The Vancouver Canucks received some good news on the injury front Thursday as defenceman Dan Hamhuis took part in his team’s morning skate.
Hamhuis, who has been sidelined with a groin injury since Nov. 20, is slated to participate in a regular practice with the team Friday and will join the Canucks on their upcoming five-game road trip.
“I’m feeling really good,” said Hamhuis before the Canucks faced the Florida Panthers and former teammate Roberto Luongo without him. “I’ve been skating (alone) for a while now. I finally took the step (Thursday) to skate with my teammates, so it’s something been looking forward to for a while. It’s a lot more fun skating with my teammates than by (myself).
“Injuries are never fun to deal with. With this one, we knew that it was going to be a long-term thing. We’ve got a great medical team here with the Canucks, and we tried to benefit from this as much as I could, work on certain parts of my game, certain deficiencies that now we’ve had time to work on. Since coming back skating, I’ve been feeling strong and I’m looking forward to getting back.”
Prior to the injury, Hamhuis compiled six assists and a minus-five mark while average 20:36 of ice time in 20 games. He was injured in a rare mishap in Vancouver’s home game against Anaheim.
“It’s just one of those, I’d say, freak injuries where I was in somewhat of an extended position, and just (took) a little bump of a skate,” he said. “It was enough to tear the groin, and I kind of knew right away what it was. I knew I was in for a long rehab, but I’m happy that it’s gone really well and that the team’s done an outstanding job of getting me back to this point. So far, I’m ahead of schedule.”
Hamhuis and the Canucks medical staff “wrestled” with the question of whether surgery was necessary, but they opted to go with a rehabilitation program instead. The Smithers, B.C., native used the time to strengthen all of his groin area, with the goal of making the muscles stronger than they were before the injury occurred.
He originally expected to be out two months, but it appears he will be back sooner than expected.
“This is something that we evaluate each day,” he said. “Things can change. You go out there and step on a puck or something. I’d love to get into a game here before the all-star break, but it’s hard to set an exact date. The sooner, the better.”
Meanwhile, centre Brad Richardson and winger Radim Vrbata returned to Vancouver’s lineup Thursday.
Showing posts with label Monte Stewart. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Monte Stewart. Show all posts
Thursday, January 8, 2015
Saturday, August 7, 2010
Check out my new Twitter page
I've just launched a new Twitter page -- Stewart On Sports.
Watch for links to sports articles that I write for this blog as well as The Canadian Press, NHL.Fanhouse.com, Insurance West Magazine and other publications.
The articles will include blogs, game stories and features on NHL, WHL, CFL and other athletes.
Click on the link to check out the Twitter page: www.twitter.com/StewartOnSports.
Watch for links to sports articles that I write for this blog as well as The Canadian Press, NHL.Fanhouse.com, Insurance West Magazine and other publications.
The articles will include blogs, game stories and features on NHL, WHL, CFL and other athletes.
Click on the link to check out the Twitter page: www.twitter.com/StewartOnSports.
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Writing for Fanhouse as well as CP
The Stanley Cup and WHL playoffs are keeping me busy these days as I write for The Canadian Press and Fanhouse. Check out some of my Fanhouse posts via the link below.
http://nhl.fanhouse.com/
Here's something I wrote recently on Drew Doughty of the Los Angeles Kings for CP.
http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Hockey/NHL/2010/04/23/13696971-cp.html
http://nhl.fanhouse.com/
Here's something I wrote recently on Drew Doughty of the Los Angeles Kings for CP.
http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Hockey/NHL/2010/04/23/13696971-cp.html
Friday, March 19, 2010
Johnson's rare goal sinks Sharks
Ryan Johnson could not have picked a better time to score.
The Vancouver Canucks checking specialist netted his first goal in 82 games Thursday night. It also happened to be the winner as the Canucks edged the Sharks 3-2 at General Motors Place.
“I’ve wanted to bury one,” said Johnson. “But like I’ve always said, I’d rather have a big one, and it was.”
Johnson's second-period marker, which gave the Canucks an insurmountable 3-1 lead, was his first goal since January of 2009 against Nashville. It helped the Canucks redeem themselves after an embarrassing 5-2 loss to the lowly New York Islanders on Tuesday.
“After a disappointing effort against the Islanders, we knew that this was a big game for us to get back to the basics,” said Johnson. “We did a lot of things not very well in that game, and I thought tonight we got back to the identity of the team we are, that goes on the attack and makes a lot of teams play in their own zone for critical time.”
Johnson also re-established his identity as a role player who could score timely goals, which he was not able to do while suffering from two fractured feet that have limited him to 49 games this season.“By no means am I ever going to judge myself as a stats guy who looks at all the numbers,” said Johnson. “I know the little things that I do well throughout a game and the value that I bring to the team. At the same time, I’d be lying to you if I said I didn’t want to chip in, because I know I’m very capable of it and have the ability to do it.”
He was feeling refreshed after the Olympic break allowed him to recover more fully. He has played hurt most of the season.
“Physically, I needed to get my feet back,” said Johnson. “In hindsight, playing through what I was playing through was really stupid, and I certainly learned something from that side of things. It hurt myself. It was hurting my line. It was not hurting the team in that sense, but I was not myself and what they needed me to be.”
He was also his usual checking self as he kept San Jose's top line of Canadian Olympians Joe Thornton, Patrick Marleau and Dany Heatley off the scoresheet. The Thunder Bay, Ont., native hopes his fourth line can produce another timely goal when the Canucks enter the playoffs.
“We have the ability to do it,” said Johnson. “We’re going to have to do it.”
The Vancouver Canucks checking specialist netted his first goal in 82 games Thursday night. It also happened to be the winner as the Canucks edged the Sharks 3-2 at General Motors Place.
“I’ve wanted to bury one,” said Johnson. “But like I’ve always said, I’d rather have a big one, and it was.”
Johnson's second-period marker, which gave the Canucks an insurmountable 3-1 lead, was his first goal since January of 2009 against Nashville. It helped the Canucks redeem themselves after an embarrassing 5-2 loss to the lowly New York Islanders on Tuesday.
“After a disappointing effort against the Islanders, we knew that this was a big game for us to get back to the basics,” said Johnson. “We did a lot of things not very well in that game, and I thought tonight we got back to the identity of the team we are, that goes on the attack and makes a lot of teams play in their own zone for critical time.”
Johnson also re-established his identity as a role player who could score timely goals, which he was not able to do while suffering from two fractured feet that have limited him to 49 games this season.“By no means am I ever going to judge myself as a stats guy who looks at all the numbers,” said Johnson. “I know the little things that I do well throughout a game and the value that I bring to the team. At the same time, I’d be lying to you if I said I didn’t want to chip in, because I know I’m very capable of it and have the ability to do it.”
He was feeling refreshed after the Olympic break allowed him to recover more fully. He has played hurt most of the season.
“Physically, I needed to get my feet back,” said Johnson. “In hindsight, playing through what I was playing through was really stupid, and I certainly learned something from that side of things. It hurt myself. It was hurting my line. It was not hurting the team in that sense, but I was not myself and what they needed me to be.”
He was also his usual checking self as he kept San Jose's top line of Canadian Olympians Joe Thornton, Patrick Marleau and Dany Heatley off the scoresheet. The Thunder Bay, Ont., native hopes his fourth line can produce another timely goal when the Canucks enter the playoffs.
“We have the ability to do it,” said Johnson. “We’re going to have to do it.”
Friday, December 11, 2009
Despite loss, Kane impresses coach
The Atlanta Thrashers lost Thursday night, but it was still a memorable night for Evander Kane.
The Vancouver native played his first NHL game in his hometown before numerous friends and family members as Atlanta lost 4-2 to the Canucks.
“It was a great experience and something I’ll never forget,” said Kane, 18.
In the second period, the former Vancouver Giants star was denied a goal on a second-period video review. Had it counted, the Thrashers would have had a much better chance of coming back in a middle frame in which they were badly outplayed.
I just wanted to take the puck to the net and it seemed like (Vancouver goaltender Roberto Luongo) rolled over right away into the net,” said Kane. “So I thought it was kind of in. The referees thought the whistle went before . . . I think the whole bench thought it was (a goal).”
In the scoreless third, Kane had a chance to bring the Thrashers within a goal, but he missed an open net.
Late in the game, he also managed to anger Vancouver's Ryan Kesler for what the Canucks centre perceived as a deliberate knee-on-knee check. Kane, who helped the Giants win a Memorial Cup, recorded three shots. Only three other Atlanta players matched that total.
"I thought (Kane) was one of our best players tonight," said Anderson. "He took the puck wide and chipped in, and he took some hits . . . I thought he did a great job, and I'm sure his family's very proud of him."
The coach showed his confidence in Kane by using him in all situations. He received some brief power play time while also toiling in his usual penalty killing and feven-strength roles.
"Nobody else is scoring (on the power play) for us," said Anderson. "He's got eight goals, and we wanted to give him a stab at it."
Anderson, whose team has lost four of its past five games, said he will see how things go and, possibly, give Kane, the fourth overall pick in last summer's NHL draft, more time in man-advantage situations.
For guidance on that decision, he'll defer to more people than just Atlanta general manager Don Waddell.
"My wife goes, 'I love that Evander Kane,' " said Anderson. "He's such a great player, and he's a good kid.' So if my wife likes him, he's gotta be a good player."
The former Toronto Maple Leaf said Kane, who helped Canada win a world junior title around this time last year, reminds him of one of his former teammates.
"He seems like a Ron Ellis, pretty straight up and down, not too much in the middle," said Anderson.
The Vancouver native played his first NHL game in his hometown before numerous friends and family members as Atlanta lost 4-2 to the Canucks.
“It was a great experience and something I’ll never forget,” said Kane, 18.
In the second period, the former Vancouver Giants star was denied a goal on a second-period video review. Had it counted, the Thrashers would have had a much better chance of coming back in a middle frame in which they were badly outplayed.
I just wanted to take the puck to the net and it seemed like (Vancouver goaltender Roberto Luongo) rolled over right away into the net,” said Kane. “So I thought it was kind of in. The referees thought the whistle went before . . . I think the whole bench thought it was (a goal).”
In the scoreless third, Kane had a chance to bring the Thrashers within a goal, but he missed an open net.
Late in the game, he also managed to anger Vancouver's Ryan Kesler for what the Canucks centre perceived as a deliberate knee-on-knee check. Kane, who helped the Giants win a Memorial Cup, recorded three shots. Only three other Atlanta players matched that total.
"I thought (Kane) was one of our best players tonight," said Anderson. "He took the puck wide and chipped in, and he took some hits . . . I thought he did a great job, and I'm sure his family's very proud of him."
The coach showed his confidence in Kane by using him in all situations. He received some brief power play time while also toiling in his usual penalty killing and feven-strength roles.
"Nobody else is scoring (on the power play) for us," said Anderson. "He's got eight goals, and we wanted to give him a stab at it."
Anderson, whose team has lost four of its past five games, said he will see how things go and, possibly, give Kane, the fourth overall pick in last summer's NHL draft, more time in man-advantage situations.
For guidance on that decision, he'll defer to more people than just Atlanta general manager Don Waddell.
"My wife goes, 'I love that Evander Kane,' " said Anderson. "He's such a great player, and he's a good kid.' So if my wife likes him, he's gotta be a good player."
The former Toronto Maple Leaf said Kane, who helped Canada win a world junior title around this time last year, reminds him of one of his former teammates.
"He seems like a Ron Ellis, pretty straight up and down, not too much in the middle," said Anderson.
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Lions evoke memories of 2001 Stamps
The B.C. Lions got what they deserved Sunday.
A solid 34-27 overtime CFL Eastern semi-final victory over the Hamilton Tiger-Cats.
The Lions played with the desperation that they have lacked at other times this season. Their starting quarterback managed to play a full game, and their defence held up in overtime, despite the usual meltdown in the final minute of the fourth quarter.
As a result, B.C. handed Hamilton a heart-breaking loss in its first home playoff game since 2001 and first playoff appearance in five seasons. Now, the Lions are evoking memories of an 8-10 Calgary team that Buono coached to the 2001 Grey Cup title after it also had injuries to its key quarterbacks.
Buono and his then Calgary coaching staff, many of whom are now with the Lions, managed to inject enough confidence in journeyman QB Marcus Crandell that he played like the second coming of Johnny Unitas. Casey Printers does not lack confidence, and he has much more ability than Crandell, who never showed the same magic again. Which suggests the Lions will give the Montreal Alouettes a run for their money in next weekend's Eastern Final.
Talent-wise, says Buono, this Lions club is much better than his 2001 Stamps. And, now, a B.C. club that began the season 1-4 and suffered three straight losses before Sunday is one win away from the Grey Cup.
A championship game berth would be a fitting finish for the underdog Lions. They have used five quarterbacks, including four starters, while also battling major injuries to running back Martell Mallett, kicker Paul McCallum and centre Angus Reid, among others.
How much whackier can their season get? We're about to find out.
A solid 34-27 overtime CFL Eastern semi-final victory over the Hamilton Tiger-Cats.
The Lions played with the desperation that they have lacked at other times this season. Their starting quarterback managed to play a full game, and their defence held up in overtime, despite the usual meltdown in the final minute of the fourth quarter.
As a result, B.C. handed Hamilton a heart-breaking loss in its first home playoff game since 2001 and first playoff appearance in five seasons. Now, the Lions are evoking memories of an 8-10 Calgary team that Buono coached to the 2001 Grey Cup title after it also had injuries to its key quarterbacks.
Buono and his then Calgary coaching staff, many of whom are now with the Lions, managed to inject enough confidence in journeyman QB Marcus Crandell that he played like the second coming of Johnny Unitas. Casey Printers does not lack confidence, and he has much more ability than Crandell, who never showed the same magic again. Which suggests the Lions will give the Montreal Alouettes a run for their money in next weekend's Eastern Final.
Talent-wise, says Buono, this Lions club is much better than his 2001 Stamps. And, now, a B.C. club that began the season 1-4 and suffered three straight losses before Sunday is one win away from the Grey Cup.
A championship game berth would be a fitting finish for the underdog Lions. They have used five quarterbacks, including four starters, while also battling major injuries to running back Martell Mallett, kicker Paul McCallum and centre Angus Reid, among others.
How much whackier can their season get? We're about to find out.
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Kane shows he's able to play in the NHL
Evander Kane is as good as gone from the Vancouver Giants.
The 18-year-old winger, drafted fourth overall by Atlanta in last summer's NHL draft, has three points in his first five games with the Thrashers. If the Vancouver native plays 10 games in the NHL, the first year of his entry-level NHL contract will kick in, making it unlikely that he will return to major junior hockey.
If he only plays nine games, he can go back to junior without having salary cap implications. Because of his age, he is ineligible to play in the minors.
But Kane ranks among Atlanta's leaders in scoring, shots and ice time, so it appears that his days in the WHL are over.
Centre James Wright, 19, who played with Kane on Vancouver's top line last season, has also stuck with Tampa, at least for the time being. He has been much less productive with the Lightning, but the Saskatoon native's chances of returning to the WHL also appear unlikely.
"I consider those guys NHL players now," Giants general manager Scott Bonner told the Vancouver Province. "I am moving forward as if they have moved on.
"It's never easy, but you learn to deal with it. Early graduation, as well as injuries, are two of the uncontrollable parts to managing in the WHL."
The next question: Will Atlanta will free up Kane to play for Canada again at the world junior championships?
The 18-year-old winger, drafted fourth overall by Atlanta in last summer's NHL draft, has three points in his first five games with the Thrashers. If the Vancouver native plays 10 games in the NHL, the first year of his entry-level NHL contract will kick in, making it unlikely that he will return to major junior hockey.
If he only plays nine games, he can go back to junior without having salary cap implications. Because of his age, he is ineligible to play in the minors.
But Kane ranks among Atlanta's leaders in scoring, shots and ice time, so it appears that his days in the WHL are over.
Centre James Wright, 19, who played with Kane on Vancouver's top line last season, has also stuck with Tampa, at least for the time being. He has been much less productive with the Lightning, but the Saskatoon native's chances of returning to the WHL also appear unlikely.
"I consider those guys NHL players now," Giants general manager Scott Bonner told the Vancouver Province. "I am moving forward as if they have moved on.
"It's never easy, but you learn to deal with it. Early graduation, as well as injuries, are two of the uncontrollable parts to managing in the WHL."
The next question: Will Atlanta will free up Kane to play for Canada again at the world junior championships?
Monday, October 12, 2009
Benn scores first NHL goal before friends and family
Jamie Benn picked a good time to score his first NHL goal.
Benn, a Victoria native playing an NHL game in his home province, scored before a lot of family and friends as his Dallas Stars fell 4-3 to the Vancouver Canucks in a shootout at General Motors Place.
“It means a lot,” said Benn of his first NHL tally. “I had a lot of friends and family here so it was a good time to get the goal, too . . . It took me four games to get it but hopefully I’ll start rolling from here.”
Benn tied the game 3-3 with only 1:33 left in regulation time as he converted a goal-mouth pass from Stephane Robidas. The rookie picked up where he left off in Vancouver last season, when he helped his Kelowna Rocket oust the junior Giants en route to a WHL title and berth in the Memorial Cup final.
The goal helped the Stars roll back from a late 3-2 deficitadline to force overtime and a shootout before Ryan Kesler netted the shootout winner for the Canucks.
“(It was) a big goal for sure," said Dallas coach Marc Crawford. "He’s got so much poise and presence and patience with the puck and he’s a big strong kid that hangs on to it and does good things with it."
Benn extended his points streak to three games. He recorded an assist in each of the two previous games at Calgary and Edmonton.
“People are going to quickly realize how good he is," said Crawford. “He’s playing on a good line with (Mike) Ribiero and (Brendan) Morrow . . . They’re talented players and I think they’re probably easy for him to play with.”
Benn, 20, managed to crack a fairly deep Dallas roster on his first attempt even though he was only a fifth-round draft choice in 2007. The six-foot-two, 203-pound winger expected to go the U.S. college while beginning his junior tenure with his hometown Victoria Grizzlies of the B.C. Hockey League, but he jumped to the WHL and excelled offensively there with 147 points over two seasons.
What's the biggest difference between junior and the NHL?
“Just that the guys are bigger, stronger, faster," he said. “You’ve got to get used to it, but I’m getting more used to it every day.”
Benn, a Victoria native playing an NHL game in his home province, scored before a lot of family and friends as his Dallas Stars fell 4-3 to the Vancouver Canucks in a shootout at General Motors Place.
“It means a lot,” said Benn of his first NHL tally. “I had a lot of friends and family here so it was a good time to get the goal, too . . . It took me four games to get it but hopefully I’ll start rolling from here.”
Benn tied the game 3-3 with only 1:33 left in regulation time as he converted a goal-mouth pass from Stephane Robidas. The rookie picked up where he left off in Vancouver last season, when he helped his Kelowna Rocket oust the junior Giants en route to a WHL title and berth in the Memorial Cup final.
The goal helped the Stars roll back from a late 3-2 deficitadline to force overtime and a shootout before Ryan Kesler netted the shootout winner for the Canucks.
“(It was) a big goal for sure," said Dallas coach Marc Crawford. "He’s got so much poise and presence and patience with the puck and he’s a big strong kid that hangs on to it and does good things with it."
Benn extended his points streak to three games. He recorded an assist in each of the two previous games at Calgary and Edmonton.
“People are going to quickly realize how good he is," said Crawford. “He’s playing on a good line with (Mike) Ribiero and (Brendan) Morrow . . . They’re talented players and I think they’re probably easy for him to play with.”
Benn, 20, managed to crack a fairly deep Dallas roster on his first attempt even though he was only a fifth-round draft choice in 2007. The six-foot-two, 203-pound winger expected to go the U.S. college while beginning his junior tenure with his hometown Victoria Grizzlies of the B.C. Hockey League, but he jumped to the WHL and excelled offensively there with 147 points over two seasons.
What's the biggest difference between junior and the NHL?
“Just that the guys are bigger, stronger, faster," he said. “You’ve got to get used to it, but I’m getting more used to it every day.”
Saturday, October 3, 2009
Printers approaching expiry date
Let's hope Casey Printers gets it this time.
"It" is the understanding that pro sports careers are fleeting at the best of times. "It" is the understanding that the opportunity to compete or just hang out with the team is priceless and time-limited.
If you talk to any athlete, he or she will tell you that the opportunity to compete at the highest level and go after a Stanley Cup, Grey Cup or even a Mann Cup makes up for any fame, or fortune, or risk. Theoren Fleury gets it. That's why he tried to resurrect his hockey career after six years away from the NHL because of substance abuse issues.
Dave Scatchard gets it. That's why he was trying out with the Vancouver Canucks after more than a season away from the NHL because of concussion problems, and was still saying all the right things as the club cut him without giving him another chance after he suffered a groin injury or whatever it was. (He wasn't saying exactly.)
Dave Dickenson got it. That's why he signed with the Calgary Stampeders after B.C. Lions general manager and coach Wally Buono chose to release him out of concern that he would suffer another concussion. That's also why Dickenson returned to the Canadian Football League when he probably could have carried a clipboard in the NFL for another season or two and made more money.
Alas, Buono's fears were realized and Dickenson's career did end prematurely, but it much longer than many other CFL quarterback hopefuls.
Printers didn't get it in his first go-round with the Lions, so he chose to bolt to the NFL, after he was offered a deal that likely would have landed him the No. 1 quarterback spot ahead of Dickenson. And, that's why he signed with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats after initially agreeing to terms with the Montreal Alouettes.
But maybe he gets it now, after Hamilton cut him and no other team wanted him until Buono three him a life line after Buck Pierce and Jarious Jackson came down with injury problems. Tonight, Printers will dress as the third-string quarterback as the Lions visit the Edmonton Eskimos.
Reports suggest that he has been a model teammate while biding his time on the practice roster and showing a good grasp of the playbook. He has told reporters that "it" is all about the team now. Well, Casey, cliche or no cliche, most sports always have been about the team.
Let's hope he finally realizes that athletes have short shelf lives. Sometimes that shelf life can last 20 seasons. Sometimes the expiry date comes after 20 days.
Why do you think Brett Favre signed with the Minnesota Vikings?
For those who play the games at the highest level, careers never last long enough. If Edmonton Oilers coach Pat Quinn had his way, he would still be playing, even after almost three decades behind the bench.
The same likely goes for Buono.
I have seen "it" a lot over the past month or so while covering the Mann Cup lacrosse championship series, NHL preseason and the CFL. I saw it when Chris Gill of the New Westminster Salmonbellies saw his chance at a home-floor slip title away, after he had waited and hoped for 16 years, and he knew that the series would likely be his last at the senior A level.
The series showed what athletes are willing to do just to have a chance to compete and excel.
Brampton Excelsiors goaltender Anthony Cosmo flew across the country three times in the span of a week to help his team and preserve his teaching job back home in Ontario. Dan Dawson also went back and forth while trying to meet the requirements of being a rookie firefighter.
I saw "it" with Fleury in a pre-season game against the Vancouver Canucks, and I saw it with a desperate Scatchard in another exhibition tilt against Quinn's Oilers. Scatchard was one of the best players on the ice that night.
And, I saw it with Tanner Glass, a longshot to make the team, who actually beat out highly-touted rookie Cody Hodgson. And, I saw "it" when disgruntled veteran Lions kicker Paul McCallum watched on the sidelines in street clothes as rookie Sean Whyte booted the winning field goal in a victory over Saskatchewan.
Whyte got his chance to play regularly this season only after McCallum was injured while making a tackle on a return. (His desire to compete was evident there, too. As a rule, kickers do not tackle.)
Buono, somewhat surprisingly is giving McCallum another chance tonight as he replaces Whyte. McCallum, 39, will play like it is the final game of his career because, no matter what happens, he knows that the time to hang up his kicking shoe will soon come.
In theory, Printers, about a decade younger and a former CFL Most Outstanding Player award winner, should have much more time left. But he has clearly worn out his welcome.
Buono is only giving him a chance because the club lacks quarterbacking depth. Travis Lulay, tonight's backup, and Zac Champion, relegated to the practice roster, show great promise but lack pro experience. Printers should view tonight's game as one of his last.
If he does, he'll finally get "it".
"It" is the understanding that pro sports careers are fleeting at the best of times. "It" is the understanding that the opportunity to compete or just hang out with the team is priceless and time-limited.
If you talk to any athlete, he or she will tell you that the opportunity to compete at the highest level and go after a Stanley Cup, Grey Cup or even a Mann Cup makes up for any fame, or fortune, or risk. Theoren Fleury gets it. That's why he tried to resurrect his hockey career after six years away from the NHL because of substance abuse issues.
Dave Scatchard gets it. That's why he was trying out with the Vancouver Canucks after more than a season away from the NHL because of concussion problems, and was still saying all the right things as the club cut him without giving him another chance after he suffered a groin injury or whatever it was. (He wasn't saying exactly.)
Dave Dickenson got it. That's why he signed with the Calgary Stampeders after B.C. Lions general manager and coach Wally Buono chose to release him out of concern that he would suffer another concussion. That's also why Dickenson returned to the Canadian Football League when he probably could have carried a clipboard in the NFL for another season or two and made more money.
Alas, Buono's fears were realized and Dickenson's career did end prematurely, but it much longer than many other CFL quarterback hopefuls.
Printers didn't get it in his first go-round with the Lions, so he chose to bolt to the NFL, after he was offered a deal that likely would have landed him the No. 1 quarterback spot ahead of Dickenson. And, that's why he signed with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats after initially agreeing to terms with the Montreal Alouettes.
But maybe he gets it now, after Hamilton cut him and no other team wanted him until Buono three him a life line after Buck Pierce and Jarious Jackson came down with injury problems. Tonight, Printers will dress as the third-string quarterback as the Lions visit the Edmonton Eskimos.
Reports suggest that he has been a model teammate while biding his time on the practice roster and showing a good grasp of the playbook. He has told reporters that "it" is all about the team now. Well, Casey, cliche or no cliche, most sports always have been about the team.
Let's hope he finally realizes that athletes have short shelf lives. Sometimes that shelf life can last 20 seasons. Sometimes the expiry date comes after 20 days.
Why do you think Brett Favre signed with the Minnesota Vikings?
For those who play the games at the highest level, careers never last long enough. If Edmonton Oilers coach Pat Quinn had his way, he would still be playing, even after almost three decades behind the bench.
The same likely goes for Buono.
I have seen "it" a lot over the past month or so while covering the Mann Cup lacrosse championship series, NHL preseason and the CFL. I saw it when Chris Gill of the New Westminster Salmonbellies saw his chance at a home-floor slip title away, after he had waited and hoped for 16 years, and he knew that the series would likely be his last at the senior A level.
The series showed what athletes are willing to do just to have a chance to compete and excel.
Brampton Excelsiors goaltender Anthony Cosmo flew across the country three times in the span of a week to help his team and preserve his teaching job back home in Ontario. Dan Dawson also went back and forth while trying to meet the requirements of being a rookie firefighter.
I saw "it" with Fleury in a pre-season game against the Vancouver Canucks, and I saw it with a desperate Scatchard in another exhibition tilt against Quinn's Oilers. Scatchard was one of the best players on the ice that night.
And, I saw it with Tanner Glass, a longshot to make the team, who actually beat out highly-touted rookie Cody Hodgson. And, I saw "it" when disgruntled veteran Lions kicker Paul McCallum watched on the sidelines in street clothes as rookie Sean Whyte booted the winning field goal in a victory over Saskatchewan.
Whyte got his chance to play regularly this season only after McCallum was injured while making a tackle on a return. (His desire to compete was evident there, too. As a rule, kickers do not tackle.)
Buono, somewhat surprisingly is giving McCallum another chance tonight as he replaces Whyte. McCallum, 39, will play like it is the final game of his career because, no matter what happens, he knows that the time to hang up his kicking shoe will soon come.
In theory, Printers, about a decade younger and a former CFL Most Outstanding Player award winner, should have much more time left. But he has clearly worn out his welcome.
Buono is only giving him a chance because the club lacks quarterbacking depth. Travis Lulay, tonight's backup, and Zac Champion, relegated to the practice roster, show great promise but lack pro experience. Printers should view tonight's game as one of his last.
If he does, he'll finally get "it".
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Expect Fleury to surprise again
Even after all these years, you should still expect the unexpected from Theoren Fleury.
For proof, just talk to Calgary Flames longtime radio play-by-play caller Peter Maher, who called all of Fleury's games in his first go-round with the Flames, which began in 1989.
“He got a penalty the other night and he went straight to the penalty box,” said Maher before the Flames fell 5-4 to the Vancouver Canucks in a shootout at GM Place. “That’s the first time I’ve ever seen Theo take a penalty and not argue with the referees on the way to the penalty box. He’s really different in that way.”
But Maher said Fleury, who was not called upon in the shootout Monday, has not lost his desire to be the go-to guy when a game is on the line. That desire and his willingness to share the story about his woes, are the two main effects that he’s having on Calgary’s players as he attempts to resurrect his NHL career after a six-year absence.
“I don’t know how much he appreciated, when he was a star player on the team, being able to play in the NHL,” said Maher. “But now, he really appreciates the opportunity that he’s been given – and he’s really grasping it.”
Fleury, attempting a comeback after alcohol and substance abuse problems led to a recently-rescinded indefinite suspension, said he's trying to be on his best behaviour.
“It’s important that, this time around, you just go out and play – and have fun,” he said.
Fleury recorded an assist Monday to stretch his preseason points streak to three games, the same number of contests that he has played. The Russell, Man., product showed his discipline, as well as his old feistiness, in the final minute of the first period as he rekindled his love-hate relationship with Vancouver fans. The crowd jeered Fleury as he wrestled with Shane O'Brien and Alex Burrows behind the Canucks net after a whistle.
Burrows received a roughing penalty for his part in the skirmish, but Fleury went unpenalized.
"He's more under control," said Maher. "He clearly is in control."
Talking to him afterward, it was clear that Fleury is relishing his second chance with the Flames.
"I wanted to come to Calgary," he said when asked if he was recruited by other clubs. "That was the only place I was looking to come at that point. So I'm really happy to be here, and I'm just happy for the opportunity."
Maher has no doubt that Fleury, never known to spin in front of a microphone, means what he says.
"There was a time when he was under suspension by the NHL that he never wanted to anything to do with anybody in hockey, and talked that way in interviews that he did," said Maher. "But now, he's got everything sorted out with his mind and life, and he's looking very well."
But Maher said Fleury still faces a battle on the ice.
"He's a step slower, but his hands are there," said Maher. "That's the incredible thing. He's got those great hands and he reads the game pretty well.
"But he's not what you would call a checking forward, either. He's a skill player on a team that's got a lot of skill. A spot's more open for a third or fourth-line gy. So it's going to be interesting how it all turns out."
Which means?
Expect more of the unexpected from Fleury.
For proof, just talk to Calgary Flames longtime radio play-by-play caller Peter Maher, who called all of Fleury's games in his first go-round with the Flames, which began in 1989.
“He got a penalty the other night and he went straight to the penalty box,” said Maher before the Flames fell 5-4 to the Vancouver Canucks in a shootout at GM Place. “That’s the first time I’ve ever seen Theo take a penalty and not argue with the referees on the way to the penalty box. He’s really different in that way.”
But Maher said Fleury, who was not called upon in the shootout Monday, has not lost his desire to be the go-to guy when a game is on the line. That desire and his willingness to share the story about his woes, are the two main effects that he’s having on Calgary’s players as he attempts to resurrect his NHL career after a six-year absence.
“I don’t know how much he appreciated, when he was a star player on the team, being able to play in the NHL,” said Maher. “But now, he really appreciates the opportunity that he’s been given – and he’s really grasping it.”
Fleury, attempting a comeback after alcohol and substance abuse problems led to a recently-rescinded indefinite suspension, said he's trying to be on his best behaviour.
“It’s important that, this time around, you just go out and play – and have fun,” he said.
Fleury recorded an assist Monday to stretch his preseason points streak to three games, the same number of contests that he has played. The Russell, Man., product showed his discipline, as well as his old feistiness, in the final minute of the first period as he rekindled his love-hate relationship with Vancouver fans. The crowd jeered Fleury as he wrestled with Shane O'Brien and Alex Burrows behind the Canucks net after a whistle.
Burrows received a roughing penalty for his part in the skirmish, but Fleury went unpenalized.
"He's more under control," said Maher. "He clearly is in control."
Talking to him afterward, it was clear that Fleury is relishing his second chance with the Flames.
"I wanted to come to Calgary," he said when asked if he was recruited by other clubs. "That was the only place I was looking to come at that point. So I'm really happy to be here, and I'm just happy for the opportunity."
Maher has no doubt that Fleury, never known to spin in front of a microphone, means what he says.
"There was a time when he was under suspension by the NHL that he never wanted to anything to do with anybody in hockey, and talked that way in interviews that he did," said Maher. "But now, he's got everything sorted out with his mind and life, and he's looking very well."
But Maher said Fleury still faces a battle on the ice.
"He's a step slower, but his hands are there," said Maher. "That's the incredible thing. He's got those great hands and he reads the game pretty well.
"But he's not what you would call a checking forward, either. He's a skill player on a team that's got a lot of skill. A spot's more open for a third or fourth-line gy. So it's going to be interesting how it all turns out."
Which means?
Expect more of the unexpected from Fleury.
Friday, September 18, 2009
Fleury could provide emotional tonic for Flames
Cue the Rocky theme song.
Theoren Fleury did not take long to delight his fans Thursday night as he scored the decisive shootout goal in the Calgary Flames' victory over the New York Islanders. Fleury needs the Flames as he attempts to resurrect his dormant NHL career, but the Flames also need him.
It's important to put the game in perspective. It was just an exhibition, and Fleury, in his post-game scrum, could not hide the fact that other games among the 1,000 or so that he has played have held much more importance.
But, if he can regain at least some of his immense skill, he could provide a bit of tonic to a Flames club that has struggled to live up to expectations since bowing out in seven games to the Tampa Bay Lightning in the 2004 Stanley Cup finals.
The elixir may come more in the form of emotion and unity than goals and assists. The Flames are on their fourth coach (including Darryl Sutter, who stepped up to general manager) since their cup run, and they have had more players come and go than a Starbucks has customers during the morning rush.
Last season, the Flames appeared to have most, if not all, of the ingredients. A strong offence. A dominant defence. World-class goaltending. But they did not have the right mix late in the regular season or in the playoffs.
They did not have a Rocky-like underdog story last year. Mike Keenan trying to resurrect his coaching career does go over as well as a former hero returning to the team that he sparked to a Stanley Cup two decades ago. Todd Bertuzzi? Nah.
Now, in addition to Keenan, much of Calgary's offensive talent is gone, and the Flames will have a tougher time scoring goals. With all the newcomers, they will also have a tough time jibing as a team.
Fleury's classic comeback story will grab much of the media attention and help provide a rallying cry for players who are still getting to know each other on and off the ice. He might have to go to the minors for a while to get in game shape, but the demotion can likely be classified as a rehab assignment as he continues his recovery from substance abuse issues that kept him out of the NHL for six years.
That way, a sly GM won't be able to pluck him off the waiver wire upon re-entry just to make sure Calgary remains less competitve. Of course, there is no guarantee that Fleury will shine when, or if, he does skate on to the ice for his first regular season game with the Flames again.
And, coach Brent Sutter still has to figure out the best way to deploy him.
But the music will be an easy choice.
Theoren Fleury did not take long to delight his fans Thursday night as he scored the decisive shootout goal in the Calgary Flames' victory over the New York Islanders. Fleury needs the Flames as he attempts to resurrect his dormant NHL career, but the Flames also need him.
It's important to put the game in perspective. It was just an exhibition, and Fleury, in his post-game scrum, could not hide the fact that other games among the 1,000 or so that he has played have held much more importance.
But, if he can regain at least some of his immense skill, he could provide a bit of tonic to a Flames club that has struggled to live up to expectations since bowing out in seven games to the Tampa Bay Lightning in the 2004 Stanley Cup finals.
The elixir may come more in the form of emotion and unity than goals and assists. The Flames are on their fourth coach (including Darryl Sutter, who stepped up to general manager) since their cup run, and they have had more players come and go than a Starbucks has customers during the morning rush.
Last season, the Flames appeared to have most, if not all, of the ingredients. A strong offence. A dominant defence. World-class goaltending. But they did not have the right mix late in the regular season or in the playoffs.
They did not have a Rocky-like underdog story last year. Mike Keenan trying to resurrect his coaching career does go over as well as a former hero returning to the team that he sparked to a Stanley Cup two decades ago. Todd Bertuzzi? Nah.
Now, in addition to Keenan, much of Calgary's offensive talent is gone, and the Flames will have a tougher time scoring goals. With all the newcomers, they will also have a tough time jibing as a team.
Fleury's classic comeback story will grab much of the media attention and help provide a rallying cry for players who are still getting to know each other on and off the ice. He might have to go to the minors for a while to get in game shape, but the demotion can likely be classified as a rehab assignment as he continues his recovery from substance abuse issues that kept him out of the NHL for six years.
That way, a sly GM won't be able to pluck him off the waiver wire upon re-entry just to make sure Calgary remains less competitve. Of course, there is no guarantee that Fleury will shine when, or if, he does skate on to the ice for his first regular season game with the Flames again.
And, coach Brent Sutter still has to figure out the best way to deploy him.
But the music will be an easy choice.
Printers not the answer to Lions' QB woes
The B.C. Lions need another quarterback.
They don't need Casey Printers to come back.
Jarious Jackson's torn rotator cuff put Lions general manager and head coach Wally Buono in a bind. With Jackson out for three to five weeks and Buck Pierce susceptible to more concussions, the Lions need another veteran quarterback. Pierce will start Saturday against the Toronto Argonauts at BC Place Stadium, but whether he will finish the game is anybody's guess.
Rookie Travis Lulay, who will serve as the backup, and sophomore Zac Champion, who moves off the taxi squad to become the third stringer, are clearly not ready for prime. The Lions (4-6) need a veteran QB who can help them have a strong finish to a troubled season -- not just a game -- as they battle for a playoff spot.
But Printers is not the answer. He has not played enough since attempting to return to the CFL from the NFL, and his poutiness makes him poison in the dressing room.
Another option could be former Winnipeg pivot Ryan Dinwiddie, who is now an assistant coach with an Idaho high school team after vowing that his playing days were done. Dinwiddie, 28, is no superstar, but he fared reasonably well as a Grey Cup fill-in starter a couple of years ago.
He would be insurance in case Pierce goes down, and there is a good chance that he will.
The trouble is, proven veteran backups, who can step in as starters, are hard to come by in the CFL. Edmonton's Jason Maas has cornered the market on the reliever role, but struggles as a starter.
It's time for player personnel director Roy Shivers to work his magic again and find a diamond in the rough -- who can start right away, if necessary.
They don't need Casey Printers to come back.
Jarious Jackson's torn rotator cuff put Lions general manager and head coach Wally Buono in a bind. With Jackson out for three to five weeks and Buck Pierce susceptible to more concussions, the Lions need another veteran quarterback. Pierce will start Saturday against the Toronto Argonauts at BC Place Stadium, but whether he will finish the game is anybody's guess.
Rookie Travis Lulay, who will serve as the backup, and sophomore Zac Champion, who moves off the taxi squad to become the third stringer, are clearly not ready for prime. The Lions (4-6) need a veteran QB who can help them have a strong finish to a troubled season -- not just a game -- as they battle for a playoff spot.
But Printers is not the answer. He has not played enough since attempting to return to the CFL from the NFL, and his poutiness makes him poison in the dressing room.
Another option could be former Winnipeg pivot Ryan Dinwiddie, who is now an assistant coach with an Idaho high school team after vowing that his playing days were done. Dinwiddie, 28, is no superstar, but he fared reasonably well as a Grey Cup fill-in starter a couple of years ago.
He would be insurance in case Pierce goes down, and there is a good chance that he will.
The trouble is, proven veteran backups, who can step in as starters, are hard to come by in the CFL. Edmonton's Jason Maas has cornered the market on the reliever role, but struggles as a starter.
It's time for player personnel director Roy Shivers to work his magic again and find a diamond in the rough -- who can start right away, if necessary.
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