| Subject: Silos End Surprising Season |
Author:
Saskatoon Sun
|
[
Next Thread |
Previous Thread |
Next Message |
Previous Message
]
Date Posted: 21:52:53 02/22/04 Sun
Although the end result was pretty much what fans expected, the Saskatoon Silos gave their faithful a much better ride during the 2004 season than even the team had anticipated.
It was a foregone conclusion that the Silos would miss the playoffs, given the fire sale of veteran talent that took place in the offseason. This idea was reinforced at the trade deadline with further deals involving older talent. But a funny thing happened on the way to the finish line- the Silos actually made a playoff push, finishing just one point behind fourth place Yellowknife.
While their clearly was not a lot of joy in the Silos dressing room following their season-ending 4-3 victory over Winnipeg, most of the players looked on the bright side.
"The guys played hard through most of the season," said team captain Martin Gelinas. "We fell short of our goal, but I think there is a positive vibe in this dressing room that should carry over into next season."
With all the turnover that took place over the past season, it seems unlikely that the team will be as active this offseason. In fact, much of the lineup may remain intact, although a couple faces will be moving on, including the now retired Phil Housley and free agent right wing Theo Fleury.
"I like the way this team battled this season," said GM Ken McKenna. "I think Coach Hartley did a great job in a difficult situation, as we seem to be making a smooth transition from older playoff contender to a younger, up-and-coming squad."
Given the fact that the team should be well under the salary cap next season, it seems likely that they could be active in the free agent market. Fans shouldn't expect any big-dollar contracts to be thrown around, though.
"We'll work on signing players to fill a couple of holes on our squad," said McKenna, "but I doubt we'll be big spenders. We'd rather continue building from within, and supplementing our lineup with the odd free agent."
Silo Siftings: the Silos currently have the 7th pick in the GWHL Draft, but that could change at the draft lottery. While some fans might have been disappointed at missing a chance to draft some of the top talent, no one connected with the club seemed concerned with the lower pick. "We'll get a good player," shrugged the GM. "We have a good scouting staff, so I'm not the least bit worried about where we finished."
[
Next Thread |
Previous Thread |
Next Message |
Previous Message
]
| |
Feedback: 