According to various media reports and an article on www.jackalshockey.com, the team bus crashed into the back of a tractor-trailer at approx. 4:30 a.m. this morning. The team bus driver was pinned in the wreckage for almost three hours before he was flown to a local trauma center where he is listen in stable condition. According to Jackals GM Robbie Nichols, there were no life-threatening injuries sustained by any Jackals players or team staff members.
Grady Whitenburg,former voice of the Baby Sens, is now the play by play voice of the Jackals. He was seated directly behind the driver and was not seriously hurt. Grady called John Walton this morning informing him of the accident. Thankfully Grady and the rest of the team is ok. Grady is a good friend to everyone on press row in Hershey,including myself, and its great to hear that this accident didn't claim any lives. Please keep Grady and the rest of Jackals in your thoughts.
Please check back to my blog next week for a very interesting article on the horrid travel that ECHL teams have.
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Mr. Laing goes to Washington
According to my buddies over at www.onfrozenblog.com(by way of the Patriot News) the Capitals have recalled BEARS checking line winger Quintin Laing. Check out OFB by clicking on their link in the links section of the blog. Laing will replace injured Caps C/Wing Boyd Gordon who is week to week with an undisclosed injury.
Friday, November 23, 2007
Bruce Boudreau Gets 1st NHL win
Congratulations Bruce on getting your fist NHL win, it's well deserved. Check out the links to the right for more reaction on Bruce's first win. One Philly team down today,one more to go.
Thursday, November 22, 2007
Hanlon Out, Boudreau In
Congratulations to Bruce Boudreau! Today Bruce was named the interim Head Coach of the Washington Capitals. Bruce is a classy guy who deserves this chance. I am lucky enough to have been around Bruce in Hershey over the last 2 1/4 seasons, and he truly does deserve this opportunity. Bruce will bring a different "voice" to a group who really needs it and I believe this is the best move the Caps could have made.
Congrats are also in order to Bob Woods,who has been named interim Head Coach of the Hershey BEARS. The BEARS are in good hands with Woody.
For more info on the coaching change check out the links on my blog as well as the Washington Post, Washington Times and Caps official web sites.
Congrats are also in order to Bob Woods,who has been named interim Head Coach of the Hershey BEARS. The BEARS are in good hands with Woody.
For more info on the coaching change check out the links on my blog as well as the Washington Post, Washington Times and Caps official web sites.
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Eric Fehr Update from Tim Leone's blog
This excerpt was taken from Tim Leone's blog on pennlive.com It is definitely encouraging news.
Boudreau is encouraged that Eric Fehr, sidelined since last season, has begun skating.
"He skated well," Boudreau said. "I don't want to put a pressure point on. Whenever he can play he'll play. He's feeling a lot better now than he did three weeks ago. That's a very good sign."
Boudreau is encouraged that Eric Fehr, sidelined since last season, has begun skating.
"He skated well," Boudreau said. "I don't want to put a pressure point on. Whenever he can play he'll play. He's feeling a lot better now than he did three weeks ago. That's a very good sign."
Monday, November 19, 2007
Sutherby Traded to Ducks
Today Caps GM George McPhee announced the club has traded C Brian Sutherby to Anaheim for a 2nd round pick in the 2009 draft. The trade ended speculation of possible waiver moves or a non-waiver send down.
Sunday, November 18, 2007
BEARS Go 3-for-3 on the Weekend
Sorry for the lack of updates over the last three days. I've been busy at the GC this weekend. In case you missed it the BEARS are now at .500 for the season,by completing a perfect weekend.Beating the Rats twice(6-4,3-2) and B'Port(6-3). The offense seems to have finally started to click and it also looks as if the "D" has come around as well. It was said in the room after the game by a few of the boys that they are finally starting to gel.
Wednesday starts a stretch of four games in five days. I think Friday and Saturday(at Philly and home with Philly) will show us alot about what this team is really made of.
NOTE:Alexander Semin will return to the Caps line-up on Monday night against the Florida Panthers. His return means the Caps will have to make a roster move to allow Semin to officially come off of IR. The Caps could send someone down to Hershey(Schultz,Green and Steckel are the only waiver exempt players on the roster),they could place someone on IR, or send someone on a conditioning assignment to the BEARS.Stay close to your computer tomorrow for details.
Wednesday starts a stretch of four games in five days. I think Friday and Saturday(at Philly and home with Philly) will show us alot about what this team is really made of.
NOTE:Alexander Semin will return to the Caps line-up on Monday night against the Florida Panthers. His return means the Caps will have to make a roster move to allow Semin to officially come off of IR. The Caps could send someone down to Hershey(Schultz,Green and Steckel are the only waiver exempt players on the roster),they could place someone on IR, or send someone on a conditioning assignment to the BEARS.Stay close to your computer tomorrow for details.
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
East Division Transactions for 11/14/07
11/14/2007 Nick Foligno (LW) Binghamton ADD Loaned from Ottawa (NHL)
11/14/2007 Ben Walter (C) Bridgeport ADD Returned on loan from New York Islanders (NHL)
11/14/2007 Shawn Bates (LW) Bridgeport ADD Conditioning loan from New York Islanders (NHL)
11/14/2007 Alain Nasreddine (D) W-B/Scranton ADD Returned on loan from Pittsburgh (NHL)
11/14/2007 Ben Walter (C) Bridgeport ADD Returned on loan from New York Islanders (NHL)
11/14/2007 Shawn Bates (LW) Bridgeport ADD Conditioning loan from New York Islanders (NHL)
11/14/2007 Alain Nasreddine (D) W-B/Scranton ADD Returned on loan from Pittsburgh (NHL)
Eric Fehr Update from Tarik El-Bashir
Tarik spoke with Caps GM George McPhee about any injury updates on Eric. The following is courtesy of Tarik's Caps Insider on the washingtonpost.com: Eric Fehr's hip/back ailment is "not better but not worse."
The 22-year-old former first round draft pick is in Hershey, Pa., working out and getting treatment for what McPhee called "a compressed nerve."
The good news? The injury doesn't require sugery and will heal on its own.
The bad news? No one can say for sure when the right wing is going to be able to play. (He's been out since February.)
"He's not better but not worse," McPhee said. " We continue to try everything to make sure he'll be fine. We've been told the injury will resolve on his own. It doesn't require surgery. The questions is when will it resolve? Will it be another month? Another three months?"
Asked if he expects to see Fehr in Washington this season, McPhee said: "We're hopeful."
The 22-year-old former first round draft pick is in Hershey, Pa., working out and getting treatment for what McPhee called "a compressed nerve."
The good news? The injury doesn't require sugery and will heal on its own.
The bad news? No one can say for sure when the right wing is going to be able to play. (He's been out since February.)
"He's not better but not worse," McPhee said. " We continue to try everything to make sure he'll be fine. We've been told the injury will resolve on his own. It doesn't require surgery. The questions is when will it resolve? Will it be another month? Another three months?"
Asked if he expects to see Fehr in Washington this season, McPhee said: "We're hopeful."
On This Date In BEARS History...
November 14,1962-The BEARS netted three goals in 21 seconds in a 7-1 romp over the Cleveland Barons. The mark still stands in the BEARS record book as the fastest three goals in club history.
Courtesy:BEARS Media Guide
Courtesy:BEARS Media Guide
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
On This Date In BEARS History...
1946-Hershey's Herbie Cain scored four goals in route to a BEARS 10-2 victory over the Springfield Indians at HERSHEYPARK Arena. Two of Cain's goals came while the BEARS were short-handed.
Courtesy:BEARS Media Guide
Courtesy:BEARS Media Guide
Dave Fay receives highest honor as NHL beat writer
My friend, Mike Vogel of the Washington Capitals has a terrific write up on Dave Fay's induction into the NHL Hall of Fame. Please check it out by clicking on the title.Dave had visited Hershey a few times over the last two seasons, and would always ask me how the BEARS were doing when I was in D.C. This man truly cared about the entire organization and the future of it. He will certainly be missed by all who knew him, and all who read him.
Monday, November 12, 2007
My thoughts on the BEARS
Eleven games into the '07-08 season the BEARS enter the second full week in November three games under the break even mark. Who woulda thought? Well it really isn't hard to figure out why the BEARS are struggling early on this season.
Look no further then the players who either are on the IR,signed elsewhere in the off season or are currently up with the big club,who were members of last season's Conference Champions. Alex Giroux, Joey Tenute, Dave Steckel, Tomas Fleischmann, Matt Hendricks, Eric Fehr and Chad Wiseman combined for 177 goals and 369 points. That is alot of goals and assists to replace. The guys that were brought in to "replace" all of those goals(Jason Morgan,Joe Motzko,Jame Pollock) combined for only 59 goals between the three. Is that a fair comparison, maybe not, but the bottom line is the guys that are here now need to step up.
Joe Motzko and Jason Morgan have both stepped it up of late, however a TEAM can't rely on just one or two players to carry the team. Chris Bourque had a strong start but has tailed off of late, same goes for Kyle Wilson. Scott Barney who had a terrific post season is still without a goal this season, same story for Jakub Klepis. If this BEARS team is to make a run the goal scorers need to start scoring and fast.
The BEARS are only averaging 2.18 goals per game through the first eleven games, while on the flip side the opposition is averaging 3.1 goals per game. I'm by no means a math major, but the numbers suggest the BEARS are being outscored by about a goal a game.
Alot has been made on various message boards about goal tending. Has Daren played better overall then Freddie? Maybe!! The one constant though has been inconsistency in the defensive zone. Patrick Roy may have had trouble playing for the BEARS this year. The injury to Dean Arsene sure hasn't helped matters. The amount of young guys on the back line may be a factor but that's not an excuse that should be used. Tyler Sloan, in my opinion, has been the most consistent defensemen. The other guys need to step it up, both the rookies and veterans, in order for the team to succeed.
BEARS fans, come down from the ledge though. The two gentlemen behind the bench will turn this team around. Bruce and Woody are two of the most knowledgeable hockey guys I know, and one thing is for sure these guys are very passionate about the BEARS and about winning. They don't like losing, they don't and won't tolerate laziness and they will right this ship. If changes need to be made, they will be made. The system employed by Bruce and Woody works(see Calder Cup Championship in '05-06 and return trip last year).
I truly believe the team is on the right track, despite the game this past Sunday(B'port has our number). The BEARS will play eight of their next ten games in the friendly confines of the GIANT Center. Some home cooking will do us all some good. The guys need your support now more then anytime the last two seasons.
Look no further then the players who either are on the IR,signed elsewhere in the off season or are currently up with the big club,who were members of last season's Conference Champions. Alex Giroux, Joey Tenute, Dave Steckel, Tomas Fleischmann, Matt Hendricks, Eric Fehr and Chad Wiseman combined for 177 goals and 369 points. That is alot of goals and assists to replace. The guys that were brought in to "replace" all of those goals(Jason Morgan,Joe Motzko,Jame Pollock) combined for only 59 goals between the three. Is that a fair comparison, maybe not, but the bottom line is the guys that are here now need to step up.
Joe Motzko and Jason Morgan have both stepped it up of late, however a TEAM can't rely on just one or two players to carry the team. Chris Bourque had a strong start but has tailed off of late, same goes for Kyle Wilson. Scott Barney who had a terrific post season is still without a goal this season, same story for Jakub Klepis. If this BEARS team is to make a run the goal scorers need to start scoring and fast.
The BEARS are only averaging 2.18 goals per game through the first eleven games, while on the flip side the opposition is averaging 3.1 goals per game. I'm by no means a math major, but the numbers suggest the BEARS are being outscored by about a goal a game.
Alot has been made on various message boards about goal tending. Has Daren played better overall then Freddie? Maybe!! The one constant though has been inconsistency in the defensive zone. Patrick Roy may have had trouble playing for the BEARS this year. The injury to Dean Arsene sure hasn't helped matters. The amount of young guys on the back line may be a factor but that's not an excuse that should be used. Tyler Sloan, in my opinion, has been the most consistent defensemen. The other guys need to step it up, both the rookies and veterans, in order for the team to succeed.
BEARS fans, come down from the ledge though. The two gentlemen behind the bench will turn this team around. Bruce and Woody are two of the most knowledgeable hockey guys I know, and one thing is for sure these guys are very passionate about the BEARS and about winning. They don't like losing, they don't and won't tolerate laziness and they will right this ship. If changes need to be made, they will be made. The system employed by Bruce and Woody works(see Calder Cup Championship in '05-06 and return trip last year).
I truly believe the team is on the right track, despite the game this past Sunday(B'port has our number). The BEARS will play eight of their next ten games in the friendly confines of the GIANT Center. Some home cooking will do us all some good. The guys need your support now more then anytime the last two seasons.
Sunday, November 4, 2007
Sound Tigers outwork BEARS, 4-1
On Saturday night at GIANT Center,the Bridgeport Sound Tigers handally defeated the BEARS by a score of 4-1.
The BEARS Jay Beagle(1) found the back of the net for the first time in his pro carreer with just 3:01 left in the 1st period. Beagle picked the pocket of Bridgeport's Joe Rullier and came in all alone on Mike Morrison,beating him short side for the short handed goal.After the goal Rullier took a baseball swing at the glass behind the Bridgeport net.The glass broke send a piece of glass into the stands injuring a fan, who was seen to have had cuts on his hand and face.It is believed that the BEARS will send a copy of the game tape to the AHL to be reviewed.The BEARS out shot the Sound Tigers 17-2 in the period.Bridgeport did not record their first shot until almost 7:00 left in the period.
The Beagle goal was the last time BEARS fans would be able to cheer, in a positive manner on Saturday night.At the 5:49 mark of the 2nd period Jamie Fraser(2) netted the first of 3 consecutive power play goals by Bridgeport.Just over 6 minutes later Steve Regier(3) scored on the power play giving Bridgeport a 2-1 lead.That would be the score going into the 3rd period.It was apparent that Bridgeport worked harder and wanted the game more during the second period.
The third period wouldn't treat the BEARS any better.Regier(4) again beat Freddie Cassivi on the power play just 3:06 into the 3rd.Just under a minuete later Jeff Tambelinni(3) out worked the BEARS PP unit to beat Cassivi for the shorty.After the Tambellini goal Cassivi was pulled in favor of Daren Machesney.
NOTES:BEARS are avg. 2.125 goals/game...Beagle's goal was the first SH goal of the year for the BEARS...Cassivi's save% is now at .881% and is GAA is 3.43.
Editorial Note: I'm not a math major,BUT if your top goalie is allowing on avg. almost 3.5 goals a game, and your offense is only avg. 2.1 goals a game, your not going to win many games.
The BEARS Jay Beagle(1) found the back of the net for the first time in his pro carreer with just 3:01 left in the 1st period. Beagle picked the pocket of Bridgeport's Joe Rullier and came in all alone on Mike Morrison,beating him short side for the short handed goal.After the goal Rullier took a baseball swing at the glass behind the Bridgeport net.The glass broke send a piece of glass into the stands injuring a fan, who was seen to have had cuts on his hand and face.It is believed that the BEARS will send a copy of the game tape to the AHL to be reviewed.The BEARS out shot the Sound Tigers 17-2 in the period.Bridgeport did not record their first shot until almost 7:00 left in the period.
The Beagle goal was the last time BEARS fans would be able to cheer, in a positive manner on Saturday night.At the 5:49 mark of the 2nd period Jamie Fraser(2) netted the first of 3 consecutive power play goals by Bridgeport.Just over 6 minutes later Steve Regier(3) scored on the power play giving Bridgeport a 2-1 lead.That would be the score going into the 3rd period.It was apparent that Bridgeport worked harder and wanted the game more during the second period.
The third period wouldn't treat the BEARS any better.Regier(4) again beat Freddie Cassivi on the power play just 3:06 into the 3rd.Just under a minuete later Jeff Tambelinni(3) out worked the BEARS PP unit to beat Cassivi for the shorty.After the Tambellini goal Cassivi was pulled in favor of Daren Machesney.
NOTES:BEARS are avg. 2.125 goals/game...Beagle's goal was the first SH goal of the year for the BEARS...Cassivi's save% is now at .881% and is GAA is 3.43.
Editorial Note: I'm not a math major,BUT if your top goalie is allowing on avg. almost 3.5 goals a game, and your offense is only avg. 2.1 goals a game, your not going to win many games.
Friday, November 2, 2007
BEARS @ Rats Recap
Tonight in NY's Capital District,the Hershey BEARS behind goalie Daren Machesney(36 saves)defeated the River Rats by a score of 2-0.
A first period goal off the stick of Ben Clymer(3) would be all the BEARS needed on this night.Jason Morgan and Quentin Laing received the helpers on Clymer's tally.
The game was won in the second period when "Cheese" stopped all 20 Rat shots he faced.Albany was handed a pair of 5-on-3 PP's sandwiched around a high-sticking major to Chris McAllister.During the extended PP opportunity for the Rat's Machesney made a couple of 10 bell saves.
Kyle Wilson(3)cemented the BEARS victory with a PP goal 7:48 into the 3rd period.Assisting on Wilson's goal were Scott Barney and Grant Potulny.Albany was 0 for 7 on the PP, while the BEARS went 1 for 4.
The rough stuff carried over from Sunday's game. In the first period Louis Robitaille,stuck up for Joe Motzko, by jumping Rat pest Tim Conboy. Conboy blindsided Motzko well after the puck left Motzko's stick. Robitaille was assesed a minor for instigating,a major for fighting and a 10-min. misconduct,while Conboy received a minor for interference and 5 min. for fighting.
The BEARS return home on Saturday night to face the B'port Sound Tigers.The game could very well feature some fireworks as well.Hope to see you at GC.
A first period goal off the stick of Ben Clymer(3) would be all the BEARS needed on this night.Jason Morgan and Quentin Laing received the helpers on Clymer's tally.
The game was won in the second period when "Cheese" stopped all 20 Rat shots he faced.Albany was handed a pair of 5-on-3 PP's sandwiched around a high-sticking major to Chris McAllister.During the extended PP opportunity for the Rat's Machesney made a couple of 10 bell saves.
Kyle Wilson(3)cemented the BEARS victory with a PP goal 7:48 into the 3rd period.Assisting on Wilson's goal were Scott Barney and Grant Potulny.Albany was 0 for 7 on the PP, while the BEARS went 1 for 4.
The rough stuff carried over from Sunday's game. In the first period Louis Robitaille,stuck up for Joe Motzko, by jumping Rat pest Tim Conboy. Conboy blindsided Motzko well after the puck left Motzko's stick. Robitaille was assesed a minor for instigating,a major for fighting and a 10-min. misconduct,while Conboy received a minor for interference and 5 min. for fighting.
The BEARS return home on Saturday night to face the B'port Sound Tigers.The game could very well feature some fireworks as well.Hope to see you at GC.
BEARS vs. Rats Preview
Tonight the BEARS head north to the Capital District to face off against the Albany River Rats. In the last meeting,just five days ago, the Rats Michael Leighton shut down the BEARS en route to a 2-0 victory.
Daren "Cheese" Machesney will make his '07-08 debut tonight.Last season Machesney was 3-3-1 in a BEARS uniform.The BEARS should have revenge on their minds after Albany controlled Sunday's game for about 58:30 of the 60:00 contest.As noted in the Patriot News by Tim Leone, Josef Boumedienne(injury) and rookie Andrew Gordon(healthy) did not make the trip north. Bruce Boudreau and Bob Woods will still have one more guy that will not get a sweater tonight.
The BEARS return home tomorrow night to face-off against Mark Wotton,Kip Brennan and the Bridgeport Sound Tigers.
Daren "Cheese" Machesney will make his '07-08 debut tonight.Last season Machesney was 3-3-1 in a BEARS uniform.The BEARS should have revenge on their minds after Albany controlled Sunday's game for about 58:30 of the 60:00 contest.As noted in the Patriot News by Tim Leone, Josef Boumedienne(injury) and rookie Andrew Gordon(healthy) did not make the trip north. Bruce Boudreau and Bob Woods will still have one more guy that will not get a sweater tonight.
The BEARS return home tomorrow night to face-off against Mark Wotton,Kip Brennan and the Bridgeport Sound Tigers.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
