Sunday 29 November 2009

Tommies rebound versus Mounties

After a tough loss yesterday afternoon against Moncton, the Tommies scored one goal each period and glided to a convincing 3 - 0 shutout win versus Mount Allison. Julia Sharun picked up the win facing 17 shots and was sharp when she had to be.

The first period was rather uneventful until 17:53 when Lyse Rossignol fished a loose puck behind the Mounties net and found a wide open Charity Walls for the games first goal. Amy Kelbaugh picked up the other assist. Shots after one period were 7 to 7.

Mount Allison seemed to spend most of the second frame in the penalty box but it only took until the 2:59 mark of the period for the Tommies to capitalize on the PP. Lucrese Nussbaum wristed one top shelf from Kathleen Boyle and Caroline Hammerhiem for the 2 - 0 lead. STU would come close several more times but Meagan Corley-Byrne stood her ground in the Mt. A net facing 14 shots in the period. The Mounties fired 7 the other way.

Rookie Katelyn Brewster would close out the scoring on the powerplay at 2:32 of the third with assists to Jillian Coughlin and Amy Kelbaugh, her second point of the night. The Tommies thoroughly out played Mt A in the final period outshooting them 9 to 3 for a game total of 30 to 17. Sharun records STU's first shut out of the season. Amy Kelbaugh, who seemed to be flying all evening and with 2 points, was the Tommies player of the game.

With the win St. Thomas leap frogs Saint Mary's for fourth in the AUS standings, 1 point behind Dalhousie for third heading into the Christmas break. Daily Gleaner: Tommies rebound in AUS women's

Jason Cassidy's Blog: Club culture

Jason Cassidy's latest entry at The Hockey News:
Winning teams in the CIS are bound through a strong sense of team and brotherhood. Take the University of Alberta Golden Bears, who’ve won a record 13 national championships. The University of New Brunswick, also an annual powerhouse, has been to the national championship game three consecutive seasons, winning two of them. These teams make the most with the roster they have recruited year after year.
That one was for you UNB fans. Here is another interesting note
In the Atlantic Division (AUS) there has been speculation surrounding the abrupt resignation of University of Prince Edward Island coach Dylan Taylor. Rumour has it the players were fed up with his coaching methods and had lost confidence in his ability to guide the team.

I’d be surprised to see the truth actually surface, but it demonstrates the importance of culture and winning. When teams lose, they look to their leaders and coaching staff for guidance. In this case, it may not have been there. And when that culture isn’t there, a few simple trades can’t solve the problem to get your team out of a hole.

That’s why hockey is the most fascinating game on Earth. The logic goes far beyond what it should, and we love it.

Saturday 28 November 2009

Heartbreak on the Hill

Tommies goaltender Charles Lavigne was both saviour and goat tonight in the 2nd installment of the Battle of the Hill at the Aitken Centre as the $quirrels downed STU 3-2 in overtime.

The $quirrels controlled the first period, outshooting the Tommies 10-3. While STU did a good job of controlling the middle of the ice in their own zone, including killing off 3 penalties, the $quirrel attack was too much and finally resulted in John Scott Dickson's goal at 18:42 when he redirected Luke Gallant's point shot to put UNB up 1-0.

STU regrouped for the second period and had stretches of maintained pressure. The Tommies capitalized early on their first power play of the game when Alex Labonte got his stick on the puck, tipped by Devan Praught off Kenton Dulle's shot, and STU evened the score at 1-1. Shots were not so lopsided in the second, favouring UNB 14-11 for a 40-minute total of 24-14.

The $quirrels came back with a vengeance in the third period, and if not for several big saves by Lavigne, they would have taken the game in regulation. Swarming the Tommies' net several times, one flurry proved too much as Chris Culligan one-timed a Dickson pass home for the go-ahead goal at 4:58. But at 13:04 of the third, Andrew Andricopoulos sent a pass forward to Matt Eagles who gained the zone and fed Labonte in the left wing circle, who rifled a wrist shot past Travis Fullerton in the UNB net for his second goal of the game on just the 3rd shot of the period for STU. The Tommies held on the rest of the way to force overtime. Shots on goal after regulation were 41-17 for the $quirrels.

Both teams exchanged chances in the overtime period, but at 3:10 Kyle Bailey gained possession after Lavigne mishandled a clearing attempt from behind the net and could not get back in position in time to stop Bailey from taking advantage of the lucky break and scoring the OT winner.

The Tommies finish the first half with a 4-8-2 record for 10 points and remain 1 point ahead of Dalhousie, who lost 6-5 in overtime to Saint Mary's. The Tommies will see exhibition action over the Christmas break, next hosting Moncton on December 28th at 3pm at the LBR as part of the Pete Kelly Cup tournament. Daily Gleaner: Net result UNB still unbeaten (Thanks to the Gleaner staff who participate in discussion here and at UNBHockeyfans.com. We are sure that the vast majority of readers appreciate your TIMELY comments)

Aigles Bleues squeak past Tommies

In a game where every inch of ice was fought for, U de M scored a second period goal that stood as the game winner as they squeaked past STU 1 - 0.

Kristin Wolfe and Kathy Desjardin were the show this afternoon as they kept their respective teams in it as every chance but one was stopped. The first period was scoreless with STU holding the edge in play and the shots equal at 10 apiece.

Moncton scored just before the 7 minute mark as Natalie Cormier shot the puck that Wolfe saved but Valarie Boisclair was there to put the rebound past her. That was it for the goal scoring on this day as the final shots on goal favoured Moncton 29 - 22.

The Ladies are back in action tomorrow afternoon at 4:30 PM versus the Mount Allison Mounties at the LBR.

Friday 27 November 2009

West is best for Tommies

The Wild West Line combined for 10 points and some late game heroics to propel St. Thomas to a come from behind 7 to 6 victory tonight at the LBR over UPEI. Mike Reich was the Tommies' player of the game with 2 goals - including the game winner - and 1 assist. Kenton Dulle with 1 goal, 2 assists and Tyler Dietrich with 2 goals, 2 assists were successfully reunited for a big win.

STU started off on the right foot at the 15 second mark when Mike Reich went hard to the net, took the shot, and Tyler Dietrich was there to bang home the rebound. UPEI tied it up at 2:41 when Charles Lavigne let out a big juicy rebound that Taylor Raszka capitalized on. STU went ahead again when Reich got a break and scored on his own rebound. First period ended with the Tommies leading 2 to1 and outshooting the Panthers 12 -7.

UPEI played a much better second period tying the game at 7:58 after Brandon Biggers knocked down a Lavigne clearing attempt and scoring on the empty net. Jared Gomes and Cory Vitarelli scored to put the Panthers up 4 to 2. STU gained a 5 on 3 advantage late in the period and Erick Tremblay rifled a blast from the point past Jhase Sniderman at 19:54 to pull the Tommies back within a goal. Shots favoured UPEI 13 to 9.

Biggers extended the UPEI lead at 3:03 of the third period but the Tommies would bounce back with Jason Cassidy redirecting Brad Gallant's wrist shot at 8:08. Dulle tied it up on a perfect pass from Dietrich, who lifted the puck past a sprawling UPEI defender to find the streaking Dulle. However, the Panthers regained the lead at 16:21 on a Zach McCullough goal. The Tommies battled back once again as UPEI took a late penalty which cost them as Dietrich scored his second of the night at 18:41 on the PP to tie the game at 6 - 6. The Panthers took another penalty at 19:02 and Reich, on a great individual effort, motored down the right side, cut in on goal, and beat Sniderman for the winner. Daily Gleaner: Wild comeback for Tommies

With the win the Tommies improve to 4-8-1 for 9 points and remain 1 point up on Dalhousie, who defeated St-FX 6 - 4, and pulled to within 3 points of 5th place UPEI. Next up for the Tommies are the Squirrels tomorrow night, 7 PM at the Aitken Centre in their final game of the first half. Daily Gleaner: Players take Battle of the Hill 'very seriously' - Squirrel

Also on tap this afternoon at 4PM, the Lady Tommies take on Les Aigles Bleues. If you can't get to the game you can listen live at 97.9 CHSR.

Wednesday 25 November 2009

Tombits

Tommies' new arena: To the left is the architect's rendition of the new Grant-Harvey Centre, the new home for St. Thomas Tommies hockey. The project has not entered the construction phase yet, so it will probably be the fall of 2011 or winter of 2012 before STU takes the ice.

Photo credit: The Daily Gleaner

Who's in? Who's out?: I guess we will have to wait and see but to date there has been no ruling on the Corey Banfield or Kenton Dulle suspensions. If no decision has been made by now there is obviously some validity to the appeals. In regard to the Banfield suspension, was it the "hit" that hurt the Saint Mary's player or the subsequent hit when he bounced off the glass divider? Are they one in the same or are they different? Tough call and the AUS officials must be pondering some sort of similar questions.

EDIT: This was in today's (Friday, Nov. 27) Daily Gleaner:
According to AUS executive director Phil Currie, the one-game suspensions to forwards Kenton Dulle and Corey Banfield assessed by AUS hockey chair John Ryan were dismissed by an appeals committee on a matter of procedure.

Ryan apparently erred in not giving the student-athletes a chance to respond to the complaint launched by Saint Mary's. Therefore, the judicial committee dismissed the suspensions. Saint Mary's resubmitted to women's hockey chair Pierre Arsenault of Mount Allison University.

He had 48 hours to review the video, and the athletes have three days to respond in writing.
The last paragraph is a tad confusing but I don't think anyone is suspended. End Edit.

As for the wounded Tommies, Tyler Dietrich will be back, Bryan Main is still out, and Charles Lavigne is probable but not 100%.

Lady Tommies on CHSR: Saturday's game versus UdeM will be broadcast on 97.9 CHSR. Game time is 4PM. You can expect this game to be close and physical as these provincial rivals take it up a notch against each other. If we're lucky the Tommies will pull out a regulation win but it would be nice to see another seven deep shoot out like the one in Moncton a few weeks back. Edit: Some interesting reading in today's Gleaner courtesy of Bill Hunt.

Former Tommie returning Friday night: When UPEI comes to the LBR on Friday night there should be a familiar face behind the Panther's bench. Mark Rupnow (STU Tommies 92-95) is the "interim" assistant coach for the Panthers or at least he was over the weekend for both UPEI home games. We wish Mark well.....but not on Friday night.

Sunday 22 November 2009

Bernier burns Panthers in overtime

St. Thomas only lead one time in this afternoon's game versus UPEI but ultimately it was the only time it matter. Team Captain Dominique Bernier scored at 5:49 of overtime to lift her Tommies to a 3 to 2 decision over the Panthers.

The first period was scoreless with STU holding the territorial and shots on goal advantage 9 to 7. UPEI hung tough and had some good scoring chances but could not convert.

The Panthers got on the board first at 2:08 of the 2nd frame scoring on the PP from the stick of Amber Gaudette. STU responded at 5:40 when Jillan Coughlin got her third of the season from Bernier and Brewster. UPEI had a glorious chance to regain the lead when a STU defender was called for closing her hand on the puck in the crease which resulted in a penalty shot. Kristin Wolfe stayed with the shooter, who rung it off the post. Game tied after 2 with shots favouring STU 20-17.

The third period saw UPEI forge ahead once again on a two man advantage at 9:58 but Lucrese Nussbaum knotted the game at 13:23 when she came in from the point and smashed one past UPEI's goalie Kristy Dobson. Kelbaugh and Rossignol drew the assists and did a lot of hard work down low.

With the remainder of the third period solving nothing, Dominique Bernier would pull out the win for STU. With UPEI concerned with 2 other Tommies in their zone an open lane appeared and Domi skated in and let a wrister go that beat the goalie clean for the OT dramatics.

Kristin Wolfe gets the win facing 25 shots while STU fired 30 the other way. Daily Gleaner: Women Tommies post weekend sweep

Next game for the Ladies is Saturday night against arch rival Moncton starting at 4 PM. The game can be heard live on 97.9 CHSR or on the net at http://www.chsrfm.ca/.

Saturday 21 November 2009

Tommies nip Mounties

The score was a tad closer than the Tommies would have liked but the end result is all that matters. STU out shot MT. Allison 40 - 19 and scored a 3 to 2 win to improve their record to 4-3-1 for 9 points and 5th place.

The Mounties played even with the Tommies for the first few minutes of the game but STU pulled ahead shorthanded when strong fore checking payed off. Lyse Rossignol stole the puck off a defenders stick just inside Mt A's blueline, skated in alone and made no mistake on the breakaway for a 1-0 Tommies lead at 13:39. STU dominated the shot clock 11 to 4.

The Mounties would counter at 2:53 of the second when Jillan Greene stole the puck off our D and tucked it past Julia Sharun. The tie lasted until the 7:52 mark of the period when Kelly Matthews scored on a goal mouth scrum from Fischer and Holt. The goal was scored on the PP with the Tommies up two women.

The Tommies thoroughly out played the Mounties in the third but it wasn't until Amy Kelbaugh scored at 14:26 from Nussbaum and Rossignol that STU got the eventual winning goal. Mt. A would reply 39 seconds later to keep things close but they were unable to mount any other great pressure.

With a goal and an assist, Lyse Rossignol was named Tommies player of the game. Julia Sharun got the win in net stopping 17 shots. Next up for STU is UPEI tomorrow afternoon at 2 PM at the LBR.

Friday 20 November 2009

Tommies out-La-Chanced

In a game that could have been classified as much of a "must-win" for the Tommies as any other so far this season, STU fell 4-1 to UdeM tonight at the LBR. Facing the 2-9 8th place Aigles Bleus, St. Thomas mustered only 6 shots on goal in the first period, finding themselves down 2-0 after 20 minutes on goals from Piere-Andre Bureau and Mathieu Betournay. Moncton outshot STU 10-6 in the first frame.

The Tommies came out stronger in the 2nd period, and Jason Cassidy appeared to have beaten UdeM goaltender Kevin Lachance, but the goal judge did not signal a goal and the referee immediately waved it off. STU continued to press and had opportunities, but Lachance made big saves off Kenton Dulle, Jordan Scott and Matt Eagles to keep the Tommies scoreless. Remi Gautreau scored on a 3-on-1 to give Moncton a 3-0 lead after 40 minutes. St. Thomas outshot Les Aigles Bleus 13-9 and the teams were even at 19 apiece after the second, but Moncton took a commanding lead into the intermission.

Mike Reich finally got the Tommies on the board at 11:28 with his first goal as a Tommie, with assists going to Kenton Dulle and Wes Welcher. But that was as close as STU would get, and Moncton finished off the Tommies with Betournay's second of the night into the empty net with just 45 seconds remaining. Ben MacFarlane was tagged with the loss, as UdeM outshot STU 29-28 for the 4-1 win.

With the victory, Moncton improved to 3-9-0 while Dalhousie fell 3-2 to Acadia in Halifax. Both the Tigers and Les Aigles Bleus have 6 points after 12 games and sit 1 point behind the Tommies, who maintain their precarious hold on the final playoff spot with just 2 games remaining before the Christmas break. Daily Gleaner: Aigles Bleus soar past struggling Tommies

Those final 2 games come next weekend as STU hosts UPEI on Friday night and then travel up the hill to visit the Squirrels on Saturday.

How large does the overtime loss extra point against the Squirrels look right now?

Mathieu Melanson commits to STU for 2010-2011

In a surprise announcement, the Tommies have added Mathieu Melanson to the roster for the 2010-2011 season. Mathieu has played pro hockey for portions of the past three years that also included a 9 game stint in the AUS.

Melanson will be a point producer in this league and will be a key addition up front for STU. Daily Gleaner Article
________________________
Photo Credit: QMJHL

Thursday 19 November 2009

Tombits

Playing or not?: That is the question and we don't have an answer yet. The AUS has still not heard the appeal on Kenton Dulle and Corey Banfield's suspensions. They should be heard today. Dave Crossman should be in the line-up Friday night versus Moncton, Charles Lavigne is still out for sure, Tyler Dietrich and Bryan Main are still question marks. Daily Gleaner Article

Lady Tommies on CHSR: Finally a little radio love for STU women's hockey. Last Friday night's game versus Moncton was their first on College Hill Radio and it won't be the last. The next live broadcast will be November 28th at the LBR vs. Moncton. If memory serves me correctly, I believe this will also be a residence challenge. Should be a good, loud crowd for the Tommies.

Walking wounded returning: Most of the Tommies should be back in the line-up this weekend. Kayla Blackmore is the only one that will probably remain sidelined.

Not STU news but news nevertheless: The UPEI Panthers men's team have lost their coach Dylan Taylor and 2 assistants. Bruce Hallihan's article in today's Gleaner touches on this surprise. If you're interested in reading the gossip "blogs" Bruce refers to, please check HERE for HF Boards and HERE for the Charlottetown Guardian article with comments at the bottom.

Saturday 14 November 2009

Game 11 Live Blog STU 1 Acadia 5 Final

The Tommies fall 5-1 to the Axemen tonight. Max Chamberland scored the
only goal of the 3rd period when his centering pass went in off Zach
MacMillan. Corey Banfield and Kenton Dulle registered the assists.
Final shots were 39-26 for Acadia. An important game coming up for the
Tommies on Friday as they host Moncton at the LBR. With the loss STU
falls to 3-7-1 on the season, in 6th place, 1 point ahead of
Dalhousie.

Daily Gleaner: Tommies troubles continue

Game 11 Live Blog: STU 0 Acadia 5: 2nd Intermission

3 more goals for Acadia in the 2nd period.  Andrew Clark, David Lomas and Scott Tregunna scored and the Axemen lead the Tommies 5-0 after 2 periods.  Momentum definitely shifted to Acadia early in that period.  Although the Tommies managed 13 shots on goal, Kris Westblom has been solid in net for Acadia.  The Axemen shot 15 for 31 over 2, STU has 21 after the 2nd.

SMU downs Tommies in O/T

After an exciting win last night in Moncton the Tommies had to face another tough challenge this afternoon in Halifax against the 2nd place SMU Huskies. Saint Mary's was first on the board off a deflection from the point that eluded Julia Sharun but Caroline Hammerheim scored on the PP from Lucrece Nussbaum to tie the game. Shots favoured STU in the period 11 - 9.

No scoring in the second frame with STU out shooting SMU 10 - 7.

With the Tommies still suffering from a short bench and some penalty trouble, the Huskies out shot them badly in the third. Courtney Fox led a rush into the SMU zone, fed Amy Kelbaugh, who promptly passed to a streaking Lyse Rossignol who made no mistake for a 2 to 1 Tommies lead. It was short lived as the Huskies got a 2 on 1 three minutes later and converted to tie the game and force overtime.

SMU got breaks in OT with power plays but could not convert but with 10 seconds left SMU banked a puck off the side of the net that went right to a player in front and they put it just inside the post for the 3 to 2 win. Nevertheless, the Tommies secure 3 points on the weekend. Next game for St. Thomas is next Saturday afternoon against Mt. Allison.

Game 11 Live Blog: STU 0 Acadia 2: 1st Intermission

The Tommies deserved a better fate than they received in the first 20 minutes here in Wolfville.  Both teams played mostly even in the first period, but a delay of game penalty against Ben MacFarlane cost STU as Chris Bruton scored a goal that went in off Erick Tremblay at 13:15.  Bruton scored again at 18:23 to make it 2-0.  Acadia outshot St. Thomas 16-8 in the first period.  Kenton Dulle had a great chance to get the Tommies on the board in the late stages of the period, but Kris Westblom made a fine pad save to keep it 2-0.

Game 11 Live Blog: STU @ Acadia: Warmups

We're in Wolfville for tonight's game between St. Thomas and Acadia. We'll be on the air about 6:55 on 95.7 The Wolf. The Tommies are coming off a 5-1 loss last night in Halifax to Saint Mary's, while the Axemen beat Moncton last night 4-1.

Ben MacFarlane (0-2, 6.37, .817) starts for STU while Kris Westblom (4-2, 3.98, .855) gets the nod for Acadia.

The Tommies are 3-6-1 (7 points) on the season so far - in 6th place - just 1 point up on Dalhousie, who beat UPEI last night. Acadia is tied for 3rd place with Saint Mary's at 6-3-0 (12 points), 1 point back of St. F-X.

STU Scratches:

Charles Lavigne
Bryan Main
David Crossman
Tyler Dietrich

Acadia Scratches:

Doug Clarkson
Adam McIllwraith
Beau Prokopetz
Alex MacDonald
Paul Kurceba
Don't forget our contest. First person to email me at randy@957thewolf.ca with the Tommies first goal scorer will get a Cold F-X prize pack valued at $75. Good luck.

Friday 13 November 2009

Moncton gets hit by Wall and scared of Wolfe

The Lady Tommies pulled out a HUGE win against Les Aigles Bleues toinght in Moncton with a 2 to 1 shoot out final. The first period was scoreless with Moncton holding the advantage in the period.

STU hit the scoresheet first in the second frame on a nice wrister by Lyse Rossignol. The goal would stand until the third when Moncton's big gun Marie-Eve Provost tied it up. Overtime solved nothing.

In the five deep shoot out Moncton scored on their first two shots by Labrie and Boisclair. Jillian Coughlin and Amy Kelbaugh were held off the score sheet. The third shooter, Lyse Rossignol got one back for STU and Kristin Wolfe stopped shooter 3, 4, 5 for Moncton. Dominique Bernier missed on #4 but Sweet Caroline Hammerheim tied it up on the final shot #5.

With extra shooters necessary, Katie Brewster was robbed by the Moncton goalie Kathy Desjardin but Wolfe shut the door on Moncton shooter #6. STU would have no "Charity" for Moncton on this night with Charity Wall potting a goal on chance #7. Kristin Wolfe stoned the last Moncton shooter for the big Tommies win. STU gains the important two point and sit one back of Moncton for 4th in the AUS.

Daily Gleaner Article

Game 10 Live Blog: STU 1 SMU 5 Final

The Tommies fell 5-1 to Saint Mary's tonight at the Halifax Forum. The
Huskies made it 5-0 before Matt Eagles scored at 17:44 to put STU on
the board on a 5-on-3 advantage as he tipped an Andrew Andricopoulos
point shot past Neil Conway. Ryan Lehr also picked up an assist on the
goal.
The Tommies fall to 3-6-1 with 7 points, but Dalhousie's 7-4 win over
UPEI moves them to within a point in the chase for 6th place.
Tomorrow night STU visits Acadia, a 7pm start on 95.7 The Wolf.

Game 10 Live Blog: STU 0 SMU 4 2nd Intermission

Saint Mary's is in complete control of the hockey game at this point.  The Tommies have been unable to establish any sort of control, even on the couple of power plays they had in the second period.  I get the sense, as I mentioned on the air, that the Huskies are in complete control, yet aren't really pressing the issue either.  That said, SMU still scored twice in the second, with Chris Morrison scoring at 1:49 on a beautiful pass from Marc Rancourt, then at 7:56 on the powerplay with David MacDonald scoring on a tipped shot.  In Ben MacFarlane's defence, all 4 goals have been pretty much unstoppable.

Game 10 Live Blog: STU 0 SMU 2 1st Intermission

The Huskies' powerplay won the first period, taking advantage of their first two man advantage situations.  There was a several minute stretch featuring some solid hits and a bit of after the whistle jostling, but that seems to have settled down.  Saint Mary's opened the scoring at 3:16 on the powerplay as Cody Thornton redirected Andrew Hotham's shot past Ben MacFarlane.  Then at 10:21, on a play that featured some exceptional passing and puck movement by the Huskies, Cam Fergus rifled a one-timer for a 2-0 lead.  MacFarlane did make one particularly spectacular save on Cody Thornton who looked to have plenty of net for a one-timer, but the shot was low and MacFarlane got across to make a big stop.

Game 10 Live Blog: STU @ SMU Warmups

The Tommies are at the Halifax Forum tonight to take on Saint Mary's, who shutout STU 4-0 at the LBR on Sunday afternoon.  Sunday's game was a chippy, rough affair to say the least and Kenton Dulle and Corey Banfield received 1-game suspensions stemming from incidents in the game.  However, both Dulle and Banfield WILL play this weekend.  Their suspensions have been appealed and will not be reviewed until at least the first of the week.  Speaking of the Banfield hit/penalty/suspension, I want to address my comments at the time of the incident.  You'll recall that Banfield hit SMU's Cody Thornton, who hit his head on the stanchion and had to leave the game.  Having an excellent view of the play at the time, I did not believe the hit to be dirty, although the result was unfortunate.  I have not had the benefit of a video replay, so I can only go by how I viewed the hit in the split second that it happened.  I've heard the opinions of those who saw the hit on video afterwards and they have been divided, so without seeing it myself, I'll leave it at that.  That said, my on-air comments at the time were more in question of the fact that the linesman made the call about a minute later after play was stopped, and assessed a 5-minute major and game misconduct.  I wondered why the call was made in that fashion, particularly since the referee was only a few feet from the hit and from my point of view saw it take place.  Since then, the following rule has come to my attention:

Linesmen shall point out the offender and report to the Referee at the first stoppage, their version of any infraction of the rules which calls for ... a Major or Match penalty or any conduct calling for a Bench Minor, Misconduct, Game Misconduct or Gross Misconduct Penalty
This is from Rule 5.3 (d) of the Hockey Canada Rule Book

So while the validity of the official's call may be debated, proper procedure was followed.  So for that, I stand corrected.

Warmups are just getting underway.  St. Thomas will start Ben MacFarlane in goal (0-1, 7.32, .811) while Saint Mary's will counter with Neil Conway (3-0, 2.60, .892)

STU Scratches:
Charles Lavigne
Bryan Main
Tyler Dietrich
David Crossman

SMU Scratches:
William Harvey
Brandon Verge

Tombits

Eagles comments on HHOF inductees: Bruce Hallihan catches up with Coach Mike Eagles as he reminisces about playing against this year's crop of Hockey Hall of Fame members. Bruce Hallihan Article

Depleted ranks versus SMU: We learn from today's Daily Gleaner that St. Thomas will be missing some vital parts for the entire weekend and a few extra tonight.

The St. Thomas Tommies, meanwhile, will be without four mainstays, including goaltender Charles Lavigne, when they travel to play Saint Mary's tonight and Acadia tomorrow night, both 7 p.m. starts on 95.7 The Wolf.

Tyler Dietrich and David Crossman both have "upper body" injuries, while Lavigne pulled a groin muscle. All left during the first period of last Sunday's 4-0 loss to the Huskies and didn't return.

They won't this weekend either.

"I don't think they're long-term injuries," said coach Mike Eagles, "but they're all questionable for this weekend."

Actually, there's no question. They've yet to practise. They won't play.

Lavigne "is not day to day," said Eagles. "Until he gets back on the ice, we won't really know." Defenceman Bryan Main also remains out after suffering back and neck injuries in a fall into the boards in a game against the Dalhousie Tigers Oct. 31.

The Tommies will also be missing forwards Corey Banfield and Kenton Dulle tonight. They'll be serving one-game suspensions for their actions in last Sunday's game against the Huskies and will sit out tonight's rematch.
Aigles Bleues waiting for Tommies: STU plays Moncton tonight in another heated battle between rival schools. Moncton's coach Dennis Ross says "I will play with three complete lines and two goaltenders and two extra players. The two games [this weekend] are very important, as the standings are very tight. " Hockeyscene.com article

The Lady Tommies will be ready as these are important points for them as well.

Wednesday 11 November 2009

Hits to the head/checking from behind a problem in hockey

In today's Daily Gleaner Dave Ritchie laments in his column about hits from behind and hits to the head. With all the idiotic plays that have been happening in hockey recently, we thought it was worth sharing.
Remember when minor hockey instituted a "stop sign'' strategically placed on the back of the hockey jersey with the message being: if you can see this sign when about to check an opposing player, then 'stop' to think about the potential repercussions of such a hit.

It might only be one 'steamboat' in terms of time, but seeing the stop sign as you're about to drive a guy into the boards can't help but serve as a reminder that checking-from-behind is not a cool thing to do. And maybe players will be inclined to let up at the moment of decision.

Daily Gleaner: Why the debate over blows to the head, hits from behind in hockey?

Sunday 8 November 2009

Huskies shut down Tommies

The Tommies lost more than just the game against Saint Mary's this afternoon, falling 4 to 0. The first period saw three Tommies felled by injuries. Dave Crossman left the game with a reported upper body injury, Tyler Dietrich was knocked out with a possible rib injury, and Charles Lavigne had to be helped off the ice after an apparent groin pull late in the frame. No word on the severity of the injuries.

After a scoreless first period SMU took control scoring 2 goals in the second and another 2 goals in the third. The Huskies were 2 for 10 on the PP and STU was 0 for 7. There was no flow to the game but acknowledging the Tommies were out played, the referee Jeff Hopkins was the star attraction calling a total of 24 penalties including a bizarre hit to the head call to Corey Banfield over a minute after the so called infraction took place.

Ben MacFarlane did yeoman like duty replacing Lavigne in net facing 28 shots over 2 periods. Final shots on goal 39 to 21 for SMU. The Tommies remain in 6th spot in the AUS standings, three points up on Dalhousie and Moncton.

Daily Gleaner: Woeful weekend for STU

Saturday 7 November 2009

Tommies cut down by Axemen

The St. Thomas Tommies, recovering from a flu bug that affected 11 players and forced the postponement of last night's scheduled game against Saint Mary's, dropped a 6-3 decision to the Acadia Axemen tonight at the LBR.

The Axemen opened the scoring at 1:20 of the first period on a big rebound that Zack McMillan batted out of midair and into the open net. STU responded at 8:37 when Kenton Dulle accepted a pass from Mike Reich and powered his way to the front of the net and found a space between the pads of Acadia goaltender Kristofer Westblom. Then at 10:18 Tyler Dietrich carried the puck from the Tommies' blueline and found the five-hole on a shot from the left wing to give STU a 2-1 lead. However, Acadia would tie the game on Scott Tregunna's wraparound goal at 13:38.

The teams played even for most of the second period, until Tyler Whitehead received the puck off a rebound off the "Great Wall" and backhanded it over a sprawling Charles Lavigne to give Acadia a 3-2 lead with the 4-on-4 marker. The Tommies ended the period by taking two penalties at 19:50. Mike Reich was called for roughing and STU received a bench minor for too many men on the ice.

After an amazing early save by Charles Lavigne, Acadia capitalized on the two man advantage as David Lomas scored off a big rebound to give the Axemen a two goal advantage. Acadia trapped their way through the remainder of the third period, until Matt Eagles found the back of the net at 18:24 on the powerplay and with Lavigne out of the net for an extra attacker. But as the Tommies pressed for the equalizer with Lavigne still on the bench, Acadia scored a pair of empty net goals to seal the victory.

Final shots on goal favoured Acadia 26-21. Kenton Dulle was the lone Tommie to notch multiple points, with a goal and an assist, and was named the Tommies Player of the Game.

St. Thomas will host Saint Mary's on Sunday afternoon at 3:00 pm at the LBR, rescheduled from Friday night. Listen Live on 95.7 The Wolf, online at www.957thewolf.ca

Friday 6 November 2009

One GO vs. SMU, one NO GO vs. SMU

Bad news first. The Lady Tommies' game this weekend versus the Saint Mary's Huskies has been postponed, not enough bodies to fill out the roster. Nothing has been rescheduled at this time. NO GO.

Good news second. The men's game versus the Saint Mary's Huskies has been rescheduled for Sunday afternoon at 3 PM. It's a GO.

The regularly scheduled game against the Acadia Axemen will still be played Saturday evening at 7 PM. Let's hope everyone has fully recuperated.

Daily Gleaner: STU men back on ice today

Thursday 5 November 2009

Friday Night v. Saint Mary's Postponed?


Just spotted this on the AUS Schedule page. Waiting on confirmation.

UPDATE: Received confirmation from Coach Eagles that Friday night's men's game vs. Saint Mary's has indeed been postponed.

Daily Gleaner: Flu-riddled Tommies postpone tonight's home game

Main priority is getting healthy

From today's Daily Gleaner:

The 21-year-old defenceman practiced with his St. Thomas Tommies teammates for about a half hour Wednesday but left early after feeling "a little lightheaded," he said. "I don't know if it's because I've been off the ice for a week and a half, but I decided not to push it."

That means Main is doubtful to return to the Tommies' lineup for their Atlantic University Sport Men's Hockey Conference contests against the Saint Mary's Huskies Friday night and the Acadia Axemen Saturday at the Lady Beaverbrook Rink. Game times are 7 p.m.

and...
"I'm still going to chase for that puck," he said. "You're not going to quit on your job because something like this happens. You just take it in stride and learn from it. But you can't lose your edge. Otherwise, there's no point in even coming back."

Tuesday 3 November 2009

Tommies Highlights

Playing catchup... here's all the available highlights and interviews from the broadcasts on 95.7 The Wolf up to October 31. Enjoy.

Oct. 23/09 STFX 7 STU 6 Highlights
Oct. 23/09 Charles Lavigne Interview
Oct. 23/09 Matt Eagles Interview
Oct. 24/09 Peter Murphy Interview Pt. 1
Oct. 24/09 Peter Murphy Interview Pt. 2
Oct. 28/09 Bill Hunt Interview
Oct. 28/09 Doc Feeney Interview
Oct. 30/09 STFX 4 STU 3 Highlights
Oct. 30/09 Dave Crossman Interview
Oct. 30/09 Max Chamberland Interview
Oct. 31/09 STU 4 DAL 3 Highlights (including video of Lavigne save and Banfield winner)
Oct. 31/09 Gary Smith Interview Pt. 1
Oct. 31/09 Gary Smith Interview Pt. 2

Tombits

Thank You BOB: After more than a decade of providing scores, updates, and more Bob Adams has retired from active service. Bob has volunteered his time and resources over at the Bob Adam's CIS Webpage for many years and we want to sincerely thank him for his tireless efforts. As far as men's hockey is concerned, it was the best place (and sometimes the only place) to get all the CIS scores.

Bob will be enjoying his time in Halifax with his 9 grandchildren and we are sure he will still make it out to the odd CIS event. THANKS AGAIN!!

Hockey sweeps weekly honours: Corey Banfield and Amy Kelbaugh are this week's STU male and female athletes of the week.
Amy played a strong game vs. StFX, scoring one goal and setting up another as the Tommies downed the X Women 3-1. Amy is a first-year Arts student from Springside, Saskatchewan.

Corey had a goal in the 4-3 loss to X on Friday the 30th. He also scored a goal in regulation and had the shoot-out winner in the 4-3 win vs. DAL on Saturday. Corey is a third-year student from Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. STU Release
Video Highlights: The men's hockey site has been updated with video of this past weekend's shoot-out at Dalhousie. Check out Charles Lavigne's larcenous save on Kenzie Sheppard and Corey Banfield's shoot-out winner. CLICK HERE We look forward to Randy Corey's update this week for the audio highlights.