The National Strat-O-Matic Hockey League Newsletter League Established May 1, 1997 Volume #10, Issue #5 - October 11, 2006 ************************************************************************** Current League Officers: Commissioner: Doug Norris Vice-Commissioner: Eric Goodman Email the whole league: mailto:nshl at yahoogroups dot com NSHL Chat List: mailto:nshlchat at yahoogroups dot com Web Page Administrator: Brian Leahy League Web Site: http://www.geocities.com/nshlweb Files Adminstrator: Brian Leahy / Tom Vinacci League Files Site: http://www.highrantdistrict.com/SOM/NSHL Team Websites: Capital City Cougars: http://members.tripod.com/~CapCity/ Seattle Rainiers: http://math.colorado.edu/~norrisdt/rainiers/rainiers.html ************************************************************************** OPENING NIGHT! The National Strat-o-Matic Hockey League is proud to announce that Wednesday, October 11, marks the start of the league's decennial season. All twenty-four teams will participate in opening night. "We're very excited to be back," stated commissioner Doug Norris, noting that he was speaking for quite a few people. If you have any questions about how to handle things, the easiest thing to do is ASK. (Actually, the easiest thing to do is just to do whatever it is you want to do anyhow, but I'd prefer that you ASK instead.) I'm online probably 14 hours per day. Also, the New Owner/Associate FAQ is a good reference; it is mention in the next section of the newsletter, so please read it. I didn't write it for my health - I take vitamins instead. The updated league files will be out shortly; if you need the new files in order to send your computer manager, please be patient. Strategy files are due by the end of the first Thursday of each biweek, or thirty-six hours after the newsletter release (whichever is later). Being that this is Tuesday evening, I want/expect to see computer managers to your four road opponents (and CCd to me) by no later than this Thursday evening! Incentive Points will be applied. Don't forget to tell me your 2006-07 lock code if you're planning on using one. This is also an IPable offense, and since I won't find out about your non-compliance until it's an emergency (the only reason I need your lock code), I probably won't be in the best of moods. Not a good time to be in a position to receive IP, you might imagine. Forwards rated "Point **" are allowed to play the point on either the first power-play unit or the second power-play unit (but not both). Forwards rated "Point *" are allowed to play the point on the second power-play unit only. Also, forwards may not play the point on one power-play unit and forward on the other. All Week 1/2 games need to be reported by the end of Monday, October 23. An excellent tribute to future NSHL Hall-of-Famer Mark Messier in this newsletter, penned by Lee Yelshin, who owned his rights for the majority of his time in the league, and a wild and woolley season preview for the Capital City Cougars, who expect to contend for the West this year, including a piece on Luc Robitaille, who is also retiring after a stellar career. Both great reads! ************************************************************************** THE MUST-READ PART OF THE NEWSLETTER If you intend to use a lock code during the 2006-07 season, please file it with the commissioner. I do spot-check computer managers to make sure that things are being done within the rules, but this is mainly in case you need assistance with something. Thanks! Also, READ THIS ENTIRE DOCUMENT: http://math.colorado.edu/~norrisdt/newownerfaq.html It has changed somewhat since the last newsletter. Thanks for all of the help (Mark, Lee, Robert) with the additions! You are responsible for all contents within. Until I hear otherwise, I'm assuming that the last paragraph of the document is correct. If you have any suggestions for things to add to this New Owner FAQ, I welcome them. ************************************************************************** PLAYING OUT OF POSITION: The following are the ONLY two situations in the NSHL in which a player may play a position for which they are uncarded: (1) A centre may player either wing position while shorthanded. (2) A defenseman may play either left or right defense while on the power play. This is official Strat-o-Matic policy as best I understand it. This will also be added to the aforementioned New Owner FAQ. ************************************************************************** SUPERSTAR MESSIER HANGS UP SKATES by Lee Yelshin, Manayunk owner An era ended in Manayunk this summer when Mark Messier, longest-skating and oldest Bully, announced his retirement. Soon after Messier announced that he was hanging up his skates, a press release from Manayunk read, in part: "with extremely heavy hearts, we accepted the retirement of Mark Messier, team captain, and the embodiment of the Bullies spirit. But we are also extremely glad to have him stay with the team to serve as both the offensive coach and hair-care product consultant for Manayunk." Team owner Lee Yelshin added, "I do not exaggerate about how he is the heart of this team. When Mark lifts his hand, everyone in a Bullies jersey looks in that direction. When he digs in for a burst of speed, we all start to skate a little faster. When he appeared in commercials, we all bought Doritos. Our first home game will open with a extensive retirement ceremony for Mark. Come early. It's sure to be an extravaganza." Alexander Yelshin, the newest member of the Bullies front office, had this to say, "Meh meh mah mah. Hrrrrrrrrrghhh." Messier commented, "this team rarely has a standout star, or a one-dimensional player. Instead, everyone goes out and give 100% each night. It's been an honor being just one of the guys. I'm sure that Anson (Carter) will be everything I was as a captain, and more." Mark Messier was by far the oldest Bully, and probably one of the oldest skaters in the league for the past few years. He's also been with the team the longest, one of only two current players added to Manayunk during the last century. The current longest-running Bully, Patrice Brisebois, had this to say: "Shhhhh... I'm not that old, and I don't want anyone thinking I am." The oldest Bully is new acquisition Dominik Hasek, followed by Shawn McEachern and Steve Poapst. ************************************************************************** CAPITAL CITY READY TO GO by Brian Leahy, Capital City owner (AP) LINCOLN, NEBRASKA.....With the 2006-07 NSHL season just about set to get underway, the Cougars have renewed enthusiasm and are anxious to begin playing games that count. "We've played a ton of exhibition games between NSHL and NHL teams," said Coach Brian Leahy, "and these guys are chomping at the bit. The pre-season games do help with a number of things, but it goes up to another level when there are points at stake." Due to the 2005-06 season being nullified due to labor strife, there are a lot of new faces that will be donning Cougars jerseys when the latest edition hits the ice in Houston on opening night. On offense, players such as Daniel Alfredsson, Joe Sakic, and Martin Rucinsky will add to the firepower, if the pre-season matchups are any indication. On defense, Phillippe Boucher is a key addition to a lineup that has some aging, yet still solid veterans, though youngsters such as Paul Martin and Joe Corvo have definitely stepped up and should provide some stability on the blue line. Marty Turco was brought in on draft day via trade to help solidify the goaltending. With Ed Belfour's questionable back, Turco should help make a better tandem with starter Manny Legace. Opening night at home for the Cougars is against the St.Michael's Privateers, who the team will have a home-and-home series against in the first week of play. "I think we've got the players we need to make a serious challenge," said veteran winger Scott Mellanby, "and with the teams that have stockpiled in our division and conference, it will certainly be a tough road to get through, but I think we can do it." ROBITAILLE SET TO RETIRE It was announced during training camp that this would be Luc Robitaille's final season in the NSHL. With his play and ice time diminishing, Robitaille also felt it was time to step aside and allow someone else to assume the captaincy of the Cougars franchise. Management did not feel that the time was right just yet for Marian Gaborik, so they named Joe Sakic the next captain of the team. Gaborik will retain the 'A' that he's worn the prior two seasons. Also changing is that defenseman Paul Martin will receive the other 'A', assuming it from longtime blueliner Mathieu Schneider. Management felt that identifying younger players with prominent roles on the team and placing them in positions of leadership will help the squad in many ways. Robitaille is slated to play at left wing, alternating between the 3rd and 4th lines on most nights. Team management would like to find a position within the organization for him after the season concludes. He was team captain for the prior six seasons and Sakic becomes only the third team captain in Cougars history. Eric Lindros led Capital City in the teams inaugural 1996-97 ISHL campaign. NEWS & NOTES Forwards Andrew Cassels, David Steckel and goaltender Robert McVicar were released on Monday, bringing the team roster down to the required maximum of 36 players prior to the start of the season. Cassels was acquired in July of 2002, in a trade with the Drayton Valley Drillers for defenseman Jyrkki Lumme. Steckel and McVicar were picked up in this past September's entry draft, but were unable to make the roster. ************************************************************************** WEEK ONE/TWO SCHEDULE AND INJURIES: BROOKLYN FOURTEENTH: 10/11/2006 LIB at BRK 10/12/2006 BRK at BUF 10/13/2006 BRK at VAW 10/14/2006 BRK at CGC 10/18/2006 LYN at BRK 10/20/2006 NYL at BRK 10/21/2006 BRK at LYN 10/22/2006 VAW at BRK BUFFALO BULLDOGS: 10/11/2006 CGC at BUF 10/12/2006 BRK at BUF 10/14/2006 LIB at BUF 10/16/2006 BUF at LYN 10/17/2006 BUF at FGF 10/19/2006 BUF at LIB 10/22/2006 BUF at NYL 10/23/2006 FGF at BUF CAPITAL CITY COUGARS: 10/11/2006 CCC at HOU 10/12/2006 STM at CCC 10/14/2006 CCC at STM 10/17/2006 TPK at CCC 10/19/2006 CCC at PIT 10/21/2006 CCC at MIN 10/22/2006 MIN at CCC 10/23/2006 HRH at CCC CORNER CREEK GREEN CALVES: 10/11/2006 CGC at BUF 10/12/2006 LIB at CGC 10/14/2006 BRK at CGC 10/15/2006 SES at CGC 10/16/2006 CGC at NYL 10/17/2006 CGC at LYN 10/19/2006 NYL at CGC 10/23/2006 CGC at SES FLORIDA HELLCATS: 10/11/2006 QCP at FLO 10/12/2006 FLO at SHS 10/14/2006 FLO at MON 10/16/2006 FLO at MAN 10/17/2006 FLO at PIT 10/19/2006 MAN at FLO 10/22/2006 STM at FLO 10/23/2006 PIT at FLO FORT GARRY FIDDLER CRABS: 10/11/2006 FGF at SEA 10/13/2006 FGF at NCH 10/16/2006 SES at FGF 10/17/2006 BUF at FGF 10/18/2006 NEV at FGF 10/20/2006 VAW at FGF 10/21/2006 FGF at NEV 10/23/2006 FGF at BUF HAMPTON ROADS HOUNDS: 10/11/2006 TPK at HRH 10/12/2006 MAN at HRH 10/13/2006 HRH at PIT 10/16/2006 PIT at HRH 10/17/2006 HRH at MAN 10/19/2006 HRH at HOU 10/20/2006 MIN at HRH 10/23/2006 HRH at CCC HOUSTON OUTLAWS: 10/11/2006 CCC at HOU 10/12/2006 TPK at HOU 10/14/2006 HOU at TPK 10/16/2006 QCP at HOU 10/18/2006 HOU at PIT 10/19/2006 HRH at HOU 10/20/2006 HOU at QCP 10/23/2006 HOU at MIN LONG ISLAND BERSERKERS: 10/11/2006 LIB at BRK 10/12/2006 LIB at CGC 10/14/2006 LIB at BUF 10/15/2006 LIB at NEV 10/18/2006 NYL at LIB 10/19/2006 BUF at LIB 10/22/2006 NEV at LIB 10/23/2006 LYN at LIB LYNDONVILLE BLADES: 10/11/2006 LYN at NYL 10/12/2006 LYN at SEA 10/16/2006 BUF at LYN 10/17/2006 CGC at LYN 10/18/2006 LYN at BRK 10/19/2006 SEA at LYN 10/21/2006 BRK at LYN 10/23/2006 LYN at LIB MANAYUNK BULLIES: 10/11/2006 MAN at STM 10/12/2006 MAN at HRH 10/13/2006 MAN at QCP 10/15/2006 SHS at MAN 10/16/2006 FLO at MAN 10/17/2006 HRH at MAN 10/19/2006 MAN at FLO 10/21/2006 MON at MAN MINNEAPOLIS MASSASAUGA: 10/11/2006 PIT at MIN 10/13/2006 MIN at MON 10/16/2006 MIN at TPK 10/19/2006 MON at MIN 10/20/2006 MIN at HRH 10/21/2006 CCC at MIN 10/22/2006 MIN at CCC 10/23/2006 HOU at MIN MONTREAL WANDERERS: 10/11/2006 MON at SHS 10/12/2006 QCP at MON 10/13/2006 MIN at MON 10/14/2006 FLO at MON 10/17/2006 STM at MON 10/19/2006 MON at MIN 10/21/2006 MON at MAN 10/23/2006 MON at STM NEVADA THUNDER: 10/11/2006 NCH at NEV 10/12/2006 NEV at VAW 10/13/2006 NEV at SES 10/14/2006 SEA at NEV 10/15/2006 LIB at NEV 10/18/2006 NEV at FGF 10/21/2006 FGF at NEV 10/22/2006 NEV at LIB NEW YORK LANCERS: 10/11/2006 LYN at NYL 10/12/2006 NYL at NCH 10/14/2006 NCH at NYL 10/16/2006 CGC at NYL 10/18/2006 NYL at LIB 10/19/2006 NYL at CGC 10/20/2006 NYL at BRK 10/22/2006 BUF at NYL NORTH CALGARY HAWKS: 10/11/2006 NCH at NEV 10/12/2006 NYL at NCH 10/13/2006 FGF at NCH 10/14/2006 NCH at NYL 10/17/2006 SEA at NCH 10/18/2006 SES at NCH 10/20/2006 NCH at SES 10/21/2006 NCH at VAW PITTSBURGH SOUND CHASERS: 10/11/2006 PIT at MIN 10/13/2006 HRH at PIT 10/16/2006 PIT at HRH 10/17/2006 FLO at PIT 10/18/2006 HOU at PIT 10/19/2006 CCC at PIT 10/21/2006 PIT at TPK 10/23/2006 PIT at FLO QUEBEC CITY PATRIOTES: 10/11/2006 QCP at FLO 10/12/2006 QCP at MON 10/13/2006 MAN at QCP 10/14/2006 QCP at SHS 10/16/2006 QCP at HOU 10/17/2006 SHS at QCP 10/18/2006 STM at QCP 10/20/2006 HOU at QCP ST. MICHAEL'S PRIVATEERS: 10/11/2006 MAN at STM 10/12/2006 STM at CCC 10/14/2006 CCC at STM 10/16/2006 SHS at STM 10/17/2006 STM at MON 10/18/2006 STM at QCP 10/22/2006 STM at FLO 10/23/2006 MON at STM SEATTLE RAINIERS: 10/11/2006 FGF at SEA 10/12/2006 LYN at SEA 10/14/2006 SEA at NEV 10/15/2006 VAW at SEA 10/16/2006 SEA at VAW 10/17/2006 SEA at NCH 10/19/2006 SEA at LYN 10/22/2006 SES at SEA SEATTLE SASQUATCH: 10/11/2006 VAW at SES 10/13/2006 NEV at SES 10/15/2006 SES at CGC 10/16/2006 SES at FGF 10/18/2006 SES at NCH 10/20/2006 NCH at SES 10/22/2006 SES at SEA 10/23/2006 CGC at SES STONE HARBOR SOUND: 10/11/2006 MON at SHS 10/12/2006 FLO at SHS 10/14/2006 QCP at SHS 10/15/2006 SHS at MAN 10/16/2006 SHS at STM 10/17/2006 SHS at QCP 10/19/2006 SHS at TPK 10/23/2006 TPK at SHS TOPEKA TARANTULAS: 10/11/2006 TPK at HRH 10/12/2006 TPK at HOU 10/14/2006 HOU at TPK 10/16/2006 MIN at TPK 10/17/2006 TPK at CCC 10/19/2006 SHS at TPK 10/21/2006 PIT at TPK 10/23/2006 TPK at SHS VANCOUVER WHITECAPS: 10/11/2006 VAW at SES 10/12/2006 NEV at VAW 10/13/2006 BRK at VAW 10/15/2006 VAW at SEA 10/16/2006 SEA at VAW 10/20/2006 VAW at FGF 10/21/2006 NCH at VAW 10/22/2006 VAW at BRK ************************************************************************** 2006-07 REGULAR SEASON LEAGUE STANDINGS: NORTHEAST DIVISION GP W L OL Pts Pct GF GA Home Road Brooklyn Fourteenth 0 0 0 0 0 --- 0 0 0- 0- 0 0- 0- 0 Buffalo Bulldogs 0 0 0 0 0 --- 0 0 0- 0- 0 0- 0- 0 Corner Creek Green Calves 0 0 0 0 0 --- 0 0 0- 0- 0 0- 0- 0 Long Island Berserkers 0 0 0 0 0 --- 0 0 0- 0- 0 0- 0- 0 Lyndonville Blades 0 0 0 0 0 --- 0 0 0- 0- 0 0- 0- 0 New York Lancers 0 0 0 0 0 --- 0 0 0- 0- 0 0- 0- 0 ATLANTIC DIVISION GP W L OL Pts Pct GF GA Home Road Florida Hellcats 0 0 0 0 0 --- 0 0 0- 0- 0 0- 0- 0 Manayunk Bullies 0 0 0 0 0 --- 0 0 0- 0- 0 0- 0- 0 Montreal Wanderers 0 0 0 0 0 --- 0 0 0- 0- 0 0- 0- 0 Quebec City Patriotes 0 0 0 0 0 --- 0 0 0- 0- 0 0- 0- 0 St. Michael's Privateers 0 0 0 0 0 --- 0 0 0- 0- 0 0- 0- 0 Stone Harbor Sound 0 0 0 0 0 --- 0 0 0- 0- 0 0- 0- 0 NORTHWEST DIVISION GP W L OL Pts Pct GF GA Home Road Fort Garry Fiddler Crabs 0 0 0 0 0 --- 0 0 0- 0- 0 0- 0- 0 Nevada Thunder 0 0 0 0 0 --- 0 0 0- 0- 0 0- 0- 0 North Calgary Hawks 0 0 0 0 0 --- 0 0 0- 0- 0 0- 0- 0 Seattle Rainiers 0 0 0 0 0 --- 0 0 0- 0- 0 0- 0- 0 Seattle Sasquatch 0 0 0 0 0 --- 0 0 0- 0- 0 0- 0- 0 Vancouver Whitecaps 0 0 0 0 0 --- 0 0 0- 0- 0 0- 0- 0 CENTRAL DIVISION GP W L OL Pts Pct GF GA Home Road Capital City Cougars 0 0 0 0 0 --- 0 0 0- 0- 0 0- 0- 0 Hampton Roads Hounds 0 0 0 0 0 --- 0 0 0- 0- 0 0- 0- 0 Houston Outlaws 0 0 0 0 0 --- 0 0 0- 0- 0 0- 0- 0 Minneapolis Massasauga 0 0 0 0 0 --- 0 0 0- 0- 0 0- 0- 0 Pittsburgh Sound Chasrs 0 0 0 0 0 --- 0 0 0- 0- 0 0- 0- 0 Topeka Tarantulas 0 0 0 0 0 --- 0 0 0- 0- 0 0- 0- 0 ************************************************************************** PLAYOFF WATCH: (will appear next biweek) ************************************************************************** PLAYER OF THE WEEK (will appear next biweek) ************************************************************************** GOALTENDER OF THE WEEK (will appear next biweek) ************************************************************************** INCENTIVE POINTS: CCC: -1 IP, newsletter article MAN: -1 IP, newsletter article Incentive points are not discretionary, and are assigned strictly per formula, without respect to extenuating circumstances. Incentive points may be appealed through the Review Board. CUMULATIVE INCENTIVE POINTS: CCC -1 IP MAN -1 IP MIN -1 IP SHS -1 IP TPK -1 IP ************************************************************************** 2006-07 NSHL NORRIS POWER INDEX (Will begin following games of Week 1/2) ************************************************************************** COMPLETE WEEK ONE/TWO INJURY REPORT: (no injuries effective for Week 1/2) ************************************************************************** ASSOCIATE LIST: SINCE GP Larry Spencer April 27, 2004 0 Ryan Barckert May 17, 2003 0 Steve Kramer December 13, 2004 0 Greg Ralls December 14, 2004 0 Andrew Smith November 19, 2005 0 J.J. Schrems May 1, 2006 0 Mike Kuduk August 1, 2006 0 If you're still an active associate at and aren't on this list at please get in contact with me. Thanks! Doug ************************************************************************** TRANSACTIONS: BRK - TRADE BRK#8 to LYN for Jocelyn Thibault. - TRADE Mike LeClerc to VAW for Tomas Surovy. - RELEASE Bryce Lampman. BUF - RELEASE Clarke Wilm, Todd Harvey, Derek Boogaard. CCC - RELEASE Rob McVicar, Andrew Cassels, David Steckel. FLO - RELEASE Maxim Lapierre, Ben Ondrus, Ryan Caldwell. FGF - RELEASE Andy Delmore, Jani Rita. HRH - RELEASE Timofei Shishkanov, Tomas Malec, Wade Dubielewicz. HOU - RELEASE Zdenek Blatny. LIB - TRADE Blair Betts to VAW for VAW#4. - RELEASE Dave Gove, Jonas Johansson. LYN - TRADE Jocelyn Thibault to BRK for BRK#8. MAN - RELEASE Ben Simon, Alexander Karpovtsev, Corey Schwab. MIN - RELEASE Mariusz Czerkawski. MON - RELEASE Jeff Taffe, Tim Jackman, Libor Pivko. NEV - RELEASE Eric Chouinard, Jason Ryznar. NCH - RELEASE Jamie Allison, Allan Rourke, Timo Helbling. PIT - RELEASE Guillaume Lefebvre. QCP - RELEASE Mike Bishai, Tony Martensson, Grant McNeill. STM - RELEASE Jon DiSalvatore. SEA - RELEASE Filip Novak, Jeremy Williams. TPK - RELEASE Keith Aucoin, David Liffiton, Shane Hnidy, Valeri Bure. VAW - TRADE VAW#4 to LIB for Blair Betts. - TRADE Tomas Surovy to BRK for Mike LeClerc. - RELEASE Ramzi Abid, Peter Sejna, Don MacLean, Alex Henry. ************************************************************************** League Governing Boards Responsibilities of the following governing boards are outlined in the Constitution. Review Board Tom Vinacci, Buffalo Bulldogs Patrick Shea, Long Island Berserkers Mark McNeil, Lyndonville Blades Constitutional Council Head: Patrick Shea (patrickjshea at verizon dot net) Doug Norris, Commissioner Eric Goodman, Vice-Commissioner Andy Bartalone, St. Michael's owner (vacant) **************************************************************************