With all the movement by organizations jockeying for positions in the playoff hunt, a number of these teams just look different today. There has been plenty of roster juggling with the post-season in the cross hairs.
The 72-game regular season is a grind, but the real important hockey is played in March, April and May. The trade activity of late seems to have confirmed “who’s in and who’s out”.
It led this wag to wonder about chemistry, a term often used to describe the cohesiveness of a particular forward line, or a general comment on how united a group appears to be. None of us know what is happening in the dressing rooms, so we have to take commentary about chemistry at face value, despite our curiosity or doubt.
A scan of the Internet unearthed some telling discussions about team chemistry. In particular, a publication credited to Wright University included some interesting points:
- Team chemistry is one of the most complicated keys to the success of organizations.
- Effective teams are more than just a collection of talented members.
- To be effective, a team has to be able to combine the efforts and abilities of members in the right way.
- Team members have to interact constructively in order to perform effectively.
- Roles and norms are an important aspect of team interactions.
- To be effective, team members need to take the appropriate roles, and develop and enforce appropriate norms.
For many of these “new look” teams following today’s trade deadline, team chemistry will be questioned in the coming weeks.
How much of the effort undertaken by the general managers will create interesting challenges for the coaching staffs? How do the new additions adjust to their new surroundings? How quickly? It’s a new city? Perhaps a new school?
How do they adapt to a new system of play? A new coaching staff? What are the expectations? How do they contribute as productive players? How long might it take a group to get over any resentment that might exist after watching a good friend sent packing? How thankful and motivated are some who may have left an uncomfortable situation?
It will be difficult to extract much specific detail from players and coaches, as the standard response is likely to consist of cliché-laden, “team first” mantra. But be assured, the annual trade deadline might be entertaining for league followers, but it is tremendously challenging for management and coaches, and exhilarating or frustrating for players and parents.
Beyond the short-term impact, the true long-term impact can take many years to realize because many of the trades include draft picks and young prospects. For example, give this article a look; it’s a terrific analysis by Nick Patterson of HeraldNet.com that spells out the results from an Everett Silvertips trade deadline deal back in 2009.
Again, only time will provide the real answers to many of the questions we ask about team chemistry and who really wins when these trades are made.
Prince George Cougars (28-11-2-0…58 points)
Games remaining: 31
Divisional games: 13
Kelowna: 4; Victoria: 0; Kamloops: 6; Vancouver: 3.
The Cougars begin a four-game road trip tonight in Red Deer. The Cats have completely overhauled the import spots on its roster, adding two high-end forwards. The roster features an elite forward group, solid depth on the blueline and they are very competent in goal. The big job now would seem to fall on the shoulders of the coaching staff, navigating the remaining regular season games with some opportunities to experiment. Again, we’re talking chemistry. With the new additions, how will the existing core respond to adjusted roles? If this roster remains healthy and the group gets rowing in the same direction, the CN Centre could be jumping well into April and May.
TRADES:
IN: Nikita Popugaev, Radovan Bondra, Tanner Wishnowski
OUT: Yan Khomenko, Justin Almeida, Bartek Bison
Kamloops Blazers (25-15-1-2…53 points)
Games remaining: 29
Divisional games: 18
Prince George: 6; Victoria: 4; Kelowna: 3; Vancouver: 3.
In one of the more unusual WHL stories of late, the Blazers were spared a ten-hour road trip to Portland when an ice storm in the Rose City area resulted in cancellation of the Jan. 8 tilt against the Winterhawks. The game has yet to be re-scheduled. Kamloops begins a five-game homestand on Friday when the Everett Silvertips come calling, followed by Vancouver, Moose Jaw, Portland and Prince George. On the trade front, the Blazers have improved by adding experience, offensive skill and some another big power forward to complement the exuberant Jermaine Loewen. Kamloops would seem to possess the top goaltending tandem in the league.
TRADES:
IN: Luc Smith, Lane Bauer, Nic Holowko
OUT: Dawson Davidson, Conner McDonald, Spencer Bast, Matt Revel
Kelowna Rockets (24-15-3-0…51 points)
Games remaining: 30
Divisional games: 19
Prince George: 4; Victoria: 4; Kamloops: 3; Vancouver: 6.
The Rockets head west to Vancouver Island for a doubleheader against the Victoria Royals. The teams have split four games so far this season. They have in tow a better team on paper than the group that struggled after the holiday break in the schedule. With everyone back from the World Junior Championship, including its feisty and skilled import forwards, along with a pair of new additions acquired from Eastern conference teams, the Rockets, like the Cougars, will have to reset to some extent. When defencemen Gordie Ballhorn returns later this month, the depth on the blueline will also make things difficult for opponents.
TRADES:
IN: Reid Gardiner, Carsen Twarynski
OUT: Riley Stadel, Jordan Borstmayer, Jake Kryski
Victoria Royals (22-16-4-0…48 points)
Games remaining: 30
Divisional games: 18
Prince George: 0; Kamloops: 4; Kelowna: 4; Vancouver: 8.
The Royals split a doubleheader in Prince George last weekend and return home for a pair against Kelowna. Victoria has won five of its last six games, all played against B.C. Division rivals. After the double-dip with the Rockets, the Royals will play four of their next five against teams from outside the division. Moose Jaw arrives on Vancouver Island this weekend, then the Royals will stop in Langley for a tilt against the Giants before a three-game trip to Alberta. The trade deadline was a quiet one for the Royals, who made one move and added some grit and depth to an already physical group on the blueline.
TRADES:
IN: Loch Morrison
OUT: Brayden Pachal
Vancouver Giants (16-23-1-2…35 points)
Games remaining: 34
Divisional games: 20
Prince George: 3; Kamloops: 3; Kelowna: 6; Victoria: 8.
The Giants return to action on Friday when they entertain the Moose Jaw Warriors. After an encouraging start to their eastern swing, the Giants dropped three straight games. It has been apparent for some time that an eye on the future would be vital, and general manager Glen Hanlon generated enough movement to plan for next year and beyond. A couple of good soldiers have moved on to WHL teams that will make the playoffs this season and the Giants completely altered import situation. A resurgence during the second half by this young and energetic group could create some surprises for the stronger B.C. Division teams.
TRADES:
IN: Jordan Borstmayer, Brayden Watts, Bartek Bison, Calvin Spencer, Jordan Wharrie
OUT: Thomas Foster, Alex Baer, Radovan Bondra, Dmitry Osipov
