Archive for Players
Michael Ryder and his Bruins Near Elimination
Posted by: | CommentsWell, it’s about to happen. The Boston Bruins are being dominated by the Carolina Hurricanes, meaning that Newfoundlander Michael Ryder is nearing elimination from the 2008-09 Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Since losing their first playoff game several days ago, the Bruins look defeated. Michael Ryder who was one of the scoring leaders up to the start of this series has been relatively quiet. The entire team is struggling.
Will Sunday’s game be the last for Michael Ryder and the Bruins?
Ryder’s Bruins Down 2-1
Posted by: | CommentsNewfoundland’s Michael Ryder and the Boston Bruins have fallen to 2-1 in their Round 2 playoff matchup against the Carolina Hurricanes with an overtime loss.
After running up 5 straight victories in the 2008-09 Stanley Cup Playoffs, the Boston Bruins have lost 2 straight, giving the Hurricanes an early series lead. Michael Ryder has been quiet on the scoring front in Boston’s two losses and the Bruin’s defensive squad have allowed some soft goals in their 2 game skid.
One must wonder if Michael Ryder’s rise in the 2008-09 playoffs is over or if he will dig deep and show his scoring prowess in game 4.
Wings Lose 2-1 to Ducks
Posted by: | CommentsNewfoundlander Dan Cleary and his Detroit Red Wings have lost to the Ducks, and now trail 2-1 in the series.
Late in the 3rd period, it looked as if the Wings had tied the game but the referee had apparently blown the whistle, making the play “unreviewable” for video replay.
The Wings, last year’s defending Stanley Cup Champions now have their backs against the wall. Daniel Clearly logged a fair amount of ice time in the loss but played a very strong game for the wings.
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.
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.
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.
Morgan Warren Rumoured to be Leaving the Royals
Posted by: | CommentsRumour on the street is that Corner Brook Royals star and team captain Morgan Warren is leaving the team.
In an email received today unnamed sources have indicated the following:
Royals are losing Morgan Warren, he’s apparently moving elsewhere and cannot commit to the team.
While this is all a rumour, it would not surprise Newfoundland Hockey Talk if in fact, Morgan Warren does leave. The Royals have struggled for the last two seasons and have done little clean up their mess behind the scenes. It would be an unfortunate loss for the Corner Brook Royals.
The Langdon Factor
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There’s no doubt that Darren Langdon is a spark to the Deer Lake Red Wings. Not only does he bring a physical presence to the game as a former NHL toughman, he is also bringing a scoring punch.
Langdon has shown heart and determination in the 2007 Herder Memorial series. He parks himself in front of the Conception Bay Cee Bees net, takes a pounding, keeps his composure and scores timely goals.
He now leads the Deer Lake Red Wings in playoff scoring after an impressive night on Saturday night at Mile One statium, scoring 3-goals and adding 2 assists for a five-point night. One of Langdon’s goals was a short-handed marker when the Wings were down 2 men in the the third period. That goal pulled the Wings to within 1 goal, heading into the final 2 minutes behind 8-7.
Even with the loss there is no doubt that Langdon was a dominant factor leading the Wings back from a 7-4 deficit to pull within 1 goal late in the third. “He was the best player on the ice tonight”, said VOCM commentators as they debated whether giving him the first star or second star, before deciding to give him second star of the game behind Cee Bees Chris Bartlett (hat trick for the Cee Bees as well).
Play resumes tomorrow and you can expect more from Langdon as he leads his Wings toward the 2007 Herder.