Sunday, January 2, 2011

The Hockey Hangover

The toughest game to play is the one right after an emotional win or loss as somehow you have to muster the energy to move on as if nothing happen. That is what they like to tell you but the reality is that is such a bunch of nonsense that it is not funny.

The same goes for trying to cover hockey the day after you have gotten to watch something exciting as we did on Friday. The media wants you to believe that they are neutral and objective but sorry deep down the reason you cover what you do is the love of the game.

The New Years Day version of prospect hockey was nothing to write home about.

Christian Thomas (NYR 2010 2nd) was the only player to register a point as Thomas set up the first goal for the Oshawa Generals as they defeated the Kitchener Rangers 4-2 to extend their regulation unbeaten streak to 4 games. Thomas who has gone 7-5-12 in his last 12 games is now 25-21-46 on the season.

Tony DeHart (NYI 2010 5th) was scoreless for the Generals in the win as the Generals pulled to within 4 points of division leading Ottawa.

Corey Trivino (NYI 2008 2nd) was held scoreless as his 11th ranked Boston University Terriers were upset 6-1 by Brown in the first round the Shillelagh Tournament.

Anders Lee (NYI 2009 6th) did not score as his 12th ranked Notre Dame were upset by Minnesota State in the second game of the Shillelagh Tournament 4-3. That sets up a 3rd place game on Sunday between Notre Dame and Boston University on Sunday.

Matt Donovan (NYI 2008 4th) and his 7th ranked University of Denver outplayed Northern Michigan in every area of the game except the final score as despite outshooting Northern Michigan 46-13 had to settle for a 2-2 overtime tie. Donovan was scoreless.

Aaron Ness (NYI 2008 2nd) was scoreless as his Minnesota Golden Gophers played to a 2-2 overtime tie with Ferris State in the 2nd half of the Mariucci Classic. Minnesota finished 0-1-1 in the tournament.

Jason Wilson (NYR 2010 5th) sat out his Niagara IceDog's 4-3 win over the Peterborough Petes due to being ejected on New Year's Eve for being the "3rd man in" against Belleville. It is a required suspension by OHL rules.

Ethan Werek (NYR 2009 2nd) missed his 7th straight game due to his wrist injury. His Kingston Frontenacs have gone 1-6 with out him after losing their 4th straight 2-1 to the Mississauga St. Michael's Majors.

Werek is waiting for a wrist brace being sent by the Rangers but here is the question why did it take so long?

MEMO TO ALL RANGER PROSPECTS when you get hurt, contact the Rangers and talk to their training staff. Say all we want about not liking Ranger's management/ownership but never once have we ever seen the Rangers not take care of their draft picks.

When you have a chance to have the best training staff as well as the best medical staff in the entire NHL at your disposal then use it. In all the time we have covered Ranger prospects, the Rangers have always taken care of the injured kids, they have paid for any medical treatments even when the Rangers were under no obligation to do so.

It does not matter if you are a 1st or 7th round pick, the Rangers are a first class franchise when it comes to the health and welfare of their prospects. Ask Andrew Yogan, Dylan McIlrath and former prospect Mitch Gaulton if you have any doubts.

New York Ranger Prospect Lost Game Count

Andrew Yogan- 38 (still out ETA ????)
Randy McNaught 30 (out for season additional 33 games)
Daniel Maggio- 24 (still out ETA Mid Janruary)

Scott Stajcer- 15 (still out ETA February)
Ethan Werek- 7 (still out Expected back next weekend)
Dylan McIlrath 6 (knee back in action)

That is 120 prospect games lost and made worse because the Rangers need to decide whether to offer contracts to McNaught, Maggio, Stajcer and Werek.

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