Former UMD Bulldogs Marco Peluso and Evan Schwabe have signed with the Las Vegas Wranglers of the ECHL.
 
His teammate Jay Rosehill, signed with the Tampa Bay Lightning, foregoing his final three seasons of eligibility with the Bulldogs.

Lakeville's Ryan Moren was part of a three player trade in the ECHL on Friday.  Moren was acquired from the Alaska Aces by the Greenville Grrrowl in exchange for Colin Sheilds.  Moren was then traded to Texas Wildcatters for the rights for John Snowden.

Former North Star Link Gaetz lost his opening bout Saturday in the Battle of the Hockey Enforcers, formerly known as Hockey Gladiators, falling to Steve Reid in a judge's decision.  Dean Mayrand, a native of Toronto, won a split decision over Mike Sgroi of Windsor, Ont., to win the $62,000 first prize.

Keith Ballard, who is expected to vie for a starting position with the Phoenix Coyotes this season, arrived early in the desert Saturday.  Ballard decided to get settled a week early in advance of the prospect tournament next week.  He arrived in time to join Jeff Taffe at the Coyotes' open house for the fans.

Dave Christian's son Beau has left Moorehead High School to play for the Team Illinois AAA Hockey team in Vernon Hills. 

Gopher defensemen Peter Kennedy began skating last week after spending the summer rehabilitating his injured hip after undergoing a second surgery. 

The Minnesota Wild had reportedly narrowed down the candidates for the Aeros head coaching position to two before choosing Rob Daum for the job.  The candidate not chosen was John Marks, the successful ECHL head coach of the Greenville Grrrowl.   The deciding factor for Tom Lynn was reportedly Daum's experience in developing young players in the CIS. 

Marks will certainly be considered in the future for any other openings.  He began his coaching career in 1982 as an assistant at the University of North Dakota, his alma mater, and helped guide the Fighting Sioux to the 1987 NCAA Championship. A two-time All-American at North Dakota, Marks was a first-round selection (ninth overall) of the Chicago Blackhawks in the 1968 National Hockey League Amateur Draft. He played 12 seasons in the Blackhawks organization, including 10 in the NHL, and in 1976 was named to the NHL's Campbell Conference All-Star team. He has coached the last 12 seasons in the ECHL, earning two Kelly Cup Championships, first with the Charlotte Checkers and again with the Greenville Grrrowl.  Marks was disappointed he was not chosen for the Aeros job but is looking forward to a new season with the Grrrowl, especially with a renewed affiliation with the Chicago Blackhawks.

In an online poll on our very own mhj.com FSN broadcaster Clay Matvick has received the most votes from fans for the Wild play-by-play position.  Matvick has 28% of the votes, followed by Jim Rich at 18% and Lou Nanne coming in third in fan voting with 11% of the votes.  The Wild has not yet made an announcement on their choice for play-by-play announcer for their television broadcasts though it has been rumoured they were pursuing ESPN broadcaster Gary Thorne, who is reportedly in negotiation with OLN.

Zach Parise is preparing for the upcoming NHL season and the US Olympic tryout camp in his former home of Grand Forks.

A Canadian player touted already as the next Sidney Crosby is currently in the application process for Shattuck-St. Mary's in Minnesota.  Steven Anthony is a six foot center out of Nova Scotia who could be another feather in the Shattuck hockey factory hat.  However, a new bureaucratic rule may prevent him from attending. Hockey Canada, in an effort to stop the migration to schools like Shattuck has said that all players wishing to play prep school hockey in the States can only do so if his parents have moved to the area where the school is located. Only some special cases will be allowed for educational purposes. (some info from RedLine Report).

Paul Martin would love to be paired with former UW standout Brian Rafalski on the NJ Devils blueline.  Martin is expected to be in either of the top two defensive units for New Jersey this season either skating with Rafalski or former North Star Richard Matvichuk.  He leaves this week for Colorado Springs for the USA Olympic evaluation camp.

Former UW Badger Dany Heatly is having issues.  He is on his third agent, is reportedly out of shape and demanded a trade from his Atlanta team.  Heatly pleaded guilty to reckless driving that resulted in the death of his friend and teammate Danny Snyder.  The terms of his probation are still in force even though Heatly will play in Canada, meaning he still has to give speeches about the dangers of driving fast and has limited driving ability.  The hope is that Heatly can regain his form following two serious injuries and mental baggage with a fresh start in Ottawa.

Under terms of the CBA, deductions to maintain the unyielding 54-percent-of- the-gross formula will begin if the league's aggregate payroll for 2005-06 is more than $907.5 million. As of Thursday, 542 roster players were under contract for an aggregate of nearly $887 million, according to figures circulated by the NHLPA. Under terms of the CBA, deductions to maintain the unyielding 54-percent-of- the-gross formula will begin if the league's aggregate payroll for 2005-06 is more than $907.5 million. As of Thursday, 542 roster players were under contract for an aggregate of nearly $887 million, according to figures circulated by the NHLPA (NY Post).

The Raleigh News & Observer reports that former Shattuck player Jack Johnson will play for the University of Michigan this year after being unable to come to an agreement with the Carolina Hurricanes on a contract.  The bonus structure was reportedly the sticking point.

Several hockey franchises are threatened by the impending disaster caused by Hurricane Katrina approaching the Gulf Coast.  Most in danger is the ECHL Mississippi Sea Wolves in Biloxi.  Also affected could be the ECHL Pensacola Ice Pilots and Texas Wildcatters; the SPHL Florida Seals and Jacksonville Baraccudas and Central Hockey League teams Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs, Memphis RiverKings, as well as the NHLs Thrashers and Predators.  North and South Carolina teams may also be affected by the later effects of the storms.

Wild forward Pascal Dupuis spent his lockout playing Milt Schmidt in the new Maurice "Rocket" Richard movie, that also features Mike Ricci as Elmer Lach, Richard's linemate, Ian Lapierre as Bernie "Boom Boom" Geoffrion, Sean Avery as Bob Dill, Vinnie Lecavalier as Jean Beliveau, Stephane Quintal as Dollard St-Laurent and goaltender Phillipe Sauve as Jim Henry .  The film is currently in post-production.  Ricci, now with the Phoenix Coyotes, known for his long stringy locks, features a freshly shorn head due to his role in the film. 

An unexpected side effect of the new CBA rules are that players on two-way contracts are signing in Europe rather than accept designation to AHL teams at a much reduced pay rate.  Most two-way contracts will pay players below the $75,000 threshold so that player will not have to clear waivers twice upon recall and reassignment.  Players can make equal to or more than that amount in Europe, tax free, without the tedious bus rides and travel schedule of the AHL.  Most recently Toronto Maple Leafs players Harold Druuken signed to play in Europe rather than risk assignment to the Toronto Marlies.


Quick Quotes:

Evan comes highly recommended from a lot of coaches in the WCHA who have watched him play for the last four years.  He is a quality person and a quality player who had tremendous success at the college level. Schwabe and Marco[Peluso] had some great chemistry at UMD when they played together and we hope they can pick up where they left off."

- Wranglers General Manager / Head Coach Glen Gulutzan on signing Evan Schwabe. (LV Wranglers)


"He is the John Wooden of Canadian college hockey.  His combined experience in developing young players and producing winning teams stood out clearly in our search for the best person to coach the Aeros."

- Tom Lynn on hiring Rob Daum as the head coach of the Houston Aeros. (Houston Chronicle)


"We'll see what happens I don't want to speculate on anything now. We have training camp to go through. It would be a great opportunity, that's for sure. But I have to go out there and have a good camp and let the pieces fall where they may.  I've been waiting for this for a year now so I'm just staying positive until the puck drops." 

- Jordan Leopold on possibly being able to quarterback the powerplay for the Calgary Flames this season with the trade that dispatched Toni Lydman ) Calgary Sun).


“Blake has shown everybody that he is ready for the next level of competition and the challenges that he will face at the University of Minnesota. We are just taking this year by year.  We want to be very cautious of rushing Blake into the professional ranks.  He is a player that we project can one day be an elite offensive talent in this league and there have been too many cases in NHL history of guys that were thrust into the spotlight too early and were forced into checking roles just to stay in the League.  We want to give him every opportunity to be successful and gain the confidence he will need when he does join the NHL" 

- Phoenix Coyotes GM Michael Barnett on Blake Wheeler (Phoenixcoyotes.com)


"This is going to be a very special time for me.  I have wanted to play at U of M for a long time and we have a very good team that can accomplish something special this season and in the seasons to come.”

- Blake Wheeler on playing with the Gophers (Phoenixcoyotes.com).


"Anything short of making the team will not be a success for me.  Anything less than that would be a disappointment for me. I'm coming into camp with the idea of earning a spot on the team. I think my game is farther along than if I'd played another year in college." 

- Zach Parise on making the NJ Devils roster (Newark Star Ledger)


"I'm excited. All of my family and all of my wife's family are from the area. It will be unbelievable to play there."

- Erik Westrum on being traded to the Wild from the Coyotes. (Arizona Republic).

Former Gopher All American John Pohl has been traded from the St. Louis Blues.  He was acquired by the Toronto Maple Leafs in exchange for future considerations.  Pohl had a difficult tenure with the Blues organization.  In his rookie year he was atop the leading scoring list for the league and was named a starter for the AHL All Star Game but suffered a knee injury just prior to All Star Weekend.  The following season Pohl had just returned from a head and jaw injury when he was struck in the face with a puck and was knocked out of the lineup again.  Last season saw Pohl once again out of the lineup for the IceCats, but it was reportedly a result of coach Granato's disappointment with Pohl's play; he was a healthy scratch for ten games. Quick Facts reported at that time that Pohl was likely to be traded.  When he returned his offensive output increased, until a thumb injury took him out of the lineup again. Poh l had surgery to repair the hand injury, preventing the Blues from moving him until after the lockout.  He will compete for a spot with the Leafs this fall.  He'll play in Toronto whether in the NHL or AHL as the Marlies, the farm team for the Leafs, is in Toronto as well.
 
Matt Hendricks, who played last season with the Florida Everblades of the ECHL last season, has signed to play with the Rochester Americans of the AHL this year.  Hendricks, who lives in Blaine, scored 50 points in 52 games as a rookie last year.  He suffered a leg injury in the Kelly Cup playoffs and did not return until the final games of the Finals.  Reportedly Rochester was one of three AHL clubs to express interest in the former St. Cloud State Husky. 
 
David Lundbohm has signed to play with the Providence Bruins of the AHL this season. He was the leading scorer in the ECHL playoffs last year, scoring 12 goals and 12 assists in 19 Kelly Cup games.  During the regular season Lundbohm had 40 points in 65 regular-season with the Florida Everblades.

Brian Gornick has signed to play with the Syracuse Crunch of the AHL.  In 67 games with San Diego last season, Gornick tallied 23 goals, 23 assists and 60 PIMs.

The Minnesota Wild has yet to announce an affiliation agreement with an ECHL team.  The Louisiana IceGators, the former ECHL farm team for the Wild, ceased operations after being operated by the league last year.  According to the Wild a new agreement is a 'work in progress.'

Aaron Fox has signed with the Hamburg Freezers in the Deutche Eishockey Liga.  He played with EHC Frieburg last year.

Jimmy Howard, the Maine goaltender that the Gophers finally found a way to solve to advance in the NCAA Regionals last spring, is in contract talks with the Detroit Red Wings and is expected to sign with the team before training camp opens in a week. 

Former Shattuck player Jack Johnson, the number three pick in the NHL Entry Draft, may sign with the Carolina Hurricanes, foregoing his commitment to the University of Michigan.


Quick Speculation:

There have been suggestions that Hal Gill could be moved by the Boston Bruins in order to free up cap room.  Gill played with Wild goaltender Dwayne Roloson in Finland during the lockout.  Should the Wild have something the Bruins want, a good prospect or a draft pick, they may part with the bruising blueliner to free up payroll.  Gil fits the mold of a Wild player well.  He made $2 million in salary prior to the lockout.


Quick Quotes:

"It's a pretty exciting day for me. I'm real happy.  It's great when what you set out to do actually happens. I definitely only wanted a one-way contract and my agent, Mike Wulkan, really came through for me." 

- Matt Hendricks on signing with the Rochester Americans (Naples News).

"It's pretty exciting. It's a step up.  I haven't heard from the Providence general manager, my agent has. But, obviously, what I did in the playoffs got their attention."

- David Lundbohm on signing with the Providence Bruins (News-Press).

Justin Maiser has been signed to an AHL contract by the St. Louis Blues.  Maiser played for the U.S. Junior National Team, then to Boston University.  He played last year for the ECHL Peoria Rivermen and will play this year in Peoria with the AHL Rivermen.
 
Coleraine's Jeff Antonovich and his wife Kris welcomed their son, Michael Gordon, to Minnesota on June 2nd.  He weighed in at 6 pounds and 4 ounces, no word yet on whether he shoots right or left.  Antonovich has yet to determine whether he will return to the UHL Elmira Jackals.  The team has a new head coach, Perry Florio.  He told the Elmira Star Gazette that he would like to come back but he hadn't spoken to the new coach yet.  "I'd like to get something done in the next week or so end either get signed with Elmira or get permission to talk to other coaches," said Antonovich. (Elmira Star Gazette)
 
OLN will have exclusive rights to NHL Monday night hockey games this year meaning that local stations cannot air Monday night NHL games unless they pick up OLN's broadcast. That means that unless OLN picks the following Wild games to broadcast they will not be available on television: Wild v Red Wings, Jan 30; Wild v Senators, Jan 16; Wild v Stars, Jan 9; Wild v Stars, Dec 19.  The Wild are very lucky, some teams have more than 10 Monday games on their schedules.  "Everyone should keep in mind that for this season, we did our schedule before we had this relationship" - Gary Bettman in the conference call about the OLN announcement. OLN will show live games only on Monday and Tuesday nights this season and has exclusive rights to the Conference Finals and the first two games of the Stanley Cup Finals. The schedule is to be announced soon, which when finalized, will affect the slate of Center Ice games available as well. It has been announced that OLN w ill air the Rangers v Flyers game on Opening Night October 5th.  OLN will also broadcast the All Star Game in non-Olympic years and will have a half-hour post-game show following each telecast of games.

The San Jose Sharks have named their home-opener Fan Appreciation night, with players giving game-used sticks to fans.

There will be a reunion party for some members of the 1980 US Olympic Men's Hockey Team at the Palm Restaurant in New York on September 19th.  Emceed by Denver columnist Woody Paige the event will give fans will have an opportunity to meet and take pictures with the players, bid on unique Miracle on Ice memorabilia to raise money for charity.  It is open to the public for $250 per person which includes an open bar and dinner at The Palm.  To purchase tickets call 212-532-8900.

Interesting CBA Fact:  The maximum amount a player can make in the AHL without having to clear waivers to be recalled to the NHL and reassigned to the AHL is $75,000.  Reports out of the Boston Globe have former Boston University center Chris Bourque making $250,000 in the minors for three years.  That almost guarantees that Bourque will either be spending three years in the NHL or three years in the AHL (the latter being most likely) without any movement as the risk to the team in losing the son of Ray Bourque to another club is too great, especially with the Caps liable for 50% of his salary if he is claimed. 

Keith Ballard, Evan Schwabe and Matt Gens will report to Phoenix for rookie camp September 2nd.  The players will skate from daily for three hours between September 3-6 at Glendale Arena before leaving for San Jose to participate in a rookie tournament featuring players from the Anaheim Mighty Ducks, Los Angeles Kings and San Jose Sharks September 7th through the 11th.

A movie documentary about the Rockford IceHogs of the UHL is set to premiere next week.  "RoadHogs: The Other Half of the Season" follows the UHL club through the end of the season last year, and includes footage of players, coaches and referees, who were miked for the movie, including head coach Steve Martinson.

Rob Daum was named head coach of the Houston Aeros.  Daum has spent the last several years as head coach of the University of Alberta.  He has no professional hockey experience.  He guided Prince Albert, Swift Current and Lethbridge in the Western Hockey League before becoming the 20th coach in Bears history.  Daum lead the Bears to the CIS Championship last season, their record 11th title and third under Daum.  Daum helped two of his players get tryout contracts with the Aeros last year, Ryan Wade and Kevin Marsh, neither stayed with the team and signed in the ECHL and CHL respectively.  The Bears had five players drafted by NHL teams last year.

Former St. Cloud State Husky Mark Hartigan was re-signed by the Columbus Blue Jackets after they allowed him to become an unrestricted free agent.  Hartigan, 27, tallied 31 goals and 59 points with 105 penalty minutes and a +2 plus/minus rating in 69 games last season with the Syracuse Crunch.

Eric Chouinard, let go as a free agent by the Wild, was signed by the Philadelphia Flyers.


Quick Speculation:

A Quick Facts colum from May speculated on possible Gopher defensive recruits for upcoming classes, mentioning the Gophers were looking to add size on the blueline.  One of those players, David Fischer, has already given a verbal committment to attend the University of Minnesota.  Tyson Dowzak has decided to leave Shattuck and play for the Kelowna Rockets in Canada next season, ending his NCAA eligibility, removing him from consideration.  That leaves Carl Sneep, and Nick Canzanello, the other two defensemen that were mentioned, and both remain viable options.  Fischer, Sneep and Canzanello can be seen this fall playing in the Upper Midwest High School Elite League.  Cade Fairchild, leaves this week to join the Developmental Team in Ann Arbor, is another likely recruit.
 

Paul Martin has signed his qualifying offer with the team, a one-year deal.  He will have arbitration rights next season.  Also re-signing with the Devils was Matt DeMarchi. 
 
John Gruden, who last played with the Washington Capitals, has signed to play this season with the Frankfurt Lions of the Deutche Eishockey Liga. 
 
Eden Prairie's Andrew Alberts has signed with the Boston Bruins.  Albert played 8 games with the Providence Bruins after leaving Boston College last season.  Albert was cut from the Eden Prairie HS Varsity team and transferred to Benilde-St. Margaret's where he was a teammate of Troy Riddle.  He has been projected to be a Sean O'Donnell type defenseman.

Wayzata's John Adams, who completed 4 seasons at Boston College was not signed by the Buffalo Sabres who drafted him in the third round of the 2002 NHL Entry Draft, so he has become an unrestricted free agent.

The New Jersey Devils will play a charity intrasquad scrimmage at the old rink at South Mountain Arena Sept. 17, something the team hopes to become an annual event.  Devils GM Lou Lamoriello has guaranteed that healthy starters will be playing in the scrimmage and not just camp tryouts, which will include Paul Martin, Matt DeMarchi (if re-signed) and Zach Parise.  The game benefits the Essex County Parks Foundation.  2,300 tickets are on sale at $15 each, with another 200 VIP $100 seats, through the Newark Bears box office at Riverfront Stadium or 973-483-6900.

Former Badger goalie Kirk Daubenspeck has been signed by the Hershey Bears of the AHL.  The Madison native had an outstanding season last year, finally getting an opportunity to succeed at the AHL level after several years in the ECHL.  He finished the season with the Portland Pirates with a 14-12-0-1 record and a 2.31 GAA taking the team on a close playoff run.

Marco Peluso, who had signed to play with a team in the Netherlands has instead signed to play with the Hershey Bears of the AHL, the minor league affiliate of the Washington Capitals.  His Tillberg Trappers deal contained an out-clause for an AHL or NHL deal.

Former Wild defenseman Curtis Leschyshyn is returning to the Colorado Avalanche, with whom he won the Stanley Cup in 1996. 

Sportsbook.com has released their pre-season odds for who will win the Stanley Cup this season.  The Philadelphia Flyers are 5-1 favorites, followed by the Detroit Red Wings at 10-1, the Colorado Avalanche, Ottawa Senators, Tampa Bay Lightning and Toronto Maple Leafs are all rated 12-1.  The Washington Capitals are the biggest longshots with 100-1 odds.  The Minnesota Wild are listed at 40-1, the same as the New York Rangers.

Actor Garrett Hedlund, originally from Roseau, stars in the new movie Four Brothers.  A scene in the movie shows the actors taking part in a pick-up hockey game following a Thanksgiving dinner.  Hedlund was a natural with the hockey scenes, as was Boston native Mark Walberg.  Reportedly the other actors needed a few lessons.  One menber joked that Hedlund was showing the Russian skating coach a few tricks. The cast and director were recently part of the GameNight ESPN360 feature where they played poker with host Cris Carter and NHL stars Chris Thierien and Brendan Shanahan; discussing the movie, hockey in inner-city groups and the NHL lockout. 

Former Gopher Darby Hendrickson is still without an NHL home.  He is an unrestricted free agent after playing the end of the '03-'04 season with the Colorado Avalanche.

Former Minnesota State Mankato defenseman Andy Hedlund has signed to play wtih Krefeld Pinguine in Germany's Elite League next season.  He has spent the last three seasons in the Ottawa Senators organization.

Former Bemidji State defenseman Anders Olsson has signed with the Bakersfield Condors after spending a season in Italy with Mastini Varese HC.

There is a nice story on Warroad's TJ Oshie in the Everett Herald.  Oshie played ten years in Seattle's youth program before relocating to Warroad.  Read more at the Herald. 

Rochester's Mike Stuart has re-signed with the St. Louis Blues.

Jamie Langenbrunner has re-signed with the New Jersey Devils, a deal that will pay him a reported $1,655,130.

Former Wild defenseman Ladislav Benysek has signed to play with HIFK in Finland this season.

The Minnesota Wild opens rookie training camp in Traverse City, Michigan on September 6th.


Quick Speculation:

 With the cap trouble the New Jersey Devils find themselves in, there will be some liquidation of players by Lou Lamoriello in order to comply with the new cap number.  Amongst those being shopped could be former Gopher Erik Rasmussen, hulking goon Kristoph Oliwa and speedy forward Jeff Friesen.
Though the Wild had interest, newlywed Josh Langfeld will not likely end up in his home state, as other teams will outbid Minnesota for the unrestricted free agent.
 

Quick Quotes:

 "They're different.  And I don't know if different is in a good way or a bad way. If you fall down, you actually pick up speed. They're fairly slippery."

- Shane Doan on the new prototype Nike sweaters Team Canada gave a trial run during their camp this week. (Toronto Sun)

"It's definitely a different look.  I think it will take some time to get used to. The problem is when you go down, you slide. Those socks are like ski pants."

- Kirk Maltby on the new Nike uniforms. (Toronto Sun)

"I don't think the Wild have brought in any players that we can call ''impact'' guys. But, that's not how they do things. Jacques Lemaire coaches a team concept and they will try and get it done that way. When I look at the rosters of other Western Conf. teams, the Wild are going to have to be firing on all cylinders — including goaltending — on most nights, to be a factor. "

- ESPN analyst Bill Clement in an online chat about the NHL (ESPN.com)
 
You have to work your ass off, that's the mentality this team has to have.  They lost a lot of guys last year with a lot of talent and we may not have that this year." 

- Gopher forward Chris Chucko on this year's Canadian Junior team (CP).
 
"I think I'm right where I want to be.  I had a great day on the ice today, and my workouts are getting stronger and better and better every day. I want to be peaking the first week of October. Until then, every day, every week, I'm just going to keep stepping it up."

- Bret Hedican on training in recovery of knee and back surgeries (Raleigh News & Observer)

Rather than hanging up the skates as predicted, former Gopher Reggie Berg has decided to return to play with the Florida Everblades of the ECHL. The Anoka native averaged 1.38 points per game after finishing second on the team in scoring with 55 points (21 goals, 34 assists) in 40 games played. He missed time due to a knee injury.

Former Gopher Dan Welch has signed to play with the Nottingham Panthers in the British Elite League. He has spent the last few seasons with the LA Kings organization, playing mostly with their ECHL affiliate Reading Royals with some time with the AHL Manchester Monarchs. Welch will begin play with the Panthers when training camp opens the first week in September.

The Houston Aeros have signed former UND standout Curtis Murphy. Murphy has been a standout in IHL and AHL play, but chose to play last year in Russia with Lokomotiv Yaroslav. He was a fan favorite and gave great leadership and depth to the Wild's prospective blueline. The new rules will give the smaller defenseman a greater advantage offensively.

Jeff Taffe has re-signed with the Phoenix Coyotes. Taffe missed the end of last season with the Utah Grizzlies after undergoing facial reconstruction surgery after a fight left him with a shattered orbital and cheekbones.

Bemidji State center Andy Murray has signed with the Columbus Blue Jackets. He appeared in 128 career games at Bemidji State over four seasons, totaling 46 goals, 69 assists and 131 penalty minutes. He will likely play with the Syracuse Crunch this year.

Gold Medal winning speed skater Dan Jansen has been hired by the Chicago Blackhawks to help coach skating for the NHL players.

OLN had camera crews in Winona at the Wild Flag Tour stop. Comcast is most likely to become the new home for the NHL cable broadcasts.

Quick Speculation:

Quick Facts wouldn't be surprised to see Mike Ramsey named to the staff of the US Men's Olympic Hockey team for the games in Turin.

Quick Quotes:

"It's a great situation being able to stay in Hartford because I have strong feelings for the Wolf Pack, but it's a whole different mind-set. It's ideal to be able to make such an easy transition, but you're looking for different things, just trying to observe and get a feel for people. Before I was just concerned with myself and the Hartford Wolf Pack. Now I'm looking at a 19-year-old and trying to project where he might fit in a few years down the line. But today was a good, fun day. I only fell once." - Ken Gernander on his first day as an assistant coach with the Hartford Wolf Pack at their developmental camp. (Hartford Courant).

" This will be a good signing for us. I like the fact that Dan played consistently at the AHL level, that tells me a lot about him. He is a great skater, a good player, a great athelete. He is a great penalty killer, gritty and works both ends of the ice. When you are recruiting players you want to get guys who are a good fit for your team. Dan is a good fit. I am very pleased to have him. Last year he popped into the East Coast Hockey League for 11 games and hit eight goals and seven assists. You do the math. I think he will do very well in our league, he is very keen to come and I have been impressed with him when talking to him on the telephone. He has a lot of ambition." Nottingham Panthers head coach Mike Blaisdell on signing Dan Welch (Nottingham Panthers).

"Bringing Reggie back to this team was a major goal of ours this off-season. Not only did we see great production from Reggie on the ice, but off the ice, his experience translated into solid leadership in the locker room. In this league, it's hard to find players that bring the intangibles that Reggie brings to this team, and that is why we worked so hard to come to a deal for this season." ." Everblades head coach Gerry Fleming on re-signing Reg Berg. (Florida Everblades)

"I love Houston. I know the organization is really great to play for and is hungry for a championship. I have friends in Houston from before. I'm going to hit 30 this year so I'm starting to learn that my role is to help out the younger guys. If I can do that, that's fine by me. I enjoy playing the game, and I'll play it until they boot me out." Curtis Murphy on re-signing with the AHL Aeros (Houston Aeros).

Dan Hinote has re-signed with the Colorado Avalanche, a reported one-year deal. Hinote was a restricted free agent.

Interesting CBA Fact: The old 'Mike Van Ryn Loophole' under the old CBA has been eliminated in the new CBA. According to the new contract, players drafted when they are 18 or 19 years old who is in college or becomes a college student prior to the June 1st following the draft will have their rights retained by their drafting club for four years following the draft; his drafting club will retain exclusive rights for his services until the fourth June 1 following his selection. Basically, they become unrestricted free agents on June 1st following their senior season if they remain unsigned. That removes the possibility for college players to leave school to play in the CHL and become free agents earlier as the rules for CHL players require teams to sign them by the June 1st deadline two years following their draft year or they can reenter the draft or become free agents. Because of the delay in the agreement this year, teams have un til Monday to sign college players who have completed the 4-year term. The old agreement allowed teams to retain college players' rights for a full year after they left college.

A rumor circulating has the NY Rangers looking at former Minnesota Wild forward Maxim Sushinsky at the recommendation of Jaromir Jagr, who played with the Russian star last season. It remains unlikely, however, that Sushinsky will cross the pond again to play in the NHL after his first attempt failed with the Wild. He has been the leading scorer in the Russian Superleague for several seasons since returning home and makes upwards of $2 million a season, and is afforded several luxuries in addition to his salary.

Former North Star Craig Hartsburg is an assistant with the Canadian Under 18 National Team that will compete in the World Junior Championships this winter.

Former North Star Dave Gagner has returned to Minnesota, relocating his hockey business "Custom Ice" to the Twin Cities and his family to Eden Prairie. Gagner's son Sam is being recruited by several colleges and will play for the Sioux City Muskateers of the USHL this year.

Former North Star Bobby Smith is the majority owner of the Halifax Mooseheads of the QMJHL. He also has recently coached the Phoenix Jr. Coyotes Tier II Bantams, which included his son Daniel. Daniel will play in the CHL rather than pursue an NCAA scholarship.

Former UMD Bulldog Mike De Angelis is the head coach of the Arizona State Hockey team and Director of Youth Hockey for the CAHA in Phoenix.

Former St. Cloud State Husky Tyler Arnason has reached an agreement on a one-year deal with the Chicago Blackhawks.

Former Minnesota Moose forward Jim Paek, who won two Stanley Cups with Pittsburgh, has signed on to be the assistant coach with the Grand Rapids Griffins of the AHL. Paek also has two Turner Cup rings from the defunct IHL.

The Edmonton Oilers will send prospects to the Des Moines Stars, sharing an affiliation with the Dallas Stars.

NHL players have until Monday to accept qualifying offers. The player deadline for filing for arbitration has passed with only 11 players filing.



Quick Quotes:
"He's not the biggest kid in the world and though I don't know how he'll turn out in three or four years, but my wife and I want him to go the school route. I lived in Minnesota six years and I really liked it. He's much stronger than I was at this age. I relied on quickness and skating, he plays more of a complete game. He's just 15 years old, but most kids are more well-rounded than we were at this age." - Dave Gagner on his son Sam (Toronto Sun)

"The most compelling endorsement of Junior Hockey I can offer is this: My son has decided to pursue a career in the Canadian Hockey League in Halifax this season. I expect him, as well as the others, to excel both on the ice and academically and to enjoy the experience of their junior hockey years." - Bobby Smith in his open letter to prospective players (Halifax Mooseheads)

Quick Feature:
Howling into the season - Ballard eager to compete for NHL shot in Phoenix

By Fiona C. Quick

Former Gopher defenseman Keith Ballard had a rough rookie year with the woeful Utah Grizzlies, but despite a -29 rating he was selected to be the club's lone All-Star representative. His solid play, while eating up minutes in every possible situation, was highly regarded.

His season ended early when he sprained an ankle but Ballard says that he has recovered from that well.

"I believe I am 100% recovered from my ankle injury and feel great this summer," said Ballard.

The tough blueliner has has been training with several of his former Gopher teammates this summer in preparation for the upcoming season.

"We have been going hard all summer with skating, lifting, biking and running; it is great to workout all together, we are having a good time and pushing each other to get better," Ballard said.

Ballard is expected to challenge for a defensive position with the Coyotes with many hockey wags exerting pressure with their lofty predictions. However he doesn't feel the outside pressure, only his own.

"I don't really feel pressure from anywhere to do well," said Ballard. "I have high expectations for myself and I know if I continue to work hard I will (meet) those expectations."

While some may be a bit daunted at the prospect of the greatest hockey player ever becoming their head coach, the Baudette native admits to a little excitement over having Wayne Gretzky take over the Coyotes' bench.

"I am thrilled at the opportunity to play for him," he said. "I'm sure it will be different having such a high-profile person as a coach, but I am still looking forward to it."

The former Gopher defenseman is eagerly anticipating an opportunity to make the NHL this season, something that wasn't available to him last season due to the lockout. But Ballard does admit the year to adjust to the professional game was a benefit to him.

"Last year was good because there was no pressure to make the big club," he said.

Joining fellow Minnesotans Jeff Taffe and David Tanabe in Phoenix will be a dream come true for the All-American defensman and member of the NCAA Championship Gopher Hockey Team. He is looking forward to stepping up his game to the highest level.

"It is exciting to have a shot this year at making the team and playing in the NHL," said Ballard. "I think I'm ready for the challenge this year."

Former Gopher Casey Hankinson will retire from professional hockey this season. "I think it's time to get on with phase two of my career and I'm looking forward to it," Hankinson told Quick Facts. Hankinson received several good offers from NHL teams but after the birth of his first child, daughter Sami, he has decided to end his playing career. Watch Quick Facts this week for the complete story.

Gopher sophomore Evan Kaufmann is recovering well from the tendon injury he suffered in a boating accident last month. He has been in a walking cast for two weeks and hopes to be allowed to begin rehabilitation therapy after a follow-up appointment with his doctor on Thursday.

Quick Facts has learned that former Gopher forward Barry Tallackson has come to terms on a contract with the New Jersey Devils, signing a two-year deal with the NHL club. He will likely start the season with the Devils' AHL affiliate Albany River Rats, for whom he played four games last spring.

Former Gopher Cory Laylin has signed to play with the Frederikshavn White Hawks in Switzerland next season. He played last year with EHC Freiburg in Germany.

Jonathan Toews, who played at Shattuck-St. Mary's in Faribault, was named Captain of the Canadian Under 18 Junior Team. Toews, who is expected to be a very high draft pick next summer, has committed to attend the University of North Dakota this fall.

Tom Preissing has been re-signed by the San Jose Sharks to a two-year one-way contract.

Dave Farrish, whom Quick Facts speculated may be a candidate for the vacant Head Coaching position at the Wild's AHL Aeros in Houston, has resigned his position with the ECHL Pensacola Ice Pilots and accepted a job as Assistant Coach with the Anaheim Mighty Ducks. Farrish was an assistant to Herb Brooks with the New Jersey Devils in 1992.

Quick Facts has confirmed that former UND forward John Marks is a candidate for the head coaching position for the Houston Aeros. Marks, who played for the Chicago Blackhawks for several years, has been head coach of the ECHL Greenville Grrrowl for the last 8 seasons, winning the Kelly Cup Championship in 2002. Prior to joining the Grrrowl, Marks was head coach of the Michigan K-Wings, Indianapolis Ice and Charlotte Checkers, a total of 18 years of professional head coaching experience. The Minnesota Wild refuses to comment on candidates for the job.

After the Manchester Union-Leader reported that GM Kevin Gilmore will absolutely not offer Adam Hauser more money beyond the qualifying offer already tendered to the former Gopher goalie, he agreed to terms with the Kings and signed a contract. Hauser's only choice other than to accept the offer, was to play in Europe while the Kings maintained his rights. Hauser's wife is expecting the couple's first child early this fall which could have led to his decision to accept the offer.

The United Hockey League has followed the lead of the NHL and removed the rule for center ice offsides. The Central Hockey League is also expected to make the change.

Kudos to the Boston Bruins for signing both Jonathan Girard and Jordan Sigalet. Girard is a risk because of a serious life-threatening car accident suffered over a year ago and Sigalet made headlines at Bowling Green Univeristy last season after announcing he has Multiple Sclerosis.

The New York Islanders announced what Quick Facts reported last week, that Wyatt Smith has signed with the team, a one-year deal.

The Minnesota Wild have only four free agents remaining to sign, the most important of whom is Andrei Zyuzin. Also needing to be wrapped up by August 15th are Rickard Wallin, Kyle Wanvig and Eric Reitz.

Minnesota free agents who remain unsigned include Mark Parrish, Adam Hauser, Darby Hendrickson, Paul Martin, Tom Preissing, Mark Cullen, Ryan Kraft, Tim Jackman, Karl Goehring, Jeff Panzer, Joe Cullen, Jeff Taffe, Aaron Gill, Mike Stuart, Todd Rohloff, Sean Curry, Josh Olson, Jamie Langenbrunner, Matt DeMarchi, Josh Langfeld and Justin Eddy.


Quick Speculation:

 Some teams are likely to start to offer competitive bids for other teams' restricted free agents knowing that the players' current teams are not in salary cap positions to match those offers. By doing so teams can get highly rated players, losing only instead draft picks as compensation. Goaltender Robert Esche is the most likely to be plucked by a team in need of a good veteran netminder like Phoenix, but other players like Joe Thornton or Mark Parrish could be targeted as well.

Could former Gopher defenseman Todd Richards be a candidate for a coaching promotion in the near future? Richards has been an assistant coach with the Milwaukee Admirals for the past three seasons, helping lead the club to the Calder Cup championship two seasons ago.

For speculation, other possibilities for the Aeros head coaching job include former Aeros fan favorite Mike Yeo, who has been an assistant coach with the Wilkes/Barre-Scranton Penguins for the past 5 seasons. Mark Lamb, an assistant with the Dallas Stars and Gerry Flemming, head coach of the Florida Everblades.

An ESPN Insider says that Gary Thorne could very well be persuaded to take the Wild play-by-play position should ESPN not pick up the rights to the NHL cable broadcasts this season, not in the least bit due to the reputation of Wild Communications Director Bill Robertson and the high level of respect he commands from the media.


 

Quick Take:

 The Los Angeles Kings lowballed Adam Hauser on their qualifying offer despite Hauser's outstanding play with the organization the last three seasons. Hauser has been underrated and undervalued his entire career and has proven naysayers wrong the entire time. It is disappointing that the Kings chose to take a tough contract stand with a player who has served them well and battled for a starting position with their minor league affiliates. Hauser is active in the community and well-liked by fans. He deserved better but as he has done all along, he will prove the Kings management wrong and hopefully he will be rewarded for that determination next season or be traded to an organization that will reward him appropriately. Quick Facts wouldn't be surprised to see Hauser lead the Monarchs to the AHL Calder Cup Championship this season, adding to his franchise shutout record in the process.

Jeff Taffe, David Tanabe and Keith Ballard will have find out whether they need to call their new head coach 'Coach Great'.  Wayne Gretzky has agreed to step behind the bench of the Phoenix Coyotes this season and the announcement will be made this afternoon.  The move has even more interesting implications for Taffe, who dates Gretzky's wife's niece.
 
Another interesting NHL CBA fact:  Under the old CBA, a team maintained rights to a drafted college player for a year following his senior season of eligibility unless released.  Now teams have only until June 1st (prorated to August 15th this season for obvious reasons) to sign that drafted player when they leave college or they can become an Unrestricted Free Agent.  NCAA players affected by the new rule this year may include Eric Nystrom (Calgary), Barry Tallackson (Devils), Jim Slater (Thrashers), Brian McConnell (Flames), Jason Ryznar (Devils), John Adams (Sabres), Eric Lundberg (Avalanche), Pat Dwyer (Thrashers), Dov Grumet Morris (Flyers), Curtis McElhinney (Flames), Ryan Murphy (Kings), Joey Mormina (Flyers), Taylor Christie (Avalanche), Ryan Lannon (Penguins), Rob Flynn (Rangers), Ned Havern (Stars), Matt Gens (Canucks), Sean Collins (Avalanche).
 
According to the Minnesota Wild, because former Gopher Mike Erickson has one year remaining at Western Michigan he will not be a free agent on August 15th if the Wild fail to sign the draft pick.

Gary Thorne was reportedly interviewed by the Minnesota Wild for their open television play-by-play position when he was in town last week for the Oakland A's-Twins came he called for ESPN.  The Wild are expected to make an announcement on their choice for the position on Monday or early this week.

The Minnesota Wild tells Quick Facts that the team has not made any decisions on the vacant television play-by-play position.  "We hope to have someone in place prior to the start of training camp,"  said Bill Robertson. 

Newly signed Wild defenseman Scott Ferguson played 8 games with Skövde IK in the Swedish Allsvenskan last year, where he had a goal, two assists and went +3. 

Former North Star bruiser Basil McRae's son Phillip was the second leading scorer at the USA Hockey Select 15s Festival held at St. Cloud State last week.  McRae, who grew up being coached by his dad in St. Louis, had 6 goals and 4 assists in 6 games during the festival.  Jordan Schroeder,who attends St. Thomas Academy, was ranked 4th in scoring, the highest ranked Minnesota player, with 4 goals and 2 assists in 6 games.

The Memphis Riverkings have signed Drew Terry to a tryout agreemnt.  Born in Memphis, Terry attended Hermantown HS. 

Adam Hauser has still not accepted the LA Kings' qualifying offer.  He had hoped that he had earned the number three goaltender position with the organization but their recent acquisition of Jason LaBarbara has seemed to reduced the former Gopher goalie's status with the club.  According to Kevin Provencher Hauser reportedly received an offer lower than the AHL threshold, which is less than $75,000, meaning he would not need to clear waivers on a call-up to the NHL or reassignment back to the AHL.  Hauser broke franchise records for the Manchester Monarchs last season with his AHL fourth-ranked save percentage .993 and 3rd in goals-against-average, 1.93.  He has accumulated 12 shutouts in the last two seasons.  "I have until August 15th to accept or decline the offer" Hauser told Quick Facts.  He is examining options to play in Europe next season instead of returning to Manchester.

The NHL's poster child for ugly, Mike Ricci, will sport a new closely shorn hairdo this season with the Coyotes, silencing the ever-familiar 'Get a Haircut' heckles from crowds across the league.  However, he has not yet fixed the nose so the 'Call Extreme Makeover' chants are still fair game.

Former Wild draft pick Jake Riddle, younger brother to former Gopher Troy Riddle, has signed with the ECHL Augusta Lynx.  He played last year for Wheeling and Peoria of the same league

Gary Bettman is in Russia negotiating with the Russian Ice Hockey Federation in an attempt to settle the dispute over the IIHF transfer agreement.  The Russians want to maintain the ability to negotiate with teams individually the fee required to release players from their club contracts.  Without an agreement NHL teams will likely be forced to wait until a drafted European player completes the term of their current contracts before they can be signed by their NHL teams.

In the Czech Republic are Bill Daly and Ted Saskin, trying to negotiate with the Czechs who also failed to ratify the IIHF transfer agreement.

Former UMD Bulldog Norm MacIver has been re-signed as an assistant coach for the Boston Bruins.  He enters his second season with the B's.  Prior to joining the Boston organization MacIver was an assistant coach with the Springfield Falcons of the AHL, under contract with the Phoenix Coyotes with whom he finished his NHL playing career in 1998.  He played one more season of professional hockey with the IHL Houston Aeros, retiring in 1999.

Ben Clymer, who won the Stanley Cup with the Tampa Bay Lightning, has signed a contract with the Washington Capitals.

Former NHL player Dallas Eakins has thrown his hat into the ring for the vacant Manitoba Moose head coaching position.  The Minnesota Wild's AHL affiliate the Houston Aeros also still has a head coaching vacancy.  The Manchester Monarchs filled their vacancy with former assistant coach Jim Hughes.

Virginia's Matt Cullen has been re-signed to a one-year deal by the Carolina Hurricanes.  Cullen signed with the team as a free agent last summer but never played a game due to the lockout.  He played last season in Cortiva Italy, taking the team to the playoffs.

Joining Andrew Brunette in signing with a rival Northwest Division team is former Wild forward Richard Park, who signed a one-year deal with the Vancouver Canucks for $750,000.
 
As expected, Jason Marshall has returned to the Anaheim Mighty Ducks, signing on Monday.

Lee Goren, former UND standout, was also resigned by the Canucks.  Goren was the leader on the AHL Moose last season.

Ken Gernander begins his coaching career this week, working with the NY Rangers at their annual developmental camp. Attending the camp are Michael Sauer and Greg Beller.
 
The Rangers' website launches with a Flash display stating "You are. . .True Blue. . .For that we Thank You!" with chants of "Lets go Rangers" heard in the background, other teams, like the Washington Capitals and San Jose Sharks have open letters to fans addressing concerns about the lack of free agent signings, explaining the moves or lack thereof to disappointed fans.  The Minnesota Wild website has a picture of State of Hockey Flag Day.


Quick Speculation:

 With the promotion of John Becanic to Associate Head Coach of the Everett Silvertips, rumors are fuelled that Kevin Constantine may be targeted for a move back to a professional hockey coaching position.  Constantine took over the General Manager/Director of Hockey 
Operations position for the Tips when Doug Soetart moved to take a similar position with the expansion AHL Omaha Knights.
 

Quick Take:

 "There wasn't really a party. My girlfriend picked me up at the airport and we just went back to the lake. There was a couple of my buddies waiting for me there, and it was nice to see them. Then it was back to the usual on Monday."

- Brian Lee on whether there was a celebration waiting for him after returning from Ottawa where he was selected by the Senators in the NHL Entry Draft. (Ottawa Sun) Go here for the remainder of the interview with the Moorehead star.


 “I ran back to the computer and as soon as I saw my name I ran around the house screaming.  About five minutes later, they called to say welcome and congratulations.”

- TJ Oshie after his friend Paul Lasky told him he had been drafted (Argus Leader)

 "Paul Martin is important. Unfortunately, because of NHL rules, Paul missed a very important year in his career (because he was ineligible to play in the minors). Hopefully he can develop into another Niedermayer." 

- Devils coach Larry Robinson on the former Gopher blueliner defenseman. (Star-Ledger)

 "At the end of last season and throughout the summer I always wanted to be back with Los Angeles,  I can either take (the offer) and play or don't play.  I have no free agency right and no arbitration rights because I haven't played enough in the NHL. I want to be the number three. I just want (Kings) to show me they think of me as the number three. All I've ever asked for is some sort of progression.  Keep me moving in a positive progression. I want to be an average guy same as everybody else."

- Adam Hauser on his frustration with the contract offer from the LA Kings (Union Leader).


 "Matt is a big centerman who adds a playmaking element to our forward lines.  We feel he is a valuable addition to our core group of young forwards."

- Hurricanes GM Jim Rutherford on signing Matt Cullen (TSN.ca)


 "Jake improved steadily last season.  For his second year I expect him to elevate his game to the next level, and become a guy who can get us 20 goals and 175 PIMs. He's a tough, gritty winger who puts in a solid effort every night."

- Augusta Lynx head coach Bob Ferguson on signing Jake Riddle. (Augusta Lynx)

Former Gopher Wyatt Smith has signed a one-year deal with the New York Islanders.  He will likely take the spot of Ryan Kraft who may retire this season.  Smith will join fellow Gopher Matt Koalska with the Isles' farm team, the Bridgeport Sound Tigers in Connecticut with a good opportunity to play with the Islanders.  Smith has moved from the Coyotes to the Predators since leaving the Gophers.  He scored the Calder Cup-winning goal for the Milwaukee Admirals two seasons ago.
 
Josh Langfeld is an unrestricted free agent with several teams expressing interest in the forward from Coon Rapids.
 
Wayzata's John Adams has two weeks to sign with Buffalo Sabres or he can become an unrestricted free agent.

Jordan Leopold joins Jarome Iginla in re-signing with the Calgary Flames.  Leopold re-signed for a reported 2-year, $2.3 million deal.

The Minnesota Wild has said that they will wait on paying any transfer fee for Roman Volosheko or newly signed goaltend Miroslav Kopriva until an agreement is ratified by the IIHF.  Both Russia and the Czech Republic have rejected the current offer of an incremental payout starting at $900,000 per player with a floor of $150,000.  Reports indicate the Russians and Czechs are looking for an average of $300,000-$400,000 per player transfer fee.  That means that Voloshenko and Kopriva may not be able to play for the Wild until the transfer agreement is worked out.

Adam Hauser's status with the Los Angeles Kings was reduced with their acquisition of Jason LaBarbara, the AHL MVP two seasons ago and one of the AHL goaltending leaders for several years.  LaBarbera will likely be the backup to Mathieu Garon in LA or the starter for the AHL Manchester Monarchs, keeping Hauser third or fourth on the depth chart in goal for the Kings.  Hauser has not yet accepted his qualifying offer from the Kings.

Jay Woodcroft, brother to Wild video coordinator Todd Woodcroft, has signed to play in the British Elite League next season with the London Racers.

Quick Speculation:

With the Wild holding to their payroll, making Marian Gaborik the highest paid player, the free agent list is reduced significatly.  The Wild have been said to need a veteran defenseman who can quarterback the powerplay, a big center and maybe a power forward if the prospects for Wanvig, Wallin and Veillieux don't look good.  Of the defenseman available on the free agent market few are quality players commanding lower payrolls but there are some options:  Alexander Khavanov (Blues), Patrice Brisebois (Canadiens), Mariusz Czerkawski (Islanders), Andreas Lilja (Panthers),  As for centermen: Travis Green (Bruins), Vaclav Nedorost (Panthers), Yannick Perreault (Canadiens) could fit the bill.  Forwards include Craig Adams (Hurricanes), Mikael Samuelsson (Panthers) or Josh Langfeld (Senators).  Any free agent acquisitions will take a back seat to giving current prospects an opportunity to play.  The defensive position seems the most glaring opportunity to fill with a free agent.
 
The Philadelphia Flyers were Quick Facts' preseason favorite to win the Eastern Conference this season.  The acquistions of Peter Forsberg and Mike Rathje ony reaffirm that prediction. 
 

With the NHL moving back the deadline for qualifying Restricted Free Agents there isn't expected to be much news on signings until Tuesday.
 
During Sunday Morning's ESPN SportsCenter, which began at 9:30am, not one mention of the NHL Entry Draft was made during the show.
 
The Minnesota Wild picked up some size with their last pick in the seventh round of the NHL draft Saturday; Riley Emmerson, who went an entire season with the Tri-City Americans without a point last year, is 6'7 and 208 pounds.

Dallas Stars scout Bob Gernander, father to former Gopher Ken Gernander, was the key voice in the Stars selecting Matt Niskanen with their 24th pick in yesterday's draft.

Todd McLellan, head coach of the Wild's primary AHL affiliate has resigned to accept an assistant coaching job with the Detroit Red Wings.  The Wild will not confirm candidates for the coaching vacancy but they could include Dave Farrish or Todd Gordon, former head coaches with the Wild's former ECHL affiliate the Louisiana IceGators, which is now defunct.  Other names certain to crop up include Kevin Constantine, Ted Nolan and current Aeros assistant Matt Shaw as well as Geoff Ward, former Edmonton Roadrunners coach and numerous UHL and ECHL head coaches and AHL assistant coaches will certainly throw their hats into the ring as well.  Quick Facts' off the wall prediction:  Gerry Fleming, current head coach and general manager of the ECHL Florida Everblades, Quebec native, former playe