The above picture is of Saint John Sea Dogs defenseman Nathan Beaulieu hoisting the Memorial Cup this year. Beaulieu is listed at 6’3, 191lbs. and is said to be an offensive defenseman with a mean streak. I think that is right up the alley of what we would be looking for… well, really what any team should be looking for. I don’t think he’s been really garnering as much attention as I’d expect for a player possessing those kinds of talents though.

Beaulieu is currently ranked 5th for North American skaters by CSS, and 14th overall (includes all Euro and North American skaters) by ISS. So that said, I have a tough time believing that Beaulieu will be available at pick #19. He shouldn’t be. The Oilers are going to have to move that pick up if they have hopes of drafting him. I’m not sure if he’s really on our radar or not.

Beaulieu ended the season in the Q with 12 goals Continue reading 'Oilers draft target: Nathan Beaulieu'»

Rule 48? I sure as hell think so. Horton looked like he was in a world of hurt too. Not good at all, and I think this is suspension worthy. What do you guys think?

Should Aaron Rome be suspended for his hit on Nathan Horton in game 3 of the 2011 Stanley Cup Finals? Yes, 1 or 2 games Yes, 3+ games No, this is hockey. Keep your head up! View Results  Loading ...

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OK, not exactly something we haven’t brought up from time to time, but I can’t help but think about it more.

Would you trade the 1st overall and 19th overall pick to Colorado for 2nd and 11th overall?

I think I would. Last year, that gets you any one of these players:
Jack Campbell, Cam Fowler, Brandon Gormley, Jaden Schwartz, Derek Forbort, Vladimir Taresenko, etc…

As well, it also gets you one other player not named Taylor Hall.

Would you do it? I’m stealing a conversation between “spOILer” and “cabbiesmacker” on Lowetide. spOiler asked the question I phrased above, and cabbiesmacker replied with: Continue reading 'Question of the day…'»

Racki’s note: This is a great article by Zackman35 which helps us understand the physical testing that goes on at the NHL Combine. This has been added to our Resources section.

The NHL Combine gives us fans, but more importantly, the NHL organizations an indicator of physiological development and physical fitness of a young hockey player. These young potential prospects take part in various testing over a fairly short time frame (a week). During this week they are not only psychologically tested but physically tested as well, which helps give us and scouting staff a better perspective whether or not these young men will be able to compete at an elite level, and helps pin-point how far away they may be from competing. The purpose of this post/thread is to help give a fan a better understanding of how to interpret the draft combine.

Physical Fitness

Energy Systems

Your body uses three energy systems on continuum. It’s not a question Continue reading 'NHL Entry Draft: Draft Combine (Physical Testing) – Separating the Men from the Boys'»

Congratulations to the Winnipeg Whatchamajiggers!!! Winnipegtonians… Winnipegites… Winnipegg-ee-ons… citizens of Winnipeg came up big, reaching the target of 13,000 seasons tickets sold… and these all come with commitments between three and five years. They also maxed out their waiting list (8,000).

I have defended Gary Bettman in the past, but I have to give him the middle finger for his comments earlier about it “not working there unless they sell tickets” when the same should be said about other floundering teams. It’s obvious that this was overdue. Good on the city of Winnipeg for coming up huge and selling out all their target seasons tickets. For now, I love you, but I look forward to hating your team!

More here.