Luke was in the middle of lifting weights when his cell phone rang. He looked at the caller ID, and his nerves kicked in when he saw that it said Joe Nieuwendyk, the Dallas Stars' general manager. "This is Luke," he tried to answer nonchalantly.
"Hey Luke, this is Joe Nieuwendyk, how are you doing?"
"I'm going very well, Mr. Nieuwendyk," Luke responded, trying to remain calm.
"Great, great. Luke, let me get to the point. As I'm sure you are aware, training camp opens soon, and we would like you to come down here and train with the team. Does that sound like something you would be interested in?"
"Absolutely. I can be on the next plane down there," Luke answered a little bit more excitedly.
"Excellent, I'm glad to hear that," Nieuwendyk responded. "We will get your flight lined up, and we'll be looking forward to getting you here and having you meet some of the boys," he stated next. "I will give you a call back with the details of your flight and arrival."
"You bet, thank you Mr. Nieuwendyk," Luke answered.
The rest of Luke's workout seemed like a blur as his mind raced with thoughts of training camp with the Dallas Stars. He finished his workout, texted Dylan the news, and most likely broke a speed limit or two on his way home to tell his parents.
Minnesota Forever!
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GoBlue2419
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Re: Minnesota Forever!
Dallas opened up the exhibition season with a game against San Jose on . As Luke prepared for the game, he was thinking about how great it would be if Dylan was with San Jose, but as that was not the case, he was nonetheless incredibly excited, but incredibly nervous. Pulling on that Dallas sweater, he took a moment to peek into the mirror, and couldn't help smile beyond most smiles he has had in his life. He knew that it was only a preseason game, and he was only on a tryout, but it was a professional game nevertheless. He was still going to be playing with Stephane Robidas, Tuomo Ruutu, and a few other Stars regulars, but also playing against Joe Thornton, Patrick Marleau, Dany Heatley, and Dan Boyle. He was looking forward to battling against Thornton in front of the net, knowing he would have his hands full like they have never been before.
Luke was paired up with Dominic Poulin, another youngster on tryout from Chicoutimi, and made his presence felt right away. He made a great pass to a cutting Alex Galchenyuk, who set up Max Warn for a goal.
In the second period, Zenon Konopka, Luke, and Warn had a 3-on-2 break, and Luke hit Warn with a pass across the crease, and Sharks goalie Maksim Gryaznov could not stop his wrister.
Dallas went on to score another second period goal to take a 3-0 lead into the 2nd intermission.
Each team scored a goal in the 3rd period as Dallas wrapped up a 4-1 win.
Luke ended up playing 28:24, leading the Stars in ice time, tallying two assists, while compiling a +2 rating.
Luke was paired up with Dominic Poulin, another youngster on tryout from Chicoutimi, and made his presence felt right away. He made a great pass to a cutting Alex Galchenyuk, who set up Max Warn for a goal.
In the second period, Zenon Konopka, Luke, and Warn had a 3-on-2 break, and Luke hit Warn with a pass across the crease, and Sharks goalie Maksim Gryaznov could not stop his wrister.
Dallas went on to score another second period goal to take a 3-0 lead into the 2nd intermission.
Each team scored a goal in the 3rd period as Dallas wrapped up a 4-1 win.
Luke ended up playing 28:24, leading the Stars in ice time, tallying two assists, while compiling a +2 rating.
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GoBlue2419
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Re: Minnesota Forever!
Up next for Luke and the Stars during the preseason was the Pittsburgh Penguins. While he personally thought Crosby whined a little too much, he could not disregard his talent, and for that reason he was really looking forward to this game. And of course the opportunity to play against Malkin was another aspect that excited him for the game.
Luke was once again paired up with Poulin, but their inexperience showed as Crosby, Malkin, and Jordan Staal overpowered them. Staal finished with 2 goals and an assist, Malkin assisted on two goals, and Crosby had an assist as well, as Pittsburgh defeated Dallas 4-0.
Luke was on the ice for 28:21, and ended up -2. He didn't play poorly, but did not play as well as the previous game.
Luke was once again paired up with Poulin, but their inexperience showed as Crosby, Malkin, and Jordan Staal overpowered them. Staal finished with 2 goals and an assist, Malkin assisted on two goals, and Crosby had an assist as well, as Pittsburgh defeated Dallas 4-0.
Luke was on the ice for 28:21, and ended up -2. He didn't play poorly, but did not play as well as the previous game.
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GoBlue2419
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Re: Minnesota Forever!
The following night Toronto traveled to Dallas for an exhibition with the Leafs. Luke played again, again paired with Poulin for the majority of the game, and once more played well, but not great.
Toronto skated to a 4-0 victory, led by 2 goals from Phil Kessel. Luke was on the ice for 27:27,was a -1, and was credited with 1 shot.
Toronto skated to a 4-0 victory, led by 2 goals from Phil Kessel. Luke was on the ice for 27:27,was a -1, and was credited with 1 shot.
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GoBlue2419
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Re: Minnesota Forever!
Dylan was walking back to his dorm after Chemistry, thinking not about the periodic table or ionic bonds, but of his first game in a Wisconsin Badger uniform tonight, when his phone rang.
"Hey Patty!"
"Luke, how are ya? Looks like you have been playing pretty well. Any thoughts yet on making the big club?"
"Not yet. I've been feeling pretty good about how I've played, but it's still too early to get a feel of anything," Luke answered. "But I didn't call to talk about me. First game tonight, huh? How ya feeling?"
"I wanted to wear my skates to class today I'm so excited," Dylan shared. "Looking forward to lacing them up. Denver is a pretty good team, but I think we have a really good team. It is going to be fun."
"Well, good luck Patty. We play tonight too, so I won't get to watch it live, but I'm DVRing it, so as soon as I get back to the apartment I'll watch it," Luke promised.
"Thanks man, I appreciate that! Thanks for calling too, it's good to talk!"
"You bet Patty! Go Badgers, and grab me a Wisconsin hat from the ones thrown on the ice tonight after your hat trick!"
"Ha! Will do! Good luck tonight too Halves! We'll talk soon," Dylan said as the boys said goodbye and hung up.
Visions of top shelf goals danced in his head as he walked through the front door of the dorm, waiting expectantly for his first game tonight, picturing the Badger victory.
"Hey Patty!"
"Luke, how are ya? Looks like you have been playing pretty well. Any thoughts yet on making the big club?"
"Not yet. I've been feeling pretty good about how I've played, but it's still too early to get a feel of anything," Luke answered. "But I didn't call to talk about me. First game tonight, huh? How ya feeling?"
"I wanted to wear my skates to class today I'm so excited," Dylan shared. "Looking forward to lacing them up. Denver is a pretty good team, but I think we have a really good team. It is going to be fun."
"Well, good luck Patty. We play tonight too, so I won't get to watch it live, but I'm DVRing it, so as soon as I get back to the apartment I'll watch it," Luke promised.
"Thanks man, I appreciate that! Thanks for calling too, it's good to talk!"
"You bet Patty! Go Badgers, and grab me a Wisconsin hat from the ones thrown on the ice tonight after your hat trick!"
"Ha! Will do! Good luck tonight too Halves! We'll talk soon," Dylan said as the boys said goodbye and hung up.
Visions of top shelf goals danced in his head as he walked through the front door of the dorm, waiting expectantly for his first game tonight, picturing the Badger victory.
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GoBlue2419
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Re: Minnesota Forever!
There were no hats thrown on the ice, but Dylan's first Wisconsin game came close to bringing it to fruition. The freshman right winger had one of those dream debuts tonight against the Denver University as he scored two goals to help lead the Badgers to a 4-1 victory. He was on the ice more than any other forward, was a +2, and played solid defense.
"If Dylan plays like he can, games like this will be commonplace," Wisconsin coach Mike Eaves shared after the game. "Despite being just a freshman, he played like a seasoned senior tonight," he continued.
"If Dylan plays like he can, games like this will be commonplace," Wisconsin coach Mike Eaves shared after the game. "Despite being just a freshman, he played like a seasoned senior tonight," he continued.
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GoBlue2419
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Re: Minnesota Forever!
As Luke prepared to knock on Nieuwendyk's door, knowing he had been summoned to the GM's office, he tried to keep an open mind,but had a feeling of how the conversation would proceed. He had played well in the preseason, but also knew he was only 18, and it may be in his best interests to get some more experience before lacing up his skates in the NHL.
KNOCK KNOCK
"Come on in, Luke," Nieuwendyk exclaimined in response to the knocking.
"Luke, please have a seat," he said as he motioned to a chair in front of his desk.
"You wanted to see me Mr. Nieuwendyk?" Luke asked upon sitting down.
"I did, thanks for coming up to my office," Joe answered. "Luke, you have played very well, we are extremely pleased with your progress, and are very excited about the future you have with the Stars organization."
Luke enjoyed hearing the praise, but could sense the 'but' coming . . . . .
"The coaching staff and I have discussed long and hard what is in the best interests of the organization, and what is in your best interests as a hockey player, and we came to the difficult decision that it would be best for your continued development to get some more experience, bulk up a little bit, and work on your skating, before we put you out there in front of the Stars fans," he continued. "By no means whatsoever is this a judgement of your potential, and in fact, if we didn't think so highly of your potential, we may not be making this same decision," Nieuwendyk proclaimed.
"Mr. Nieuwendyk, I understand completely. I'm disappointed not to be able to stay up with the team, but I'm fully intending to be back here soon, and will work extremely hard to continue to improve," Luke replied.
"I have no doubt that is true, Luke. I'm sure we'll be talking again some time in the near future with a happier outcome for both of us."
KNOCK KNOCK
"Come on in, Luke," Nieuwendyk exclaimined in response to the knocking.
"Luke, please have a seat," he said as he motioned to a chair in front of his desk.
"You wanted to see me Mr. Nieuwendyk?" Luke asked upon sitting down.
"I did, thanks for coming up to my office," Joe answered. "Luke, you have played very well, we are extremely pleased with your progress, and are very excited about the future you have with the Stars organization."
Luke enjoyed hearing the praise, but could sense the 'but' coming . . . . .
"The coaching staff and I have discussed long and hard what is in the best interests of the organization, and what is in your best interests as a hockey player, and we came to the difficult decision that it would be best for your continued development to get some more experience, bulk up a little bit, and work on your skating, before we put you out there in front of the Stars fans," he continued. "By no means whatsoever is this a judgement of your potential, and in fact, if we didn't think so highly of your potential, we may not be making this same decision," Nieuwendyk proclaimed.
"Mr. Nieuwendyk, I understand completely. I'm disappointed not to be able to stay up with the team, but I'm fully intending to be back here soon, and will work extremely hard to continue to improve," Luke replied.
"I have no doubt that is true, Luke. I'm sure we'll be talking again some time in the near future with a happier outcome for both of us."
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GoBlue2419
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Re: Minnesota Forever!
Within EHM, Luke actually returned to the Pinecrest High School team as an overage player, which is not actually possible in the real world. With this outcome, and because the NCAA is simulated in the background, I am going to sim ahead in the lives of Luke and Dylan until something newsworthy occurs, at which point I will report on that.
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GoBlue2419
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Re: Minnesota Forever!
The USA Under 20 team gathered again for the 2012-2013 World Junior Championship U-20 Tournament. Luke had already been told by GM/Head Coach Mike Milbury that he would be Captain for this year's group. Joining him on this year's team however would be Dylan. The boys were extremely excited to be re-united, and vowed that they would win another championship together, this time at the International level.
The first game up for Team USA would be a battle against traditional rival Canada. Luke was paired up with Dylan Blujus (Brampton Battallion - OHL) once again, while Dylan was playing right wing on a line with Brady Vail (Windsor Spitfires - OHL) and Colin Jacobs (Seattle Thunderbirds - WHL). Canada jumped out to a 1-0 lead behind a goal from Austen Brassard (Belleville Bulls - OHL) at the 5:24 mark of the 1st Period before USA tied it up when Vincent Trocheck (Saginaw Spirit - OHL) slotted home a great feed from Luke. Canada's Mark McNeil scored a 1st period goal as well to give Canada a 2-1 lead heading into the dressing room.
Trocheck scored another goal in the 2nd period, which was the lone goal of the period, to tie the score again at 2-2.
The 3rd Period saw Canada's Troy Bourke put home a wicked wrister to give Canada a 3-2 lead 1:39 into the period. Three minutes later Jacob Doty would tie it up for USA on a shorthanded unassisted goal, which would be the final goal scored for a 3-3 tie.
Both Luke and Dylan ended up with a 7 rating. Luke played 21:27 and finished with the one assist and a -1 +/- rating. Dylan saw the ice for 17:11 and had no points and a 0 +/- rating.
Next up for Team USA would be a tilt against Russia.
The first game up for Team USA would be a battle against traditional rival Canada. Luke was paired up with Dylan Blujus (Brampton Battallion - OHL) once again, while Dylan was playing right wing on a line with Brady Vail (Windsor Spitfires - OHL) and Colin Jacobs (Seattle Thunderbirds - WHL). Canada jumped out to a 1-0 lead behind a goal from Austen Brassard (Belleville Bulls - OHL) at the 5:24 mark of the 1st Period before USA tied it up when Vincent Trocheck (Saginaw Spirit - OHL) slotted home a great feed from Luke. Canada's Mark McNeil scored a 1st period goal as well to give Canada a 2-1 lead heading into the dressing room.
Trocheck scored another goal in the 2nd period, which was the lone goal of the period, to tie the score again at 2-2.
The 3rd Period saw Canada's Troy Bourke put home a wicked wrister to give Canada a 3-2 lead 1:39 into the period. Three minutes later Jacob Doty would tie it up for USA on a shorthanded unassisted goal, which would be the final goal scored for a 3-3 tie.
Both Luke and Dylan ended up with a 7 rating. Luke played 21:27 and finished with the one assist and a -1 +/- rating. Dylan saw the ice for 17:11 and had no points and a 0 +/- rating.
Next up for Team USA would be a tilt against Russia.
Last edited by GoBlue2419 on Mon Jun 18, 2012 8:25 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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GoBlue2419
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Re: Minnesota Forever!
Game 2 of the World Junior Championship U-20 Tournament for Team USA was against Russia. This game was scoreless until three minutes into the 2nd period, when USA's Vincent Trochek scored to put USA up 1-0. Six minutes later Trochek lit the lamp again to give USA a 2-0 victory. The Americans took this lead into the 2nd intermission.
Team USA was holding on tightly to the 2-0 lead in the Third Period, able to withstand a furious Russian barrage. But Russia finally broke through with 6:16 left in the 3rd period to draw within one behind a goal from Sergei Shmelev. The barrage did not end there, and this one promised to come down to the wire when Shmelev scored again to tie this one up at 2-2 with 5:53 remaining. Another draw for USA looked to be on slate until Brady Vail put a wristshot past Russian goalie Andrei Makarov with 33 seconds remaining for the dramatic 3-2 victory.
Neither Luke nor Dylan scored any points in this one. Luke finished with a 6 rating in his 21:22 ice time, while Dylan registered a 7 rating in 18:45 of ice time.
Next up will be Denmark in two days for a New Year's Day battle.
Team USA was holding on tightly to the 2-0 lead in the Third Period, able to withstand a furious Russian barrage. But Russia finally broke through with 6:16 left in the 3rd period to draw within one behind a goal from Sergei Shmelev. The barrage did not end there, and this one promised to come down to the wire when Shmelev scored again to tie this one up at 2-2 with 5:53 remaining. Another draw for USA looked to be on slate until Brady Vail put a wristshot past Russian goalie Andrei Makarov with 33 seconds remaining for the dramatic 3-2 victory.
Neither Luke nor Dylan scored any points in this one. Luke finished with a 6 rating in his 21:22 ice time, while Dylan registered a 7 rating in 18:45 of ice time.
Next up will be Denmark in two days for a New Year's Day battle.
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GoBlue2419
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Re: Minnesota Forever!
The Denmark game turned into the Dylan Patterson Show, giving him his first real exposure at the International level. Team USA scored quickly, and scored often, in this match, skating away with a dominating 11-0 victory, including a hat trick from Dylan. He scored a goal in each period, helping pace the Americans to a 4-0 1st Period lead, 7-0 after 2 periods, and the final 11-0 tally.
Dylan's three goals were good for only the 2nd Star of the Game though, as Nick Ebert took top honors with a goal and 4 asssists. Third Star was Brady Vail with a goal and 3 assists.
Defenseman Max Iafrate was a +5 for the game, and Right Winger Jacob Doty was a +4.
Dylan finished with a 10 rating, and scored all of his goals on the power play, so finished with a +0 +/- rating.
Luke was point-less, getting 15:43 of ice time, and registered a +1 +/- rating to go along with his 7 rating for the game.
The USA U-20 team will face Germany tomorrow in its final Group B match-up.
Dylan's three goals were good for only the 2nd Star of the Game though, as Nick Ebert took top honors with a goal and 4 asssists. Third Star was Brady Vail with a goal and 3 assists.
Defenseman Max Iafrate was a +5 for the game, and Right Winger Jacob Doty was a +4.
Dylan finished with a 10 rating, and scored all of his goals on the power play, so finished with a +0 +/- rating.
Luke was point-less, getting 15:43 of ice time, and registered a +1 +/- rating to go along with his 7 rating for the game.
The USA U-20 team will face Germany tomorrow in its final Group B match-up.
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GoBlue2419
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Re: Minnesota Forever!
In the final Group B Stage game for Team USA U-20, Germany was the opponent at Stadthalle in Klagenfurt, Austria. The Germans came in to this game having lost its three previous match-ups, while the
Americans were coming in having won two games with one tie.
Team USA broke the figurative ice first, with Brady Vail scoring a goal with 10:39 remaining in the first period. His goal was assisted by Vincent Trochek and Shane McColgan. With 6:16 left in the period,
Dylan continued his hot hand by putting home a goal off of feeds from Dylan Blujus and Colin Jacobs to give Team USA a 2-0 lead after the 1st Period.
Vincent Trochek scored a goal of his own in the second period, with assists from Max Iafrate and Nick Ebert, putting Team USA up 3-0, which would be the final score as neither team scored for the rest of the game.
Dylan finished with an 8 rating in his 20:00 of ice time. Meanwhile, Luke was again without a point, being on the ice for 20:42, finishing with a 6 rating.
Team USA is now through to the Semi-Finals, along with Czech Republic, who will both be awaiting the victors from Great Britain against Russia and Finland against Canada in the Preliminary Round. Perhaps the shocker of the World Junior Championships U-20 this year is the failure of Sweden to even win a game. They will battle it out in the Relegation Round with Denmark, Germany, and Belarus.
Vincent Trochek leads the Tournament in points heading into the next rounds, with 11 points (5-6) in 4 games. He is followed by fellow Americans Brady Vail with 8 (3-5), and Jacob Doty with 7 (2-5), who is
tied with Canada's Luca Ciampini (0-7).
Americans were coming in having won two games with one tie.
Team USA broke the figurative ice first, with Brady Vail scoring a goal with 10:39 remaining in the first period. His goal was assisted by Vincent Trochek and Shane McColgan. With 6:16 left in the period,
Dylan continued his hot hand by putting home a goal off of feeds from Dylan Blujus and Colin Jacobs to give Team USA a 2-0 lead after the 1st Period.
Vincent Trochek scored a goal of his own in the second period, with assists from Max Iafrate and Nick Ebert, putting Team USA up 3-0, which would be the final score as neither team scored for the rest of the game.
Dylan finished with an 8 rating in his 20:00 of ice time. Meanwhile, Luke was again without a point, being on the ice for 20:42, finishing with a 6 rating.
Team USA is now through to the Semi-Finals, along with Czech Republic, who will both be awaiting the victors from Great Britain against Russia and Finland against Canada in the Preliminary Round. Perhaps the shocker of the World Junior Championships U-20 this year is the failure of Sweden to even win a game. They will battle it out in the Relegation Round with Denmark, Germany, and Belarus.
Vincent Trochek leads the Tournament in points heading into the next rounds, with 11 points (5-6) in 4 games. He is followed by fellow Americans Brady Vail with 8 (3-5), and Jacob Doty with 7 (2-5), who is
tied with Canada's Luca Ciampini (0-7).
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GoBlue2419
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Re: Minnesota Forever!
With Canada's 5-3 win over Finland, and Russia's 5-3 victory against Great Britain, the Semi-Finals would see Canada and USA face off against each other again, and Russia skate against the Czech Republic.
The first Semi-Final game saw Russia defeat Czech Republic 5-3 behind two goals in the final 5:19, including an empty netter with 25 seconds remaining.
The other Semi-Final game was another back and forth affair, and would require overtime in order to declare a winner. Canada jumped out to a 1-0 first period lead behind a goal from Barclay Goodrow. Marcus McIvor put Canada up 2-0 in the second period, which would be the score as the teams entered the dressing room for the Second Intermission.
The floodgates opened in the 3rd period however, as Nick Ebert scored the first American goal, chipping away at the Canada lead to make it 2-1. But Canada answered 5 minutes later behind a goal from Matt Puempel to go up 3-1 with 8:32 to go in the game. Jacob Doty got one back for Team USA with 4:10 remaining to make it 3-2. Team USA pulled goalie Matt Mahalak with 1:49 remaining, and the extra skater was exactly what Team USA needed, as Doty was able to get free in front of the net and put back a rebound with 1:01 remaining to tie things up at 3-3.
The teams entered overtime looking a little apprehensive, knowing that the next goal would win the game and send one team home. But a breakaway by Ty Rattie off of a USA turnover sealed the deal for Canada, as Rattie deked past Mahalak and put in the game winner 3:50 in to overtime for a 4-3 Canada win. The Canada win set up a Championship match-up with Russia the next evening.
The first Semi-Final game saw Russia defeat Czech Republic 5-3 behind two goals in the final 5:19, including an empty netter with 25 seconds remaining.
The other Semi-Final game was another back and forth affair, and would require overtime in order to declare a winner. Canada jumped out to a 1-0 first period lead behind a goal from Barclay Goodrow. Marcus McIvor put Canada up 2-0 in the second period, which would be the score as the teams entered the dressing room for the Second Intermission.
The floodgates opened in the 3rd period however, as Nick Ebert scored the first American goal, chipping away at the Canada lead to make it 2-1. But Canada answered 5 minutes later behind a goal from Matt Puempel to go up 3-1 with 8:32 to go in the game. Jacob Doty got one back for Team USA with 4:10 remaining to make it 3-2. Team USA pulled goalie Matt Mahalak with 1:49 remaining, and the extra skater was exactly what Team USA needed, as Doty was able to get free in front of the net and put back a rebound with 1:01 remaining to tie things up at 3-3.
The teams entered overtime looking a little apprehensive, knowing that the next goal would win the game and send one team home. But a breakaway by Ty Rattie off of a USA turnover sealed the deal for Canada, as Rattie deked past Mahalak and put in the game winner 3:50 in to overtime for a 4-3 Canada win. The Canada win set up a Championship match-up with Russia the next evening.
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GoBlue2419
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Re: Minnesota Forever!
Canada skated away with a surprisingly easy 10-2 victory over Russia in the Championship Game of the World Junior Championships U-20 last night. Jonathan Huberdeau led the way for Canada with 2 goals and 3 assists. The Canada cause was also assisted by Boone Jenner, who had 2 goals and an assist, and Barclay Goodrow, with a goal and an assist. Chris Marchese also scored two goals for Team Canada.
Vincent Trochek held on for the Individual Points crown with 15 points for the Tournament, on 5 goals and 10 assists. Brady Vail of USA and Jonathan Huberdeau tied for second with 14 points apiece.
Dylan finished the tournament with 4 goals, 0 assists, while Luke finished with a disapointing 2 points on 2 assists. Dylan will return to the University of Wisconsin, while Luke returns to the Chicago Steel of the USHL.
Vincent Trochek held on for the Individual Points crown with 15 points for the Tournament, on 5 goals and 10 assists. Brady Vail of USA and Jonathan Huberdeau tied for second with 14 points apiece.
Dylan finished the tournament with 4 goals, 0 assists, while Luke finished with a disapointing 2 points on 2 assists. Dylan will return to the University of Wisconsin, while Luke returns to the Chicago Steel of the USHL.
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GoBlue2419
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Re: Minnesota Forever!
The 2012-2013 Stanley Cup Finals saw a return by the LA Kings, but they were unable to climb the mountain top again this season (last year lost to Buffalo in this universe), this time losing to the Tampa Bay Lightning 4-1. Ryan Malone won the Conn Smythe Trophy.
The road to the Finals consisted of:
Eastern Conference
#1 Buffalo beat #8 Ottawa
#2 Tampa Bay beat #7 Winnipeg
#6 Pittsburgh beat #3 NY Rangers
#4 Boston beat #5 Washington
Buffalo beat Pittsburgh 4-0
Tampa Bay beat Boston 4-0
Tampa Bay beat Buffalo 4-0
Western Conference
#8 St. Louis beat #1 Vancouver 4-1
#2 LA beat #7 Nashville 4-1
#3 Detroit beat #6 Calgary 4-3
#5 Chicago beat #4 San Jose 4-3
LA beat St. Louis 4-1
Detroit beat Chicago 4-3
LA beat Detroit 4-3
The road to the Finals consisted of:
Eastern Conference
#1 Buffalo beat #8 Ottawa
#2 Tampa Bay beat #7 Winnipeg
#6 Pittsburgh beat #3 NY Rangers
#4 Boston beat #5 Washington
Buffalo beat Pittsburgh 4-0
Tampa Bay beat Boston 4-0
Tampa Bay beat Buffalo 4-0
Western Conference
#8 St. Louis beat #1 Vancouver 4-1
#2 LA beat #7 Nashville 4-1
#3 Detroit beat #6 Calgary 4-3
#5 Chicago beat #4 San Jose 4-3
LA beat St. Louis 4-1
Detroit beat Chicago 4-3
LA beat Detroit 4-3
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GoBlue2419
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Re: Minnesota Forever!
Here are the 2012-2013 Award Winners (* Repeat winners)
Hart Trophy - Ilya Kovalchuk, NJ*
Art Ross Trophy - Ilya Kovalchuk, NJ (119 points - 65 goals, 54 assists)
"Rocket" Richard Trophy - Ilya Kovalchuk, NJ (65 goals)*
Vezina Trophy - Ryan Miller, Buffalo* (51 wins, .917 SV%, 2.30 GAA)
Norris Trophy - Brent Seabrook, Chicago
Selke Trophy - Steve Begin, NY Rangers
Calder Trophy - Jordan Eberle, Edmonton
Adams Trophy - Guy Boucher, Tampa Bay
Lady Byng Trophy - Henrik Zetterberg, Detroit
All-Star Game MVP - Dany Heatley, San Jose
Points Leaders
1. Kovalchuk, NJ (119 - 65-54)
2. Semin, Wash (116-48-68)
3. Ovechkin, Wash (115-58-57)
Highest Average Rating
1. Marleau, SJ - 9.17
2. Backstrom, Wash - 9.16
3. Ovechkin, Wash - 9.16
Here is a recap of some trades that took place this season:
8/2/12 - Vancouver trades Dan Hamhuis to Nashville for 3rd and 5th Round Draft picks
2/4/13 - Dallas trades Tuomo Ruutu to Tampa Bay for Brett Connolly
2/4/13 - Montreal trades Brian Gionta to Edmonton for Samuel Guerra
2/23/13 - Montreal trades Scott Gomez to Chicago for Philippe Paradis, Rights to Mark McNeil, and 2nd Round pick
2/23/13 - Montreal trades Kristian Huselius to LA for Rights to Sergei Shmelev and Andrei Loktionov
2/23/13 - Minnesota trades Nick Schultz to Dallas for Fedor Tyutin
2/23/13 - Dallas trades Mike Ribeiro to Nashville for Chet Pickard, Miikka Salomaki, and Alexander Steen
2/23/13 - Minnesota trades Mikko Koivu to Buffalo for Rights to Colin Jacobs, 2nd Round Pick, and Zack Kassian
Hart Trophy - Ilya Kovalchuk, NJ*
Art Ross Trophy - Ilya Kovalchuk, NJ (119 points - 65 goals, 54 assists)
"Rocket" Richard Trophy - Ilya Kovalchuk, NJ (65 goals)*
Vezina Trophy - Ryan Miller, Buffalo* (51 wins, .917 SV%, 2.30 GAA)
Norris Trophy - Brent Seabrook, Chicago
Selke Trophy - Steve Begin, NY Rangers
Calder Trophy - Jordan Eberle, Edmonton
Adams Trophy - Guy Boucher, Tampa Bay
Lady Byng Trophy - Henrik Zetterberg, Detroit
All-Star Game MVP - Dany Heatley, San Jose
Points Leaders
1. Kovalchuk, NJ (119 - 65-54)
2. Semin, Wash (116-48-68)
3. Ovechkin, Wash (115-58-57)
Highest Average Rating
1. Marleau, SJ - 9.17
2. Backstrom, Wash - 9.16
3. Ovechkin, Wash - 9.16
Here is a recap of some trades that took place this season:
8/2/12 - Vancouver trades Dan Hamhuis to Nashville for 3rd and 5th Round Draft picks
2/4/13 - Dallas trades Tuomo Ruutu to Tampa Bay for Brett Connolly
2/4/13 - Montreal trades Brian Gionta to Edmonton for Samuel Guerra
2/23/13 - Montreal trades Scott Gomez to Chicago for Philippe Paradis, Rights to Mark McNeil, and 2nd Round pick
2/23/13 - Montreal trades Kristian Huselius to LA for Rights to Sergei Shmelev and Andrei Loktionov
2/23/13 - Minnesota trades Nick Schultz to Dallas for Fedor Tyutin
2/23/13 - Dallas trades Mike Ribeiro to Nashville for Chet Pickard, Miikka Salomaki, and Alexander Steen
2/23/13 - Minnesota trades Mikko Koivu to Buffalo for Rights to Colin Jacobs, 2nd Round Pick, and Zack Kassian
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GoBlue2419
- Prospect
- Posts: 53
- Joined: Sat Dec 17, 2011 7:01 am
Re: Minnesota Forever!
The 2013 NHL Draft concluded today, with the #1 pick seeing Carolina selecting Simon Boudreau. Boudreau is a 6' 1", 187 pound defenseman from the Rimouski Oceanic. This past season in the QMJHL Boudreau scored 60 points in 70 games, on 26 goals and 34 assists. He also tallied 78 penalty minutes, and was a +10.
The rest of the Top 10 went as follows:
2. PHX - Jonathan-Ismael Diaby, D (Quebec Ramparts)
3. CBS - Remi Tanaka, RW (Saskatoon Blades)
4. FLO - Jonathan Drouin, C/LW (Halifax Mooseheads)
5. MIN - Jeremy Gregoire, C (Chicoutimi Sagueneens)
6. MTL - Sean Monahan, C (Kitchener Rangers)
7. PHI - Anthony Duclair, C/LW (Summerside Western Capitals)
8. ANA - Ryan Kujawinski, C (North Bay Trappers)
9. TOR - Nick Moutrey, LW (Saginaw Spirit)
10. DAL - Guillaume Gauthier, C (Victoriaville Tigres)
The first 14 picks were Canadians, with American defenseman Scott Savage being the first non-Canadian selected when Ottawa picked him at #15. Tobias Liljendahl (Sweden), selected by Nashville at #19, and Anthony Ohlsson (Sweden), selected by the Rangers at #25, were the only other non-Canadians selected in the 1st Round.
There were 160 Canadians selected in this year's draft, with 23 Americans, 10 Swedes, 6 Russians, 4 Slovakians, and 2 Czechs making up the rest of the selections.
The rest of the Top 10 went as follows:
2. PHX - Jonathan-Ismael Diaby, D (Quebec Ramparts)
3. CBS - Remi Tanaka, RW (Saskatoon Blades)
4. FLO - Jonathan Drouin, C/LW (Halifax Mooseheads)
5. MIN - Jeremy Gregoire, C (Chicoutimi Sagueneens)
6. MTL - Sean Monahan, C (Kitchener Rangers)
7. PHI - Anthony Duclair, C/LW (Summerside Western Capitals)
8. ANA - Ryan Kujawinski, C (North Bay Trappers)
9. TOR - Nick Moutrey, LW (Saginaw Spirit)
10. DAL - Guillaume Gauthier, C (Victoriaville Tigres)
The first 14 picks were Canadians, with American defenseman Scott Savage being the first non-Canadian selected when Ottawa picked him at #15. Tobias Liljendahl (Sweden), selected by Nashville at #19, and Anthony Ohlsson (Sweden), selected by the Rangers at #25, were the only other non-Canadians selected in the 1st Round.
There were 160 Canadians selected in this year's draft, with 23 Americans, 10 Swedes, 6 Russians, 4 Slovakians, and 2 Czechs making up the rest of the selections.
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GoBlue2419
- Prospect
- Posts: 53
- Joined: Sat Dec 17, 2011 7:01 am
Re: Minnesota Forever!
Phone call during the 1st Round of this year's NHL Draft
"Dylan, this is Doug Wilson, general manager of the Sharks."
"Yes, hi there Mr. Wilson. How are you, sir?"
"I'm good, thanks, other than having to make one of those phone calls that are always tough for a general manager."
"Okay . . . . . " (wheels starting to turn wildly in Dylan's head)
"Listen, Dylan, we think very highly of you, of your ability, and your potential to be a very good player in the NHL. As a testament to you, so do many other teams. Well, let me get to the point here. You probably were able to ascertain from watching us this year, we need help on the blueline. And of course, to get something of value, you need to give up something of value. When we approached Montreal about some of their defensemen, your name was the first one Pierre Gauthier mentioned. He is very high on you, thinks you have a great future ahead of you, as do we. He would not budge, he wanted you. So, Dylan, you have no doubt surmised by now that we have traded your rights to the Montreal Canadiens, along with our 1st Round pick this year, for defenseman Andy Greene and the 2nd Round Pick Montreal acquired from Chicago. Dylan, I want you to know that this was not something we necessarily wanted to do, or were looking to do, as we do feel very strongly in the future ahead of you. But as I said, to get something of value, something of value has to be given up. "
"Thank you for calling me personally, Mr. Wilson. I appreciate all you and the Sharks organization has done for me this past year, having the faith in me to select me last year."
"Dylan, you are a great kid, with a great future ahead of you. I know Pierre feels the same, and I am sure you will be getting a call from him shortly to welcome you to the Canadiens organization.'
"Thank you, Mr. Wilson."
"Dylan, best of luck to you in the future, and I look forward to watching your career develop . . . . . at least against everyone else!"
"Ha, thank you again Mr. Wilson."
Dylan hung up the phone, immediately turned on his Playstation 3 and NHL 13, and traded his virtual self to Montreal to get a glimpse of how he looked in a Montreal sweater. "Pretty nice," he thought to himself. He then thought of Luke in Dallas, and smiled as he now thought of the opportunity to play against each other in the Stanley Cup Finals some day.
"Dylan, this is Doug Wilson, general manager of the Sharks."
"Yes, hi there Mr. Wilson. How are you, sir?"
"I'm good, thanks, other than having to make one of those phone calls that are always tough for a general manager."
"Okay . . . . . " (wheels starting to turn wildly in Dylan's head)
"Listen, Dylan, we think very highly of you, of your ability, and your potential to be a very good player in the NHL. As a testament to you, so do many other teams. Well, let me get to the point here. You probably were able to ascertain from watching us this year, we need help on the blueline. And of course, to get something of value, you need to give up something of value. When we approached Montreal about some of their defensemen, your name was the first one Pierre Gauthier mentioned. He is very high on you, thinks you have a great future ahead of you, as do we. He would not budge, he wanted you. So, Dylan, you have no doubt surmised by now that we have traded your rights to the Montreal Canadiens, along with our 1st Round pick this year, for defenseman Andy Greene and the 2nd Round Pick Montreal acquired from Chicago. Dylan, I want you to know that this was not something we necessarily wanted to do, or were looking to do, as we do feel very strongly in the future ahead of you. But as I said, to get something of value, something of value has to be given up. "
"Thank you for calling me personally, Mr. Wilson. I appreciate all you and the Sharks organization has done for me this past year, having the faith in me to select me last year."
"Dylan, you are a great kid, with a great future ahead of you. I know Pierre feels the same, and I am sure you will be getting a call from him shortly to welcome you to the Canadiens organization.'
"Thank you, Mr. Wilson."
"Dylan, best of luck to you in the future, and I look forward to watching your career develop . . . . . at least against everyone else!"
"Ha, thank you again Mr. Wilson."
Dylan hung up the phone, immediately turned on his Playstation 3 and NHL 13, and traded his virtual self to Montreal to get a glimpse of how he looked in a Montreal sweater. "Pretty nice," he thought to himself. He then thought of Luke in Dallas, and smiled as he now thought of the opportunity to play against each other in the Stanley Cup Finals some day.
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GoBlue2419
- Prospect
- Posts: 53
- Joined: Sat Dec 17, 2011 7:01 am
Re: Minnesota Forever!
6/30/13
Some of the top Free Agents Available this offseason:
Forwards
- Jarome Iginla
- Patrik Elias
- Stephen Weiss
- Brendan Morrow
- Jamie Langenbrunner
- Andy McDonald
- Mike Fisher
- Kris Versteeg
- Valteri Filppula
- Daniel Alfredsson
Defensemen
- Kimmo Timmonen
- Sergei Gonchar
- Robin Regehr
Goalies
- Niklas Backstrom
- Marty Turco - starting goaltender for Stanley Cup Champion Tampa Bay
- Tim Thomas
Some of the top Free Agents Available this offseason:
Forwards
- Jarome Iginla
- Patrik Elias
- Stephen Weiss
- Brendan Morrow
- Jamie Langenbrunner
- Andy McDonald
- Mike Fisher
- Kris Versteeg
- Valteri Filppula
- Daniel Alfredsson
Defensemen
- Kimmo Timmonen
- Sergei Gonchar
- Robin Regehr
Goalies
- Niklas Backstrom
- Marty Turco - starting goaltender for Stanley Cup Champion Tampa Bay
- Tim Thomas
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GoBlue2419
- Prospect
- Posts: 53
- Joined: Sat Dec 17, 2011 7:01 am
Re: Minnesota Forever!
Luke has enrolled at Minnesota State-Mankato for the fall of 2013. He will be playing with fellow NHL draftees Max Gaede (RW/LW, San Jose - R3 2011), Justin Jokinen (RW/C, Buf - R4 2011), and Andy Sackrison (C/LW, St.L - R5 2011).