Archive for April, 2009
Darren Colbourne – Time to Hang ‘Em Up
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With the senior hockey players hanging up their skates for a summer of fun and relaxation, it’s now time for the management and volunteers behind the teams to decide what happens next year. There’s no doubts that every team will be making changes, some minor, some major. Those decisions are going to be harder for the Corner Brook Royals, especially after their disappointing season in 2008-09.
What about Darren Colbourne? Will he be back?
Darren Colbourne of the Corner Brook Royals in the 2008-09 season was not the Darren Colbourne of old. He looked disheartened, he looked beaten at times, he looked as if he was going through the motions and didn’t want to be on the ice. SOme may argue that this assessment is not correct. Heck, Darren may state differently himself. However, from the stands, there was a definite impression that Colbourne was there in body only.
The Corner Brook ROyals even used Darren in a defensive role this past season, leaving many fans and armchair coaches scratching the heads wondering what was going on. Colbourne, one of the biggest offensive threats in the league, standing on the blueline as a defenseman? Give me a break.
Having the utmost respect for Darren Colbourne and what he has contributed to hockey through the years, Newfoundland Hockey Talk must honestly tell Darren to hang up his skates and sit on the sidelines if this is the role that the Royals are going to use him in. It is time to retire and move on to life after hockey. Better yet, step up as a part of the ownership / management of the Royals, become their coach and get some young blood into the lineup. Rebuild the team like it needs to be rebuilt.
Darren has so much to offer Newfoundland hockey, and having him relegated to the role he’s been given on the Royals is a travesty. He deserves better.
Sharks, Devils and Rangers Say Farewell
Posted by: | CommentsThe San Jose Sharks, New Jersey Devils and New York Rangers bid farewell to the NHL Playoffs and head to the golf course after their sudden exit from their quest for the Cup of Lord Stanley.
With the San Jose Sharks exist, Newfoundlander Ryan Clowe sees his quest for a cup end prematurely. Playing on a team with the talent of the Sharks, many here in this fair province were hoping that Clowe would have an opportunity to allow Newfoundland to have a visit from the Stanley Cup, following in the footprints of Dan Cleary of the Detroit Red Wings. However, it was not in the cards as the Sharks had a pathetic playoff and was only the 4th Presidents Cup winner to exit in the first round.
The Devils collapse in the third period (well the last minute of the 3rd Period) sees their quest for the 2009 Stanley Cup end as well. After evening the score with 1:20 left to play, the Hurricanes put the finishing touch on the Devils less than a minute later, going ahead 4-3. The collapse of the New Jersey Devils in the final minute was uncharacteristic of a team that plays so strong defensively.
Finally, what can be said about the New York Rangers? Not much considering how they blew a 3-1 series lead and let the Washington Capitals come back and take the series from under their noses. A team of under-achievers who will probably say the media didn’t want them to win anyway.
Who will win the 2009 Stanley Cup? Perhaps the Ducks of Anaheim after knocking off the mighty Sharks may have what it takes? It could also be the Capitals – they are playing with heart or is Ovechkin just pumped on too much Red Bull?
Will the Sharks Win?
Posted by: | CommentsWith Ryan Clowe in the midst of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, one must wonder if the Sharks will win tonight and force a Game 7. After being down 3-1 in the series, the Sharks won a squeaker in overtime.
Tonight Ryan Clowe and the Sharks lace them up and hit the ice at 12:00 midnght Newfoundland time.
Let’s cheer on Ryan and hope that a fellow Newfoundlander makes it through round one of the playoffs.
Bandwidth Exceeded Error
Posted by: | CommentsWell, looks like we overlooked one of the items during our system reload. We had limited the amount of bandwith that Newfoundland Hockey Talk was using and it made the site unavailable for a portion of the day.
We’ve corrected this oversight and we’re live again. Many apologies for those that have been unable to get online at the site.
Newfoundlander Ryan Clowe – San Jose Sharks
Posted by: | CommentsNewfoundlander Ryan Clowe is in the midst of a playoff run with the San Jose Sharks.
With the Ducks leading the series 2-1, San Jose must come out firing to even the series. Ryan Clowe is logging a lot of ice time, including time on the power play as the Sharks press the Ducks.
Newfoundland Hockey Talk wishes Ryan Clowe the best of luck in his playoff run.
Did Druken Live up to Expectations?
Posted by: | CommentsWith the acquisition of Harold Druken, the Deer Lake Red Wings and their fans were excited. Touted as one of the high calibre players available on the island, having Druken sign with the Wings was a major announcement. However, did he live up to expectations?
There are many fans throughout the West Coast Senior Hockey League that think that Druken did not play up to the calibre as what was expected. Granted, he had just come from an extended absense from the game and was playing with a new squad. However, was the signing of Druken all hype?
Looking at the stats Druken managed 44 points, with 16 goals and 28 assists, putting him 5th in scoring, well behind the Red Wings Mark Robinson who had a career season with 65 points. Could Druken’s presence aided Robinson win the scoring title by 10 points? It probably had some impact but Robinson played as if he had a mission this season and was by far, the best player in the West Coast Senior Hockey League.
Druken is a fine player. His skill is obvious when you watch him on the ice, but there was something missing from his game. It was in the opinion of Newfoundland Hockey Talk, a combination of rust and being unfamiliar with the team he was playing on. He looked at times a little out of place but did adjust as the season progressed.
Harold Druken if back with the Red Wings next seasn will defintely be a force to be reckoned with in the WCSHL.
Newfoundlander Michael Ryder and Bruins Sweep
Posted by: | CommentsThe Boston Bruins led by a strong 3-point performance by Newfoundlander Michael Ryder have gone on to sweep the Montreal Canadiens. With 2 goals and an assist, Ryder was a thorn for his ex-team. His strong performance in game 4 completed the sweep and propells the Bruins now into the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Congrats go out to Michael Ryder from Newfoundland Hockey Talk.
Inter-League Games on the Agenda
Posted by: | CommentsNewfoundland Hockey Talk has learned that inter-league games between the AESHL and the WCSHL are on the agenda for the upcoming meetings at both leagues. While talked about many times in the past and actually asked for by the fans on many occassions on the Newfoundland Hockey Talk Discussion Forum, these never materialize.
Is this another rumour or is this topic finally going to receive serious recognition.
Maybe not everyone can recall, there was an attempt to bridge the action a few years back with a WCSHL All-Star / Skills Competition. It never really produced the fan support or garnered much player support. However, inter-league play could be a different story.
Both fans and players alike get an opportunity to see what the other league has to offer prior to the Herder Memorial Championship.
Let’s hope that is “agenda item” is a reality.
Terry Ryan Returning to the Corner Brook Royals
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After a dismal season, the Corner Brook Royals may have a ray of sunshine destined to return to the lineup in the upcoming West Coast Senior Hockey League in the 2009/2010 season. Terry Ryan is rumoured to have given the Corner Brook Royals his commitment to play next season if he plays in the WCSHL at all.
As one of the most consistent and positive players on the Corner Brook Royals, Ryan has continually put a positive spin on the pathetic season the Corner Brook Royals just finished. However, if rumour are true, Ryan wants to be a part of the rebuilding and wants to have his leadership influence the direction of the young talent being scouted by the Royals Management.
Newfoundland Hockey Talk does however, question the reliability of this rumour. Sources have indicated that Ryan was upset with the Corner Brook Royals’ performance in the just finished West Coast Senior Hockey League season. While on the ice and before media people, Ryan has been a consummate professional, always appearing positive. However, behind the scenes has many insiders telling different stories.
If Terry Ryan does return he will return with a mission and something to prove. The Corner Brook Royals could use his scoring punch and leadership in what will definitely be a rebuilding year.
Michael Ryder Burns His Old Team
Posted by: | CommentsNewfoundlander Michael Ryder scores the game winning goal with just 2:39 left in the second period. The Bonivista native and ex-Canadien continues to haunt is old team as he picks up his 4th point of the early 2008-09 Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Ryder and his Boston Bruins now lead the series 3-0 against the Canadiens and have a chance to sweep the Habs on Wednesday night. Going into the series, Newfoundland Hockey Talk was keeping an eye on Ryder, hoping that the series lived up to expectation.