Hot Off The Press...

[Owen-Moncton]

HOT OFF THE PRESS: TRADE BREAK ALERT!

League insider and former enforcer Fisty McKnuckles has learned of a deal done in principle, awaiting league approval.

"Sources say, veteran winger Patrick Marleau is on the move, along with a handful of prospects, to the Detroit Mustangs organization. In four games, Marleau is a -6 with zero points and 16 shots on goal".

"The Flames organization is in no way disappointed in Patty, far from it", claims Fisty's unnamed source, who continued: "...he's a dynamic player and a good veteran leader...the trade is all down to Moncton's desire to reload with younger assets and word is, it was Detroit's GM who initiated the conversation, who believe they have what it takes to challenge for a division title".

While Cody Eakin and Zach Sanford both have upside, and will more than likely find themselves filling much-needed roles in Moncton, it's the acquisition of 25-year-old defender Stephen Johns which most appealed to the Golden Flames' brass.

"Durkin and (head coach) Huntley love big, shutdown, two-way defenders and Johns fits the bill rather nicely...both GM's feel like they've come out better than they were yesterday, and that's what matters here".

"No comment", said Marleau, with a grim smile after leaving the ice early during this morning's game-day optional skate.

[Owen-Moncton]

HOT OFF tHE PRESS: Flames Win, Blank Beavers
Moncton fans were elated tonight as the Golden Flames recorded their first win of the season versus The Edmonton Beavers at home at the Firehouse.
Coach Huntley busted out the proverbial blender, promoting journeyman Blake Comeau to the top line alongside Joe Thornton and Loui Eriksson, and the experiment yielded big rewards.
Both Comeau and his centreman scored a goal and added two assists apiece for three-point nights, blanking the Beavers 3-0. Eriksson added the third, his third of the season. Goaltender Jimmy Howard earned the shutout.

"Any time you take a skilled team like Edmonton to task and come out on top, you're doing it right", said Karl Alzner, who added a primary assist on Jumbo's tally. "I like the way we worked as a unit, and minimized their chances...but we also capitalized on our own and that's a big step for us".

Comeau was named the game's first star and was awarded the fire chief's helmet, an honor he appreciated: "Coach gave me a chance to skate alongside some pretty skilled guys, and I just wanted to justify his faith in me by working hard...fortunately, it paid off for us".

Jumbo spoke highly of his new winger's compete level: "Combs was an animal out there for us, hunting down pucks, winning battles and just being in the right places...he worked his ass off and we're all happy for him".

Jaromir Jagr was unfazed by the demotion, firing three shots on goal on a line with Pirri and Eakin: "Hey, I'm an old guy and I don't mind a few less minutes a night as long as I get some chances". Asked what the first win as a Golden Flame meant to him, Jagr replied: "It's great... I hope it means no bag-skate tomorrow...like I said, I'm an old guy".

Moncton hosts the 5-7-1 Aces of Adirondack Saturday night.

[Owen-Moncton]

HOT OFF THE PRESS: Golden Flames Unbeaten in Three

After tying the Adirondack Aces at home Saturday night, the pride of Moncton had claimed three of four points, parking the perils of a dismal first month. kicking off November in fine style. The streak continued Monday night with the Golden Flames making the cross-country trek to Calgary to face the league's newest franchise.

"During the anthem, some of us thought they were wearing our home-jerseys, but once we figured it out, we got to work", joked Jaromir Jagr, who saluted the Calgary-based 'Traveling Jagrs' seen in attendance.

Wranglers winger Nick Foligno busted the seal on the game in the first frame, netting his seventh of the season. After that, it was all Moncton, who scored four straight, two by recently acquired Cody Eakin.

"The boys made me real comfortable from the first practice", said Eakin, adding:"I think we have a strong, balanced second unit taking shape here...we're working hard and trying to generate and drive possession, and I think we're effective".

Coach Huntley concurs: "Their compete level is elite, and they are finishing on the chances they generate...lots of good stuff coming from that unit".

Richard Bachman got the start, ing his numbers to a very flattering improving his numbers to a flattering 2.17 goals against average, along with a sparkling .924 save percentage after six starts. Jimmy Howard boasts similar numbers, with a 2.42 GAA/.911 SV%; surprisingly favorable for a basement-dwelling...er, rebuilding team.

[Owen-Moncton]

HOT OFF THE PRESS: Howard Out, Flames Seek Help Between Pipes

Sources close to the Golden Flames inner circle claim that the team is looking around the league for a serviceable goalie to platoon with an over-worked Richard Bachman following the injury to Jimmy Howard which will sideline him for the rest of the regular season.

Former league enforcer-turned Flames insider Fisty McKnuckles says discussions are being held between several clubs which may or may not see Howard moving on to a new playoff-bound destination:

"I can tell you they love Howie in the Flames' dressing room...he's a great teammate, and he's a very skilled guy who can handle a heavy shot-load and steal you a win as a 1-B guy...the Flames head office are pretty torn up here, because he's just a great stabilizer... he's just not an option in Moncton this year, with playoffs being being out of reach".

Not content to phone it in, Flames GM Owen Durkin apparently wants to find a solution as opposed to just throwing an uninitiated kid to the wolves:

"Yeah, they want to see if they can't get someone to actually pose a challenge to other teams without giving up a ton of futures which they really don't have to spend... I can tell you I actually heard Durkin say -- and I'm paraphrasing here -- that they feel they owe it to the rest of the league as well as Moncton's players and fans to compete with integrity and ice the best product available to them...the temptation here is to hit auto-pilot and just hope the trade deadline bears fruit, but you don't ask guys who are hard-wired to compete since childhood to treat pro hockey like a recreation league...the goal is to build a winner, and you don't win without a culture of competition".

There's been plenty of talk about league polarization wherein the middling teams can't move up or down without first tanking. While other GM's have openly criticized Durkin at times for tanking, that's a tough premise to defend when the Flames' first rounder belongs to the Hamilton franchise. Last season's success came at a price, which the Flames are prepared to pay, but make no mistake here: they aren't rolling over and they intend to put up a fight with every opponent they face. That's the apparent motivation behind the goalie search.

"We'll keep our ear to the ground here in Moncton...there's nothing imminent here, and they may be forced to sit and stay, but they are working the phones, no question".

[Owen-Moncton]

HOT OFF THE PRESS: Year in Review

As 2017 comes to a close, things are looking grim in Moncton. was last season's playoff appearance an anomaly, or are current struggles simply the proverbial dark cloud waiting for the silver lining to emerge?

With just six wins on the season, and barely enough talent to compete, it's tough to believe the latter may be the correct answer.

"Tough season, absolutely", said Golden Flames GM Owen Durkin, seen leaving the executive office wing of Moncton's Firehouse last evening. "We know how it's impacting fans and the players to see the club circling the drain this year, and we feel their pain, every minute of the day...the guys in the room are wired to compete and win; it's in their DNA, so yeah, this is taking its toll, no question...the big question is, where do you go from here, and how do you right the ship? We have a few tradable assets and we'll look at those options over the next few weeks leading up to the trade deadline, but we'd like to get any deals done prior to the lunacy period where everyone makes panic deals without thinking about the implications beyond the immediate future".

Interesting...one would imagine the Flames' GM is likely referring to the likes of Joe Thornton, Jimmy Howard, and possibly, a defender. Dougie Hamilton comes to mind, given his contract status and the league's current handling of pending  UFA talent.

"We have Hammer until 2020 and we'd love to retain him long-term as he's a tremendous talent whose best years are ahead of him, and it is frustrating to be handcuffed by a system that makes it difficult to retain talent good, young talent, but it affects us all equally across the league, so until there's an amendment in place, you work within the confines of the present structure to best manage your club's assets". Durkin continued: "We'll look at all options for him and other persons of interest, and decide what's best for the Moncton Golden Flames over the next little while, and if we can make a determination, we will and you'll hear about it either way...regarding Howie, he's not returning until playoffs, and we're not in that conversation this season...if an opportunity to move him for futures presents itself, we'll look at giving him a chance to play for a playoff team, but we won't be giving his rights away; he has value for us next year as we transition to becoming a club with a winning record".


There is little argument that a healthy Jimmy Howard with his very favourable 2017-18 metrics would provide a contender with a layer of goaltending depth that could make the difference between a conference final and a locker cleanout. Apparently, the asking price is a second rounder and a decent prospect. With numerous clubs(Cornwall, Cleveland) offering goaltending depth, Moncton may have to consider taking on a little cap to make that happen. "That's not an issue...we'll certainly contemplate eating a bad contract for the short term if the tangible asset coming back warrants that kind of concession". While there are a number of options available to shore up the goalie position, breaking the bank for a long-term acquisition arguably past his best before date might make some of the longer-tenured keepers on the block a tough sell. Howard slots in nicely at a decent cap hit without a longterm contract commitment, and with numbers in the 80's, you can bet your outgoing assets he'll steal you a game or three if and when your starter shows signs of wear and tear.

"If I were in a position to contend, I'd absolutely be looking for a veteran 1B type who can steal you a win...pretty sure last season's champs would concur...they added Enroth to an already formidable tandem of Miller and Elliot and there's only so much line juggling you can do to cover for a goalie problem".

LAst question, before Durkin left the Flame's car-park: "What about Jumbo"?

"Joe's a pro through and through...hasn't complained once in the press, but I know it's been tough on him...personally, I'd love to be able to tell him he'll finish his career a champ in Moncton, and judging by his play, he could still have three or four good years in him. He's factored in on almost 30% of our goals this season, and his passing metrics are rated at 81, I believe...nobody from his camp has requested a trade at this point, and I'd love to see him stick it out as we rebuild, but when you're starting from the bottom, you can't deal in absolutes, so if there's a return out there that makes sense, we'll look at it, and yes, that may also include taking on salary, but that will absolutely require significant assets --picks, prospects, project players -- or some combination of those, to entertain any kind of deal for our best offensive talent...and before you ask about Josi or Johns, the answer is no; they aren't on the block".

OK, stop the presses.. in terms of defense, we've discussed Hamilton; we've referenced Josi and Stephen Johns;a promising young defender that Moncton acquired for Patrick Marleau; yet no mention of Karl Alzner. A deliberate oversight? Should we be reading between the lines here? With Alzner's price tag, if there would be any significant interest in the rugged back-ender. Perhaps if Durkin was as willing to take on cap for Alzner as he appears to be for Jumbo and Hamilton, there may be some latitude for conversation. One could safely assume the return would have to include a serviceable replacement, perhaps on an expiring deal, along with a pick somewhere in the mid-first to high-second range allowing for fluctuations due to the amount of cap going back.

It will be interesting to see if one of the league's more outspoken GM's can demonstrate method to what appears to be madness, and give Moncton fans something worth cheering about in the years to come. That first rounder traded to Hamilton last year would sure look nice in Durkin's back pocket right about now, but what's done is done and with the New York first available, Moncton will likely land a good serviceable asset that will jump into active duty as early as next Fall.

Happy New Year, puck-heads...

[Owen-Moncton]

HOT OFF THE PRESS: Josi, Johns Dealt to New York

Roman Josi looks to have played his last game as a Golden Flame.

The prized off-season acquisition of the Campbell conference basement dwellers posted four goals and sixteen assists before being shipped to New York following the team’s 2-1 loss to Washington, along with rugged rearguard Stephen Johns and future considerations, in exchange for two second-round picks, defenders Nick Leddy and Tyson Barrie, and future considerations.

“Is it a shock”? “I wouldn’t say that”, Josi shared with the small scrum post-game.
“… management has been really forthright all season about the possibilities…it’s a business, and we all understand that part…it can be tough to say goodbye to your teammates and the guys on the staff that you get close to, but the focus now is to get connected with the new team and start preparing for a playoff run, which is always nice”.

Indeed the season appears to have just gotten significantly longer for the former captain and his cohort, Stephen Johns.

“ After the game, Mr. Durkin took us aside and shook our hands and let Roman and myself know that we’d been dealt to a contender”, says Johns, continuing: “ I’m excited about the next chapter in my career here, and knowing that we’re going to a team that has a real shot at a championship is pretty special”.

“Both Roman and Stephen have been exemplary athletes on and off the ice, no question, and it’s not a trade you make without a great deal of both internal and external deliberation…that said, we felt the return we ultimately agreed on with our New York counterpart was favourable now and in the future…we received two excellent, world-class defenders as well as valuable draft picks along with some other considerations to be announced at a later date”.

On the surface, it certainly appears that the return warrants the transaction, even without the release of ‘future consideration’ details, and for a club in need of both on-ice assets and draft picks, you have to call this a win for Moncton.

“I’d call it a win for both teams, actually, and I think it bodes well for the league that Scotty and I were able to park recent disputes which we both regret, and make a good trade that meets the needs of both clubs…on a personal note, it would be great to see more of this, and Moncton’s door is open to anyone willing to negotiate in good faith”.

Neither Nick Leddy nor Tyson Barrie were available for comment at the time of this report.

[Owen-Moncton]

HOT OFF THE PRESS: Josi-Johns Deal (Finally) Complies With League Requirements

After what amounted to approximately 24 hours of background noise from rival clubs who found the initial language of the deal troubling, the league has rubber-stamped a modified version of an accord that sends Roman Josi and Stephen Johns to the New York Americans in exchange for Nick Leddy, Tyson Barrie, and a 2nd round draft pick.

It was an arduous process, but the ink is presently drying, bags are being packed and travel arrangements made. Leddy and Barrie are expected to join the club in Hamilton tomorrow for a pre-game skate and line rushes in preparation for the night's action which can best be described as a battle of the basement dwellers.

"It's tough, can't lie", says Leddy. "You spend the season helping your club climb to the top end of the division and you're thinking about playoffs...next thing, you're stuck in limbo, wondering what's going on and if you've played your last shift with your hockey club...now that playoffs are out of the picture, you re-assess, and figure out what you need to do to make the transition to your new club...time to move on".

Barrie was equally flustered: "It's never a good situation, not knowing where things stand, but it's over now, and it's time to get focused...Moncton is a team in rebuild, so the focus shifts from getting ready for post-season to familiarizing yourself with the rest of the dressing room and learning their systems...I'm gonna miss the boys in New York, and I wish them well for the rest of the season and for the playoffs, but now it's time to get focused on the task at hand".

GM Durkin added: "We realize how tough this trade has been on all four guys, and it's unfortunate that there were delays, but these guys are pro's and they'll respond accordingly...that said, we'll do our part to make the transition as manageable as possible so Nick and Tyson can concentrate on hockey, and get ready for a rebuild which is underway...we have some exciting young guys climbing the ranks and plenty of picks in the hopper as well as a few other tricks up our sleeve to make Moncton a tough place for the opposition to visit".

[Owen-Moncton]

HOT OFF THE PRESS: Hamilton, Others Moved at Deadline

The trade deadline might have been the most interesting day in what has been a woeful season in Moncton, with towering rearguard Dougie Hamilton, prospect Andrew Mangiapane and minor league goalie Doug Carr heading to Adirondack in exchange for a bonafide 1A goalie by the name of Jacob Markstrom. GHL fans will recall that the big Swedish tendy was once property of Moncton, before being shipped to Montreal in a multi-player deal in 2013.

GM Owen Durkin had this to say: "Hammer has a great GHL career ahead of him, and we wish him well as he heads to Adirondack...this was a good hockey deal for Moncton, and one that allowed us to deal from a position of relative strength to take care of a real need at the goalie position...Marky is under contract until 2022 and has his best years still ahead of him...it's been a good day for the Golden Flames organization, as we take a big step forward in our rebuild".

Asked about returning to Moncton and the implications of landing with team with no immediate aspirations of success, the 6'6" former 18th overall draft pick claimed to embrace the challenges that lay ahead:
"Sure it's a little...unusual; I guess, to be heading back to Moncton, but I was still pretty raw at the time I was dealt and I've worked at my game, obviously, since then, and I think I'v proven I can be a starter in this league".

With a goals-against average of 2.27 across 63 games with The Aces, Markstrom has certainly acquitted himself well after signing a very reasonable four million-dollar deal in the off-season, and should only improve as he gains league experience.

While Moncton had several other players on the block, and reportedly came close to moving Jaromir Jagr to a contender, the numbers could not be made to line up.

"There was interest, and out of respect for the player, we attempted to get him a shot with a playoff team, but the deal fell apart literally in the eleventh hour...that's the reality of a hard cap environment, and that's all we care to say about it at this time".

Whether the signing of a legitimate starting goalie, coupled with the moves made earlier this month prove to be the cornerstone pieces that Moncton requires as it attempts to rebuild in earnest remains to be seen, but as they head into the home stretch of a very forgettable season, all eyes in Moncton will be on Durkin and Company and their draft strategy.

Coach Huntley in particular, looks forward to sticking a fork in the 2017-18 season: "Brutal year, no question... but the pressure's off, and there are no expectations other than to compete honestly and prove that you're going to be a contributor next year...we've asked a lot of our fans over the years, and they've hung in with us.. it's time we start delivering the goods ".

[Owen-Moncton]

HOT OFF THE PRESS: Moncton Closes Season With Road Win

It was a determined crew that took the ice in New York this evening, intent on giving their hosts all they could handle. With the home team getting off to a strong start with a two-goal lead in the first ten minutes, the visitors answered with former Amerk Tyson Barrie rifling one past Connor Hellebuyck to rally the opposition.

New York looked to seal the deal with back to back power play markers before Moncton dug deep and exploded for four second-period tallies to pull ahead. The five-goal output was among Moncton's highest production numbers in what was a miserable season which both the team and its fans are anxious to flush and forget.

Holding the offensively superior New York squad off the board in the third stanza, Jacob Markstrom was at his acrobatic best, giving Flames fans yet another taste of what they can look forward to as the rebuild begins in earnest come season's end.

While no member of the Flames was available for comment post-game, the team's public relations officer assures that there will be a locker cleanout media availability in the coming days, with a team President address to follow.

[Owen-Moncton]

HOT OFF THE PRESS: Exit Meetings edition (COACHING CHANGE ALERT)


Moncton's Golden Flames have officially concluded their in-season operations with Locker Cleanout Day, which included exit meetings with each rostered player.
Team President and GM Owen Durkin addressed the media at the end of the day, highlighting the path forward:


"I'm not here to editorialize about the challenges of the season that just ended...that serves nobody; not the fans, not the players and not the management and coaches, who all envision a sustaianably competitive Moncton Golden Flames team. What I am here to do is address the questions about that path forward. Last year was no accident; we loaded up in anticipation of a good run followed by a furlough period, and that's exactly what happened...it's tough on the fans and it's tough on the players who are wired to win and the job in front of us now is to identify the best next steps and what we can and should do as a management team to take them... that said, we have informed our Coach (R.J. Huntley) that effective immediately, he is released from his employment with the Golden Flames...R.J. has our respect and our gratitude and we wish hi well as he begins the next phase of his career...the time for a new voice behind the bench is now, and we'll begin interviewing for a new head coach once the playoffs have concluded".

Trades made throughout the season have set the table for what the future identity of the Flames looks like. Key features of that new identity appear to be the return of former Flame goaltender Jacob Markstrom as well as the arrival of offensive defensemen Tyson Barrie and Nick Leddy. Valuable draft picks have been acquired as part of the deals that brought those pieces to Moncton, who have a hard road ahead of them. How they navigate that road will be interesting to observe.

[Owen-Moncton]

HOT OFF THE PRESS: Flames Makike Draft-Day Moves, Free up Cap

In a convoluted assortment of moves negotiated by Moncton's mercurial management group, the team acquired and then quickly moved sure-shot veteran winger Phil Kessel, obtained veteran goalie Cam Talbot, landed a second first round pick (21st overall), and ultimately traded up to pick number twelve, which they used to select highly-skilled prospect, Lias Andersson. The stalwart Swede is known for his willingness to take on any role asked of him from the dirty work down low and in the paint to grinding it out on the backcheck while tracking the opposition. A true 200-foot forward, what this year's twelfth-overall selection may lack in terms of highlight-reel dangles or the slick east-west lateral cuts that many of his countrymen have made their calling cards, Andersson more than makes up for in terms of heady, responsible play with and without the puck. While not overly tall at six feet, he boasts a solid 200-pound frame which he uses well to protect the puck and ward off opponents. His man-strength and puck-poise notwithstanding, Andersson will still need another year at least to prove whether he's the second-line centreman he is touted to become or more of a depth piece with a little upside. Our money happens to be on the former...

Said Flames GM Owen Durkin: " There certainly was a secondary dropoff somewhere near the middle of round one and we decided as a group that a potential everyday GHL'er with the propensity for a thousand-plus-game career served our immediate and future needs more than a skilled winger with two years left on his deal or that second-round pick (37th overall)... Kessel has game-breaking abilities in the right environment, and we just aren't there yet...he'll get a chance to win now in Baltimore, and I think he appreciates that... and obviously, that pick could turn out to be a real gem, perhaps the steal of the draft, but when we had the opportunity to make a significant move, it was unanimous... we view this day as yet another step forward in our quest to build a deep, sustainable organization that is engineered to compete every year for a championship".

Part-and-parcel of the jettisoning of numerous cap commitments that came and went over the last few weeks, including Tyson Barrie and Jacob Markstrom, is the freeing - up of some needed cap space, which Durkin intends to make good use of: " We now have a little extra wiggle room that we'll use to try and sign a few good pieces long-term if the right deals can be reached, but we aren't going to be over-extending on any one player as we have might have done previously... if a good, smart signing that supports our long-range goals emerges, we'll see what we can do, but having cap space gives us wiggle room beyond the UFA signing period; it also gives us another tool to work with in terms of negotiating trades wherein we may need to absorb some dollars in order to land a player we like...cap space doesn't evaporate if you dont use it up the day free agency resumes...we can leverage it a number of ways over the next few years as we build this thing back into a team Moncton will be proud to call their own".

While Goalie Cam Talbot struggled last season, it is widely believed that he has the tools and the temperament to rebound, and with the kind of term left on his contract-- he is signed until 2023 -- Talbot will no doubt be a key figure in the Golden Flame's long journey toward respectability.

Cap space, a talented goalie under wraps for the foreseeable future, a 12th overall selection and a couple promising prospects (Amadio, Hronek) and the very real shot at a lottery pick next season along with a soon-to-be-announced new head coach could represent the DNA of a new era of good hockey in Moncton, and with the temptation to make a push for postseason no longer the distracton it was, Moncton's management, mercurial and prone to dramatic moves as they are, will most assuredly be patient and methodical in its approach to rebuilding: "There's nothing to tempt us with, at this stage...I think acquiring and flipping a marquis talent like Kessel sort of proves that much...we are going to make Moncton a fun, competitive place for prospects to learn the game and for pro's to lead the charge...what we're planning to build here; it's going to be exciting...it'll take time, but you're gonna see Moncton become a choice destination for GHL talent to come and try to win with us". 

[Owen-Moncton]

HOT OFF THE PRESS: Golden Flames Leave Draft With Swedish Trio

President and General Manager Owen Durkin was seen absolutely beaming following the announcement of the Golden Flame's final pick of the 2018 GHL Amateur Draft. And for good reason. Sitting table side next to presumptive incoming head coach Tyler Colley (the worst-kept secret in all of Moncton), the two spent much of the afternoon conferring, going over pages of scouting reports and rankings while passing an Ipad back and forth as they studied video clips, presumably of the prospects they hoped would be donning the red white and yellow by day's end.

An avid amateur and junior-pro scout more so by passion than by official title, Colley is a rink-rat with an affinity for highly-skilled, rangy Europeans --particularly Finns and Swedes -- and that affinity appears to have been shared by the scouting department, as the Flames leave with three Swedish forwards with the potential to become everyday GHL'ers. Let's take a look:

12th overall: Lias Andersson. The 6-foot-tall 200-lb Swede is already man-strong and seemingly genetically engineered to win battles down low and come up with the puck. He lives with one boot in the blue paint and thrives on one-on-one battles.
"Stylistically, we view him as a Zach Hyman-type", says Colley, adding:"He's got the skill to pot his share, but where he really shines is in playing that pick-and-shovel role and creating time and space for his linemates". "We love what he brings...he's going to have a great GHL career; of that, we are all certain".

97th overall: Emil Pettersson. The 6'2" southpaw from Sundsvall, Sweden is a natural center who excels as much as a playmaker as he does a finisher, making deft, often dazzling offensive zone decisions from all over the attacking zone. While he has work to do in the south end of the ice, Pettersson's highly-tuned hockey IQ, quick stride and soft hands could see the lanky pivot challenge for a regular shift within a couple seasons.

"We were obviously pleased and frankly a little shocked that Pettersson was on the board at 97", said Durkin, adding: "The kid gobbles up the ice with those big strides and he is a wizard in the attack zone; skates in all directions and keeps his head up at all times...he's a fun one to watch".

128th overall: Pierre Engvall: Officially listed at 6'4'', the left winger from Ljunby, Sweden has a commanding presence out on the ice, using his big frame and outstanding reach to both protect the puck and maneuver into optimal lanes where he launches quick and hard shots with a deceptively short release. In 9 regular season games with the Marlies, Engvall put up 4 goals and added 4 helpers after making the transition to the smaller North American ice. He then added another 3 goals and 5 assists in the playoffs en route to a championship.


Durkin in particular, was over the moon to snag Engvall at 128th "I'm not kidding when I say I think we could be looking at the steal of the 2018 draft here...he's a big, big, man with an incredible reach and super-sweet hands and he just wants the puck more than the opposition out there...and how he managed to transition to the smaller ice right out of the box like he did still baffles us...he's got all the tools in the bag to not only compete but succeed at the North American game...we really think we scored ourselves a winner...all three have the tools to take a GHL job in another year or two".

Was the Swedish motif pre-planned?

"You'd think so, wouldn't you"? "frankly, no...we thought we'd get ourselves a defender today to be honest...we just went BPA (best player available) as per our master list and we feel like we are taking some monumental steps forward in creating the internal competition that all winning organizations need to establish and develop".

[Owen-Moncton]

HOT OFF THE PRESS: "Dog Days of Summer" Edition

As we see the back to school promotions roll out across the continent, we're reminded that we'll soon be replacing our ball gloves and jet skis with smelly hockey bags (You all remembered to air that shit out in the garage, right?) within the next four weeks or so, as training camp rosters and PTO's are assigned across the GHL.
There'll be little fireworks or fanfare at this year's camp in Moncton, based on the quality (read: lack thereof) that defines the current roster, yet team President and GM Owen Durkin appeared to be all smiles this morning at his office, suggesting his staff have been anything but idle. Does this suggest the Flames are about to make some kind of potential blockbuster move, possibly regarding next year's first rounder?

Based on current prognostications, that pick could prove to be a lottery pick, possibly even Swedish super-elite prospect Rasmus Dahlin. The uncontested lock to go first overall in less than 11 months, Dahlin is the full package. He skates like Connor McDavid makes lateral cuts through the attacking zone like William Nylander, and he hits...hard. And often. No defender has garnered as much praise prior to their emergence in the league, bar none. Make no mistake, Dahlin is the cornerstone defender that a championship team can hang its future success on, so why would Durkin even contemplate the notion of passing up the opportunity to draft such a player?

"Our job is to assess every eventuality and opportunity, including the leveraging of both cap and draft picks", said Durkin, elaborating: "Obviously, the chance to draft a generational talent -- and that's what Dahlin is -- you don't take it for granted... that said, we owe it to our fans and to our player personnel to make Moncton a place where success in this league is possible...so, we're investigating all avenues available to us in making that a reality".

With cap and picks available to be leveraged, Moncton does have the resources to either wait in the weeds for a year and make a draft day splash, or buy the talent necessary through free agency, to take the next few needed steps.

[Owen-Moncton]

HOT OFF THE PRESS: Trade Talks Heating Up?

While there's been plenty of radio chatter between Moncton and a number of clubs, no slam dunk offers appear to have emerged despite rumours of a bonafide franchise piece being dangled in front of Moncton.
"We could end the weekend with a young dynamic cornerstone piece if we can settle on the loose change" said Gm Durkin after taking a Starbucks break in order to reassess and connect with his coach Tyler Colley, known for his exhaustive player intel at both junior and pro levels. "My main question is whether we need to be patient and let that pick marinate or do the competitive thing and get some game breakers into our lineup over the coming weeks". Not known for his patience, Durkin has shown a propensity for taking gambles but this might be one time that prudence and patience are warranted
R. "Look, this ain't New York or Montreal where the fans will get after you for underachieving, but they'll do it from a 200 dollar seat...you disappoint in Moncton two years running and you're hearing crickets in the stands". The oft outspoken executive is correct in that regard. Momcton can't abide failure indefinitely and gate revenue is tied to success. Will we see a major move this weekend or will Durkin test the Moncton faithful for yet another season?

[Owen-Moncton]

HOT OFF THE PRESS: FLAMES LAND KUZNETSOV

Moments ago, it was learned that Moncton and regional ally/adversary Halifax have reached an accord that sends Moncton's 2019 first rounder -- a pick that could become a first overall pick -- plus recently drafted Lias Andersson and a fifth rounder for a 26-year-old 6'2" centreman who put up 83 points last season with the Huskies, one Evgeny Kuznetsov.

"This is the franchise player Moncton needs to initiate our rebuild in earnest...pending league approval, we'll formalize an extension with our new acquisition and get to work on building a team around our new cornerstone piece".

Did the need to appease fans after last year's abysmal outing weigh in?

"Damn right it did...our fans endured a long and arduous season that we cant allow to repeat...we are taking steps to show our fans and players that we mean business...Kuz is an electrifying player with size and an incredible skill set...giving Moncton fans reason to be excited makes us all very proud right now".


As an RFA1, there is a very real chance that another club may want to bid him up. Durkin is prepared for that eventuality:
"Weve piled enough cap into the Moncton storehouses to make Kuz a Golden Flame for the next 6 years and if anyone cares to pay the 6 draft picks to take him off our hands, let them try; we're ready to match".
Durkin expects the Moncton faithful to celebrate the great news and welcome this elite player into the fold by the endof the weekend.