Leafs Sign New Goalie

The Toronto Star is reporting today that the Maple Leafs have signed goaltender Mark Owuya of the Swedish Elite League to a 2 yr entry level contract.

Owuya also known as "Mark in the park" is a well known Swedish rapper. He has performed on Swedish Idol and also has his own website. I listened to one of his songs at markindapark.com and all I have to say is; I hope he stops pucks better than he writes rhymes or else the Leafs are in for another long season.
Though, it is not likely that the 6 foot 2, 21 yr old, 2009 Junior Silver medalist will see much time in the NHL this upcoming season. With this signing the Leafs now have six goalies in the mix for next year. They also officially have the best nicknames for goalies in the NHL.

J.S. (Jiggy) Gigure is a free agent this summer and unless he is willing to take a drastic pay cut from the 6 + million he made this year, I don't see him returning to the lineup.

Jonas (The Monster) Gustavsson is a contender for the number one position on the Leafs squad, but, with all of the injury problems he has had I doubt he is a viable option for the starter position.

James (Optimus Reim) Reimer is likely to be in net when the Leafs hit the ice this fall. Although a restricted free agent this summer I don't see the Leafs allowing him to play anywhere else after this seasons performance.

Jussi Rynnas a Finnish tender picked up last year played this season with the Marlies. He is a possible for the Leafs back up position.

Ben Scrivens also spent the past season with the Marlies organization and will likely start their again next year.

Mark (in da park) Owuya played for Djurgarden of the Swedish Elite League this year. He had a league best .927 save percentage with a 2.18 goals against average. Owuya will likely start the season out playing for the AHL's Toronto Marlies.

http://markindapark.com/start.php

http://bleacherreport.com/tb/b9h83

Katz thinks Coyotes won't move

Katz thinks Coyotes won't move

I love the comments made by Thomas Steen in this article. He truly puts Ilya Bryzgalov's earlier comments into perspective. I can assure you that you do not require an armed escort to travel around Winnipeg. This is just one more piece of evidence proving what Winnipeggers have known all along; This is a good place for NHL hockey.
Regarding Mayor Sam Katz's comments, it is unfortunate that he is not of the belief that the Coyotes will relocate to Manitoba anytime in the near future. Regardless of what franchise does decide to move it is still clear that all of the elements are in place for a hockey club to thrive in the community. Could it be the Atlanta Thrashers? They have seen dismal attendance and rumor has it that a sale could be in the works.
What about the Nashville Predators? There has been much talk in the media about that clubs possible movement. You would not know they were having any problems in Nashville if you watched a playoff game being held in that city. The stands appear to be packed and the place is roaring. It appears at least to me that Nashville has the fans to support a club, so i am not sure what the issue is there.
Whatever the case may be, we eagerly await the finale to this 15 year old question. Will Winnipeg return to the NHL?

Phoenix Coyotes Ilya Bryzgalov comments on franchise moving to Winnipeg

"You don't want to go to Winnipeg, right?... Not many people live there, not many Russian people there. Plus, it's cold. There's no excitement except the hockey. No park, no entertaining for the families, for the kids. It's going to be tough life for your family... I've been there for just once, maybe twice, when I in minors. It was really cold... I used the tunnels between the buildings to get to the arena because it was minus -40 something. Real cold."

This comment was made by Phoenix Coyotes goaltender Ily Bryzgalov in his impeccable English. Note the sarcasm in my writing. Being from Winnipeg, I am going to take comments like this to heart. The fact that I am a warm blooded Canadian hockey fan with an average level of intelligence and a general idea on the economics of hockey as well as the fact that I have an in-depth knowledge of Winnipeg and a general idea about the city of Phoenix leads me to the conclusion that Ilya Bryzgalov is an ignorant, pompous ass.

There is a few points about Bryzgalov and his comments that just don't make any sense to me.

Is this guy really Russian or has he been golfing in the sun too long? Moscow and Russian Siberian winters make Winnipeg a viable winter paradise in comparison.

Sure Phoenix sounds like a great place to visit. As long as you don't mind living in the desert and dying from heat stroke or a venomous snake bite. I'm sure you can get used to the termite infested buildings and sand storms.

Bryzgalov's knowledge of Winnipeg is so extensive I wonder how he forgot to mention the fact that it is nestled between the Canadian Shield and the North American Great Plains giving it a variable amount of outdoor activities all of which can be accessible within a 20 minute drive of the city. The lakes, rivers, forests and pristine wilderness probably don't compare to these Phoenix parks Ilya alludes to.

Bryzgalov claims that life in Winnipeg is hard on families. He somehow forgets to mention that his family resides in Russia, not in Phoenix. So I'm not sure how that is applicable to him only residing in North America during the hockey season.

Regardless of the parks, entertainment and weather which Ilya refers to, there is one thing we have that Phoenix does not. Hockey fans.

Ference Comments On Finger Incident

This interview with Andrew Ference is after the game against the Montreal Canadiens in which Ference scored a a goal and then proceeded to flip the Montreal fans "the bird" as he celebrated on his way to the bench.
After reviewing the replay in which it shows Ference's celebration and then seeing the interview after the game I can only come to one conclusion. Andrew Ference must be the dumbest guy in the entire planet. For him to honesty believe that anyone in their right mind would believe his explantation of an equipment malfunctions sufficient to explain his actions I find almost as insulting as the action itself.

Andrew Ference Gives fans the Finger

This display of disdain and unsportsmanlike conduct is only mired by the pathetic excuse Andrew Ference gave for his actions after the game when interviewed by reporters.
Check my next post for the video.

We Believe - The Struggles of Being a Leafs Fan (Documentary)

A short documentary regarding Maple Leaf fans.

Reimer wants NHL team in Winnipeg

Reimer wants NHL team in Winnipeg Hockey Sports Toronto Sun

I knew this was a good kid. Staying true to his Manitoban roots, James Reimer talks about his time growing up on the prairies and watching the Winnipeg Jets. I would argue that someone would be hard pressed to find a player in the NHL that disagrees with having a team in Winnipeg. This is the heart and soul of hockey. It is not only a game here but a way of life. Ask any NHL player where he would rather play. In a half empty arena where nobody in the city knows his name but he can go golfing 365 days a year. Or, would you rather play in front of a packed house with screaming fans cheering you on. Being treated like a movie star when you walk around town. Sure you have to shovel some snow, but isn't it worth it. What kid dreams of joining the NHL so he can live on the beach? Let's bring hockey back to where it belongs!

TSN Reports Return Of The NHL To Winnipeg Season Ticket Drive By TNSE

It's so close I can almost taste it. The hype surrounding the return of the NHL has never been stronger and I suspect it is just a matter of time before the deal between True North and the NHL is realeased to the public. What I suspect is happening right now is that True North is trying to prove to the NHL that Winnipeg can in fact support an NHL hockey team once again.

The MTS Centre which holds 15,000 + seats is a little small for the liking of the NHL which sees an average arena size of upwards of 20,000.


Yes there has been talk that the MTS Centre can be expanded. To what capacity I am unsure, but what we do know is that the arena will have to be filled close to capacity for each and every game. We also know that concession sales at the MTS Centre are owned by True North as well. This was not the case when the Jets left 15 years ago.

Something that will also likely be on the table is the issue of broadcasting the home games. As is done with the Blue Bombers it is likely that the new NHL teamwould have a blackout in local regions until all seats are sold for that game. The average ticket sale I suspect would be near 100$. This may be alittle steep for the average Manitoban. It is noted that the economy of Manitoba is much better today then it was when the Jets left. The median family income is higher and the population of the local area has increased signifigantly. This combined with the strong Canadian dollar compared to U.S. currency makes the financial viability of a team in Winnipeg more likely than ever.

Put all of this in the mix adding in the deap pockets of Mark Chipman and the Thompson family and it appears that at least fiscally, an NHL team in Winnipeg is a viable option.

NHL coming back to Winnipeg

To add fuel to the fire one of hockeys most famous or infamous persons inferred last night that Winnipeg indeed would see the return of the NHL. Don Cherrys final words on CBCs Coaches Corner during the Montreal vs Boston game were; "Winnipeg, get ready!" This surely has to mean something. The rumor mill is buzzing with similar news. This time it sounds as though it is for real.

Here are some links to other articles regarding this story:

http://msn.foxsports.com/nhl/story/Phoenix-Coyotes-move-to-Winnipeg-041511

http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/2011/04/14/source_winnipeg_coyotes/

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/radio-talk-riles-up-winnipeg/article1986418/

http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/breakingnews/Truth-North-expected-to-trigger-campaign-for-NHL-season-tickets.html

http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/breakingnews/Canada-could-support-double-the-number-of-NHL-teams-report-119768314.html

Phoenix Coyotes moving to Winnipeg

I heard today from a member of the banking industry that a 180 million dollar transaction was made involving a Winnipeg based company and an unknown source in the United States. This may not sound like big news but in a city of 600,000 residents, a transaction involving 180 million dollars gets noticed. This figure is very similar to the price asked for the Phoenix Coyotes and with all the rumors swirling around about their relocation after the playoffs, it doesn't take a rocket scientist to put two and two together.
Hopefully this is not yet another rumor and I have now contributed to the controversey that is NHL in Winnipeg, but, I remain hopeful that we will one day see the return of the Winnipeg Jets, in one form or another.

The Good, the Bad and the Ugly

So, the end of the NHL regular season has come and gone and today we have the start of the playoffs. Unfortunately for us die hard Leaf fans it is yet another year in which we will have to wait until the fall to watch the next Leafs game.
But what of the season? Was it a complete loss? Can we see any hope for the future? This is something every member of Leaf Nation and the media will be analyzing for the next several months.
Recent comments by general manager Brian Burke suggest that there will be no change in the head coaching department, regardless of what the "consensus" may be. But what about Burke? This is the third year now in which he has had the run of the team yet statistically the improvement is next to nil. Every year I hear the same b.s. about how we made a good push at the end of the season and this is a good sign for the beginning of next year. Well I for one am getting a little tired of hearing this song and dance. Burke is giving the appearance of a one trick pony and the appeal is quickly fading. How many more times can his 5 year plan be extended.
Let us take a look at some of the high points and low points of this year as we try to analyze what the future may bring. I don't see any point in predicting what the future lineup will be as I know Burkey will be devilishly wheeling and dealing come free agent time. So, I would like to take a look at who put up a solid effort this year and who failed to produce.

The Good

James Reimer
-to some he is the saviour of the Leafs. To others he is a hot goalie that may fade under pressure. Whatever your opinions are about Reimer, lets face it, he did do a nice job during the last half. Lets hope this guy is for real.

Mikhael Grabovski
-a good all round second line centre ice man. Grabovski works hard night in and night out. I look forward to seeing him on this Leafs lineup come next season.

Nikolei Kuleiman
-a career high in points, Kuleiman has seemed to have found his groove playing on a line with Grabovski and MacArthur.

Clarke MacArthur
-another player with a career high in numbers. Does his Restricted Free Agency play into Burke's plans? Lets see if this guy is the real deal.

Colby Armstrong
-seems to be a good fit within Burke's Leafs. Hopefully the late season injury he suffered doesn't affect his continued performance with the Leafs.

Other notables which had a strong performance:
Darryl Boyce, Tim Brent, Joey Crabb, Keith Aulie,

The Average

Phil Kessel
-hyped to be the number one go to guy on this team Kessel has faltered somewhat under the pressure. I see the potential that is there but as of yet I don't think he has truly realized it. The addition of a top line centre is essential to get this kid to the top of his game.

Luke Schenn
-stay at home defenceman. What more can I say. He did his job and that's all we can expect. Nothing particularly extraordinary here. He is a first round draft pick, he should be able to keep the leagues best from tearing up our goalies.


Other average performances:

Carl Gunnarson, Nazem Kadri, Brett Lebda

The Bad

Thomas Kaberle
-the loss of this franchise player is in my mind indescribable. Hopefully he will come back to us after July 1st.

Mike Komisarek
-extremely over priced and under performing Komisarek failed to live up to his potential. Hopefully next year he stops trying to do so much and just plays the game the best way he knows how. I see positive potential once he gets the skeletons out of the closet.

J. S. Giguere
-for 6 million plus per year, I would like to see a lot more than an aging, injury plagued back up goaltender. Maybe he would be better off in a coaching or back office role. It may be time to hang up the skates my friend. Adding the fact that he is RFA, I don't see Giggy get Giggy with the Leafs again next year unless he takes a drastic pay cut.

Tyler Bozak
-touted to be a first line center, Bozak has failed to live up to expectations. Is this just a case of the jitters or does Bozak lack the talent to be a legitimate starter in the NHL?

Dion Phaneuf
-a small bump in productivity towards the end of the season wasn't enough to raise Phaneuf to even a sub standard performance year. This player is expected to excel every night he is on the ice. Unfortunately I can count on one hand the amount of games I saw Dion make a real presence. Much more is expected next year.

Ron Wilson
-yes he is one of the most successful coaches in the NHL but, I compare this to a bad romantic relationship. You may have all the desire and love for that person and everything looks good on paper but for whatever reason it just doesn't work. I think its time we realize that this is the situation here and stop trying to save the sinking ship. Wilson and Leafs just weren't meant to be.

Other notable under performers:
Fredrik Sjostrom, Colton Orr (mostly due to injury), Jonas Gustavsson (possibly due to injury)