It's Only Been Forever Since We Posted...

Hey, it's the off-season for us as well! However, when Hubs brought home the master list of the games we'll be attending this year (Caps, Bears, and Royals), it became abundantly clear that hockey season approacheth. So, with that in mind, some random thoughts to kick off the 2008-2009 season:

* I remain unconvinced that Jose Theodore is the answer to the Caps' goaltending questions, even short term while the Caps' prospects are developing. Granted, the market was such that there weren't really any better choices available (I would have loved to keep Huet, but his manager screwed that up; and Ray Emery certainly was not a good choice), but I'm in the 'I'll believe it when I see it' line for liking Theodore.

* Come on, Caps/Bears, sign Josef Boumedienne already!!! We need a skilled, experienced defenseman on the Bears, and he's already proven 1) leadership skills and 2) a great chemistry on the ice with Sami Lepisto. Had Josef not been injured in 2007/2008, his numbers would have been exceptional, particularly in the assists category.

* I think Georges Laraque was a great pickup for Montréal... I've thought for a while that where the Habs were sorely lacking was in the muscled, strong, intimidating player department. Sure, Komisarek is fabulous, but we needed more muscle - and Laraque provides that.

* I'm disappointed to see Shawn Collymore leave the area... Shawn, if you're out there, we'll miss you here in central Pennsylvania!

* Is it October yet? :-)

Finally, a win!

It was pure pleasure to see the Bears actually win a game last night, defeating the Philadelphia Phantoms in a solid effort. In particular, it was delightful to see the Bears put together three periods of consistent, well-played hockey in one game, and it showed in the result. The passing was better, the effort was better, everything was much improved over a week ago.

Even though I wasn't that impressed with the Reading Royals when we saw them in early March, I have to say that I thought Shawn Collymore played quite well, including his assist on a goal for his first point with Hershey. I hope Hershey continues to take a close look at him. The return of Andrew Gordon also provided some much-needed offensive punch.

After last night, Hershey finds itself tied for fourth in the division but with two games in hand on Binghamton. We need to maintain last night's intensity for the remainder of the season if we hope to have a decent shot at the playoffs.