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Blake,

I would agree that the talent level is more evenly distributed among the 7 teams....but the talent improvement is not quite there yet.

Off hand I would say the spread of the talent among teams is better but could still improve a bit for a couple of them. That will always be a result of coaching and GMs and their recruiting and teaching of rookies, something we are blessed with.

Over all I would agree though. I did expect the talent level to go up more. Maybe in another season.

Is WTRX broadcasting the game?

I just don't see the depth of individual talent, especially at forward around the league. Scoring is down all over, but Larry said something interesting to me the other night. He said that he thinks scoring is down all over hockey and the more I think about it, the more I agree. Too much defense, but I'm not sure what hockey can do about it. Any ideas?

Never mind, found it on the Comcast link.

Not a good start -- again. 1-0 Bloomington, PP goal.

That's a question the NHL has looked long and hard at, thinking more scoring will bring in more fans. I can't say I agree with their solutions that must not be working at this point.

I think it goes in cycles. Someone comes up with new defensive system (trap) and scoring goes down. Someone else solves it or the league messes with it and scoring goes up.

Bloomington just scored........

I dont know if I can listen to listen guy all game...sigh!

Wow, Sims just got a penalty...

Quad City didn't get the memo about low scoring tonight: Up 5-2 against Flint, barely 5 minutes into the second period.

Ed Hammond on the PA.

Having a good denfense is great but when all the teams play good defense it makes for a boring game. Now we dont want to see 8-5 types of scores but some more scoring would make it more fun for those at the games. sic on defense sry!

Travis (Cowa) Banga.

bad franchises need to be weeded out and the talent pool will increase. i think the talent level is down alot but its because of lots of guys going overseas and lots others finding real jobs. with a bad economy if someone gets a chance at a job then they probably take it instead of thinking of playing another year cause the job might not be there later like it might have been in the past. ??

Hes not Chase...no disrespect to Hammonds though!

Team defense is definitely better, but skill level is also down.

Anybody know how bad the Bears are getting beat?

Goaltending is much better in the IHL this year, thats the biggest difference....

I went up to the KWing game last night, the only difference I could really honestly see is that is was a faster paced game. KWings lost in OT after giving up a 2 goal lead. I felt like I was seeing the Komet game from Friday night all over again, Thankfully if was a different outcome for the home team. It was sad to see how empty the Barn was though!

I agree with chuckitt. There is a lot of talent in the Canadian senior leagues. Guys who could still play lower level minors here in the States but would rather make money at a real job, support familes, etc.

The great thing about a lot of the players at this level is they love hockey and would rather get paid for it then make more money in a different job.

14-7 Bears are losing. Almost halftime!

14-7 Ravens

Cutler with 2 int. both from deep in Ravens zone.

Bears down 14-7....2:00 warning

Bears are down 14-7 with 2 left in the first half.

I just can't agree, JR. Centomo is an upgrade for Muskegon, but are there upgrades anywhere else? Is there another Joel Martin in the league? Chad Alban was a darn good goaltender. Sorry, but I just don't see it, I just think it's a lack of talent up front to score.

LOL

they need to hire charlie weiss as offensive cordinator and teach cutler how to be disiplined! cant spell for crap

Larry told me the other night he thought the defense is more experienced and better in the IHL compared to the ECHL where a lot of the four vets are forwards. Makes some sense.

Yes chuck and they need a defense too almost sad to see the Bears soft on defense!!