A few midsummer moments with the start of the 2010-11 Northern Ontario Jr. Hockey League season a mere seven weeks away:
…I am going to try to stay neutral with regards to the two players who have asked the Blind River Beavers to trade them to the Soo Thunderbirds. Defenceman Kelly Barrett and forward Cody Zorzi are two Sault Ste. Marie residents who both played for Blind River as rookies during the ‘09-10 season. Both commuted back and forth from the Soo to Blind River — a 180-mile round trip — for practices and home games. But both want to be traded from the Beavers to the Thunderbirds because they want to be able to fully concentrate on post-secondary studies in the fall without the extra burden of having to travel back and forth to Blind River. Now from what I’ve been told, Beavers general manager Jim Yardanoff and Thunderbirds GM Kevin Cain have discussed a cash exchange involving the two players. I have heard and read all sorts of comments that Blind River is literally “holding the players hostage” by asking for a huge chunk of cash in return. I do not know that to be true. What I do know is that earlier this season, the Beavers granted the request of 1992 birth year defenceman Corey Jackson to be traded to his hometown Thunderbirds (for school reasons) and received $3,000 from the Soo in exchange. In looking at this case, Barrett is a 1991 birth year who took a fairly-regular turn on the Beaver blueline last season and Zorzi is a 1990 who was a fourth liner and regular healthy scratch with Blind River last season. So just what is a fair asking price for the duo? That’s not for me to decide. It’s for the two teams to work out.
…With a fresh new ownership and a positive outlook, the North Bay Trappers have been busy signing players as they ready for the ‘10-11 campaign. New president Chris Dawson tells me that the Trappers have added some good-looking newcomers and are taking a long look at several up-and-coming local products. Two out-of-towners who coach Ian Swalucynski is high on are power forwards Jonathon Dionne from the reputable Hearst Elans midget program and Travis Fernley from the Calgary Rangers midgets.
…Soo Eagles will host a tryout camp in Florida later this month as new coach/general manager Bruno Bragagnolo literally searches the U.S.A for quality players. Interestingly, one veteran player who Bragagnolo won’t have back for the ‘10-11 season is Sarasota, Fla. resident Ryan McAleese. McAlesse, a 1990 birth year winger who tallied 29 goals for the Eagles last season, is staying close to home and will attend school and play hockey for Florida Gulf Coast University beginning this fall.
RR: Yardonof is the G.M. in name only. Fans here know that he is just Capy’s puppet who represents the Coaching Staff on the Board. Capy is not well liked here and niether is Gagnon. Capy has coached here for 3 years now and still hasn’t won a Play-off Series. Corect me if I may be wrong RR but Capy’s coaching record for the Beavers during the Play-offs is 2 Wins and 12 Losses – say no more.
The Beavs mite want to be carefull how they treat the kid’s from the Sault because if they screw around with them by not be fair to them then the Sault kids wont want to come to Blind River and play here. If Jackson as RR says is worth $3500 then Barret is worth half of that and Zorzi is worth about half of what Barret is worth. If you ad it up the Beavs should be happy to get $2500 TOTAL for these 2 kid’s. Nice kids but Barret is just “OK” and Zorzi is a spair part.
i know for a fact that Blind is asking 5k for each of these players,also know that school comes first and if the players don’t get released or traded they will both not be going back to Blind and the Beavers will get nothing for them. I have never heard of any team standing in the way of a player wanted to be trade so they can further there education,but then again we are not talking your typical management team here are we? All we have to do is look who is running this Gong Show in Blind!
Statement from the Blind River Beravers
As per usuall the Blind River Beavers coaching staff continue to be bashed on RR’s blog. That is fine we are all big boys and we can take the rants of parents, players and fans and even people who hide under numerous aliases to post their comments. What is not acceptable is when the good name of the Blind River Beaver organization is slandered. Here is the true story of the players in question, both of whom are great kids and would like back in Blind River. Yes they have asked for trades and yes we are prepared to trade them at a high cost. When we recruited both players last season and the T’Birds had no interest in them, riding up and down the high way and been part-time students was not an issue and suddenly the same scenerio for this season is not acceptable.
It is not the intention of the Blind River Beavers to hold up any players but we must do what we feel is right to protect and sustain our program. Thus the cost is high to insure that that goal is attained. If we continue to move local players who are not going to be full-time students in the Sault we need the resources to get players from other parts of Ontario which is a tremendous expense and will make it impossible to sustain the program. It is intersting that a trade discussion between the 2 team’s gm’s end up on this blog. All it has accomplished is jeopardizing any possible trade agreement. We will continue to recruit Sault players and try and help them reach their goals. It has been a good working relationship!
JIM CAPY
COACH
BLIND RIVER BEAVERS
Hopefully this is not case. It looks like buyer beware of Capy and company… Capy should get value for them yes but based on player development. What JR hockey is supposed be about (Hockey Canada) is player development and moving kids along to where they want to be..good luck Zorzi and Barett both quality young men…I think RR is dead on and asking price is define not 5000 each maybe for pair…if Jackson is 3500 then u do the math,thks RR
Many kids have to make the tough decisions about school and hockey. Two more years in Juniors might get somebody noticed but then again they would be delaying school. I have a different question if what is being said about their skill set is true is anyone sure that the TBirds would want them or utilize them. Maybe their more important to BR as utility layers then they are to the TBirds. Also what other kids would the Tbirds be saying no too to take these kids. Also I don’t know what Cain is Thinking or Cappy for that matter. It is up to them and if they are thinking about all the kids they will base their decisions on all the kids and do whats best for the organizations. Again the kids have choices too though they are tough and trust me when it comes to Juniors and education they are real tough. I know this personally. I have seen several kids give up their hockey dreams to start school and me personally I wouldn’t blame the organizations or anyone if the kids have to make that decision. On the other hand I do hope it works out for them and they get to do both.
upfront,
I know I’m beating a dead horse here, but when Doan and Vernelli squared off, it was at center ice, both had shed their equipment and it was man to man, face to face. As a matter of fact, I think they were both laughing at the time. There was a donnybrook going on already. They are friends and were putting on a bit of a show, albeit Doan would likely, based on size, kick his a## if he was seriously mad.
In Kleinhans case, he was being manhandled in his crease and was defending himself in the heat of the battle during a scrum in front of the net. The Bird player’s strength was to crowd goalies in their crease and give them cheap shots to get them off their game, ala Sean Avery. That is part of the game. When a player, the Bird players size, goes after a goalie Kleinhans size, I call that ‘jumping the goalie’. It is like a St. Bernard falling on a poodle and the only way to describe it is jumping on. The results of that attack were gross.
I know for a fact that Doan called that player out many times afterwards and he wanted nothing to do with Doan. And I never saw him pull that crap with any other players close to his own size. Mostly cheap shots. He was a show boat and a good player, skill wise. But an artist, as in cheapshot, nonetheless.
in Capy’s case they (Barrett and Zorzi) probably could only take his crap for a year and that is why they don’t want to go back…
The Thunderbirds are a tottally revamped team and therefore are looking to aquire players as would any other team.
Article in the NB paper about the Laporte twins both signing with the Thousand Island Privateers for next season in the new minor pro Federal League – available online.
In fairness, the T-Birds get to pick their team before Blind River, in most of the cases. The players in Blind River confirm that there is enough talent to ice two competitive teams in the Sault, but the market can hardly sustain one team. Therefore, Blind River develops the players and many would prefer to play for the Birds and stay home, in the Sault.
The Birds can then cherry pick players from Blind River, which goes a long way to explain much of the T-Birds success and it gives the Sault fans bragging rights. I’m not sure of an answer to this situation, but these are isses that should be discussed among adults, behind closed doors. Perhaps a reasonable, fixed, preset price for players who would like to make the move. Blind River does deserve something for development fee’s. I’m quite sure 5 grand is too much though. Perhaps a draft set-up between the two teams…a pick 2 players from each others roster, with a protection list of 4 players, no money required.
Having said that, this league requires each team to be successful and to destroy one another is like cannibalism. A case of biting off one’s nose to spite their face…
If Capy doesnt want to play fair then Cain should just walk away from the trade and let Capy explain to Barret and Zorzi why he is screwing them by refusing to trade them at a fair price.
mrchicken says cluck,cluck capy should go get plucked.Who writes into a blog using there real name anyways to set the story straight give me a break .what a bozo.
Hey both these players got Jr experience and playing time in BR and developed thanks to Capy & the Beavers – this has value – we should leave the negotiations up to the teams – I personally think Zorzi has more upside this season then either Jackson or Barrett so getting a price as you can see from this blog is tough – if the T-Birds want them the teams will figure it out – usually turns out in the kids favour if they have the skills!
Agree beaverwatcher. Most kids don’t even get an opportunity to show there ability let alone get ice time at the Tier II level. You need to dance with the person who brought you.
You know what bothers the cluck out of mrchicken?
I’ll tell you, when Capy comes on here and says the good name of the Beavers organization is being slandered. What Capy doesn’t say is all the crap these players took in Blind River last year and were just suppose to turn the other cheek and ignore.
Examples: Soo boys hockey bags thrown in the shower upon returning from game against the Eagles with the water on and left wet in there for 5 days…cell phones and money stolen in Little Current because there was no lock on the door and staff did not feel they needed to watch the door.Team has still not come good for these items and monies stolen…Players blowing curfew and it being reported to staff and nothing is done to said players).
Need I go on? Great team building .That is why this team was defeated and emotionless in the 1st round.
So, Mr. Capy, don’t come on this blog and let on a holier than thou attitude.
wow Capy your a mucker bud!
talking to you last season you said you would never go on the blogs and read
you said something like you cant be a good coach if your reading the blog and listening to it.
your a joke now you come on use your real name buddy give your head a shake you double crosser no wonder no vets want to come back and play for you.
Easy guys – we all change our opinions and minds on subjects depending on the situation.
Capy brought in some good guys to Blind River last season and worked hard on making this team competitive – yes a lot of the vets he counted on were given a lot of opportunities to help this team win (IMO too many), yes a lot of the younger guys were treated to the tough “ride the pine” experience of playing Jr A hockey.
But wow, lots of complaining about a guy that knows this game and has shown he can put a good team on the ice – it’s up to the players to get the job done!
Lets get behind this team – BR is a great place to play and watch hockey. Some of the kids that want out should go – Capy can bring in some good players, he’s shown that!!!
BR is an unreal town to play in…
As for Capy he only benched one line and sat the same players over and over again…and one of the players who sat was Zorzi was one of the better players imo.
Capy had to spend money and give up players to get the good ones he brought in half way through the season…if you remember we were 15 points behind the Soo Eagles for second coming up to to end of November then he let the vets play and they almost clintched first.
Why dont’t we let the coaches coach, the managers manage and the players play…..that leaves the duty for the fans as follows….. to support, fund raise, attend and cheer……not micromanage the team!
Just thought I would mention that I have written a feature on baseball/hockey player Corey Jackson that will appear in the July 21 edition of Sault This Week. Jackson, a defenceman who was traded from Blind River to the Soo Thunderbirds during the off-season, had this to say about Beavers coach Jim Capy, who is taking a bit of heat on this blog as of late.
“He’s a good coach,” Jackson said of Capy. “He taught us well. He does a lot for his players. I enjoyed playing for him and I really liked playing in Blind River.”
FYI,
North Bay Trappers have gone west to name their new captain. You can read the story by going to http://www.baytoday.ca.
Acording to the talk at Tims the 2 kid’s who want to play for the Sault (Zorrzi & Barrat) will end up with the team in Thessalon as Capy is holeding them 2 kids hostage . so now they will play for Thessalon which mean’s the Beavs don’t get nuthing for them if I am right. The Beavs were such a fun team to be a round when Stensil was involved but Capy he ain’t no fun and not to many of the Local’s can stand him & beside that he dont even win.
Blind River Bum u need to stay out of the coffee shop to much coffee!!! Realize what you do have there before it is gone u can bring back the old days of the Barrons or the days of when they were 4 and 38. Zorzi and Barrat will not be playing for Thessalon I will be sure of that. They do skate with guys that play in Thessalon but thats just summer ice along with couple other NOJHL guys also. I would not reck our reputation around here for giving the kids a chance to play who didn’t quiet fit in the local NOJHL programs and sign kids because of issues like this. We will not be getting our noses in these issues…. I will promise u all that. We had our chance last year but stayed out of it with a couple of certain players that were not happy in Manitoulin! Both the Birds and Beavers programs have great reputations and run their programs as good as anyone can expect in the North. I really don’t think some of the bloggers know how much time and effort goes into trying to keep a reputation and how much more work u do in the summer then winter trying to bring kids this far up North to play and too keep todays local players happy and stay here also it is a tough sell. Grass isn’t always greener on the other side trust me I know from experience!!!!!
Ryan Leonard
Nice to see a former player stand up for Capy. Thanks Corey and good luck.
Well said Mr. Leonard, couldn’t have said it better myself
Ryan Lenard you forget to say that when Stensil was coaching the Beavs we actualey won a play off series which Capy has NEVER done. Also Mr. Holier Than Thou Lenard so yoo and your Outlaw League Teams wouldn’t take a player from the NOJHL – what a crock of shit – what side of your face are you speaking from today.
print edition story now available on http://www.saultthisweek.com:
“Corey Jackson is having a ball”
are we beating a dead horse here or what?(Blind River trade talk) I for one know that school comes first,hockey is just that ,many things happen to players over the course of their playing days,injuries being probably the worst to end it.something that can never be taken away is your education.You’ll go farther in career using your education than you ever will with any sport.Stay in school,play rec hockey as a release from day to day stress and just get out there and enjoy yourself.
From The Timmins Press write up:
The Eskis have also re-acquired forward Dustin Roy. Roy played two season for Abitibi, leaving the team at the end of the 2008-09 season. He last played for the K and A Wolverines of the Superior International Junior Hockey League.
Was good as a 16 and 17 year old, He will make the the eskies even stronger there roster “if all come back have 9 20 year olds and 5 19 year olds… There only question Mark is in Goal as Chandler Long is not listed… But Gange found Davey last year I am sure he will find a good tender. Its sucks for us Trappers fans but the eskis look to be the beast of the east again this year and Roy only helps as well.
hmmm i’m not sure if the Eskis will be considered beasts again this year. Word is Boutin is done and will be going to school in Ottawa. big holes to fill in Robert, Curry, Gauthier, St Jacques, Morin and of course Davey. don’t think you’ll see the Gienis back either.
Still Begin (more and more talk he’ll be back), Clancy, D Roy, make a nice first line. J Roy, Beaudoin, Ouellette, are “solid” 2nd or 3rd liners. find a good rookie line and acquire 3 proven vets up front and they should be alright for forwards. Regardless how good your first line is, i think the Eskis brass have realized to win a championship, you need a very good second line like they had this year.
Macdonald, Carrier, Lafleur and Paradis make for reputable pairings in the back end to start and another rook and acquisition and the Black and Gold should be able to compete, at least in the east. Last year championship season might have put a few dollars in the bank to go and purchase a few good players
Bruno and Eagles will give every team in the NOJHL plenty to worry about and i’m sure the Traps will be much improved.
Expect Kord, Allarie and Mercier to compete on the back end for spots and Robichaud, Lefebvre and Wildman up front from the Majors if they do show up to camp. Young Turbide in KL could crack the squad as long as he can get his attitude straightened out or else he won’t make it past the first cuts.
Anyone hear what JF Sylvestre is up to next year? Rumblings in my neck of the woods suggest he will be hanging ‘em up. Would be ashame to watch that talent go to Men’s League. He would be an immediate offensive threat in this league without a doubt.
to much booz to much snooz ahahahahahahahahaha
nukker.
Sylvestre-I heard goin to school and done with hockey.
Thats a player who can play…ask any player from GNML, I am sure.they would want a line mate.
heard the same DW & Nukker, too bad. i just hope he doesn’t regret it down the road, can’t get those years back but he might just be fed up. Him, Robichaud, Lefevbre or another woulda been a great rook line.
Interesting article in NB paper on former Royal Darcy Vaillancourt now playing for Div.III Elmira.
new Blog just posted on OspreyBlogs.com:
“AUGUST 1ST IN THE NOJHL”