Calgary (CP) What would the GDHL be without a little controversy to start the year? I wanted to stir the pot a bit with my predictions for the final standings for year's end. When I first started out this task, I was quite subjective in my approach. But since I know there will be some people emailing me about their respective standing, I tried use a more objective approach which surprised me a little when I finished the analysis.
Here's the process for each team:
1) I chose my projected starting line-up for the season.
2) I assigned a Pool Point value based on what they were capable of if they played all 82 games.
3) I then applied an injury factor based on player history or known injuries.
4) Finally I applied a final factor for bench players coming in to replace them.
A couple of things I noticed:
1) The spread amongst teams should be the closest ever.
2) For places 1-10 the spread is less than 200 PPts. This sounds like a lot but to put it in perspective, that is a difference of less than 10 PPts per player which is not insurmountable.
3) The loss of some key players could have huge ramifications. Case in point, Ken's team will suffer without Sundin who is a bankable 100 PPts.
4) Injuries were a huge factor that reduced people's potential by a lot. If players like Simon Gagne, Martin Havlat and others can stay healthy... watch out!
If anyone wants to "discuss" the breakdown for their individual team I can definitely email it to them. Without stalling any longer, here are my predictions for this year based on the current rosters:
1) Leaf Haters (Kevin) - 1672 PPts
2) One Eyebrow (Ihor) - 1651 PPts
3) Sather's Eyes (Victor) - 1636.5 PPts
4) Bear Skins (Mike) - 1581.5 PPts
5) GGopher (Jordan) - 1559 PPts
6) Whalers (Adam) - 1525.5 PPts
7) Boomers (Paul) - 1520.5 PPts
8) Sith (JW) - 1500.5 PPts
9) John Doe (Ryan) - 1498.5 PPts
10) Shamrocks (Trevor) - 1497.5 PPts
11) Flyin' Elbows (Mark) - 1448.5 PPts
12) Airborne Attitude (Ken) - 1397.5 PPts
Fur Engee (CP)
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Eyes Training Camp: Week 3
Calgary (CP) After opening training camp a few weeks ahead of the rest of the league, GM Khoo continued his off-season free agent frenzy by bringing in a combination of youth, grit, potential, and of course a familiar face.
Brandon Dubinsky was expected to battle for the forth line center position. But with the recent resigning of Eyes team captain Joe Sakic to a 1 year deal, Dubinsky will most likely see significant action with their minor league affiliate the Vulcan Mind Melds close to Calgary. "Its tough to take this news but I intend to build upon the strong rookie campaign I had and maybe get a call-up midway through." Brandon stated as he boarded the C-Train to Southgate Mall. "Have to go. My mom is picking me up at the terminal and we're going for ice cream."
Scottie Upshall battled some injuries last year but finished strong and Khoo expects him to see him challenge Brendan Morrison for playing time. "Scottie exemplifies what we've built here. Someone who isn't afraid to drop the mitts, can put the puck in the net, and is injury-prone."
David Backes continued his assent up the depth charts who is drawing comparisons to a younger Chris Kunitz. "David has all the makings of being a very productive player in the GDHL. Hopefully he'll see more time on the power play."
And finally, Khoo re-signed veteran Olaf Kolzig to a two-way, one-year deal. "We brought back Nik and Ollie to add depth and give our team in Vulcan a chance. They had a rough season last year, but should be able to step in quite nicely if one of our other two should falter."
Expect one more signing in the near future and finalize the Eyes' roster.
Fur Engee (CP)
Brandon Dubinsky was expected to battle for the forth line center position. But with the recent resigning of Eyes team captain Joe Sakic to a 1 year deal, Dubinsky will most likely see significant action with their minor league affiliate the Vulcan Mind Melds close to Calgary. "Its tough to take this news but I intend to build upon the strong rookie campaign I had and maybe get a call-up midway through." Brandon stated as he boarded the C-Train to Southgate Mall. "Have to go. My mom is picking me up at the terminal and we're going for ice cream."
Scottie Upshall battled some injuries last year but finished strong and Khoo expects him to see him challenge Brendan Morrison for playing time. "Scottie exemplifies what we've built here. Someone who isn't afraid to drop the mitts, can put the puck in the net, and is injury-prone."
David Backes continued his assent up the depth charts who is drawing comparisons to a younger Chris Kunitz. "David has all the makings of being a very productive player in the GDHL. Hopefully he'll see more time on the power play."
And finally, Khoo re-signed veteran Olaf Kolzig to a two-way, one-year deal. "We brought back Nik and Ollie to add depth and give our team in Vulcan a chance. They had a rough season last year, but should be able to step in quite nicely if one of our other two should falter."
Expect one more signing in the near future and finalize the Eyes' roster.
Fur Engee (CP)
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Eyes Training Camp: Week 1
Calgary (CP) With off-season moves in management that saw a lot of internal organizational changes, the Sather's Eyes opened camp this week with renewed optimism. After 3rd and 2nd place finishes in their first two years in the league respectively, GM Victor Khoo still knows there is a lot of work to be done if they want to catch their cross town rivals, repeat champions Leaf Haters!, to satisfy the fans.
"We know we have a good team but their needed to be a change in direction if we're going to catch them.", GM Khoo stated after the team's practice. "The Leaf Haters! have pulled off some good moves and will be a formidable opponent coming up. I think we've addressed our main concerns during the off-season and have really changed the make-up of our team." he continued referring to the upgrades in goaltending and the noticeable injection of youth.
"When we started, we had a lot of experience but perhaps not enough young legs. Right now, we have those legs and I believe we haven't dropped significantly in talent."
With 28 people at camp battling for 20 positions, the Eyes look to have 4 solid lines going into the season. Their defence though may come under some scrutiny after the block-buster trade that saw Huet + Pronger sent to the Whalers for all-star goalie Mikka Kipprusoff. "Losing a player like Prongs is always tough. He brought leadership on the ice and in the dressing room. But plain and simple we needed a No.1 goalie moving forward and believe that Wade is ready to take over the leadership part of the defence."
There is no question that the Eyes are deep down the middle which is fine with the coach. "Centers are the most versatile players usually. I have no qualms sticking a center on the wing, but obviously want to keep people at their natural position. Starting Sakic centering on the 4th line is insane, but we believe he can provide the leadership on what would make most people's top two lines."
Steve Sullivan is also making waves during his first on-ice sessions. "The back feels good right now and it'll be stiff tomorrow. I'm just glad to get back on the ice again." Steve was signed earlier this week in hopes of reviving his career once again.
Here's a look at possible line combinations that were tried during camp.
Arnott-Lecavalier-Morrow
Rolston-Thornton-D.Sedin
Kunitz-Richards-Perry
Connolly-Sakic-Morrison
Redden-Rozsival
Hainsey-Salo
Spacek-Lydman
Fur Engee (CP)
"We know we have a good team but their needed to be a change in direction if we're going to catch them.", GM Khoo stated after the team's practice. "The Leaf Haters! have pulled off some good moves and will be a formidable opponent coming up. I think we've addressed our main concerns during the off-season and have really changed the make-up of our team." he continued referring to the upgrades in goaltending and the noticeable injection of youth.
"When we started, we had a lot of experience but perhaps not enough young legs. Right now, we have those legs and I believe we haven't dropped significantly in talent."
With 28 people at camp battling for 20 positions, the Eyes look to have 4 solid lines going into the season. Their defence though may come under some scrutiny after the block-buster trade that saw Huet + Pronger sent to the Whalers for all-star goalie Mikka Kipprusoff. "Losing a player like Prongs is always tough. He brought leadership on the ice and in the dressing room. But plain and simple we needed a No.1 goalie moving forward and believe that Wade is ready to take over the leadership part of the defence."
There is no question that the Eyes are deep down the middle which is fine with the coach. "Centers are the most versatile players usually. I have no qualms sticking a center on the wing, but obviously want to keep people at their natural position. Starting Sakic centering on the 4th line is insane, but we believe he can provide the leadership on what would make most people's top two lines."
Steve Sullivan is also making waves during his first on-ice sessions. "The back feels good right now and it'll be stiff tomorrow. I'm just glad to get back on the ice again." Steve was signed earlier this week in hopes of reviving his career once again.
Here's a look at possible line combinations that were tried during camp.
Arnott-Lecavalier-Morrow
Rolston-Thornton-D.Sedin
Kunitz-Richards-Perry
Connolly-Sakic-Morrison
Redden-Rozsival
Hainsey-Salo
Spacek-Lydman
Fur Engee (CP)
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