| Subject: Saskatoon Wraps Up Season Against Two Division Rivals |
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Saskatoon Sun
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Date Posted: 11:47:10 05/16/03 Fri
The Saskatoon Silos may have seven games left in their 2003 season, but they only have two opponents in those games.
Winnipeg and Calgary provide the opposition for the Silos through the remainder of the season, with four games against the Wolves, and three against the defending Hoser Cup Champions.
It appears Saskatoon is headed to the playoffs for the second straight season, although the team has not yet clinched a berth. On top of that, the Silos are now just two points ahead of the B.C. Huskies in the battle for third overall in the Western Conference. According to Saskatoon Head Coach Bob Hartley, however, where the team finishes is irrelevant.
"If you look at the two teams at the top of the conference," said Hartley of Calgary and Victoria, "they are currently tied in points earned. So, if we make the playoffs, regardless of which team we face, we'll have a tough series on our hands."
The Silos haven't been playing their best hockey of late, with the team sporting a 6-4-0 record in their last 10 games. Hartley wants to use this final 7-game stretch to a) secure a playoff spot, and b) prepare the team for a longer playoff run than what they experienced last season.
"We have some guys, including Cujo, who have been a bit nicked up of late," said the coach. "This 3-day layoff has come at a good time for us, so the team now needs to re-focus for the final push. I want to go into the playoffs with some authority, not just backing in like we did last season."
It's a sure bet that division rivals Winnipeg and Calgary will have other ideas for the Silos, however.
Silo Siftings: Saskatoon GM Ken McKenna is extremely pleased with the progress of prospect Derek Roy, a center playing for the OHL's Kitchener Rangers. Roy was named the MVP of the OHL playoffs, helping to lead his team to the Memorial Cup tournament. "A lot of people like to denigrate Derek because he isn't 6'5" and 225 pounds," smiled the GM, "but this kid can play."...The GM has also received good reports on defensive prospects Barrett Jackman and Anton Volchenkov, two players who could be in a Saskatoon uniform before too long. "I know I've said it before, but these are two guys you can build your defense around," said McKenna. "Barrett should be a rock-solid defensive player, while Anton should provide more all-around skills." Two other prospects coming along outside the organization are centers Mike Cammalleri and Jeff Taffe. "Both of these guys are offensively gifted, but they need a bit more time to develop," nodded the GM...All in all, the GM is pleased with the prospect depth that has been acquired over the past two seasons. "Considering what we had when I came here last season, I think we have certainly done a good job of building for the future while not sacrificing the present," said a beaming McKenna. "We've provided the fans with a playoff-caliber team, while at the same time giving them some hope for the future. With some of the players we mentioned before, plus guys like Kraft, Novoseltsev and Asham down in PA, we have built a nice base for the future of this team."
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