The Winnipeg Goldeyes are heading home after a very successful road trip.
After sweeping their way through Texas, the Fish split a four game set with the Lincoln Salt Dogs, finally returning home following a lengthy road trip. Despite their hot start, the Fish won't have an easy task by any means, as they welcome the Laredo Lemurs to Shaw Park. The Lemurs (10-0) sit undefeated, and in first place by a long mile in the South Division. It will be a battle of the top two teams in the American Association.
Game one goes Monday night, while games two and three will go Tuesday, and Wednesday respectively. The Fish will then have a day off Thursday, before welcoming their arch-rival Fargo-Moorhead Red Hawks (2-8) to Shaw Park for a three game set.
Here are the current standings in the American Association, as they stand after the first 10 games.
NORTH DIVISION:
1-Winnipeg Goldeyes (8-2)
2-St. Paul Saints (7-3)
3-Sioux Falls Pheasants (4-6)
4-Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks (2-8)
CENTRAL DIVISION:
1-Gary-Southshore RailCats (6-4)
2-Lincoln Salt Dogs (6-5)
3-Wichita Wingnuts (5-5)
4-Sioux City Explorers (5-5)
5-Kansas City T-Bones (3-7)
SOUTH DIVISION:
1-Laredo Lemurs (10-0)
2-Amarillo Sox (4-6)
3-El Paso Diablos (3-7)
4-Grand Prairie AirHogs (2-7)
Monday, May 27, 2013
Wednesday, May 22, 2013
Fish sweep Amarillo; off to best start in franchise history
It seems the only thing that can cool the Goldeyes off is rain, and even it couldn't slow them down for long.
The Fish won both games of the double header in Amarillo, Texas on Wednesday night, improving to 6-0 on the season, their best start in franchise history.
Game 1 marked the first time in this young season that the Goldeyes had to battle back late in a ball game. They trailed by 1 for the majority of the game until they put twp across the plate off the bats of Nick Liles (3/4 RBI) and Fehlandt Lentini (2/4 RBI). Winning the contest by a 2-1 final. It marked another occasion when the Goldeyes got timely hits, in timely situations.
"The guys got timely hits in timely situations to win the first one, and they kept it going in game two" Goldeyes pitching coach Jamie Vermilya told Paul Edmonds on TSN1290. "We closed them out in the first game and then we came out hot, and kept our foot on the gas for game 2."
Matt Rusch (2-0) pitched 7 innings allowing one unearned run on three hits picking up his second win of the season. Meanwhile, Patrick Keating pitched an inning of relief for his second save of the season.
Game 2, wasn't so close.
Leonard Davis went two for four with two runs scored, and a solo home run in the fifth. Josh Mazolla went two for four with a run scored, and the red-hot Ryan Scoma was one for four with a run scored and two RBI's. Scoma's batting average now sits at a remarkable .600. They led the Fish to a 5-0 shutout, completing the sweep of the Amarillo Sox.
Alex Capaul (1-0) pitched 5 innings striking out four and walking one, while picking up his first win of the season. Brendan Lafferty and the newly acquired Wes Alsup both pitched hitless and scoreless innings in relief.
Vermilya was impressed with the rookie Alsup's performance. "How about Wes Alsup in the ninth? Wow! He was throwing it up there at 95-97 miles per hour, he has rookie status. We're glad to have him".
There is no doubt that the Goldeyes have gotten great performances from all over their lineup. 9 of their 12 pitchers have an ERA of 0.00, and they've been getting hits from all over the batting order. If we include their championship winning streak last fall they have won 12 straight ball games. They're a ball team on a mission, and their mission is all going according to plan, so far.
The Fish hopped the bus immediately after tonight's game, on their way to Lincoln, Nebraska where they take on the Lincoln SaltDogs in a four game set, before returning home to Winnipeg for their home against the also undefeated Laredo Lemurs.
TWITTER! @burnsy004
The Fish won both games of the double header in Amarillo, Texas on Wednesday night, improving to 6-0 on the season, their best start in franchise history.
Game 1 marked the first time in this young season that the Goldeyes had to battle back late in a ball game. They trailed by 1 for the majority of the game until they put twp across the plate off the bats of Nick Liles (3/4 RBI) and Fehlandt Lentini (2/4 RBI). Winning the contest by a 2-1 final. It marked another occasion when the Goldeyes got timely hits, in timely situations.
"The guys got timely hits in timely situations to win the first one, and they kept it going in game two" Goldeyes pitching coach Jamie Vermilya told Paul Edmonds on TSN1290. "We closed them out in the first game and then we came out hot, and kept our foot on the gas for game 2."
Matt Rusch (2-0) pitched 7 innings allowing one unearned run on three hits picking up his second win of the season. Meanwhile, Patrick Keating pitched an inning of relief for his second save of the season.
Game 2, wasn't so close.
Leonard Davis went two for four with two runs scored, and a solo home run in the fifth. Josh Mazolla went two for four with a run scored, and the red-hot Ryan Scoma was one for four with a run scored and two RBI's. Scoma's batting average now sits at a remarkable .600. They led the Fish to a 5-0 shutout, completing the sweep of the Amarillo Sox.
Alex Capaul (1-0) pitched 5 innings striking out four and walking one, while picking up his first win of the season. Brendan Lafferty and the newly acquired Wes Alsup both pitched hitless and scoreless innings in relief.
Vermilya was impressed with the rookie Alsup's performance. "How about Wes Alsup in the ninth? Wow! He was throwing it up there at 95-97 miles per hour, he has rookie status. We're glad to have him".
There is no doubt that the Goldeyes have gotten great performances from all over their lineup. 9 of their 12 pitchers have an ERA of 0.00, and they've been getting hits from all over the batting order. If we include their championship winning streak last fall they have won 12 straight ball games. They're a ball team on a mission, and their mission is all going according to plan, so far.
The Fish hopped the bus immediately after tonight's game, on their way to Lincoln, Nebraska where they take on the Lincoln SaltDogs in a four game set, before returning home to Winnipeg for their home against the also undefeated Laredo Lemurs.
TWITTER! @burnsy004
Tuesday, May 21, 2013
Goldeyes hammer the Sox to improve to 4-0
The Winnipeg Goldeyes pounded out 20 hits in an 11-5 thumping of the Amarillo Sox in game one of their three game set, keeping their unblemished record in tact.
Nick Liles, Luis Allen, and Ryan Scoma each had three hits for the fish, while all three along with Leonard Davis had two RBI's a piece. Winnipeg scored six runs in the first three innings to jump out to a commanding 6-0 lead early on. And they wouldn't stop there.
Pete Gehle (1-0) who was acquired from the Sioux Falls Pheasants in the off season went 5 1/3 innings allowing five runs on seven hits and one walk while striking out three.
Kaohi Downing, Chris Kissock, and Patrick Keating all pitched shut out innings in relief against the Sox, who made four errors in the game. Game two goes Tuesday night in Amarillo's National Bank Sox Stadium.
The Goldeyes also announced some roster changes signing rookie pitcher Wes Alsup, while granting the release of Pitcher's Chris Allen, and Dan Martony.
The 26 year old Alsup went 2-3 in all three level of the Seattle Mariners organization last season, posting a 8.74 earned run average.
Allen made two scoreless appearances for the Fish in Grand Prarie but had become to odd man out, while Martony made no appearances in a Winnipeg uniform.
Nick Liles, Luis Allen, and Ryan Scoma each had three hits for the fish, while all three along with Leonard Davis had two RBI's a piece. Winnipeg scored six runs in the first three innings to jump out to a commanding 6-0 lead early on. And they wouldn't stop there.
Pete Gehle (1-0) who was acquired from the Sioux Falls Pheasants in the off season went 5 1/3 innings allowing five runs on seven hits and one walk while striking out three.
Kaohi Downing, Chris Kissock, and Patrick Keating all pitched shut out innings in relief against the Sox, who made four errors in the game. Game two goes Tuesday night in Amarillo's National Bank Sox Stadium.
The Goldeyes also announced some roster changes signing rookie pitcher Wes Alsup, while granting the release of Pitcher's Chris Allen, and Dan Martony.
The 26 year old Alsup went 2-3 in all three level of the Seattle Mariners organization last season, posting a 8.74 earned run average.
Allen made two scoreless appearances for the Fish in Grand Prarie but had become to odd man out, while Martony made no appearances in a Winnipeg uniform.
Monday, May 20, 2013
Fish complete the sweep in Grand Prarie, off to Amarillo.
After winning on opening day, the Fish out scored the Grand Prarie AirHogs 15-5 over the next two games to cap off an opening weekend sweep of the AirHogs. After a combined 2 hit shutout on Saturday, the Goldeyes capped off a great series by winning 10-5 on Sunday night, due in part to SS Nate Samson who popped a grand slam in the fourth inning.
Ryan Scoma got the fish started driving in two with a single in the second inning, and the offense kept coming from there.
After Samson's grand slam, CF Fehlandt Lentini ripped his first of the year to put the fish up 7-0 through four. He would also adds a sacrifice fly later in the game.
Grand Prarie would widdle it down to 8-5 in the sixth but their comeback came up short of the marl as the fish put up a couple in the 9th to put the game out of reach.
Justin Garcia (1-0) got the start for Winnipeg after being activated off the disabled list the day before. He went 6 1/3 innings, allowing two runs on five hits while walking one, and striking out seven. Aaron Correa gave up three runs in the seventh, but Lafferty and Caldwell put up a couple of goose eggs to end the game.
Looking back to last year's 6-0 playoff run, the fish have won 9 in a row. They take their show to Amarillo next to finish up their only stop in Texas this year.
Ryan Scoma got the fish started driving in two with a single in the second inning, and the offense kept coming from there.
After Samson's grand slam, CF Fehlandt Lentini ripped his first of the year to put the fish up 7-0 through four. He would also adds a sacrifice fly later in the game.
Grand Prarie would widdle it down to 8-5 in the sixth but their comeback came up short of the marl as the fish put up a couple in the 9th to put the game out of reach.
Justin Garcia (1-0) got the start for Winnipeg after being activated off the disabled list the day before. He went 6 1/3 innings, allowing two runs on five hits while walking one, and striking out seven. Aaron Correa gave up three runs in the seventh, but Lafferty and Caldwell put up a couple of goose eggs to end the game.
Looking back to last year's 6-0 playoff run, the fish have won 9 in a row. They take their show to Amarillo next to finish up their only stop in Texas this year.
Saturday, May 18, 2013
Mazzola smacks a two-run shot as the Goldeyes win on opening day
In front of 3,219 at QuickTrip Park the Winnipeg Goldeys began their title defense with style in Grand Prarie, Texas.
The Fish trailed 2-1 in the 6th when Josh Mazolla cranked a two run shot in the top half of the inning, which turned out to be all the Fish needed to take home a win on opening day. Fehlant Lentini doubled to begin the inning, and was driven in by Leonard Davis who was followed by Mazolla's bomb. Every member of the Goldeys had a hit in the ball game, except for LF Tim Smith who went 0-4.
Davis connected for 3 hits, while Mazolla and Nick Liles both had two hits a piece, leading the offensive charge.
Goldeyes staff Ace Matt Rusch (1-0) went five innings giving up two runs on six hits while striking out five and walking none. Brendan Lafferty, Chris Kissock, and Allen Caldwell all worked one inning of relief before Patrick Keating came in for the save.
The Fish look to win the series tonight in game two of the three game set, and will play the AirHogs again on Sunday before they head to Amarillo on Monday night for a three game series with
The Sox.
The Fish trailed 2-1 in the 6th when Josh Mazolla cranked a two run shot in the top half of the inning, which turned out to be all the Fish needed to take home a win on opening day. Fehlant Lentini doubled to begin the inning, and was driven in by Leonard Davis who was followed by Mazolla's bomb. Every member of the Goldeys had a hit in the ball game, except for LF Tim Smith who went 0-4.
Davis connected for 3 hits, while Mazolla and Nick Liles both had two hits a piece, leading the offensive charge.
Goldeyes staff Ace Matt Rusch (1-0) went five innings giving up two runs on six hits while striking out five and walking none. Brendan Lafferty, Chris Kissock, and Allen Caldwell all worked one inning of relief before Patrick Keating came in for the save.
The Fish look to win the series tonight in game two of the three game set, and will play the AirHogs again on Sunday before they head to Amarillo on Monday night for a three game series with
The Sox.
Monday, May 13, 2013
NHL Draft: Who will the Jets pick?
The Winnipeg Jets pick 12th in this year's NHL Entry Draft. With a draft class that some scouts are saying is possibly the deepest draft of all time. The Jets are slowly tumbling down the draft ladder, which in this case is a good thing. It shows that the team is headed in the right direction, moving up in the standings, but down on the draft board. It will be a shame they'll miss out on the top end talent like Seth Jones, Nathan MacKinnon, and Jonathan Drouin, but the Jets will still have a solid group of players to pick from when their name is called.
I think it's fair to list the players who will definitely be gone by the time the Jets pick. They include:
Seth Jones: Portland Winterhawks (WHL)
Nathan MacKinnon: Halifax Mooseheads (QMJHL)
Jonathan Drouin: Halifax Mooseheads (QMJHL)
Alexander Barkov: Tappara (Finnish Elite League)
They're pretty much the unanimous top 4 on most scouts rankings which means that by the time the Jets pick, these players will be gone. But with so much talent in this year's draft, the Jets could get their hands on a real good player.
The Jets have made some surprising draft choices over the past couple year's. Taking Mark Schifele in 2011, and Jacob Trouba in 2012 when there were still names such as Sean Coutourier and Filip Forsberg on the board. However, both Trouba and Schifele have dominated at their respective levels, and look ready to move onto the pro's.
So finally, here it is, a list of 12 players who the Jets will give a good hard look at, if they are still available when the Jets pick.
1-Darnell Nurse: D from the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds (OHL): Nurse played in 68 games for the Greyhounds this year, registering 12 goals and 29 assists for 41 points during the regular season. His 116 penalty minutes shows that he's got a mean streak in him. Something valuable to any team is a d-man with a mean-streak who can put points on the board. He was -13 in his first season, but cleaned that up his sophomore year and improved to +15. At 6'5 weighing in at only about 190 pounds he has some growing to do, once that growing is done he'll be a big, strong defenseman.
2-Valeri Nichushkin: F for Chelyabinsk Traktor (KHL): The big 6'5 Russian center would give any team what they want, a big center with skill. Playing only 18 games for Chelyabinsk Traktor in the KHL, he recored 2 goals and 4 assists, as well as 3 goals and 6 assists during their playoff run. He's big, he's fast, and would give any team a solid, big, top end center.
3-Elias Lindhold: F for Brynas IF Gavle (Swedish Elite League): Over two seasons with Brynas, Lindholm has racked up 11 goals and 19 assists in 60 games. He was a -1 over his two year career in Sweden, and was also part of the Swedish team that captured silver at the past year's Under 20 World Championships in Ufa, Russia. At 6 feet and 190 pounds he isn't big by any means, but he isn't small either. Only time will tell if he'll be physically and mentally ready for the NHL level off the bat.
4-Sean Monahan: F from the Ottawa 67'S (OHL): After putting up 47 points in his rookie season, Monahan racked up back to back 78 point seasons for the Ottawa 67's. During his career in Ottawa, he's put up a total of 201 points in only 185 games. He was +24 his first two years but that fell to -18 this past season, though he was on a weaker 67's team. His minus shows that like most other prospects, he has some work to do in his own zone. He's tall at 6'2 but still needs to put on some muscle. I wouldn't expect to see him in the NHL this upcoming year, but whoever drafts him will be gaining a skilled center who gets his name on the score sheet.
5-Max Domi: F from the London Knights (OHL): Unfortunately I don't see him still being available when the Jets pick, but you never know. It would be nice for him to come to Winnipeg (or Toronto for that matter) given his father's history with both teams. With Max Domi, you're getting about the opposite of what his father brought to the table. He was part of the Knight's team that last season that went to the Memorial Cup tournament, and has led them back into that position as they play Game 7 against Mark Schifele's Barrie Colts. Over his career in London, Domi has collected 136 points in 126 games, and 41 points in 39 career playoff games, including 32 points in their current playoff run. He's never been a minus player in his junior career.
6-Hunter Shinkaruk: F from the Medicine Hat Tigers (WHL): Part of Canada's 4th place team in Ufa, Shinkaruk has emerged as a star in the WHL. In 193 games throughout his career with the Tigers, he's racked up 229 points averaging about 1.6 points per game. He clearly has offensive upside, and would be a nice addition to any team. If the Jets could pick him up he'd help them in a department they desperately need help in; a solid top 6 forward to play with Evander Kane, and Olli Jokinen. Not to say his impact would be immediate, but he clearly has the offensive ability to someday play in the NHL. The one blemish he has is the -13 in the plus/minus column for this past season, showing he has some work to do in his own end of the ice.
7-Nikita Zadorov: D from the London Knights (OHL): The London Knights continue to churn out top prospects. In only one season with the Knights, Zadorov played 63 games, collecting 25 points, and was a +33. At 6'5 and 225 pounds there's no doubt he is physically ready for the NHL, but he may still have some work to do to refine his game a bit. Anyone who picks him will be getting a big skilled d-man, something every team wants.
8-Alexander Wennberg: F for Djurgardens IF Stockholm (Swedish Elite League): The young Swede collected 32 points in 46 games with Djurgardens in the Swedish Elite League this season, and was a +10 during the regular season. While he hasn't had a ton of exposure, he has a year against grown men in the Swedish league under his belt, where he put up some solid points for an 18 year old. He's 6'1 and only weighs about 170 lbs so he has some growing to do, but that will come with age.
9-Rasmus Ristolainen: D for TPS Turku (Finnish Elite League): Like many other European prospects, this 19 year old has the advantage of playing two seasons against grown men. In two seasons with TPS Turku, Ristolainen racked up 23 points in 92 games but was a combined -28 during his two seasons. He's a big right-handed shooting d-man, and word has it the Flyers are actively trying to make sure they get him. The Jets are pretty deep on d already, but it wouldn't surprise me if they nabbed Ristolainen if his name is still on the board.
10-Ryan Pulock: D from the Brandon Wheat Kings (WHL): With a booming shot and lots of hockey smarts, it wouldn't surprise me to see the Wheaties captain move his way up the draft board (he's currently listed at 14th). In 195 games with the Wheat Kings, Pulock has scored 41 goals, added 106 assists for a total of 147 points, and is a +28 for his career. The Grandview, Manitoba native would like nothing more than to be picked up by his home province team, but one thing is certain, whoever picks him will be getting a strong, solid d-man with a big shot.
11-Curstin Lazar: F from the Edmonton Oil Kings (WHL): Lazar has been a member of the Oil Kings for 3 years, and was integral to their Memorial Cup appearance last season. He had a career high in points this past season with 61, and has collected 93 points in 141 games. He may not have the offensive numbers that some of the other top ranked players may have, and at 6 feet 190 lbs he's not that big either but he brings a gritty game to the ice, and solid d-zone awareness at +42 for his career.
12-Zachary Fucale: G from the Halifax Mooseheads (QMJHL): Another key piece in a stacked Halifax team. Fucale is widely recognized as the highest ranked goaltender in this year's draft. While the Jets have made it abundantly clear that Pavelec is their man going forward, it never hurts to have depth at the goaltending position. He's appeared in 113 games with the Mooseheads, achieving an outstanding record of 77-23-9 with a career 2.76 GAA, and a .900 save %. In this year's playoffs he went 16-1. I wouldn't expect the Jets to pick him up, but you never know.
Whichever of these players (if any) the Jets decide to draft will not be a choice wasted. They are pretty deep at the defense position, and in the goaltending department as well, so I would expect them to take a forward with their first pick. No matter who it is, there's no denying that this year's draft boasts some of the best talent that we've seen in year's.
I think it's fair to list the players who will definitely be gone by the time the Jets pick. They include:
Seth Jones: Portland Winterhawks (WHL)
Nathan MacKinnon: Halifax Mooseheads (QMJHL)
Jonathan Drouin: Halifax Mooseheads (QMJHL)
Alexander Barkov: Tappara (Finnish Elite League)
They're pretty much the unanimous top 4 on most scouts rankings which means that by the time the Jets pick, these players will be gone. But with so much talent in this year's draft, the Jets could get their hands on a real good player.
The Jets have made some surprising draft choices over the past couple year's. Taking Mark Schifele in 2011, and Jacob Trouba in 2012 when there were still names such as Sean Coutourier and Filip Forsberg on the board. However, both Trouba and Schifele have dominated at their respective levels, and look ready to move onto the pro's.
So finally, here it is, a list of 12 players who the Jets will give a good hard look at, if they are still available when the Jets pick.
1-Darnell Nurse: D from the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds (OHL): Nurse played in 68 games for the Greyhounds this year, registering 12 goals and 29 assists for 41 points during the regular season. His 116 penalty minutes shows that he's got a mean streak in him. Something valuable to any team is a d-man with a mean-streak who can put points on the board. He was -13 in his first season, but cleaned that up his sophomore year and improved to +15. At 6'5 weighing in at only about 190 pounds he has some growing to do, once that growing is done he'll be a big, strong defenseman.
2-Valeri Nichushkin: F for Chelyabinsk Traktor (KHL): The big 6'5 Russian center would give any team what they want, a big center with skill. Playing only 18 games for Chelyabinsk Traktor in the KHL, he recored 2 goals and 4 assists, as well as 3 goals and 6 assists during their playoff run. He's big, he's fast, and would give any team a solid, big, top end center.
3-Elias Lindhold: F for Brynas IF Gavle (Swedish Elite League): Over two seasons with Brynas, Lindholm has racked up 11 goals and 19 assists in 60 games. He was a -1 over his two year career in Sweden, and was also part of the Swedish team that captured silver at the past year's Under 20 World Championships in Ufa, Russia. At 6 feet and 190 pounds he isn't big by any means, but he isn't small either. Only time will tell if he'll be physically and mentally ready for the NHL level off the bat.
4-Sean Monahan: F from the Ottawa 67'S (OHL): After putting up 47 points in his rookie season, Monahan racked up back to back 78 point seasons for the Ottawa 67's. During his career in Ottawa, he's put up a total of 201 points in only 185 games. He was +24 his first two years but that fell to -18 this past season, though he was on a weaker 67's team. His minus shows that like most other prospects, he has some work to do in his own zone. He's tall at 6'2 but still needs to put on some muscle. I wouldn't expect to see him in the NHL this upcoming year, but whoever drafts him will be gaining a skilled center who gets his name on the score sheet.
5-Max Domi: F from the London Knights (OHL): Unfortunately I don't see him still being available when the Jets pick, but you never know. It would be nice for him to come to Winnipeg (or Toronto for that matter) given his father's history with both teams. With Max Domi, you're getting about the opposite of what his father brought to the table. He was part of the Knight's team that last season that went to the Memorial Cup tournament, and has led them back into that position as they play Game 7 against Mark Schifele's Barrie Colts. Over his career in London, Domi has collected 136 points in 126 games, and 41 points in 39 career playoff games, including 32 points in their current playoff run. He's never been a minus player in his junior career.
6-Hunter Shinkaruk: F from the Medicine Hat Tigers (WHL): Part of Canada's 4th place team in Ufa, Shinkaruk has emerged as a star in the WHL. In 193 games throughout his career with the Tigers, he's racked up 229 points averaging about 1.6 points per game. He clearly has offensive upside, and would be a nice addition to any team. If the Jets could pick him up he'd help them in a department they desperately need help in; a solid top 6 forward to play with Evander Kane, and Olli Jokinen. Not to say his impact would be immediate, but he clearly has the offensive ability to someday play in the NHL. The one blemish he has is the -13 in the plus/minus column for this past season, showing he has some work to do in his own end of the ice.
7-Nikita Zadorov: D from the London Knights (OHL): The London Knights continue to churn out top prospects. In only one season with the Knights, Zadorov played 63 games, collecting 25 points, and was a +33. At 6'5 and 225 pounds there's no doubt he is physically ready for the NHL, but he may still have some work to do to refine his game a bit. Anyone who picks him will be getting a big skilled d-man, something every team wants.
8-Alexander Wennberg: F for Djurgardens IF Stockholm (Swedish Elite League): The young Swede collected 32 points in 46 games with Djurgardens in the Swedish Elite League this season, and was a +10 during the regular season. While he hasn't had a ton of exposure, he has a year against grown men in the Swedish league under his belt, where he put up some solid points for an 18 year old. He's 6'1 and only weighs about 170 lbs so he has some growing to do, but that will come with age.
9-Rasmus Ristolainen: D for TPS Turku (Finnish Elite League): Like many other European prospects, this 19 year old has the advantage of playing two seasons against grown men. In two seasons with TPS Turku, Ristolainen racked up 23 points in 92 games but was a combined -28 during his two seasons. He's a big right-handed shooting d-man, and word has it the Flyers are actively trying to make sure they get him. The Jets are pretty deep on d already, but it wouldn't surprise me if they nabbed Ristolainen if his name is still on the board.
10-Ryan Pulock: D from the Brandon Wheat Kings (WHL): With a booming shot and lots of hockey smarts, it wouldn't surprise me to see the Wheaties captain move his way up the draft board (he's currently listed at 14th). In 195 games with the Wheat Kings, Pulock has scored 41 goals, added 106 assists for a total of 147 points, and is a +28 for his career. The Grandview, Manitoba native would like nothing more than to be picked up by his home province team, but one thing is certain, whoever picks him will be getting a strong, solid d-man with a big shot.
11-Curstin Lazar: F from the Edmonton Oil Kings (WHL): Lazar has been a member of the Oil Kings for 3 years, and was integral to their Memorial Cup appearance last season. He had a career high in points this past season with 61, and has collected 93 points in 141 games. He may not have the offensive numbers that some of the other top ranked players may have, and at 6 feet 190 lbs he's not that big either but he brings a gritty game to the ice, and solid d-zone awareness at +42 for his career.
12-Zachary Fucale: G from the Halifax Mooseheads (QMJHL): Another key piece in a stacked Halifax team. Fucale is widely recognized as the highest ranked goaltender in this year's draft. While the Jets have made it abundantly clear that Pavelec is their man going forward, it never hurts to have depth at the goaltending position. He's appeared in 113 games with the Mooseheads, achieving an outstanding record of 77-23-9 with a career 2.76 GAA, and a .900 save %. In this year's playoffs he went 16-1. I wouldn't expect the Jets to pick him up, but you never know.
Whichever of these players (if any) the Jets decide to draft will not be a choice wasted. They are pretty deep at the defense position, and in the goaltending department as well, so I would expect them to take a forward with their first pick. No matter who it is, there's no denying that this year's draft boasts some of the best talent that we've seen in year's.
Goldeyes aren't the team they were last year, but Forney and the Fish look to repeat as American Association champs.
The only team in Winnipeg to even sniff a championship in year's is back for another year of independent baseball in the American Association. Last season, the Goldeyes stumbled into the playoffs winning 7 of their last 11 to get themselves into the wildcard spot, taking on a power-house 65-35 Fargo-Moorhead team in the first round. The Fish ended up making quick work of them, as well as the Wichita Wingnuts in the final en route to a perfect 6-0 playoff record, and the city's first championship in years.
With only 6 players returning this season, it wouldn't be fair to refer to them as the "defending champs". With independent ball, there will always be turnover, players seek other options, chase the big league dream, or leave to make more money elsewhere. A high end player in the American Association makes $1,400 a month, with the younger players earning $800 at the most. Needless to say, the Goldeyes will have a different look this year.
The group of guys they are bringing back aren't slouches. They include last year's playoff MVP Amos Ramon, longtime catcher Luis Allen, first basemen Josh Mazolla, and pitchers Kaohi Downing, Chris Allen, and staff ace Matt Rusch. Even with the skill of their returnees, the Fish have a lot of work to do.
"There's not many people in there that are going to have rings that they earned last year. Every year presents its new challenges and roster turnover is going to present a new one for us," Goldeyes manager Rick Forney told the Winnipeg Sun. "Not many people can continue to play baseball for $1,200 a month, or $1,400. So you're going to have some turnover."
The Goldeyes have lost a lot of key players, including fan favorites Ace Walker, and Price Kendall but those losses came with age. The three biggest departures came in the form of former big-leaguers, Yurendell de Caster, Barbero Canizzares and Chris Roberson. All three spent significant time in the big leagues, and their veteran presence had a large impact on the team's success.
"There's a lot of leadership involved" said Mazolla, "parts of the game that fans don't see, Roberson, de Caster, you got to see how they prepared. They have that upper level. They were both big league guys. I saw it last year, and hopefully maybe I can pass it on this year. Come out and be ready to win each day".
It won't be easy for the Fish, in independent ball it never is. They added some players who they feel will give them a good chance to win, and Rick Forney has a history of finding players that come together, and do the one thing every team sets out to do, win.
Adding veteran, and fan favorite Fehlandt Lentini gives them a Chris Roberson-esque center fielder. Lentini is coming off a career year in the Atlantic League, where he hit .319 with 19 homers, 92 RBI'S, and 32 stolen bases. This would be his third stint with the Fish, and he is hoping to help the team to a second straight championship. Lentini was set to be signed by the Fish late last season, but talks fell through. He'll work well with the younger players, he's an example of a vet who knows and loves the game. Although he's 35, and even an elder to one of his coaches, you won't see Lentini slowing down any time soon.
"When I'm on the field no one ever guesses my age", said Lentini, "cause I'm always running around more than the young guys". "So far it's been a lot different, a different vibe going."
However it works out, I'm sure the Goldeyes will continue to provide great entertainment, at a good price. Forney knows his way around the baseball diamond, and somehow, he always finds a way to win games. I have no doubt he'll find a way again this season.
The Goldeyes open their season with a road trip down to Texas to play the Grand Prairie Airhogs, and the Amarillo Sox. They'll come back through Lincoln, Nebraska to take on the SaltDogs in a 4 game set before returning to downtown Winnipeg for their home opener on May 17th, against the Laredo Lemurs.
With only 6 players returning this season, it wouldn't be fair to refer to them as the "defending champs". With independent ball, there will always be turnover, players seek other options, chase the big league dream, or leave to make more money elsewhere. A high end player in the American Association makes $1,400 a month, with the younger players earning $800 at the most. Needless to say, the Goldeyes will have a different look this year.
The group of guys they are bringing back aren't slouches. They include last year's playoff MVP Amos Ramon, longtime catcher Luis Allen, first basemen Josh Mazolla, and pitchers Kaohi Downing, Chris Allen, and staff ace Matt Rusch. Even with the skill of their returnees, the Fish have a lot of work to do.
"There's not many people in there that are going to have rings that they earned last year. Every year presents its new challenges and roster turnover is going to present a new one for us," Goldeyes manager Rick Forney told the Winnipeg Sun. "Not many people can continue to play baseball for $1,200 a month, or $1,400. So you're going to have some turnover."
The Goldeyes have lost a lot of key players, including fan favorites Ace Walker, and Price Kendall but those losses came with age. The three biggest departures came in the form of former big-leaguers, Yurendell de Caster, Barbero Canizzares and Chris Roberson. All three spent significant time in the big leagues, and their veteran presence had a large impact on the team's success.
"There's a lot of leadership involved" said Mazolla, "parts of the game that fans don't see, Roberson, de Caster, you got to see how they prepared. They have that upper level. They were both big league guys. I saw it last year, and hopefully maybe I can pass it on this year. Come out and be ready to win each day".
It won't be easy for the Fish, in independent ball it never is. They added some players who they feel will give them a good chance to win, and Rick Forney has a history of finding players that come together, and do the one thing every team sets out to do, win.
Adding veteran, and fan favorite Fehlandt Lentini gives them a Chris Roberson-esque center fielder. Lentini is coming off a career year in the Atlantic League, where he hit .319 with 19 homers, 92 RBI'S, and 32 stolen bases. This would be his third stint with the Fish, and he is hoping to help the team to a second straight championship. Lentini was set to be signed by the Fish late last season, but talks fell through. He'll work well with the younger players, he's an example of a vet who knows and loves the game. Although he's 35, and even an elder to one of his coaches, you won't see Lentini slowing down any time soon.
"When I'm on the field no one ever guesses my age", said Lentini, "cause I'm always running around more than the young guys". "So far it's been a lot different, a different vibe going."
However it works out, I'm sure the Goldeyes will continue to provide great entertainment, at a good price. Forney knows his way around the baseball diamond, and somehow, he always finds a way to win games. I have no doubt he'll find a way again this season.
The Goldeyes open their season with a road trip down to Texas to play the Grand Prairie Airhogs, and the Amarillo Sox. They'll come back through Lincoln, Nebraska to take on the SaltDogs in a 4 game set before returning to downtown Winnipeg for their home opener on May 17th, against the Laredo Lemurs.
Sunday, May 12, 2013
Second Blog!
Alright gang, I'm here with another blog, that I hope to update as often as possible! I've started this blog to keep up with local sports in the Winnipeg/Manitoba area. I will try my best to cover a range of topics, including the Jets, Bombers, Goldeyes, Wesmen, and Bisons. I'll also make an effort to include high school sports, and MJHL hockey! Will try to update it as much as possible!
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