Archive for Players
Michael Ryder Raises the Cup
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Photo Courtesy cbc.ca
Boston Bruins Michael Ryder has reached the pinnacle of what many hockey players dream about. He can now call himself a Stanley Cup champion and take his place in the history books.
The Bonavista native became the second Newfoundlander to raise the Stanley Cup after the Bruins stunned the hockey world and defeated the Vancouver Canucks 4-0 in game seven.
Many people had written the Bruins off after Vancouver jumped out to a 2-0 series league but the Beantown heroes battled back at home to even the series at 2 games a piece. The teams traded home wins again, setting the stage for game 7 in Vancouver and there were those who thought the Bruins could go all the way, especially the fans in Ryder’s hometown.
In dramatic fashion, the Bruins did the unthinkable, upsetting the number one seed in the playoffs and put the game away with a decisive 4-0 victory.
It was unlike anything Ryder had ever experienced and he had described it as being “Almost like a dream.”
Ryder played a key role throughout the playoffs, contributing goals and points when needed as the Bruins continued through team after team in post-season.
The Stanley Cup will be making another trip to Newfoundland sometime this summer and Bonavista is sure to celebrate!
Can Donnie Gosse Still Compete?
Posted by: | CommentsSt. John’s native Donnie Gosse has been one of the premier defensive players in Newfoundland senior hockey for the last ten years. He’s shown what it takes to compete at the highest level here in Newfoundland but there’s many fans wondering if Gosse still can compete.
Gosse has crossed into the West Coast Senior Hockey league this season after his previous team – the Southern Shore Breakers – dropped out of the East league. After signing with the Royals, there were many with high expectations that his addition to the red, white and blue would give the Royals and edge on the blue line and perhaps be enough to push the Royals back to the top of their game.
Fans in Corner Brook are familiar with Gosse who quickly garnished the nickname “Turtle” for his on ice antics and antagonistic ways that saw him covering up if the threat of a fight arrived.
However, this is a new league, with new rules and even though Gosse came out of the gate with a bit of rust, he has showed he can still rise to the occasion and compete. He still has the soft hands, great passing skills and can skate with the best of him. He’s both an offensive threat leading the charge and can rush back to cover up defensively.
Critics may think that Gosse is overrated and not worth what the Royals are alleged to be paying this player. However, any coach and the majority of the true hockey fans recognize what an asset he is to any team.
Yetman or Jewer: Who Would be your Number One?
Posted by: | CommentsThe Grand Falls-Windsor Cataracts are in a unique situation. With their signing of their new goalie Mark Yetman and the return of last years #1 goalie, Doug Jewer, the Cats have two solid goalies ready to tackle whatever the other teams throw their way.
This was quite evident recently when the Cataracts made the trip down the Trans Canada Highway to Corner Brook and squared off against the Corner Brook Royals in a two game series.
Yetman started the opener and looked stellar, making several amazing saves while facing shot after shot from the Royals. It was evident from the fans the Cats goalie stole the game and was the difference at the end of the day, picking up a “W” with a 5-4 win over the Royals.
In Sunday’s game, Jewer wasn’t going to be outdone by Yetman’s strong performance after returning from having surgery in the off-season.
While he didn’t face as many shots and was not tested as much as Yetman, Jewer came up with a solid 2-0 shutout win.
Some are questioning how the team is going to deal with these two goalies. There are many who feel there is only enough room on the team for one of these players and friction is bound to develop. Some feel the friction is good and these goalies can feed off one another, forcing each to perform at the top of their game when they are called upon to play.
Yet sources have indicated to Newfoundland Hockey Talk that Jewer is not happy with the signing of Yetman and has made it clear to the Cats’ executive he wants the starting position.
The Cataracts have built a solid organization and dealing with issues off the ice is one of their strengths. Newfoundland Hockey Talk is very confident the Cataracts can accommodate both goalies and offer them enough duty to satisfy them especially with the playoffs just around the corner and the Herder Championship clearly in the Cats’ sight this season.
Darren Colbourne on the Allan Cup and Corner Brook Royals
Posted by: | CommentsDarren Colbourne has been a hockey player nearly all his life. He’s dedicated many hours to the game we all love and watching him play throughout his career in the West Coast Senior Hockey League was a treat.
Last season Darren’s career seemed to be all but over as he left the Corner Brook Royals and hung up his skates – marking the end to a very colorful and successful career as a hockey player.
A leader both on and office the ice, Darren gave it his all and his passion for the game showed through. Unfortunately, in his last year as a Corner Brook Royal, the organization tossed him into a role that was not fitting for the leader that Darren Colbourne is.
Today I had a brief opportunity to chat with Darren while he was sitting at lunch with his son. I’ve known Darren for some time and it’s always a pleasure to talk with him and to hear the passion for the game come out in his voice.
I asked him about him signing with the Clarenville Caribous in their quest for the Allan Cup. I told him that I had heard rumblings through the rumor mill that he was taking to the ice again but wasn’t sure in what capacity. I told him that I thought I’d see him with another organization this year in the West Coast Senior Hockey League, prodding him for some information and laughing as we joked back and forth.
Darren’s response “I could never play against the Royals. They are in my blood and I could never go there!”
I asked him about what’s going on with the Corner Brook Royals this year. He smiled and said “We’ve chatted about this before. You know how I feel about it and there’s gotta be some changes. We all know that.”
Still, Darren was a professional! He never criticized his former organization and kept very positive. That’s what always made me admire Darren as a leader. He simply acknowledged my comments, smiled and laughed, especially when I told him I would be writing something for Newfoundland Hockey Talk.
We chatted for a bit about Newfoundland Hockey Talk and he congratulated me on its success. He said “It’s how I keep up on what’s going on in the league.” and knowing that he was a reader made me smile and wonder how many other players are on the site. He introduced me to his son (whom Darren coaches in Pee Wee) and I got to meet one the next rising stars in Newfoundland Hockey.
We talked about the announcement of his signing with the Clarenville Caribous and the Allan Cup. I told him that this was the missing element from what I thought would be a very successful run at the Allan Cup and said “I hoped that the rumor was true and that the Bous were going to pick you up. You’ll fill the role of leader that was missing from the team!”
Darren smiled, thanked me and we chatted a bit more. I could see the fire in his eyes and hear the passion in his voice. He’s pumped to be a part of this Newfoundland contingent and is focused on preparing for the Allan Cup run. “I have 6 weeks to prepare,” he said, “It’s going to be a great ride and we have a great shot.”
With the grit from the Wings, the speed from the Caribous, the coaching expertise brought by Pearcey and the leadership brought by Darren Colbourne, look out Allan Cup.
Unfortunately, it was time for me to leave and I wished Darren all the best.
Darren Colbourne has the fire and passion back for hockey! It’s going to be a pleasure in the upcoming weeks!
Caribous Sign Richard Paul
Posted by: | CommentsSome things never surprise people but this is one of the biggest surprises. No one would ever have thought that the Clarenville Caribous would have signed former Corner Brook Royal, Richard Paul.
With all the bad blood that existed between the Caribous and the Royals after several bench clearing brawls, it was evident that the number one player admid all the controversy was RIchard Paul. In fact, he served a six-game suspension for his antics during the playoffs in 2007-2008 playoffs when Paul just lost all his senses and challenged the entire Caribous team to a fight.
Yet, the Clarenville Caribous needed some toughness and after the Corner Brook Royals and Richard Paul parted ways, it was rumoured that the tough guy was shopping himself around to other teams. The Corner Brook Royals didn’t want him back, the Deer Lake Red Wings have tough guys Darren Langdon and Guy Langdon, the Cataracts have Manson but the Bous were a tad bit short in the toughness section. Along comes Richard Paul and voila – he’s now wearing a Clarenville Caribous Jersey.
What will this add to the team?
One can only imagine some of the conversations that have taken place in the dressing room and behind closed doors in this organization. The Clarenville Caribous are in Newfoundland Hockey Talk’s opinion a desparate team looking to protect some of their key players. However, adding a dynamic like Richard Paul may only upset the team more.
The key to this whole move is Randy Pearcey. Can he control Paul? He definitely has to lay down the law to this player and keep him under control otherwise the Caribous are in trouble.
Ray Dalton Says Bye-Bye to Wings
Posted by: | CommentsDeer Lake will be short Ray Dalton in the upcoming WCSHL season. Dalton is sticking closer to home to help with his new born baby.
The Deer Lake Red Wings loss is a gain for Southern Shore, as Dalton will lace them up there this season. If things work out as both teams want it, Dalton may once again skate in the west again, but this time when battling for the Herder.
This is shaping up to be one strange season in Newfoundland Senior Hockey.
Wings Lose Game 3
Posted by: | CommentsThe Detroit Red Wings lose game 3 of the 2009 Stanley Cup final 4-2 to the Pittsburgh Penguins.
With the loss, the Wings still lead the series 2-1, bringing Newfoundlander Daniel Cleary closer to his second cup. Will the Stanley Cup make its second trip to Newfoundland? That’s yet to be seen. Hopefully, the Wings will resume their winning ways and Daniel Cleary will be another game closer to his second cup.
Cleary Scores 2 to Lead Wings
Posted by: | CommentsDan Cleary scores 2 goals as he led the Detroit Red Wings to a 5-2 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks. Cleary was by far Detroit’s best player in the game.
After Detroit fell 1-0, Cleary evened the score early in the first period. With the goal, momentum swung to Detroit who then dominated the game. Cleary ended the game with 3 shots on goal and a +3 for the game, making him +13 for the playoffs.
As the only remaining Newfoundlander left in their chase for the cup, Dan Cleary hopes to bring the cup back to Newfoundland and Labrador once again.
Dan Cleary Scores a Big One
Posted by: | CommentsDan Cleary from Newfoundland, scored a big goal for the Detroit Red Wings, allowing them to advance to the next round of the 2008-09 playoffs.
With the score tied 3-3 late in the third period, Cleary batted the puck out of the air to score the game winner. The Detroit Red Wings now advance to the Western Conference Final against the Chicago Blackhawks in an original 6 matchup.
Will Cleary and his wings be heading back to the Stanley Cup finals? We can only hope!
Bruins Battle Back
Posted by: | CommentsFellow Newfoundland Michael Ryder and the Boston Bruins have come back from the brink of elimination to tie the series with the Carolina Hurricanes. With a 4-2 victory, the Bruins have tied the series, sending it to game 7.
The Bruins have a had a major battle with the Hurricanes, and if they can complete the comeback, they will have done what few teams have.
Michael Ryder has not been a major goal scoring threat in this series, but he did manage 1 assist tonight, bring his total to 5 goals, 7 assists (12 pts), placing him 12th in the NHL playoff scoring race.