Tom May in, Michael Gergen out, and Lawson in the NHL.

So it's old news that Tom May has rejoined the Grizzlies. So who's out?

Unfortunately, we learned Sunday that Michael Gergen has been released from his contract with Utah. We were sorry to hear that, as we really enjoyed watching Gergen during the Ontario matches a few weeks ago. He was definitely running at top speed during that series, and also picked up a goal and an assist in this last match up against Vegas. But when it comes down to it, May just looks better on paper than Gergen. Hopefully we'll see him land elsewhere in the ECHL soon because we like the guy and his style of play. Best of luck, Michael!


Check out some of Michael Gergen's interviews from this season:
Michael Gergen 12/11/10 intermission
Michael Gergen 12/17/10 intermission

Former Grizzlies goaltender Nathan Lawson made his debut in the NHL Saturday with the Islanders. We were excited to see this happen as we loved to watch him play here in Utah. Congrats, Laws!

Top of the Mountain

The Grizzlies finally return home from a successful 8 game road trip this week. They went 5-2-1 and now sit at the top of the Mountain Division. Not bad at all, boys. Look out though - here comes Alaska...

Don't forget - Friday the 19th is Maverik night. That means all seats are just $5 with a receipt from Maverik. So hop on over and get a pack of gum, ask for a receipt, and buy your seats already, because according to the Grizzlies' website, they're going fast.

Forward Riley Armstrong was suspended by the Grizzlies as of 11/13/2010. We haven't figured out what's going on with that situation yet. You can bet we'll keep our eye on it though. Our top guesses are 1) he's going overseas to play and the Grizzlies wanted to retain his rights, or 2) he let the air out of Colley's tires in the parking lot. (Hey, they're just guesses. We never said they were good ones.)

The Grizzlies' former NHL affiliate, the New York Islanders, fired head coach Scott Gordon today, and put Bridgeport head coach Jack Capuano at the helm. Former Grizzly and Sound Tiger Justin Bourne wrote about playing for "Cappy" in USA Today. We don't know much about coaching or anything, but man, check out the hair in that picture.

A couple of moves by Abbotsford: it looks like JP Lamoureux will soon be back in a Grizzlies jersey. Also, Brett Sutter is back with the Heat. Couldn't possibly have anything to do with him getting arrested in Phoenix, could it?

And just because we love an underdog, check out this guy in Reading - Ben Scrivens. He's beating the odds and doing it with a great attitude.

Home game in 5 days!

A look at the NHL draft

We realize this is super late - we're blaming a combination of technical difficulties and travel. At least one of us needs to get our computer fixed this summer. Not saying which one.

The NHL Entry Draft took place last weekend (June 25-26) in Los Angeles. Hockey's future stars waited anxiously to see where they'd start their careers, who was interested, and what round they'd be picked in. Some would be pleasantly surprised. Others, disappointed. The memories will last forever. Just ask Ryan Smyth, Jonathan Bernier, and and Alyn McCauley.

But the players aren't the only ones under pressure. Each General Manager has to look into his crystal ball and try to guess where these guys might be in a year, three years, or five years and see how they fit into a master plan, all focused on winning hockey's ultimate prize - the Stanley Cup.

Here's how the Grizzlies affiliate teams did in the draft:

New York Islanders


The Islanders picked twice in the first round, twice in the third, and once in the fifth and seventh rounds for a total of 6 picks.

• Nino Niederreiter - right wing - #5 overall
• Brock Nelson - center - #30 overall
• Kirill Kabanov - left wing - #65 overall
• Jason Clark - center/left wing - #82 overall
• Tony Dehart - defense - #125 overall
• Cody Rosen - goal - #185 overall

Niederreiter (fitting that on a jersey will be fun) was not expected to be taken that high in the draft, even by himself, but Islanders General Manager Garth Snow said, "Nino was extremely impressive in the World Junior Championships playing for Team Switzerland, using his size to create space. He is a big power-foward who will add size to our lineup for years to come." Also, "He's a really great kid." And he's been dubbed "El Nino" - bonus. A surprised Niederreiter commented, "This is just a great team. I couldn't be happier to be with the Islanders." He also let slip during his interview that he figured the Islanders were going to pick Cam Fowler, who went at #12 to the Anaheim Ducks. "El Nino" is the highest drafted Swiss-born player ever. [More on the Niederreiter pick.] (Thanks to Canadian Press for the picture - couldn't find his draft portrait for some reason.)

Also picked in the first round was center Brock Nelson. The Islanders traded up a few spots to get to 30 so they could select him. But the biggest story of the Islanders' draft was the 65th overall pick - Kirill Kabanov. Billed as a player with tons of talent, he could have gone in the first round, but slipped to the third because of some behavioral issues. The Islanders were the team brave enough to give him a shot. Kabanov seemed happy to get a second chance to prove himself. "It's a new book," he said, smiling. For more on the Kabanov pick, read here.

Calgary Flames

Due to trades, the Flames didn't have any picks until the third round. They picked twice in the third, twice in the fourth, and once each in the fifth and seventh rounds.

• Maxwell Reinhart - center - #64 overall
• Joey Leach - defense - #73 overall
• John Ramage - defense - #102 overall
• Bill Arnold - center - #108 overall
• Michael Ferland - left wing - #133 overall
• Patrick Holland - right wing - #193 overall

Four of the Flames' newest members visited the Saddledome on Wednesday, June 30 to meet with the Calgary media. Funny thing - all four of them had been there before. For Ferland, at least, this time was more fun - the last time he was in the building, his team was beat by the Hitmen. Read a little more about their press conference here.


General consensus seems to be that the Islanders did pretty well for themselves in the draft this year. Because of Calgary's odd distribution of picks, there wasn't a lot of talk about their draft. Of course, nobody will know for a few years who really had a successful draft and who didn't. While the hope is that all of these guys will end up in the NHL, we wouldn't complain if they did a little time in the ECHL first... just so we could get a preview of what's coming. We got a pretty good glimpse of Mikko Koskinen (drafted #31 overall by the Islanders, 2009) last season when he was assigned to the Grizzlies after an injury to get some ice time, so it's possible we could see some of the new guys in Utah at some point too. (Koskinen picture from Islanders Point Blank.)

Some other interesting facts about the draft...

• The US had 59 players selected in this year's draft. That's the highest number yet. Canada had 99 players selected.


• Four of those draftees were born and raised in California.


• 22 players drafted were developed in the United States high school systems.

Hockey is getting bigger down here in middle North America, and the caliber of players the US is producing is improving every year. The development programs are improving here, and scouts are liking what they see. That means our young hockey players have a better chance of making it to the NHL, even from a non-hockey market, as long as they are dedicated and work hard. You don't have to move to Canada anymore to have a shot. Of course, there's still that little matter of Olympic gold...

Next time, Canada.

Hockeyworld! 3/30/2010

AHL
Abbotsford Heat

• Abbotsford head coach Jim Playfair had a meltdown in their March 27th game against the Hamilton Bulldogs. (Seriously, watch the video.) He's since apologized, but the tirade earned him a fine from the AHL.


• Abbotsford is currently in 3rd place in the North Division. They have lost their last five games, including last night to Manitoba, who they play again tonight. They play six more games this season, including tonight.

Bridgeport Sound Tigers

• The Sound Tigers have announced that Pascal Morency is their Man of the Year for 2009-2010.


• Bridgeport is currently in 5th place in the Atlantic Division. They are tied with the Lowell Devils at 82 points, but they have played one more game, so Lowell sits at 4th. One of their last five games is against the Devils - that could be an exciting game.

Our AHL Features

• The top four teams in each division of the AHL will make it into the Calder Cup playoffs. More information on playoff qualifications here. Other interesting facts about the Calder Cup here.



• The AHL is getting ready to hand out individual awards for the 2009-2010 season.



• Affiliations can get confusing from season to season.

NHL

Calgary Flames

• Ian White's moustache has become a legend in Calgary. If you ask us, he's got a way to go before he catches up with the Ducks' George Parros.

• For a team that has been struggling to get into playoff position, the Flames sure looked good against the NHL-leading Washington Capitals last weekend.


• The Flames are currently four points out of a playoff spot behind the Colorado Avalanche. They have six more games left in the season. Their next game is at home against the Phoenix Coyotes, who are currently in 4th place in the Western Conference.

New York Islanders

• The Islanders are recruiting kids to sell tickets for them. Or something.


• The Islanders are currently in 12th place in the Eastern Conference. Yet another year they won't be making the playoffs. They still have seven games left, so keep on cheering. They've won their last two. Their next game is a rivalry match against the probably also not making the playoffs New York Rangers. Can you say "spoiler"?

Our NHL Features

• In an effort to extend their fan base, the Detroit Red Wings have started importing people from Brazil.


• Get to know the Atlanta Thrashers defenseman Zach Bogosian.


• Special Canucks feature for Richard's birthday - Guess who is leading the NHL scoring race? No, not Sidney Crosby or Alexander Ovechkin - it's Vancouver's Henrik Sedin. Just for fun, why not get to know Henrik... and twin brother Daniel. Can't have one without the other, right? (And let's throw in Ryan Kesler too, just for the fun of it.) The Canucks are currently 3rd in the Western Conference. They play tonight against 4th place Phoenix. Happy Birthday, Richard!
  
  

MISCELLANEOUS

• Ever wonder what goes into building a state of the art arena? Check out the Consol Energy Center in Pittsburgh as it gets closer to completion.

Hockeyworld! 3/8/2010

AHL

Abbotsford Heat

• The Heat recently hosted the finals for the Pee Wee Division Light the Lamp Shootout. They also hosted the finals for the Atom Division.


• Heat forward Riley Armstrong was traded to the Detroit Red Wings organization and was assigned to Grand Rapids. Says Armstrong, "It's a big change for me - packing up from out of nowhere, moving all my clothes out in one day right now. It's a lot on the mind, a lot on the body." Those of you who understand our affinity for "Li'l Army" will also understand when we say we don't know how we feel about this.


• The latest Heat Report.


• The Heat's next two games are at home against the Lake Erie Monsters on Friday and Saturday. They are currently third in their division, two spots and two points ahead of Lake Erie.

Bridgeport Sound Tigers

• If you see the Tigers wearing hats off the ice, here's why.

The Sound Tigers have to be ready for anything at short notice.

Trevor Gillies will probably be called up for the Islanders' next game against the Flyers.

Bridgeport's next two games are at Norfolk. They are currently in fifth place in their division and have won 6 of their last 10 games.

Our AHL Features

• Former Grizzly Justin Bourne explains how the money works when players go back and forth from the farm to the "big show".


• You can take the boy out of hockey...

NHL

Calgary Flames

• Greasy goals are on the menu in Calgary. Tasty...


• If you're going to be in Calgary on Thursday, go to a Flames game. You could win the jersey off their backs.


• The Flames are one point out of a playoff spot as of today. The team they're trailing is the Detroit Red Wings, who they play Tuesday in a classic red team battle. We wonder how Li'l Army feels about this.

New York Islanders

• Rookie John Tavares and veteran Doug Weight are best buddies.


• It's official - the Islanders have recalled Trevor Gillies from Bridgeport for Tuesday's game against the Flyers. Not officially an orange team battle, but we do expect this game to have an orange flavor.


• Here's the game preview from the Islanders' official website. The Islanders are... not in last place, but they are 12 points behind Philadelphia in the conference standings. They've lost their last two games.

Our NHL Features

Ryan Kesler of the Vancouver Canucks (and the USA Olympic hockey team) will be on the cover of NHL2K11.



• If you can stop 49 shots on goal, plus a few in the shootout, you just might beat the Washington Capitals. "It's not going to be every night that your goalie's going to wear a mask and steal a game for you," Dallas's head coach said. We're not exactly sure what he means by that. Andy Brown might.


• The last day of the NHL's regular season is April 11th.

MISCELLANEOUS

• Believe it or not, there is an ice rink in St. George, Utah. We so have to try that someday.

Hockeyworld! 2/9/2010

AHL

Abbotsford Heat

The Heat have had a lot of injuries lately.

• Head Coach Jim Playfair participated in the Olympic Torch Relay. (photo courtesy of Abbotsford News)


• The Heat most recently split a pair of games with the Chicago Wolves and dropped one to the Toronto Marlies on Monday night. They host the Marlies for one more game before going on the road for the rest of February.

Bridgeport Sound Tigers

• The Sound Tigers have borrowed Ryan Kinasewich from Utah. We're guessing he's filling in for Matt Martin or Jesse Joensuu who were called up by the Islanders on Monday.


• Bridgeport has lost eight of its last ten games, including three in overtime and three shootouts. They play three times next weekend, with games on Friday (in Bridgeport), Saturday (in Hartford) and Sunday (in Bridgeport).

Our AHL Features

• The Syracuse Crunch will be hosting the Binghamton Senators in the first ever outdoor game in AHL history. The Mirabito Outdoor Classic will be held at the New York State Fairgrounds on February 20, 2010 at 1:00 pm.


• AHL players Yannick Weber, Andres Ambuhl and Kaspars Daugavins will be representing their countries in the upcoming Olympics.

NHL

Calgary Flames

• The Flames and Hitmen combined to raise over $100,000 for the relief effort in Haiti.


• Jerome Iginla and Daymond Langkow are what we'd call veterans.


• The Flames play the Ottawa Senators in Ottawa tonight. The Senators recently got shut out 5-0 by the Toronto Maple Leafs. (We don't really get either of those two team names. What - the Leafs flutter into the faces of the Senators who fall off their podiums while giving speeches?)

New York Islanders

• In what has to be one of the oddest promotions we've ever heard of, the New York Islanders are offering free flu shots to anyone attending tonight's game.


• Mark Streit made the day of a Swiss team getting ready to compete in an International PeeWee tournament.


• The Islanders play the Nashville Predators tonight.

Our NHL Features

• Fans voted for their favorite NHL commercials. Click here to see the results.

• The snowstorm along the east coast last weekend caused a lot of travel problems for teams trying to play in Washington DC, including a bus crash involving the Atlanta Thrashers and an oil truck. So much for Bruce Boudreau's comment that a bus ride never hurt anyone. (Thankfully, no one was injured in this particular bus ride.) Maybe they can ship some of the snow to Vancouver for the Olympics.

INTERNATIONAL

• The 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver open on Friday, February 12th. NBC has television listings for all sports - just put in your zip code and television provider.


• Click here for the full Olympic rosters for Men's Ice Hockey.

USA HOCKEY

• In addition to the Olympics, the Labatt Blue/USA Hockey Pond Hockey National Championships will begin on Friday.

Hockeyworld! 2/3/2010

AHL



Abbotsford Heat

• The Heat have had some roster changes recently.
• The Houston Aeros and goalie Wade Dubielewicz (who used to play for Bridgeport) put the Heat down under .500 by beating them in their last game. The Heat next play two games against the Chicago Wolves in Abbotsford.

Bridgeport Sound Tigers
Islanders goaltender Martin Biron will join Bridgeport for a conditioning stint this weekend. (He used to play for the Flyers.)

Check out their January highlight reel. Their music is pretty cool, but we recommend watching it with the sound off to other random music. Our favorite was to something that sounded like a piano from the old silent movie days.

• Bridgeport has a five-game losing streak going, although three of those came in shootouts. Their next game is Friday in Springfield.

Our AHL Features

• Because the AHL doesn't take a break for the Olympics like the NHL does, some AHL games will be broadcast on XM radio during February. In addition, NHL Network will be showing some AHL games at the end of February and March as the Calder Cup Playoff race heats up. You can catch Bridgeport on XM radio, and Abbotsford on NHL Network.

NHL

Calgary Flames

• There have been a couple of changes in Calgary in recent days. A little trade with Toronto, and then one with the New York Rangers. 35.8% of the people who answered a poll on the Flames' website think the deal with Toronto was a bad trade. Reactions on the trade with New York are mixed. Opinions in general run rampant. (Frankly, we're just a little tired of discussing trades.)
• The Flames host the Carolina Hurricanes tonight. Even though the 'Canes are currently sitting at 29th in the NHL, they have a better record over their last 10 games than Calgary does. Ouch.

New York Islanders

• The Islanders will spend part of their training camp next season in China. That's a long flight. They'd better not complain about their travel schedule next season.
• The Islanders have waived Brendan Witt. They'd better watch their backs - this is the same guy that got hit by a truck in Philadelphia and played that same night.
• The Islanders next meet Tampa Bay on Thursday.

Our NHL Features

• We're not sure why anything Alex Ovechkin's father says is worthy of a news story on NHL.com, let alone this doozy where he compares Alexander Semin to a panther... but whatever.
• The Vancouver Canucks are about to embark on an epic journey.



• It's unanimous - Ryan Getzlaf has a nice car.

INTERNATIONAL

• Canada's Olympic hockey team are just regular guys.
• Nine days until the Vancouver Winter Olympics start.

Hockeyworld! 1/19/2010

AHL

Abbotsford Heat


The Heat will finish up an eight game home stand after the AHL All-Star break. So far they've split it with three losses and three wins, including a big comeback win against the Lake Erie Monsters. (We don't know why, but we really like the Monsters' logo.) The Heat's next two games will be against the Houston Aeros.


Bridgeport Sound Tigers

• With Mark Katic injured, Sound Tigers defenseman Dustin Kohn is representing Bridgeport at the AHL All-Star Game.
• Even though Katic will be staying behind, here's a little bit of info about him. (We had to look up Steve Prefontaine. Scott Niedermayer we know.)
• After the break, the Sound Tigers will try to snap a four game losing streak in Albany against the River Rats.

Our AHL Features

• The AHL All-Star Game in Portland is tonight (1/19/2010), and there are several options if you want to tune in. Several TV stations are broadcasting it this year, so check your listings and see if any are available for you.
• The All-Star Skills Competition was yesterday, and you can check out the highlights here. Team Canada beat Planet USA 18-12.
• The AHL inducted four new Hall of Famers today. Congratulations!

NHL

Calgary Flames

• In case you haven't heard, the Flames got put out in the Shark Tank last night. *fizzle* They've now lost five in a row.
• The Calgary Hitmen will not only host the Lethbridge Hurricanes, but also the Olympic torch on its way to Vancouver. Maybe they'll shoot off the playoff flames to welcome it.

New York Islanders

• The Flames may have been bad last night, but the Islanders shut out the Atlantic Division-leading New Jersey Devils to the tune of 4-0. Could Rick DiPietro finally be healthy?
• Matt Moulsen has found his niche in Long Island.
• The Islanders play tonight (1/19/2010) against the reigning champion Pittsburgh Penguins. Kris Letang thinks that stinks. Or something...

Our NHL Features

• Where is your favorite NHL team in the standings?
• The LA Kings have super socks.


• Six out of ten games had goalies pulled last night (1/18/2010).
• This is how you put an opponent down... and keep him down. (Safely, of course.)

INTERNATIONAL HOCKEY

• Only 24 days to go until the Olympics in Vancouver, BC.

USA HOCKEY

• Hockey Weekend Across America is coming up (January 29-31, 2010). Reebok Hockey is having a contest where kids can win equipment for their videos about Why Hockey Rocks. Check out the videos, and vote for your favorites.

Hockeyworld! 1/5/2010

AHL

Abbotsford Heat

• Right wing Jason Jaffray was recalled by the Calgary Flames on Monday, January 4. Jaffray leads the Heat in practically everything. He was recently announced as an AHL All-Star. We're assuming that means he'll be back in time for the All-Star game.


• The Heat won their last game against the Houston Aeros in overtime. It's the first overtime win ever for the Heat (since moving to Abbotsford this season). Abbotsford's record is currently 18-16-2-3. Their next game is at home on Friday against the Texas Stars.

Bridgeport Sound Tigers

Goaltender Rick DiPietro, who had been rehabbing in Bridgeport, was finally recalled to the Islanders and is practicing with the team. His save percentage in four games with Bridgeport was .883. Considering Bridgeport regulars Scott Munroe and former Grizzly Nathan "The Beast" Lawson have save percentages of .926 and .929 respectively, we're thinking Bridgeport will be happy to get them back in the net.

• Speaking of Bridgeport's goalies, the AHL had nice things to say about them.


• Get to know former Grizzly and Bridgeport defenseman Jon Gleed. We'd like to see those commercials.


• Bridgeport's current record is 19-16-1-2. They've lost their last three games. Their next two are back to back against Springfield this weekend.

Our AHL Features

• The Hershey Bears are currently on a 10 game winning streak. Is it just us, or does this article make you hungry?

NHL

Calgary Flames

• The Flames had a fun time getting through airport security this morning on their way to Nashville. (Anyone see the dog in the picture?)


• The news this weekend was all Olympics, and the Flames have four representatives going - Jerome Iginla will play for Team Canada, Miikka Kiprusoff and Olli Jokinen will play for Team Finland, and Peter Maher, the voice of the Flames, will call the games for Rogers Radio Network.


• The Flames' record is currently 25-12-5, and their next game is against the Nashville Predators on Tuesday night.

New York Islanders

• We know the Islanders got goaltender Rick DiPietro back, but when will he play again?


• Islanders defenseman Mark Streit will be playing for Team Switzerland in the Olympics.


• Could the Islanders be in the 2011 Winter Classic?

Our NHL Features

• All six Canadian teams are playing in the NHL tonight.


• Check out Erik Christensen's one-handed goal for the New York Rangers last night.


• We don't know who the Sarks are, but they have lots of guys going to the Olympics:

INTERNATIONAL HOCKEY

World Junior Championships

• The World Junior Championship gold medal round will be played tonight (Tuesday, January 5) between USA and Canada. If you get the NHL Network, we highly recommend watching it. The Islanders have three prospects in the tournament - Calvin de Haan (Canada), Travis Hamoric (Canada) and Matt Donovan (USA) - although de Haan and Hamoric will be out with injuries (de Haan - head, Hamoric - shoulder). The Flames have center prospect Greg Neimsz playing for Team Canada.
  

MISCELLANEOUS

• We can't tell you how excited we were to find out that there is a team in Germany called Grizzly Adams Wolfsburg. We feel like we should adopt them or something.

A Post for the Holidays

Festival of Trees:

Earlier this month, we went to the Festival of Trees to see if the Utah Grizzlies had donated a tree this year. Last year, the Grizzlies' booster club donated a Utah Grizzlies' themed tree with hockey puck and team related ornaments. However, if they donated a tree again this year, we had no luck in finding it.

But we did find one hockey-themed tree at the festival this year. It was from Davis High's hockey team.

And of course the Canadian-themed tree came with a rod hockey set. Cute.

Grizzlies 3rd Jerseys:

The Grizzlies debued their 3rd jerseys last weekend.

The jersey is themed after the Grizzlies' NHL affliate Islanders' colors: navy, orange, and white. The front logo remains the same, but the logo colors are also themed. We were a little surprised that they didn't go with a different front logo design, but overall the jersey looks pretty sweet.

We have to admit that the navy with the orange stripe looks pretty snappy. We're glad navy was selected as the base color for these rather than orange or white.

Prior to December 17, the jerseys sold for $80. They now can be bought for $120 at the Grizzlies' store.

Happy Holidays!

Go Grizzlies!

Islanders' Witt Hit by Truck

Brendan Witt of the New York Islanders (an NHL affiliate of the Grizzlies) was hit by a truck in Philadelphia this morning while crossing the street. Don't expect any call-ups though. Witt got up and walked away.

Full story here.

We have a whole new respect for the toughness of hockey players.

Go Grizzlies!

Kinasewich signed to P.T.O. with Bulldogs, Sixsmith gets Bridgeport P.T.O.

Kinasewich was signed to a Professional Tryout (P.T.O.) contract with Hamilton today. This means he will be available to play tonight against - get this - the Abbotsford Heat. How's that for irony?

Also, James Sixsmith was signed to a P.T.O. with Bridgeport today. Bridgeport doesn't have anything up on that yet, but when they do, we'll get it posted.

We've yet to see Meyers added to the Abbotsford line-up (eTA: Meyers added to Abbotsford), so we don't know if he will be playing tonight. But it sounds like Riley Armstrong (a personal fave of ours) is off of IR and should be seeing some ice time.

Abbotsford Heat: Game Night - Heat host the Bulldogs

In other Grizzlies related news, former Grizzlies' defenseman Andrew MacDonald was recalled to the Islanders from Bridgeport. The Islanders have been looking good lately, so this is a nice chance for Andrew (we hope).

Go Grizzlies!