FANTASY PICKS PART 5: GOALTENDERS

We're back for the 5th and final installment of our Fantasy Picks, and we have a short list of 5 keepers to pursue for your draft. We've already seen rookies, sure-bets, sleepers, and SK born players, but now it's time for the Prairie Puck to give you some advice on which goaltenders to pick: Coming in at the #5 goaltender to watch this season,

#5. Carey Price - MONTREAL CANADIENS

Being the 100th anniversary of the Habs, it's no surprise that this team has huge expectations for this year. After last year, which many people believed to be a "Cup year", the Habs have one goal in mind to honour 100 years of a dynasty: TO HOIST THE CUP. Last season, Bob Gainey made a huge gamble at the trade deadline, shipping #1 goaltender Christobal Huet to Washington, allowing rookie goaltender Carey Price a shot as the #1 guy. Price was no ordinary rookie though, as he carried the Habs to their first Conference title in years. A remarkable effort fell short, and the hopes that Price would join the exclusive club of Habs' rookie goaltenders to win Stanley Cups fell short (The other two were Hall of Famers Ken Dryden and Patrick Roy). Beginning a full season as the #1 goaltender, will Price carry Montréal all the way? He just may...

FUN FACT: If Montréal wins the Stanley Cup this year, they will average

a Stanley Cup victory every 4 years in their 100 year existence.

#4. Marc-Andre Fleury - PITTSBURGH PENGUINS

Losing in the Stanley Cup Final may have been the best thing for this young Pittsburgh squad, as it will not be the last time the team makes it to the final series. Marc-Andre Fleury has established himself in this league as an elite goaltender, and perhaps one of the most athletic and flexible keepers. This team has all of the necessary components to win, and if you think Pittsburgh has diminished in quality since the departure of Marian Hossa, keep in mind that the Penguins were at the top of the Eastern Conference before they acquired Hossa. Oh, and that was also during the time that a guy by the name of Sidney Crosby was injured. With Fleury between the pipes, the Penguins are just as dangerous as ever.

#3. Marty Turco - DALLAS STARS

A proven winner, Marty Turco was a key component to the Stars' Conference Final run last year, eventually losing to the hands of the Red Wings. Turco is a goaltender in this league who will put on a show every single night, and the revamped offense of the Stars' looks as though this team will be within the top 5 teams to contend for a cup this season. Lets all pray that the Canucks can make the playoffs this year so the two best goaltenders in the west (Turco and Luongo) can have another goaltender battle for the ages. Turco will earn himself up to 70 starts this season, tallying anywhere between 39 and 45 wins.

#2. Martin Biron - PHILADELPHIA FLYERS

This was a very difficult choice, putting Marty Biron so high on the list, and eventually meaning that Martin Brodeur or Roberto Luongo would not make the list. That being said, the teams that are making the best strides in this league are the teams that are building around youth, and Philadelphia is no exception. Philadelphia is a very tough team, resurrecting the persona, "The Broadstreet Bullies". They are also a very skilled team though, committing to a star like newly dubbed captain Mike Richards, as well as superstars Danny Briere and Simon Gagne. Marty Biron fits right into the mix as a 31 year old goaltender that clearly has fun in every game. Philadelphia has an opportunity to go through one of the quickest transformations in history, going from last place in 2007 to potential Cup champs in 2009 with Biron in net.

#1. Henrik Lundqvist - NEW YORK RANGERS

That's right folks, King Henry will be the top goaltender to pick in your Fantasy Draft. As I've already said on this blog, what is stopping the Rangers from contending for a cup this year? Drury, Gomez, Zherdev, Naslund, Dawes, Staal, Redden, Lundqvist, and not to mention maybe Shanahan or Sundin. A great mix of speed, youth, experience, and skill will make the Rangers a tough team to beat. The blueshirts will be among the elite top 5 teams in the league this year.

So I believe a brief explanation is in order. Not included in this list of 5 were Allstar goaltenders Martin Brodeur, Roberto Luongo, last year's breakout goaltender Evgeni Nabokov, Miikka Kiprusoff, and more. Not that Brodeur doesnt have the potential to tear up the league again, but there are younger goaltenders who will also do susbtantially well. Luongo, although he has been recently dubbed Vancouver's captain, will be carrying the team all by his lonesome this year once again.

Overall, it is pretty clear that 3 out of the top 5 picks fall in the same division, so you know which division to watch this year. Martin Brodeur, Marc-Andre Fleury, Martin Biron, Henrik Lundqvist, and Rick Dipietro all have uneblievable potential to make these games unbelievable to watch.

Thats all for Fantasy help folks...the rest is up to you.

T-O-P

Saskatchewan's young star singlehandedly wins a game for the for a really aweful team. Atta boy Schenn-ster!

ARTICLE

Saskatoon, SK product Luke Schenn has happily surprised us here at The Prairie Puck by taking center stage in a shootout victory by the Toronto Maple leafs. Our boy was plus 3 in a 3-3 game (figure it out son, he was on the ice every time something good happened), and he scored a beauty shootout goal to win it. As of 10:43 pm on Monday night there were no clips of the goal on YouTube. We'll post it when we find it. Until then, just keep Luke Schenn and our main squeeze, Jeremy Williams, in your thoughts and prayers.

Boys, we love you unconditionally (you can tell because we cheer for you even though you play for the team we hate the most).

FANTASY PICKS: PART 4---SASKATCHEWAN BORN PLAYERS

With the fourth installment of our Fantasy Picks for you, the Prairiepuck took a look at the up-and-coming stars in the league, those of whom have Saskatchewan in their blood. You may think that it may not add up to many players, but you would be wrong. Put it this way...If Saskatchewan would have an all-star team, the team would be incredible.

Without further adieu, coming in at #10 on the Saskatchewan players to watch:

10. Jarret Stoll (Melville, SK)- LOS ANGELES KINGS

One, of the best face-off men in the league, Jarret Stoll will have an interesting year. In not the greatest of situations offensively, Stoll will have to contribute much more than he did in Edmonton. An offensive core of Stoll, Kopitar, Handzus, Frolov, Brown, and Calder will be an interesting group to watch.

9. Chris Kunitz (Regina, SK)- ANAHEIM DUCKS

Anaheim is perhaps the team that has changed the least in the past 2 years, since they won the Stanley Cup. With the exception of Teemu Selanne, who has not been signed yet (he will), an addition of Brendan Morrison will propell the Ducks back to contenders in the West. Kunitz, who is among the solid core of forwards on the team, is an excellent leader and a reliable choice to put up 50-60 points this year.


8. Brooks Laich (Wawota, SK) - WASHINGTON CAPITALS

Of course, AO is the face of this franchise, but he can not carry the team every night. He needs a strong supporting cast, and Brooks Laich fits that bill perfectly. Entering in his 4th full season in the league, Laich is coming off a career-high year, posting almost as many goals last year (21), as he did in all of his previous years combined (22). Is it a coincidence that this happened the year that Ovechkin took the league by storm? Not at all. Expect Brooks Laich to get more time on the powerplay and penalty kill this year, tallying over 50 points.


7. Cam Ward (Saskatoon, SK) - CAROLINA HURRICANES

It is no question that Cam Ward proved that he is a number one goaltender after his Conn Smythe performance in 2006. Carolina, however, has failed to make the playoffs for the past 2 years, and they will be looking to Ward to backstop them into the playoffs this season. Carolina is widely regarded as "wildcard" pick this year, and with Ward between the pipes, I agree that this team could turn some heads.

6. Scott Hartnell (Regina, SK) - PHILADELPHIA FLYERS

A gritty, tough, and hard-working player, Hartnell is an impact player that Philadelphia knew they needed when they traded for him last off-season. Hartnell is an asset to special teams, consistently tallying 10 power play goals in each of his last 3 seasons, and 25 game winning goals in his 7 year career. In overtime in the playoffs, this is the guy you want on the ice. With proven chemistry with players like Daniel Briere and Mike Richards, Scotty could put up career-high numbers this season.


5. Patrick Marleau (Aneroid, SK) - SAN JOSE SHARKS

If anybody needs a rebound year this season, it's Patrick Marleau. After an 86-point season 2 years ago, Marleau only put up 48 points last season, and if San Jose has any hope of pushing past the 2nd round of playoffs this year, they will need some added scoring punch to take the full load off guys like Thornton and Cheechoo. Marleau is a clutch player, as his performances in the playoffs prove, but he will need a better campaign in 2008/2009.

4. Wade Redden (Lloydminster, SK) - NEW YORK RANGERS

Acquired by the blueshirts via Free Agency, Redden is a proven puck-moving defenseman, as he has tallied 410 points in 12 seasons with the Ottawa Senators. On a new team which lacked the veteran presence, who can't favour the Rangers to win the cup this year? Solid goaltending in Lundqvist, a revamped forward core of Drury, Gomez, Naslund, Zherdev, and potentially Shanahan or Sundin, and now a defensive core of led by Wade Redden? Watch out for the blueshirts folks.




3. Brenden Morrow (Carlyle, SK) - DALLAS STARS

If it wasn't for those damn Red Wings, Brenden Morrow could very well have made a strong candidate for the Conn Smythe trophy in last year's playoffs. Definitely a clutch player in important times in the game, Morrow is an excellent leader for this squad, and the choice to transfer the Captain status from Modano to Morrow has proven to be an excellent move. Dallas will be a contender for the cup this year, thanks to the leadership of Brenden Morrow.

2. Ryan Getzlaf (Regina, SK) - ANAHEIM DUCKS

Coming off a career high year of 82 points, Ryan Getzlaf has an extremely bright season ahead of him. An All-star for the first time last season, and the offensive leader of the Anaheim Ducks, are all reasons why Ryan Getzlaf WILL BE THE CAPTAIN OF THIS TEAM very soon. Getzlaf is an excellent pick for your Fantasy pool this season.

AND THE NUMBER 1 PLAYER TO WATCH FROM SASKATCHEWAN THIS YEAR:

Dan Ellis (Saskatoon, SK) - NASHVILLE PREDATORS

The faith that the Predators franchise has in Ellis is phenomenal, trading away their number one goaltender Chris Mason to St. Louis in the off-season, securing Ellis the #1 position. After an incredible playoff performance against the "would-be" Stanley Cup Champions, Detroit Red Wings, Ellis has made it clear that he deserves to be the starter. Kudos to the Nashville organization for their incredible depth in the system, being able to develop prospects that are worthy of overtaking starting positions. Dan Ellis will propell the young Predators team well into the post season this year.

Coming Soon, the Top #5 goaltenders to watch for in 2008/2009!!

T-O-P

FANTASY PICKS PART 3 - THE SLEEPERS

Greetings once again. I must have nothing better to do than to provide y'all with the best possible advice on Fantasy Hockey picks, but I figure that the regular season is only a week away, and you all need as much help as you can get. Here are a list of the top 10 "Sleeper" picks that will have breakout seasons this year, and you may just win that prize money and embarrass your friends when April rolls around and they are apologizing for calling you an idiot for these picks. With that being said, coming in at # 10:

10. Phil Kessel - BOSTON BRUINS
At only 20 years of age, Phil Kessel is one of the most hard-working, and dynamic players of the game. After being diagnosed with testicular cancer, he still battled through and substantially helped his team out offensively. If his performance against the Montréal Canadiens in last year's playoffs are any indication of what this player can bring to the table, expect a 60-point performance this season.

9. Shawn Horcoff - EDMONTON OILERS
Horcoff, who I think should be captain of this squad, is just waiting for his breakout year, and if it wasn't for last year's season-ending injury, it would have been then, but a revamped Oiler squad of young-guns Sam Gagner, Andrew Cogliano, Robert Nilsson, newly aquired Erik Cole, and linemate Ales Hemsky will be great complements to Horcoff, who will be flirting with the 80-point plateau this season.

8. Peter Mueller - PHOENIX COYOTES
Peter Mueller is the real deal in Phoenix, and he proved that last year, tallying over 20 goals and over 50 points in his rookie season. With off-season aquisition, Olli Jokinen, I think a substantial amount of powerplay points are in order for this kid. The future of American hockey looks very bright with Mueller and Kessel leading the way.

7. Patrick Sharp - CHICAGO BLACKHAWKS
Some may argue that Sharp's breakout season was this past year, scoring 36 goals and 62 points, but I think the best is yet to come. Sharp is the type of player that is much better with a strong supporting cast, and with sophomore sensations Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane getting better and better, and providing Martin Havlat stays healthy, Sharp should put up 75+ points this year.

6. Mike Camalerri - CALGARY FLAMES
Sometimes a fresh start can make all the difference. Camalerri was definitely a star in Los Angeles, but he was struck with the Sundin syndrome (good player on a shitty team). Camalerri is going to be a huge asset to the Flames' offensive punch, and as a young player who as already reached the 80 point plateau in his career, Camalerri and Iginla are going to work extremely well together.

5. Paul Stastny - COLORADO AVALANCHE
After his first two stellar seasons in the NHL, you would wonder if Stastny could put up better numbers. 149 points in his first 2 seasons is pretty phenomenal, and that includes 16 games lost to injury last season. It is clear who will be carrying the offensive load for the Avalanche when good ol' Joe retires (which will be any year now), and you can expect the young-gun to put up 85 points this year.

4. Zach Parise - NEW JERSEY DEVILS
With back-to-back 30+ goal seasons, and only 24 years of age, it is about time this guy becomes a household name. After the next 2-3 seasons, when Marty Brodeur decides to hang up the skates, the name Zach Parise will be synonymous with the New Jersey franchise. Parise will put up 80 points this year. Consider him a steal if you have a chance to pick him in your draft.

3. Alexander Semin - WASHINGTON CAPITALS
As I previously mentioned, the phenom we know as Alex Ovechkin will have a difficult season this year, and will be forced out of the lineup with injury. That being predicted, cue in Alexander the 2nd, Alexander Semin. Although he missed some games last year due to injury after his incredible 73 point rookie season, the Washington squad will need to turn to Semin to step up and carry this team. With stars on the rise like SK born Brooks Laich to help out, the Capitals will be in good shape. Oh, and keep in mind they made the playoffs last year without Michael Nylander. It's Semin's year to put up big numbers.

2. Anze Kopitar - LOS ANGELES KINGS
The first Slovenian born player in NHL history, Kopitar is unebelievable. With Camalerri gone, Kopitar will have to carry the team offensively, and in a few years, not only will he be the first Slovenian in the NHL, he will be the first Slovenian captain in the NHL. With 61 points in his rookie campaign, and 77 points last year, I don't think it's a stretch at all to say that Anze Kopitar will put up at least 85-90 points this year.

AND THE NUMBER ONE "STEAL" OF A PICK IN YOUR DRAFT WILL BE:




1. Brad Boyes - ST. LOUIS BLUES
Where did this guy come from? With 43 goals last year after a dismal 19 game, 4-goal performance the year before, Brad Boyes embarrassed every Fantasy Pool player in the world last year by going virtually undetected. On a team where offense is not a forté, Brad Boyes is THE superstar on this team (with veteran Paul Kariya to lend a hand). It wouldn't be a bad idea to make Brad Boyes your 2nd overall, or even 1st overall pick in your draft.



And that's the numbers so far. Trust me when I say...Ovechkin is not the greatest pick this year. Coming up will be our top SK born players to watch, and a short, but excellent group of goalies to pick.

Stay tuned,


T-O-P

FANTASY PICKS PART DEUX

Hello again there folks. It has pretty much been a whole day since you heard from me last, so let's get right down to business. Up next are the top 5 "Sure-Bet" picks for your NHL Fantasy Drafts.



Coming in at # 5:




5. Vincent Lecavalier - TAMPA BAY LIGHTNING
-Entering his 11th season with the Lightning, the all-time franchise leading scorer has a lot to prove this year. I know what you're thinking, "Is there much room for improvement considering the last 2 stellar years of play?" Well frankly, yes there is. Vinny has recently been dubbed the team's captain, which is evident that his committment to the team and the pricey contract he just signed is indication that Vinny is the face of this franchise, and will be the offensive phenom that Tampa will need to make a post season appearance (which, you read on this site, is a certainty). Vinny is going to break the 50 goal barrier for the 2nd time in 3 years. Just you wait.


4. Jarome Iginla - Calgary Flames -Is there any doubt that Jarome Iginla will retire as a Calgary Flame? At this point, the only player in the league that would be more strange to see in another jersey is Nik Lidstrom. Iginla has it all: Scoring ability, smooth skating, he can pass to a teacup, and will not shy away from dropping the gloves to rally his team. He is a born leader, a true competitor, and a sure bet to tally 100 points this year. With added scoring talent Mike Camalerri and up-and-comer Curtis Glencross (Kindersley SK), and the grit of Andre Roy and Todd Bertuzzi, Iggy's team means business.


3. Henrik Zetterberg - Detroit Red Wings -The reigning Conn Smythe winner and proven two-way player is without a doubt among the elite in the NHL. As the only European that made the Prairiepuck's Top 5 Sure-bets, Hank has some weight on his shoulders. This swedish star is still young in the league, and his proven chemistry with linemate Pavel Datsyuk, and potential powerplay mathcup with new teammate Marian Hossa, the Red Wings can make a legitimate run at a back to back hoist of Stanley. Expect Zetterberg to be Lidstrom's successor as team captain in the near future.


2. Joe Thornton - San Jose Sharks -Ever since the Bruins traded away their franchise player to San Jose, I certainly had my doubts, but Thornton has proved that he belongs in San Jose more than he ever did in Boston. A proven playmaker, Thornton is always a lock for 90+ points, and that's even if he gets off to a rocky start like last year. If you're doing your Fantasy Draft, you're on the clock, and Thornton is still available, put down the beer and get your head on straight.








1. Sidney Crosby - Pittsburgh Penguins -You may be wondering why the phenom Alex Ovechkin didn't make the top 5 after destroying the competition this past year. We'll get to that in a second. First, regarding Sidney Crosby....Sid the Kid is the complete player, and he has the best hockey sense in the game today. He is still only 21 years old, so don't think a little high ankle sprain last year that limited him to less than expected point totals will slow him down this year. After a trip to the Cup Final last year, do the Penguins have something to prove? OF COURSE THEY DO!! And Crosby needs to prove that he can grow a better playoff beard than critics suggest. Penguins will not finish top of the east, but they will get 4th or 5th in the East, and will contend for a cup, although the Atlantic division looks insane this year. Crosby leads the league in points this year with over 115



As for Ovechkin, I have given this some considerable thought, and my prediction that you have read first on this blog, is that Ovechkin is going to go down with an injury this year that will result in a substantial loss in games played. Ovechkin's "score no matter what I do to my body" is going to get himself hurt, especially with the new schedule this year, when guys like Pronger and Phaneuf are waiting around the corner to take the Russian pro out. The West has much better defense, and Ovechkin will not be top dog this year.


That's all for now, so stay tuned for next time!



T-O-P

YOUR GUIDE TO FANTASY HOCKEY FROM THE PRAIRIEPUCK!!

With the 08/09 season quickly approaching, the stench of Fantasy leagues is in the air, and every year the Hardcore NHL fan tries to feed their gambling addiction by choosing the best fantasy team money can buy, and ridicule their friends’ choices of any players from the Maple Leafs from October all the way until the post season.

Should you play it safe and choose the league leader from last year? (AO for those of you who are a little slow) or should you choose a sleeper that you think will have a breakout season? The decision is always tough, but lucky for all of you, we here at The Prairie Puck have the answers. In a 4 part series, we will highlight who you should watch out for in terms of Rookies this year, Big Threats, Sleepers, and of course, good old Saskatchewan-born players to keep an eye out for:

First, let’s start with the Rookie class of 2008/2009:

1. Steven Stamkos (Drafted 1st overall by TAMPA BAY in 2008)

Obviously the first overall pick is going to generate some buzz. This Markham, Ontario native remained the top prospect throughout last year, and when the Tampa Bay
Lightning were rewarded the 1st overall pick, they did not hesitate to begin to turn their team around from a dismal effort last season. The difference between Crosby’s first year and Stamkos’ first year is that the team is not solely relying on Stamkos for a complete turnaround in one year, as they have aquired a number of players to fill out the roster, including Pittsburgh’s Ryan Malone and veteran Gary Roberts, defenseman Andrej Meszaros, and veteran goaltender Olaf Kolzig (not to mention Vinny and Marty are still around). Stamkos will probably tally 60-70 points this year, and will be a key component to Tampa Bay’s definite playoff birth (yeh…I said it). OVERALL, easily a top 3 selection for the Calder trophy.


2. Fabian Brunnstrom (Signed as a free agent with DALLAS in 2008)

With 5 years on the 18 year old Stamkos, this Swedish sensation adds some offensive punch to a Dallas team who fell short of a Stanley Cup Final birth last season. The way this guy has been hyped, not only do I expect a 100 point effort this season, he will probably need to find the cure for cancer to meet expectations. In all seriousness, Brunnstrom, along with off Season acquisition Sean Avery, this team made some great moves to contend for a Cup, and Brunnstrom offers the potential to replace the franchise player Mike Modano, who (let’s face it), is definitely playing the back 9.


3. Nikita Filatov (Drafted 6th overall with COLUMBUS in 2008)

It’s no secret that Russia produces incredible hockey players on an assembly line. Moscow product Nikita Filatov is no exception. Although a leg injury has haulted his training camp, preseason schedule, and possibly the beginning of the season, this 18 year old kid is going to light it up, and will be an interesting addition to an increasingly competitive division with the revamped Chicago Blackhawks, reigning champion Detroit Red Wings, and the promising futures of Nashville and St. Louis. Expect a 50-60 point performance from Filatov, tallying 20+ goals in 2008.


4. Drew Doughty (Drafted 2nd overall with LOS ANGELES in 2008)

After watching this guy skate in the OHL, and on the World Junior stage, he was by far the best pick for the Los Angeles Kings in 2008. He is an excellent puck handler, a fast skater, and his hockey sense is through the roof. Along with fellow first rounder (and REGINA PATS alumni I may add) Colton Teubert, who the Kings picked 13th overall in 2008, and of course the talented Jack Johnson, the Kings’ D-line looks incredibly promising. Although being up against guys like Filatov, Brunnstrom, and Stamkos for the Calder, the chances of Doughty winning aren’t the greatest, but awards are not what the game is about, so expect to see Drew making a big impact on his team, with 30+ points, and some time on the powerplay in the future.

5. Luke Schenn (Drafted 5th overall with TORONTO in 2008)

It pains me for even suggesting a Maple Leaf as a player to watch in 2008. But if the team needs to go through a turnaround, they must start somewhere, and I suppose Luke Schenn is the answer. It also helps that Mr. Schenn is a product of SASKATOON SASKATCHEWAN!! Hopefully we can include him in the petition to get Jeremy Williams out of Toronto, but I digress. Luke Schenn is an impact defensemen in all senses of the word, and his 300+ penalty minutes in 189 games with the WHL’s Kelowna Rockets prove that this kid is mean, and on a team full of pansies, Luke Schenn may be just what the Leafs need.

HONOURABLE MENTION:

1. F Mikael Backlund – CALGARY FLAMES
2. F Jordan Eberle (from REGINA, SK) – EDMONTON OILERS
3. F Angelo Esposito – ATLANTA THRASHERS
4. D Zach Bogosian – ATLANTA THRASHERS
5. G Justin Pogge – TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS


So that’s all for rookies to watch in 2008/2009. If your ambitious, it might not be a bad idea to choose one of the first 3 in your fantasy pool. Stay tuned for the top 5 “Sure Bets” for your fantasy picks!


Cheers,

The T-O-P

The smartest man in hockey history... but that's not what he's headed to HHOF for.

The great Wade Belak. He was born in Saskatoon, and grew up in the Saskatchewan town of North Battleford. At an early age his goal was to become a lifeguard, but some extraordinary hockey skills lead him away from copious amounts of sunscreen and warm, heavily chlorinated H2O, and headed instead for the white frozen stuff. Unfortunately for him, he ended up with the Toronto maple leafs after stints with the Calgary Flames and the Colorado Avalanche. He was so depressed about his situation in T.O. that he was forced to aim low. Very low. Check out the video and see for yourself.

WADE BELAK ON SPORTSNET

Luckily for Wade, he recently was blessed with a trade to the Florida Panthers, where the hockey is not much better, but at least the winters are less frigid. And who knows how his career may go from here. Maybe he'll decide to try out that top line. Maybe he'll give that lifeguarding thing another shot. Maybe he'll choose a new dream to chase.

Whatever you choose to do Mr. Belak, Saskatchewan supports you. You may have caught some bad luck, accidentally scored a goal, and stopped your record-setting dreams in the their tracks, but know that we'll be right behind you when you decide it's time to go after it again. God Speed.

If I had one wish (and I already had everything I could ever ask for), this is what I would want...

Ladies and gentlemen, The Prairie Puck is pleased and proud to give you content relevent to Saskatchewan and the NHL, while keeping a pretty good hate for the Maple Leafs as a sort of backdrop to the whole idea. Well, this post will bring everything together in a smorgasborg of information you need to know, all provided with a purpose. The information is about Saskatchewan product Jeremy Williams, and the purpose is to get him the hell outta hockey's history-filled anus.

First, a little info on our poor friend. Jeremy Williams was born in Glenavon, SK. He played his junior hockey with the Swift Current Broncos of the WHL where he averaged (after some quick calculations in my brain) 1.72011 points per game from 2001 (where he played 2 games and got 2 points) to his best and final season in '03-'04, where he accumulated 101 points in 68 games. His career was off to a great start, right?

That's what he thought too, until he heard his name called in the 2003 entry draft, selected 220th overall by the dreaded Toronto Maple Leafs. When poor Jeremy was drafted, the leafs (whom I hereafter refuse to dignify with a capital letter) were in the middle of a cycle where they picked up formerly great (or almost great) players who were slightly or extremely beyond their primes. Names like Jason Allison, Gary Roberts, Owen Nolan, and Ron Francis spring to mind. Williams got caught in a situation where the city demanded they win now, and filling the roster with the has-beens seemed like a better idea than developing some young talent.

However, with the deck stacked against him, our hero Jeremy Williams managed a feat none other can say they have accomplished. He scored his first three goals in his first three games, one goal a game, ONE GOAL A YEAR. Read it again if you can't believe it. His first goal was in '06 against Pittsburg. His second goal was in '07 against the Montreal Canadians (who I only support out of a hatred for the leafs, by the way). His third goal was against the Florida Panthers in '08, and since then he has only scored one more goal. Of course a man from Glanavon, Saskatchewan would hold a record like this. Obscurity just may be one of small-town-sk's best traits. Atta boy Jeremy, atta boy.

In all, Jeremy Williams has 4 goals and 0 assists in 20 NHL games. There is no more perfect place for the petition to begin. We need to get this potential provincial hero out of Toronto and into somewhere... anywhere, so that he can get some playing time and develop into a solid NHL player. It doesn't seem to me that he's going to tear up the scoresheet, but at least it will stop tearing up my eyes when I watch him sit on the bench, hoping against all hope that things will change. A trade or a free agent signing is the only hope, and this just could be the petition to get him there.

So post your support for Jeremy Williams, a good Saskatchewan kid who just needs a chance. You can post a comment here on the blog or email us at prairiepuck@hotmail.com. Let's get this ball rolling, and get our boy out of the blue-and-white black hole of Canadian hockey.

Thanks for listening, and stay tuned.