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.
Cover
Sunday, 6 April 2014
Friday, 4 April 2014
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.
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.
Saturday, 29 March 2014
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 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
Sunday, 16 March 2014
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
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
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
Sunday, 2 March 2014
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.
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.
Wednesday, 26 February 2014
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.
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.
Sunday, 16 February 2014
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.
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.
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