Two down, one to go…
By Robert Przybylo
BPrzybylo@opubco.com
From reading about last night’s game, it seems like nobody cares about Wichita getting that point as long as Oklahoma City got its two points.
For the record, defenseman Oriel McHugh scored the game-winner in OT to give the Blazers a 4-3 win at Wichita.
It is McHugh’s first non-power-play goal of the season and his ninth goal of the season. Surprised it was necessary with the 3-1 lead entering the third.
But Oklahoma City has done this before. Dominate for 50 minutes, let up the last 10, end up with a point or a straight out loss.
So maybe a little corner was turned. Able to regroup and get the win.
Bossier-Shreveport is right on OKC’s heels and notched another win while Mississippi lost in overtime to Texas and is now three points behind the other two clubs.
All things being equal, all three should win tonight (OKC at Amarillo, Boss. hosting Wichita and MS hosting Rapid City).
D.J. Jelitto added another two goals Friday. I’ve had a Jelitto story in my backpocket for a while, might be time to bust it out.
As for what you can expect this week, here you go:
Monday will be a look at “Judgment Week.” (if you can think of a cooler name, send ‘em in). There are big weeks and then there is this week. Two games at Bossier-Shreveport and a home date with Colorado.
There will also be a brief, catch-you-up-to-speed on the on-going lawsuit between former Blazers owner Horn Chen and the Blazers. Neither side, predictably so, would comment on the matters.
Tuesday, hey, who is Avery Wilson? And why No. 56? Anyway, always nice to introduce myself to the newest face.
Well, I’m on “From Staff Reports” duty tonight for the game at Amarillo. And I’m going to try to get in touch with Sauter after the game.
Wilson signs with Blazers…
By Robert Przybylo
BPrzybylo@opubco.com
With the recent loss of forward Cam Doull, Oklahoma City made a move today. The Blazers have signed Avery Wilson.
Wilson played 23 games with the Tulsa Oilers this season and had a goal and an assist with 50 penalty minutes.
Wilson is 6-0 and 200 pounds and is originally from Marquette, Mich. He was waived by Tulsa last night.
Interesting to see where he’ll fit in.
One down, two to go…
By Robert Przybylo
BPrzybylo@opubco.com
That was originally my not-so creative first sentence for last night’s win until Bill Vandermeer scored his third goal of the night with less than a minute left.
But from talking to the coaches and players last night, that’s the attitude. Good to get the win, always good to beat Tulsa, now take care of the rest of this weekend.
After making Tulsa G Kevin St. Pierre look like an All-Star early in the season, the Blazers have found some cracks with 11 goals in the last two games against Tulsa.
Head coach Doug Sauter didn’t have much to say about last night’s game because it seemed like any other effort, except Oklahoma City was able to find the net.
He did say he was happy the period-long aggressiveness. The Blazers have had a bad tendency of letting up after two or three goals. The foot was on the throat last night.
But it really won’t mean much if Oklahoma City can’t take care of business against Wichita and Amarillo this weekend.
You can sugarcoat it all you want, but these are the teams you’re supposed to chalk up automatic Ws against.
You scratch and claw against teams like Colorado and Bossier-Shreveport and Mississippi, but you’re supposed to impose your dominance vs. the Wichitas and Amarillos of the league.
It was kind of funny that Vandermeer brought up Wichita beating Colorado recently. That was 11 games ago. But he did say “and they beat us up pretty good last time.”
Amarillo did score a big OT win against Colorado on Wednesday. Before that, the Gorillas were on an eight-game winless streak. Tulsa is at Amarillo tonight.
Division games to watch: Rapid City at Bossier-Shreveport and Mississippi at Texas. OKC, Boss. and MS all play at 7:05.
***
American Hockey League president Dave Andrews did not give Oklahoma City much hope for landing a Triple-A franchise. Andrews told the Grand Rapids Press on Wednesday that the NBA’s Thunder relocating from Seattle has “drastically decreased” the chances of an AHL team playing in Oklahoma City. “It’s not quite as attractive as it once was,” Andrews said.
Do a little reading between the lines on this one. I spoke with Andrews last month. While he didn’t give me the impression he was high on the Oklahoma City market, he also wasn’t too familiar with the place.
He’s never been here. And he said all he knows really is what’s read about it’s been such a good hockey market over the years.
And while the AHL may not be as enthused as it once was about Oklahoma City, that doesn’t mean the individual cities aren’t still excited about the prospects.
Just somethin’ to chew on.
***
Had a couple of e-mails about Cam Doull. Seems most believe there might be more to this story than what’s on the surface.
Tough for me to comment on what he’s going through, but I’ll let you know from my personal experiences.
Doull was born in 1982. I was born in 1983. Doull left Canada to come to Oklahoma City where he wasn’t familiar with that many people or with the area at all. I attended OU in 2002 and didn’t know ONE person when I got there.
And the toughest time for me was when I went home for the holidays. There was that sense of familiarity and a sense of belonging to something again.
That was one of the drawbacks about giving the players nearly a week off. It gives some of them a time to rest, but it gives others a time to reflect. Especially the guys who aren’t used to the wear-and-tear of the road.
When you’re in the heat of battle and on the road, you don’t think too much. You’re going through the motions and have a routine.
But what happens when you get some time off to evaluate? Not always as rosy as it appeared. I fought this urge a couple of times in my now almost seven years in Oklahoma.
That’s why even though Doull did not play like a person who had lost his desire, maybe his heart is not in OKC.
It’s a personal pride thing to continue to play hard. But that doesn’t mean you’re necessarily happy.
Not saying that’s what is going on with Doull. I just know I’ve been through it before. Definitely going to stay on top of this one.
Blazers vs. Tulsa – Game Blog
10:00 – Oklahoma City 6, Tulsa 0. Blazers score five in the third and Vandermeer ends up with hat trick. But that may have not been the most interesting news of the night.
A word from AHL President Dave Andrews.
8:35 – A singular great effort by Oklahoma City’s Bill Vandermeer has the Blazers up 1-0 heading into the third period. It happened 15:39 into the second period during my favorite type of hockey, some 4-on-4.
Oklahoma City gave Tulsa all the chances in the first, so the Oilers returned the favor in the second period. The Blazers never converted on any of their PPs, but they kept attacking and pressuring the net.
Vandermeer scored a takeaway early in the 4-on-4 session and went high to beat St. Pierre, his team-leading 17th goal of the season.
Groenestege hasn’t had to do too much through two periods with only 11 shots so far for Tulsa. Conversely, Oklahoma City has put 28 against St. Pierre.
The Blazers are 18-3-2 when leading after the second period.
7:40 – Anyone else feel a little rusty? It almost seemed like both teams slept through that first period. Blazers had some good scoring opportunity but it is 0-0 through the first.
Oklahoma City really fluttered out of the gate, committing bad penalties early. Bill Vandermeer picked up a double-minor, but the Blazers have been able to snuff out any chances. Tulsa had five power-play opportunities in the first
During the second half of the period, Oklahoma City had a couple of nice shots. Simon Lambert had a takeaway but was stoned by Kevin St. Pierre.
Ted Vandermeer nearly snuck one in and Brian Passmore had a decent opportunity after coming out of the penalty box. But right now, neither team has imposed its will.
No surprise as the Blazers outshot Tulsa 11-6. Set out a goal for a later date to look at how many times Tulsa has outshot its opponents. The guess is less than 10 times.
As expected, a rough crowd tonight. The people at this game are the people who would show up no matter what the conditions. They probably would have shown up Tuesday if the game was scheduled.
6:30 – It’s Groenestege. Sundbye gave me that impression that Groenestege would be alright. Bustin’ out the black jerseys again.
5:50 – Well, how is everybody doing? Driving through ice is tough, but I can’t stand driving through slush as well as all the salt that accumulates on your windshield. Sadly, that’s more dangerous to me than the ice/snow.
Oklahoma City is in a tough spot with the recent loss of forward Cam Doull. He was a solid contributor during his half-season with the Blazers.
Good to check in with trainer Wade Sundbye. Robin Gomez will be out this weekend while Ted Vandermeer and Tyler Fleck are both doing fine.
Doug Groenestege took a shot to the leg in practice today. When I spoke with Sauter, he wasn’t sure how Groenestege was. Sundbye doesn’t think it should be any issue.
Doull has left the team…
By Robert Przybylo
BPrzybylo@opubco.com
Forward Cam Doull has left the Oklahoma City Blazers. Doull was placed on team suspension yesterday. Doull was reported to have left the team Monday for personal reasons.
Head coach Doug Sauter said there are no hard feelings at all in the matter. Doull wants to go back home and finish his schooling. Sauter said Doull does not have far to go to complete his degree. Doull did not elaborate much more than that to Sauter. He just lost his desire. Sauter said Doull did nothing wrong and was not punished or anything like that.
This happens every now and then, but it’s a bad time for the Blazers because of all the nagging injuries and of course, the major shoulder problem with Robin Gomez.
Doull would be welcomed back to the team anytime during the 30-day period, Sauter said.
Doull had nine goals and 10 assists in 35 games with Oklahoma City.
Martino back in Oklahoma…
By Robert Przybylo
BPrzybylo@opubco.com
After a dreadful two days, things got much better today. And the improving weather made Tulsa coach Tony Martino able to return to Tulsa today.
Look for a story about Martino in tomorrow’s paper.
This was the first time I’ve had a chance to speak with Martino. It won’t be the last as he was very honest about everything and easy to talk to.
Martino recognizes the team’s biggest weakness is defense. Just look at the shots for and against and you can figure that out. But he is of the right mindset that it won’t happen overnight.
That makes me believe he wants to stick around for next season. It doesn’t compute to try re-build the team in the mold you want only to duck out before you get a chance to coach your type of team.
He was actually approached by GM Taylor Hall about things before the season began. But Martino took a spot within the Chicago Blackhawks organization.
It was a tough and easy move for Martino to make. It was easy because he was coming back home. It was tough because obviously, that’s big move for the family to make.
He wants to restore the pride that Tulsa once had. He said he feels the team is buying into his system, and he’s getting guys that want to play for the team, not the paycheck.
It’s so tough to gauge his short tenure because Tulsa gone through a muderers’ row schedule.
The worst team the Oilers have played is Rio Grande Valley. Games with Oklahoma City, Texas, Mississippi, Bossier-Shreveport are going to determine where this team is right now.
When Tulsa can catch a break and face teams like Rapid City and Wichita, then we’ll see how far they’ve progressed.
But right now, there’s definitely a reason for hope and the team has been rejuvenated.
Salary cap violations had Martino out in New Mexico. And he also coached in Italy for a couple of years. Coaching has become his passion.
And he knows what the Oklahoma City/Tulsa rivalry means. That’s crucial to any job. Know your rival, just ask Ohio State football coach Jim Tressel about that. He knew beating Michigan is what those fans care about, and they’ve embraced him for it. Same can be said for Tulsa vs. OKC.
Just a reminder, if you had tickets for Tuesday’s game, they are still valid for Thursday night’s contest.
Mudbugs claim first…
By Robert Przybylo
BPrzybylo@opubco.com
What a whirlwind 24 hours if you’re a Bossier-Shreveport fan. Two tough games with one at night and the other in the morning, and what do you get?
How about four points and a spot atop the Northeast Division?
Bossier-Shreveport defeated Laredo, 4-3, on Monday night. Originally, goaltender Ken Carroll was credited with an unassisted game-winner 12 minutes into the period.
It was later changed to D David Pszenyczny with the goal.
And then the Mudbugs had to bus to Mississippi for a crucial game with the RiverKings. And pulled that one out 2-1.
Carroll stopped 39 shots today in the win. Bossier was down 1-0 entering the third and scored twice in three minutes for the win.
There were three fights in the game that despite the early start, looks like had all the intensity that it should have had.
So that puts Bossier-Shreveport in first with 53 points and Oklahoma City and Mississippi in second with 51 points. The only caveat being the Blazers have played two fewer games than the Mudbugs.
And now Bossier starts a seven-game home stretch that includes two with Oklahoma City next week.
How crucial is a six-point week going to be for Oklahoma City now? Has it reached a point where it HAS to happen?
Assuming I can make it out OK, I’ll be at practice tomorrow. I don’t live that close to the Blazers Ice Centre, so we’ll see how the conditions are.
Just a reminder, Oklahoma City and Tulsa has been moved to Thursday. It’s brutal out there with the snow/ice, but I’m getting a small case of cabin fever being anchored in my apartment.
Blazers game moved to Thursday…
By Robert Przybylo
BPrzybylo@opubco.com
The Oklahoma City Blazers game with Tulsa has been moved to Thursday night at the Ford Center.
Just got off the phone with Josh Evans to confirm the move. If you live in Oklahoma, you know the ice is bad right now and supposed to only get worse or stay at this dangerous level Tuesday.
Tickets for the original Tuesday game will be good for the Thursday game. The game will still start at 7:10 p.m.
It’s funny that because it’s Tulsa, it actually made it tougher. The NE part of Oklahoma is going to be bombarded with this ice storm that having the team a mere 90 miles away may have hurt the matter this week.
A team from Texas might have been able to easily bussed up the road but trying to get to OKC right now is not an easy thing to do.
Also interesting that because of the move, Oklahoma City will now play at home Thursday, at Wichita on Friday and at Amarillo on Saturday. This is going to be one tough physical/mental week for the team.
CHL Power Poll for 1-26
By Robert Przybylo
BPrzybylo@opubco.com
Back in the saddle. Hope you had a chance to read the piece on goaltender Doug Groenestege. An interesting person to talk to, to say the least.
Spoke with Josh Evans today who said tomorrow night’s game is still on. Bad ice has caused numerous accidents. This is where it helps to be from Chicago. Been cruisin’ right along so far.
Keep ya posted on those developments.
Anyway, let’s hit the poll, shall we?
Power Poll
1. Colorado (1) (32-6-1): Same old, same old here. Eagles have won eight straight and have a cushy three-game home stretch coming up this week.
2. Odessa (2) (28-10-3): Jackalopes took care of business. Played three games they’re supposed to win and came out with six points. That’s how you do it.
3. Texas (3) (27-10-4): Brahmas went 3-0-1 in four-game week. Have second back-to-back-to-back weekend in a row. Have opened a little distance vs. Laredo.
4. Blazers (4) (23-11-5): Is the team playing too tentatively when Andy Franck is in net, wondering if he’s healthy? There are some major health issues with this team right now.
5. Mississippi (6) (25-13-1): Here come the River Kings again. Mega showdown with Bossier-Shreveport on Tuesday night will answer some questions and probably pose some more.
6. Bossier-Shreveport (5) (23-13-3): If the Mudbugs can stay away from Rio Grande Valley, they’re going to be fine. Lost 11-2 in the last two meetings vs. RGV.
7. Laredo (7) (22-12-4): Was going to count out the Bucks, but they’ve played the second least amount of games this season and just activated G Sebastien Centomo, so not out of the race yet.
8. Rocky Mountain (8) (22-17-4): Not much movement this week in the poll as most teams had up-and-down weeks. Like the Rage, who went 2-2.
9. Rio Grande Valley (9) (19-17-4): Killer, no pun intended, stretch with two games with Laredo and another with Odessa this week.
10. Corpus Christi (NR) (17-18-4): Riding a four-game winning streak to get back in the top 10. Brutal week with two vs. Odessa and one with Texas and Laredo.
Best of the rest: 11. Arizona; 12. Rapid City; 13. New Mexico; 14. Wichita; 15. Tulsa; 16. Amarillo.
POW is Bobby Chaumont of Mississippi and GOW is Kris Tebbs of Corpus Christi.
***
Thanks to an anonymous tip, a lawsuit by former Blazers owner Horn Chen against the team has come to my attention.
The claim by Chen is that current owner Bob Funk Sr. owes him money from when the team was sold.
There is a counterclaim by Funk saying the financial numbers weren’t correct and that Funk owes him nothing. In fact, Funk has had to spend his own money to keep the team afloat.
It was filed in Sept. 2007, back when all I did was answer high school sports scores at night. So give me a little time to dig into everything (it’s all I’ve been doing today).
I’m not going to treat this as the elephant in the room. When I know something that isn’t just public record that anybody can find, I’ll let you know.
***
As for this team, quick notes: Doug Groenestege starts tomorrow. Tyler Harder is back with the team but Cam Doull has had to leave for personal reasons. Robin Gomez’s shoulder is messed up, and he’s out. That moves Reagan Leslie to the forward slot. And both Ted Vandermeer and Tyler Fleck got a little dinged up last weekend. Both are expected to play vs. Tulsa.
If you’re in Oklahoma the next couple of days, hey, stay safe and keep warm.
Dems the breaks…
By Robert Przybylo
BPrzybylo@opubco.com
I’ve been wondering to myself for a while if Oklahoma City was ever going to get a hat-trick this season.
With all the talent, it amazed me that so far, the Blazers hadn’t even been close to be honest.
All they needed was for me to be at a memorable day of basketball and be at a jersey retirement ceremony…for the other team.
Guess you can say D.J. Jelitto’s leg is doing OK, huh? Jelitto scored three as the Blazers won 5-2 at Tulsa on Doug Lawrence night.
And from reading bits and pieces, sounds like Kevin St. Pierre and Doug Groenestege got into a scuffle. Missed a good one.
Well, back to Carl Albert today for championship Saturday. Depending on time, plan on calling Doug Sauter late tonight. If it’s anything like last night, not likely. I saw eight overtimes yesterday and didn’t get home until about 12:30 a.m.
Oklahoma City, Bossier-Shreveport and Mississippi are all in action tonight, so should be an eventufl one.
