Kukla's Korner Hockey

Category: Minor-League

Sounds Like An NHL Reunion

by Paul on 10/24/09 at 09:05 AM ET
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from Paul Wiecek of the Winnipeg Free Press,

On a night when the Manitoba Moose—and one former Manitoba Bison—moved freely among Wolves and 42-year-old Mike Keane was just the second oldest player on the ice, everything seemed possible.

And so here it is, from the opening faceoff to the final horn:

They put on quite a pre-game show. Fireworks, fireballs, lots of fire… And lots of smoke. There’s a thick haze hanging over the ice as they prepare to drop the puck. It reminds me of those old photos of the Montreal Forum in the 1970s, when you needed a ticket and a pack-a-night habit to attend a Habs game… Izzy Idonije, who played for the University of Manitoba Bisons before he played for the Chicago Bears, dropped the ceremonial first puck, wearing a Wolves jersey emblazoned with the No. 71… Wayne freaking Messmer sang the anthems tonight. Yeah, that Wayne Messmer, the guy who at old Chicago Stadium nightly walked the line between singing an anthem and inciting a riot. He’s still got great pipes, but the atmosphere here at the Allstate Arena isn’t nearly the same.

There’s the old Winnipeg Jet Ron Wilson behind the Wolves bench. Wilson and Don Lever were hired as assistant coach and coach this week and are making their debut tonight… This guy Chris Chelios can apparently play hockey.

read on

Filed in: Non-NHL Hockey, Minor League | KK Hockey | Permalink
 

Watch The AHL Live Tonight

by Paul on 10/23/09 at 06:08 PM ET
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The AHL is offering a free preview tonight.  Many game scheduled including the Manitoba Moose taking on Chris Chelios and the Chicago Wolves.

Filed in: Non-NHL Hockey, Minor League | KK Hockey | Permalink
 Tags: AHL,

Sugden Still Trying To Reach His Goal

by Paul on 09/05/09 at 07:55 AM ET
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from Joe Warmington of the Toronto Sun,

This is the story of Brandon “Sugar” Sugden and his dad, Travis.

You may recall last year how the 6-foot-4, 233-pound tough guy tried out for the New York Islanders. He didn’t make it but still went to the AHL and played for the Hartford Wolfpack.

Spoke to his dad last night, who told me the former St. Mike’s Buzzer is leaving next week to try out for the Washington Capitals—and has signed with their AHL team, the Hershey Bears.

“He’s 31 years old and still trying to get there,” says a proud Travis, who’s also battling his terminal cancer to hang around to see their mutual dream of seeing Brandon play at least one regular-season NHL game.

more

Filed in: Non-NHL Hockey, Minor League | KK Hockey | Permalink
 Tags: Brandon+Sugden,

Bertuzzi In The Lineup Tonight For The London Knights

by Paul on 08/29/09 at 12:02 PM ET
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from Patrick Maloney of the London Free Press,

A big NHL name — as in six-foot-three and 235 pounds — has been added to the London Knights lineup for Saturday night’s Euro Can Cup game against Munich.

Todd Bertuzzi, the veteran NHLer who recently signed with Detroit, is driving to London from his Kitchener home for tonight’s game — and possibly Monday night’s tournament final.

“Putting Todd Bertuzzi on the ice is an incredible addition,” said Pat Curcio, who organized the tournament that features three European squads and a team featuring Knights alumni and other NHLers.

continued (story seems to have been pulled from the London Free Press, link now directs to a 404 page)

update 5:39pm, New link found, now working again.

Filed in: NHL Teams, Detroit Red Wings, Non-NHL Hockey, Minor League | KK Hockey | Permalink
 Tags: Todd+Bertuzzi,

Dennis Hextall May Be The Next IHL Commish

by Paul on 08/27/09 at 04:10 PM ET
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from Justin A. Cohn of the Journal Gazette,

Dennis Hextall, who played in the NHL for 13 seasons, has been offered the post as commissioner of the International Hockey League, he and a league source confirmed Thursday afternoon.

continued

Filed in: Non-NHL Hockey, Minor League | KK Hockey | Permalink
 Tags: Dennis+Hextall, IHL,

Red Wings Hook-Up With The Walleye

by Paul on 08/03/09 at 08:21 AM ET
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from Mark Monroe of the Toledo Blade,

A logjam of quality young goaltenders in the Detroit Red Wings minor league system all but guarantees the Toledo Walleye will have a gifted goalie in its inaugural season.

The Walleye will officially announce an affiliation agreement with the NHL’s elite franchise at a press conference Monday. The contract extends a longtime relationship the Red Wings have had with Toledo minor league teams.

continued

Filed in: NHL Teams, Detroit Red Wings, Non-NHL Hockey, Minor League | KK Hockey | Permalink
 Tags: Toledo+Walleye,

The Walleye Mascot

by Paul on 07/27/09 at 09:12 AM ET
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from Mark Monroe of the Toledo Blade,

He may be a fish out of water, but the ice suits him just fine.

“Spike” the yellow walleye will be unveiled today as the mascot for Toledo’s new hockey team that begins play in October. The costumed mascot with the mischievous gap-toothed grin will greet the public for the first time at the Mud Hens game at noon at Fifth Third Field.

“Spike is our most enthusiastic fan,” said Scott Jeffer, assistant general manager and director of marketing for the Walleye. “He’s our head cheerleader.”

The yellow walleye will wear an oversized version of the team’s jersey and will don a hockey helmet. Spike’s home is “The Fish Pond” at the new Lucas County Arena downtown.

continued and checkout the official Toledo Walleye site too…

Filed in: Non-NHL Hockey, Minor League | KK Hockey | Permalink
 Tags: Toldedo+Walleye,

Keith Primeau Named Dir. Of Player Development For Las Vegas Wranglers

by Paul on 07/15/09 at 03:57 PM ET
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from Steve Silver of the Las Vegas Sun,

The Wranglers announced Wednesday that two-time NHL All-Star Keith Primeau will assist head coach and general manager Ryan Mougenel as the Director of Player Development. Primeau’s duties will include player recruiting, scouting, and other administrative tasks.

“To have Keith as a part of our staff is very exciting for the new direction of our program,” Mougenel said in a press release. “Keith brings a ton of hockey knowledge to our organization and we are very fortunate to have him. His presence and leadership are going to be a huge asset and something I will rely on heavily during the season....

continued

Filed in: Non-NHL Hockey, Minor League | KK Hockey | Permalink
 Tags: Keith+Primeau, Las+Vegas+Wranglers,

Good For Morley Scott

by Paul on 07/07/09 at 04:56 PM ET
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Morley is a huge KK supporter and has turned on many of those involved in the NHL to KK.  I am happy to see Morley is back in the game and wish him much success.

VANCOUVER, BC - The Vancouver Giants are pleased to announce the appointment of Morley Scott to the position of Director, Broadcast and Media Relations.

Scott an Edmonton native will officially assume his role on July 20, 2009 and brings with him an extensive history of media and broadcast experience within the National Hockey League,

In his most recent role as the Edmonton Oilers play-by-play analyst, Scott was charged with broadcasting games on radio and television as both play-by-play and colour analyst for 16 NHL seasons and close to 1500 games.

Continue Reading »

Filed in: Non-NHL Hockey, Minor League | KK Hockey | Permalink
 Tags: Morley+Scott,

Candiens Fire Hamilton Coaching Staff

by Paul on 06/22/09 at 02:04 PM ET
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from Garry McKay of the HamiltonSpectator,

The Hamilton Bulldogs will have a new coaching staff this season.

Don Lever, who is the franchise’s longest-serving head coach, and his assistant Ron Wilson, who has been here even longer, have been told by the parent Montreal Canadiens that their services are no longer required.

Although both were long-time employees of the Canadiens, the Habs told them by phone that their contracts would not be renewed. they weren’t given a reason.

Both were, in effect, fired by Montreal general manager Bob Gainey who phoned them last week and said simply that ‘the organization is going in a different direction.”

Lever said he would like to have at least been given a reason for his dismissal.

“I’m very disappointed,” said Lever. “Somewhere along the line I must have done something wrong, but they didn’t tell me what it was.

continued

Filed in: NHL Teams, Montreal Canadiens, Non-NHL Hockey, Minor League | KK Hockey | Permalink
 Tags: Hamilton+Bulldogs,

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