The World Strat-O-Matic Hockey League Newsletter League Established January 1, 2002 Volume #2, Issue #2.02 - September 9, 2004 ************************************************************************** Current League Officers: Commissioner: Mike Webb Vice-Commissioner: Dan Irvine Newsletter Editor: Scott Shigemi Email List Administator: Mike Webb Email the whole league: mailto:wshlfun@yahoogroups.com WSHL Games List (WL): mailto:WSHLWL@yahoogroups.com WSHL Games List (NAL): mailto:WSHLNAL@yahoogroups.com Web Page Administrator: Mike Webb League Web Site: http://members.rogers.com/avanderburg9569/ WSHL Archive: http://www.geocities.com/lugnutgm/wshl_archives.html Yahoogroups Main: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/WSHLFUN Yahoogroups World: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/WSHLWL Yahoogroups N. American: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/WSHLNAL ************************************************************************** NORTH AMERICAN LEAGUE DRAFT REMINDER The live draft for the North American League is Monday and Tuesday next week, September 13th and 14th. The draft begins at 9 PM Eastern/6 PM Pacific. We'll draft for two and a half hours or so at 90 seconds a pick, we should be able to get through around 100 picks. So have your draft lists ready! If you don't make your pick in a timely manner, you'll be skipped, unless you submit a draft list to me and/or Mike Webb. Draft lists sent to Mike and me should have a subject heading with your team name or initials, plus the words "Draft List" in front or behind your team name. This way we won't open them until the list is needed. Your list may be simple like: "Draft the skater with the highest defense and points." Or it might be complex with instructions based on what your team looks like: "Draft the skater with the highest defense and points, but look for them in this order: LW, RD, LD, C, RW, skip a position when my team has 6 players at that position." Skipped picks during the live draft can be made up on your next pick or at the end of the draft. The 90 second rule still applies when making up your pick. You'll get a new 90 second clock if you're around to make the selection. If you need additional time, you may request a one-time 90-second timeout. You only get one of these each night, so use them carefully. Additional timeouts may be granted upon request, but don't expect a favorable ruling. When I'm updating the three web pages with roster, drafted and draftable players and making my own picks, I should think that you can simply make your one selection. And be aware, my friend Doug does all of this for a 24-team league and we only get 60-seconds per pick! No, it's not Doug North, but a different Doug. Last thing, make sure that Mike Webb has your AIM screen name. If you don't have AIM, you can download it for free from AOL.com. Visit this page to get the Instant Messenger: http://www.aol.com/aol_downloads.adp If you don't want AIM, you might be able to make other arrangements, but please do so before Monday. When you wait until the last minute, you're bound to have more mistakes. ************************************************************************** WORLD LEAGUE PROTECTION LISTS Since there was such a large amount of turnover in the World League, plus Mike's auto injury, teams were allowed to make adjustments to their 14-man protection lists. Any changes to your rosters should be completed by mid-september. You should have them in by this time next week at the very latest. ************************************************************************** BRANDON DEALS AT THE DRAFT TABLE by David Sheedy The Brandon Wheat Kings announced a draft 'day' trade today, sending offensive defensmen Dick Tarnstrom to the West Coast express for winger Richard Zednik, and a 4th round pick in this year's draft. Wheat Kings GM Eddie Shore explained "We all know that Tarnstrom is an offensive force, but we felt that with Blake, Neidermeyer and Zhitnik on the blue-line, we could afford to make the move. Zednik is a strong offensive player who can man both wings, with some scoring punch" The Wheat Kings - with no picks in the 3rd or 4th round - were apparently worried about what that gap might mean in the re-building they are doing. They seem nicely positioned now for the rest of the draft. ************************************************************************** TARNSTROM HEADED TO THE WEST COAST by Kevin Webber As earlier reported, the Westcoast Express have obtained offensive defenseman, Dick Tarnstrom, from the Brandon Wheat Kings. The Kings recieved Richard Zednik and a 4th round pick in return. When asked to comment on the trade, Tarnstrom seemed confused as to the whereabouts of his new team. "Westcoast? Seems like a bit of an arbitrary location to me. But I do look forward to joining that defense with Ohlund, Jovonovski, and Hannan." "We're pleased as punch to add Tarnstrom to our line-up," says GM Kevin Webber. " Now if you'll excuse me, I have two more Zamboni laps to do and I have to finish mopping these floors." Gary Roberts could not be reached for comment as he was attending his great-grandson's birthday. ************************************************************************** New Franchise Name and Available Goaltenders! by Joe Hamrahi Well, it's official. The Longue-Pointe Hitmen have landed on Long Island and have changed the team name to the South Shore Snipers! While a new rink is being constructed, the Snipers will treat Long Islanders to big time hockey at the 2,000 seat Rinx in Hauppauge, NY. The team will give their fans a chance to see world class hockey, up close and persona! Get your tickets now! While the move is being finalized, management continues to work the phones. Rumor has it that either Martin Brodeur or Roberto Luongo will be dealt for offensive firepower up front. Neither netminder will be cheap, but the Snipers ask that all interested WSHL owners contact them immediately. The team welcomes all offers! Thanks, Joe Hamrahi The NEW "South Shore Snipers" ************************************************************************** WHAT THE HULL?!?! The Kent Kounty Killer Kittens and Labrador Moose have struck another deal. Labrador sends Brett Hull back to Kent Kounty for pick #34 (WEL04#3). Hull had this to say, "First I'm a member of Labrador, then Kent Kounty, then Labrador, then Kent Kounty. Has the wheel stopped spinning yet?" Kent Kounty said that they were glad to add another sniper to the forward ranks. Labrador had no comment other than to confirm the trade. ************************************************************************** TOP 3 PICKS IN SECOND DRAFT by Scott Shigemi Just a little comparison on what the first three picks were in the second year of each league. The World League's top pick was Peter Forsberg. It was a no-brainer that he'd go in the top three, if not number one. Coming off a serious injury that left him cardless in the inaugural WSHL season, Forsberg posted some outstanding numbers, 29 goals, 77 assists for 106 points. The raters gave him a 4-4 offense-defense rating and an INT of 8! Going second was Rick Nash who wasn't really going to help the Falcons that season. His potential is shining now with 41 goals this year. Henrik Zetterberg was selected third overall by Saginaw. Though he was rated 3-3 with 22 goals and 22 assists, the Sentinals barely used their rookie forward. He played in all 82 games, but only averaged nine minutes of ice time. Overall, only Forsberg made any significant contribution to his team. 2003 World League Draft Ottawa - Peter Forsberg Floral Park - Rick Nash Saginaw Sentinals - Henrik Zetterberg In the North American League, the top three picks all look to be players who will help their teams out in the now. Sheldon Souray's limited number of games was overlooked by Kansas City as they wanted a defensive stopper. The often injured defenseman was given the coveted DEF-5 by Strat. With an L-Passing and decent shooting columns (5-OS, 7-IS), Souray will find a place on a much improved Outlaw team. Drafted second overall, Tuomo Ruutu is a real rookie. He has potential to become West Coast's new top line wing. He might not have had the best stats, but the key to this draft pick is his long-term outlook. In fact, it's possible that the Express will have two rookies playing on the wings with Joe Thornton centering them (Tuomo Ruutu and Trent Hunter). The third pick was Brian Leetch who was forcibly dropped from Calgary's roster last season for overuse. Seattle states that had Souray dropped to the third pick, they would have claimed that defenseman. Leetch isn't bad as a replacement. He'll be able to play all 82 games and bring the team an offensive punch from the blueline, something they lacked last year. 2004 North American League Draft Kansas City Outlaws - Sheldon Souray, D, Montreal West Coast Express - Tuomo Ruutu, F, Chicago Seattle Tsunami - Brian Leetch, D, Toronto In comparison, the North American League has gone for immediate turn around for their high draft picks. The World League had a mix, but the second and third overall picks were for the future. But a more interesting fact, Ottawa and Floral Park both made the playoffs following their dismal first season. Ottawa challenged the eventual champion, Monarch Lions in the Eastern Conference Finals. West Coast and Seattle both finished at the bottom in the West, but they were only 15-16 points out of a playoff spot. At the end of the 2004-05 season, we'll look back to see if these top picks made any difference in advancing the three teams into the post season! ************************************************************************** NHL LOCK-OUT With less than a month to go before the NHL's collective bargining agreement comes to an end, a lock-out seems inevitable. Before the WSHL feels the effects of the player vs. owner struggle, are there any ideas on how our league will handle a prolonged lock-out? What will we do if there isn't a 2004-05 NHL season? There's another question that will need an answer. If the NHL ends up playing a shortened season like they did in 1994-95, we could follow suit and play a shortened WSHL season. But is that the only option? If the season is only 48 games, might we play two seasons back-to-back? Or would we add a percentage of games to every player? Maybe we give players an increase in games that is based on their NHL games played? Or just a flat number of games? Coming up with some ideas now may help to aliviate future problems. Let's begin brainstorming! Here are some of my own ideas. 1) Suspend the league until the NHL resumes. This should be the last option. 2) Use Draft-o-matic with a previous season and run it as a single WSHL season. 3) Use a previous NHL season, everybody selects a team and then we draft from the unused teams, adding 3-5 additional players. The team that can increase their NHL points the most is the real winner. 4) As #3, but drafting is weighted to give the losing NHL teams more picks in the earlier rounds. For instance, a non-playoff team drafts in the first and second rounds while the playoff teams sit back and watch. 5) Draft from a previous season for 5-6 rounds and then use draft-o-matic to finish off the teams. 6) If the NHL plays a shortened season, we might end up doing the same, or possibly doubling the games played for the players, or adding X number of games to every player if we want a full season. ************************************************************************** ANYONE NOT GETTING ENOUGH STRAT? The USHA is currently looking for managers. Several of us here (myself, Mike, Dan, Mason)have played in the USHA. Very low key league, 'only' 40 games a year. They have several good teams available (and Mike, Dan, you are welcome to be coaches - I asked Rick). Anyway, if you are interested, let me know. David Sheedy ************************************************************************** Important Dates September 8th & 9th - Live Draft for WL! (6 PM EST/9 PM PST) September 13th & 14th - Live Draft for NAL! October 25th - 2004-05 Season begins! And let's all hope the NHL doesn't have a lockout. ************************************************************************** NORTH AMERICAN LEAGUE REGULAR SEASON STANDINGS: SITTLER DIVISION GP W L T OL Pts Pct GF GA Home Road Labrador Moose 82 53 18 10 1 117 .713 319 192 28- 5- 7- 1 25-13- 3- 0 Alaska Aces 82 45 23 9 5 104 .634 264 212 25-10- 5- 1 20-13- 4- 4 Inside Shots 82 44 25 11 2 101 .616 266 195 27-10- 4- 0 17-15- 7- 2 Kent Kounty Killer 82 38 38 6 0 82 .500 265 290 21-15- 5- 0 17-23- 1- 0 Wellington Dukes 82 33 34 11 4 81 .494 253 285 16-19- 4- 2 17-15- 7- 2 Kentucky Ice Tiger 82 24 41 13 4 65 .396 226 295 15-20- 4- 2 9-21- 9- 2 Hartford Whalers 82 14 62 3 3 34 .207 165 329 7-30- 2- 2 7-32- 1- 1 ORR DIVISION GP W L T OL Pts Pct GF GA Home Road Iowa Wolves 82 43 28 8 3 97 .591 260 248 24-12- 4- 1 19-16- 4- 2 Red Deer Avros 82 37 23 17 5 96 .585 236 217 20- 9-11- 1 17-14- 6- 4 Saratoga Sting 82 40 28 11 3 94 .573 246 222 24-11- 5- 1 16-17- 6- 2 Brandon Wheat King 82 43 34 5 0 91 .555 279 265 27-12- 2- 0 16-22- 3- 0 Calgary Grizzlies 82 33 39 6 4 76 .463 236 247 16-20- 4- 1 17-19- 2- 3 West Coast Express 82 29 37 14 2 74 .451 245 273 16-16- 8- 1 13-21- 6- 1 Seattle Tsunami 82 27 37 16 2 72 .439 227 252 16-19- 5- 1 11-18-11- 1 ************************************************************************** WORLD LEAGUE REGULAR SEASON STANDINGS: HOWE DIVISION GP W L T OL Pts Pct GF GA Home Road Monarch Lions 82 46 21 12 3 107 .652 303 242 24- 9- 7- 1 22-12- 5- 2 Aberdeen Flying 82 47 25 7 3 104 .634 283 233 26-11- 3- 1 21-14- 4- 2 Ottawa Axemen 82 41 30 9 2 93 .567 279 249 23-13- 4- 1 18-17- 5- 1 Floral Park Falco 82 41 31 9 1 92 .561 253 238 26-11- 4- 0 15-20- 5- 1 Portland Buckaroo 82 33 37 10 2 78 .476 273 289 18-18- 5- 0 15-19- 5- 2 Peoria Rivermen 82 24 44 9 5 62 .378 224 295 16-16- 6- 3 8-28- 3- 2 Barbary Coast Wha 82 15 56 8 3 41 .250 164 288 9-28- 4- 0 6-28- 4- 3 MANIAGO DIVISION GP W L T OL Pts Pct GF GA Home Road Campbell River Can 82 47 26 8 1 103 .628 266 197 29-10- 1- 1 18-16- 7- 0 Hibbing Stink Badg 82 45 24 10 3 103 .628 239 204 24-12- 4- 1 21-12- 6- 2 Kodiak Attack 82 48 29 4 1 101 .616 278 210 29- 9- 3- 0 19-20- 1- 1 Ibiza Corsairs 82 40 33 7 2 89 .543 249 235 20-17- 3- 1 20-16- 4- 1 Saginaw Sentinels 82 37 34 9 2 85 .518 222 202 18-16- 6- 1 19-18- 3- 1 Saskatoon Blades 82 30 43 7 2 69 .421 212 268 14-22- 4- 1 16-21- 3- 1 Dakota Mustangs 82 21 50 9 2 53 .323 213 308 11-25- 5- 0 10-25- 4- 2 ************************************************************************** Common Questions & Answers Q: Is there a deadline to getting draft picks in during the e-mail portion of the draft? A: No, a team isn't forced to make a selection during the e-mail draft. But if a team is late during the live draft, they'll lose their draft position and make the pick up at their next pick, or at the end of the draft. So get a draft list in! Got a question that you think needs an answer in the Newsletter, e-mail me and just ask! ************************************************************************** ASSOCIATE LIST: SINCE GP If you're still an active associate, and aren't on this list, please get in contact with me. Thanks! Mike (avanderburg9569@rogers.com) ************************************************************************** INCENTIVE POINTS Just keeping track of who's putting in a little extra effort. The points were reset with the new volume. Get a plus point for each newsletter article and event that shows you're putting a extra effort into the league! The total number of incentive points is listed in parentheses. Joe Hamrahi +1 article (+2) David Sheedy +2 article (+2) Scott Silberfein (+1) Kevin Webber +1 article (+1) Mike Yancharas +.5 article that needed work (+.5) ************************************************************************** TRANSACTIONS WORLD LEAGUE: HSB - TRADES Michal Handzus, Brian Leetch and Joe Thornton to South Shore for Rob Blake, Roberto Luongo, Keith Primeau, and Thomas Kaberle. SSS - TRADES Rob Blake, Roberto Luongo, Keith Primeau, and Thomas Kaberle to Hibbing for Michal Handzus, Brian Leetch and Joe Thornton. ************************************************************************** TRANSACTIONS NORTH AMERICAN LEAGUE: BWK - TRADE Dick Tarnstrom to West Coast for Richard Zednik and WCE04#4. KKK - TRADE WEL04#3 to Labrador for Brett Hull. LAB - TRADE Brett Hull to Kent Kounty for WEL04#3. WCE - TRADE Richard Zednik and WCE04#4 to Brandon for Dick Tarnstrom. ************************************************************************** League Governing Boards Responsibilities of the following governing boards are outlined in the Constitution. Mike Webb, Commissioner Dan Irvine, Vice-Commissioner Review Board, North American League Steve Izumi, Wellington Dukes Jason McCorrister, Red Deer Avros Kevin Webber, West Coast Express Review Board, World League Joe Wagner, Hibbing Stink Badgers Dave Sheedy, Saskatoon Blades Mike Yancharas, Saginaw Sentinels **************************************************************************