Why Can't We Be Friends? Or how about "Can't We All Just Get Along?"

It's been a long season. Blood, sweat and tears have all been shed. Friendships made and friendships broken. In the grand scheme of things all of this happened because of hockey. The game we all love and a passion that unites us. Hockey breeds competition, frustrations, joys but most of all it bring us together. It's brought us some great shows. The goals, the hits and the fights have been bringing the crowds to their feet all year long. It hasn't been without dramatic sequences like players boycotting games and fan bases going to war in the crowds and message boards but the one thing that we all took from the games regardless of what happened surrounding it was that butterfly in the stomach excitement that made us want to go night after night.

From fans invading other FHL towns to putting on a show in the Maine Event there has been an endless barrage of story lines that have gripped every fan base at some point. That in a nutshell is what hockey is all about. Things happen and half the time when we can't control them it's not what we wanted to happen. Everyone wants the cup, to win and to be treated fairly but reality is that's just not the case most of the time and we just have to suck it up and try to do the best at the things we can control rather than kick dirt and raise hell over things we can't.  

Since the first day I decided to apply myself to more than just watching the game and started getting involved I began to write this blog and build relationships all around the league. From day one it's been he said, she said and on a small scale complete anarchy. This team is cheating this way... That team is doing this and that and they shouldn't. The Kirnans are out to screw the other teams... The referees are idiots. Such and such organisation is corrupt. It never ends and very likely never will.


What I'm trying to say is this is hockey and the up and downs that come with it. Referees at every level are criticised. Gary Bettman the commissioner of the National Hockey League is one of the most jeered men in sports being booed every time he speaks. Nobody will ever be totally satisfied at some point, if ever and that's life. Get on with it. Do what you gotta do but the mud slinging and trash talking are overblown. Everything is a conspiracy when there is something on the line that everyone wants.


What this league and the teams in it really need to do is just get back to some good ol' hockey. To cut the bullshit and the whining and the conspiracy theories and to just enjoy the game. If it's so horrible every owner in this league can pull their teams out or sell them or just quit but they haven't have they? There is a lot of room for improvement. More clarity. Better ref's you can go on all day. As for treatment of players... They are grown men. They know what's right and what's wrong and they are in no way enslaved to the teams they play for. There are other leagues and opportunities for most to explore.


Players play, Owners pay, The commissioner oversees the league fairly without bias and hands out suspensions and fines as necessary. The fans show up to show support. Security does it's job to protect people and diffuse situations, Referees make calls they see using their best judgement and discretion.


That's hockey. It's not always going to be the way I described it because this isn't a perfect world or a perfect league. Take your licks and keep coming back for more that's what's important. Bury the hatchets and wash off the bad blood. I present you the game of hockey without the politics... hold the stress and frustrations... it's just a game. Learn to enjoy it again for what it is.


If you enjoyed the article please share the link. Thanks for the support. Good luck to everyone still alive in the playoffs and better luck next season to those who are not.

Privateers Make A Lot Of Moves

There Privateers still seem to be adding so here are some of the bigger moves.

Signed

Name: Tibor Varga

Position: Center

Height: 6'2

Weight: 210

Experience: FHL,SPHL,ECHL,

The 1000 Islands Privateers made a big splash on Tuesday trading Brian Marks to the Brooklyn Aviators for the rights to Tibor Varga. Varga last season played with the Rome Frenzy and notched 27 goals and 45 assists for 72 points in 45 games but was -10 in the process. He spent part of this season in the SPHL playing for the Mississippi RiverKings posting 7 points in 23 games and a -6 rating. Varga's addition is a big question mark as Varga was dominant last season however it remains to be seen whether or not he can compete in a tougher more competitive FHL. His numbers dwindled in the SPHL and he was waived on 2/3/2012.

Name: Peter Dundovich
Position: Goaltender
Height: 6'2
Weight: 195
Experience: ECAC, FHL

Recently waived by the Brooklyn Aviators, it didn't take Peter Dundovich to find a new home in Alex Bay. He likely comes in as the backup to Matt Anthony taking over backup duties from Matthew Kinsella who has been exiled by league suspension.




 

Traded

                                  

Name: Chad Bazin

Position: Defence

Height: 5'10

Weight: 190

Experience: CJHL, FHL

Former Warrior and Privateer Chad Bazin has been traded to the Danville Dashers for future considerations. Was enjoying a career best season with 23 points and a +35 rating prior to the trade. If he remains in the FHL this will be a solid pickup by the Dashers

Name: Ryan Pearson

Position: Left Wing

Height: 6'1

Weight: 190

Experience: SIJHL, FHL

Was in his second season with the Privateers and was on his way to career bests in every category prior to the trade. He now joins Chad Bazin as a member of the Danville Dashers. If he remains in the FHL this will be a solid pickup by the Dashers

Name: Jeff Winchester

Position: Defence

Height: 6'2

Weight: 195

Experience: CHA, ECHL, CHL, SPHL, FHL

The former Privateers team captain has been traded to the New Jersey Outlaws after starting his FHL career in dominant fashion in 1000 Islands with 59 points in 37 games and a +53 rating. A huge boost to the Outlaws who some would argue did not need it. With the Outlaws in a mini slump the addition of Winchester will do much to change that.

Name: Brian Marks

Position: Defence

Height: 6'0

Weight: 205

Experience: ECAC, CJHL, FHL

Marks was having a solid year on the Privateers blue line. His +29 was a good indicator of what the hard working defenceman brings to a team. He now joins the Brooklyn Aviators where his defensive presense will no doubt improve the Aviators as they look to improve their defense in preparation for the playoffs.

Will this trade shoot the Brooklyn Aviators in the foot again?

First the Brooklyn Aviators trade away Puntureri and Goffredo to the New Jersey Outlaws. They kill us whenever we play them.


Now The Aviators trade Tibor Varga to TIP, 1000 Island Privateers for defenseman Brian Marks formerly from TIP.


Last time Tibor Varga played in the FHL he had 72 points, I sure hope that the Brooklyn Aviators didn't shoot them selves in the foot again? Guess that time will tell....


Guess the powers that be must think that Brooklyn needs another defenseman?

Article by Clifford F. Zeman

Privateers Pull Off An Upset?

Hats off to Privateer owner Nicole Kirnan who in less than 24 hours was able to plug the holes left by a host of players refusal to make the trip to Akwesasne. She not only filled the void left but was in attendance to watch as her team skated off with a 9-5 win over the Warriors at the Bonnie Castle.


Despite all the distractions and criticisms raining down over the suspensions and the circus surrounding the controversy the Privateers not only made a game of it but went out and won it with 10 new faces in the lineup. A four goal night from Brad Smulders and a two goal debut from Brendan Baumgartner was enough to send the Warriors home empty handed.


With 1200 in attendance the Privateers seem to have overcome what now seems to be a minor hickup

Privateers Scramble To Replace Players(Updated with league statistics)

Privateers owner Nicole Kirnan speaking on the Privateers facebook page : "A few members of the team did not feel safe playing against Akwasasne given the recent injuries that have taken place during their games by ours and other teams. This left us very shorthanded, as not showing up for another team's game is not professional. In this business, you depend on your partners in the league to show up in order for a game to take place. Collectively as an organization, we are taking steps to rectify the situation in time for tomorrow's game. We will deal with the individuals and the situation in time for tomorrow's game. Thank you for your continual support of Privateers' hockey."

The aftermath plus league experience:
Littlejohn, Frank (RW) placed on league suspension 3 gp 2 assists +2
LeFebvre, Marc () placed on league suspension
Fensel, Shawn (D) placed on league suspension 38 gp 5 goals 29 assists +23
Kinsella, Mathew (G) placed on league suspension 6gp 6-0  2.25 GAA .923 save%
Marks, Brian (D) placed on league suspension 66gp 4 goals 17 assists +30
Winchester, Jeff (D) placed on league suspension 37gp 14 goals 45 assists +53
Bazin, Chad (D) placed on league suspension 51 gp 3 goals 29 assists +29
Townsend, Brad (C) placed on league suspension 7gp 4 goals 1 assist +6


Comparison
The replacement so far with league experience:

Redman, Alex (D) signed 1 game tryout
Weisser, Paul (C) signed 1 game tryout
Aikin, Jamie (D) acquired in trade from Delaware for Future Considerations 1 gp -8
McLean, Timm (LW) acquired in trade from Delaware for Future Considerations 2 gp 1 assist -7
Thomas, Tim (LW) acquired in trade from Delaware for Future Considerations 2 gp 3 goals/2 assists -1


The new look Privateers host the Akwesasne Warriors tonight at the Bonnie Castle at 7:05

FHL Fans Venting Frustration

A collection of fan quotes that will hopefully fire up change within the league before it's too late.


"Charles Apap I tried to have optimism with this league, I really did. But I am sorry, this just gets worse by the day! And I'm sick of the new league scapegoat. That would account for a few problems, but we have a damn laundry list on a scroll. It's very clear that the guys at the top of the ladder don't know what the hell they're doing. Their blatant lack of professionalism infuriates me; I'm disgusted and embarrassed. It's not fair to the legit solid ownership of certain teams, the players, or the passionate fans. It's clear to me that the league is on autopilot -- It's running itself while everyone else suffers, and it is starting to show. These bad omens lately make me very worried that the FHL is on its way to an early grave; about to suffer the same fate as the AAHL. A lot of the tell tale signs are already there; do some research and you'll see what I mean. We should not have to be at risk for and worry about losing OUR team because the league is a ticking time bomb. I've said it before, WE DESERVE BETTER."

"Jeff Henderson Occupy FHL? Works for me"

(Mike Ashley on Akwesasne vs 1000 Islands. A game that Akwesasne won 25-6)
"Mike Ashley I can see the delaware game being accepted (I guess) as there was no players from the opposing team playing for Delaware. The game tonight should not be counted towards any points stat wise. A player can not play for another team without being waived. This is complete stupidity. If the league allows these goals and points to count that would be a complete embarrassment!" 

A screen cap of last nights pointstreak statistics. (http://fhl_league.stats.pointstreak.com/boxscore.html?gameid=1662485) As you can see Mike Ashley is 100% right that if this is acceptable in this league it is as he calls it an embarassment. Another commenter said the league continues to make things up as it goes...

As you can see without a legitimate transaction taking place members of the Akwesasne Warriors played for the 1000 Island Privateers last night. Initial belief was that it was changed to an exhibition game but pointstreak speaks to the contrary.





"Karen McEachern My thing is also....what about these PLAYERS that are getting a truely raw end of the stick...they come here to play and it doesnt even seem like the FHL gives a shit about them...without these players there is nothing to begin with....have any of them played HOCKEY in there lives....I dont think they really know what the sport is....at least that is what they are showing. I think anyone else at this point could not do as bad as what they have done in 2 years...and the AAHL is coming back next year...at least the league did a better job there....they had owner problems in that league that screwed many players...this league is getting screwed by the LEAGUE THAT SO CALL RUNS IT....shameful....I think my granddaughter has a better understanding of how to run this league then any of the ones sitting on the board now"


"Jeff Henderson yeah...dunno what's sadder...that things like this happen or we as fans come to expect them to"
"Joseph Francis Or that fans will accept it. Boycott. Force reforms. Fans shouldn't be the test dummies while the league can't even get it together"

"Charles Apap They clearly have no clue what they're doing at all. I'm literally at the point where I think that a group of passionate fans like us could run things better than these ignorant (expletive). I'm convinced they really don't care at all."

James Cook

Would you want to go out on the ice with the knowledge that a cheap shot may change your life forever? These kids make very little $, and are subjected to the improper management, coaching, and more so the "blind" refs. Its not about being ...a coward and not playing. If you think all this is about is honor you should open your eyes. A fast and pysical game needs strong control on the ice. The FHL lacks that control. As for owners and league officials being in the same immediate family. conflict of interest? This league has no transparancy. No itegrity. A shame to hockey.

This is just a few quotes but is representative of the growing frustration of FHL fans. I hope for players, owners and everyone involved that changes are made and that things improve in the future before the players and fans walk out.

Privateers Defeat Bluefins 6-3

Alexandria Bay - The 1000 Island Privateers looked well rested welcoming the Cape Cod Bluefins Monday Night and ready to play. Matt Kinsella starting in Net for the Privateers and C.Testa in Net for Cape Cod it took only 18 seconds in the 1st for the Privateers to get on the Scoreboard. Smulders from P.Kelly and J. Akeson. With a very fast paced game starting the Cape Cod team tied the game 1-1 5 minutes later. Surdam from Tibbetts and Frey. Going back and forth both teams seemed to have great speed and shots that just didnt see the inside of the net. Akeson passing the puck to Smulders on the wing past the puck to P.Kelly who witha an awesome wirst shot put it threw the 5 hole taking the Privateers to a 2-1 Lead with just under 5 minutes left in the first. The first period ended as it had begun with Smulders from Akeson, Winchester burying the puck with just 15 seconds left on the clock. Cape Cod outshooting the Privateers 12-10 the 1st Period ended 3-1 Privateers and NO PENALTIES.

Going into the 2nd period saw a whole different game.  Power Play Goal by McAllister from Akeson, Byrd saw the Privateers taking on a good lead. The Privateers seemed to have some difficulty keeping the puck out of there end. M. Harrington from S. Sabky, B. Surdam saw Cape Cod take advantage of a Power Play to come within 2, with the score now 4-2.  Alot of shots in the Privateers end saw the Cape Cod Bluefins end the 2nd period out shooting the Privateers 22-4. Matt Kinsella seeing a few great shots Cape Cod just couldnt capitalise as much of the shooting had no real direction.

The 3rd Period did not see either team slowing down. With a shot on Kinsella and a save saw him laying on the ice twisting and turning. Appeared to be in some pain he was helped up and Assisted by his team mates to the bench holding his left leg off the ice. M. Anthony warmed up and was ready to continue the game. With another Power Play for Cape Cod saw M. Harrington with a niffty pass to Lund who put it in the back of the net bringing Cape Cod within one of the Privateers 4-3. Vesprini replacing Testa  in the second made a Fantastic save with the Privateers 4 on 3.  With just under 10:00 min. left in the 3rd Winchester once again to Fenzil who passes puck to Byrd putting the Privateers now up 5-3. Tibbetts coming out of the penalty box skates right into Smulders who was taking a swing at the puck and clipped in the face resulting in Smulders getting a High Stick penalty. McAllister called for tripping puts the Cape Cod team again on the Power Play to no avail. The Final goal was Winchester with an Empty netter ending the game 6-3 for the 1000 Island Privateer Win. Cape Cod again outshot the Privateers 12-8 with a total of 46 shots to the Privateers 22. It was a very fast played game with few penalties and some Great Saves from all 4 goalies. And I must say I was very impressed with the Refing tonight. It was a very over all well played game.

 

 

Food for Thought:

I have noticed a few players from different teams not wearing visiors and wonders, just because they might have played for a higher league should they still not be made to wear them. As in the NHL you are seeing more and more players wearing the visiors. No they arent going to stop all shots near the face but it sure can help in some of those HIGH STICKS. Its an area that I feel very strong about. I dont like to see any player get hurt and there eyes are one area that I figure all players would protect. My thought for the night!!!!

 

Article by Karen Brown

Whalers Beat Privateers 5-3

1/13/2012, after the announcement of the special signing of skateboard legend Mike Vallely to the Danbury Whalers, and although he played fewer than a full minute the Danbury Fans were not at all disappointed. Slightly delayed by bad weather in north New York State the game started just after 8 o’clock to a nearly full arena.

The 1^st period began with ferocious end to end action as the 1000 Islands Privateers came out strong pushing the issue trying to gain an early advantage. Because of the weather the Privateers had only travelled with 13 skaters, whereas the Whalers actually had 19 men on their bench, getting special permission from the league for the addition of Mike Vallely. The early pressure paid off for 1000 Islands as Paul Kelly scored a tip in goal from Justin Levac and Brad Smulders with 3:31 gone by in the 1^st. The goal came as a result from a defensive breakdown by Whalers recent acquisition Jason Mccrimmon, turning the puck over in the defensive zone. The privateers continued with their offensive pressure drawing a big double minor from Tony Pisano 6:16 in. Killing off the long 4 minute penalty gave the Whalers a surge of energy, and as the buzzer sounded to signal the end of the 1^st, the Whalers found themselves with the momentum back in their favor. 

The 2^nd period began very strangely as after the intermission the referees and the privateers were out on the ice, but the whalers were not. After a very heated argument between referee Eric Ernst and Coach Phil Espositio, the Walers were assessed a 2 minute delay of game bench minor, to be served by Corey Fulton. The strange start would be par for the course of the 2^nd period, as the play again moved back and forth, until at 6:10 Alec Kirschner, whose family was present for the game, scored a tying goal from Chris Seifert and Nick Deschenes. Not to be outdone, privateers Justin Levac scored a quick go-ahead goal at 9:22 from Paul Kelly and Brad Smulders, connecting for the 2^nd time this game. After 2 successive penalties by the privateers later in the period that could not be capitalised on, the whalers returned to the locker room with the game tied at 2.

The 3^rd period started with a frenzied pace as both teams looked to score early and dictate the pace of the rest of the game. Clearly affected by the lack of depth on their bench, the privateers played on their heels, giving up the lead to the strong whaler attack. 4:34 into the 3^rd period the millstone line produced again as Kelly Miller scored on a great lead pass from Matt Moffat, with Sean O’Malley getting the other assist. The controlled offense of the whalers continued to dominate, forcing the already tired privateers into 3 consecutive icing plays, keeping the top line on the ice for almost 3 minutes of solid action. By grinding down 1000 Islands, the whalers’ continuous pressure drew privateer’s’ Brian Marks into a hooking penalty, bringing out the whalers’ top powerplay line. Throughout the 3^rd period the whalers’ offense was marked by sharp and accurate passing, which allowed for Alec Kirschner to again burry a goal on the powerplay. He was again assisted by Nick Deschenes and Chris Seifert for his 2^nd of the game, giving the whalers a 3-2 lead. Soon after however, the momentum shifted as Kelly Miller was called for tripping at 12:52, allowing the privateers to tie the game with only 1 second left on their powerplay as Paul Kelly scored his 2^nd of the game from Jeff Winchester and Brad Smulders, again tying the game at 3. Responding quickly, the whalers 2^nd line of Kirschner, Seifert, and Deschenes again broke through the defense scoring the leading goal making the score 4-3 with 3:35 left in the contest.

Immediately after another strange thing occurred as before the ensuing faceoff, referee Eric Ernst ejected Kelly Miller from the game for a 10 minute official abuse penalty. The call was so strange because from our perspective Miller only said one thing to the referee before being kicked out, and it was said at such a volume that no one else on the ice heard what was exchanged. Undaunted the whalers kept the pressure on, and at 19:31 of the 3^rd period, Alec “King” Kirschner was sprung by his D-men Lynn Beedle and James “Brown” Sanford to score his 3^rd goal on the empty net. The cementing goal finally saw Mike Vallely getting ice time, even if it was for just about 30 seconds, fans were certainly not disappointed by the game.

Article By Alec Kessler

Privateers Finish Dashers border tour 5-2

Alexandria Bay - Matt Anthony was all set in Net for the 1000 Island Privateers. Breton Lindoff starting in Net for the Danville Dashers wasnt so prepared in the 1st Period as the Privateers took only 2:03 to put the First Goal on the Scoreboard. Adam McAllister from Ryan Pearson, Brad Pawlowski. A few minutes later saw a pack in front of the net with the Dashers feeling a goal only to have it waived off by the Ref. No one seemed to hear a whistle that apparently was blown just seconds before the puck crossed the line.

The First Period saw alot of Hard Hits, good saves by both goalies, a few penalties and of course 2 fights. The first between Pawlowski and C. Affinati.  Returning to the game the second goal at 11:41 saw Smulders pass the puck to Akeson. Akeson and Kelly two on not even the goalie as the goalie came way to far out of his crease and Akeson passing puck to Kelly went right by and into an Empty net.  The next thing seen by most was a spear in the back of Akeson by J.Pace and of course not seen by Ref. The two exchange some words when Affinati comes skating across, drops gloves and throws a punch at Akeson who drops the mitts. Akeson hits Affinati with about 6 punches only to have Affinati being the smaller of the two take advantage of his size and throws some uppers from down below taking Akeson to the Ice. Now this is what I didnt understand and it comes back to the Ref issue. Akeson receives 2 for roughing and the 5 for fighting. Wait did I miss something. Like everyone there wasnt it AFFINATi who dropped them and came hunting Akeson with the first punch thrown??? The first period ended 2-0 with the Privateers outshooting the Dashers 16-9.

The 2nd Period began with the Dashers on the Power Play. Just 16 seconds in Tippin (serving Akeson's roughing penalty) jumps onto the bench in time for McAllister to hit the Ice and receive a pass from Smulders and takes to the Net making it 3-0 Privateers. The Dashers continued to play hard and didnt appear to be giving up. The back and forth play continued when Levac on his second breakaway of the game gets hooked by Affinati leading to a Penalty Shot for Levac. The Puck awaited Levac at Center Ice. Picking it up and heading for the net Lindoff awaited the shot stopping Levac from scoring as the puck went off his right pad. The Arena got quite for a bit as the second period appeared to go into slow mode...With  2:46 left  the Fans came to there feet once again. McAllister and Hunt drop the gloves and  both players throw punches back and forth. McAllister getting Hunts shirt over his head didnt stop Hunt from continueing. They appeared to go down and continued until broken up by the linesmen. McAllister appeared to come away with the win. End of 2nd 3-0 and again Privateers outshoot Dashers 17-7.

The 3rd Period saw the Privateers start on the Power Play. Just 1:16 Barr gets a shorthanded goal unassisted with the Dasher's fianlly on the Board 3-1. A minute later the Privateers answer with there 4th goal of the game from Byrd assisted by Richard and Bazin. Kobayashi coming back hard came close to scoring but was stopped by Anthony. Once again both teams skating the rink Barr again scores with Huggett and Affinati briniging the Dashers within 2 with over 10:00 still to play. A few more penalties drew the end of the game closer. With less then 3 minutes to go some frustration showing from the Dashers saw both teams bunched up like rats in an Ant trap. Pushing and shoving and face's planted a little to close brought several penalties. Winchester wih Slashing and Boarding, Akeson -Roughing, Hunt- Roughing and Yakura Roughing and 10 for Throwing his stick. With a minute left the Dashers pulled the goalie to have McAllister ( Richard, Byrd) get a hat trick with an Empty Netter ending the game with the Pirvateers winning 5-2.

Danville never stopped. They played a Great Game and although skated away with another loss they sure didnt show the Privateers they were a team that should be taken lightly. Both teams went 0-5 on the Power Plays. Once again I have to say that watching this game made me wonder about the Ref's. There were several slashing calls that seemed to have the Ref's look the other way. Some other incidents that should have been called but again looked past. Before someone gets really hurt someones eyes better open up. I dont like to be a sideline Ref that I think I know it all. But when it happens right in front of them and they do nothing really makes me wonder. Here's hoping moving forward something inproves.

Article by Karen Brown

Aviators Crash And Burn In 3rd

I am writing this article with information that I was able to get from PointStreak. As we all know LSV Live Sport Video game of the week was another failure and the fans of the FHL are getting fed up with a subpar service like LSV. Email them at Caroline Markert [caroline@livesportsvideo.com] and tell them you want your refund and that their service really stinks.

Now back to the game…..

Alexandria Bay - The Privateers scored first Justin Levac #14LW on a power play goal. Nick Grove #6D scored for the Aviators to tie the match. The match was a 1-1 tie at the end of one.

In the second period Schott #10C scored for the Aviators making it 2-1 A’s. Michael Richard #10RW for the Privateers evened it up when he hit the back of the A’s net on a power play goal. Matt Atsoff #12C bagged in the next score for the Aviators, making it 3-2. The second period ended with the tally 3-2 Brooklyn.

Third period started out great for the A’s, Jesse “G-MAN” Felten #20C scored to make it 4-2 in favor of Brooklyn. This is when Brooklyn wished the game ended, no such luck. Does the word Blitzkrieg ring a bell? The Privateers scored four unanswered goals and sent the Aviators crashing in flames by a score of 6-4.

Sideline: Must admit it was nice chatting with the Privateers fans on FaceBook during the game and giving updates and receiving a lot of good humor along the way. The better team won tonight and I’ll give credit where credit is due.

Article by Clifford F. Zeman