Snipers Cup Champions 2010

The Bullets are the proud owners of the final plate on the Snipers Cup base after beating the Jawas 37-34 in a fantastic finals.  It came down to a climax on Terrific Tuesday, as the Bullets piled on just enough points for a three point win.  The closest in SCHL history.  Bullets GM Lorne Wilson, "Every night was a nail-biter, especially when the Canucks were playing.  Watching the final 20 minutes of tonight's Canucks game...it felt like my head was going to explode."  The Jawas could only rely on the Sedins for so much in this match and with lost mans games to Malkin and Kunitz on the final day, it was just too much to ask.  Despite those injuries and others throughout the week to the Jawas, the  Bullets kept the match surprisingly close with some Easter Eggs.  Draft Day snipes, Rene Bourque (6 pts) and Tyler Myers (4 pts), led the Bullets to the victory capping off a statement season for the Bullets.

It's been three years since the Snipers Cup was decided in dramatic fashion on the final day.  In their 2008 victory, the Bullets were the run-away winner over the Vanguard.  The match also saw the changing of the guard from Iginla (only 1 pt) to the younger Bullets on the team.  This was the Jawas' first trip to the finals and they're hoping it's not the last, with the likes of relatively young Sedins and Malkin on their roster.  But they have to be left wondering what the outcome would have been had some of those players not missed games.  GM MacKinnon " 'If Coach had put me in 4th quarter, we woulda won state.' - What are you gonna do?  I've got all summer to ponder this.  This... (was) my 11th season, we had all the pieces.  Our team is still together...we'll be back."

The Bullets become the third team to hoist the Snipers Cup multiple times and will now race down the final week with the Tycoons for the Wayne Gretzky Award.

SCHL Finals

37

The Bullets' chore on defence is obvious yet very complicated: Stop the Sedins. The Sedins have upped their game to new levels this season, racking up points by the truck load in Vancouver games.  Add to that, they've acquired Burrows and you'll have GM Wilson biting his nails during all five Vancouver games in the finals.  Just ask the Barracudas and Express.  On the flip side, the Jawas will have to contend with six Chicago games where they'll face one of the better duos in the SCHL in Kane & Toews.  Kane & Toews sounds like a classic rock band and they've been playing to sell out crowds all year in Wilsonville.  Fittingly, the 12th Championship will between Seeds #2 and #4 will be know as the Battle of the Duos.

The Bullets hold a man game advantage of 50 to 45 man games over the next 10 days.  Including, as noted above, 6 Chicago games to 5 Vancouver games.  The Jawas haven't had the same kind of year as last year, where they were the clear #2 team.  Instead they've relied more heavily on their Canuck trio and have had weaker secondary scoring and inconsistent goal-tending.  The Jawas have had two straight meh weeks at 24 points, but prior to that there were rolling, averaging 29 points over three weeks.  The scoring is in there for the Jawas, but it's just not as consistent as the Bullets.  The Bullets currently lead the WG race and, unlike the Jawas, get consistent contributions from all 10 players.  If Kops and Smyth don't step up, Kane and Toews will or Myers will chip in.  Rafalski has had a great last 1/4 of the season to propel the Bullets' D into the top third of the SCHL.  But don't put pooping the bed past the Bullets, they've done it numerous time this season, just when you think they're ready to take off in the WG race.  The Jawas will def need a couple of those eggs to have a chance to win the cup...esp considering the man games and Malkin's injury status.  He missed all of last week.

This will be the Bullets third trip to the Finals.  Their first time came in 2001 and most recently when they won it all in 2008 over the Vanguard becoming the lowest team in the WG race (7th) to win.  This time, however, it's a different story, as the Bullets are the favs and with a win this time around and WG win, they'll own 4 SCHL crowns, only one behind the three teams tied with five.

The Jawas spent the first half of their SCHL in DNQU with 5 straight seasons there.  Of late, however, they've been among the best in the league and in recent years they've become a member of the SCHL Elite.  Despite having a better year last year, they've managed to make it to their first ever Snipers Cup finals this year.  A win this year could cap the culmination of years of hard work building.

Two SCHL originals clash:  Life time the both teams are tied 6-6-1 and they've never before faced off in the finals.  The Jawas own the tie break with a week 13 win over the Bullets 31-13.

Can the Bullets propel themselves into the talk as the best ever team or will the Jawas finally take home hardware after years of building?

Match Man Games:

Sunday
Jawas: Malkin (injured), Kunitz (0), Goli (0), Mason (2)
Bullets: Iginla (1), Bourque (3), Kane (0), Toews(0), EJ (1), MAF (2)

Monday
Jawas: Antropov (1)
Bullets: Kopitar (0), Smyth (0), Myers (2)

Tuesday
Jawas: Hank (3), Dank (1), Burrows (2), Antropov (2), Streit (1), Rozsival (0), Mason (2)
Bullets: Kopitar (0), Smyth (0), Kane (0), Toews (2), EJ (2), Rafalski (0)

Wednesday
Jawas: Malkin (injured), Kunitz (0), Goli (0)
Bullets: Iginla (0), Bourque (1), Kane (0), Toews (1), Myers (1), MAF (0)

Thursday
Jawas: Hank (1), Dank (injured), Burrows (0), Antropov (0), Streit (1), Mason (0)
Bullets: Kopitar (2), Smyth (2), EJ (0), Rafalski (0) Myers (0)

Friday
Jawas: Hank (0), Dank (1), Burrows (0), Rozsival (0)
Bullets: Iginla (0), Bourque (1), Kane (0), Toews (0)

Saturday
Jawas: Malkin (2), Kunitz (0), Goli (2), Antropov (1), Streit (0), Rozsival (0), Mason (2)
Bullets: Kopitar (0), Smyth (1), EJ (0), Rafalski (1), Myers (0), MAF (2)

Sunday
Jawas: Hank (1), Dank (1), Burrows (1)
Bullets: Iginla (0), Bourque (0), Kane (2), Toews (1), Rafalski (1)

Monday
Jawas: Mason (2)
Bullets: EJ (1)

Tues
Jawas: Hank (1), Dank (2), Burrows (1), Malkin (injured), Kunitz (injured), Goli (1), Antropov (0), Streit (0), Rozsival (0)
Bullets: Iginla (0), Bourque (1), Kopitar (1), Smyth (1), Kane (1), Toews (2), Myers (1), MAF (0)

Semi-Finals

Those peske Express shoe-horned themselves ahead of the Bullets in the standings and now we're left with the top two teams in the league and the '08 & '09 Champs squaring off in the Semis.  Alone at the top of the WG race and separated by only 5 points, this will be the first time since 2001 finals these two foes have faced off in the SCHL Playoffs.  And both teams are coming into this match rolling, having both averaged 30 pts per week since week 17.  The Bullets have everyone on their team going going 4 times except for their Chicago duo, whereas the Tycoons have everyone going 4 times except for their Washington trio.  The Tycoons rely more heavily on their trio, however.

This is it: the two top teams and two legendary squads drop the mitts in what should be an epic final-esq affair.  The Finals are a assured of a former SCHL Champion.  All time the Tycoons own the regular season record at 11-6-1. Tycoons beat the Bullets 31-29 in week 19 and own the tiebreak.  This is the Tycoons 4th trip to the Frozen Four in 5 years.

The Barracudas Saturday egg ensured all four bye teams advanced to the Frozen Four.  This will be a repeat trip to the Frozen Four for the Jawas and a first for the Express.  The Express, on the other hand, dispatched the Gryphons much easier, despite the Gryphons wanting to play them.  The Jawas have scored over 27 points in three of the four past weeks, while the Express have only gotten 20 points or more in three of the past seven weeks.  The cards are certainly stacked in favour of the Jawas, but it's been the Expresses mantra all season long, getting timely wins.  The Express will be hope all their players chip-in and smother the Jawas.

What else can be said about the Express season that has already been said?  Timely wins, fortunate eggs and it's lead them all the way to within one win away from the SCHL finals and a lock at guaranteed money. 

We will see a first timer in the SCHL finals this time around.  Express beat the Jawas 23-18 in week 4 and hold the tie-break.

Quarter-Finals

You have to go back to 2001, when the Coyotes/Vanguard franchise first made their SCHL playoff debut as the last and only time these two foes have met in the playoffs.  The Tycoons prevailed on their way to hoisting the Cup back then.  Things have changed from the push over Coyotes as the Vanguard are a force to be reckoned with.  They're coming off a thrilling win over the Kilts that saw them overcome a 3 pt head start for victory.  Now they'll face a four point head-start and a much superior team in the Tycoons.  The Tycoons haven't had a week of note since Week 19, so rust is certainly a concern.  Tycoons' star Ovy has been suspended for two games, which will affect the week.  The time could be prime for another upset brought to you by the Vanguard.

The Tycoons start with a 4 pt head-start and own the tiebreak.  If the Vanguard can win here they won't have to face another head-start point.

You don't have to dip too far back into the history books for the last playoff match between these two teams.  It came last year in the quarter-finals as the Jawas blasted the Barracudas to move to the final four.  The Barracudas the SCHL version of Ground Hog Day playing in their 5th second round match and are hoping this year, this is the year they'll finally win and move on to the semis.  The deck isn't stacked in thier favour, however, as the go up against one of the league's top teams in the Jawas who boast the deadly trio Sedin, Sedin, Burrows.  On the other hand, this isn't the same Jawas we've seen in the past two years.  They're thinner and have more of a motley crew feel.  The Barracudas will need all hands on deck if they're to topple the Canuck trio and without a goalie and behind the 8-ball early, it'll be a climb.

The Jawas start with a 3 pt head-start and own the tie break.  It'll be the Barracudas first trip to the F4 if they can win.

Debuting in their first ever SCHL playoffs, the Express take on an SCHL legend in the Gryphons.  The Express have had fortunate luck to be in their bye position and will hope for that luck to continue as they pour on the man games and plumbers in the SCHL's version of the 1996 Florida Panthers.  The Gryphons, on the other hand, have been a post lock-out stalwart in the post season, making it to the 2nd round three time and appearing in one F4 in 2007.  They've openly been caught cheering for the Vanguard to beat the Kilts last round so they could match up against the Express and now face a tougher opponent than originally anticipated.  The Gryphons are the sexier team, but can they get their hands dirty enough to beat the Midnight Train Going Any Where?!

The Express start with a 2 pt head-start and own the tie break.  This is an intriguing match.  One one hand we're going to see a first timer make a Frozen Four or we'll see the Gryphons (everybody's favourite team) with another glorious shot at winning it all.

This one should be a doozey.  What would be a great finals turns out to be an early Quarter-Finals match - ala Canada, Russia - Just who is Russia and who is Canada? The Bullets are coming off a bipolar week that saw them hit 30 points in three days to only poop the bed with 3 points over the next four. After winning it all in 2008, the Bullets last season came up lame against the 79ers.  Their handover is gone and now they're poised to make some noise.  The Flash meanwhile put up a consistent 31 to dispatch the Triads guaranteeing a showdown between these two former champs.  Loaded with man games this should be epic.

There are no head-starts in this battle and the Bullets hold the tie-break.  These two seem to be attached at the hip this season, so it's only fitting they're facing off.

Round 1

The Flash were one Assassin point away from earning a bye, instead they're now faced with the Triads.  The Triads have had an up and down season, but lately it's been a whole lot of down.  They're only in the playoffs because of their second seed in the Silver.  Moreover, without a starting goalie and inconsistent forwards and a 4 point hill to climb, they're going to need an epic performance.  The Triads haven't gotten over 22 points in a week in over a month, while the Flash have only been under 23 pts once in the past 6 weeks.  A win for the Flash ensures a date with the 2008 Champs in the quarters.

After a summer of big moves and high expectations, will the Triads go out without a whimper?

A first round revenge from last season when the Vanguard dispatched the Kilts making good use of head-start points.  Now the tables are turned with the Kilts up 3-0 off the hop.  Much was expected from the Vanguard this season, but it's been one to forget.  They've had their ups and down, but lately it's been a trying time to get points.  The Kilts have faired slightly better, but have definitely shown signs of being a top 3 team, with other weeks looking more mediocre.  This will be a great battle as both teams are comparable in the standings and both have the ability to blow the match wide open.  The Vanguard, however, face the Red Wings four times.

Are the Kilts going to seek revenge and head back to the second round?

The Gryphons went 2-2 in the last month of season to lose the Gold title and draw the peske Goldminers in Round 1.  The Goldminers, meanwhile, have lost two straight and are losing some of their mid season charm where they strung together seven straight wins.  The Gryphons will be the heavy favs here with a two-O head-start, having averaged just over 27 points in their past seven weeks.  However, they do have the ability to lay an egg.  The Goldminers have put up 6 weeks of over 27 points or more, which is comparable to the Gryphons' 5.  At the end of the day, the Gryphons are chalk full of big names, but they'll need to show up against the ever polished Pinto. 

Last year they were happy just to make the dance, but are the Goldminers hoping for more this time around?

The Millionaires make their first return to the playoffs since 2007 and they're up against the Barracudas.  Both side-by-side in the WG and only 7 points apart.  This will be a no excuses contest.  If only the Barracudas had a goalie, they'd be a potential a top 3 team.  The Millionaires have the goalie, but are hoping scoring comes from other areas in this week.  Both teams have sputtered in recent weeks with losses, but both have put up decent points.  This will not be a blow out for either team and should come down to the wire.  When making the playoffs, the Barracudas have only ever been knocked out in round 1, once.

Will the Millionaires continue their Most Improved Season into round 2, while sending the Barracudas into a summer of excuses?

Olympic Break

February 15, 2010: The NHL and the SCHL goes into hiatus now until Monday March 1st for the final week of the SCHL regular season.

Rattray All-Stars
February 7, 2010: The Rattray All Stars are in...get them here!

All A-board!
January 7, 2010: Being an expert at shit, I thought I would spend some time to look at some of the shit running around the league. I have a finely tuned grasp of what shit looks like, so you should just trust my assessment of it and act accordingly.

All aboard the shit train! Toot-Toot!


Barracudas - Thomas Vanek

It is hard to believe that this 45 point pace wonder once scored 43 goals and 84 points in his softphmore year. The Barracudas expect big things out of this, but this dog has been shitting the bed like a 2 month old all year.

Express - Martin Havlat

This guy is currently on a 6 game assist streak. The problem here is that every one of them are second assists. So rarely do you see so many points mean so little. Minnesota was finally starting the era of offensive production, and they were doing it with Martin Havlat at the helm. Unfortunately that meant a 48 point pace, a load of second assists. Havlat should get back to his talent...kicking people with skate blades.

Devils - Tom Gilbert

45 points in his softphmore year despite being behind great offensive defensemen in Lubomir Visnovsky and Sheldon Souray. Not this year. This peice of shit extrodinaire is a -6 over the last 10 games iwth an incredible 2 points despite never being below 20 minutes. Tac this onto his fact that his face looks like it was caught in a vice for too long and you have the makings of one fine example of a dried up peice of crap on the Devils blue line.

Regime - Andrew Colgiano

Wasn't this guy supposed to be good? After his rookie year people were practially masterbating in the streets whenever they heard his name. Now? ON pace for an amazing 19 points. Someone should smack that goofy look off the face of his ESPN profile picture and maybe get this fucker off the ice because he sure doesn't look like he belongs in the NHL. This guy would find a way for a Tim-bits hockey team to lose.

Spartans - Shawn Horcoff

His name sounds like someone throwing up, and his play looks like it too. The only thing that this guy has going for him is that he can take faceoffs, but that sure doesn't mean shit for a hockey pool. What does mean shit, is his point production. His 53 points last year are starting to look mighty attractive compared with the blazing 36 point pace he is on now. 3rd oiler in a row? Maybe there's a trend there...or maybe he just sucks.

Shrubdogs - Jason Spezza

Unfair to pick on him because he's hurt? I think not. He stunk worse than a Downtown Gas Station bathroom prior to the injury. The shrubdogs expect 90 points out of this guy. It is starting to look like this guy is a talent black-hole without Heater. It is not like he was without talented linemates. Alfredsson's numbers were much more reasonable than this douche-bag.

Flash - Marc-Edouard Vlasic

Back to fucking earth with you Edouardo. This bitch put up 14 points for me after I drafted him, and then 36 for the flash. I am gald to see things are back to normal and he's back to a stellar 19 point pace. Soak this guy in Vasaline and flush his Vlasic ass down the toilet.

Goldminers - Matt Niskanen

This was a tough choice between Niskanen and Sekera. Both have knocked back so many tons of shit this year it is really hard to tell the difference between the two. I am going to give it ot Niskanen though since he actually had 35 points last year. On pace for an waste of time 15 points this stellar Dallas young guy is not going to help anyone out. It is not like he hasn't got the chance either. He puts up over 20 mins regularly and has averaged 19 a night. He just sucks.

Tycooons - Ray Whitney

Looks like the glory days are finally done for this old shit-cabob. Whitney is on pace for 54 points, a big downgrade from 77. The Tycoons have long been carried by Carolina old guys, I wonder who they will get next? Hopefully they don't stink up the joint in quite the same way Whitney has this year.

Triads - Shane Doan

Team Canada? How about Team Constipation. It is interesting to note that as this shit stain has collapsed this year both the Phoenix Coyotes and the Lee Triads have gotten better. Correlation or Causation? Who cares, he is awful at perhaps should go back to insulting Quebecers to at least produce something worth watching this year.

Tornadoes - Todd White

A lot of people were nervous about this 73 point monster from last season, and he has demonstrated why. Once pace for a toilet bowl worthy 31 points this year. I think his mom gave him his last name, White, because he looked like a little peice of white poo. She was very wise in her assessment.

Vanguard - Eric Staal

100 point sophmore campaigns are rare. He is currently on pace for just barely over half that this year. This guy is supposed to be the leader of the Vanguard, instead he is a frequent liability and costs the team a fortune in air fresheners to follow him and his play around with.

Assassins - Fabian Brunnstrom

Oh the hype, the hype! It is hard to believe how much people loved this turd pie. So far he has picked up a stellar 7 points. Amazing. Maybe he would have been better off not coming over to the NHL. The Assassins have to be tired of chasing this guy around cleaning up the stain of shit that he leaves behind him.

Jawas - Patrick O'Sullivan

The Jawas pulled this guys name out of a hat, and things started climbing down from there. He has been spinning circles in the toilet bowl this year and put himself on pace for 42 points. How the Jawas can afford to give him a roster spot is beyond me. I suppose a dramatic unveiling of a jersey should come with a bit of relutance before flushing the toilet on this corny log.

Gryphons - Jonas Gustavsson

I bet you know where this going. What a monsterous peice of crap. Another guy that can't handle the hype. It is a good thing that the Gryphons didn't rely on him being a starter, but what what a bucket of diahrea this guy is turning out to be. Someone honestly expected him to step in and save the Maple Leafs? What a joke. Fly him out of here Gryphons, he's stinking up the place.

Rowdy Kilts - Rod Brind'amour

The Tycoons former savior taken up by the Kilts in hopes of filling in some needed depth. All this guy has done is clock a couple minutes of ice time and streak his Depends with regularity. Not the player he used to be, that is for sure, it is time to slide his wheelchair off the ice and send him to his retirement home.

Brahmas - Matt Gilroy

Projected to stay in and play a big role for New York this year. That didn't quite work out. Instead he got the runs and has been in the outhouse all season long. How anyone could have confused this 13 point pace monster with an NHL player is surprising to say the least. It is time to pull out a role of paper and clean this brown smear off the roster.

79ers - Milan Michalek

Wasn't he supposed to be good now that he was getting his break on a team that would rely on him more? It is starting to look like there was good reason that the Sharks didn't rely on him more, he sucks more than a leech on a vein. Fortunately for him though, he is still with Joe Thornton on the 79ers getting towed along to wins despite needing to have the 3 shells used on him (Demolition Man reference).

Horses - Peter Mueller

Fuck you.

Heartbreakers - Olli Jokinen

What Jokeinen this guy has become for the Heartbreakers. Paid a fortune to add a 90 point player, and he has turned into an inconsistant floating log on pace for a 55 point campaign to follow up his stellar 57 point campaign from last year. A tough log to flush though as it seems so big and it might need to be broken up to fit down the drain.

Millionaires - Justin Williams

Can this guy stay out of hte hospital? Seriously, it seems like he plays a couple games then goes down with a season ending injury...every year. Basically he sucks up a roster spot all year, then gets protected, only to get injured and sit around for another year. What a drain on resources ability to get better.

Bullets - Mathieu Schneider

Oh this turned out as a fantastic option for the Bullets. He got waived before even getting a chance to play for the Canucks, and is now happy to be playing in the AHL? Waste of a pick, and soon to be flushed down the toilet.


All aboard the shit-train! Toot-Toot!

For the SCHL Shit Assessment Patrol, I am Chris Roy.

Evolution of the SCHL in the Past Decade

January 4, 2010:

Usher in a new decade for the SCHL folks.  I still can’t believe it is 2010 and we’re 12 years deep into the SCHL.  When it first started, the SCHL rules page was two pages long.  I still have the original rules doc on paper somewhere.  I’ll try to find it and put it up for a laugh when I get a chance.  Now the SCHL rules have evolved into a cumbersome, anal legal document over the last decade.  In addition to rule changes, there have also been other happenings that have greatly affected the league.

So how has the SCHL evolved into its current state?  I’ve decided to take a look back at the last decade and talk about the ten most important league changes and rules that have affected the SCHL landscape.

 10) Playoff Format – Try finding a way of getting to a two team final with 12 teams making the post season.  You can’t.  We tinkered around back in the day with 16 teams making the postseason (out of 20 teams) and we felt that were too many teams making the postseason and we felt eight was too little.  So we settled on 12 teams and it basically boiled down to a, what now looks as goofy, three team final.  It wasn’t until the introduction of the byes in 2005, were we able to mimic a 16 team playoff format with only 12 teams.  It’s a small change, indeed, but a necessary change that has forever impacted the SCHL playoffs.

9) Removal of the Trade Board – As of December 2006 there has been no Trade Board.  Wow, as I write this, I’m surprised it was over three years without the Trade Board.  The Trade Board was made up of basically a random mix of GMs throughout the SCHL who would approve trades.  It was probably the more controversial part of the SCHL for obvious reasons.  The Trade Board, for the most part, was fair and reasonable, but that didn’t matter as some GMs always had a problem with it.  For better or for worse, it was removed.  The feeling was we were far enough along that everyone should know what they’re doing.  I’m not entirely convinced everyone does know what they’re doing, but the fact remains, it was a different world getting trades approved back in the day.

8) Turnover – The Road Runners/Coyotes and the Riggs/Devils make up the book ends on a decade of SCHL turnover.  All told there were six teams switching owners throughout the last decade, notwithstanding the Barbour Exodus and SCHL Expansion.  Whenever asked about getting a team from an outsider, I usually say it probably won’t happen anytime soon as there is no turnover.  But there actually is enough to warrant some consideration for new members down the road.  It stands to reason we’ll see turnover in the coming years whether it be people dropping out or getting the boot.

Turnover is a necessary evil.  From the days of no posting to guys not having email addresses, the league has come a long way by booting out the rif raff.  It’s the reason the league is so good today, because we continue to improve and get better.

7) The Crosby Lottery – Probably the biggest mistake I’ve left on the SCHL.  If you’re unfamiliar with how this went down, you’ll probably become a stat on point number eight.  A number of GMs were bent out of shape at the idea of adding two drafts into one.  Looking back, the correct decision would have been to include all the 2005 NHL draftees into the SCHL draft (despite what the GMs wanted), except Sid.  And then having Sid effectively owned by the SCHL.  The SCHL would then take offers from all teams for Sid with the winning team getting Sid and the players/picks traded for Sid put into the draft.  Instead, the 79ers won the lottery and we all know how that story ended.

6) Divisional Format – This is our fifth season using the new divisional format.  The six seasons prior, teams were annually in the same division and schedules were tailored around divisional play.  It added for more familiarity with a smaller number of teams, but not all teams played each other.  Since the format change, teams now play each other once during the regular season, but the rivalry luster has ben lost.  We all know about the promotion/relegation aspect of it and what that has brought to the table.  There are pros and cons, but this change has changed the way we schedule is made and the playoffs seedings.

5) Expansion – After the Jokers left the SCHL in 2006 there was a spot open for a new GM.  The obvious replacement seemed like Heske, but I had plans of my own for a couple friends.  Undecided who to pick and realizing there were only 21 regular season weeks, the SCHL opted to expand to 22 teams.  This has no doubt left a lasting effect on the league.  It still remains the only time in 11 years the SCHL has expanded.

4) Tanking, the 13 man rule, the 700 man games rule – Hate it, love it or indifferent, this has made GMs think twice when building their teams.  Tanking in the early SCHL days was never an issue, mostly because all teams were somewhat competitive (the inaugural draft was recent) and partly because no one realized how lucrative it was to finish last.  In the late 90s and early 2000s young bucks did not make anywhere near the impact they’re making in the post lock out era.  Now it’s a total different ball game.  Young bucks are making serious impacts right away and it’s clearly lucrative to tank as shown by the Bullets.  So without booting teams for blatant tanking, rules were added, most notably the 13 man game rule and the 700 man games rule. These rules have put pressure on the lower tier teams to field somewhat competitive squads and have increased value for lower end plugs.  And most importantly, it ensures the worst teams in the league get the top picks.

3) Removal of Money Men – You knew this would be up here.  Removal of MM is easily the most controversial change in the league’s history.  MM was definitely unique to the SCHL, but only increased the gap between the rich and the poor.  Teams for years tailored their teams to own a goal scorer and playmaker for Money Men and frankly it caused teams to only follow their two MM players and their goalie.  Money Men was definitely an SCHL institution and everyone can agree it had its place and it was will be missed, but ran its course.  Like an old stud that gave you so many great years, but was on the decline, the MM were dropped.

2) Barbour Exodus – Some of the biggest SCHL characters resided in the Barbour Division.  The Stunners, Hitmen, Hammerheads, Storm and Blitzkrieg all added to SCHL…mostly in the annoying department.  In the summer of 2004, they decided to go their own way, paving the way for five new owners to the SCHL. (Assassins, Behemoths, Jokers, Triads, Tornadoes)  Their departure was a surprise, but not a heartbreak and in fact it was welcomed.  The SCHL actually expanded to 24 teams right before if you can believe that. 

Some of the teams in the Barbour Division had their interest level tail off and some had become too cool for school around these parts.  Having said that, however, up to that point it was six seasons with some of the original founders of the SCHL.  Teams who had helped build the SCHL at the start were now moving on to their own league.  It was definitely going to be a change without them.  The Barbours had their own whateversuits moment though.  When the Roaddogs were tubed in 2003 they were as pleased as anyone, but upon their departure they noted that as a reason they were leaving. 

Looking back, I’m glad they left, but I can’t deny they made up a huge faction of the SCHL.

1) Dropping 4 to Protecting 12 – This is head and shoulders the biggest change in the past decade.  Imagine every year dropping 4 players and redrafting 4 players.  It sounded pretty simple in theory back in 1998, but became a nightmare in practice.  Any odd man deal (IE a 2 for 1) would cause one team’s roster to go up a man and the other team to go down a man - both indefinitely.  Some rosters were at 18 players and some at 11 players.  11!  And we start 10!  Teams became unbalanced and trading became near impossible.  Every trade had to equal, so no team was going up a man or down a man. 

Any chance of changing this system was kyboshed by those teams who were up extra men.  How can you expect a team with less than 14 players to compete with a team with 18 players?  They had oodles of room to farm extra prospects that others didn’t.  It became so bad you couldn’t trade star players for 2 late round picks.  It was a flawed system.  Some people said they liked its strategic man up/man down advantages, but we all knew it was broken. 

It wasn’t until after the NHL lockout that it was radically changed to the current format.  Prior we had 14 players and we dropped 4.  In effect we were protecting 10 players.  After the lockout, to appease those teams against this change, we increased the overall roster to 16 players and went to protecting 12 of them.  This basically equaled dropping 4 players, but it meant odd man deals weren’t such a big deal as each roster in the summer would be crunched down to 12 regardless of roster size.  Then to compensate those teams whose roster sizes were abnormally big, they were given bonuses for each player over the 14 player threshold.

The change in this rule is the main reason why I always think of the SCHL in two half’s: The Drop 4 half and the Protect 12 half.

And there you have it, my take on the league’s biggest changes in the past decade.  As we go forward into the next decade I expect more radical rule changes, more turnover and definitely more unknowns.  I wouldn’t have it any other way.

For the SCHL, I’m Blake Johnston.

Young Buck Look in a Flash
December 31, 2009: As we approach another year, another decade, it's time to look to see what players may make their mark in this coming decade.  Jon Grossman has completed a 'farm team' analysis of all SCHL clubs, with the only caveat that only players 20 or young will be analysized.

Here

Also, if I don't talk to you, have a good safe New Year and we'll chat again in the new decade!

Top 10 People of Power and Influence in the SCHL
December 21, 2009: In accordance with The Hockey News annual report, I have decided to start an annual tradition as well and present the 2^nd edition for the SCHL.  There are five new entrants on the list, a few movers and shakers, and the top perch remains the same.  Without much further ado, here are the top 10:

10. Brian Denroche: Owner & General Manager – Regime (Last Year: N/R)
How does a G.M. with five straight DNQ’s to his name and destined for a sixth round out the list?  Easy – by having John Tavares on his roster and the likelihood of drafting either Taylor Hall or Tyler Seguin.  Building a core around Tavares and one of these other studs for the next decade is a solid foundation for climbing out of the basement and into respectability.  The easy part however is announcing their names on draft day.  The challenge will be to surround them with the proper talent, particularly in the post-MM era.  It will be interesting to see how Brian approaches this in the upcoming seasons.

9. Rick Barrett: Owner & General Manager – Millionaires (Last Year: N/R)
The Millionaires have slid all the way down from the Premier division to now the Bronze division in successive seasons.  Pretty remarkable feat.  Now starting from ground zero, it looks as though they will be making their way back up.  With a team that can put up points with the best of them, the Millionaires are in a battle for the Bronze division title.  And if that falls short, they are primed to move up regardless thanks to the Bellamy rule.  No longer a pushover and relying on Rick DiPietro, Rick’s focus seems to no longer be about building for the future as it is about going for it in the next few seasons.

8. Dave Lee: Owner & General Manager – Triads (Last Year: N/R)
The Triads are one of the up-and-coming teams looking to join the league’s elite.  Having had his first taste of the playoffs last year, Dave didn’t sit around and rest on those laurels.  Instead, he went out and traded for Alfredsson and Timonen and drafted Prospal – three cagey vets who will put up a fair amount of points.  By doing so, Dave has afforded the luxury of not relying on his youngsters (Voracek, Gagner).  With a team that also features Nash, Hossa, Langenbrunner and Thomas, I am certain the Triads are one team many will be looking to avoid come playoff time.  They are that close.        

7. Derek Day: Owner & General Manager – Express (Last Year: 9)
While growing his fair share of detractors, Derek has allowed his team to show whose boss.  Within a couple years he has turned a moribund franchise nearly left for dead into one battling for a division title.  With one of the more consistent teams in the league, the Express have been able to give teams a run for their money on a weekly basis and knocking off some of the league’s best is not uncommon.  Always on the go, Derek continuously scours the trade front looking to find that move to make his team better.  And he seems to do just that with practically each one of his trades as he beginning to take over the throne as the king of Jack Rippering.

6. Ryan Paik: Owner & General Manager – Gryphons (Last Year: N/R)
Widely heralded as the best drafter in the pool (with all due respect to Jon Grossman), the Gryphons have built their entire (!) current roster through the draft.  Simply impressive.  As some teams trade like drunken sailors while others look for the quick fix(es), Ryan has stayed the course and built (drafted) an impressive squad that is one of the best in the league.  However, as good as their roster is, they have yet to reach the finals or finish in the top three of the WG race.  It can be argued that coddling each of his players like a newborn child has cost Ryan a title or two of either variety, but having been burnt once before (Vanek) seems to be one time too many for him.  Is it possible that a team win it all without adding anything outside the draft?  Who knows.  But don’t put it past the best drafter in the pool to continue trying.            

5. Nathan Bellamy: Owner & General Manager – Barracudas (Last Year: N/R)
You won’t find many G.M.’s as passionate about the SCHL as Nathan.  He takes extreme pride in his team and if his team has a shit day, you sure as well know Nathan will be having one the next.  Having steadily been in the middle of the pack over the years, the Barracudas are poised to break through into the upper echelon.  Last season’s first half in which they were in the top three of the WG race was not a mirage as the ‘cudas have found themselves once again near the same territory.  Whether that can be sustained over the course of the season will once again be the underlying question.  The talent is no doubt there and this team is destined to achieve great things.  But will not having provided adequate (veteran) backup to a struggling and still developing Price be Nathan’s shortfall to achieving such great things sooner rather than later?

4. Tanner Rattray: Owner & General Manager – Rowdy Kilts (Last Year: 2)
The G.M. everyone loves to hate, Tanner’s grip of SCHL superiority has slowly slipped from the clasp of his hands.  As such, the hype machine has been dialed down from ‘Overload’ to ‘Moderate’, and Tanner has instead let his team’s play on the ice do the talking.  With that, while no longer THE team that is head and shoulders above the rest, the Kilts still find themselves near the top of the league.  There is not a move he wouldn’t make to get better or a person to step on to do so, so you know the Kilts won’t be lying around in their attempt to get back to the top.  Never shy to ruffle a few feathers, when he talks, people listen, even if it’s primarily to try and give it to him.  Consider it the ultimate form of flattery, Tanner.       

3. Ryan Hesketh: Owner & General Manager - Goldminers (Last Year: 5)
Outside of Blake, no ones passion and commitment for the SCHL can compare to Ryan’s.  He breathes and lives the ‘S’ on a 24/7 basis and he does anything in his power to make both his team and the league better.  Pertaining to his team, in just over three years he has turned it into one that hardly resembles an expansion team and has the chance of cracking the top five in the WG race as early as this season.  And if there is anyone tapped into the trade market, it’s Ryan.  He has a pulse on practically any player and move being discussed, and isn’t shy to make a big move himself.  Such has led him to where he is today.  Administratively, his annual season previews have become must-reads and his recent project of broadcasting the SCHL to the fantasy sports world was a thing of beauty.  Ryan will continue to be an integral part of all things SCHL for many more years to come. 

2. Lorne Wilson: Owner & General Manager – Bullets (Last Year: 3)
The Bullets are the epitome of a rebuilding project gone right.  Whether one believes Lorne tanked or not is moot.  For one, finishing near the bottom guarantees absolutely nothing – one still has to make his picks count.  Well, Lorne did just that and by drafting Kane, Toews and EJ, who all will be the face of the Bullet franchise for the next decade.  And this past year he scooped up another big piece for the future in Myers.  Furthermore, he pulled off one of the biggest heists in SCHL history through the Iginla trade.  Despite the shock of the deal, each one of us wishes we could pull off a deal like that.  Having experienced success before, bottoming out for a couple of years must have been tough and frustrating, but all that led to an SCHL championship and a team that will continue to compete for both titles for quite a while.  Other G.M.’s should take note.  It sure as heck seemed well worth it for Lorne.

1. Blake Johnston: Creator & Commissioner – SCHL; Owner & General Manager – Tycoons (Last Year: 1)
No surprise here.  We all know we wouldn’t be here today involved in such a great pool if it weren’t for Blake.  He runs the pool like a well-oiled machine and there is certainly nothing that compares.  That alone deserves the top spot.  But of course, he also has to be commended for his G.M. skills.  An unprecedented seven division titles and counting, three WG titles and two SCHL championships – that’s one impressive resume!  It’d be easy to get complacent by having two of the league’s best in Ovechkin and Backstrom, but Blake has done a solid job of surrounding them with quality talent and isn’t afraid to shake things up if a crossroad is met.  He has built a team that everyone strives to beat and become.     

[Dropped from Last Year: Tony Roy (4^th), Cameron MacKinnon (6^th), Kevin Ma (7^th), Jon Grossman (8^th), Ashley Steier (10^th)]

Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, and Happy Holidays!

For the SCHL, I'm Peter Diamantakos. 

A Spartans' Mid Season Review
December 8, 2009:

Mid-Season Review

With the unofficial half-way point of  the ‘09-‘10 upon us, let’s take a quick look at what has transpired thus far and what we can expect going forward.  Firstly, I present the three biggest surprises and disappointments thus far (from a team perspective): 

Surprises: 

Millionaires – It’s not necessarily a surprise that this team is doing as well as it is (many peoples’ assertions that they will be the most improved team is proving to be correct), it is moreso how they are going about it.  Figured to be a catalyst along with Jeff Carter, Devin Setoguchi is proving to be a flop after coming off a 65-point season and costing them the 4^th overall pick (Evander Kane).  Instead, it’s Rich Peverley becoming the biggest first-half surprise that’s leading the charge up front.  But perhaps the main reason they are where they are today is because of Rick DiPietro’s injury.  After getting only 4 goalie points the entire year last season, Ilya Bryzgalov is tied for the league lead and has led the Millionaire ascent up the ranks.  Talk about a blessing in disguise! 

 Express – This surprise leads back to when G.M. Day took over this floundering franchise – within his short tenure he has taken this team from being the purest bottom-feeder to playoff contention.  What many of us thought would take numerous years to do has been accomplished in not even a couple.  Great trades and solid drafting have brought life into this team.  Their D is one of, if not, the best in the league, and Huet is showing that he can to be “the man” on the great Hawks team, which will only mean a steady stream of points.  Add to that they have been consistent and for the most part healthy, and you have the makings of a very good first half.  With an identical 7-3 record as the aforementioned Millionaires, it is shaping up to be a two-horse race for the Bronze division title.    

 Barracudas – Okay, perhaps they aren’t that big of a surprise.  And their 5-4-1 record doesn’t necessarily stand out.  But the fact they are 4^th in the Wayne Gretzky race might come as a little bit of surprise, despite being in a similar position at this point last season.  Why?  Patrick Elias, their leading scorer from last season, has just recently started his season and is getting his groove back.  Tomas Vanek, their third highest point-producer from last year has started off relatively slow.  And Sergei Gonchar, one of the best offensive d-men, faced another long-term injury.  Instead, Corey Perry continues to be one of the league’s best, Brad Richards has re-invented himself as one of the premier playmakers in the NHL and Carey Price is slowly heating up after carrying over his disastrous ending from last ending to the beginning of this one.  Lumped with three of the more successful teams in recent years – the Gryphons and Vanguard (both also 5-4-1) and Rowdy Kilts (5-5) – the ‘cudas are right in the thick of the Gold division title battle.                       

 Disappointments:

 Shrubdogs – Only two years removed from their Frozen Four appearance, the Shrubdogs now find themselves at the bottom of the standings and struggling for points.  Granted, they have already faced four of the five teams in the Premier division.  However, they cannot get by and expect to win by consistently putting up 15 or so points on the board.  After narrowly missing out of the playoffs last season, I’m certain G.M. Franson didn’t envision this type of first half.  Who would have thought that Spezza would be scoring like an average 2^nd line centre (how much does he miss Heatley now?!) and Campbell and Rafalski would be this underwhelming?  Couple that with Khabibulin’s injury and that’s a recipe for disaster – or the type of season the Shrubdogs are thus far having.  Unfortunately, it looks as if things are going to get worse before getting better again.  

 Heartbreakers – This must be killing G.M. Tony Roy.  This has to be unchartered territory for the 4-time champ finding himself within the bottom of the pack.  Declaring that he can’t stomach a rebuild, he is certainly at a crossroads.  Only Parise and Huselius are producing at their capabilities, and they are getting some quality production from the unheralded Burrows, but everyone else has pretty much been a disappointment, namely Olli Jokinen.  Furthermore, having his goalies play cat-and-mouse amongst each other must be causing a lot of headaches.  This team is tinkering with big-time trouble and if there is one G.M. who will do something about it, it’s Tony.  But something has to be done soon because this ship is quickly sinking. 

 Jawas – Numerous years of waiting patiently and building looked as though they were about to pay off.  With their first division title and playoff victory and top two WG finish all coming last season, the Jawas seemed poised to take the next step forward this season.  They certainly have (had?) the team to do so.  However, shockingly, instead of adding to their already deep them, the team was slowly dismantled.  Alfredsson was parlayed into Yandle, who has since been turned into Lupul – a pretty significant downgrade there.  Visnovsky was moved for Antropov (granted, it hasn’t been that bad a deal), which has left the Jawas without their would-be top producing d-man and the ability to boast of one of the better D cores in the league.  Now in the middle of the pack of the WG race and at the bottom of the Premier division with regulation a stark possibility, the Jawas’ success may have been short-lived.  Ten years of building, one season of success and with the sky having been the limit – now it’s perhaps back to the drawing board?  Unfortunate.

 So what can we expect in the second half?  Here I present THE burning question for each team going forward:

 79ers – Will they address their lack of depth up front which has perhaps cost them another Cup?

 Assassins – Is G.M. Moran patient enough to finally give himself the chance to draft a stud forward they so desperately lack?

 Barracudas – Will Price be able to shoulder the load for a Cup run?

 Brahmas – Is making the playoffs still the (delusional?) goal?

 Bullets – Is a healthy Ryan Smyth the key to putting them over the top for both titles?

 Devils – Can Steven Stamkos and Mike Green alone lead this team to the playoffs?

 Express – How good can they be if Martin Havlat gets going and stays healthy?

 Flash – Will the real Nicklas Lidstrom please come forward?

 Goldminers – Will thinking about today get in the way about planning for tomorrow?

 Gryphons – With a team that can win it all, will G.M. Paik part with any of his prized possessions to take the chance?

 Heartbreakers – Does G.M. Tony Roy have the where-with-all to finally go through at least a quasi-rebuild?

 Horses – What in the world has happened to Peter Mueller?

 Jawas – Do they decide to shore up and make a run in what might be after the fact?

 Millionaires – Who do you pin your chances on – Rick DiPietro or Ilya Bryzgalov?

 Regime – Taylor Hall or Tyler Seguin?

 Rowdy Kilts – Will the real Pavel Datsyuk please come forward?

 Shrubdogs – Is it time to rebuild?

 Spartans – What type of team are they when completely healthy?

 Tornadoes – Is it time to delve in their abundance of prospects for immediate help?

 Triads – Will Tim Thomas fend off a surging Tuukka Rask?

 Tycoons – Can they overcome the adversity of numerous injuries to repeat as Snipers Cup and WG champs?

 Vanguard – Will Vincent Lecavalier and Eric Staal play up to their capabilities and provide a second-half surge?

 Good luck to all teams in the second half.  It’s shaping up to be a beaut!

 For the SCHL, I’m Peter Diamantakos.

The SCHL Hit the Airwaves
November 19, 2009 - Well it finally came out.  It being the long awaited Dobber pod cast with Heske front and centre talking up the SCHL.  Click on the link to be taken to Dobber's site where you can download it or you can goto iTunes.  On iTunes search 'Dobber' as the artist under Power Search and click on him.  It's found in episode 18 and it's the final 6 minutes.

My thoughts:  As I posted on the board I thought it was great.  You could tell it was edited, but solid no less.  They seemed to harp on the fact that we have a lot of GMs in the SCHL.  I think that's a benefit, but I just got the impression that it was a bit of a downer.  Otherwise the point was made that it's intense and it's a like a second job for us.  The best part was Heske admitted he volunteered as an assistant GM for another team to get his foot in the door.  Awesome.

Anyway enjoy.  Thanks again, Heske...I never thought this would happen when you originally told me you were going to put this together.

Off the Shnyde!
October 18, 2009 - As the small crowd of long-suffering Denroche Regime  fans hugged and exchanged high-fives in the stands, the Uptown Heartbreakers trudged to the visitors' locker room Saturday night at Alley Stadium to begin what figures to be another difficult week early in a season that finds them already at a crossroads.
 

Classics
 

Draft Day Pictures
 

Frank Ranks Vol. 3 - 2009-2010
September 29, 2009 - With everything buttoned down and locked in, Frank ranks our team in his third edition of Frank Ranks 2009-2010.  Click here.

Another Draft Day in the Books

September 26, 2009 - Well folks...it's all come and gone.  I'm so tired and will have more to say but I wanted to get this up and here are the final draft results for you all to ponder.  Draft 2009

Christmas In September
September 24, 2009 - You're opening up the final door on your advent chocolate calendar and it's an F5 key in a little chocolate nugget.  It's here folks...we'll be drafting in less 1.5 days. 

I wonder what will happen this year?  How drunk will Sean get...Will Ryan Paik and Jon Grossman make sure they're attached at the hip for the umpteenth time without saying more than two words...Will Heske will he backup his big words on the board or will he be too busy humping legs...is Steve bringing a gun to the draft?  Are Sean and Daryl gonna have McDonalds on the way to the draft to save a nickel...Will tanner heckle and try to burn everyone...Will Dave walk right in front of the camera during the first pick...how late will Ashley be and how early will he go home...How many Canucks will the Tornadoes draft...Will Rick rub or clap his hands before making that all important 2nd overall pick...How many Stu Unger stories is Lorne gonna tell...Who will Sean  hand out a free goodie too....How many teams will give Brian advice...Will Pete ever make an appearance...How much taller will Adam have gotten since last draft...Will Nathan be his usual mute self with one pick...Will Tony have his mind deep into his blackberry...and finally...How many 'Dad' talks will Blake have with Tanner?  It's all happening tomorrow.

Hope you've studied...I think most have...hockey seasons is here!

The Regime hold the number pick and it should get cooking at around noon at 3163 Bute Cres., Coquitlam.  Bring your dough and if you owe for the playoff pool bring that too.

See ya then...can't wait!

SCHL Car Show

August 21, 2009 - The SCHL Car Show has rolled into to town.  Check out this year's contestants! Enjoy.

Frankcaster 2009

August 19, 2009 - The Forecaster hasn't even hit the Vancouver shelves, but Frankcaster 2009 is already out!  Enjoy

Summer Franchise Values
August 13, 2009 - The summer is still strong despite the weather, there's time for plenty of boating, golf and barbys...but you can tell the sun is dropping quicker and quicker each night.  At least the NFL is starting soon.  But there's over 40 days remaining before the draft, so to spice things up a bit I think it's time we all checked our team value...where does it rank in the league?  Enjoy

SCHL Schedule is Released
July 23, 2009 - The Tycoons open up their title defence this October against what should be a revamped Express in a three day Week 1.  Other notable matches include a re-match of last year's final in Week 9, the Roy brothers clash in Week 16 and expansion cousins Goldminers and Spartans play in week .  The season takes a twist as the Olympics arrive between weeks 20 & 21.

Controversial Ending to the 2009 5th Round Open
July 21, 2009 - There was no magical moment on 18 this time around.  Instead the final group was trying to sink a 30 foot par putt and ended up with a bogey to drop back to even par.  That left the three groups tied at -3 going to the tie break.  The group led by Nathan Bellamy, who only had 3 members, had the tie break with 6 birdies.  No one thought a winning score of -3 would take it, let alone three groups all with -3.  "We thought for sure our score was taking it" said team captain Tony Roy, "to find out as we walked up the first group did it...we were surprised.  I guess conditions today were good for scoring."

Rattray and Bellamy hoisted the Norman back back at Nathan's place over a tasty barby.  The pictures are posted on facebook, but I'll get them on here shortly.

The day turned out fantastic.  After a mess of people dropping out, it was looking like patch work Perry...but it all came together.  Everyone had a blast and the weather was potent.

First off the tee: Nathan Bellamy, Daryl Sampson, Tanner Rattray
Front Nine: 5, 4, 5, 4, 3, 3, 3, 3, 5 = 35
Back Nine:  3, 3, 3, 4, 4, 3, 4, 5, 5 = 34
Total 69, -3 - After bogeying the first and 4th in what looked to be a disastrous round, the group canned a longs bomb 5 and 7 to finish the front 9 with a -1.  Birding two of the tougher holes was pretty special on the back nine going -2 on 10 and 11. With 6 birds to their credit, the bogey on 17 turned out not to cost them the Norman.  If you got something else to add, please do email me.

Second off the tee: Tony Roy, Jamie Wahl, David Lee, Griffin Mitchell
Front Nine: 5, 4, 5, 3, 4, 4, 3, 4, 4 = 36
Back Nine:  4, 4, 2, 4, 3, 3, 4, 4, 5 = 33
Total 69, -3 Much like the winners last year, after birding the 1st they settled down on the front nine to birdie 9 to round out the front even par.  Jamie turned it on the back and they birdied 12, 13 & 14 to get to -3, which included driving the green on #14, a par 4.  If you got something else to add, please do email me.

Third off the tee: Lorne Wilson, Tyson Rattray, Sean Moran, Wade Smith
Front Nine: 4, 4, 5, 3, 4, 4, 3, 4, 4 = 35
Back Nine:  4, 4, 3, 4, 3, 3, 5, 3, 5 = 34
Total 69, -3 Lorne Wilson carried the team on this day.  The team got their drives in early unlike some of the other groups, which eased the pressure.  Tyson and Sean almost had a chance to repeat.  If you got something else to add, please do email me.

Fourth off the tee: Ashley Steier, Brad Bryce, Cameron Mackinnon, Mike Kelly.
Front Nine: 5, 4, 5, 3, 5, 4, 3, 4, 4 = 37
Back Nine:  4, 4, 3, 5, 5, 3, 4, 4, 5 = 37
Total 74, +2 This group just couldn't get on the birdie train and their most experienced golfer was having hard time hitting the fairway off the tee.  Ash canned a long putt on 9 with their lone bird.  If you got something else to add, please do email me.  Of note, the first 4 holes used drives from each guy. After 18: 6 from Mike, 5 from Ashley, 4 from Brad, and 3 from Cameron. Oddly enough, we used most of Ashley's drives when he had the slice in it. After he lost the slice, we stopped... because he was expecting a slice and wasn't getting it.  I (Cam) didn't lose my first ball until 9. I thought for sure I'd lose a ball just about every hole.  Our "two best golfers" were the only ones to put a shot into the drink.

Fifth off the tee: Blake Johnston, Adam Franson, Kevin Ma, Ryan Paik
Front Nine: 3, 4, 5, 3, 4, 4, 2, 4, 5 = 34
Back Nine:  4, 4, 2, 5, 5, 3, 5, 4, 6 = 38
Total 72, E When the lady went around giving out the scores we were delighted to see we were the only team in the red after 4 holes.  Birdying the first hole was massive with a great drive and approach by the Captain Johnston and with Ma capping off the putt.  "I thought we could be in for a special day on that hole"  The group continued to get birdie putts on each hole and it wasn't until the 10th hole that the group didn't hit the green in regulation.  However, not enough hay was made on the par 5s, which are usually considered the easiest holes.  The par 3 seemed to be the easier ones as Johnston threw shots tight on 7 and 12.  On 12 Paik hadn't got a drive in and is tee shot that found the green wasn't selected.  The pressure was on for Paik as the group hadn't selected one of his drives and they face the final 4 holes needed three drive from him.  The 18th hole came and Paik was the only man to drive...and he topped it 1 foot.  The back nine was mortgaged for the -3 score and it all came tumbling down to a E par finish.

Teams Are Set
July 16, 2009 - After some rearranging the teams are finally set for this Sunday's 5th Round Open.
Team 1: Tony Roy, Jamie Wahl, David Lee, Griffin Mitchell
Team 2: Ashley Steier, Brad Bryce, Mike Kelly, Cameron MacKinnon
Team 3: Nathan Bellamy, Daryl Sampson, Tanner Rattray, Jon Grossman
Team 4: Blake Johnston, Adam Franson, Kevin Ma, Ryan Paik
Team 5: Lorne Wilson, Tyson Rattray, Sean Moran, Wade Smith

Remember to be there at 1015ish am Sunday morning at Surrey Golf Course.  7700-168 St, Surrey, BC.    Wear golf shirts and proper shorts. We'll figure out who tees off in what order at the course.  Pay at the pro shop under Johnston.  Keep up to the group in front of you.  Don't worry everything is stress free.  Don't be goofs on the course.  $10 beans each for the Jug.  Welcome the new guys...they all want in on the SCHL action anyway.  Bring lots of balls.  Prepare to get your picture taken. haha - Then we'll all cruise over to Nathan's house to hoist that thing to the left of us...the Norman.  Captains will sort out their respective teams.  I reckon even par is going to take it..but who knows.

5th Round Open
July 5, 2009 - The Norman Jug is up for grabs once again in two weeks.  Surrey Golf Course will once again host the 5th Round Open on July 19, 2009.  Last year was the inaugural round of this championship, with three groups facing off in a Texas scramble shoot-out.  These trailblazers have helped increase the turn out to 20 golfers for the 2009 championship.  The winning team won it all last year with a score of 71, birdying 3 of the par 5s including the 18th.  Posting a score in the red this year, however, will be a tough task.  The injection of beginner golfers and the dilution of real golfers will put a premium on making pars.

In a Texas scramble, each golfer in the group tees off on every hole and they choose the best drive. From that spot each golfer hits a second shot. The group then decides on the best position from which to play their third shots and so on until one player holes out.  Each golfer in the group MUST get in three tee shots over the 18 holes.  There are no mulligans either.

Group 1 is led by Tony Roy.  He's selected the Brahmas GM, Daryl Sampson, Triads GM, David Lee and rounding out the foursome, Griffin Mitchell.

Group 2 is led by Brian Denroch.  He's included Ashley Steier, Chris Roy and Cameron MacKinnon as part of his squad.
Group 3 is led by Nathan Bellamy.  He's picked up Goldminers GM, Ryan Hesketh, Kilts GM, Tanner Rattray and rounded out the team with the invisble man, Jon Grossman.
Group 4 is led by the captain of last year's winning team, Blake Johnston.  He's added Adam Franson, Kevin Ma and Ryan Paik.
Group 5 is led by Lorne Wilson.  He's drafted Tyson Rattray, Sean Moran and Wade Smith.

Surrey Golf course is located at 7700-168 St, Surrey, BC.  The exit to take it 160th Street for those coming from Vancouver and that side of the bridge.  The action gets underway at 1030am so everyone is asked to come there by at least 1015am, preferably closer to 10am.  Also, everyone is asked not wait around by the entrance like timid Tommys waiting for someone to come and tell them what to do.  Feel free to get carts and bring a few cheeky largers, but keep them tucked away until we tee off.  It's basically like the movies where they don't like when people bring in their own beverages.  We want this to move along at a good speed...I don't want the marshall on our asses for slow play.  Also, anyone being a total jerk off can kiss their spot it he SCHL goodbye.  This is meant to be fun, but it's not a stag.

Afterwards, we'll all drive over the Barracudas' house and enjoy a Barby to tie up the event.  Food will be provided (for a cost), but beers won't be.  So bring your own.   Also, everyone will have to bring $10 to pay for the Norman Jug and its engraving. I know I know..relax it's $10.  Any spill over will be throw into the SCHL pot and will pay for expenses related to that.

I hope everyone is hitting the range and practicing up...I know I am and I'm looking forward to hoisting the Norman for the second straight year.

Draft Day 2009
June 24, 2009 - Save the Date: September 26, 2009.  The Heartbreakers will host the 2009 SCHL Draft.  This will be the SCHL's 11th entry draft.  The Heartbreakers had hoped to host it last year, but were unable to and the Barracudas stepped up.  This will be the second time the annual event has been hosted by the Heartbreakers, with the last draft hosted in 1999 in Port Moody.  Draft details and directions will be disclosed closer to draft day. For now, just save the date and don't be a Charlie and let your wife or gf plan something on that day.  It's Christmas in September!

The Regime will have the eyes of the SCHL watching them this year as they own the 1st overall choice.

1st Ever All Snipe Team
May 25, 2009 - In the wake of the 2009 Snipe of the Draft Winner announcement, Pistol Pete of the Diamantakos Spartans has taken a look at last year's draft and put together a little something something to kill time time mid June.  Take a look here.

 

In addition to growing into a solid GM, Nathan has, over the years, contributed to the funness SCHL, with his regular posting/opinions, hosting of the 2008 draft (his 2nd time hosting it) and his help with the 5th Round Open.

So from the SCHL, Thanks Nathan!

SCHL Playoff Pool Link

Here - Standings are at the very bottom!

 

2009 SCHL Draft Lottery

April 15, 2009 - Watch the 2009 Draft Lottery