BCHL '93 Michael Stenerson Commits To UAA

Stenerson in action with Surrey ... (photo credit Garret James - BCHL)

Surrey Eagles 1993 playmaking forward Michael Stenerson has committed to play for the UAA Seawolves beginning in 2012-2013.  Stenerson (5ft 10in 165lbs) is in his first season of Junior A hockey after spending last two years respectively at the Major Midget level with Valley West Hawks and Semiahmoo Ravens of the BCMMHL.

At The Break: Player Evals

The Seawolves have played a bit more than half the season so far with eighteen games down and sixteen to go.  In my last post I mentioned a couple of things I'd write about using "in the next few days" as some estimate as to when you expect them.  Then I took a week off.  Hope you didn't mind too much, I know I didn't.  So let's get to some thoughts on each player eh?

Nathan Lawson To Get Start In The Show

photo credit: Michael Dineen/UAA Athletics

Former UAA Seawolves goalie Nathan Lawson will get his first NHL game between the pipes tonight when he starts for the New York Islanders against the Phoenix Coyotes at Nassau Coleiseum (3PM Alaska Standard Time).

Post Game Interviews 12-11-10 vs Denver

The Seawolves tie Denver tonight 2-2 after a close, hard fought game. I thought the Seawolves had either had it in the OT or, at the very least, should've had a penalty shot to try to win it.

Seawolves 2 - DU 2

Tonight I sense from other fans and from what I heard on the radio some satisfaction on having seen a good hockey game and having watched the guys work really hard.  We saw a really excellent 3rd period by our boys and I thought they'd pulled it out in OT.  From my vantage point I really thought Grant had put the puck away.  Anyway, as for me; I'm disappointed.  Not in the team or the effort.  Just in the result.

Post Game Interviews 12-10-10 vs Denver

If the Seawolves learned one thing tonight, it's that Denver is in a different class in comparison to the other teams they have played. They battled back again from an early two goal deficit to take a 3rd period lead. The difference was that against CC, St. Cloud, and even Wisconsin is that might be enough. But, against a team like Denver, sitting back will burn you. The difference between this years team and last year team is that this years team will learn from that.

Seawolves 3 - DU 5

The difference in the game tonight came down to one thing in my estimation.  After the Seawolves fought back with an aggressive offensive effort and gained the lead, they looked like they sat back on that lead.  Everyone sitting around me agreed that they were asking for trouble.  And eventually it came.  From about the 3 minute mark in the 3rd period until they got the goal to tie it up the Seawolves seemed to put themselves on their heels and try to hold the lead.

Game Day: Seawolves vs. DU

Friday December 10th 2010

UAA Seawolves vs. DU Pioneers

Sullivan Arena::Anchorage, Alaska

7:07PM (Alaska Standard Time)

UAA Athletics Gives Xmas Present To Anchorage

I'm pretty sure the image says it all doesn't it?  Tell your friends, neighbors, co-workers, cashiers, doctors, lawyers, bakers, butchers, teachers, car mechanics, motorcycle mechanics, snow machine mechanics, janitors, carpenters, bartenders, pot dealers, hookers and even favorite politicians that UAA will give them 8 tickets to watch 2 hockey games between UAA and DU this weekend.

This looks like the place to start on ticketmaster.  As the flyer indicates there is a $3.50 handling fee.  That is per transaction.  Not per ticket.

DU: Smoke and Mirrors?

George Gwozdecky is a head games artist.  I should say artiste actually.  He's the consummate subtle spin doctor of the WCHA.  Almost nothing that George says can or should ever be taken at face value.  If he's answering a question about Jesse Martin's injury progess you'll likely find a subtle reference sandbagging his team's chances or if he's talking about a just concluded hard fought win he'll slip in some sort of inference about his team's luck.  He's a misdirector.

Pioneers Suck: An Enlightening Reparte'

"Perhaps the greatest assemblage of college hockey talent ever" was the phrase last year to come out of one of the tentacles of the DU Athletic Department's secret underground railroad propaganda apparatus.  So is this year's version the 2nd greatest assemblage ever?  Do they surpass that?  Or are they the most majorly super-athletic stud muffins to ever proudly parade around Cheesman Park dressed in red and gold?

Sunday Potpourri: Learnin Ya Stuff ... Then Hockey

We'll start today with what you think is me and my politics and what I think is history.  I love me a good documentary.  The film above is a good documentary.  You can watch the whole thing here in the comfort of your favorite blog too!  The film was made this year and released into the public domain.  Which means anyone can use it for any purpose.  My purpose here?  Exposition.  Just exposing you to this information means I've done my part. 

Seawolves 1 - Wisconsin 3

Sometimes you have to remind yourself that there's this whole other hockey team on the ice.  Tonight, I think you have to start by giving Wisconsin credit for coming out and playing more aggressively overall but particularly in the 1st period.  

Post Game Interviews 12-4-10 vs Wisconsin

The Seawolves fall tonight to the Badgers 3-1. The Seawolves came back late to make it 2-1 but, again, penalties cost the Seawolves as they took a few late in the game. Both of Wisconsin's goals not into an empty net were on the power play. UAA took 24 PIM and gave Wisconsin 9 power plays. Wisconsin had 18 PIM and UAA was 0 for 6 on the power play, a major problem these days. The biggest drain on the power play is UAA's passing on it, it's not been crisp and as such UAA doesn't get many good looks (BTW, come the revolution, unless you are on the ice or bench, yelling "shoot" on a PP will get you shot). Tommy Grant scored again (he scores when the team needs it) on a rebound after the Seawolves pulled Rob Gunderson (solid again tonight) with 9 minutes left and had some time to controlling the play. Wisco added an empty netter at the horn to make it 3-1.

I will long for the day college hockey wakes up and decides to do what the NHL, IIHF, USA Hockey, and practically everybody else, did: just start calling everything by the letter of the rule. That happens and games like this will be a thing of the past. I'm tired of the constant clutch and hold that always leads to frustration penalties being called. The college game will be much better off but I guess nobody involved wants it.

Game Day Chat Room (Saturday vs. UW)

I'll post lines here if and when they arrive in the email.  Until then take a look at last nights full gamesheet.  Definitely more to grind through on that and see some trends than the regular boxscore.  That face off advantage was big factor in the way the Seawolves were able to play the game last night.  It was a number that has trended nicely in UAA's favor most of the season.  Just one more piece of the puzzle coming into place.  A win tonight for the weekend sweep is another one.

Seawolves Get Game Winner at 00:08.1

Nice not to go to overtime.  Really fucking nice.  I thought the game tonight was a battle.  And honestly ... it was a win justified by the overall flow of the game.  UAA deserved the win.  And I think that applies to more than just tonight.  A couple of losses we took were brutally undeserved and from the standpoint of a fan, it kinda helps make up for it.  And winning a game that was a battle like that? Good for the soul of the team. 

Post Game Interviews 12-3-10 vs Wisconsin

UAA Hockey: Come for the hockey, stay for the heart attacks!

It was another Friday Night Thriller for the Seawolves as they defeated Wisconsin 2-1 by virtue of another late goal, this time with 8 seconds left, from Tommy Grant. Tommy gets yet another game winner, he's not scoring at will, but he's scoring when the team needs it, and that's more important. That's now 12 games decided by one goal or less for the Seawolves, when more time is available I will check to see what the record is. Craig Parkinson got the first goal tonight, a short handed goal, capping off a stellar game for him. Stellar games practically all around. To describe Rob Gunderson's performance I turn to this, or Tommy Grant's description: miracle save. Gundy is quietly turning into the real deal but the best part: Chris Kamal may be just as good.

Coach Shyiak is a happy guy these days. Not much has changed in his game plans or his teams play but the luck and bounces have, and now the players have confidence. This team was hard to predict, and still are to an extent, but they look to be a real force to be dealt with in the WCHA.

Ok, off to bed for me. Let's look for two tomorrow!

Game Day Friday: Seawolves vs. UW

I should have made something of this comment before now since I saw it a couple of days ago.  Here's Mike Eaves main point to his team regarding playing the Seawolves this weekend.

"We need to put some hay in the barn here ..."

Thoughts Going Into Friday

I've been thinking a bit about how big a factor things like motivation and confidence actually play in sports.  We've all seen a sports documentary or two with the great insightful scenes where a group of athletes transition from showing limited confidence to a belief that they can't be defeated.  There are subtle signs that this years Seawolves seem to have made some measure of this sort of positive transition.

Justin Bourne Drops F Bombs On Wisconsin

I sent an email to Justin Bourne yesterday.  He's a busy guy writing columns for  The Hockey News, USA Today, Puck Daddy, Hockey Primetime and christ only knows who else.  The guy has really made a quick go of getting some paying gigs since deciding to write about instead of play hockey.  Today he fulfilled my request for a letter to the team regarding this weekend's games against Bucky.

Who Are The Badgers This Year?

College hockey rosters are relatively dynamic.  In any given year, a single team typically loses 6 or 7 or perhaps 8 players from the season before.  A reasoned assessment of a team's potential includes looking at who they lost from one season to the next.  And the Badger's losses to graduation and/or the professional ranks were substantial from last season to now.

November 4th, 2006 Is Last Win Versus Badgers

There isn't a single UAA Seawolves player on the current roster that has experienced beating the Wisconsin Badgers in a hockey game.  The last win against the Badgers came on November 4th, 2006 more than four years ago.

Mellor Named to CJHL Prospects Game

UAA Seawolves recruit/signee Sam Mellor has been named to the Team West squad for the annual CJHL Prospects game this December 7th/8th in Dauphin Manitoba.  

Congratulations are once again in order for Mr. Mellor on receiving this invitation.  It's a nice follow on to his recent participation in the WJAC tournament.  

Once in a UAA sweater, I'd expect Sam may garner an invitation or two to the Canadian World Junior team though being named to that final roster is quite the step above both the WJAC tournament and this CJHL prospects showcase.

Mellor's resume' and performances in the BCHL now peg him as one of the (if not the) top western Canadian prospect(s)s heading to the WCHA next season.  Best of luck to Sam in front of what is one of the larger assemblages of NHL scouts to attend these showcases.

Here's how the CJHL describes this event:

Player selection is a joint initiative of the CJHL and NHL Central Scouting. Team West includes eight players from the BCHL, four from the SJHL, four from the MJHL, three from the AJHL and one from the SIJHL.

The CJHL Prospects Game was created to showcase the top 40 NHL draft eligible players in the CJHL. The event includes a two-game, total goal series between Team East and Team West, which is well attended by local hockey fans, NHL scouts, and representatives from Canadian and American colleges and universities.

Sunday Potpourri: CC Wrap, Stuff, The Owens Email

It's damn hard to write about something one hasn't seen.  I bagged doing a recap last night in favor of some movie watching and a long restful sleep because I had nothing to add that wouldn't be available anywhere else.  What follows is stuff you won't read anywhere else.

Game Day: Seawolves Have Chance To Sweep

Saturday, November 27th 2010
UAA Seawolves vs. Colorado College
World Arena::Colorado Springs
5:07PM (Alaska Standard Time)

Seawolves Beat CC 4-3 in OT

The Seawolves overcame a third period seeming march to the pentaly box tonight to fight back and tie the game on Matt Bailey's six goal of the season with just 6 seconds remaining in regualtion.  The goal was notable as UAA's net was empty and CC was again on the power play.  Short-Handed Extra Attacker goals rule.  It was Bailey's second goal of the night.  

Game Day Friday: Seawolves at CC

Friday, November 26th 2010

UAA Seawolves vs. Colorado College

World Arena::Colorado Springs

5:37PM (Alaska Standard Time)

Seawolves Go Up To The Springs

This weekend the Seawolves for the first time this season face an opponent that they've already played this season.  And will face two more times after the conclusion of this weekends series.  That's right when you add it all up ... the Seawolves play CC a total of five times this year.  The normal regular season maximum between two teams in the WCHA is 4.  But CC was an invitee to the Brice Goal Rush tournament and UAA faced them in their first game there taking the 4-3 loss.

Revisiting The Travis Novak Event

I thought I'd compile a very unofficial timeline of the Travis Novak injury from this past Saturday night for everyone's clarification.  I'd promised to look into a couple of issues and this is the mini-forensic result of the questions and answers I received.  The one missing piece from this compilation is the video replay of the event.  

WCHA Weekend Review

In the wake of what was honestly a bit of a breathless weekend for me; I thought rather than verbosely reiterate all those issues I'd take a short snarky look at the rest of the WCHA action from the weekend.  

Sunday Potpourri: Novak Injury And Other Stuff

The Anchorage Daily News is reporting that Bob Motzko told St. Cloud Times correspondent Matt Nevala that Travis Novak has been medically cleared to fly home and did not suffer serious injury.  That's great news.  Motzko commented additionally that whether or not Novak would actually fly with the team on this morning's return flight hadn't been decided.

Post Game Interviews 11-20-10 vs St. Cloud State

First off, prayers and well wishes to Travis Novak. I believe I speak for everyone in saying nobody wants to see that happen.

Now, I have to say, part of me feels bad for referees Justin Brown and Max Battimo. I've been in similar situations reffing soccer where a game is going along fine and a minute later it feels like you're arranging deck chairs on the Titanic the game is going so bad. Quite frankly they have nobody to blame but themselves. The game was getting out of hand in the first period and they didn't do anything to stop it. Hooks, holds, slashes, some roughing after the whistle was all going on and they just looked the other way. Sometimes you get away with it and sometimes you don't, and they got burned big time.

SCSU Win Marred By Novak Injury

SCSU's Travis Novak was injured as the 2nd period ended tonight.  Novak laid motionless on the ice apparently unconscious for an extended period before an ambulance finally arrived to take him to the hospital. Updates at the rink and in the chat room from various sources indicate that Novak "had mobility" after he was stretchered off the ice.  He was attended by a physician during the wait for the ambulance.

Seawolves v. SCSU: Saturday Chat

UAA Recruit Sam Mellor Inks Letter Of Intent

Mellor lined up for a draw in the just completed WJAC versus Russia ... photo credit Andy Devlin/Hockey Canada Images

The Great Northwest Athletic Conference website's 2011-2012 National Letters-of-Intent Signees page puts to rest the unfounded rumor, hand-wringing and other speculation in this blog's comment section that UAA Seawolves Recruit Sam Mellor of the BCHL's Trail Smoke Eaters would switch his commitment from UAA to some other WCHA school.

Seawolves Win In OT 3-2

Mitch Bruijsten somehow found a ping ponging puck in a mess of bodies with 1:26 left in OT to give the Seawolves a much needed win tonight.  It was the Seawolves first real chance in the overtime as St. Cloud had prevented them from getting deep in the zone while manufacturing their own attempts to win the game.

Post Game Interviews 11-19-10 vs St. Cloud State

Hup Oranje!

Learn that, live it, and love it for the next few hours as the Seawolf Dutchmen Mitch Bruijsten scored his first goal of the season to lift the Seawolves to a 3-2 OT victory over St. Cloud.

Warner and Vidmar put UAA out to a 2-0 but St. Cloud came back and tied it on a power play goal in the third. Mark Pustin had 2 assists including one on the game winning goal. Chris Kamal got the start and picked up 18 saves in a strong performance in his first collegiate win.

The bad news of the night was UAA's Power Play going 0-7. A lack of shots and some good pressure left the PP lacking all night.

A nice win to build on. Plenty of unintentional comedy moments after Bruijsten's goal including UAA's immediate leaving of the ice despite the goal going to review, Lyle Woods beginning to announce the scoreline and quickly announcing the review, Coach Shyiak giving the post game TV interview during the review, and SCSU's dumbfounded looks during the review. Hilarious.

Game Day Friday: Seawolves vs. SCSU

Friday, November 19th 2010

UAA Seawolves vs. St. Cloud Huskies

Sullivan Arena::Anchorage, Alaska

7:07PM (Alaska Standard Time)

Crucial Series With Huskies Looms

It's time once again for me to verbosely reiterate the most redundantly repetitive palavering (and now cliched) phrase to flow from this keyboard over the past five years regarding the an upcoming WCHA weekend series; this weekends games with St. Cloud are the most important of the season to date.

Help Wanted: Skating Spirit The Seawolf

I'm informed by the dynamically busy yet always resplendent UAA Assistant SID Dallas Baldwin that the Seawolves Athletic Department is looking for a person to fill the role of Spirit The Seawolf for home hockey games.  The job is a volunteer position and the school is hoping to find a candidate with one primary qualification; the volunteer should be able to skate.

Luncheon, Skate With The Seawolves, Jersey Auction

Several special events highlight the upcoming series versus St. Cloud for Seawolves fans.  First up, on Friday, the Seawolf Athletic Association will be hosting a Coach's Luncheon beginning at 11:30am in the Lucy Cuddy Center on Campus.

Hide Yo Cars, Hide Yo Wife - Tony Mosey Is Coming

The Twin Cities Pioneer Press is reporting today that St. Cloud hockey player Tony Mosey is facing felony "damage to property" charges and made his first court appearance yesterday (Monday November 15th, 2010).  The complaint alleges that Mosey caused about $3,500 in damage to a 1997 Buick LeSabre by walking on and caving in the "entire roof".

Anchorage Fun Guide For St. Cloud Players

Dear Husky Players,

Soon you'll be traveling to Anchorage, Alaska to play my beloved Seawolves this coming weekend.  I wanted to take this opportunity to welcome all of you to my fine city and state.  And to give you some tips which should make your stay both more enjoyable and entertaining.  And hey ... click all the links.

Memoire de la Rencontre Avec des Fan de Saint-Cloud

As sure as the sun rises, you can guarantee that douchey newbs from Minisoda will turn up on the internet in various venues to crow about how awesome their hockey teams are.  It's like bread and butter, stars with planets and used condoms with dehydrated spunk on Spenard Road.  It matters not what the realities are, they'll fucking argue with you about stupid shit until their wives or mommies make them get off the computer.  The story below isn't about someone like that.  It's about some normal folks like me.

Boremidji Wins Turtle Fight

17 shots for the Beaver ... 16 shot for the Seawolves.  Gametime .. 2 hours and 3 minutes.  Where have I seen numbers like that before?  Dean Talafous coached Boremidji tonight?  No doubt the Beaver dictated the pace of tonights game.  After the Seawolves stupidly gave up another brutally early goal just 17 seconds in the rest of the game was a complete snooze-fest.

Game Day Saturday: UAA @ Bemidji

Saturday, November 13th 2010

UAA Seawolves vs. Bemidji State Beavers

Bemidji Regional Events Center::Bemidji, Minnesota

4:07PM (Alaska Standard Time)

Seawolves Take 1st Game With Bemidji 5-4

Naslund looks for a rebound ... photo credit BSU Website ...

Don't let the score fool you.  The Beaver's scored two goals tonight.  A crazy fluke goal just 27 into the game gave the Beaver's their first goal of the night.  Just 15 seconds later they scored their first goal of the night.  Thirty-five seconds later the Seawolves scored their 2nd goal of the night to make the score 2-1 in favor of the Beaver.  Um ... Whut?

Game Day Friday: Seawolves at Bemidji State

Friday, November 12th 2010

UAA Seawolves vs. Bemidji State Beavers

Bemidji Regional Events Center::Bemidji, Minnesota

4:37PM (Alaska Standard Time)

A "Unique" Interview With Tom Serratore

Back on opening day of the Kendall Classic I was privileged to receive an invitation via the kindness of super-booster Kathy Klos to attend tournament's Coaches Luncheon at the Sheraton.  While meeting Kathy and discovering a political affinity was one highlight; I'd be lying if I didn't say that Air Force Frank Serratore stole the show.  

Seawolves Travel to Bemidji

The Seawolves hit the road this morning on their way to Bemidji.  I'm curious if they get off the plane in Minneapolis and jump right onto a bus for the 225 mile trip to Bemidji.  Or if maybe they stay in Minneapolis find some ice to skate on; then overnight there before heading up to Bemidji on Thursday. I'd tend to think 5+ hours on a plane then 5+ hours on a bus combined with all the departure and arrival nonsense would be a bit much. 

Reasons To Hate Bemidji?

It's possible, yet mostly unlikely that you might not be aware that I really (as Justin Bourne says) "sports hate" all the other WCHA teams.  I think it's part of my function here.  This is a blog for fans.  It's meant to relate to the fan experience.  Hating the other guy is part of that.  And let's be clear, I'm not an equal opportunity hater.

Donnie Harris Commitment Confirmed

Last week we got a tip in the comments section that 19 year old defenseman Donnie Harris from the AJHL's Bonnyville Pontiacs had committed to the Seawolves.  Today a Bonnyville press release confirms exactly that.  The 6ft 2in 205lb defenseman originally hails from Fort Ashby, West Virginia.  His first exposure to hockey there came at a local rec center where he says he fell in love with the sport.

Off-Week Thoughts and HAARP!!11!! Too

No news is usually good news for your favorite Seawolves blogger.  This early season off week has given me an opportunity to not focus continually on all things Seawolf.  I pretty much have only even looked at the blog 3 times a day instead of ELEVENTY-MILLION as usual.  That isn't to say I haven't still had Seawolves hockey on my mind.  I have.  So here's what I've been thinking.

Sunday Potpourri: Jesse Martin, Hypocrisy, The League

DU forward Jesse Martin is in a Minneapolis hospital today having surgery to alleviate swelling around his spinal cord associated with three fractured neck vertebrae resulting from a hit applied on Saturday night by UND's Brad Malone.

Post Game Interviews 10-30-10 vs Minnesota State

Quick note, I only talked to Coach Shyiak. The players were still handing out candy and autographs at ~10:15 when I had to leave.

It's been a frustrating weekend for the Seawolves, losing and tying two games that they could've and should've won. Not for lack of effort on UAA's part, they had plenty of chances, but ran up against a strong defensive effort and stellar goaltending (I second the vote for Cook as Defensive POTW). UAA has played 8 games and 7 of them have either been tied or one goal games, as coach mentioned the team could easily be 7-1 instead of 1-5-2. The season is still as young as the team is and their luck can change (as I thought it had with Grant's goal) very easily.

The Power Play got another goal tonight, this time from Parkinson, that's a goal each for both games. The Power Play had good looks and some chances but, again, the goalie made some good saves and controlled his rebounds. It was a positive weekend to me for the PP despite the seemingly lack of scoring.

The team has a week off (A designated week off, meaning they can't practice officially I believe) before heading to beautiful (*groan*) Bemidji. The Beavs have to win in their shiny new building so that'll be an interesting weekend.

Off topic, I got an interview with the guys from Seawolf Thunder tonight, I'll be working on that tomorrow so look for that.

(Look Donald! A "center" tag! :P)

Seawolves 2 - Mankato 2

When you see your team do so many things right yet not get rewarded it's frustrating.  A lack of finishing on this night spells T-I-E.  And T-I-E on this night was no reward on a weekend when (admittedly biased and homerish as I am) you watch your team outplay the other over the course of 125 minutes.

Post Game Interviews 10-29-10 vs Minnesota State

What a frustrating night eh? It's been a tough season for the team and this game is just another frustrating one goal loss. UAA was not without their chances, outshooting MSU 31-18, but MSU's defense and some stellar goaltending held the Seawolves to a 3-2 loss.

Interviews are with #5 Justin Kirchhevel (call him Kirch) who had both goals tonight, his first two as a Seawolf, and Coach Shyiak (who, understandably, did not have much to say).

I'm off to bed. Please go to look at the actual youtube page to bump up the number of views. I'd appreciate that very very much.

Also tomorrow I'll be talking to the guys of Seawolf Thunder, so look for that as well.

Seawolves Fall 3-2 To Mankato

Tonight's game had a little bit of everything.  It was overall a tightly played game by both teams.  When clear scoring chances were manufactured by either squad they were more often than not quickly denied.  Both goaltenders played well.  While large parts of the game were defensively oriented there were nonetheless sections of the game that were wide open.

Game Day Post: Seawolves vs. Mankato

Friday, October 29th 2010

UAA Seawolves vs. MSUM Mavericks

Sullivan Arena::Anchorage Alaska

7:07PM (Alaska Standard Time)

What Is Mankato All About?

The Seawolves first WCHA home series of the season is nearly upon us.  But you already knew that.  What neither of us know at this point is what Mankato is all about this year.  Of course, that's aside from them being all about getting home on Sunday with zero WCHA confernce points out of the series.

Seawolves Weekend Halloween Promotions

So I meant to come back yesterday and go back through the weekend with some analysis.  It would have been mostly about being 1-4-1 after six games when we've seen pretty solid starts over the last few years (09/10 -- 3-3-0 .... 08/09 -- 4-1-1 ... 07/08 -- 3-1-2).  I would have talked about how close 5 of the 6 games have been and how the teams we've played were mostly all ranked fairly high.

Sam Mellor Selected for WJAC Canada West Squad

Sam Mellor has been named to the Canada West 2010 World Junior A Championship roster.  Mellor was among 8 BCHL players chosen to the squad.  

Seven AJHL players, 3 MJHL players and 1 SJHL player round out the selections.  7 of the named players are veterans from last years team.  3 players are 2010 NHL draftees.

Congratulations to Mellor on the selection.  

The Canada West team begins play with a pair of tune-up games versus Canada East and the U.S. on November 5th and 6th before beginning group play on November 8th versus Switzerland and the 10th versus Russia.  

The semi-finals are on the 12th with the gold medal game to be televised nationally in Canada on the 14th.

With 21 goals in 19 games so far this season Mellor's scoring pace is nothing short of fantastic.  Best of luck to Sam and all the other participants in this tournament.

Sunday Potpourri: Recruits, Fascists and Truth

Imagine you're 19 again and playing junior hockey.  You're in a tightly contested game still in the first period.  And there's been a wee bit of nastiness and some hurt feelings.  The other team had a player tossed after a shoving match.  Minutes later some more shoving and ungentlemanly-like play sees a couple of more players to the box.  Then on your next shift, a 6ft 7in, 230lb, 18 year old behemoth challenges you to a fight.  Do you do it?

Seawolves Suffer Tough Loss 6-0

The Famous Bethlyn @ UMD game RePReZenTIN ...

Until tonight the Seawolves had been in every game they played up until the end.  Every game had been decided by one goal or had ended in a tie.  Tonight the winning goal was scored before a minute had passed in the game.  Unable to get any sort of offense on-track the Seawolves fought hard for about half of the game before succumbing. 

Game Day Post Saturday: Seawolves vs. UMD

Saturday, October 23rd, 2010
UAA Seawolves vs. UMD Bulldogs
Duluth Entertainment & Convention Center::Duluth Minnesota
4:07PM (Alaska Standard Time)

Audio/Video Links

TV: None
Local Radio: 550 KTZN (Kurt Haider)
Webcast: FUCK B2 Networks ... don't buy their shit!!!
UAA Radio Stream: Splashzone (Pay Per Listen)

Other Media Links

ADN: Seawolves Strike First (Doyle Woody)

DNT: Decent Recap (Kevin Pates)

No Recap: Blame B2 'Cause They're "TEH SUCK"

I didn't get to watch the game.  So there's pretty much nothing I can say about it.  Kurt always does a great job calling the games on the radio but what can I add if I didn't see the game.  Thanks a lot B2.  If your website was on fire I wouldn't piss on it.

Game Day Post: Seawolves vs. UMD

Friday, October 22nd, 2010

UAA Seawolves vs. UMD Bulldogs

Duluth Entertainment & Convention Center::Duluth Minnesota

4:07PM (Alaska Standard Time)

Seawolves In Dull-uth To Open WCHA

From a fan blog writer's perspective, it doesn't get any more boring than having to come up with some sort of angle to write about Duluth.  In a state full of boring 'bergs and cookie-cutter hockey programs Duluth is the median of the bell-curve.  

I Heart Statistics and Other Ramblings...

I should preface this post by saying that I work for UPS and I've had to see this commercial many times, and I don't like it. But if I have to suffer so should others...

Mellor On Hockey News Hot List

Sam Mellor in action with Trail Smoke Eaters

The Hockey News Hot List compiled by Ryan Kennedy on October 12th lists Sam Mellor amongst 10 players he says "we're excited to see in the NHL one day."  The blurb on Mellor says,

One point off the British Columbia League’s scoring lead, Mellor’s 28 points through 14 games is nonetheless impressive for a 17-year-old. A demon on the power play, Mellor can also throw a nice check and is committed to the University of Alaska-Anchorage for next season. Draft eligible in 2011.

The other nine players listed are Mark McNeill (Prince Albert-WHL), Alexx Privitera (Muskegon-USHL), Luke Adam (Portland-AHL), Brandon Saad (Saginaw-OHL), Nikita Kucherov (CSKA2-MHL), Rocco Grimaldi (USNTDP), Mark Pysyk (Edmonton-WHL), Maxime Clermont (Gatineau-QMJHL) and Tobias Rieder (Kitchener-OHL).

So my guess on Sunday that NHL scouts may somewhat overlook Mellor because of his size was perhaps a bit hasty.  I suppose I better be more vigilant in my regular searches.  If I had been then I would have seen this article prior to making that prediction.  

It's worth noting that this is a "hot list" which is indicative of the various players listed "hot" early seasons and not some sort of prediction about the NHL draft.  It is a regular weekly feautre.  In any case, have a read and it'll become apparent that Mellor is being talked about in some pretty nice company.

(Edit): I wasn't on top of the fact that the Central Scouting Bureau's "Watch List" was so close to be published when I posted this Mellor article last night.  My bad.  Today they released their first watch list for 2011 and Mellor is included as a "B" prospect amongst the 7 other BCHL players listed.  Here's a link to the PDF document listing all the players.

Monday Brice Goal Rush Review

Through participating or reviewing the chat log from the weekend or reading my recaps I'd imagine everybody is aware that I think the Seawolves weekend was marred by ineffective backchecking and not enough shot blocking.  Here's the thing that occurs to me that I didn't mention; balancing the attack with defending is not a simple thing.  

Sunday Potpourri: Recruits, WCHA Reviews, Bad Humans and Good Humans

I'm imagining that lots of good will come from this past weekends experience for the Seawolves.  That's the great thing about sports and being a fan.  Tomorrow.  The future.  The next game.  The next season.  I know our guys will learn from past games and apply those lessons in the next; they're students ya know ... they're all about learning.

Seawolves Lose 4-3 Again

I felt like titling this post "4-3 So Nice, Seawolves Do It Twice".  But that wouldn't reflect the fairly decent offensive effort from the boys tonight.  And of course, there isn't a Seawolves player that didn't want to win tonight.  The Seawolves put 36 shots on net tonight with 3 finding their target.  That's a very positive sign. 

Game Day Post: Seawolves vs. Union

Brice Alaska Goal Rush Tournament

Saturday, October 16th, 2010

UAA Seawolves vs. Union College Dutchmen

Carlson Center::Fairbanks, Alaska

4:05PM (Alaska Standard Time)

Seawolves Lose 4-3 to Black Bears

My overriding feeling after last night's game is one of disappointment with the team's defensive effort.  Seemed to me that the Seawolves (at times) got caught running around in their own end a bit.  And that disorganization cost them in the first period.  They managed to tie the game up on three occasions and that's awesome but they could never manage to get the lead.

Game Day Post: Seawolves vs. CC

Brice Alaska Goal Rush Tournament

Friday, October 15th, 2010

UAA Seawolves vs. Colorado College Black Bears

Carlson Center::Fairbanks, Alaska

5:05PM (Alaska Standard Time)

CHN's Tale Of The Tape

Brice Alaskan Goal Rush Preview

This weekend the Seawolves face an opponent they've never played.  And also one they've played 87 times.  The newly competent Union Dutchmen and the Seawolves have never played.  CC and UAA play each other 5 times this season.  But before we get too deep into the preview, I'm going to describe my automatic association anytime I hear the word Dutchmen.

Monday Kendall Classic Addendum

The first weekend of the season is gone and I should clear a few things off my mind that I just didn't get to during the weekend.  The first is that we'll see no more job announcements from UAA for a head coach.  That's right, Shyiak's immigration issues are a thing of the past.  He is completely and properly documented as of last Thursday.  Congrats to him on being done with that nightmare.

Sunday Potpourri: An Ingrate, UAA > Aces and Other Stuff

Dave "Too Busy" Hakstol (center) ...

UND's victory over UA_ gave them the tournament championship regardless of the outcome of the UAA and Air Force game.  Why?  Because they won the Friday night shootout.  All well and good and congratulations for that.  But let's never invite them to a tournament in Anchorage ever again eh?  Not because they took the tourney title.  That's quite meaningless, two teams were 1-0-1 in the tournament.  

Post Game Interviews 10/9 vs Air Force

Second effort on the video side a little more timely. This stuff does take time to edit, encode, and upload (youtube is kinda slow at that, GCI doesn't help) so it won't be up right afterwards. Talked to Rob Gunderson (who played well and had some fantastic saves), Sean Wiles (two goals and All-Tournament team, playing well), and Coach Shyiak.

Quick note, I don't edit much out, just the parts where I get the camera set. The questions and responses are left alone. No shenanigans from me.

Also, I do embed the videos but I would appreciate a view to the youtube page to bump up the "view" count. If I get high enough views I can apply for revenue sharing from youtube, which would be real helpful. Also you can subscribe to me, Jimjamesak, as well.

Finally, go visit GoSeawolves.com and check out some of their videos. I'm really happy to get a chance to do this and the University doesn't have to let me but they do. So go and support their work as well, it is worth it, it's good stuff.

Seawolves Management Yields 3-2 Win

Matched up against a competitively playing never-say-die bunch of future Air Force officers on this Saturday night, the Seawolves managed a 3-2 victory.  I say managed because after scoring 3 straight goals in the 2nd period, the Seawolves played smart and mostly controlled the outcome.  

They "managed" their lead.  A questioned but allowed EN goal gave the AF boys a brief glimpse of hope and they manufactured a legitimate scoring chances in the last 5 seconds that could have earned them the comeback tie of the weekend award.  But it wasn't to be.

Abbreviated Game Day Post: UAA vs. AFA

Apologies for the brevity and uselessness of this Game Day Post.  While not explaining the reasons allow me to take full responsibility.  I'm including the ChatRoll program today just for ease of implementation.  The link to use for tonight's GCI Stream of the game is ...

http://seawolves.gci.net/

There is a "watch" button to press on that page.  If you can't access the stream that way then try this:

http://seawolves.gci.net/watch

Post Game Interviews vs North Dakota 10/8

Sorry about the lateness on this folks. Also about the quality as I edited this in a hurry.

First up is Tommy Grant follow by comments from Coach Shyiak.

Seawolves Score 4 Straight To Earn Tie

Down 5-1 with a little over 12 minutes left in the 2nd period, it looked to be a long night for us Seawolves fans.  But a gritty hard-working comeback over the remaining portion of the period left the score 5-4 at the break.  Then with just 1:34 passed in the 3rd period Brett Cameron nabbed the game tying goal.  

Kendall Game Day: Seawolves vs. UND

Kendall Hockey Classic::Friday October 8th

UAA Seawolves vs. UND Fighting "Redacteds"

Sullivan Arena::Anchorage Alaska

8:07PM Alaska Standard Time

Links

ADN/Woody: Tough Opener

GFH/Schlossman: UAA are rookies

GFH/Schlossman: Dell to play this weekend

UND Official Travel Blog: Stuff about them

Meanwhile Back On The Ranch ...

I stopped by and visited with the always friendly and professional administration staff at the Wells Fargo Center yesterday on blog business so I've got a few little updates about some things and then maybe some other stuff.  Nothing riveting necessarily but all well worth the update.

Making an Entrance

In the past few months I've been asked by people to give them an idea of I how thought UAA's season will go. My reply: I... don't know.

Releases, Releases, Releases ...

Prepare for linkedness and lots of it.  The releases from Air Force, UAA, the CCHA and the WCHA are available at the links below.

Air Force's Release

UAA's Release

The CCHA's Release

The WCHA's Release

Apparently, UND doesn't share it's releases with the UAA Sports Information Department.  Go figure.  But I've managed to track it down on their hostile and abusive website.  I'll be so happy when I don't have to be subjected to that obscene logo of a decapitated Lakota after this season.  

And of course, up in Squarebanks they just can't seem to provide a timely release but if you click the link you'll note I've graciously included them in the hopes that they actually do some sort of weekly release.

And lastly, here's a link to a short interview in which Campbell Blair talks about this week's preparations for the tournament.  Once again, I apologize for not being able to embed the video.  Blame Microsoft and their shitty attitude toward's Mac users.  Why they should care if I have Microsoft Silverlight on my machine (which I do) when I'm trying to embed a Silverlight video on a Google run website is beyond me.  But that's Microsoft.

Seawolves Media Guide Available Online

The 2010-2011 UAA Seawolves Hockey Media Guide has just been released and is available online.  There is so much information in it that you'd be foolish not to give it a good long look.  As always, the UAA Sports Information Department has done a great job putting this together.

Let's Talk About My Needs

Self-Actualization RuLEz ...

Shall we?  If I may be so bold as to assume the mantle for select college hockey fans around the nation to examine what it is that we (me) need out of our team this season.  When I say select what I mean is that any and all fans of teams that have won something significant can piss off now.  That's right gtfo.  I ain't talking to, about or for you.  Bye ... 

My Thoughts On This Year's WCHA

Whut???  Nicotine helps me think ...

Time for me to tell you what I really think.  Silly prognostications aside and faux-appointing UA_ as number one now in the background; I do have some ideas of my own about how the competition looks in the WCHA this year.  So in reverse-alphabetical order here we go:

Seawolves Win Exhibition 4-1

Coach Dave Shyiak got his first look tonight at a young Seawolves team.  In his pregame interview with the awesome Kurt Haider Shyiak emphasized that there are indeed openings for playing time.  And lots of freshman got their first chance ... 9 out of 10 of them.

Game Day Post: Seawolves vs. Windsor

I'll be hosting a chat here for tonights game.  I'll put any relevant links I come up with throughout the afternoon for you perusal.  Best of luck again to the team for a successful productive game tonight.  The CoverItLive Chatroom will open at 6:30 PM.

I am hoping to identify the best resource for listening to the game and I'll make sure I post a prominent link when I do.  Currently (2pm), I cannot make the Kenai radio streaming work for some reason.  But I'm sure I'll get it figured out by then.

Fairbanks is #1?

In Lieu of an actual preview of any sort, I submit tonight's 9-0 victory by UAF over the University of Windsor Lancers.  Nuff said.  Doesn't matter who or what the Lancers are about since the upcoming UAA exhibition against them is nothing more than the first chance for Coach Shyiak to really see what he can do with his extensive lineup.

Preseason Polls

You know the season is about to start when the absurdly awesome Preseason Polls come out.

Seawolves 2010-2011 Season Preview

The 2010-2011 season is nigh.  In just days, the team will head down for their exhibition game to Soldotna against the University of Windsor Lancers.  It's the players first real opportunity to show their coach what they can contribute toward the team's success.  There are a number of things that need to happen this season for the team to improve on last season's 8th place league finish.  

I think the relatively correct assumption that this is a rebuilding year for the Seawolves is appropriate.  It can be nothing else with a predominantly young team.  Let's break some things down into categories first ...

Shyiak Vid And Weekly Releases

The always stellar Dallas Baldwin has produced the first Seawolves weekly release of the season for the unendingly efficient Sports Information department headed up by the semi-omnipotent Nate Sagan.  The release contains a short video of Coach Shyiak highlighting some of the areas they're focused on as a staff in preparation for the season and this weekend's game.  Make sure to check it out by clicking here.  I have problems embedding Microsoft Silverlight videos or I would have done so.

Here's some of the highlights ...

The Lancers enter the exhibition game with the Seawolves after facing the Alaska Fairbanks Nanooks on Sept. 30 in Fairbanks ... the Seawolves faced the Lancers back on Nov. 23, 1984 (UAA won, 11-5) in the Michigan-Dearborn tournament when UAA was a NCAA DI Independent – at the time, the game counted ... under bench boss Dave Shyiak, the Seawolves are 5-2-0 in exhibition play ... Shyiak led the Seawolves to a 7-1 exhibition victory over Windsor in his first game at helm for UAA on Oct. 7, 2005 in Wasilla.

The Seawolves return 15 letterwinners, including 73% of their point production from a year ago, while 10 newcomers (six forwards, two defensemen and two goaltenders) were also added to the 2010-11 roster ... the senior class returns six skaters from a year ago and it will be on their shoulders to lead the Seawolves to victory, on and off the ice ... leading the pack will be senior co-captains Tommy Grant and Craig Parkinson ... Grant, from North Vancouver, B.C.,  returns as UAA’s top scorer from last season with 9-17—26 totals, while Parkinson (Victoria, B.C.) contributed  six goals and five assists for 11 points ... joining the British Columbia duo on the offensive attack are senior forwards Sean Wiles (Beloit, Wis.) and Nick Haddad (Fairbanks), with seniors Kane Lafranchise (Edmonton, Alberta) and Luka Vidmar (Ljubljana, Slovenia) patrolling the blueline ... also sporting the assistant-captain emblem are junior Brad Gorham and sophomore Chris Crowell … the Seawolves will strive to win both tournaments (Kendall Hockey Classic and Brice Alaska Goal Rush), take back the title in the Alaska Airlines Governor’s Cup and gain home-ice for the WCHA playoffs.

And here's a link to the WCHA's Weekly Release.  Below is a picture of the latest WCHA logo and their attempt to re-brand the league.  I'll allow the caption to speak for me.

underWhelming ...

Sunday Potpourri: Ascendency and Descendency

Just east of Earthquake Park on the Anchorage Coastal Trail

As you can see, fall has arrived in Anchorage.  This week we had our yearly fall windstorm to knock the leaves (and lots of small branches) off the trees.  We also had our 2nd very noticeable earthquake in the past couple of weeks.  The first one was about 5.0 and located only about 10 miles away from Anchorage.  It was what I'd call a wall creaking event.  The second was about a 5.5 and was over 150 miles away.  

Predictions For the 2010-2011 WCHA

Predicting the future is hard.  There's this whole thing about the Universe being essentially random.  Quantum Physics and all that ya know?  Many many things are possible but separating the probable from the possible is the tough part.   That fact though didn't stop Nostradamus or Edgar Cayce or the Maya though ... right? 

INCH A-Z Profiles Sean Wiles

As part of Inside College Hockey's preseason run-up each year the website profiles a player from each of College Hockey's 59 teams.  This year's UAA selection is senior forward Sean Wiles whom I profiled in my senior class preview.  Here are some highlights from the Jess Myers authored article;

Blessed with abundant size and a long reach, Wiles has become a versatile commodity for the Seawolves especially as his offensive numbers have improved.

Shyiak has more things planned for Wiles as a senior, like using his “widebody” size in front of the net on the power play to tip and screen and bang home rebounds. Wiles has also shown some past effectiveness on the penalty kill, using his reach to keep the puck away from opponents.

And Coach Shyiak is quoted;

“Sean is a senior now and we need him to chip in offensively. If he can duplicate last year’s season and maybe do even a little bit more, and chip in on the [defensive] side of the puck, he’ll be very effective for us.”

Sean's steadily increasing production through his career gives us all hope for a big season from him.  His experience over the summer attending the Washington Capitals Summer Development Camp should benefit him as well.  The goal he scored on the video below is exactly the sort of thing that Coach Shyiak mentioned and will be looking for.

Mellor Tapped For 2010 Canada West Jr. A Camp

2011 Seawolves recruit Sam Mellor has been named to attend the 41 player Team Canada West evaluation camp on September 27th and 28th in preparation for the 2010 World Junior A Challenge.  The Junior A Challenge takes place from November 8th through the 14th and is hosted each year by Hockey Canada to showcase junior A talent from around the world.  

Along with Canada West are teams from Canada East, Switzerland, Russia, Sweden and the United States.  Current UAA defenseman Wes McLeod took part in last years tournament and was named to the 6 member All-Tournament team.

This year's tournament will be held in Penticton B.C. which is also the venue for the evaluation camp.  Good luck to Sam in making the final roster.  17 year-old Mellor is in his 2nd year of Junior A with the Trail Smoke Eaters of the BCHL and is currently tied for 2nd league-wide with 6 goals in 5 games.  The Smoke Eaters are on the road today facing Surrey and play Langley on Thursday.