The 09-10 Seawolf Sophomore Class

Curtis Leinweber - 5'8" 171lbs, Forward/Defenseman
I'll begin with a fairly bold statement. Curtis Leinweber is as fast as any player in NCAA Division I Hockey. I know speed. I've seen lots of fast skaters. Curtis is as fast as anyone. Speed kills. Curtis adds an extra dimension of wheel speed to a team that already has some damn good wheels. Sorry to say this dear past Alumni ... I loved you guys just as much. But I think overall this years Seawolf team would skate circles around you.

Curtis is the definition of dynamic. He'll make things happen just about on every shift. His quickness on his feet translates well to what he's doing with the puck on his stick. He can blow by or undress opponents without warning. He gets every ounce of his hundred and seventy-one pounds to rocket the puck on net. He can explode into an offensive outburst from just about any sitution. He'll see significant time on both the penalty kill and power play this season. And he'll produce points in both cases. Yes. He'll bag some shorties.

Last season Curtis was voted as Rookie of the Year. He played in 22 games. That's a huge measure of respect from your team. I believe that playing a full schedule Curtis will find his best stride and contribute in very significant ways offensively. Whether he plays at wing or defense his contributions could be very surprising to a lot of people. If they aren't already, Seawolf fans are going to be damn glad that Curtis came to UAA after this season.

Jade Portwood - 6'3" 207lbs, Forward
Jade Portwood skated in 28 games last season. As with most freshman it was really a year spent in development. He showed excellent abilities in Shyiak's possession style. He is strong along the boards and uses his size to it's best advantage to protect the puck. He's strong on his feet. Jade's wheels allow him to be a threat in transition as well.

This season I think Jade's role is likely to include more opportunities to get to the front of the net during the possession game. There's nothing wrong with an NHL sized forward in front of the net creating traffic and banging home rebounds. Jade will be one of those guys this season.

He has the potential to become a significant goal scorer during his career. I expect we'll see more of that from him this season. In some sense, he was a snaken-bitten on several chances last year that could have seen him easily triple (or more) his 2 goals. He skated in all situations last year gaining some valuable experience that could translate to penalty kill and power play time this season.

Brad Gorham 6'1" 195lbs, Forward/Defenseman
Scott Warner 5'9" 180lbs, Defenseman

Brad Gorham (left) will be eligible to skate for the Seawolves in January following his transfer from Ohio State. Scott Warner (right) transferred from Army and won't dress for a game this season.

In 12 games at OSU Brad scored 1 goal and had 1 assist. When he hits the ice he'll be UAA's most mature sophomore. He turned 23 back in May. It's difficult to know whether Brad skates at forward or defense. Shyiak seems to appreciate utilitarian players so perhaps Brad becomes another Jared Tuton during his career.

In 24 games with Army last year as a freshman Scott put in a nice 6 goals and added 3 assists. That number of goals matched his two previous years total in the BCHL. That bodes well for next season. They are both originally from Anchorage.

Sunday Potpourri: McCarthy, Hockey, Bourno and Gretchen

Moments as displayed above are so so rare in our world. You don't have to watch the whole thing. Just skip to about the 6 minute mark to get Joe McCarthy in one of his last public attempts to condemn a young lawyer who might have but ultimately didn't work for this particular committee after the questioner, Joseph Welch, had previously realized the guy's one time association with an organization called The Lawyers Guild might at some point be used by McCarthy. Exactly as he imagined McCarthy did bring out the man's name to insinuate he was a commie. And beginning at about the 6:15 mark we get "the moment" ... Joe Welch says,

"Senator, may we not drop this? We know he belongs to the Lawyers Guild. Let us not assassinate this lad further Senator. You've done enough. Have you no sense of decency, sir? At long last. Have you left no sense of decency?"

It is the moment that was the beginning of the end for McCarthy. After years of false allegations and innuendo which he'd began to prop up his foundering re-election campaign, someone finally stood up. The assembled public in the hearing room applauded. McCarthy died 3 years later, a broken and drunken shell of a man.

The post I made yesterday was not creative or original on my part in any way shape or form. It is the result of my discovery of what is called an "Internet Meme". I know pretty much nobody clicked on most of the links. If you had you would have seen a series of pages and articles that mirror what current McCarthy-analogue Glenn Beck has been perpetrating for quite some time. All the techniques he uses were brought to bear against him in order to make a point through parody and satire. You may consider it tasteless and/or ugly. I'll grant that it isn't pretty. But parody has little power if it is not offensive and/or outrageous.

I jumped on the bandwagon because Glenn Beck (unlike what I suspect many of my readers believe) uses the Joe McCarthy playbook line by line. He is soft spoken most of the time and uses his faux-outrage strategically while repeating assertions and innuendo that came from someone else; "I heard", "It's been said", "I don't personally believe this but", "I'm not saying he did this thing but there sure are a lot of unanswered questions" etc etc etc ... He continuously reminds his viewers of his patriotism and love for this country while all the while using a wholly unjust methodology to attack and defame anyone he considers as opposition. This meme therefore should be viewed as an attempt to be the "Joseph Welch of 2009". It is highly unlikely though that (what I consider a beautiful parody) will be the beginning of the end for Glenn Beck. It should be. But I doubt it will. He is no patriot. He is a vile pig.

I am happy though that the people that started the ball rolling (they didn't originate the rumor) gave me a big fat link in their evidence list calling the link "Hockeyvidence". It isn't often that I'm sitting home alone and laughing out loud about something but this whole meme gave me more than a couple of those such moments. The sweetest moment of course is that Glenn Beck and his lawyers are actually trying to supress this whole thing. Idiots.

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In the complete absence of any other Seawolf hockey news let me point you to the roster at GoSeawolves.com. The yearly pictures have been taken and posted. Curious to see a head shot of a rookie? Click the link above and you can do exactly that. This coming week I'll have profiles of the sophomore class and then the freshman class. Next weekend is the annual Seawolf Hockey Meet & Greet picnic, I'll be attending and then post the highlights here.

I'd assume that within the next couple of weeks we'll start seeing various prognostications all through the college hockey internet. The WCHA Coaches Poll is due at some point and bloggers everywhere will be picking UAA to finish 9th or 10th. The first two previews that I've seen pick UAA at 7th (Wisconsin Blog - No Alibis No Regrets) and 8th (Examiner.com's WCHA examiner Brian Pietrzak).

I communicated in some manner with both of the above and assured them they were underestimating the Seawolves. Both interactions were exceptionally polite: yes ... I'm not a total jerk to everyone all the time; just a partial jerk to certain people at intermittent times. Let us all not forget that the difference between last years 9th place finish and a 5th place finish for home ice playoff was 6 points ... that's 3 wins.

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I've decided to use the above line to better separate the various content in these Sunday Potpourri posts. It's better in terms of white space ... no? I recognize my tendency to drone on and on about whatever, so some visual cue for my readers to be able to skip over the droning about politics should be some sort of help. It's nothing huge ... but when reading Justin Bourne's blog, I realized that such delineation is helpful . I envy him so I figured some minor emulation couldn't be a bad thing. He uses a series of asterisks.

I should say here that I'm not a reader. I'm happy that you guys are readers or my fetish for writing would be a complete waste of time. I read for purpose. I look for Seawolf news and/or blog posts and/or forum references and I read them. But outside of that I don't have some list of must read blogs etc that I hit regularly (Donna ... I read your blog every day). The one other exception is Bourno's blog. He is and will become a regular columnist for more and more reputable and widely read publications. He will make a tidy living and a name for himself while doing so.

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Billy Mays is still on TV. Geeeeaawd. Have you ever bought anything from any "direct marketing" TV thingy? I haven't. Ever. Anything. And I won't. If WalMart doesn't have it then it must not be worth buying, right?

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Gretchen Mol. I'm not obsessed with her. But inevitably, when looking for eye-candy-like pictures to post here I end up with her on a browser tab or two. Why? I don't like blonds. Ok. It isn't right to say I don't like blonds. It's more appropriate to say that I'm naturally attracted to brunettes. And yes ... I could certainly find younger, sexier and/or more current "babes" to post here when I think you guys are deserving (i.e... anytime I've made you sit through my commie manifestos) but there's something about Gretchen (other than her being the very definition of "sex on legs") that makes me less able to close the browser tab. Oh lookie ... Gretchen as a brunette!

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Fear not. The season fast approaches. There'll be less of the useless bullshit that you don't want to read and more hockey talk with each passing day.

Glenn Beck Raped and Murdered a Young Girl in 1990

I know. I know. This is a college hockey blog. We've had that whole discussion already. I'm sorry. I'm posting this today in the hopes that the college hockey internet community can join in calling for an investigation of how and why Glenn Beck raped and murdered a young girl in 1990. College hockey fans are some of the finest people I know. And I know none of you would stand by idly while he gets away with this horrendous crime. I'm happy that I could bring this to the attention of college hockey fans so early in the story. It has all just come to light in the last several days.

Sarah Palin is going to be severely disappointed when she learns about this. I know I'm disturbed when I think about the possibility that Glenn Beck raped and murdered a young girl in 1990. I could hardly believe it when I first read about it.

But website after website confirms indeed that Glenn Beck raped and murdered a young girl in 1990. I have to say here that I find it hard to believe that Glenn Beck raped and murdered a young girl in 1990. But the guy isn't denying it. Why isn't he providing the police reports? Where was he when it happened? Why isn't he addressing it?

There's been no official response from his employers at Fox News. There appears to be some sort of cover-up. I know he was suspended from there for a week or so could these allegations have had something to do with it? I'm not saying they did. But it sure begs the question, doesn't it? Also, I bet that Sarah knew all about this.

There is a mounting pile of evidence supporting these charges. It sure seems to be growing day by day. First is the copy (on the left) of a Media Report from the Durham Police Department. He used his hands, feet and fists in the comission of this brutal felony? It appears also that he stole several electronic items from his victim as well.

What does Glenn Beck have against young girls that would cause him to rape and murder one in 1990? It's all very disturbing. With so many of America's best fighting wars against Al Queda in Iraq and Afghanistan I think those of us on the homefront must demand that the proper authorities ensure that rapists and murders back here in America like Glenn Beck be made to pay for their crimes.

Disturbing is the only adjective that comes to mind when I think about Glenn Beck raping and murdering some poor young girl in 1990. I'm astonished that a guy who is on national television every night has in no way attempted to refute this. Why? What is he hiding? There are tons of people asking him to do so. Google it for yourself. If that doesn't convince you then perhaps this long list of links might change your mind.

Here's a poll with 83% of people saying they believe that Glenn Beck raped and murdered a girl in 1990.
This site wants to know why he hasn't answered the charges and examines the possibility that Glenn Beck raped and murdered a young girl in 1990.
This site says it's only a matter of time before Glenn Beck is in prison; I'm so buying one of those T-shirts.
This site explains how Glenn Beck has exposed himself over and over as someone who hates consensual sex.
Hollywood Icon Bill Paxton's kid wants to know the real story.
This media critic of Glenn Beck's TV Show took notes.
Yahoo Answers doesn't yet seem to know for sure and it's clear there are many many issues to be addressed.

Watch the You Tube video which lays out the FACTS and the complete lack of refutation by any source. Here it is so you don't have to search.

Newsvine examines the question of whether or not Glenn Beck raped and murdered a young girl in 1990.
This encyclopedia examines all the torrid details of this raping murderer's life.
The twitter-world is all abuzz with this.
Even alien-conspiracy forums are filled with people demanding this be investigated.
Reddit.com has a fair and balanced conversation about how Glenn Beck raped and murdered a young girl in 1990.

I have to say here that I'm not sure that I believe that Glenn Beck raped and murdered a young girl in 1990. But there sure are a lot of questions and there is nothing in the mainstream media saying otherwise. Why is that? Apparently the guy doesn't have any alibi. There were young girls in 1990. Glenn Beck was around in 1990. I'm just sayin. He certainly could have done it. The crime remains unsolved by all accounts. If he didn't rape and murder this young girl then why isn't he releasing his legal records to the public to prove it?

His silence is making everyone suspicious. A reward is available for anyone that can prove that no young girls were raped and murdered by Glenn Beck. What is Glenn Beck hiding? This guy really needs to step forward and answer these charges. If he doesn't then he should be immediately fired.

I bet Joe Scarborough is relieved to see this since it will surely overshadow the suspicious death of Lori Klausutis in his Ft. Walton Beach congressional office in 2001 shortly before he retired from congress. What is it with Fox News talking heads and dead females? If I was Michelle Malkin I'd be worried. Bill O'Reilly has a notoriously bad temper.

See ya tomorrow for Sunday Potpourri.

The 09-10 Seawolf Junior Class

Bryce Christianson - 6'2" 195lbs, Goaltender
Expect Bryce to get the nod as the #1 goalie this year. While Jonny O's play last season was often stellar, Bryce was a more consistent winner. His abilities handling the puck outside the crease is one of the reasons why. He is an athletic goaltender with a mixed style.

Over his first year and a half in a Seawolf uniform I've seen him progress from relying heavily on his athletic abilities to utilizing positional strengths more often. Credit goaltending coach Scott Johnson for that progression.

I'm not sure whether Bryce has the natural talent of Nathan Lawson but I firmly believe he can be better than Nathan's UAA performances by a decent margin. It's a bit subjective of me to say so. Lawson was the most talented netminder at UAA since Paul Krake but unfortunately during his career at UAA he was subject to some major ups and downs. Bryce seems to be on a much more even keel and if he continues to play as he did during the 2nd half of last season then he (and the team) will be more successful.


Tommy Grant - 6'2" 194lbs, Forward
When Tommy was injured last season he was leading the WCHA in goals scored. He scored the most goals on the Seawolf team since Curtis Glencross nabbed 21. Tommy could have reached the 20 goal plateau but I think he was slow to come back up to speed after his injury. My guess at the time was that he was a little bit less physically confident.

Tommy can motor and has a real nice release on his shot. His added maturity should contribute to some new confidence. Passing up any shot opportunity shouldn't be in his playbook. He should shoot the puck every chance he gets.

Last year he benefitted from playing with an excellent playmaker with whom he had established a nice chemistry. Finding some chemisty this season will be a key for him. He'll definitley be an important part of the power play. In addition to his shooting prowess, he has the size to compete along the boards and in front of the opposition net. He'll bag a few greasy goals for sure.


Nick Haddad - 6'2" 198lbs, Forward
The third year in a Seawolf sweater is a big one for Nick. So far during his career we've seen Nick primarily fulfill roles on the 3rd or 4th line. But in his last year of junior hockey he showed an ability to put the puck into the net fairly often. He'll have to resurrect that ability as a junior this season. It was nice last year to see him bag a few goals and assists but the team will really need him to double his 10 point season.

Nick could also once again find himself as an important role player; meaning skating on a grinding line. He does those things extremely well and I'd imagine coach Shyiak appreciates that kind of work. If he is unable to increase his scoring, then his physical and defensive play will add to the team's overall success.


Kane Lafranchise - 6'1" 202lbs, Defenseman
Kane is a smooth skating, intelligent defenseman who has an excellent shot. He's pretty much the entire package that you want on the blueline. He's responsible in his own end and has the strength to compete with any oppostion forward. He breaks the puck out smartly whether he carries it or passes it. He's a quarterback on the powerplay and has developed an excellent first time shot.

Kane isn't often flashy but he certainly can be. Under the Shyiak/Blair system the green light is always on for the D to join the offense. Kane is one of the blueliners that can certainly do that. More focus in bringing the O is likely to be something the coaching staff will want from Kane. I've personally been hoping to see more offense generated from our fine group of blueliners. As a junior Kane is in a good position (along with Backstrom and Hunt) to help make that happen.


Craig Parkinson - 6'0" 187lbs, Forward
Production-wise Craig took a bit of a small step backward during his sophomore season but nevertheless matched his goal scoring from his first year. Craig is the best faceoff man (stats don't say so ... but I do) on the team last season and was often inserted for the most important drops. He'll do whatever it takes to win a faceoff.

I'd call Craig a bit of a mix, he can grind and he can score. He commented last year that he couldn't remember when he scored a goal from more than 3 feet away. But I fully believe he can do exactly that. In any case, this season the most important role that Craig can fill will be one that makes his linemates better.

Creating space and dishing the puck to whoever plays on his wing could be what we'll see from him this season. Craig is an emotional player and should bring some guidance, energy and leadership to younger players this season.


Luka Vidmar - 6'1" 195lbs, Defenseman
Luka is a converted forward. His first year playing D was during his last season of junior hockey. He has excellent wheels (does anyone on UAA's D not?) and last season he developed nicely. As a freshman, I remember seeing that he didn't always have his head up. Last season he always kept his head up. Luka is strong and determined as well.

I don't think he's lived up to his offensive potential yet. That's partly due to concentrating on defensive play. Not every single blueliner can join the offense on every single rush ya know? I believe that if Luka continues to improve his smart play that he'll contribute more often on the offensive end. He is certainlycapable of becoming s more dynamic player than we've seen so far duing his career.


Sean Wiles - 6'4" 211lbs, Forward
Steady progression has been the hallmark of Sean's career so far at UAA. As a sophomore he played in twice as many games as during his freshman year. I once thought he lacked some strength and speed but I strongly reject that assessment now. Sean is big and strong and can definitely get up and down the ice with speed. His three goals as a sophomore was good to see but he is capable of delivering more.

I'd expect Sean to use his size effectively this season. He could see some power play time this season in just such a role. Nothing wrong with disrupting the opposition in the scoring lanes eh? If he can get the most benefit out of his long reach then he could be a thorn in the side for anyone going up against him.

I'll have a sophomore class preview after the holiday weekend.