Pontiac Firebirds MLD Team Thread Topic

- Exclusive to MLD.com -
May 27/07 - Meet The New Boss
The MLD recently underwent its fourth ownership change since inception. With the fifth season playoffs still in progress, Hall of Fame sim owner damag takes over operation of the New West Bruins.
5/26/2007 2:53 PM


 
PONTIAC FIREBIRDS
Home Arena: Le Centre Guy Lafleur; Gatineau, Quebec
Colours: Black, White, Solid Gold, Candy Apple Red
Minor League Affiliate: Cornwall Gunners
Owner, General Manager, and Chairman of the Freakin' Board: damag
Head Coach: Karlis Ottavainen
Associate Coach: Vitezslav Leru
Fan Site - firebirdshockey.ca
For tickets, call 1-888-SCREECH!
7/25/2010 6:38 PM (edited)
- firebirdshockey.ca -
June 2/07 - National Capital Region welcomes MLD
Season Six of the MLD brings new ownership and a franchise relocation from Western Canada to the east. The annual playoff contender New West Bruins are no more, as new owner/GM/coach damag has set up shop in Gatineau, Quebec. Representing the West Quebec region known as "The Pontiac", the newly-minted franchise will be known as the Pontiac Firebirds.
"Look at the chicken", said damag. "I had to rip that logo off. It screams muscle car, Coca Cola, burgers and fries, disco music, open neck shirts with snaggletooth necklaces, porn mustaches... You know I will be offering bonus money to players who choose to sport porn mustaches."
The always-marketing-savvy damag sees a great opportunity in the National Capital region. "Not just West Quebec, Eastern Ontario too. Our minor league affiliation with the Cornwall Gunners will pump some juice back into that hockey scene. And this sets up a natural regional rivalry with the Kingston Crooks. I really thank the fans of the Bruins for supporting the MLD for so long. We looked at other locations... Detroit, Atlantis... but the people here were fantastic, they built us this new arena... and c'mon, dig that chicken!"
A pretty big change for the former Bruins. "And more coming. Bet on it."
6/2/2007 1:01 PM
FIREBIRDS ROSTER

#   
Name                          Pos   Eligibility

00  John Thatcher               G        6
2    Flietwode Mack             D       1    
4    Willson Philips              D        2
6    
7    Dean Niall                       D        1
9    Juan Fourdrhode           LW      1
11  
12  Levon Onaprair              C        1
13  Jacques Trapp (C)         LW     FP7
14  Rocky Montenweghe     LW     5
15  Killer Queen                   RW     5
16  Rex Bottoms                  C         3
17  
18  Dave Groel                      D        4
20  Johnny Horne-Dogg     LW      2
21  Randy Busch-Shaver    C        2
22  Dixon Sydor                    RW     4
23  M.C. Hammre                RW     2
24  Buck Foston                   RW     4
25  Harry Hnutszak             C       1
26  Almon Brothers              D       3
27  Parker Brothers             LW     1
30  R.O. Smith                       G      2
31  Dubie Brothers               G      3
34  Ryan Nolan                     RW    6
39  Al Emayo                         C       1
40  Bachman Turner            G       3
41  Tommy Lee Roth            D      4
47  Todd Mettomaki              RW   6
51  Moishe Rhona                D       1
55  Iaba Dabadu                   D       1
66  Mario Brothers                RW   6
 

Retired Numbers

#3 - Ante Krkac
#5 - Colin Elvis
#8 - Ilya Moltsi
#10 - Karel Blomm
#19 - Michael Knight
#28 - Church Pugh
#29 - J.P. Kay
#33 - Vlastimil Morton
#35 - Darren Tallberg
#43 - Risto Sinilaakso
#44 - Lowell McDaniel
#91 - Jackson Tavares
 
4/8/2013 3:36 PM (edited)
RECORDS & TRANSACTIONS (inc. New West Bruins)
*updated June 11/18
Career Records - Season Records
Goals - 247 - Niclaus Jack - Goals - 62 - Karel Blomm (S1)
Assists - 463 - Risto Sinilaakso - Assists - 74 - Vern Raevuori (S1)
Points - 635 - Risto Sinilaakso - Points - 105 - Rockne Amadeus / Lando Griffin (S57)
PIM - 196 - Tank Scorpio - PIM - 130 - Tank Scorpio (S42)
Games - 871 - Michael Knight - Shots - 325 - Rob Sack (S5)

Goaltending Records
Games, Career - 395 - Vlastimil Morton
Games, Season - 78 - Darren Tallberg (S20)
Shutouts, Career - 60 - R.O. Smith
Shutouts, Season - 19 - Ty Yamada Downe (S62)
Wins, Career - 229 - R.O. Smith
Wins, Season - 61 - Ty Yamada Downe (S62)
GAA, Career - 1.76 - R.O. Smith - min. 250 TOI
GAA, Season - 1.48 - J.P. Kay (S27) & Ty Yamada Downe (S62) - min. 30 games
Save %, Career - 92.50 - Leo Xavier - min. 250 TOI
Save %, Season - 94.55 - Bo Darville (S8) - min. 30 games

Franchise Players
S1-S5 - Karel Blomm LW
S6-S9 - Ilya Moltsi D
S10-S12 - Troy Honka D
S13 - Jim Rockford LW
S14-S15 - Melvin Smiley LW
S16-S18 - Ante Krkac D
S19-S21 - Lowell McDaniel LW
S22-S24 - Michael Knight C
S25-27 - Colin Elvis D
S28-30 - Risto Sinilaakso D
S31-32 - Jackson Tavares C
S33-35 - Church Pugh D
S36 - current - Jacques Trapp LW

Season 6 Draft
1 - Jim Rockford LW
2 - Michael Knight C
3 - Frank "The Tank" Ricard LW
4 - Billy Madison RW
5 - Bo "Bandit" Darville G
6 - Gizzy Aittoniemi D

Season 7 Draft
1 - Tony Montana RW
2 - Melvin Smiley LW
3 - Rocky Balboa C
4 - Lester Burnham C
5 - Frank "Ponch" Poncherello D
6 - Dwight Schrute G

Season 8 Draft
1 - Phil Lynott RW
2 - Brian Downey C
3 - Scott Gorham LW
4 - Brian Robertson RW
5 - Gary Moore D
6 - John Sykes D

Season 9 Draft
1 - Andreas Manna C
2 - Maxime Gagnon C
3 - Ante Krkac D
4 - Leo Xavier G
5 - Ulrich Haessler C
6 - Jeremy Ronald G

Season 10 Draft
1 - Marc Tiala D
2 - Kris Demidoff LW
3 - Keith Alkio LW
4 - Andre Kivikoski RW
5 - Emory Ylomaki C
6 - Ike Turner G

Season 11 Draft
1 - Darryl Riskala RW
2 - Scot Borenius LW
3 - Howie Hamayomama C
4 - to Gotham City Knights: Aki Josefsson RW
5 - Lowell McDaniel LW
6a - Duke Snyder D
6b - from Anoka Tornados: Art Tarkkala D

Season 12 Draft
1 - Rem Luuri D
2 - Danny Majakangas RW
3 - Dana Telkka D
4 - Patsy Dus D
5 - Larry Ettanen D
6 - Scott Gronros C

Season 13 Draft
1 - Rick O'Shea RW
2 - Jesse Liikkanen D
3 - Randy Ladd C
4 - Adam Skonback D
5 - Rory Martineero RW
6 - Emory Mangolin D

Season 14 Draft
1 - Gunnar Sundman RW
2 - Carl Risto D
3 - Darren Tallberg G
4 - Luciano Sjoman LW
5 - Rags Pernaa D
6 - Otto Uunila RW

Season 15 Draft
1 - Jeff Clinton RW
2 - Jesse James Dean G
3 - Vadim Stroganov RW
4 - Jean-Sebastien Sinjoi LW
5 - Colin Elvis D
6 - Risto Sinilaakso D

Season 16 Draft
1 - Brian Tarvas C
2 - Darrel Myllyntaus RW
3 - Enio Jassu D
4 - Maxim Mattus LW
5 - Cristobal Pouttu D
6 - Obs Mallinen D

Season 17 Draft
1 - Hadrian Shocker RW
2 - Chunkiazz Mofeaux D
3 - Thunderbolt Johnson RW
4 - Ike Ventomaa D
5 - Alek Liljequist LW
6 - Edmond Tornaeus C

Season 18 Draft
1 - Danton Saralainen D
2 - Erik Meltsi C
3 - Newsy Neveski LW
4 - Todd Mettomaki RW
5 - Stephane Kinnari LW
6 - Hardy Sakkelainen G

Season 19 Draft
1 - Jackson Tavares C
2 - Cain Patrick LW
3 - Nick Rash LW
4 - Ryan Nolan RW
5 - Gord Vano G
6 - Erich Rontynen D

Season 20 Draft
1 - Adam Slasher D
2 - Bobby Hell LW
3 - Dickey Fingers C
4 - Benoit Honka G
5 - Jeannot Tani G
6 - Tie Jalosuo D

Season 21 Draft
1 - Church Pugh D
2 - Wendel Fark D
3 - Elmer Alasippola D
4 - Daniel Vuolla D
5 - Philip Boman D
6 - Harvie Muttala D

Season 22 Draft
1 - Leroy Scorpio LW
2 - Tommy Lee Roth D
3 - Stephan Quesnel G
4 - Brent Aromaki G
5 - Jere Anila LW
6 - Kirby Fager D

Season 23 Draft
1 - Raimo Hammarhedh LW
2 - Vitaly Kharlamov RW
3 - Les Paul Gibson C
4 - J.P. Kay G
5 - Viktor Van Duum D
6 - Kevyn Knuuttinen D

Season 24 Draft
1 - Cormac Orr D
2 - Jon Hall C
3 - Darrell Oates RW
4 - Stanley Stiemer LW
5 - Flat Brandt D
6 - Cleveland Stiemer D

Season 25 Draft
1 - Mario Brothers RW
2 - Yoshi Zeiland D
3 - Jacques Trapp LW
4 - Valentino Ventilatte D
5 - Tracy Mitrohin RW
6 - Paxton Toijanen D

Season 26 Draft
1 - Nuke Wellington LW
2 - Rod Felterbachs RW
3 - Titanic Johnson RW
4 - Tie Korkeila D
5 - Hugh Kalijarvi C
6 - Merlin Paakko G

Season 27 Draft
1 - Killer Queen RW
2 - Evan Ruud D
3 - Buck Foston RW
4 - Bronco Kuitinen C
5 - Andre Keikkinen G
6 - John J. Parhiainen G

Season 28 Draft
1 - Dixon Sydor RW
2 - Hadron Kolyda D
3 - Dave Groel D
4 - Almon Brothers D
5 - Gianni Ramone C
6 - Jeremiah Freebird G

Season 29 Draft
1 - Ace Ydici C
2 - Roland Stones C
3 - Bachman Turner G
4 - Fernando Arvinen D
5 - Phil Siilanmaki LW
6 - Dubie Brothers G

Season 30 Draft
1 - M.C. Hammre RW

Season 31 Draft
1 - Rocky Montenweghe LW
2 - Willson Philips D
3 - Ryder Zonastorm D
4 - Rex Bottoms C
5 - R.O. Smith G

Season 32 Draft
1 - Johnny Horne-Dogg LW
2 - Randy Busch-Shaver C
3 - Moishe Rhona D

Season 33 Draft
1 - Dean Niall D
2 - Al Emayo C

Season 34 Draft
1 - Juan Fourdrhode LW
2 - Iaba Dabadu D
3 - Harry Hnutszak C

Season 35 Draft
1 - Parker Brothers LW
2 - Levon Onaprair C
3 - Flietwode Mack D


Transactions
June 4/07 - Released LW Ross Tenomaa
June 5/07 - Released RW Francois Kietavainen
August 31/07 - Released RW Billy Madison
October 4/07 - Traded C Henrik Lintala to Okanagan Ogopogoes for C Willie Chancellor
January 22/08 - Released G Dwight Schrute
February 1/08 - Traded D John Sykes to Halifax Mooseheads for LW Punch Urpalainen
February 10/08 - Traded G Jeremy Ronald to Anoka Tornados for a 6th round pick in the Season 10 Draft.
February 28/08 - Traded C Rocky Balboa and a 4th round pick in the Season 11 Draft to Gotham City Knights for LW Russ Harri and RW Dane Nokko.
March 29/08 - Traded Anoka 6th round pick in Season 10 draft back to Anoka for 6th round pick in Season 11 Draft.
April 15/08 - Traded C Ulrich Haessler, RW Brian Robertson and D Gary Moore to Yorkton Millers for D Paul Seppola, C Floyd Siniketo, and RW Benoit Torni.
May 9/08 - Released RW Benoit Torni, LW Keith Alkio, G Ike Turner, C Lester Burnham, LW Frank Ricard, and RW Matt Tervamaa.
August 22/08 - Released D Art Tarkkala
November 2/08 - Released D Curtis Pohjoisaho and D Patsy Dus
November 29/08 - Traded C Maxime Gagnon to Kingston Crooks for LW Rob Nokimaki
January 25/09 - Traded RW Gunnar Sundman to Okanagan Ogopogoes for C Lou Nurro
January 28/09 - Traded D Alvin Vihkola to NY Junk Yard Dogs for LW Gaetan Storm
March 19/09 - Released D Adam Skonback, D Dana Telkka, LW Kris Demidoff, and LW Scott Gorham
August 10/09 - Released D Carl Risto
May 19/10 - Released D Chunkiazz Mofeaux
July 27/10 - Released LW Bobby Hell
December 17/10 - Released D Viktor Van Duum
February 26/11 - Released D Cleveland Stiemer
June 16/11 - Traded D Wendel Fark to Kingston Crooks for D Bill Ding
July 16/11 - Released RW Darrell Oates and D Valentino Ventilatte
December 9/11 - Released G Jeremiah Freebird and C Gianni Ramone
July 3/12 - Released D Ryder Zonastorm
Retirements
August 26/07 - C Shaone Toivarinen, C Hub Leponiemi, D Vern Raevuori, LW Kirby Maarsnas, RW Karel Blomm
November 9/07 - C Jeremy Tuurela, C Max Unger, C Max Ruoho, C Willie Chancellor, D Ty Rehonen, G Vlastimil Morton, RW Bubba Haapakangas, RW Terry Robertson
January 17/08 - C Manny Nissas, LW Guy Monto, RW Karlis Ottavainen
March 31/08 - D Ilya Moltsi, LW Lonny Smith, LW Russ Harri, RW Dane Nokko
August 19/08 - D Bingo Jumpanen, D Jerred Tyyni, LW Rob Sack
October 31/08 - D Troy Honka, D Shaone Jaatinen
January 5/09 - LW Jim Rockford, RW Tony Montana, D Paul Seppola
March 19/09 - G Vitezslav Leru, RW Apu Nahasapeemapetilon
May 31/09 - LW Melvin Smiley, RW Phil Lynott, D Leroy Copekinus
August 8/09 - C Brian Downey, LW Gaetan Storm
October 26/09 - G Leo Xavier, D Frank Poncherello, LW Punch Urpalainen, C Floyd Siniketo
December 31/09 - D Ante Krkac, C Andreas Manna, LW Rob Nokimaki, RW Rick O'Shea
March 10/10 - G Bo Darville, D Marc Tiala, C Randy Ladd
May 17/10 - RW Danny Majakangas
July 25/10 - LW Lowell McDaniel, D Duke Snyder
October 4/10 - G Darren Tallberg, D Rem Luuri, C Howie Hamayomama, LW Scot Borenius, RW Darryl Riskala
December 14/10 - RW Hadrian Shocker, RW Thunderbolt Johnson, D Jesse Liikkanen, D Enio Jassu
February 22/11 - RW Vadim Stroganov, LW Nick Rash, C Michael Knight
May 5/11 - RW Darryl Myllyntaus, LW Jean-Sebastien Sinjoi, LW Cain Patrick
July 16/11 - C Erik Meltsi
September 24/11 - D Colin Elvis, D Danton Saralainen, D Adam Slasher, C Lou Nurro, LW Newsy Neveski, RW Jeff Clinton
December 7/11 - LW Raimo Hammarhedh, C Dickey Fingers
February 14/12 - G Stephan Quesnel
April 24/12 - G Jesse James Dean, LW Leroy Scorpio, C Jon Hall, D Cormac Orr, D Risto Sinilaakso
July 1/12 - C Les Paul Gibson, LW Nuke Wellington
September 7/12 - C Jackson Tavares, D Bill Ding
November 19/12 - C Brian Tarvas, RW Rod Felterbachs, D Yoshi Zeiland
February 1/13 - C Roland Stones, LW Stanley Stiemer, D Hadron Kolyda
April 8/13 - D Church Pugh, D Evan Ruud, G J.P. Kay, C Ace Ydidi, RW Vitaly Kharlamov, RW Titanic Johnson
6/11/2018 5:41 PM (edited)
- firebirdshockey.ca -
June 4/07 - Moltsi designated Firebirds Franchise Player
Big news from the MLD Draft, not about a new player but a roster fixture. Defenseman Ilya Moltsi has been designated Firebirds "franchise player", taking over from RW Karel Blomm.
"In evaluating the team" said Coach damag, "I've had to take into account the upcoming retirement status of many players. As a new coach in this league coming in at a critical point for the franchise, I had to consider who I felt the team could least afford to lose. That guy is Moltsi. Coming into the league, you hear a lot of Sparky Clemons this, Sparky Clemons that... Ilya can be that kind of player for us."
What does this mean for all-time franchise leading scorer Blomm? "Look, this is nothing against Karel. He's been Mr. New West Bruins. He's still the team captain and he is the leader in that room, no question. But Karel obviously tried to take too much on himself the past two seasons, basically coaching the team on the ice. He'd be the first to tell you that MVP season seems like a long time ago. Karel's job now is to lead us into the playoffs one more time, and we're going to give him all the help we can. And hey, if he can recapture the magic and rip off another 50 goals, who knows?"
Stay tuned for more from the Firebirds at the MLD Draft.
6/4/2007 11:01 AM
- firebirdshockey.ca -
June 7/07 - Baby Birds On The Way
Preparations are under way for training camp as Coach damag has returned from the MLD Draft. His take on the six players drafted:
1st Round - Jim Rockford, LW
"We went in paper thin at wing; Jim gives us a player we can start right away. Solid all round, a hard worker. Could be a team leader down the road."
2nd Round - Michael Knight, C
"A big surprise here. Central Scouting had Michael rated the 4th highest center and we got him with the 32nd pick. To my mind he's first round value in the second. As a matter of fact, I don't even mind paying him like that. Ah ha ha hahaaaaaaa....!"
3rd Round - Frank "The Tank" Ricard, LW
"Again, stocking up on wing, we hoped to add a little grit. Frank has an all round game. Our scouts say he plays a bit too big for his body, so we'll see if we can get him under control."
4th Round - Billy Madison, RW
"Young, immature, a little small, but Billy's a shooter and you can't teach that. A developmental prospect with big upside if he can stay off the IR."
5th Round - Bo "Bandit" Darville, G
"Everyone goalies on the table. We weren't looking for one, but couldn't pass up Bandit. He's a bit of an outlaw, but he gives us another solid option for the future."
6th Round - Gizzy Aittoniemi, D
"Good kid. Nothing flashy, a stay-at-home type. Under different circumstances I might have a roster spot for him, but not here and now."
6/6/2007 1:14 PM
- firebirdshockey.ca - Player Profiles
June 12/07 - The Men in the Masks
MLD Season Six is a new start for the Pontiac Firebirds with a new set of netminders between the pipes.
"Vlastimil is Vlastimil", says Coach damag of his ironman stalwart. The alltime New West Bruins leader in every goaltending category, Vlastimil Morton has abdicated this season for, seemingly, parts unknown.
"The guy has earned the right to punch his ticket. I just wish I knew when we might expect him back. But we move on regardless." We could say we saw this coming from one of the MLD's most unique players... a man who lists a home address in Nepal, eats a strictly macrobiotic diet, is a master in 23 disciplines of yoga, wears no clothing at home, and has strictly adhered to a no-speaking policy for the past seven years.
"I talk, he listens. Stimi is great. You think he's noncommunicative but he's listening all the time. I get home from practice and I get these four-page e-mails. He's just so focused on conserving his energy for the game. Whenever he comes back you know he'll be ready."
This year, Viteslav Leru moves into the number one role. "Vita proved last season that he was ready. A great technician, always working on his technique, always watching video. We expect big things from him."
And his backup will be wildman John Thatcher. damag smiles. "Animal, he's a freak. Couldn't be more different than Leru. He's never had a goalie coach, won't even talk to ours." Thatcher famously the Bruins organization last season, incensed at a lack of playing time, to play drums on tour with the metal band Seven Deadly. "John says he's ready to play hockey again, and he's got all the potential in the world."
In case Thatcher misses the rock road too much, there's always rookie Bo "Bandit" Darville, riding the buses this season with the Cornwall Gunners. "Bandit's different. A southern boy, a product of the great hockey boom in the southern states. I played with his daddy Smokey back in the 70s. Bandit had a great college career, now he takes the next step."
6/12/2007 12:19 PM
- firebirdshockey.ca -
June 29/07 - A Flying Start
Well, it's only six games, six low-scoring ones, but in this inaugural season of Pontiac Firebirds hockey, the team remarkably finds itself yet to experience a loss in regulation play.
"The guys have bought into the system", says Coach damag. "We expected tight games coming in, from what we'd heard of the MLD style of play. All we wanted was to show that we can handle it, and I think we've done that for the most part."
Isn't the low scoring cause for concern? "Well, we're not the only team facing that issue by any means. But I've had the freedom to shake things up already, little by little, and in this past game that meant Karel Blomm finally getting on the board. The fans had been waiting for that, they got pretty fired up."
So what does this start mean for the Firebirds? "It means that so far this is a damag team. We play defense and these kids are playing like I actually drafted them. Well, except for that game with Helsinki but it was Tube Top Night, the building was a little crazy and the boys were feelin' it."
The youth movement is on schedule. "At least I don't have to burn it all down - yet. I made the decision to let some veteran New West Bruins take some R&R, and to start off establishing our direction with a mix of vets and youth. I'm giving the lesser-known guys the first shot at defining what it means to be a Firebird."
Saturday against Gotham City, it's Vern Raevuori Bobblehead Night. Season tickets are 93% sold out. Call 1-888-SCREECH today!
6/29/2007 3:48 PM
- firebirdshockey.ca -
July 6/07 - Back to the Middle
One-quarter of the way through MLD Season Six, the Pontiac Firebirds find themselves in last place in the extremely competitive Patrick Division, with a respectable 9-6-4-1 record. Good for sixth in the Prince of Wales Conference, and only four points behind the pacesetting Hernando Hit Men. The road to the middle has not been a smooth one.
"I'm learning that it's on me" says Coach damag. "The difference between wins and losses in this league are so small... I have to find the right combinations, let the players bring out the best in each other."
That four-game losing streak which dropped the 'Birds near to the bottom of the standings? "Bingo pulled the hammy and I didn't adjust", damag says of hard-rock d-man Jumpanen. "Between that and trying to pump some life into the offence, the lineup got pretty unsettled for awhile there." And the torn ACL which will keep rookie center Michael Knight out till past midseason? "My fault. I put too much on him for such a young guy. I was trying to get something going; forgot how much ice time I was asking him to take on. But he was delivering consistency, which some of my vets weren't giving me."
The Firebirds have rebounded to win six of their past eight games. While the lineup has stabilized, the biggest reason has been the rebound to Season Five form for netminder Viteslav Leru. "Slava had a bad start, and we ended up leaning on Thatcher and Darville more than we intended to. I'd really like to see Slava just grab onto the number one job and keep it now."
Sunday afternoon is Teddy Bear Toss Day for the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario! For family ticket four-packs, call 1-888-SCREECH.
7/6/2007 8:36 PM
- firebirdshockey.ca - Player Profiles
July 16/07 - Lonny Smith, LW, #16
A big catalyst in the Pontiac Firebirds' rise to the top of the extremely competitive Patrick Division in MLD Season Six is gritty -winger Lonny Smith. The team's current goal-scoring leader, "Skates" has been thrilling the team's fans with a scoring surge that has ignited the Firebirds offense. It's something that has been sorely missing.
"I got warehoused", Smith says goodnaturedly, "It happens, and you deal with it." Indeed, after placing second, third, and second in team scoring during the first three MLD seasons, Smith disappeared from the New West Bruins' lineup. "I found him in the minors", says Coach damag, "A little present that the previous coach me. I don't think he ever intended to leave Lonny there for that long, but then he went and warehoused himself."
Smith took his demotion the only way he knew how, scoring over 50 goals in both his seasons with the Bruins' farm team, the Mission Impossibles. "You can do what Thatch did, and bolt for the road... but then, I can't play drums, just Nine-Ball", jokes Skates.
"First thing I did when I saw this roster, I said Lonny's got a spot" says Coach damag. A return to the MLD that's been worth the wait for Number 16.
After the All-Star Break, next home game against the Hernando Hit Men, it's Kirby Maarsnas Bobblehead Night. Get your tickets at 1-888-SCREECH!
7/16/2007 3:05 PM
- firebirdshockey.ca - Player Profiles
August 8/07 - The Lion in Winter
The day after the close of regular season Six in the MLD, an optional skatearound finishes up at the Centre Guy Lafleur. The Pontiac Firebirds have finished with a record of 38-31-12-1 in the extremely competitive Patrick Division; fifth in the Prince of Wales Conference. As the regulars rest at home for a first-round playoff battle with the Birmingham Bulls, the Black Aces clear the ice. One man remains, as always. Team Captain Karel Blomm.
The Bomber has never been one to shy away from work and today is no exception. He knows the 'Birds will need every bit of leadership he can muster to face the playoffs yet again, as they have in every MLD season to date. Blomm has faced worse. "The two seasons before I got here, Karel pretty much ran the team himself", says Coach damag. "You can't tell me the responsibility didn't take something away from his game." Blomm shrugs it off. "We had a room full of kids. A veteran's job is to step up. If you want to call that leadership, so be it."
Could any leader have sacrificed more? The MLD MVP and Selke Trophy winner in Season 2, Blomm's numbers have declined in every season since. This season he endured a horrible start, rebounding to post respectable totals of 13 goals and 10 assists in what will be his final MLD season. The team's critics suggested that Blomm be shopped around the league. "No, no, HELL no", says Coach damag. "Look, we knew his jets are gone. But Karel was the top defensive forward in this league and that part of his game has never wavered. I put him out there every game, any line, any situation... Karel is The Man in that room and everyone knows it. And NO one wants to win this damn thing more."
"This damn thing" has only a short few games . As Blomm sits in the empty dressing room with fellow warhorse Vlastimil Morton, only one thing is certain. Karel Blomm will soon play his last game for the Pontiac Firebirds. What then? It has already been suggested strongly that he will run for political office in his native Switzerland. "Oh, there are people who talk of such things" replies Blomm with characteristic understatement. "I really need to put more time into my charitable foundation. And my children are waiting at home. They can't wait for Papa to just be an everyday guy."
Karel Blomm will never be "an everyday guy."
8/8/2007 11:55 AM
- firebirdshockey.ca -
August 21/07 - Pontiac Firebirds Season Six Recap
Regular Season Record - 38-31-12-1 (5th POW Conference; 3rd Patrick Division)
Playoffs Round 1 - Defeated Birmingham Bulls 4-1
Playoffs Round 2 - Lost to Valhalla Vikings 3-4
Season Six Leaders:
Goals - Rob Sack (24)
Assists - Ilya Moltsi (34)
Points - Moltsi (45)
+/- - Kirby Maarsnas (+24)
PP Goals - Maarsnas, Leponiemi, Smith (2)
SH Goals - Maarsnas (4)
PIM - Shaone Jaatinen (26)
Shots on Goal - Sack (272)
Shooting % - Maarsnas (12.6%)
Games, Goalie - Viteszlav Leru (56)
Shutouts - Leru (3)
Wins - Leru (27)
GAA - John Thatcher (1.74)
Sv% - Leru (93.57)
Awards
MVP + Top Defenceman - Ilya Moltsi
"The Franchise" lived up to his billing with a repeat performance as team MVP. Fourth in the MLD in both assists and points scored; Sixth in league MVP voting; Moltsi led the Firebirds in icetime playing in all situations. When he steps on the ice for Season Seven he will immediately become the franchise leader in games played.
Top Forward - Kirby Maarsnas
Sixth in the MLD in plus-minus; Fourth on the Firebirds in goals scored and Third in points. Maarsnas finishes his MLD career with his best season, leading the league with four shorthanded goals and keying the Firebirds' league-leading penalty kill which surrendered only one PP goal all season. A clear winner of the MLD's Selke Trophy as Top Defensive Forward.
Top Goalie - Viteszlav Leru
After a shaky start, Leru took over the Number One goalie slot this season, ranking fifth in the MLD in wins.
Top Rookie - Jim Rockford
The Firebirds' #1 draft pick had a great rookie season, scoring the third-most goals on the team and coming in 4th in league ROY voting. Rockford looks to be a team cornerstone for years to come.
8/21/2007 2:18 PM
- firebirdshockey.ca -
September 3/07 - The Second Draft Class
At the start of Season Seven training camp, we take a look at the new Pontiac Firebirds draftees. Coach damag has his say:
1st Round - Tony Montana, RW
"Tony's a bad ***. We got a lot more physical in this draft. If Tony can score a little bit he'll be a leader at RW for years. Potential power forward."
2nd Round - Melvin Smiley, LW
"Second year in a row we scored in the second round. Melvin plays a lot like Jim Rockford. If we get the same kind of production out of him they'll be a great one-two punch at LW."
3rd Round - Rocky Balboa, C
"Rocky's a bit of a project. Tons of heart, a little crazy but a good crazy. All he wants to do is go the distance."
4th Round - Lester Burnham, C
"A depth signing, Lester's got a good all-around game. Bit of a sleeper here."
5th Round - Francis "Ponch" Poncherello, D
"We were happy to get Frank this late. Stay-at-home type. We'll bring him along slowly but he could be top-four in a couple of years if he develops well."
6th Round - Dwight Schrute, G
"Nothing but goalies, we still managed to get a decent one. Dwight gives us another option whenever Vlastimil retires, or moves on to another plane of existence."
9/3/2007 10:31 AM
- firebirdshockey.ca -
October 2/07 - Midseason 7 Report
Just past the midpoint of MLD Season Seven, we sat down for a moment with a decidedly subdued Coach damag. Despite the Firebirds' 24-13-6-1 record, good for 4th in the Conference and 2nd in the Division, this season has not been an entirely successful one.
"Once again the parity in this league is so readily evident", the coach says. "We've established which teams are not going to make the playoffs, but that's all we've established. It's a rebuilding season for those guys and more power to them... they can hope for better things ahead, and take credit for small victories. There are no small victories for us."
The Firebirds are among the league leaders in scoring, and every one of the team's top nine forwards has scored at least eight goals. It's a remarkably balanced offense considering the run-and-gun play of top shooters Jim Rockford and Rob Sack, but offence is the least of damag's worries.
"We've just had a brutal time of it trying to establish some consistency. One win, one loss gets frustrating. I'd hope we could establish some separation between ourselves and a few of the other teams, but it looks like nothing may sort itself out till the playoffs. And then as we all know, anything can happen. For a lot of the guys in our room, this is their shot. I can't make them realize how important this is to them."
Sounds like Coach damag may go back to the drawing board if things don't shape up. Stay tuned.
10/2/2007 2:58 PM
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