Draft Analysis!

As much as I’m enjoying writing in my new blog, the fact that it’s late August is really starting to make it hard. There’s just nothing going on. I wanted to find some Wings-related news just to keep everyone (both of you) up to speed, but there’s just nothing. Unless of course you’re interested in knowing that it’s official, the Port Huron Icehawks are officially affiliated with Detroit. That makes two IHL teams now. As previously mentioned, Port Huron came to an agreement with Detroit that allows them to place two players into our training camp; now we get something in return. Much like the agreement with Toledo in the ECHL, the agreement with Flint and now Port Huron will most likely be only one player and one goalie maximum, but that does create some speculation. Detroit doesn’t really have any extra prospects, they’ve barely filled Grand Rapids. This either means that they’re planning on signing maybe a player or two or they plan on using the new IHL affiliations to give prospects that might not get that much time in Grand Rapids – like Evan McGrath or Mattias Ritola a place in North America to play where they’ll get big minutes. As of right now it appears only Logan Koopmans will get a spot on one of these teams.

Anyway, that’s basically all the news from the past few days, but I wanted to make this a little longer so I’ve decided to start a new feature I’ll do periodically – when it’s slow, reviewing past drafts. I’m gonna start with the most recent and go back. I won’t be doing 2007 at this time because I’m looking to review what’s changed between the time they’ve been picked and this time, and obviously, nothing’s happened with the ‘07 picks since June.

2006

Cory Emmerton 2nd round 41st overall. Emmerton was considered a first round pick in many eyes, and one of the top offensive talents in the entire draft. Detroit liked him a lot and almost took him at 29th, but decided to trade down for two extra picks. Surprisingly, Emmerton was still there. His first season as a Detroit prospect was very good, all things considered. He started hot but ended up breaking his ankle and missed significant time. Still, he returned before the end of the year and finished strong despite not being 100%. He put up 66 points in 40 games and impressed while on an amateur tryout in Grand Rapids at the end of the season. He’s still a proven scoring talent in the OHL and his numbers are very impressive, but obviously the season would have looked better had he not missed any time. Emmerton will return to Kingston for a 4th OHL season, looking to rebound and put in a full healthy year and hopefully a long run into the playoffs. Look for him among the top scorers in the league, and in Grand Rapids for 2008/2009. Definitely still looks like a steal where we got him as he has a pretty high offensive potential.

Shawn Matthias 2nd round 47th overall. Matthias became a Red Wings just six picks after Emmerton, in what looked like a very good pick as Detroit traded the 29th overall pick and a 5th round pick to get 41 and 47. Matthias did not have good numbers in his draft year but he came on strong late in the season and many expected he would continue progressing and have a breakout season with Belleville in the OHL. As expected, his point totals increased from 34 to 73 and he got even hotter in the playoffs, scoring 13 goals in 15 games. Matthias offers the blend of size and skill that is sorely lacking on the Wings, and unfortunately, he was traded with one more 2nd round pick to get Todd Bertuzzi, who has since departed. He is now property of the Florida Panthers and has that “surefire NHLer” look to him, though he doesn’t have too much top end offensive potential.

Dick Axelsson 2nd round 62nd overall. Dick Axelsson may be Detroit’s most intriguing prospect. Undrafted in 2005, he was on nobody’s radar for 2006 but Detroit took a chance on him. The start to his season was delayed as a battle over his contract ensued between two Swedish clubs. When all was said and done he found himself playing for Huddinge, a second-tier Swedish team. He put up solid numbers – 21 points in 25 games, and continued to play his undisciplined game, racking up 113 PIM. Considered one of the most offensively gifted Detroit prospects, Axelsson faces a make or break year as he’ll be playing in the Swedish Elite League for Djurgarden. Decent numbers and his stock could soar, his size, skill, and speed will be noticed by hockey scouts everywhere and Detroit could be praised for finding a steal. If his antics continue and he doesn’t produce, he could find himself loaned back to tier-2 in a big hurry.

Daniel Larsson 3rd round 92nd overall. Larsson was passed over in two drafts before Detroit took him in the 3rd round, a decision questioned by some (mainly the earliness of the pick), but justified by Detroit’s Hakan Andersson by saying goalies take longer to develop – it’s a lot easier to tell if a 20 year old goalie will make it than if an 18 year old will. Larsson was playing in tier-2 Sweden and was expected to split starting time with another goaltender in his first season in the SEL. That didn’t happen. Larsson impressed so much he ended up the starter by the end of the year. He won SEL Rookie of the Year honors for his efforts. His is expected to be the uncontested starter of his club, Djurgarden, this season, as the other goaltender signed in Finland. He’ll see 40-50 games and could end up in Grand Rapids next season, but there’s no hurry and he can always be loaned back to Sweden. As it stands, he still looks like a very promising goaltender.

Jan Mursak 6th round 182nd overall. 90 picks later, Detroit took a chance on Slovenian-born Jan Mursak. From that moment, his stock skyrocketed and I don’t think it’s stopped. He was fairly highly ranked but the lack of competition he faced last season left scouts wondering if he was a good player, or a good player just because he’s playing weaker competition. As it turns out, it’s the former. Mursak was taken in the CHL Import Draft by the Saginaw Spirit and had no trouble adjusting to North America, jumping into the league’s scoring leaders quickly. He slowed a little bit, but still ended up with 80 points in 62 games, earning rave reviews for his off-the-charts speed and playmaking ability. As Jim Nill stated in training camp, he still needs to get stronger. He will get every chance to shine this season as Saginaw’s veteran-heavy lineup last season slightly limited his ice time. He’s already earned a contract with Detroit, and a strong sophomore campaign with Saginaw – plus a little bulking up – and he could easily find himself starring with Grand Rapids for 2008.

Nick Oslund 7th round 191st overall. A rare Detroit pick from the high school ranks, cited as a long-term project from the beginning. Unfortunately, his progress thus far has been rather slow. The jump from the high school ranks to a major junior league – even the USHL – is difficult and this was reflected by Oslund’s numbers. Now, he was billed as more of a defensive forwards but his numbers in high school were still very good. In his rookie year in the USHL, he managed only 21 points in 56 games. This season was just a transition year for him, as he will join St. Cloud State for this upcoming fall. Detroit still has four years to sign him, so obviously there’s no hurry. His freshman year should supply some answers regarding his offensive ability.

Logan Pyett 7th round 212nd overall. Although he was expected to be drafted, albeit late, Pyett nearly slipped out of the draft until Detroit took him with the second to last pick. His season went much as expected – he was already proven offensively and his numbers increased slightly, from 45 to 62 points. The questions regarding him were more on his size and defensive game. It was not a problem for him this season, and he made up a very impressive pairing with ‘07 first round pick Nick Ross. He’s got a shot at Canada’s WJC team, which would go a long way for him as his rights will expire if he doesn’t get a contract this season. He will have to really impress though, as Detroit is already pretty stacked with smaller, puck-moving defensemen.

With two players – Emmerton and Mursak, already under contract, this is shaping up to be a strong draft for Detroit. Axelsson, Larsson, and Pyett all had successful seasons but will have to elevate their games slightly more to get contracts from Detroit at the end of this season. Next up; the 2005 and 2004 drafts.

Plymouth Whalers Preview ‘08

The Plymouth Whalers 2006-2007 campaign was one for the ages. After a rather modest start to the season the Whalers went on a tear in the second half, winning 41 of their last 50 games and quickly becoming the team the major junior hockey world was talking about. After soundly beating Guelph, Kitchener and top-seeded London, Plymouth defeated the Sudbury Wolves in six games to capture the J. Ross Robertson Cup and a ticket to the Memorial Cup where they made it to the Semi-Final match before losing to the host Vancouver Giants.

Such a run came at a great cost, many young players and draft picks were traded for older, more experienced players, most of whom won’t be returning to Plymouth for this upcoming season. Plymouth is now in total rebuild mode and has spent the offseason looking at young players to add to the roster to build up for another championship run in a few seasons.

Coaching

The changes start up front for Plymouth. OHL Coach of the Year Mike Vellucci will be retaining his duties as General Manager and Head Coach of the team, but Assistant General Manager and Assistant Coach Todd Watson will not, having jumped ship to rival Saginaw as the team’s new General Manager. Watson played a crucial role in player development and team practices. Unless a last minute replacement is found Vellucci will find himself with much more control and responsibility and any questions about his involvement with the team will be forced to be answered.

Goaltending

Returning: Michael Neuvirth ‘88, Jeremy Smith ‘89, Kyle Jendra ‘89

Goaltending was the obvious strength of Plymouth last season. Import Michal Neuvirth (Washington, 2006) had a stellar rookie campaign, leading the league in goals against average and save percentage, posting a 26-8 record. Despite the fact that Neuvirth alternated as the starting goalie during the regular season he was given the job full time in the playoffs, again leading in major statistical categories and going 14-3. The Whalers are counting on his return, but he has expressed interest in signing with Washington to play with Hershey in the AHL. However it looks like he will remain a Whaler for a second season, as Washington doesn’t appear to have any room for him.

Joining him will be Jeremy Smith (Nashville, 2007) who emerged out of obscurity early in the year to become the top ranked North American goalie for the NHL Entry Draft. His numbers were just as impressive as Neuvirth’s and he was among the league leaders in goals against average and save percentage, as he recorded 4 shutouts and a 23-6 record. His lack of playoff time was not due to poor play, but rather Plymouth just wanting to go with one hot goalie and that ended up being Neuvirth.

Both Neuvirth and Smith had the luxury of being on a team that didn’t give up many shots – not so much due to a great defense so much as just being too busy shooting themselves. It appears they will both be much busier this season but having either in net gives the team a chance to win every night, and that will be key if Plymouth wants to return the postseason this year. Should either suffer from exhaustion, Kyle Jendra remains the only other goalie under contract.

Defense

Departing: Steve Ward ‘86, Ryan McGinnis ‘87
Returning: Brett Bellemore ‘88, Jozef Sladok ‘88, Leo Jenner ‘89, Jordon O’Neill ‘90
Arriving: Tom Kane ‘90, Josh Bemis ‘90
O/As: Wes Cunningham, Zach Shepley, Steve Whitely

While the defense didn’t post the star power that other areas of the team did, it allowed the fewest goals in the entire league and despite being the supposed “weak point” of Plymouth, it never faultered. While last year’s team brought about consistency and experience, next year’s group offers just uncertainty and youth.

Gone is captain and top point-getting defender Steve Ward, as well as Ryan McGinnis (Los Angeles, 2005) who was traded to the Oshawa Generals for a draft pick as to not just lose him for nothing. Plymouth will likely use one overage spot to bring back Wes Cunningham, a puck-moving defenseman that could be a candidate to take over Steve Ward’s spot as the team’s powerplay quarterback. Zach Shepley is also a possible candidate to get an overage spot, his physical presence and shot blocking ability will be welcomed back. Plymouth will bring back at least one of the two, if not both, leaving Steve Whitely as the odd man out.

Brett Bellemore (Carolina, 2007) enjoyed an impressive season as the team’s breakout player and unsung hero, rising from the bottom of the depth chart to the top pairing, leading the entire OHL with a +48. He enjoyed a surprise selection from Carolina (the Karmanos connection strikes yet again) in this past June’s draft after being passed over his first year eligible. Assuming they bring back Cunningham and Shepley (as I feel they will do), Bellemore rounds out the top 3 as the only proven defenders Plymouth will have.

Tough guy and fan favorite Jozef Sladok will likely see a bigger role as he will now be one of the more experience defenders on the Plymouth blueline. He was just counted on for his fists last season and played most of his games as a spare forward, but it appears he’ll be ready for a bigger role and could get regular minutes on the powerplay. Leo Jenner, who drew rave reviews as the most impressive player at prospect’s camp, appears to be finally ready to step in full-time. He was getting used to his full-time job last season but saw mostly press box towards the end of the season and the playoffs.

The Whalers used the draft to shore up the situation, but whether it’s paid off remains to be seen. Plymouth is a strong attraction for local players and Mike Vellucci is quickly developing a reputation for getting players committed to college hockey to switch allegiances and play for Plymouth (most recently, A.J. Jenks, Jeremy Smith, Jared Boll). They took Beau Schmitz in the first round, a two-way defenseman who played for Detroit Belle Tire but has committed to Ferris State for 2009. It appeared he was leaning towards coming to Plymouth but has decided to play for the US National Development Team for this season. Management remains persistent and say he will join the team for 08/09. I hope they’re right, personally I don’t know why anyone would pick Ferris State over Plymouth, from a hockey career stand point you’ll get more looks in Plymouth. But keep in mind, selected late in the first round of this year’s NHL draft was defenseman Nick Petrecki, who Plymouth selected in the 1st round, 2005 and claimed he would commit. Petrecki stayed committed to Boston College and makes one wonder what difference he could have made had he committed to Plymouth.

However, players from past drafts will be the ones filling the holes. Jordon O’Neill enjoyed a brief stint in Plymouth last year during injuries and showed flashes of his ability as a two-way defensemen, a rarity on a Plymouth team that last year was either stay-at-home defensemen (Shepley, Bellemore, Jenner, Whitely) and part small, offensive defensemen (Ward, Cunningham). Tom Kane was signed this offseason and is another strong, physical defenseman. Recently, Josh Bemis signed with Plymouth, adding another tally to Vellucci’s growing track record of prying local players (Bemis is from Clarkston) away from colleges (Bemis was committed to Western Michigan) after taking a chance on them late (Bemis was a 14th round pick).

Offense

Departing: Jared Boll ‘86, Evan Brophey ‘86, James Neal ‘87, Dan Collins ‘87, Tom Sestito ‘87, Daniel Ryder ‘87
Returning: Chris Terry ‘89, Kaine Geldart ‘89, Brett Valliquette ‘89, Joe Gaynor ‘89, Chad Beal ‘89, A.J. Jenks ‘90, Vern Cooper ‘90
Arriving: Chad Rutkowski ‘90, Taylor Carnevale ‘91
O/As: Andrew Fournier, Sean O’Connor, Joe McCann.

No position will be taking as big of a hit as offense for Plymouth. What was just month’s ago the biggest, strongest, fastest, and most skilled offense in the OHL now looks like one of the weakest. Gone are Jared Boll (Columbus, 2005), Evan Brophey (Chicago, 2005), last year’s overagers, as well as James Neal (Dallas, 2005), Dan Collins (Florida, 2005), Tom Sestito (Columbus, 2006), and Daniel Ryder (Calgary, 2005) who are all expected to turn pro. Dan Collins is the only one who has a realistic chance of being sent back but the Whalers certainly won’t be counting on him. Together, the forwards Plymouth is losing makes up 64% of the goals Plymouth scored this season, not counting the potential losses of Andrew Fournier or Sean O’Connor, as well as defenseman Steve Ward, who scored 14 goals.

What is coming back is led by the likely return of Andrew Fournier, one of the team’s most improved players and candidate to take over as captain. Injuries have always limited Fournier – it took him off the map in his draft year and stalled his production this season, but the real Fournier emerged in the playoffs and Memorial Cup, becoming a bit of an unsung hero. With Wes Cunningham on defense, Fournier is the only other guy I’d consider a lock for an overage spot. The remaining spot will be a toss up between defenseman Zach Shepley or forward Sean O’Connor. O’Connor was acquired at the trade deadline and didn’t really have a huge impact – but was for the most part buried under other forwards. Despite that, he was still nearly a point a game player with the team and could potentially lead this team in scoring should he return. Joe McCann, a serviceable grinder and penalty killer, appears to be a victim of the numbers game and will likely not be returning.

Beyond those two, Chris Terry (Carolina, 2007) will be a top line player for the team and should be among offensive leaders. His 66 points were good for fourth on the team last year and his offensive ability earned him a spot on the first powerplay unit for most of the season, a huge show of faith as there were many more experienced players that could have been put there instead. This is also a very telling year for A.J. Jenks, who could be a first round pick in the 2008 draft. Jenks was committed to Michigan but drafted by Plymouth in the 6th round and signed. Jenks was used primarily as a checker where he excelled, as he quickly found his way to the top penalty kill, an impressive feat for an underage player on a team full of players three or four years older than him. Jenks showed flashes of offensive brilliance and a big increase in ice time this season will give him the opportunity to prove himself in the rest of the hockey world. The team’s other underage regular last season, Vern Cooper, is a speedy offensive sniper again buried on a team full of veteran players. Drafted in the 1st round in 2006, Cooper will see powerplay time this year and is a likely bet to be a top-six forward after splitting last season between the 4th line and the press box.

The usual “healthy scratches” for Plymouth will now be regulars – as Kaine Geldart, Brett Valliquette, and Joe Gaynor will all likely get spots in the lineup. Joe Gaynor, entering his third season in the OHL, could see regular time on the checking line. Geldart is a utility player that will could play on the top lines if needed, but will likely be relegated to bottom six duty. I’m not sure what to expect from Brett Valliquette, who only played 5 games for the team last season. As 89-born players on a team that will have a large group of 90 and 91 born players, players such as these three could end up anywhere in the lineup just because they have more experience and are more familiar with the system, but could end up on the 3rd or 4th line as they might not have the talent of some of the young stars.

Joining the team is Chad Rutkowski of Harrison Township, an ‘06 draft pick who was wavering on whether or not he wanted to come to the OHL. Rutkowski has scored at all levels he’s played at and has pretty good size at 6′2″, making him a solid candidate for the wing on the first or second line. Additionally, Plymouth acquired some of the best offensive players in the draft this past June – but will have to work to get them to ever come to Plymouth. Taylor Carnevale, the team’s second round pick, was expected to come to the OHL and he did. Carnevale scored over 100 points in just 50 games, he’s quick and has good size, and he will get the first of three potential underage spots for Plymouth. Plymouth drafted a trio of American forwards – Kevin Lynch, Zach Golembiewski, and R.J. Mahalek, who could all be steals if they end up committing (Golembiewski is regarded as one of the top offensive talents of his year). Unfortunately, Kevin Lynch has committed to the US National Development team for this season and Michigan after that – but hasn’t ruled out the OHL completely. Golembiewski and Mahalek have given no official word and it would be a huge addition if at least one of them signs before the start of the season.

Overall – as it usually is when a team makes a run to the Memorial Cup, dreams of returning to contention are put on hold as Plymouth picks up the pieces and relies on youth this season. Dreams of the postseason are not unrealistic and this team will be getting better and better with each game, as these young stars learn the ways of the OHL. Players like Jenks, Terry, and Cooper were mostly used in a supporting role last season but are quickly being thrust into the spotlight and will be counted on to come through and make up for the offense lost by the departure of players like Brophey, Neal, and Sestito – much, much easier said than done. From a personal standpoint, watching Plymouth evolve from the usual struggling, just “good” team to the team that won the OHL championship was definitely worth the sacrifice and my expectations for this year’s team are much lower. However, there is plenty to be excited about and thus far the moves made this offseason appear to be the right ones to make this team a contender again in one or two years.

Here’s to another season of Whalers hockey!

It’s hideous!

The Free Press got hold of the new Wings jersey, and I just threw up in my mouth. What was Holland thinking?!

Seriously, it’s not a big deal to me. Citing some problems they had with the seams of the panels on the new styled jerseys, the Wings have decided to put the captain’s C on the right shoulder, as opposed to all other teams who still sport the letters on what apparently is now the correct side. The argument against it (other than the fact that it just looks awkward) is that it’s breaking years and years of tradition. To that, I say.. oh really?

Come on, there are better things to complain about. It could be worse, if this poorly scanned image of Edmonton’s new jersey from NHL 08 is accurate. And on that note, if it is true, when did San Jose become New Jersey? At least it’s just the letters on the shoulder and not numbers. As much as I actually like what the Islanders have done I am still not a supporter of numbers on the shoulder. I’d really like to see an NHL team adapt what several college teams have and go with numbers on the stomach.

Enough about the cosmetics, that’s not what you’re here to see! You want information, names, numbers, details! Well I happen to have that for you. While the focus has been elsewhere, Detroit has been prepping for training camp and are starting to open up tryouts. But first..

Detroit has officially announced a one-year affiliation with the IHL’s Flint Generals. You read that right, if you haven’t heard, the International Hockey League is back. Flint played last year in the United Hockey League but it went under, some of the franchises have moved into the IHL. The affiliation comes after Detroit’s ECHL affiliate, the Toledo Storm, went under. They haven’t officially folded but have suspended operations at least until the 2009/2010 season as their new arena is completed. The agreement with Flint will likely be the same as the one with Toledo – Detroit gets to send one goalie and one skater max. However, in return Flint will be able to choose two players to send to Detroit’s training camp, which not only benefits Detroit but is also a great recruiting tool for Flint. Additionally, the IHL’s Port Huron IceHawks (not to be confused with the now defunct Port Huron Flags) will also be able to send two players. It is interesting to note that Wings’ forward Kris Draper is part of an eight-man group that owns the team, and ex-Wing and president of the Red Wings Alumni Shawn Burr has some kind of ownership in Port Huron.

Thus far, Flint has already put the agreement to use. They’ve signed defenseman Brett Westgarth who starred on Princeton’s blueline the past four seasons, and the selling point was that they offered him one of the spots in Detroit’s camp. The other spot is still up for grabs, but as the article mentions they are in negotiations with 6′6, 265-lb defenseman Steve MacIntyre who would be interesting to see at camp so long as he doesn’t kill anybody.

Port Huron has used both spots offered by Detroit. The first spot was used on Kris Vernarsky, a native of Warren and a former Plymouth Whaler. Joining him is Neil Clark, a power forward from Canada who played his college puck at Manhattanville College, which does exist apparently. Actually, further digging shows that they might be most known for their ice hockey team, the top D-III team in the country. That is impressive, unfortunately it doesn’t appear Clark ever starred for them, judging by his modest point totals.

Finally, Detroit announced yesterday that the Windsor Spitfires’ John Kurtz was invited to camp. Kurtz went through his rookie OHL campaign with very little fanfare, putting up 15 points in 58 games and going undrafted this past June. For as much as I saw Windsor play Plymouth this year, I cannot for the life of me remember this guy, which I guess is neither good nor bad. There’s very little chance of Kurtz getting a contract since he has to return to the OHL, but Detroit likes to invite players young but invite them back multiple seasons to see how they progress, while most other teams make a decision on a player after one camp. Also, note the common theme that most of these guys have – they’re all pretty big.

Although I haven’t seen any official word it seems likely Kurtz will be joined by teammate Andrew Engelage who attended last months’ prospect camp. The Wings invited Engelage as well as two other goalies to that prospects camp in hopes of signing one – making up for not being able to draft one in June. Engelage probably won’t get a contract, but there is a good chance fellow invitee Pier-Olivier Pelletier will.

Pelletier was a highly ranked goaltender in his draft year, and was taken in the second round by Phoenix. He was a lock to get signed – but somewhere in the Coyotes’ front office reshuffling he was lost and became a free agent. He impressed at last months’ prospects camp would have definitely gotten a contract if it weren’t for Detroit signing goaltender Adam Berkhoel to back up Jimmy Howard in Grand Rapids, and the surprise re-signing of Logan Koopmans (who was expected to retire because of injuries) who will probably end up starting for Flint. Pelletier is coming to camp, even though there’s not been an official announcement, and the feeling is he will be signed and returned the the QMJHL for his overage campaign. If all goes well and Jimmy Howard finally ends up in Detroit for 08/09, Pelletier could step right in and take the reigns in Grand Rapids.

There isn’t much to be won at Detroit’s camp other than a possible contract in Grand Rapids (although they don’t appear to have any holes, just a little depth would be nice), Flint or an invite back to the camp next year. The only competition at the main camp will be for the fourth line (and a roster spot, in Igor Grigorenko’s case). Also, the race for the 7th defenseman spot is heating up. Derek Meech is finally re-signed and he has to clear waivers to go to Grand Rapids so the feeling is he’d stick around. But, Kyle Quincey did what he had to do and stepped up for Detroit when he was called upon in the playoffs, he can still play in Grand Rapids but the general feeling is that a physical, big player like him would be more welcomed than Meech, who would join Lebda, Chelios, Rafalski, and Kronwall to complete the smallest blueline in the league.

Not to be forgotten is prospect Jakub Kindl, fresh out of a stellar year in Kitchener. The word was he almost made the team out of camp last year – an oustanding season following that and praise from Jim Nill that he was one of the most physically mature players at prospects’ camp might lead you to believe he should be a lock, however the current numbers crunch, added to the fact Detroit never likes to rush a prospect, and Kindl could find himself at least starting the year in Grand Rapids.

That’s just about all the training camp news that has surfaced so far. Like I said, I can really go on and on about even the most obscure of players. I don’t expect everything to be this long, this seems like a lot of news but this all took place over the course of about two months. I expect we’ll be getting more news soon, as RedWingsCentral is reporting that rosters for the prospects tournament in Traverse City will be out this week – Columbus’ is already out.

Until next time!

New Blog Smell

I’ve debated for a while as to whether or not starting a blog is something I’d enjoy doing, and lucky for you, I’ve finally gone through and done it. I am the typical over-analytical hockey fan that for whatever reason, thinks people care about his hockey opinions, because, of course, they’re right.

First, an explanation on the title. WTF Holland, I think that’s the theme I’m going for. Contrary to what that suggests, I am not a Ken Holland basher. I understand the joy some fans may get by trying to upstage the current Wings GM but I just cannot bring myself to do it. The guy is not infallible (ask Cory Cross and Dallas Drake) but he gets results that cannot be argued with. Some of the negativity the guy gets is ridiculous. I’m so tired of winning, I want Holland GONE!

Anyway, here’s the part you’ve been waiting for, a little teaser to what you will be subjected to when reading my blog. It’s a hockey blog, obviously, but special attention will be paid to my favorite part, the hockey of tomorrow. I will go over news in the NHL that interests me, but expect great ramblings on even the most obscure of Detroit prospects, because I seem to have some unexplainable fetish with those stars of tomorrow. The draft is also easily my favorite day on the hockey calender, and it really does not get the coverage it deserves. My goal is just to take a periodic look at the draft world – who’s rising, who’s falling, who’s a sleeper. I don’t expect much of that yet though, it’s August. Lastly, there is life out there after the Red Wings. I expect I’ll be writing bits about my other favorite hockey team, the OHL’s Plymouth Whalers. I’m already working on a season preview type article for them, but I’m not sure how readily updates will come on them since I won’t get to as many games this season.

However, I may delve into the world that is minor professional hockey, at the expense of the Grand Rapids Griffins. I’ll be going to school in that area this year, so I’m definitely heading out to some games. Depending on what kind of coverage they get out there (possibly TV? I’m really not sure, haven’t looked into it yet), I may be offering my opinions on them when the time comes.

That’s enough rambling I suppose, I’m ready to get to work now. Not sure when or what will be up first, but obviously I’d like to get some content on here for all (both?) of you interested readers.