Anybody want to Open Blog?

Franke says no about Steve Later, but wouldn't he be a upgrade to Warner ?

I think they really like the defense the way it is now because it is much better at moving the puck, and Later doesn't do that very well. I think they need one more veteran defenseman who can move the puck, throw the body, etc, kind of a Rod Aldoff type of player that the young guys can learn from and ask questions to. I'm not sure Later skates well enough to play at a high level any more. You've got to be able to play if you're going to be a tough guy.

Anybody going to buy any ``Best of Bob Chase'' CDs?

I bought one at canlan.

Blake not debating the merits of fighting in hockey because I think it has its place.
But do you think (or have you talked to any guys) about what has happened in the NHL with the deaths and depression or in the case of Kevin Turner having ALS at a young age that they think may be linked to hits he took in the NFL that these guys who are making not much money and have to think about work life after hockey may be thinking twice before dropping the gloves?

Garrett Klotz can play D or forward :)

Will you be me and mighty's sponsor? We need to join the hair club for men, we need a member to sponsor us.

Haven't had a chance yet, Snuff, and not sure how much it relates here anyway. These are all rookies. I might get into it later once we get out of training camp and such.

That said, if you drop the gloves for a living, you can't afford any hesitation or doubt.

Sure, Burgee, be glad to as soon as you pick up the check for lunch.

Komets have something which I think is really cool planning for opening night. I'm not going to spill the beans, but I will say some of the Legends are very excited about it. Should be fun.

Did someone say sponsor??
Hmmm my company logo painted on bald heads.....

How much would you pay Snuff ?
Later is a year younger than Warner.

Doesn't matter to me how old Later is or Warner is. It's a lot of factors. Don't let Snuff pay you in chicken eggs.

I think the Komets are going to be faster, bigger and much more aggressive offensively this year. You're going to see more defensemen jumping into the rush and they are going to be very aggressive going after loose pucks in the offensive zone.

Have they said when they will announce their final cuts?

With Starenky going on the IR, that leaves 2 cuts to make unless someone else go's on the IR....

all they are saying is that the deadline is 4 p.m. Thursday. Tough, tough decisions.

Also, got an email back from the league last night and it is 19 for the active roster....

3 (10) day IR spots and 2 (30) day IR spots available....

Thing is, I don't think it's going to help any of the veterans to put them on an IR spot to save a roster spot. They are great shape right now, and you're going to lose two games if you put them on IR. They'll lose conditioning.

Any idea how long the opening ceremony will last on Saturday?

Any word on what other CHL team is looking at McIlrath?

I was just putting that out there as possibilities...

I dont se them using the 30 day IR spots on anyone healthy; but wouldnt be surprised to see them put Apod on the 10 day IR once he gets here to get some practice time in before hitting game action. That would also give them a little more time to evaluate a rookie or vet...

I never heard anything about that JM, but I wouldn't necessarily. Look at the roster of the teams that are going stictly with kids to save money. Maybe somebody like Tulsa, Rio Grande Valley, Quad City or Bloomington.

I asked Al about that today, JR, and he said APOD is not somebody to let himself get too far out of shape. Who knows how long it has been since he's skated, however.

And they are going to give up alot of odd man rushes. You will see Frankie left out to dry alot I bet. I like aggressive play depending on who the guy is that is doing it.

But I agree, the team has improved forwards and some of the defense. They will score more. I too agree they are one sound veteran D-man like what Mangos would have brought to the table, and the Mangos out and 6th or 7th D-Man in hurts this core of Defenders. It is the biggest hole I see on this team right now.

If I had to guess, I would say the legends better have their skates sharpened.

Did you get a ruling on the 20 vs. 19 man roster? Which is it?

I would guess 20-25 minutes.

Was typing when JR posted that...thanks Buddy.

20-25 minutes of legends skating....wow

Don't forget Icy playing angry birds!

Got to talk to do an interview right now, but keep your questions coming and I'll get back to them ASAP. Play nice.

Blake! Do you truly think, in your opinion that any of the veterans are in danager of getting cut? Leo, PC, or Brandon Warner. Thanks!

Guesses on who wears the C and A's?

I assume Colin, Smith, and Schrock?