Oilers Sign Former Fighting Sioux Robbie Bina

As per the Grand Forks Herald, the Edmonton Oilers signed the defenseman to a 2-way deal. He is expected to split time between Springfield and Stockton.

Bina, an all-Western Collegiate Hockey Association defenseman at UND, recently signed a one-year, two-way deal with the Edmonton Oilers organization, which also holds the rights to Geoff Paukovich.

Bina’s contract is with Springfield (Mass.) Falcons of the American Hockey League and the Stockton (Calif.) Thunder of the East Coast Hockey League.

Good signing by the Oilers. Despite some other higher profile names getting all the press for the Sioux, its quite often Bina who runs the power-play and makes things happen. He is small, but his skills with the puck are undeniable.

Taylor Chorney agrees to deal in principle with Oilers

From the Grand Forks Herald:

UND junior defenseman Taylor Chorney has agreed in principle to terms with the Edmonton Oilers and is expected to sign a three-year, entry-level contract on Monday or Tuesday.

Here is the entire article.

Having seen Chorney play first-hand about six times last season, I have to say that I don't think he is currently ready to play for the big club. The youngster possesses tons of skill and is a terrific skater, but at times he lacked consistency. He is not as physical as he could be and he has room to improve quarterbacking the power play. That being said, the Oilers have a deep defensive corps and can afford to let Chorney develop his game in the AHL. In the end, the game looks fairly easy for the slick puck-moving defenseman who will most likely become a top four defenseman for Edmonton in the next couple years.

News You Can Use Late in the Day

1. Jacques Martin will continue as GM of the Florida Panthers, but will give up the coaching job.
2. Anton Volchenkov has pronounced himself ready to play.
3. Brian Costello has praise and criticism for the referees and notes that Todd Bertuzzi didn't waste any time getting back to his old tricks.
4. Top 10 Playoff Moments (with video).
5. Part 2 of Jeff Marek's look at fighting in the NHL.
6. Check this promo for the playoffs from Versus.
7. Some playoff wallpaper that you might enjoy.
8. In a move reeking with originality, Bill Clement does an Sidney vs. AO comparison.
9. Notre Dame and Boston College will play in the Frozen Four Final. Read an excellent account of the game here.
10. The Edmonton Oilers have locked up Tom Gilbert to a long term deal.
11. Someone is a little crankers in Boston.
12. MLB writer takes a shot at the NHL, obviously fueled by HGH rage. (Hat tip, Kukla)
13. An interesting look back at this day in the history of the Stanley Cup playoffs.
14. Jonathan Toews to be named Hawks captain?
15. Check out the Best of Seven blog if you have time. Good read on the playoffs.
16. A preview of the Chicago-Indiana series from the USHL. Chicago led off with a 4-3 win last night. If you have the time and interest, check this one out. It is likely to be a throwback series akin to watching the Jets and Oilers circa 1985. Games are available online at B2 Networks.
17. Fanhouse points out that Jacques Martin has made some astute moves as GM of the Panthers.
18. Headline: Sunohara settles for unusual position. Thats what she said!
19. The sale of the Minnesota Wild has been completed.
20. A little more Memorial Cup History.
21. Ryan Kennedy suggests Randy Cunneyworth as a possible replacement in Florida.
22. Olaf Kolzig doesn't want your pity.
23. The Wild figure they have a 50-50 chance of resigning Marian Gaborik, who may command up to $10.8 million per.
24. Ross McKeon calls out the Ducks for their undisciplined play versus Dallas.
25. In the wake of the Sioux's defeat to Boston College, the internet crazies come out of the woodwork.

News You Can Use Late in the Day

1. Hayley Wickenheiser's hat trick propels Canada to victory over Sweden.
2. Check out this new photo blog featuring the UND Fighting Sioux.
3. Tyler Myers reverses a trend and joins Team Canada for the U-18's.
4. Darren Dreger notes that Sidney Crosby is only an average goal scorer.
5. Jim Kelley confirms the Matheson column from yesterday: Brian Campbell was a good pick up for the Sharks.
6. Central Scouting is hard at work prepping for the final draft rankings.
7. Michael Hutchinson is featured in this week's edition of Draft Dandies.
8. The Junior Hockey Report.
9. Guy Lafleur has filed a multi-million dollar lawsuit over his recent arrest warrant.
10. Craig Simpson wonders if Jim Playfair was unfairly scapegoated in Calgary.
11. Daryl Reaugh's suggestion on the icing debate: Eliminate it.
12. Paul Friesen writes about the Predators' season.
13. The NHL is now in the wine business. No mention of Darcy Tucker, chief NHL whiner.
14. Want to talk to some random Finnish dude about hockey?
15. Steve Yzerman is getting noticed.
16. Team Canada hopes to have Shane Doan on it's roster for the World Championships.
17. The NHL is recruiting former NCAA and CIS players to be referees.
18. Jim Boone of the NHLFA offers his thoughts on wooing American fans to hockey.
19. The Blackhawks will televise all 82 of their games next season.
20. Adam Proteau takes note at the Predators incredible run of luck.
21. A look at Native hockey players.
22. Taking Note informs us that three Western Leaguers have been named to Canada's U-18 team and Trent Yawney has an interest in coaching the Kelowna Rockets.
23. Daren Eliot writes that the Sharks and Penguins are heating up just as the playoffs approach.
24. Jeff Marek of CBC suggests a new method of awarding the Lady Byng.
25. Eric Duhatschek reminds us that important hockey games are also played in November, and points to the Oilers as proof.