Do you plan on making the NHL? It is good to see that you have aspirations in hockey, don’t let anybody deture you from your dreams. However, making the NHL is no easy task. In fact, it is proably one of the most gruelling and painful endevors an athelet can make. If you were to think about making the NHL as a triathalon, your minor hockey career would probaly account for about the part where you wade into the lake to begin your swimming. Players who were selected high in the OHL Priority Seleciton are off to a bit of a better start however, they are still within reach. If you have any hope of catching you will have to start training immediatly! Check yourself into the nearest gym and contact a professional to start a training regiment. Now, you are going to have to play your heart out. Play hard, shift in shift out. Finally and most imporantly make sure you have a good attitude. Some of those that were selected higher and are off at the beginnging of the pac could drop beacuse of a bad attitude.  For those of you at the front of the pac keep going, people are behind you trying to catch up, and believe me they will. Your attitude will hinder you in your progression to the next level.

If you fail to make the NHL remember you will have the satisfaction of knowing you did your best and couldn’t cut it. You will have no regrets.

The Greater Toronto Hockey League is going to be facing some tough economics this season. The GTHL recently promissed a freeze on all administrative costs borne to the clubs, and indirtectly the players however the cost of playing hockey is going up again. The GTHL is going to be having to dip into its contingency fund to cover the additional costs. You may be asking what these additional cost are, well ICE. The City of Toronto and Missisauga both have raise their ice costs by 8% and 3% respectivly. As such the GTHL is going to dig into the development fund to keeps costs low this year. The GTHL continues to search for partners who would willing to offer incentives, and money to offset some of the costs being borne by the parents.

Stu Hyman owner of the Toronto Red Wings, and other organizations as been ordered by Hockey Canada and the Greater Toronto Hockey League to cease all involvement in the Greater Toronto Hockey League. This decision comes after an investigation in which Hyman apparently refused to open his books to GTHL investigators. There are numerous allegations none of which have been confirmed the issues is mainly that Hyman apparently funneled money from other organizations to the Toronto Red Wings.

The Hockey community has been struck with tragedy again. Luc Bourdon a defenseman with the Manitoba Moose, and top draft pick of the Vancouver Canucks was sadly killed in a motorcycle accident. A truely unfortunate event. Luc represented Canada in the world juniors, winning 2 goad medals for Canada. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of Luc.

A moment of silence will be observed at Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Finals.

The Hockey Development Center of Ontario, a agency of the Ontario government announced the 84 players who will be participating in the final selection camp.The camp will take place in Thunder Bay.

See who the players are(.pdf)

Surprises and Disappointments, I would talk about this, this early in the players careers. The real surprises and disappointments are the players who will end up making it to the NHL, or getting the scholarships. In hockey and in life, it is the people who constantly work hard to achieve their goals that become successful. I point to you to Wayne Simmons, played AA almost his entire hockey career, however with hard work, dedication, and perseverance he got drafted 2nd round (61st overall). The top prospect for that year, John Hughes didn’t even get drafted. The road to success is long and winding with many hurdles, wrong turns, and bumps, however for those who dare to carry on, they will achieve success. As Sam Roberts says, But there’s no road that ain’t a hard road to travel on.

Hockey Canada has created a manual to educate you about the Canadian Development Model and how it affects you. The link below will provide you with the opportunity to download the manual.

Download

Link URL:http://www.box.net/shared/k2k2fiig7v

The OHL Priority Selection is in days, May 3 to be exact. While you may want to know a little bit more about the draft, you will find that it is hard to find information. Well, Canadian Hockey News has some information for you! Below are two links which will allow you to download the media releases for this year’s draft.

OHL Prioity Selection Draft Information

Link URL:http://www.box.net/shared/jdi55m45c8

Prospect Information

Link URL: http://www.box.net/shared/asvg23a8kk

The draft is completed online and can be viewed at the following website:

http://www.ontariohockeyleague.com/events/index.php?step=1⊂=2&id=121

As like every other year, CHN will be providing a complete analysis of the draft.

Back by popular demand, the Pepsi®, Lay’s® and Gatorade® brands are giving Canadian hockey fans the opportunity for a chance to win the ultimate prize – the Stanley Cup™ delivered to their home for a NHL playoff party by six-time Stanley Cup champion, Mark Messier!

To enter the Bring Home the Stanley Cup contest, fans must submit a video that shows their NHL Playoff viewing rituals. One passionate Canadian hockey fan will win:

• The Ultimate Hockey Playoff Party for him/her and 19 of his/her closest friends/family with Pepsi and Gatorade refreshments and Lay’s snacks.
• A special visit from six-time Stanley Cup champion, Mark Messier – who will personally deliver the official Stanley Cup to the winner’s home!
• Selected captions of the party will be broadcast during this years Stanley Cup Playoffs on CBC’s Hockey Night in Canada during the week of June 8.

To enter the Bring Home the Stanley Cup contest, Canadian hockey fans can go to www.cbcsports.ca/bringhomethecup from March 23 to April 30, 2008, where they must submit a video of their NHL Playoff viewing rituals and complete the online entry form.

Think you know who is going No 1. in the Ontario Hockey League Priority Selection? We wanna know! Click the link below to vote:

I know who is going No. 1 in the OHL Priority Selection and I wanna Vote!

Poll URL:http://www.polldaddy.com/p/551468/