Lowell Devils

Weekly Wrap up Volume I

by Chris on October 1, 2007
in AHL, Chris, Goons, GoonSquad, Gordie Dwyer, Killer, Lowell Devils, Steve Downie

Here’s the idea I had. I think it’d be cool if Sunday evening before the late games start, I can do a Goonblog weekly wrap up. I’m thinking it can be some odds and ends stuff we on staff may have missed, or just some things on my mind. This week will be a little different because there aren’t any late games, but MOL is watching Desperate Housewives, so I pretty much have nothing better to do anyway.

The NHL regular season got underway with all the fanfare of a new Dunkin Donuts opening in Massachusetts. One day there was no Dunkin Donuts, the next, there was. They pop up so often around here no one notices anymore. My point being, the new season started and I bet if you asked 100 people, I’d say maybe 5 would know the season is underway. I have Center Ice once again, so I got Saturday’s game, and I found it to be a sloppy, Special Teams affair. I love the new NHL! Not. This just in NHL, in order to grow your product, you need to advertise, and make sure what you are selling doesn’t suck. Negative on both.

Saturday night I got my first live game of the season. MOL and I had a prior engagement. When our plans changed, I went to the Devils and Soundtigers pre season tilt in Lowell. It was a fairly decent game actually. We had decided we were not going to the Bruins on Sunday due to Thank You cards, and a visit with my mother, so I was especially happy to be in the building. There was even a fight which was a pretty good tilt. Does anyone know what is up with Gordie Dwyer and the Islanders? I saw he didn’t play today, or yesterday for them. I don’t think he played Friday night either. Was he released? Sent to Bridgeport? I didn’t see him in Lowell with the scratches, or on the ice. Any info would be appreciated.

Sunday I watched the nationally televised (if you can call VS. national) debut of NHL ’08. This game was equally sloppy, but at least we saw some even strength goals, and hey, there was even a fight. George Parros and Scott Thornton got into it in the second with the Ducks up big and Thornton trying to spark his Kings. Thornton I think won the battle, landing some very good punches. Parros landed a few of his own, and got the takedown, but I scored it for Thornton for more thrown and landed. Alas, the Ducks won the war winning 4-1. They are back on VS. Wednesday against the Red Wings, while the Kings are off until Saturday. I like the Kings. They have some young talent worth watching. They will be a West Coast favorite I feel. I also love the Ducks in your face style. I will keep tabs on them as well.

Finally we have the Steve Don’t Call Me Gord Downie issue. Frequent reader, poster, and Goonblog friend, Todd St. Louis sees it as a guy in the show trying to finish a check. I agree with him to a certain degree. Downie is a young guy trying to make a team, and to do so, he needs to finish checks. On the other hand, I feel he did a little more than finish a check there. He left his feet to do it, and hit a guy in the head hard enough to bounce him off the boards. I am 1000% sure he didn’t mean to hurt McAmmond, and has called to apologize, but it doesn’t change the fact he could have very seriously hurt Dean McAmmond.

Steve Downie has had a very rocky road to the NHL. The kid has a shit load of talent, and I see him as a Sean Avery type player. The type of guy that gets under your skin in a big way. Right now, he’s just trying to make the club and is doing whatever he thinks he needs to do to get on the NHL roster. When looking at it over and over, I think what he did was cheap, and is the wrong way to go about making the Team. There is finishing a check, and there is a cheap shot, and I think Downie laid a big cheap shot on Dean McAmmond. If and when he gets up to the NHL, I suggest he have his head on a swivel when facing the Senators. They will most assuredly be after this youngster.

So that’s the week that was. Off to the office tomorrow for my first day back in a week. I’m pumped. I hope you are picking up my sarcasm. Lots of games this week. Killer, bring the wings Friday for the Bruins, I got plenty of beer. We’ll need it for this edition of the Bruins.

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Farewell to a Favorite

by Chris on August 8, 2007
in AHL, Chris, Dennis Bonvie, Dennis Bonvie, Goons, GoonSquad, Lowell Devils

For all you Lowell Devils fans out there (Insert Cricket Sound Here) I implore you all to circle January 23, 2008 on your calendars right now. When checking the AHL site today at 10:50 because they told us yesterday the schedule was coming out at 11, what can I say, I’m impatient, I saw Mr. Dennis Bonvie has decided to hang up the blades, and retire the axe after this season. I am not sure if anyone else gets as fired up for AHL schedule day as I do. But for me the summer looks like this.

1. Stanley Cup Awarded.
2. Depression.
3. Free Agency Begins.
4. Depression because the Bruins do nothing. Although they did sign Shawn Thornton this year. Then did nothing else. So, elation, then depression.
5. NHL Schedules come out. Glimmer of hope.
6. Starting to watch old game tapes.
7. Really need to see a fight.
8. AHL Schedules come out.
9. Training Camp.
10. Opening Night. All is right with the world.

Usually I pour over the schedule to see about Opening Night, and any possible road trips. This year, I was only looking for if and when WB Scranton was in the house. So, mark your calendars. January 23.

For me, Bones is the type of guy I want at every position. Dennis stands up for anyone, and everyone on the ice that is wearing the same color as him. Whether it’s a fight to get the boys and the crowd going, or a big hit in the corner. He does what is needed. He’ll keep you honest, and a lot of the times, he’ll keep you in stitches too. The man’s mouth is always running. I guess its part of what he does best. From him barking like a dog at Craig MacDonald, to asking if Jan Vodrazka had ever fought before, to telling Eric Staal he’d have gotten a bigger contract if he’d been able to finish, he’s always going. I haven’t seen Bones since he’s been in WB Scranton, and I am glad he’ll be making a final swing through the Paul this season.

Bonvie is a fan favorite wherever he goes. I am sure the Penguins fans will be out in force all over the AHL barns to see old number 27 off proper. I know that they have several special nights planned for Dennis in the home arena throughout the season, and I am planning on a trip down there. He definitely represents the old guard here in the American League as he’s been playing pro hockey for quite a few years now. The man is a one of a kind type of guy, and a sure Goonblog first ballot hall of famer. The Goonsquad would like to wish Dennis Bonvie all the best on the upcoming season, and success in whatever he decides to do after retiring from hockey. Good luck Dennis. We’ll see you on the 23rd.

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I’m Not Playing

by Chris on April 3, 2007
in AHL, Chris, GoonSquad, Lowell Devils, Trevor Gillies

I’m suspended. I am also 21, 22, big afro. Today was our annual sports day at the office. Usually on Opening Day you can wear your favorite sports team gear, and since the only thing I have is an Oglethorpe jersey I got as a Halloween costume a few years ago, it’s what I go with every year. Only a few people get it, but hey, that’s kind of the norm for hockey fans anyway eh? No one gets the game we love. Oh my god, Lou just fired me. Speaking of being a hockey fan, this weekend was a super fan weekend.

Friday was spent in Lowell watching the Devils lose to the Portland Pirates. I was quite focused on Mr. Gillies for a couple of reasons.

1. This is called Goonblog. We like Goons.

2. I kind of was all over the boy for his performance the last time he was in the building.

As I watched him I noticed two things.

1. I think he’s out of Coach Dineen’s dog house. Trevor got a regular shift, and didn’t hurt the team.

2. He wasn’t acting like a spastic Pee Wee on the bench this time around. Hard to explain how weird it was to watch him do what he was doing on the bench last time without having actually seen him do it. Bizarre.

Obviously there were no fights. Duh. It’s Lowell. The game itself was pretty crappy, but Bekah and I got a brew after and talked about how Mr. Kitty is doing so it was cool.

Saturday found me on the couch watching the Bruins blow another one. This game featured two fights, and they were even pretty good scraps. I especially enjoyed the Hoggan tilt. I’d like to see more of him next season. I learned two things watching this tilt.

1. Gord Kluzak is a pussy.

2. Rob Simpson may be a dork, but he is obviously a big fight fan, and as such, I will now lay off him.

Saturday evening found me back in Lowell. I can’t say exactly why I missed the entire game, but I did. They won. I don’t think there were any fights.

Sunday was a real good day for me. I went down to Providence and Kinger and I went to the Bruins tilt. I got to his place around 2:30ish and naturally we headed right to the bar for some brew and snacks. After a couple of beers and a banging chicken sangy, oh, and an attempted mugging (don’t ask) we headed off for the game. We were standing in line, when some dude cam up and handed us two free tickets. Nice! The only thing better than a hockey game, is a free hockey game. We settled into our seats at the old folk’s home (I swear to god, the Dunk smells just like the nursing home my grandfather was in) and watched the Devils lose to the Bruins. It was a pretty entertaining tilt that featured a fight between Aaron Downey and the mouth, Lowell Devil forward David Clarkson. At first blush it looked like Clarkie got killed, but watching the replay, none of what Downey threw really landed. In fact, I think Clarkson landed the only punch of the fight on his first hard right hand. Pre Replay, I call it a big win for Downey, post, it’s a draw.

Since I was with Kinger in Providence, we obviously went to the Ballet after. Our place of choice was Desires. Not a bad joint. When we went in the place, the B and C teams were taking their cuts, but as we left some of the ringers had come aboard. All in all it was an outstanding weekend. This is a great time of the year for hockey, and it’s good to get in as many games as possible before all we have is stupid baseball. Now, who is going to buy me a soda after the game?

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Long, Cold Summer – Part II

by Chris on April 21, 2006
in AHL, Brendan Walsh, Lowell Devils

Easter Sunday found me, and MOL at mothers for a lovely ham dinner. I am pretty sure I ate about 2 pounds of that thing. It was quite tasty. I told the dinner table about Brendan Walsh being a Lockmonster, and no one really seemed to care. MOL even backed out of coming to the game. Oh well. Solo again.

I headed up to the Paul, and took my usual position for the warm ups. The first thing I noticed was #15 was absent from the Lockmonsters side of the ice. I was thinking, maybe he isn’t taking warm ups? Nope. Manchester’s call to the league the previous night did him in. Apparently he wasn’t eligible to play because he was retired. I guess in order to play after clear day rosters come out, you have to have played at least 8 games during the year? Some shit like that. One day, I really need someone to explain the AHL clear day process to me. I’m serious. There is no sense to it.

What the hell does Manchester care if Brendan Walsh is in the line up anyway? Especially against Providence. Provi needed the points to go in front of Manchester for playoff standings, I would think Manchester would have welcomed the distraction of Brendan Walsh with open arms. Not so. Oh, and another thing. Do you think the call would have been made if it wasn’t Walshie involved? Or, if the AHL would have even cared? No way. Anyway, thanks for letting the air out of the tires Manchester. Again.

After I got the news Walshie wasn’t playing, I headed to my usual spot where I bumped into Tweener. He must not have seen the depression on my face, as we had the following discussion.

Tweener: This must be a tactic.

Me: What? Walshie not taking warm ups?

Tweener: Yeah, they must be trying to fuck with em.

Me: He’s not playing. Manchester called the AHL.

Tweener: Stunned silence.

I have seen grown men cry before, and I have seen grown men enraged before. It has been a long time since I saw the look of rage in Tweener’s eyes. There was cursing of Manchester, and swears about a ruined Christmas. I know Tweener. I feel your pain. So the anticipated Brendan Walsh/Matt Goody fight wasn’t going to happen. Or the anticipated Brendan Walsh stirring the pot against his old team all game wasn’t going to happen. Who cares? There was still a game to play. I’m depressed all over again.

The Lockmonsters won their final game as a Carolina/Colorado farm Team 7-3. It was a pretty boring affair, although it was nice to finally see Matt Goody. This kid is going to be a stand out in the AHL next season. Big guy, can skate, and from what I hear can fight. I would say the highlight of the day was the playing of Brass Bonanza as homage to long time Hartford Whaler, and departing head coach Tom Rowe. Every time the Monsters scored it was played, and Tom really got a kick out of it.

Every season the Lockmonsters have a party for season ticket holders after the final game. Last year saw me drinking about 912 beers with Mike Commodore, and he and I ruining a picture for a Booster Club member because Mike insisted I be in the shot. This season was a little more tame in the amount of beers, but fun none the less. I am not an autograph hound. I do not wear game worn jerseys. I don’t understand the fun in it, but if you dig it, more power to you. It is amazing to me how these guys deal with all the people coming up to them. Some of them are very strange as well. I have always said, there is not a more approachable pro athlete than a pro hockey player. These guys proved it time and time again.

At the party, I hung with Mitch Love mostly. Brendan Walsh came in for a beer as well. What a great guy. He is just as funny off the ice as he is on. He was telling a great story about being in the building last year with Providence when he got into it with Gordie Dwyer, and Brantt Myhres. I guess they were getting very hurtful in the verbal abuse department, and there was some bad blood between Walshie and Myhres. Well, Walshie is an Assistant Coach with Northeastern, and was out in Western Canada doing some recruiting. He got picked up by his buddy Steve Parsons, and guess who was in the back seat of the car? Brantt Myhres. I guess Parsons had picked him up from the hospital after Georges Laraque knocked him out in pre season. Walshie said it was pretty uncomfortable, but they are pals now. Mitch Love is a good kid too. We talked for a long time, and had a few beers. Love, Dan DaSilva and myself were the last to go. I was invited to the after party, but alas, has to work on Monday so I took a pass.

So, there it is. The final weekend. I want to wish all the Carolina and Colorado boys’ good luck. I am excited to see them come in to the Paul next year with Albany. This off season can not go quick enough for me. New Jersey has always had a tough team, and I hope they bring the same attitude with them to Lowell. I know the Albany/Lowell rivalry will be one of the best in the "A" next year. Plenty of good American League Hockey to be had in the next couple of months. I was thinking of shooting down to Providence for some of the Portland series. I hope Manchester doesn’t get past the first round. They just made the list.

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Long, Cold Summer – Part I

by Chris on April 19, 2006
in AHL, Brendan Walsh, Lowell Devils, Mitch Love

The Lowell Lockmonsters wrapped up their Season this weekend ending Carolina, and Colorado’s tenure in Lowell, as well as putting a nail in the coffin on what was a dreadful year. Actually, that isn’t fair. Considering what they had all year, and the fact they were a glorified ECHL Team for the majority of the campaign, they didn’t do half bad. All in all the weekend wasn’t too bad. It was actually pretty interesting.

It all started Thursday afternoon. I was driving back from work when my cell phone rang. It was Tweener calling, and from the time I said hello, I knew he was fired up. Tweener knows former Providence Bruin, and the funniest man alive, Brendan Walsh. Walshie had sent Tweener an IM, and alluded to the fact he might be in a Lockmonster uniform for the final weekend of the season. Lowell was looking to possibly exact revenge on Manchester’s Joe Rullier for an elbow that knocked out David Gove earlier in the season. The thought process being, Lowell is out of the playoffs, and in their final weekend. Why not goon it up a bit eh? So Tweener and I chatted a bit, and he told me he’d call if he heard anything. I threatened his life if he didn’t call, and we said goodbye.

At this point, I got home and MOL and I went to Papa Razzi in Concord for dinner, and a few drinks. I was very excited, and MOL even seemed a bit into it. She said if Walshie were in the lineup for the final weekend, her shadow may be cast in the Tsongas once again. Tweener called during dinner to tell me he had no update. Thanks for getting my hopes up eh? Dinner turned into us getting shitfaced on the bus, and we went home with no news of Brendan Walsh being a Lockmonster.

Friday was spent VERY hungover at the Office. I was not well. Let’s just say, I saw my breakfast twice. I talked to Tweener, and we seemed pretty sure the Walshie thing was not to be. Oh, well, it would have been cool. Friday I went for drinks with my old pal Jill, MOL, and Rich. A good time was had by all, but I was kind of bummed Brendan wasn’t coming.

After spending the afternoon raking the yard at mothers, it was off to the barn for the final weekend of the year. I always get there about an hour before the game so I can catch the pre game skate. I love warm ups. I always have. As the Monsters came out, I was looking at the names go by. Aucoin. Gove. Finger. Kellman. Walsh. Bennefield. Hey, wait a second? Did I just say "Walsh?" Holy shit, it was him! I hadn’t been that excited at a Lockmonster game since Trevor Gillies came out wearing the same number 15 Brendan Walsh was now wearing. It was Christmas morning, and I had just been given a new bike.

The warm ups were a riot. Rullier and Walshie were jawing at each other. About ten other Monarch’s did a double take when they saw it was in fact Brendan Walsh taking warm ups. I must say, he looked good in red. The boys were ready for a show! Say what you will about Walshie’s playing ability, or pugilistic ability. The kid is fun as hell to watch. His mouth is always going, and this tilt was no exception. Not only was Brendan Walsh one of the best players on the ice, he ws certainly the most talkative. He was always talking. Be it directing traffic, or telling Petr Kanko he’d have extra cheese, and lettuce on his taco, he was talking. But Manchester almost ruined the whole thing.

I was standing near where the off ice officials deliver the line ups, and I asked if Brendan was starting. "No." I was told. "He’s not even playing." WHAT!? Apparently Lowell had left him off the Official line up, and therefore, wouldn’t be allowed to play. Oh, here’s your new bike for Christmas, Nope, can’t ride it. This sucked! I can’t believe we were going to get the screw job from Manchester like this. I guess after some hemming and hawing about when and at what time you could be added to the roster, #15 Walsh, was added, but not with out Manchester making a call to the AHL about it. Put the air back in the tires and take her for a spin.

The game itself was pretty good. Tim Jackman (MCH) and Blue Bennefield (LOW) had a great tilt right in front of me. Lots of good punches were thrown and landed by both guys, but I am going to give the win to Blue. Later, Scott Kellman (LOW) and Jackman had another fight. I guess Kellman got killed in Manchester the night before. This time out, he fared a lot better. Not a lot was thrown by either guy. It was a lot of wrestling, but a pretty good tilt. I call it a draw. The real star of the show was Walshie. He was honestly one of the best player’s on the ice. He looked like he wasn’t in "hockey shape" but played very well position wise, and made smart decisions with the puck. Near the end of the game it looked like he and Rullier were going to get into it, squaring off one time, and another getting face to face off a face off. If I can read lips correctly, Walshie said to Rullier, "Oh, you know what Rullier? Why don’t you just shut the fuck up?! I’m here for one game; I will fight you right now." It seems #7 wanted no part. Lowell ended up losing 2-1, but who cares? They were out of the Playoffs, and Brendan Walsh was in town with his former employer coming in the next day. This was going to be the best closing weekend ever!

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