We had six rooms set up for Seniors two years ago, but Mongolia didn’t show so the officials got moved into the Party Room – much better than the officials changing room.

There’s been another room made since then but I’m not sure if it’s big enough – will look this weekend. The warm room could also be an option.

A country opting out would be ideal, as 6 teams means a full round robin, whereas 7 means two pools I think.

Two split series.

Zero poo in gloves.

Hockey was reasonable but rusty. Thunder looked to be having trouble clearing their own zone on the breakout. Lots of times they were just chipping it out the Stampede D on the Stampede blue line, or plain missing passes. When they got it to their forwards they looked pretty good on the rush. Stampede rolled less players onto the ice than Thunder, who got down to their 4th line for a few shifts. Nice to see those kids out there getting game time. Geordie Wheeler got a lot of shifts so they got a good look at him as a fringe D player before the rest of the imports arrive.

The new Thunder import – Tommy looked solid but not fantastic. The Stampede had a couple of imports there I think but neither stood out either.

Aaron looked like a goalie carrying an injured shoulder. Toby looked in pretty good nick for someone who hasn’t played at this level the past two seasons. Rick was solid but probably would have hoped to have kept his team in it more as that period went 2-0 to Stampede. At the other end Aston looked pretty good, though Stampede have a problem if he blows out a knee or something – there’s only two goalies on their roster and Matt got lit up a few times. Stampede passing was typically nice, and they’ve got this pack of young kids coming through the ranks all together that will carry that team for the next decade or so if they all stay in town.

Thunder PK did very well – 7 from 7 I think, including a pretty lengthy 5 on 3. Stampede let in a powerplay (Thunder 1 from 5 with the extra man) and a shorthanded goal so not a good special teams night for Stampede. Even strength Stampede were certainly stronger.

Thunder D were getting beat a fair bit one on one when they lunged forward for the check, leading to a bunch of 2 on 1s. They’ve got 2 D imports coming so that should get better. Stampede D got a bit burnt for pace up the middle of the ice – their strength seems to be more in the forwards.

One bit of rough stuff between D. Dunlop and one of the Stampede players. Heath lucky not to get done for third man in.

Referees were average, but you get what you pay for. Tip from the refs: When the attacking team knocks the net off, and the non-offending team carries it up ice, you don’t blow the whistle until the offending team controls the puck again.

Ice was really hard so it got pretty snowy, and the puck bounced around quite a lot, but not bad to skate on.

Drive down…

The officials got free cheese rolls afterwards from Marita afterwards as well. I think she really was the overall MVP.

Yup.

Most likely the best players coming will be the ones they’ve already named – Quincey and Schremp. There might be some other NHL level players in the teams, but I don’t know if I’d bet on it, and I can’t imagine any will be better.

http://www.3news.co.nz/ChCh-quake-puts- … fault.aspx