This year has been one for the books. I would like to think that I had a small part in making this season successful, but in all reality, the true work was done by the guys!
From opening day to the Bronze medal game, 23 warriors from all parts of North America poured their heart and soul into every game and came out Champions in the eyes and minds of any and all who got the sheer pleasure of watching these boys play.
After capturing the KIJHL title on April 1st, Beaver Valley had to wait almost 2 full weeks before taking the ice for the Cyclone Taylor Cup. Did this layoff have a detrimental effect on the boys? Maybe.
Dallas Calvin lead the way with 2 goals and an assist while Ryan Edwards and Chris Derochie had a goal and 2 assists each over the 4 games played. A slow start and poor officiating didnt allow BV to gain and keep any momentum although they did keep their defense largely intact to keep all the games very close while both goaltenders carried on with the stellar play they have exhibited all season.
With this seasons hockey now over, I hope to keep in touch with players, parents and coaches alike in the long hot lead-up to spring camp.
Once again, I congratulate the TRUE hero's on their remarkable season. Next year will be even better!!
CONGRATS BOYS!!
Monday, 16 April 2012
Sunday, 1 April 2012
We Are The Champions!!
(BV wins League Title 4-0)
Game 1: Chiefs 2 - Nitehawks 4
Game 2: Chiefs 1 - Nitehawks 7
Game 3: Nitehawks 5 - Chiefs 4 - OT
Game 4: Nitehawks 4 - Chiefs 2
Riding the coat-tails of Dallas Calvin's game 2 domination, the Beaver Valley Nitehawks flew into Kelowna to face the Chiefs for games 3 and 4 of the KIJHL Final. Once again, Kelowna had no answer for the 6'3" 195lb forward as he mimicked his game 2 output in game 3 including the eventual game-winner in OT giving BV the commanding 3-0 series lead. Which leads us to the ever important, Game 4!
I was lucky enough to be able to watch this game and the first period looked slow to me with not many shots and BV not getting their first shot some 5 or 6 minutes in. The only excitement of the period was the messages I was getting from fans and parents regarding the ineptitude of the official. They compared him, Mike Langin, to our precious officials in the Koots, and even went so far as to say that we are LUCKY to have those that we do!! Regardless, the game would remain scoreless through 20.
Kelowna opened the scoring early in the 2nd when Hikichi waltzed in unmolested and deked everyone. BV would get that back shorthanded two minutes later as Josh Peters would wire a slapper from the point. Merely a short 1:14 later and Craig Martin would get his first of 2 on the powerplay tipping a Calvin point shot to give BV their first lead of the game. Before the period was out, Martin nets his 2nd and BV closes out two periods with a commanding 3-1 lead.
Feed Failure!!...ACK!!....I missed almost 8 minutes of the 3rd as the feed dropped out, but it returned and away we go!! BV appeared to have once again adopted its defensive stance but was caught by Matt Hill with 8 minutes to go and suddenly we have a desperate Kelowna team. Up 3-2, BV held together through a few penalties, including a very late 'too many men' infraction called by the linesman (must have been from Kelowna ). In the last minute, with the Kelowna net empty, Calvin was hauled down heading for the net and was awarded the goal by the ref due to the penalty shot rule. This deflated the Chiefs and elated the Hawks as they counted down the final :23 and brought home the KIJHL title in a 4-game SWEEP!!
Game Stars:
BV - Craig Martin 2G 1A - With 3 points, 'The Phenom' sealed up the playoff scoring title.
KC - Braeden Hikichi 2G - Late reports tell me that he scored both Chief goals.
BV - Zach Perehudoff - Going 10-1 with a 2.46 GAA and a .918 SV% in the playoffs.
Congratulations to the Beaver Valley Nitehawks!!!
Next up........Cyclone Taylor!!...stay tuned :)
Game 1: Chiefs 2 - Nitehawks 4
Game 2: Chiefs 1 - Nitehawks 7
Game 3: Nitehawks 5 - Chiefs 4 - OT
Game 4: Nitehawks 4 - Chiefs 2
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| -photo courtesy of @BhardsXo |
I was lucky enough to be able to watch this game and the first period looked slow to me with not many shots and BV not getting their first shot some 5 or 6 minutes in. The only excitement of the period was the messages I was getting from fans and parents regarding the ineptitude of the official. They compared him, Mike Langin, to our precious officials in the Koots, and even went so far as to say that we are LUCKY to have those that we do!! Regardless, the game would remain scoreless through 20.
Kelowna opened the scoring early in the 2nd when Hikichi waltzed in unmolested and deked everyone. BV would get that back shorthanded two minutes later as Josh Peters would wire a slapper from the point. Merely a short 1:14 later and Craig Martin would get his first of 2 on the powerplay tipping a Calvin point shot to give BV their first lead of the game. Before the period was out, Martin nets his 2nd and BV closes out two periods with a commanding 3-1 lead.
Feed Failure!!...ACK!!....I missed almost 8 minutes of the 3rd as the feed dropped out, but it returned and away we go!! BV appeared to have once again adopted its defensive stance but was caught by Matt Hill with 8 minutes to go and suddenly we have a desperate Kelowna team. Up 3-2, BV held together through a few penalties, including a very late 'too many men' infraction called by the linesman (must have been from Kelowna ). In the last minute, with the Kelowna net empty, Calvin was hauled down heading for the net and was awarded the goal by the ref due to the penalty shot rule. This deflated the Chiefs and elated the Hawks as they counted down the final :23 and brought home the KIJHL title in a 4-game SWEEP!!
Game Stars:
BV - Craig Martin 2G 1A - With 3 points, 'The Phenom' sealed up the playoff scoring title.
KC - Braeden Hikichi 2G - Late reports tell me that he scored both Chief goals.
BV - Zach Perehudoff - Going 10-1 with a 2.46 GAA and a .918 SV% in the playoffs.
 |
| -photo courtesy of @vbella10 |
Next up........Cyclone Taylor!!...stay tuned :)
Friday, 30 March 2012
KIJHL Championship Final Games 1 & 2
(BV leads series 2-0)
Game 1: Chiefs 2 - Nitehawks 4
Game 2: Chiefs 1 - Nitehawks 7
Well, who saw this coming?...we did of course!! After a somewhat slow game 1, the Nitehawks gave the Chiefs something to think about in game 2.
Game 1:
After being idle-ish for the better part of a week, it was evident that both teams had some rust to work out. It took until the 16 minute mark of the first period to finally get a goal from either team. Craig Martin was the recipient of a play that was a thing of beauty. Chris Derochie and Dallas Calvin gained the offensive zone on the power play with Martin in tow. It happened so fast that every one was in awe as Derochie passed to Calvin who one-timed to Martin who, in turn, one-timed it into the back of the net. Both teams had a goal disallowed and BV took that lead into the intermission with spirits high. Second period proved to be faster and more exciting. Kelowna started the frame on the power play and they took no time to make it count. Dane Rupert tipped a TJ Dumonceaux shot from literally 2 feet out, or less, and it went up...FAST slipping in just under the bar. So, tied 1-1, the two teams played catch with the puck for a while until the 7 minute mark when the CCR line kicked in to retake the lead on a goal by Ryan Edwards. Merely :59 later, Tyler Collins buried a Justin Niminiken feed to make it 3-1 BV before the period is 9 minutes old. With :21 left in the period, Rupert gets his 2nd of the game on an absolutely perfect shot that beat Vlanich high glove and then lodged in the net just under the bar. Celebrations were delayed as the ref hadnt made a call until he finally caught up and found the puck. BV took the 3-2 lead into the 3rd that was nothing short of dull. As I said, they needed to grind off some rust and it was clear the first 2 periods took a lot out of both sides as things slowed way down. It wasnt until the last minute with the Kelowna net empty before we finally decided things as Derochie backhanded a clearing pass and aimed just right as it hit the back of the Chiefs net to give BV the 4-2 win and take a 1-0 series advantage.
In his very first shift of the game, Dallas Calvin suffered an injury that lit his fire for the remainder of the game. He caught his hand on of the stanchions and dislocated a finger. If you are the least bit squeemish, I dont recommend you look, but you can view the carnage here.
Game Stars:
BV - Dallas Calvin - 2A
BV - Mike Vlanich - 31/33
KC - Tyler O'Donnell - 30/33
Game 2:
Kelowna came out with a lot more jump for game 2, but so did the Nitehawks. BV held pressure for the first 5 mins until a lost face-off in the Hawks zone lead to Kelowna opening the scoring on a point shot from Tre Mason that beat a very screened Zach Perehudoff. It would turn out to be the only rubber to see the Nitehawks net as BV rattled off 7 unanswered, starting with Dallas Calvin, who with a tonne of patience, out-waited the statue of David before dishing off to Tyler Collins who had nothing but cage to shoot at. Minutes later, 6 to be exact, Calvin again goes to work. This time on the power play, and with a rocket that Sami Salo would give the ol' smiling nod to, gives the Nitehawks the lead they wouldn't relinquish. Nick Perez would get one of his own before the period ended and BV took the 3-1 lead into the second.
Despite the speed of Kelowna, they couldnt manage to crack the Hawks defense. On the rare occasion that they managed to get to the net, Perehudoff was there to stymy them. Just past the mid point of the period, Perez would get his 2nd of the game on the power play and with 6:12 remaining, Jake Lucchini would step out of the box to accept a Ryan Edwards pass and deked out Wilkinson for a 5-1 BV lead after 2. ODonnell was replaced by Wilkinson to start the second, but oddly the change went unnoticed by myself until partway through the 3rd....ooops.
The third was a more even period with BV falling into a defensive position. That didnt stop Calvin. With fire still burning from the owee the night before, he was a dominant figure throughout the majority of the game but really lit it up in the third scoring 2 more goals and making it look...well... easy! BV wins it in a wash, 7-1.
Game Stars:
BV - Dallas Calvin - 3G 2A
BV - Jake Lucchini - 1G 1A
BV - Zach Perehudoff - 24/25
With the hat-trick and 2 assists, Dallas Calvin was once again the prominant figure on the KIJHL websites "Who's Hot in the KI" section and the games first star for the second game in a row. The line of Martin, Derochie , and Edwards (CCR) have combined for 10 points in the 2 games so far. While they have not been the forefront attention getters, they are doing what they have been doing all year, and that's putting points on the board!
I actually have nothing bad to say about either ref so far, as Dasti did his job in game 1 even though that rarely called "closing hand on the puck" in the last minute against BV was a bit ridiculous even if it was a valid penalty. Game 2 say Maniago and while we all cringe, I was impressed with the fact that nothing was called that really shouldnt have been. Ya, he missed a bunch against BV, but the one ref system doesnt allow them to see all the ice all the time. No, I am not sucking up...lol... I call it as I see it, and I saw a decent game.
Games 3 and 4 are in Kelowna on Saturday and Sunday. I'm torn between a sweep and one final game here so I get to see the boys win it. I wont be able to travel due to work commitments so will be wholly dependent on updates from those that ARE going!! Good luck boys, bring home that banner!!
14 wins down, only 2 to go......lets book that trip to CTC 2012!!!
Game 1: Chiefs 2 - Nitehawks 4
Game 2: Chiefs 1 - Nitehawks 7
Well, who saw this coming?...we did of course!! After a somewhat slow game 1, the Nitehawks gave the Chiefs something to think about in game 2.
Game 1:
After being idle-ish for the better part of a week, it was evident that both teams had some rust to work out. It took until the 16 minute mark of the first period to finally get a goal from either team. Craig Martin was the recipient of a play that was a thing of beauty. Chris Derochie and Dallas Calvin gained the offensive zone on the power play with Martin in tow. It happened so fast that every one was in awe as Derochie passed to Calvin who one-timed to Martin who, in turn, one-timed it into the back of the net. Both teams had a goal disallowed and BV took that lead into the intermission with spirits high. Second period proved to be faster and more exciting. Kelowna started the frame on the power play and they took no time to make it count. Dane Rupert tipped a TJ Dumonceaux shot from literally 2 feet out, or less, and it went up...FAST slipping in just under the bar. So, tied 1-1, the two teams played catch with the puck for a while until the 7 minute mark when the CCR line kicked in to retake the lead on a goal by Ryan Edwards. Merely :59 later, Tyler Collins buried a Justin Niminiken feed to make it 3-1 BV before the period is 9 minutes old. With :21 left in the period, Rupert gets his 2nd of the game on an absolutely perfect shot that beat Vlanich high glove and then lodged in the net just under the bar. Celebrations were delayed as the ref hadnt made a call until he finally caught up and found the puck. BV took the 3-2 lead into the 3rd that was nothing short of dull. As I said, they needed to grind off some rust and it was clear the first 2 periods took a lot out of both sides as things slowed way down. It wasnt until the last minute with the Kelowna net empty before we finally decided things as Derochie backhanded a clearing pass and aimed just right as it hit the back of the Chiefs net to give BV the 4-2 win and take a 1-0 series advantage.
In his very first shift of the game, Dallas Calvin suffered an injury that lit his fire for the remainder of the game. He caught his hand on of the stanchions and dislocated a finger. If you are the least bit squeemish, I dont recommend you look, but you can view the carnage here.
Game Stars:
BV - Dallas Calvin - 2A
BV - Mike Vlanich - 31/33
KC - Tyler O'Donnell - 30/33
Game 2:
Kelowna came out with a lot more jump for game 2, but so did the Nitehawks. BV held pressure for the first 5 mins until a lost face-off in the Hawks zone lead to Kelowna opening the scoring on a point shot from Tre Mason that beat a very screened Zach Perehudoff. It would turn out to be the only rubber to see the Nitehawks net as BV rattled off 7 unanswered, starting with Dallas Calvin, who with a tonne of patience, out-waited the statue of David before dishing off to Tyler Collins who had nothing but cage to shoot at. Minutes later, 6 to be exact, Calvin again goes to work. This time on the power play, and with a rocket that Sami Salo would give the ol' smiling nod to, gives the Nitehawks the lead they wouldn't relinquish. Nick Perez would get one of his own before the period ended and BV took the 3-1 lead into the second.
Despite the speed of Kelowna, they couldnt manage to crack the Hawks defense. On the rare occasion that they managed to get to the net, Perehudoff was there to stymy them. Just past the mid point of the period, Perez would get his 2nd of the game on the power play and with 6:12 remaining, Jake Lucchini would step out of the box to accept a Ryan Edwards pass and deked out Wilkinson for a 5-1 BV lead after 2. ODonnell was replaced by Wilkinson to start the second, but oddly the change went unnoticed by myself until partway through the 3rd....ooops.
The third was a more even period with BV falling into a defensive position. That didnt stop Calvin. With fire still burning from the owee the night before, he was a dominant figure throughout the majority of the game but really lit it up in the third scoring 2 more goals and making it look...well... easy! BV wins it in a wash, 7-1.
Game Stars:
BV - Dallas Calvin - 3G 2A
BV - Jake Lucchini - 1G 1A
BV - Zach Perehudoff - 24/25
With the hat-trick and 2 assists, Dallas Calvin was once again the prominant figure on the KIJHL websites "Who's Hot in the KI" section and the games first star for the second game in a row. The line of Martin, Derochie , and Edwards (CCR) have combined for 10 points in the 2 games so far. While they have not been the forefront attention getters, they are doing what they have been doing all year, and that's putting points on the board!
I actually have nothing bad to say about either ref so far, as Dasti did his job in game 1 even though that rarely called "closing hand on the puck" in the last minute against BV was a bit ridiculous even if it was a valid penalty. Game 2 say Maniago and while we all cringe, I was impressed with the fact that nothing was called that really shouldnt have been. Ya, he missed a bunch against BV, but the one ref system doesnt allow them to see all the ice all the time. No, I am not sucking up...lol... I call it as I see it, and I saw a decent game.
Games 3 and 4 are in Kelowna on Saturday and Sunday. I'm torn between a sweep and one final game here so I get to see the boys win it. I wont be able to travel due to work commitments so will be wholly dependent on updates from those that ARE going!! Good luck boys, bring home that banner!!
14 wins down, only 2 to go......lets book that trip to CTC 2012!!!
Sunday, 25 March 2012
Kootenay Conference Final: Game 5
(BV wins series 4-1)
Game 1: Ghostriders 2 - Nitehawks 5
Game 2: Ghostriders 6 - Nitehawks 3
Game 3: Nitehawks 4 - Ghostriders 2
Game 4: Nitehawks 2 - Ghostriders 0
Game 5: Ghostriders 2 - Nitehawks 6
After escaping from Fernie with 2 wins on the road due to stellar goaltending from both Zach Perehudoff in game 3, and his first career KIJHL playoff shutout from Mike Vlanich in game 4, the Nitehawks were at home for game 5 with the chance to move off to the league final with a win.
The almost non-existent CCR line finally got a tally at the midpoint of the first period to open the scoring as Martin nets a ppg to give BV the much needed 1-0 lead. It was short lived as Connor McLaughlin made good on the second consecutive shorthanded breakaway given up by BV just minutes later. Derek Lashuk would re-assert that lead on the same power play with a rocket just :08 after Fernie tied it. Hard work and a crushing fore-check lead to a bang-bang play and Calvin buried it to give BV the a 3-1 lead after 1.
The second period was almost a flip-flop of the first as Fernie came out with passion and determination to not let things get away from them. The Nitehawk defense was the difference tonight and it took until 10:44 before Fernie finally snuck (and i mean SNUCK) the puck past Zach. Brendan Burge drove the net and literaly found a hole just big enough to stuff the puck in between Perehudoff and the post to pull Fernie to within 1 and keep them close. Completely against the flow of play, Calvin, with unbelievable patience, waits out Abdallah and rips it past his out-stretched glove to once again give BV the 2-goal lead and chases Abdallah from the net. Less than a minute later, Justin Niminiken welcomes Solecki to the game and stretches that lead to 3 and BV takes a 5-2 lead into the 3rd period despite being outplayed and out-shot in the 2nd.
In the last 20 minutes of their season, Fernie left it all out on the ice. BV's defense once again was the story blocking untold amounts of shots and keeping the Rider forwards on the outsides when they exerted pressure in the Hawks zone. Again, it was a hard grinding period that was scoreless until Max Flanagan and AP Jake Lucchini once again created absolute havoc in the Riders end with a grueling fore-check that created a juicy turn-over and this time Josh Peters was the recipient who made no mistake to nail the coffin shut on the Ghostriders season. Perehudoff was spectacular in net stopping all 11 shots as BV breezed off to 6-2 win.
Game Stars:
BV - Zach Perehudoff - 30/32 saves
BV - Dallas Calvin - 2G
BV - Max Flanagan - 1A
This win really belongs to the grinders. Max Flanagan and speedster AP Lucchini caused no end of fits for Rider defense, while Johnson, Baines, and Schapansky all kept the forwards looking back with crushing hits and open ice muscle. Since game 1 of the series, the all-star line of Craig Martin, Chris Derochie, and Ryan Edwards (#CCR) have combined for a total of 1 goal and 7 assists over the final 4 games. With a power outage from the top line like that, one would have to be a bit concerned. Fortunately, the other three lines have stepped up and picked up the slack. Given the depth of talent, and the distinct possibility that the top line WILL kick back into gear, the Kelowna Chiefs have everything to fear going into the KIJHL League Final. Sure, Kelowna has 2 of the top 5 playoff scorers this season, but so did Fernie, and look where that got them.
At the beginning of the play-offs, I had heard mixed feelings regarding the addition of Jake Lucchini to the line-up. I, myself, was quite excited to see him with the opportunity but questioned the timing. Sure he is fast, but he was being pushed around like the runt at the feeding trough. His early play looked weak and with-out passion, but as the play-offs progressed, he picked up that passion and started to push back! His fight and determination in game 5 was epic and directly lead to 2 goals. Although he sorely needs to bulk up a bit to remain a huge force, he is young and has that time to do so.
Now, on to 'other' matters....officiating. Ask anyone sitting near me during this game, I was utterly confused as to what was going on. Read the game sheet yourself for the official in question. Sure, the calls were weirdly slanted in BV's direction, but that doesnt make it right! I have said all alone that I call it as I see it, and I saw garbage. Several calls were made FOR BV that should have gone against them. It actually gave me a chance to see what the rest of the league has been enjoying all year, and I still dont like it!! I dont care if we benefit or suffer from incompetence, its still a travesty either way. Bottom line I guess, BV dealt with it and persevered all season, that gives them the edge in my mind regardless of the level of officiating in the upcoming games.
Congratulations to the Beaver Valley Nitehawks on their first Conference banner since 2006!!!
Next up - Kelowna!! Games 1 and 2 are here in the BVA on March 28th and 29th at 7pm both nights. Lets pack the barn and cheer on our Nitehawks as they fly off to a League title.
3 down - 1 to go
Game 1: Ghostriders 2 - Nitehawks 5
Game 2: Ghostriders 6 - Nitehawks 3
Game 3: Nitehawks 4 - Ghostriders 2
Game 4: Nitehawks 2 - Ghostriders 0
Game 5: Ghostriders 2 - Nitehawks 6
KOOTENAY CONFERENCE CHAMPS!!!!
After escaping from Fernie with 2 wins on the road due to stellar goaltending from both Zach Perehudoff in game 3, and his first career KIJHL playoff shutout from Mike Vlanich in game 4, the Nitehawks were at home for game 5 with the chance to move off to the league final with a win.
The almost non-existent CCR line finally got a tally at the midpoint of the first period to open the scoring as Martin nets a ppg to give BV the much needed 1-0 lead. It was short lived as Connor McLaughlin made good on the second consecutive shorthanded breakaway given up by BV just minutes later. Derek Lashuk would re-assert that lead on the same power play with a rocket just :08 after Fernie tied it. Hard work and a crushing fore-check lead to a bang-bang play and Calvin buried it to give BV the a 3-1 lead after 1.
The second period was almost a flip-flop of the first as Fernie came out with passion and determination to not let things get away from them. The Nitehawk defense was the difference tonight and it took until 10:44 before Fernie finally snuck (and i mean SNUCK) the puck past Zach. Brendan Burge drove the net and literaly found a hole just big enough to stuff the puck in between Perehudoff and the post to pull Fernie to within 1 and keep them close. Completely against the flow of play, Calvin, with unbelievable patience, waits out Abdallah and rips it past his out-stretched glove to once again give BV the 2-goal lead and chases Abdallah from the net. Less than a minute later, Justin Niminiken welcomes Solecki to the game and stretches that lead to 3 and BV takes a 5-2 lead into the 3rd period despite being outplayed and out-shot in the 2nd.
In the last 20 minutes of their season, Fernie left it all out on the ice. BV's defense once again was the story blocking untold amounts of shots and keeping the Rider forwards on the outsides when they exerted pressure in the Hawks zone. Again, it was a hard grinding period that was scoreless until Max Flanagan and AP Jake Lucchini once again created absolute havoc in the Riders end with a grueling fore-check that created a juicy turn-over and this time Josh Peters was the recipient who made no mistake to nail the coffin shut on the Ghostriders season. Perehudoff was spectacular in net stopping all 11 shots as BV breezed off to 6-2 win.
Game Stars:
BV - Zach Perehudoff - 30/32 saves
BV - Dallas Calvin - 2G
BV - Max Flanagan - 1A
This win really belongs to the grinders. Max Flanagan and speedster AP Lucchini caused no end of fits for Rider defense, while Johnson, Baines, and Schapansky all kept the forwards looking back with crushing hits and open ice muscle. Since game 1 of the series, the all-star line of Craig Martin, Chris Derochie, and Ryan Edwards (#CCR) have combined for a total of 1 goal and 7 assists over the final 4 games. With a power outage from the top line like that, one would have to be a bit concerned. Fortunately, the other three lines have stepped up and picked up the slack. Given the depth of talent, and the distinct possibility that the top line WILL kick back into gear, the Kelowna Chiefs have everything to fear going into the KIJHL League Final. Sure, Kelowna has 2 of the top 5 playoff scorers this season, but so did Fernie, and look where that got them.
At the beginning of the play-offs, I had heard mixed feelings regarding the addition of Jake Lucchini to the line-up. I, myself, was quite excited to see him with the opportunity but questioned the timing. Sure he is fast, but he was being pushed around like the runt at the feeding trough. His early play looked weak and with-out passion, but as the play-offs progressed, he picked up that passion and started to push back! His fight and determination in game 5 was epic and directly lead to 2 goals. Although he sorely needs to bulk up a bit to remain a huge force, he is young and has that time to do so.
Now, on to 'other' matters....officiating. Ask anyone sitting near me during this game, I was utterly confused as to what was going on. Read the game sheet yourself for the official in question. Sure, the calls were weirdly slanted in BV's direction, but that doesnt make it right! I have said all alone that I call it as I see it, and I saw garbage. Several calls were made FOR BV that should have gone against them. It actually gave me a chance to see what the rest of the league has been enjoying all year, and I still dont like it!! I dont care if we benefit or suffer from incompetence, its still a travesty either way. Bottom line I guess, BV dealt with it and persevered all season, that gives them the edge in my mind regardless of the level of officiating in the upcoming games.
Congratulations to the Beaver Valley Nitehawks on their first Conference banner since 2006!!!
Next up - Kelowna!! Games 1 and 2 are here in the BVA on March 28th and 29th at 7pm both nights. Lets pack the barn and cheer on our Nitehawks as they fly off to a League title.
3 down - 1 to go
Monday, 19 March 2012
Kootenay Conference Final - Games 1 & 2
(series tied 1-1)
Game 1: Ghostriders 2 - Nitehawks 5
Game 2: Ghostriders 6 - Nitehawks 3
After watching an action packed exciting series like the Division final, so far this has been almost tedious. Neither team were out to play in game 1, but several lucky bounces and perhaps some distracted play by Solecki, allowed BV to jump out to a 5-0 lead before Fernie battled back to make it a 5-2 final. Game 2 saw BV with the same sloppy passing and general lack of urgency while the Ghostriders found their legs and outplayed the Hawks.
Game 1: With only one really potent shift that had dominant control through 20 minutes, it was truly surprising to see BV with a 2-0 lead on goals from Chris Derochie and Arie Postmus. Period 2 wasnt a whole lot better as BV was out-shot 14-9, but scored 3 goals on those 9 shots. A pair from Craig Martin and a solo bid from Mason Spear gave BV a highly misleading 5-0 lead before Connor McLaughlin finally poked one home on the power play to ruin the shut-out for Zach Perehudoff. Stefen Seel got the only goal of the third in the first minute and despite their efforts, were unable to pull any closer allowing BV to escape with the win.
Game Stars:
BV - Chris Derochie 1G 2A
BV - Craig Martin 2G 1A
FG - Connor McLaughlin 1G 1A
Game 2: To no-ones surprise, Fernie got their act together and finally started playing. For the second game in a row, BV looked like a tired, non-commited team. FG took advantage and opened the scoring 7 minutes in on a goal by Connor McLaughlin. Dallas Calvin answered on the power play with under 5 to go in period one to keep BV even. Fernie took the lead once again very shortly into the second on a great patience play by Brendan Burge only to have that lead evaporate on the ensuing face-off when Max Flanagan took just 8 seconds to tie it up. Then, the point shot started getting through. Marty Wicks potted two slappers in just over 3 minutes as Fernie edged out to a 4-2 lead before Dallas Calvin got one back for BV. Patrick Webb restored the two goal Fernie lead on another point shot before the period was out. Once again, BV was unable to score in the third period even though the out-shot FG 14-5 and McLaughlin nets his 2nd into the empty net to seal the 6-3 win for Fernie and a 1-1 tie in the series heading back to Fernie on Tues., and Wed. nights.
Game Stars:
FG - Marty Wicks 2G
FG - Connor McLaughlin 2G
FG - Brendan Burge 1G
This series could very well have been 2-0 for Fernie due to the play of BV on both nights. Had FG been playing in game one like they did in game two, then this is a different series. As it stands, BV has their work cut out for them to pick it up and play like they know how to and not like a team that looks indifferent. Fernie will not lay down and give this up easily.
The officiating in both games was not bad actually. Sure stuff got missed, some stuff was a bit suspect, but in all reality, neither team played well enough to have the officials be a mitigating factor in either game. And aside from a pre-game conversation with Maniago(see 'The Official Response'), he was surprisingly neutral.
Game 1: Ghostriders 2 - Nitehawks 5
Game 2: Ghostriders 6 - Nitehawks 3
After watching an action packed exciting series like the Division final, so far this has been almost tedious. Neither team were out to play in game 1, but several lucky bounces and perhaps some distracted play by Solecki, allowed BV to jump out to a 5-0 lead before Fernie battled back to make it a 5-2 final. Game 2 saw BV with the same sloppy passing and general lack of urgency while the Ghostriders found their legs and outplayed the Hawks.
Game 1: With only one really potent shift that had dominant control through 20 minutes, it was truly surprising to see BV with a 2-0 lead on goals from Chris Derochie and Arie Postmus. Period 2 wasnt a whole lot better as BV was out-shot 14-9, but scored 3 goals on those 9 shots. A pair from Craig Martin and a solo bid from Mason Spear gave BV a highly misleading 5-0 lead before Connor McLaughlin finally poked one home on the power play to ruin the shut-out for Zach Perehudoff. Stefen Seel got the only goal of the third in the first minute and despite their efforts, were unable to pull any closer allowing BV to escape with the win.
Game Stars:
BV - Chris Derochie 1G 2A
BV - Craig Martin 2G 1A
FG - Connor McLaughlin 1G 1A
Game 2: To no-ones surprise, Fernie got their act together and finally started playing. For the second game in a row, BV looked like a tired, non-commited team. FG took advantage and opened the scoring 7 minutes in on a goal by Connor McLaughlin. Dallas Calvin answered on the power play with under 5 to go in period one to keep BV even. Fernie took the lead once again very shortly into the second on a great patience play by Brendan Burge only to have that lead evaporate on the ensuing face-off when Max Flanagan took just 8 seconds to tie it up. Then, the point shot started getting through. Marty Wicks potted two slappers in just over 3 minutes as Fernie edged out to a 4-2 lead before Dallas Calvin got one back for BV. Patrick Webb restored the two goal Fernie lead on another point shot before the period was out. Once again, BV was unable to score in the third period even though the out-shot FG 14-5 and McLaughlin nets his 2nd into the empty net to seal the 6-3 win for Fernie and a 1-1 tie in the series heading back to Fernie on Tues., and Wed. nights.
Game Stars:
FG - Marty Wicks 2G
FG - Connor McLaughlin 2G
FG - Brendan Burge 1G
This series could very well have been 2-0 for Fernie due to the play of BV on both nights. Had FG been playing in game one like they did in game two, then this is a different series. As it stands, BV has their work cut out for them to pick it up and play like they know how to and not like a team that looks indifferent. Fernie will not lay down and give this up easily.
The officiating in both games was not bad actually. Sure stuff got missed, some stuff was a bit suspect, but in all reality, neither team played well enough to have the officials be a mitigating factor in either game. And aside from a pre-game conversation with Maniago(see 'The Official Response'), he was surprisingly neutral.
The "Official" Response
At the outset of this entire endeavour to express my own personal thoughts and feeling regarding the game of hockey, and the personalities within, I never anticipated it would have the impact that it has in such a short time. Some have enjoyed it, while others have had issues with it.
This post is going to explore a topic that has truly been the most controversial throughout the season, officiating. No, I will not be ranting and raving about the conduct and/or professionalism of our nightly zebras, but more so their ignorance to how they are viewed from outside the playing surface.
As you all most certainly know, I have said my piece quite freely on a nightly basis and am shocked that it took as long as it did for the event that transpired prior to game 2 of the Kootenay Conference Final.
Jim Maniago tracked me down in the stands and wished to discuss my recent blog post from game 7 of the NM Division Final. Apparently, unlike S. Peel and E. Dasti, Mr. Maniago has a thinner skin and seems more sensitive to having his precious hobby criticized. Literally, his first words to me were, "Do you have a problem with me?". Seriously Jim, I don't even KNOW you, so how could I have a problem with you? The calls you make or DON'T make on the ice has no reflection, in my mind, to the person you are. The question should instead have been, "Do you have a problem with my officiating?"...now THAT is a different story.
What honestly stunned me the most about the entire exchange, was the fact that he seemed genuinely upset that someone would think this way and figured I had no right to voice my opinion. WAKE UP JIM!! Freedom of speech allows me to as long as I'm not being defamatory in any way. And, despite what you think, saying that "I despise you" is in no way defamatory. Feel free to go through any of my posts for any personal attacks to you or any other official. In fact, during our conversation, you yourself crossed that line in calling me a "geek that hides behind a computer screen".
The on ice conduct of the officials is most certainly a public affair and thus should NOT be such a huge shock when opinions are also made public. During the following 2 intermissions, the chatter within the area I was sitting completely hinged on the crowds thoughts and feelings of the officiating of Maniago, both in the game and in general.
Lastly, I would like to apologize to Chris. The conversation should NOT have happened over top of you.
This post is going to explore a topic that has truly been the most controversial throughout the season, officiating. No, I will not be ranting and raving about the conduct and/or professionalism of our nightly zebras, but more so their ignorance to how they are viewed from outside the playing surface.
As you all most certainly know, I have said my piece quite freely on a nightly basis and am shocked that it took as long as it did for the event that transpired prior to game 2 of the Kootenay Conference Final.
Jim Maniago tracked me down in the stands and wished to discuss my recent blog post from game 7 of the NM Division Final. Apparently, unlike S. Peel and E. Dasti, Mr. Maniago has a thinner skin and seems more sensitive to having his precious hobby criticized. Literally, his first words to me were, "Do you have a problem with me?". Seriously Jim, I don't even KNOW you, so how could I have a problem with you? The calls you make or DON'T make on the ice has no reflection, in my mind, to the person you are. The question should instead have been, "Do you have a problem with my officiating?"...now THAT is a different story.
What honestly stunned me the most about the entire exchange, was the fact that he seemed genuinely upset that someone would think this way and figured I had no right to voice my opinion. WAKE UP JIM!! Freedom of speech allows me to as long as I'm not being defamatory in any way. And, despite what you think, saying that "I despise you" is in no way defamatory. Feel free to go through any of my posts for any personal attacks to you or any other official. In fact, during our conversation, you yourself crossed that line in calling me a "geek that hides behind a computer screen".
The on ice conduct of the officials is most certainly a public affair and thus should NOT be such a huge shock when opinions are also made public. During the following 2 intermissions, the chatter within the area I was sitting completely hinged on the crowds thoughts and feelings of the officiating of Maniago, both in the game and in general.
Lastly, I would like to apologize to Chris. The conversation should NOT have happened over top of you.
Friday, 16 March 2012
NM Division Final Games 5, 6, and 7
(BV wins series 4-3)
Game 1: Rebels 1 - Nitehawks 4
Game 2: Rebels 4 - Nitehawks 5 - OT
Game 3: Nitehawks 2 - Rebels 3
Game 4: Nitehawks 5 - Rebels 2
Game 5: Rebels 4 - Nitehawks 3 (2OT)
Game 6: Nitehawks 4 - Rebels 6
Game 7: Rebels 3 - Nitehawks 5
I sincerely apologize for not getting to this in a more timely manner, but prior to game 5, I was asked to modify my way of thinking. So, instead of ranting and raving about the sheer ineptitude of our league officials, I decided to say nothing at all. Yes, I could have just given you all a generic, watered down version of my style, but where is the fun in that?? Instead, I held it all inside and transformed it into positive energy REGARDLESS of the verbal assault via twitter by the Rebel faithfuls. To those, I'd like to say grow up or join the healthy Rebel scratches as they huddle under blankets like little princesses in the bleachers. Wait, what am I saying, you will have to meet at the golf course, my bad :)
Onward and upward! Needless to say, I have a tonne of writing here so games 5 and 6 will be just a short recap as I build towards what we all enjoyed to no end!!
Game 5 (BVA)- Rebels opened the scoring 7:14 into the first on the PP as Scott Morisseau gets his first of 2. Dallas Calvin would tie it up for BV four minutes later on a PP of their own with a nice point shot that beat Gluck clean. The two teams would hold that tie until 6:12 of the 2nd period when Calvin lets go of another point shot that is neatly tipped by Jake Lucchini to give the Nitehawks the lead. That goal by Lucchini was his first career KIJHL playoff goal!! However, the lead would be short lived as Tyler Collins takes a slashing penalty half a minute after the goal and Castlegar would take a total of 13 seconds to bring the game back to even. Tyler Robinson gave CG the lead back two minutes later and a solo effort by Arie Postmus with 3 minutes left would once again put us back at even going into the third. BV had been dominant thus far outshooting CG 25-20 through 2 periods, but in the third they would open it up looking to put it away but Jordan Gluck stopped all 14 shots while his front 5 could only muster 6 on 'Big' Mike Vlanich. A ten minute OT would solve things and so to double OT we go. 2:09 into the second OT, the puck would find Arthur Andrews in front and he made no mistake high stick to win it for CG.
Game Stars: (unlike Castlegar, we DO pick when we lose)
CG - Arthur Andrews - GWG
CG - Jordan Gluck - 46/49 saves
BV - Dallas Calvin 1G 1A
Game 6 (CDCC)- Beaver Valley controlled the first 15 minutes of period one. The last 5 was a different story. The hero of game 5, Arthur Andrews, strikes again at 15:04 and at 15:47, Peter Mingus also gets into the action to give CG the 2-0 lead after 20 minutes. CG actually out-shot BV 14-10 in the opener, but were trodden badly come the 2nd as BV lit their fires and stormed into a 3-2 lead on goals by Chris Derochie(4:37), Craig Martin(10:39), and Mason Spear(13:35) while out-shooting CG 19-5 along the way. The fire would not stay lit in the third as CG re-asserted themselves with 3 goals of their own. Jones got the ball rolling even strength while Morisseau, and Walton would score on the power play just 24 seconds apart to blow the game open. Ryan Baines tried to rally with 7:25 remaining but Robinson shut the door with an empty netter in the final minute to give CG the 6-4 win in a game where the officiating was highly controversial.
Game Stars:
CG - Tyler Robinson 1G 2A
BV - Craig Martin 1G 2A
CG - Jordan Gluck 32/36 saves
Now, onto the main attraction!! Game 7 at home in BV!!
It has GOT to be the game of the century!! In a barn that was LOADED with people, it started with an absolutely brilliant save by 'BIG' Mike V!! Fifteen seconds into the tilt and CG gets a high quality scoring chance only to be thwarted by the pads of Vlanich. CG pushed and pushed HARD! It didnt take long for their efforts to bare fruit as Erik Alden would intercept a clearing pass and beat Vlanich just 2:50 in. Tyler Robinson would do roughly the same thing ten minutes later and suddenly the Rebels have another 2 goal lead after the first period and out-shooting BV 19-6.
Tension mounting but never losing doubt in the fight of the Nitehawks, given the comeback from two nights earlier, I knew they could do it again. It took until 8:11, but Nick Perez got his 2nd of the series and the Hawks were on the board in what was affectionately called the 'zoohouse' by Chris Wahl. Less than a minute later, Ryan Edwards ties it up with a goal of his own and the place is buzzing. When Mason Spear scored with 2:14 left in the second, it was truly a madhouse with BV fans everywhere!! It truly showed the importance of the home-ice advantage as BV fed off that energy through the second while it seemed Castlegar had left it all on the table in the first, leaving little energy to finish the game. Robinson would tie it up before the 2nd break with his 2nd of the night to dampen the mood, but only slightly.
If there was tension to start the 2nd, the third was unbearable, almost! BV proved they still had the desire and will to win as they pushed harder and harder, wearing out Castlegar even more. It was noted and mentioned to me that, throughout the third, the usual after-whistle crap that CG is so well known for, was completely non-existant. With ever increasing pressure, BV FINALLY cracks the armor of Gluck and Justin Niminiken slides home the go-ahead goal with 3:08 left and the barn exploded!!! Try as they might, the Rebels could not muster their usual final minute 'full court press' and Ryan Edwards put this series on ice with an empty netter as BV wins 5-3.
Game Stars:
BV - Mike Vlanich 33/36 saves with several being jaw-droppers
BV - Justin Niminiken 1G 1A - SERIES WINNING GOAL
CG - Jordan Gluck 30/34 saves
Game 5 was reported to have an attendance of almost 600, 591 if I recall correctly. The scoresheet on game 7 reports only 425. That has GOT to be a mistake as there were FAR more people in the barn for game 7! Either way, the place was absolutely packed! The officiating in game 5 and 6....well...lets NOT go there. Game 7 was....even. Although I despise the official for the game, J.Maniago, I have to applaud his ability to keep that whistle firmly, if not literally, planted in his pocket during the third period when soooo many penalties could very well have been called, both ways. It goes against EVERY fiber to actually say.....g-g-g-g-good j-j-j-job.......oh man that was hard!!!
Congratulations to the Nitehawks who NEVER gave up and triumphed over their opposition. Next up, Fernie Ghostriders!! Lets take it to 'em like we know how!!
Game 1: Rebels 1 - Nitehawks 4
Game 2: Rebels 4 - Nitehawks 5 - OT
Game 3: Nitehawks 2 - Rebels 3
Game 4: Nitehawks 5 - Rebels 2
Game 5: Rebels 4 - Nitehawks 3 (2OT)
Game 6: Nitehawks 4 - Rebels 6
Game 7: Rebels 3 - Nitehawks 5
I sincerely apologize for not getting to this in a more timely manner, but prior to game 5, I was asked to modify my way of thinking. So, instead of ranting and raving about the sheer ineptitude of our league officials, I decided to say nothing at all. Yes, I could have just given you all a generic, watered down version of my style, but where is the fun in that?? Instead, I held it all inside and transformed it into positive energy REGARDLESS of the verbal assault via twitter by the Rebel faithfuls. To those, I'd like to say grow up or join the healthy Rebel scratches as they huddle under blankets like little princesses in the bleachers. Wait, what am I saying, you will have to meet at the golf course, my bad :)
Onward and upward! Needless to say, I have a tonne of writing here so games 5 and 6 will be just a short recap as I build towards what we all enjoyed to no end!!
Game 5 (BVA)- Rebels opened the scoring 7:14 into the first on the PP as Scott Morisseau gets his first of 2. Dallas Calvin would tie it up for BV four minutes later on a PP of their own with a nice point shot that beat Gluck clean. The two teams would hold that tie until 6:12 of the 2nd period when Calvin lets go of another point shot that is neatly tipped by Jake Lucchini to give the Nitehawks the lead. That goal by Lucchini was his first career KIJHL playoff goal!! However, the lead would be short lived as Tyler Collins takes a slashing penalty half a minute after the goal and Castlegar would take a total of 13 seconds to bring the game back to even. Tyler Robinson gave CG the lead back two minutes later and a solo effort by Arie Postmus with 3 minutes left would once again put us back at even going into the third. BV had been dominant thus far outshooting CG 25-20 through 2 periods, but in the third they would open it up looking to put it away but Jordan Gluck stopped all 14 shots while his front 5 could only muster 6 on 'Big' Mike Vlanich. A ten minute OT would solve things and so to double OT we go. 2:09 into the second OT, the puck would find Arthur Andrews in front and he made no mistake high stick to win it for CG.
Game Stars: (unlike Castlegar, we DO pick when we lose)
CG - Arthur Andrews - GWG
CG - Jordan Gluck - 46/49 saves
BV - Dallas Calvin 1G 1A
Game 6 (CDCC)- Beaver Valley controlled the first 15 minutes of period one. The last 5 was a different story. The hero of game 5, Arthur Andrews, strikes again at 15:04 and at 15:47, Peter Mingus also gets into the action to give CG the 2-0 lead after 20 minutes. CG actually out-shot BV 14-10 in the opener, but were trodden badly come the 2nd as BV lit their fires and stormed into a 3-2 lead on goals by Chris Derochie(4:37), Craig Martin(10:39), and Mason Spear(13:35) while out-shooting CG 19-5 along the way. The fire would not stay lit in the third as CG re-asserted themselves with 3 goals of their own. Jones got the ball rolling even strength while Morisseau, and Walton would score on the power play just 24 seconds apart to blow the game open. Ryan Baines tried to rally with 7:25 remaining but Robinson shut the door with an empty netter in the final minute to give CG the 6-4 win in a game where the officiating was highly controversial.
Game Stars:
CG - Tyler Robinson 1G 2A
BV - Craig Martin 1G 2A
CG - Jordan Gluck 32/36 saves
Now, onto the main attraction!! Game 7 at home in BV!!
It has GOT to be the game of the century!! In a barn that was LOADED with people, it started with an absolutely brilliant save by 'BIG' Mike V!! Fifteen seconds into the tilt and CG gets a high quality scoring chance only to be thwarted by the pads of Vlanich. CG pushed and pushed HARD! It didnt take long for their efforts to bare fruit as Erik Alden would intercept a clearing pass and beat Vlanich just 2:50 in. Tyler Robinson would do roughly the same thing ten minutes later and suddenly the Rebels have another 2 goal lead after the first period and out-shooting BV 19-6.
Tension mounting but never losing doubt in the fight of the Nitehawks, given the comeback from two nights earlier, I knew they could do it again. It took until 8:11, but Nick Perez got his 2nd of the series and the Hawks were on the board in what was affectionately called the 'zoohouse' by Chris Wahl. Less than a minute later, Ryan Edwards ties it up with a goal of his own and the place is buzzing. When Mason Spear scored with 2:14 left in the second, it was truly a madhouse with BV fans everywhere!! It truly showed the importance of the home-ice advantage as BV fed off that energy through the second while it seemed Castlegar had left it all on the table in the first, leaving little energy to finish the game. Robinson would tie it up before the 2nd break with his 2nd of the night to dampen the mood, but only slightly.
If there was tension to start the 2nd, the third was unbearable, almost! BV proved they still had the desire and will to win as they pushed harder and harder, wearing out Castlegar even more. It was noted and mentioned to me that, throughout the third, the usual after-whistle crap that CG is so well known for, was completely non-existant. With ever increasing pressure, BV FINALLY cracks the armor of Gluck and Justin Niminiken slides home the go-ahead goal with 3:08 left and the barn exploded!!! Try as they might, the Rebels could not muster their usual final minute 'full court press' and Ryan Edwards put this series on ice with an empty netter as BV wins 5-3.
Game Stars:
BV - Mike Vlanich 33/36 saves with several being jaw-droppers
BV - Justin Niminiken 1G 1A - SERIES WINNING GOAL
CG - Jordan Gluck 30/34 saves
Game 5 was reported to have an attendance of almost 600, 591 if I recall correctly. The scoresheet on game 7 reports only 425. That has GOT to be a mistake as there were FAR more people in the barn for game 7! Either way, the place was absolutely packed! The officiating in game 5 and 6....well...lets NOT go there. Game 7 was....even. Although I despise the official for the game, J.Maniago, I have to applaud his ability to keep that whistle firmly, if not literally, planted in his pocket during the third period when soooo many penalties could very well have been called, both ways. It goes against EVERY fiber to actually say.....g-g-g-g-good j-j-j-job.......oh man that was hard!!!
Congratulations to the Nitehawks who NEVER gave up and triumphed over their opposition. Next up, Fernie Ghostriders!! Lets take it to 'em like we know how!!
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