SBNation.com User Blog: John Andress

Youth is full of sport, age's breath is short

John Andress — Fri, 03 May 2013 17:57:40 -0000

I read with interest that the Whitecaps have (finally!) signed nineteen year old Aminu Abdallah after an extended and successful trial period. I saw the youngster in a pre-season friendly in Victoria and was impressed with his play. He stood out for his energy and for his height which, at 6' 3", makes him only the seventh player on the roster over that height. He is now one of nineteen players under twenty-five, one of six under 21 and one of three teenagers on the organization's roster, not counting players on loan who increase all of those numbers.

At first blush the youthful roster encouraged me as it promised growth, development and potential. On reflection however, I wonder whether it is the best option for turning VWFC into a perennial contender and, ultimately, a winner in MLS.

Watching the struggles of the likes of Darren Mattocks, Kekuta Manneh and Erik Hurtado over the past few weeks has brought home the realization that despite tons of skill, talent and potential, these young players are, in the final analysis, neophytes who will take time to learn their trade and hone their skills before they can contribute on a consistent and effective basis. We have, on the other hand, the example of the emergence of Russell Tiebert, and, to an extent, Corey Hertzog as proof of the fact that these youngsters, handled with patience and properly guided, taught and developed, will eventually mature into solid MLS talents. With Tiebert we even have the hopes of an International career in the offing.

So, my question is, will the Whitecaps have the patience to develop these youngsters into bona fide MLS players (and perhaps stars) or will the pressure to win right now force the organization to bring in more established, mature stars thus limiting the playing time available to the fledglings. Because playing time is what they need. Practice time is valuable too as is the mentoring of experienced players but in the end, time on the field is key to the development of young players. The Whitecaps already have a number of youngsters finding playing time on loan to other clubs but when you add the loaners to the mix, the pressure for time from the young bloods is going to be enormous.

Developing players also have a potential economic impact as developed players unable to find a place on the Whitecaps' roster may be attractive to other clubs and thus bring benefits such as players, draft choices, and even revenue to the organization. They would also, hopefully, provide a steady supply of capable young talent to replace players moving on from the Whitecaps through retirement, trades or purchase from other leagues.

I suspect, however, that most Whitecaps fans wont be satisfied with intangible rewards and will want to see trophies and championships coming to the club and that just may not be achievable with so many youngsters on the roster. The skill, therefore, will be in finding the balance. With Jay Demerit, Nigel Reo-Coker, Kenny Miller and Andy O'Brien as role models and mentors in the fold the side already has a good nucleus of leadership in place but is it enough to get this edition of the Whitecaps over the hump?

For those who are interested, the title of this piece comes from the poem "Crabbed Age and Youth" attributed by many (but not all) scholars to William Shakespeare which reads, in part,

Youth is full of sport, age's breath is short.

Youth is nimble, age is lame.

Youth is hot and bold,

Age is weak and cold.

Youth is wild and age is tame

The tension between youth and age has been with us since the dawn of time or, at least as this poem proves, the sixteenth century.. So has the desire of sports fans to see their team win things, almost at any cost. Can Bob Lenarduzzi, Martin Rennie et al find the balance between youth and age that will enable our beloved Whitecaps to be all things to all men?

All will be revealed in the fullness of time.

For those who are interested, the title of this piece comes from the poem "Crabbed Age and Youth" attributed by many (but not all) scholars to William Shakespeare which reads, in part,

Youth is full of sport, age's breath is short.

Youth is nimble, age is lame.

Youth is hot and bold,

Age is weak and cold.

Youth is wild and age is tame

All will be revealed in the fullness of time.

A Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde Production

John Andress — Sun, 28 Apr 2013 06:12:56 -0000

I am a Whitecaps FC fan and my focus is bound to be upon the Whitecaps and their performance but before I consider that I am compelled to say that in many, many decades of watching football (I hesitate to mention the exact number of decades it has been) I have never been unfortunate enough to witness as contemptible, shameful and dishonourable a performance as that delivered this afternoon by FC Dallas. They disgraced themselves, embarrassed their fans and gave MLS, whose avowed aim is to become one of the top leagues in world soccer in the foreseeable future, a serious black eye. How can anyone who knows and loves the beautiful game admire this side? Can't be done.

I found the first half and the opening minutes of the second immensely frustrating. Granted the Dallas tactic of slowing down the game and preventing any rhythm or flow from being created was part of it but the Whitecaps own inadequacy was a large factor as well. As chance after chance was squandered and bad passes or poor touches scuttled every foray up-field I found myself wondering what it was that had us all so excited about this side's potential for the coming season. Throughout training camp we talked about a solid defensive core, a more creative mid-field and blistering speed in attack then a flurry of pre-season goals had us salivating for the start of league play. The first two games weren't quite as dynamic as we hope they might be but they were victories and then we went on the road for a long, long time. Losses and spiritless draws began to accrue and the Vancouver tradition of eating our young reared it's ugly head. The inevitable calls for Martin Rennie's dismissal began to ring out in the media and the blogs. Second guessing of the manager's team selection became the topic of conversation before and after each match. All of the optimism and enthusiasm began to drain away.

And it carried on into this match. By the end of the first half I was tearing my hair out in frustration and had a list of questions I was unable to prioritize. What was more frustrating? The Whitecaps' defense, particularly on set pieces?; Dallas' diving and delaying tactics?; The Whitecaps' finishing?; The referee?; Darren Mattocks?.

Then, after Dallas' goal at the start of the second half seemingly sucked the hope and life out of everything, something lit a spark that ignited the Whitecaps and the game and reminded me of what it was that had us so excited. Energy. Aggression. Creativity. Wonderful, fluid ball movement. Quick precise passes. And, wonder of wonders, Manneh and Camilo putting the ball behind a barely adequate goal-keeper to knot the score. Kekuta Manneh's entry brought pace and flair to the game but the real spark was the play of the Captain Nigel Reo-Coker. Over the past several games Reo-C has begun to establish himself as the heart and motor of this side and he is displaying the leadership qualities that the management told us to expect when they signed him in the off-season. He was a rock. His calm and control gradually wrestled the momentum towards our favour and his vision and aggressive runs dragged everyone else along until the Whitecaps were coming at Dallas in waves. It also became evident that defending is much easier when the game is mostly being played in the other side's half. It was, beyond a doubt, the best half of football from the Whitecaps this season. Perhaps in any season.

And, to use the cliche that Martin Rennie loves so much, it has given us something substantial upon which to build. The players will take confidence from this performance as they face the next phase of the MLS season. Those of you who have been kind enough to read my offerings on this blog recently will know I feel that the series of games beginning with Dallas today then away to Real Salt Lake followed by back-to-back home dates with The Galaxy and Portland, all teams ahead of the Whitecaps in the Western Conference standing as of this evening, is a critical point in the MLS season. It offers an opportunity to gain some ground on the teams we will be contending for a playoff spot with. Alternatively, if the 'Caps don't play well in these games they could find themselves so far behind the pace that they will never be able to catch up. Today's draw against the best team in the league, and I think all Whitecap fans and football fans everywhere know how difficult it is to write those words after what Dallas showed us today, is an excellent start.

The debates about tactics and team selection will continue, and will probably intensify when Kenny Miller is available for selection. That is part of the fun of being a fan. We can talk about Davidson's play and how to best use Kobayashi and when to include Johnny Leveron but the cycle of negativity has been broken and we can go forward with renewed optimism and enthusiasm.

One caveat. Kekuta Manneh had a great game but he is an eighteen year old rookie with loads of up-side but don't think that he is a savior. We can have great hopes for him but he could well be ruined by heaping pressure and expectations on him at such an early stage of his career and after one good showing. We need look no further than Darren Mattocks for proof of that.

So well done Whitecaps. The monstrous Mr. Hyde has turned back into the kindly Dr. Jekyll. Lets hope that this transformation is a permanent one.

Backpedling, a bit

John Andress — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 14:58:59 -0000

Upon reflection, I have come to realize that my reaction to Saturday's disappointing performance in Frisco was an over-reaction of the type that I find so frustrating in many other observers. I am not suggesting that my perception of the match as a step backwards for a side that has been playing competitively early in this season but my conclusion that this one poor performance, and it was a very poor performance, defines the season thus far or is an indication that the rest of the season might as well be scrapped, was hasty, to say the least. The players, bar Joe Cannon, played poorly and the side that Martin Rennie chose to field was anemic at best but once the disappointment has subsided I realize that I must follow my own prescription of patience and perspective and wait a bit longer before sounding the alarm and calling out the militia.

Borrowing a page from Martin Rennie's Positivity Handbook, perhaps there are a few if not positives at least rationalizations to be drawn from the match which, whilst not excusing the poor performance, at least offers a ray of hope that the way ahead may not be as bleak and hopeless as it felt to me on Saturday night.

Perhaps the team selection on Saturday indicates that he coaching staff is still trying to figure out what they have and how to best use it in what is, after all, a significantly revamped squad from last season.

Perhaps, as Joe Canon so eloquently put it in his post-match comments, they just chose "a rough night to have a rough night.

Perhaps Rennie's strategy will become clear to us on Wednesday in Edmonton when the first shot towards what I feel is one of the principal goals for this season, qualification for the CONCACAF tournament by winning the Canadian Championship, is fired.

Perhaps next Saturday's rematch on their home turf will give us a better idea of what form this side will take for the meaty part of the season and show whether they have the character and resilience to rebound from a miserable performance.

Perhaps the 2013 season will be defined by what happens over the next few weeks rather than by what happened in Frisco on April 19.

Perhaps. But I am still trying to understand that performance and wonder what other Whitecaps supporters think was the main problem on that evening. I have formed my question as a poll, partly because I want to know and partly because I want to play with the poll feature. Here it is:

Perhaps, as Joe Canon so eloquently put it in his post-match comments, they just chose "a rough night to have a rough night.

Perhaps the 2013 season will be defined by what happens over the next few weeks rather than by what happened in Frisco on April 19.

Poll

What was the Whitecaps' main problem revealed in the 2- nil loss to FC Dallas on Saturday night?

Martin Rennie's team selection and formation.

1 votes

The back four were exposed as slow and ponderous.

0 votes

The only offense the 'Caps created was against the good name of football itself.

1 votes

The 'Caps couldn't complete a pass of their own or prevent Dallas from knocking the ball around at will

0 votes

The 'Caps haven't had a bounce or a break that isn't a leg since game two.

0 votes

2 votes | Poll has closed

Hail! Hail! The gang's all here.

John Andress — Sun, 17 Mar 2013 01:37:01 -0000

It was a delight to see the Vancouver Whitecap Reserves in Victoria today for the seventh repetition of this annual friendly which Island football fans have come to anticipate. I was really looking forward to seeing some of the players whom I have not yet watched play or who have been recently signed by the club and I was not disappointed at all. The match was pretty much what you would expect from a reserve side playing a University squad and I think that UVic should be thanked for the spirited and energetic opposition they provided in the face of a clearly more talented and skillful Whitecap side. They were quick and energetic right to the end and several Vikes were especially noticeable including diminutive wide man Nicholas Mavrikos (10), Andrew Ravenhill (17) and keeper Elliot Mitrou who made some fine saves apart from the ball he spilled into the path of Tom Heinemann (29) who easily slotted home for the third and final goal of the match.

Overall, the Whitecaps played like a group who were each trying to impress themselves upon Tom Rennie who watched from the sidelines. The energy and cohesiveness picked up as the match progressed but right up until the end players were prone to holding the ball a tad too long individually as they tried to show to their best. That being said, there were enough of the nice passing sequences which I, for one, hope will become a trademark of this edition of VWFC. In particular I noticed and enjoyed the play of Matt Watson (8), Aminu Abdallah (20) and Russel Tiebert (31). Camillo (7) was solid at the front and served up pretty much what we have come to expect from him - flair and flash with a bit of "whoops'" at the end on occasion. He also had a goal and an assist to balance the "whoops" so a solid afternoon all round from Camiilo. Erik Hurtado (19), roaming far and wide across the pitch, delivered what we have seen from him in his two appearance off the bench this season; speed, skill and a bit more of the "whoops" at the end although his goal was the result of some very, very skillful footwork in close quarters on the edge of Victoria's penalty area at the thirty-eighth minute. I was also fascinated by Tom Heinemann who looked untidy, was a bit cavalier with the ball but also was alert in taking his goal when the opportunity presented itself in the Victoria box where he seemed to appear fairly regularly throughout his forty minutes of time on the field. I thought that Omar Salgado looked as though he was not fully fit and was a little sluggish at times but at other times he made some wonderful slashing, diagonal runs into the Vikes defense that make me really look forward to him being fully up to speed and doing what I dearly hope that he will do for the starting eleven before too much longer.

It was a chilly but sunny day in Victoria and the surface seemed a little greasy with many players and the occasional linesman losing their footing but it was a treat to see the Vancouver Whitecaps in their Arbutus Brown strip (which I believe that I am almost alone in liking) so close to home.

It was an additional treat to see and hear a little group of flag waving, singing, chanting traveling supporters at one end of the pitch. Their commitment and love for the Whitecaps is inspiring and entertaining. The remainder of a crowd of 2,600 cheered lustily for both sides and nobody seemed unhappy with the result.

Thank you Whitecaps and UVic Vikes for an entertaining afternoon.

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Thank you Whitecaps and UVic Vikes for an entertaining afternoon.

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A Season of Growth, An Off-season of Development

John Andress — Sat, 03 Nov 2012 15:35:49 -0000

Amidst the disappointment at the end of the Whitecap's season I am grateful to Eighty Six Forever for giving me a forum for expressing my own opinion about how the season went and how it ended as well as keeping me informed and entertained by the thoughts and reactions of other fans as well as the regular, well-informed posters to the site.

In much of the fan reaction to the end of the Whitecap's 2012 campaign I have heard endlessly resurrected the old lament "we should have kept Hassli and Chiumiento" and it is starting to get a little old and, quite frankly, boring. Haasili scored some marvellous, spectacular goals but more often he didn't and when he didn't he might as well have stayed on the bench. He did nothing if he wasn't scoring and he just didn't score often enough to justify his place. Like everyone else, though, I loved him. Chiumiento was clearly happier to be somewhere else and, creative as he was, he simply wasn't irreplaceable. Let us not forget that this is a franchise in only it's second season and, whilst they have a roster they can build on and, in particular, some intriguing prospects in the system with a couple of good draft picks on the way, it is still a work in progress. The skill base of the side needs to be improved overall and the team's ethos and character needs to develop and mature but in that respect, Thursday's gritty, hard working effort can only be improved by enhanced skill, technique and athleticism. I was very impressed with Martin Rennie's first season and we are fortunate to have a manager with vision supported by an ambitious organization to lead the way forward. I am excited about the off-season and the potential for growth in this team and I am eagerly awaiting seeing an improved VWFC take the field next season.

Nervous Nellie In Victoria

John Andress — Sat, 15 Sep 2012 16:45:55 -0000

I confess to being a trifle nervous this morning as I await the kick-off for what, in my opinion, is the critical game of the season thus far. Not that it is a "must win". We have all heard this too often used cliche bandied about in reference to this game but it clearly does not fall into that category. As Russell Berrisford pointed out in his Sun sports piece this morning today's result will impact the remainder of the season and speak volumes about the current crop of Whitecaps and their character. Nothing less than a good performance is acceptable. Keeping in mind that the team is facing a very good, well motivated opponent in their own park a win would be an excellent result and a draw would be disappointingly acceptable. A loss would be disastrous but an uninspired performance, devoid of imagination and lacking in penetration, energy and aggression, such as the past two outings, would be nearly terminal. As Mr. Berrisford points out, this game is the one that "defines the character of the run in for both players and supporters alike." A poor effort would kill off any sense of momentum that the Whitecaps have been trying to generate over the international break and make it virtually impossible for the players to approach the home stretch with any enthusiasm whatsoever. It might also be the death knell for the growth and development of the fledgling Whitecaps fan base (acknowledgement and kudos here to those fans who have supported the team since it's inception in the '70's and throughout the 86'ers days. You are the cornerstone of one of the potentially most colourful, enthusiastic and supportive fan bases in the league.) I try to emulate the positive attitude that Martin Rennie has no doubt tried to instill in his squad but after the past month it comes a bit hard. So here I sit in Victoria waiting for kick off and very, very nervous. I live in hope and my hope is that the Whitecaps will emerge from their recent slumbers and remind us why we all love "the beautiful game."

Whitecaps forever.

Has justice been served?

John Andress — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 00:17:59 -0000

I have very mixed feelings about the Lucic hit on Miller. If a goalie comes that far out of the net to play the puck he is acting as a defense man and shouldn't he be as fair game as a defense man is in the same situation? On the other hand, a goalie is encumbered in his skating and mobility by his equipment and he is not trained to take the kind of physical contact that is the daily bread of a defense man's trade. I accept that it is an "unwritten rule" not to hit a goalie but should Lucic not have competed for the puck? Having said that, Lucic's sneering and smug comments following the game really put me off. He is a thug and revels in his thuggishness. He had more than adequate time to avoid hitting Miller and chose instead to complete the hit. Is the NHL not asking players to make responsible decisions about when and how to hit an opponent in far tighter situations? I believe that this puts the lie to Shanahan's contention that he refrained from supplementary discipline on Lucic because he believed that there was no intent involved. "I had the hearing (with Lucic) because ... I did have some questions for Milan ... "They were regarding his intent; at what point did he know there was going to be a collision; and whether or not he felt he had the time to avoid the collision. I was satisfied with his answers." That is patently and blatantly a mistake. Shanahan chose not to discipline a player when he has suspended others for far less egregious infractions, Throughout the new "Shanaban" era many have wondered "How will the NHL react when a star player is facing discipline?" Now we know. An excuse will be found. I, for one, am extremely disappointed. Not in Lucic because he was only doing what he does but, sadly, Brendan Shanahan has raised the spectre of hypocracy which will taint all of his decisions from here on in.

Volpatti and Oreskevitch on hot seat?

John Andress — Fri, 23 Sep 2011 15:31:00 -0000

Much of the talk coming out of training camp and three pre-season games thus far has centred on the Canuck's need to add grit to protect an already talented line-up. Candidates such as Pinizzotto, Mancari, Duco, Fedoruk and Clackson (amongst others) are being looked at as the needed protection for the Sedins against the likes of Brad Marchand. Let's not forget that there are two incumbents for that job, Victor Oreskevitch and Aaron Volpatti. In my opinion these two had their opportunity to win the roster spot last year and signally failed to do so. I believe that Oreskevitch was even on the ice when Marchand infamously punched Daniel Sedin six times without retribution. As I see it, that roster spot is up for grabs and I hope that whoever fills it has the requisite "grit" and attitude but I also hope that he can play a little hockey too as I am one of those softies who prefers hockey to fighting.

Canuck's fan's lose whiner title to Bruin's faithful

John Andress — Sun, 05 Jun 2011 14:49:46 -0000

The Canucks have a wonderful chance to win the Stanley Cup provided they stay focused and keep working but widely critized for being whiners and whingers earlier in the playoffs, the Canucks and their fans have well and truly lost the whining title to the Bruin's fans who seem to be blindly focused on Burrows alleged bite in Game 1. Presumeably they feel that they would have lost neither game had Burrows not done what he did and media types everywhere were quick to leap on the anti-Burrows bandwagon as if he was the first to ever commit such a reprehensible act and I, for one, am getting a little sick and tired of hearing it.

So let's just try to inject a little perspective here. The Bruins fans seem to think that their heroes are choirboys so I would like to remind them that a very large part of the hockey world thought that the following were "classless" acts which deserved suspensions which didn't come

Anybody in Beantown remember Chara's hit on Max Pacioretty? An act of thuggery which went unpunished to the amazement of many.

What about Horton squirting water and throwing a water bottle at a fan? Remember that? How are we defining classless Boston?

And other incidents from this series: Peverley's two-handed slash on the back of Bieksa's knee in game two, multiple cross checks to the small of a Sedins back in game one and in the same game, the cross check on a down and injured Dan Hamhuis with Sequin again squirting the injured player with water from the bench as he lay on the ice. I really think that you need to examine your terms of reference Boston fans.

Actually, after having thought that through, I can see why you deserve the whiner's title. You earned it fair and square.

Something about people in glass houses and rocks seems to come to mind. Enjoy your title, league leading whiners.

Anybody in Beantown remember Chara's hit on Max Pacioretty? An act of thuggery which went unpunished to the amazement of many.

What about Horton squirting water and throwing a water bottle at a fan? Remember that? How are we defining classless Boston?

Actually, after having thought that through, I can see why you deserve the whiner's title. You earned it fair and square.

Something about people in glass houses and rocks seems to come to mind. Enjoy your title, league leading whiners.

Is anyone else as nervous as I am?

John Andress — Sun, 29 May 2011 16:09:21 -0000

I was disturbed as I watched the Bruins and Lightning contest the Eastern Division Championship. "Stap me!"' I thought. "The Canucks will devour either of these teams." They seemed to lack the quickness, speed and skill of the boys in blue and green. Not by a lot but noticeably. My overwhelming feeling was that the Canucks could punish either team with the speed of their transition game. Boston seemed casual and careless with the puck and slow to turn around when they switched from defense to offense. The Bruin's defense was good, if not all that mobile, but the Canucks have played good defenses before and prevailed. The only aspect of the Bruins' game that caused me serious concern was Tim Thomas who, when he wasn't being good was being spectacular and we all know what a hot goalie can do in the playoffs. I am not used to being confident about my favourite's chances. It makes me uncomfortable. And, never, never have I had the feeling that we could beat someone as I felt we could beat the Bruins or the Bolts. It has made me very nervous. Throughout the playoffs they have said and done the right things so I hope that, unlike me, the players are neither nervous nor overconfident. There's lots of work to be done yet but, you know, I think that we just might win this thing!

This comment from Barry Trotz

John Andress — Tue, 03 May 2011 19:14:20 -0000

causes me some concern:

"Any team gets in trouble when they change their identity a little bit... When you chase the game or chase a certain aspect of your game, you take your team out of sorts."

The Canucks have had success with their second line, Raymond/Kesler/Burrows. I also thought that they had found a good mix on the third line with Higgins/Lapierre/Hansen. Both lines brought speed, aggressive forechecking and physical play. A fourth line of Torres/Glass/Oreskevotch was physical and did, in my opinion, more good than harm.

Somehow, it just doesn't seem to make sense to me to alter all of the things that worked in the hope of making one line, that isn't playing poorly, just not up to expectation or, indeed, their own high standards, be more productive.

Do we not risk falling into the trap that Trotz was referring to in his comment? Would we not get a better result from persuading the entire team, everybody, to up their play by five percent than we would by scrambling up the lines once again?

I don't know, never having played or coached this game, but does changing everything at this point in the series make sense? I suppose we will know after tonight.

causes me some concern:

"Any team gets in trouble when they change their identity a little bit... When you chase the game or chase a certain aspect of your game, you take your team out of sorts."

I don't know, never having played or coached this game, but does changing everything at this point in the series make sense? I suppose we will know after tonight.

It's Why They Play The Games

John Andress — Fri, 22 Apr 2011 17:05:26 -0000

To listen to the outraged shrieks of the "betrayed" fans, one would think that the Canucks should just own the fact that they are cursed and the Blackhawks are in their heads and have their number. Let's just mail in the last two games and spare ourselves the pain of watching a superb Chicago team clinically dismantle our hopes and dreams of Stanley Cup glory. But wait! Isn't this a Blackhawks team that are only in the playoffs because a Minnesota team couldn't win a game over a non-playoff team on the last day of the season? And isn't this a Chicago team who we beat three times in a row in the first three games of the series? And do I need to list the prizes that the President's Cup winners took this season that indicate that they are a far superior team to the 8th place back ins?

Momentum is a funny thing. As quickly as it shifted from the Canucks to the Blackhawks, it can shift back just as quickly. It can switch sides in an instant but it won't unless the Canucks do a few basic things. They need to get back to pressing on the forecheck and stopping the Hawks forwards from skating unimpeded through the neutral zone. They need to deny the Chicago forwards time and space in the Canucks zone and stop them from setting up camp in front of goal. They need to use their speed and skill to get through the neutral zone and into the attacking zone, shooting the puck behind the D if necessary. But, above all things, they need to start competing again, up their work rate and start winning some of the one on one battles that they have been losing in games 4 and 5. Why they stopped doing those things is a mystery to me but they did. If they get back to playing Canuck hockey rather than "try to stop the Blackhawks' hockey they have proven over an 82 game season and five playoff games that they are a better team than Chicago. But they have to do it. There is no magic button to push. They have to make it happen. And they still have two opportunities to do it. That's why they play the games.

Help me out here, please

John Andress — Tue, 19 Apr 2011 15:48:23 -0000

One of the things I am unclear about in all this palaver is the presentation of Raffe Torres as a villain. Comments like "with his reputation" or "we all know his history" or referring to him as "a serial headhunter." I have been unable to find any suspensions or warnings in his past for violent behavior but perhaps I just don't know where to look. Does Torres have a history of suspension or discipline for this sort of thing? Where do I look for a more in-depth history of his disciplinary record. Help me out here, please.

For the record, I am squarely in the "take head shots out of the game" camp however I didn't have a problem with Torres' hits on either Eberle or Seabrook. As the rules stand now and with the state of the game as it is, these type of hits are regrettable but part of the game. For me, there was far too much grey area in both hits to warrant supplementary discipline and yes, accidents do happen on the ice. Torres was just doing what he has been taught from minor hockey to do and what he is encouraged by the ethos of the professional game to do to protect his job.

The problem is with the NHL. They make the rules unclear and they enforce them arbitrarily. Some hits are suspendable for some guys and teams, others not. Some hits are good here but not there. At least, so it seems to me. It is time for all parties concerned, the NHL, the players, the owners and the officials to sit down and thrash out a standard that everyone understands and accepts. The basis of the standard should be the safety and well-being of the players. Perhaps everyone being on the same page would stop some of the controversy surrounding every heavy hit that takes place. It would hopefully also discourage the players from turning into actors and rolling about on the floor after every contact in attempts to draw penalties. Whilst some would decry the dilution of the sport, at least the players would be able to play without the uncertainty that now clouds the issue and without fear for their post-hockey health.. And that can only be a good thing.

Must Win?

John Andress — Fri, 15 Apr 2011 14:48:38 -0000

The expression "Must Win" is amongst the most over-used cliches commonly popular with sports fans and the media. It often just means that fans really, really want their team to win or refers to a game that has some factors that elevate them above the normal day-to-day competition. They are really games that mean elimination for the losing team or a terminal blow to their aspirations. So game two against the Blackhawks tonight is, by no stretch of the imagination, a "Must Win" game. After having watched the Canucks since the beginning one of the things that I have enjoyed most about the team this season, and one of the major factors that incline me to believe that this team is essentially different from it's predecessors, has been the fact that they are starting to win games that they always used to lose. You know the games I mean - the first game home from a road trip, the game against the clearly inferior opponent that would move the Canucks up in the standings, the game that would set a new record for the team, the game against the tired team using their backup goalie. They always used to lose those games. At least, that is the way I remember it. This season, they don't. They have won the games that I expected them to lose almost every time. This is the biggest of those games. A win and they break the pattern of losing the big game. A win and they take the driver's seat in the series against the Hawks. A win and they prove that they truly are a better team than they were last season and every other season before that. A win and they step out into uncharted waters (for them) as a team that should, can and do win when it counts the most. So this is not a "Must Win" game. Just one that I, and undoubtedly every other Canucks fan on the face of the planet, really, really want them to win. I think they will.

The Sedin Sisters and Cody Hodgson

John Andress — Tue, 12 Apr 2011 22:33:22 -0000

I was just thinking that Cody Hodgson is one lucky fellow.

Here he is called up to play with the Canucks in the post-season by an organization and management that clearly has faith and confidence in his abilities and talent. This follows a couple of years during which he has been injured and his high draft ranking has continually been questioned by disgruntled Canucks fans who were disappointed that he didn't step into the line-up straight out of his first training camp. The "where's Cody Hodgson?" debate raged all season and has just enjoyed a revival in these pages as press and fans alike wondered when the promise that he showed in Junior was going to make itself available to our beloved Canucks. He has been reviled by some as another Canucks draft pick bust and he hasn't even had a full season in the bigs yet.

He is not the first to experience the bitterness of Canucks Nation at what was felt to be under delivering on draft day promise. That is why he is such a lucky fellow.

Daniel and Henrik Sedin have, over the years, developed into outstanding hockey players, winners of Art Ross Trophies, Hart Trophies and numerous in-house awards. No longer "The Sedin Sisters', soft Swedish players with no hands and no foot speed, they have transmogrified into two of the finest players in the NHL, both in the top five in point production this season.

They have also turned into magnificent leaders on the ice and in the locker room. It is not too much of a stretch to say that their strong, quiet, committed personalities have been adopted by the team which now emulates them in confidence, discipline, work ethic and character.

Don't you think that Daniel and Henrik wont have gone to Cody and said "listen kid, we know just how you feel. We are the Sedin Sisters. We had all this weight of disappointed expectation on our shoulders too and we are here to tell you that you will get through it." As the Sedins had Trevor Linden to keep them pointed in the right direction, Cody has the twins and what better role models could he have?

That is not to discount the other magnificent examples of the effect of character, hard work and commitment he sees in the locker room every day; Roberto Luongo, Manny Malhotra, Ryan Kesler, Alex Burrows, Michael Samuellson, Dan Hamhuis and on and on the list goes.

Yes, Cody is a very lucky guy and we Canucks fans are very lucky because at the end of the day, and it won't necessarily be a short process, we are going to end up watching and admiring the exploits of a very special hockey player.

Enjoy your playoffs Cody. Suck up all the experience and knowledge that you can because we will be watching you pay it back for years to come.

I was just thinking that Cody Hodgson is one lucky fellow.

He is not the first to experience the bitterness of Canucks Nation at what was felt to be under delivering on draft day promise. That is why he is such a lucky fellow.

Enjoy your playoffs Cody. Suck up all the experience and knowledge that you can because we will be watching you pay it back for years to come.

A Question of Confidence

John Andress — Sat, 26 Mar 2011 22:59:43 -0000

Here's a question for anyone who knows the answer or thinks that they do.

Recently, I have heard AV, Mike Gillis and any number of his teammates attribute Roberto Luongo's stellar play this season to him playing with confidence.

I am, at best, a mediocre golfer. I have found that I play best when I am enjoying my game and feeling confident about my swing, etc. I also know that my confidence can be shattered by one bad shot and that, inevitably, my game descends into the depths as a result.

My question is, what is it in the psyche of the professional athlete, in this instance, Roberto Luongo in particular, that enables him to overcome this phenomenon in his career?

As we near the playoffs the criticism of Luongo from media and opposing fans alike begins to mount and the knock is always the same: he can't bring it in the big games. This despite the fact that he has won the QMJHL President's Trophy twice, a silver medal at the World Junior Championships, two golds and one silver at the World Championships, a World Cup silver medal and, last but not least, Olympic Gold. Many will consider silver medals the prize for the first loser but it looks from my point of view that this is a pretty solid resume with lots and lots of success in many big games.

So what happens in Luongo's mind if the first goal he gives up in the playoffs is a stinker? Like me, does he shatter and break under the strain? If not, how does he put it behind him, regroup and carry on? Although hockey is a team sport, does he face all the pressure alone as it appears that the attention is focusing on his performance?

Canucks fans have such high hopes and expectations for this post-season. I hope that he finally puts all of the doubts to rest this year and silences the doubters once and for all. I would truly be fascinated to know what really goes on in his mind as he faces what most consider to be the biggest test of his career.

Here's a question for anyone who knows the answer or thinks that they do.

Recently, I have heard AV, Mike Gillis and any number of his teammates attribute Roberto Luongo's stellar play this season to him playing with confidence.

My question is, what is it in the psyche of the professional athlete, in this instance, Roberto Luongo in particular, that enables him to overcome this phenomenon in his career?

Here we go again. Or do we?

John Andress — Sat, 12 Mar 2011 22:08:58 -0000

Ironically, we see a second incident similar to the Chara/Pacioretty hit that we have been debating for the past few days. For what it is worth, I saw the Umberger/Doughty hit quite differently from the way I saw the earlier one. In my opinion Umberger's hit differs from Chara's in a number of ways. Firstly, Umberger and Doughty arrived simultaneously at the point of contact which happened to be exactly where the stanchion was. Chara and Pacioretty had physically engaged well before they got to the stanchion. Secondly, with the Chara hit, the puck was gone long before contact was made between the players, let alone before the stanchion came into play. In the Umberger/Doughty hit, the puck is in their feet as contact is made. Finally, in the Chara hit, his arm and hand are in a position where, it can be argued, he directed Pacioretty's head into the stanchion. The Umberger/Doughty hit was shoulder to shoulder. It is regrettable any time a player is injured but, for all of you "shit happens" theorists out there, this latest is a classic example. The Chara/Pacioretty incident is not. What do you think?

Who has their head in the sand?

John Andress — Thu, 10 Mar 2011 17:35:07 -0000

It can surely have come as no surprise that, once again, the NHL has failed to step up and take the lead in resolving a situation which, it is clear to all right thinking hockey fans, has become an enormous problem. To the neanderthals in the NHL administration and throughout the old boys network the fear that the game will turn "soft" if the physicality is removed from it outweighs the fear that permanent damage or even death may occur as a result of the upgrade in speed, size and strength of the players and the technology of the modern equipment. And let there be no doubt about it. One only has to watch the Chara hit on Pacioretty to realize that this is not an alarmist overreaction. Pacioretty could have been killed in that incident frighteningly easily. The question has been asked frequently in the wake of the Bertuzzi/Moore incident and the growing number of controversial hits that have followed it...is someone going to have to die before the NHL is moved to take action? Because make no mistake about it. We came very close this time.

But another question occurs to me. The players are all members of the same trade union. A union which has the authority to instruct them to withdraw their services to advance their cause if necessary. Shouldn't the NHLPA be stepping up and saying that enough is enough. Couldn't they withdraw the right to membership of players who intentionally try to hurt and maim their fellow members or, through carelessness, negligence or thoughtlessness endanger the lives and livelihoods of their peers?

We can quite rightly criticize the NHL for their abject failure to act in this matter. They have had years of experience on which to base action and have failed to do so. What about the NHLPA though? Isn't it time for them to a stand to protect their members? Perhaps having just emerged from an era when the union was a rudderless ship the new management can be extended a little leeway but it is certainly time for Donald Fehr to prove that he has the best interests of his constituents and the game we all love at heart. Let's hear from you Mr. Fehr.