A Reason To Be Worried In Minnesota?

The BHL's 6th season is underway and there is much to talk about. The biggest piece of news so far is the start of the Minnesota Warbirds, a team that was projected to finish first in the league.

"Yeah we're frustrated," Said Patrick Albanese after a shoot-out loss to San Fransisco on July 21, 2009. "I'm frustrated with my play and I know the rest of the team is as well, we're better than this."

On the defensive side of the ice the Warbirds are as good as projected. The Warbirds defense has allowed 11 goals in 4 games, 6 of those against the Brisbane Clippers on July 15. Outside of that affair, Robi Albert has been dazzling.

"Defense isn't the problem, by any means," Said captain Miika Kemppinen "Our issues are on the offensive end."

Through the first three games of the season only the Toronto Vipers have scored less goals than the Warbirds.

"It's frustrating. We know we're a good team, the fans know we're a good team and other players know we're a good team, we just can't seem to find the net." Said Warbirds Owner Chris Coogan, who leads the 'Birds with 3 goals this season.

The fans have also caught wind of the lack of scoring and are wondering if GM Greg Ezell will be making a change.

"I don't care what rumors are out there, I am happy with this roster. I will not make a move for the sake of making a move. It makes absolutely no sense. We're a team with 7 new players on the roster so it will take time for us to gel. I'm not worried and the fans shouldn't be worried."

And all this is going down without a head coach. Kristian Marosi stepped down as head coach and there seems to be no immediate plans to name a coach.

"We're working on it, that's all I will comment on."

What is in store for the Warbirds? Who knows. There is some rumors within the organization of players being moved despite Ezell's word of non-movement. One thing is for sure though, the Warbirds need to put the puck in the net or their playoff chances will be clipped.

Training Camp Stories

The Minnesota Warbirds training camp in Iceland would kick off but it was the off ice activities that have stolen the show to date.

With Seals Phil Alkevicz stowing away and showing up to try out in net for the Warbirds, the drama was already notched up when team practical joker Scott Edmonds would get going.

Edmonds would be responsible for a pair of transvestite teeth missing prostitutes visiting the rooms of rookie Sawyer Withers and of head man Greg Ezell. There’s no word on how much they were paid but Ezell seemed less than amused.

“ Did you see them? Seriously what the hell? I think I need to take a bath in bleach to just feel clean from looking at them. Where the hell is security in this place?”

The pranking would continue with Edmonds teaming up with Chris Bell to drive netminder Robi Albert insane through the night with a scheme Bell called “penny tapping”. Using a bolt tied to some fishing line, Edmonds would tape a folded over matchbook cover above Albert’s door and slip the bolt and line through it. Out of sight around the corner, Bell and Edmonds then spent the next few hours letting the bolt drop and tap against Albert’s door.

“ Did you hear that? Seriously you heard that right?” Albert was heard asking anyone walking through the hallway.

“ He can’t stop what he can’t see. Poor guy will be sleeping through the game tomorrow!” Bell quipped when asked about the stunt.

Hotel security also had to step in when Edmonds, Bell, Priscilla Williams, and Chris Coogan were found with an extensive collection of pre-made water balloons which they were gleefully dropping on people coming in and out of the hotel’s main entranceway.

Kristian Marosi and Eric Baily would find themselves targets and soaking wet.

“ Those bastards ruined my white suit!” Marosi would complain after discovering he had been hit with a water balloon with red dye added into it.

“ I didn’t like the suit either, but come on! We’re their team mates! Damn those guys!” Baily would mutter before going to seek some dry clothing.

Miika Kemppinen however would team up with Edmonds in perhaps one of the best pranks, as they and a few other undisclosed accomplices snuck into the rooms of Chris Hie, Patrick Ng, and Matt Mahoney where they would crazy glue the furniture upside down to the ceiling, and hung their clothing out on clothes lines they strung from the hotel to another building adjacent for all to see.

“ Nice Mighty Mouse boxers there.” One unknown Icelandic local would comment upon seeing the clothing. It was unknown as to the exact player owning those as none of the three would comment.

Police would also wind up called as Priscilla Williams would be caught in her room doorway answering for room service and nearly giving the poor old bellhop a heart attack answering the door in a small towel showing her team colours proudly.

“ What can I say? I thought they were more liberal here. You mean I can’t go topless in the hot springs?” Williams laughed about the incident.

If the Warbirds are half as crazy and unpredictable on the ice as they are off it, this should be one hell of a season to remember. And to think this comes only two days into the opening of training camp.

Warbirds invade San Fransisco

It was well known three Minnesota Warbirds; Chris Coogan, Chris Bell, and Priscilla Williams were all in fact seen in the Los Angeles area.

Is it just coincidence then that during the same time as those three Warbirds were in town, not all that far away in San Fransisco, the Seals found themselves beseiged with graffitti. Taggers would cut a swath through the heart of Seals Country, taking it over.

From the Coit Tower to Girardelli Square, to the famous Piers of San Fransisco unknown taggers went to work as the town was suddenly infested with Warbirds logos and the slogan "We are in your hood, stealins your fans!".

One rumour suggested Seals player Phil Alkevicz was secretly behind the co-ordinated efforts that seem to have stabbed a dagger in the hearts of Seals fans and stolen some over to the proverbial dark side as Warbirds converts.

Warbirds welcome in new goalie

St. Paul, MN -

The Minnesota Warbirds made it no secret that they were looking for a goalie in the offseason to backup Robi Albert.

"Patrick (Walford) has done a great job for us in the past, but he hasn't shown up to camp and he hasn't been around the team." GM Greg Ezell said in a press conference once the league announced the trade. "We can't go into the season hoping that Patrick was working out on his own, so I had to address the situation as any GM should."

And address the situation he did. The Minnesota Warbirds sent quiet winger Dan Torsiello to Castlegar for goaltender Trevor Pullin.

"We're very excited to have Trevor come in and have a goalie competition for the backup goalie spot. I think it will bring the best out of all three of our goaltenders in the upcoming season. Was it sad to see Dan go? Sure, but Mr. Kemp stated a need for a winger and he was available." Ezell continued.

Pullin was unavailable for immediate contact. The Warbirds, and their new goalie, are gearing up for the Frank Barron Tournament championship game.

Know Your Warbirds - Chris Bell

The Minnesota Warbirds would have a busy offseason, with one of the players acquired being former Thunder Cup Champion winger Chris Bell. Bell sat down with Art of War as the first player to step into the crosshairs of an ongoing feature called "Know your Warbirds".

Bell would break into the league in Season Four, drafted by Castors GM Randy Geralt. Bell who was predicted to go early would slide down to a mid first round pick before the Castors would select him. He would immediately slot into their lineup and play.

Brock Stevens: What was getting drafted like for you?

Chris Bell: I remember it was a bit nerve wracking that night. You were just waiting, sitting there wondering if and when you would go. I was thrilled when it was the Castors. I knew they were building something from the ground up and there was a great opportunity to step right in and play there. Given at that time there was no minor league in place that was a huge thing.

The winger would go on to record five goals and six assists in all 22 games for the Castors in his rookie season, notching 10 penalty minutes and finishing a -5. Bell played mostly fourth line minutes but was able to take those opportunities and give the Castors some great depth.
BS: You see the numbers, but what did you think of your first year in the league and what you accomplished?

CB: Getting to jump right into the lineup and appearing in all the games was a big thing. I just really was focused on trying to adjust and find my game in the league and contribute. I think the big thing back then was that we were the ones kicking off the Castors, we were making history literally. There was a lot of new guys, rookies, and some really solid respected players and it came together really well. Being able to contribute and capitalize on my chances when I had them was an important step to getting to play all the time.”

The Castors would reach the playoffs where they were eliminated by the Vancouver Falcons. Bell stepped up his game, notching two goals and three assists in all five playoff games. Bell improved his +/- to even and would only see two penalties against him, still, it would not be enough as the Castors fell to their fierce and hated rivals the Vancouver Falcons.

BS: The playoffs are called the second season. What was it like stepping right into something like that your first year in?

CB: The playoffs you want to elevate your game. It’s far more intense, the games mean that much more to not just you but everyone from the team to the fans. I really tried to minimize mistakes and keep contributing. I threw a lot of checks and really tried to be responsible in my own end. I had the chance to play on the top two lines for a bit there too and really tried to just seize the opportunity.

Bell would look to his sophomore year hoping to avoid the dreaded jinx, while more responsibility and attention was focused on him. The Castors made some key moves and with everything clicking would have a season few could have predicted. For his part Bell began the year changing his jersey number from 9 to 26, a move that was very personal.

BS: There was a number change for you, how did that came about since it seemed to come out of nowhere?

CB: My father played hockey, and 26 was his number. During the offseason he passed away and so I wanted to honor him and play wearing that number so I went to the team and the switch was made. It meant a great deal to be able to do such and well with how the season went it turned out pretty damn well I would say.

Bell would again appear in all 22 games, this time notching four goals and five assists, falling just two off his rookie campaign in points, however he would wind up improving to a +9 on the season as Castlegar rolled through the competition and was possibly one of the best ever teams assembled in the history of the BHL.

BS: It was a pretty remarkable season, what was your take on how things went?

CB: It was a great regular season. I really was focused on making sure I played a strong two way game. I was looking to pass more really, I think I got away from shooting the puck, but it was more a side effect of thinking more defensive than offensive so it worked out. Of course there was the whole hold it hold it thing.

Bell and the Castors would then march to the championship series against Toronto, and what would prove the most improbable and memorable night of Bell’s career. On the way Bell racked up four goals and seven assists for 11 points while being +3. The highlight was game seven where Bell was named 1st star after collecting the hat trick to seal the cup win for Castlegar.

BS: Obviously that had to be a career highlight, what happened come playoffs?

CB: I got four goals all playoffs and three came in that last game. It was just unreal. I think nobody, even me, expected that. It was probably just the best game I have had to date. It was definitely a career moment. The playoffs are just pure pressure and with such a strong season we really put even more on ourselves. We didn’t want to be another regular season wonder that flopped. I think everyone on the team literally found a whole other level to their game.”

The high of such would not last as Bell would wind up in a weird and confusing contract negotiation that lead to him deciding not to re-sign and test the restricted free agent waters. Bell would eventually wind up traded to the team he had in fact helped to eliminate not that long ago, the Toronto Vipers.

BS: Okay how is it you go from hero of the playoffs to traded once the season ended?

CB: That was really the hardest decision to make, but to this day I still feel and know it was the right one at that time. There were things that were said and happened I regret but really most of it was kept low key and in house so to speak. And really that is how it should be. Then again I also know a lot of crap was going on too that lead to the few public happenings, and as expected once something like that gets out a lot of people just love jumping into drama. It doesn’t matter that they have no real business doing such, and are in no way involved, the general take is well that’s my friend so they are automatically right and screw you. It was what it was and really I don’t dwell on it at all. I was a Castor through and through. For the record I never once demanded a trade, and merely decided I would go test the restricted free agent waters. While there I was all about the team and have very good memories and we definitely left our mark.

CB (cont): Going to Toronto was like a fresh start. I was looking forward to it, especially since my girlfriend had just been drafted there. Hometown guy gets the chance to stay in Canada and play in front of the home crowd. And much like Castlegar there was going to be a revamping of things and some history to be made once again. It just ended up as not going to happen there. The team was pretty well dismantled and I was traded, but it worked out well in the end I do have to say.”

Bell, who is involved with Priscilla Williams, would be traded with her to the Dakota Warbirds, who shortly after were renamed to Minnesota. It was a move that saw Bell switch positions to the right wing, and later in another move see him re-united with Adam Stevens who would also wind up from Toronto to Minnesota via free agency.
BS: So you get traded twice in one off season. What was it like going to Minnesota?

CB: We have such a great group here. It’s really gotten me back wanting to get going on the ice and really revitalized me. I’ve been working hard to get ready to go, and working on my offensive game to get it back going a bit more. It’s nice to be able to feel that camaraderie and really we are a pretty laid back and tight knit group. We can screw around, take shots at one another, but we also know everyone has that respect for one another here. Minnesota is a damn fine place to be playing hockey and honestly I’m pretty damn happy to be here.”

On moving to the Minnesota area, Bell and Williams got a place close to the arena and settle in. Bell, who was always active in the Castlegar community quickly began getting his teammates together for events all over the city fueling a huge fan response for their team.
BS: You sold your place, actually settling here, and really brought your community focus to the team. How has that gone and what other things have you got planned?
CB: This is a fantastic place, and we have just rabid loyal fans. It’s amazing, and a bit overwhelming coming from the small tight knit Castlegar to here, but there is just this energy here you just feed off and love. I can’t wait to play here, and getting to be about the community for events it’s just great. We’ve done a fishing derby, a barbeque, a bunch of stuff but we are going to have plenty more events and we try and make them for everyone too. I think Minnesota will definitely be the team everyone knows and if you are not at a Warbirds game, that’s just because you are a loser who thinks there is something better to do on a game night. Lonely acne faced guys counting their sock drawers or trying to be the online cyber king stroking it. Wait can I say that? Oh well, just did..”

The liking for his new team would be evident when, upon being acquired, Bell would sign a contract extension to remain with the Warbirds until the end of Season Eight.

SB: You came in and pretty much immediately signed an extension to remain with the Warbirds. How did that come about?

CB: Honestly, it was a good fit. Greg (Ezell) really sold me on the team and the direction and vision he has for it. Right away he made sure I knew he wanted me as a part of this franchise and the guys in charge all really showed they had great lines of communication and that was a really big thing. We have great guys here and a solid locker room. I was just comfortable being here and a part of the team that I felt that signing the extension was the right thing to do. I am really looking forward to being a Warbird and honestly can see sticking around for the rest of my career in the BHL even.”

Management and fans alike are now just left waiting for the start of the season to see what number 26 brings to the ice as the Warbirds head into Season Six with high expectations.

Sitting down with "Captain Castor"

I sat down with Pat Albanese over the weekend and we discussed all things hockey. Starting with leaving Castlegar, to the Frank Barron tournament and his new linemates.

Brock Stevens: Thanks for agreeing to sit down with me, Mr. Albanese. How are you enjoying your time in Minnesota?

Pat Albanese: My pleasure. My time in Minnesota has been great. It's good getting back into the States after spending the last few years up in Canada. I had never never spent a lot of time in the state of Minnesota before so this is all new to me and I'm enjoying the place.

BS: Speaking of your time in Canada, what were the feelings you had when you were traded to Minnesota?

PA: I couldn't believe I was actually leaving Castlegar. I had recently resigned with the team and was feeling good about the upcoming season. Then all the organizational changes hit and I wasn't sure what my future would hold. I was shocked that I got stripped of the captaincy, mainly because I was blind-sided with it. And I think things could have gone smoother, but I hold no hard feelings towards anyone in that organization and wish them the best. I was just lucky enough that a quality team like Minnesota stepped up and came calling.

BS: Now that you're no longer "Captain Castor", what are your expectations in Minnesota?

PA: My expectations haven't changed just because I no longer wear a "C" on my sweater. I'm still coming into the locker room and hitting the ice with the same mentality I had before. To me, I'm always focused on being a quality teammate and hockey player. Coming into this season, it was all about winning another cup, and that hasn't changed just because my team has. I have high expectations for the Warbirds.

BS: What are your thoughts on playing on a line with Miika Kemppinen and Chris Coogan, two highly respected and long term Warbirds?

PA: I love it. I first time I saw the lines, I was thrilled. These guys are such vets, such good players, that I couldn't ask for better line mates. I'm just looking to go out there and make some plays for them.

BS: Any predictions for the Frank Barron tournament?

PA: I'm just looking forward to getting out there and playing our first game. I think there's been two solid opening games to the tourney so far. But this is our home, our rink, and I think we can win it. I know the Birds took this tourney last year, and I'm looking for a repeat performance.

BS: Any S6 predictions?

PA: I feel good about season six. I think this team has a solid build, great character, and no matter what we're going to play our asses off. So I see an improvement over the 11 wins of last year, and a long playoff run. Anything less and I don' think we'd be satisfied as a team.

BS: Well thank you for taking time out of your busy day and good luck in the tournament and Season 6.

PA: Anytime. Thanks!

The Warbirds will open up S6 at home against the Toronto Vipers.

A Look At The Season 6 Warbirds

A Look At The Season 6 Warbirds

PART IV

There are many that look at the Minnesota Warbirds defense and cringe. Last year the group swept the BHL defense awards with Kristian Marosi taking the Best Offensive Defenseman award and Greg Ezell taking the Best Defensive Defenseman award. This year, the Birds get stronger (if that’s possible) with the addition of Chris Hie, an offensive defenseman who can put the puck in the net but also put an opponent on the ice.

#14 – Eric Baily

This year, Eric will wear the A for the Minnesota Warbirds for the first time. Last year, Eric really stepped his game up and became a big part of what the defense did. GM Greg Ezell has openly decreed that he views Eric as an integral part of the Warbirds’ organization and sees him as the future in Minnesota. Also, Eric is switching roles from an offensive defenseman mindset to a more defensive defenseman mindset.

Last year Baily posted 1 goal and 8 assists (9 points) which was a step up from his S4 total of 3 goals and 5 assists (8 points). What the third year player needs to learn is discipline as he was second on the team with 18 penalty minutes.

Baily will be paired with either Kristian Marosi or Chris Hie. If Baily is paired with Marosi, it will be a speedier tandem, but how will they play against big, powerful forwards? With Hie, it will be a stronger tandem, but can they hold their own against the speedsters?

#36 – Chris Hie

Hie came over in a trade that saw center Charlie Hooker go to San Fransisco and center Jon Desouza go to Castlegar. Hie has always been on Ezell’s radar, dating back to when the two began playing against one another in the now defunct F-L.

Last season, Hie played for the Toronto Vipers and was a big reason why they made it to the Thundercup Finals. In 22 games he posted 0 goals and 15 assists (15 points), but also had 70 hits. Many believe that being paired with either Greg Ezell or Eric Baily will allow Hie to open his game up a little more as he will have a seasoned veteran to back him up.

Hie just doesn’t bring great defensive skills to the table, he brings a proven coaching ability as well. He was the one behind the bench in Toronto and that should prove valuable to head coach Kristian Marosi and new assistant coach Eric Baily.

#41 – Patrick Ng

Last year Ng was drafted by the Warbirds to shore up a defense that lost some key players. By most accounts, he did an excellent job and the sophomore was rewarded with a contract that will see him in Minnesota until S8 is finished.

Ng posted respectable numbers as a rookie, matching Eric Baily’s 1 goal and 8 assists (9 points). Ng, a smaller defender, will have to work on toughness as he only had 39 hits in the season.

Ng will be paired with Jaime Shimbashi and the two should make for an excellent 3rd pairing. Although these two will go under the radar because of the talent that precedes them on the depth chart, both Patrick and Jamie can learn from the best in the BHL at playing the position.

#44 – Jamie Shimbashi

Shimbashi is in his 3rd year now and is looking to have his defining breakout season. Shimbashi will remain in Minnesota until the end of season 7, but there are rumblings that GM Greg Ezell would like to extend his contract.

In Season 4, Shimbashi posted 1 goal and 6 assists (7 points) and in Season 5 saw his totals drop has be posted 0 goals and 5 assists (5 points). Shimbashi also saw his plus/minus fall from +5 in S4 to +2 in S5.

Many within the organization believe that Jamie had an off season and has been working very hard to regain the type of number he had in season 4. He will be paired with Patrick Ng and the two should make for an excellent 3rd pairing.

#56 – Greg Ezell

Ezell is your quintessential defensive defenseman. Last season he had a BHL record 128 hits in 22 games (5.88 hits a game) and was promoted to GM of the Warbirds in the off-season. On and off the ice, Ezell is one of the team leaders as well as one of the defensive group leaders.

In S4, Ezell had 0 goals and 4 assists (4 points) with a plus/minus of +14 and 91 hits. He improved in every category in S5 (excluding goals) with 0 goals and 12 assists (12 points) with a plus/minus of +17 and 128 hits.

The real question is Ezell’s speed. Though his technique is top notch, his lack of speed has left him out of position at times. By his own accord he has been working to lower his weight of 250 last year and is believed to be in the 235 range, which should lighten the load on the skates.

#90 – Kristian Marosi

Last season, Marosi made the switch from right wing to defense to compensate the loss to Pete Giebler and Antti Kuttenin. The move paid off as Marosi became one of the best offensive defenseman and took home the S5 Best Offensive Defenseman award.

Marosi had 3 goals and 12 assists (15 points) and a plus/minus of +2 last season. His biggest area of work will be in the penalty department as Marosi led the team with 20 penalty minutes. His saving grace was Minnesota had a penalty kill that ranked 3rd in the BHL.

As head coach of the Warbirds, Marosi has a tall task in front of him, but he has surrounded himself with great assistant coaches. Marosi will be leaned on as one of, if not, the best defenseman in Minnesota due to the stats he posted last year.

All in all, the defensive corps is one of the best the BHL has seen in a long time and should help Robi Albert see less shots than last year. Next up, the goalies.