Bump Bump Kill!

 

 

I am quite certain that I do not differ greatly from other scribes when I say that I am gratified when a story literally falls onto the pages.

 

 

I have been motivated, in the past week or so, to write about the following: The Rogers Cup, and the success of Vasek Pospisil and Milos Raonic in Washington at the ATP Championships; the recent success of the Toronto Blue Jays, notwithstanding their struggles in Houston; the Commonwealth Games; the Canadiens’ signing of P. K. Subban, and the fact that he is now paid more than Sidney Crosby; Aussie Rules Football on TSN; Hall of Fame Football Inductions in Canton, Ohio; and the new arrivals to the Buffalo Bills.

 

 

All of those suggestions were overruled when I met Landis Doyle and Brendan Wong. They are staying with her parents in our house rental next door, and they presented me with a column that I had to write.

 

 

Both are successful volleyball players. It is not a stretch to say that volleyball is most important to them. Consider this: every morning, Brandonsets up 97 nets for the City of Toronto for volleyball players to play in the parks and beaches in Toronto, mostly in the Ashbridges/Bay Beach areas. Landis has just returned from France, where she played professionally. She is nursing a tender knee, and goes under the knife later this month at Women’s College Hospitalin Toronto to repair the damage.

 

 

They met at Humber College, in Toronto, where they both played varsity volleyball. Landis arrived there due to her stellar play at Dunbarton High School. While at Humber, Landis also played for the DurhamAttack. Brendan’s route was through his work in Basketball. He was involved in the Ontario Basketball Association skills development program, and played Club basketball for the Mississauga Monarchs.                                              

 

 

I watched in awe as they practised for a couple of hours on the back lawn. I cemented pipe to hold the net posts, and hauled out the old net for them. I think they were amazed at my preparation. They came well prepared themselves, with their own net, and a bag of balls. Think tennis practice. Serves, kills, smashes. You really don’t want to wander all over the acreage for one or two balls, when you are gearing up for an event. Better to bring at least half a dozen.

 

 

 

 

Brendan is working towards his next event in Las Vegas, Nevada. It is the North American Chinese Volleyball Invitational Tournament, for teams from all over North America. Nine players on the court, instead of the usual six. In terms of nationality, one must be one-sixteenth Chinese, he told me. I questioned the nine man idea. Landis told me: “It’s really a fast game. Most kills are saved, due to the number of players on the court.”

 

 

Landis set up kills for Brendan, one after another. They even put out the old hockey net on the service line, as a target for the smashes!

 

They were both highly skilled players, making their mark with the great game of volleyball, in the sunshine of Prince Edward County.

 

 

James Hurst

Sportslices.blogspot.com

August 4, 2014.  

Cooperstown 2014

 

They gathered in great numbers last weekend to pay homage to three great baseball players. They were being inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame, the venerable institution situated in the middle of Cooperstown, New York. The town is within striking distance of New York City, but just a few hours from those of us close to the border. I strongly recommend a trip to every baseball fan. There are also countless craft shops and stores, so you can take the ladies there without getting into too much trouble.

 

 

Most players who enter the Hall of Fame decide what cap to wear. The cap is used on the plaque that is attached to the wall of the members of the hall. There is an exception to that rule this year, as Greg Maddux decided to go into the hall without any affiliation. “I figured that I was in Atlantafor 11 years, and I was in Chicagofor 11 years, if you count the Minor Leagues. It was kind of 50-50. Obviously, I did a lot better in Atlanta than I did in Chicago. I never felt like I had to pick. When it was suggested that I go in this way, it sounded right to me.”

 

 

Frank Thomas spent parts of two seasons with the Toronto Blue Jays; however, most of his career was in a ChicagoWhite Sox uniform. Some baseball purists disagree with his selection to the Hall. He played a majority of his games as a designated hitter. That position does not exist in the National League, and those that lean in that direction as fans are miffed at the selection. Tough beans, Senior League proponents. It is now part of the game.

 

 

Needless to say, this is a big moment in the life of the big guy. It goes without saying that some pitchers cringed when Thomas dig up at the plate. At six feet, six inches, and almost 300 pounds, he could be intimidating. “I’m looking forward to it. For me, it’s still a dream. I don’t think it will hit me until I get up there. It’s pretty serious at this point. I’ve put a lot of thought into it, getting my family prepared and my speech prepared. I want to have a great celebration being inducted into the Hall of Fame.”

 

 

Tom Glavine spent most of his career with the AtlantaBraves, but recorded his 300^th victory with the Mets. As a player, he was chosen by the Baseball Writers of America. Another committee, the Expansion Era Committee, selects baseball figures outside the playing category. This year’s group of three: Tony LaRussa, Bobby Cox, and Joe Torre. They rank third, fourth, and fifth, respectively, in managerial victories in Major League history. The first two are Connie Mack with 3 731 wins, and John McGraw with 2 763.

 

 

Maddux and Glavine were elected on the first ballot. This is the second time in the history of the Hall that first-ballot pitchers were elected. The last time that this occurred was in 1936, when Walter Johnson and Christy Mathewson entered. Pretty select company.

 

 

 

 

Greg Zaun is a baseball analyst for the Blue Jays, and a good one. He got on his soap box the other day to spout off about the Hall of Fame. He has decided that Hall of Fame members, and not the media, should elect members to the Hall. He then continued his rant by adding that cheaters should be chosen. He thinks all players who dabbled in the drug pool should be eligible. And then he added Pete Rose to the pot. Not by this scribe! Never. Keep it clean, or, at least as clean as possible.

 

 

Stick to the present stuff, Mr. Zaun. That is your comfort zone.

 

 

James Hurst

Sportslices.blogspot.com

July 29, 2014. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Patrick Cote Now Serving 30 Months in Prison

 

The story below is taken from various sources in the Quebecarea. It is obvious that Cote has lived on the edge for many years. He was not a bad hockey player, having scored 20 goals one season in the QuebecLeague. There are plenty of players at that level who would love to score 20 goals.

There are many players who would like to say they played more than 100 games in the NHL. But I am sure that none of them would like to be in Cote’s shoes at this moment. Just sad.

 

“Patrick Cote, who played 105 games in the NHL, has been sent to prison for 30 months after he confessed to two bank robberies according to CJAD 800 AM in Montreal. The 39-year-old former enforcer spent time with the Dallas Stars, Nashville Predators and Edmonton Oilers over parts of six NHL seasons.

More from CJAD:

Cote caught the eye of police in May when the car he was driving broke down in Candiac. When the patrol officers realized the car had been reported stolen in Ontario, they took Cote to the station for questioning.

That's when he admitted to investigators that he'd robbed a CIBC branch in Brossard in May and a Laurentian Bank in Saint Constant a few days later.

Cote does have a criminal history.

In 2002, he was arrested in Malone, N.Y., after police found 30 pounds of marijuana in his car. He pleaded guilty to a reduced charge, but had twice violated his parole. He turned himself into U.S.authorities in 2011 for one such violation.

CJAD also reported Cotehas armed assault on his record.

Cote was drafted 37th overall by the Dallas Stars in 1995. He scored just one goal in his career and also had two assists. All three points came in 1998-99 when he appeared in 70 games with the Predators, his only full season in the league. That year he racked up 242 of his 377 career penalty minutes.

The La Salle, Quebec, native's post-NHL career included seven seasons in what is now known as the LNAH, a circuit known primarily for its fighting.

It's always unfortunate to see a pro athlete fall from grace, but it seems like this has been a path Cote has been on for a while. Still, copping to robbing banks is a way long way away from the NHL.”

 

From the Bleacher Report.

 

 

Hockey From Over 'ome!!

Hockey From Over ‘ome!

 

 

 

On these hot, steamy, summer days, I Like to think about hockey. During the championships in Wellington for the Dudley Hewitt Cup, an avid hockey fan, Ben Houston, slipped me an article about hockey. Following a bit of research, I am pleased to share a tidbit or two about the great game, as it is played in the British Isles.

 

Those of us who know Ben can easily assume that he would not be a strong supporter of the Sheffield Steel, nor of the Nottingham Panthers. Ben’s team, of course, is the BelfastGiants. The Giants won the league title last year in fine form, finishing the season with 48 wins and six losses.

 

Former Wellington Duke Dan Lacosta played for the CardiffDevils last year, posting a 2.71 goals against average. Dan had quite a circuitous route to the Elite League. After he left the Dukes, he played in the OntarioHockey League. He spent several seasons in the minors, and also played four games with Columbusin the National Hockey League.

 

There are quotas in the league for the number of imports a team can use, eleven per side; however, there is plenty of home-grown talent taking the ice every game. The Devils dressed seven players who were born in Wales.

 

There are ten teams in the Elite League, and there are several thousand fans who attend each home game. These fans have been weaned on soccer, and they quickly adapt to hockey. They like the game as it is played North American style. When the players drop the gloves, and show a little animosity, the fans do not head to the canteens. They are accustomed to the rules of soccer, where a bit of fisticuffs leads to an immediate dismissal, and probable suspension. Off to the sin bin for five minutes, then back out for your next shift!!

 

Other teams in the League? From Scotland: Glasgow-Braehead Clan, Fife Flyers, Dundee Stars, Edinburgh Capitals. From England: HullStingrays, Nottingham Panthers, Sheffield Steelers, and Coventry Blaze.

 

Belleville’s Randy Uens also spent a season in the British Isles. He split his time between the Trafford Metros and the Sunderland Chiefs. He enjoyed his year there, as do most Canadians. It gives you a chance to see a bit of the world, some pocket change, a vehicle, and a place to hang your hat at night. The dressing room is full of other hockey pals from home, so there is always that bit of Canadian camaraderie as well.

 

 

The article that Ben gave me focused on the BelfastGiants. Fortunately, politics is left at the door of the Odyssey Arena. Team owner, Todd Kelman, is a Calgarynative who played for the club and is now its manager. Kelman is quoted in the January issue of the Globe and Mail: “We’re a really good thing for Northern Ireland and Belfast, because we’ve made a conscious decision not to get involved in all that.”

 

One of the players on the Giants phrased it succinctly: “You go around town and speak with a North American accent and they know right away that you are not on either side and you have nothing to do with the conflict.”

 

The best players in the league can make $ 50 000 per season, not exactly chump change where I come from. The level of play is very good, at the level of the East Coast League. Next time Ben heads to his old home, I’ll get him to pick up a program for me.

 

James Hurst

Sportslices.blogspot.com

July 22, 2014  

 

 

 

Are you Ready for some REDBLACKS Football

Are you Ready for some REDBLACKS Football?

 

There will be excitement in Ottawathis coming Friday night. For the first time in several years, there will be professional football in our capitol city. The OttawaREDBLACKS will take the field at 7:00pm, Eastern Standard Time, to play the Toronto Argonauts. It is actually the team’s fifth game of the season, the third in the regular season.

 

 

There is a long and storied history of football in Ottawa. The first professional team suited up in 1876. Until the collapse in 1996, the franchise won an impressive nine Grey Cups. Many great football players passed through the doors of Landsdowne Park. The team will play in the same location, but you would not recognize the area if you haven’t cast a glance there in the last ten years.

 

 

The owner of the Ottawa 67’s, Jeff Hunt, has really been the mastermind of the rebirth of the REDBLACKS. He has combined all sorts of his personal interests into one jumbo package, similar to the Maple Leafs Sports and Entertainment world. He is a local boy, and he knows the markets, for all of his ventures. Hopefully, the Ottawa folk will avoid the horrible mistakes suffered under the leadership of the Gliebermans and a man named Chen.

 

 

The REDBLACKS will play a 18 game schedule, finishing against Toronto on November 7^th. That is a rivalry that goes back many decades. The other main rival of the REDBLACKS is the MontrealAlouettes. Follow the route of the Voyageurs down the Ottawa River, and you will end up near McGill Stadium, where the Alouettes will test your mettle.

 

 

Many former Rough Rider players came from Ottawa, and stayed there following their football careers. Such is not the case today. There are rules limiting the number of American imports one can dress for each game. Once the season ends, they head south to the warmer climes. They are not stupid.

 

 

Moe Racine played more games (201) for the Rough Riders than anyone else. Second on the list is Gerry Organ, followed by Bob Simpson, Ron Stewart, and Russ Jackson. For those of us who grew up on CFL football in Canada, that should stir some memories. Organ scored more points than any other Rider (1462). In 1959, Dave Thelan scored 24 points in one game, as did Ron Stewart against the Alouettes.

 

 

 

Names appearing on the list of most touchdowns for the team include Tony Gabriel, Jackson, Stewart, Simpson, and Whit Tucker. Jacksonpassed the ball for more than 24 000 yards during his career. Damon Allen recorded 4 275 yards, but added a considerable number to the total when he was with the Argos.

 

 

On the other side of the ball, Rider fans will not forget Joe Poirier and Jerry “Soupy” Campbell. They led the team in career interceptions. Many other great characters also wore the Rider uniform, including Tom “The Emperor” Jones.

 

 

Belleville’s Terry Wellesley played his high school football at Quinte Secondary School. Following that stint, he had an impressive career in Ottawa. Another Bellevillian, Gary Schreider spent his college days at Queen’s, then worked the backfield with Stewart. George Brancato stayed in the country, coaching aqnd managing for many years.

 

 

Ah, the “Glory Days”. The REDBLACKS have dropped their first two games, sputtering in the second half. They are tied with Hamiltonfor third place, also called the basement. There will be growing pains, but a playoff spot is not out of reach.

 

 

TSN brings it to you Friday night. The game is sold out; howver, there are plenty of tickets for upcoming games. Be there.

 

James Hurst

July 15, 2014   

 

 

 

World Cup of Soccer 2014

 

 

On Sunday, the World Cup of Soccer final game will take place in Brazil, at 3:00pm. The “Third Place Game”, as it is called, takes place on Saturday, at 4:00pm. At the time of writing, four countries remain in the hunt for supremacy in the soccer world: Brazil, the Netherlands, Argentina, and Germany. They have survived from a group of all of the countries in the world that tried to play in the tournament in Brazil. Canadadid not make the cut. The Americans got there, but were knocked out before the list was whittled down to the final four.

 

 

In this neck of the woods, most supporters are in the Dutch camp. I have heard the whispers, “If you’re not Dutch, you’re not much”. Heading into the Semi-final game on Wednesday, the Dutch know they will have their hands full against the Argentineans. Historically, South American teams have owned the Cup when it is played on their continent. The same applies when they play for the marbles in Europe. And, just in case you may not have been paying attention over the years, no North American country has ever worn gold medals.

 

 

For your information, soccer games are 90 minutes long, two 45 minute halves. If teams are tied after the 90 minutes, they play a 30 minute overtime period. After that period, the winner is determined in shootout; however, the soccer people refer to that situation as “penalties”, not penalty kicks, mind you, just penalties.

 

 

Without boring you with a complete rant about soccer, I will touch on a few concepts that drive North Americans crazy, particularly the hockey folk.

 

1. Fakers

I know some European descendents who cover their faces in shame when they see the antics of professional soccer players. It is as if snipers in the crowd have targeted certain players. With little or no contact, they hit the turf, and appear to be in mortal danger. If the referee pulls out a yellow card, some of the pain subsides immediately. If a red card comes out, almost instant recovery. Some of this behaviour has carried over into hockey, shamefully. Those who act in this way will find comeuppance, sooner or later.

 

2. Officiating

The field is too large, the game is too fast, to have one referee to handle all of the work. I recommend three referees for the game. A lot of the nasty behind-the-play activity has been eliminated in hockey with the two referee system. More “diving” has been called, with that extra pair of eyes on the ice. As well, they have to come up with a better system to call offside. It is far too nebulous. They need a “blueline”, of sorts.

 

   3. The Language

As long as they are playing the game on our turf, it shall be called soccer. Football is entirely different. People who play football wear helmets. The game will be played on a field, not on a pitch. If you can’t put the ball on the net, you will get a zero, not a “nil”. That is just the start. I said I would not rant.

 

 

4. Substitutions

There is whole pile of nonsense that goes on when a team wants to change players. Signs are raised, plenty of hugging, high fiving, all that stuff. I recommend that they change “on the fly”, that is, pull someone off and put someone else on whenever necessary, without a stoppage in play. It would add an ounce or two of excitement to the game.

 

 

I am going to consult my “Party BrazilPhrasebook” now for further suggestions.

 

It is, after all, “The Beautiful Game”. In desperate need of improvement.

 

Belleville Minor Football League-2014 Award Winners

Belleville Minor Football League-2014

 

Award Winners

 

Most Valuable Player-Matt Sherwin

                                      Trent HillsTitans

 

 

 

Rookie of the Year-Vanessa MacDonald

       Scott’s Haulage/Diamond Electric Falcons

 

 

Offensive Player of the Year-Tanner Feurherdt

       McConnell Funeral Home

       Centre Hastings Centurions

 

Defensive Player of the Year-Ben Trumpour

                  SWE Autoglass Chargers

 

 

Offensive Lineman of the Year-Mackenzie Baker

                        Quinte Pediatric Saints

               

 

Defensive Lineman of the Year-Aiden Brownlee

           Hotch’s Auto Parts Razorbacks

 

 

Commissioner’s Award-Connor Hodge

           Trenton Kiwanis Tiger Cubs

 

 

Coaches’ Award-Logan Vanslyke

        Bancroft Esso on the Run T Hawks                                       

Halls of Fame 2014

 

Two halls of fame are in the news this week. On Monday, the Hockey Hall of Fame announced its inductee list for 2014. Four players, one coach and one on-ice official made the grade this year: Rob Blake, Peter Forsberg, Dominik Hasek, and Mike Modano are the players. An interesting sort, as they all hail from different countries. Pat Burns was a police officer for 17 years, then hung up his shield and began coaching. He won the Cup with New Jersey in 2003. Bill McCreary was on the ice for 1982 games in the NHL, and worked international hockey as well. All well deserved.

 

 

The Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame is now firmly situated in the town of St. Marys, Ontario, west of Toronto, east of Windsor. In his remarks in the program for the induction ceremony, Mayor Steve Grose has a word of thanks to all of the folks who have contributed to the success of the event. He writes that they “have ensured St.Marys a spot on the international map and have significantly added to the success of our town”. Cooperstown, New York, is a sleepy community most of the year. But in the summer, especially during induction week, it comes alive with the spirit of baseball fans from around the world.

 

 

Last weekend, the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame inducted four members, one player and three others who have significantly contributed to the game: Tim Wallach, Dave Van Horne, MurrayCook, and Jim Ridley.

 

 

At the height of his playing career, Wallch stood at 6’ 3”, and weighed 220 pounds. He was drafted tenth overall by the Expos, and began his career in Montreal, playing five games in 1980.  He played 71 games in 1981, and became a full time player the following year. In 1982, he smacked 28 home runs, and drove in 97 runs. From that point on, the brass in the Expos organization knew that they had a keeper.

 

 

“Eli”, as he was dubbed by his teammates, went on to become the best third baseman in the history of the Expos. He played there for 13 seasons, from 1980 to 1992. He was selected to play in five All Star games, and won three Gold Glove awards. He won two Silver Slugger Awards in 1985 and 1987. He spent the final four years of his career with the Dodgers and the Angels.

 

 

He continues to work in the game, and is now the Dodger bench coach, alongside Dodger Manager Don Mattingly. He is a member of the College Baseball Hall of Fame, and the California State Fullerton Athletics Hall of Fame.

 

 

Wallach also leads the Expos in many statistical categories: games played (1 767), hits (1 694), doubles (360), and total bases (2 728).

 

 

Dave Van Horne was the voice of the Expos for 32 seasons. His sidekick was Duke Snider for several years, and in my humble opinion, they supplied the best baseball chatter ever. Duke was so knowledgeable, and Van Horne knew the buttons to push to keep the dialogue flowing. 1n 2001, he was awarded the prestigious Ford C. Frick Award, the Cooperstown nod for broadcasting excellence. He joins a host of other Expo family members in the Canadian Hall: Charles Bronfman, John McHale, Jim Fanning, Rusty Staub, Claude Raymond, Ron Piche, Steve Rogers, Gary Carter, Andre Dawson, Tim Raines, Larry Walker, and Rheal Cormier.

 

 

Good friend Pam Murray attended the festivities. One of her observations was that there was a lot of chatter about “bringing back the Expos”. With all of the names I have thrown around here, you can understand that notion; however, money talks, and it just ain’t sayin’ Montrealis ready for Major League baseball again. Not just yet.

 

 

Maybe some day.

 

James Hurst

Out of the Blocks....

 

Sprinters know that you must get out of the starting blocks quickly in order to win races. By no means is the baseball season a sprint, with each team playing more than 160 games. But it never hurts to get off to a good start, and that is exactly what the TorontoBlue Jays have done this year.

 

They began a brief visit to Detroit for three games last night, then return home to play the St. LouisCardinals this coming weekend. There is a trip running to the ball park from Wellington for the game on Sunday. Call Bob Lavender at 613-399-1486 for tickets.

 

A special tip of the ball cap to Edwin Encarnacion. He has simply played the best baseball of his life, so far this year. He registered 16 home runs in May. In 1956, Mickey Mantle also homered 16 times in May. In May, 2001, Barry Bonds hit 17 homers. In 1998, Mark McGwire had 16 dingers in the month of May. Understandably, the totals for Bonds and McGwire are suspect, due to the whole “performance enhancing drugs” scenario. Consequently, Edwin tied the record of one of the greatest hitters in baseball.

 

Babe Ruth hit 17 home runs in September, 1927, plus one game in October. That was the year he surpassed the totals of Lou Gehrig, and went on to hit 60 home runs. Encarnacion’s production moved him ahead of teammate Jose Bautista, who had 14 home runs in June, 2012.

 

As we witnessed last weekend, Bautista can also play a little defence. A line shot was hit to him in right field. Instantly, he decided to make a play. He realized that the batter, Billy Butler of the Kansas CityRoyals, was not the fastest runner in the game. Bautista scooped up the ball, and, in one fluid motion, uncorked a perfect throw to first base. Butler was out by a step, on this truly remarkable play. It is an extremely rare occasion, and many factors have to be in place for such an occurrence.

 

Billy Butler is a big lad, standing a little over six feet. But he tips the scales at almost 250 pounds, and usually is the designated hitter for the Royals. Consequently, Bautista knew he had a shot at him, with the perfect hit. I do believe that his play was not instinctive, but well thought out in advance. He made the kind of play that will be etched in the minds of Blue Jay fans for a long time.

 

Bautista has also contributed with his bat as well. For that matter, most of the Blue Jays have done what it takes to provide the offence required to win games. Many of us do not get a chance to attend a lot of games during the season. We might also have other things on the go: jobs, StanleyCup Finals, “Honey Do lists” (I know I’ll pay for writing that!), plenty of life’s offerings. But it is most satisfying to read, in the morning papers, that the Jays have won again, and now find themselves on top of the East Division of the American League, by a whopping four games over the Yankees!

 

Mark Buehrle pitched a gem last Sunday, giving up six hits in eight innings. He is a workhorse, and his style is appreciated by his teammates. Ken Fidlin talked with Bautista about Buehrle’s style: “It’s not a surprise that when he pitches, there are plenty of defensive plays made. He keeps everybody engaged in the game because he works quick. He gets everybody to relax, and that allows us to execute our game plan.”

 

A quote from Billy Butler: “He frustrates you. He feeds off your over-aggressiveness. And he’s got a really good changeup. He’s always had that. Back door cutters, front door. Pounding you with it. Throwing two-seamers, running them back. He’s crafty.”  It appears as if Buehrle has Butler’s number!

 

OK, Blue Jays. Let’s play ball!

 

James Hurst

And the Winner is?

 

 

Barring unforseen miracles, the Los Angeles Kings and the New York Rangers will meet in the Stanley Cup final this year. Each team has taken a commanding lead, three games won, one lost. Each is playing with great confidence.

 

The Chicago Black Hawks and the Montreal Canadiens will likely be the last two teams to fall by the wayside this year. They fought valiantly through the playoffs, but the Kings and the Rangers seem to have that little bit extra in their tanks. That is what leads to success.

 

Injuries have taken their toll in this year’s hockey playoffs. Where would the Habs be had Carey Price not been run over in the first game against the Rangers? Jonathan Toews does not appear to be too healthy, and knee on knee collisions are just not helpful. Local favourite Andrew Shaw had to sit out several games with a “lower body injury”. He has returned, but is not up to full speed. The coaching staff from the Kings picked up on a flaw in his repertoire, and Shaw lost his first seven face-offs in the fourth game.

 

I may be going out on a limb with this observation, but I would like to compare the Kings’ defenceman Drew Doughty with two other former NHL stars: Paul Coffey, and Bobby Orr. They have similar styles: great skaters, slick passers, and brilliant hockey minds. When necessary, each could mix it up in a physical way to let the opposition know that they are not just pretty faces.

 

Doughty spends a lot of time on the ice. It is not uncommon to see him quarterback the power play for an extended period of time. He kills penalties, unless he is in the box! He is usually the first one back to grab the puck behind goaltender Jonathan Quick, surveying the ice, wheeling from behind the net or passing to an open man. Therein lies another of Doughty’s skills: his passes are almost always on the tape, and he seldom forces the issue with long stretch passes that do not guarantee success.

 

Short “easy” passes get the job done. Because of the speed of the game, it is important to control the puck as much as possible. Turnovers lead to transition, and when the puck changes hands quickly, players must be prepared to go from offense to defense instantly. Doughty is always ready to make the change. He never loafs, which is a very good thing for the Kings.

 

Henrik Lundqvist is in his ninth season with the Rangers. He has played most of the games for the New Yorkers in that time. He is called “The King”, for good reason. He has played brilliantly throughout his career, and he would dearly love to put a Stanley Cup on his mantle. He suffered disappointment in the Olympics at the hands of the Canadians, and he would love to pick up a little hardware for his troubles this year.

 

I suppose I am getting a little ahead of myself, in all of this talk about the Kings and the Rangers. The semi-finals are still under way, and the faithful still cling to the prospect of a Habs or a Hawks victory. Alas, I fear, those are pipe dreams; however, stranger things have happened. We shall see.

 

A final note: in case you haven’t noticed, the Toronto Blue Jays have had a magnificent month of May, and lead the East in the American League.

 

Thank goodness for remotes!!

 

James Hurst

Sportslices.blogspot.com