the DAWN of the ROOKIE Card

The "DAWN" of the ROOKIE Card

The "Dawn" of the ROOKIE card was upon us. It was 1988, Wayne Gretzky was just traded to the Los Angeles Kings and hockey was to be changed forever.The landscape of hockey had taken a different turn from what was previously seen as a lesser of the main sports in regards to dollar figures. With the new contract signed by Gretzky, salaries were about to escalate, so too were the value of cards, especially ROOKIE cards in hockey. There was no Internet to locate prices so off to the local market you would go, praying to find hockey card books stating the value of cards.

Trading cards and tossing them in the school yards were a thing of the past. It was different now, no longer was there a stick of gum in the package instead there were several companies jumping on board with the sales of hockey cards. In fact it was at this time, I set up shop with my corner table at flea markets and in second hand stores with my personal collection of ROOKIE cards that I purchased from friends, or bought at flea markets. My list of ROOKIE cards included some quality players...Paul Coffey , Mario Lemeiux , Pelle Lindberg , Ray Bourque , Theo Fleury ,
Mike Modano, Steve Yzerman , Eric Lindros , Peter Forsberg and many other notables.

Because the value of ROOKIE cards were at a all-time high, it was then that I decided it was time to start following these young prospects before they were drafted. If anything I was looking for the potential of future players , to guess what card could make me some money down the road. The first player I began to follow?  Eric Lindros, the possible
Next One?

As I began to follow his Jr career, I also came to notice in that years prospects game, another offensive player named Yanic Perreault. Both of there cards were a 'have to have' for me. Little did I know that Yanic would really only amount to being a face-off specialist and Eric would later have his career cut short by concussions. I purchased several of Eric Lindros' ROOKIE cards, but at the early starting point of his career , it was not decisive which card was his true rookie card. I collected all of them, just in case. I even put one away for my oldest daughter in hopes he truly would become the NEXT ONE!

I started to purchase other rookie cards in hopes of the value going up, but found this to be a highly expensive venture. Something happened during this point of time though...My excitement for the game of hockey was not only about following my favourite player and or team, but my love and passion for the game of hockey grew as well. It took me past playing street hockey to playing Ball Hockey in Edmonton's old "Capital City Ball Hockey Association" right through to local "Beer League" hockey on ice.

 

Life had changed not only in the hockey world of professionals, but also in my own life. With hockey at its highest peak, it took me to following the world of Jr Hockey. It was not only with the World Jr's but also the CHL. Hockey in the NHL basically started taking a new look. It was the time where clutching and grabbing was common site, games were becoming even lower scoring and my interest for hockey was fading. On top of all this, hockey ROOKIE cards were becoming extremely expensive to collect. With expenses of playing hockey and watching hockey a higher priority, I sold off all my rookie cards except the one Eric Lindros Card, which I had  given to my daughter.


While following the CHL, there was a young player who really was catching my eye. I was hearing rave reviews of him and started trying to find as much information as I could muster up. While my interest was fading in the NHL it was just beginning to gear up for Jr hockey. All I was hearing was how this young prospect was scoring at will, and in timely fashion in most games. It was 2002 and the mainstream media was beginning to report of comments from the "Great One" Wayne Gretzky , of a recent prospect who Wayne was saying "could be the one to break some of his NHL records"....who was this future Star?

(to be continued)

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The Edmonton Oilers Announce Young Stars Roster

The Edmonton Oilers Young Stars tournament roster has been released.  This looks to be a pretty good team once again this year.  While I don't think it's as good, talent wise as last year, this current squad has a chance to be the best team at the tournament.

Not only are the Oilers bringing guys like Nugent-Hopkins, Tyler Bunz, and Colten Teubert, they will also bring some camp try outs to the tourny as well.  6 of them will get a chance to impress the Oilers brass. 

Will any of them land jobs? Will RNH impress all those who watch? Will one of the lesser know players step up and shine?

Stick around to OilersJambalaya.com, as we will once again follow the Young Stars tournament closely.

The tournament begins September 11th in Penticton, British Columbia.

FORWARDS

73 Cameron Abney
51 Philippe Cornet
71 Drew Czerwonka
69 Travis Ewanyk
79 Brett Ferguson *
70 Curtis Hamilton
64 Milan Kytnar
57 Anton Lander
66 Ryan Martindale
72 Ryan Nugent-Hopkins
63 Kristians Pelss
68 Tyler Pitlick
92 Toni Rajala
61 Tobias Rieder
76 Chase Schaber *
59 Colin Smith *
75 Antti Tyrvainen

DEFENCEMEN

82 Jeremie Blain
88 Brandon Davidson
81 Taylor Fedun
78 Martin Gernat
45 Ryan Lowery *
80 Martin Marincin
87 David Musil
85 Tyler Schmidt
84 Colten Teubert
90 Wes Vannieuwenhuizen *

GOALTENDERS

50 Adam Brown *
1 Tyler Bunz
30 Olivier Roy

-* means the player is on a camp try out-

The ROOKIE Card

The ROOKIE Card and it's place in "Hockey"

I grew up knowing nothing about hockey...until the Canucks run for the cup in 81/82. Watching "King" Richard Brodeur, Thomas Gradin, "Tiger" Williams and the rest of the Vancouver Canucks, making a unlikely run for the cup. I was just a 10 year old kid. But seeing the team that represented my city and province do the unexpected, it made me feel like I could too.

It took me to playing street hockey, pond hockey, grass hockey , kitchen hockey...well point is, I fell in love with hockey. Like many of you. I became a fan and forever have been one. My allegiance's have shifted over the years. As a 10 year old boy, Vancouver was my team in their bright yellow jersey's. Then it shifted to the "Broad street bullies" when Pelle Lindberg took them to the Stanley Cup in 1984. Followed them until the 87' Canada Cup where the "Magnificent" Mario had his coming out party. It was Pittsburgh all the way. That was until 1992 ,when I became a Oiler forever.

We all have our stories of how we first fell in love with the game and how we wanted to be the players, the kids now call hero's, but what I remember most during that cup run in 82 was "Hockey Cards".

Every allowance, I would get all excited. I would run out the front door and bike as fast as I could to the local corner store to get the latest package of new hockey cards. Quickly ripping open the package, I would throw the stick of gum from the package into my mouth, start chewing and hope to find a card of my favourite hockey player like Wayne Gretzky or Mark Messier and almost choke on my gum when finding  one.

On the back side of the cards were that players scoring and statistics. I would  know, all the other boys at school would do anything to get that card. Lots of trading would happen. That one good player could fetch you dozens of other cards in completing your team sets.

The excitement would grow at school everyday. We couldn't wait till recess or lunch break.  We would arrange for a card throwing game. A game where each player puts up their best card. Everyone  playing would have to be in agreement that each player had a special card that the other players wanted. You would take your card, stand it up on a slight angle against a wall, then draw a line about ten feet away. That was the line that each player took turns to toss a card from, in hopes of knocking the card down. The player that knocks the card down will get to pick up all the cards that the other players have already tossed and the special card you wanted as well. 

I never thought much about it then, but the cards we were tossing were pretty special cards. It included the likes of the "California Golden Seals", the "Kansas City Scouts", the "Cleveland Barons", the list goes on. Rookie Cards were not thought to be as valuable in that time as gaining your favourite player trading card or completing your favourite complete team set. That was the early 80's. By 1984, the ROOKIE Card in Hockey took a whole new turn. they became valuable! It was years later  that I started remembering all those Wayne Gretzky, Mark Messier, Paul Coffey, Mario Lemieux ROOKIE cards, I once held in my hand and treated like nothing more then a common pebble found on the playground....It was the 'Dawn" of the ROOKIE card and the game of hockey was about to change forever.......(to be continued)

Development Players VI 'The Final Chapter'

This posting is the last in my examination of the Oilers prospect system. While looking at a goaltenders AVG is good, its more of a relfection of the team as a whole. Also Save % is great to look at but high quality chances can make a goalie look worse then he really is.

Example, if a goaltender has 30 shots on him one game but the game consisted of 3 breakaways, a couple 2 on 1's not to mention poor sloppy play by the defenceman, chances are many of those pucks are going in. On the other hand, if you cut those high quality scoring chances down in half there is a much better possibility the goaltender is cutting down the goals scored as well. Goaltenders also deal with the mental fatique side of hockey more then anyone else.

In understanding goalies there are a few things important to watch for...
1) Postioning
2) Mentally Strong
3) Endurance
4) Not over-commiting

we will cover first on one defenceman and then cover the four goaltenders....


My opinions are based off of three things...

1) NHL Organization's reports
2) Outside scouting reports
3) Personal observations.

Development Players #26-30:


Colten Teubert  6' 4"
195
8 Mar 1990


STATS:


2006-07 Regina Pats WHL                  Games 63 G 3  A 8    PTS 11
2007-08 Regina Pats WHL                  Games 66 G 7  A 16  PTS 23
2008-09 Regina Pats WHL                  Games 60 G 12 A 25 PTS 37
2008-09 Ontario Reign ECHL             Games 8  G 0  A 1     PTS 1
2009-10 Regina Pats WHL                  Games 60 G 10 A 30 PTS 40
2009-10 Ontario Reign ECHL             Games 10 G 1  A 2    PTS 3
2010-11 Manchester Monarchs AHL  Games 39 G 2  A 8    PTS 10
2010-11 Oklahoma City Barons AHL Games 20 G 2  A 5    PTS 7


Fight video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zIdO6jiBba8

Goal video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YOQT3WZ5EOc



revingevs TAKE:
being a highly touted first round pick in 2008 (13th overall), Teubert has the look of more of a physical defensive defenseman.  He can intimidate like nobody's business, and mean enough to
strike some fear into a player coming come the wing. Teubert is going to need to improve his decision
making. Colten is one of those players who can be reactionary and make the odd bad decision that can hurt the team at the wrong time. This is most likely the reason, he has not yet been ready for the big club.

A fierce competitor who coach’s like. Good puck mover, can punish with bone crushing checks, is strong as a ox, and extremely smooth skater. Noticed at the 2011 development camp  like his game has sped up and covering the ice well with his wingspan. Knows how to wrap his man up well, so very little will get by him. Colten most likely will get at least 1 or 2 opportunities this year to cover off for injuries. This will be the year he needs to impress, as he some pretty good defenceman coming up behind him in the system.



Tyler Bunz 
6' 2"
203
11 Feb 1992


STATS:


2008-09 Medicine Hat Tigers WHL Games 22 AVG 3.46 SP .886
2009-10 Medicine Hat Tigers WHL Games 57 AVG 2.91 SP .898 
2010-11 Medicine Hat Tigers WHL Games 56 AVG 2.47 SP .919


Fight video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5flWNRyXQ7Y

Save Video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DPBgYmXMsh4



revingevs TAKE:
Tyler Bunz just completed a spectacular season for the Medicine Hat Tigers, posting a 2.47 goals against average and a .919 save percentage, and  widely viewed as one of the top goaltenders in the league. Tyler  at (6’2, 200 lbs) has decent size and is in line for a postion with Hockey Canada for the 2012 world U20 world jr's. Tyler's arrows are all pointing in the right direction to this point.

Amazing to see the growth in the last couple years. He looked good last 2010 development camp, but this year at the 2011 development camp he looked even better. Looks so much more relaxed and poised in Goal. Can tell his conditioning is far superior this year as well. This camp was crazy, for how tired he should be with all the time on ice, and he still looked good after the many hours in net this week.



Samu Perhonen  6' 5"
184
7 Mar 1993


STATS:


2010-11 Suomo  Fin2     Games 1   AVG 3.04  SP .900               JYP    Fin Jr.    Games 29 AVG 2.71  SP .922


:No video was found:


Truth is, not much can be found on this goaltender and he was sick and in the hotel most of 2011 development camp. Media were unable to get anything more then a Q&A with him. Here is a link to a article done on him over at copper&blue with Lisa McRitchie :

http://www.coppernblue.com/2011/7/6/2258847/samu-perhonen




Olivier Roy 
6' 0"
180
12 Jul 1991


STATS:


2007-08 Cape Breton Screaming Eagles QMJHL Games 47 AVG 2.87 SP .896
2008-09 Cape Breton Screaming Eagles QMJHL Games 54 AVG 2.84 SP .905
2009-10 Cape Breton Screaming Eagles QMJHL Games 54 AVG 2.62 SP .908
2009-10 Springfield Falcons AHL                         Games 3   AVG 2.57 SP .913
2010-11 Acadie-Bathurst Titan QMJHL                Games 45 AVG 2.79 SP .911


Save video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jksK7XpWMgg



revingevs TAKE:
Watching Roy play can be mind boggling,, when he is good, he is very good, but
when he is bad, he is horrid. Considered one of the top goalies in the JR hockey (ie: playing for Canada’s WJC entry) when Roy is on his game, he can be almost unbeatable. Their does seem to be mental lapses and stretches of poor play that can be devastating to his team. Should he be able to start mastering the mental lapses he will be a stellar goaltender but in the meantime he will likely do that as the starter for the ECHL’s Stockton Thunder.  It will be his ability to play consistently and bounce back from bad outings that will take him forward in the depth chart for the Edmonton Oilers.
Oiler Goaltending coach Chabot really likes his game and has even gone as far as to defend him against the critics of his game.



Frans Tuohimaa 
6' 2"
178
19 Aug 1991


STATS:


2010-11 Jokerit   Fin Jr. Games 37  AVG 2.14   SP .931
2009-10 HIFK     Fin Jr. Games 20  AVG 2.89   SP .911
2008-09 HIFK     Fin Jr. Games 18  AVG 3.97   SP .884


:NO VIDEO WAS FOUND:


revingevs TAKE:
Frans has spent the last 3 years in FINISH Jr league. Can not say enough about this guy. Technical Goaltender who seems to make the right decisions at the right time. Does not seem to tire and has a desire to get better each time he hits the ice. He has sais he wants to sharpen his game some before coming over  but is wanting more coaching in the North American game.
Head is always up. No bobing going on, while looking for the puck like many goaltenders. Eyes are very focused on where the puck is and doesn’t lose sight of it easily, even in traffic. Doesn’t play too deep in Goal but also doesn’t wander very much. Rarely over slides in lateral movement in net.
I have nic named him ‘Fabulous Frans’


Hope you have been able to gain some insight into more of the players in the system for the Edmonton Oilers this year. If your like me, you will pick the ones you like and follow them even more closely as the season goes on...and when someone gets called up due to injury or trades, your going to say "I know him!".

Cheers Oil Fan!
@revingev

Development Players Part V

Almost reaching the end of the development players here. Only one more posting after this one, which will include 1 last defenceman and 4 Goalies. So without delaying  here is Part V.

My opinions are based off of three things...

1) NHL Organization's reports
2) Outside scouting reports
3) Personal observations.

Development Players #21-25:


Oscar Klefbom 
6' 3"
204
20 Jul 1993


STATS:

2010-11 Farjestads BK Karlstad SEL Games 23 G 1 A 1 PTS 2


Goal video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qbK6EmGs7uQ



revingevs TAKE:
Oscar was acquired in the deal that sent Dustin Penner to the LA Kings, via a draft pick. He has many in Oil Country very excited. His draft year in the Swedish Elite League wasn’t statistically outstanding, but  he was playing a depth role on a good team. Oscars performance in international tournaments and the reports from the scouting community speak of his tremendous potential. Oscar served as captain of Sweden’s silver medal winning U18 team , where he provided offense and leadership from the back end. It is highly likely he will play a major role for Sweden's World Junior this season.

The scouts are excited about his potential , at 6’3 and 200 lbs, he is a good skater, with a physical edge and aggressive offensive instinct. Oscar will need to continue working on his defensive game , but his upside is that of an complete defenseman all teams covet. Oscar wont be coming here soon. He will be in Sweden for next year even possibly 2 years. As a defenceman, that is not always a bad thing. With many other prospects developing in OKC right now playing in Sweden for this year
and next may be just what the Dr ordered for the Edmonton Oilers. Let's hope he improves his all around game this year and progress continues to be made.



Martin Marincin 
6' 5"
196
18 Feb 1992


STATS:

2006-2007 HC Kosice U18-Svk-U18        Games 16 G 0  A 3       PTS 3 
2007-2008 HC Kosice U18-Svk-U18        Games 59 G 3  A 29     PTS 32 
2008-2009 HC Kosice U18-Svk-U18        Games 5  G 4  A 4        PTS 8
                  HC Kosice Jr.-Slovak-Jr.     Games 46 G 11 A 15        PTS 26 
                  Slovakia-WJ18-A              Games 6  G 0  A 1              PTS 1
2009-2010 HK Orange 20 Puchov-Slovakia Games 35 G 2  A 4   PTS 6 
                  Slovakia-WJ18-A              Games 6  G 2  A 1              PTS 3
2010-2011 Prince George Cougars WHL    Games 67 G 14 A 42 PTS 56


Fight video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l1Hb-U1H2-U

Goal Video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D6aKwy_VIB0
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0409ky4_SdI



revingevs TAKE:
Martin dominated the WHL (in the first 2/3 of season) in his rookie season with the Prince George Cougars.  Marincin admited himself to having hit a wall and struggled with the rigors of the length, physicality and travel associated with a full WHL schedule. He is creative and intelligent offensively and has tremendous size, though there were concerns last season about his positioning and coverage in the defensive zone. As long as he can continue to develop like he did last year, tweak his defensive play, and become stronger and disciplined when it comes to enduring a full season, it will be considered a successful year.

It was a great 2011 development camp for this big man. Put on afew more pounds since last year and does not look as lanky and awkward as last year. Martin seems  more seasoned in his positioning and movements and choices with puck movement. Great one time passes out of his end. Skates excellent, quick learner.



David Musil  6' 3"
196
9 Apr 1993


STATS:

2009-10 Vancouver Giants WHL Games 71 G 7 A 25 PTS 32
2010-11 Vancouver Giants WHL Games 62 G 6 A 19 PTS 25


Fight video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lAI-DScd4YU&feature=related

Pre-2011 draft report video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vMa-reOtlxY


revingevs TAKE:
Shows all signs of having a father who knows hockey. Not a great shot from the point but very good passer and composed in his position. Puts himself were he needs to be. Good speed when he gets moving.  Plays bigger then his size as well, and thats not bad considering how big he is. At one point last year it was thought he was a possible top 10 pick in the 2011 draft. David Musil saw his rankings drop over the course of the season, due in large part to a lack of progress offensively. His game is that of a physical, and defensively responsible, defender who at 6’3 and nearly 200 lbs, has the body to do just that at the NHL level. has all the tools to be an impact top four defenseman who can play a shutdown role at even strength and possibly anchor a penalty kill.




Jeff Petry 
6' 3"
196


STATS:


2005-06 Des Moines Buccaneers USHL     Games 48 G 1  A 14  PTS 15
2006-07 Des Moines Buccaneers USHL     Games 55 G 18 A 27 PTS 45 
2007-08 Michigan State University CCHA Games 42 G 3  A 21  PTS 24        
2008-09 Michigan State University CCHA Games 38 G 2  A 12  PTS 14        
2009-10 Michigan State University CCHA Games 38 G 4  A 25  PTS 29        
              Springfield Falcons AHL               Games 8  G 0  A 3     PTS 3 
2010-11 Oklahoma City Barons AHL         Games 41 G 7  A 17  PTS 24
               Edmonton Oilers NHL                  Games 35 G 1  A 4    PTS 5


Save video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LRh979WFsu8

Goal video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pre0FLdYKlY

Hit video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N2i2OktLZwU



revingevs TAKE:Jeff Petry split time between the AHL’s Oklahoma City Barons and the Oilers,  showing well in his 35 NHL games and looking good in his 41 matches with the Barons. Petry doesn’t have number one defenseman upside, but his ability to contribute at even strength, on special teams, and combined with his size and  excellent mobility tells us he has all the tools to be a very good top four defenseman in the NHL. The depth on the club will make it tough to crack the line-up but based on last year's camp Petry will make a good argument as to why he should stick for the season.

His coaches liked him early last year out of camp and and Petry showed no signs of slowing down. he had a few games that were questioned after a good start, was sent to OKC and never looked back, upon returning to finish the season with Edmonton. Plays a game much like Ryan Whitney with a little less hockey awareness when under pressure.



Dillon Simpson 6' 1"
192
10 Feb 1993



STATS:

2009-10 Spruce Grove Saints AJHL Games 58 G 12 A 29 PTS 41
2010-11 U. of North Dakota WCHA  Games 30 G 2  A 8  PTS 10


Goal video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TxBQTbCE-AY



revingevs TAKE:
Dillion played regularly in one of the toughest divisions in college hockey as a 17-year-old. Simpson is a tough player to get a read on, Simpson doesn’t have ideal size for an NHL defenseman, and it remains to be seen if he has the pure offensive ability to project as a offensive threat down the road. He received an invite to Team Canada’s WJC summer evaluation camp, (where he fared well in the time he was there for the week) which is a very positive indicator, and he will likely have at least two more years to hone his game in the NCAA.
There is certainly potential and upside.  Very strong defender and excellent puck mover. (Oilers staff see him as a power play specialist in the future for their organization) Plays well in own end positionally. Does not stand out often but shows reliable smart playmaking. Great agility on his skates.