Friday, November 21, 2008

An Interesting Evening

Round one of the OHL All-Stars against the Russian Selects went to Team OHL 6-3 on Thursday evening. In the battle of Ranger prospects during this game, it was 2008 3rd round pick Evgeny Grachev who was the better player than 2008 1st rounder Michael Del Zotto.

Grachev had a short handed goal for the Russian Selects and was named as the Russian player of the game for his efforts.

Del Zotto was held scoreless and this should not be viewed as that he played badly just that Grachev played a better all around game.

The picture that we are showing (taken by Aaron Bell of the CHL) shows Grachev with Brampton teammate Cody Hodgson after the game when both received their Player of the Game awards. Hodgson had a hat trick as well as an assist in his game to lead Team OHL but it was after the game comments from Hodgson that we want to share with you.

In the post game report from the OHL here, Hodgson talked about his teammate more than his own efforts:

"He's a great guy - he's a lot of fun," Hodgson said. "He's not what they say in a typical Russian. He jokes with the guys and he's a great hockey player as well. I didn't notice before how big he is because I never saw him as cometition before. But he's huge. He's a great hockey player."

In case you did not know Cody Hodgson is no slouch either as Hodgson was the 10th overall selection in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft by the Vancouver Canucks. Hodgson is no small fry either as Hodgson is 6' 195 of solid center.

Now Grachev and Hodgson get to turn right around and go from competitors back to teammates as they along with fellow OHL All-Star (and Grachev's center) Matt Duchene head to Ottawa to attempt to set a new Brampton team record of 15 straight wins.

As for Del Zotto, it is a shame that we did not have much to say about his efforts but his truly was a quiet night as Team OHL had so much talent on it's roster. Del Zotto got a chance to be a teammate instead of having to try to carry a team on his shoulder as he does with the Oshawa Generals.

We have not had many chances to talk about Del Zotto but we do know that will change as the season progresses especially in the second half. Del Zotto will give us plenty of reason to tell Ranger fans why the Rangers used their first round pick on him.

The OHL will return to normal team play for the weekend and on Monday the second game of the OHL portion of the ADT Canada Russia Challenge will take place so Del Zotto will get a second shot at Grachev.

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Programming Alert

The NHL Network will be carrying Carl Hagelin's Michigan Wolverines game against Miami (Ohio) live on Friday evening. The game starts at 7:30 PM EDT/ 4:30 PM PDT

If you live in Canada then on Saturday you can see the second game of this series also at the same time. US viewer will have to wait until Sunday at Noon EDT/ 9 AM PDT on tape delay.

(Grachev courtesy of Aaron Bell/CHL)

2 comments:

ryanloral said...

Do you know of any way to see any of the Brampton games on the internet? I really want to see Grachev play. Between you and Laurie's site I've been keeping up with his play, but I'm really anxious to see him live. Thanks for this.

Just saw your comment on the sabre article with ruff benching two starters. what a concept indeed. Do you think Renney reads what's going on around the league? I probably should ask that of Dubi, if he knows of a delicate way to ask the coach if he has any idea what others are saying and doing around the league. His answer might be telling.

Jess Rubenstein said...

Hey Ryan

You can watch OHL games on the web via this site but it does cost you depending on which package you pick

http://livestream.ontariohockeyleague.com/

The WHL also offers a package as well at http://livestream.whl.ca/packages.php

The QMJHL does offer FREE internet coverage off their main page thanks to the folks at Telus

http://qmjhl.mytelus.com/

Tom Renney is sometimes too smart for himself, I am pretty sure he follows what is going on in the rest of the NHL.

Renney I would bet if Dubi was the ask that question would take the diplomatic response so I think you might be disappointed