Some notes...

Was remiss over the last few days in not mentioning the firing of Cranbrook product Jim Hiller ... This from an owner, after firing GM Darrell May at the end of January said that Hiller was safe. “I believe we have an exceptional head coach who’s had to overcome a lot of obstacles,” Porter to Eric Welsh of the Chilliwack Progress back on Jan. 30. “What I’m most proud of is this team is still working its tail off, and I believe this is still a playoff team. Jim will be our head coach next year.”... Wonder what changed his mind... If you haven't read it already Gregg Drinnan has a great piece on the story here... The AHL-to-Abby story has some great legs and has some Lower Mainland clubs worried. Ron Toigo, the colourful owner of the Vancouver Giants said it would kill junior hockey in the valley... Wonder if that's some of the thinking behind the move to let Hiller go. A big name coach - a la Vancouver Giants Don Hay - could help move the Bruins to the next level. But in reality Scotty Bowman probably couldn't have got that club to the post-season. I mean, let's face it, Hiller didn't have a lot to work with this season. Oscar Moller sticks with the LA Kings; The Evan Pighin saga after he split and went to play with the Victoria Grizzlies of the BCHL didn't help; Lost C Jaden Potter to a broken neck; the list goes on and on. Maybe Hiller should blame Ice coach Mark Holick. Going through a somewhat similar situation this season Holick set the bar unbelievably high for overachieving teams. Hiller will, and should be, back... Apparently Mr. Porter took the advice of part-owner Glen Sather, GM for the New York Rangers who had to make a tough decision to let another Cranbrook product - Tom Renney - go a few weeks back in favour of John Tortorella. Welsh's full story can be read here. The story also goes on to say that Renney might be a candidate in Chilliwack. Marc Habscheid's contract with Boston ends this season doesn't it? (He's still being paid after being let go as an assistant last season) Maybe he can be convinced to head to the Fraser Valley.

Make note of the last paragraph and season tickets. I am of the firm belief that season ticket totals in certain markets, at least in BC, are going to nose-dive next season. Forestry-based towns (Kamloops, PG) - and of course us here in Cranbrook are particularly vulnerable. With over 1000 high-paying jobs on hold right now - along with another 400 or so contractors still off and staying off for the next month at the very least - 250-300 of those are Ice season ticket holders who usually renew through payroll deduction. Tough to do when there's no payroll. I hope I'm wrong...

Also over at Mr. D's blog is the second annual power poll of the mover and shakers of the WHL. Kelowna owner and GM Bruce Hamilton tops the list while Ice GM Jeff Chynoweth checks in at the number 10 spot. It's an interesting read and also includes a tidbit near the end about Regina owner Russ Parker wanting to swap franchises with Kootenay. Parker lives with the constant rumours (sound familiar?) of he wanting to move/obtain a franchise for Victoria. Parker owns an expansion baseball team there and of course the Chynoweth family owned - or still does own - the WHL rights to the region. The issue has gone by the wayside with the 15-year lease Kootenay signed with the Rec Plex in January but it still makes for an interesting read.

Congratulations to the Edmonton Oil Kings, who defeated the Prince Albert Raiders 2-1 in OT tonight in PA. Took you three tries but you finally get your first playoff berth and it's a Battle of Alberta to boot. Hey, if the series won't be long at least the line-ups at the concessions will.