Things about the Winnipeg Jets and the NHL that crossed my mind —
Some random facts and a few thoughts from this past week about the Winnipeg Jets, the Manitoba Moose, the National Hockey League and the World Championships.
1. CONGRATS to the Brandon Wheat Kings … WHL CHAMPIONS!
2. Auston Matthews will be the #1 overall pick … case closed.
3. Will Kyle Connor start next season with the Manitoba Moose or the Winnipeg Jets? I say the Manitoba Moose. It was only two years ago that he was playing in the USHL and his numbers were terrific last season in the NCAA BUT he really hasn’t played very many games in the past two seasons (56 and 38 games), so I don’t think he’ll be ready physically for the grind of an 82-game NHL season. He might need a full year in the AHL and there’s nothing wrong with that. IMO, he was going to be hard pressed to make the Jets this season and now with the Winnipeg Jets winning the lottery and moving up to the second overall pick, his chances have become even slimmer.
4. Nikolaj Ehlers is a player.
5. International hockey sure has come a long way. It is amazing to see the growth in hockey in countries like Denmark, Switzerland, and Germany. When was the last time you were riveted by a Denmark/Czech Republic game?
6. Was there anybody that wasn’t moved by the passion the Hungarian players and fans exhibited at the WHC and especially when they won their first game in the “A” Pool since 1939? That’s what sports is all about.
7. Why isn’t Jacob Trouba playing for Team USA? Was he not invited? Did he decline? AND what about Connor Hellebuyck? Didn’t Helly backstop Team USA to a Bronze Medal last year?
8. SOOOO … the Travis Hamonic saga is finally over as he has rescinded his trade request. That’s a lot of time and effort I can’t get back writing about it and talking about it at Winnipeg Hockey Talk. Thanks a lot, Travis. Of course, I jest, this is good news as it probably means his family concerns are better and that’s a good thing.
9. Congrats to Rich Chernomaz from Selkirk, MB for the hard work he has put in trying to rebuild the Hungarian hockey program. The win versus Belarus was huge for that country. (see #6)
10. I’ve been watching UFA Michal Kempny (Czech Rep) a lot in this WHC and he would look good on the Winnipeg Jets blueline and the best part is it wouldn’t cost them anything but money.
11. My love for International Hockey started back in the 60’s when Canada’s National Team was based in Winnipeg (starting in 1965) and I got to see players and teams from other countries. It’s 50-years-later and it hasn’t waned one iota. I love this time of year (WHC) and I love Christmas when the Spengler Cup is being played in Switzerland as well as the World Junior Hockey Championships.
12. The Dallas Stars had the best record in the Western Conference but I can honestly say I didn’t think they were the best team by any stretch, so I like that St. Louis knocked them out. YES, I realize they were missing Tyler Seguin and he might have made a difference in a 7-game-series … although he doesn’t play goal.
13. One of the things I like about the World Championships is it’s a tournament within a tournament. The top teams are playing for a playoff spot and the lesser teams are playing to NOT get relegated to the “B” Pool.
14. It’s too bad Jesse Puljujarvi was injured at the U18 and couldn’t play for Team Finland at the Worlds. It would have been fun comparing him to Matthews and Laine.
15. Don’t forget that Thursday, May 19th is “National Caesar Day” in Canada … I wonder if it will ever be a stat holiday? Probably not BUT it should be!
16. First Star of the 2016 WHC: Team Hungary’s fans. They actually sang their countries National Anthem after every game, win or lose and cheered or sang all game long, no matter what the score was. (see #6)
17. Going to a WHC in a European city is in the “top 3” of my bucket list.
18. I’ll never forget seeing BIG Vaclav Nedomansky from Czechoslovakia at the Winnipeg Arena (New Years Eve, 1967) when I was a kid. (see #11)
19. Countdown to the 2016 NHL Entry Draft: 40 days (1st round on June 24th) in Buffalo, N.Y.
20. Countdown to the 2016 World Cup of Hockey: It is 125 days (Sept. 17) Toronto, Ont. The final rosters to be posted on June 1.
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If you have any thoughts on any of these comments or questions, please let me know. I would love to hear your opinions.
Thanks, Mitch
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Helly buck declined
Thanks, Mike … I wonder if he was banged up? I can’t see him passing up that opportunity.