Could Troy Mick be on the move?
You would think the General Manager of the Vernon Vipers would be gathering interest at a higher level after helping build the Vipers into a league contender for the BC Hockey League title?
The Vipers advanced all the way to the finals before being ousted by Nanaimo in game 6.
I spoke to Mick yesterday about potentially moving up in the hockey world, yet he remained politically correct by telling me he is keeping all of his options open with rumors that include him leaving the game all together.
Mick is known to Western Hockey League fans as a player and then coach in the Tri Cities and most recently with the Kamloops Blazers.
Mick did tell me he would not consider coaching again, and if he remains in hockey it would be at the player development/administrative level.
Mick did tell me he would not consider coaching again, and if he remains in hockey it would be at the player development/administrative level.
What also was interesting was Mick told me he has no contract with the Vipers.
He has a trust in his relationship with the organization, and a contract isn't needed in his eyes.
He has a trust in his relationship with the organization, and a contract isn't needed in his eyes.
I also spoke to him about Rockets prospect Kyle St. Denis.
He said St. Denis was very good in the first two rounds before struggling as the checking got tighter in rounds 3 and the league final.
But as Mick pointed out, he is just 16 and predicts he will be a top 5 scorer in the Western Hockey League in two years time.
Bold statement for a GM who should be applauded for his efforts with the Vernon Vipers this season.
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I thought it was interesting to hear that Shaw will be doing the Eastern Conference Championship final rather than the Vancouver-PG tilt.
It would have been nice for hockey fans in BC to be able to watch what is expected to be a great series, and considering the distance between the two centers, it would have been ideal.
The way I see it, if fans from Calgary really want to see the games in the Hat - drive!
Let's just say it would be a little harder for Cougars fans to make the trek to Vancouver and vice versa.
Yet with the Canucks potentially moving to the next round of the playoffs that may have played a factor in Shaw's decision.
By the time the East final starts the Flames should be eliminated!
But as Mick pointed out, he is just 16 and predicts he will be a top 5 scorer in the Western Hockey League in two years time.
Bold statement for a GM who should be applauded for his efforts with the Vernon Vipers this season.
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I thought it was interesting to hear that Shaw will be doing the Eastern Conference Championship final rather than the Vancouver-PG tilt.
It would have been nice for hockey fans in BC to be able to watch what is expected to be a great series, and considering the distance between the two centers, it would have been ideal.
The way I see it, if fans from Calgary really want to see the games in the Hat - drive!
Let's just say it would be a little harder for Cougars fans to make the trek to Vancouver and vice versa.
Yet with the Canucks potentially moving to the next round of the playoffs that may have played a factor in Shaw's decision.
By the time the East final starts the Flames should be eliminated!
Shaw has committed to doing games 6 and 7 of the Western Final, that's if those games are necessary.
But don't fret Cougar fans.
Game 2 of the West final will be televised on Rogers Sportsnet - on tape delay with Peter Loubardias calling the action.
Game 2 of the West final will be televised on Rogers Sportsnet - on tape delay with Peter Loubardias calling the action.
One day I will share my experiences with Pete and Darren Dreger when I did the color commentary for them when Loubardias was with the Pats and Dreger was the voice of the Brandon Wheat Kings.
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I e-mailed Joe Kenward - the Giants radio guru - the other day and told him I was jealous.
I really am.
This is the greatest time of the year to be calling hockey.
The intensity increases and so much is on the line every night.
For Kenward, Ron St. Clair (PG), Brad Curle (Hitmen) and Bob Ridley (Tigers) we fellow broadcasts on the outside looking in would love to be sitting where you guys are come Friday night.
Dan Russell and Bill Wilms also have the luxury of watching some of the best hockey this league has to offer in their coverage of Shaw broadcasts.
You are all lucky men - enjoy!
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Brent Howarth's hopes remain alive for a birth at the Royal Bank Cup in Prince George.
The former Rocket and now Selkirk Steeler begins game one of the Anavet Cup against the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League champion Humboldt Broncos Friday night.
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I wanted to catch up with Derek Yeomans and find out what life is like following his graduation from the WHL.
Only problem was he wasn't home, so I talked to his mom.
The Seattle Thunderbird/Kelowna Rockets goaltender is back in St. Albert Alberta after a season which saw him record 30 or more wins in three consecutive seasons.
Yeomans will have a couple of month to decide on his next form of action.
Does he get drafted by an NHL team in the June draft? You don't see many overage players selected but it is a possibility.
Does he go the Canadian College route?
He has all three of his sciences meaning he's no dummy.
Or does he pursue pro hockey?
My money is on the latter considering he has proven that he is good enough to play at a higher level which includes a earning a paycheck to play.
__________________________
I e-mailed Joe Kenward - the Giants radio guru - the other day and told him I was jealous.
I really am.
This is the greatest time of the year to be calling hockey.
The intensity increases and so much is on the line every night.
For Kenward, Ron St. Clair (PG), Brad Curle (Hitmen) and Bob Ridley (Tigers) we fellow broadcasts on the outside looking in would love to be sitting where you guys are come Friday night.
Dan Russell and Bill Wilms also have the luxury of watching some of the best hockey this league has to offer in their coverage of Shaw broadcasts.
You are all lucky men - enjoy!
______________________________
Brent Howarth's hopes remain alive for a birth at the Royal Bank Cup in Prince George.
The former Rocket and now Selkirk Steeler begins game one of the Anavet Cup against the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League champion Humboldt Broncos Friday night.
______________________________
I wanted to catch up with Derek Yeomans and find out what life is like following his graduation from the WHL.
Only problem was he wasn't home, so I talked to his mom.
The Seattle Thunderbird/Kelowna Rockets goaltender is back in St. Albert Alberta after a season which saw him record 30 or more wins in three consecutive seasons.
Yeomans will have a couple of month to decide on his next form of action.
Does he get drafted by an NHL team in the June draft? You don't see many overage players selected but it is a possibility.
Does he go the Canadian College route?
He has all three of his sciences meaning he's no dummy.
Or does he pursue pro hockey?
My money is on the latter considering he has proven that he is good enough to play at a higher level which includes a earning a paycheck to play.
___________________________
Big Al Bristowe up in Prince George tells me games 3 and 4 are a sellout at the CN Centre.
Nice!
It's standing room only for those games, meaning the place will be rocking.
Bristowe is the face of sports on PGTV up in Cougar country.
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