Ocroser 12, 2005

THE CADRE ¢ [3

SPORTS

Crosby and Ovechkin: the Tip of the Iceberg

Liam McKenna Sports Editor o Following a 5-4 win in regulation time over Toronto on Saturday night, the Montreal Canadiens are off to their first 3-0 start since the 1978-79 season, 27 years ago. It has been 38 years since the Toronto Maple Leafs have won a Stanley Cup. However, that is not especially relevant to this particular article. It is just something I wished to point out. Alexander Ovechkin and Sidney Crosby are almost without a doubt going to be the two highest scoring rookies in the league this year. However, scoring isn’t everything in hockey, and when it comes down to it, there are some other big names that everyone seems to be overlooking as the season is getting underway. Remember Mike Richards? He played for Team Canada at the last world juniors. For that matter, he was actually captain of the team — ahead of guys like the aforementioned Crosby, Dion Phaneuf and even Patrice Bergeron. Richards has found himself playing in Philadelphia alongside the likes of Petr Forsberg, Keith Primeau, and, um, Brian Savage. He has amassed three points in two games at this point and, most importantly, is sitting on +3. In contrast, Crosby is boasting S points in 3 games and sitting at -2. Well, I guess it’s understandable, because Richards is on a team loaded with superstars, while Crosby is... oh wait. Sidney Crosby plays on an all- Star team. Buffalo is off to a respectable Start this season as well, even if they

got walloped by Ottawa on Saturday. A big reason for their success? Up and coming goaltender Ryan Miller, who posted a shutout against the Bruins and has recorded one shutout and a respectable 3.00 GAA over his first three games. Now, for anyone that knows me, they know that I am not a very thick person. Iam 6’2” and 165 pounds — 15 pounds heavier than Miller. That’s right math majors, Ryan Miller, current starter for the Buffalo Sabres, weighs 150 pounds.

Gilbert Brule, center for the Columbus Blue Jackets, has one point and is plus one in one game played for the Columbus Blue Jackets so far this season. While his numbers aren’t incredible, and he may not get the spotlight, I think he’s a good two-way player and I can’t believe Montreal didn’t take him in the draft when he was still available and took a goalie they really didn’t need GAAAHHH. But I digress.

Am I saying that Crosby and Ovechkin are not fantastic players? Of course not, because they are. Am I saying that neither of them are going to win the Calder Trophy? No, because one of them probably will. Am I saying that Mark Recchi is the greatest hockey player who ever lived? Of course I am, because on his return to Pittsburgh on Saturday, he had three assists. The point, however, is this: Crosby and

Ovechkin are good, but keep an eye

on the underdog. In a few years, it can be surprising who the biggest stars are. Ask Alexander Daigle.

Men and Women Split Results On Weekend

Liam McKenna Sports Editor

The men and women’s soccer teams both came out of last weekend with a win and a loss in games against the Dalhousie Tigers and the SMU Huskies. The women suffered a 2-1 loss against Dalhousie on the 1st of October. It was a disappointing loss for the AUS champs, who took their first loss at the hands of the team they defeated to clinch first in the league last year. The lone Panther scorer was Melody McInnis, late in the game, to bring the Panthers within a goal. It wasn’t enough, however, as the Panthers late attempts saw a shot off the crossbar and one goal called back to give Dalhousie the win.

The girls would make up for it on Sunday, with a crushing victory over the Saint Mary’s Huskies. The score didn’t reflect the actual game play, with the girls out-shooting the hapless Huskies 12-3 and winning 1-0. The Panther goal scorer was Rachel Murphy, who tapped the ball easily into the empty net for the game winner in the 53rd minute. The Panther’s keeper, Leslie Bradshaw, recorded her third shutout his season.

The men, on the other hand, routing Dal on Saturday, defeating them 3-2 thanks once again to striker Ryan Anstey. Anstey gave the Panthers a 3- 0 lead after the first half, and surpassed Scott Neil as UPEI’s all-time leading goal scorer. There was no time to celebrate however, as the Panther’s own mistakes on defense resulted in an own goal and the Tigers pressed, scoring their second goal in the 81st minute, both goals credited to islander Mike Walker. The Panthers barley held on, but pulled through for the win to extend their streak to seven games.

Their luck would change on Sunday. The men would allow a goal in the first minute against the Huskies, and would never regain their footing as Saint Mary’s held on for the 1-0 win. Anstey was ejected in the 54th minute after receiving his second yellow card, and despite heavy pressure supplied by the remaining ten men on the field, the Panthers were unable to come back for the win.

All of the games took place in Montague, awaiting the installation of turf at UPEI.

Mickey Place Memorial Tourney Ready To Go

The Mickey’s Place Memorial Basketball Tournament is all set to get underway the weekend of October 14th at UPEI. The tournament showcases men’s basketball in exciting pre-season games. As a bonus, the UPEI ladies’ Panthers will also play in two exhibition games on Saturday evening and Sunday morning. The men play Friday and Saturday at 8pm, as well as Sunday at 2pm.

UPEI Panther Ringette Starts October 13 The UPEI Panther’s Ringette Club is back for a second season. Practices will start Thursday, October 13 and go from 7:45 to 8:45. All are welcome. The meeting will take place at the CARI arena, Ice Surface B. Please bring $25 for registration/insurance purposes on the first night and other costs will be discussed. For more information, contact Angela MacLean at

admaclean@upei.ca