Canada captures 10th Spengler Cup victory

To close out 2007, the Canadian team at the Spengler Cup defeated Ufa Salavat 2-1, to capture their 10th Spengler Cup.

Kirby Law opened the scoring for the Canadians, 7 minutes into the middle frame, before Ufa's Alex Perezhogin (former Montreal Canadien) tied the game three minutes later while on the Powerplay.

Canadian Ryan Keller scored the game-winner one minute later.

Final score of 2-1.

Giants lose to finish out 2007 campaign

Neil Manning (Wrist), Jon Blum (World Juniors), James Henry and Evander Kane (U-17) and Michal Repik (Head) all sat out Vancouver's final game of the year 2007, while on the road in Kamloops.

Spencer Machacek got the ball rolling for the G-Men, scoring 26 seconds in from Lance 'Boomerang' Bouma.

Brock Nixon and CJ Stretch each scored once for the Blazers in the first, 2-1 after one.

Craig Schira brought his point total to 21 on the season (13 in the month of December) scoring his 7th of the year from Hunt and the Flying Nuun on the PP in the second, tie game.

Jordan Rowley re-took the lead for Kamloops at 11:24 of the second, but Mitch Czibere got help from sophomores Brent Regner and Craig Cunningham, enroute to tying the game, and scoring his 3rd of the year.

James Wright scored in the third for Vancouver, from Mike Piluso (at 5:09) and it looked as though Vancouver had a shot to win, taking their first lead of the game.

Unfortunately, Alex Rodgers scored with just over 30 seconds left in the game, and we went to Overtime.

That solved nothing, into the shootout.

After exchanging goals (Mike Piluso, Casey Pierro-Zatobel and Craig Schira for Vancouver after six shooters), Shane Wiebe found net behind Tyson Sexsmith, and all Spencer Machacek had to do was miss in order for Kamloops to win.

That's what he did, missing, 5-4 Blazers was your final.

Road Kill Sports Three Stars:

1. Justin Leclerc, Kamloops: 28 saves against a stellar Giants team.

2. Shane Wiebe, Blazers: The game-winner in the shootout although it won't help his stats.

3. Mitch Czibere, Vancouver: Breaking out of his shell, he gave Vancouver momentum tying it up late in the 2nd, even though they still lost.

Happy Holidays!

Recap of December 30th's Spengler Cup action

Canada closed their 2007 Spengler Cup round-robin beating Mannheim 4-2.

Colin Forbes beat Sebastien Caron late in the first, on the powerplay (Curtis Joseph got the day off to rest for the final on Monday), scoring the only goal in the opening period of play.

Canada scored twice in the second period, once from Ryan Keller and another from Andre Benoit, who had the first even-strength goal of the game. 2-1 Canadians after two.

The German club came out hungry in the third, with Pascal Trepanier scoring one of his own to notch the scoring at two, just a minute into Mannheim's final period of the tournament.

Dale McTavish got the game-winner four minutes later from Danny Syvret, and Simon Gamache added the insurance marker later, 4-2 Canada was your final over Mannheim.

Canada will face Ufa (Salavat) in the tournament's final on New Years Eve day, and for just the second time since 1999, host HC Davos will not take part in the final.

Davos had won four of the last seven Spengler Cups leading up to this year.

Giants knock off Rockets during final home game of 2007

Vancouver had to hit the ice twice more, after beating Kamloops 3-2 two nights before, once against the Rockets on home ice, and another time against Kamloops on the road.

Neil Manning (Wrist), Evander Kane (Under-17s), James Henry (Under-17s), Jon Blum (World Juniors) and Michal Repik (Head) all sat this one out.

Vancouver was unfortunate early, with Craig Schira getting charged for interference, which resulted in Cody Almond's 8th goal of the season.

Garet Hunt and James McEwan dropped the gloves midway through the first, even though it's usually current Boston Bruin Milan Lucic who fights the Kelowna Captain. This swung momentum in Vancouver's favour.

The Giants did knot things up with Casey Pierro-Zatobel's 6th goal as a Vancouver Giant. Captain Machacek and Schira had assists.

Schira wasn't finished there, because with Jamie Benn in the box for the Rockets, he scored his 5th of the season. Rookie Garry Nuun and sophomore James Wright both had assists. 2-1 Giants after one.

The flying Nuun scored his 3rd goal in two games, from Pierro-Zatobel and Mitch Spooner, who picked up his first career WHL point. 3-1 Giants.

Cody Almond tried to get his team going again, scoring his 2nd of the game at 13:34 of the middle frame, but that pretty much marked the end of Kelowna's run.

Craig Schira picked up his 3rd point of the game, on his 2nd goal of the contest, late in the second on the powerplay. 4-2 Giants after two.

The final period was mostly penalties and fighting, I'll give the run-down.

Tyler Myers fought Spencer Machacek, Colin Joe fought with Garet Hunt (it was G-Hunt's second fight of the game), and then a huge fight at 16:29 between Cody Almond and Lance Bouma. They each got a fighting major, as well as a Roughing call for Bouma, and an Unsportsmanlike Conduct for Almond, as well as an Elbowing call.

Mike Berube scored his 2nd goal in two games, on the powerplay with a minute remaining, putting the game in the bag. Chris Cloud and Craig Schira had assists.

Road Kill Sports Three Stars:

1. Craig Schira, Vancouver: Schira had two clutch goals, as well as two assists, bringing his season point total to 20. Think of this, at the end of November he had only 8 points and in just 8 short games he's picked up 12 points!

2. Garry Nuun, Giants: You wouldn't know this guy was a rookie because he's producing more than most veterans. In eight games he has 11 points, and his three goals have come in his past two games. Tonight he had a goal and two assists.

3. Cody Almond, Rockets: The only two goals for Kelowna, in what was a sloppy game for both clubs.

Giants vs Blazers, December 27th recap

In the first game since the Christmas Break for both clubs, the Kamloops Blazers and Vancouver Giants, the two teams had something to prove with some key guys out of the lineup.

Vancouver scratches:

Neil Manning (Wrist)
Evander Kane (Healthy?)
James Henry (Healthy)
Michal Repik (Head)
Jon Blum (Europe)

Mitch Spooner was called up to play D for the G-Men, in his WHL Debut. Spooner was Vancouver's first-round pick in last year's draft.

Garry Nuun scored his first WHL goal at 16:14 of the first, from Chris Cloud and Craig Schira, and scored another in the first few minutes of the second on the powerplay from Regner and Bliznak.

Mark Hall and Phil Gervais dropped the gloves midway through the 2nd, and fought for just the 2nd time since being acquired in October from Swift Current.

Former Giant Kenton Dulle scored his 5th of the season at 12:55 in the 2nd, because Garet Hunt was stuck in the box for High-Sticking.

Somewhat of a brawl took place at 16:03 of the 2nd, between Craig Schira and Ryan Bender, even though James Palazzo got sent off for interference as well.

Vancouver put the game away with Mike Berube's fourth as a Giant, from Cunningham and Schira, at 10:47 of the third (with Scott Wasden in the box for the Blazers).

Kenton Dulle did score his 2nd of the game with a minute remaining, but it wasn't enough because the Giants were red-hot.

Road Kill Sports Three Stars:

1. Garry Nuun, Vancouver: His first two WHL Goals, giving him 8 points on the season.

2. Craig Schira, Vancouver: Schira had two assists, and is showing the true point-scorer he is.

3. Kenton Dulle, Kamloops: The former Giant had a pair of goals in the loss.

Holidays are over; Road Kill is back

A combination of celebrations, family, and no internet (stupid Telus) have resulted in no posts on the Spengler Cup, and the WHL's return after the holidays.

Here is the Road Kill Spengler Cup recap between December 26th and December 29th:

Canada got off to a slow start in their opening Spengler Cup game, but ended up coming up with the W by the shootout.

Libor Pivko scored for Moller Pardubice in the late first, with Travis Green in the penalty box for Canada.

In the second, Tomas Rolinek got the ball rolling for the Czech team, before back-to-back goals by Canada (Ric Jackman and Kirby Law) tied the game. Ryan Keller, Yves Sarault, Simon Gamache and Mark Giordano had the Canadian assists.

Michal Tvrdik wasted no time in giving the lead back to Pardubice, scoring his first of the tourny from Miro Hlinka a minute after Law's marker.

JP Vigier, former Atlanta Thrasher, had a goal of his own a few minutes later on the powerplay, and suddenly we are looking at a tie game for the second time on Boxing Day.

Curtis Joseph was sensational in his return back to hockey, and get this: Doug Gilmour (assistant coach of Team Canada) saw Cujo in a box at a Toronto Maple Leafs game, and asked the former netminder if he'd consider playing at the Spengler. His answer, a definite yes!

In the shootout, Dale McTavish wasn't denied by Jan Lasak as the first shooter, while Michal Tvrdik and Libor Pivko of Pardubice were robbed by Cujo. Yannick Tremblay missed on Canada's second attempt, but a goal by Serge Aubin would hand Canada the win.

Thanks to a cameraman-skater, TV viewers can see the shots from 'on the ice', and Aubin's was a beauty, just beating Jan Lasak. Canada wins!

Mannheim also beat host HC Davos on the 26th, a thrill to Canadian fans after Davos beat Canada in last year's final.

The next day saw Moeller Pardubice go down 5-0 to Salavat in their first game of the tournament, while Canadian fans could watch their club go up against HC Davos from Switzerland.

Canada took the lead in the first thanks to Mike Siklenka, but two goals from Davos stars Mike Maneluk and Andres Ambuhl ended the Canadian lead.

Yannick Tremblay and Andrew Benoit scored mid-way through the middle frame for Sebastien Caron's club (Cujo had the game off), and Canada never looked back, en route to a 6-2 beating of the hosts.

Dale McTavish, Ryan Keller and Serge Aubin picked up goals for Canada in the thumping, and Canada (improving to 2-0) had to win only one more game to advance to the tournament final, with two games remaining.

Canada had an off-day on the 28th, and what a day it was.

Moeller Pardubice edged out Switzerland's Davos 3-1, knocking HC Davos out of contention, and Salavat creamed Mannheim 6-1. After just two games, Salavat had out-scored their opponents 11-1.

The 29th saw an end to Salavat's undefeated streak, but brought Canada's to three games. Mannheim defeated HC Moeller 4-3.

This game was meaningless, because both teams are guaranteed in the final (If Canada loses to Mannheim, and Salavat beats Davos, each of the three will have 6 points, but because Salavat beat Mannheim, and Canada beat Salavat the two clubs will still be on top).

Canada won 3-2, and will play Mannheim tomorrow in their final tune-up for Monday's final.

Mariners sign Silva

Seattle has come one step closer to coming back to the MLB Playoffs in 2008, signing former Minnesota Twin Carlos Silva. Silva is a big guy at 6'4 246, and is arguably one of the better pitchers in the MLB to go deep into games. He suited up 33 times this season, going 13-14 with an ERA of 4.19.

He tends to be an average pitcher, not striking out too many batters, giving up some hits and allowing a few runs a game, but it's the fact he can go 7 innings on a nightly basis that is so impressive. This season, he will be most remembered by Jays fans of giving up Frank Thomas' 500th home-run on June 28th, but to AL Central fans, deadly comes to mind.

In his first game of the year against the White Sox, he went 5 innings allowing five hits and just one run. His next two starts were against Tampa Bay and Seattle, going 13 innings, allowing 15 hits, three runs and striking out eight. That is great.

Fast forward to June 13th against Atlanta - 8 hits, no runs, two K's in a full nine innings of work. Two starts later against Florida, he went 7 innings, allowing four hits and one run.

His best stretch of the year came between July 31st and August 22nd, when in 5 starts he went 36 innings, allowing seven runs and striking out 20 batters.

I mentioned the one game against the Mariners but how did he do all year against his new team? 13.1 innings pitched, 16 hits allowed, and just five runs.

AL West? Amazing. 45.2 innings, 40 hits, and 14 runs.

Can't wait to see him on the mound as a Mariner.

Canada looks to re-gain berth in Spengler Cup Final after disappointing loss last season

Each year, with the World Junior U-20 Hockey Tournament happening during the Christmas Holidays (more on that in the next post), the Spengler Cup takes a back seat, featuring some of the top professional teams in hockey. Canada always fields a team of players playing in Europe, the AHL or ECHL, while there are four other European club teams participating.

This year, Team Canada goes against HC Davos (the hosts'), HC Moller Pardubice, HC Salavat Yulaev Ufa and Adler Mannheim. Davos is the host each year, and are the team to beat, in most fans opinions.

Last year, Canada went 3-1 in the Round Robin, before losing to HC Davos (2-2) in the New Years Eve final, 3-2.

Team Canada features a star-studded lineup in 2007, with veterans Wade Flaherty and Curtis 'Cujo' Joseph behind the pipes. On defence, former NHLer Yannick Tremblay will lead the pack, with Shawn Heins of Eganville, Ontario and Danny Syvret, a former World Junior gold medal winner. Filling out the rest of the blue line spots are Mark Giordano, Andre Benoit, Mike Wiklenka and Curtis Murphy of Saskatchewan. Out of the d-men, Syvret is the only one still playing in North America (AHL).

More familiar names come up in the mix when you look at the forwards, with names like Ramzi Abid, Hnat Domenichelli, JP Vigier and former Toronto Maple Leaf Travis Green. Only one forward is from BC, being Green. Who else is there up front? Domenic Pittis, Serge Aubin, Kirby Law, Simon Gamache, Yves Sarault, Dale McTavish, Jeff Toms and Marty Murray will all be suiting up in the red and white.

Out of the 21 players on the team (goalies included), 14 are currently playing in the Swiss League, one is retired (Cujo), three in the AHL, with Mike Siklenka and Andre Benoit playing in Finland, and Mark Giordano in Russia.

The team is coached by Sean Simpson of EV Zug, and former Toronto Maple Leaf Doug Gilmour.

Their competition is tough this season, because all four other teams aren't exactly like Belarus when it comes to hockey.

HC Davos:

With former Swiss World Junior Goaltender Reto Berra in net, who backstopped his country to a tie against the States a few years ago (with Bobby Ryan and Phil Kessell on their team), and former NHL stars Janne Niinimaa (New York Islanders, Edmonton Oilers), Alex Daigle (former 1st round NHL pick) and brothers Reto and Jan von Arx, this Swiss based team is not one to mess with, and it's no wonder they are the repeating champions.

HC Moeller Pardubice:

In the Czech Extraliga standings, Moeller Pardubice is 11th, isn't something to be proud of in a 14 team league. Petr Sykora is probably their best known player, having played for both the Nashville Predators and the Washington Capitals (for a grand total of 12 NHL games). Netminder Jan Lasak is almost as familiar to the NHL as Sykora, after spending three seasons with the Milwaukee Admirals, and six games with the Nashville Predators. Although they're not the best known club, they could become the underdogs of the tournament and turn a few heads.

HC Salavat Yulaev:

This Russian based hockey club is filled with NHL washups. Two of those are Kirill Koltsov, a former Vancouver Canucks top prospect, Oleg Tverdovsky (an NHL veteran), and guys like Alex Perezhogin and Stantislav Chistov who had long stints in the NHL. Chistov is most famous for playing with Anaheim, and Perezhogin with Montreal where he was slashed in the face playing for their AHL affiliate Hamilton a few days after the Steve Moore incident. If either HC Davos or Canada weren't in the tournament, this team would be a big contender, but still they're ones to watch out for.

Adler Mannheim:

The only DEL (German) team participating in the tournament is just as filled with former NHLers as Salavat or HC Davos. The trio of Adam Hauser, Ilpo Kauhanen and Robert Muller in net, this team is sure to not allow too many goals against. On defence, American Blake Sloan, Canadians Dan McGillis, Pascal Trepanier and Francois Bouchard will all hold a crucial role in guiding their team to the Spengler Cup, but Sven Butenschon, former Vancouver Canucks, should help out. Add Stefan Langwieder into the mix and you have a great blueline corps.

Up front they're not as talented, with Rico Fata being the only 'huge' name. There are some more Canadians however, with Jason Jaspers, Rene Corbet, Colin Forbes, Jeff Shantz and Francois Methot all suiting up. In terms of skill, their D is right up there, even if the offence is a bit behind but they will be contenders for the Cup.

Spengler Cup schedule:

December 26:
Mannheim vs HC Davos
Team Canada vs HC Moeller

December 27th:

HC Moeller vs Salavat
HC Davos vs Team Canada

December 28th:

HC Davos vs HC Moeller
Mannheim vs Salavat

December 29th:

Salavat vs Team Canada
HC Moeller vs Mannheim

December 30th:

Team Canada vs Mannheim
Salavat vs HC Davos

December 31st:

Top two round-robin finishers.

Check your local listings to watch the Team Canada games on Sportsnet, but tune into Road Kill Sports each night where we'll have a complete daily wrap-up.

Road Kill Sports predictions (#1 is whoever will win the Championship game, and #2 is for who will lose that championship game)

1. HC Salavat
2. HC Davos
3. Team Canada
4. Adler Mannheim
5. HC Moeller

Canadians announce 2008 field staff

(Nat Bailey Stadium – Vancouver, B.C.) – The Vancouver Canadians are proud to announce that Manager Rick Magnante, Pitching Coach Craig Lefferts and Trainer Travis Tims have been assigned to Vancouver (A) for the 2008 Northwest League baseball season.

Rick Magnante returns for his 3rd season as Manager of the Canadians compiling a record of 76-75 (.503) guiding Vancouver to 2nd in the NWL’s Western Division in 2007. Rick is one win away from becoming the Canadians Short-Season winningest coach as his 76 wins as Manager trail Dennis Rogers 77 (2003-04). This winter, Rick traveled to Taiwan as Manager of the South African National Team for the 2007 World Baseball Championships, and remains active with the South African program trying to develop their program. Rick resides in Van Nuys, CA and has been with the Oakland Athletics organizations since 1997 both as a Manager and as a area scout.


Craig Lefferts makes a triumphant return to Nat Bailey Stadium after missing the entire 2007 season due to health concerns. Craig’s health is much improved and will now focus his efforts on helping Vancouver’s pitching staff this coming season. A major league career that spanned 11 seasons, Lefferts pitched in 696 games over his career, placing him 87th all-time in MLB appearances. ‘Lefty’ as Craig is known around the ballpark also has pitched in two World Series (84-Detroit, 88-San Francisco) as well as a career 72-45 record with 101 saves. Craig resides in Arizona; this will be Craig’s 4th season in Vancouver.


Travis Tims takes over the trainers room for Nate Brooks who this season takes over in Kane County (A). Tims is a graduate of Western Kentucky University graduating with a B.A. in Sports Medicine.

The release from the Canadians goes on to mention how a hitting coach has not been announced as of today, but the name will be released as soon as it is official.

After talking with Rick Magnante at season’s end, he wanted to come back, and he will after all. As for Lefferts, this is tremendous news. After sitting out last season he is back in Vancouver for the 4th time, and of course having him as a coach is motivation enough for the players - considering his baseball past.

Jimmy Escalante is heading to where he was originally going last season, the Arizona A’s where he’ll be their pitching coach. Fan favourite Benny Winslow - former player and hitting coach - will remain in Kane County after a good start in the Midwest League in 2007.

Just a few days over six months until the Canadians open the season, buy your tickets now!

Former Canadian dealt with Haren to Arizona for prospects

The Arizona Diamondbacks made a pair of huge deals Friday, sending closing sensation Jose Valverde to Houston for Chad Qualls, Juan Gutierrez and former playoff hero Chris Burke, while also acquiring Dan Haren and Connor Robertson from Oakland, giving up six prospects.

Yes, the one-game Vancouver Canadian Robertson is on his way out from Oakland after making his MLB debut this season, with the All-Star pitcher Haren. Oakland picks up pitchers Brett Anderson, Greg Smith, Dana Eveland and positional players Carlos Gonzalez (OF), Aaron Cunningham (OF) and Chris Carter (1B).

After being named Midwest mid-season all-star, LHP Brett Anderson was added to the Baseball America Low Class A All-Star team this off-season, complimenting his combined 11-7 win-loss record from stints in the Midwest League and Visalia of the California League. He had a 3.07 ERA, as well as striking out over a batter an inning in 23 games as a starter. The best part? He turns 20 in early 2008.

If Oakland had acquired LHP Greg Smith last off-season, I’d be ecstatic. Really, I would. But now? It seems like a case of turn-around now, more than prospect for the soon-to-be 24 year old. His Senior Year of University he was 9-0 with a 0.12 ERA, and struck out a Louisiana state record 20 batters in one game.

In his first professional season (all-be-it in short-season), he was named to the Pioneer League All-Star team, in addition to being the league’s pitcher of the year. He was also named to the Baseball America Rookie All-Star team after that 2005 season.

He moved to the California league in 2006, and was a Post-Season All-Star in that Single-A league, plus he was a High Class A All-Star, per Baseball America. Why was he so good? Try going 9-0 with a 1.63 ERA in 13 games, with two comploete game shutouts, allowing just 16 earned runs in 88 innings. Want the short form? He was dominant.

This year he was a combined 9-5 with a 3.54 ERA between AA and AAA in the Diamondbacks organization. He spent this fall in the Winter League with Scottsdale where he went 2-2 to go along with his 2.61 ERA in six appearances. Still, he’s a good pick-up.

The final pitcher picked up in the trade was Dana Eveland, a 24-year-old currently pitching in the Mexican Winter League. He stands at 6′1, 240 throwing as a southpaw, where he has a 2.33 ERA for Aguilas de Mexicali, in addition to his 3-1 win-loss-record. He was 1-0, 1.65 in 9 games (7 started) in the minors this season (between Visalia and Tucson), but when he reached the majors he struggled, allowing 8 earned runs in five innings, despite picking up a win.

The Washington State native is no rookie to the majors, having played 9 times in 2006, going 0-3 with a 8.13 ERA. He should start the year in Sacramento or Midland.

Moving onto the position players, Carlos Gonzalez is a good person to start with. Once considered the next top prospect for Arizona, he is an outfielder who has more than a dozen accolades to go with his career. This off-season in Venezuela, he batted .266 with 11 extra-base hits including two dingers. In exactly 500 at-bats this season between AA Mobile and AAA Tucson, he had 144 hits, 38 doubles, 3 triples and 17 home-runs. Maybe not the next Tori Hunter or Ichiro Suzuki, Gonzalez will probably be the next Nick Swisher, to an effect.

1B Chris Carter comes from California, and is what one might describe as a power-hitter. He was sent from the White Sox to Arizona last week, and is now becoming a member of the A’s organization. He batted .291 in almost 500 AB’s, sending 25 balls out of the park, and picking up an OPS of over .900. He was named a Low Class A All-Star this year, and will probably open up 2008 in Stockton or Midland.

The final prospect picked up in the trade is Aaron Cunningham, an outfielder who is 21 and 5′11, 195 pounds. Between three teams within Arizona’s minor league system this year, he batted .308 with 16 home-runs, 10 triples and 31 doubles, striking out just 89 times. Cunningham was a teammate of Andre Piper-Jordan at Everett CC, and the Anchorage, Alaska native could be the outfielder of the future. A well-rounded player, Aaron batted .282 with Scottsdale in the AFL this year, sending two balls out of the park.

Giants enter break with two recent wins on their minds

Friday night:

Neil Manning (Wrist)
Phil Gervais (Healthy)
James Henry (Healthy)
Michal Repik (Head)

I keep forgetting Michal Repik's been out of the lineup (in my previous posts) and here's an update on the Czech winger. He was scheduled to play in the World Juniors starting on Boxing Day, but a elbow from Taylor Ellington ended those hopes on December 1st, knocking Repik out on the ice. Michal hasn't played since, and he recently stopped getting headaches. The good news is that he's flying home for Christmas, and will be back in the Giants lineup in early February.

Too bad he can't play in the World Juniors in his home country, but at least the hit didn't impact his future career with the Florida Panthers organization.

Vancouver didn't waste any time in the first of a home-and-home at Chilliwack, because Mike Berube netted his 3rd goal as a Vancouver Giant, from Lance Bouma and Spencer Machacek.

42 seconds later, Evander Kane, rookie sensation, scored his 11th in the WHL from fellow rookies Gary Nuun and Casey Pierro-Zabotel. Nuun had an assist on Kane's second goal of the game later in the period on the powerplay, as did Jon Blum. 3-0 Vancouver.

With 40 seconds remaining in the first, Lance Bouma scored his 8th of the year, with assists going out to sophomore James Wright and captain Machacek. 4-0 Vancouver after one, and that marked the end for Bruins goalie Matt Esposito.

Mark Friesen replaced the former Everett Silvertip in the second period, but he didn't fare much better. Craig Schira who has been the top d-man as of late, scored his 4th of 2007 on the powerplay, from Blum and Kane, who had 3 points in the game.

Chilliwack's Evan Pighin had his 7th as a Bruin, from Mark Santorelli and Cody Hobbs later in the frame, but that ended the scoring, 5-1 Giants was your final.

Road Kill Sports Three Stars:

1. Evander Kane, Vancouver: The game-winner, plus another goal and an assist in a big game for the Vancouver native.

2. Lance Bouma, Vancouver: Bouma had an assist on the first goal, and a goal of his own.

3. Craig Schira, Vancouver: His goal was meaningless, but the former Regina Pat has been on fire lately, and this game proved how valuable he is to the Giants.

Saturday night:

Before heading off to their hometowns (and for Jon Blum, the Czech Republic to represent the States at the World Juniors), the Vancouver Giants had to battle Chilliwack one more time, and you could tell both teams were flat out bored in this game.

Neil Manning (Wrist), Phil Gervais (Healthy), Mitch Czibere (Healthy) and MIchal Repik (Head) all sat this one out.

James Henry, who was playing in just his second game since November 29th, scored the coveted Teddy Bear Toss goal, when all fans in attendance threw teddy bears on the ice for charity, in the middle of the second period for his first ever WHL goal, from Craig Schira and James Wright.

With Mark Friesen out of the net, with 30 seconds left in the game, Lance Bouma scored his 9th of the goal, from Machacek and Bliznak, 2-0 Giants is your final.

Road Kill Sports Three Stars:

1. James Henry, Vancouver: What a time for his first WHL goal, on Teddy Bear night.

2. Mark Friesen, Chilliwack: The Bruins back-up netminder allowed just one goal on 36 shots, in a great performance.

3. Tyson Sexsmith, Vancouver: A shutout going into the break, stopping all 16 shots.

Giants burn Blazers at home

Neil Manning (Wrist), Chris Cloud and Phil Gervais (Healthy) all sat out Sunday evening's game, as Vancouver battled the Kamloops Blazers at home.

Mike Piluso, extending his point streak to five games, scored his 6th goal of the season, with assists going out to Mario Bliznak and James Henry, who has sat out the last few games in favour of Phil Gervais.

Craig Schira continued his success on the point, with his 3rd goal of the year from Jon Blum and rookie sensation Garry Nuun. The Giants scored their second goal of the game with a Blazer in the box (Schira's being the first) two minutes later with Jon Blum's 8th of the campaign, in what may be his final game before joining the US Junior National Team for the World Junior Tournament. Spencer Machacek and Schira got the assists.

Blum was given his 3rd point of the game on James Wright's PP goal early in the 2nd, with Jon getting the assist with Spencer Machacek.

Blum got his 4th point of the game later in the period, at 13:48 with his 9th goal of the season and 2nd of December 9th.

Stefan Schneider and Ryan Bender got in a tustle late in the second, each getting a roughing call.

5-0 Giants after two.

Kamloops finally got on the board 6:33 into the third, as Scott Wasden scored his 5th of the year past Tyson Sexsmith after a pass from Jordan Rowley.

Mario Bliznak picked up his 2nd point of the game, and first goal (8th of the season) on the PP from Craig Cunningham and a guy that rarely gets on the scoreboard - Mike Berube (who now has just two assists since November 11th).

12:44 proved to be a key time in the final frame, with a total of 11 penalties being handed out to both teams.

Fighting wise, Mike Piluso, Jon Blum, Brock Nixon, Darcy Huisman, and former Giant Kenton Dulle were all given majors, and Dulle, Nixon, Blum and Piluso were also handed game misconducts, ending their weekend of games early.

Casey Pierro-Zabotel picked up his 4th goal in 2 games at 14:38, short-handed bringing the Giants lead to 7-1.

Another fight occured a minute and a half later, with James Henry and Tyler Shattock dropping the gloves.

James Palazzo and Sasha Golin also tried to get something going, but their fight only resulted in minor penalties.

7-1 Giants was your final.

Road Kill Sports Three Stars:

1. Jon Blum, Vancouver: Two goals and two assists, as well as a fight and game misconduct made Blum one of the more noticeable players on the ice tonight.

2. Craig Schira, Vancouver: The D-Man had a goal and an assist, in a great effort by the former Regina Pat.

3. Mike Berube, Giants: The former Red Deer Rebel picked up his first point since November 24th, and second since November 11th against these Blazers, good effort.

Mascot makes return to Nat Bailey after six-year absence

The Vancouver Canadians have had two very poorly kept secrets in the last couple of years. The first being the ownership change that took place last off-season, and the more recent is the team’s logo change for 2008.

Whether it was from the Team Store attendee who was telling fans on the last day of the year, to rapid rumours spreading in Vancouver, the logo switch is all but official, or at least it was. Jake Kerr was on the radio talking about three things to come to the ball team: New logo, new uniforms and a new mascot.

You say what now? A mascot? The last mascot that was a stay with the Canadians was that of the Fox 99.3 back in the early stages of the single-A franchise.

New logo? Has to beat the one they have now.

Jerseys? Let’s just hope the team can somehow keep the current road ones, because those are the nicest uniforms in minor league baseball.

When will they be released is right now the biggest question, with the Nashville minor league baseball meetings just finishing, but you have to guess the team will wait until after the holidays, and probably a month or two into 2008 before giving out any details.

Road Kill of the day:

I'm experimenting with the blog - right now just covering the Giants until February - so I'm trying out some other ways to blog. Tonight I'm trying 'Road Kill of the day' which will be my thoughts and views of the sports world.


NBA:

How do you lose to the Knicks? Geez this team is worse than the Everett Aquasox. They did end up losing to Philadelphia tonight, 9 days after almost being doubled by the Boston Celtics. 105-77 was the final with the Knicks now falling to 6-13 on the year, which is good enough for 2nd worst in the East, ahead of the formerly awesome Miami Heat.

Steve Nash and the Suns lost to the Timberwolves, but of course the Celtics beat the Bulls, the Mavs beat the Jazz and the Nuggets dug up the Kings by four points.

I am so pumped for the Raps and Rockets tomorrow at 9:30 because it's a weekend morning game; a rare time when I can sit down for two and a half hours to watch a basketball game. Should be a good one, even though Bosh and Bargnani are out of the lineup.

Using Sports Bets on facebook, I predict all of the night's basketball, football and hockey games. Tonight in the NBA my record was 5-2.

NHL:

Crosbymania has hit the west coast and is heading back to the Mellon Arena. Kris Letang on just his second career shootout attempt, beat Roberto Luongo in the 6th round, for a back-to-back shootout winner performance (on Thursday he beat the Flames with the winner). Ryan Kesler had a goal in regulation for Vancouver, and Trevor Linden kept the shootout going with a top shelf goal on former backup goalie Danny Sabourin. 2-1 was the final.

Leafs lost 2-1 to Boston, snapping their streak. Thank god I picked the Bruins on Sports Bets.

SB record: 4-5.

NFL:

Packers are playing at 10 am tomorrow, going back and forth on my PVR between the Raptors game. Go Favre!

Please give me your comments on this 'experiment' and I'll be doing more of this kind of stuff (new blogging styles, as well as the Giants) in the next few days.

Comment link is at the bottom of the page.

Giants double up Tigers 6-3

On the eve of Sidney Crosby's Vancouver debut (in the NHL and otherwise), the Giants put on some smashmouth hockey, playing the Medicine Hat Tigers for just the 2nd time since their 9 meetings in last season's playoffs (including two games in the Memorial Cup, as in the Memorial Cup Final) and the first time at home since that game on May 27th when the Giants clinched their first CHL title in franchise history.

Neil Manning, Chris Cloud and James Henry all sat out this one for the Giants - and coincidentally all three weren't part of the Giants Memorial Cup winning team.

The Tigers opened the scoring on Tyson Sexsmith early, with Jordan 'Neck' Hickmott's third of the season from Josh Stampohar. The Hyphen Casey Pierro Zatobel answered back for the Giants, with his 2nd in the WHL from rookie Garry Nuun and Craig Schira. The first two goals were scored 1:24 apart.

Mike Piluso who has been one of the biggest surprises of the Giants rookies this season, extended his point streak to four games with his 5th goal of the season from the double B's, Blum and Bliznak at 10:11.

Exactly six minutes later, Medicine Hat tied the game at 2, with Tyler Ennis scoring his 20th goal of the campaign from Brennan Bosch and Wacey Hamilton, a former Giants prospect.

Jordan Bendfeld picked up a double-minor for Elbowing late in the first, but the game remained tied after one.

Wonder why there was so much hype about Casey Pierro-Zatobel - a prospect of Crosby's Penguins? The Hyphen scored the only two goals in the second period, giving himself a hat-trick in just his third week as a Giant. The first goal was assisted by rookies Evander Kane and Garry Nuun, who collected his second assist of the game, on Pierro-Zatobel's hat-trick goal scored on the powerplay.

The third period had two 10-minute misconducts handed out to Wacey Hamilton and Boomer Bouma of the Giants for a scrum at 2:31 of the third, that also resulted in a boarding call for Spencer Machacek.

James Wright brought the score to 5-2 with his 7th of the season from fellow sophomore Brent Regner midway through the period, before Mitch Czibere brought his point streak to three games with his 2nd of the season from Hunt and Machacek. 6-2 G-Men.

Now, remember Thomas Frazee? The former North Shore Winterhawk was a former WHL Bantam First-rounder who had troubles off-the-ice with Portland last season, which resulted in his trade to Medicine Hat where he had yet to score a goal as a Tiger going into Friday. Well, playing in his hometown the North Van native scored his first of the year from Jordan Hickmott and Cody Carlson too late to get the Tigers back in the game.

6-3 Giants is your final.

Road Kill Sports Three Stars:

1. Casey Pierro-Zatobel: The new Giant had a hat-trick, and now has 4 goals in the WHL.
2. Garry Nuun: In just his 3rd game with Vancouver the Island native had two assists, giving him 3 on the season.
3. Mike Piluso: The third star for me is usually reserved for the underdog of the game, and although Mitch Czibere extended his scoring streak, so did Piluso and he is really under-looked. A goal from the Maple Ridge boy.

Giants next play Sunday against Kamloops.

Giants thump opponents 13-1 in emotional weekend

On Saturday night at the Pacific Coliseum, following a shootout loss Thursday night to Prince George, the Vancouver Giants took to the ice against one of their biggest rivals, the Everett Silvertips. Vancouver put all their faith in goaltender Tyson Sexsmith, and Everett put theirs in Leland Irving, a former Canadian World Junior goaltender, who didn't last very long in this one.

Garry Nuun was making his WHL debut tonight, and is one helluva skater.
Giants scratches:

Stefan Schneider (Healthy)
Chris Cloud (Healthy)
James Henry (Healthy)
Phil Gervais (Healthy)

Kyle Beach and Spencer Machacek dropped the gloves at the opening faceoff, after Beach and Lance Bouma had a scrap during the pre-game warmup. Machacek had the edge on Beach in this one.

Vancouver got off to a quick start on the scoresheet after the fight, with an international goal, scored by a Czech (Michal Repik) and assisted by a Slovak (Mario Bliznak).

Another brawl ensued the goal, this time it was Eric 'Crumpet' English going up against Garet 'Transformer' Hunt.

With Taylor Ellington and Graham Potuer in the box for Everett, Bliznak got a goal of his own at 8:48 of the first, from Jon Blum and the Hyphen Casey Pierro-Zabotel.

That marked the end of the day for Leland Irving, and brought in backup netminder (who had only played in 6 games before Saturday night) between the pipes.

It took a while for Vancouver to beat the young Regina native, 9 minutes in fact, when Evander Kane found net for the rookie's 8th goal of the season. Fellow rookie Neil Manning and Craig Schira had assists on the PP Marker.

The 2nd period gave Vancouver the icing on the cake they were looking for, after Spencer Machacek scored his 16th (from Bouma and Blum) early in the frame. Mike Piluso, who has caught fire as of late, scored one of his own 11 minutes later from the two imports (Repik and Bliznak) while Evander Kane netted his 2nd of the hockey game late in the period on a powerplay (give the rookie Garry Nuun and the Hyphen assists).

Vancouver out-shot Everett 12-3 in the middle frame, giving Shayne Barrie 9 saves in his first full period against the Giants.

A scary moment for Giants fans in the early going of the 3rd, when Dane Crowley of the 'Tips gave Michal Repik a shoulder to the face, sending Repik flying. He was on the ice for minutes, remembered where he was, but may have sustained ear drum damage. Let's hope he'll be alright. Repik leaves for the World Juniors on December 10th and maybe to be safe, will probably sit out next weekend's games meaning we'll have seen the end of Repik until January.

Crowley received a five-minute interference call as well as a game misconduct.

Mitch Czibere, won't his faithful be happy to hear this, scored his first of the season, from Cunningham and Hunt at 6:52. It ended Czibere's scoring drought, which goes back to March 9th against the Chilliwack Bruins (if you only include the regular season).

7-0 Giants is how it would end, with Tyson Sexsmith stopping all 13 shots he faced.

Road Kill Sports Three Stars:

1. Evander Kane, Giants: Kandy Kane had 2 goals in the winning effort, both coming on the powerplay.

2. Mario Bliznak, Giants: A goal and two assists, including one on Michal Repik's game-winner early in the first.

3. Mitch Czibere, Giants: Didn't have the best game out there aside from the Goal, which is why I'm giving him the star selection.

Sunday:

The G-Men went into this game, being 32 points up on their US Division rivals, the Portland Winterhawks. Portland had only 10 points on the year, which should explain the season they've had. Year two of their re-building process for sure.

Vancouver gave Tyson Sexsmith a night off and put Kraymer Barnstable between the pipes.

Giants scratches:

Stefan Schneider (Healthy)
Phil Gervais (Healthy)
James Henry (Healthy)
Michal Repik (Ear)

It took a little longer than Saturday's game to open the scoring, but it was one of Saturday's big players that got it going. Evander Kane went into double-digits, scoring his 10th goal of the season from defensive partners Jon Blum and Brent Regner at 8:13 of the first. Theh goal was scored with Viktor Sjodin serving a double-minor for Checking from Behind.

A fight ensued a few minutes later, with Lions Bay native Ryan Kerr (former Prince George Cougar and Lethbridge Hurricane) and James Palazzo dropping the gloves. Palazzo was supposted to bring this kind of grit to the club when he was picked up from Prince Albert earlier in the year, but I have yet to see it from him since he became a Giant.

With Aaron 'Legend' McGill in the box for roughing, Vancouver capitalized scoring the eventual game-winner, on Spencer Machacek's 17th of his captain season. James Wright, who was one of only a few Giants held pointless last night, and Brent Regner (another) had assists.

Chris Cloud, another addition to the Giants who hasn't impressed all that much, fought former Giant and current Portland captain Scott Gabriel at the Coliseum, to end the first period. 2-0 Giants.

James Palazzo and Legend McGill were sent to the penalty box on two seperate charges late in the second, and on the faceoff right after the two were sentenced, Tristan King fed the puck to his d-man Travis Ehrhardt who fired it past Giants backup Kraymer Barnstable.

Vancouver didn't want to be up by only one, so Lance Bouma scored his 7th of the year from Wright and Blum 13 seconds later. 3-1 G-Men after two.

The 3rd period was opened with a Travis Ehrhardt being sent to the sin bin, and Spencer Machacek scoring his 2nd powerplay goal of the game from Bliznak and Blum.

Bliznak scored one of his own a few minutes later, from Piluso (I told you he was hot) and Blum.

Vancouver had a five-on-three to end the hockey game with Jason Grecica and Chris Francis in the box three seconds apart with less than 2 minutes remaining in the hockey game.

Craig Cunningham netted his 6th of the season past Kurt Mucha from Czibere (two game point streak) and Hunt with 12 seconds remaining in the game.

Czibere would stay involved before the game was done, fighting Nick Dietrich with a few seconds remaining on the clock, after a big brawl between both teams.

Giants win by a final score of 6-1.

Road Kill Sports Three Stars:

1. Jon Blum, Vancouver: Four assists (1,2,3,4) in what was a great game for the third-year Giant.

2. Spencer Machacek, Vancouver: The Captain had two goals (including the game-winner).

3. Kraymer Barnstable, Vancouver: The back-up goalie proved to be useful, stopping 15 of the 16 shots he faced.

A note: Kurtis Mucha stopped 43 of the 49 (no that's not a joke) shots he faced. That's a great effort.