Hot Off The Press...

[Owen-Moncton]

HOT OFF THE PRESS: Moncton Gets Their Man

With round one of the GHL UFA period wrapping moments ago, Moncton fans across the province of New Brunswick had reason to celebrate as results indicate that centreman Tyler Seguin agreed to terms with the Golden Flames, adding to what will become a formidable roster in the coming seasons. Having added Evgeny Kuznetsov earlier in the summer, the core of a very dangerous forward group looks to be taking shape.

"It's obviously a long-term situation in terms of the contract and our plans and processes as a group to become champions, but I am one hundred percent committed to this rebuild and I'm looking forward to training camp", said the 26-year-old pivot, drafted 8th overall in 2011.

"Huge day for the organization and our fans...we paid a premium for an elite centreman whose best days are still in front of him, and we fully intend to offer --and honour -- a long-term deal to this kid...our rebuild is now in full swing", said GM Owen Durkin, adding that the full 6-year term will lower the AAV to 'around eleven and a half' (Million), making this a very reasonable price for a cornerstone piece of a rebuilding franchise.

"Great kid, great hands, can dangle and dish at full-speed in the fun-zone...gonna be a great fit here", said coach Tyler Colley.

With just over ten million to play with in cap space, and 23 spaces to fill, it would stand to reason that barring a trade, Moncton's big-dollar deals are done for the season, and that's just fine with Moncton fans.

[Owen-Moncton]

HOT OFF THE PRESS: Jumbo Joe's Four-Alarm Locker Room Meltdown

After a string of embarrassing losses, the undisputed Alpha in the room appears to have had his fill, causing local arena maintenance crew to earn a little overtime pay, particularly in the home team's facilities. The squad's generally unflappable graybeard/future first-ballot GHL Hall-of-Famer hurled both insults and exercise equipment around the room and ultimately had to be restrained by a number of teammates and trainers as he tore at his own beard in a decidedly Old Testament-esque display of righteous indignation, whilst newer faces not worthy to unlace his skates chuckled with their heads bowed.

According to inside sources (your very own Fisty McKnuckles), that was the moment Jumbo rendered judgement and not even the four horseman of the apocalypse could have held him back.

"Obviously, we're all feeling the strain...and yeah, some of our toys got broken after last night", said GM Owen Durkin. "Joe has the cache in just about any locker room to do and say what needs to be done and said...and the bank balance to cover insurance deductible". "Matter of fact, he called me this morning to say he's donating full replacement value in new sports equipment to the Moncton Boys and Girls Club". "That's class...and leadership".

Regarding the pigeons in the cheap seats chirping and chucking: "those players will remain nameless...Jumbo's the Alpha for a reason, and he schooled a few pups...let's leave it at that for now".

The Great Tribulation continues...

[Owen-Moncton]

HOT OFF THE PRESS: Kuznetsov, Lemieux Suffolk-Bound

With Moncton's season becoming a total washout, currently-injured offensive stalwart Evgeny Kuznetsov will be reporting to Suffolk alongside grit-guy Brendan Lemieux, who was second team-wide in points on the Golden Flames' 2019-20 roster with 22 points.
While the move offers no immediate relief to Moncton's woes, the opportunity to recapture a first round pick plus two intriguing pieces in Isaac Ratcliffe and Tage Thompson represent a chance to develop some legitimate GHL talent and to look for other deals wherein the luxury of an extra few schmill in cap space could make a difference.

"Kuzy and Lemieux have been outstanding for us", said GM Owen Durkin after the trade call was placed. "Always tough to part ways with such great citizens in our hockey community...they deserve a chance to compete for something meaningful and when nothing appears to be working, you look for changes that represent opportunity to be better tomorrow, if not right away, and that's what today's trade is about for us in Moncton".

Kuznetsov is nursing a nine day injury, but there are no complications to his complete recovery anticipated.
"...Tough to leave when you sign a long term deal with a club and you wanna be there when the situation improves, but it'as a business and I think Lemmy and I can add something to what Suffolk is doing...and I'd rather play with Matthews on my team than against him...so yeah, tough but exciting", opined the superstar forward.

Post-trade finalization, Moncton will have picks in the first three rounds to add to a stable of youth that boasts Erik Brannstrom and Filip Hronek on the back end along with journeymen PK Subban, Nick Leddy. Up front, Tyler Seguin and Jeff Skinner will do the heavy lifting, with Michael Amadio, Zach Sanford and Pierre Engvall all rounding into solid career GHL talents. Should either Thompson or Ratcliffe have a breakout season, they could become key pieces to the Moncton puzzle, in time.

With the number of games lost to injury It has been nigh-impossible for Moncton's faithful to witness anything resembling success. The team is routinely outshot by a factor of 3 to 1 and both Martin Jones and Henrik Lundqvist have been run ragged trying to compensate for a porous blueline, with little success.

The fans are calling for either a scorched-earth style rebuild wherein the trading of high picks becomes a matter of distant memory, or the ouster of GM Durkin for being unable to move the needle on his club in any meaningful way.

"I get the frustration, we all do:, said Durkin. "We--I -- am not making excuses; we have to be better, starting with me...Ilike the way some of our youngguys are developing and I like the pieces we have in front of them and I know if we are patient and smart, we'll be competitive before too long...if winning was easy, everyone would be a champion, but it's tough to win in this league and we are gonna have to adapt if we want to start playing meaningful hockey...I think we made a smart deal today and it bodes well for tomorrow".

[Owen-Moncton]

HOT OFF THE PRESS: Mid-season Update

While there's been more media activity at those non-existent White House pressers than in Moncton, Golden Flames boss Owen durkin has been quietly working the phones in order to plan for a better tomorrow...and, the day after.

"We are taking the long view here", advised Durkin, a few short hours after the league sanctioned a pending trade that landed stellar tendy Matt Murray and a third round draft pick in Moncton in exchange for a first rounder along with a fourth going back to Cleveland.

Durkin makes no apologies for trading yet another first rounder: "Serious question"? "fair enough...so let's unpack it here and now: Murray is a PROVEN, ELITE talent, by any metric you care to name...he's also not even close to his ceiling as a GHL starting goalie and if we are gonna be successful here, we are gonna do so by building from the pipes out...so, now we head into the future with Murray as our starter, Branny and Flip on the back end-- and both are top pairing talents -- along with Tage Thompson, Ratcliffe and Engvall breaking down the door...above those, you got Jeff Skinner, Tyler Seguin, PK, and Ledds providing tons of veteran leadership...and let's not overlook the lunchpail crew that do it right every day: Zach Sanford and Amadio... we feel very strongly about the group we are building and the sequence in which we are being able to do it".

Regarding rumours of Jumbo Joe Thornton offering to move on for a chance to compete for a contender: " Moncton loves Jumbo...and we as a community would never begrudge him a chance to go win some hardware...we are in negotiations with two teams...and we are still listening, so yes, we will attempt to trade Joe Thornton to the highest bidder, provided the highest bid warrants as much".

On his future in Moncton, Murray texted the following: "Grateful for my teammates and fans in Cleveland, looking forward to being a Golden Flame"

Goalie Martin Jones was reassigned to the Flames junior squad to make roster space for Murray, who will play the lion's share of the 2019-20 season. Word is, Jones is furious with the demotion and looking to play lights-out until a trade arises.

Fisty McKnuckles, reporting from the Firehouse Arena, Moncton.

[Owen-Moncton]

HOT OFF THE PRESS: Moncton's (all-new)Youth Movement; Jumbo Jets to ADR

Pending league approval, GHL living legend "Jumbo" Joe Thornton will be wheels up and Adirondack-bound after saying his goodbyes to the Moncton faithful at the Firehouse one last time. A meet and greet is scheduled for later today to allow fans to pay tribute to one of the most prolific playmakers to ever lace 'em up in Canada's East Coast, as Jumbo departs for a chance to usurp the conference's heavy hitters as part of Adirondack's growingly formidable squad.

"It's been a pleasure and a privilege to play for the Golden Flames...tough times notwithstanding, the city has been first class to me and my family and it will always be a part of my identity as a player", Jumbo said, walking downtown tarps-off, as is his custom.

While Moncton parts with a second rounder and a pair of fifths in the upcoming draft, what they've recaptured is a placeholder in Jay Beagle, who is about as pleased to be heading to Moncton as Martin Jones was to be sent to the minor league team. Beagle did not reply to text messages as of this writing.

The cornerstone of the trade for the Golden Flames is obviously the addition of highly-skilled youth in the form of Andrew Mangiapane and Max Jones. While a tad undersized, Mangiapane is an industrious winger, built for the modern game wherein puck possession means more than the ability to blow an opponent up in the middle of the ice. Selected by Moncton at 96th overall in the 2017 draft, Mangiapane willbe given every opportunity to cement himself as part of Moncton's growing youth movement.
Jones is as rugged as they come and at 6'3' he can play whatever brand of puck his coaches ask of him. The former second-rounder has the makings of a Brady Tkachuk-type of 'throwback' power forward; the kind that can raise his intensity level in the playoffs to match that of any opponent.

"We obviously love Jumbo here and we thank him for what he has done for our club and community, now we wish him all the success in the world in Adirondack...other teams vying for that last ticket to the big dance had best not sleep on that team...they're not to be taken lightly, especially with Jumbo in the mix", said GM Owen Durkin. Regarding Jay Beagle and his reticence to embrace his future as a Flame: " look, we get it... Jay wants to play meaningful hockey, like Jumbo, and you don't know how many more chances you're gonna get to earn yourself a ring in this league...he's a very good faceoff man and we just moved one of those, but if a playoff contender wants to pick up some affordable depth down the middle, we can possibly look at taking back some dead cap for a middling pick and help Jay get himself a shot at the playoffs, but we'll see."

Brannstrom...Hronek...Ratcliffe...Engvall...Thompson...and Jones and Mangiapane: the cornerstone skating pieces of the Moncton rebuild represent high skill and valuable depth at key positions. Future all-stars? maybe some, but they all have the pedigree and potential to play for a long time in the show. And the recent addition of goalie Matt Murray bode very, very well for Moncton's youth-driven rebuild. What they now lack in draft picks, they make up for in terms of the type of depth at all positions that equates to a higher degree of internal competition, meaning these young guts will push themselves and each other to be better versions of themselves, in hopes of cracking the roster and becoming an impactful piece of Moncton's oft-delayed turnaround as a franchise.

Fisty McKnuckles reporting from some shithole bar in the Maritimes, three Bullit Bourbon doubles in one...and GM Durkin may be here matching me drink for drink...but that would be telling.

[Owen-Moncton]

HOT OFF THE PRESS: Moncton Draft Table Unattended

As the 2020 draft kicks off, the Moncton draft table has been duly converted to a press area. With no draft picks in their possession, Moncton has no staff at the annual event, however the decision to take the next couple days off does not suggest that the phones are switched off. "We're always listening, always talking", says GM Owen Durkin. "We've been among the most active franchises leading up to the draft and to say we are pleased with the yield is putting it rather mildly", he continued.

"Over the course of the summer, we've added some key core pieces, some high-skill veterans, and we've held onto some cap, despite adding an absolutely elite franchise player in Stammer".

You read that right, puck-heads. Steven Stamkos, formerly of the Philly Pharaohs, will be reporting to Moncton prior to training camp in order to acquaint himself with his new environment and coaching/training staff. It is anticipated that he will likely be named captain of a squad in need of both marquis talent and a new voice in the locker room.

Also joining the Flames in the coming weeks is stalwart GHL defender Anton Stralman. Known for his explosive skating and mistake-free, hi-IQ brand of hockey, his presence bolsters a struggling back end which features big-ticket underperforming players like NIck Leddy and PK Subban, who will naturally see their minutes reduced to reflect their decline in play. A native of Sweden, Stralman will be joined on the blueline by fellow countryman Hampus Lindholm, a highly-skilled, modern day GHLer with all the tools to become a core piece of a revamped Golden Flames squad. Add up-and-comer Calle Rosen to the list of Swedes playing in front of a tendy tandem featuring Henrik Lundqvist and Cam Talbot. Rugged winger Greg McKegg will also be sporting the red and gold this season, adding some jam to a thin forward group.

"2020-21 might not be our year to go head-to-head with the top teams in the league, but that's fine", says Durkin. What we needed to accomplish was to lock up a core group that we believe we can build a contender around...going forward, teams taking Moncton lightly will be in for a rude awakening...any team with a pair of elite forwards in the one and two holes like Stammer and Seguin is bound to make noise, provided we give them the tools to work with, and we are doing just that".

Is Moncton done reshaping its 2020-21 roster? Don't count on it. "We still have some cap to work with when UFA signings open...and with a much-improved D-corps in place, we have our eyes on some free agents up front who we think would appreciate the chance to work with our group and build something special for our fans".

Fisty McKnuckles, reporting from the vacant Moncton desk

[Owen-Moncton]

HOT OFF THE PRESS: Moncton Strikes (again) While Iron is Hot

Breaking news that is sure to help Moncton Flames fans keep the fire burning. Pending league approval, Flames GM Owen Durkin secured an agreement with Alaska's deputy GM Joe Pizzo that will send elite veteran rearguard Zdeno Chara along with centreman Pavel Zacha, in exchange for Matt Murray, Isaac Ratcliffe, Pierre Engvall and Moncton's 2021 4th round draft selection.

"Pending league approval, Big Z and Little Z will be joining the rest of Moncton's roster in eastern Canada for an orientation of the organization, prior to camp in the coming months", announced Durkin, continuing: "We're thrilled, and we are confident that our great fans will be thrilled with what we are building also...that back end--which we've been re-crafting all summer-- just got a whole lot better and Pav(Zacha)'s a big, skilled kid...we plan on matching his talent with the opportunity to leverage it in a meaningful way in Moncton, for years to come...it's an exciting era that's coming to the city of Moncton".

The last time Moncton made any noise was a few years ago, when Durkin focused on a defense-first squad that featured the likes of Ryan McDonagh, Andy Greene, and Roman Josi. Moncton ultimately lost to a dangerous Quebec crew in the first round of playoffs, but it sent waves across the league that Moncton was back in business.
That epic playoff push was a milestone that was soon met with several lean years for the Red and Gold, which somehow brings us to this day, when Moncton Golden Flames fans will see the likes of Zdeno Chara, Steven Stamkos, Tyler Seguin, Hampus Lindholm and others lead the charge toward GHL glory in years to come. If pieces like PK Subban and Jeff Skinner rediscover their gifts, Moncton will become a veritable force to be reckoned with featuring a balanced lineup of punishing defense, and absolutely elite offensive talent. The real challenge will be in re-establishing a pipeline of young talent, as the afformentioned acquisitions come at the cost of talented young futures in Ratcliffe and Engvall.

"Of course, it's tough to say goodbye to young talent like those guys, along with Matty (Murray) and Jonesy in a recent deal, but we feel that we have established a core that we can keep together for years to come, while we begin to build in those secondary and tertiary layers of talent, be it guys coming off ELC's, prospects or picks...to our hive-mind in Moncton, veterans like Z and Stammer arent the icing, theyre the cake...we'll start decorating over the next two years... and we'll let you know when we're ready to plan any parades".

[Owen-Moncton]

HOT OFF THE PRESS: Another Year of Puck-Pergoatory?

As the dog days of summer roll on, Moncton's fans are eagerly anticipating the colder climes to come, drooling at the notion of bonafide GHL stars like Zdeno Chara, Steven Stamkos and others ushering in what is hoped to be an era marked not by tribulation, but triumph and hopefully, a few trophies. There have been more lean years than reasons for celebration in Canada's nearest maritime province, as most of GM Owen Durkin's decisions have felt like two steps forward, followed by an equal measure in reverse, with little reason to assume things are improving.
With few assets marinating in the minors and no high draft p[icks for at least 2 more years, one must wonder if 'hope' is something of a foreign concept for the beleagured brand with the worst record in the league more times than anyone cares to mention.

"It's been a rough ride", said a local fisherman-Flames fan from a nearby village, adding:"lotsa Flames fans have said they wanna drown Durkin in the harbour with the way things have been...it's like being out on the boats an' the waves are fifty feet high an' the skies are black while it's chuckin' down...so ya hang on and ya don't panic... then you start seein' the clouds part an' a bit o' sunlight pushes through...next thing ya knows, the sun's shinin an' skies are blue an' it's time ta gets back ta work, ya know"? "We're a pretty hearty brood out here an' sometimes, ya just gotta ride out the storm".

Storm-season has been like an endless winter for fans of the original Red and Gold, but how can one not equate this revamped crew with anything but blue skies ahead? That said, even with all the shiny new additions, will it be enough to push past the doldrums of dead-last in the division and perhaps challenge for -- if not win -- a playoff position?
"Good question", says our seafaring sage. "Talby's lookin' like a beaut this comin' year...came off a pretty good 19-20 season...some o' those D-men like Subban looked kinda rough, but he's too good not to bounce back...if they aren't winnin' by Novemebr, durkin should look at tradin' Talby and gettin somethin for the future, ya know"? "I heard tell o' some teams tryin' to trade fer im, cuz everybody wants a good backup or1B guy, but I dunno...maybe ya wait a couple months in an' see if playoffs is in the cards".

The old sea-dog might be on to something there, and while rumours of interest from a number of teams have made their way to these ears, nothing suggests that any sort of serious consideration is being given to the idea of handicapping a team that looks so much more formidable both up front and on the blueline.

"I'm not sold on the idea that we have the horses to to lead the charge to glory just yet", said Durkin, "but I would have to be seriously impressed by any offer for any key piece of this team, at any position...what good does it do our organization to pull the trigger on ant=y sort of offer that doesnt either make us better now, or in the future"? "A lot of times, people assume to know what so-called 'fair-market value' is for a particular asset, but if you're lookiong at taking a step back organizationally by moving a key player, you had better be getting a good haul to help your future line-up, or you're short-changing your fans and your organization...so, to answer the question, no, we are not moving our starting goaltender just for the sake of helping a competitor, for whatever they may think is fair market value... I gotta be able to sell the idea, not just to my bosses, but to our bosses' bosses, which are the fans, and corporate sponsors...we all want to compete hard and set that tone in Moncton and you dont do that by selling off your starting goalie".

But what abolut by the halw-way mark? " When we have a read on how we are looking in the standings, we'll meet as a leadership group and decide if we are making a push or if we are selling...we won't be buying, as we've made our cornerstone investments in Stammer, Big Z, and a couple other players and the next phase is to build in some layers of talent and depth through free agency and then drafting...but job one was cementing a core group that can be leaders on the ice and in the locker room...these guys know how to win at the highest levels and we are confident they'll lead our group for years to come".

While it's anyone's guess as to whether Durkin's Golden Flames have done enough to be taken seriously yet, it is clear that mediocrity can't continue and that the time to turn it around and play meaningful hockey is upon us and as we wait for Stammer, Z and others to arrive, it looks like red skies at night for the future, however long it takes to get there.

Fisty McKnuckles reporting from Moncton

[Owen-Moncton]

HOT OFF THE PRESS: UFA Negotiations Begin

It's been a hell of a ride thus far into the off season, with a number of big name acquisitions --at the expense of a few legitimate building blocks-- now calling Moncton home. Stamkos, Stralman, Chara, Lindholm as well as a few foot soldiers are well into their preparation for what is hoped to be something of an "up from the ashes" kind of campaign for a franchise that has little if anything left to lose.

"We've lost more games than just about any other franchise in the GHL and the time to reverse that trend starts right now", said oft-maligned rearguard PK Subban, coming off a particularly average year. "Management has brought in some great high skill guys to help us right the ship and hopefully, a couple chips fall our way during UFA signings...whatever they (management) decide to do with the cap space is on them and we trust our leadership...our job is to do the work out there and show them their faith in this group is deserved".

Subban realizes he will be in tough to earn anything above number four D man duties in light of the new blueline acquisitions: "I can't control anything outside of how I prepare and compete and the onus is on me to play my way into being a guy my coaches can trust...the plan is to compete hard and make a case for myself as a difference maker out there...we've added some great defenders and that means a higher level of internal competition; something we maybe need to see more of from all of us, particularly myself".


With a formidable defense corps formed, and some real stability in goal with Cam Talbot looking like he's going to be playing out the last season of his contract in Moncton, one would assume that the focus during UFA negotiations will be on offense. Several high-octane offensive threats appear to be available, ranging from savvy veteran centremen to smooth skating wingers with a penchant for playing in the paint, using their deft deflection skills and silky touch in tight to foil goaltenders ad defenders alike. It wouldn't surprise to see Moncton look to make a splash by locking up an impact forward who can offer some balance up front.

"We're certainly planning to land another big fish or two, but that's all I'm gonna give you", said Flames GM Owen Durkin with a crafty smile. "We like our back end and we think we are stable in goal...and we are having conversations that make sense from our cap standpoint as well as roster makeup...once the league informs as to whether our offers have been accepted or rejected, we'll re-assess and see what's out there, but let's just see how tonight plays out".

With Tyler Seguin's offensive impact dipping, it will be important to equip both he and new arrival Steven Stamkos with some high calibre help on the wings if the Flames want to keep the puck north of centre ice. The arrival of Stamkos likely means Seguin will be relegated to the 2-hole with a strong chance of seeing first unit power play time along with the former Pharoahs superstar pivot. Chances are, Stammer may find himself on the wing, using that legendary one-timer of his to rack up goals with the man advantage. Seguin still has the hands to distribute in the O-zone and together, the pair could catch lightning in a bottle. Indeed, special teams appear to be an area where fans can expect vast improvement, based on this new-look Flames squad.

As the excitement of free agency mounts, the question on the minds of all Maritimers west of Halifax is whether Moncton be welcoming another big-ticket offensive weapon to the fold tonight. We'll have all the latest Golden Flames info right here as it unfolds...

Fisty McKnuckles, reporting from The Firehouse in Moncton.

[Owen-Moncton]

HOT OFF THE PRESS: Moncton Looking to Light Things up

It's been an off season like no other for Moncton in many ways. The Golden Flames are and have been a team looking to create a kind of identity that represents both marquee-level offensive talent -- the kind that makes the highlight reels-- and physically robust, hard-hitting hockey, as has been proven to be necessary to withstand the rigours of playoff action.

Striking that balance has been the bane of GM and President Owen Durkin's existence for many a season, but the old dog feels he may have learned a few tricks along the way.

"Success leaves clues", he recently opined, adding: "Our best success has been based on the solidifying of a core group of defenders that can play up and down the lineup, make our goalie's lives easier by taking care of the puck in the D-zone, and transitioning quickly to offense to support our forwards...the challenge has always been finding the player personnel to cover those bases and we feel like the work we did this off-season is the closest we've come in a long time to checking off enough boxes to really compete".

A lofty goal indeed for a squad that typically hands out W's to the opposing team like Halloween candy. Is it actually conceivable that Moncton's new-look franchise has the goods to carry the mail? Let's take a look...

There was a fair amount of pre-season chatter regarding the potential for moving goalie Cam Talbot -- a skilled, bonafide starter-- for futures, but all of that came to a grinding halt when Golden Flames' management recognized that the squad they'd engineered could actually do some damage this year.

"We looked at our competition throughout the league and while we may not appear to be be an 'upper echelon' team, what we found was that many of our competitors might have more offense available in their top nine, but that left them with holes either on the blueline or in goal, so they'll have to stay healthy enough to out-score their opponents all season long...not saying that those teams shouldn't be taken seriously, but there's a saying that goes: "know your enemy", and that means identifying their weaknesses and how you might exploit them".

So how does Moncton plan to exploit its opponents?

"If there's one fail-safe solution or strategy, we have yet to find it, but there's little argument to be made against good defense, which doesnt just mean eating vulcanized rubber and breaking your ankles blocking shots all night; it really starts and ends with minimizing exposure to high-risk opportunities and getting the puck moving the other way as early and often as possible...for the first time in a great while, we feel we have both the D corps and the supporting cast at the forward positions to get it done effectively".

With a defense that has the tools to play both a physically challenging and a high-tempo game, Moncton's forwards -- to say nothing of its netminders -- should have a much easier time of creating scoring opportunities this coming season.

Their first test comes in three nights time when they visit a Boston team that is very much an upper-echelon group that really represents the blueprint of what Moncton would aspire to be, with a back end that is as formidable as its forward group, and a tandem of tendys that would be tough to beat.

"They're sort of the gold standard, no question...like I said, success leaves clues..."

It'll be an interesting affair come Thursday night as the league kicks off, with Moncton fans getting their first glimpse of what they hope will be a season to remember, this time for all the right reasons.

[Owen-Moncton]

HOT OFF THE PRESS Flames Bested by Boston

Moncton fell in its season opener to a high-flying Bears squad that peppered 35 shots at starting goalie Cam Talbot, beating him four times; one tally coming on a Boston power-play. Beantown hero Jake Guentzel was personally responsible for three of those markers, earning a home-ice hattrick along with two points in front of an ecstatic rink of socially-distanced supporters.

Flames Head Coach Tyler Colley had this to say, following the defeat:
"Well, on the positive side, we kept a really skilled team to 35 shots while giving up the man advantage on four occasions, including a 4 minute power play...that indicates to me that we can defend...next, we need to figure out how to keep our emotions in check and play whistle to whistle without crossing the line".

To that end, it was newly-minted Moncton winger Greg McKegg who drew the lion's share of infractions and likely the ire of his coach with a total of eight PIMs, effectively taking the team's most effective forwards off the ice for an inordinate amount of time.

"I wanted to make an impact but not like that", confessed McKegg, post-match, adding: "I know my role...create space for my linemates, take away the goalie's eyes and make them aware of my presence out there, but you can't do any of that from the box...I'm gonna need to keep my head out there and not hurt our chances...tonight was a winnable game and this one's on me".

With less than a minute left in regulation, McKegg took what can only be described as a borderline call to give Guentzel both his third goal and first-star honours, but GM Owen Durkin holds no grudge against the officials: "When you run around all night, you're not getting the benefit of doubt, regardless of who's wearing the stripes out there...this is on ourselves, not the officials"

It's likely that the next game versus Suffolk will feature a demotion to the second unit for the hard-hitting winger, if Coach Colley's tone during the post-game scrum gives us any clues.

"Kegger's got a pretty good shot when he uses it; hard, accurate, quick release...none of that helps him or the team if you're spending almost half your ice time in the penalty box...we like what he brings when he keeps it simple and plays on the edge, but we aren't gonna win playing short-handed, so we'll look at some tape, talk it out and move ahead with our plan against Suffolk...we'll be ready for 'em".

[Owen-Moncton]

HOT OFF THE PRES: Not Quite Scorched Earth, But a Blockbuster Nonetheless

With under a week to go before the annual trade deadline, Adirondack and Moncton exchanged 'Aces', as Steven Stamkos found himself and newly-minted teammate Alex Pietrangelo -- along with fledgeling defender Calle Rosen -- en route to their new GHL home, in search of playoff glory.
"I get that it's a business and that these kinds of things happen...I'm ready to get to work in Adirondack", opined the soft-spoken former Flames/Pharaohs sniper as he departed the Firehouse for the last time as a member of the home side.
"I think we can move on with our heads held high and prepare for what we hope will be a long post-season", added Pietrangelo.
J.T. Miller was not immediately available for comment, however, one-time Flames prospect Tage Thompson -- a late addition to the deal -- knows exactly how it feels to play for the Moncton faithful: "The fans are amazing in Moncton...they let you have it when you don't deliver, and they can get pretty colourful with the language, but if you're playing and competing hard out there, they're like the proverbial sixth skater and that energy they add is infectious".

While clearly not thrilled about missing the playoffs, defender Eric Johnson waxed a tad philosophical on the matter of moving on from a rapidly-improving Aces club: "Well, you always wanna be out there in the playoffs when it really matters, but when you look at the big picture, I think Moncton could become a very good team and sooner than later...I hope I can be a key piece of the leadership group there and give their fans something to be proud about".

With a staggering 26 goals and 29 assists thus far, the 27-year-old Miller walks in as the club's leading scorer going away, and by a wide margin. His shooting prowess, as well as his ability to dish make him a potent offensive weapon that should inspire anyone on his line to elevate their compete level.

GM Owen Durkin had the following to say:

"Before the season kicked off, Sly (Pizone, ADR GM) and I talked at length about what it might take to bring J.T. to Moncton...we got close to pulling the trigger, but talks stalled and we were beyond fortunate that Stammer agreed to the sign and trade deal that we did with Philly...we want to thank him for his short but impactful time in Moncton... he's a class act and a phenomenal athlete... we see J.T. as a similar type of player who happens to be a few years younger and for a rebuilder, you want that youth as you accumulate assets, which we feel we've done a pretty decent job at this season".

To Durkin's credit, that list of assets isn't half-bad. They include defender Devon Toews, who looks poised for a breakout year next season; forwards Sean Monahan and Sam Bennett, the latter a pesky, skilled utility player with top six-potential, although the window will soon be closing on his re-emergence, as well as the aforementioned Thompson, a rangy, lanky, skilled power-forward-in-waiting with the size that coaches and GM's covet. Along with Bennett, Moncton also acquired Colorado's second round draft pick in the 2021 draft. The key piece coming to Moncton in that trade was of course Pietrangelo and while he has certainly proven to be more of an offensive weapon from the back end, what Johnson brings in terms of size, strength, experience and defensive awareness makes him a fantastic asset for a team that can't seem to keep the puck out of their net.
While likely a late second, Moncton's scouts will be hard at work in their quest to unearth a rare gem, with a legitimate shot at a GHL job within the next few seasons.

Is Moncton done shuffling the deck for the season? Chances of any further moves are slim, but one never knows.

"If the right offer comes along, anyone can be moved, but it will be important to start showing our players that Moncton is a safe place to play in the GHL and that we have a long-term goal of building a contender...we underestimated how much of an impact that loading up on our top two lines and focusing our resources on the back end would have on how our bottom six can contribute, and I'll wear the horns there...it's a fast, youth-driven league and the top six-bottom six model is becoming much more of a top nine scenario... you need those cost-effective, skill players with something to prove, who can slide up and down in your lineup and that's what we hope to have in Sammy and Tage..we'll continue to analyze and adjust in the off season, and our guys will have a good, long summer to heal up and get ready for next year".

Reporting from the Firehouse, this is your favourite former enforcer Fisty McKnuckles

[Owen-Moncton]

HOT OFF THE PRESS: Up From The Ashes?

With a fairly adventurous Trade Deadline Day now in the rearview mirror, Moncton was among the more active franchises working the phones, culminating in the departure of top four defender Hampus Lindholm, along with Devon Toews, Jordan Oesterle and a recently-acquired second round draft pick; Moncton's sole pick in the upcoming draft.

Inbound assets include a talented defender in Oliver Ekman-Larson, highly-acclaimed 6'4'' defense prospect Bode Wilde, rugged winger William Carrier and New York's first round draft pick in 2021.

"With the season approaching the home stretch, our focus as a management group was to think about the days and years ahead", GM Owen Durkin intimated, adding: "Hampy is a helluva player and we are thankful for his contribution to the club and community and we wish him all the success in the world in New York...but we are also very excited to be adding a slick , intelligent veteran in Ollie, who can be part of our leadership group...we've also added some assets to the picks and prospects pool as well as a real workhorse in Carrier, and we think that this bodes well -- if you'll excuse the inadvertent pun -- for the days ahead".

There's no question that young Mr. Wilde has all the tools in the chest to become an impactful two-way defender in the GHL, it's just a matter of when, and with the addition of ripening assets with the DNA to become dominant players along with an assortment of veterans such as Johnson, Savard and Stralman as well as the aforementioned OEL, the opportunity to have the best and brightest of the bunch mentored by a solid stable who know how to do it right every day appears to be a solid gameplan.

Next season's squad will likely be led from the net out by a rejuvenated Marc-Andre Fleury, a battle-hardened group of blueliners all looking to prove something, and a reasonably intact top six featuring recently-acquired J.T. Miller, Sean Monahan and Tyler Seguin. Newcomers like Sam Bennett and returning talent like Tage Thompson will look to crack the top nine if not the top six, and there will be both cap space and a compliment of pending free agents to entice into being part of the rebuild that is ongoing.

It is foreseeable that there will be more tinkering in the off season for Durkin and Co., as they attempt to accumulate assets prior to the draft, including the possibility of a pick swap in exchange for some of the players named herein, especially some of the more senior pieces. PK Subban and Nick Leddy may both have surprising trade value in the off-season, and could be looking for opportunity elsewhere, perhaps with a club in need of a capable top-four defenseman. Neither can be happy about their minutes over the last few months, especially Leddy, who has often ridden the pine in favour of younger, developing talent. It will be interesting to see how he fares over the home stretch and how a possible suitor may view his value going forward. Without question, he will be worth a look, should Moncton make him available.

So, as the season begins to fizzle out, the Flames once again find themselves mired in that puck-pergatory period of the season non-playoff clubs must call' garbage time', where they are simply fulfilling their contractual obligation to report and compete, for nothing but the love of the game and a last chance to make a leave a good impression on the Flames faithful, Moncton's management, and/or potential trade partners.

How much longer will Moncton's fans tolerate before they turn on their team? It's time for this team to rise from the ashes, before the embers of hope finally die. One hopes that the changes, which could be argued are upgrades, will spark that much-needed re-emergence.

Fisty McKnuckles signing off from the Firehouse in Moncton.

[Owen-Moncton]

HOT OFF THE PRESS: Flames Going Scorched Earth?

With the recent changes to the Golden Flames roster, it certainly looks like the gameplan is to burn it down rather than stoke the fires of mediocrity.

Steven Stamkos begot JT Miller, who begot a number of picks and younger players. Picks were parlayed into a cornerstone defender in Jacob Slavin, who will lead the rebuild from the back end.

Joel Farabee was added at great expense but few would argue that while the price was high, the return looks like a slam dunk in terms of elite-skill youth at the forward position.
“You don’t buy Porsches with peanuts”, opined GM Owen Durkin, adding: “we paid top dollar value to acquire the player personnel to build a future contender around and frankly, with respect to the outgoing players whom we certainly appreciate, it’s time to develop a core group organically, let them learn to win and grow as a group…”
That group includes the aforementioned Slavin and Farabee, a rejuvenated Sam Bennett, Zach Sanford. Andrew Mangiapane and an offensive defender in Bode Wilde, opportunity to engineer something meaningful looks to be on the horizon.

“It is quite rare for any team to have the opportunity to acquire high end young talent whose best years are still ahead of them… when and if those opportunities arise, you don’t hesitate…we’ll use every means at our disposal to surround them with complimentary pieces and the depth necessary to complete “.

With the draft and free agency upon us, it will be interesting to see how Moncton will insulate the group that they have secured to become future leaders on a team that has the worst overall record in the league.

Fisty McKnuckles reporting from Moncton New Brunswick

[Owen-Moncton]

HOT OFF THE PRESS :
Early Trade Freeze in Moncton?

With Moncton’s Golden Flames off to its best start in years, the Flames’ faithful have been filling the Firehouse in droves. Both gate and merch revenues have increased significantly.
New faces like Andrew Mangiapane, Joel Farabee, Jordie Benn and Jacob Slavin have been immediately impactful in their respective roles and have quickly endeared themselves to fans of the franchise.
So with all things trending upward, the only question remaining is whether they will they be buyers or sellers over the next few months leading up to the trade deadline?

“Typically, if you’re not in the mix by American Thanksgiving, it’s back to the drawing board “, offered GM Owen Durkin. “We’re right there on the bubble and by what we’re seeing, we feel we owe it to both our organization and supporters to let this thing play out… in short, we’re not going to be breaking up the group we have; we’re going to keep our noses to the grindstone and work through the process of learning how to win “,

So, what off the recent chatter suggesting that names like Slavin and Mangiapane could be on the block?

“We’ve had a look at those options and while it may be tempting on one hand to ‘sell high’, we’re staying the course”, Durkin says, adding:” this group is working hard and getting some really positive results and you send the wrong message to fans and players if you don’t let them slug it out together… it’s time to show some stability and build off of what appears to be a pretty solid foundation “.

Sounds like the phones are off for a change in Moncton…at least for the time being.
Fisty McKnuckles reporting for GHL News