Penetrators steal Lehtinen and Morris while Stingers steal point
Grande Prairie (CP) Rumors about an impeding trade spread like wild fire through YDP’s optional morning skate. With so many veterans taking the morning off everyone that wasn’t on the ice was rumored to be leaving. The media hoard (including yours truly) waited patiently at Grande Prairie’s International Airport hoping to get a glimpse at the potential new arrival. As filing time got closer and with no new arrival, we all attended the rescheduled press conference where it was revealed to us at 4:30 pm local time that YDP had dealt defenseman Sean O’Donnell, Barrett Jackman, prospect Mark Stuart and a pick to the Stingers for Jere Lehtinen, Derek Morris and several picks. ‘I was called into coaches office before pre-game skate,’ said Lehtinen, ‘coach say go to road dressing room, you’ve been traded for d-man and kids, oh and by the way bring Derek with you.’ ‘The news was a shock to me,’ said Morris, ‘both of us just signed a long-term deal here in GP, but I’m thrilled to be heading to Yellowknife.’
This is YDP’s 3rd major deal of the season, where they've landed the likes of Sakic, Modano and now Lehtinen and Morris. The phrase ‘go big or go home’ has been used to describe this normally tight wallet team. ‘Barrett and Mark are helluva prospects to trade away and Sean was great for us both on and off the ice,’ said Wong, ‘but it’s not everyday you get a chance to land Jere Lehtinen and Derek Morris.’ Morris will see PP time while Lehtinen is expected to line up with long time linemate Mike Modano from their Eagle days.
After the excitement of the trade had settled down, we still had a hockey game to play. The already over extended Scott Hannan was expected to play an even bigger role after the departure of both Jackman and O’Donnell and he delivered a great performance potting 2 goals and a helper for a three point performance. While normally this would garner him a first star selection, Rick Nash of the Stingers had other ideas as he scored a hat trick to help GPS earn a deserving 4-4 tie. GPS beat YDP 3-1 on special teams and survived a late power play by YDP with 41 seconds left in the 3rd period. While the result was disappointing YDP was able to fire 40 shots at Giguere and owned the faceoff circle. The dynamic duo of Sakic and Satan was a combined –4 tonight while logging close to 25 minutes each. YDP will now fly home and face the always tough Gargoyles tomorrow night. ‘We can’t be giving up 2 goal leads in the 3rd,’ said Wong, ‘but there’s no time to sulk, big game tomorrow night.’
Ima Dumass (CP)
This is YDP’s 3rd major deal of the season, where they've landed the likes of Sakic, Modano and now Lehtinen and Morris. The phrase ‘go big or go home’ has been used to describe this normally tight wallet team. ‘Barrett and Mark are helluva prospects to trade away and Sean was great for us both on and off the ice,’ said Wong, ‘but it’s not everyday you get a chance to land Jere Lehtinen and Derek Morris.’ Morris will see PP time while Lehtinen is expected to line up with long time linemate Mike Modano from their Eagle days.
After the excitement of the trade had settled down, we still had a hockey game to play. The already over extended Scott Hannan was expected to play an even bigger role after the departure of both Jackman and O’Donnell and he delivered a great performance potting 2 goals and a helper for a three point performance. While normally this would garner him a first star selection, Rick Nash of the Stingers had other ideas as he scored a hat trick to help GPS earn a deserving 4-4 tie. GPS beat YDP 3-1 on special teams and survived a late power play by YDP with 41 seconds left in the 3rd period. While the result was disappointing YDP was able to fire 40 shots at Giguere and owned the faceoff circle. The dynamic duo of Sakic and Satan was a combined –4 tonight while logging close to 25 minutes each. YDP will now fly home and face the always tough Gargoyles tomorrow night. ‘We can’t be giving up 2 goal leads in the 3rd,’ said Wong, ‘but there’s no time to sulk, big game tomorrow night.’
Ima Dumass (CP)
posted by Howard | 10:06 PM
2 Comments:
You clearly have a high opinion of Morris. I thought Jackman was going to be a fixture in Yellowknife for a lot of years, but Lehtinen is a good guy, so I guess you had to give something.
Hope your D doesn't suffer too much this season... unless you're cooking up another deal.
This trade took on a life of its own. It would have been sweeter if Morris was dealt to say Philly at the deadline, but in Wayne we trust I guess. As for the flipping of picks, yes I agree I don’t really see the point either, but like I said a life of its own. In the end Lehtinen was the prize for me, never hurts to have another +30 goal scorer with a 5 D rating on ones squad. Jackman was the price I had to pay, but I’m pretty stocked up on okay D-men. As long as Mark Stuart doesn’t turn into say a Willie Mitchell or Jason Smith then its all good.
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