According to reports from TSN, True North has bought the Atlanta Thrashers to move the team to Winnipeg in time for the start of 2011-2012.
The City of Winnipeg lost their Jets 15 years ago when the team relocated to the desert in Phoenix. Today, the capital of Manitoba will finally get another chance to witness a professional hockey team, pending on the approval of the NHL Board of Governors.
The price tag for the sale of the franchise is "$170 Million which also includes a $60 Million relocating fee will be distributed by the other 29 teams." TSN
Because the deal happened so late into year, it is believed that Winnipeg will have to play in the Eastern Division for one year, until the new hockey schedule is set up for the 2012-13 season.
It was announced yesterday that Edmonton Oilers forward Ryan Jones will stay with the club for 2 years.
Jones who was to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1st exclaimed, "I'm thrilled" when asked about the agreement.
"When you can get a deal done this early, it shows that both sides were working toward the same goal," said Jones. "I really want to be here and the owner, managers and coaches want me here as well."
For Jones, it was a simple decision for him to stay with the club; all he had to do was just sit and wait for the right numbers to appear on paper. In his mind, he couldn't think of any other place to play, especially after the break-out season this year.
Jones finished his 2010-11 campaign with an admirable 18 goals and 25 points while using his hard nosed, blue collar style of play. His work ethic and positive attitude on and off the ice granted him some valuable ice time. In fact Jones was seen on the first line when the injury bug ran rampant in the locker room. His adaptability to play on any line is a direct asset for a club who remains in rebuild mode.
For the fans of Edmonton, their contagious exuberance and excitement for the future has now touched every player on the squad. To answer the support from their fans, Jones believes the Oilers will reciprocate with wins.
Perhaps even a berth in the playoffs for next season.
"The community bleeds copper and blue. It's a great place to play and the fan support is simply amazing. The history of the team is unreal too. You look at the young guys we have in the organization now and the steps that they took last year. It's an exciting time for the organization and the second part of the so-called 'rebuild'. This is where we start winning games." said Jones.
"There's a great, great team in that locker room. We went through some battles, some ups and downs last year" he said. "That's going to make us stronger as a group. You never know what the team can do. We've got the personnel and we've got the coaching. The sky's the limit and I think the playoffs are a realistic goal."
Once again, we'll turn our attention away from the Edmonton Oilers to give you something a little less...titillating.
In a sport where a little hook, jab or a couple of "yo' momma-jokes" is enough to rattle the opponent; Steve Downie decided it would be better to just express some love towards his combatant Andrew Ference.
In this clip captured by Versus, Downie is seen attempting to give Ference a little kiss on the lips.
Uh, not that there is anything wrong with that?
Good Ol' Reggie Dunlop once said "violence is killing this sport, it's dragging it through the mud."
According to Downie, not so much anymore.
I say, sure Downie, go ahead and kiss him, good-bye. Perhaps maybe wait until after the 7th and deciding game of the series.
Last week, former NHL player Derek Boogaard was found dead inside his Minneapolis apartment, today it was revealed via media release that the "cause of death is mixed alcohol and oxycodone toxicity" and that it was added that death was an accident. The report also stated that no other details will be provided.
The funeral will take place in Regina at the RCMP Depot on Saturday May 21st
Here at Oilers Update, we are going to turn our attention from our beloved Oil to give you something a little more...interesting.
The Vancouver Canucks played host to the San Jose Sharks last night at Rogers Center; where the home squad squashed the Sharks with a 7-3 victory.
Sharks forward Ben Eager capped his monstrous night with a goal while earning 20 (yes 20) minutes in penalties. With less than 9 seconds remaining in the game, Eager potted a simple goal past a sprawling Roberto Luongo; and immediately hoovered over the net-minder to remind him about just how awesome Ben Eager really is.
While I don't mind some theatrics in sports or even a little "hot-dogging", "dilly-dally" or the ever so popular "how-she-going", however, what I don't like is the taunting. When you taunt, back it up with more than just scoring goals and random acts of pugilism.
Moreover, if you are going to taunt at least do so without finding yourself in the box with a game misconduct.
Go out there and WIN because clearly all fans alike would rather see you on the ice to back up your words.
In fact some fans will even show their displeasure for your stupidity.
Here is a clip of Ben Eager inside the box feeling shame for his boob-boo.
The NHL lost one of the toughest enforcers to ever play the game last week. 28 year-old Derek Boogaard was found dead inside his apartment last Friday night in Minneapolis by his brothers, Aaron and Ryan.
The Hennepin County Medical Examiner conducted an autopsy the following day, however the results will not be released for another two weeks, as noted by county spokeswoman Carol Allis.
Despite his 6'8" 265 lb frame, the "Boogey Man" as he was often referred to on the ice for his pugilistic prowess, Boogaard was regarded to be a very benevolent person.
"Derek was an extremely kind and caring individual." said New York Rangers President and GM Glen Sather. "He was a very thoughtful person, who will be dearly missed by all those who knew him. We extend out deepest sympathies to his family, friends and teammates during this difficult time."
Yesterday, it was announced by the Boogaard family that Derek's brain will be donated to the Boston University School of Medicine for trauma research. The announcement comes to no surprize to the hockey world, since ex-NHL enforcer Bob Probert died last year from a degenerative brain disease, as discovered by medical researchers at BU. Boogaard sat out the remainder of the 2010-11 season with a concussion; and now the Boogaard family is hoping for the research team to see if Derek's injury contributed to his death.
Boogaard played a total of 277 games while collecting 3 goals and 13 assists with 589 penalties in minutes.
Finland collected the gold medal today as they steamrolled over Team Sweden with a 6-1 victory at the IIHF World Championships in Bratislava, Slovakia.
Magnus Paajarvi's wrister from the top left circle opened the scoring in the second period, but then it was all Finland until the final buzzer.
Finnish forward Antti Philstrom lead his team in points with a goal and an assist to help his country win it's first gold medal since 1995.
Magnus Paajarvi finished the tournament with a respectful 7 points. The Edmonton Oilers forward had 2 goals and 5 assists.
Earlier in the day, the Czech's went home with the bronze after they defeated the Russians 7-4. Czech forward Roman Cervenka completed the game with a hat trick.
James Neal's goal and assist, and Jonathan Bernier's brillant show stopping saves, helped lift Canada to a 3-2 win over Team Sweden. Moments after Neal's opening goal in first 2 minutes of the hockey game, Sweden's David Petrasek tied the game on the power play. Oilers' Magnus Paajarvi provided the assist on the goal.
John Tavares and Brent Burns also added goals for Canada as they now get set to face Russia on Wednesday.
Jordan Eberle was held off the score sheet, yet found the sin-bin for a slashing call in the second period.
Edmonton Oilers forward Jordan Eberle came out big in the shoot-out by a displaying a marvelous back-hand to beat Ty Conklin. Soon after, it was Rick Nash's turn to fool the US net-minder as Canada went on to defeat Team USA 4-3 in Slovakia.
Brent Burns, John Tavares and Jason Spezza also added goals for the Canadians; who out-shot the US by a count of 51-20. For his brilliant goal-tending, Ty Conklin received top honours for his club while Jason Spezza also shared the glory of MVP.
After being down 3-2 in the last four minutes of play, the US tallied when Komisarek's blast trickled past James Reimer's arm to force extra time.
In this epic photo we have the late Gary Coleman posing with hockey hall-of-famer Mark "The Moose" Messier within the Edmonton Oilers locker-room.
Coleman with pen and book in hand was probably on his way to meet up with the rest of the Oilers to collect more signatures, though it is not known if Coleman signed a few, uh...towels.
The photo was captured in Edmonton after the Oilers had won a play-off series. According to Mark Messier, "He (Gary Coleman) was in Edmonton doing some kind of promotional event. We had just won a playoff round against somebody, and he came down to the dressing room to say hello to the team. And that's when that picture was taken."
Edmonton Oilers forward Magnus Paajarvi added a helper on the Bergland's second goal as the Swede's went on to beat the USA by a score of 6-2, yesterday in Slovakia.
After Cam Fowler of the US tied the game at one a piece in the first, it was all Sweden in the second. Goals by Kruger, Sjogren and Bergland helped secure the win for the Tre Kroner.
Viktor Fasth held the fort for the Sweden saving 30 shots out of 32.
Due to the loss, Team USA will now face Canada tomorrow night at the same Steel Arena in Bratislava, Slovakia.
Edmonton Oilers forward Jordan Eberle had a goal and earned MVP honours en-route to a 4-3 victory over the Swiss in Slovakia.
With the game knotted at 2, Chris Stewart put the Canadians ahead with 4 minutes left in regulation. Stewart collected a rebound and wristed a perfectly placed shot whilst falling on his back. However, the Swiss came back with their own equalizer when Andres Ambuhl fired the puck past James Reimer to force over-time.
With 45 seconds remaining in extra time, St. Louis Blues star Alex Peitrangelo netted the winner to give Canada their 3 straight win and 6th point of the tournament.
John Tavares also contributed to the win with a goal.
Canada will now sit and wait for their next opponent.
Magnus Paajarvi scored to help lift Team Sweden to a 3 nothing win against Austria. Sweden's Niklas Persson enjoyed a two goal campaign; while Paajarvi banged home a simple rebound from Petrasek's point shot.
"It was a much better game for me tonight," said Persson. "I didn't have a very good first game."
Sweden will look to add another win when they face the US this Wednesday. A win for Sweden will grant them top spot in their group.
Sweden lost for the first time versus their Scandinavian foes from Norway yesterday evening. Bastiansen's equalizer for Norway, forced the game go to overtime. After 5 minutes of extra time, Skroder beat Swedish goaltender Ersberg to give Norway the 5-4 victory.
Swedish forward Magnus Paajarvi only managed an assist to earn his first point of the tournament.
The Swedes will now face Austria tomorrow.
May 1st 2011
Canada lambasted France with a 9-1 victory tonight in Slovakia. 18 year-old Jeff Skinner cashed in on 2 goals while Jason Spezza and Rick Nash also contributed to the win. During the imminent route, France's Christobal Huet was chased out of the crease in time for the second period.
After James Riemer set aside 24 out of 25 shots for Canada, Devan Dubnyk took over the goaltending duties with 14 minutes remaining in regulation.
Jordan Eberle struggled to find the net and finished the game with one shot on goal. Jeff Skinner now leads Canada with 4 points.
Edmonton Oilers' forward,Jordan Eberle, scored 2 goals to lead Canada to a 4-1 victory over Belarus in Slovakia. Eberle tapped home his first of the tournament 3 minutes into the game. With less then 11 minutes in the 3rd, Eberle struck again with a power-play marker.
John Tavares had a goal and assisted on Jeff Skinner's tally in the 2nd period.
James Reimer earned his first win of the tournament setting aside 21 shots. Oilers net-minder Devan Dubnyk has yet to see his first game in Slovakia.
Canada will now go on to face France this Sunday at 7:15 am.
Forward Magnus Paajarvi, is the only other Oiler present in this year championships. The young Swede will play his first game with the Tre Kronor tomorrow against Norway.
The staff at NHL Central Scouting revealed their top eligible players available for the 2011 NHL Entry Draft. On top of their list is Red Deer Rebel, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins. Hopkins is a 17 year-old who hails from Burnaby British Columbia. The centerman completed his 2010/11 year by collecting 31 goals and 75 assists for 106 points in the regular season. Despite being knocked out of the play-offs by the Medicine Hat Tigers, Hopkins managed to tally 11 points in 9 games.
Hopkins shoots left, stands at 6'0" and weighs 160 lbs. While there is a great deal of interest for the young sniper amongst the NHL, his stature becomes an instant knock, especially towards the Edmonton Oilers who have the option to take a pass on the Rebel. There is no doubt that the Oilers are interested in a first line centre, however in my opinion the Oilers are in desperate need of a big, mean bona-fide sniper who isn't afraid to stand in front of the net.
On the flip-side, Hopkins brings incredible vision and possesses high-end skill and has the ability to be an offensive scoring threat. In fact, Hopkins was recently compared to "Burnaby" Joe Sakic which to my mind are very big shoes to fill. Yet, to couple Hopkins with Taylor Hall and Jordan Eberle has the potential to become a very lethal first line which could become one of the best in the league.
Should the Oilers draft Hopkins, Oilers fans will probably not be able to see him take to the ice in time for the 2011 year, as he could find himself back in Red Deer for some seasoning.
While I believe that Hopkins could really improve the quality of the hockey club, I feel that GM Steve Tambellini will over look the top prospect and instead, will try to improve the back-end at the draft (Adam Larsson). The overall goal for Tambellini is to create a team who will find themselves a position in the post season next year. In other words, there is no more fail and Tambellini will do his best to improve the make-up of the team through the draft, and also part ways with some underachieving veterans; Curtis Foster and Steve MacIntyre instantly comes to mind.
For the second straight year, the Edmonton Oilers will have the first pick at the 2011 entry draft in Minnesota. The New Jersey Devils initially won the draft, and moved from 8th spot to 4th (the highest the winning team could reach) and as a result cemented the Edmonton Oilers to remain in 1st.
Here is the list of the top 6 teams for the 2011 Entry Draft.
1) Edmonton
2) Colorado
3) Florida
4) New Jersey (lotto draft winners)
5) New York Islanders
6) Ottawa Senators
The speculation can now finally begin as to who the Edmonton Oilers will pick first at the draft. At the moment, many people believe that it has come down to two players: Ryan Nugent Hopkins and Adam Larsson.
It is no secret that the Oilers are in the market for a goal scoring, first-line centerman, and Red Deer Rebel, Ryan Nugent Hopkins is on the top of scouting list. Hopkins stands 6'0" and 160 lbs soaking wet and finished the year with 106 pts (not including play-offs).
However, the Oilers are also kicking the tires of Adam Larsson who is currently ranked to go second by Scouting Services. Larsson currently plays for theSkellefteå AIK in Elitserien of the Swedish Elite League. The Swedish defenceman stands at 6' 2.5" 201 lbs and appears to be ready to step into the NHL in time for the 2011 season.
Naturally, Steve Tambellini has been mum as to who he will pick, yet the aforementioned players could fit in well within the organization.
Tomorrow: More about Ryan Nugent Hopkins
Lastly it was a pleasure to meet actor/director Kevin Smith in Las Vegas Nevada. Kevin Smith is a huge Edmonton Oilers fan, and was seen at the NAB Show earlier this week, discussing about AVID Editing. I managed to get a photo with Smith who was decked out in his Oilers clad.
Upon taking the photo with him, I said "GO OILERS" and he promptly laughed.
The young Oilers of Edmonton lost 4-3 to the Colorado Avalanche in overtime to end yet another abysmal season, on the night when Adam Foote played his final game as an NHL'er.
Teemu Hartikainen, Kurtis Foster and Liam Reddox found the back-of-the-net, yet it was Colorado's David Jones who ended it all with a backhand...all thanks to a missed call.
Leading into the overtime goal, Liam Reddox was in the middle of controversy when he was sent off for tripping Adam Foote. Seconds prior to the penalty, Foote committed a few obvious fouls upon Hartikainen which were overlooked. Clearly some favoritism was giving towards Foote who officially announced his retirement recently.
"It was obviously disappointing in OT, being the culprit to take that penalty. I thought we were playing old-school rules out there the last couple of minutes,” said Reddox of the veteran's grab on Hartikainen.
"I knew they weren’t going to call a penalty,” Hartikainen said. “I was pretty angry about it, but I knew because he had such a long career and was such a great player, I could understand why they didn’t call a penalty."
Except the missed calls, lead to the trip, which lead to the loss...
"It’s tough, you’re trying to play the right way,” said Oilers head coach Tom Renney. “I don’t know if a guy earns those things over time or not, but if you’re not going to call that one, then don’t call the other one. Just erase the tapes and let the teams decide who is going to win the game.”
Hartikainen recorded his 3rd goal of the season, and blue collar forward Liam Reddox finally broke his (60 plus) game scoring drought when his shot trickled past Peter Budaj.
Reddox who lost his job to Ryan Jones at the start of the season, knew that he had to make some sort of a lasting impression amongst the Oilers Brass. His goal coupled with his hard work throughout his short tint in the show, may or may not give him the opportunity to stick around once the Oilers return to the ice in September. However, like George Costanza...leave on a high note.
Too bad that he spent he spent his final shift in the sin-bin.
"It’s nice to get that goal out of the way and move on from there,” Reddox said. “Hopefully I can score a lot more for the Oilers."
“Initially I didn’t think it was my goal, that’s why there wasn’t much of a celebration. If I knew it was my goal, I would have been jumping up for joy.”
Coming soon: Oilers on the bubble!
Just because the season is over doesn't mean that Oilers Update will keep you out of the loop.
This afternoon, the Edmonton Oilers will finally put to rest another dismal season as they play their final game versus the Colorado Avalanche at 12 pm pacific.
As soon as the game ends at roughly 2pm pacific time, the entire Oilers organization will immediately make the necessary preparations in time for next fall, spear-headed by Head Coach Tom Renney.
"We want to put ourselves in a position, and you hear this from teams like ours, where we're playing games of meaning in April," said Tom Renney. "You want to win now, you really do.
"We understand that. But you have to have the right people in place that have the ability to cope with this process and that is the operative word."
"We have to put as many great young players in this lineup, with due process, as we can. That does take time. Turnarounds take a lot of patience, but they also take perseverance and a little bit of luck."
There has been ample amount of room for the young kids to step in and create a name for themselves. However, there are questions which need to be answered rather quickly about a few bodies who appear to be propped upon the picket fence.
One example is Jason Strudwick who after 14 years in the NHL is uncertain about his future as player, nevermind an Oiler.
"It's something I honestly haven't thought a lot about," Strudwick said. "It's a situation I'm very familiar with. It's something that, I think, when I first started this one-year contract run eight or nine years ago, I was a little more concerned. But at this point, you can't control a lot of it, you just have to play hard during the season and let things sort out."
Tom Renney, can't speak on Strudwick's behalf nor can he point out his fate. But he did offer his true feelings about the defenceman's professionalism.
"He's a real, solid person in every way," said Oilers head coach Tom Renney. "The way he treats his teammates, the passion he brings to the game and just the wherewithal during his career and knowing everything from a players' perspective and how he shares that with everyone."
Another season with the Oilers probably won't hurt the club since the club is in dire need veterans, like Strudwick. He brings a soft, collected demeanor to the locker room and treats his teammates like gold. Players such as him are hard to find.
"He's been awesome," said defenceman Theo Peckham. "My first good stint in the NHL, I was partners with him for a while and he made it so much easier. He's one of the older guys on the team and he's so approachable. He doesn't just go about his business and just leave everybody to themselves.
Other players who remain in question are Steve MacIntyre and Colin Fraser; one could also add the likes of Gilbert Brule and of course Ales Hemsky who's contract expires next season.
As Oilers nation waits for next year, Taylor Hall spoke on behalf of his club and offered this statement to the fans.
"I think next year is the year where we try to make the playoffs," Hall said. "If any player comes in here thinking they want to have another rebuilding season, then that's not fair to fans, that's not fair to the organization..."
The Edmonton Oilers organization bid adieu to Paul Lorieau last night at Rexall Place. The anthem singer who has been with the club for 30 years, was accompanied by this his extended family to witness his final performance. After singing the Star Spangled Banner, Mr. Lorieau raised his microphone to allow the fans to sing.
The Minnesota Wild came into Rexall Place and devoured the Oilers by a score of 3-1 in a fight filled match.
Oilers Defenceman, Theo Peckham set the tone of the hockey game, 7 seconds after puck drop and whooped Clayton Stoner.
“I just wanted everybody in the rink to know that just because we’re going to miss the playoffs, we’re not giving up,” said Oilers defenceman Theo Peckham. Later, Steve MacIntyre played the role of bouncer and punished Brad Stuabitz for his questionable hit on Magnus Paajarvi.
“I want to be there for the boys. It’s who I am. I didn’t think it was that great a hit and I tried to make it right." said Big Mac "I was hollering at Maggie to come off.”
“It’s a really fine line with me,” said MacIntyre. “You’re either all in or you’re sitting back saying, ‘OK, what should I do here?’
It's about time Steve MacIntyre took to the ice to play cop. There have been multiple times in the season where his services were needed most. But I digress.
While the fight was there, there was no offensive response from the Oilers who just can't seem to find a way to best the Wild. A feat which has Renney and company dumbfounded.
“I don’t know why we can’t beat them,” shrugged Renney. “It’s not like they’re in our psyche. These things happen. I remember coaching in New York and we beat New Jersey eight times one year.”
Finnish rookie Teemu Hartikainen scored the lone goal to tally his second of the season.
The Edmonton Oilers will wrap up their season when they visit Colorado tomorrow a high noon pacific.
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