So we are now at 11-12 game stage of the season and the chaff is separating from the wheat. Being a member of the chaff isn't so bad actually especially when the future holds some promise right ? At least that is what the local fish wrap is saying in Victoria.

After this weeks power rankings putting the Ronin almost last overall I felt I should comment on the apparent "weakness". This season was planned for absolute stinkitude. But Victoria should be much improved next season barring injuries. Getzlaf, Anisimov, Berglund will be the main guys down the middle, with scoring coming from Penner, Clowe, Kostitsyn with Wheeler and Van Reimsdyck who was acquired from Dayton for Logan Couture who had also come over from Dayton in an earlier deal. Bill really knows to make an outstanding offer ! Hopefully these younger guys can round into better form. The blueline won't be world beaters but should function adequately with Rivet, Kuba and Zidlicky as the gray beards with Komisarek, Ericsson and Carkner to clear the crase with Tom Gilbert and perhaps most importantly Letang to carry the puck out of the zone. 8 guys for 6 slots is good math where I sit. I think its a glass half full situation and if it means stinking a season well thats a small price to pay.

In response to the power ranking commentary I would say that Victoria has every confidence in The Monster getting into a fair share of games for the TML in the NHL, plus Leighton returning from injury to see some game time but the real apple in our eyes is Sergei Bobrovsky who is a Ronin prospect from this years draft. I think between the three of them the team should be adequate in nets. Maybe Emery rehabs and can become an adequate tandem/backup in the NHL, he does have finals experience and is only 28 years old. He would be gravy for the team at that point. The club has really high hopes for Joacim Eriksson, yet another Flyers netminder.

Yes I had both wisdom teeth removed on Friday morning, good riddance to them I say ! Now if I could only stop the bleeding which is going on 3 days. One gets a little tired of tasting blood every time you swallow. :) It has been an excellent reason to consume large amounts of ice cream and to receive extra spoiling from my most excellent wife.

On a financial note

With the RFA restructuring I would highly recommend everyone take the time to check out your players salary because it you could be in for a bit of a shock when next years payrolls are finalized. Even more so the season after that.


Meanwhile the Owls continue set the pace with .833 winning percentage which is truly outstanding. #5 Offense and a #2 overall Defense has really put them in the cat birds seat. Congrats to Portland. The Killers also boast an impressive attack but at this point have an average defense, one has to wonder how much longer that will continue. The Chinook are posting wins but perhaps losing on the economic side of things. Kudos to them for saving enough money to go for it. A #4 Offense and #1 overall defense puts them at the top end of the league.

The Crusaders and T-wolves are two teams on the upswing and in a major way. An outstanding job done by both GM's. I can only hope my team has similar results with our youth movement.

I would also like to mention that if anyone knows of someone new to sim hockey or someone who would make a nice contribution to the CCHL please let us know. As the league has continued over the years I have been most thankful to both the former owners and especially to the new blood which has really injected some gusto into the league in general. Having extra people who want to participate gives the league the wonderful problem of having to find slots to house them. :)