Sure, but just because the Hawks prevailed in OT doesn't give the officiating crew a free pass on that call. How that can be construed as matching roughing minors is beyond me.
- Lash8

Yep, still crazy too me, don't see how it was a double minor, never will. Saad got mauled.

Personally I would take a Center with size and 2 way game in Couterier over an unknown in TT. TT could be the next Kane, or could be the second coming of Sergei Berezin/Sergei Krivokrasov. Who knows? I like what Bjugstad did at U of Minn, but how successful will he be, he is another unknown.
- ikeane

I think all we are missing is a big center that plays 2-ways for the 2nd line. One that can check, win draws, and can put up about 60 points. That would be my ideal 2nd line center. I wonder what couturier's ceiling is? I really like him, though. I agree about prospects being unknowns. I think bjugstad played a little at the world championships in may and wasn't out of place. Of course my memory sucks

Philip Danault has what Jonathan Toews and Marcus Kruger have. A heart the size of the building and a desire to win and be great.

I think Danault's chances of making the team rest on how well he does on draws and killing penalties against NHL competition. If he can do either or both at an acceptable NHL level, he could make the hawks.
- John Jaeckel

The Hawk hype department appears to be in gear pumping both players tires just like they did with Saad before he made the team. I wouldn't be shocked if both make the leap this year.

Raanta piece via Myers

http://www.csnchicago.com...tment-ice-surface-chicago
- philco28

Hello Phil. I liked the quotes by Raana in this article. Sounds like a guy without the "entitlement" mentality, who actually wants to do things the right way and earn his spot on the team.

The Hawk hype department appears to be in gear pumping both players tires just like they did with Saad before he made the team. I wouldn't be shocked if both make the leap this year.
- Beaver-Warrior

Speaking of the PR machine, Stanton was the only black ace to have his name announced at the championship rally. Does that mean he'll be in the bigs this year? Is he ready? I don't remember noticing him in his 1 regular season game.

Speaking of the PR machine, Stanton was the only black ace to have his name announced at the championship rally. Does that mean he'll be in the bigs this year? Is he ready? I don't remember noticing him in his 1 regular season game.
- Lash8

I don't know if he'll be with Chicago next season, or back in Rockford. For what it's worth, I think he'd make a solid 7th defenseman.

Hello Phil. I liked the quotes by Raana in this article. Sounds like a guy without the "entitlement" mentality, who actually wants to do things the right way and earn his spot on the team.
- mohel

Agreed...wonder what his 'minor' injury is ?

Agreed...wonder what his 'minor' injury is ?
- philco28

Reading on twitter he sounds like a great guy. Saying he is going to be a fan favorite. Really funny and down-to-earth. Does sound like he has no problem playing in rockford and getting used to North america.

Reading on twitter he sounds like a great guy. Saying he is going to be a fan favorite. Really funny and down-to-earth. Does sound like he has no problem playing in rockford and getting used to North america.
- tomcat24

Who would have a problem with Rockford? It's god's country, after all.

Another pleasant surprise:

Q and the Cup just arrived at my place of employment. Hopefully a pic ro two to share shortly.

Another pleasant surprise:

Q and the Cup just arrived at my place of employment. Hopefully a pic ro two to share shortly.
- Return of the Roar

Sweet.

Who would have a problem with Rockford? It's god's country, after all.
- QStache

It's God for God's sake - He should be able to do better than that.

Like - Peoria.

It's God for God's sake - He should be able to do better than that.

Like - Peoria.
- StLBravesFan

Or Ft. Wayne...

Reading on twitter he sounds like a great guy. Saying he is going to be a fan favorite. Really funny and down-to-earth. Does sound like he has no problem playing in rockford and getting used to North america.
- tomcat24

Sounds like his English is light years ahead of where Niemi's was at this point in his North American odyssey

Sounds like his English is light years ahead of where Niemi's was at this point in his North American odyssey
- philco28

Another great thing to hear. Does anyone know if rockford hired an asst coach yet? I heard a rumor someone is going to be announced soon.

Another great thing to hear. Does anyone know if rockford hired an asst coach yet? I heard a rumor someone is going to be announced soon.
- tomcat24

Mark Osiecki...great hire!

Mark Osiecki...great hire!
- GoBucky

What school did he coach before? Also they let go of 2 coaches is yannik perrault going to be one of the full-time coaches plus this new guy and dent?

What school did he coach before? Also they let go of 2 coaches is yannik perrault going to be one of the full-time coaches plus this new guy and dent?
- tomcat24

He was last Head Coach at Ohio State. He was also the Head Coach of Green Bay of the USHL.

Yep, still crazy too me, don't see how it was a double minor, never will. Saad got mauled.
- samtsakalis

it was a chicken chit call to avoid putting DET short in a game 7 sudden death situation and almost took away a deserved stanley cup (eventually)... still makes me angry as well.

it was a chicken chit call to avoid putting DET short in a game 7 sudden death situation and almost took away a deserved stanley cup (eventually)... still makes me angry as well.
- Sconnie

Seemed to be a ChSh call to explain why he incorrectly blew the whistle instead of letting the play play out.

He was last Head Coach at Ohio State. He was also the Head Coach of Green Bay of the USHL.
- EKolb13

Here's the press release...

http://www.icehogs.com/ne.../icehogs/?article_id=3845

Agreed...wonder what his 'minor' injury is ?
- philco28

Hemmies???

Hemmies???
- paulr

Here's the press release...

http://www.icehogs.com/ne.../icehogs/?article_id=3845
- EKolb13

Never heard of him but has extensive experience in working and developing young players. I like it!

Dent's gotta prove his worth this year or he's gone eh Eli?

Speaking of the PR machine, Stanton was the only black ace to have his name announced at the championship rally. Does that mean he'll be in the bigs this year? Is he ready? I don't remember noticing him in his 1 regular season game.
- Lash8

Stanton is pretty much a "stay-at-home" type defender, nothing flashy, so if you didn't notice him he was probably doing his job correctly.