIVE Stream</b></div><div>The whl has announced they are not letting fans in to watch games. As such the only method for viewing games would be online.</div><div><b><br /></b></div><div>The CHL has changed its broadcasting partner to Verizon and I'm optimistic that means better quality.</div><div>They haven't said anything yet about the costs to watch. The season gets underway next Friday so hopefully, they have something in place shortly.</div><div><br /></div><div>Edit: <a href="https://watch.chl.ca/">https://watch.chl.ca/</a></div><div>Is the broadcasting platform. All Home Openers will be available for free</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Other Reading Material About the Tigers</b></div><div><a href="https://medicinehatnews.com/sports/local-sports/2021/02/16/krebs-is-following-family-footsteps/">https://medicinehatnews.com/sports/local-sports/2021/02/16/krebs-is-following-family-footsteps/</a></div><div><a href="https://medicinehatnews.com/sports/local-sports/2021/02/13/several-players-competing-elsewhere-as-tigers-enter-camp/">https://medicinehatnews.com/sports/local-sports/2021/02/13/several-players-competing-elsewhere-as-tigers-enter-camp/</a></div><div><a href="https://medicinehatnews.com/sports/local-sports/2021/02/13/tigers-open-camp-this-weekend/">https://medicinehatnews.com/sports/local-sports/2021/02/13/tigers-open-camp-this-weekend/</a></div><div><a href="https://cochranenow.com/articles/caleb-willms-welcomes-return-to-play-for-med-hat-tigers">https://cochranenow.com/articles/caleb-willms-welcomes-return-to-play-for-med-hat-tigers</a></div><div><a href="https://medicinehatnews.com/sports/local-sports/2021/02/19/tigers-settle-goalie-oa-situations/">https://medicinehatnews.com/sports/local-sports/2021/02/19/tigers-settle-goalie-oa-situations/</a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><br /></div>TigerTurfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14359764110928059937noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3328410439347632491.post-70564278738877779692020-03-26T00:11:00.006-06:002020-03-26T00:17:16.052-06:00This Season And<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Disappointing Finish</b></span><br />
Such a disappointing end to this season. I don't really know what to say. For everyone's health cancelling the playoffs was likely inevitable, I just wish it could have happened in a season the Tigers didn't have a legitimate title shot.<br />
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The unknown of what could have happened is almost worst than if they were to have lost in 4 straight. It's for the best and one-day hockey will be back, but damn is it ever disappointing.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Back In November</b></span><br />
Back in November, the Tigers were playing such good hockey that I thought they had a legitimate chance at winning the East.<br />
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My opinions however definitely wavered through the season. They could score goals, but they were also giving up 3 goals a game. <br />
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A month after their big trade I felt they had a good team, but it wasn't quite championship material. They weren't playing championship hockey..... More on this down below...... <br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Made Some Moves</b></span><br />
Willie Desjardins' first season back saw him make a bundle of solid hockey moves bringing in-depth and experience. Looking not only for this season but the next couple seasons.<br />
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Tigers made a big splash in the Trade Market giving up a 1st round pick, conditional 5th, Trevor Longo and Tyler Preziuso, for Dylan Plouffe, Lukas Svejkovsky and two 3rd round picks.<br />
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If you count total playing years, the Tigers got younger by a year. They traded away a 20 and 19 and received a 20 and 18 in return. <br />
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Svejkosvky could very well put up a ppg season next year and likely will be here as a 20. If that story comes true the Tigers gain 2 years of a ppg player. Yes, they loose an almost guaranteed player with their first-round pick, but they have an opportunity to make that up with 2 3rds coming back.<br />
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The Tigers also acquired some depth in Nick Perna, and important and underrated pickup in Cyle McNabb. <br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>My True Thoughts on the Big Trade</b></span><br />
I never expected Longo to get dealt. I'll admit straight up after a month I still wasn't sure if I liked the deal. The Tigers hadn't regained their form from November and it felt like to me they were giving up more goals against. There were some early defensive gaffes by the new defenceman and he took some time to fit in. He slowly won me over though especially later in the season when I started seeing his influence in other defencemen on the team.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Something Changed With the Tigers</span></b><br />
Maybe it was an easier schedule followed by ample practice time, but over the course of 2 weeks, my opinion of them, the big trade, and their season drastically improved.<br />
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They made Calgary looks like a non-playoff team. Edmonton gave them a good matchup but the Tigers held an edge through the majority of the game.<br />
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They showed flashes of this back in November and now that the season was coming to a close this championship flash was back. I was extremely excited for this upcoming playoffs as they were starting to peak at the right time. <br />
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Defensive players such as Cole Clayton and Parker Gavlas were turning into monsters with an added ability to join the rush and create offence. This gave them some newfound confidence on the back-end to escape from high traffic situations. It was like they both flipped a switch in their games.<br />
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The forwards went from out of sync to completely in-sync and Mads found the old form that got him drafted in the first round of the NHL Entry Draft. There is probably more to it than that, but they were playing like they were ready for the playoffs.<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>What Could Have Happened?</b></span><br />
We will never know for sure, but IMO when they played as a team for a full 60 minutes they were the best team in the East. The question is if they could have sustained their aggressive attack and stayed healthy for the duration of the playoffs. <br />
<br />
<b>Epic Playoffs</b><br />
There was a high potential for epic playoff matchups. What if they were able to beat their rival Lethbridge, the Top Contender in Edmonton, last years memorial cup representative PA, and what if they were to have found a WHL Championship matchup against Kamloops? The Team that former longtime coach Sean Clouston was hired onto and found early success with. Maybe they would have dropped 4 straight games to Lethbridge, who knows?<br />
<br />
We will never know and this season is going to Irk me for a long time.<br />
<br />
Shout out to the Overage players (Hamblin, Gavlas, Plouffe) who had their season unexpectedly cut short, as well as some of the 19's who may not be back due to overage restrictions.<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>It's Been Fun </b></span><br />
Having said that, it's time for this blog to largely say goodbye. It's been an amazing 12 years hosting Tiger Content. The sole reason I started this blog was that back in the day the odd Newspaper article wasn't enough for me. Every day I checked the standings and the box-scores and I wanted more. The world and social media have sure changed things.<br />
<br />
<br />
For those of you who enjoyed reading this blog, I thank you for sticking around. It is kinda cool to have created something with over 1.2 million views in 12 years, in a city with a population of 60K. We've even had players and scouts comment on here directly. <br />
<br />
I've been burned out for some time now as you can tell by only a couple posts this season. <br />
I'm still considering making 1 post a year for pre-season predictions right before training camp but I haven't truly decided on it yet. <br />
<br />
If someone wishes to create a new fan forum on whatever platform feel free to do so, I will help in getting the word out. Thanks again for everyone who ever made positive comments in a respectful manner! I will be shutting comments off in a couple weeks. <br />
<br />
<br />
Stay Healthy!<br />
-TigerTurfTigerTurfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14359764110928059937noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3328410439347632491.post-5417257116305425202020-03-20T12:05:00.000-06:002020-03-20T12:08:30.549-06:00WHL Classic Game 7: Tigers Vs Giants Live @ 7:30The WHL will be broadcasting the best WHL Finals Game Every Played Live at 7:30PM on youtube.<br />
Tigers Vs Giants<br />
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<br />
<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/jWZsbPOPhoI" width="560"></iframe><br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://youtu.be/jWZsbPOPhoI">https://youtu.be/jWZsbPOPhoI</a>TigerTurfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14359764110928059937noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3328410439347632491.post-10021936372164185502020-03-18T11:39:00.000-06:002020-03-18T11:44:52.465-06:00WHL Announces conclusion of WHL Season - Tigers Finish 2nd In CentralWHL Announces the conclusion of the WHL Season. The Standings will be used based on winning percentage<br />
<br />
<b>Standings</b><br />
<a href="https://whl.ca/article/western-hockey-league-announces-conclusion-of-regular-season">https://whl.ca/article/western-hockey-league-announces-conclusion-of-regular-season</a><br />
So Officially the Tigers earned 2nd spot in the Division.<br />
<br />
The planned regular-season finish would have been this Sunday<br />
----------<br />
<br />
<b>TypicalPlayoff Matchups</b><br />
I don't believe the WHL has officially announced playoff matchups. It could very well be possible that the format is changed due to the virus<br />
<br />
But here is what the playoffs would like under normal circumstances.<br />
<br />
<b>Central</b><br />
Medicine Hat(2) Vs Lethbridge(3)<br />
Edmonton(1) Vs Saskatoon(8)<br />
<br />
<b>East</b><br />
Winnipeg(2) Vs Brandon(3)<br />
Prince Albert(1) Vs Calgary(7)<br />
<br />
<b>B.C</b><br />
Vancouver(2) vs Victoria(3)<br />
Kamloops(1) vs Kelowna(7)<br />
<br />
<b>US</b><br />
Portland(1) vs Seattle(8)<br />
Everett(2) Vs Spokane(3)<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Typical Playoff Round Start Dates</b><br />
Round 1 - March 28th<br />
Round 2 April 11th<br />
Round 3 - April 25th<br />
Round 4 - May 9th<br />
<br />
<b>Memorial Cup</b><br />
May 22nd<br />
<br />
<b>COVID-19 Reschedule</b><br />
The virus obviously changes things, so who knows what will happen.<br />
If the virus lasted 2 months that would coincide with the start of the memorial cup.<br />
<br />
Teams being off for 2 months would need some sort of mini-training camp to get their legs under them again. I could see a very short best of 3, or even best of 1 scenario playout IF COVID-19 is able to complete before June. A Team like Calgary or Kelowna who have significant injuries could largely benefit from a delayed playoff.<br />
<br />
What are your thoughts?TigerTurfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14359764110928059937noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3328410439347632491.post-59122012061642649152020-03-12T14:42:00.001-06:002020-03-12T14:42:56.914-06:00WHL Season Paused<a href="https://whl.ca/article/chl-statement-2019-20-season-paused-until-further-notice">https://whl.ca/article/chl-statement-2019-20-season-paused-until-further-notice</a><br />
<br />
<strong style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #212121; font-family: Roboto, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">Toronto, Ont. – </strong><span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-family: "roboto" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">The Canadian Hockey League and its three regional leagues the Ontario Hockey League, Quebec Major Junior Hockey League, and Western Hockey League, take the health and safety of our players, fans, volunteers, staff, and general public very seriously. CHL President Dan MacKenzie with Commissioners David Branch, Gilles Courteau, and Ron Robison have been monitoring the situation in regards to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) including what local, provincial, and federal health agencies have recommended. Following consultation with medical professionals and meetings today among the CHL Executive Council, and regional league Board of Governors, the CHL announces that the balance of the 2019-20 season and all hockey activity shall be paused immediately until further notice.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-family: "roboto" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><br /></span>TigerTurfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14359764110928059937noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3328410439347632491.post-9086126124026356772019-12-07T14:33:00.001-07:002019-12-07T16:06:23.024-07:00Tigers Make Blockbuster Deal With Vancouver<br />
<b>Links</b><br />
<a href="https://whl.ca/video/giants-tigers-strike-blockbuster-deal-saturday-afternoon">https://whl.ca/video/giants-tigers-strike-blockbuster-deal-saturday-afternoon</a><br />
<a href="https://tigershockey.com/article/tigers-make-blockbuster-deal-with-giants">https://tigershockey.com/article/tigers-make-blockbuster-deal-with-giants</a><br />
<a href="https://vancouvergiants.com/article/giants-acquire-preziuso-longo-2020-first-round-pick-blockbuster-trade-medicine-hat">https://vancouvergiants.com/article/giants-acquire-preziuso-longo-2020-first-round-pick-blockbuster-trade-medicine-hat</a><br />
<br />
<b>To: Vancouver</b><br />
20 Tyler Preziuso<br />
19 Trevor Longo<br />
1st round Pick 2020<br />
Conditional 5th round pick 2021<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>To: Medicine Hat</b><br />
20 Dylan Plouffe<br />
18 Lukas Svejkovsky<br />
3rd Round Pick 2020<br />
Conditional 3rd round In 2021<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Dylan Plouffe</b></span><br />
<br />
<iframe frameborder="0" height="310" scrolling="no" src="https://www.eliteprospects.com/iframe_player_stats.php?player=258726" width="100%"></iframe>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Lukas Svejkovsky</b></span><br />
<iframe frameborder="0" height="325" scrolling="no" src="https://www.eliteprospects.com/iframe_player_stats.php?player=337733" width="100%"></iframe> <br />
<b></b>
<b>Thoughts</b><br />
Both players were with Vancouver last season when they made the conference Finals. This is a very interesting deal. I don't feel it's a typical "blockbuster" but more of a balancing act within the lineup.<br />
<br />
<b>Preziuso + Svejkovsky</b><br />
<br />
As Tiger fans, we know Preziuso had a lot of speed, but he had troubles with his finishing touch and puck control around the net.<br />
<br />
I feel like here the Tigers were thinking if we could get a younger guy to take his place with more potential to be a finisher around the net and have chemistry with Hamblin it could be a big win.<br />
<br />
Lukas only stands 5'9 159lb, but after watching him play his style reminds me of Edmonton Oil Kings centre Trey Fix Wolansky. Small speedy and intelligent with a long stick. Poised with the puck and has an ability to make quick skilled plays in traffic. I can see why the Tigers targetted him upfront.<br />
<br />
I could be wrong here, but I think their lines of thinking are to pair him up with Hamblin and they might be able to squeeze out a lot of value. Svejkovsky put up pretty good points in the playoffs last season as a 17. I'm crossing my fingers he can click on the top line.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Longo + Plouffe</b><br />
<br />
In terms of defence, I was surprised longo was moved. Plouffe is a 20 with whl finals experience last season. This year he had an A on his jersey.<br />
<br />
From what I've seen he seems to be a good 2-way defenceman with an offensive flair to his game. He has the ability to walk in from the point and put up some points. <br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Overall</b><br />
The Tigers did give up a 1st round pick but they also have 2 3rd rounders coming back. They also had an extra 1st rounder from the Gerlach/Lockner deal a couple years ago. They also gained 1 playing year in getting slightly younger.<br />
<br />
I do wonder if that 1st would have been better spent on a more proven goalscorer but if Svejkovky can find a magic touch with the Tigers I could see the Tigers being quiet at the trade deadline and this being their last major move. If not they have a month yet to evaluate. They currently have the 2nd best record in the WHL & this is definitely a sign that the Tigers are going for itTigerTurfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14359764110928059937noreply@blogger.com142tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3328410439347632491.post-32117451205534765912019-11-28T15:39:00.002-07:002019-11-28T16:08:31.600-07:00Tigers Aquire Defenceman<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':8,'w':653,'h':18,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':145}">
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<a bis_size="{'x':16,'y':8,'w':387,'h':17,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':167}" href="https://whl.ca/article/tigers-acquire-perna-from-winterhawks">https://whl.ca/article/tigers-acquire-perna-from-winterhawks</a></div>
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<a bis_size="{'x':16,'y':26,'w':457,'h':17,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':185}" href="https://tigershockey.com/article/tigers-acquire-perna-from-winterhawks">https://tigershockey.com/article/tigers-acquire-perna-from-winterhawks</a></div>
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<b bis_size="{'x':16,'y':62,'w':91,'h':17,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':221}">Trade Details</b></div>
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Tigers Aquire Defenceman Nick Perna from Portland for a 4th round 2020 draft pick. Perna is in his 18yr old year. Last season he recorded 10 points in 40 games as a 17yr old.</div>
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<b bis_size="{'x':16,'y':134,'w':76,'h':17,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':293}">Nick Perna</b></div>
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<b bis_size="{'x':16,'y':368,'w':64,'h':17,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':527}">Thoughts</b></div>
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This is interesting as this brings the Tigers defensive group to 8 players. One wonders if someone like Damon Agyeman might be sent down as he has only dressed in 7 games, whereas Krebs has dressed in 22. </div>
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Nick Perna has also only dressed in 7 games with portland so this looks like Portland didn't have enough room in their lineup for him and the Tigers were looking for some slightly older depth.</div>
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<b bis_size="{"x":16,"y":512,"w":111,"h":17,"abs_x":485,"abs_y":655}">Scouting Report</b></div>
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I've read that he is a tall rangy guy with a good stick. He is very calm and poised and will take a hit to make a play. A guy with a good first pass and noted as a puck-moving defenceman who needs to get stronger physically, but has a very intelligent and active stick.</div>
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TigerTurfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14359764110928059937noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3328410439347632491.post-48060884760711261122019-11-26T17:53:00.002-07:002019-11-26T17:55:59.770-07:00Tigers Swing A Deal With Saskatoon<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':8,'w':653,'h':18,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':145}">
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<a bis_size="{"x":16,"y":8,"w":432,"h":17,"abs_x":485,"abs_y":145}" href="https://tigershockey.com/article/tigers-acquire-mcnabb-from-blades">https://tigershockey.com/article/tigers-acquire-mcnabb-from-blades</a></div>
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Tigers Aquire Cyle McNabb for a 6th round pick from Saskatoon.</div>
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Cyle McNabb is a RW 6'1 190lb.</div>
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<span bis_size="{"x":16,"y":341,"w":653,"h":13,"abs_x":485,"abs_y":478}" style="background-color: #eeeeee; color: #c7254e; font-family: monospace; font-size: 11px;"><iframe bis_chainid="1" bis_depth="1" bis_id="fr_428gw5tsudu9xafxts3if9" bis_size="{"x":16,"y":116,"w":653,"h":235,"abs_x":485,"abs_y":253}" frameborder="0" height="235" scrolling="no" src="https://www.eliteprospects.com/iframe_player_stats.php?player=296043" width="100%"></iframe></span></div>
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---</div>
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<b bis_size="{"x":16,"y":405,"w":274,"h":17,"abs_x":485,"abs_y":542}">The WHL injury report came out today.</b></div>
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<div bis_size="{"x":16,"y":423,"w":653,"h":18,"abs_x":485,"abs_y":560}">
It lists Bryan Locker as day to day,</div>
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Nick McCarry is listed at 5-10 days.</div>
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I think Jonathan Brinkman may be in conversation make Team Denmark. Their Division 1 tournament runs from December 9th to 15th in Belarus. At this time I'm unable to find any information on if he was invited or not.</div>
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<br bis_size="{"x":16,"y":531,"w":0,"h":17,"abs_x":485,"abs_y":668}" /></div>
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This move also puts the Tigers forward roster at 14 players, which is commonly a whl standard.</div>
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Like the article mentions above this looks like a straight deal for extra depth.</div>
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<br bis_size="{"x":16,"y":585,"w":0,"h":17,"abs_x":485,"abs_y":722}" /></div>
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<br bis_size="{"x":16,"y":603,"w":0,"h":17,"abs_x":485,"abs_y":740}" /></div>
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TigerTurfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14359764110928059937noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3328410439347632491.post-15306916655938407472019-09-20T23:10:00.000-06:002019-09-20T23:10:00.622-06:00Opening Game In Lethbridge<div bis_size="{"x":16,"y":8,"w":653,"h":18,"abs_x":485,"abs_y":145}">
I can't believe in this day and age the WHL still uses a potato to broadcast whl games. I wish they could provide better quality. 1080P shouldn't be too difficult in this day and age. /EndRant</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Thoughts</span></b></div>
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I thought overall the Tigers play looked quite scrambly, but they got a lot better as the game went on. Willie D was saying pregame that he wished he had a couple more exhibition games. </div>
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I was pretty impressed with the Hurricanes providing they were down at least 3 and potentially a 4th key veteran and they had a ton of new faces in their lineup. There was only 7-8 names I recognized from the previous year. I thought they played pretty well.</div>
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The Hurricanes scored the games first two goals and the Tigers didn't really turn on the jets until their first powerplay in the 2nd period. </div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Unfortunate Goal To Go Down 3-1</span></b></div>
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The Tigers were pressing pretty hard and had a big edge in territorial play until they ran into an unfortunate hiccup. On the powerplay, A blocked shot/pass was chipped over a jumping Tiger defenceman at the point and 17yr old Jacob Boucher was sent in on a breakaway and buried an impressive shot past Mads Sogaard. At that point in the game, it was 3-1 hurricanes and it was a bit unusual to see Mads Sogaard looking angry.</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">The ComeBack</span></b></div>
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It was started by the new Import Jonathan Brinkman. Brinkman made a beautiful play out of nothing. It was a 1 on 4 and slipped past a couple hurricane defenders wide and sent a pass out to Lockner who just skated into the zone and was unguarded. Lockner one-timed it past Tetachuk in a bang-bang what the hell just happened type of play.</div>
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A minute later it was the Tigers turn for a lucky bounce. A shot by Trevor Longo at the point and Ryan Chyzowski was battling hard in the slot for positioning on the rebound. He outmuscled his man down low and was able to slap the backhand passed an outstretched Tetachuk. TIE GAME</div>
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Moments later the Tigers had a pair of breakaways but Tetachuck stood tall. What a turnaround</div>
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<b>OT</b><br />The hurricanes had the better of the chances but nothing was solved.</div>
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<b>Shootout. </b></div>
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The first 4 shooters all scored. Hamblin, Kemp for the Tigers, D-Jay Jerome and Dino Kambeitz for Lethbridge. Zach Stringer was stopped by Sogaard and Chyzowski was able to pot the winner. </div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Player Thoughts</span></b></div>
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<b>Brett Kemp</b> stood out for me. After the first period, he was routinely dangerous in the offensive end. He made a beautiful no-look, behind the back pass, out front to Cole Sillinger for his first regular-season goal. </div>
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<b>James Hamblin</b> was also good, but perhaps a bit of a slow start out of the gate.</div>
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<b>Jonathan Brinkman</b> - He impressed me. He is very slick and seems like the playmaker type that will make things happen. I loved his first game. Imports sometimes get off to very quick starts, followed by a lull. I look forward to seeing some more games from him but I was really impressed. Really good puck control and an ability to make some plays in tough situations. </div>
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<b>Parker Gavlas</b> - I'll need a few more viewings. He seems solid, but I feel like he could be a bit stronger on the puck at times. He was involved in a fight after a strong hit, he got a couple punches in, lost his footing momentarily and overpowered his hurricane opponent quite quickly. I think he should be a decent fit on the 2nd line.</div>
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<b>Brown & Preziuso</b> - I was a bit disappointed because I didn't notice much of an improvement from either. They didn't look any-more dangerous than last season with perimeter outside plays. Preziuso had a lot of shots and some outside speed, but I do expect a bit more from a 20.</div>
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I think ostir deserves a game in the lineup.</div>
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<b>Sillinger</b> - Looked very strong on his feet. You can just tell he is going to be an impact player because he wins the majority of the small battles and he is exceptionally strong on his feet for a 16.</div>
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<b>Defense</b> - It was sometimes hard to tell who was on the ice due to the poor potatoe quality webcast. After a bit, I could start to see who was who. I don't remember seeing any major gaffes, although I'm sure if you watch video there are things they could do better. I think they gave up a few odd-man rushes from players not knowing how to recover, but I think that onus is more on the forwards.</div>
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<b>Goaltending</b> - Mads had a tough game because the Hurricanes were in his face the entire time they were in the offensive zone. Hurricanes were doing a great job at just skating in front of him as a shot was taken. I felt like only 1 shot really beat him clean. The 2 other goals were a mass of players in front of him where a shot ping-ponged around the scrum. </div>
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<div bis_size="{"x":16,"y":8,"w":653,"h":18,"abs_x":485,"abs_y":145}">
Krebs looked bigger than the 5'11 167lb's he is listed at.</div>
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<div bis_size="{"x":16,"y":8,"w":653,"h":18,"abs_x":485,"abs_y":145}">
<b>After the first game here is my armchair coaching lines I like</b></div>
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Brinkman Hamblin Kemp</div>
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Sillinger Chyzowski Ostir</div>
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Brown Lockner Hopwo</div>
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McCarry Anderson Wilms/Danielson</div>
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Backer Clayton</div>
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Longo Gevlas</div>
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Krebs/Agyeman/Watson Van Impe</div>
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Who do you like?</div>
TigerTurfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14359764110928059937noreply@blogger.com89tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3328410439347632491.post-11402006456358476252019-09-01T15:19:00.002-06:002019-09-19T08:52:04.171-06:002019-2020 Overall Review<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':8,'w':653,'h':27,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':143}">
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<div bis_size="{"x":16,"y":8,"w":653,"h":21,"abs_x":485,"abs_y":167}">
<b bis_size="{'x':16,'y':15,'w':167,'h':17,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':150}"><span bis_size="{'x':16,'y':8,'w':167,'h':26,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':143}" style="font-size: medium;">East Division</span></b></div>
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<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':29,'w':653,'h':18,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':164}">
<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':29,'w':653,'h':18,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':192}">
<div bis_size="{"x":16,"y":29,"w":653,"h":18,"abs_x":485,"abs_y":188}">
<a bis_size="{'x':16,'y':29,'w':143,'h':17,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':164}" href="http://tigerturf.blogspot.com/2019/08/brandon-wheat-kings-2019-2020_15.html">Brandon Wheat Kings</a></div>
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<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':8,'w':653,'h':27,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':143}">
<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':47,'w':653,'h':18,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':182}">
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<div bis_size="{"x":16,"y":47,"w":653,"h":18,"abs_x":485,"abs_y":206}">
<a bis_size="{'x':16,'y':47,'w':113,'h':17,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':182}" href="http://tigerturf.blogspot.com/2019/08/saskatoon-blades-2019-2020.html">Saskatoon Blades</a></div>
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<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':65,'w':653,'h':18,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':200}">
<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':65,'w':653,'h':18,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':228}">
<div bis_size="{"x":16,"y":65,"w":653,"h":18,"abs_x":485,"abs_y":224}">
<a bis_size="{'x':16,'y':65,'w':138,'h':17,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':200}" href="http://tigerturf.blogspot.com/2019/08/prince-albert-raiders-2019-2020.html">Prince Albert Raiders</a></div>
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<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':8,'w':653,'h':27,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':143}">
<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':83,'w':653,'h':18,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':218}">
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<div bis_size="{"x":16,"y":83,"w":653,"h":18,"abs_x":485,"abs_y":242}">
<a bis_size="{'x':16,'y':83,'w':132,'h':17,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':218}" href="http://tigerturf.blogspot.com/2019/08/moose-jaw-warriors-2019-2020.html">Moose Jaw Warriors</a></div>
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<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':101,'w':653,'h':18,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':236}">
<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':101,'w':653,'h':18,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':264}">
<div bis_size="{"x":16,"y":101,"w":653,"h":18,"abs_x":485,"abs_y":260}">
<a bis_size="{'x':16,'y':101,'w':75,'h':17,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':264}" href="http://tigerturf.blogspot.com/2019/08/regina-pats-2019-2020.html">Regina Pats</a></div>
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<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':8,'w':653,'h':27,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':143}">
<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':119,'w':653,'h':18,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':254}">
<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':119,'w':653,'h':18,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':282}">
<div bis_size="{"x":16,"y":119,"w":653,"h":18,"abs_x":485,"abs_y":278}">
<a bis_size="{'x':16,'y':119,'w':85,'h':17,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':282}" href="http://tigerturf.blogspot.com/2019/08/winnipeg-ice-2019-2020.html">Winnipeg Ice</a></div>
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<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':137,'w':653,'h':21,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':272}">
<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':137,'w':653,'h':18,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':300}">
<div bis_size="{"x":16,"y":137,"w":653,"h":18,"abs_x":485,"abs_y":296}">
<br bis_size="{'x':16,'y':137,'w':0,'h':17,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':300}" /></div>
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<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':155,'w':653,'h':21,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':318}">
<div bis_size="{"x":16,"y":155,"w":653,"h":21,"abs_x":485,"abs_y":314}">
<b bis_size="{'x':16,'y':15,'w':167,'h':17,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':150}"><span bis_size="{'x':16,'y':8,'w':167,'h':26,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':143}" style="font-size: medium;">Central Division</span></b></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':8,'w':653,'h':27,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':143}">
<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':200,'w':653,'h':18,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':335}">
<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':176,'w':653,'h':18,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':339}">
<div bis_size="{"x":16,"y":176,"w":653,"h":18,"abs_x":485,"abs_y":335}">
<a bis_size="{'x':16,'y':200,'w':102,'h':17,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':335}" href="http://tigerturf.blogspot.com/2019/08/calgary-hitmen-2019-2020.html">Calgary Hitmen</a></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':8,'w':653,'h':27,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':143}">
<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':218,'w':653,'h':18,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':353}">
<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':194,'w':653,'h':18,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':357}">
<div bis_size="{"x":16,"y":194,"w":653,"h":18,"abs_x":485,"abs_y":353}">
<a bis_size="{'x':16,'y':218,'w':133,'h':17,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':353}" href="http://tigerturf.blogspot.com/2019/08/edmonton-oil-kings-2019-2020.html">Edmonton Oil Kings</a></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':8,'w':653,'h':27,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':143}">
<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':236,'w':653,'h':18,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':371}">
<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':212,'w':653,'h':18,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':375}">
<div bis_size="{"x":16,"y":212,"w":653,"h":18,"abs_x":485,"abs_y":371}">
<a bis_size="{'x':16,'y':236,'w':144,'h':17,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':371}" href="http://tigerturf.blogspot.com/2019/08/lethbridge-2019-2020.html">Lethbridge Hurricanes</a></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':8,'w':653,'h':27,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':143}">
<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':254,'w':653,'h':18,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':389}">
<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':230,'w':653,'h':18,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':393}">
<div bis_size="{"x":16,"y":230,"w":653,"h":18,"abs_x":485,"abs_y":389}">
<a bis_size="{'x':16,'y':254,'w':131,'h':17,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':389}" href="http://tigerturf.blogspot.com/2019/08/medicine-hat-2019-2020_19.html">Medicine Hat Tigers</a></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':8,'w':653,'h':27,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':143}">
<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':272,'w':653,'h':0,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':407}">
<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':248,'w':653,'h':0,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':411}">
<div bis_size="{"x":16,"y":248,"w":653,"h":0,"abs_x":485,"abs_y":407}">
<span bis_size="{'x':16,'y':15,'w':167,'h':17,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':150}"><span bis_size="{'x':16,'y':8,'w':167,'h':26,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':143}" style="font-size: medium;"></span></span></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':8,'w':653,'h':27,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':143}">
<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':272,'w':653,'h':18,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':407}">
<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':248,'w':653,'h':18,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':411}">
<div bis_size="{"x":16,"y":248,"w":653,"h":18,"abs_x":485,"abs_y":407}">
<a bis_size="{'x':16,'y':272,'w':108,'h':17,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':407}" href="http://tigerturf.blogspot.com/2019/08/red-deer-rebels-2019-2020.html">Red Deer Rebels</a></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':8,'w':653,'h':27,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':143}">
<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':290,'w':653,'h':21,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':425}">
<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':266,'w':653,'h':21,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':429}">
<div bis_size="{"x":16,"y":266,"w":653,"h":21,"abs_x":485,"abs_y":425}">
<b bis_size="{'x':16,'y':15,'w':167,'h':17,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':150}"><span bis_size="{'x':16,'y':8,'w':167,'h':26,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':143}" style="font-size: medium;"><span bis_size="{'x':16,'y':290,'w':162,'h':20,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':425}" style="font-weight: 400;"><a bis_size="{'x':16,'y':290,'w':162,'h':20,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':425}" href="http://tigerturf.blogspot.com/2019/08/swift-current-broncos-2019-2020.html">Swift Current Broncos</a></span></span></b></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':8,'w':653,'h':27,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':143}">
<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':311,'w':653,'h':27,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':446}">
<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':287,'w':653,'h':27,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':450}">
<div bis_size="{"x":16,"y":287,"w":653,"h":27,"abs_x":485,"abs_y":446}">
<b bis_size="{'x':16,'y':15,'w':167,'h':17,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':150}"><span bis_size="{'x':16,'y':8,'w':167,'h':26,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':143}" style="font-size: large;"><br bis_size="{'x':16,'y':311,'w':0,'h':26,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':446}" /></span></b></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':8,'w':653,'h':27,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':143}">
<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':338,'w':653,'h':27,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':473}">
<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':314,'w':653,'h':18,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':477}">
<div bis_size="{"x":16,"y":314,"w":653,"h":18,"abs_x":485,"abs_y":473}">
<b bis_size="{'x':16,'y':365,'w':132,'h':17,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':500}">Goal Scoring Index</b></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':8,'w':653,'h':27,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':143}">
<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':383,'w':653,'h':18,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':518}">
<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':332,'w':653,'h':18,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':495}">
<div bis_size="{"x":16,"y":332,"w":653,"h":18,"abs_x":485,"abs_y":491}">
My estimation of goals scored per team. Shows the offensive potential of each team.</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':8,'w':653,'h':27,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':143}">
<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':419,'w':653,'h':18,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':554}">
<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':350,'w':653,'h':18,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':513}">
<div bis_size="{"x":16,"y":350,"w":653,"h":18,"abs_x":485,"abs_y":509}">
<br bis_size="{'x':16,'y':419,'w':0,'h':17,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':554}" /></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':8,'w':653,'h':27,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':143}">
<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':437,'w':653,'h':18,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':572}">
<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':368,'w':653,'h':18,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':531}">
<div bis_size="{"x":16,"y":368,"w":653,"h":18,"abs_x":485,"abs_y":527}">
1. Calgary 285</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':8,'w':653,'h':27,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':143}">
<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':455,'w':653,'h':18,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':590}">
<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':386,'w':653,'h':18,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':549}">
<div bis_size="{"x":16,"y":386,"w":653,"h":18,"abs_x":485,"abs_y":545}">
2. Edmonton 273</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':8,'w':653,'h':27,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':143}">
<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':473,'w':653,'h':18,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':608}">
<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':404,'w':653,'h':18,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':567}">
<div bis_size="{"x":16,"y":404,"w":653,"h":18,"abs_x":485,"abs_y":563}">
3. Medicine Hat 252</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':8,'w':653,'h':27,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':143}">
<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':491,'w':653,'h':18,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':626}">
<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':422,'w':653,'h':18,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':585}">
<div bis_size="{"x":16,"y":422,"w":653,"h":18,"abs_x":485,"abs_y":581}">
4. Winnipeg 250</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':8,'w':653,'h':27,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':143}">
<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':509,'w':653,'h':18,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':644}">
<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':440,'w':653,'h':18,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':603}">
<div bis_size="{"x":16,"y":440,"w":653,"h":18,"abs_x":485,"abs_y":599}">
5. Brandon 236</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':8,'w':653,'h':27,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':143}">
<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':527,'w':653,'h':18,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':662}">
<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':458,'w':653,'h':18,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':621}">
<div bis_size="{"x":16,"y":458,"w":653,"h":18,"abs_x":485,"abs_y":617}">
6. Prince Albert 227</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':8,'w':653,'h':27,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':143}">
<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':545,'w':653,'h':18,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':680}">
<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':476,'w':653,'h':18,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':639}">
<div bis_size="{"x":16,"y":476,"w":653,"h":18,"abs_x":485,"abs_y":635}">
7. Saskatoon 226</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':8,'w':653,'h':27,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':143}">
<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':563,'w':653,'h':18,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':698}">
<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':494,'w':653,'h':18,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':657}">
<div bis_size="{"x":16,"y":494,"w":653,"h":18,"abs_x":485,"abs_y":653}">
8. Lethbridge 212</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':8,'w':653,'h':27,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':143}">
<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':581,'w':653,'h':18,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':716}">
<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':512,'w':653,'h':18,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':675}">
<div bis_size="{"x":16,"y":512,"w":653,"h":18,"abs_x":485,"abs_y":671}">
9. Regina Pats 203</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':8,'w':653,'h':27,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':143}">
<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':599,'w':653,'h':18,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':734}">
<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':530,'w':653,'h':18,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':693}">
<div bis_size="{"x":16,"y":530,"w":653,"h":18,"abs_x":485,"abs_y":689}">
10. Red Deer Rebels 181</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':8,'w':653,'h':27,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':143}">
<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':617,'w':653,'h':18,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':752}">
<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':548,'w':653,'h':18,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':711}">
<div bis_size="{"x":16,"y":548,"w":653,"h":18,"abs_x":485,"abs_y":707}">
11. Moose Jaw 173</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':8,'w':653,'h':27,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':143}">
<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':635,'w':653,'h':18,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':770}">
<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':566,'w':653,'h':18,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':729}">
<div bis_size="{"x":16,"y":566,"w":653,"h":18,"abs_x":485,"abs_y":725}">
12. Swift Current 169</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':8,'w':653,'h':27,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':143}">
<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':653,'w':653,'h':18,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':788}">
<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':584,'w':653,'h':18,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':747}">
<div bis_size="{"x":16,"y":584,"w":653,"h":18,"abs_x":485,"abs_y":743}">
<br bis_size="{'x':16,'y':653,'w':0,'h':17,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':788}" /></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':8,'w':653,'h':27,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':143}">
<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':671,'w':653,'h':27,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':806}">
<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':602,'w':653,'h':27,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':765}">
<div bis_size="{"x":16,"y":602,"w":653,"h":27,"abs_x":485,"abs_y":761}">
<span bis_size="{'x':16,'y':671,'w':138,'h':26,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':806}" style="font-size: large;"><b bis_size="{'x':16,'y':671,'w':138,'h':26,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':806}">Tier Strength</b></span></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':8,'w':653,'h':27,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':143}">
<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':698,'w':653,'h':18,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':833}">
<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':629,'w':653,'h':18,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':792}">
<div bis_size="{"x":16,"y":629,"w":653,"h":18,"abs_x":485,"abs_y":788}">
<b bis_size="{'x':16,'y':698,'w':294,'h':17,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':833}">Tier A - Top talent with limited weaknesses</b></div>
</div>
</div>
<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':716,'w':653,'h':18,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':851}">
<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':647,'w':653,'h':18,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':810}">
<div bis_size="{"x":16,"y":647,"w":653,"h":18,"abs_x":485,"abs_y":806}">
Calgary</div>
</div>
</div>
<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':734,'w':653,'h':18,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':869}">
<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':665,'w':653,'h':18,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':828}">
<div bis_size="{"x":16,"y":665,"w":653,"h":18,"abs_x":485,"abs_y":824}">
Edmonton</div>
</div>
</div>
<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':752,'w':653,'h':18,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':887}">
<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':683,'w':653,'h':18,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':846}">
<div bis_size="{"x":16,"y":683,"w":653,"h":18,"abs_x":485,"abs_y":842}">
Medicine Hat </div>
</div>
</div>
<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':770,'w':653,'h':18,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':905}">
<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':701,'w':653,'h':18,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':864}">
<div bis_size="{"x":16,"y":701,"w":653,"h":18,"abs_x":485,"abs_y":860}">
<br bis_size="{'x':16,'y':770,'w':0,'h':17,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':905}" /></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':8,'w':653,'h':27,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':143}">
<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':788,'w':653,'h':18,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':923}">
<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':719,'w':653,'h':18,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':882}">
<div bis_size="{"x":16,"y":719,"w":653,"h":18,"abs_x":485,"abs_y":878}">
<br bis_size="{'x':16,'y':788,'w':0,'h':17,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':923}" /></div>
</div>
</div>
<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':806,'w':653,'h':18,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':941}">
<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':737,'w':653,'h':18,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':900}">
<div bis_size="{"x":16,"y":737,"w":653,"h":18,"abs_x":485,"abs_y":896}">
<b bis_size="{'x':16,'y':806,'w':277,'h':17,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':941}">Tier B - Strong Core with weaknesses in 1 or 2 areas.</b></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':8,'w':653,'h':27,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':143}">
<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':824,'w':653,'h':18,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':959}">
<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':755,'w':653,'h':18,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':918}">
<div bis_size="{"x":16,"y":755,"w":653,"h":18,"abs_x":485,"abs_y":914}">
Brandon</div>
</div>
</div>
<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':842,'w':653,'h':18,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':977}">
<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':773,'w':653,'h':18,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':936}">
<div bis_size="{"x":16,"y":773,"w":653,"h":18,"abs_x":485,"abs_y":932}">
Winnipeg </div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':8,'w':653,'h':27,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':143}">
<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':860,'w':653,'h':18,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':995}">
<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':791,'w':653,'h':18,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':954}">
<div bis_size="{"x":16,"y":791,"w":653,"h":18,"abs_x":485,"abs_y":950}">
Saskatoon</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':8,'w':653,'h':27,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':143}">
<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':878,'w':653,'h':18,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':1013}">
<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':809,'w':653,'h':18,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':972}">
<div bis_size="{"x":16,"y":809,"w":653,"h":18,"abs_x":485,"abs_y":968}">
Prince Albert</div>
</div>
</div>
<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':896,'w':653,'h':18,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':1031}">
<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':827,'w':653,'h':18,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':990}">
<div bis_size="{"x":16,"y":827,"w":653,"h":18,"abs_x":485,"abs_y":986}">
Lethbridge</div>
</div>
</div>
<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':914,'w':653,'h':18,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':1049}">
<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':845,'w':653,'h':18,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':1008}">
<div bis_size="{"x":16,"y":845,"w":653,"h":18,"abs_x":485,"abs_y":1004}">
<br bis_size="{'x':16,'y':914,'w':0,'h':17,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':1049}" /></div>
</div>
</div>
<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':932,'w':653,'h':18,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':1067}">
<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':863,'w':653,'h':18,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':1026}">
<div bis_size="{"x":16,"y":863,"w":653,"h":18,"abs_x":485,"abs_y":1022}">
<b bis_size="{'x':16,'y':932,'w':337,'h':17,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':1067}">Tier C - Missing playoffs At best a Wildcard Shot</b></div>
</div>
</div>
<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':932,'w':653,'h':18,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':1067}">
<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':881,'w':653,'h':18,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':1044}">
<div bis_size="{"x":16,"y":881,"w":653,"h":18,"abs_x":485,"abs_y":1040}">
<span bis_size="{'x':16,'y':932,'w':337,'h':17,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':1067}">Red Deer Rebels</span></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':8,'w':653,'h':27,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':143}">
<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':950,'w':653,'h':18,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':1085}">
<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':899,'w':653,'h':18,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':1062}">
<div bis_size="{"x":16,"y":899,"w":653,"h":18,"abs_x":485,"abs_y":1058}">
Regina</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':8,'w':653,'h':27,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':143}">
<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':968,'w':653,'h':18,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':1103}">
<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':917,'w':653,'h':18,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':1080}">
<div bis_size="{"x":16,"y":917,"w":653,"h":18,"abs_x":485,"abs_y":1076}">
Moose Jaw</div>
</div>
</div>
<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':986,'w':653,'h':18,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':1121}">
<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':935,'w':653,'h':18,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':1098}">
<div bis_size="{"x":16,"y":935,"w":653,"h":18,"abs_x":485,"abs_y":1094}">
Swift Current </div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':8,'w':653,'h':27,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':143}">
<h2 bis_size="{'x':16,'y':1059,'w':653,'h':27,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':1194}">
<span bis_size="{'x':16,'y':1059,'w':165,'h':26,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':1194}" style="font-family: inherit;"><span bis_size="{'x':16,'y':1059,'w':165,'h':26,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':1194}" style="font-size: large;">East predictions</span></span></h2>
<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':1106,'w':653,'h':18,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':1241}">
<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':1037,'w':653,'h':18,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':1200}">
<div bis_size="{"x":16,"y":1019,"w":653,"h":18,"abs_x":485,"abs_y":1178}">
1. Saskatoon</div>
</div>
</div>
<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':1124,'w':653,'h':18,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':1259}">
<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':1055,'w':653,'h':18,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':1218}">
<div bis_size="{"x":16,"y":1037,"w":653,"h":18,"abs_x":485,"abs_y":1196}">
2. Brandon</div>
</div>
</div>
<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':1142,'w':653,'h':18,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':1277}">
<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':1073,'w':653,'h':18,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':1236}">
<div bis_size="{"x":16,"y":1055,"w":653,"h":18,"abs_x":485,"abs_y":1214}">
3. Prince Albert</div>
</div>
</div>
<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':1160,'w':653,'h':18,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':1295}">
<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':1091,'w':653,'h':18,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':1254}">
<div bis_size="{"x":16,"y":1073,"w":653,"h":18,"abs_x":485,"abs_y":1232}">
4. Winnipeg(W)</div>
</div>
</div>
<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':1178,'w':653,'h':18,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':1313}">
<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':1109,'w':653,'h':18,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':1272}">
<div bis_size="{"x":16,"y":1091,"w":653,"h":18,"abs_x":485,"abs_y":1250}">
5. Regina</div>
</div>
</div>
<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':1196,'w':653,'h':18,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':1331}">
<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':1127,'w':653,'h':18,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':1290}">
<div bis_size="{"x":16,"y":1109,"w":653,"h":18,"abs_x":485,"abs_y":1268}">
6. Moose Jaw</div>
</div>
</div>
<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':1214,'w':653,'h':18,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':1349}">
<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':1145,'w':653,'h':18,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':1308}">
<div bis_size="{"x":16,"y":1127,"w":653,"h":18,"abs_x":485,"abs_y":1286}">
<br bis_size="{'x':16,'y':1214,'w':0,'h':17,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':1349}" /></div>
</div>
</div>
<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':1214,'w':653,'h':18,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':1349}">
<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':1163,'w':653,'h':90,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':1326}">
<div bis_size="{"x":16,"y":1145,"w":653,"h":90,"abs_x":485,"abs_y":1304}">
This section has been holding me up and I honestly don't know how to rank them. 1-4 in the East are potentially very close. I'm going to be wrong here. Each team has a weakness and it will depend on how they shore it up. I'm going to give myself until the start of the season in hopes some OA questions get answered. Feel free to put your thoughts in the comments to help me look at something I may be missing.</div>
<div bis_size="{"x":16,"y":1145,"w":653,"h":90,"abs_x":485,"abs_y":1304}">
<br /></div>
<div bis_size="{"x":16,"y":1145,"w":653,"h":90,"abs_x":485,"abs_y":1304}">
<b>Edit: September 19th:</b></div>
<div bis_size="{"x":16,"y":1145,"w":653,"h":90,"abs_x":485,"abs_y":1304}">
<br /></div>
<div bis_size="{"x":16,"y":1145,"w":653,"h":90,"abs_x":485,"abs_y":1304}">
I've locked in my predictions and changed it up. I'm going with Saskatoon in the top spot because I think they will go all out in trades. I don't necessarily think they are the top dog atm, but I do think they are most likely to add. </div>
<div bis_size="{"x":16,"y":1145,"w":653,"h":90,"abs_x":485,"abs_y":1304}">
<br /></div>
<div bis_size="{"x":16,"y":1145,"w":653,"h":90,"abs_x":485,"abs_y":1304}">
Winnipeg I've moved down a bit because I don't think their back-end is as strong and I don't think they will try to push for this season, whereas I could easily see Brandon and Prince Albert beefing up their rosters for this season if they are in a position to do so.</div>
<div bis_size="{"x":16,"y":1145,"w":653,"h":90,"abs_x":485,"abs_y":1304}">
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
<h2 bis_size="{'x':16,'y':1273,'w':653,'h':27,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':1436}">
Central Predictions</h2>
<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':1250,'w':653,'h':18,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':1385}">
<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':1320,'w':653,'h':18,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':1483}">
<div bis_size="{"x":16,"y":1302,"w":653,"h":18,"abs_x":485,"abs_y":1461}">
1.Calgary</div>
</div>
</div>
<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':1268,'w':653,'h':18,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':1403}">
<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':1338,'w':653,'h':18,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':1501}">
<div bis_size="{"x":16,"y":1320,"w":653,"h":18,"abs_x":485,"abs_y":1479}">
2. Medicine Hat</div>
</div>
</div>
<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':1286,'w':653,'h':18,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':1421}">
<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':1356,'w':653,'h':18,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':1519}">
<div bis_size="{"x":16,"y":1338,"w":653,"h":18,"abs_x":485,"abs_y":1497}">
3. Edmonton</div>
</div>
</div>
<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':1304,'w':653,'h':18,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':1439}">
<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':1374,'w':653,'h':18,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':1537}">
<div bis_size="{"x":16,"y":1356,"w":653,"h":18,"abs_x":485,"abs_y":1515}">
4. Lethbridge (W)</div>
</div>
</div>
<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':1322,'w':653,'h':18,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':1457}">
<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':1392,'w':653,'h':18,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':1555}">
<div bis_size="{"x":16,"y":1374,"w":653,"h":18,"abs_x":485,"abs_y":1533}">
5. Red Deer</div>
</div>
</div>
<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':1340,'w':653,'h':18,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':1475}">
<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':1410,'w':653,'h':18,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':1573}">
<div bis_size="{"x":16,"y":1392,"w":653,"h":18,"abs_x":485,"abs_y":1551}">
6. Swift Current</div>
</div>
</div>
<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':1358,'w':653,'h':18,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':1493}">
<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':1428,'w':653,'h':18,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':1591}">
<div bis_size="{"x":16,"y":1410,"w":653,"h":18,"abs_x":485,"abs_y":1569}">
<br bis_size="{'x':16,'y':1358,'w':0,'h':17,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':1493}" /></div>
</div>
</div>
<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':1358,'w':653,'h':18,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':1493}">
<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':1446,'w':653,'h':18,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':1609}">
<div bis_size="{"x":16,"y":1428,"w":653,"h":18,"abs_x":485,"abs_y":1587}">
1-3 Will be close but I like Calgary the most. Edmonton will have a strong team next season as well.</div>
</div>
</div>
<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':1376,'w':653,'h':18,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':1511}">
<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':1464,'w':653,'h':18,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':1627}">
<div bis_size="{"x":16,"y":1446,"w":653,"h":18,"abs_x":485,"abs_y":1605}">
<br bis_size="{'x':16,'y':1376,'w':0,'h':17,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':1511}" /></div>
</div>
</div>
<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':1394,'w':653,'h':18,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':1529}">
<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':1482,'w':653,'h':18,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':1645}">
<div bis_size="{"x":16,"y":1464,"w":653,"h":18,"abs_x":485,"abs_y":1623}">
<br bis_size="{'x':16,'y':1482,'w':0,'h':17,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':1645}" /></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':8,'w':653,'h':27,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':143}">
<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':1610,'w':653,'h':27,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':1745}">
<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':1500,'w':653,'h':27,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':1663}">
<div bis_size="{"x":16,"y":1482,"w":653,"h":27,"abs_x":485,"abs_y":1641}">
<b bis_size="{'x':16,'y':15,'w':167,'h':17,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':150}"><span bis_size="{'x':16,'y':8,'w':167,'h':26,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':143}" style="font-size: large;">1-12 Rankings</span></b></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':8,'w':653,'h':27,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':143}">
<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':1637,'w':653,'h':36,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':1772}">
<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':1527,'w':653,'h':18,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':1690}">
<div bis_size="{"x":16,"y":1509,"w":653,"h":18,"abs_x":485,"abs_y":1668}">
This is what I'll rate myself at the end of the Year. </div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':8,'w':653,'h':27,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':143}">
<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':1673,'w':653,'h':18,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':1808}">
<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':1545,'w':653,'h':18,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':1708}">
<div bis_size="{"x":16,"y":1527,"w":653,"h":18,"abs_x":485,"abs_y":1686}">
<br bis_size="{'x':16,'y':1673,'w':0,'h':17,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':1808}" /></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':8,'w':653,'h':27,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':143}">
<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':1691,'w':653,'h':18,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':1826}">
<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':1563,'w':653,'h':18,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':1726}">
<div bis_size="{"x":16,"y":1545,"w":653,"h":18,"abs_x":485,"abs_y":1704}">
1. Calgary Hitmen</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':8,'w':653,'h':27,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':143}">
<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':1709,'w':653,'h':18,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':1844}">
<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':1581,'w':653,'h':18,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':1744}">
<div bis_size="{"x":16,"y":1563,"w":653,"h":18,"abs_x":485,"abs_y":1722}">
2. Medicine Hat Tigers</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':8,'w':653,'h':27,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':143}">
<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':1727,'w':653,'h':18,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':1862}">
<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':1599,'w':653,'h':18,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':1762}">
<div bis_size="{"x":16,"y":1581,"w":653,"h":18,"abs_x":485,"abs_y":1740}">
3. Edmonton Oil Kings</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':8,'w':653,'h':27,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':143}">
<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':1745,'w':653,'h':18,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':1880}">
<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':1617,'w':653,'h':18,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':1780}">
<div bis_size="{"x":16,"y":1599,"w":653,"h":18,"abs_x":485,"abs_y":1758}">
4. Saskatoon</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':8,'w':653,'h':27,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':143}">
<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':1763,'w':653,'h':18,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':1898}">
<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':1635,'w':653,'h':18,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':1798}">
<div bis_size="{"x":16,"y":1617,"w":653,"h":18,"abs_x":485,"abs_y":1776}">
5. Brandon</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':8,'w':653,'h':27,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':143}">
<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':1781,'w':653,'h':18,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':1916}">
<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':1653,'w':653,'h':18,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':1816}">
<div bis_size="{"x":16,"y":1635,"w":653,"h":18,"abs_x":485,"abs_y":1794}">
6. Prince Albert</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':8,'w':653,'h':27,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':143}">
<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':1799,'w':653,'h':18,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':1934}">
<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':1671,'w':653,'h':18,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':1834}">
<div bis_size="{"x":16,"y":1653,"w":653,"h":18,"abs_x":485,"abs_y":1812}">
7. Winnipeg</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':8,'w':653,'h':27,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':143}">
<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':1817,'w':653,'h':18,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':1952}">
<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':1689,'w':653,'h':18,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':1852}">
<div bis_size="{"x":16,"y":1671,"w":653,"h":18,"abs_x":485,"abs_y":1830}">
8. Lethbridge</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':8,'w':653,'h':27,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':143}">
<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':1835,'w':653,'h':18,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':1970}">
<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':1707,'w':653,'h':18,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':1870}">
<div bis_size="{"x":16,"y":1689,"w":653,"h":18,"abs_x":485,"abs_y":1848}">
9. Regina</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':8,'w':653,'h':27,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':143}">
<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':1853,'w':653,'h':18,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':1988}">
<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':1725,'w':653,'h':18,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':1888}">
<div bis_size="{"x":16,"y":1707,"w":653,"h":18,"abs_x":485,"abs_y":1866}">
10. Moose Jaw</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':8,'w':653,'h':27,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':143}">
<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':1871,'w':653,'h':18,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':2006}">
<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':1743,'w':653,'h':18,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':1906}">
<div bis_size="{"x":16,"y":1725,"w":653,"h":18,"abs_x":485,"abs_y":1884}">
11. Red Deer</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':8,'w':653,'h':27,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':143}">
<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':1889,'w':653,'h':18,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':2024}">
<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':1761,'w':653,'h':18,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':1924}">
<div bis_size="{"x":16,"y":1743,"w":653,"h":18,"abs_x":485,"abs_y":1902}">
12. Swift Current</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':8,'w':653,'h':27,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':143}">
<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':1907,'w':653,'h':18,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':2042}">
<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':1779,'w':653,'h':18,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':1942}">
<div bis_size="{"x":16,"y":1761,"w":653,"h":18,"abs_x":485,"abs_y":1920}">
<br bis_size="{'x':16,'y':1907,'w':0,'h':17,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':2042}" /></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':8,'w':653,'h':27,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':143}">
<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':1925,'w':653,'h':27,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':2060}">
<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':1797,'w':653,'h':18,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':1960}">
<div bis_size="{"x":16,"y":1779,"w":653,"h":18,"abs_x":485,"abs_y":1938}">
<br bis_size="{'x':16,'y':1797,'w':0,'h':17,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':1960}" /></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':1952,'w':653,'h':18,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':2087}">
<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':1815,'w':653,'h':18,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':1978}">
<div bis_size="{"x":16,"y":1797,"w":653,"h":18,"abs_x":485,"abs_y":1956}">
Calgary Vs Lethbridge - Calgary</div>
</div>
</div>
<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':1952,'w':653,'h':18,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':2087}">
<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':1833,'w':653,'h':18,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':1996}">
<div bis_size="{"x":16,"y":1815,"w":653,"h":18,"abs_x":485,"abs_y":1974}">
Edmonton Vs Medicine Hat - Medicine Hat (Homer Pick, gotta do it)</div>
</div>
</div>
<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':1952,'w':653,'h':18,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':2087}">
<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':1851,'w':653,'h':18,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':2014}">
<div bis_size="{"x":16,"y":1833,"w":653,"h":18,"abs_x":485,"abs_y":1992}">
Saskatoon Vs Winnipeg - Saskatoon</div>
</div>
</div>
<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':8,'w':653,'h':27,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':143}">
<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':1970,'w':653,'h':27,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':2105}">
<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':1887,'w':653,'h':18,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':2050}">
<div bis_size="{"x":16,"y":1869,"w":653,"h":18,"abs_x":485,"abs_y":2028}">
Brandon Vs Prince Albert - Prince Albert</div>
</div>
</div>
<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':1970,'w':653,'h':27,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':2105}">
<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':1905,'w':653,'h':18,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':2068}">
<div bis_size="{"x":16,"y":1887,"w":653,"h":18,"abs_x":485,"abs_y":2046}">
<span bis_size="{'x':16,'y':15,'w':167,'h':17,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':150}"><span bis_size="{'x':16,'y':8,'w':167,'h':26,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':143}"><br bis_size="{'x':16,'y':1905,'w':0,'h':17,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':2068}" /></span></span></div>
</div>
</div>
<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':1970,'w':653,'h':27,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':2105}">
<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':1923,'w':653,'h':18,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':2086}">
<div bis_size="{"x":16,"y":1905,"w":653,"h":18,"abs_x":485,"abs_y":2064}">
<span bis_size="{'x':16,'y':15,'w':167,'h':17,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':150}"><span bis_size="{'x':16,'y':8,'w':167,'h':26,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':143}">Saskatoon vs Prince Albert - Saskatoon</span></span></div>
</div>
</div>
<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':1970,'w':653,'h':27,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':2105}">
<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':1941,'w':653,'h':18,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':2104}">
<div bis_size="{"x":16,"y":1923,"w":653,"h":18,"abs_x":485,"abs_y":2082}">
<span bis_size="{'x':16,'y':15,'w':167,'h':17,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':150}"><span bis_size="{'x':16,'y':8,'w':167,'h':26,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':143}">Calgary Vs Medicine Hat - Calgary</span></span></div>
<div bis_size="{"x":16,"y":1923,"w":653,"h":18,"abs_x":485,"abs_y":2082}">
<span bis_size="{'x':16,'y':15,'w':167,'h':17,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':150}"><span bis_size="{'x':16,'y':8,'w':167,'h':26,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':143}"><br /></span></span></div>
<div bis_size="{"x":16,"y":1923,"w":653,"h":18,"abs_x":485,"abs_y":2082}">
<span bis_size="{'x':16,'y':15,'w':167,'h':17,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':150}"><span bis_size="{'x':16,'y':8,'w':167,'h':26,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':143}">Saskatoon Vs Calgary</span></span></div>
<div bis_size="{"x":16,"y":1923,"w":653,"h":18,"abs_x":485,"abs_y":2082}">
<b bis_size="{'x':16,'y':1959,'w':208,'h':17,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':2122}">Eastern Rep - Calgary Hitmen</b></div>
</div>
</div>
<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':1970,'w':653,'h':27,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':2105}">
<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':1977,'w':653,'h':18,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':2140}">
<div bis_size="{"x":16,"y":1959,"w":653,"h":18,"abs_x":485,"abs_y":2118}">
<span bis_size="{'x':16,'y':15,'w':167,'h':17,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':150}"><span bis_size="{'x':16,'y':8,'w':167,'h':26,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':143}"><b bis_size="{'x':16,'y':1977,'w':0,'h':17,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':2140}"><br bis_size="{'x':16,'y':1977,'w':0,'h':17,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':2140}" /></b></span></span></div>
</div>
</div>
<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':1970,'w':653,'h':27,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':2105}">
<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':1995,'w':653,'h':18,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':2158}">
<div bis_size="{"x":16,"y":1977,"w":653,"h":18,"abs_x":485,"abs_y":2136}">
<span bis_size="{'x':16,'y':15,'w':167,'h':17,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':150}"><span bis_size="{'x':16,'y':8,'w':167,'h':26,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':143}">I still have some work to do, but I feel my pick for Eastern Conference is Calgary.</span></span></div>
</div>
</div>
<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':1970,'w':653,'h':27,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':2105}">
<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':2013,'w':653,'h':36,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':2176}">
<div bis_size="{"x":16,"y":1995,"w":653,"h":36,"abs_x":485,"abs_y":2154}">
This eastern conference held me up and after deliberating for a few days there are still unanswered questions. I will be firming this up before the season starts. </div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':8,'w':653,'h':27,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':143}">
<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':1997,'w':653,'h':18,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':2132}">
<div bis_size="{'x':16,'y':2049,'w':653,'h':18,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':2212}">
<div bis_size="{"x":16,"y":2031,"w":653,"h":18,"abs_x":485,"abs_y":2190}">
<br bis_size="{'x':16,'y':1997,'w':0,'h':17,'abs_x':485,'abs_y':2132}" /></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
TigerTurfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14359764110928059937noreply@blogger.com39