Training camp is just over two-weeks away, and the Battlefords North Stars have several question-marks heading into the season. I thought I'd instigate some discussion and throw these questions out there for all to ponder. You're comments and thoughts are certainly welcome.
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1) Who is going to be the Captain/Assistant Captain(s) of the 2010-2011 Battlefords North Stars?
Earlier in the summer I had a poll-question on the blog which asked this very question. Tony Oak and Woody Klassen received the most votes, but Blake Tatchell and Brett Miller also garnered some serious consideration among the readers. Ken Pearson says that he's going to let things play out naturally over the course of training-camp. Mitch Wall was a phenomenal captain, and replacing that kind of leadership will be no easy feat. Would any of you be in favor of a rotating captaincy? What about a team without a true captain? Personally, I'd much rather see somebody with a permanent C on their sweater, but it's also something that cannot be forced. Your thoughts?
2) What do the Stars do about goaltending?
This very topic garnered the most response throughout last season, and I'm willing to bet that it's only going to pick-up. Both Kyle Birch (90) and Graham Hildebrand (91) are eligible to return, and both could EASILY be full-time starters in this league (or any for that matter). These two have platooned together for the past two seasons, and could very well be willing to do so for a third season - But knowing how competitive both guys are, I'd be shocked if that were the case. The stone cold fact is that Ken Pearson has two number-one goaltenders on his roster, and a very difficult decision to make. Have at it! What do you think the solution is for the Star's in goal?
3) Who will be the Go to Guy Line for the Stars this season?
Ken Pearson has always prided himself on fielding a four line team. He's never been one to lean too heavily on a particular line or player to get the job done. But for the sake of debate, lets assess what the Stars have up front, and how it could all work.
Josh Daley (90)
Shay Neufeld (90)
Tony Oak (90)
Colin Phaneuf (90)
Nathan Tomac (91)
Boyd Wakelin (91)
Brett Miller (91)
Blake Tatchell (91)
Dane Muench (92)
Calder Neufeld (92)
Tanner Schwab (92)
Shayne Morrissey (92)
Tim Rollins (92)
Kyle Hall (92)
14 eligible forwards (before training camp) with 12 available spots up front per game. If you feel compelled to share your napkin line combos, go right ahead. Bare in mind that this is all supposed to be FUN.
4) What are the Star's lacking heading into 2010?
A number one defenceman? Defensive depth? Toughness? Special-teams? Nothing?
5) Which returning player will have a 'break-out' year?
Last year it was Brett Miller. Which sophmore player are you expecting better things from this time around?
One more time, these questions are not here to provoke controversy - They are here for FUN. I look forward to your responses.
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You're going to want to tune into Monday's Co-Op Leisure Time Sports Fix. La Ronge Ice Wolve's coach and GM Bob Beatty, and Melfort Mustang's coach and DHO Darrell Mann are my confirmed guests.
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3 comments:
I believe if he comes to camp ready to i would give Oak Captain, Woody (A), Miller (A), Folstad (A),
2. In my opionon on the goaltending, I would trade Birch which would garner a top 4 defenseman and prospect, my reason for keeping Hildy is he is 19 years old and will be here for 2 more years so take the time find a 17 year old goalie and groom him making him ready to go when Hildy leaves.
3. Tatch is going to be the go to guy this year along with Miller, I dont think Mench wants to be here and will not be here once training camp opens and we move forward. Blake wants to be here and is ready to go.
4. The one thing and only thing it looks at this team needs is Defenseman. If they do not get 2 more quality and maybe 3 this team will struggle to keep out of there zone. And no matter how could there in net and up front will not make up for the defense.
5. I think Shay Neufeld will have a great year, if he scored on half his chances he would have had 70 goals, he always was in the right place and just could not finish everytime.
Cant wait for hockey
I think I would give the "C" to either Daley or Neufeld and the "a" to Miller Folstad and the other "A" should go to the other guy i mentioned above that doesnt get the "C" I'd also keep Hildy and trade Birch. But, i wouldnt trade Birch if they both agreed to alternate back and forth. I feel the stars goaltending is the best in the SJHL. But if you had to trade one it would be Kyle I think.
Tatchell, Daley, Neufeld,Miller, Phaneuf, and a bunch of others will be the go to guys. Muench is a hell of a hockey player. If he doesnt make the WHL expect him back in the lineup. When hes on, theres not a better player in the league.
3) The defence is a little concern but not much of a concern. You look at the other teams in the league and the stars will have 4 defenceman with junior A experience, Woody and Folstad could be both be allstars this year with Dom nbot to far back. Chiblow sounds like he could be a find. Lets wait till training camp opens.
1. C - Woody A's - Oak, Miller and Folstad
2. I am hoping both goaltenders will agree to split the games again because we have the best in the league. If they both want to be the guy, I would like to see Hildy stay just because he has one more year in him, but have a gut feeling it will be Birch that stays.
3. Go to guys will be Phaneuf, and Miller. Dane is a really good player when he wants to be, but he didn't impress me as much last year as he did his first year.
4. Seems to be the popular concern. Defense. I really like the guys we already have, but we need at least 1 more top 4 kind of guy.
5. Tatchell is going to have an outstanding sophmore year. I'm expecting big things out of him.
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