Welcome one and all to the final edition of the Penalty Box. It has been a
great year and I would like to thank everyone who sent in nominations, news
and rumours and to the commish for the extra things he did for the paper and
just for running the league itself. I really hoped everyone enjoyed the
paper as I look forward to continuing it next season as well.
CONTENTS:
1. Forward of the Week
2. Defenseman of the Week
3. Goalie of the Week
4. Goon of the Week
5. Playoff Preview
6. Final Standings Compared to Pre-Season Prediction
7. News
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1. FORWARD OF THE WEEK
There weren't a whole lot of nominations this week, so either it was a
bad week or just because it happens to be nice weather (at least here)
outside and kept people off the computer. Either way we had some very good
players who ended the season on a very high point.
#1 STAR: Stu Barnes (Terriers):
8 gls. 11 asts. 19 pts. 9 gms.
#2 STAR: Dimitri Khristich (Terriers):
10 gls. 8 asts. 18 pts. 9 gms.
#3 STAR: Mats Sundin (Ice Hawks):
3 gls. 15 asts. 18 pts. 10 gms.
Here are the final standings:
Joe Nieuwendyk (Dragons) 9 points $75,000
Stu Barnes (Terriers) 6 points $47,500
Mats Sundin (Ice Hawks) 6 points $47,500
Dimitri Khristich (Terriers) 5 points $37,500
Teemu Selanne (Voodoo) 4 points $32,500
John LeClair (Hitmen) 4 points $32,500
Keith Tkachuck (Ice Hawks) 4 points $32,500
Frank Banham (Ice Hawks) 3 points $25,000
Paul Kariya (Meatheads) 3 points $22,500
Wayne Gretzky (Meatheads) 3 points $22,500
Geoff Courtnall (Force) 2 points $15,000
Eric Lindros (Falcons) 2 points $15,000
Pierre Turgeon (Hitmen) 2 points $15,000
Keith Primeau (Freeze) 1 point $ 7,500
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2. DEFENSEMAN OF THE WEEK
We had a sweep this week by the Ice Hawks. They had a very impressive
week defensively. There were a few other players who had solid offensive
week but these three really stood out.
#1 STAR: Alex Karpovtsev (Ice Hawks):
0 gls. 7 asts. 7 pts. +9 6 gms.
#2 STAR: Kenny Jonsson (Ice Hawks):
7 gls. 2 asts. 9 pts. +9 10 gms.
#3 STAR: Derek Morris (Ice Hawks):
1 gls. 6 asts. 7 pts. +8 10 gms.
Here are the final standings:
Rob Blake (Meatheads) 6 points $50,000
Robert Svehla (Force) 5 points $40,000
Brian Leetch (G-Busters) 4 points $32,500
Derek Morris (Ice Hawks) 4 points $32,500
Kenny Jonsson (Ice Hawks) 4 points $30,000
Alex Karpovtsev (Ice Hawks) 3 points $25,000
Derian Hatcher (Freeze) 3 points $25,000
Al MacInnis (Hitmen) 3 points $25,000
Eric Desjardins (G-Busters) 3 points $25,000
Sylvain Cote (Falcons) 3 points $22,500
Phil Housley (Dragons) 2 points $15,000
Boris Mironov (Terriers) 2 points $15,000
James Patrick (Dragons) 2 points $15,000
Ray Bourque (Hitmen) 2 points $15,000
Marcus Ragnarsson (Ice Hawks) 2 points $15,000
Patrice Brisebois (Voodoo) 1 point $ 7,500
Fredrick Olausson (Ice Barons) 1 point $ 7,500
Niklas Lidstrom (Terriers) 1 point $ 7,500
Jon Klemm (Freeze) 1 point $ 7,500
Scott Niedermayer (Storm Bringers) 1 point $ 7,500
Larry Murphy (Voodoo) 1 point $ 7,500
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3. GOALIE OF THE WEEK
Were missing the top goalie this week so this battle was really up in
the air. There were only a few goalies that were real solid and those are
the ones who made it as this weeks stars.
#1 STAR: Patrick Roy (Hitmen):
2-2-1 1.40 GAA .955 Save % 30.0 S/GM 2 SO
#2 STAR: Olaf Kolzig (Stormers):
5-2-0 2.29 GAA .920 Save % 28.7 S/GM
#3 STAR: Steve Shields (Ice Hawks):
9-1-0 1.80 GAA .907 Save % 19.3 S/GM
Here are the final standings:
Dominik Hasek (Dragons) 15 points $122,500
Patrick Roy (Hitmen) 8 points $65,000
Olaf Kolzig (Stormers) 6 points $45,000
Steve Shields (Ice Hawks) 4 points $32,500
Mike Vernon (Force) 3 points $25,000
Craig Billington (Storm Bringers) 3 points $25,000
Byron Dafoe (Voodoo) 3 points $22,500
Tommy Salo (Freeze) 2 points $15,000
Artus Irbe (Ice Barons) 2 points $15,000
Chris Osgood (Crunch) 2 points $15,000
Tom Barrasso (Pylons) 2 points $15,000
Mike Richter (Falcons) 2 points $15,000
Andrei Trefilov (Hacksaws) 1 point $ 7,500
Grant Fuhr (G-Busters) 1 point $ 7,500
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4. GOON OF THE WEEK
Once again the number one goon is no stranger here. There was one new
goon this week which has been a rarity this season.
#1 GOON: Paul Laus (Freeze):
56 PIM's in 10 games 0-0-1
#2 GOON: Doug Zmolek (G-Busters):
50 PIM's in 10 games 1-0-3
#3 GOON: Lyle Odelein (Hitmen):
49 PIM's in 10 games 1-0-2
Here are the final standings:
Krzysztof Oliwa (Hitmen) 15 points $122,500
Paul Laus (Freeze) 13 points $102,500
Ray Shultz (Knights) 8 points $62,500
Rob Ray (Stormers) 5 points $32,500 *
Tie Domi (Stormers) 3 points $25,000
Bob Probert (Freeze) 3 points $22,500
Doug Smolek (G-Busters) 3 points $22,500
Jason Marshall (Knights) 2 points $15,000
Matthew Barnaby (Knights) 1 point $ 7,500
Lyle Odelein (Hitmen) 1 point $ 7,500
* = 3 points and $25,000 was with the Hitmen
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5. PLAYOFF PREVIEW
Here is a look at how Round 1 will fall...
KITCHENER TERRIERS VS. HULL GOAL BUSTERS
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After putting up an amazing fight to come from behind and knock off the
Waterloo Hitmen to get into the playoffs, the momentum was on the side of
the Goal Busters and one would have to figure that they would be able to
take that momentum with them, and with Leetch, Brind'Amour, Oates and
company, the Goal Busters are definately no pushovers. However, the Terriers
have been saying for the past month that they never wanted to face the
Hitmen and that they wanted to face the Force or Goal Busters in the first
round and so they finally got their wish. The Terriers where the best team
in the Canadian Conference and definately one of the best teams in the
league all year round. With the team that GM Brad Schott as put together
this past year, it is an easy bet that the Terriers will take the series.
PREDICTION: Kitchener Terriers in 5
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MISSASAUGA MEATHEADS VS. HALIFAX FORCE
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Well, this one is really a toss up. The Force have not been a contender
at all this year and really we wouldn't be fooling anyone if we said
otherwise. However, with Palffy leading the team, we have seen the Force
stay above .500 all season long and keep themselves in the playoffs hunt
looking to claim the WLUHL Cup. However, in their way will be the Meatheads.
With a crew consisting of Gretzky and Kariya up front, it will be, in our
minds next to impossible for the Force to stop the offensive pressure that
the Meatheads have. If the Force to get some shots on goal, they are sure to
score, however, can they score more
then the Meatheads?
PREDICTION: Missisagua Meatheads in 6
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CAPE BRETON SLASH VS. PINKERTON PYLONS
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The Pylons clearly played over their head early on in the season as
they lead the Canadian Division. However, as the season progressed the
Pylons lead by Steve Yzerman and Brendan Shanahan began to falter slowly
dropping through the rankings. With that being said, they looked to take on
the defending WLUHL CUP CHAMPIONS in the Cape Breton SLaSH. The SLaSH have a
great team, but do they have what it takes to go all the way. With a bunch
of again veterans being lead by gritty winger Shayne Corson and with Pat
Lafontaine, Gary Roberts and Jeff Brown bringing up the rear, we wonder if
they have what it takes to go the long haul?
PREDICITION: Cape Breton SLaSH in 5
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QUABBIN CRUNCH VS. MELFORT FALCONS
-----------------------------------
We got Jagr vs. Lindros and Peca vs. Messier. Those are the big draws
and the fans can't wait to see who walks out of this one. With only 6 points
separating these two teams, it's hard to really sit back and select a winner
out of this fight. With that being said, we can expect a very physical
series
from Shore and company and with being said, will the stars be able to shine
or will they being see some stars of their own?
PREDICITION: Quabbin Crunch in 7
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ST. GEORGE DRAGONS VS. SIERRA SPIDERS
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The Spiders fought hard, as was expected and they made it into the
playoffs, however, by doing that they just extened their hockey season by oh
say, one week. No offense to the Spiders, but if they can take 1 game from
the Prime Minister Trophy Winners, The St. George Dragons being lead by
Dominik Hasek with a supporting cast of Mark Recchi, Trevor Linden, Adam
Graves and Joey Nieuwendyk, they will be lucky. The Dragons are too powerful
and just too much to handle.
PREDICITION: St. George Dragons in 4
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CHICAGO ICE HAWKS VS. KANSAS CITY ICE
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Well, unlike the Spiders, we give the Ice a bit more of a chance, but
unfortuneatley, Mr. Sharples and the boys won't be playing much more hockey
then the Spiders will. With the lineup that GM Ted Wollnik has put together,
Tkachuk, Sundin, Damphousse, Arnott, etc. we really cannot see any way that
the Ice will be able to beat the Ice Hawks. Sorry folks, but this series
seems to be pretty all but already wrapped up, even before the puck is
dropped for Game #1.
PREDICITION: Chicago Ice Hawks in 4
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BIRMINGHAM ICE BARONS VS. TOLEDO FREEZE
---------------------------------------
Oh yeah baby, this is the series that everyone wants to see. In my
opinion, this is the only real series in the American Conference and this is
gonna be some classic hockey. We have the 2nd toughest S.O.B. in the WLUHL
in Jack Jordan going toe to toe with Richard Lomax of the Ice Barons. Lomax,
not known for getting involved in literally street fights has been known to
not back down from a fight and this is what he will be getting. 10 points
and 7 wins separated these two teams from each other, but when the puck is
dropped, I don't think it will be that difference. The Barons rely upon an
all out hard working job by the team, where the Freeze look to stars Tony
Amonte, Brett Hull, Peter Bondra and Derian Hatcher to carry them. If you
can take those boys out of the game, The Freeze are toast. However, we must
wonder if the Barons have what it takes to eliminate or at least slow down
the Freeze.
PREDICITION: Toledo Freeze in 7
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DIXIE BLACKENED VOODOO VS. SIOUX CITY STORMERS
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I really don't know what to make of this one here folks. The expansion
Voodoo have really taken the league by storm, becoming of the top teams in
the WLUHL the entire season. Some may say that GM Hans Meyer's inexperience
in the playoffs will hurt him, but with the consistant, defensive minded
style of play of his team, we really can't see that happening. Yes, he is
up against a good Stormers team, but they did not perform anywhere near
what the Voodoo did this past season. We look around to see if we can find
a play with the Voodoo and really, we can't see any weakness so far. To
be honest with you, this could turn out to be another great series to
watch too!
PREDICITION: Dixie Blackened Voodoo in 6
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6. FINAL STANDINGS COMPARED TO PRE-SEASON PREDICTIONS
First off, we will start with the Canadien Conference and the Maurice
Richard Division. Here is there predicted order of finish by me in the pre
season paper:
1. Kitchner Terriers: PREDICTION: 1ST As long as they keep the base of this
team together and the Hitmen don't pull off a great big deal the Terriers
should be the class of this division.
2. Kitchner Cripplers: PREDICTION: 2ND Injuries may drop this number down to
3rd but they should have a stretch or two which will be good enough to
finish 2nd in the division.
3. Waterloo Hitmen: PREDICTION: 3RD The Hitmen always seem to find a way to
be great and they will need to do that this season if they wish to finish
among the tops in this division. The number could change with some good
deals but as of now there a few steps away from greatness.
4. Pinkerton Pylons: PREDICTION: 4TH Alot of help needed but not enough
players to get all the help. Patience will be a must with this team and
looking to the future wouldn't be a bad idea.
Here is how they actually finished:
TER Kitchener Terriers 74 50 18 6 106 284 180 0.716 7- 2- 1
PYL Pinkerton Pylons 74 38 29 7 83 207 194 0.561 4- 5- 1
HIT Waterloo Hitmen 74 36 32 6 78 225 186 0.527 4- 5- 1
CRI Kitchener Cripplers 74 31 34 9 71 210 199 0.480 5- 4- 1
As predicted the Terriers were the class of the division but the Pylons
really made me look bad. Good coaching and GMing made them a very solid
team. The Hitmen never did get the big deal I felt they needed and the
Cripplers were just that crippled.
Jacques Plante Division predicted finish:
1. Cape Breton Slash: PREDICTION: 1ST If this team clicks on all cylinders
most of the year they should run away with the division title.
2. Halifax Force: PREDICTION: 2ND Just enough scoring and with the defense
being able to keep alot of games low scoring they should finish near the top
in this division.
3. Quebec Knights: PREDICTION: 3RD With no defense it will be hard for this
team to stay in games. They will need to score alot of goals to win and they
have some players that are able to light lamp on a regular basis. Unless
they acquire some offensive Dmen they will finish in the middle of the pack.
4. Halifax Hacksaws: PREDICTION: 4TH Not enough talent to compete with
anyone in their division except the Storm Bringers. Not really that far off
from a very competative team. Patience is a virtue.
5. Montreal Storm Bringers: PREDICTION: 5TH Not enough players, not enough
in goal, not enough talent means big trouble in Montreal. They will come
down to earth when the regular season starts.
Here is were they actually finished:
SLA Cape Breton Slash 74 40 30 4 84 270 243 0.568 5- 5- 0
FOR Hailifax Force 73 33 26 14 80 263 225 0.548 5- 3- 2
STB Montreal Storm Brngrs 74 33 32 9 75 240 248 0.507 4- 4- 2
KNI Quebec Knights 74 21 46 7 49 165 229 0.331 4- 6- 0
HAC Hailifax Hacksaws 74 11 56 7 29 147 280 0.196 1- 9- 0
I was right on with the top two teams but the Storm Bringers some how were
right in the hunt. Great coaching and GMing again made me look bad. I
honestly didn't think they had a prayer but they were very strong and proved
me wrong. The Knights and the Hacksaws were really not what I was expecting.
The Knights didn't score nearly what I was figuring and the Hacksaws just
never got off the ground.
Johnny Bower Divsion: Predicted Finish:
1. Quabbin Crunch: PREDICTION: 1ST The best depth, defense and goaltending
duo should give them an advantage over the rest of the division.
2. Melfort Falcons: PREDICTION: 2ND This will be a tough division to predict
as they are all pretty equal. Injuries will either make or break any team in
this division.
3. Hull Goal Busters: PREDICTION: 3RD The defense isn't all that impressive
which could hurt in the long run. Goaltending may need to be dealt with if
Fuhr struggles. Once again this is a tough division to predict and the Goal
Busters could just as easy finish first as they could just as easy finish
3rd.
4. Missauga Meatheads: PREDICTION: 4TH Kariya won't play in half the games.
Short on left wingers and left dmen will leave this team at a disadvantage
everytime they step onto the ice whether Kariya is there or not. Goaltending
will be a major issue and will need to be dealt with early.
Here is were they actually finished:
MEA Missauga Meatheads 74 43 26 5 91 277 225 0.615 7- 3- 0
CRU Quabbin Crunch 74 43 28 3 89 248 211 0.601 3- 6- 1
FAL Melfort Falcons 74 38 29 7 83 253 238 0.561 3- 6- 1
GOA Hull Goal Busters 74 36 31 7 79 215 209 0.534 6- 3- 1
I figured this would be a tough division to predict and I was right. They
were all pretty close except for the Meatheads. Another division with great
coaching and GMing made me look like a fool. Predicting them as fourth they
surprised me and took the division title. All the others finished pretty
much were I expected except they were 2-4 instead of 1-3.
AMERICAN CONFERENCE:
Gordie Howe Division: Predicted Finish:
1. Dixie Black Voodoo: PREDICTION: 1ST Going out on a limb here. They don't
have the flash of the other teams in the division but depth means so much
more this season and this team has it. Look for them to surprise some teams
and take the division.
2. Chicago Ice Hawks: PREDICTION: 2ND They should have enough up front to
out distance the rest of the division but unless the defense and goaltending
is dealt with this team won't go far into the playoffs.
3. Chicago Outsiders: PREDICTION: 3RD This could change if they fill the
center slot and the left side of the defense. If they don't last season's
biggest improving team could turn into a flop again.
4. Wisconsin Melted Ice: PREDICTION: 4TH Not enough scoring up front for
this team to make a big impact. Alot of help will be needed for this team to
finish up hire. Another team that needs to have patience to succeed.
Here is were they actually finished:
HAW Chicago Ice Hawks 74 49 20 5 103 309 210 0.696 9- 1- 0
VOO Dixie Black Voodoo 74 48 23 3 99 242 174 0.669 4- 5- 1
OUT Chicago Outsiders 74 21 45 8 50 180 236 0.338 2- 8- 0
MEL Wisconsin Melted Ice 74 19 47 8 46 186 247 0.311 7- 3- 0
I was pretty damn close in this division. The Voodoo just fell short of
taking the division title. I went out on a limb with that team and they just
about pulled it off. The Outsiders and Melted Ice did pretty much what I was
thinking and will need to hang in there for a couple of years to get back
into the swing of things.
Bobby Orr Division: Predicted Finish:
1. St. George Dragons: PREDICTION: 1ST They have the scorers and the defense
and with a few minor adjustments could be a very tough team to contend with.
2. Kansas City Ice: PREDICTION: 2ND As long as they pick up the left winger
that they need. If not then it will be to easy to go after Alfredsson. The
goalie could be better but they just need a guy who can stop the puck with
very few shots.
3. Sioux City Stormers: PREDICTION: 3RD If they get some depth on defense
and a solid back-up goalie they should be able to be in alot of the games.
This is a make or break year as they will most likely lose Kolzig at the end
of the season.
4. Toledo Freeze: PREDICTION: 4TH Not enough defense which in turn hurts the
goalie. If some changes are made to strengthen the defense then this team
could easily move up to second in the division. If nothing is done it could
be along year in Toledo.
5. Syracuse Jugheads: PREDICTION: 5TH Based somewhat on how they did during
the pre-season. Nobody did much of anything. They have the tools but need
the motivation. If that happens don't look for them to end in the cellar. If
nothing changes they will have a long, dark road ahead of them.
Here is were they actually finished:
DRA St. George Dragons 74 54 11 9 117 278 144 0.791 8- 2- 0
STO Sioux City Stormers 74 36 31 7 79 217 200 0.534 7- 3- 0
FRE Toledo Freeze 74 32 31 11 75 232 247 0.507 3- 5- 2
ICE Kansas City ICE 74 31 34 9 71 198 217 0.480 7- 2- 1
JUG Syracuse Jugheads 74 20 47 7 47 176 286 0.318 1- 9- 0
The Dragons were just what I predicted and nothing less. The Freeze moved up
a spot as the Ice faultered and the Stormers were a little stronger than
what I figured. The Jugheads never did get anything going and went out and
got alot of first round draft picks to help them in the future.
Bobby Hull Division: Predicted Finish:
1. Moose Jaw Manglers: PREDICTION: 1ST They outclass the rest of the
division by alot. They should have very few losses within there division and
should put up a fight against any team in the league.
2. Birmingham Ice Barons: PREDICTION: 2ND The second thru fourth teams are
weak but these guys have better defense and goaltending which should give
them a shot at winning some games.
3. Sierra Spiders: PREDICTION 3RD Heart is the only thing that will keep
this team together. They should be able to do just enough and finish third
in the division. Things could go south when the goalies have a shot at
scoring more points than half the defense.
4. Lake Orion Atomics: PREDICTION: 4TH There just isn't enough there for
them to finish anywhere else. The only possible thing they can do is go up.
Here is were they actually finished:
ICB Birmingham Ice Barons 74 39 28 7 85 197 172 0.574 6- 4- 0
SPI Sierra Spiders 74 22 43 9 53 173 239 0.358 2- 7- 1
MAN Moose Jaw Manglers 74 23 45 6 52 192 271 0.351 2- 8- 0
ATO Lake Orion Atomics 74 22 46 6 50 150 224 0.338 4- 4- 2
The Manglers really didn't put up the fight I thought they would. I figured
they were the class of the division but they were lucky to finish were they
did. I predicted that the second thru fourth teams would be weak but the Ice
Barons and Manglers traded spots. The Atomics finished better than I thought
and that is definately something to build from.
All in all I wasn't that far off with my predictions. A few teams surprised
me by doing better and a few by doing worse but with trades and good lines
makes things very difficult to predict.
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We have only one piece of news this week and that comes from the Montreal
Storm Bringers. It appears that Montreal will be moving to NorthRidge
California because of political instability in Montreal and for the silicon
babes in California.
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Well, that is all for the Penalty Box this year. I may bring out a special
edition after each round to recap the rounds and have predictions for the
next round. Not sure about that yet but will try and do it. Thanks so much
for reading and for all the comments throughout the year. See you all next
season.
Jason Kolsrud
ICQ #4680899
http://www.clinton.net/~jkolsrud
jkolsrud@clinton.net
GM Sioux City Stormers WLUHL
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