Blogging the Showcase - Games 3 and 4

 
Game three of the SJHL Showcase definitely had a "playoff feel" to it. The Humboldt Broncos and Flin Flon Bombers went hard after one another, and it ultimately came down to goaltending.
 
Andrew  Bodnarchuck continues to leave a lasting impression on many folks in the SJHL with his consistency and his ability to make big saves. Just ask David Dykstra about Andrew Bodnarchuck's goaltending.
 
**Side note. Nothing's funnier than watching a player celebrating after he thinks he's scored. Makes for an embarrassing moment.**
 
I did color for Darryl Skender's broadcasting on CK750 for this game, and I was emphatic about the fact that Humboldt's top players were better than Flin Flon's. I saw more from Justin Buzzeo and Spencer Braaten than I did from Matt Lecours and Devon Mitzner.
 
Braaten scored both Humboldt goals en route to a 2-1 victory.
 
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The final game of the evening was by far the best (in my opinion).
 
The Kindersley Klippers and Melville Millionaires were physical from the get-go and overall this game seemed to have more flow than any of the others.Does the fact that it was a typical 7:30 start have anything to do with it?
 
I did color with Craig Stein on GX 94 last night, and I thought he and I had a great call together. Tough given the fact that Melville lost the game 5-3, but I don't think it was Melville playing bad, as it was Kindersley playing well.
 
I've seen a lot of Kindersley teams over the years, and I've got to be honest: This Kindersley team looks good. Really good. Sanfred King seems to making a real impact on a line with Jordan Braid and Taylor Duzan, and Andrew Dommett (19 years old) has totally transformed his game from last season.
 
If my memory serves correctly, it took Andrew Dommett until the 4th of January last year to even score a goal in the SJHL, and now he's got 22 of them!
 
Watch out Weyburn, I'm calling right now - Kindersley will make a real run at the Sherwood Conference Title. Having seen Weyburn, Melville, Notre Dame and Kindersley all play yesterday, the Klippers in my opinion have the best team in that conference.
 
Agree or disagree?
 
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Tonight the Battlefords North Stars take the ice for their first game of the Showcase. They'll take on the Humboldt Broncos in an 8:00 start, and I for one am thrilled that the Stars have this type of opportunity to strut their stuff.
 
It's a tough situation though for these players. Yes they're trying to showcase their abilities for scouts, but at the same time they can't sacrifice the team's success for their own personal gains (Or can they?).
 
It's an important game for the Stars as far as the standings are concerned because a win by Humboldt tonight, and we have a tie in the Bauer Conference Standings for second place. Granted the North Stars have three games in hand on Humboldt, but games in hand are trivial until they're actually played.
 
More blogging from the Civic Center today. Hope to see you there.