http://medicinehatnews.com/sports/local-sports/2014/11/01/hobbs-rathjen-both-out-of-the-fold/
Hobbs was a late cut last year and made the World under 17's this past summer. The Tigers have 5 Defenceman who are 19+ yrs, and I guess he wasn't happy playing 3rd line minutes. Their have been some good comments and discussion in the comments section so I have decided to make a post on this.
My Thoughts
First I want to say we as fans don't know what he was going through. Their could have been behind the scenes factors; Maybe he wasn't getting along in the dressing room? Maybe he didn't agree with the coaches style of play or they were trying to alter his game?
Maybe he wasn't getting along with the billets? Maybe he was just having a tough time figuring himself out? Their are a lot of external factors we don't know about. Maybe he was just shy and didn't know how to express his thoughts and this is his way of dealing with it. Maybe he is getting bored of hockey and thought a trade would spice things up?
It very well could have been an agent pushing in his ear. Maybe one of his goals is getting drafted and feels like in his current situation he wasn't playing at a level in which that could happen. Can you really blame someone for trying to improve his situation where he wasn't happy? If that is the case I respect his decision.
I hope that he has thought about his decision carefully, because sometimes you don't realize how good you may have it until it is no longer there.
I believe that if he has never had any previous discussions about his situation with the Tigers, I would be extremely disappointed in how he handled it. If that was the case it would be better if he left this season, than perhaps later on where he would have been in a position of being more depended on. Next season he would have been guaranteed top 4, perhaps even top 2 with the turnover on the back-end.
Getting drafted is just the first step. Getting signed is what counts.
Connor Hobbs Future
If his goal is to get drafted this year, is a walk-out really the best option? The Tigers look to have one of the better teams in the league this year. Having a solid supporting cast can help make yourself look good. When you have forwards making themselves available for passing options, it looks a lot better than having no options and getting forced to eat the puck to a turn-over. Scouts are pretty damn smart and can tell the difference of a good player behind good experience, this league is highly scouted.
He will leave a decent hockey situation, with uncertainty as to when he will play next and where he will play next. If he doesn't get dealt until Christmas or January, he won't have had a lot of viewings by scouts and he will have missed a little bit of development time. If you look at the players with less WHL experience they don't get drafted that often, or if they do generally a lower pick.
If the reputation comes out that he never formally talked about being unhappy that could also damage his reputation. At the beginning of the season I would have initially pegged him as a possible 3-5th round pick. With the level of his play this season I would have considered a 6-7th round selection, possibly just a camp invite selection. Connor wasn't playing like he could, and has more potential than what he has been showing.
I'm trying to be impartial here, and being a big Tigers fan that's probably impossible. I think he benefits is if he gets traded, plays first/second line minutes and becomes an integral part of a teams core defense. If he is thrown into a situation where he is eating 2nd line minutes and is playing inconsistent, then this move does nothing for him and could potentially damage his case.
Blessing in Disguise
The Tigers now have a valuable piece to acquire help in any area they feel weak in. With the injury to Eisenschmid their overall scoring depth may need boosting. Matt Staples suddenly has new life and may fit in the picture as a needed defenceman again.
120 comments:
Think the Tigers have the assets to acquire Reinhart?
He seems almost certain to get dealt if Kootenay remains in the basement
No
Petan would be a great target
Very good post Tiger Turf! Well thought out. I wish Hobbs all the best. Sometimes it is not easy being so young away from home.
As an athlete who left home at 14 I understand how tough it is. But at the same time I knew that if I wanted to "make it" I needed to think of how I behaved, respecting teams, coaches and organisations and my actions. Him leaving in an abrupt manner was well in control and he handled it in a very bad manner. It will not look good on him, he comes across as a selfish player who lacks respect for teammates and the organisation. If I were looking to obtain a defence man I am not sure those are qualities I want, if fact, I really dont want those in my dressing room. Too bad, loved this kid, all the talent in the world. But attitude can sink a guy.
Excited to see what we get for him. And I imagine that someone will be excited to get on a top ranked team as I am guessing we will be trading with a bottom feeder.
This explains a bit:
http://www.gofundme.com/gls6f8
But unless he is wanting a trade to Saskatoon and Saskatoon only, I do not get this move really.
I thought Langhamer stopped more quality shots than Bow most of the shots on Bow were from far away. I really like the evolved hard work and play of Labelle and Rassel of late!
I liked the young kids out there, they were all playing really well..
Just when I thought Cox was taking a step in the right direction to get out of his slump he had a terrible game effort wise. Anything other than going to the net on the rush his effort bombs. I didn't like him on the ice in the last few minutes of the game.
I agree with Rassel he has caught my eye the last couple games.
Judge Judge Judge....
Connors mother was in a terrible car accident and he MAY in fact have gone home to help his family.
He is being judged as a quitter terrible in the dressing room, self centered only cares about himself.
Show him some respect. He is just a kid and he is dealing with many emotions.
In fact he is a team player and went home to look after the most important team he has, his FAMILY.
I challenge all you to go to the gofund web site and donate to the cause.
I pray that Connor and his family find some solace in this accident.
Hockey isn't first in all cases.
Head coach and general manager Shaun Clouston says on Wednesday, Hobbs approached the coaching staff, expressed his desire to be traded, and parted ways with the team.
Just pointing out the slight difference that is the "asking to be traded part"
I think if he said he was going home to take care of his family and mother everyone here would highly respect that as hockey is just a game.
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I can't imagine what he is feeling right now. His world has probably flipped upside down. I hope he has some strong support to help him through this difficult time.
You called it a walkout...
You also said that you hope he thought of his decision carefully.
His mother was in a terrible car accident and as a classy organization Im sure the Tigers got him some emotional help to deal with it.
If he asked to get traded. Oh well. Lets support him in what he is dealing with. I see on this blog way too many comments on off ice hearsay.
Im not pointing the finger at you at all Im making a statement at most of the comments on here about this KID yes KID who is dealing with an emotional situation that has absolutely nothing to do with hockey and yet he is being judged on it as it is a hockey situation.
The Tigers keep their comments close to their vest. Heck you don't get word on injuries let alone something of this nature.
I know if I was 17 and my mom had an accident I sure as hell would be home with her. I don't think my hockey career would take precedent.
Pray for his family
I know your not targeting this at me whlfan
Their are 2 separate issues here. Combining them into 1 (while they may be related) is taking the issue out of context and putting it on top of the other.
1. Going home after an unfortunate accident.
2. Demanding outright a wish to be traded.
I think all Tiger fans would agree that going home and visiting with family if something unfortunate happened would be expected and I think everyone of us would support any players decision to do so.
2. This is a different matter altogether. (take out anything about the personal life)
- How this is handled can affect someones career. If a player wasn't happy and expressed that and nothing was done I fully support his decision.
If this was something that was sudden and abrupt...why not talk about it first? or let his intentions be known that he wasn't happy. Both parties suffer when communication doesn't flow. Clouston said that was the first he had heard about it, so the communication was obviously not there. Maybe the Tigers could have been better at communication by having little informal get-together's to know a players feelings..but maybe they do, and this was out of the blue.
I would think that most of the comments that are disappointed in him are because of the abruptness of what happened. In that case I hope he thought about it carefully and I would consider it a walkout.
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Also about Trevor Cox
One person keeps leaving messages apparently not liking my comments on him but fails to explain why, instead lashes out with insults. I've ran this blog for 4-5 years now and those comments slide of my shoulder but if you want them posted explain why without personal insults.
I agree that I think Cox he is a good WHL player. I don't suddenly have a hate towards him at all. I WANT HIM TO SUCCEED. I remember when he came into the league as a 16 yr old, and after an intrasquad game I made a comment saying I thought he wasn't ready for the league and he proved me wrong. As a 17 yr old his game stalled for a bit, but completely turned it around in his 18 yr old season from a depth player to a dangerous player.
This season I don't believe Cox is performing up to his abilities, and that is why these comments are made. I see in his game that he is taking the same shortcuts that Hunter Shinkaruk took last year. When I see his legs not moving, and him sauntering up towards the play I don't like seeing that. Maybe there is a reason why a player like Markus and Owre have more goals than him this season, yet Cox outscored them both by wide margins last year.
Now I do notice that he is taking on more of a playmaking role this season and I like that about his offensive game. It's his 2nd efforts in the neutral zone and defensive zone that I don't like. He used to be a player that was consistent and reliable for getting the puck out of his own zone. For a player his size that was a massive strength.
Suddenly that has disappeared from his game altogether. He has been getting easier to hit because he is not moving his legs, and he is stalling going into contact situations. I feel that he is playing with footsteps in his head.
Totaly aggree about Cox TT He needs to speed it up instead of hearing footsteps. He was a toe drag master last year and buried goals by sniping the corners hardcore last year.
I'm sure young Mr Hobbs has lots going on emotionally after his moms accident. Best wishes to the family and a speedy recovery for His mom.
I'm told from a pretty good source that his decision to leave goes back to last year, and has carried over to this season. What happened with his mom just may have been the tipping point.
I would agree somewhat with your take on Cox but would add that teams are paying a lot more attention to him this year as well and at times looks a bit frustrated with it. Another thing would be, hit the damn net, can't believe the number of times he's had decent scoring chances and he misfires.
No one has said that they are angry because he went home to see his mom. But according to the paper and evidenced by his sudden departure, his departure was not due to his mom. Had he come in and told the coaching staff he needs to leave now because his mom was in an accident, the whole team, manangement and fans would be behind him. No question! But leaving after being sat 2 games, coming in and just saying, I am done, well, that is why he has left a bad taste in everyones mouth. He took the low road. Showed disrespect to the tigers, his teammates, the fans and hockey as a sport. I have nothing but well wishes and prayers for his mom. I hope she makes a fast and full recovery. But that does not change how I think he handled his situation.
Cox is not playing like when we was on fire last year. He seems shy in the dirty areas. I am hoping he keeps fighting through it and his game will turn around. Talented kid, hard worker - that will pay off
Good on Curtis Valk Echl player of the month!! I want a Kalamazoo Jersey!!
Valk should not be in the ECHL. I hope this wakes up the Vancouver system and get this guy back to Utica. Vancouver made a mistake not signing him to an NHL contract. I hope some other NHL team steps up and offers Valk a NHL contract. If any kid can make it, it is him! The guy outplayed Shinkaruk and Hovart in camp, of course he is ECHL player of the month!
Sick of hearing about Hobbs quitting, sick of a quitter getting so much attention. I hope they take a long long looooooong time before trading him. Sitting at home getting dust on the skates may wake him up. I am sure that will do wonders for his NHL draft ranking too - dont bite the hand that feeds you.
I am more interested to see how this team is pulling through with injuries and a short bench. There are some pretty special and hard working guys on that team. Committed every night to the system and getting wins. Lets not forget the the guys on the ice, in the tiger uniform who are giving it their all! Go tigers go!
Valk is better than shinkaruk wasnt he a first team all star and hunter was 2nd?
Greg Chase of the Calgary Hitman has been sent home to await a trade. Chase is 19 and put up 35 goals last year.
Also Dakota Conroy from PG (20) is at home awaiting a trade.
The Pipeline blog is reporting that their are potentially a bunch of big name players available....So perhaps this year is a Buyer's market.
I would caution Tiger fans who are thinking the team is going to parlay Hobbs into a blue chip player like Greg Chase or Morgan Klimchuk straight across. Don't think that's going to happen without the Tigers sweetening the pot. Hobbs is still an unproven player with an upside but most teams don't trade away their top guys for what could be's.
I don't know If I completely agree with that.
He was at the world under 18's and listed as a C prospect on the initial scouting rankings...Normally being under-experienced I would consider unproven but being at this tournament, and seeing his ability over 20 games says otherwise.
The unfortunate thing is that he may not have been highly scouted from other WHL teams and they have no more chances to do that.
Usually the high profile players go for 2 for 1, or 3 for 1 deals. I would agree that straight up would be difficult to do....however it may be possible if some of those names out there don't move, or another team can't offer more than say a Hobbs and a pick would get, although that may be unlikely.
Tigers will not make a huge splash. Never do.
Would like to see a guy come in with potential for 25-ish goals. Younger side, 18 maybe.
This team has potential in years to come, with Queninville, Schultz, Hamblin, Jevne, Schneids etc I think this team has a lot of potential. Dont blow it for one trade this year. Get a steady guy who can chip in. Tigers look good, would not want to lose a lot of that.
Hobbs could have value to bottom teams having problems with keeping pucks out of their net. I think his trade value will be lower given he quit on his team. Attitude plays into his value. He lower it.
But someone will still take a risk. I am glad the tigers are taking their time, get someone worthwhile to the team.
I dont think Tigers will get Petan or Reinhart. Not sure but they are taking their time. I imagine they are trying to find an offensive guy. Please please please let him have some size.
http://www.thestarphoenix.com/sports/Blades+Hitmen+head+coaches+share+strong+bond/10357888/story.html
From the article...
"...Hobbs's agent Jason Davidson.
Davidson said Jackie's (his Mom) accident had no bearing on Hobbs - a member of Canada's Ivan Hlinka under-18 team this summer - requesting a trade."
Hobbs was the least talented of the 3 rookies, so see ya, dont let the door hit you on the way out.
Lets bring in some fresh scoring blood!
This selfishness seems to be a problem around the league. Having been a billet for a lot of years I do notice that this younger generation feels entitled. There is a lack of respect, gratitude and humility. They all come in thinking they are hot stuff and the world revolves around them. It did not use to be this way. I think this attitude is a problem and we are seeing it across all teams. I just wish they would get it through their heads ITS NOT ALL ABOUT YOU, ITS ABOUT THE TEAM!
Wonder if the TIgers would consider targeting a guy like Gropp from Seattle? I think he would be a great addition
Good gritty win in Moose Jaw! Ugly but showed heart coming back from 2-0 down with a terrible start.
Can't continue playing with only 10 forwards. With Marcus and Anthony out long term and Mason Shaw having year ending knee surgery they need to add some bodies. Good to see the defence stepping up and chipping in with the scoring. Time for someone other than Butcher, Sanford and Owre to star helping out in the goal scoring department or the wins will start drying up.
Hobbs could net a good 18 year old power forward, what's interesting is if we keep staples as a 19 year old utility Dman that can play forward or do we trade for a 17 year old Dman that we rotate in with Schultz and Quennvielle? Tigers have a lot of picks and options going into the future if they want to make the team potentially really good
I agree we need other guys to step up. Probably #1 being Cox. I think he was expected to be a guy to put the puck in the net this year. So far I have not even really noticed him on the ice. Hope he can find his scoring again.
ANother guy who I thought might chip in a bit more is Penner. He is an awesome hard work guy. And he does have the scoring ability, but it just does nto seem to be happening so far. Has been hurt so hopefully now that he is back he can have a break out season. I think we all have been waiting for it.
Mowbray has played really well, he works hard, would like to see more goals come his way.
Can the tigers not pull up a couple guys? Surely we could pull up Skapski for defence or Jevne or someone on forward. Other teams seem to do it, why do the tigers never seem to do it.
Hope something is in the works to get rid of Hobbs. Not that I care much what happens for him, but I think this team could use a power forward and I hope one is coming our way.
Why not pull Brad Forrest up as your 17 year old Dman? He has been good in camp and just missed the team cut because of the depth. But I think we already have that Dman. Or Skapski (16 year old).
Chad Labelle is a energy guy and I like some of what he brings. But at his age, I would expect he needs to contribute more then just energy. He is a minus player, so it is not that he is great at keeping the puck out of the net like Bredo. I am just not sure why he is still with the team. I think the tigers could move him for something or package him with Hobbs.
Bring up Forrest. He is an excellent defenceman with an offensive upside. Would fit in nice.
I agree, Cox needs to step up.
Penner, Labelle and Mowbray are the only others who are vets now, they need to step it up too.
Rassell and Fischer are young, tough to ask much of them at this stage. They are playing well and keeping pucks out of the net, as rookies I do not think you can ask too much more. Rassell is showing good hustle and net presence, often creating a play out there, with time he will be rewarded.
Going to miss Shaw when he goes for surgery, been a real good addition.
I agree with pulling up Forrest.
I hear through good sources that the tigers are interested in a higher performing forward. Have not heard names thrown around tho.
Most brutal give away infront of the tigers net by Labelle. Cant have that happening. Terrible terrible. Let MJ into the game.
After the second here in the barn, gotta say, we need more players. Guys look tired and that is what has caused some goals for MJ. More players would make it so there guys are not on the ice all the time.
Need to get that trade done!
Labelle with bad turn over tonight but is good penalty killer. Penner is similar to him but more talented. But we need bodies so I dont see him going anywhere right now.
2 games against MJ, not sad we traded Jensen.
MJ are thugs, the crap they pulled jumping Sandford was disgusting. There should have been a misconduct called on that.
MJ goalie is terrific. Hope he is ok!
I wonder if they are not going to hold off on the Hobbs trade until they get Marcus and Ast back to see how they play with a fuller line-up. Then make a trade based on what a full team looks like.
We need a guy with some size. Sanford was assaulted out there. I can see why Clouston was wild, terrible on the MJ players part. Should have been kicked out.
The zebras missed a brutal call. Owre was speared in the groin off the faceoff. We could hear his scream from the top off the stands.
Moose Jaw has a chippy team.
They jumped two of our guys, speared one in the nuts....and the Tigers got the penalties
What game were these refs watching?
Chippy is an understatement
Heard a couple of things regarding Hobbs tonight. First was that Red Deer has shown some interest and secondly he is contemplating returning to Medicine Hat.
Moose Jaw is chippy and cheap. We will savour those 4 points losers
Schneider is now 11-0 for the Tigers. he hasn't lost a game yet.
I thought Alex Mowbray was one of the best Tigers on the ice. I thought Cox had a better game overall.
Sanford got in a rare fight. Was in the corner and only caught a glimpse. But I won't be surprised to hear the Bias of the MJ announcers loving the outcome.
I'm not sure what happened to the MJ Goalie??????
It looked like his knee/leg gave out?? It is kinda rare that a goalie has to be taken out of the game..He was playing absolutely phenomenal..
Zach Sawchenko is a future star...kinda reminds me of Patrik Bartosak.
Sawchenko came out to visit after the game and had his ankle wrapped. He is an amazing young goalie, but let's not forget Schneids is 2-0 head to head with him :)
Assault on Sanford give you head a shake Point wasn't throwing any punches Sanford got the first punch in and then got absoultely worked, Sanford and Cox are two of the biggest talkers in this league hands down and without big guys to protect them, that will happen and that's all on Sanford he should of never dropped the gloves. As for the Cox incident, all you need to see is the guy for Moose Jaw involved and you won't be surprised. If the Tigers could swing Koelsar or Iverson from out West they would be great additions, don't like the idea of trading a good young Dman to a division team like Red Deer unless they give up a lot
Are the three stars picked by stats by a computer you would think Schneider would be in the stars he plays so sound in net.
Actually Sanford cross checked him, Point dropped his gloves and started punching. Sandford had his gloves on when the "fight" started.
You are allowed to talk, get under their skin, does not make it "ok" to jump a guy.
Spearing between the legs, never ok, dont care if you are chirping or not. That is bullsh*t.
Dont want to see Hobbs go to Red Deer, dont think he would like Sutter anyways. Likely the tigers are holding out to send him out West or to an East team.
I would not mind if he came back. Probably his best bet. He is on a good team already, he will earn his time on the ice. He just has to be patient and grow up a bit. Sounds like this week as home has been helping him do that.
Longtimefan - any indication of which way he was leaning or if the tigers were happy to send him to the Rebels?
RE:04Forever said...
Just watched the video, Cole was engaged with another player when Point went after him. Sanford had no interest in fighting but had to defend himself after Point kept hitting him with glove on. Props for Cole for standing up for himself. As far as him and Cox being talkers I defy you to find a player in the league that isn't.
No, that I don't know but I would guess that the team would welcome him back if he wants to do that. Mending fences with his teammates would be his biggest challenge. Proving to them that he wants to be here after walking out won't be easy.
Last nights game did get chippy but it was chippy on both sides. The play I didn't like was Olynyks spear to the groin of Owre which should have been called. Both Cox and Sandford give out their share of hacks and whacks behind the play so eventually someone is going to challenge them and that happened last night. Live by the sword...........For the record, I like the way Moosejaw plays.
On the post game show last night Joey Frazer made the comment that Eisensmids injury wasn't as bad as first suspected and there is a possibility he could play next weekend which is good news.
Is anyone noticing inconsiderate fans getting up during the middle of the play?
I Find it's becoming a problem.
Yes, people infront of me in section 6 continue to get up mid play. So rude. I and others have yelled at them and they don't seem to care. No manners.
I have noticed a lot of new fans inconsideratly moving during play too. Maybe the announcer could announce it during the game to teach fans proper etiquete.
I thought Rroary got traded good to see him back from India.
I have also noticed quite a few fans moving about during play. I wonder if they could mention this over the PA at the start of the periods like anon @ 12:20 mentioned..
I agree with Longtimefan. Both Sanford and Cox look to have quite the mouth on them, but that is part of their game getting under the skin of the opposition and scoring, and I like that about them. Eventually something will happen, but I also liked Lewington coming over and breaking that scrum up.
I'ts unfortunate that the Tigers and Moose Jaw don't clash again until march. Was an entertaining game.
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Schultz keeps impressing me. By the end of the season this guy could potentially be an early to mid round NHL Pick.
We saw him get undressed by Brayden Point (first time I remember seeing that happen to him), but instead of sauntering back or feeling dejected he made a beeline for the open guy and prevented the shot on a cross ice pass.
I hope Connor decides to rejoin th e tigs I think he is an awesome upcoming defenseman.
I agree. I would like him to return. I think both parties would benefit - he would be a huge part of the future of this defence.
But if he is traded I hope we get a power forward in return. I just hate the waiting for a trade to occur.
I would think that if Hobbs was contemplating returning to the Tigers he would make his decision soon. You would think that the tigers would also want a decision soon so they can move on with him or look at trade options. I just find it odd that this is all taking so long. Wonder if the tigers put any timelines for Hobbs in deciding if he is going to return or not.
Langhammers new bucket is paying tribute to Bob Ridley and the arena. Nice to see him put so much thought into it, will be a helmet that the fans really love.
Also nice to see that schneids will not have a plain white helmet, nice to have our good goalies looking good on the ice.
Keep it up guys!
I hope he comes back.
I am really excited about this team. I think they really have true potential to do something in playoffs. Yes, there will be some tweeking but I really think the core is there. I hope Hobbs wants to be part of that. I think it would be something special. But if not, I am eager to see what the tigers get for him. I think the tigers have the ability to either have a good defenceman or get a piece that they feel is missing - really this is a good situation to be in. Not sure I would like to see Chase come this way, I hear there is an attitude problem there. But, I hope whatever happens it improves the tigers!
Go tigers go!
This trade or return is painfully slow......
Tigers will get 2 of their youngsters back.
Quenneville had a goal and 2 assists, 10 PMS, in 5 games.
Mason Shaw had 1 assist, 2 PM in 5 games
Curtis Valk was called up to Utica Comets (AHL)
Isn't Shaw done for the season with knee surgery?
Ah your right. 1 youngster back.
So I am guessing because we have not heard of Hobbs return that he is not returning. So wonder when the trades will occur?
Any news on if Hobbs has made a decision? Or I guess if the Tigers have made a decision as well - they may not want to take him back.
Longtimefan....... any updates? You seem to be the only one who knows anything.
They said they were going to take their time. Be patient, no need to rush, they have time to scout.
Yes, with the trade they will be patient. But I was guessing if Hobbs returned he would decide sooner as opposed to later.
Seems as if all is quiet now. I would think if he was thinking of coming back it would have happened by now. Trade wise, the Tigers probably feel that the return they've been offered isn't what they feel is adequate for this player. I've heard some people say the Tigers are trying to make a point and are dragging their feet in the process,but I believe if they were the league would become involved and push them to get something done.
A number of guys are sitting at home waiting for a trade. Not just Hobbs. I dont think the tigers are dragging their feet, I think they are waiting, searching and negotiating for the right player.
I, for one, think it would have been tough for Hobbs to be rejoined into the room. Guys take leaving the team seriously and I think it is likely best they part ways.
Looked like none of the tigers wanted to play in Regina. Terrible game, terrible effort. Hated watching that game, shut off the feed at 4-2, was a waste of time.
We need to trade Hobbs for a forward, almost a blessing the guys is a quitter, we needed someone to step out to get a scoring forward.
Crap game. No one other then Schneider showed up.
Tigers really need Ast and Eishensmeid back. Big hit to the team. These guys can not keep playing short and be expected to win.
Play short? beside eishensmeid who the tigers do miss, you are playing the players tigers play night in night out. Interesting as Regina is very young and in an interview the pats coaches said they will sacrifice wins early in the year to play everyone and develop as a team and be better after Xmas. Tigers play 2 forward lines and 4-5 dmen. We win and loose with those players, on nights when we win it's fine nights we loose we need more players or big power forwards. When those 2 lines are + tigers win, when they are - tigers loose. Tigers don't play the other two lines enough to allow them to get on a role or develop into the game. If the 4th line scored every shift they were on the ice tonight Tigers still loose tonight cause I don't think they had 6 shifts all game. The 3rd line barley more......easy math as far as I see it...so tonight we need more players and some power forwards. Tomorrow night we win the team will be just fine.
Ast...... look at the injury list
I had no idea the 3rd line had anything to do with barley - were they eating it on the bench? Maybe that is why the barely played.
I think it has been generally agreed upon that tigers need a power forward, win or not.
THey lost tonight because they did not show up to play. Plain and simple.
They were in Sask so not surprising that barley was on the bench. Was there wheat and oats too? Maybe some legumes?
Good luck to the Tigers today! Go tigers go! Lets get a win!
Why no Butcher in the SO? I thought Stanton was an odd choice. Shaw is shifty would have popped him in before Stanton
I thought someone would know how to deke!
That was some of the worst SO attempts I have ever seen.
Agree, why was Butcher not out there?
I like the team but really would like to see another talented forward added. Still missing 16 which sure hurts us and Ast should bring a bump to the line up. But really think this team has what it takes to go deeper into playoffs, just think another forward is in order.
Interesting as Seattle must also not see a great use for Allen, he is riding the pine there like he did with the tigers. Good trade
Anthony Ast has played 27games as a Tiger, has 17pts. Why do people think he wil be a savior for this team. He has never completed a whole season.
He is not a savior but has an offensive upside bigger then Fischer who is playing because he is off.
There's a reason vancouver didn't want a former first round bantam pick, but hey he has offensive upside when he's in the line-up. Why are you comparing him to a 17yr old first year player.
Based on last years stats Butcher has no offensive upside either. Pull him off the ice.
I agree about the comparison, because Ast is not in the line up then Fisher is. Ast had 17 points in 27 games, actually, not bad at all - he adds a point every 0.6 games. And that was last year, would reasonable expect he would improve which makes him a close possibility to 1 0.75 - 1 point per game. That IS offence. Would rather see a guy with 17 points in 27 games a year ago compared to a guy with none. Simple math dude.
In regards to Ast's production it would be hard to calculate. I don`t take his production last year into high consideration in what he could do this year. He hasn`t played more than 42 games in a season, he hasn`t scored more than 17 points in a season...to me that is a bit hard to say he will be a point per game player when he comes back mid-season after having missed the first half.
I would consider a wide margin .5-1 PPG an accurate estimate. (more likely in the middle of that)
I think he would feed off the scoring my committeé small forward group the Tigers have. He does seem like a player that is more likely to finish his chances, and would provide some good oomf into the lineup.
I don`t like the comparison for Ast to Fischer either, and have deleted a couple comments regarding that.
I would be ecstatic that if he returned to the lineup he could put up a 1 ppg pace for the rest of the season and playoffs.
I dont care how many points, like the guys energy. Always happy to have another energetic player back. Liked Fischer so far, I think the experience is good for him.
Ast will be back Saturday night
Happy to hear Ast will be back! Regardless, I like the guy and the energy he brings! Never bad having a guy like that in the line-up!
butcher is out after being cheapshotted in the back of the head while he was on his knees by j. quenneville didn't come back sfter the 2nd
Darn. Get one back and loose another.
So that is why he was not in the shoot out. I thought it was a pretty cheap hit. Too bad, he was doing so well. I am guessing this means concussion which is really not good.
Any word if Marcus is returning to the line-up? Really need that guy back!
Go tigers go! Redemption for the loss in RD.
Liking the way they played tonight. Few too many penalties at the end but overall, great game.
Really like our young guys and love how much time they are getting on the ice.
Interesting that the trade front is all quiet. There are a few decent names sitting at home collecting dust on their skates. I have to think that since nothing has been delt by now is there a chance that teams are holding out for trade deadline. WHich means that guys like Hobbs and Chase might be sitting until January. There are not that many games left until Christmas and teams still seem to sitting on what they have. If it is the case that Hobbs and Chase and such as sitting until January, well, it would seem that the choice for Hobbs was a poor one. Not sure he will get drafted after sitting for 2 months. Shame of a situation.
Hope the tigers can keep it rolling tonight. Good luck to the boys in Koot.
Good lord the Hitmen now have Kanzig too the Tigers are looking tiny now, due to playoff format the Tigers will need to beat Oil Kings and deal with Baddock and the Hitmen who we saw how he was with Cox and Sanford....
Hobbs is playing in Nipiwan sjhl now
Is it not liability to have him playing where he could get hurt and affect trade value? I do not know how the business works totally but I was just surprised to see that. Hope they can move him soon so he is playing WHL and the tigers add a new guy - making everyone happy.
Ast was listed as playing last night, did not get to watch the game but listened to a bit. Did he actually play?
I am hoping a trade is in the works for the tigers, but I think it might be delayed until they are able to play with a full team to see where their needs are.
Hobbs not listed on Nipiwan roster
Hobbs information on Taking note blog site for you. Nipawin hawks site updated monthly for you non believers.
Both Ast and Butcher were listed as playing but neither did
Think his trade value would be more affected by sitting home on the couch. At least this way teams have the ability to see him play.
Connor Hobbs is now playing in the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League for the Nipawin Hawks, I have watched him play twice so far and he seems to be fitting it quite well. The Hawks are happy to have him for now... hopefully he can help at least for this season as we know he is going to go back the WHL next year, if not sooner. He was playing a lot of minutes in the games that I watched, he went into the dressing room after the 2nd period on Sunday and did not return. Not much but heard that it was a lower body injury.
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