Thursday Notebook

Second thoughts on the CHL/Sportsnet extension: maybe it will actually be good to have junior hockey on the same network as the national NHL broadcasts.

On the one hand, Sportsnet could definitely shove their CHL broadcasts into a corner and forget about them. But on the other hand, there could definitely be a ratings boost by promoting the games on the same station as national NHL broadcasts. Presumably, an increase in ratings would see an increase in games shown. Something to think about.

Some other stuff…

• Huge game on Thursday night at Harbour Station between the Sea Dogs and Cataractes. Saint John currently holds the league’s final playoff spot with 38 points. Shawinigan is right behind them with 38 points as well. It’s the final meeting of the season between the two.
• Tough Olympics for Tomas Jurco and the Slovaks who, following a 5-3 loss to the Czech Republic in the qualification round yesterday, will finish 11^th. Jurco finishes his first Olympics with one goal and eight shots in four games.
• The AUS men’s hockey playoffs begin tonight with Moncton taking on StFX and UPEI facing Saint Mary’s. UNB and Acadia earned a bye through the first-round.
• The AHL website has a big time article on Mike Hoffman. The Ottawa Senators prospect is second in AHL scoring with 27 goals and 63 points in 48 games.
• Chronicle Herald sports columnist Chris Cochrane had a column on new Sea Dogs GM Darrell Young last week. “I went in there (to the interview) with a booklet on how we could attack the situation,” Young said, “they were impressed I took that much time to prepare.”
• Sam Cosentino mentions Hoffman, Young, and Yann Sauve in his latest column over at Sportsnet.ca.
• The Mill Rats have solved their playoff arena issues. They may have to play a game out at UNBSJ, though.
• Mike McGraw visitation and funeral info can be found here.