Feb 11, 2009

Watch Out Ty...

Looks like someone is out to kill you. This handwritten note arrived at BSPN BC offices in Vancouver today. I'll just let it speak for itself:Mr. Duperron's exact address has been censored for personal safety. BSPN has contacted the Maple Ridge PD in order to protect Mr. Duperron. We'll update you in every step of the investigation.

Feb 9, 2009

Interview With Jordan Kasper

Jon Anderson: Time for an impromptu interview with one Jordan Kasper. As you guys know, I love the guy. And, there's a few guys out there who don't. I'll give you the floor right now, why'd you retire this year, instead of the next?
Jordan: It was a spur of the moment thing, let me give you a little rundown of what happened...
Jon Anderson: Aight. Shoot.
Jordan: I've been feeling pretty lousy about a lot of things lately and my self-esteem is probably lower than it's ever been right now. This is definitely not all about TBN, but a decent portion of it is. Before the whole BOG thing hit the forums, there was a pretty massive argument in the staff forum about it, and it was basically me against everyone else, which is fine. After that blew over I had a talk with Shawn and although I didn't get any names, I found out that quite a few people have a major problem with my attitude, demeanor, and how I supposedly talk down to others. There was a time I wasn't well-liked at all around this community but at that time I thought I was generally respected and to be honest it was crushing to find out that there was so much hostility towards me that nobody was even willing to talk to me about one-on-one. Anyways, even before that I decided to give up my GM position for completely unrelated reasons. I told Ty I'd play for a year to just so he wouldn't lose his highest-rated forward without having a chance to plan for it. I was still feeling really down about everything last night (maybe even more so), and Evans' comment really bothered me, even though I thought it was probably a joke (which in hindsight it was not, he's yet another person who really has a problem with me that I didn't even know about). After thinking about it for a little while, I sent a PM to Ty to serve as official notice of my intent to retire after the upcoming season. I didn't think I'd be around, and didn't want to leave open the chance that I could be auto-signed with my lower rating in Season 7. I also said that if my rating was lowered in arbitration I wanted my retirement to go into effect immediately. During my time as a GM and staff member I was probably the most vocal person about having the best players in the league be the ones that participate the most so I didn't want to waste a roster spot if I was a "replaceable" player. I copied the PM to Randy and also requested that I be banned for a week or so to clear my head before deciding whether to make it permanent, even though I already stopped posting awhile ago. He agreed to do it, but asked to talk to me on MSN first. On there he told me that if I wasn't going to be active or was going to have periods of absence, I should just retire now. Considering my stance all along on activity, I realized I was probably being hypocritical if I kept playing so I decided to make it official right away -- it didn't take much convincing. I then sent a PM to Ty informing him of my decision, along with one to a prominent free agent urging him to consider signing with the Cavaliers to take my place. After that, I was banned and assumed that was it.
Jon Anderson: So, does this mean your done with the BHL in all way, shape, or form? Or will you still hang around, similar to Matt Chambers.
Jordan: I'm done with the BHL, and most likely TBN as a whole. I probably won't ask to have my ban extended, but I'll lurk for awhile and gradually slip away as everything that's made this site great for me over the last decade is pretty much dead for me. The great open forum discussions, the BHL, playing PS3...I don't feel like there's many people left here I can consider a friend.
Jon Anderson: Is it simply the people's attitude that has changed, or is it something else about the league, or the community as a whole that you are disappointed in?
Jordan: I wouldn't say it's a change of attitude, just a change in where I see myself fitting in to this community I guess. There's still quite a few people I like a lot on TBN, but right now I don't think there's more than one or two who see me in a positive light at all. I don't have many friends here anymore and I'm questioning if I ever did since I keep finding out that people have had problems with
Jordan: me but just don't speak up.
Jon Anderson: It seems as if a lot of things are coming out in this community lately, for better, or for worse. Back to the league, there have been rumors flying around that you were unhappy with the way new GM Ty Duperron has handled the team. Is there any truth to that? If so, what specific decision(s) did you have a problem with.
Jordan: I'll answer that, but let me make it perfectly clear that I think Ty will be one of the better GMs in the league and will do a great job keeping the team active and competitive every season. I disagree with some of the personnel moves he's made, but that's only natural -- obviously any former GM would be sad to see the team he put together change so quickly. I do feel a bit misled as Ty led me to believe that he would keep the roster largely intact, but that's fine, he can do whatever he wants with the team. The only thing that I really think he did wrong was passing over the current players on the Cavaliers for management positions, instead bringing in his own people. I believe Norton's "demotion" was a mutual decision, but I know Sattler, Cushen, and Mini were all highly interested in the coaching job and would have definitely liked to be considered for the Assistant GM position as well. I have absolutely nothing against Craig or Danne, but it seemed to me like he was favoring the guys he just brought in over the ones who were really enthusiastic and active during a somewhat difficult season last year and that really rubbed me the wrong way. Again though, that's must my opinion and the team's morale has been pretty high so I very well could be wrong about this.
Jon Anderson: I think either way Montreal would be or is in a good position coming into season 6. There's been talk of retiring your number in Montreal, and I for one fully support this endeavor. Here's my last question: Is there anything you'd like to see changed in the way the league itself runs? I know you stated earlier that you were a strong supporter of the board of governors.
Jordan: I requested to Ty in my retirement notice (and previously when I resigned as GM) not to retire my number. It's pretty clear from his comments today that he's not exactly my biggest fan at the moment so I don't think that's going to be an issue. It's a lot of work and kind of pointless anyways considering how many people have a problem with me or the way I went about my retirement. As far as the league goes, no, I was the only one strongly OPPOSED to the Board of Governors, or at least the way it was originally implemented. I won't go into too much detail since it's been beaten to death since then, but it was first put in place without any notice to the staff or more importantly, to Randy. Giving the veto power to the GMs over every decision without even including the staff in the discussion on how the league is going to run basically made my role completely useless and my opinions a waste of breath. I know that probably wasn't the intention and I think some sort of BOG can work if handled correctly, but I was really offended by that and I think rightfully so. As for advice, I don't really have any. The BHL is a community project so do what makes people happy. I do think Randy has done a phenomenal job as commissioner though and people should respect his judgment and even more importantly his willingness to seek and listen to outside opinions.
Jon Anderson: Well thanks for joining me. You give a good interview. Good luck with whatever goes down, and I still love you.
Jordan: Thanks Jon, take care man.

Jordan Kasper Officially retires

Today, what many believed would happen did-long time BHL fixture Jordan Kasper retired. It was well known that Jordan would be retiring after season 6, and what is believed to be personal issues has pushed his retirement to this year.

Jordan and I used to be really close. I became acquainted with him through the shoutbox, and he was one of the first community members who really accepted me. He was someone who I could talk to about anything. He really helped me confront some problems I'd been having with my dad. I love the guy, enough to ask him to trade for me at the deadline last year. Now, my feelings are different, and I don't want to leave Austin...ever, but that just shows how close we were.

My conversations with Jordan on MSN and in the shoutbox dropped off in the last few months-I've just been busy with high school and haven't had time. Shortly before letting people know that he would be retiring after next season, when that was his plan, he sent a PM to a few guys saying goodbye. He basically said he'd be dropping off in community activity for an amount of time that he didn't know.

Now, this may seem unimportant, but this is just my thoughts on a guy I really liked. I'll try and come in contact with him in the near future for an interview-but I don't know if that's something he'll want to do. Sorry for the hiatus guys.

Jan 21, 2009

Pre-season Rankings: Flying Blind and Long Winded

Have you missed me readers? I'm back. After seeing all the drama in this league, which really was on par with 4 menstruating woman fighting over the last chocolate bar, I'm ready to write again.


But what to write about? Obviously pre-season rankings. This would pose a problem with no ratings, but thanks to my clairvoyance, or my position as someone who works at BSPN, where we quote unquote "make shit up", I thought I would follow that tradition and rank the teams based on feeling, it worked for our ratings system for the last three seasons, so it will most definitely work now:

12. The Roswell Aliens. The cellar dwellers are at it again. One of my favorite teams will likely miss the playoffs. They have a great GM in Joe Iusi and a few skilled players like Ayaz Karim , but when the" neck" is considered your secret weapon, you know you have issues.

11. The Austin Marauders. Jon's team, so I have an obligation to my boss to not put them 12 out of 12. Godoe is a fine GM who will look to Anderson, Kuehn, and number 1 draft pick Jon Rowson to give the state a much better hockey team for years to come. However, the fact that their roster has several 65s (or they were 65s) as regular players troubles even the most optimistic prognosticators. I still expect them to fight for a playoff spot, coming about 6 points shy.

10.The Berlin Guards. The Guards looked for some defense in acquiring John O'Callahan, but wound up with a situation similar to that of Andy Geleff. The guards still have Marquardt, mackiwana and Grundy, as well as Sarin. However, they have too many below average players to win a Thundercup. They may still make the playoffs, but I expect them to get squashed by Gem City in the first round.

9. The New England Brewers. With the departure of Ken Chernoff, the Brewers took a major hit in the leadership department. Bianchi and Kinney will have to fill the void. They have solid players, but only a few guys who will be able to consistently light the lamp. The failed Pete to Boston campaign demonstrated that it is a team for the future, not one to win a championship now.

8.The Toronto Vipers. Under Drezz, the Toronto which-a-ma-call-its should be in playoff contention in the Wilen conference. They have a deep roster to make the playoffs. Their strenghth lies in between the pipes, with the man, the myth, the legend, Drezz Rodriguez. They have a scoring threats as well in Adam Stevens, although he cannot possibly be their only point producing forward. (Update/Correction, they do not have Adam Stevens, he is a free agent as of now.)

7. The Brisbane Clippers. The Clippers would have started off higher, but after the Steig trade, the Alan tirade and Matt's new reputation as the BHL's version of Mike Milbury, i've knocked them down a bit. Dupperon, Kosier, Danne and Steig all gone now. Some would say it isn't his fault, but wheres the fun in that? Instead, it was actually Brisbane's new colors driving people off the team. The maddening combo of purplered maroon and gold. If they can stabilize themselves, and the roster, they'll eek into the playoffs over Austin.

6. The Montreal Cavaliers. Nothing bad I can say about them. The model Wilen Franchise and proabaly the winners of the next three Thundercups. Also the home of the only Gm who publicly admits his love for anal sex, because, according to his radio show "its the closest you'll get to having sex with a 14 year old". Losses in Montreal may mean something different then on any other team, so they should be extra motivated.

5. San Francisco Seals. The Seals have a ton of talent with guys like Jon Desouza, Mark Redman and Eric Evelhoch. If they can remain healthy, a high probability, they can go very deep into the playoffs. The addition of Kosier will also help an already potent offense. Their weak on the left side, but have a good defense, something that should compensate for that.

4. The Vancouver Falocns. They've lost Godoe, but added Steig and Harmon, two players with brght BHL futures. I have a feeling that "Fuck the Falcons" will remain a league mantra for years to some.

3. The Dakota Warbirds. Chaz Hooker is on this team, how high could they fly? With a goalie like Robi Albert and a league vet like Kemppinen, they could challenge and push both Gem city and the Castors for the leagues best team.

2. The Castlegar Castors. The best BHL franchise from last year. Good enough to repeat and a lock to make it far into the post season, we'll see if Geralt has what it takes to go for a repeat performance. They've added Kemp which makes their already potent offense unbelievable. Their only weakness is on RW, but not by much. The D is crazy good.

1. The Gem City Aviators.

Their defense, take a minute to appreciate it, probably with moisturizer and tissue:

Jones
Tarver
Kuttinen
Giebler
OldField
Wiedmann.

Cyberdemon will also be doing rankings throughout the year. His will probably be better, so i hope you read them too.










Jan 20, 2009

Interview With Neck Dude...Er Jason Hodgson

BSPN: OK so here it goes. I'm just gonna jump right in and ask: did you or did you not have neck surgery?

Jason: The truth about the scar is I was actually attacked by a stranger in the offseason. I wanted to keep it hush hush but there have been way too many comments about it. All I remember from the attack was that he was wearing an "I'm not Kelly Griffin" t-shirt.

BSPN: Well it's glad to see you came out alive. An attack from a coked up bitch like that-you gotta have a big set of cajones to be able to take that. So after a disappointing year in Roswell, what are some goals you have for season 6? Besides the obvious "win teh cup!@!#!".

Jason: We've been pegged to finish in the basement of the league. I've never really been on teams that get much respect (Philly in Season 1 and Brisbane up until last season) so I'm kind of used to it by now. It's always fun to prove people wrong. There is no chance in hell we'll be in the basement under the leadership of Joe and our new coach and former captain when I was running the Clippers, Chris Baird.

BSPN: Who do you think the Aliens future "franchise player" is? Looking at Roswell's recent draft picks, no one really jumps out as a total safe bet, but there could be a few diamonds in the rough. What are your thoughts on these new guys?

Jason: We don't exactly have that superstar player. I think it's pretty well know that we're a team of character guys, buy a guy like Rossi on the front end and Rutka on the back end could turn a few heads in the league and aquiring Karding is huge for the team. The best part of the team is we all get along well, as long as Joe doesn't bring in Pat Maroon behind my back while I am not paying attention

BSPN: But I see Maroon slotting in nicely into your lineup. Wouldn't you enjoy playing aside a player of his extremely high caliber?

Jason: Not when that fat fuck would eat our entire pre-game meal. I know Rossi has about as much respect for the guy as I do, and that's none.

BSPN: Ouch. That hurts man. I'm president of his fanclub ya know. After the recent "attack" which has given you a neck injury, have you given any thought to wearing a neck guard in the coming season?
Jason: I have thought about it, but sadly there isn't a company that makes one in my size.

BSPN: Ah. Well my mom would gladly manufacture one. Would you like some short bread cookies as well?

Jason: Can she make me some chocolate chip ones instead?

BSPN: Hm. I'll have to check into that. Here's some random questions. First off, do you have any pregame rituals?

Jason: I usually have a pre-game nap either at home or in the hotel if we're on the road and then after that take a quick shower, head to the rink and have my pre-game meal.

BSPN: I ask this one to just about everyone: what's your favorite "pump up" song?

Jason: You can never go wrong with Refused - New Noise. I have a few others, but that's one of my regulars

BSPN: Boxers or briefs?

Jason: Boxer breifs.

BSPN: I'll have to remember that...Last one: Do you have anything you'd like to say to the reading public?
Jason: I'm just pumped for the next season and the upcoming world cup and I can't wait to get this started. We're going to shock the world I tell you.

BSPN: When has Canada ever shocked the world at hockey? Psh. U-S-A! U-S-A!

Jason: Umm...when's the last time the US has won anything on an international level...it certainly wasn't the last BHL World Cup and it's not going to happen this time either

BSPN: I'm not here to talk about the past. But the World Cup is for future discussion, thanks for sitting down with us. You're the man...Besides myself of course.

Jason: Thanks, and say hi to your mother for me.

BSPN: Will do!

Jan 18, 2009

I'm Jon Anderson...Bitch

Jason Hodgson will be the biggest bust of season 6...guaranteed. This aging player, who used to be one of the BHL's superstars, is on the decline. His level of play has steadily decreased over the last few seasons. Could it be time for him to hang 'em up?

After rumors surfaced of possible neck surgery on his completely oversized neck, Hodgson came out to dispel the rumors.

"
Marquardt: 'I heard you had neck surgery in the off-season. Is that true?'

Hodgson: 'What kind of silly ass question is that. Everyone knows that my neck has been, and always will be healthy.'"

While in fact, Hodgson could be lying. Here's Dr. Daniel Alam's take on Jason's health. "Let's just face the facts, his neck is simply disproportionate to the rest of his body. This seems to have caused numerous problems with Jason's health, especially with the wear and tear of playing professional hockey. If you look at this close up of Jason's neck, you'll see a slight scar. This could be from surgery, or it could be a mere flesh wound, I guess we'll never really know. Although with a neck of his size, I would highly recommend the wearing of a braced neck guard for the remainder of his hockey career." Alam is one of the leading M.D.s from the American Academy of Otolaryngology.

Well, Now That That's Over...

Well it looks like the latest in league drama is over...for now. The re-re-ratings process has already begun, and should be released in the coming days. I agree with the system, but the timing could be better. Oh well, at least we will still have a league to play in.

What I'm wondering is how well the guidelines will be interpreted, comparing the way I rerated myself, to the way other people rerated themselves makes me think I was too stringent or cynical. Although, among my friends, cynicism is sort of my trademark.

This new rerating system could benefit a number of teams. First of which could be my own. Since the original reratings have been released, a lot of the lower rated players in the organization have gotten a lot more active.

I see a lot of people who were given a rating in arbitration that was deemed unfair by many, being disappointed by this process. But isn't that the point of the new system? It'll take a while to get used to seeing 75s and 80s as the new 80s and 85s, but for the sake of fairness it is well worth it.