Read below if you haven't.  Now moving on.  Mike Kelly takes over as the new owner of the Millionaires franchise.  I think it was all agreed the name 'Millionaires' was a tired name in need of a face lift.  Well with a new owner comes a new name and a new era.  The scene now moves to the cold ocean waters near Russia.  I present to you the SCHL's newest team the: Kelly...............HERE

It's o.n. now, but an official farewell was never issued to former GM Rick Barrett.  The news, of course, is the sale of the Millionaires to Mike Kelly.  Mgelly, a former work colleague of Rick, is an experienced fantasy GM in another league and has been longing to be in the SCHL for some time.

Rick Barrett leaves after 11 seasons in the SCHL.  He took over midstream in the inaugural season back in 1998 for John Haskayne of the Haskayne Cruisers.  After hearing about the league and its beginnings in 1998, Rick wanted a team.  Rick guided the team to a division crown in 2004 and to the Most Improved Team last season.  The Millionaires were a top team for much of their time in the league, but could not seem to get past the second round.  Their best season points wise was back in 2003 and 2006 finishing 6th in the WG race.  They were flanked by some of the greatest to ever be in the SCHL, most notably Forsberg, Iginla and Alfredsson.  Forsberg at his peak was unstoppable and probably the best player I've personally ever seen at his height.

Rick brought a lot of personality to the SCHL.  He wasn't like the rest of us, being a tad bit older, but he had his way about him.  You could feel Rick's presence on draft day.  Some moments I thought of whilst writing this...Rick's trade talks in 2006.  Everyone and their dog lined up to get a piece of Rick who owned that next pick, which would have been Wolski.  Sean eventually made the trade with Rick to acquire the pick and took Bernier.  Classic.

Rick was infamous for no avatar, posting article links without posting his opinion and his long, drawn out, go nowhere, trade talks.  He was always on top of the pulse in the SCHL and always threw his two cents in on rules discussions and what not.

He's also known as the guy who moved Iginla for table scraps at the 2007 draft.  A classic scene.  You could smell a dead body in the room after that deal was announced.  The quiet looks, Rick's red face.  Iginla went on to win the Roy that year for the Bullets.

Probably my favourite moment for a laugh in the SCHL, maybe second to the Maxi-pad pick in 1999, was Rick's 1st round pick in 1999.  Like I said, Rick took over this team midstream in 1998-1999 season, so this was his first draft.   "With the 11th overall pick the Millionaires select Mikhael Pivonka."  Fucking classic.  Everyone was laughing and this is the first words uttered from this new GM's mouth.  For all the new to hockey GMs around here, Pivonka was once a decent player for a short period with the Caps.  But in 1999 his best days were behind him and he wasn't signed to an NHL team.  I'd be like the Swordsmen today picking Demitra 11th overall.  I bet Rick was using his 1995 McKeens.

Another classic moment in SCHL history were the Millionaire defeating the Stunners in the opening around of the inaugural season.  The much superior Stunners lost because the Dallas Stars played four times (Millionaires had Zubov, Hull and Belfour).  Jared emails me over this essay of a rant telling me why this is BS etc...another beauty memory.

Rick's involvement and addition to the SCHL didn't go unnoticed and in 2002 he won the Commish's Choice award.

But what he'll be most known for, "Time I body checked this guy and sent him flying at least 8 feet in the air backwards."

Rick will be missed, he was a beauty, but we understand that life beckons sometimes and hockey pools aren't at the top of everyone's priority lists.

Valuation
July 19, 2010

2010 Values
 

As the defending champ, Nathan Bellamy decided their group would tee off last.  Unfortunately, there was no magic in that.  "Apart from the tee, nothing about our game was good." Ma said afterward.  "I mean we took more of my drives than we actually had to.  That's never a good thing."  They stumbled their wait into the house at 3 over par, with their only birdie coming on the par 4 5th hole, with Franson hitting the flag stick with chip shot.  "Nothing was going.  It happened in golf."Captain Bellamy said.

Brian led his troops off second as the somewhat Team Red battled the heavy air around the 18 holes and posted a +1 score.  Team Denroche quickly changed its name to Team Par, despite an error on hole 4.  A poor jump of a gun decision by the team led to a crucial bogey on a par 5.  Bogeying par 5s are the kiss of death in a Texas scramble.  The team wanting to park under a tree lead to a near impossible shot to the green led to their demise.  "We were able to pull it together with a magical birdie when we had our cart stolen by some grumpy old course marshall" - Denroche.

The final two groups led by Jamie Wahl and Blake Johnston provided the fire works for the tourney.  The Tycoons held the one shot lead at the turn after picking up birds at holes 4 and 7 on the front.  Johnston knocked a Sampson drive stiff with a nine iron and the team capitalized.  "Half the holes were a stressful scramble with a par save or we were coming up weak sauce on a birdie putt.  It felt like we birdied every hole with emotions out there.  We either made an actual birdie or had a huge par save.  I'm really impressed when I look at the card and see only one boge."  - Johnston.

At the turn, Team Devils were even and came on with birdie on the short par 4 14 and with Wahl throwing his pitch tight they got a bird on 17.  With the groups partially aware of their scores, Team Devils mowed down the hard 560+ par 5 18 and took a respectable par.  "There's was nothing else we could do...we were in the house with the tourney lead."- Dedrick.

Team Sage, as they were known (aka Team Tycoons) birdie the tough hole 15.  MGelly's tee shot led to Sampson's best shot of the day...180 yard up hill 4 iron within 12 feet.  MGelly was the first to putt and drained it...the course echoed with excitement.  They took the lead at that point, but minutes a Wade, Wahl combo for Team Devils tied it one more at -2.

Sampson had a tremendous round with the most drives taken for Team Sage.  The Captain's approaches and chips were a thing of art that kept the train on the rails when it appeared to tip and Mgelly had a moments of his own.  The final member, Paik, for 17 holes was a bystander and just happy to get his three drives in and not leaving it till the 18th hole like last year and we all know how that went. "That was big.  Getting that last drive in...phew." - Paik.  Besides those three drives, not one was taken from the timid Tommy....that was until the 18th.

With the score all knotted up at -2, Team Sage came to 18th, with only MGelly to drive.  He was one driveshort and needless to say he was driving like a drunk man all day.  MGelly stepped up and ripped it 230 out there...a thing of beauty.  The Captain took out the trusty hybrid and hit one up there another 230 within 115 yards of the long and challenging par 5, 18th green.  "The annoying peanut gallery was watching...we had to come up big." Daryl Sampson noted before they shot. "We got together as a group, said we can do this and Paik was first to act."  Paik always led the group and this time it wasn't your usual topper for 10 feet, he threw it up there and stuck to 12 feet on a uphill green.  "I couldn't believe it...I just wanted to get it in the air...and then that.  Wow" Paik said.  No one got closer and Paik's shot put the team with one putt away from the title....it was a 12-15 foot downhill side breaker....Paik was first to act:

And then the Green Team hoisted the Norman Jug on a rainy, cloudy, Scottish like day.  Paik's winning putt would be still rolling had the hole not been in the way.  That's sweet redemption after last year's Top Heard Round the World.

Hollywood couldn't have written a better script.

Team Devils (-2):
Front Nine: 4, 4, 4, 5, 4, 3, 4, 4, 4 = 36
Back Nine:  4, 4, 5, 3, 3, 4, 3, 3, 5 =  34

Team Tycoons  (-3):
Front Nine: 4, 5, 3, 4, 4, 3, 3, 4, 5 = 35
Back Nine:  4, 4, 5, 3, 4, 3, 3, 4, 4 = 34

Team Regime  (+1):
Front Nine: 4, 4, 3, 6, 4, 3, 4, 4, 5 = 37
Back Nine:  4, 4, 5, 3, 3, 5, 2, 5, 5 = 36

Team Barracudas  (+3):
Front Nine: 4, 4, 3, 5, 3, 4, 5, 4, 5 = 37
Back Nine:  5, 4, 5, 3, 4, 5, 3, 4, 5 = 38

It's been a long time since we've seen a Coyote Corner, a presentation of Griffin Mitchell, but it's here again.  It's top 10 time!

Top 10 SCHL Prospects GM’s are waiting to bust out

A mix of the top prospects GM’s can’t wait to see and the ones that need to get moving off that farm already.

10.  Jordan Schroeder (Express)- The 7^th overall pick in the SCHL draft had a bit of an off year in college but redeemed himself with a strong performance at the world juniors for the gold winning Yanks.  Even more impressive however was his ability to step into the world of the AHL and not miss a beat with the Moose.  That strong performance may have fast tracked himself to the big time as there will be holes to fill with the expected departures of the likes of Pavol Demitra, Kyle Welwood, and Ryan Johnson.

9. John Carlson (Flash)- If the ’09 draft will be remembered for anything it will be for the quality of defenseman drafted.  Tyler Myers, Hedman, Del Zotto to name a few… you can add Carlson's name to the mix.   If you believe some analysts he has a chance to be better then Mike Green in a few years.   I’m not too sure about that evaluation, none the less he has looked good at every level thus far and was a bright spot in the Caps brief playoff appearance.  Jon always knew JC was a jew.

8. Jonathan Bernier (Jawas)- Cam made the trade to get his guy, has patiently farmed him and now is looking to reap the rewards.   Bernier had a dominating performance in the AHL followed by an impressive showing in a brief call-up.  Ready than ever to make the next step but may have to bide time on the bench behind starter Jon Quick.  It wouldn’t surprise me in the least though if by season’s end he ends up the starter.  Call it Rask part 2.  

8.  Nazem Kadri (Swordsmen)- The prince of Persia wowed the crowd in an impressive preseason performance for the Buds but was wisely sent back to junior.   Kadri needs to gain some pounds to survive a full NHL campaign but will be given every opportunity to make the big club next year.  Leaf fans could be in for the makings of a dynamic duo if paired up with the equally speedy Kessel.  New GM Smith, has to be licking his chops at this gem.  Not bad for $900!

7.  Angelo Esposito (Millionaires/Aces)- Had to take a quick look at the Millie’s roster to see if he was still there.  I have a feeling he’ll be on that roster for a while to come as Rick waits patiently to get something….anything in return for his much maligned trade in ‘07 of Jarome Iginla to the Bullets that changed the course of history in the SCHL.   A wasted, injury plagued year for Espo has seen him freefall to 7^th on Atlanta’s prospect list (per.THN ranking).   Is time running out?   - I wonder what Meglly thinks?

6. Cody Hodgson (Tornadoes) - As with Schroeder, will have a legitimate shot at making a Canuck team with holes to fill.  Was expected by many to already be up but got sidetracked with a back injury in training camp last year.  Now a year behind in development the question marks are starting to emerge.  Is he injury prone?  Does he lack the speed, size and strength to be effective in the NHL?

4. Nikita Filatov (Spartans)- Resembling more La Femme Nikita than the Nikita that was supposed to win the Calder last year.    Clashed early on with coach Hitchcock which prompted his exodus to the KHL where he excelled.   Will start with a clean slate under a new coach to start next season but will still be a concern to flee to the KHL at a moment’s notice when things aren’t going his way.   Zherdev 2.0?

3. Alex Pietrangelo (Assassins) - One of the big 3 of the 2008 and while Doughty and Bogosian are full time regulars (along with later draftees Karlsson and Myers) Pietrangelo has been brought along at a slower pace.   If you put much stock into what HF and THN is saying than you’ll be jacked about his potential because both of them have him currently ranked no.1 in their top 50 compilation.  Will join his 08 draft buddies this fall.

2.  Jordan Eberle (Assassins) - No that’s not a vuvuzela you’re hearing .  As one generation passes by with the hollow sounds of “Kaberlaaah’” a new era ushers in with the sound of “Eberlaaah”.  Had an outstanding junior season and was his typical clutch self at the world juniors.  Called by many the most NHL ready of the top prospects, his emergence would be a welcome sight for the Assassins to complement other bookends in Steve Mason and Drew Doughty.  A real bright spot on the Assassins.

1. Kyle Turris (Regime) - Break out the history books and you’ll find once upon a time at a draft hosted by the departed Tarpan, Kyle Turris was drafted no.1 overall by some Klann fellow.  Yep seems like a long time ago and we’re still waiting on that no.1 pick to make the show.   Now with his 3^rd GM he’s lucky to be on a team with nothing but time on its hands.    I think you can flush away all that Yzerman/Sakic  talk but he’s not quite a Patrick Stefan yet either…look for a solid career perhaps somewhere in the middle.

Honorable Mentions:  Brayden Schenn, MPS,  Lars Eller,  Mikkael Boedker, Ryan Ellis 
 

Top 10 SCHL’ers in need of a change in scenery

Even better then moving one of your struggling players is when an NHL GM does it for you!  Whether it’s a veteran like Dan Boyle or a struggling youngster like Antoine Vermette, a change of scenery can sometimes do wonders.  Here’s a list of guys could use a change…

10. Patrick O’Sullivan (Jawas) -  After a promising  sophomore season of 53 pts Patty O’ pulled the diva act and began as a holdout the next season which has seem to derailed his progress more than anything.   His exile to Edmonton has not panned out, despite ample opportunities to shine it’s been Joffrey Lupul all over again.  Cornerston'd!

Prediction: Minnesota Wild

The Wild (who drafted O’Sullivan) could use some offensive punch up front.  Adding a shooter like O could make for a good complement to the playmaking Mikko Koivu.   
 

9. Vinny Lecavalier (Vanguard) - From the face of the franchise to second fiddle last year as Stamkos took the step up to top line status.  New GM Stevie Y (who reportedly is not the biggest Vinny fan) can make his stamp if he can find a taker for Vin and his long term contract and get some decent assets in return.     

Prediction:  New York Rangers

In a conference full of big time centers the Rangers are severely lacking in one to match up with their rivals.  If they can move around a few players combined with the cap up 2 mill, adding a Lecavalier to build around as he enters his 30’s may make some sense.   Perhaps reminiscent of the way they built around Jagr a small time ago.  Time to put on my Nostradamus hat… Lecavalier for Chris Drury (a shorter term big contract) Evy Grachev, and Bob Sanguetti….book it!   
 

8. Sheldon Souray (Tycoons) - A guarantee goner in Edmonton with their rebuilding mode and his recent trade request… let the speculation begin!  As per with Souray he can bring a cannon shot to add to your powerplay but comes with the usual injury concerns as well. 

Prediction: San Jose Sharks

I initially had the Devils down as a team that would be a good fit for Sheldon but with his penchant for playing on the west coast San Jose may be the team.   With Rob Blake’s recent retirement they will be in the market for a veteran defenseman who would make an already scary powerplay even more fearsome.  
 

7. Carey Price (Barracudas) -  After a successful rookie season has slowly regressed to the point of being the no.2 guy in Montreal after being outplayed by Jaroslav Halak.  Montreal now has a big decision on their hands as both are RFA’s and will command raises.  Look for them to go with Halak especially after their magical playoff run behind him this past spring.  Still an immense talent, Price in my mind could fetch a big haul on the open market despite there being a wealth of goalies on the market.

Prediction: …. ehhh never mind.

6. Alexander Frolov (Vanguard) - Began a career in 2002 that continued to trend upwards to a career high in 2007 but has regressed the other way ever since.  If ever there were a guy in need of a move it’s Fro.  Coach Terry Murray continues to bounce him around on the lineup, on a scoring line one night, on the checking line the next.  

Prediction: Anaheim Ducks 

As with most Russian free agents a threat to head to the KHL.  A weak crop of FA forwards however should work in his favour as there should be no shortage of suitors.  Reportedly has an affinity for the California lifestyle so a move down the road in Anaheim would make a lot of sense.   Anaheim will have some holes to fill at forward if as expected they lose Selanne and Koivu.  
 

5. Jason Spezza (Shrubdogs) -  From the Frandogg himself and I quote  “Kinda wouldnt mind a fresh start for my franchise player. That being said a move to a shat team would really piss me off. I don’t expect him to be traded but ya never know. Something gets rumored about long enough it usually inevitably happens. I do know this much, Sens fans are gonna regret it when he's gone. Have fun with your third tier/fading stars Ottawa.”

Prediction: Columbus Blue Jackets This is the rumored team and they do have attractive assets to dangle including the 4^th overall pick in next year’s draft.  Could the Jackets finally nab themselves a quality no.1 center for Rick Nash? 
 

4. Kris (or chris?) Versteeg (Platinum Pros) - Steeger may seem to be an odd choice on this list for a guy who just won a Stanley Cup.  The reality however for the Hawks is that they will be in for some hard decisions on which players to bring back as they will feel the cap crunch.  As a result the versatile winger with the 3 mill cap hit may be one of the ones to go.  Career wise it may be the best move for Versteeg as he now plays more of a secondary role with the talented group they have in Chicago.

Prediction: Pittsburgh Penguins

One of their top wingers is currently old man Guerin which tells you all you need to know about the winger situation in Pittsburgh.  Both the Russians Ponikarovsky and Fedotenko will be gone leaving more holes to fill.  A decent draft pick or two should be the price to get Versteeg who would have to be jacked for a chance to play with Malkin or Sid.  
 

3. Nathan Horton (Barracudas) - For the majority of Horton’s career after being taken 3^rd overall in the 2003 draft, he has largely been a mystery wrapped in a riddle.   He’s been blessed with the size and tools to be an elite center but so far only able to show that type of ability at small stretches at a time.  Perhaps a move away from the beaches of Florida where hockey is a passing thought could be the fire needed to light his ass. 

Prediction: Toronto Maple Leafs

No bigger stage for hockey than in the center of the universe.   Horton could mesh well with a young group of underachievers with something to prove.   With Florida unlikely interested in a Tomas Kaberle perhaps a 3 way trade could occur to make this deal happen.    
 

2. Tomas Kaberle (Swordsmen) - Kaberlaaa had a very solid campaign netting just under the 50 pt mark with the sad sack Leafs.  The prevailing wisdom is that he could top those numbers by a large margin if he gets traded to a real contender.  While things don’t  always tend to work out that way one still can’t help be tantalized by what he could do running the point with a good team in need of a point man like the New Jersey Devils or the Colorado Avalanche. 

Prediction:  New Jersey Devils

They are the name most rumored for a possible destination and it makes a ton of sense.  It’s no fluke they haven’t had a lick of playoff success since the departures of Scott Niedermeyer and Brian Rafalski.  A patchwork D isn’t going to get it done… Kaberle may be the missing ingredient for a team that is strong up front and with a hall of famer in net.   
 

1. Ilya Kovalchuk (Flash) - The name Jaques Lemaire is not something any poolie wants to hear associated with one of his players unless it’s your goalie.  Although Ilya was good in New Jersey I think it’s say to say his creativity was stifled a bit playing on a second line with a defensive club.  Has the ability to be elite but it remains to be seen if he can play at that level on a winner which is why I say he’ll be back in the NHL next year.   Hasn’t had a dynamite center since the days of Marc Savard in Hotlanta, hopefully for the Flash he’ll be eyeing a team that has one. 

Prediction: LA Kings

KHL rumors abound but Kovy has something to prove in the NHL and what better team to do it with than the Kings?  One of the fastest rising teams in the league, his addition could take them to the next level to top contender status.   Oh and about those KHL rumors…freezing cold tundra’s while riding buses in Russia or the sunny beaches of California?  Hmmnn tough one.   
 

Top 10 SCHL Player values enhanced by the Playoffs

Will they end up more Johnny Bucyk or Johnny Druce?  Regardless these 10 guys have their values at an all-time high thanks to a great playoffs.  Their GM’s will now have to decide if it’s time to sell high or stand pat

10. David Bolland (Regime) - The bulldog overcame a serious back injury and got his game on track in perfect cohesion with the Blackhawks cup run.  With his role increased, he stymied the likes of  Henrik Sedin and Joe Thornton with his tenacious defense.  More importantly to his owner Denroche was his ability to contribute offensively with 16pts in 22 games.  The same total he had in the regular season in almost twice the amount of games.  A regular on the Regime trade block, surely he deserves a roster spot on the lightweight Regime roster now. 

9. Peter Regin (Rowdy Kilts) - The SCHL has now entered a new era of Regin-omics so you can expect every number this guy puts forth to be trumpeted by his overzealous GM.    In his defense however, maybe there is something here to the hype as Regin was one of the few standouts for the Sens before bowing out to the Penguins.  Even more impressively he followed that up with a dominating performance in the worlds with a couple youtube worthy goals to boot.   Now whether that will translate into SCHL success next year remains to be seen but one thing we can count it is that we will be sure to hear about it if it happens.

8. Scott Hartnell (Barracudas) - After a mediocre year even by his standards a funny thing happened on the way to the Wachovia center this spring.  The ginger mop haired Hartnell conjured up images of Bobby Clarke with his heart, hustle and most surprisingly, offensive touch.   An annual borderline drop for the ‘Cudas looked to finally be re-entering the draft pool this year but with his great play he may again have locked himself that 12^th spot. 

7. Mike Cammalleri (Goldminers) - Think they miss him in Calgary?  One of the worst moves in recent memory had to be the addition of Olli Jokinen by the Flames causing the subtraction of a serious sniper in Cammy.  A bit of a subpar regular season was made up in spades as he turned up the heat for Montreal’s playoff run becoming their most important player after Jaro Halak.  Had a neat and tidy 19 points with an NHL leading 13 goals… we’ll ignore the -6 plus/minus. 

6. Jonathan Toews (Bullets) - As some dude named Hawthorne once said “teams are always rising and falling in the SCHL” and the same goes for its players with none rising higher than Sir Jonathan Toews.  Although his regular season totals are a bit underwhelming you may recall a certain hit he took by one Willie Mitchell that sidetracked his season somewhat.  When it came to crunch time though, whether it was his emergence as Canada’s best all around forward during the Olympics or his Conn Smythe turn in his cup run there’s no doubt Toews has now risen to the level of a superstar. 

5. Joe Pavelski (Goldminers) - How’s that old Heske saying go?  Turning flour into dough never gets old or something like that.  Anyways he may be seeing his share of dough soon if he turns out more players like this guy.  The best playoff showing by a Pavel since Bure 94, little Joe was easily the team’s best forward the first couple rounds outplaying the big 3.  Look for him to play an even bigger role next season with the expected departure of Patty Marleau. 

4. PK Subban (Heartbreakers) - The straw that broke the Tarpans back.  PK came into a pressure packed situation as a replacement for Andrei Markov during the playoffs and acquitted himself quite well.  Not only did he provide solid minutes for the club he dazzled the crowd with his daring rushes while doing it.  Of course he had his mistakes as well which could well give you a glimpse as to what kind of D-man he’s going to be, your classic high risk/high reward d-man that poolies love to have.   One of the Calder favorites going forth into next season. 

3. Claude Giroux (Gryphons) - Judging from the comments on the board Giroux sounds like an oft requested player for the Gryphons when it comes to trade talk.  You’ll have a easier time squeezing water out of a stone than getting Paik to let go of one of his up and coming young bucks.  Especially coming off the playoffs he just had where he put up 21pts in 23 games and was a consistent threat during the run.  Next step for him will be to show that same consistency throughout an 82 game season. 

2. Daniel Briere (Rowdy Kilts) - Who saw this one coming?   Briere took full advantage of to injuries to Jeff Carter and Simon Gagne gaining a top line role and never looked back.  His 30 points led the league in playoff scoring and erased any doubt that he can still be a great player when healthy and confident.   At the center of a few controversial SCHL trades during his time, his latest one with him and Brent Burns for Louie Ericsson is starting to look more lopsided than ever. 

1.Ville Leino (Heartbreakers) - Jay Leino wins again!  Had the hype early on and that was shown with his 9^th overall selection by the Millies only to end up as a castoff to the Heartbreakers who until recently had him penciled as a for sure drop.  Ville revived his career with an amazing playoff run that saw him break the NHL rookie record for points with his 21.  For a guy that went from one extreme to the other it will be interesting to see if his great play carries over into next year or if he joins the flash in the pan club with the likes of Chris Kontos and John Druce.  That damn Ville Leino!

For the SCHL, I'm Griffin Mitchell

The King has Left the Building
June 9, 2010

Trades like this only come up every few years and they're front page worthy.  After 11 years as a Rowdy Kilt, Martin Brodeur, a fantasy wet dream, has been traded to the Shrubdogs.  This is a coming home of sorts for Brodeur, who started his career in the ashtrix league from 97 to 98 as a Shrubdog.  The Kilts send Brodeur to the Shrubs for the 8th overall and 31st overall in the 2010 draft.  Prior to the deal the Kilts only had two fourth round picks in this coming draft.  This deal doubles their picks and allows for an extra protection spot.

The Shrubdogs have been searching for a starting goalie for some time and with last year's struggles this solidifies that position for the time being.  The rub here, however, is how long will Brodeur continue to play for?  The Shrubs are hoping it's long enough to bridge the gap for Markstrom to become a NHL starter.  It's quite the price to pay for the Shrubdogs, who gave up what would be their highest draft pick since 2006, but now they've got to be the run-a-way favourties to win the Bronze Division and it could propel them into the top 5 of the SCHL.  Moreover, this trade makes the Shrubs consistent with their go forward policy of not trading St. Louis.

"This was the easiest trade our organization has ever made.  We've had goaltending issues for ages.  We have all the faith in the world that Marty has at least two and maybe three dominant years left and he'll be a perfect mentor for Markstrom.  Were excited to add 100pts to our line-up." said GM Franson.

This is more than just a trade for the Kilts.  This marks the end of an era.  For years Brodeur has terrorized the league as a Kilt and every night he was/is a threat to get a shutout. "It's going to be weird to not cheer for New Jersey."  remarked GM Rattray at the Kilts charity golf tournament held in Glasgow. "I thought this day would never come.  It's upsetting, but we felt the Kilts pride themselves on having the nuts to make the big move and do what's best for business."  Brodeur isn't the best goalie in the SCHL,  he's simply been the best player in the SCHL's history.  He's amassed 440 wins and 78 shutouts for the Kilts over his time on their squad.  Marty lead the Kilts to piles of wins, 6 Brodeur awards, 4 WGs and 1 Snipers Cup championship.

"I've been dreaming of this day since 1998.  I've tried to change rules, lost some hair and have high blood pressure of this man. But now that it's here, I've gotta say it's sad.  The Kilts and Brodeur are synonymous." Tycoons GM Blake Johnston said on his way to the first tee at the Kilts charity tourney.  "Personally... I'da ridden him into the sunset.  It's kind of fitting he's traded on my birthday.  I've been waiting for a while to see the Kilts Brodeur-less.  Now that it's here...I've gotta say I'm sad. Tycoon Rowdy Kilt rumbles just won't be the same.  Be careful what you wish for, eh?"

Anyway you slice it, the Kilts lose this deal.  You just can't replace a guy like Brodeur, despite the great picks in return.  But it was time, the Kilts in the past three years have failed to put any pressure on the top teams and this is just a signal that they're reorganizing their team.  This truly ends an era.  The only trade ever to compete would be the Jagr deal, but this surpasses that.

A shook up GM Rattray went on to remark: "Marty has affected so many relationships with loved ones over the years.  I can remember being 21 years old and having a 3 month old daughter, laying on my bed with the satellite, watching NJ games with my Brodeur mini helmet.  Endless trots, going out for dinners and trying to hold conversations when the only thing on my mind was if Marty was going to hold the fort after having two shutout periods...and if he did hold on for the bagel, more often than not it was a guarantee changing the rules discuss coming...because of all the shutouts he got...all the cup finals and playoff game I watched over the years cheering for NJ.

I never thought I'd have a another favourite player other than Mario, especially a goalie, a goalie?  Never having to stress about an injury to Marty, or if he was starting in goal. 

Before the rules got changed and they put the trapezoid in so the goalies couldn't play it, I'd love when NJ would be up two goals, or even one with the other teams goalie pulled...Marty would come out every single time they dumped it, and only one thing on his mind was scoring an empty net goal.  I remember on a few occasions he just missed, giving me a heart attack in the process.

Also, I know he's going to good hands on the Shrubbies.  If I was to deal him to anyone it'd be Adam as he first hoisted the asterisk cup in the beginning.

What else can I say about this man...four WG's, one Snipers Cup, division titles, PM's, a trophy named after him"  Rattray pauses to collect him self, "and a good friend."

It's going to be a strange world going forward.  For 11 years Brodeur has stood between the pipes for the Kilts.

He's simply the King.