Junior Hockey Ready To Roll Again!!!
Saturday, October 29, 2005

Posted by F.T.B

While I am thrilled that the NHL is back (and I enjoyed Kerrzy's columns on the subject), it s time to get back to what the site is all about,which is junior hockey.
I have to admit the excitement isn't there for me as much this year. Don't get me wrong,when the last few weeks of August come,it takes me back a few years where I long to get inside of an arena. To meet the new rookies on my team and thing of things to knock them down a notch. To see my vet buddies and listen to their stories of summer debauchery at the cottage or on the beach. Introducing the rooks to the local girls who will do anything for us.So many things that go on behind the scenes that a person who has never played a team sport has no clue about. But this year,its almost a let down.

I think its the fact that all of Canada's best juniors were playing CHL last year and we pretty much knew that on September 15th. This year,like the NHL,the teams are changing faces rapidly,there is a lot more uncertainty regarding what city will have what players. For example,will the Oil be keeping Robbie Schremp or will he play for London Knights? Or will he be traded to one of the contenders? What about Bobby Ryan? Ben Pouliot? Marc Staal? Gilbert Brule? etc,etc. While your average coach or fan is hoping,or should be hoping,that their prize prospect makes the NHL,they also know that if it happens,that the teams chances of success goes down the tubes without their best player. The uncertainty is back in junior this year. If the prospect comes back from NHL camp,what does that do for the depth guys/young guys on the roster? Do they get traded? Sent down to Jr B? That uncertainty is back. Last year,the fans pretty much knew what the team would look like by game one.
I am also a bit worried about the World Juniors this year. Will the NHL let their best teenagers go (except Crosby of course) or will they keep them on the 4th line on the NHL teams? They have a huge talent pool again and with their best players,they should win it all again with the Americans and Russians giving the best opposition.
Just a few things that come to mind now that junior hockey is starting off. To all players on the board,best of luck in your seasons and I hope everyone gets where they want to go. See you at the rink. OHL preview to come in a few days.