Poll Results, Eli Litchenwald is the SJHL Rookie of the Year.... In my Books

A not as cold good afternoon to all,

Once again I'm back on the bloggerverse and the twitterverse doing random tweets and hockey posts just got back from the gym but the crazy ripped old guy who became a part time coach for me last saturday wasn't there I was a little choked he wasn't there to tell me "Come on you son of a $#@%^ almost done" Well maybe next time good sir... I still don't know his name and asked the gym owner and he doesn't know maybe he's a ghost either way interesting start to the day.

It was a good start to the SJHL Survivor Series with Battleford scoring 4 in the third to take game 1 6-2 over the bombers and the Estevan Bruins looked to have game one sealed in the first with 4 goals but the Melville Millionaires stormed back to tie it but in OT the Bruins got game one I wonder how the game two's will be should be interesting.

Let's go to the latest poll I did...

Who is the Rookie of the Year of the SJHL?

The Choices were and the votes with them...

Eli Litchenwald NIP  3 Votes

Coltyn Sanderson WEY 1 Vote

Kyle Hall  BATT 2 Votes

Roger Tagoona MELV  2 Votes

Zac Majowski YRK 1 Vote

Jesse Mychan FF    2 Votes

Winner Eli Litchenwald, He did a lot for the Nipawin Hawks organization this season when things got tough and had a really good started working with Matt Spafford, Jonathan Ceci and his line mate and Captain Tanner Duysk. 21 Goals, 24 Assists to lead the team in scoring on a Hawk team that is rebuilding for a better future and he did more then he was asked to do this season as Head Coach and GM Doug Johnson said at the Hawk's year end awards banquet last night.

 I thought he could have been MVP too but Tanner Duysk is no pushover in his limited time this past season. As you see on the Broadcasters poll they agree that he is the front runner to be the rookie of the year in the league and I believe he should be. Is it one of the team's we broadcast? Yes but the gentle giant from Saskatoon is only going to get better with time I hope its not a sophomore slump next year for a Hawk team that could have some weapons and be a dark horse next year in the SJHL and he will play a huge roll in that.

If he gets stronger, faster  and add a little bit of grit to his game he could get a points in the black and gold next season. But we'll wait till next season to find out.

Doug Johnson won't be wasting time as Spring Camp will start up mid april for the Hawks and there's a lot on the line and a chance for Doug to look at what he has come training camp in September.

That's it for now, stay tuned new question coming ASAP send me an e-mail anytime gino.depaoli@cjvr.com or Tweet me @gdp74 I've got it on the Blackberry now it should be fun. I'll have a blog out recapping the NHL Tradeline on Monday there's been plenty of deals... what left on the table besides Brad Richards in Dallas, will he go or will he stay?

I'm Out!!

GDP

SJHL Media Poll

Well everyone else is putting this up I enjoy seeing Mike Stackhouse putting his choices out there so I'm gonna join him.

First Craig Stein of GX94 is the warrior of these play-offs he has 2 SJHL Teams and 2 MJHL teams, ALL IN THE PLAYOFFS!!!! I thought 5 games in three games at the showcase was tough props to Craig for the results overall. Check out his blog here

 Craig Stein's Blog

Here are my picks... open to discussion on all of them its tough to go through some teams I didn't see much like Battleford for example and Kindersley really.

Here we go

WHO'S THE BEST?

Forward 

1) Marc Andre Carre LA
2) Brayden Metz MELF
3) Johnny Calkins KK

2-Way Forward

1) Brayden Metz MELF
2) Nolan Souchotte LA
3) Clarke Breitkreuz YRK

Best Shot

1) Travis Eggum    LA
2) Brody Haygarth MELF
3) Doug Lindensmith LA

Playmaker

1) Marc Andre Carre LA
2) Johnny Calkins KK
3) Sean Aschim   MELF

Offensive Defenseman

1) Blaine Tendler YRK
2) Josh Roach HMBT
3) Dayton Fossum LA

Stay-at-Home Defenseman

1) Lee Christensen MELF
2) James Howden   ND
3) Dylan Coupal WEY

Goalie

1) Charles Corsi MELF

2) Russell Abbott ND
3) Sean Cahill KK

Rookie

1) Eli Litchenwald  NIP
2) Coltyn Sanderson WEY

3) Roger Tagoona MELV

Same as Mike... Crazy

If You Could Take Any 3 Players in a Shootout

1) Drew George WEY
2) Clarke Breitkreuz YRK
3) Ryan Fox FF

Best Scrapper

1) Brett Pisio HMBT
2) Zach Johnson MELF
3) Tony Oak BATT

Agitator/Toughest to Play Against

1) Bo Lenard MELF
2) Clarke Breitkreuz YRK
3) Troy Hunter EST

Most Underrated Player

1) Taylor Duzan KK
2) Owen Roschuk MELF
3) Justin Waskewitch EST

Coach of the Year

1) Bob Beatty
2) Dean Brockman
3) Darrell Mann

FAVOURITES

Easiest Coach To Interview

1) Jamie Fiesel
2) Trent Cassan
3) Dwight McMillan

Most Quotable Coach

1) Darrell Mann
2) Jamie Fiesel
3) Bob Beatty

Favourite Rink To Broadcast From

1) Weyburn
2) Melfort
3) Flin Flon

Least Favourite Rink To Broadcast From

1) La Ronge
2) Estevan
3) Nipawin

Loudest Rink

1) Whitney Forum
2) Mel Hegland Arena
3) The Cage

Best Rink Food/Coffee

1) Weyburn at the Showcase
2) Flin Flon
3) Yorkton

Favourite Out-of-Town City to Visit

1) Weyburn

2) Flin Flon
3) Melville

Favourite Hotel to Stay at

1) Canalta Hotel Weyburn
2) Best Western Estevan
3) Ramada Weyburn

Favourite Restaurant For Pre or Post Game Meals

1) That Roast Beef place in Flin Flon
2) Carves in Weyburn
3) Any pizza place.... Our teams had a lot of pizza.

AND FINALLY...

Who represents each Conference in the Credit Union Cup Final
Bauer: Melfort

Sherwood: Yorkton

Sticking to my showcase guns on this one


I'm Out!


tweet me @gdp74

Nearing 1000 Hits

Started this blog at the SJHL Trade Deadline and we're nearing 1000 hits to it I appreciate all the hits by all lets keep the trends doing.

The SJHL Presidents Tour is at Diamond North Credit Union the announcements will start at 11 AM so hopefully I'll have a voicer on the Noon Sports on CK750 and CJVR and then on the blog stay tuned also webcasting the the La Ronge/ Melfort game curious to see how both teams go at this one as they won't see each other till at least the Bauer Conference Finals if they both make it.

 I'll be on MBC Radio with Daniel Fink too during the second intermission.

Same Drill Wednesday with the SJHL Prez Tour in Melfort its at the Advantage Credit Union 11 AM will have a voicer as soon as possible we will also have Laury Ryan on our webcast in the first intermission also Communication Director Mitchell Blair will be in town who knows what kind of fun we'll get into we haven't had an encounter since the showcase where he called me the new "Gino" for hockey I just need a mustache and coffee mugs to make him proud.

Go Flames Go 5-0 in the first YEA BABY!!!!

Celebrate like these guys on the hits

While listening to this?

Relax the Playoffs are right around the Corner!!!! Are You Ready???

Nipawin/Melville Hangover

It was a long day for the Nipawin Hawks and an unfortunate end to hopes of the Hawks making the playoffs this season.













The Hawks went into the historic Melville Stadium, which will actually be around a little longer with the delays at the new rink due to the pouring of concrete everything had to be jackhammered and start again. Talking to Jamie Fiesel last night and he wants to be in there ASAP, the Stadium has seen better days it won't be like Estevan where they're waiting till the next season.

On to the game itself, it started out very defensive shots were coming from the outside and the first Mils goal came Andre Parker on just goal thats burnt the Hawks all season as it was right in the slot and no chance for Stephen Klein. The Hawks would get it right back under two minutes later a point shot from Steven Jean lead to a funny bounce and the puck literally sat in the crease for I want to say 5 seconds before Brady Zerr notched his fifth of the season but it just has been a case of bad luck for the Hawks since Jan 10 where there's some big starts and able to come back but there's either a bounce, penalty or just a misfortune as Michael Rogoschewsky scores with 9 seconds left in the frame buries it and its 2-1.

2nd Period, It was run and gun for both teams, chances everywhere, the Hawks had three breakaways in the game couldn't score and for the Millionaires did. The game seemed to be iced when Michael Desjarlais made a nice goal from the corner and toe dragged two Hawks to out wait Klein and put Melville up 3-1 after two.

3rd Period, Derek Wasylyshen scored just 1:32 into the third that put the game away for the Millionaires, Conner Lowe-Wylde would score a shorthanded marker and Hawks only mustered 7 shots in the third and with the loss were eliminated from the survivor series.

Overview: The Hawks youth wasn't enough to claw their way after the first and no one really took over for them in the 2nd or build momentum when down 2 going into the third. Two Hawks stood out for me in the game one being Jamie Johnson, he had the opportunities in those odd man rushes had a break-away just couldn't finish, he could have a huge year next season and not have the Sophomore slump.

 I've also enjoyed the play of Jeff Datoff he moves the puck well for an 18 year old and he showed that he could be physical he was throwing checks, they might not be bone crushing hits but they could become those if he gets meat on he bones probably the best d-man on the Hawks at least in my mind... open to discussion there.

The Black and Gold will be playing a spoiler role for the last 7 games 2 of them against Flin Flon can change the Bombers from maybe having home ice for the Survivor Series. They'll have 4 home games in the next 5 nights starting Tuesday against those same Bombers, then it's the Ice Wolves Wednesday and Battleford Thursday, They'll have a day break then do a home at home with Melfort on Friday at the Cage then Saturday at the Palace.

Nipawin will host the SJHL President's Tour Tuesday where Doug Johnson will name his nominees for MVP, Top Defenseman and Rookie nominees for the league awards if I was to guess, It would be Eli Litchenwald for Rookie of the Year, Tanner Dusyk for MVP and your best defenseman I'm not psychic I have no idea who;d it be with the departures of Remenda and Brkich, If its me I give a mention to Jeff Datoff but that will be toss up on to who Doug would pick for that honor. I will be there and get the nominees out first on CK750 and this blog.

It will be an interesting stretch for the Hawks as we'll see who makes this team next year because looking at the Hawks Depth Chart this could be a different roster come next season but they've got seven games hopefully the continue to work and try and improve their not just for points sake but for themselves.

I'll check back after SJHL President's Tour Tuesday for the Hawks and also Wednesday for the Mustangs.

GDP

SJHL Home Stretch

Finally I've got some time to blog,

I don't get a chance to blog at work because we are a busy radio station and if I go on this I'd never get anything done i'd probably forget to go in the booth to voice the noon and afternoon sports along with our news casts. So I've got a day off today, went to the gym got my ass kicked but it felt good the gym said to me in hindsight $%$# You but have a nice day. Ahh the growing pains of a guy trying to be a gym rat.

A lot has happened since our last encounter Green Bay wins the Super Bowl very nice even though I picked the Steelers in the office pool because I thought of the Arizona/Pittsburgh game and it had that feeling for a while but congrats to Aaron Rodgers you are better then Brett Farve.... Yes I said it and I'll say it again Rodgers is the man and has as many Super Bowl rings as Brett, this is the Brett I never want to see back in the spotlight not the other Bret... God Bless you Excellence of Execution!!!! Anyone excited for Wrestlemania???

Now on the SJHL things seem to be coming around and playoff match-ups are getting into that finalization stage. Apparently La Ronge clinched with their win last night over Flin Flon they just didn't lose after Christmas and Melfort did, the Mustangs didn't help themselves out with some penalty troubles and injuries its not they're concern for first now obviously the key will be to get their team healthy.

 Brayden Metz has missed action, Mitch Berg has been hurt and the most important component for Mustang success this post season is getting Charles Corsi well rested wouldn't be surprised to see Jesse Ehnisz start both games this weekend against Melville and Notre Dame, he has been a solid back-up may be the top back-up and the future is bright for the Unity SK native. A healthy Metz and D-core will get the Mustangs far in the post season pending a Meltdown.

The Nipawin Hawks are the team that are literally scratching and clawing they're way to stay alive in the hunt for the survivor series spot. It's a long climb it's simple they have to get 1-2 points each game, Flin Flon is struggling they play Battleford 3 more times and Nipawin twice, Nipawin needs to put pressure and win in Humboldt and Melville this weekend if they have any hope of seeing the survivor series. A quick Flin Flon note, did the broadcast for the Bombers Tuesday in Nipawin for Rob Hart who's Grandmother passed away Rob thoughts are with you.

It was a great game almost looked like the Flon/Melfort Game where the Bombers were up 3-1 into the 3rd and Nipawin tied it up but Andrew Johnson sealed it in the shootout scoring the only goal and Flin Flon got some breathing room. Bomber fans I appreciate you listening to CFAR 590 and Flin Flon in the absence of Hart of Flin Flon. Back to the Hawks, if any team deserves a break after the team's injury, questionable suspensions and rink issues it's Doug Johnson and the Hawks they will get Jamie Johnson back this week and Jeremy Peeke could return from a concussion. The Hawks might have four lines by the weekend they've been playing with 3 forward lines and a full set of D for the last few games not an easy task.

The Humboldt Broncos are starting to play their young hearts out of late as they've won 7 of their last 10 games and the youth are buying into Dean Brockman's system... why wouldn't you he's a 3 time SJHL Coach of the Year. Andrew Bodnarchuk and Taylor Johnson are leading the way and the defense core are fighting for jobs, the last two weeks a Bronco has taken top defenseman awards in Josh Roach and Logan Sproule got it this week.

 The start Humboldt got saved a drop in standings and a strong effort in the last two weeks has kept them away from the survivor series with their win over the North Stars on the road last night, Battleford could catch them but it will be tough. Humboldt plays Nipawin tomorrow and Yorkton Sunday it will be the return of Justin Buzzeo and Jeremy Boyer to the Elgar Peterson Arena should be a good one.

Play-off series I'll be wrong on half of these probably but here we got my predictions for the first round when everything is set I'll make a full prediction when things are set.

Sherwood

Survivor Series

Estevan Vs Melville

Notre Dame might make it but the games remaining might kill them and Jamie Fiesel's crew with good goaltending could hang onto the 5 spot. I think Dwight McMillian's crew will get hot goaltending from Mitch Kilgore and over take Estevan.


1 Vs. 4

Yorkton Vs Estevan

2 Vs. 3

Kindersley Vs Weyburn


Bauer Conference

Survivor Series

Battleford Vs Flin Flon****

4 Asterisks for the Bombers if the Hawks get four points this weekend the Bombers may fold and the Hawks could sneak in on the last day of the season should be a great end of the season


1 Vs 4

La Ronge Vs Battleford

2 Vs 3

Melfort Vs Humboldt


There ya have it, My predictions for now these could change at the drop of a hat but we'll see. I'm back on the radio Saturday and will hopefully see the Hawks get within a few points of the Bombers when they head to Melville game time is 7:15 with the pre-game show and 7:30 puck drop on CK750 and www.ck750.com click on the links on the blog here or the website. Before I go... How About them Calgary Flames??? I love it hopefully Jay Feaster doesn't trade our first rounder we need it so badly!!!

I'm hoping with all these broadcasts for various SJHL Teams will lead to more teams asking for us to do the game if they're not able to, they are great and it gives me something to work on to improve Broadcasting and give a better knowledge of the team.

I have a minor challenge for myself next year I'd like to be the voice for each team in the SJHL team just for one night and maybe hey we can turn it into a charity event or something along that line, Dan O'Conner, Craig Stein, Rob Hart, Daniel Fink, Blaine Weyland, Brenden Ullrich, Kevin Smith what do ya say? One game ? Naw couldn't ask you for that,  It's a long shot I know just throwing it out there.

That's gonna do it today Bowling for Big Brothers and Big Sisters in Humboldt tonight I hope I can get my bowling form I had on my road trip with the Broncos earlier in the season Tim Klimossco your all the inspiration I need. E-mail me gino.depaoli@cjvr.com or Tweet me @gdp74 I answer all messages.

New Poll question coming ASAP just need to think of one.

I'm Out!!!

GDP

NHL Mid Season Awards

Well its at that time where we're over the half way point of the NHL Season and All-star weekend I'm going to like two out of three things the Draft tomorrow and the Skills competition I've always liked the Skills competition then the actual game ever but back in the late 90's was pretty good where the all-star game was pretty sweet favorite moments, Ray Bourque winning MVP in Boston in 96, Owen Nolan's point on Dominik Hasek in 97, Al MacInnis dominating the Hardest Shot Competition and seeing just a little bit of care in the All-star game a little bit.

Who will win after last night's picks? Team Staal or Team Lidstrom? I hope team Staal because if you didn't know I'm a big Eric Staal Fan and always will be.

Onto the Awards, I'm only doing ones that really stick out.

Calder Trophy

Nominees

G- Sergei Bobrovsky, Philadelphia Flyers

Stats, 21-6-3, 920 Save %, 2.42 GAA

This guy has been lights out for Philadelphia earned the starting job on a Philly team that looks better then last year I just hopes he doesn't turn the "Net Detective 3" number 2 is Steve Mason and looks to keep that name, somewhere Jonathan Bernier is saying Karma is a bitch Steve. But Sergei nicely done.

C- Jeff Skinner , Carolina Hurricanes

Stats, 18 Goals, 22 Assists, Drafted 7th Overall in 2010 Draft and has been the second best player on the team the former Kitchener Ranger has been something else this year seen him a couple of games is looking like his captain in a way.

C- Logan Couture, San Jose Sharks

Stats, 22 Goals, 11 Assists, Stats a bit lower then Skinner's but they'd probably be a lot higher if he wasn't hurt for a little bit and playing with the likes of Heatley, Thornton and Marleau above him but he gets good playing time and is developing quite, Dear Toronto was it worth it for Owen Nolan?? HA suckers.

Winner: Bobrovsky

HM's Cam Fowler ANA, P.K Subban MTL and Kevin Shattenkirk COL.


Norris Trophy

Nickas Lidstrom, Detroit Red Wings

Stats, 11 Goals, 32 Assists, Wow... thats all I can say about him he gets even better with age and he's 40 now will he be a Chris Chelios? I doubt it but at this rate it seems he could play till 43 maybe, UFA at the end of the year will he be cheap and stay in Detroit? Go somewhere else? or Retire and ride off into the sunset and wait for his call to the HOF? What it is it's been awesome this year Nik.

Shea Weber, Nashville Predators

Stats, 9 Goals, 21 Assists, He has been lights out for a long time and I haven't given him enough due, This year he does kind of a long shot but he has done everything in Nashville with an underrated team with over rated results he's a winner too bad he won't win a cup in Nashville he might have to be traded or waive a no trade if he wants to be a contender but maybe Barry Trotz can get it done this year.

Duncan Keith, Chicago Blackhawks

Stats, 2 Goals, 25 Assists, I know what your gonna say WTF De Paoli??? Well I am a fan but If you look at Keith's Stats and the way he started the season his +/- was way down but has come up but the Hawks will heat up if they can get their goaltending together they might get a better seed in the playoffs Maybe Corey Crawford is a short term or long term answer, either way when his team doesn't help Keith gets the blunt end of the problems cause he's on the ice so much but Keith is for real.

Winner: Lidstrom

HM's Dustin Byfuglien ATL, After a nice sit down with the Voice of the Battlefords Northstars Dan O'Conner he has shown me the light and now an HM is Keith Yandle of PHX another Keith related defenceman, Kris Letang PIT

Vezina Trophy

Tim Thomas, Boston Bruins

Stats, 24-5-6, 7 SO's 1.81 GAA, .945 Save Percentage

He's back..... and better then ever as the 2009 winner he's heading to the All-star game again and is a fighter when it comes to keeping his job this was Tuukka Rask's job at the start of the year and Timmy T is leading the B's back to the promised land maybe further this time.

Jonas Hiller, Anaheim Ducks

Stats, 25-16-3, 2.50 GAA, .926 Save Percentage

This guy stops everything ever since the Olympics he may be the new Miikka Kiprusoff for getting peppered and winning games he is the Ducks' MVP and has them right where they need to be... In a playoff spot he never gives up on a play, Makes 40 saves a game no big deal! Saw his glasses yesterday wow ugly.

Henrik Lundqvist, New York Rangers

Stats, 21-16-3, 2.29 GAA, .924 Save %

King Henrik is back after a so so season even though he still had thirty wins, he has been well... Henrik Lundqvist he is one goalie I wish i always draft in fantasy leagues he is one of the best first years in the league was a nominee hopefully he gets one and I'd kill to have one of his suits wow Barney Stinson would be proud.

Winner: Hiller

HM's Carey Price MTL, Marc Andre Fleury PIT and Cam Ward CAR


Hart Trophy

Sidney Crosby, Pittsburgh Penguins

Stats, 32 Goals, 34 Assists, He is the best player in the NHL and being out for 9 games and missing the all-star game I think that I have to say he'd be close to 80 points of not for two concussions in retrospect form Dave Steckel and Viktor Hedman. Sid had jumped up in my respect he scored the golden goal, it was weak but he scored it and I think the offseason where he was done after being upset by the Habs just gave him time to reload and relax a bit and he's showed it.

Steven Stamkos, Tampa Bay Lightning

Stats, 38 Goals, 29 Assists

How good is this kid what a one timer and Steve Yzerman has been an influence and the Lightning seem to be back to the way things were Stamkos is just that it's only year 3 of his career can you imagine him a couple more years some records could be broke if he has the right guys around him and the Tampa power play is nothing without him.

Brad Richards, Dallas Stars

Richards has brought himself into the NHL's elite after all he did win the Conn Smythe Trophy in 2004 (dammit) but look at what he's done in Dallas if Kari Lehtonen can stay hot and win a few games for Dallas in the playoffs the Stars could turn heads and Richards is a main reason why and he should get recognized for his efforts.

Winner: Too close to tell but Sidney Crosby if he stays healthy and up pace in points obviously or I'd love to see Richards get the surprise vote

HM's I know someone will say why he wasn't a nominee of mine, Ryan Kesler VAN, Henrik Sedin, VAN, Tim Thomas BOS

Well thats that if you disagree with these at all I want to hear about it, leave a message here, email gino.depaoli@cjvr.com or tweet me @gdp74

Melfort plays Battleford at home tonight webcast should be a good one I'll have a report tomorrow from the game.

GDP

Not a Good Start to the Week

It's been a while since I've been on here but it has been a crappy few hours today for myself and for ourselves at work.

Monday was actually a pretty decent day, quiet in local sports for myself but a busy news day for us and then it was having a duel with my boss Ken Singer on Tiger 11 of course our golf guru got the best of me by 2 strokes well played sir, then capped off with a long lingering go at Goals Gym here in Melfort.

Some of you that know are probably wondering Gino and the Gym, Why? Well my sister is getting married at the end of April and I want to look stronger and in better shape for it, the funny thing is the RBC Cup in Camrose starts that day and the representative for team West would play the next day which could see one of our local teams there so apologies in advance for the De Paoli/Welsh Wedding if I'm scoreboard watching while performing my MC duties. HA could you imagine?

On to Today

Way back before I even came to Fabmar Communications for work there had been a bid for a radio station in Humboldt and the station from what I saw put their heart and soul into the bid for the station in the home of the Broncos and after the hearings that we got to listen in on it sounded like we had a pretty good shot to get the station since we are a huge contributor to many organizations, businesses and of course covering The Humboldt Broncos.

We were told yesterday decision by the CRTC (Canadian Radio-Television Telecommunications Commission) In layman's terms the Big Boys would have their decision to whether we would get the station or Golden West Radio those were the final two bidders. Got a text this morning from our news girl saying we didn't get the bid and Golden West did, it was a shock for all of us we thought we had it with everything we've done.

It sucks but the CRTC made their decision and have to take the licks and move on, that whole story, we aren't going anywhere and we still have a great reputation and always will we've been doing the radio thing for 44 years and there's great people here so don't think for a micro second our coverage of sports teams will diminish, but only get better as this has motivated me to step my game up and make our station even better then before. If you want some? Come Get Some!! I guess thats the gym coming out in me lol

What happened to you Tuesday? you used to be Monday's cool brother now your just a spitting image of  your evil brother Monday you can ride shotgun with Monday to hell Tuesday.

Onto Sports....

The Melfort Mustangs renew their rivalry with the Humboldt Broncos at the Elgar Peterson Arena tonight these teams haven't played since the HOF Game November 26 when there was a brawl right at the end of the game after a big hit on Chase Wharton from Brody Haygarth where there was fights, coaches getting into it and Ward Szucki fish hooking a Mustang player causing him to get a two game suspension but that was then and this is now teams are are totally changed Humboldt trading away on Jan 10 and Melfort loading up so it could be an ugly game unless Dean Brockman has prepared his team well which he usually does its usually a good atmosphere with these two... they hate each other should be good it's on CK750 tonight starting at 7:15 with the Pre-game show and 7:30 Puckdrop.

The best part they'll play again Friday in Melfort. The Mustangs will also face a possible playoff match-up with the Battlefords North Stars Saturday this will only be the second time I've seen the Stars play the Mustangs really need to see what they're like they had a  bad start start to the season but have turned it on lately  and could finish as high as third they're one point back of Humboldt for third in the Bauer.

As for the Nipawin Hawks, they've got 12 games left 4 points back of the Flin Flon Bombers for 5th in the Bauer and the final playoff spot, tonight in Nipawin the Hawks have a chance to gain some ground, the Bombers do have games in hand but anything can happen, If Nipawin is to make the playoffs they'll need to win 7-8 of their last twelve to ensure a spot in my view, they can do it they've beaten good teams and if goaltending can get hot again there's a chance for the Hawks to make noise it will be well earned if it happens Doug Johnson has dealt with many things this year, this would maybe sweep most of it away.

Poll Results

I asked who is the best goalie in the SJHL and there might be some Notre Dame fans reading the Debacle cause Russell Abbott who is also this week's goalie of the week for the league won the poll getting 50 percent of the votes, The numbers don't lie 11-14-3 .911 Save%, 2.73 GAA and two shutouts on a weaker Hounds team, the sad thing is I haven't seen him play this year I've seen Matthew Smidt play every local game so I couldn't get a good grasp but from people I've talked to he's something else to watch. Good job Russell maybe your goaltending can get ND into the playoffs.

Charles Corsi got 31 percent of the votes for what has been a great season and he maybe the league MVP this year according to this broadcaster 21-8-3, .922 Save%, 2.53 GAA and 2 shutouts not too shabby for the Rosemere Quebec Native. Chuck tells me his family watches every webcast and likes our product at the MBN (Mustang Broadcasting Network)  so a shout out to the Corsi family.

Others getting votes were Weyburn's Mitch Kilgore, Kindersley's Sean Cahill and Devin Peters of the Yorkton Terriers.

Well its only Tuesday but its gonna get crazy with Long Lake Hockey tonight, last broadcast of the year with Dan Bushman doing colour with me on CJVR plus Webcast on Saturday, Coaches Show Saturday at Escape in Melfort, some drinks, The Gym and other fun stuff no rest for the wicked have a great day everyone and stay tuned for a new poll question.

GDP