TOM KUHANCKL'S HIT ON RYAN MURPHY

A couple of years back the Erie Otters were the first team to come to town after Mike Liambis' horrific hit on Ben Fanelli and our crew was charged with the responsibility of breaking down the hit and talking about it.  It was and still is tough footage to watch, but our crew did an admirable job of analyzing the hit. 

Fast forward to last Saturday, and ironically with Fanelli's Rangers in town, another controversial hit reared its ugly head. On Friday Tom Kuhnackl felled Ryan Murphy with a jarring, shocking- pick your adjective check.  Certainly this hit was suspendable, and the concern goes to young Ryan Murphy, a player with a bright NHL future.  Kuhnackl, not the sort of the player, to deliver a hit of this ilk and viciousness, also suffered a knee injury on the play.  No one wins here.   We watched the footage at least 10 times in the truck and broke it down step by step during the first intermission.  A summary of our thoughts follows here:

- Kuhackle, according to colour man Ed Burkholder, was following his fore check path. Ed, as a scout and former coach is well versed in the nuances of the game

- Murphy had lost sight of the puck, but it was still in his vicinity

- Murphy, skating low to the ground to a horrific amount of impact to the head

-Kuhanckl's arms were to his side, but he made no effort to slow up

-Kuhnackl did not leave his feet at the point of contact, but the aftermath had him leaving his feet

The hit is here and the footage is courtesy of our good friends at Rogers TV who do a wonderful job covering OHL hockey.

In the end we all felt that reckless was the best way to describe the hit rather than malicious.  While the intent was not there there was a level of recklessness in the hit.  Kuhnackl could have slowed up, but  did not and by not taking care to protect Murphy, his opposition, a suspension was imminent.  I don't like to play the public game of determining length and quite frankly loathe those who try to play commissioner.  I also intensely dislike those who choose to publicize and promote the "David Branch is ruining our game"  message.   You may not agree with the assessment of David Branch and his staff in all the decisions, but to say that he is ruining the game is beyond comprehension. 

The other debateable point here is that Murphy, while clearly shaken up, returned to the ice for a couple of shifts, adding an assist on a power play goal.  He was finally shut down in the 3rd.  Logical thinking dictates that when you have a player in that amount of peril, perhaps it is not in the best interest of player safety to return to the ice.  Hopefully that part of the equation will be up for discussion so that protocol can either be revised or  be put in place for situations like this

The bottom line here is that there are no winners.  I feel immensely bad for Ryan Murphy, one of the OHL's bright lights and shining stars and I hope his recovery is speedy. For Tom Kuhnackl and the Ice Dogs, the hope here is that his physical recovery is speedy and that they accept the decision with dignity. 

Steve Clark

A QUICK ANALYSIS OF THE ACQUISITION OF TOM KUHNACKL

The price was steep, no doubt about it, but to acquire a sniper of Tom Kuhnackl's quality and ability you pay a premium. 

Arguably, the Ice Dogs made their most impactful trade for a bonafide player on Wednesday with the addition of 39 goal marksmen Tom Kuhnackl.  Now I acknowledge that there may be those who quibble with my statement considering the blockbuster trade bringing in Ryan Strome.  My argument is that Strome had not yet developed into the elite level player that he is now when the Ice Dogs traded for him.  

Kuhnackl is a player owho could also potentially spend another year in the league, and that sets him apart from the dividend paying trade involving Darren Archibald last year. Furthermore the Ice Dogs boast a top six quality of forward that few possess in the league right now.   Coach Marty Williamson has the luxury of mixing and matching Strome, Freddie Hamilton, David Pacan, Andrew Aggozino, Alex Friesen and Kuhnackl in both his regular lines and his power play. 

The cost for the Ice Dogs was three 2nd round draft picks, Jaroslav Pavelka, Phil DiGuesseppe and a 1st round import pick.  The Ice Dogs also picked up Windsor's 2nd round import pick.  While it would appear to be a mortgaging of the future, the Ice Dogs do possess a surplus of picks stockpiled for just these purposes.  DiGuesseppe, currently plying his trade with Michigan, was never a part of the Ice Dogs future and Pavelka had not been the right fit in net during his short tenure. 

All in all to add a forward of Kuhnackl's quality while not sacrificing anyone off the current roster gets a Clark hale and hearty seal of approval

QUICK SIDE NOTES

1. Kuhnackl has excellent blood lines too.  Father Erich, a robust 6'5,  is widely regarded as West Germany's best hockey player, once potting 83 goals in a 48 game season in German hockey.  He also was a member of the 1976 bronze medal winning West German hockey team

2. Far be it for me to offer up a criticism of something related to the Ice Dogs, but I have to question the criteria in choosing the stars of the game.  In Oshawa's 5-3 victory over Niagara, the stars went as follows 1. Steven Shipley (1 goal) 2. Tom Kuhnackl (1 assist) 3. Kevin Baillie (42 saves) Boone Jenner's 1 goal and an assist and +2 and Nicklas Jensen's +3 got overlooked.  Now to give Shipley a star is perfectly acceptable, but to me the stars should be 1. Baillie 2. Jenner 3. Shipley.   To give a losing team two stars and the number one star smacks a wee bit of home town cheer leading not seen since the likes of Bring it On (dated reference #1)

3. Congratulations to Dougie Hamilton, named defenceman of the month for October in the OHL.  Looks like the Hamilton family has to break out the hammer and nails and add another shelf in the awards room.

4. Kuhnackl skated on a line with Joel Wigle and Steven Shipley in his first game, a mild surprise considering those who saw automatically in the top six.  Marty Williamson opted for balance it appears.

5. Luke Mercer fell awkwardly into the boards in the first period and did not return to the game.   On the replay it looked bad and here's hoping the young defenseman is not out long term

Next up for us on TV Cogeco and the OHL Action Pack are the Kitchener Rangers on Saturday.  Game time with Ed, Al and I is 7 pm

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WEEKEND ICE DOG HIGHLIGHTS

The Ice Dogs completed a successful week gaining 5 out of a possible 6 points.  The week started on Wednesday with a come from behind 6-4 victory of the struggling Erie Otters.  One night later the Ice Dogs bested divisional rival Brampton, a team with a strong road record.  Final score was 4-1 and had it not been for Brampton goalie Keegan Wilson standing on his head the score could have been much worse. The only blemish on the week came via a pesky Sudbury Wolves team.  Despite the Ice Dogs firing 45 shots at Sudbury net minder Johan Mattson, the Wolves hung on for a 2-1 shootout victory, the second time that the Wolves beat the Ice Dogs using the gimmick competition.  

The Ice Dogs prepare for a difficult three in three night stand as they take on Oshawa at home on Thursday and then have a home and home series versus the always difficult Kitchener Rangers.  The Rangers have been dominant versus the Ice Dogs at home, and have never been beaten by the Ice Dogs at the Kitchener Memorial Arena.

Highlights from Thursday's 4-1 victory are here

Ryan Strome was at it again, providing another highlight reel goal.   It was not as jaw dropping as his goal vs Plymouth that went viral last year, or his rookie training display or pizazz, but it should put a smile on the New York Islanders fans, players, coaches and other personnel.  The goal is here

Saturday's shootout loss highlights are to be found here

Quick Thoughts

• It was an impressive Hallowe'en parade at The Gatorade Garden City Complex on Saturday.  I'm not sure about dressing up your child in a Crown Royal costume, but all in good fun. 
• Having had to deal with the shootout for the past few years, my opinion has not changed: Don't like it and never will.  How about 5 minutes of 4-4 OT followed by 5 minutes of 3-3 OT.  If nothing is decided, bring back the tie.  After 10 minutes of the extra frame, nothing wrong with sharing the points. 
• It is a shame that Oshawa and Niagara only play a home and home series during the regular season.   There has always been a buzz in the arena when the Gens come to town.  It started with John Tavares and the play offs the first year and has continued on culminating with last years stirring 5 game play off series.  The only time there was not a buzz in the arena was when the lights literally went out in the arena in March of 2009!
• Decision time is looming for Marty Williamson and his defence. The Ice Dogs have rolled out 7 D Men the last few games as Brock Beukeboom transitions into the lineup after his return from Injury.  Beukeboom is starting to take a regular shift and the Ice Dogs will likely have to bump someone from the line up. 
• Hardworking Myles is Doan is down with injury.  He hurt his foot on Saturday, which is a shame because the line of Doan, Joel Wigle and Billy Jenkins had some impressive mojo going. 
• Movember is upon us again.  After last year's sad and embarrassing display of moustache growing, I will not be participating, but will be happy to support this important cause.  Ed Burkholder is participating.  Al Galloway is undecided as of this writing

We will have two games this week on TV Cogeco and the OHL Action Pack:

Thursday November 3rd Oshawa vs Niagara @ 7pm
Saturday November 5th Kitchener vs Niagara @ 7 pm

Steve Clark- Ice Dogs play by play TV Cogeco/OHL Action Pack
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IMPROVED PLAY BY THE ICE DOGS

The jocularity was in full effect for the Niagara Ice Dogs after a weekend sleight of games at the Gatorade Garden City Complex.   A full 60 minute 4-1 victory over Ottawa was followed up by a tidy dismantling of the Plymouth Whalers by a 4-0 count, with Mark Visentin notching his 2nd clean sheet of the season.  Post game the music was pumping and the players were in a celebratory mood, and with good reason.

After last weekend's dismal US swing, the Ice Dogs were summoned to the arena on Sunday for a skate, and this was not the Saturday afternoon open skate at the Jack.  Message received the Ice Dogs refocused and look to maintain a level of play consistent with a team that was a pre-season #2 in the CHL.

Away from the scorelines were some positive intangbiles.   Plymouth, particularly in the 3rd period seemed intent to take a few liberties with goalie Mark Visentin.  Nick Malysa was the most obvious offender as he tried to bull rush the puck and Visentin into the net at one point during period #3.  He was asked to atone for his sins via invitation from resident tough guy from the Ice Dogs Mitch Bennett.  To his credit, Malysa answered the call, losing in rather a decided fashion.  While those who are in the anti-fighting brigade, this was likely not their cup of tea, but from a team concept the notion of stepping in and sending the message was one that was well received in the broadcast booth, in the stands and undoubtedly in the dressing room. 

The Ice Dogs are back at it in Erie on Wednesday.  The Otters have struggled mightily out of the gate this year but this trip has always been a struggle for the Ice Dogs for some reason.  Victories at the Tullio Centre have been few and far between.  It will be interesting to see if former Otter Chris Festerini gets the nod against the Otters or whether or not Marty Williamson will stick with Visentin.  The Ice Dogs have two key home divisional match ups this week as Brampton and Sudbury visit the Gatorade Garden City Complex on Thursday and Saturday respectively.  The betting here is that Festerini gets the call Wednesday while Visentin gets the home divisional match ups.

Highlights from the Plymouth game are here .  Footage is courtesy of TV Cogeco, editing is by Darren Sawyer and the call is provided by yours truly on play by play and the ubiquitous Ed Burkholder on colour.

QUICK THOUGHTS:
1. We had a spirited, all be it, short debate on the Bob Nicholson proposal to raise the draft age by one year to 19.  The idea has its merits developmentally speaking, and that idea was promoted by Ed.  Al Galloway and I seemed to support the notion that there may be legal challenges and this idea would likely have to be collectively bargained.  In the long run, this is an idea worth looking at, but change is not imminent.

2. The team in the most disarray right now is Kingston.  Out of the game with one win in 11 tries, the heat is on in one of the OHL's most proud cities.  Ryan Spooner has been traded about 10x already this year it seems.  Igor Bobkov has struggled in the nets and the heat is on Doug Gilmour. 

3. The Barrie Colts get an immediate boost with the repatriation of Mark Scheifle from Winnipeg.  While Scheifle would be an enticing trade chip at some point in the season, the thinking is that he will in Barrie whole year with ex-Jet Dale Hawerchuk at the helm of the Colts, and if you can't learn from Howerchuck, you can't learn from anyone.  Plus the Colts are holding their own so far in the season and are a marked improvement over last years moribound squad.

We have two games on TVCogeco and the OHL Action Pack.  Ed, Al and I will have the call of the following:

Brampton vs Niagara 7pm
Sudbury vs Niagara 7 pm

Steve Clark
TV Cogeco/OHL Action pack Niagara Ice Dogs Play by Play

ICE DOGS VS OTTAWA HIGHLIGHTS THURSDAY OCTOBER 20TH

The Ice Dogs clamped down on defense and Mark Visentin won a goaltending duel with Peter Mrazek in a 4-1 Ice Dogs victory.  The Dogs broke off a mini two game losing streak and never trailed in this one.  Goals were scored by Joel Wigle, Freddie Hamilton, Mitchell Theoret and Jesse Graham.  Ryan Van Stralen had the lone marker for Ottawa.  

Enjoy the highlights with myself and Ed Burkholder on the call.  Footage is courtesy of TV Cogeco and the editing is done by producer Darren Sawyer:

Ottawa 1 Niagara 4 October 20th

Ice Dog Highlights from October 13th vs Belleville

An added feature to the blog will be the addition of game highlights for the Niagara Ice Dogs, the team I call play by play for on the OHL Action Pack and TVCogeco.  All footage is courtesy of TV Cogeco and is produced and edited by Darren Sawyer, our fine Mobile Producer.  Enjoy!

EARLY STRUGGLES FOR THE ICE DOGS



The headline in the Toronto Sun of "It's Been a Dog's Breakfast for the Niagara was not nice.  The fan forum icedogfans.com have been even less kind with a thread entitled "This is Embarassing".  Niagara was a pre-season CHL #2 and expected to be a Memorial Cup contender in 2011 but they have stumbled out of the gate at 2-4-0-1 and collectively they have been pretty abysmal defensively, giving up 38 goals in 7 games, a far cry from the staunch defense that was ranked 2nd best in the league last year. 

Seven games out of a 68 game schedule is a small sample size and no reason to push any sort of panic button.  A little Rock like eye brow-raising concern though for the team's early fortunes are legitimate.  They already 9 points in arrears of the Mississauga Majors and just endured an early weekend that featured a decisive 7-3 loss to London, a 5-4 SO loss to Sudbury and an ugly 8-6 loss to Barrie.  So far in the early going the Ice Dogs have given up a seven spot on two occasions, and a six spot to go along with the eight goals the Colts hung on them.  Mark Visentin has been injured and the combination of Jaroslav Pavelka and Mike Gallardi have been severely overmatched,  a point that was re-enforced during the 7-3 loss to London in which the combination of Gallardi and Pavelka gave up three goals on three shots. 

  To hang this all on the defense and goaltending would be unfair.  Hockey is after all a team game and my broadcast partner Ed Burkholder's favourite mantra is "If you don't have the puck, make sure that you have a man" .  Offensively the Ice Dogs are putting up curious numbers.  Andrew Aggozino has put up a solid 9 points in 7 games, but on the flip side is -9.  Freddie Hamilton's outstanding offensive numbers (14 points in 7 games) have been offset by a sad  -9. Steven Shipley is averaging a point a game in 7, but has a -6, while David Pacan is blazing a trail with 8 goals in 7 games, but then a dose of cold water is thrown on those numbers with a -2.  Jesse Graham was the plus minus leader for rookies last year, but has started off the year -7.   There are other examples, but the point is made. 

Are there moves to be made?  Possibly.  The Ice Dogs desperately need some goaltending support, as they are very likely to lose Visentin for most of December due to world junior commitments.   Dougie Hamilton, Freddie Hamilton and Ryan Strome could also be potentially on that list, and could further sap the depth of the Ice Dogs during a key portion of their schedule. 

Niagara fans are anxious for a winner.  They got a taste of success last year when the Ice Dogs got to the third round of the playoffs, and it was all supposed to come together this year, a year in which there is also expected to be a strong push of a new arena.  On ice success will keep the antiquated Gatorade Garden City Complex full and happy.   A Dog's breakfast?  Not quite, but enough questions to raise a curious eyebrow or two. 

QUICK NOTES

- The numbers caught up with affable OA Johnson Andrews who was let go when Alex Friesen returned from AHL camp.  Andrews is ripping up the Jr B with the St Catharines Falcons, and has lots to offer an OHL team.

-Ryan Strome remains with the New York Islanders, but has been a healthy scratch for the first couple of games.  The betting is that he will return when the Isles get a couple of bodies off of IR.  One of those injured for the Isles is Trevor Gillies, and why he still has a job in this league is beyond my reasoning.

- A new and very welcome feature on the OHL website is the breakdown of suspensions on video.  Taking a page from the NHL the OHL has done a very nice job of highlighting the transgression via several different angles and then offering up their reasoning for the suspension.  Each video is only about 25 seconds long and gets right to the point.  You may not agree with the decisions, but the method of disseminating the information is to be lauded.

TV Cogeco returns after its one game Election Night Hiatus with the Belleville Bulls in town to face the Ice Dogs.  Game time is 7:00pm on TV Cogeco in Niagara and on the OHL Action Pack.  Ed, Al and I have the call.

Steve Clark

www.twitter.comSteveClarkMedia

Steve is in his 5th year as the television play by play voice of the Niagara Ice Dogs, and 6th year overall with the OHL.