Comments

The comments are getting dumb and tiresome. I'm just going to turn them off for now until people can calm down.

Edit: For now, I'm going to open things back up, but you'll have to register and if I see anything that goes beyond basic common decency and discussion I'm just going to delete it. This isn't permanent. 

A Reminder About Comments

I leave for a weekend and clearly the inmates start running the asylum.

Just a reminder about leaving comments here on the blog. Comments are kind of a pain in my ass because I love hearing from the fans but there was a time ago where I required people to register and create SOME kind of commenting idea and people stopped commenting. Seriously... people are so lazy that they couldn't take 5 minutes to register IHA8FARWELL so they could make a comment on the blog.

As a result... we're now stuck with 100 keyboard tough guys that can post anonymously and never identify themselves (even with a fake name or handle!).

I'm fine with this. I'd rather have 100's of anonymous comments than no comments at all.

However.

There is only a couple of clear rules I have here.  Be respectful to each other. Don't be racist.

You can disagree with each other (and/or me and Jon) as much as you want but keep it classy San Diego. If the best you can do is say "You're an idiot", please don't bother commenting.

Carry on...

Second to last day of Camp, take one

I am heading out the door right now to watch the morning session.  So here a place where ideas can be made

Elders join the youth movement today at 3pm

I will be there, but wanted to create something so people had a place to post thoughts about the game and just how bad players looked <g>

What is a goon? Is Mitch Elliot one? And is he worth a 20 spot?

This was brought up in a comment on another post, but I wanted to move it to its own entry to open it up for discussion.

I must have a totally different definition of goon than most.  To me, a goon is a player who does cheap shots, and when they are on the ice, they are looking to fight, and get into players faces after the whistle.

I can tell you from watching Mitch Elliot play for 4 years now, and also talking to him off the ice, that that is the last thing he is. Does he fight? Of course he does.  At his size, if he didn't, everyone would say he is soft and doesn't use his size.  Does he go looking for a fight when he is on the ice. Not a chance.  If one comes to him, or one is needed, he is the first to answer the bell.

Is Mitch a first line scoring machine? No. Ask him, and he will tell you the same.  Does Mitch fit a roll on this team?  I would say yes, others say no, and everyone can have a great discussion about it. 

Mine turns into what a 20 year old spot should be.  Of course there is your top end forward or defender capable of dominating a game (aka, Gregg Scott, Aaron Gagnon, Brendan Dillon).  But then there are your quiet behind the scenes, work your ass off, do whatever the coaches want and ask, and be an example in locker room, on the ice, and off the ice.

Every year, Farwell has gone out and traded for a former captain that fits this role.  This year, I am not sure he has too.  If we had a top end 20 year old forward, he (or she, not to be sexist), would take ice time away from someone.  Now maybe we don't care about that, because on the ice it looks good.  But then who is the tough guy when you need it?  If it is Wardley, do you really want him in the box for 5 minutes, and add a 10 if the instigator?  If it is Forsberg, see the same question I just asked for Wardley?  If it is someone else, then who?

Am I saying Elliot is the best 20 for this team? Maybe, maybe not.  Do I think Mitch fits a valuable role on this team (protecting Barzal)? Yes I do.  Do I think we should keep him if we could find a 20 year old goalie that puts us into the WHL final? Well, that might be a totally different discussion we can have.

Jon and I chat about the Roster

Jon and I actually do this on an almost daily basis during the season... so I thought it might be cool to actually put it on paper and share it with you guys.

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Tyler Hunnex: So here is what I think the squad looks like going into camp. 

I have 9 on Defense: Forsberg, Theodore, Wardley, Hauf, Smith, Foulk, Bear, Wolf, Douglas... with Wolf and Douglas probably the odd men out on most game nights.

That leaves me with around 14 forwards: Elliot (for now), Swenson (for now), Hickman, Troock, Honey, Sheen, Delnov, Lipsbergs, Eansor, Holub, Barzal, Kolesar, Pederson and Holowko/Folk. 2 Goalies: Fordyce and Mumaugh. 

I think it would be best to only keep 2 goalies around but I wouldn't be shocked if they kept 3 around and Myles stuck around as well.  That probably eliminates a D man but I feel like Douglas and Wolf will probably be on the roster. I think there are also a few guys on that list who aren't a lock to make the team (including a returner or two) and need to have a good camp to secure their spot. What do you think Jon?

Jon Whiting: This team has some very difficult decisions to make.

These are my locks for the team as of right now:

Defense (7): Forsberg (20), Wardley (19), Foulk (18), Hauf (18), Smith (18), Theodore (18), Bear (16)Offense (12): Elliot (20), Swenson (20), Delnov (19), Lipsbergs (19), Sheen (19), Troock (19), Hickman (19), Honey (19), Folk (17), Holub (17), Barzal (16), Kolesar (16)

Goalies (0): Note, I said locks for the team

That leaves me 1-2 defenders, 2 forwards, and 2 goalies.

I will start with goalies - If Fordyce (19) puts up good numbers during camp, he moves to a lock.  Then the remaining spot totally depends on how Logan Flodell (16) looks.
If he looks good, and they think he would be ready to be a backup next season, then I think they keep Mumaugh (17), and find a trading partner for Myles (18).  If they think Flodell is a couple years away, then I think they keep Myles (18), and trade Mumaugh (17).  Now, if Fordyce doesn't put up good numbers, and they are not comfortable with him, then I think they keep both Myles (18) and Mumaugh (17).

On the defenders - I keep 2 around for the first couple weeks of the season
I am told that Douglas (17) has improved quite a bit from last year's training camp.  And he was a 2nd round pick.  So I suspect he will be the one.
Since Wolf (17) has a year under his belt in the league (well, kind of), I would think he is the other. But, there are some other very good young defenders that will make it difficult, if Osterman (16), Durdle (17), Lamothe(17) play better than either of the above, they could be it.

On the offense - I have room for 2, and well, based on the fact there are no 18's as locks, I would guess they would try to fill with that age group. But, last time I looked at the list, there were only two, Leer (18), and Peterson (18).  Leer is from Alberta, and one the Telus cup last season, and then played one game in the AJHL.  So maybe he is coming to camp.  Peterson is Minnesota boy, and you never know about them making the trip.

Trades I think will be made.

I have said this before, and I will say it again, I personally think this team waits until the 2nd week of the season, or possible the 20 year old cut down date, and trades for a veteran goaltender.
I also don't think there is room for both Forsberg and Wardley on the same team.  I think one of the two will be traded.  If a 20 goalie is brought in, might be Forsberg.
With these trades, I think they will be looking for an 18 year old forward.

So Tyler, if Wolf is the odd man out most nights, do you really keep him around for his 2nd season, hoping he will come around as an 18?

TH: Well the question really comes down to whether his development is better off being here or playing in more games somewhere else. I know people always assume that game experience matters but sometimes being around the coaching staff and playing against tougher players in practice every day. So I guess I would reluctantly say that even if he might be the odd man out that he is probably better off sticking around. You never know when a guy is going to get hurt and you need him in the lineup. On the other hand, if a few guys pass him and he finds himself more like 10^th or 11^th on the depth chart I think it might be better for him to play somewhere else.

You think Wardley gets traded? I’m really high on Wardley eventually being an intimidating, punishing defender and I thought he really stepped up his game in the playoffs.

JW: About the first thought you had on ice time vs. practice.  Russ Farwell once told me that for players from certain provinces, it was better for them to practice at the WHL level, then going back and completely dominating where they are from.  That led to a BC player being kept, and an Alberta player being sent back.  Now, I think the province's levels have changed, so that might have changed now.

I will agree Wardley stepped it up at the end of the season.  I personally think he is already the intimidating player.  But, I think he also can be punishing, but also misses on the punishment far too often.  When he makes the hit, it is usually the open ice type, and it gets thing going, no arguing there, but when he is close to the net, or playing a 2 on 2, he can’t step up with that type of hit.  Also, if you are placing players in order, I would argue that he could land as a 5/6 player.  Is that where you want a 19 year old?  Now maybe you can say he is 3/4, and that makes him “keepable”.  Now with the new assistant coach being a tough physical type, maybe he would fit really well.  I also bring up special teams.  Since Wardly is not offensive, not sure you can play him on the PP.  And is he too physical to play on the PK?

It appears you may keep up to 5 16's (Barzal, Kolesar, Bear, possibly Pederson, possibly Holowko).  If it is true that you have to play 16's 30 games, can you really get that much ice time for all those?

TH: I think if you have visions of being a really good team you absolutely can and should keep a 19 year old as a 5/6 defender and I would argue that he may even be as high as #3 if he became more responsible. I think Forsberg and Theodore are your clear 1 and 2 (for different reasons) but I don’t think Hauf, Smith or Foulk are clearly ahead of him.

Playing time for 16’s is clearly an issue. Barzal and Kolesar won’t have problems and I don’t think Pederson winds up with an issue because the team is so short on Centers. That leads me to Holowko and Bear. Bear probably has the inside edge towards the 6 spot in the lineup, so he is probably ok. That leaves Holowko…. He probably doesn’t make the team. However, if he doesn’t that makes Folk more of a lock as a 17… or… a wildcard.

Are you comfortable with the goaltending situation? I forget that Myles is actually an 18 year old now, so maybe he is ready to step up and step in if he can stay healthy. I have to imagine Mumaugh makes the team regardless because of his commitment. I wouldn’t be very worried about this if it was 2011 and you knew the team was rebuilding but considering the goals for 2013-14 this situation scares me.

JW: I have said from the end of last season that Seattle needed an older goalie.  I was shocked they didn’t get Cheveldave from Kamloops (but Kamloops got a great offer), or Boes from Brandon (and Brandon got a great offer).  I will not comment about Fordyce, since I have never seen him play.  I am worried that since he couldn’t make it in PG last year, he can't make it as a starter here.  Myles worries me since he has been hurt each of the last two years.  Take one hit this season, and he could be done.  Mumaugh worries me, he got better as the season went on, but even by the end I think he looked over his head.  Right now on the roster, they will have 8 19's.  So they lose quite a bit at the end of the year.  I know you don’t look forward a year when you haven't even started the current year, but man, that is a lot.

TH: Yeah I agree with you. It isn’t that I don’t think they can get it done… I just have my doubts. Maybe Fordyce just needed an adjustment and he’ll be better than his numbers in PG. It will certainly be interesting to see how the goalies look in training camp and in the first few weeks of the season. What does Farwell do if the team is scoring plenty of goals but the goaltending just isn’t where it needs to be? How quickly do you pull the trigger? I think that has to be the most interesting battle in camp.

Off-season Video

Training Camp Day!!

I should have posted this sooner... but I didn't.  Over the long off-season we all get bored and we wait desperately for late August to come around. At some point back in June I decided to pass the time by making a little off-season highlight video.

Let me preface this by saying that I went into this knowing absolutely nothing about video editing and after spending a couple of hours putting this together I kind of gave up. I intended the format to be kind of an intro video and I'm not sure it really fits in that way but I thought it was pretty cool anyways. Enjoy.

Training Camp is Upon Us

Training Camp starts tomorrow and even though it doesn't seem like it, Jon and I have been working on a few different entries to kick off the season. I will be heading to Tri-City for a hockey tournament this weekend (weird timing right?) but I will make it to the late session tomorrow and the scrimmage on Monday. Jon will be attending all weekend and logging entries about what he sees.

This season is one of the most important seasons for Seattle in many years and we're excited to try to bring more content than ever to you people, the fans. Tell your friends, tell your neighbors and hopefully we can deliver.

For Russ Farwell and the Tbirds... I think this season has to be the season of progress or I think every fan will have the right to be frustrated and angry. The team has been mostly bad for 4 seasons now and were pretty lucky to make the playoffs last year with a losing record. The roster is likely to be loaded with 18 and 19 year old players in addition to a very talented 16 year old. Steve Konowalchuk will be in his 3rd season and most or all of these players should know what he expects.

I don't usually get too crazy with predictions but I think Seattle has to expect to have home ice in the first round of the playoffs or something went wrong in the regular season..... but we'll save that for another post for another time.

Tomorrow, tomorrow, I love ya, tomorrow

I personally love this day more then any other day of the year.  Yes, even Christmas.  Well, OK, the joy on my kids faces on Christmas I guess out does tomorrow (but it's really close).

I don't think I have to tell anyone reading this that tomorrow is the opening day of training camp (but I will anyways).

Since I have the best job in the world, I will be at both scrimmages tomorrow, one at 9am, and one at 4:30pm.

I love to meet any parents, players, fans, concession workers with free food, etc.
I most likely will be sitting in the top couple of rows, somewhere near center ice.
If I had to guess, I will grab a clean pair of jeans off the floor, and throw on a TBird shirt.

Come find me if you want to chat.
Also, since there is a long window of time between games, I will gladly go grab some food with poeple, as long as they are buying.

Hope to see a bunch of you tomorrow, or the rest of the weekend for that matter.

Quick comment on Green trade spurred by a comment

A couple of comments on the "Tbirds games in Portland" post made me want to follow it up with a little thought on Green as a player development.

Anonymous wrote "With draft picks and trades like that no wonder why the team has been bottom dwellers for the recent past."

Then I assume a differnt anonymous followed it up with "They haven't drafted worth a crap for a while now. I actually don't have a problem with the returns being obtained for Sanvido, Johnson & Green. That's fair market value in my eyes. My issue is that the team overpaid on the front end. Sanvido was a 1st round bantam pick. Johnson cost a 4th round bantam pick to acquire. Green was a 2nd round bantam pick. My question to you is what would you have them do? All I can see is that until (if they ever) draft well, they need to continuously purge the roster of bad acquisitions to make room for new players and give them a chance to turn this organization around. It's an unproductive loop until (if they ever) get it right."

Anyone that knows me can tell you my belief on why this team has struggled the last few years.  Bad and unlucky drafting (players getting injured).  So this person and I are on the same page here.  But, while I don't completely disagree with the rest of their argument, I do totally believe in what someone said a little further down in the comments.

"sometimes people just don't pan out"

It happens in Seattle, it happens to all teams in the WHL (some more then others).

But the fact this is being discussed about Green is what got me to

Kelly McCrimmon, the owner, GM, and coach in Brandon that traded for Green, had the following to say on Luber's Lounge (http://luberslounge.blogspot.com/2013/08/wheat-kings-add-green-from-t-birds.html)

"He's a guy with a lot of upside and a player we thought was worth taking a chance on and giving an opportunity," said McCrimmon, "At that time, we was a guy that was highly regarded by a lot of teams and a guy, because of his size, had great potential and great upside."


Its the second part of his statement.  He basically says that at the time of the bantam draft, a lot of teams were very high on Green, and felt there was a lot of upside to him.  So it wasn't a case of Seattle misreading his talent, or potential talent, and selecting when no one else would have.  It appears like a lot of teams felt the upside was there, and in this case, the upside hasn't come yet.  Of course, there can be a discussion on why that upside didn't come around.

But in the end of the day, this type of potential upside sometimes just happens.