Sept. 2 - Wow! That was a great game. If I wasn't pumped up enough for this Warrior season, I sure am now. Not only have the vets improved considerably, but we have a number of very talented and hardworking rookies. There's little Lundy - I mean what can I say about him? Superstardom obviously runs in the family. With his solid skating and excellent puck handling, he netted a goal and an assist in last night's Black and White game. Devon Lafreniere and Kyle Brodziak also ended the night with a goal and an assist each. Walter Prawdzik showed that not only can he score, but he's not afraid to drop the gloves and get physical as he came away with a goal and a fight. Yes folks...the Warriors are back, and it's going to be one exciting season!
***
THANKS FOR ANOTHER GREAT SEASON
The Warriors wrapped up the 1999-2000 season with an 8-2 loss to the top team in the
country, the Calgary Hitmen. Although the club was swept in the first round of the playoffs, a
gutsy effort was shown by all.
Throughout the season, the team has overcome many obstacles, be it injuries or the common
flu. They battled hard and even when no one thought they could do it, they made the
playoffs. They even gave the Hitmen a scare when they went into overtime in game one. The
Hitmen had to respect the skill on the Warrior team even though the standings didn't show it.
The players may have won the respect of the Hitmen, but the fans sure didn't. The behavior
of some of the fans at the last playoff game was uncalled for and an embarrassment to the
fans and the city in general. The players showed better sportsmanship in their defeat than the
fans did. It is hoped that the Hitmen players will remember the spirit of the team and not the
ignorance of a few fans who found it amusing to be so disrespectful.
It is because of the hard work, the sense of play, and the love of hockey that the Warriors
are able to bring out a crowd to cheer them on every year. The club worked hard this
season and provided us with some very entertaining hockey. Thanks for a great season!
***
***
We made the playoffs! I knew we could do it. The guys have been playing unreal lately. The 20 year-olds have really pulled together and led this team. The team deserves it. Good luck against Calgary...I think we can give them a run for the series. Check out the playoff schedule
***
Oh no! Our precious Jamie Lundmark is out for the rest of the season! What ever shall we do???...take a deep breath...calm down...it's okay. He's only one player, remember? When the team was slumping...it was slumping as a whole...the whole team. They're starting to play a little better (although I will admit that the effort on Wed. was seriously lacking). If the team really wants to win games, they can do it. They have the talent, and they can do it without Jamie. They've proven it before. (Sorry, it's true...and he's never been one of my favourite players.) I know we can make the playoffs...we have to.
***
CRAMPTON BETTER WATCH HIS BACK
I'm sure you all remember that game back on Sept. 18, when the Pats were in town and Crampton took out Kaminsky. Well he's back and looking for revenge. After Crampton's hit dislocated his shoulder, two months of watching the games from the stands gave him plenty of time to think about revenge.
Hi, and how has everyone been? I know...I know...I haven't been updating, but I had to let the news about Prawdzik and Both sink in. I didn't want to start snapping again. But, I'm not writing about the Warriors action on the ice this time...I'm writing about their lack of action off the ice. I was checking out the Calgary Hitmen's website (which you should check out if you haven't already. It's awesome. I think we should have a site like that. It's really sad when my page has more info than the official one!) and they had a page dedicated to the Hitmen's efforts in the community. I think that's great. Not only does it help the community and make them feel a part of the team, it also helps with the personal development of the players (Which is lacking on the Warriors - trust me...I go to school with these guys!). Yeah I hear you...they have 'skate with the Warriors' or as I like to call it 'skate around the Warriors', but that just doesn't cut it. These players could be role models for these kids. These kids love the Warriors, they're their heroes, but they need to see them in places other than the hockey rink. The players need to realize that there is life outside of the hockey rink. The Hitmen have proven that their community volunteering has not taken away from their success and it may even contribute to their success both professionally and personally. In my observations with knowing some of the players, they become less likeable as people, and more self-absorbed the longer they are with the team. It's as if they've forgotten that there is a world outside of hockey. Anyways, what I'm trying to say, is that these guys need to be grounded somehow, maybe volunteering isn't the answer...but there needs to be personal growth as well as skill development. Hockey is supposed to be fun...remember that!
-Sunday, October 24, 1999
I'm happy...some of the guys from the team went to the elementary schools and talked about the importance of getting a good education. Now that's what I'm talking about. And...most of the guys on our team are pretty decent although there are a few on the team I'd like to see a bit more grounded. Most of the guys are pretty level-headed. Especially the 20-year olds.
The Calgary Hitmen believe it is important to support the community to which you belong. ***
Yes! We won a game!!!! And it's about time, don't you think? The team played some pretty good hockey this weekend, and now they have a win to show for it. Let's just keep 'em coming. And even though I don't like the fact that Reagan Rome is playing for Saskatoon (he should be on our team!), I'm glad he's back in the WHL. I just hope that he gets more playing time there than he got here. Skolney keeps on showing us that he wants that third overaged spot...although I still really like Mallette. He always shows up 110% for every game. And so does Shawn Limpright and captain Scott Schoneck (my other faves...in case you couldn't tell). Ben Knopp got his first WHL point on Sunday, and Martin Beck got his second WHL career goal. Go rookies go! What I would like to know is why they aren't playing Ryan Both. That guy has got some skills...but he can't really show them off sitting in the stands, now can he? Greg Hall, Wally Prawdzik, and Deryk Engelland haven't played much yet either...so we haven't had a chance to see what they can do. We'll see as the season goes on. ***
Are you ready for some more of my ever so positive comments? :-) Oh I think you are. Well superstar Jamie Lundmark is returning to our beloved WHL team. Yay, let's throw a party, just don't forget he's just one player. And we all remember what happened last year when Mr. Hinz came back from NHL camp...yeah, you know what I'm talking about. Let's just hope that Jamie remembers that there are other guys around who can shoot the puck. And hopefully the rest of the team remembers too. I just have to comment on what Len Nielsen said about how his vets played last weekend. I went to both games, and although Saturday's game was a lot better...it still wasn't that great. And it wasn't just the vets...they all sucked together as a team (and i'm not excluding the coaching staff on this one - they do have to take some responsibility). I don't know if they were sitting around waiting for Lundmark to rescue them...or what...but they just didn't seem to want the win very badly. I know...I know...I'm mean...but I know that there's a lot of talent on this team and they can do so much better. It is the beginning of the season and I'm sure they will improve. Oh yeah, and if you haven't read that letter from Reagan's parents...you should. It's awesome. His family is so cute, and I definitely agree with everything they had to say...so read it! ***
Well...that Warrior organization never ceases to impress me. Guess who was released today? Was it another of my favorite players? Oh it sure was! This would have been the defenseman's second year in the WHL, however Len and Ralph decided to release Reagan Rome. Well...great! Okay...and everyone's all excited about the big win last Sat., but actually it should have been a 2-2 tie. In the second period, there was a shot 'on net' that was actually in the net. The goal judge failed to see that the puck rebounded off the inside of the net and not the post...lucky for us. And why is there never a Warrior in front of the opposing net? I just don't understand it. There's always an opponent in front of our net, that's how goals happen! Okay...I feel bad now...I'm gonna say something positive. Limpright played an awesome game as always, and Mallette fulfilled his role as the enforcer (so he better not get cut, 'cause Crampton's just not gonna cut it!). The rookies seem to be adjusting well to the the fast pace of the WHL...I think overall we'll have a good team (even though a few good players were released). I understand that not everyone shares my opinions...and hey, that's great...if you have something to say in response, e-mail me. I'll be glad to hear from you. ***
Sorry I haven't updated in a while...i'm not really impressed right now. I'm sure you've already heard that veteran defenceman Craig Strain was released prior to the intersquad game on Thursday...yeah...that doesn't impress me at all. They should have released that Skolney (Sorry Sean...but I liked Craig). And what's up with Crampton? All of a sudden he's become the big enforcer? Yeah...right. Don't get me wrong...he's a great player, and I know it...but what good is he if he's sitting the whole game in the box? But don't worry...i'm not bitter. They just better not cut Mallette!
But, :-), i'll tell you who did impress me. That Bobby-Chad Mitchell. I don't think I've ever seen him play as well as he did on Thursday. I had my doubts about seeing his name on the roster this year...but after Thurs. night, I'm pretty sure he'll stay in Moose Jaw for at least another year. And, I'm pretty sure all you Warrior fans are as excited as I am to have seen Ben Knopp and Martin Beck in the lineup. Yes folks...hockey season has come at last! I was seriously going into some hockey withdrawl. Don't forget, the first home game (Exhibition game) is Wednesday, Sept. 14 against Brandon (full schedule up now). The game tomorrow in Bronco Country should be broadcast on Country 800...so don't forget to tune in. You can never get enough of Carnie...he's too much fun!
- Friday, Sept. 4, 1999
-Sunday, May 21, 2000
- Thursday, March 30, 2000
- March 27, 2000
-February 10, 2000
"He'll get his," Kaminsky told the Regina Leader Post of Crampton. "We don't play them for a while (not until Dec. 17), so I'll have time to get back in shape before then."
-Thursday, November 18, 1999
-Monday, Oct. 11, 1999
-Monday, Oct. 4, 1999
-Monday, Sept. 27, 1999
