Social media overload

When I was asked to take the job as broadcaster for the HarbourCats I was told the job would be far more than calling the games day in and day out. I would be responsible for most of the game day video, interviews, team specials, etc. This would require lots of time behind and pocket recorder and a camera. This hasn't been a responsibility of mine on this scale before. I relish the challenge, and I am excited for the work ahead. A vast majority of the content I will produce will be fed through the HarbourCats website, game day scoreboard, social media, and during the broadcasts themselves. Then I made the decision to also feed lots of other content through my own social media. Twitter is the main account I use for work, but I figured it would be best if I expand on that. So I dove in head first into several other sites to expand the teams footprint. I will be using Youtube for videos that are made by myself of the team. I will also do my best to do a Vlog recapping the HarbourCats games and events throughout the season. SoundCloud is a great place for me to place any interviews I do with coaches, media, players, or anyone else I come across. Instagram is just a place for me to toss up fun candid pictures of the team and fans as we travel all season. These are empty for now, but it will fill up very fast as the season is fast approaching. If you use any of these be sure to give me a follow and I can get you the best HarbourCats content all season!

Twitter
Youtube
Instagram
SoundCloud


Note: I also made a change to the name of my blog for the upcoming baseball season. I will have a very similar view for baseball as I do in hockey, but it won't be as frozen.

Another year in the books and some exciting news.

After another whirlwind year of hockey I get a few weeks off from broadcasting before I get to start all over again with baseball. I am very proud to announce that I have been added to the Victoria Harbourcats team as their new Play-By-Play Broadcaster. This is an incredible opportunity for myself as I will be elevating my game to the professional level. I couldn't be happier about spending hundreds of hours throughout the season on a bus driving to different towns all over BC, Washington, and Oregon. Broadcasting somewhere around 3,146 games in 3 months (slight exaggeration, but the number is close), and watching more Ball than most people have done in their whole life. Toss in a few (dozen) park hot dogs and I can't think of a better way to spend a summer, can you? This is exactly the chance I have been hoping to get for years.

Over a decade ago when I started in amateur internet radio I never would have imagined that I would be broadcasting baseball at this level. Radio in the beginning was something fun and different to play with, it never was going to be a career possibility. I spent a vast majority of my teenage years looking at law enforcement as my career path. Then things started to open up for me in sports. The Victoria Cougars, UVIC Vikes, Midget A Provincials, and more that I can't even remember, were asking me to broadcast or announce their events and games. Then I got the chance to meet with Jim Swanson of the Harbourcats. That's when my career goals shifted.

Everything I will be doing for the Harbourcats I can bring back to the Cougars. This was a year for change, and growth. I was able to be part of upgrading the broadcast for the Victoria Cougars from a simple audio webcast to a full pay per view video broadcast. There have been growing pains of course, when isn't there when you make a huge change? It took quite a bit of work from many people at the Cougars to get the booth up and running. We went out and purchased new banners for the booth to give it a much better look. We also needed to build custom cabinets for all the broadcast equipment. Unfortunately we were only able to get a single camera up for this season, which we hope to expand on next year. My vision for the broadcast next season sees 3 cameras and a switcher that will allow us to seamlessly bounce back and forth from all 3 cameras. Have a fixed camera at each end that will show the entirety of the offensive zone, and a free flowing camera with cameraman following the play much like this year, but from centre ice. Whether we get this or not is to be seen, but it's definitely on our radar.

I will do everything I can to make the Harbourcats broadcast one of, if not the best broadcast in the Westcoast League this year. I have an amazing group of people at the Harbourcats to lean on for support and experience. I will learn plenty with this amazing baseball team this year, and have lots of fun doing it. The Cougars are excited about this as well, because their broadcast will get better because of it.

I want to personally thank everyone at the Cougars for another awesome season. I'd also like to thank my peers in the VIJHL for giving me some fun interviews. This has been a great year, but I think next year will be even better. Hockey season might almost be over, but baseball is just getting started.

Unfinished Business

Jackson Penney's 4 Championship banners hanging in Panorama will have to wait for a 5th. After another hard fought year, the Victoria Cougars have won the Brent Patterson Memorial Trophy for the 3rd straight year. The Peninsula Panthers put up one hell of a fight that lasted 6 games. I originally predicted the Cougars would win in 5, and the series could have easily gone that way, with either team being the victor.

The Cougars came out flying in game 1 and showed everyone why they are the top team in the VIJHL. The very next game though, the Panthers showed unreal tenacity by coming back from being down 3-0 to win in double OT. The Panthers would win again in overtime for game 3. Now a series that could have just as easily been 3 games to 0 for Victoria, was 2 games to 1 for Peninsula. Victoria was on their heals, and Peninsula was flying. If the Panthers won game 4, to take a 3-1 series lead, the Cougars would have had a very hard time coming back. Momentum is everything in playoff hockey. Victoria would have none of that. Rattling off 3 straight wins to capture the title in exciting fashion.

The Victoria Cougars are heading to the Cyclone Taylor Cup for a 3rd year in a row. For the previous 2 years, the had to settle for silver. I know that isn't good enough for this club. They have unfinished business when it comes to the provincial championship for junior B hockey. I have long believed it's better to win bronze than lose to take silver. This team on the other hand, has zero desire to take anything that isn't gold home.

Last season many believed that the Cougars team that went to Comox to play in the CTC was the outright favorite to win due to the sheer dominance they showed all season. I still think that that dominance was their downfall. The Cougars last year walked all over the VIJHL and faced little to no adversity. When they made it the Cyclone Taylor tournament, they faced much stronger competition and they weren't ready for it. The VIJHL this season showed amazing parity with several teams contending for the title all year long. This allowed the Cougars to actually scratch and claw for their wins. When they head to Nelson they will be far more prepared to face the stiff mainland competition.

This whole year was a blast to call, and watch. I have seen some of the best games of hockey of my life this season. My year isn't done yet either, the best part of the season is yet to come.

Prediction: Victoria 4 - Peninsula 1
Result: Victoria 4 - Peninsula 2

The Stage Is Set - 2nd Round Recap - Finals Predictions

For the 4th year in a row, the Cougars are in the VIJHL Championship final. After defeating the Campbell River Storm in 5 games last week, Victoria has a few days to rest some wounds before they take on The Panthers starting Thursday.

The semi-final series versus the Storm was probably the hardest series the Cougars have faced in years. It may have only lasted 5 games, but it felt like 7. Every game was a battle. The Storm showed they have what it takes to compete among the best in this league. I predicted that this series would go 6 games, and it almost did. On more than one occasion the Storm almost took the win away from the Cougars. It wasn't an easy series for Victoria, even if the final was 4-1. Not a single game was a blow out, or one sided. This was the perfect example of what playoff hockey should be, exciting.

Prediction: Victoria 4 - Campbell River 2

Result: Victoria 4 - Campbell River 1

Last year the VIJHL had very little parity and the Cougars were able to walk all over every team on their way to the Cyclone Taylor Cup. When they made it to the Provincials they were faced with much harder opponents. They ultimately lost, and I think they couldn't win it all because there was no challenge during the season. They didn't know how to battle because they had no need to battle during the year. This year the Cougars had to earn their wins, against difficult teams. If they are to get past the Panthers in the finals this year I believe they have a much stronger chance of taking Gold home. 

In the other series Peninsula took it in 7 games. Coming back to win the final 2 games of the series, game 7 in double overtime. Comox shut out the Panthers 2 games in a row to make the series interesting, but in the end the scoring power of the Panthers was able to eliminate the Glacier Kings. I managed to predict the winner, but I got the end result backwards. I surmised that the Panthers would take the series in 6 games, with the possibility of Comox making the comeback to take it in 7 games. While that's what happened, it was Peninsula having to make the comeback. The Panthers were able to win despite the absolutely insane amount of penalties they have taken in the playoffs so far, 94 total.

Prediction: Peninsula 4 - Comox 2 (note: if this series goes 7 games, I think Comox takes it)
Result: Peninsula 4 - Comox 3

The finals will be a lot of fun to watch. The Cougars and Panthers have been bitter rivals for many years, and this isn't the first time these two have faced each other in the Championship final. This will be the 3rd time in 4 years they have played for all the marbles. With each team taking a win. Another interesting fact, every single year since 2001, except for 2005/2006, either the Cougars or the Panthers have made the finals. The Cougars have won the last two titles, with Peninsula taking the two prior. I fully expect a hard hitting rough series. Both teams will do what every it takes to win. I believe the ultimate outcome will come back down to special teams. The Panthers have taken 94 penalties so far during the post season, with Victoria only taking 36. While Peninsula has had an absurd number of penalties, I don't think that will be the end of the story. Peninsula only managed to score 6 powerplay goals in 74 chances, that's 8.11% versus 36.96% for Victoria. Being able to win against the Cougars will take powerplay goals. Both teams had decent goals for (VIC 44 PEN 40), but I honestly think the powerplay will be the tipping point. If the Panthers continue with their parade to the box, the Cougars should be able win the series in 5 games. If the Panthers want to win this series, they need to stop spending half the game in the penalty box. Victoria's defence has been huge so far during the playoffs, only allowing 16 goals against. Granted the series against Kerry Park skews this stat slightly. All in all, the series between Victoria and Peninsula will be lots of fun to watch, but I don't think the Panthers can stay out of the box.

Key to the series for VICTORIA - Graham Zagrodney - With the fire power of the Panthers, the Cougars will lean heavily as they have all year on the leagues best defender. Zagrodney will quarterback the top powerplay unit which should see lots of ice time. If Zagrodney continues his dominance on the blue line, the Cougars will be very hard to beat.

Key to the series for PENINSULA - Jackson Skerratt - While he doesn't lead the team in points, he does lead in goals and powerplay goals. If the Panthers want to win they will need to have Skerratt score and score often. The main reason I think Skerratt is a bigger threat to the Cougars than Milligan or Ball is that Jackson Skerratt has only 4 penalty minutes. He is managing to score goals and stay out of the box. If the Cougars can get under the skin of Milligan he will take penalties, but Skerratt will still be on the ice.

Prediction: Victoria 4 - Peninsula 1


The winner of this series will move on to the Cyclone Taylor Cup, and I know the Cougars have unfinished business.


Agree? Disagree? Sound off on Twitter! @VicPlaybyPlay

Schedule

Game 01  Thursday, Mar 20 at ABSC - 6:30 warm-up; 7:00 game time

Game 02  Friday, Mar 21 at Panarama - 7:00 warm-up; 7:30 game time

Game 03  Sunday, Mar 23 at ABSC - 6:00 warm-up; 6:30 game time 

Game 04  Monday, Mar 24 at Panarama - 7:00 warm-up; 7:30 game time

Game 05  Thursday, Mar 27 at ABSC - 6:30 warm-up; 7:00 game time

Game 06  Friday, Mar 28 at Panarama - 7:00 warm-up; 7:30 game time

Game 07  Sunday, Mar 30 at ABSC - 3 warm-up; 3:30 game time

First Round Recap, Second Round Predictions.

Well the first round of the VIJHL playoffs is in the books. No real surprises came out of the first round, as the 4 teams expected to win were all victorious. In fact, all 4 series' ended exactly as I predicted. Let's quickly recap the first round and then move onto the second.

Victoria vs Kerry Park

Prediction: Victoria 4 - Kerry Park 0
Result: Victoria 4 - Kerry Park 0

Peninsula vs Westshore

Prediction: Peninsula 4 - Westshore 1
Result: Peninsula 4 - Westshore 1

Comox vs Saanich

Prediction: Comox 4 - Saanich 0
Result: Comox 4 - Saanich 0

Campbell River vs Nanaimo

Prediction: Campbell River 4 - Nanaimo 2
Result: Campbell River 4 - Nanaimo 2


The second round will be a little for difficult to predict as far as who wins how many games. All 4 remaining teams have what it takes to win it all this year.

Victoria vs Campbell River

Again let's take a look at the series I know best. Victoria versus Campbell River. The season series between these two is split at 2-2, and I think that might carry over into the playoffs. These teams are evenly matched on many levels, but ultimately I believe Victoria has what it takes to finish this series off. Now, I might be slightly biased, okay I am completely biased, but I still believe it completely. Victoria has two goalies that can be the starter on any team in this league, and a defensive core that could give fits to most Junior A teams. Their powerplay is second to none, and basically everyone on the team can score. Although unlike the last series versus Kerry Park, I don't think special teams will be the deciding factor. The only team to have fewer penalties than Campbell River during the regular season was Victoria. This series will come down to solid by-the-book hockey, no funny stuff, but that's not to say it won't be rough. If Victoria is make this series shorter than the 6 games I think it can go, they need to win in Campbell River and shut down their top line, in front of a huge Storm fan base.

My pick for the player to have the biggest impact: Robert Zadra. Expect him to jump up from defence when he needs to, and to anchor the second power play unit. He can score, hit, and generally annoy his opponents to no end. I expect him to dominate the physical game on both sides for this series. Who said tough guys aren't allowed to score?

Prediction: Victoria 4 - Campbell River 2

Comox Valley vs Peninsula

This series is quite a bit different than the Victoria series. It can basically be a coin flip. I think this series has the potential to go 7 games if the Panthers can stay out of the box. Peninsula was the most penalized team in the league, but their PK is actually quite solid, after all they had lots of practice. The Panthers do hold a 3-1 season series advantage over the Glacier Kings, but I don't think that will be a huge factor. Both teams have been playing very well, and both teams dispatched their first round opponents quite easily. The main question I have, is there any Peninsula players suffering significant injuries from the series against Westshore? That series was akin to a gladiator battle for 5 games. If Comox is to win they may be in for a long brutal battle, not many teams can win against the Panthers in a physical game. I think if this series goes 7 games, Comox will win by virtue of the comeback momentum, and possibly having a healthier team.

My pick for the player to have the biggest impact: Grayson Vickers. If the Panthers bother to give him the ice time I think he deserves, he will cause all kinds of problems for the Glacier Kings. He's probably one of the biggest defencemen in the league who can also skate. I can see Vickers having his way with Comox, if he isn't being stuck on the bench for a player or two who aren't as solid.

Prediction: Peninsula 4 - Comox 2 (note: if this series goes 7 games, I think Comox takes it)

I have been saying for weeks now that Comox is my pick from the North to head to the finals, but I don't think they can get past the Panthers. If my predictions are as accurate for the second round as they were for the first, we should see the Cougars and Panthers in the finals once again.

Agree or disagree with my predictions? Sound off on Twitter! @VicPlaybyPlay


Come back in a few weeks for my final round predictions, regardless of who is playing, but in the mean time I am sure I will have more to say. I have been on a roll lately. It's still cold in the booth, but you can't beat the view.

Players seem to like to 'go out on top' when they lose.

After last nights win over Kerry Park in Mill Bay, the Victoria Cougars are moving onto the next round of the Playoffs en route to their 3rd straight Championship. Kerry Park was doomed right from the start of the series, unfortunately for them they had no chance. After posting a 8-0 record versus the Islanders this season, the Cougars cruised to a 4 game sweep, ending last night. While seeing the Cougars sweep any series is great for Victoria fans, there is a major problem with some of these teams. Herein lies the problem I have. Why must 20 year old junior players feel the need to 'go out on top' when they know they are about to lose? Prime example, Colton Burt. During game 3 in one of his frequent visits to the penalty box (he leads the league in penalty minutes in the playoffs, no points either) he was heard spouting that he is 20 with nothing to lose. Referring to game 4. Unfortunately for him he picked Liam Carradine to 'go out on top' which amounted to him mugging Carradine from behind and landing a few lame punches. He got tossed, Carradine stood up smiling. Why do these kids think it's cool to get tossed out of a game looking like a complete asshat? You accomplish nothing by trying to hurt another player except making yourself look like an idiot. Leave the game with some dignity, shake hands after it's over. Leave the ice at the end of you career knowing you gave it your all, and don't leave with you tail between you legs because you're not man enough to stand toe to toe with your opponent. By the way, I highly discourage standing toe to toe with Carradine, he's a tough SOB. That wasn't the only situation where Carradine was attacked from behind either. Gowenlock did an Oscar worthy impression of a Lumberjack on Carradine earlier too. I even had people calling him a turtle on Twitter, seriously? "@SASKRIDERS101 #turtlesdontfightback" I really hope you're either kidding or just like to insult people for no reason. How about you come over to me while I swing a hockey stick as hard as I can at your head, if you don't duck I'll buy you a beer, then have you committed because clearly you have something wrong with you. If Gowenlock wanted to fight Carradine like a man, I am quite sure he would have obliged. On another note Gowenlock isn't 20, he will see Carradine next year, after a few games suspension I would guess.

For all the people saying the Cougars players are cowards for not fighting, clearly you have never played for a team that tries to actually win games. The Coaching staff for Victoria teach discipline, and how to win. Which is clear by looking at the Cougars team penalty minutes and league rankings over the last few years. If a Cougars player drops the mitts it's because he has too, not because he just wants to fight. Watch the way they play, after every whistle the opponents are throwing punches and slashing, with Victoria smiling (See: Jo Davie), because they are about to get another PowerPlay. As far as I am concerned, if the other teams want to keep taking stupid penalties all game long, go for it, I like watching the Cougars score goals. With that being said, I don't see the remaining teams doing that as often as the first round. The four teams that will move on, all are coached very well and have solid teams. All of which can win. Playoff hockey is rough, fists will fly, emotions will boil over, even for Victoria. This is why we watch it.

After the Panthers and Glacier Kings series wins this week as well, we are just waiting for the winner of Nanaimo and Campbell River. Next week we will see the best of the VIJHL battle it out for a chance at playing in the finals.

I will have my first round recap early next week as well as my second round predictions to follow.

Let's just hope the remaining teams don't feel the need to hurt other players maliciously because they lose.

First Round Playoff Preview

Well after a crazy night last night, the first round of the VIJHL playoffs are set. In the South Division, Victoria will face Kerry Park, while Peninsula will take on Westshore. The North Division sees Comox face Saanich, and Campbell River face Nanaimo. I will lay out my predictions here, and when the first round has concluded I'll check back to see how close I was.

Victoria vs Kerry Park

May as well start off with the series I know best, Cougars and Islanders. This is probably only going to last 4 games, but Kerry Park has shown us this year they can tangle with the best teams in the league. If any of the two underdog teams facing a possible sweep in the first round, Kerry Park has the best chance to steal a game. With that said, I think it's and outside shot at best. The Cougars have dominated the Islanders all season posting a 8-0 record against the rivals from the Malahat.

Prediction: Victoria 4 - Kerry Park 0

Peninsula vs Westshore

This is probably going to be the roughest series to start the playoffs. Both these teams are hard hitting and don't mind dropping the mitts. If you asked me a week ago if Westshore had a chance I would have said yes, but not now. After the game the Wolves put up against Victoria last week, the Panthers should steam roll the Wolves now. Westshore came into Victoria and played a game like they had nothing to lose, which couldn't be further from the truth. They may have had an outside shot at stealing the series, but that was before the dismal game versus the Cougars. They were dirty, cheap, and played with out discipline. The Panthers can score, and they have a deadly Power Play.

Prediction: Peninsula 4 - Westshore 1

Comox vs Saanich

This is the other series I see only lasting 4 games. Saanich has basically given up on the season. They haven't played well for most of the season and most certainly not lately. Comox on the other hand has been playing very well, and they are my prediction to get into the finals from the North.

Prediction: Comox 4 - Saanich 0

Campbell River vs Nanaimo

This is the one series that I think will go the furthest. Nanaimo started the season very strong and then just fizzled. They don't have the depth that the Storm will carry into the regular season, and have some issues with penalties as well. With that said, I still think they can put up a few wins against Campbell River. If the Storm are able to hold off the Buccaneers in the first round, I'll look to the Storm as the sleeper in the playoffs to steal a series in the second round. Let's see if the Buccaneers can hold them off.

Prediction: Campbell River 4 - Nanaimo 2

Well that's my first round playoffs predictions, and it seems that the first round my be a short one for 4 teams this year, as there are 4 very strong contenders for the Championship this season. Check back after the first round is over and we will review my predictions, and then move on to the second round.

Player of the Week Drama

Disclaimer!!!
All content on this blog is my personal thoughts and feelings and nothing here should be taken as the opinion of my employers or the teams I am a part of. I am here just to ramble about random thoughts, not to start any controversy, usually. So chill, just read, or don't, I don't care. If I say something you don't like or agree with, tough.




Still here? Good, I have something I need to get off my chest.




Something I have been holding inside for a few years actually. The way the teams in the VIJHL view each other. Its brutal, and dare I say it quite sad. The fans and team personnel from each of the 9 teams are like warring nations that have no love or respect for each other. But instead of fighting it out like men on the battlefield, or the ice, they bitch and moan like children on Twitter.

Perfect example has been the past week. For the second week in a row a Cougars player was selected as the VIJHL Player of the Week. After this was released all Hell broke loose on Twitter. Fans, coaches, owners, and players alike starting calling the whole situation rigged and even going so far as to fake trade requests in order to get POW honors. The coach of the Panthers even said in response to the announcement of the POW, "good job! But other players are playing in the league other than Cougar players #justsoyouknow". This was said over Twitter and he has since deleted the Tweet, but I have a screen shot if anyone wants to see it. Now I can understand fans and even players being upset because they probably don't know how the selection process works, it's even possible that Brian Passmore doesn't know either. But the owner of a team who will remain nameless, but I'm sure you can guess who, ReTweeted this message, endorsing what was said. Want to know which owner? I'll give you a hint, he owns the Panthers. This man KNOWS how the POW player is selected. He has absolutely zero right to complain about a Cougars player being selected.

So now I'll tell you how its done. Every week each team is required to nominate their player of the week, then all the nominations are reviewed by a third party and he selects who he deems to be the best from the previous week. If any team fails to send in their nomination, then that team cannot win POW for that week. Remarkably simple right? Care to venture a guess at who failed to nominate a player last week? Everyone failed, except Victoria. That's right folks, not a single team apart from the Cougars even bothered to enter a name to be considered. Hard to win if you don't play isn't it?

Now with that in mind, doesn't all the bitching and complaining seem a bit stupid? From the outside some people might see favoritism on the leagues part towards the Cougars for selecting their players multiple times in a row. But when every single team in this league knows beyond a shadow of a doubt that they need to submit one single email, with a one paragraph write up on their player, once a week, no one who has any part of any team can complain when they didn't bother to do it.

I have been on the receiving end of some pretty nasty Tweets over the years, everyone from fans of other teams, to coaches, to players, and even owners (again, want to guess who?). This whole situation needs to stop. Fans will continue to do what they do because they are safe behind their silly Twitter wall where no one can hurt them. They also don't need to worry about repercussions because they don't represent the league or a team. Freedom of speech right? But when coaches and owners start belittling people and insulting others it makes the league as a whole look bad.


There are many people in this league need to give their head a shake, all they're doing is making themselves look foolish.

Usurper

Last night the Cougars faced off against the Glacier Kings at home. The game for the most part was forgettable from the Cougars perspective. They didn't play the Cougars game. Even if they made it interesting at the end of the game sending it to OT for the second straight home game, ultimately losing in double OT.

The main reason I call the game forgettable doesn't really have anything to do with the fact that they lost, because they already have clinched their fourth straight league title. They played like a team that hadn't played together. Passes off the mark all night long, dangerous plays in front of their own net, and risky plays where it was one man versus the whole other team. I saw lots of one man missions last night when they had a teammate close at hand.

The goal-tending on the other hand was phenomenal on both sides. Beauchamp was the main reason the Glacier Kings only scored twice, as they many scoring chances even with their low shot count. On the other end of the ice, Michael Hails was unreal. This kid stopped 41 shots, several could easily have been goals. Several more should have been goals. Hails seemingly didn't a back-flip and somehow the puck stayed out.

Last week I was quoted by saying that I think Comox is the favorite to represent the North in the Finals, and I am standing by that. Most people are calling Campbell River the dead to rights favorite. While on paper it might look like that, with last nights win over the Cougars the Glacier Kings are in a solid place to win the North with a game against Campbell River next week. Comox only needs to make up 3 points in 4 remaining games. Two of those games are against Nanaimo who have been inconsistent at best in the last few months.

The Cougars should be able to make it out of the first round of the playoffs against Kerry Park unscathed. They went 8-0 against the Islanders this season and dominated almost every game. Peninsula and Westshore won't have the same luxury in the first round. Both teams have the ability to win, but I think it will Peninsula to come out on top. I suspect that The Storm and Glacier Kings will both leave the first round in 4 or 5 games each. Once the reseeding is done I expect we will see Victoria against Campbell River and Peninsula against Comox. Ultimately leading to a Comox/Victoria or Peninsula/Victoria final. Both would be an unreal way to end the season.

The Cougars are looking to take their 3rd straight Championship, but this is the first year where there is real competition to usurp the Champs.

The playoffs this year should be the first time in a very long time that any of 4 different teams can win it all. I am excited for it to start, are you?

Was this a real test?

Last night the Cougars faced against the basement dwelling Generals. They managed to put together a solid 5-0 win, but is this team good enough to test the Cougar offence to see if the scoring touch is back? On paper, no. That being said, last night the Generals actually played very well for a good portion of the game. Ever since the Gens picked up their 3rd head coach of the season, they have been competing quite well. They actually have a shot at making the play-offs if they can pull out a few wins over the tough north division, as the Braves are floundering in the south right now, even if it's an outside shot.

McMullen and Kemmler both scored for the home team, just as I said they would before the game yesterday. Both players are starting to pick up the Cougars plays and systems very quickly, that should be no surprise as both players are talented students of the game. McMullen should have had 2 goals, but had one disallowed because the net was off, apparently.

Another good sign is the Cougars defence and goal-tending. Both were awesome once again. I was very happy to see Hargrave get the goose egg this time around, he seems to be the victim of a defensive collapse, more than once, in the final minutes leading to a lone goal to steal his shut out away. If the defence and goal-tenders keep on this pace, and if the offence starts clicking each game, the Cougars should have a solid shot at a three-peat as league champions; and even a chance at a Gold medal in Cyclone. Afterall, there are still a few players who have been around for Cyclone Silver medals, and no one likes Silver.

Insane ramblings from the caffeine deprived.

It's Thursday once again, and that means game day. Tonight's game features the Cougars playing host to the Oceanside Generals. While it's true the Generals have had a rough season, since the Christmas break they are 2 and 2, Including a surprise win over Comox. It's very safe to say that Victoria is the heavy favorites going into tonight's game, but I wouldn't count the Generals out. The Cougars still needs to get their scoring touch back.

Last week Victoria added two new bodies at the trade dead-line. Sam McMullen and Garret Kemmler. Both had an immediate impact on the team. While McMullen didn't score, he came oh so close more than once. Kemmler on the other hand frustrated the visiting Nanaimo Buccaneers offence by helping hold them to only 4 shots after the 1st period.

Ryan Carson, Nick Bower, and Michael Fretz lead the charge last week. Carson with the Hat-Trick, Bower and Fretz with helpers. While this line played very well and were the reason the Cougars won 3-0, there is still the lingering question, can the Cougars start scoring like they used to? There were all kinds of chances to score on Sunday that lead to posts, nice saves, or barely missed shots. Once the Cougars start converting these close calls I think things will start to return to days of past, when they scored almost at will. Now that McMullen and Kemmler have actually had a chance to practice with their new team and are starting to learn the way we do things at the ABSC, I think they will fit in nicely, and score often.

I gave up drinking coffee last week, I have a headache, and I'm slightly loopy. I am hoping for an exciting game tonight to help me power through the pain and withdrawal. Lots of goals, and lots of hard hits should work just nicely.

New look Cougars

Today, like many post trade deadline days, the Cougars have a new look.

Late last night the Cougars made a huge trade, sending relative newcomer Nyshan Basra, and Cougar vet, Jake Daughtry over to the Braves. Coming back to the Cougars is 19 year old Sam McMullen, and 20 year old Garret Kemmler. This a pretty big deal as far as I’m concerned. McMullen is huge body that can score, and Kemmler is a quick defender that can also score. The Cougars need scoring… I know I said after the Kerry Park game that the 7 goals Victoria posted could be the spark they needed to get their scoring touch back, but last night in a tough 3-1 loss to the Panthers, the Cougars again had a hard time potting the puck. I’ve heard a few fans of the Cougars say everything ranging from “They are playing against hot teams” to “They are just getting their feet back after a string of injuries”. Whether you agree or not, they need to score goals to win games, and the season is getting shorter. Other teams in the league like Penninsula and Campbell River are playing very well right now. If the Cougars are going to Three-peat as league Champions, goals need to start coming now.

Losing a guy like Daughtry is tough, he’s a solid body up front that can score, hit, grind, and he’s a leader. Thursday night he snagged 2 points and the first star of the game. No question, Jake Daughtry is a solid man to have on your team. I believe Saanich got better by adding him to their roster. I also see Basra flourishing in Braves colours. He is a talented young guy that will see an expanded role in Saanich, which can only help him and his new team. At the end of the day though, the Cougars got better in my opinion. McMullen and Kemmler are solid additions to the team for sure.

Tomorrow night the Cougars will have both McMullen and Kemmler in the roster against Garret Brandsma and the Nanaimo Buccaneers. This has very quickly become my most anticipated game of the season. Former Cougars tough guy Brandsma making his first return to the ABSC facing off against 2 new Cougars who spent the last few seasons frustrating the Cougars every time they played against Saanich. I know I am excited for the game, and I have the best seat in the house. Who am I kidding? I won’t be able to sit at all.

The scoring shines

Coming into the first home game of 2014 for the Cougars, they needed to desperately put the puck into the net. Their offence has been struggling, having been shut-out 3 of the last 5 games, something wasn't clicking. The same can't be said for the back half of the ice, both the defence and goal tending has been unreal. Only allowing 4 goals against in those 3 shut-out loses, it's clear that both Hargrave and Beauchamp having been keeping up their end of things between the pipes. The defence, being lead by Zagrodney, has been top notch as well. That didn't change against Kerry Park on Thursday. The defence was able to hold Kerry Park to only 4 shots in the first period. What did change was the offence. Jo Davie led the charge scoring twice in the first few minutes of the game. This was the spark that the Cougars needed to get their scoring touch back. The Cougars have had Kerry Park's number all year, and this game was no different. For the 3rd time this season the Cougars managed to score 7 goals against the Islanders.

From my side of the ice it was quite clear that the team needed a shake up in order to get things working again. Coach Van Helvoirt mixed up his lines to try and find a way to get that puck in the net, and it worked. The Cougars managed to win the game, and they managed to get back on the score board, but the real test comes when they face the Panthers. The Panthers have added one of the best scorers in the league in Alex Milligan, but he also has managed to rack up quite the total in penalty minutes too.

The question I have, will the Cougars still have the same look as they did against the Islanders? Friday is trade deadline day, will some new faces join the roster to help scoring? Come Sunday against Nanaimo we may see a different team on the ice when the Bucs visit the ABSC, but the Coaching staff may also have complete faith in the team we have now. After all we are still #1 in the VIJHL. If we see some new blood, or the team stays the same, I have faith that the Cougars will close out this season on top, and over coming a few bad games will only make the team stronger for the playoff run.

A frozen view from the sky

I have always had a bunch of random thoughts getting tossed about in my head like a borderline crazy person on his way to a padded room. What I didn't have was an outlet for those thoughts that anyone actually wanted to hear about. So I have decided to put them here, for you to read, if that makes any sense at all. It doesn't to me, but I guess that's why I am writing this all down. Maybe I can sort it all out. I plan on using this Blog to discuss with myself things that matter to me, but not really to those close to me.

I absolutely love sports, especially Junior or Collegiate sports. I have always felt that watching young men and women battle it out on the ice, or court, or pitch, is leaps and bounds more entertaining than professionals getting paid more money per year than most of us see in a lifetime, or two. I wanted to start with a brief history on how I got to where I am now.

I was lucky enough in my teenage years to befriend an awesome guy by the name of Curtis Machek. Now you may not know his name now, but if you're into radio at all, even just listening at work, you'll learn his name eventually. This kid got hooked on the radio bug young, even went so far as to build a full blown studio in his house! This wasn't just a microphone hooked up to a laptop, this was a fully functioning radio station. We used to umpire baseball together, and he mentioned he wanted a few people to DJ for him on his amateur radio station. I jumped at the chance, I have never done anything like it before and relished in the chance to try something new. I played on the radio for quite a while with Curtis, and decided I wanted more. I took a few gigs hosting shows as EMCEE and as an in house announcer for some sporting events. Then one day a few years ago I got a phone call from a guy named Tony Carlson, from the Victoria Cougars. My brother had played for the Cougars for a number of years and being a local Junior B team, I was already a fan. Tony wanted to know if I wanted to try my hand at Play-by-Play. Again another challenge was staring me down. I jumped at the chance to try something new again.

I had no idea what I was doing, no training, no help, just a mic and a hockey game in front of me. It was rough, I mean really rough. I sounded nervous and clueless, truth is I was. But I had some awesome people at the Cougars to support me, fact is, we have the best hockey family around. The broadcast has come a long way in the past few years, going from two mics on the internet to a full video broadcast. I am also not done yet. I have some lofty ideas in mind to make things there even better. But one thing remains, I am still learning. I have made some amazing friends and acquaintances in the local radio world. I have had the chance to play on several radio stations, and even venture up into the broadcast booth with Victoria Royals broadcaster Marlon Martens. All of these DJ's and broadcasters have taught me plenty, especially Marlon. He has been my main influence, and because he is very approachable it's been easy to learn from him. Unfortunately we don't have the resources of an actual radio station to support the broadcast with producers to add production value, all I have is me. If you watch a video broadcast of a team like the Royals when they air the game, or even listen to Marlon on the Zone, you'll notice a difference. There is even a team in the VIJHL that employs a professional radio DJ to call the games, and he brings the resources that come with that. We are doing our best to make the gap smaller.

Now I know I glossed over a lot of stuff with the Cougars, I will go in-depth at a later time. I just needed to ramble about a bit to get things off to a good start. I plan on giving some insight into the world of the Victoria Cougars, and my other adventures, from the broadcast booth. It's cold up here, but the view is amazing.