A breath of fresh air.

The title of the post is appropriate given the amount of time between posts, I apologize. Hope you all enjoyed the NHL All-Star weekend, time to gear up for the stretch run!

Saturday January 15th, 2010 was a day that will go down in Western Hockey League history as the Chiefs & Ice played the league's first ever outdoor game. Following in the line of the NHL's success with the Winter Classic, the WHL decided to host a game of their own.

Scanned from the Outdoor Classic program

However the Winter Classic was the topper of three chances that fans got with the outdoor rink. Thursday the 13th the Chiefs got the only practice that either teams would get on the outdoor surface. It was an open practice that fans were invited to attend. The Chiefs had fun with various team members wearing one of the three jerseys the Chiefs had sported this year. Following in the footsteps of the Washington Capitals outdoor practice, the team had fun with eye black. Which fans could see from the team picture taken post practice that was on the back of the cover of the special edition program that fans could purchase.

As was a concern every day up to the game was the warm temperatures and the possibility of rain. The Chiefs however told the Spokesman Review that the ice wasn't too bad. (source)

Watching the live broadcast of the practice, SWX reported that officials said that the game could be played in temperatures of up to 55 degrees and that rain was more of a concern. The funny thing was that at the beginning of the week about 3 or so inches of snow but the weather had warmed up so much that it had turned into slush all over the city.

The next event that was held at the temporary ice surface was a real treat for fans. Friday fans had the opportunity to skate on the ice that the game would take place on the next night. There were two half-hour sessions that fans were invited ice skate during for a fee of $3 for children under the age of 12 and $5 for anyone else.

The later session that I attended which was from 6-7:30 had a good amount of people. While it made for less than desirable ice conditions (especially for me someone who only ice skates once a year, if that) it was pretty awesome. It was surreal to think that the next day the very ice you were skating on and the benches you sat on, were where the Outdoor Classic was taking place.

My friends & my skates on the center ice dot.

I'm in a glass case of emotion! 

A close up view of one of the goal judge's spot for the game.

Saturday of course was the main event. Festivities started early as gates opened at 10:30 so that fans could have access to the field and welcome both teams to the stadium. I unfortunately didn't arrive until an hour before the scheduled 1 pm start time.

I did get to walk around however and see all the various things that were set up around the concourse of the stadium.

When you walked in the first thing you saw were the ice sculptures.

Wonder if Blackhawks fans are familiar with this one from last season...

There was also a silent auction to benefit the Rypien foundation featuring a lot of hockey memorabilia, including many a signed hockey jersey. Also in the tent housing the silent auction were some of the most important trophies in all of junior hockey.

 

The Ed Chynoweth Cup awarded to the WHL Champions formerly known as the President's Trophy. 

Essentially the Stanley Cup of the WHL

The famous Memorial Cup trophy awarded to the winner of the CHL (which is made up of the Western Hockey League, Ontario Hockey League & Quebec Major Junior Hockey League).

Currently the Windsor Spitfires of the OHL are defending champions, they won both in 2009 & 2010.

The Chiefs infamously broke the trophy after winning it in 2008.

There were also two cardboard cutouts that fans could place their faces into to pretend they were a member of the 2008 Memorial Cup winning team or Tyler Johnson.

Who wouldn't want to pretend to be Spokane's local hockey hero?

Souvenirs seemed to be flying off the shelves seeing as line was extremely long to the main stand, though thankfully there was a smaller cash only stand that was selling as well. There were t-shirts, pucks, patches, scarves and more. Also for sale were special edition programs while typically at Chiefs games the programs are free Outdoor Classic programs were $5. The program featured pictures and stories from the Chiefs' players various experiences playing hockey outdoors ranging childhood to recent times which was a nice touch along with the typical lineups and game notes.

My seat was in the left field bleachers of Avista Stadium. The above pictures was my view. I really didn't have too many issues seeing any of the play.

During warm ups the weather was extremely nice, it was warm out and the sun was high in the sky which did seem to cause a decent amount of glare off the ice which was concerning. It was warm enough out that I had to remove the winter jacket I was wearing.

Since an actual Zamboni didn't or couldn't make it's way to Avista Stadium so mini-Zambonis were used. There were actually three at the stadium but only two were used.

A cannon was fired each time the Chiefs scored. Before I knew that I was confused as to what the blue tent beneath the scoreboard was. Needless to say I jumped when it was fired the first time.

WHL Comissioner Rob Robison (on the ice below) and Bobby Brett, the owner of the Chiefs both spoke during the pregame ceremonies to thank fans and everyone that helped put the game together.

Both the Chiefs and the Ice walked from their respective dugouts to the ice surface. The Chiefs' Tyler Johnson carried in an American flag and the Ice's Brayden McNabb carried in an Canadian flag.

 The goal judge had a prime seat and his own nice personal clear plastic box.

Opening faceoff! By that time the sun was behind the clouds and it started to get chilly which in my opinion only made the atmosphere that much better, it felt a bit weird to be warm at a hockey game when we arrived.

The Chiefs' Darren Kramer & the Ice's Max Reinhart engaged in the games first fisticuffs. The two teams had played the night before, a game which the Ice won 6-2 in Kootenay. The game the night before had 8 fights. Neither teams had a short term memory as by the end of the game 4 fights took place.

I took a picture of the score after two thinking it was pretty ridiculous, it was only a sign of things to come. The cannon was getting a good workout. Even better for fans at the game as per usual, Chiefs fans get a free Chalupa coupon for Taco Bell when the Chiefs score 5 or more games. Chalupas were secured well before the game was over on Blake Gal's second goal of the game not even two minutes into the 2nd period.

While the attendance isn't mind blowing and the Chiefs' home rink actually holds more fans, it was a sellout of the stadium.

The final score was an ugly one for the Ice but one that had Chiefs' fans leaving as happy campers. Good thing the Chiefs didn't score more than 11 goals, the National Guard only brought 11 shells I learned when watching the rebroadcast on TV. I doubt they had planned to be using them all.

The traditional handshake. It may not have been the greatest game by the Ice but both teams kept it classy by shaking hands after playing two emotionally charged blowouts in two days against each other. The two teams also took a photo together to commemorate the game.

Fans didn't leave the game empty handed either. Commemorative tickets, posters featuring a picture of the ceremonial faceoff and of course free Chalupa coupons because the Chiefs scored 5+ goals were all given to fans at the game. There was also a fireworks display for fans following the game but I was unable to stay for it.

The commemorative ticket featuring a nice sketch of the outdoor setup.

Overall, the Outdoor Classic was a fantastic experience. I feel very lucky to have the opportunity to be a part of WHL history. It was a great atmosphere even with the blowout. I can only imagine the experience of going to a NHL outdoor game. With all the questions about the weather and the game, it turned out great. I have no major complaints about my experience.

I think it was a great event for the WHL, the Ice and the Chiefs. If I had a chance to do it all again I'd do it in a heartbeat. 

This is a great sign for when the Regina Pats and Calgary Hitmen play another game outdoors February 21, 2011 at McMahon Stadium. It'll be the the first WHL outdoor game in Canada following the NHL's Heritage Classic with the Calgary Flames hosting the Montreal Canadiens.

I'm sure it'll be nothing less than another great event for the WHL.

Go, go, go!

3 games in 3 nights.
6 points on the line.
Can your team grab them all?

Well in the case of the Everett Silvertips, they did. Just a little while ago the Tips were sitting in the bottom of the US Division, but with their third win of the weekend a 4-2 win over the Tri-City Americans they've catapulted themselves into a tie for 3rd place of the Western Conference. The Tips had previously beat the Kamloops Blazer 4-2 on Friday and then the Seattle Thunderbirds 3-2 on Saturday.

Their record sits at 11-8-1-3 for 26 points in 23 games after their 3 wins in 3 nights. The Tips are in 4th place in the US Division & 5th place in the Western Conference.

Blackhawks prospect Kent Simpson started the games against the Thunderbirds & the Americans and turned in two solid efforts. He stopped 29 of 31 in Seattle and 37 of 39 in Tri-City.



The Spokane Chiefs had 3 games of their own this weekend but didn't fare as well as the Tips did dropping 2 of their 3 games. The Chiefs lost Friday's game against the Thunderbirds 2-1 in Seattle, took an 8-3 pounding at the hand of the Americans but ended the weekend on a good note by beating the powerhouse Portland Winterhawks 3-1.

Their record sits at 11-9-1-1 for 24 points in 22 games. They are in last place in the US Division & 7th in the Western Conference.



After the Portland Winterhawks and their 20-4-1 record and 41 points the Western Conference is wide open. Only 6 points separates the second place (the BC Division leader) and tenth place teams.
Amazingly in the US Division every team has a winning percentage of over .500. Just 2 points separate 2nd place in the division from 5th.

It's clear that the Portland Winterhawks are the cream of the WHL crop with their record. They've won 14 of their last 16 games and that includes a road trip to the East Division. But after the Winterhawks, the US Division is a crap shoot until someone else pulls away from the pack. As of right now the T-Birds, Ams & Tips all have the same amount of points each with 26. Though the T-Birds have 2 games in hand over both the Ams & Tips. The last place Chiefs also are only 2 points behind the middle three.

As always the US Division is one of the toughest & tightest in all of the WHL.

On the other end of the spectrum last year's WHL Champion Calgary Hitmen are sitting 12th in the Eastern Conference with a 5-16-1-0 record for 11 points in 22 games which makes for a winning percentage of just .250. They have the worst record in the WHL. Ouch.
What a difference a year makes!

In comparison 10th & last place in the Western Conference are the Kamloops Blazers who have a record of 11-11-0-1 for 23 points in 23 games, sit at .500.



Hopefully this Wednesday(if I don't get snowed in) I'll get to take in my first Winterhawks home game as they take on the Silvertips in the Great Airplane Toss game. I'll get to see the best team in the WHL in action again & hopefully the Tips can slay the giant. So look for a blog about that if the snow doesn't stop me.

Have a great start to your week everybody!

Reunited and it feels SO good!

Well, after the horrors in the Saddledome by getting it handed to them 7-2 by Calgary & single handedly doubling Jerome Iginla's season total of goals, the Blackhawks bounced back a major way.

In their first return to the now renamed Rogers Arena (meh, I'm still calling it GM Place that's what I grew up with) since knocking out the Canucks from the playoffs, the Blackhawks made sure the Canucks remembered what a good time it is when they play each other.

The Blackhawks put up 7 goals after giving up 7 just the night before. Jonathan Toews, Troy Brouwer (with his parents in attendance), Brent Seabrook (with a blast), Patrick Sharp, Fernando(oooooo)Pisani twice & Patrick Kane all scored. Niklas Hjalmarsson also recorded his first point of the year.

After giving up 4 goals, Roberto Luongo was pulled in favor of Cory Schneider. Seems like Luongo has a bit of an issue with playing the Hawks.

While down at the other end Corey Crawford played solid only giving up one goal after the game was well in hand in the 3rd. Goaltending has been the most solid aspect of the Hawks so far.

Did the Hawks run up the score? Who knows. But it's not like that I expect if the Canucks (or any other team for that matter) are up big on the Hawks to just stop going for it. Plus, the Hawks don't have another game until Wednesday in San Jose.

From Vancouver, the Hawks are headed to Vegas. I'm fine with it as long there are no incidents along the lines of what Brett Sutter did and there's a solid game played in San Jose.

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Rivalry weekend: Keeping up with the rivalry theme there were two rival match ups in the US Division.

The Chiefs traveled to play the Americans and lost 8-3. Revenge is sweet for the Ams as the last time the Chiefs and Ams played, the Chiefs pitched a 5-0 shut out. Tyler Johnson tallied for the Chiefs and was a -3. Brenden Kichton & Jared Cowen joined Johnson with a -3 rating. As expected Darren Kramer fought an Am, this time taking on David Conrad and there were numerous roughing penalties.

James Reid gave up 5 goals on 18 shots before being pulled in favor of Mac Engel who gave up 3 goals of his own on 9 shots.

The Tips traveled down to play Seattle in the I-5 rivalry and pulled out a 3-1 win. Tyler Maxwell scored twice and added an assist, while Josh Winquist had a goal and assist of his own. Maxwell, Winquist & Kellan Tochkin, who had two assists, all had +3 ratings.

Hawks prospect Kent Simpson stopped 29 of 31 for the win.

Meanwhile the Portland Winterhawks are just chugging along as arguably the best team in the WHL & CHL winning 14 of their last 15 by beating the Kamloops Blazers 6-4. The Winterhawks did have a 10 game win streak going before losing to the Saskatoon Blades but now have a new win streak going on at 4.

A win, is a win, is a win.

Well, after a disappointing shootout loss to the Predators just the night before the Blackhawks bounced back with a 3-2 OT win over the streaking Anaheim Ducks. It wasn't a feel good fuzzy win but it was just that, a win.

Both goals came on the PP from Patrick Kane (yes you read that right) & Marian Hossa.

However with the Hawks up 2-1 the Ducks Corey Perry, who had both Duck goals tonight, tied it up not even 4 minutes into the 3rd. Every Hawks fan groaned as yet again we lost a one goal lead. Even worse that it was on an awful Duncan Keith turnover.

Every Hawks fan banged their head against a wall when Kopecky took a late game penalty. The Hawks however killed the penalty with a decent rush even led by Hossa with Toews (favorite forward PK pair ever).

And then just as everyone thought the game was going to end in a shootout with 28 seconds left in a flash (of Swedish beauty) Viktor Stalberg was able to tip in Duncan Keith's point shot for the win! Leafs GM Brian Burke was in attendance at the game to see the player he traded away score the OT winner as Versteeg is slumping.

This Toews quote basically sums up how I felt after the end of this game:
"It would be fun to open the game wide open and not have to fight for that one in the third or OT. But we know that’ll come." (source)

With that the Blackhawks leave the UC with a win as they embark on their annual circus trip.

Starting Wednesday the Blackhawks trip starts as they'll take on the Oilers (oh joy!), Flames (on Patrick Kane's 22nd birthday), Canucks, Sharks, Ducks & Kings. (Along with a jaunt to Las Vegas in there)

We all know the shenanigans that happened in Vancouver last year but hey.. if that's what Kaner needs to have a great season like he did last year? Feel free buddy, just as long as the Hawks are stringing together wins.

I'm not going to make any predictions about the Circus trip, cause who knows what'll happen with this team. This trip could define the rest of the season and if anything else, help them bond together.

Hopefully, Duncan Keith's Norris trophy form will be found again as well.. It's been missing for far too long.

Let's have a solid rest of the November Hawks.

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Dub it up: (I'm going to run out of cheesy titles soon)

The Spokane Chiefs went 2 for 2 this weekend by taking down the Tri-City Americans 5-0 in a game that included Cheerstix as a giveaway (read worst giveaway ever). This extends their win streak to 3.
James Reid recorded the shut out stopping all 20 shots he faced. There were 5 different goal scorers including a breakaway beauty by Blake Gal. If he doesn't get signed by an NHL team, I'll be surprised. He scores pretty goals.
The Chiefs now have 3 games in 3 nights next weekend as the take on Seattle Thunderbirds, Tri-City Americans and Portland Winterhawks all on the road.

The Silvertips lost tonight 3-1 to the Kamloops Blazers in Kamloops but managed a 3-2 OT win over the Chilliwack Bruins last night to secure a 2-1 record in their weekend of 3 games in 3 nights.
The Tips travel to Seattle & Tri-Cities for 2 games next weekend.


Hope everyone has a good start to their week, cause ending the weekend with a win ain't so bad no matter what way you get it.

Oh you, got what I need.

It's been over 3 weeks since I've been to a live hockey game. That may not seem a long time to some. I, however made the mistake this season of starting myself out on 4 games and going to games 3 straight weeks.

However like all WHL teams the Chiefs left town for about 2 weeks on a trip to the opposite conference, in this case to western central Canada. This in turn left me with 3 live hockey-less weeks for me.

It's funny that a former friend once said to me that college would make me go to less hockey games than I did in high school.. but that definitely hasn't been the case.

I'm even on pace this year to blow by last year's mark of 10 games over the regular season & playoffs here (with at least 3 while at home) since tonight's game will make 5 in the first 2 months of the WHL season. It doesn't hurt that I've hooked one of my closest friends on hockey & she wants to go to games as much as I do.

As I'm getting older I've been realizing that my passion for hockey keeps growing as well.

I dislike rival teams more.
I've pretty well settled in with my NHL fandom.
I've learned to love and appreciate the WHL hockey I get to see a lot more.
I've realized how much I love a freezing cold rink & the not so subtle hockey stank after the offseason.
And most of all I've found how awesome the people are that love hockey are, thank you Twitter.
I am just so glad that my 12 year old self decided to pick up hockey.

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Today the Blackhawks will take on Central division foe, the Nashville Predators.

The Blackhawks problems have been well voiced by not only the media but Hawks fans on Twitter as well.

Dave Bolland returns to the Hawks line up which once again plays with scrambled lines. With Bolland's return the Hawks have a fully healthy line up.

If this will change the trend of Hawks losses though, remains to be seen.


What the Dub:
The Silvertips broke their losing streak by taking down the Americans 5-2. Former Minnesota Golden Gopher, Josh Birkholz had a hat trick (with an empty net goal). The win pulled the Tips record to .500. Goalie Kent Simpson, a Blackhawks prospect did not play. The Tips have Chilliwack Bruins at home tonight as the middle game of 3 games in 3 nights before heading to play the Blazers on Sunday.

The Chiefs however kept the Tips in the basement of the US Division by winning 4-3 over the Oil Kings. Local boy Tyler Johnson potted 2 goals, including an unassisted shorty. They take on their rivals the Americans tonight.

The Wheat Kings beat the Hurricanes 3-2 in overtime. Scott Glennie (1G, 1A), Shane Wiebe (2G) & David Toews (2A) all had 2 points.

The WHL powerhouse Portland Winterhawks, 10 game win streak came to a close last night with a 4-3 loss to Saskatoon. A game at which Shannon Tweed & Gene Simmonds were in attendance for & Simmons even donned some goalie pads! (scroll down for photos)

If your curious as to why they were in Saskatoon here's an article to explain.

Shannon Tweed drops the puck at the Winterhawks/Blades game.

Gene Simmons suited up in goal again PBR Bull Rider, Aaron Roy.

Close up of Gene Simmons & his mask.

All photos via @TheWHL's twitter.

Well, that's all folks! I won't be able to watch the Blackhawks/Predators game so feel free to leave your thoughts in a comment or just to say hi because I'm starting to feel like I'm just talking to myself here..

Said hey, what's going on?

So there's a Blackhawks game tonight, the infamous Paul BizNasty & the Coyotes are in town. The Coyotes currently sit at 14th in the Western Conference while the Blackhawks sit in 6th. (Does that surprise anyone else..?)
However the Blackhawks have played 17 games which is at least 2 more games than any other NHL team.

According to multiple sources on Twitter, Seabrook and Keith are going to be split up (but we'll see how long that lasts..) and Patrick Kane will be trying out the left wing on a line with Kopecky and Hossa.
I'm not really digging any of these changes since Seabrook and Keith playing with anyone but each other seems odd to me and to a lesser extent Kane and Toews.
I was a big fan of the Stalberg-Toews-Kane line but we all know as much as lines are juggled pregame, it can happens as much in game.

Really, I don't want to think about the game much until it happens. Personally I just want to see a full 60 minute effort.


I've been feeling like I've been neglecting talking about my junior hockey loves but I guess that's what happens when the team in town goes on their Eastern Conference road trip and I haven't gone to a live hockey game in 3 weeks. (Yes, I'm in SEVERE hockey withdrawal)

The Silvertips are currently on a 3 game losing streak and just 2-6-0-2 in their last 10 games. The two most recent losses both have been shutouts at the hands of Vancouver and Red Deer, where former Tip & Blackhawks Byron Froese was traded in exchange for Landon Ferraro.
They're currently below .500 with a 6-7-1-3 sitting in the basement of the U.S. Division.

The Chiefs though after their 6 game eastern road trip in which they went 3-2-1-0 have gotten their record back to .500 and are in 4th place in the U.S. Division just above the Tips.
The Chiefs have a 2 game home stand this weekend taking on the Edmonton Oil Kings and their hated rival Tri-City Americans. (a game at which I'll be at!)

While both teams are struggling, one team that is far away the best in the U.S. Division and in my mind the WHL, the Portland Winterhawks are on a 9 game win streak as they travel through the Eastern Division. The Winterhawks boast a 15-2-0-1 record through 18 games played.
They are just behind the Mississauga St. Michael's Majors (who have an identical record) of the OHL for the top spot in the CHL rankings.
An already stellar lineup filled with NHL prospects was also recently boosted by the Islanders return of Nino Niederreiter, they're loaded.

Just going to come out and say it now. The Portland Winterhawks are my pick for Memorial Cup champions and at very least WHL champions.

We'll be seeing you again soon?: Based on comments by the LA Kings head coach Terry Murray, Brayden Schenn could be reunited with Scott Glennie and the Wheat Kings soon. (source)
My Schenn, Wheaties shirsey might be a lot more relevant..

Hogs Wild!: The Rockford IceHogs had quite the game last night beating the Peoria Rivermen 4-1 in a game that had 8 fights and 4 ejections.
Kyle Beach had a goal, 2 assists & 2 fights to easily round out a Gordie Howe Hat Trick.
Jeremy Morin had a goal but was kicked out from the game after his fight at the end of the 1st period.
Nick Leddy, Shawn Lalonde(2), Igor Makarov and Brandon Pirri all had assists.
Ben Smith had a goal of his own, as did Ryan Potulny who also had 2 assists.

I wouldn't mind watching one of those games with the way the big club has been doing..


And that was your whirlwind tour of all my hockey interests.
Here's to a better Blackhawks game tonight than we've recently seen!

Alright stop, collaborate & listen..

First off, I hope that everyone had a safe and fun Halloween weekend.

I haven't had much time to watch the highlights of either game the Hawks played this weekend.
So I'm just going to judge based on the scores, which is always accurate don't ya know?

Hawks lost the the Oilers 7-4.
Say what... 7-4? Not the score or result I was expecting at all.
Turco ends up getting pulled for Crawford. Hall, Cogliano, Eberle & Gagner all scored for Edmonton.
Clearly, I'm not as sad now about missing this game. My soft spot for the Oilers clearly came back to bite me.

Well the 2nd of the back to back games the Hawks come back with a 3-1 win over the Wild.
Turco starts the 2nd of two games and bounces back with a win after being benched in the Oilers game.
I honestly have no idea how this game went since I didn't watch any of it. I'm just glad the Hawks won.

Moving on to tonight's game which I actually be able to watch, the Blackhawks take on the Rangers, the only time the two teams will meet all year.
Two Marian's are out with Hossa for the Hawks & Gaborik for the Rangers.

Reunited & it feels so good: Brian Campbell has been activated for tonight's game and should be reunited with Niklas Hjalmarsson to make up the 2nd D-pair. (YESSSSSSS)
I'm hoping that this means we start playing less in our zone & freaking out less about the defense outside of Keith-Seabrook. (who have even made me a bit nervous at times)

The hits they just keep on coming: Though Brian Campbell is returning from injury, Dave Bolland has been place on IR with an "upper-body" injury, this is retroactive to Friday, meaning that the Bolland can't return to Saturday at the earliest.
I have no idea what's wrong with Bolly. But I really hope this trend of injuries stops, like now.

How you doin' junior:
-The Tips lost their Pink the Rink night game 3-2 in a shootout to the Tri-City Americans.
-Pink the Rink raised $38,897.77!
-The highest bid for a jersey was $1,500.00 for Ryan Murray's jersey.
- Full story here

- The Chiefs lost the first game of their 6 game Eastern Conference road trip to Moose Jaw 3-2 but bounced back the next night with an 11-1 win over the Regina Pats.
- In the 11-1 win over Regina, Cole Hamblin, Collin Valcourt and Marek Kalus all scored their first WHL goals. Congrats to them!

Can't catch a break: Jordan Staal, two days before he was set to return from a foot injury which had prevented him from playing this season, suffered a broken hand in practice & is said to be out about 6 weeks, though it has been said he'll be out indefinitely. (source)
Update: According to the Penguins, Staal will be undergoing surgery on his hand & will be out up to 6 weeks.
All the best to him & hope he can get back on the ice soon!