Helluva Season Boys!

Thursday night marked the last time the Nelson Leafs will play in the 2011-2012 season.

Game 5 against the Castlegar Rebels wasn’t the prettiest. Wasn’t the best by any stretch. But the boys played hard to the last whistle despite playing the Rebels…and the ref. (These views are my own and not of the Nelson Leafs or the Castlegar Rebels)

I’m sorry to say but Thursday nights game, was a mess. Blown calls both ways. Even on a dangerous play near the end when a Rebels player could have gotten seriously hurt. No call. Before that, a few missed calls, right in front of the ref. There’s letting them play and then there’s dictating the outcome.

Again I understand it’s a fast game. I understand they don’t get paid much. Doesn’t mean you just don’t work to your capabilities. Heck, I don’t get paid and I made sure what I did, I put in 100%. I also understand that you can’t see everything on the ice but when the play happens right in front of your eyes, you need to wake up. And for those reading, you need to understand, I am keeping this very civil. Last night I had a few choice words, from the stands of course. I wasn’t happy A) as a fan of hockey B) play by play (because I wanted to continue calling games).

Enough about the referees though because it won’t change. It is what it is.

Full credit to the Castlegar Rebels. They played like they wanted to win. They showed it from the opening faceoff in Game 1 to the end of Game 5. They had guys that wanted it just that much more. Scott Morisseau was a huge factor in making life miserable for the Leafs as well as Anthony Delong. Great players seem to elevate their game come playoff time. Also, Jordan Gluck, was a stalwart. Aside from game 4 where he gave up 6 goals (it was a weird game), he never gave up more than 3 goals.

And massive credit to Coach Steve Junker, who coached a hell of a series, had players buying in to his system and he got the best out of them.

Congrats to the Rebels.

And big congrats to the Nelson Leafs, who had a lot of adversity against them this year (reffing not withstanding). They started the season well and played dominantly through the first few months. Then injuries and some personnel moves (players shuffling around) caught up with them. It’s unfortunate but some times you have to make your own breaks.

A lot of players were playing hurt throughout the season and into the playoffs and you have to feel for them as they’re trying their hardest to put out a good effort each and every night they play.

Over-aged guys like Tyler Parfeniuk (Leaf Captain) played injured for basically the whole season and still went out and put his body out on the line to try for one last shot at the KI title. Jon Petrash did the same, not as injured but he tried his best too. Andrew Walton stood on his head for the season and tried his best for his team.

The Leafs will look to gain back a lot of the younger kids back in the line-up for next year as there could be a culture changes as well as just a change period. Perhaps going into a different direction completely.

This was a new experience for a lot of players as well as coach Frank Maida. It was his rookie season being the bench boss of the Leafs. He did an exceptional job trying to get the most out of his young team.

The Leafs were a very exciting team this year and they have a lot to build on for next season moving on.

A few special thanks to people who made this happen for me to live out a dream:

Mr. Russell Stocks who is the President of the Nelson Leafs who let me have an opportunity to come and do what I love.

Mr. Kevin Einarson who also parlayed this opportunity.

Coaches Frank Maida and Stu Linnen for being open and letting me come hassle them every now and again for sound bytes.

The Nelson Leafs players for letting me come ask them mildly tough questions after games (especially after a loss)

Chris Wahl who took me under his wing and helped me to better myself and the broadcasts.

And my two broadcast partners, Joe Capriglione, who was as if not more passionate than me at times and his help with the team.

And of course, Cam McFadyen, who made the transition easier, made the broadcasts easier and most importantly FUN. It was fantastic and I wouldn’t trade the experience for anything else.

Want to thank all of you for letting me do this as well as I want to thank all the parents and fans who watched this season and would come and talk to me and tell me how good of a job I was doing. It was a pleasure to make sure you were entertained and it was most humbling experience. I will try my best to make sure I get better and keep you entertained.

The future is still up in the air. I’m not too sure what’s in store but the plan is for me to come back next year, work on my play by play and get better. We’ll see.

If you would like to stay in touch, you can reach me at my Twitter @adamkamara. I use that form of social media the most as I rarely use Facebook these days. I would like to keep in touch with everybody as my journey takes me back to Edmonton this weekend so don’t be afraid to get a Twitter and contact me!

Signing off for 2011-2012 season,

Adam Kamara

Game 4: Revenge of the Leafs. Castlegar Rebels @ Nelson Leafs

Here’s a quick write-up about tonight’s game at the Nelson & District Community Complex. Sorry for the brevity.

Game 1: Leafs didn’t look great. At all. Full credit to Castlegar for out playing the Leafs in every aspect of the game. Scott Morisseau with a Hat Trick. Stuart Walton with 3 assists. Daylen Pearson and Anthony Delong with the goals. Patrick Martens with the lone goal for the Leafs. 5-1 Rebels. 1-0 Castlegar in the Best of 7.

Game 2: Leafs have a better start and a better game overall. Got out shot but capitalized on their chances. Also swung the momentum their way after killing an Eric Spring Checking From Behind (he got suspended for a game) penalty in the 3rd. Linden Horswill and Jon Petrash with the goals for the Leafs. Who else for the Rebels: Scott Morisseau. Leafs win 2-1. Series tied 1-1.

Game 3: First game in Nelson. Leafs have great jump. Get the first goal. Second period, Castlegar ties it up of a weird bounce. Leafs regain the lead. Then 4 unanswered goals by the Rebels. Third period there was a bit of a push back but not enough. Rebels win 5-3. Lead the series 2-1. Delong (x2), Bartlett, Andrews and of course, Morisseau with the Rebels goals. Brett Norman (x2) and Nik Newman with the Leafs goals.

Game 4: Leafs get back Eric Spring tonight to help the blue line. JJ Beitel came back last night in Game 3. James Sorrey might return tonight depending on the warm-up. Big boost if Sorrey gets in. Leafs just have to command the puck and dictate the play. They know they can beat the Rebels just have to show they want it more. Bryce Eviston might make a return tonight after missing yesterdays that saw Riley Ostoforoff draw in.

Apologies, no audio up for the blog. Tomorrow for sure when I finally get some down time.

Playoffs!?! PLAYOFFS?!? I Just Hope We Can Win a Game!!: Nelson Leafs @ Castlegar Rebels: Game 1

If you don’t know what the title means, here’s a refresher: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U7fjDS0jKiE

Next to Allen Iverson’s “Practice!?!” speech, that has to be one of the best sound bytes ever!

Anyways! Playoffs in the KIJHL start tonight! YAY!!!! Rejoice! And after a grueling 52 game schedule, that saw many 3 game weekends, only 2 remain… Not really. I just tried to bring in the dramatics for this series. It really doesn’t need it though because the series has so far been epic. Too bad they weren’t meeting the KIJHL finals!

Here’s the probable line-up for the Leafs:

Colton Schell – Matthew Naka – Patrick Martens

Brett Norman – Nik Newman – Max Mois

Colton Malmsten – Matti Jmaeff – James Sorrey

Dallon Stoddart – Linden Horswill – Carsen Willans

Cam Dobransky

JJ Beitel – Eric Spring

Blake Arcuri - Jon Petrash

Walker Sidoni – Tyler Parfeniuk

Andy Miller

Andrew Walton

Patrick Defoe (back up)

Some stats over the 8 meetings between the two teams this season:

Leading scorers:

Castlegar: 

Stuart Walton 6-7-13

Scott Morisseau 7-4-11

Anthony Delong 5-4-9

Nelson:

Nik Newman 4-7-11

JJ Beitel 2-5-7

Colton Schell 3-4-7

Between the two teams, they were separated by 1 goal in the series. Castlegar had 29, Nelson with 28.

Special Teams:

Castlegar was 17 for 60 on the power play for 28.3%

Nelson was 11 for 62 for 17.7%

@ Home (overall):

CR 10th in PP 19.4%, 6th in PK 86.36%

NL 8th in PP 20.99%, 17th in PK 79.74%

Away (overall):

CR 2nd in PP 23.37%, 9th in PK 83.67%

NL 8th in PP 19.96%, 6th in PK 83.96%

Overall, the CR are 6th in PP with 21.30% and 7th in PK with 85.03%

NL are 9th on the PP 19.54% and 15 in PK with 82.06%

Extras:

Castlegar has scored 255 goals and only gave up 133. Lowest in the KIJHL.

Nelson has scored 259 goals and gave up 167.

Last time these two teams met in the playoffs was the 2009 Neil Murdoch Division Finals. Nelson went on to sweep the Rebels on their way to the KIJHL championship.

Before last years final, Castlegar had not made the KIJHL finals since 1996.

Last time the Leafs made the finals, 2 years ago and lost to the Revelstoke Grizzlies.

Thanks to Chris Wahl (@wahlsy) for helping me with some stats and some history! Look for his blog: http://off-the-wahl.blogspot.com/ for more info!

He will also have Game 1 call for you on the Castlegar Rebels PPV. Possibly Game 2 depending if he can make it out of this “Blizzard” (B.C. folk haven’t seen a blizzard till they hit Edmonton) to do the call for the Trail Smoke Eaters vs. Westside Warriors in Kelowna tomorrow. Keep you posted on whether or not I’ll have the call in Castlegar tomorrow! Of course, as always, I’ll have the Leafs broadcasts for sure for Games 3&4 and 6 (if necessary).

Playoff Series:

Feb 24: Nelson Leafs @ Castlegar Rebels 7:30 pm 

Feb25: Nelson Leafs @ Castlegar Rebels 7:30 pm

Feb 27: Castlegar Rebels @ Nelson Leafs 7 pm

Feb 28: Castlegar Rebels @ Nelson Leafs 7 pm

*Mar 1: Nelson Leafs @ Castlegar Rebels 7:30 pm

*Mar2: Castlegar Rebels @ Nelson Leafs 7 pm

*Mar3: Nelson Leafs @ Castlegar Rebels 7:30 pm

*If Necessary

Hockey and Black History Month: A Look Into the Lives of Max Mois and Josh McGladery

I’ve been working on this piece for a while that I think is important to not only me but more than likely a lot more people. This month is Black History Month (Yes, I know it’s the 23rd, a little late).

As a person who comes from a bi-racial family (Mother Carol is white, Father Abdoul is black), I never thought of race to be a huge deal. I grew up in the Canadian culture that was infused with African roots around me. My Dad is from Sierra Leone and my Mom is from rural Manitoba. Two of the extremes if you ask me. With the Canadian culture that I grew up with, hockey was the most prevalent sport in my life. Watched it, played it and tried to involve myself in every aspect of hockey that I could.

A few observations from growing up with hockey: not many people who look like me played the game. So whenever I saw someone like me, such as Mike Grier (my favourite player growing up), I grew fond of them, their play, and who they are.

Hockey is a sport that tries to involve everybody, unfortunately there has been events where racism on and off the ice have played a part in, maybe this is just my opinions, that scared blacks away.

The first time a black player tried to make it to the NHL was Herb Carnegie, not Willie O’Ree; although, O’Ree did go on to break the colour barrier of hockey (a la Jackie Robinson) and became the first black NHLer. Back in the 30′s, legendary Conn Smythe (you may have heard of him, he has a trophy named after him for the Best Playoff Performer), watched Carnegie play and wanted him to be  a part of the Maple Leafs. Allegedly, Smythe uttered words to people around him that if Carnegie was white, he’d play for the Leafs. Allegedly again, he said that he’d pay somebody $10,000 to turn Carnegie white. Apparently Carnegie was a fantastic player back in the ’30′s (he’s still alive today!). Carnegie also refused the New York rangers offers because it was less pay than what he was getting playing in Quebec.

Then everybody knows the story of Willie O’Ree. If you don’t, for shame! Just kidding! But if you’re not familiar with his story take a look here (care of Wikipedia): http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Willie_O%27Ree

Since then, there’s been numerous black players in the NHL. A lot of them have seen racism or have been a victim on their way to being successful and have overcome the odds. Here’s a list of current and previous black NHLer’s (care of Wikipedia. Get used to it, Wiki is my only source for info. Kidding again but seriously, it’s handy): http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_nhl_players

As a play by play announcers in hockey, there very few, if any at all, that I know of. Gus Johnson (formerly of CBS) has done work at the college level for play by play. I’m just trying to forge my own path in this industry (sports radio) and I use these words of inspiration from my Dad that he always preaches: “Because of the colour of your skin, you have to work twice as hard as anybody else out there”.

Sure we live, or like to think we live in a society where racism is disappearing but, frankly, it still exists. If you need examples, here’s an incident that took place in London, Ontario, where Wayne Simmonds (Philadelphia Flyer) had a banana (or peel) thrown at him during a shootout in an exhibition game against the Detroit Red Wings (courtesy of YouTube and CTV London): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E5V3l6BkNDg

Also, another example during the regular season between Krys Barch (Florida Panthers) allegedly saying a racial slur to P.K. Subban (Montreal Canadiens) (per TSN, with video on the right side): http://www.tsn.ca/story/?id=383921

Coming here to Nelson, there aren’t many black families or individuals for that matter but with the opportunity I’ve gotten here to call hockey games, I’ve gotten to know one of the Leafs players, who not unlike me, is from a bi-racial family. His name is Max Mois (give him a follow on Twitter @MaximilianMois). The 19 year-old Prince George native is in his first season with the Nelson Leafs. Last year he played 10 games with the Sicamous Eagles. Mois finished this season 10th in scoring on the Leafs with 17 goals, 14 assists for 31 points. He’s a speedy, skilled player and plays with an edge.

I brought up the Black History Month topic with him and he was more than pleased to share his story with me of his struggles and obstacles he’s faced as a kid until now. Here’s his story: http://soundcloud.com/nelsonleafspbp/max-mois (Just a Note: Soundcloud is being weird and you might have to check back later to hear the clip)

I also got into contact with a former Castlegar Rebel, who now plays in Saanich in the VIJHL. His story differs a bit from Mois’ but still a compelling story none-the-less. Here’s Josh’s story: http://soundcloud.com/nelsonleafspbp/josh-mcgladery

That’s their stories and somewhat of mine. Hope you enjoyed reading/hearing their stories and perhaps you learned a few things about hockey and black players who are just trying to be A player and lose the stigma of being a “Black” player.

Apologies for not Posting Lately.

Sorry that I haven’t posted since the 3rd of this month. I’ll be having daily posts starting today especially that the post-season starts tomorrow.

If you’ve been relying on my blog to know what’s going on with the Nelson Leafs and the KIJHL, I apologize. I’ve been slacking but also been very busy.

Anyways, today I will have my Black History Month piece that will include comments from Nelson Leafs forward, Max Mois, former Castlegar Rebels and current Saanich Braves d-man, Josh McGladery, and myself!

It’s a great piece and very insightful on how it’s been for those two players, being black in a mostly white-dominated sport as well as my journey into hockey broadcasting.

Hopefully you’ll all enjoy it! Tomorrow I will have a complete and in-depth break down of the season series between the Rebels and the Leafs, as well as a game-day package. May have to lean on my source and KI/BCHL vault of info from the Castlegar side, Chris Wahl.

I will also try to have a game-day as well as post-game reactions for all the playoff games for the Nelson Leafs.

 

For now, I will leave you but look for the Black History Month Piece later today!

Game Day: Leafs Run Past the “Border Patrolling” Bruins, Rematch Tonight in Nelson!

I didn’t go to the game last night in Grand Forks. It’s kind of a long drive, never been there and felt like relaxing last night.

I wound up watching history in the making last night with Sam Gagner of the Edmonton Oilers tying a franchise record with 8 points in one game.

Yup, tied a record. A franchise record. The same franchise that boasted players such as Jari Kurri, Paul Coffey, Mark Messier and of course, Wayne Gretzky.

Gagner also tied 11 other people that includes the likes of Gretzky, Coffey, Brian Trottier and Mario Lemieux.

Anyways, the Nelson Leafs took out the Border Bruins with ease last night with Andrew Walton getting the surprise start (figured Defoe would get his second straight start). The final score was 6-1 with Max Mois continuing his fantastic play with another 2-goal game. Nik Newman got 3 assists breaking his 6-game slump of only having 2 points in that streak.

Patrick Martens got another goal and Carsen Willans got another point that moves him to 20 points in 6 games against Grand Forks.

Look for much of the same for tonight except with Patrick Defoe getting the call in net tonight.

Yesterday’s scratches were Tyler Parfeniuk and Andrew Miller. Not sure what was up with Parfeniuk or Miller. Both practiced Wednesday night so I’m not entirely sure why they were scratched. We’ll see tonight at the NDCC if they are back in the line-up.

I’ll get audio after tonight’s game and I will get it up tomorrow morning for a mini weekend wrap-up and have a preview for Sunday’s game between the Spokane Braves and the Nelson Leafs.

Game Notes:

After a weekend where the Leafs and Rebels had 12 PP’s and 15 PP’s combined, the Border Bruins and Leafs had 3 and 2 power plays respectively.

*Note: I am kinda hoping it snows a lot on Sunday in Nelson so that the game get’s postponed till next week so that I can watch the Superbowl. (Just kidding…kinda… hahaha)

Game Day: Leafs Look to “Border” Jump… To Take On the Bruins.

The Nelson Leafs are taking on Grand Forks Border Bruins tonight at 7:30 pm PST.

Not much to say really. It’s hard to come up with exciting new ways to spin a game involving the Border Bruins. Not that it’s a slight to them, they’re young and still learning but it is difficult watching a game.

Granted they’ve been getting better of late but still have yet to win a home all season and only have one win in that span as well.

The last game between these two teams went only to a 5-2 win by the Buds. Last game that Grand Forks played was against the Kelowna Chiefs in which they nearly won a high scoring game, unfortunately, they lost in OT 7-6 with a great performance from Seth Cory (who got 2nd star of the game with 2 points) as well as Brendan Jackson (3rd star with 2 points).

Leafs are coming off a 4-1 loss to the Castlegar Rebels last Saturday night after putting the boots to them the night before 6-2.

Brett Norman and Max Mois dominated that Friday game and then somehow the team fell completely flat the next night.

Talking to the guys at practice last night, they said they were out-muscled most of the night and there was a lot of retribution to be had after the Friday game.

Anyways, the line-up for the Leafs will look something like this:

Forwards

Schell-Naka-Martens

Norman-Newman-Mois

Malmsten-Jmaeff-Sorrey

Stoddart-Horswill-Willans

Dobransky (interchangeable with defense)

Defense

Sidoni-Parfeniuk

Arcuri-Petrash

Beitel-Spring

Miller

Starting goalie will most likely be Patrick Defoe tonight, although Andrew Walton hasn’t played since his win last Friday against the Rebels. So he might take both games off against the Bruins and man the net Sunday when the Leafs take on the Spokane Braves.

Game Notes:

• Carsen Willans has half of his 38 points against the Bruins (7 goals, 12 assists for 19 points against Grand Forks in 5 games. That’s nearly a 4 points per game clip)
• Matti Jmaeff is back in the fold after spending last weekend AP’ing in the BCHL with the Vernon Vipers. (Vipers won 2 out of 3 games. Jmaeff had no points. Wore #6 though.)
• Leafs first loss in regulation in 2012 came last Saturday. That also marked the first game Patrick Martens was held off the scoreboard since coming back.
• The last time Grand Forks won was back on Friday November 20th in a 5-4 win against Columbia Valley Rockies. Before that, their last win was back on December 12th, 2010. Against the Nelson Leafs. Over a calendar year and only 1 win. Hopefully next year can bring better times for this franchise.
• In the overall KIJHL standings, the Leafs sit in 11th with 52 points and 9 games left. Last year they finished 8th after 50 games with 53 points. Better point total but the league has more parity this year so they are lower in the standings.

Here’s some audio for you from Carsen Willans, Matti Jmaeff and Nik Newman:

Carsen Willans (@willsay19):

http://soundcloud.com/nelsonleafspbp/carsen-willans

Matti Jmaeff  (@da_goose15):

http://soundcloud.com/nelsonleafspbp/matti-jmaeff

Nik Newman:

http://soundcloud.com/nelsonleafspbp/nik-newman

 

You can follow me on Twitter @adamkamara

Practice/Preview Audio With Some Background on the Coyote Fiasco. (No, not in Phoenix, although they need to relocate.)

Matthew Naka:

http://soundcloud.com/nelsonleafspbp/matthew-naka

Jon Petrash:

http://soundcloud.com/nelsonleafspbp/jon-petrash

Cam Dobransky:

http://soundcloud.com/nelsonleafspbp/cam-dobransky

Dallon Stoddart:

http://soundcloud.com/nelsonleafspbp/dallon-stoddart

Coach Frank Maida:

http://soundcloud.com/nelsonleafspbp/coach-frank-maida

 

Just to give a bit of background with Coach/GM Maida’s comments about Josh Gray: January 10th was the KIJHL trade deadline and the Leafs had a deal in principle to bring a forward, Josh Gray, over from the Osoyoos Coyotes. Gray wanted to become a firefighter or go through fire training and thought that Nelson provided the best option for him. Maida tried making that transition easier. Unfortunately Osoyoos pulled the ol’ switcheroo and traded Gray’s rights to Kimberley. There was an investigation about the process, Gray was in limbo and the Leafs were with out their man they coveted. Eventually Gray decided to pack up and play in Texas. Yes, Texas has junior hockey teams but trust me I was just as surprised as you probably were to know that Texas has hockey teams. Anyways, the Leafs are without their 6’3 205 pound winger who helped the Coyotes to the KIJHL title last year.

Home and Home Preview: Leafs Take on the Rebels…. With a Cause. 4 Points on the Line.

Big weekend coming up for the Nelson Leafs. A litmus test will be provided as this will be a preview of the upcoming playoffs; depending on whether the Castlegar Rebels can overtake the Beaver Valley Nitehawks.

This is the 5th game in the season series between the Buds and the Yosemite Sams and the second home and home of the season. The first home and home was split between the road teams with the Leafs winning 3-0 in Castlegar the first game of the season and the Rebels took the game in Nelson the next night 6-3.

Two long months pass, the teams haven’t played each other and then they meet. December 9th. Nelson, British Columbia. Intense game that saw the Leafs skate away with a 5-2 win over the pesky Rebels. Unfortunately for the Leafs, it sparked something in the Rebels because after that, Castlegar went on a 12 game winning streak which included a 6-4 win over the Leafs in Castlegar.

As you can see, the Leafs hold a slight advantage in goal differential with a +1 and it’s been extremely competitive between these Highway 3A rivals. After tonight, there will be 3 games left between the two teams with 2 games in Castlegar (including tomorrow night) and one in Nelson to cap off the season series.

The Leafs are coming in to the meeting having won the last two games and have yet to lose in regulation since the puck dropped for 2012.

Patrick Martens is proving once again why he led the league in goals and points before he left to move up into the BCHL. Martens had a hatty against Golden (natural at that in the first period alone) and chipped in another 2 goals and an assist against Columbia Valley giving him 7 points (6 goals and 1 assist) in 3 games back with the team.

Is it really a surprise the effect of injecting a player like Martens in the line-up does for a teams confidence especially heading into the playoffs?

Conversely, the Castlegar Rebels are red-hot having lost their first game in 13 last week 7-3 against the Nitehawks. Sure you can argue that 4 of those wins were against the Grand Forks Border Bruins but the Rebels climbed back in the Neil Murdoch Division lead race by beating BV 3 times in the last month!

This match-up also pits the Walton brothers — Andrew and Stuart — against one another. Last game in the NDCC, Andrew stuffed his brother many times with one in particular where Andrew was flat on his stomach, Stuart had a point-blank opportunity and robbed him with the glove. Fantastic display of brother competition.

Despite the 15 point difference in the standings (Castlegar with 31 wins and 65 points and Nelson with 23 wins and 50 points) it’s been some of the best games for Nelson at the least and very entertaining.

This game also marks the return of former Leafs defenseman Riley Henderson as he was traded to Golden back in November and subsequently traded to Castlegar in December. Riley was a bit shook up from the trade from Nelson to Golden but seems to have a new-found confidence back in the west Kootenays. He sits second in points for a d-man on the Revels with 5 goals and 20 assists.

Players To Watch:

Rebels: Stuart Walton, younger brother of Andrew, will look to get a few by his brother. He also crept up into the top 10 in league scoring with 24 goals and 48 assists for 72 points.

Riley Henderson makes his return to the NDCC wearing the black, gold, and orange. In his time with the Buds, he was a tall, mobile defenseman with a booming shot and could make great outlet passes. Watch for him to try that and open up the Leafs defense who’ve been exposed of late against teams like Princeton and Fernie.

Leafs: Look no further than Patrick Martens. Since his return 3 games ago, he’s potted 7 points, 6 goals and 1 assist. His return has helped Colton Schell’s confidence on the ice and it’s a given the Leafs 4 complete and dangerous lines that coach Maida can roll. Also in 24 games, he has 28 goals, 18 assists for 46 points.

Andrew Walton’s been the best player on the team all year and has given the Leafs a chance to win every game. He’s made spectacular saves and has been a rock. Look for him to raise his level of play against his former team and his brother.

Keys to the Games:

Castlegar: Try and expose the Leafs defense with outlet passes and use their physicality to slow down the speedy forwards of the Leafs.

Nelson: Get ideal match-ups. Patrick Martens, Matthew Naka and Colton Schell are very dangerous, so use that and counter with Nik Newman, Max Mois and Brett Norman for substantial pressure in the offensive zone. Also watch the defensive turnovers that could lead to odd-man rushes or breakaways.

Weekend Preview: Leafs Take on the East Koots This Weekend

Ugh, really wish I wasn’t sick so I could have audio for you all to listen to. I had it all prepped and everything but then the cold/flu, whatever sickness I got knocked me on my butt for the past few days.

Anyways, the Buds take on the two last placed teams in the EM Division, Golden Rockets tonight and the Columbia Valley Rockies tomorrow night.

Game time tonight is 7:30 PT I do believe.

This is the first meeting this year between the Golden Rockets and the Leafs but this isn’t their first tango, so-to-speak. Earlier this season, coach Frank Maida made a trade with the Golden Rockets that saw towering d-man, Riley Henderson, make his way to the East Koots for sandpaper forward Marc Lepine. Coming into this meeting, neither players are on the team as Lepine went back to Edmonton to continue his play there in the CapJHL and Riley Henderson has since been traded to the Leafs rival, Castlegar Rebels.

Anyways, the Leafs are coming off a loss to another Eddie Mountain division opponent last Saturday against the Fernie Ghostriders. The Leafs mustered a heroic comeback late in the 3rd of that game that saw them wind up losing 28 seconds into the double OT off the stick of former Leaf, Connor McLaughlin. Crushing loss to say the least.

Although, the Leafs have gotten points in their past 3 games, they have been faltering of late having lost 7 of their last 9 games.

The Leafs opponent tonight, the Rockets, are sharing a similar fate of late winning 2 of their last 10 games.

Players to Watch:

Leafs: Patrick Martens looking to continue his hot hand (I know he only scored one goal last game but he has 23 goals in 22 games played in the KI)

Nik Newman. With Patrick Martens back in the line-up, look for coach Maida to get him in a match up against a weaker line so he can use his speed and skill to expose the Rockets.

Rockets: I have only seen the Rockets play once and that was when they took on the Rebels back in December. They played well and took them to a tie. I think they’re just in a division where it’s impossible to succeed with the dominance of Kimberley and Fernie and Creston playing well.

Brett DeFrias was a player that stood out to me when I was calling the game. He’ll be a rock on the back-end for the Rockets.

Jacob Bergeron. Former Captain of the Grand Forks Border Bruins who was placed on a team to succeed a little more. Probably won’t get into the playoffs but he’s at 0.8 points per game.

Keys to the Game: 

Leafs: Roll all 4 lines to get into the game. Pick up the physicality. Take advantage of a team that is struggling.

Rockets: Expose the Leafs defense for long outlet passes. Get an early goal and it’ll take away the confidence of the Leafs.

 

Part 2 of the Leafs Take on the East Koots will come tomorrow!

Thanks for reading! I appreciate it!

 

You can follow me on Twitter @adamkamara