Running Around
with Allan Beaver
Allan Beaver is a member of the Bigstone Cree Nation in Desmarais, AB. A former athlete, Allan has competed in volleyball, basketball, fastball, and long-distance running before starting his writing career fifteen years ago.
I am sure the phones are ringing off the hook at the Oilers office for season tickets from various Aboriginal communities now wanting to jump on the Oilers bandwagon. It is exciting and many can’t wait for the 2007-08 hockey season to start and cheer on Sheldon Souray and the Edmonton Oilers all the way to the play-offs.
You heard it here first, Edmonton Oilers will make the play-offs this season.
The Calgary Stampede was a blast – it was awesome. The cowboys are sure great athletes and a lot of preparation goes into that successful 8 second ride. I watched those athletes first hand from the chutes at the Calgary Stampede, and I do have a lot admiration for them.
OILERS SCORE BIG WITH SHELDON SOURAY
Edmonton, ALBERTA – There are those who would argue that Sheldon Souray was the biggest name on this year’s free-agent list after he turned down a four-year, $22 million offer to remain with the Montreal Canadiens.
And now the Edmonton Oilers have finally made a prize catch in free-agent defenseman Sheldon Souray, who had 26 goals and 38 assists and six game-winning goals for the Montreal Canadiens last season after the seven-year veteran signed a five-year, $27 million deal with the Oilers.
Nice catch for the Oilers - a hard hitter to replace captain Jason Smith and an even harder shooter, next to Boston’s Zdeno Chara the most feared shooter from the point. And get this, hockey talk has never been as exciting in the Alberta Capital City since the Gretzky days. Fans are anxious to watch Souray play for the Edmonton Oilers.
Souray said he remembers growing up as an Oilers fan. He particularly remembers carefully studying the way Lowe played defense.
"My dad, who has always been an Oilers fan, reminded me that I once had Jari Kurri sign a hat for me," Souray laughed. "And no one else could touch it."
Seriously, Souray, who was rumored to be going to Buffalo, New Jersey and San Jose most often, said he really got excited once the Oilers got into the bidding.
“Once we starting getting serious with Edmonton I began to dream about coming home," Souray told reporters at the Press Conference. "I'm getting more excited about the decision every time I think about putting on the uniform."
In addition to Souray, the Oilers made a trade with Philadelphia, getting defenseman Joni Pitkanen. Lowe and MacTavish both said the first order of business in the off-season was to improve on the team’s offense from the blue line. They accomplished that with Souray’s 64 points and the 43 points that Pitkanen, acquired from the Flyers for Joffrey Lupul and Jason Smith, had last season.
More important, the Oilers lost countless chances to win games with the 27th-ranked power play that accounted for just 53 goals. Souray, by himself had 19, that total setting an NHL record by a defenseman.
“With the addition of Sheldon, we solidify our defense in a big way and also answer some of the issues regarding scoring and toughness," Lowe said. “We're going to rely on him in many different situations."
For one day anyway that worried look on Kevin Lowe’s face was gone. “I always knew,” he said, “there would be players who would choose Edmonton over other markets.”
And Sheldon Souray could be the one who helps lead the quality players back to Edmonton again. Welcome back home Sheldon!
OIL KINGS ANNOUNCE THE TOUGH ROCKY THOMPSON AS THE ASSISTANT COACH
Edmonton, ALBERTA – Soon after the big news from the Oilers, the Edmonton Oil Kings announced the hiring of Sherwood Park Metis Rocky Thompson as the Assistant Coach of Edmonton’s new Western Hockey League franchise.
Rocky Thompson began his Western Hockey League career in 1993 with the Medicine Hat Tigers before being drafted by the Calgary Flames in 1995 (3rd Round, 72nd overall). Rocky played a handful of games with the Flames before being traded to the Florida Panthers in 2000. Over the course of his career, Rocky played 25 games in the National Hockey League, and 566 in the American Hockey League. Local hockey fans will remember Rocky as the colorful Assistant Captain of the Edmonton Road Runners. Rocky wrapped up his AHL career with the Peoria Rivermen at the end of the 2006/07 season.
“Rocky is a significant addition to our hockey staff,” said Bob Green, General Manager of the Edmonton Oil Kings. “Steve Pleau and I wanted an Assistant Coach who could work well with younger players, and relate to them. We feel that Rocky’s background and experiences as a player at the pro ranks and in the Western League will be very beneficial to our team.”
ISLANDERS RE-SIGN CHRIS SIMON
Long Island, New York U.S.A - The New York Islanders have re-signed left wing Chris Simon to a one-year contract. Entering his 15th year in the NHL in 2007-08, Simon played in 67 games for the Islanders in 2006-07 and had ten goals with 17 assists for 27 points.
“Our staff was unanimous in wanting to bring Chris Simon back,” said general manager Garth Snow. “He’s an outstanding leader and year after year he contributes on the offensive end.”
It’s always great to hear news of Aboriginal athlete making strides in professional sports. Chris Simon has been a warrior who is determined to succeed. He has been an inspiration to many young aspiring Aboriginal hockey players, all the best in 2007-08 to our friend Chris Simon.