Enroth Signs
Jun 1, 2008 NHL
The Buffalo Sabres have signed Swedish goalie Jhonas Enroth to a three year entry-level contract, clearing the way for him to come over next season. I’ve mentioned Enroth here before, and I really think he could be coming over to solidify the backup goalie spot. I look forward to seeing him in camp next year, as I’ll probably take my son to whatever preseason games and open practices I can. Good move.
Enroth > Thibault?
I was checking out Sabres Prospects to see what the Sabres’ farm system is up to, and I came across the following in their spring rankings:
With SSK failing to qualify for the playoffs, it is believed that the Sabres are talking contract with Enroth’s camp. Jocelyn Thibault has been a sub-par backup, and Adam Dennis isn’t quite ready for NHL pucks. It all adds up to Enroth offering a competitive nudge to Ryan Miller as the incumbent enters the final year of his deal.
I watched Enroth at the World Juniors, and he looked very good. I’d love to see him over here to give Miller some time off, even if it’s not until next year. It would require them to put some trust in him, though, and this group of management/coaches are not big on trusting the backup goalie. I find that odd, by the way, considering how much trust they put in these callups at times.
Tags: B-Lo Sports, elitserien, enroth, Hockey, NHL, Ryan Miller, sabres, ssk, sweden, thibault
NYC Wants The Next Ice Bowl
Jan 14, 2008 NHL
As reported in the Daily News, the Rangers want to play the next outdoor hockey game for the NHL…at Yankee Stadium. The old one, before it get’s torn down or swallowed back into the pit of hell from whence it came. ;) The Yankee management appears to be on board, and the Islanders want in as well. There are a few other tidbits in that article worth noting:
It also should be noted that the success of the most-recent outdoor game Jan. 1 in Buffalo has prompted seven other teams to contact the NHL to express their interest in hosting an outdoor game. The Bruins playing in Fenway Park has already gotten some buzz.
Seven teams…yeah, I’d call this a success.
If a Stadium game happens, the 2008-09 season will be an eventful one for the Rangers. Plans to have them open the season with two games against the Tampa Bay Lightning in Prague are all but finalized and will be announced at All-Star Weekend Jan. 26-27 in Atlanta. The NHL also expects to have the Ottawa Senators and Pittsburgh Penguins open with two games in Stockholm.
Some more Euro action here, which makes a bit more sense than London, with Sweden and the Czech Republic sending so many players over here. Maybe just a little bit of preempting that rumored European league that wants to compete with the NHL, too.
The bit on the second page about Drury and Briere’s NY/PHI jerseys being best sellers sucks.
Tags: czech republic, Hockey, ice bowl, islanders, lightning, new york, NHL, ottawa, outdoor game, penguins, pittsburgh, prague, rangers, senators, stockholm, sweden, tampa bay, winter classic
WJC - Congratulations Canada
Jan 9, 2008 WJC
Canada won their 4th straight Gold medal at this year’s World Junior Championships. They beat Sweden 3-2 in overtime to clinch the Medal. The USA, after cruising through the Round Robin, lost to Canada in the semis and then again to Russia in the Bronze Medal game. Sabres prospect Jhonas Enroth played well for Sweden, going 4-1 with a 2.33 GAA.
Tags: canada, enroth, Hockey, sweden, usa, WJC, world junior championships
WJC - Canada And US Cruise
Dec 27, 2007 WJC
Team Canada, led by John Tavares’s 2 power play goals, shut out the host Czech Republic 3-0. The defending champs ran their win streak at the WJC to 19 games. Steve Stamkos, currently the number 1 prospect according to International Scouting Services, had 3 assists. Tavares would be pushing for numero uno but is not draft eligible this year. In a Buffalo connection, Tavares is the nephew of Buffalo Bandits lacrosse legend Johnny Tavares.
Team USA beat Kazakhstan 5-1, led by Kyle Okposo (former Gopher and future Islander). After giving up the opening goal, it was all USA. Russian and Sweden also won their opening matchups.
Tags: B-Lo Sports, bandits, canada, golden gophers, Hockey, islanders, john tavares, minnesota, new york, okposo, russian, stamkos, sweden, tavares, usa, WJC, world junior championships
