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March 31, 2005

Interview With Mark Mancari, “For sure, Danny has been unbelievable for us all year.”

Some post-game notes from Mark Mancari on TEAM 1200/Dave Gross and Garry Galley this morning [paraphrasing]:


On the controversy surrounding the game-winning goal: The puck came through and my stick was at the right height. I was lucky to get my stick on it. This one counted and that’s what matters.

On not playing well on Friday: This is the biggest game of the series. Going into Friday’s game we have to win. We’ve got the momentum. We can’t go in on too big a high. Have to remember that Barrie is a good team. They have a lot of guys that can put the puck in the net.

On Battochio’s great play: For sure, Danny has been unbelievable for us all year. We need a better defensive game and not let them get so many shots.

On LaCosta: We need to create traffic in front of him. Put the puck to the net because he lets up a lot of rebounds. We know that he gets frustrated, so we just have to keep getting to the net.

On watching other games: We follow all the teams in the league. It’s fun to see what’s going on.

On Perry-LON: When you got a guy like Perry on the ice you always want to have an extra eye on him . . . but you don’t want to focus on just one guy because it throws the whole game off. He’s a little agitator out there; he likes to get under guys’ skin.

On physical play against Barrie: We’re both playing desperation hockey. Whatever you have to do to win you’ll do. We’ve got 20 goal scorers who are not scoring because they are more defensive-minded.

On what the team needs to do on Friday: We have to forget about the first three games. We have to work hard, finish our checks, put the puck on the net, get the puck out of our zone when we need to, get the shots down for Danny. We need to come together as a team. The first and last games we played great. If we continue to play that way good things will happen for us.

[/paraphrasing]

ROUND 1 GAME 3 – Barrie at Ottawa (30-Mar) – Ottawa Takes Series Lead, 2-1

67s win 3-2 over Barrie, and an interesting win it was. The 67s started things off by scoring within seconds (0:18 by Colbert) and then ended in a similar fashion by scoring with seconds left in the third (0:20 by Mancari). The 67s put forth one last surge before OT and Mancari scored a big one – controversial from Barrie’s viewpoint: they questioned a highstick – but it counted, and that’s all that mattered to Ottawa in the end. The win was due to a combination of Battochio’s stellar goaltending and puck luck for the 67s, a little less to do with their energy – they seemed to sit back a bit at times and also take needless penalties. Barrie worked hard throughout the game, and the loss, especially with OT looming, had to hurt. I think that Battochio is single-handedly going to pull the 67s through this round. See OHL game summary here.

IN THE NEWS
From the Barrie Advance, Colts in tough against Ottawa 67s. [Written prior to Game 3]

From SLAM! Sports, 67's rally late vs. Colts.

From the Barrie Examiner Gene Pereira writes, A heartbreaker for the Colts. Snippets:

The loss was a tough pill to swallow for the Colts, who came up with a solid effort, but, thanks in large part to Battochio, now find themselves trailing the best-of-seven series 2-1 heading into Game 4 here on Friday night.

[. . .]

But the Colts believed the winner came as a result of a high stick and shouldn’t have counted. Staubitz’s point drive was first tipped in front by Brad Bickell, who appeared to have his stick up, but apparently not enough. Referee Scott Oakman didn’t whistle the play down and Mancari pounced on the rebound for the winner.

From the Ottawa Citizen Wayne Scanlan writes, 67's find way to win one they needed.

From the Ottawa Sun Barre Campbell writes, He's right on the Mark. Interesting snippet:

It was suggested to Williamson that most of the officiating calls last night went against the Colts.

"You tend to find that in this building," he replied. "You don't get any breaks in here. That's why it's a tough building coming into. Referees don't like nine million people yelling at them.

"It's a lively crowd and we just didn't get any breaks that way."

Little held no grudge against Oakman. "I'm not going to sit here and blame it on the referees," he said. "At points in the game, I thought they outplayed us and when they outplayed us, they usually scored on their chances."

Suggested by whom I wonder . . . Maybe there is something to that “nice understanding” thing.

And also from the Ottawa Sun Don Brennan writes, 67's McGinn has step on foes.

PRE-GAME NOTES
The game was broadcast on radio (TEAM 1200/Dave Schreiber and AJ Jakubec) and television (Rogers Television Ottawa (22)/ Scott MacArthur, Ed Hand, and Lee Versage).

LINE UP
*Forwards: McGinn, Talbot, Hulit; Bickell, Bonello, Mancari; Akeson, Petruzalek, Kaspar; VanderVeeken, Ouellette, Alphonso.
*Defensive pairings: Colbert, Joslin; Staubitz, Reid; Van Herpt, Beard.
*Starting in net: Battochio. Guadagnolo on the bench.
*Scratches: Spezza (healthy), Jarram (healthy), Lawrance (healthy), Kiriakou (healthy), and Lahey (concussion).

SCORING
OTTAWA
1, Colbert, (1) (Hulit, McGinn), 00:18
1, McGinn, (1) (Staubitz, Joslin), 15:35 (PP)
3, Mancari, (2) (Staubitz, Bickell), 19:40

BARRIE
1, Little, (3) (Tremblay, Hotham), 14:07 (PP)
3, Little, (4) (Hotham, Plastino), 13:01

THREE STARS
OHL three stars were: (1) Mancari, (2) Hisey-BAR, and (3) McGinn.

TEAM 1200 three stars were: (1) Staubitz, (2) Little-BAR, and (3) Battochio.

REFFING
Oakman.

ATTENDANCE
5904

NEXT UP
Friday night in Ottawa.

March 29, 2005

Interview With The Coach, “We need everyone to play up to what they’re capable of.”

Post-playoff w/e interview with Killer on the TEAM 1200/Dean Brown and Chris Stevenson yesterday:

[paraphrasing]

(On Game 2) As a team we were outplayed. I felt bad for Danny Battochio because he gave us a chance to win. He was brilliant. Had we played anywhere near where we could, we would have won that game. This is a game that I strictly blame the forwards’ lack of productivity.

(Any fire and brimstone speeches?) Today we’ll just talk a little bit about it, then forget about it. We are happy to get a split, but we had a great opportunity to get another one with the great goaltending we had. I leave the dressing room alone. I leave it in the hands of the players. After I had blown up a touch and taken a walk, one of our rookies stood up and said something and that bodes well for the future. That’s the good part. I just hope some of the veterans take it to heart and learn something from it.

We need everyone. We’re not a super-duper team. We need everyone to play up to what they’re capable of. I think that we’re getting fooled because we won the first game. Barrie’s a good team. We respect them.

I felt that with playing the way we had been down the stretch, I thought we had overcome some of those things. We had the chance to win and that’s what’s bothering me.

Some of the fellows we expect to see on the score sheet haven’t been. I’m going to put Bickell back with Bonello and Mancari, because a lot of time they are killing penalties. Akeson goes with Lukas and Jakub . . . Right now we need a spark so a couple of changes, yes. You’re not going to take someone who hasn’t played and say give us the spark. You want the guys who got you here to do it.

(On Barrie) They got such great performances from Little and Hisey and they were on the ice all the time. Barrie played better in their own end than we did, they got the puck out, and they didn’t spend a lot of time watching their goaltender make saves. They didn’t wear down the other night. They won an awful lot of face-offs and were controlling the puck more than we were.

Our fourth line was our best line. Get the air out of their heads is the first message. Danny stole the first game for us. We have to get back to our own game – outwork them.

Having a practice at Canterbury. A good hard skate, not a long one, mainly because we’re not in our own rink. This has been going on for 4 weeks because of functions.

[/paraphrasing]

ROUND 1 GAME 2 – Ottawa at Barrie (26-Mar) – Barrie Wins, Series Tied 1-1

67s lose 4-1 to the Colts. It was all Barrie right from the start. They obviously wanted this one more, and LaCosta had something to prove. The 67s didn’t have the same energy, drive, they weren’t first to the puck, or shooting on net. They took stupid penalties. They left Danny alone again, and he tried to keep them in the game as usual. Killer resorted to benching his forwards - in the playoffs! Benching. You know things are going badly . . . And then this is always a hint too: you have a 2-man advantage for ~2 minutes and can’t do anything with it, especially in the playoffs. But, this has been their MO all season – the inconsistency has been the way they’ve played the last couple of weeks of the regular season: winning everything, playing strong every game. Let’s hope that being back on home ice will rejuvenate them. See OHL game summary here.

IN THE NEWS
From the Ottawa Sun Barre Campbell writes, 67's lay untimely egg. From the Ottawa Citizen Andy Watson writes, Colts square series with 67's. this quote by Killer says it all I guess:

"This is probably the most upset I've been the entire year, and I've seen a lot of losses."

From SLAM! Sports, Colts defeat 67's.

PRE-GAME NOTES
The game was broadcast on radio (TEAM 1200/Dave Schreiber and AJ Jakubec) and television (Rogers Television Barrie/ John Bartlett and Greg Hotham).

*LaCosta will get the start tonight for Barrie, and it’s his 19th birthday.

PRE-GAME INTERVIEW WITH TALBOT (TEAM 1200/AJ):
We still want to come out hard and get game two. Do the same thing as last game.

(On the win) It was huge for us. We wanted to come out hard and take it to them and hopefully it put them back on their heels for game two.

(On his great game) I just wanted to keep it simple in game one. I had a couple of lucky chances to get around their D.

(On game two) There is definitely some key guys for their face-offs. We want to get as many draws as we can. We want to get as many pucks to the net and shooting from everywhere.

LINE UP
*Forwards: McGinn, Talbot, Hulit; Akeson, Bonello, Mancari; Bickell, Petruzalek, Kaspar; Lawrance, Ouellette, VanderVeeken.
*Defensive pairings: Colbert, Joslin; Staubitz, Reid; Van Herpt, Beard.
*Starting in net: Battochio. Guadagnolo on the bench.
*Scratches: Spezza (healthy), Jarram (healthy), Lawrance (healthy), Kiriakou (healthy), and Lahey (concussion).

SCORING
OTTAWA
1, Talbot, (3) (McGinn, Hulit), 14:10

BARRIE
1, Little, (2) (Tremblay, Speer), 10:02
1, Tremblay, (1) (Hisey, Hotham), 17:14 (PP)
3, Fuller, (3) (Hisey, Marshall), 02:30
3, Crombeen, (1) , 19:36 (EN)

THREE STARS
OHL three stars were: (1) Tremblay, (2) Little, and (3) LaCosta.

REFFING
O’Neill.

ATTENDANCE
4287. A sell-out.

NEXT UP
Back to Ottawa for game 3 – Wednesday night (3.30).

March 24, 2005

ROUND 1 GAME 1 – Ottawa at Barrie (24-Mar) – Ottawa Takes First Game

The 67s win game one 5-4 over Barrie. Good stuff. Looks like it’s going to be an exciting series. I’m impressed with the intensity that the 67s came out with. They had a few bonehead moments, and Barrie certainly didn’t back down, but it looks like Barrie’s goaltending is going to be good for Ottawa (starter Thuot was eventually replaced by LaCosta). And ya gotta love the funky hairdos . . . they’re very . . . intimidating (I think that’s what Alphonso said was the look they were after. Oh, and I think that even Kaspar joined in and fiddled with his hair!) See OHL game summary here.

IN THE NEWS
From SLAM! Sports, 67's edge Colts. From the Barrie Advance, Colts series with Ottawa continues Saturday. From the Ottawa Citizen Andy Watson writes, 67's chase Colts' goalie. And from the Ottawa Sun Barre Campbell writes, 67's deke out victory.

From the Barrie Examiner Mike Speers writes, Fuller a 67’s fan no more. From the Ottawa Sun Barre Campbell writes, Colts hoping goaltender switch brings net gain and also, In Battochio they trust.

PRE-GAME NOTES
The game was broadcast on radio (TEAM 1200/Dave Schreiber and AJ Jakubec) and television (Rogers Television 22/John Bartlett and Greg Hotham). Some notes from Schreibs and AJ:

* AJ says that the boys may be too ramped up! Killer will have to settle them down.

* Barrie’s backup goalie is getting the start. Thuot will get the start.

* Killer’s made some changes to the line up: Akeson will move up with Bonello and Mancari; VanderVeeken will be moved down to fourth, and Bickell will move back with Petruzalek and Kaspar. Lawrance on fourth line as well.

* Van Herpt is not 100% after his crash into the boards after scoring his SH goal in the last regular season game against Kingston.

PRE-GAME INTERVIEW WITH THE COACH (TEAM 1200/Schreibs)
On the good run to the finish: A good finish to the season. Although we were inconsistent the first half of the season, we were better in second and down the stretch.

On what he thinks of the first round: No first round easy when you take a look at how close everyone was coming down the stretch. We know they’re a good and they know we’re a good team. You never know what’s going to be the deciding factor.

On the improved PP: We did start moving the puck a little better, and Brad Staubitz did start getting shots on net and that helped.

On Battochio: He won games by himself. We hope that he stays that way. We have all the confidence in him and if he plays that way he’ll give us all the chance.

On matching up to their big forwards: We’ve got 6 defencemen that can rotate. We know what they’re going to do a lot of times; it’ll be a three line game. Whoever’s out there they’re going have to work against them.

LINE UP
*Forwards: McGinn, Talbot, Hulit; Akeson, Bonello, Mancari; Bickell, Petruzalek, Kaspar; Lawrance, Ouellette, VanderVeeken.
*Defensive pairings: Colbert, Joslin; Staubitz, Reid; Van Herpt, Beard.
*Starting in net: Battochio. Guadagnolo on the bench.
*Scratches: Spezza (healthy), Jarram (healthy), Alphonso (healthy), Kiriakou (healthy), and Lahey (concussion).

SCORING
OTTAWA
1, Talbot, (1) (Bickell, Colbert), 02:19 (PP)
1, Bonello, (1) (Joslin, Colbert), 15:14
2, Talbot, (2) (Hulit, McGinn), 07:23
2, Mancari, (1) (Van Herpt), 15:58
3, Bickell, (1) (Van Herpt, Petruzalek), 03:03

BARRIE
1, Fuller, (1) (Crombeen, Hisey), 05:32
2, Fuller, (2) (Hisey, Hotham), 06:38
2, Little, (1) (Hotham, Speer), 10:46 (PP)
3, Speer, (1) (Tremblay, Little), 02:08

THREE STARS
OHL three stars were: (1) Talbot, (2) Fuller, and (3) Bickell.

TEAM 1200 three stars were: (1) Talbot (got things going tonight; 2G; great penalty-killing), (2) Fuller-BAR (a couple of goals on the night), and (3) Van Herpt (played injured; did his usual steady job; a real gutsy performance; 2A and some great defensive work). An honourable mention to Battochio (held the fort, biggest reason why they 67’s come up with the win).

REFFING
Smith.

ATTENDANCE
4189.

NEXT UP
3.26 in Barrie for Game Two.

March 22, 2005

Sid’s Pics

*Added 5.13.2005*

From Playoffs, OHL Finals Game 4, against London (5.12)

The 67s – and fans – celebrate after scoring.
Lawrance smiling, Mancari giving him props after scoring.
Close up: the only smile seen on the 67s for the rest of the night.


*Added 4.27.2005*

From regular season, against Brampton (3.11)

Staubitz [3.11.2005].


*Added 4.24.2005*

From Playoffs, Conference Finals Game 2, against Peterborough (4.23)

Conference Finals!
SO!
Battochio's got things under control.
Bickell trying to get out of the Petes' bench.
67s win Game 2!
Akeson, the hero of Game 1.
Bickell shoots.
Bonello.
It’s not just Killer who gets to ‘talk’ w/refs during the game!


*Added 4.18.2005*

From Playoffs, Round 2 Game 6, against Sudbury (4.17)

One shot, one goal . . . off to a great start.
First goal celebration.
Bonello scores, everyone celebrates!
Stortini takes out both Ottawa D-men at the same time!
Battochio out to congratulate his teammates.
Ottawa wins Game 6!
Nice to see Beard back in the line up.
Beard lines it up . . . and shoots.
Bonello.
Kaspar.
Captain Colbert.
Joslin.
VanderVeeken.
Talbot.
Staubitz.


*Added 4.14.2005*

From Playoffs, Round 2 Game 4, against Sudbury (4.13):

Alphonso got things started!
Ehelechner makes a save!
Battochio comes out to congratulate Hulit, Talbot.
Battochio ready . . . and calm and collected.
Mancari gets a chance, Ehelechner makes the save.
Ottawa wins Game 4 - Woo Hoo!
Bickell’s having a great series.
Ouellette takes the face-off.
Hulit, the SH goal-scoring king.
Staubitz, OHL tough guy!
McGinn, fits in well on top line.


*Added 4.12.2005*

From Playoffs, Round 2 Game 3, against Sudbury (4.11):

Ottawa scores their first!
Beech out, Ehelechner in.
Positioning . . .
Sprawling . . .
Reid stands by . . .
Stopping the puck.
Petruzalek scores!
. . . and back comes Beech.
Colbert and Chaumont, Beer in the background.
Bonello, upset with a call against him.
Mancari.
McGinn, shooting the puck.
Talbot
Petruzalek, first star!


*Added 3.22.2005*

From game against Peterborough (3.18):

Battochio comes out of net to offer congrats on a goal, 3.18.2005
Petruzalek coming back to the bench, 3.18.2005


From final game of regular season against Kingston (3.20):

Kaspar waiting for the puck, 3.20.2005
Davis-KIN in good position, 3.20.2005
Talbot wins the face-off, 3.20.2005
Mancari works for the puck, 3.20.2005
Ottawa wins last regular season game, 3.20.2005


From the game against Kitchener (3.6):

Nice ice: Civic Centre, 3.6.2005
Petruzalek and Richards-KIT face-off, 3.6.2005


From the game against Peterborough (2.18):

Battochio in the net, 2.18.2005


And from the game against Mississauga (2.11):

Bonello getting ready for a face-off, 2.11.2005