News You Can Use Late in the Day

1. Probably the most eloquent written description of hockey you will see today, courtesy of William Faulkner and the 1950's.
2. Scott Burnside goes behind the scenes with the Flyers as they close in on a playoff spot.
3. Pat Quinn will coach Team Canada at the World Under-18's.
4. The weekly release from the USHL.
5. The new arena in Edmonton is another step closer to reality.
6. The Ottawa Senators have recalled Brian Lee.
6. Patrick Roy earns himself a 5 game suspension for the playoff melee.
7. Pierre Lebrun writes that the NHL may re-visit its rules on no-touch icing. The rule Pierre advocates for is currently in use by the USHL.
8. All Things Avs is not a Dion Phaneuf fan. Expect Pierre McGuire to rescue his monster.
9. Check out this shaving cream prank gone wrong, courtesy of Fanhouse.
10. John Buccigross picks his award winners and answer reader's mail.
11. Ken Campbell says the culture in junior hockey needs to change.
12. The weekly Hot List from the Hockey News.
13. Ken Campbell with his thoughts on no-touch icing et al.
14. The Top 10 Fighters in the NHL, Part 1.
15. Adam Portzline feels an infusion of skill and heart will help the Bluejackets.
16. Gordie Howe talks old-time hockey.
17. The Oilers have recalled Jeff Drouin-Deslauriers.
18. Some juicy NHLPA emails have finally been released. More on this from the Toronto Star.
19. A look at Patrick Marleau's resurgence in San Jose.
20. Brian Sutter has resigned as head coach of the Red Deer Rebels, to be replaced by Jesse Wallin.
21. Bob Duff talks to Adam Graves.
22. All 30 coaches compared to Star Wars characters.
23. The Lightning may allow former captain Tim Taylor to play one final game in a Bolts uniform.
24. NHL Free Agent Day will remain July 1st, despite a request by the NHL to move the day back.
25. I am a little tardy on these Easter themed links, but check out biographies on Rabbit McVeigh and Bunny Laroque.

Prospect Pulse: Chris Vande Velde

Vande Velde, an Edmonton Oilers 2nd rounder, in a Moorhead, Minnesota native who came up through the USHL and now plays with the UND Fighting Sioux. As such, I have the opportunity to see him quite often. He was a fringe player last year who often didn't play more than 3 or 4 minutes a game. He figures to have a breakout season in the WCHA this year, and if his first game against Manitoba was any indication, Vande Velde has arrived in the NCAA.

Vande Velde logged a lot of ice time in the first game for the Sioux, lining up as the 2nd line center and playing a regular shift. He figures to get time on the 1st PP unit and the 1st PK and will definitely be a contributor this season. The hulking centerman has learned to use his frame to his advantage and will be able to lean on smaller defensmen to create chances down low. In addition to his skills on the cycle and in front of the net, Vande Velde is a smooth skater with surprising speed. His large size is intimidating in full flight and he can use it to back defenders into the zone.

Vande Velde, who wears #29 for the Sioux, is a smart player who also plays a strong defensive game. He is very physical and has a knack for jamming up passing and shooting lanes. Watch for him to put up big numbers on this potent Sioux team. To cap things off, my wife also recently declared him her new favorite hockey player. Where have you gone Mike Peca?

A Q and A with Vande Velde can be found here.

News You Can Use Late in the Day:

-The Philadelphia Flyers have signed All-Star hopeful Rory Fitzpatrick. Vote Rory!

-Carey Price and Kyle Chipchura get their first taste of action tonight.

-The Gretzky's are holding a garage sale.

-Attendance woes in Detroit continue.

-I meant to post this yesterday and forgot. The Ducks have demoted Bobby Ryan.

-Eric Duhatschek sees Paul Stastny as the best American NHL'er. On that note, the transcript of a conference call with Stastny.

-Nike a victim of hockey's declining popularity in the US. Hockey Rants weighs in on the issue and notes that Rbk is making some of the same mistakes.

-The Capitals are confident that they can reach the playoffs, but aren't resting on their early season laurels.

-Cam Ward dropped 24 pounds in the off-season and is off to a good start.

-Taking Note observes that Wild prospect Colton Gillies had 5 point night versus the Regina Pats. Coach Lemaire will not be happy that he is scoring more than 1 goal per game. Thats not Wild hockey.

-On Frozen Blog writes that Capitals prospect Jeff Schultz has been sent down to Hershey.

-Lightning defender Brad Lukowich has his own record company.

-There are two Chris Chelios'.

-Interesting story out of Pittsburgh about the longest serving member of each team.

-The Edmonton Oilers have recalled JF Jacques from Springfield. Either a trade is looming or they need someone to play 3 minutes a night.

-Patrik Stefan has retired from the NHL.

-Note this video of David Koci getting the decision in this fight with Derek Boogaard.

-The Canadian Federal government has ponied up $400,000 for the World Pond Hockey Championships in New Brunswick.

-The Flames hope to forget last year's dismal road record.

-A good story on an atom team in Toronto with some famous names on the jerseys.

-NHL Players will lose 9.5 percent of their cheques to an escrow payment this year.

-The Flames called up a goalie from Mount Royal College to help out in college. Note that he bested Kiprusoff in the scrimmage.

-Ex-Bruins doing ok in LA.

-Martin Havlat will be out at least a month in the best case scenario.

-A little puff piece on Nik Lidstrom.

-Stan Fischler wonders who will replace Sean Avery.

-The Coyotes' Josh Gratton is still a week away from action.

-Jose Theodore should be activated by this Friday, as backup Tyler Weiman has already been demoted.

-Oiler Blogger Lowetide with an update on former and current Oiler prospects drafted between 1999 and 2003.

-Power Rankings from the CBC.


For Illegal Curve, I'm Kyle Kosior

Prospect Pulse

The Rangers' Alex Bourret might be one of the best examples of a highly touted prospect flying under the radar. Originally drafted by the Atlanta Thrashers in the 2005 NHL Entry Draft, Bourret continued to improve his play after his draft year, posting a nearly 30 point improvement in the 2005-2006 QMJHL season. Injured early in his first pro campaign, Bourret bounced back and was producing nicely for the Chicago Wolves when he was traded to the Hartford Wolfpack, the Rangers AHL affiliate.

He posted 18 points in the final 23 games with Hartford while skating on the top line with Nigel Dawes and Jarko Immonen. Bourret stepped up his game in the playoffs, going 3-8-11 in 7 games. The improved performance at crunch time may be Bourret's calling card, as he has produced at least a point per game in all the playoff series' in which he has been involved.

A combination of impressive skill and physical tenacity, Bourret does not shy away from the corners or traffic and can make plays in both of these areas. He will stick up for teammates and is not afraid to intimidate opponents with his size. The knock on Bourret is his consistency, but this can be said about any young player, so I don't know why scouts even bother anymore. Like other young players, Bourret will make bad decisions with and without the puck from time to time.

Bourret noted that his slow start in the AHL was partially due to the fact that he spoke no English and had trouble adjusting to life in Chicago. Wolves Coach John Anderson took the right approach, pairing him with a French teammate and giving him the odd game in the press box with an assignment to watch what players do in certain situations.

The Rangers expect Bourret to be a solid two way player who grows into his offensive game. If he can build on his impressive first year of pro hockey, he will be a legitimate top line forward who can score from anywhere. Currently playing well at Rangers' camp, Bourret may get an extended look from the Rangers thanks to his physical play and offensive prowess.

A video interview with Bourret can be found here.

UPDATE: Alex Bourret was sent back to Hartford by the Rangers.

News You Can Use in the Late Morning:

-Avs' prospect and Michigan alum TJ Hensick hopes to make the team out of camp.

-A look at the Rangers' top prospects from Hockey's Future.

-The Coyotes have their own MySpace page. Oh Phoenix, the rest of the world, including Illegal Curve, is on Facebook. Only pedophiles and Marc Hoe are left on MySpace.

-RDS reporting that the Sharks may be interested in Halak. If Price plays well in camp, Halak may be expendable.

-Martin Gerber stops 52 shots for a shutout in London, Ontario. This might help Ottawa move him, if thats what their intentions are.

-Oilers tough guy? Zach Stortini fighting for a job.

-The Sabres' Larry Quinn still mad at Edmonton for the Vanek offer sheet, won't consult Edmonton in preparation for the Ice Bowl. Also news in Buffalo, Quinn misses nap time, throws tantrum, gets sent to bed without supper.

-Former Prospect Pulse feature Marco Insam cut by the Regina Pats. May be headed to the USHL or Italian pro hockey.

-Top Ten Stories to watch in the OHL.

-Live-blogging from Capitals' camp.

-The WHL roundup from Taking Note.

-Interesting insight from the Bruins' Andrew Alberts.

-Jonathan Toews gives Chicago fans a taste of his talent. Also note that the Blackhaws returned Akim Aliu to junior.

-North Bay impresses. Maybe Jim Balsillie can move a team here?

-Kip Brennan takes down Zdeno Chara in a fight. Do the B's really want Chara fighting in the pre-season?

-Greg Wyshynski weighs in on expansion over at Fanhouse. Also note the Senators preview below main story.

-Offside looks at Dominik Hasek.

-The Wild look to start the year with clearly defined roles in net.

-Capitals pin their hopes on Nylander.

-A preview of the OHL.

-A Buffalo Sabres preview.

-The WHL Top Ten list.

-Voice of the Jets howling mad over his treatment by the Coyotes.

-An update on the Rob Ramage situation.

-Nick Foligno adjusting to the pro game.

-Wes Goldstein analyzes goalie competitions in the NHL.

-Tampa Bay still experimenting with line combinations.

-Lightning camp exhausting for players.

-Results from the minors and juniors.

-NHL Board of Governors agree to schedule changes.

-Naslund told to shoot more if he wants to increase production. I am labelling this one as obvious.

-Vokoun not concerned about poor outing in Edmonton.

-Coyotes hope a road trip will produce a clear cut #1 goalie.

-News and notes from Stan Fischler. Note that the NHL is moving its HQ in New York and will be opening a hockey store.

-Oilers and Leafs talk in the Six-pack.

-Team by team checklists from the Score. Note that the Blues have invited Mike Johnson to training camp.

Note: For our returning readers, we at Illegal Curve would be more than pleased if you had any comments on our articles or news stories. We have a plethora of writers who would love to discuss the topics and enlighten you with our always accurate opinions.

For Illegal Curve, I'm Kyle Kosior

Prospect Pulse

This tiny picture is the huge Simon Danis-Pepin. The Chicago Blackhawks second rounder (61st overall) currently patrols the blue line for the University of Maine Black Bears. Two things about Pepin intrigued me. First, he is a monster. Standing at 6-7 and weighing a modest 221, he is still pretty lanky. That being said, his wing span is a sight to behold. I saw him play the UND Fighting Sioux about a year ago, and players got tired trying to circumavigate his circumference. He is just that wide. Second, he is mean. Like Sean Avery after Elisha Cuthbert dumped him mean. He punishes people in front of the net and will literally chase opponents back to their bench. Adding fuel to the fire, he plays like an asshole. Seriously. Cheap shots, dirty hits, hits after the whistle, non-stop chatter (in French I presume) and a general distaste for anyone not wearing the same color as him were the norm over the 2-game series I saw him play.

Scouting reports on Danis-Pepin also note that he uses his size effectively and possesses good hockey sense. Blessed with offensive awareness and a keen understanding of how to play defense, Danis-Pepin needs to work on his foot speed, but is nevertheless a good skater. It is my belief that this foot speed issue is not as serious as it would be for a smaller player, as his long stride and positional strength, not to mention his condor-like wingspan, can help mask any deficiencies.

A definite project at this point, Danis-Pepin is just entering his junior year at Maine, where he will have an expanded role with the team. He noted in a Q and A that he is continuing to work on his defensive game, especially down low containment. If he can continue to grow into his body and hone his offensive skills, Chicago will have added another quality piece to their defensive puzzle.

News You Can Use in the Late Morning:

-Ryan Smyth skating with Joe Sakic at Avs' camp.

-Two Kostitsyn's in camp with the Canadiens. I saw the older one a few times with Hamilton last year, and he is blessed with a ton of offensive talent.

-Blue Jackets suspend Svitov.

-Sens' prospect a Golden Gloves champ.

-NHL adds new stats to its game reports.

-Ten rookies who may make an impact this year. No surprises really, unless Gagner makes the Oilers out of camp.

-Allan Houston eyes a Canada-US junior series.

-Will be Forsberg or a trade for the Senators?

-Bad luck seems to follow Leafs' Wozniewski.

-News on Sharks prospects and projects from Battle of California.

-Stars feel goal production can come from within the organization. Note the prospects they are keen on at the bottom of the article.?XM Radio noted that Junior Lessard was skating on a line with Mike Modano. I wonder if CBC's Scott Russell is jealous.

-A round up on Red Wings' news from Kukla's Korner.

-Flames want production from greybeard Owen Nolan.

-Training camp news from the Score. Note that former Devils' first rounder Adrian Foster is in camp with the Wild. Anyone remember the Devils going way off the board in selecting Foster? I thought it was Kevin Lowe up there.

-Manitoba Moose pressbox regular Tyler Bouck in camp with the Ducks. Must have had time to talk to Burke on his visits to Winnipeg. Also note that Moose d-man Max Fortunus is skating with the Canucks. Moose GM Craig Heisinger and Scout Bruce Southern do an excellent job finding talent.

- A live blog of the Penguins' first day of camp. (Hat tip, Mirtle)

-Stars' prospects struggle.

-Leafs want more games in Western Canada. Can Cole and Neale stay up that late?

-Mirtle with a Predators preview.

-Profile of the Caps' Chris Bourque.

-5 Questions from Islanders camp.

For Illegal Curve, I'm Kyle Kosior. (p.s. Go Riders!)

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Prospect Pulse

Max Pacioretty, the Montreal Canadiens 2nd 2007 First Rounder, is headed for the University of Michigan this fall ( I wonder if he can play football?). Last year's USHL rookie of the year, Pacioretty is projected as power forward, with good around the net instinct and a quick release. Also shows good aptitude on the power play, where he can run the offense from the half boards by making smart passes and distributing the puck with intelligence. Proficient in the face-off circle, he was a participant in USA Hockey's Junior evaluation camp and hopes to represent his country at the World Junior's this Christmas.

Capable of playing a two way game, Max lists Jed Ortemeyer as his favorite player but models his game after Keith Tkachuk. McKeen's projects that he will be NHL ready in a couple of years, but needs to work on consistency (like all young players), strength and defensive awareness. (Sidebar: I truly hope I live to see the day that an NHL coach will just come out and say, "Player X is an offensive talent and I intend to use him in that capacity". I am a little tired of stifled creativity.) Pacioretty himself acknowledges his need for more upper body strength, but wants to maintain his speed and agility. He also wants to improve his goal scoring efficiency. Max has actually improved his offensive totals in each of his last 3 years of hockey.

Of note, Pacioretty was born in California and moved to Connecticut as a child. He is the only member of his family to play hockey. His parents signed him up for skating and he kept pushing himself to get better, including moving away from home to attend Taft Prep School. Max credits his coaches at Taft for making him the player he is today, and further credits Dave Siciliano of the Sioux City Musketeers with teaching him about intensity and attention to detail.

The Montreal Canadiens feel that Pacioretty will address their need for a pure power forward. Noting the success that players such as Eric Cole have had against their club, the Habs sought out the 6-1, 200 lb. forward to fill this niche. Prospect Pulse feels that a couple of years in Michigan under Red Berenson will have Pacioretty in the bleu, blanc et rouge in no time.

News You Can Use in the Late Morning:

-Hawks fans have reason for optimism this year. Time for all two of you to get out the closet and embrace this team, they should be fun to watch under Denis Savard.

-Flames Prospect Brandon Prust will have to postpone his debut til he is 100%. (TSN Broadband)

-Clement Jodoin attempts to rebuild the Oceanic in the post-Crosby era.

-Blues optimistic about the future. JD has done a great job.

-Lyon Messier traded from the Oil Kings to the Rockets. No Moose Jr. for Oil fans this year.

-The Leafs unveil their new jerseys. Pretty nice all together.

-SI's Allan Muir notes 15 players to watch in training camps. I would not be shocked if Commie-seeking missile Brandon Sutter got a look this fall.

-The new Avs jerseys. Meh.

-Illegal Curve noted yesterday that FA Brent Sopel was in Red Wings camp. Babcock now sees his as a Top 4 d-man.

-Man bites dog. George W. and Hilary caught in romantic tryst. In other news, Refs play hockey.

-Rangers prospect Alex Bourret has something to prove.

-The Avs cut 11 players, most notably Peterborough's Trevor Cann, a highly touted goalie.

-A run down of Canucks prospects.

-Benjamin Rubin reaches compromise that will allow him to play this season. On that note, a pleasant Rosh Hosannah to our Chosen Readers.

-Former Moose Jaw Warrior Robin Big Snake arrives in Texas. This is a little off the NHL's radar, but I love that name.

-Former Prospect Pulse feature Marco Insam still in the mix at Regina Pats' camp.

-Top pick Erik Johnson ready to go.

-Transaction report from last night.

-Carol Alt not missing Yashin that much. I wonder if Alt is teaching Lundqvist about the 5-hole?

-Patrick Roy, Rbk and Zellers team up for a new line of footwear. Perfect for walking out on the Canadiens or kicking your wife.

For Illegal Curve, I'm Kyle Kosior.