Things That Make Me Go Hmm...

• I applaud Brandon Regier for going with his gut and electing not to join the Brandon Wheat Kings this season. The 16 year-old, the Wheat Kings first round pick in 2007, has openly admitted that he just doesn't have the passion of playing hockey any more...and can you blame him? I don't know his track record, but if he is like any of the elite hockey players across Western Canada, he has been put through the ringer to develop his game to where it is today. That means a long winter of too many games and too many practices. On top of that summer hockey schools and intense off-ice training sessions, that were once exclusive only to pro players, have likely been the norm. That 24-7 approach to hockey may have just turned him off to a game that at one time he played because he enjoyed it. It's like eating ice cream. Sure the first two bowls of it taste great, but after a third and fourth bowl, the ice cream that you once craved now nauseates you. To much of anything just isn't good, yet my general feeling is parents and coaches push these kids so heavily now to play hockey 11 months out of the year, that burn-out is sure to follow. While it's a tough pill to swallow for the Wheat Kings organization, I am sure GM Kelly McCrimmon would rather have a player that is fully committed to the team rather than one who's heart just isn't into it. Who knows, maybe Regier will have a change of heart? But until he comes to the Wheat Kings with a different mindset, 'McCrimmon's Crew' is far better off without him.
• Speaking of the Wheat Kings, they've made it clear they want to host the 2010 Memorial Cup tournament. The Wheat Kings went public prior to the deadline (today) for teams to make submissions to the league showing interest in hosting the event. If the former arena known as the Keystone Centre gets the 2.5 million dollar upgrade, I can see that city being a tremendous host. With the tournament two years away, just look how solid they will be in 2010. Brayden Schenn and Donnie Glennie will be their leaders - offensively and in the locker-room, and both will still be just 18 when the tournament arrives. The Wheat Kings will be solid this season, but should be poised to make a real run for a league title in 2010. The timing of hosting the Memorial Cup couldn't be better.
• I found it interesting that the Tri City Americans have already named their captain for the upcoming season. Taylor Procyshen will wear the 'C' this season. I still like the fact that the Kelowna Rockets give their players a say on who the captain should be. Two individuals stand out as candidates for the captaincy this season. Luke Schenn would appear to be the obvious, but does he need the added pressure of making teammates accountable, plus being the anchor on the Rockets blue line? Will he even be with the Rockets this season is a better question. Remember Shea Weber was an elite player as a 19 year-old, but overager Brett Palin wore the 'C' while Weber took the role of an assistant during the teams run to a league title in 2005, the final season for both Weber and Palin. Would Colin Long then not be a worthy recipient to wear the 'C' on his jersey this season? Here is a player who is among the elite in this league, yet has proven to his teammates through an example, that true dedication translates into good results. When Long attended training camp as a rookie, he would have been a long shot at best to be perceived as a potential captain of the team down the road. Yet his focus, maturity, and passion for the game has teammates taking notice of a player who is now well respected by both the coaches and teamates. It will be interesting to see who is chosen in 2008-2009, but if I was a betting man I'd pick Long as captain, with Schenn, Benn and Dowzak as assistants.
• Ryan Getzlaf loves Walmart. The Anaheim Duck forward has been spotted twice in the Kelowna Walmart over the last two weeks. My brother-in-law saw Getzlaf there last Friday and my cousin, who was visiting from Williams Lake, saw the power forward there on Thursday. I assured both of them that the former Calgary Hitmen is not a greeter there.