Monday, March 2, 2009

Things That Make Me Go Hmm...

  • It looks like Western Hockey League referee's will get a helping hand next season as video replay will be used in all regular season games. Camera's are currently being mounted above the nets at Prospera Place for the start of the playoffs, and those camera's will remain there permanently. Up until now the Western Hockey League used video replay for playoff games only. The Ontario Hockey League has used video replay for regular season games since 2006.
  • Assuming the use of video replay full-time next season, where does that leave the goal judges? Will they be a thing of the past as they become redundant? How many times do you actually see a referee on a disputed goal communicate with the goal judge anyway? If anything the referee usually discusses the matter with his linesman and uses the goal judge as a last resort.
  • Look for the Western Hockey League to follow the lead of the NHL. If the NHL eliminates the goal judge, the volunteers who have one of the best seats in the house will have to buy a ticket and sit in the stands.
  • The crowd Saturday in Calgary was impressive. Over 16 thousand fans took in the Rockets 2-1 win over the Hitmen proved once again that the WHL works in that city. The Hitmen should be applauded for the product they put on - both on and off the ice.
  • I watched the Hitmen work out Thursday and was impressed how head coach Dave Lowry conducted himself. Lowry was leading the charge when doing a series of skating drills with the players that likely were not in the lineup Saturday against the Rockets. Sure he was huff'n and puff'n, but what a great example for the players. I often see Jeff Finley winding it up with the Rockets players during a brisk skate around the ice at practice. Darn rights!
  • I had a brief conversation with Mario Tremblay before the Minnesota Wild took to the Saddledome ice after the Rockets practiced there Thursday. Tremblay - an assistant coach with the Wild - was doing some pre-practice stretching along the boards. Tremblay too wasn't just going to conduct practice without limbering up first. As he said to me "At my age I have too".
  • Prospera Place wouldn't need a grandio score clock like the one at the Saddledome, but wouldn't it be cool if a new clock/video screen could produce a player introduction like the one seen in Calgary?

13 comments:

Jared Comeau said...

Video replay.....That means we are getting people with a camera...May as well buy a new scoreclock now o.O

g.k said...

Don't forget Jared with that new scoreclock will come the $10 mini-beers!!

Jared Comeau said...

Or the $8.00 Boiled Hot Dogs

Boondocker said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Boondocker said...

Here is a link to Larry Fishers article in the Courier this morning. Note the different attitudes between Guggenberger and Dowzak. Interesting
http://www.kelownadailycourier.ca/stories_local_sports.php?id=168686

Jared Comeau said...

I am NOT a fan of Gugg's Comments in that article...

“But we find a way to come to play when the big dogs are in town. And that‘s all that matters.”

If this is the attitude of all the players, Huska needs to address this. If Huska can't fix that, then the GM HAS to make an appearance in the dressing Room and have a few words to rectify the attitude problem in the Locker room.

You can't just show up to play the big dogs, you have to show up for EVERY SINGLE GAME in the entire season...

Discuss

Regan Bartel said...

Trust me it will be addressed. Jared you are on the mark in your comments.

Rod Pedersen said...

Congrats on the 1,000th Regie. We have been blessed to be in this league this long.

RP

Unknown said...

Watched the canucks game tonight there was goal judges there so they aren't extinct yet

Boondocker said...

Regan, do the Rockets work with a sports psychologist or is this aspect of the game up to the coaches?

Regan Bartel said...

They do. His name is Doctor Murray Smith. We've interviewed him on our Rockets broadcast before. He meets with each individual player in upwards of 3 times a season.

Jared Comeau said...

Hey Rod....any word on that Conspiracy against the Pats? LOL

J.S. said...

Huska is a confusing coach to watch and try to figure out. Most teams do not have the amount of NHL draft picks we have and they pound the lower ranked teams. Play your third and fourth lines against the bottom dwellers if your top two lines take the night off. Not Rocket science....sorry...couldn't resist that.......