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Goalie question answered?
Posted September 4, 2008
Last week, Blades coach Malcolm Cameron told me that Carolina's goaltending situation had been basically resolved -- as far as who the Canes would want to put with the Blades this season.
As far as signed goalies go, the Canes are a GK short next year to have one to send to Estero. '07-08 ECHL all-stars Dan Manzato and former Blade Justin Peters earned likely promotions to the AHL's Albany River Rats, and Albany's Mike Leighton got promoted to the NHL with Cam Ward.
That leaves 19-year-old Mike Murphy, who has another season left in juniors.
The only other goalie at Carolina's training camp (on a tryout/free agent basis) is David Leggio, who just happens to be a former college standout at Clarkson U. Cameron also told me last week that the goalie that he and Brush had been trying to get to Estero was a former college star. Obviously, that man is Leggio, 24. His credentials are impressive: the 5-foot-11, 179-pound goalie had a 59-29-12 career record at Clarkson, including eight shutouts, a .922 save percentage and a 2.30 goals-against average. His junior year, he was Clarkson's first recipient of the ECAC's Ken Dryden award, given to the top goaltender in the league, en route to setting single-season school records for saves and save percentage. He had the best save-percentage (.927) and second-best goals-against average (2.25) among Division I goalies.
Next season wouldn't be Leggio's first experience at Germain Arena, either. His Clarkson team participated in last year's College Hockey Classic in Estero, beating Cornell but falling to Maine.
Cameron was doubtful that Carolina would sign Leggio -- it depends on how camp goes -- but the Canes want to keep him in the organization, which means a likely two-way in Albany or an ECHL contract with the Blades.
The good news/bad news on an ECHL-contracted goalie for the Blades is that 1, you avoid a situation like last year's playoffs, when the Blades lost all-star Justin Peters to Albany, and his replacement, Kevin Nastiuk -- plus Panthers prospect David Shantz -- both struggled. On the other hand, the Blades would be at risk (if Leggio signs an ECHL deal) of him being called up to various AHL teams. So a two-way in Albany is the most likely solution ...
Leggio is who Cameron and GM Craig Brush wanted for the Blades, and if Shantz or Tyler Plante (the likely goalies sent from the Panthers) can improve from season, the goaltending situation looks much more set than it did earlier this offseason for the Blades.
In other news today, the AHL's Rochester Americans, the Panthers and Blades' AHL affiliate, have signed two players to two-way AHL/ECHL contracts.
Both players are expected to see substantial time in Estero. The first is Jacob Micflikier, a 24-year-old who split time between the ECHL's Stockton Thunder and the AHL's Springfield Falcons last season.
The 5-foot-8, 180-pound forward would be the smallest of the Blades forwards signed this season, but he looks to have a scoring upside. Micflikier had 10 goals plus 27 assists in 29 games for Stockton last season, adding four goals and nine assists in six playoff games.
Before turning pro, Micflikier was a standout at the University of New Hampshire alongside '07-08 Blades forward Preston Callander. Micflikier tallied more than a point a game each of his final three years at New Hampshire.
He's gotta remind you a little bit of former Blade Brad Zancanaro, who also originally came to FLA on an AHL two-way.
The second player signed to a two-way in Rochester is defenseman Doug O'Brien. The 24-year-old has extensive AHL experience, having spent 2004-'07 in the AHL with the Springfield Falcons and Portland Pirates.
At 6-foot-1 and 200 pounds, O'Brien would bring size and talent to the Blades blueline -- plus a physical edge. He also has five NHL games on his resume, with the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2005. O'Brien has played just three ECHL games in his career, with the Johnstown Chiefs during the '04-05 season.
He spent last year in Finland's top hockey league, playing in 39 games and adding 51 penalty minutes. But O'Brien's most physical years may have come in the Quebec Junior Hockey League, when he had 102 penalty minutes in 71 games in '02-03 and 146 penalty minutes in 66 games in '03-04. That season the defenseman also added 17 goals and 46 assists.
The Blades need d-men, and they also need the physical edge O'Brien seems to have.
Cameron said he has no say in how much time Micflikier and O'Brien might spend with the Blades.
"But I'd love to have both those guys here," he said, adding that the two-way contracts in Rochester would not impact the number of players the Blades would sign to ECHL deals.
And the countdown continues. Not too many questions left ...
Comments
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6' 1'' and 200lbs. is not a decent size hockey player anymore. Guys keep getting bigger and bigger. He may be physical but he is not a decent size guy.
#1 Posted by BUSSYFAN on September 5, 2008 at 4:31 a.m. (Suggest removal)
My opinion on that is 6-1 and 200 is still decent-sized in the ECHL. Not huge, obviously, but decent-sized.
NHL may be a different story, but one of the differences between the NHL/AHL and ECHL is the size of the guys ...
Thoughts from others? Interesting topic.
AB
PS: No comments on the goalie?
#2 Posted by ABusch on September 5, 2008 at 12:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)
it kinda sounds like guessing on your part about what goalie comes here? did anyone confirm he was infact comming here?
your wording is a little confusing.
#3 Posted by SDW on September 5, 2008 at 1:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)
AB I was refering to hockey players in general. If we limit it to just the ECHL then I agree with you he is average in stature.
Leggio seems to have excellent stats for a goalie. I would give him a shot. I would take Plante over Shantz any day. I think thats who Brush wants back here as well.
I said last season we would have a shot at going deep if we could hold onto Peters and Plante. Quite frankly I would like to see both of them this season, but for the entire season playoffs included. That will never happen but it's wishful thinking...
#4 Posted by BUSSYFAN on September 5, 2008 at 2:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)
AB, You got to remember that Bussyfan suffers from "Little" man syndrom, At least that's what BladesChic says.
#5 Posted by hambling on September 5, 2008 at 2:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)
HAM considering that came from you it was pretty funny...
#6 Posted by BUSSYFAN on September 5, 2008 at 3:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)
On Leggio, Cameron can't say 100 percent yes he is coming here until camp ends -- because technically everyone gets a shot at camp to prove themselves, etc.
But the plan is for Leggio to come here, yes.
AB
#7 Posted by ABusch on September 5, 2008 at 3:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)
word has it that he isn't the only clarkson guy to come. could be a d man that once played there.
?
#8 Posted by ForeverBlades on September 5, 2008 at 3:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Not me Bussy, but BladesChic
#9 Posted by hambling on September 5, 2008 at 3:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)
AB thanks for clearing that up.
#10 Posted by SDW on September 5, 2008 at 6:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Peterson signs with Grand Rapids
http://www.oursportscentral.com/servi...
#11 Posted by BHF on September 5, 2008 at 7:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Agree w/ Bussy! I'd like to see Plante over Shantz, and I like the Leggio plan for the 2nd goalie...
#12 Posted by puck on September 5, 2008 at 7:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Good for Chubbs. It says a 2 way contract. Does anyone know who G.R. is affiliated with?
#13 Posted by hambling on September 5, 2008 at 11:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Hambling, they are affiliated with the Red Wings in the NHL but there is no mention on either site of an ECHL affiliation.
so perhaps they dont have one?
#14 Posted by SDW on September 6, 2008 at 8:05 a.m. (Suggest removal)
SDW, I could not find one either, that's why I was hoping someone else knew. I was just trying to figure out if he could go to and ECHL Southern division and play against us.
#15 Posted by hambling on September 6, 2008 at 9:12 a.m. (Suggest removal)
They are affiliated with the Flint Generals in the IHL. If Peterson is sent to an ECHL team, he will come here unless MC and CB trade his rights.
#16 Posted by BHF on September 6, 2008 at 9:19 a.m. (Suggest removal)
AB:
On the ECHL website the new (Pensacola less) schedule has the Everblades playing a Midnight game on 12/31, but the Everblades site has a 7:30pm game. Can you confirm if we will have a midnight game this year?
#17 Posted by CDay on September 6, 2008 at 11 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Thanks, BHF!
#18 Posted by hambling on September 6, 2008 at 3:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)
once again BHF has the info <grin>
Thanks
#19 Posted by SDW on September 6, 2008 at 3:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)
BHF, I saw the release from Flint, but I was just waiting for you to chime in.
Seriously, it's nice to have you back.
Haven't checked on the New Year's Eve game yet ... but that could be a pretty bad deal for me, huh. Someone better bring me some champagne for after the game if it starts at midnight! Kidding ...
AB
#20 Posted by ABusch on September 6, 2008 at 4:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)
No way CB would allow a midnight game ! ! !
To much liability----- and no show's
#21 Posted by WYMAN on September 6, 2008 at 5:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I would go to a midnight game.
How's the hangover Bussy?
#22 Posted by BHF on September 6, 2008 at 5:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Callendar=Finland
Nasti=invite to Bruins Camp
12/31 game may have a rescheduled start time of 6:00PM
#23 Posted by IcePrinceMB22 on September 6, 2008 at 6:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)
BHF I am feeling better, thanks for asking. LOL
Remember everyday is Friday... :)
I will NOT attend a midnight game so they better not have one.
#24 Posted by BUSSYFAN on September 6, 2008 at 7:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Since hockey has not started yet.....
GO GATORS!!!
#25 Posted by luvtheblades on September 6, 2008 at 8:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)
LTB true that!!!!!
#26 Posted by BUSSYFAN on September 6, 2008 at 8:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I will NOT attend a midnight game so they better not have one.
#24 Posted by BUSSYFAN on September 6, 2008 at 7:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)
----------------------------
Becoming like Wyman, Bussyfan? Midnight to late for you?
If Bussyfan will not attend it, that's one more reason to have it! :>)
#27 Posted by hambling on September 6, 2008 at 9:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)
HAM quite the opposite. I will be at a party as always. A game at 7:30 is perfect. Go to the game have fun then go to a big house party after that.
The part that tears me is I dont miss home games. A midnight games is fine just not on New. Yrs. Eve. I think Wyman made a good point as well. Less attendance and maybe a liability issue.
#28 Posted by BUSSYFAN on September 6, 2008 at 9:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Actually IP found the affiliate information for Grand Rapids, I just passed it on for her.
#29 Posted by BHF on September 7, 2008 at 1:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)
IP & BHF...The Nancy Drew Twins.
#30 Posted by hambling on September 7, 2008 at 4:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)
ham...LOL....you just what cookies...LOL (smile)
#31 Posted by IcePrinceMB22 on September 7, 2008 at 4:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Ham- would that make you and Bussy the Hardy Boys?
#32 Posted by Chip on September 7, 2008 at 6:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Chip leave me be....
#33 Posted by BUSSYFAN on September 7, 2008 at 6:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)
No Chip, The Hardy Boys could actually discover something. Bussyfan coldn't even find his butt with both his hands available.
The Nancy Drew Twins can find the most obscure facts about hockey, day or night, blindfolded.
#34 Posted by hambling on September 7, 2008 at 8:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Preston is off to Finnland to play on the same team as Damon. Good luck Cally!!
#35 Posted by SDW on September 8, 2008 at 7:29 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Callender going to Finland has already been posted.
#36 Posted by BHF on September 8, 2008 at 8:20 a.m. (Suggest removal)
sorry I missed it when I checked.
#37 Posted by SDW on September 8, 2008 at 1:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Does that imply that there both Finished ? ? ? ? ?
#38 Posted by WYMAN on September 8, 2008 at 4:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Wyman, THAT was Punny :>)
#39 Posted by hambling on September 8, 2008 at 5:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Solid update AB...as far as Micflikier..he might play here. O'Brien...I seriously doubt he would spend much time here before going to the AHL. Other musings from me...CB doesn't need to "Gimmick Up" The Everblades, a Midnight Hockey Game would be a Mistake...We STILL NEED that other "Enforcer"...and I know (HOPE) CB and MC are doing their best to take care of that, and I still hope for Emmerson....The trust I have in Rochester as far as their commitment to the Blades is ZERO....they have NO INTEREST in The Blades other than to USE US....I wish we could DUMP THEM...and as far as the possible new Goalie...sounds good to me. In closing...MFH..nice feather in your cap to be on the radio from Vegas this past weekend...I give credit where credit is due, (especially since it was coming from the ESPN Zone). BTW...is it still in The New York New York Hotel/Casino? I spent some $$$ there a couple of years ago...
#40 Posted by CUBBUC on September 8, 2008 at 5:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Trip to Vegas: $800.00
Hotel Room: COMPed
Seeing Casino reach INTO MFH's Pocket and take HIS money: PRICELESS
#41 Posted by hambling on September 8, 2008 at 7:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)
LMAO HAM!!!!
Chip how bout them Packers... LOL
#42 Posted by BUSSYFAN on September 8, 2008 at 8:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Chip why go for 7 points when 3 is a sure thing, you know? :)
#43 Posted by BUSSYFAN on September 8, 2008 at 8:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Ham- He goes all the way to Vegas, gets three hours of free advertising on the radio and spends that time talking about slot machines? MFH, the high roller! Prepare yourselves though as Hurricane (M)ike is on it's way to SW Florida.
#44 Posted by Chip on September 8, 2008 at 8:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)
MFH will be al right as long as he stays IN the casino. The boy could get hurt on the strip or worse yet if he vistits the "ranches" outside of town. :>)
#45 Posted by hambling on September 8, 2008 at 10:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)
HAM are you talking about the "dude ranches"....
#46 Posted by BUSSYFAN on September 8, 2008 at 10:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)
A fun read for those who watch the show Entourage and LOVE hockey....only one missing was Scotty Gomez ...oh and
me! )o=
http://www.nhl.com/nhl/app/?service=p...
#47 Posted by IcePrinceMB22 on September 8, 2008 at 11:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Now in print--------------
Posted 8/9/2008: Preston Callander (F)
From Florida Everblades [ECHL] to Ässät Pori
Added By: Jari Hämäläinen, Status: Confirmed
Try out untill November
#48 Posted by WYMAN on September 9, 2008 at 5:55 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I still would not vote for IKE !!!!!!!!
#49 Posted by WYMAN on September 9, 2008 at 7:53 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Bussyfan, LOL...could be?
#50 Posted by hambling on September 9, 2008 at 8:36 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Blades advance in logo contest. Go here to keep voting.
http://www.echl.com/cgi-bin/mpublic.c...
#51 Posted by BHF on September 9, 2008 at 12:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)
BHF, KEEP voting? I did not realize your grew up in Chicago Politics...You know, Vote Early, Vote Often. :>)
#52 Posted by hambling on September 9, 2008 at 3:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)
GOALIE CONFUSION:
MFH back in town, read the article and is "confused" on who the BLADES are tring to get to play "between the pipes"....
#53 Posted by MFH on September 9, 2008 at 4:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)
MFH confused????...Something we have all known for years.
#54 Posted by hambling on September 9, 2008 at 5 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Nope hambling...new round, new vote.
Another rookie...and he is another one at 5' 11"
#55 Posted by BHF on September 9, 2008 at 5:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)
MFH back from another vacation. I have heard that a lot lately.
MFH we are going to the Cottage tonight. Does that bring back any hockey related memories??? LOL
Too bad Chip is hording that jumpsuit I would wear it down there. LMAO!!!
#56 Posted by BUSSYFAN on September 9, 2008 at 5:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Does anyone know why the Plymouth Whalers are listed as an affiliate at the bottom of the page?
http://www.floridaeverblades.com/
#57 Posted by Chip on September 9, 2008 at 5:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Chip does that mean we have 3 AHL affiliates now?? LOL
#58 Posted by BUSSYFAN on September 9, 2008 at 5:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I think it is because of the same ownership. Hurricanes, Blades and Whalers. It has been on the website for quite awhile.
#59 Posted by BHF on September 9, 2008 at 6:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Bussyfan, when at the Cottage, please remember to leave the guitar player at the TOP of the stairs. (or else be sure you have MHF on speed dial)
#60 Posted by hambling on September 9, 2008 at 7:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)
HAM change of plans. To crappy outside to be in a bar that will probably have wind and rain blowing all over the place.
Next Tuesday is a good possibility of going there though. Does anyone have Elizabeths digits??? I want to invite him. It would be rude not to you know... LOL
TGIF!!!!
BHF keep that ECHL phone going... We can always count on you for the very latest...
#61 Posted by BUSSYFAN on September 9, 2008 at 8:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)
BLADES GOALIES:
MFH'S suggestion at this point is with all the "high scoring" DREAM TEAM players CAMERON is bring in, the Blades could probably sign a DAUBENSPECK, a FLYER REJECT, and use an EBUG as back up the entire season.
11-9 games can be entertaining, play like the OILERS of the 80's, get it to be 4-4; and a goal is a guarantee...
ANGIE,
Need more information on this GOALIE situation, not just a bunch of "what ifs"....
#62 Posted by MFH on September 9, 2008 at 9:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)
MFH, Back from Vegas ALREADY?
I did not realize that Greyhound had an express bus that traveled that fast.
#63 Posted by hambling on September 9, 2008 at 11:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Thank you MFH, after reading that 2-3 times I thought i was just not getting it. happy to see someone smarter is confused also
#64 Posted by SDW on September 10, 2008 at 7:55 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Gee, MFH - we were both in Vegas at the same time! Except I am not on vacation and am still here at the Vegas Hilton.
SDW don't assume that MFH is smarter....lawyers just need to be able to spinspeak better.
#65 Posted by luvtheblades on September 10, 2008 at 8:49 a.m. (Suggest removal)
The article is supposed to be confusing, for the responses given by the powers that be are confusing and riddled w/ double-speak. Thus the reason the article's title ends w/ a question mark. Obviously we must wait for the affiliates to figure out their game plan and scraps to fall from their table ... hopefully it's one heck of a feast!!!! A non-affiliate goal tender would definitely IMHO make everybody feel a bit more relieved after last year's lack luster playoff performance. Can MC and CB get a non-aff goal tender? Do they want one? That's what I'd like to know :o)
#66 Posted by AloraPurefoy on September 10, 2008 at 11:48 a.m. (Suggest removal)
LTB good point :)....
he claims to be smarter
#67 Posted by SDW on September 10, 2008 at 1:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)
LTB,
MFH was out in Vegas for a Wedding and a BIG Slot Tournament...........
How is the jury selection for the OJ Trial going.
You need to try YELLOWTAIL at the BELLIGO, great sushi....
#68 Posted by MFH on September 10, 2008 at 2:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)
MFH was in Vegas for Zito's wedding from 99x...
He is trying to get in with the "incrowd"...
Dont let MFH fool you guys...
He was there because Zito wanted an attorney around for precautionary reasons...
#69 Posted by BUSSYFAN on September 10, 2008 at 3:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Say what you want, but i'll miss him
http://www.echl.com/cgi-bin/mpublic.c...
#70 Posted by WYMAN on September 10, 2008 at 5:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Wyman thats old news...
I have plenty to say but no need to. I stand where most stand on this clown...
#71 Posted by BUSSYFAN on September 10, 2008 at 6:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Just a note..TOMORROW is the SEVENTH ANNIVERSARY of a National Tragedy.. take a minute or two if you feel it necessary to remember what happened....Nuff Said...
#72 Posted by CUBBUC on September 10, 2008 at 7:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)
CUBBUC September 11th. also known as 911.....
God be with the families of the people who were lost...
#73 Posted by BUSSYFAN on September 10, 2008 at 9:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)
CUBS WIN, CUBS WIN IT ALL...
That is the DAYTONA CUBS....
#74 Posted by MFH on September 10, 2008 at 9:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Welcome Mr. LEE
#75 Posted by WYMAN on September 11, 2008 at 3:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Wow, Mark Lee is yet another FORWARD. I hope that the BLades are plannning to sign Marty B as goalie (Either one, IP) cause without defense were gonna need him.
I did see that 2 days ago the Blades signed a D-man out of Michigan State, Jeff Dunne. I had not seen that so far....Is AB back on another Minnesota Vacation? :>)
#76 Posted by hambling on September 11, 2008 at 3:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)
ALBANY, NY - The Albany River Rats announced today the signing of forward Yannick Tifu to a standard America Hockey League contract and defenseman Jonathan Paiement to a standard two-way AHL contract for the 2008-09 season
#77 Posted by centerice on September 11, 2008 at 3:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)
BYE BYE TIFU............
#78 Posted by MFH on September 11, 2008 at 4:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)
New blog posted ...
#79 Posted by ABusch on September 11, 2008 at 4:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)
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