With most of the east coast snowed in and Florida nice and sunny, we decided to get out of the house of this lovely Sunday afternoon.

Today we went out to Clermont, Fl to have a look around.

I had heard that the hills of the area were beautiful and perfect for a scenic drive.

Of course I brought my camera and when we happened upon this nice little spot both of us decided to stop and take some pictures.

We have developed somewhat of a Spanish moss obsession as it seems to be everywhere we go these days. Spanish moss is a strange grey plant with leaves that resemble hair and it prefers to grow on other trees. Apparently it gets some of its nutrients from the host tree and thus prefers trees that provide this nutrition. Spanish moss grows in humid places and is common to most parts of the south eastern United States.

Spanish moss gets its name from a legend that says that the hair of a Spanish woman was cut to prevent her and her husband from wanting to move onto land owned by the native Indians. The hair was thrown into the trees and continued to grow all through out the land.

The scene was a bridge overlooking Cypress Cove, on the east side of Lake Minnehaha. I made this panorama towards the end of the shoot and it shows well the cove.

Photography is a little harder now with the baby. We had to park down the road a bit for safety reasons and go one at a time. Someone has to stay with the baby.

We took lots of photos but this one turned out being my favorite.

It almost didn’t make it to the editing floor but I decided to throw it in at the last min. When I added this sepia filter in Lightroom the photo seemed to really stand out from the rest.

It reminds me of a really old photograph but I also like the composition with the tree in the foreground almost framing the small house. The picture has a lot of texture in the foreground and good details around the base of the tree. I see a few distracting elements on the right side I could have removed but this is how I framed it so I leave it for now.

Leicester have unsurprisingly put out the strongest possible side for tomorrow’s must win Heineken Cup fixture with French side Clermont. Dan Hipkiss returns from injury at a vital time, to replace Aaron Mauger who in unavailable through injury. The England centre could well be the missing piece of the puzzle in a Tigers side that were bullied off the park in the first half of last weekends game. Hipkiss’ power and strength will offer Leicester a different dimension to the centres who failed to stifle their Clermont opposition in France.

James Grindel who looked solid but pedestrian at times has dropped out of the squad completely with head coach Richard Cockerill choosing the young wild card Ben Youngs, who helped ignite a come back in the first game after coming on from the bench. Filling his space on the bench is the eagerly awaited, Harry Ellis who’s mercurial talent has been missed over the duration of his lengthy injury.

Marcos Ayerza moves from the bench to the starting side to try and offer the side more ball carrying options in the open as well as being reliable in a scrum that buckled a little under heavy opposition in the last fixture.

Cockerill must have sighed a huge breath of relief at the news that the double try scorer from Clermont’s 40-30 battering of his side last weekend, Napolioni Nalaga is expected to not make the trip. Not only does the loss of one the big Fijian hurt their attacking ability on the wing it also means captain Aurelien Rougerie who caused chaos at centre, moves to his more accustomed position on the wing. Joining Nalaga on the injured list is fellow try scorer Alexandre Lapandry. These absentees could just be the impetus the Tigers need to set their smouldering European campaign alight. It would be fair to say that will the Tigers changes have enhanced the team Clermont’s forced changes have made them a more fallible foe.

Leicester Tigers

15 Scott Hamilton
14 Alesana Tuilagi
13 Dan Hipkiss
12 Anthony Allen
11 Lote Tuqiri
10 Toby Flood
9 Ben Youngs
1 Marcos Ayerza
2 Mefin Davies
3 Martin Castrogiovanni
4 Louis Deacon (c)
5 Geoff Parling
6 Craig Newby
7 Lewis Moody
8 Jordan Crane

On the bench:16 George Chuter; 17 Dan Cole; 18 Boris Stankovich; 19 Ben Kay; 20 Brett Deacon; 21 Harry Ellis; 22 Jeremy Staunton; 23 Johne Murphy,

ASM Clermont Auvergne

15 Anthony Floch
14 Aurelien Rougerie (c)
13 Gonzalo Canale
12 Seremaia Bai
11 Julien Malzieu
10 Brock James
9 Morgan Parra
1 Lionel Faure
2 Mario Ledesma
3 Davit Zirakishvili
4 Jamie Cudmore
5 Julien Pierre
6 Julien Bonnaire
7 Alexandre Audebert
8 Elvis Vermeulen

On the bench: 16 Willie Wepener; 17 Tomas Domingo; 18 Martin Scelzo; 19 Thibaut Privat; 20 Jason White; 21 Kevin Senio; 22 Brent Russell; 23 Wesley Fofana.

Julien Malzieu va-t-il filer vers Toulon ?

L’ailier de l’ASM Julien Malzieu va-t-il quitter les Jaune et Bleu pour rejoindre Toulon ? C’est en tout cas ce qui se murmure dans les couloirs du Marcel-Michelin. Car l’international clermontois n’a toujours pas ressigné avec son club formateur alors que son contrat prend fin en juin prochain : « Je suis en contact avec le RCT, a-t-il reconnu dans La Provence. J’ai une bonne image de Philippe Saint-André, du club en lui-même qui se construit et peut réaliser quelque chose de bien à l’avenir. Toulon serait un challenge intéressant. Mais pas mal d’autres clubs m’ont approché.» L’homme aux 11 selctions en bleu, en concurence avec Rougerie, Nalaga, voir Russell à l’ASm ne serait donc pas contre  l’idée de rejoindre Pierre Mignoni et Laurent Emmanuelli, partis à Toulon l’été dernier.

J-B

Escape from the noise of city and enjoy the wonderful nature of the Bernheim arboretum and research forest! Only 30 minutes from the center of Louisville in Clermont, KT a beautiful landscape with gardens, forests, a prairie area, 30 miles of hiking trails, three lakes, and more than 250 species of birds waits to be discovered. Opened the spring of 2006, the canopy tree walk has become a popular place to spend some time in the treetops overlooking a peaceful valley. Bernheim Visitor Center offers an introduction to the history and some of the natural features of the arboretum. You can also enjoy a snack or something to drink or buy a plant or something else of interest in the Gift Shop. For more information, visit the Louisville Destination Guide.

La ligue d’Auvergne de Sport adapté se bouge vraiment. Après avoir accueillie le championnat de France de natation à Clermont en 2007, le championnat de France de football à 7 à Vichy en mai dernier, c’est aujourd’hui au tour du championnat de France de judo de débarquer au Centre des arts martiaux de Ceyrat.

Les samedi 28 et dimanche 29 novembre, plus de 550 judokas venus des quatre coins de la France se disputeront des places sur les podiums, selon leur catégorie. Mais plus que la performance sportive, la volonté et l’enthousiasme des sportifs atteints de déficiences intellectuelles ou de troubles psychiques stabilisés est une leçon de vie pour tous. Une compétition à ne pas louper !

J-B

With the first month of the NHL season in the books, it is a good time to put a fun little exercise like a mock draft together.

Much will change when it comes to the teams slotted in these positions and there will be a few prospects that also rise or fall before it all is written in stone. This mock draft takes current standings into account but also we tweak the order somewhat as to where we think NHL teams will finish the year based on the first month plus of action.

Some of the surprises early on in the NHL season include the struggles of the mighty Detroit Red Wings, Anaheim Ducks and Montreal Canadiens as well as the surprisingly solid starts of the Colorado Avalanche, L.A. Kings and the Phoenix Coyotes who many thought might wrap it up and take refuge in the NHL’s basement until this whole ownership/coaching change and bankruptcy storm passes.

In the below mock, we have San Jose vs. Detroit in the Western Conference finals, Pittsburgh vs. Washington in the Eastern Finals and Pittsburgh eventually winning the Cup over San Jose in the Stanley Cup Finals.

Hey, it could happen. But give Future Considerations half of your Vegas winnings when you book it.

BOSTON Bruins (via Toronto Maple Leafs *)

1st Overall Selection: C/LW Taylor Hall – Windsor (OHL)

Organizational Summary: Boston has a NHL roster full of young talent at the forward positions and a potential starting goalie in the making behind Tim Thomas on the depth chart. In the farm system, they have some able bodied future NHLers on the way at centre and on defense.
They need to add a high-end offensive prospect or two on the wing as they are thin on both sides. Additional defensive depth would be a wise investment. Overall, a couple puck moving defenders as well as a goal scoring winger or two would be nice additions to the organization’s development system.

Pick Summary: The Bruins just might have made one of the best NHL trades since they were fleeced for big Joe Thornton by the San Jose Sharks in 2005. Sure, Phil Kessel will help the Toronto Maple Leafs both in the now and down the road but with Toronto’s next two potential lottery picks and a second rounder this year, Boston has the ability to retool their cupboard for the future while still going for a run at the cup. The B’s use the top pick on the high-end skill of Taylor Hall which helps replace the departed Kessel’s goal scoring. The addition of Hall to the Bruins organization alone makes this a pretty even deal.

CAROLINA Hurricanes

2nd Overall Selection: C Tyler Seguin – Plymouth (OHL)

Organizational Summary: The Carolina Hurricanes have some decent forward prospects moving through the ranks in Brandon Sutter, Zach Boychuk and Drayson Bowman. They have a good mix of talent developing in net as well. On the backend they need help. With the exception of Jamie McBain they have a lot of hit or miss types and nothing immediately on the way. The overall depth at all skating positions needs an upgrade and they do not have much in the way of potential high-end contributors up front. In net, a high-end prospect would help solidify the unit.

Pick Summary: The Hurricanes snap up the impressive Tyler Seguin with this pick, a prospect with ties to the organization. Carolina Hurricanes owner Peter Karmanos also owns the OHL’s Plymouth Whalers franchise and there is a history of continuety between both teams. Seguin offers Carolina a top end prospect that they can build around for the future.

FLORIDA Panthers

3rd Overall Selection: D Cam Fowler – Windsor (OHL)

Organizational Summary: The Florida Panthers have a balanced system with some high-end prospects at every position. Goaltending has one of the most highly regarded tenders coming through in big Swede Jacob Markstrom while on defense they have a solid puck moving threat in Dmitri Kulikov who is already playing meaningful minutes in the NHL as a rookie. The Panthers are lacking a true top end forward prospect who can lead the Panthers offensive attack night in and night out. On the backend they could use a couple puck moving rearguards to fill out the system.

Pick Summary: The Panthers are in the midst of a semi-retool as they currently have some nice young NHL talent and also are infusing some prospects into the roster. Fowler adds one more impressive building block to the future roster they are building from the goal out.

MINNESOTA Wild

4th Overall Selection: LW Kirill Kabanov – Moncton (QMJHL)

Organizational Summary: The Minnesota Wild have a couple real solid defensive prospects in Tyler Cuma, Nick Leddy and Marco Scandella that should be NHL fixtures on their blue line for years to come. They also have some depth in character type wingers coming. Forward depth and top end scoring forwards are needed as their development pool is the thinnest in this area. Goaltending development, despite having solid depth, also needs a shot in the arm with a true blue chipper added to the mix. Minnesota has a hard time finding players in the mid to later rounds of the NHL draft which has led to a shallow prospect pool. It is imperative to nab players in the first couple rounds because of this organizational weakness.

Pick Summary: A highly skilled forward prospect is just what Minnesota is after with this pick and they have him in Kabanov. They also like Connolly and Granlund with this pick but go with the flashy Russian with game breaking abilities in the end.

NEW YORK Islanders

5th Overall Selection: D Brandon Gormley – Moncton (QMJHL)

Organizational Summary: The forward crew of the New York Islanders has good depth and a couple solid citizens with top line potential such as Cory Trivino and Kirill Petrov. On the backend they have some solid prospects in Aaron Ness, Calvin De Haan, Mark Katic and Travis Hamonic with good depth overall at the position. In net they have some nice potential as well. After years of bottom feeding and getting the lottery picks at the draft because of it, the organization has many solid prospects coming up through their development system. They would like a blue-chip goaltender to develop along with Mikko Koskinen as the Rick DiPietro injury/long term contract situation is unsettling. They need to continue adding prospects to the development system that have the ability to one day play meaningful minutes in the top six forward spots and in the top four on the backend.

Pick Summary: The Islander look at Brett Connolly and John McFarland with this pick but ultimately decide that they need to add a skilled and potential top defender in Brandon Gormley to compliment their highly skilled forwards Tavares, Bailey and Okposo taken in the last four drafts.

NASHVILLE Predators

6th Overall Selection: LW Brett Connolly – Prince George (WHL)

Organizational Summary: The Nashville Predators have another well balanced prospect pool from years of finishing at the low end of the standings and drafting high come June. They have some solid future contributors either on their way or making their contributions in the NHL already. Defensive depth is there main strength and has been for years also they have some young keepers in the crease with potential. At forward, they have some nice talent ready to break through in the near future. While they have depth up front they lack that one high-end talent that can be a first line contributor. They could use a goal scoring forward or two as well as a playmaker who can feed the puck to the finishers.

Pick Summary: The Predators looked at John McFarland or Vladimir Tarasenko at this spot but both of those prospects have too many unanswered questions despite their high skill levels. Selecting Brett Connolly adds a goal scoring forward to the prospect pool that they were sorely lacking.

PHOENIX Coyotes

7th Overall Selection: C/W John McFarland – Sudbury (OHL)

Organizational Summary: The Coyotes strong start this season is a direct result of a couple years of performing well at the draft table. They have built up a strong development system and packed it full of depth at each position. Many of their recent picks are playing a prominent role with the big club or are in-line for the chance to do so after some AHL seasoning. They need a blue-chip net minder to develop as the have depth but no real top end talent, with the possible exclusion of Mike Lee, at the most crucial position. Although they have some depth at the forward position, a couple top end offensive prospects, especially on the wing, would be great to have.

Pick Summary: The Coyotes have a potential building block type player drop into their laps with McFarland. He has the character, grit and skating to make a solid addition to a roster that already boasts a bunch of young NHL talent.

ATLANTA Thrashers

8th Overall Selection: D Erik Gudbranson – Kingston (OHL)

Organizational Summary: The Atlanta Thrashers have more depth in their prospect pool than they have had in years. They have a good balance as they have forwards who have character and a couple who are skilled, a solid young top four NHL defender in Zach Bogosian and one of the top young goalies in Ondrej Pavelec, both of whom are playing considerable roles in the NHL this season. A couple puck moving defenders would help the organizations forward immensely. They need some help on the backend as they lack any potential top four defenders in the making. Some more goaltending depth and a blue chip offensive forward would be a nice luxury as well.

Summary: Atlanta goes with the best available player and one who fits a need in the two-way rearguard Erik Gudbranson much to the disappointment of Montreal who also like the big defender. He adds another solid building block on the backend with NHL Sophomore Bogosian.

TAMPA BAY Lightning

9th Overall Selection: RW Vladimir Tarasenko – Sibir (KHL)

Organizational Summary: The Tampa Bay Lightning system has been able to add some nice talent the past couple drafts such as Steven Stamkos, Victor Hedman, Richard Panik, Dana Tyrell, Dustin Tokarski and Carter Ashton after some thin years. They are solid depth wise at the forward position and have a few promising goaltender prospects as well. Depth on the backend of potential top four defenders is almost none existent even after drafting Hedman last summer. They could use another stud, potential top four rearguard, and a goal scoring winger which would go along way to stabilizing this franchise for the future.

Pick Summary: Although a defender would look like the most logical fit here for the Lightning, they are enamored with the skills of Vladimir Tarasenko and think that he can contribute offensively to the big club as early as next season.

ST. LOUIS Blues

10th Overall Selection: G Jack Campbell – US NDTP U18 (USHL)

Organizational Summary: The St. Louis Blues, after strong drafting and a couple down years depth, have quality prospects and are strong in every area. They have a handful of young NHLers already who are tearing it up and with the likes of Alex Pietrangelo, Ian Cole, Lars Eller and Brett Sonne, the future looks brighter still. The blues truly do not have an organizational weakness that needs to be addressed, although a couple more scoring wingers would be nice, but instead will take the best player available.

Pick Summary: With this pick the Blues take their possible future in net with this selection as Campbell is a draft riser who many think is rated too low by the majority of scouting community. More than a couple NHL scouts think very highly of the Michigan native.

EDMONTON Oilers

11th Overall Selection: D Mark Pysyk – Edmonton (WHL)

Organizational Summary: The Edmonton Oilers has a few high-end prospects throughout such as Jordan Eberle, Magnus Paajarvi, Toni Rajala, Riley Nash, Jeff Petry and Theo Peckham, who has seen some NHL action already. The young NHL roster also helps as none of these guys needs to be rushed. They lack overall depth on defense as well as that high-end puck moving defender as a potential future top four contributor. A top end goaltending prospect would be a nice addition as well as more depth.

Pick Summary: Edmonton takes the Sherwood Park native and his impressive defensive game to fill a need in the organizations prospect pool. They look at other options with this pick but are sold on the ultra safe upside of Mark Pysyk.

MONTREAL Canadiens

12th Overall Selection: D Derek Forbort – US NDTP U18 (USHL)

Organizational Summary: The Montreal Canadiens’ main strength is in the forward ranks but they have some nice talent developing in the system at all skating positions. They have a few character types and some nice potential top six talents in Max Pacioretty and Louis Leblanc. They have a couple young NHL goalies in Carey Price and Jaroslav Halak but nothing else with much NHL potential coming through the system. The trade with the Rangers where they gave up promising defenseman prospect Ryan McDonagh really hurt the depth of high-end defenders.

Pick Summary: The Canadiens snap up the big bodied defender who has good wheels and can play both ways who helps bolster the prospect pool from the backend. This pick follows the trend in Montreal of picking NCAA bound prospects in the first round and letting them develop at their own pace.

COLUMBUS Blue Jackets

13th Overall Selection: C Quinton Howden – Moose Jaw (WHL)

Organizational Summary: Like many of the top NHL teams this season, the Columbus Blue Jackets also have some high-end NHL talent that are just starting to find their way at the NHL level. Steve Mason, Jakub Voracek, and Derick Brassard have all made a big difference to the on-ice product in Columbus, while the Nikita Filatov experiment is put on hold. With all this graduation it means that the talent pool has seen depletion and needs to be built back up. They still have good depth but need to add some highly skilled offensive prospects to all three forward positions and a blue-chipped in net.

Pick Summary: A few of the Jackets scouting personnel are high on Quinton Howden and think that he will become a skilled power forward at the NHL level. They are tempted by both Evgeni Kuznetsov and Alex Burmistrov’s skill but have had bad experiences with Russians lately and go with a safer bet in their minds.

OTTAWA Senators

14th Overall Selection: RW Alex Burmistrov – Barrie (OHL)

Organizational Summary: The Ottawa Senators have some nice draft picks on the backend such as Erik Karlsson, Patrick Wiercioch and Jared Cowen in recent drafts and the forward talent has decent depth as well. Some top end talent at the forward position is required as they currently have an abundance of future muckers and grinders waiting in the wings. A goal scoring winger or two would be a nice addition to the farm system. Goaltending depth is an area that could also use a boost despite young NHL net minders such as Pascal Leclaire and Brian Elliot.

Pick Summary: The Senators needed an infusion of skilled forward talent and get just that with Alex Burmistrov. They look at Stanislav Galiev, Evgeni Kuznetsov and Jaden Schwartz with this selection but ultimately decide that Burmistrov is their guy.

LOS ANGELES Kings

15th Overall Selection: C Jaden Schwartz – Tri-City (USHL)

Organizational Summary: With one of the top NHL talent pools, the Los Angeles Kings have very good depth and multiple high-end prospects at almost every position. They have skill up front, see Andrei Loktionov, Oscar Moller and Brayden Schenn; they have a stable of up and coming top four defenders, see Thomas Hickey, Slava Voinov and Colten Teubert; and they have a top goaltending prospect in Jonathan Bernier. All this prospect depth and a young NHL roster already full of skill that is just starting to come into its potential. A blue chipper in the net would be nice since Bernier has not taken the top spot over and some doubt he will ever do so. Some more offensive talent on the wings, especially on the left side, would be a nice addition. More depth throughout is what LA will likely be after as they take the best player available.

Pick Summary: The Kings, who have a good stable of prospects, add a skilled and speedy forward who could eventually slide into any role needed whether it is a checking or scoring role. They could have added a goaltender here but like what Jaden Schwartz has to offer too much to pass him up.

ANAHEIM Ducks

16th Overall Selection: C Mikael Granlund – HIFK (Finland)

Organizational Summary: With a young nucleus of forwards already in the NHL, the Anaheim Ducks also have a deep stable of defenders on their way with Luca Sbisa, Jake Gardiner and Mark Mitera looking like future impact players. The Ducks have a few forward prospects with offensive potential in the likes of Kyle Palmieri, Holland and even Matt Beleskey as the majority of depth is character type forwards. The lack of top six potential offensive forward prospects is an area that needs addressing and although they did well last June to start to remedy this, more needs to be done. A blue chip goalie prospect is also lacking.

Pick Summary: The Ducks throw off everyone with this pick of the highly skilled and pint-sized Mikael Granlund. They need to add future scorers to their prospect pool and with the success the franchise has had with the other Finnish flash, Teemu Selanne, they go back too the well. With Brian Burke gone to Toronto so too are a lot of his drafting philosophies like the importance of size and physicality. Now more so the Ducks focus on skating, skill and ones character.

VANCOUVER Canucks

17th Overall Selection: D Jon Merrill – US NDTP U18 (USHL)

Organizational Summary: The Vancouver Canucks have some fine top end talent at the forward position. They have Cody Hodgson, Michael Grabner and Jordan Schroeder as potential to six forwards and a solid goaltending prospect in Cory Schneider. On the backend the top prospects is Yann Sauve who is no sure bet to be a top four NHL defender one day. They need to add depth overall and some high-end prospects on the backend.

Pick Summary: The Canucks are able grab a prospect that they have in their top ten on their draft board in the big mobile rearguard and one who fills an organizational need as well.

COLORADO Avalanche

18th Overall Selection: G Calvin Pickard – Seattle (WHL)

Organizational Summary: The Colorado Avalanche have produced a multitude of young NHLers the last couple season and have almost entirely re-built their roster from the ground up. They have solid depth and some nice high-end prospects coming on the backend like Kevin Shattenkirk, Colby Cohen, Stefan Elliot and Cameron Gaunce. They need to add depth to their forward ranks and a pure goal scorer would look nice playing along side Matt Duchene but the organizations main weakness is lack of a sure fire high-end goaltending prospect.

Pick Summary: The Avalanche look at some of the talent at the forward position left on the board but ultimately decide that they need to take a future puck stopper. Pickard gives them a solid goalie prospect that uses his frame and quick reflexes to play an effective game.

DALLAS Stars

19th Overall Selection: D Jarred Tinordi – US NDTP U18 (USHL)

Organizational Summary: The Dallas Stars have spent the past couple drafts trying to build up the depth that they once had and have had limited success in doing so as they have some fine talent coming up at the forward position. The Stars could use a couple mobile puck moving defenders to add to the development pool as well as depth at the defense position. They also need to add a goaltender of the future as Tyler Beskorowany and Richard Bachman have made doubters out of some.

Pick Summary: Ex-NHL player Mark Tinordi’s son Jarred is the pick here as he bring so much more than just his impressive size, skating ability and solid defensive play. He has some decent offensive upside along with outstanding character and leadership qualities that will likely lead to him being an NHL captain in the future.

BUFFALO Sabres

20th Overall Selection: C Nick Bjugstad – Blaine HS (USHS)

Organizational Summary: The Buffalo Sabres have made a concerned effort to get bigger and they have added a couple very sizable and physical imposing prospects to the organization in six-foot-seven defender Tyler Myers and power forward Zack Kassian. They have some skill at the forward position and a potential suitor to back-up Miller in net with Jonas Enroth. They need to add depth to all positions but mostly on the wings where they are very thin. Goaltending is another area that needs help with just the Swede Enroth having good NHL potential. A big skilled centre to offset the pint sized prospects such as Nathan Gerbe, Tyler Ennis and Paul Byron would be a real treat to have.

Pick Summary: Keeping up with the latest Buffalo trend of drafting big, skilled prospects in the first round (see Kassian and Myers); the Sabres go with the enormous and raw but talented Minnesota high school product Nick Bjugstad.

NEW YORK Rangers

21st Overall Selection: RW Emerson Etem – Medicine Hat (WHL)

Organizational Summary: The New York Rangers have some high-end guys making a run at spots in New York like Michael Del Zotto, Matt Gilroy, Artem Anisimov and Evgeni Gratchev and also some others who are bidding their development time like Ryan McDonagh and Chris Kreider. Overall depth needs to continue to be upgraded as does the search for a potential goalie of the future. For years the Rangers have had loads of home grown character guys moving through the system and not much else.

Pick Summary: The Rangers add a prospect that they see as a potential 30-40 goal man at the NHL level once he fills out and finishes his development in Emerson Etem.

ANAHEIM Ducks (via Philadelphia Flyers **)

22nd Overall Selection: RW Teemu Pulkkinen – Jokerit (Finland)

Pick Summary: The enigma gets scooped up by the Anaheim Ducks in an attempt to hit a home run with this acquired pick. They know he is highly skilled but questions regarding his maturity and willingness to conform to a system still remain. A plus is his chemistry he has shown with their first pick in this draft, countryman Mikael Granlund. The Ducks add more skilled talent, specifically on the wing, to their forward crop with this pick which was specifically the team’s agenda before they entered the draft.

BOSTON Bruins

23rd Overall Selection: D Brock Beukeboom – Sault St. Marie (OHL)

Pick Summary: After taking future NHL scorer Taylor Hall with Toronto’s selection, 2nd overall, the Bruins can address another organizational need in taking a defenseman. They select Brock Beukeboom based on his ability to play a solid two-way game and his pedigree.

PHOENIX Coyotes (via Calgary Flames***)

24th Overall Selection: RW Jeff Skinner – Kitchener (OHL)

Pick Summary: The Phoenix Coyotes are wavering between goalies Maxime Clermont, Louis Domingue and scoring winger Jeff Skinner but decide that Skinner just has too much upside to pass up at this spot and hope to pluck a goalie later in the draft. Skinner fills an organizational need for a fast skilled goal scoring winger.

CHICAGO Blackhawk’s

25th Overall Selection: G Louis Domingue – Moncton (QMJHL)

Organizational Summary: The pipeline of talent keeps bubbling over for the Chicago Black Hawks with a young NHL squad and more contributions at forward and defense yet to come. In net they have Anttii Niemi and Corey Crawford battling for action although goaltending prospect Unice seems to have fallen off. They have no glaring needs in the organization but could use some extra depth on defense and a true top end goaltending prospect in the pipe. Chicago will continue to draft who they see as the best player available, especially considering that because of their on ice success they will be picking later and later each year.

Pick Summary: Chicago loves that a goaltender that they wanted is available when it is their turn up at the podium. Louis Domingue gives the Hawks a prospect that has a good chance of developing into the team’s starter down the line and fills a need in the organization.

NEW JERSEY Devils

26th Overall Selection: G Maxime Clermont – Gatineau (QMJHL)

Organizational Summary: The New Jersey Devils have a few nice prospects at the skating positions that look like they will be real solid NHL citizens once they get there as well as solid depth at all skating positions. This group has a solid mix of two-way contributors. They need to stockpile goaltender prospects as they are extremely weak in this department and they lack that blue chip prospect at most every position.

Pick Summary:  New Jersey thought they would have a choice here between two Quebec league goaltenders in Maxime Clermont and Moncton’s Louis Domingue but after the Hawks pick they decide they need to take a top goalie prospect here and go with Clermont. They realize it is time to look for the successor to the throne and a prospect to try and fill the enormous shoes of Martin Brodeur for the future of the Devils organization.

DETROIT Red Wings

27th Overall Selection: D Kevin Lind – Chicago (USHL)

Organizational Summary: The Detroit Red Wings draft well and have depth at all positions but the main area of strength is in the crease where they have Jimmy Howard, who is getting a good taste of the NHL as Osgood’s backup this season, Thomas McCollum and Daniel Larsson, sharing time in the AHL with Grand Rapids, and previous Notre Dame standout Jordan Pearce developing in the ECHL with Toledo that all look like solid future NHL goaltenders. They also have a few skilled prospects that could develop into top six forwards down the line. After a couple defensive prospects with high upsides such as Jakub Kindl and Brandon Smith in the system, they do not have many sure bets at this position and will likely want to draft more at this position after last years draft haul of forward prospects.

Pick Summary: The Wings draft mantra is to draft smart defenders early and skilled forwards in the mid-to-late rounds. They grab a solid two-way defender with this pick and one that not only doesn’t need to be rushed as he is going the College Hockey route but also one with impressive size which they lack much of in their prospect pool.

WASHINGTON Capitals

28th Overall Selection: C Evgeni Kuznetsov – Traktor (KHL)

Organizational Summary: Goaltending is very solid for the Washington Capitals and is likely to be so for years with Semyon Varlamov already in Washington and more coming up the pipeline, see Michal Neuvirth. They have a few potential impact prospects at the defensive position such as John Carlson, Dmitri Orlov and Karl Alzner. They need depth through out the skating positions as graduation has depleted the high-end talent considerable. They need to continue to add skilled forwards as the Salary Cap will undoubtedly hit their NHL roster sooner rather than later and they will be looking to supplement with cheaper youth.

Pick Summary: Washington has no problem going back to the deep Russian well as they have more incentives than the average NHL team to lour them and keep them in North America, like the chance to play with the world’s top Russian Hockey Player, Alex Ovechkin. Kuznetsov give the Caps a skilled forward in the system that will be a cheap addition once cap trouble starts rearing its head.

SAN JOSE Sharks

29th Overall Selection: RW Nino Niederreiter – Portland (WHL)

Organizational Summary: The goalies of the San Jose Sharks are strong with depth and in high-end talent as at least two of Thomas Greiss, Tyson Sexsmith, Alex Stalock and Harri Sateri look like they will make an NHL impression. They have some nice serviceable forwards coming as well in the likes of the intelligent Logan Couture and hard working Jamie McGinn. Defensive depth once considered strength has taken a beating over the past couple seasons because of trades and graduations therefore; they need to add a high-end prospect or two to the bunch. Also, a high-end offensive winger or two would help solidify the forward group.

Pick Summary: The Sharks look at Ottawa 67’s forward Tyler Toffoli and Saint John import Stanislav Galiev with this pick but like the Swiss ‘Can’t Miss’ Nino Niederreiter’s all-round game and size too much and don’t think he will be around to select later in the draft.

PITTSBURGH Penguins

30th Overall Selection: RW Stanislav Galiev – Saint John (QMJHL)

Organizational Summary: The defending Stanley Cup Champions have a few high-end prospects coming through the system such as Eric Tangradi and Alex Goligoski. They also have some of the best young talent in the NHL. They need to add high-end prospects at the forward position and in net. A pure goal scoring winger to eventually play in their top six is needed.

Pick Summary: The Penguins like Peterborough’s Ryan Spooner a lot but can’t ignore the slide of the highly skilled Stanislav Galiev and see that his skill is a solid fit as a potential future fixture on the wing with Crosby down the line.

* Trade between Boston and Toronto. Boston received a 2010 and 2011 first round picks and a 2010 second round pick for scoring forward Phil Kessel.
** Trade between Anaheim and Philadelphia. Anaheim received 2009 and 2010 first round picks and a conditional 2010 pick along with defender Luca Sbisa and Joffrey Lupul for defender Chris Pronger and Ryan Dingle.
*** Trade between Phoenix and Calgary. Phoenix received 2010 first round pick, forward Matthew Lombardi and prospect Brandon Prust for forward Olli Jokinen and a 2009 third round.

Check back regularly as FC’s resident draft guru Dan Stewart blogs about the 2010 NHL Entry Draft and its prospects each Saturday and intermittently on Wednesdays. Also, be sure to subscribe and order the Future Considerations 2010 NHL Draft Guide that is sure to be the most comprehensive and informative guide on the market.

Morgan Parra, ainsi que Yannick Jauzion sont ressortis blessés de la victoire de l’équipe de France de rugby contre les Samoa samedi soir. Parra se plaint de douleurs aux ischio-jambiers, tandis que Jauzion a mal à une cuisse. Les deux joueurs passeront des examens ce dimanche pour connaître la nature exacte de leurs blessures.

Week-end difficile pour l'ASM

Difficile journée pour les clubs de Clermont. Trois matchs et trois défaites… Heureusement que ce n’est pas tous les week-ends comme ça.

 

Traumatisé par la coupe. Ca devient une habitude. Tous les ans, les footballeurs du Clermont Foot rendent les armes face à un club de division inférieur. Cette fois les hommes de Michel der Zakarian se sont inclinés aux tirs au but, face à Yzeure, club de CFA, lors du septième tour de la coupe de France. Pourtant tout avait bien commencé pour les clermontois. Benatia ouvrait le score dès le 36e, mais un relâchement de la défense en début de deuxième période permettait à Yzeure de revenir à la marque par Boulate à la 49e. Galvanisé par cette égalisation, les Yzeuriens multipliaient les frappes au but. Mais Bouysse multipliait les parades. Le gardien Rouge et Bleu est même sauvait par son poteau sur un ultime coup-franc à la fin du temps réglementaire. S’en suive la prolongation qui ne donnera rien. Le Clermont Foot entame la séance des tirs au but confiant. Pour sûr, au cours de son histoire, le club n’avait jamais perdu une seule séance en coupes nationales. Seulement, la frappe du clermontois Chaussidière échoue sur la barre, tandis que Ougna convertissait le sien et envoyait son équipe au prochain tour (4 tab à 3). A noter que seulement deux clubs représenteront l’Auvergne au 8ème tour de la coupe de France. Thiers (CFA 2) s’est imposé (6-1) à Saint-Germain-des-Fossés (PH) et accompagnera Yzeure. Tandis que Montluçon (CFA) a perdu (0-0, 2 tab 4) face à Nevers (CFA 2), et Cholet (CFA 2)a sorti Moulins (Nat) (3-2).

Huit défaites en neuf matchs. Le Stade Clermontois basket Auvergne a été encore défait en championnat de Pro B. Cette fois, c’est Brest qui a largement corrigé les hommes de Régis Racine 98-80. Une défaite qui plonge un peu plus les clermontois dans les bas fonds du classement de Pro B. Avec une seule petite victoire pour huit défaites, le SCAB est bon dernier.

Un truc qui cloche. Franchement cette défaite fait tache. Alors que l’ASM a mené tous le match, un essai de Couet-Lannes à la sirène a permis à Biarritz de repartir du Marcel-Michelin avec la victoire (13-16). En pagaille d’internationaux n’étaient pas là, pourtant un autre élément s’était invité au stade : le vent. En première période, il était du bon côté. Du côté Jaune et Bleu. Deux bourrasque détournaient joliment deux pénalités du maitre à jouer basque, Dimitri Yaschvili. Assez pour mettre l’ASM en confiance et sur une relance de Yaschvili, Cudmore contre, passe à Wepener, puis James et enfin Baby qui va aplatir le cuir. James- titulaire surprise – transforme et à la 26e l’ASM mène 7-0. Une pénalité de chaque côté et un carton jaune pour Floch et les 30 acteurs retournent au vestiaire sur une marque flatteuse de 10-3 pour les Jaunards. En seconde période, entre pesée dévastatrice de Karmichael Hunt et jeu au pied retrouvé de Yaschvili, les deux équipes se retrouvent à la 70e avec un score de 13 à 9 pour l’ASM. A la 75e Baby loupe la pénalité de la gagne. Car cinq minutes plus tard, sur une touche, le BO part au large. Peyrelongue fait sauter pour Bolakoro qui pénètre la défense et passe à Couet-Lannes qui n’a plus qu’à plonger dans l’en-but (13-14). AL sirène retentie, Yaschvili transforme le BO signe le hold-up de l’année en s’imposant 13-16. Première défaite de la saison pour les Jaune et Bleu qui continue sur leur mauvaise série. Nul doute que Vern Cotter a dû faire trembler les murs des vestiaires du Marcel-Michelin.

J-B

It strikes me suddenly that I have not given you any news of your favourite Ligue 2 side and mine, the Norman conquerors themselves, Stade Malherbe de Caen, for over a month!

So let’s put that right, right now.

14ème journée (Friday 6 November 2009)

SM Caen                     0-0                   Tours FC 

13ème journée (Friday 30 October 2009) 

Stade Brestois             2-0                   SM Caen

12ème journée (Tuesday 27 October 2009)

SM Caen                     4-2                   Vannes OC 

11ème journée (Friday 23 October 2009)

 SM Caen                     2-1                   Angers SCO 

10ème journée (Friday 16 October 2009) 

Clermont Foot             1-3                   SM Caen

Only one defeat all season to date – and that to the redoubtable salty sea-dogs of Brest! I couldn’t be prouder if I had actually heard of these teams.

Next match isn’t till next Friday when we take on a town that actually exists, namely Nîmes. This time, I’ll keep you posted. 

Parole de Caennais.

J and M Smokehouse is a new BBQ restaurant just west of Indianapolis, in the town of Clermont.  It’s in the same building as The Staging Lane bar, and close to the entrance of Indianapolis Raceway Park.  Naturally, the decor is racing related, with posters, photos, and other racing items hung from the walls, ceiling, and just about every other imaginable place.

Although it’s a rib restaurant, they offer several other menu items,
such as angus burgers, prime rib, and lunch specials such as stuffed peppers and scalloped ham and potatos.

When I saw they had a tenderloin on the meno, offered grilled or breaded, I was torn.  After all, it’s a RIB restaurant.  But who am I to pass up a breaded tenderloin, especially when I learned that they’re hand cut and breaded when you order them.

The meat itself is quite tender and juicy…really, nothing short of
spectacular.  On of the best pieces of meat I’ve ever had.  The breading? Just as good.  Nice and cruncy, great flavor and texture, that perfectly compliments the taste and texture of the meat.  The sandwich is served on a nice, fresh, bun, and the condiments are plentiful and served on the side so you can dress the sandwich as you wish.

And the price?  $6.95, and that includes an order of not french fries, but FRESH fries, as they call them.  The fries were just as spectacular as the sandwich..absolutely outstanding.

As I was eating this sandwich, I thought to myself  “Why don’t more people know about this place?”….part of it is because they’ve only been open for 5 weeks.  And part of it might be because they’re a bit off of the beaten
path.  If you’re craving a good..no, make that a GREAT breaded tenderloin sandwich, do yourself a favor and give them a try, because I’m giving them a 5 out of 5 bites…as good as it gets.

A word about their ribs…..Holly choose the sampler platter which included pulled pork, ribs, brisket, and chicken.  Since it was a sampler platter, I had to sample a bit of it.  I believe they were the best ribs I’ve ever had,
the pulled pork had a wonderfully smoky flavor, and the brisket and chicken was simply delightful.

J and M Smokehouse is located at 10725 E Highway 136 in Clermont.  You can visit their website at:  http://jandmssmokehouse.com/

Rodrigo Roncero - Just don't call him Ro Ro

#1 – Second Half Power Play - Throughout the Heineken Cup this week, we saw comebacks galore all built upon the foundation of the cranking gears of a forward platform. Typically this was provided by the French who were all, bar Perpignan, erratic and listless in their first half performances, and colossal  in their second-half resurgences as Stadé and Toulouse overturned significant deficits into victories. Clermont were the same as Domingo near turned the match on his own but for a Napolioni Nalaga howler, they would have also won. Munster also survived a scare at home v Treviso, by relying primarily on restoring scrum parity and Sale brutalised Cardiff into an uneasy submission.

#2 – Rodrigo Roncero - The pocket battleship is an absolute joy to watch, with his choppy gait of a run and prodigious workrate. He can also play too, and along with Julien Dupuy was key in orchestrating the halt in Stadé’s travel sickness.

#3 – Under 20’s All Grown Up – For the last two years England’s under 20 teams have achieved fantastic success and this looks like finally plugging the talent drain that exists once players leave the academies. Players such as Miles Benjamin, Rob Miller, Mick Young, Carl Fearns and Calum Clark have shown promise but the past fortnight, it is the locks James Gaskell of Sale and Courtney Lawes of Northampton Saints who have caught the eye. Lawes is a superb physical specimen, just ask Morgan Parra or Alan Quinlan, but the emergence of the lithe Gaskell has been a genuine surprise, in that he gives up so much weight to his opponents but his carrying game hasn’t been diminished. More of the same please.

Tim Horan and André Venter: Both contenders over at Planet Rugby

#4 – The Planet Rugby Greatest Team of the Pro Era “Debate” - The origins of this lay in an article in which the writers on the site had an office debate and came up with what they decided was the best team of the pro era. This had such a response from the numerous irate Kiwis and Aussies and Saffers that they decided to put each position to a public vote. This is a debate everyone loves to have but some of the voting has been preposterous. Who seriously could claim that Byron Kelleher was ever a better scrum-half than Rob Howley? At inside-centre, how could Tana Umaga even run Tim Horan close? The poll itself is unfinished, but if Jerry Collins is selected ahead of Richard Hill in 3 days time (they are in the same positional category) then we should all just throw an oil-soaked blanket over the earth, light it, and start civilisation from scratch, because something will have obviously gone wrong.

Munster ran the All Blacks close but its about passion and spectacle

#5 – Club v Country – It is a wondrous thing that some good has finally come of the cash-crazed SANZAR nations lust for the lucre. The Boks take on Leicester, and Saracens, and now Australia have announced that they will play a fixture against the Cardiff Blues at the gleaming Cardiff City Stadium. Cardiff RFC were unbeaten against the wallabies in six attempts during the heady amature days of  proper club rugby in Wales, and this will no doubt bring back these glorious memories to their older fans. Hopefully they can finally fill a stadium in Wales away from the Millenium stadium.

In Part I of the introduction series to the 2010 NHL Entry Draft prospects, Future Considerations looked at who is ranked in the top-5 by FC and has the chance to go 1st overall. In the second part of this series, Future Considerations takes a look at some of the top prospect available through out the three leagues of the Canadian Hockey League.

The Canadian Hockey League has and likely always will be the biggest provider of future NHL talent the Entry Draft draws from. This years available talent will not disappoint as all three leagues have much to contribute yet again.

Out of the three member leagues the Quebec Major Junior League has had the least amount of success recently when it comes to producing talent for the NHL ranks.

This year has the potential to be different as there are a few high end prospects, such as Moncton’s forward Kirill Kabanov and defenseman Brandon Gormley to keep an eye on for the 2010 selection process. One can also bet that more prospects who will add depth to the Q’s draft day contribution will also emerge throughout the season.

One of the most offensively gifted forwards available to be drafted out of the QMJHL is Montreal Junior forward Guillaume Asselin. Asselin is a heady player who is seemingly always in the correct position in the offensive zone.

Though slightly undersized, the forward does not refrain from going to the net or battling it out in the corners. Asselin has a high offensive ceiling and is a polished finisher although his effort is not always consistently there and is something he will need to work on. He is off to a fast start in Montreal as he has been producing at over a point-per-game clip and has really carried the offensive load for the young Junior’s squad.

Undersized physically but having a big heart best describes Shawinigan Cataractes forward Michael Bournival. He is a solid skating, hard working, offensively skilled, two-way player who did not put up big numbers last season but is expected to contribute more this season.

Bournival’s best asset is that he never stops moving his feet although his quick shot release is also impressive. He has untapped offensive ability that should come to light this season.

Another pint-sized forward prospect too watch in the QMJHL is PEI Rocket Ben Duffy. The shifty forward is a balanced prospect who plays all three zones and has quick hands and feet.

Duffy sees the entire ice surface well and anticipates the opposition’s play like a profressional. His strength is using his vision and creativity to be a playmaker for his line mates. One would not think that to be the case with his start this season however, as he is off to a slower than expected star and is still awaiting his first assist.

Big Val d’Or winger Cedrick Henley has many scouts wondering if the tough to handle winger can put together a productive draft year to emerge as a top forward to come out of the QMJHL.

Henley uses his size and strength to play a physical power game that mixes in some skill as well as his solid skating abilities. His offensive upside is the one question that will be answered as this season goes on. Henley is dangerous in close and will pay the price to get to the net.

Size continues to be called into question with highly skilled forward Brandon Hynes of the Victoriaville Tigres, who plays much bigger than his frame would dictate. He is short but has a strong lower body to use as leverage and can catch many a bigger opponent off guard as he is very strong. The goal scorer has a very good shot and quick release to compliment but has a ways to go this season to prove he should be considered as a first round talent.

Early in the young season Hynes has been able to show his goal scoring prowess.

Lewiston MAINEiacs defender Samuel Carrier looks like he could be a special player who moves up the draft rankings as the season progresses.

He is only average sized but is not afraid to play physical in regards to his defensive zone as well as being a smart defense first minded guy while showing nice offensive reads. Carrier also has the skills and vision to make solid outlet passes and the hands to move the puck himself. He is a do-it-all type of defender that should get better and more exposure as the season moves along.

One of the top goaltenders in the QMJHL for this draft is Gatineau stopper Maxime Clermont, who saw healthy development time in the net for les Olympiques de Gatineau last season. Clermont makes himself bigger in net than he actually is and uses what size and solid positioning he has to stop pucks more so than making the acrobatic flashy saves.

Moncton Wildcat tender Louis Domingue is another highly regarded goaltender for the 2010 NHL Entry Draft. He had a great showing in leading Canada to the Gold at the Ivan Hlinka U18 Tournament this past August.

Domingue has good size at almost six-foot-three, plays a good technical game with good positioning and also has the quick reflexes to make the flashy stop on second and third chances.

The European contingent of the QMJHL is strong this season, such as the skilled duo in Rimouski, forwards Jakub Culek and Petr Straka as well as Gatineau’s skilled import forward Denis Kindl, brother of Detroit Red Wings 2005 first round selection Jakub.

The Ontario Hockey League has been a development hotbed lately with the likes of budding NHL superstars Patrick Kane, Steven Stamkos and most recently John Tavares this past June taking top billing in the draft. This year looks to be no different with Taylor Hall being one of the marquee names to watch and much of the entire drafts top end talent coming through the OHL’s development program.

One of the draft’s top offensively gifted prospects is Plymouth Whalers centre Tyler Seguin, who was able to take his game to another level in last years OHL playoffs as well as at the Ivan Hlinka tournament this past August. His ability to protect the puck and drive through traffic with it on his stick coupled with a take no prisoner’s attitude makes Seguin a force in the offensive zone. The decent sized prospect instinctively will go to high traffic scoring areas on the ice and uses slick hands and deceptive speed to create opportunities.

Seguin has worked hard on developing his body and strength this off-season and looks to take his Whalers far into the post season while carrying much of the team’s offensive responsibilities. Early this season he is burning up the score sheet early and often which has given life to the talk that he could seriously challenge Hall for 1st overall.

Joey Hishon, a flashy high scoring pivot playing with Owen Sound, has also been impressive early in his Major Junior career as the Attacks offensive engine. Hishon has magic hands, outstanding quickness and uncanny vision that compliment the playmaking skills that define his game. His size is a tad on the slight side as he stands at a shade under five-foot-10. Despite his small stature he is able to protect the puck well and possesses a shot that compliments his overall skill and keeps his opponents guessing.

Ottawa 67’s winger Tyler Toffoli had a good season last year but more will be expected and should be this season with the graduation of some of the club’s offensive catalysts. The quick centre turned winger will have more pressure to produce and with his quickness and offensive instincts he should have success. He has good hands, sees the ice well and can equally set-up a teammate as well as put the puck in the net himself.

Toffoli is off to a slower than expected start to his OHL season but his talent is unquestionable. You would like to see more consistency in effort level and have him try to use his teammates more effectively.

After a very impressive start to the year at a US development camp, Windsor Spitfires power winger Austin Watson looks to have many sets of scouting eyes trained his way as he boasts the size and skill package that NHL teams are desperately looking for.

While he played in a support role on last season’s Memorial Cup team, Watson will look to take his game to the next level and should get more ice time this season to do so. He protects the puck well and has underrated offensive skills to go along with his impressive frame. Watson is a tireless worker who does all the little things right in the mold of a Brendan Morrow as he plays hard along the wall and drops down to block shots regardless of the game situation. He is out to win at all cost.

London Knights forward Jared Knight plays an impressive power game despite being sub-six-foot and could be one of the drafts early risers this season. Knight should be able to significantly increase his production this season with London as his ice time is sure to increase. The edgy forward is willing to get his nose dirty by driving to the net and has the skill set to make things happen when he gets there.

One of the top goal scorers the OHL has to offer is Kitchener Rangers forward Jeff Skinner. He is a little on the small size but plays much bigger than his size would dictate and has speed to burn. His natural ability to be in correct position to create an opportunity is special. His shot is good but his release is what gives goaltenders nightmares.

Defensively, he is a work in progress, often times he tries to do everything himself instead of using his line mates effectively causing more turnovers than not. Skinner is determined and plays the game with a high level of intensity on most nights.

One of the top OHL goal scorers last season, diminutive Peterborough Pete forward Ryan Spooner should get lots of scouting attention this season.

Spooner is a skilled finisher who has a solid competitive nature and is not afraid to play in the hard areas on the ice. He skates well, has nice speed and despite being only five-foot-10 and 175-pounds he does not get knocked off his game by physical opposition.

He started the OHL season off at around a point-per-game but will need to improve that production if he is to be looked at as a first round selection by next June.

Big and skilled is the best way to describe promising Kingston Frontenacs defender Erik Gudbranson. The all-purpose blueliner plays a strong game at both ends of the rink and possesses great leadership qualities that have already led to Gudbranson having the ‘C’ stitched to his sweater for a time last season, unheard of as a 16-year-old rookie.

He is both poised in the offensive zone and calm with attackers bearing down on him. Erik can carry the puck or make that strong breakout pass and his booming shot has become a valuable weapon on the power play. Gudbranson has great size and a solid frame to build strength on which will only extenuate his already impressive physical game. He has good hockey sense, solid anticipation of developing plays and the ability to use his long reach effectively in his own zone.

One defender who is starting his season strong and has everything that NHL teams covet is Sault Ste. Marie Greyhound Brock Beukeboom. Son of ex-NHL defender Jeff, Beukeboom first made a lasting impression at the summers Ivan Hlinka tournament with his physical play and has been able to carry it over early in the OHL season.

The mobile defender plays an intense game and has the size to compliment his style at six-foot-one and almost 200-pounds. He can lay some devastating open ice hits, is willing to drop the mitts, plays a good defense first game and has shown some impressive offensive abilities. Early this season he is a point–per-game offensive contributor to the impressive start in Sault Ste. Marie.

Belleville Bull defenseman Stephen Silas is another defender to watch for the 2010 draft as he produces good offensive numbers from the backend for a depleted Bulls squad. He is just average sized but he can play a physical game but his real bread and butter is moving the puck.

Silas sees the ice fairly well and makes solid tape-to-tape passes to his teammates. He is a guy that plays in all situations and can be a real difference maker. Early this year he is producing better than expected and should see his stock continue to rise if he can remain consistent.

Barrie Colt defender Ryan O’Connor is an average sized defenseman who creates offense from the backend and can throw the odd devastating open ice hit. He is a very effective power play quarterback as he sees the ice well, makes solid passes and has a rocket of a shot that he gets off quickly and puts on net consistently.

O’Connor is very much an “offenseman” that really controls the attacking game. He lacks some in the defensive aspect like maintaining good gaps, consistently engaging attackers along the wall and he could make better decisions on when to pinch. Strength is also an area that will need improvement before he can consider moving on to the next level of competition.

Sault Ste. Marie goaltender Bryce O’Hagan has had been a scouting name to watch the past couple years but this year early he has really made his mark. He is one of the top OHL goaltenders early for a strong Greyhounds squad that rocketed out of the gate.

O’Hagan is a positional goalie that might not have the same agility or quick reflexes like a Curtis Joseph or Dominik Hasek once did but his game is based on strong technique, staying square to the shooter and playing proper angles.

One of the Ontario Hockey League’s early top draft eligible goaltenders is Mississauga St. Michaels Majors goalie J.P. Anderson. While not blesses with great size he is an impressive goalie because of his technical abilities and willingness to outwait the shooter on a consistent basis.

However, with his lack of height and the trend that NHL teams covet the big goaltenders, he may slide similar to the way Olivier Roy in the QMJHL did last season.

The last of the CHL member leagues is the Western Hockey League that has the largest geographical coverage of the three regional leagues and always seems to be a major contributor to the draft talent pool.

The top dog out west looks to be Prince George scorer Brett Connolly who despite being ultra thin has some nice power forward potential. Connolly has a great shot and the ability to get open where he can unleash a wicked one-timer. Like most natural finishers he instinctively knows where to go to get the best scoring chance.

His hands are soft in tight but he does not have the moves to go coast-to-coast. He needs to add much strength but when he does his game should be dominant at the Major Junior level.

Small and slick Regina Pats centre Jordan Weal is another solid bet to be one of the top dozen picks coming out of the WHL. His hands and vision make him one hell of an effective package as he is an offensive machine with the ability to dart in and out of traffic while drawing defenders in before creating a chance for his line mate with one of his well timed passes.

Weal plays the game with passion and no fear, even when going up against much larger and older competition. He gets right up after taking a hit and often times beats the aggressor to the puck battle after the fact. Adding strength and his lack of attention to defensive detail will be targeted improvement areas for his draft year. He is off to a hot start, stats wise, as he prepares to be an offensive leader for this Pats team.

Chilliwack Bruins forward Kevin Sundher has shown that he is one to watch as he put together a great rookie season. Slightly undersized, Sundher uses his speed and slipperiness to elude opponents while displaying solid playmaking abilities. Although his size is considered a weakness his determination to play in the traffic areas is not. Sundher is off to a sub par start to his WHL season as he has been invisible during most games early this season.

One prospect that is off to a solid start is Medicine Hat Tigers forward Emerson Etem, who came over from the US National Team Development programs U17 team. He is close to being a point-per-game player for the Tigers. The smooth skating centre is just average sized at just under six-feet tall but is strong for his size and uses his physical abilities to his benefit. His shot is very effective as he has a good release and gets it on net regularly.

Etem is an underrated goal scorer with a nice set of hands who can finish in close. The Long Beach, California native is just getting his feet wet in the WHL and could have a very good year and end up in first round talk by next April.

A good sized winger who plays the game hard, Mark Stone of the Brandon Wheat Kings, does all the little things that are needed to succeed. He works his tail off and is not afraid to sacrifice his body for the sake of the team. His offensive skill is also considered one of his strengths as he is able to chip in more than a few points while playing a physical style.

This season the smart winger is nursing a broken bone in his hand which has caused many a scout to reschedule their trips to Brandon for later this season.

Moose Jaw forward Quinton Howden plays the game hard whether it be playing a physical game and using his size, blocking a hard shot in his own zone or displaying his offensive skills and an impressive shot. Many expect Howden to be a big offensive contributor on the Warriors this season although his upside is still a question that will need to be answered as the season progresses.

Some compare him to Anaheim Duck centre Ryan Getzlaf at the same age although it should be pointed out that Getzlaf’s development trajectory is not the norm but rather the exception. With that said every team in the league would like a poor man’s Getzlaf in their organization.

Saskatoon Blades forward Curtis Hamilton has the size and the skill that has NHL teams sitting up and taking notice. The unfortunate thing is he does not always play physical and use that size to his advantage. The one thing noticeable after watching him is that he does not also need to rub guys out as he uses his smarts and his reach to win most battles along the wall. Offensively he has some good skills and finishing abilities but could use some more work on his play away from the puck.

Edmonton defenseman Mark Pysyk has been a solid defensive contributor on a young Oil Kings defensive squad that boasts little in the way of high-end skill. His solid mobility and heady all-round play has many looking for a big year in his draft season.

The poised defender has all the tools to provide an NHL organization with a future two-way defender who can contribute at both ends of the ice although his bread and butter will be his defense first approach. He reminds many of a Ryan Parent type of prospect.

While he might never be a big time point producer, he does join the rush when the opportunity presents itself and can help manufacture offensive from the backend with a well timed pass.

Big, mobile Red Deer Rebel defender Alex Petrovic is a tough stay-at-home defender who will try to add some offensive aspect to his game this season.

The six-foot-four defenseman has a quick stick and makes forwards pay the price in front of the net and in the corners. He is a mean combatant who makes forward thing twice about going into battle zones with him based on his reputation. Petrovic has been injured for the majority of the young WHL season, but when he returns look for a future leader on the Rebels blueline to emerge.

Another big WHL defender who looks promising is Portland Winter Hawks Troy Rutkowski. He almost made the U18 team that won gold at the Hlinka tournament in August but was cut more due to the overabundance of talent Canada had to choose from.

Rutkowski has been hot offensively to start the year for Portland and has some very impressive offensive talents like his shot and on-ice vision, but needs to add consistency to his game as he is still considered a hot and cold prospect for most that see him play on a game-by-game basis. He also needs to commit to playing better in his own zone as well as limiting his jumps into the offense. He has some very impressive raw talent that is intriguing and could end up going very high.

Bloodlines are prevalent for one of the WHL’s best draft eligible goaltenders as Seattle stopper Calvin Pickard is the younger brother of Nashville Predators prospect and 2008 1st rounder Chet Pickard.

Pickard is a large body who uses his size and athleticism to keep the puck out of his goal. His aggressive angles play is strong and he doesn’t give shooters much net to look at on the attack.

The CHL is deep in talent and is always a major contributor to the draft. These prospects are just a sprinkling of the talent you can expect to see come out of the CHL for 2010.

Check back regularly as FC’s resident draft guru Dan Stewart blogs about the 2010 NHL Entry Draft and its prospects  each Saturday and intermittently on Wednesdays. Also, be sure to subscribe and order the Future Considerations 2010 NHL Entry Draft Guide that is sure to be the most comprehensive and informative guide on the market.

Si tes pas loin de Clermont, je serais toi j’y ferais un tour …

Pour leur première journée dans la Coupe d’Europe version 2009/2010, les clubs français engagés n’ont, globalement, pas déçu. Biarritz, Clermont et le Stade Français ont glané les points de la victoire. Déceptions par contre pour Perpignan et Brive. On attendait mieux, surtout de la part du champion de France en titre.

Trévise – Perpignan : Dans leur poule 1, les Perpignanais pensaient avoir comme grosse difficulté les matchs face au Munster. Heureusement pour les catalans, ils ne débutaient pas la coupe d’Europe contre le gros de leur poule. Au lieu de ça, un déplacement en Italie, plus précisément à Trévise. Match facile ? On l’aurait cru, mais les joueurs de Perpignan se sont rendu la tâche compliquée. Au finale 9-8 pour les Italiens, ça sera dur pour l’USAP !

Glasgow – Biarritz : Un déplacement peut-être pas facile à maitriser, en Ecosse pour le B.O. Mais les Français s’en sont sortis. Face à une équipe écossaise très moyenne, le Biarritz Olympique n’a pas eu trop de difficulté à ramener la victoire de Glasgow : 18-22. Un bon début pour les Biarrots qui auront à battre Gloucester pour passer la phase de poule en première place, rien de bien difficile !

Clermont – Viadana : Les poussins clermontois recevaient le petit de leur poule, Viadana, pour leur première en coupe d’Europe, cette année. Les joueurs de Clermont n’ont pas eu de mal à dompter les Italiens. Une victoire facile, 36-18, au final. Le grand adversaire de leur poule, Leicester, joue aujourd’hui. Le duel entre le club français et les Anglais sera à suivre de près, rendez-vous pris le 13 décembre.

Llanelli – Brives : Deuxième déception de cette journée : la défaite des Brivistes contre le club les Gallois de Llanelli. Cette défaite est, cependant, moins surprenante que celle de Perpignan. Les joueurs de Brives n’ont pas pu élever leur niveau de jeu pour égaler LLanelli. Ils chutent lourdement : 24-12. L’espoir est maigre pour Brives.

3 sur 5, c’est le bilan de cette première journée pour les clubs français dans cette Coupe d’Europe, on attend, aujourd’hui, la venue de Sale à Toulouse en espérant améliorer le bilan français.

Com a Heineken Cup 2009-10 prestes a começar, o Blog do Rugby traz para o leitor o raio X de todas as 24 equipes que disputarão o torneio. Começaremos com os times dos grupos 1, 2 e 3!

Grupo 1 – Munster, Perpignan, Northampton Saints e Benetton Treviso

Grupo muito complicado. Considero-o um dos chamados “grupos da morte”, junto do grupo 3. Os favoritos são Munster e Perpignan, com os Saints correndo por fora.

Os últimos anos comprovam. O Munster na Heineken Cup é sempre um dos favoritos. As sucessivas campanhas impressionam. Campeão em 2008 e em 2006, semifinalista em 2009 e quartas-de-finais em 2007. Fora os vice-campeonatos de 2000 (contra Northampton) e 2002. E o Red Army é o atual campeão da Magners League (Liga Celta). Com tudo isso, o Munster entra no grupo 1 como sério aspirante não só à classificação, como também ao título do ano. O elenco é invejável, recheado de selecionáveis da brilhante seleção irlandesa campeã do Seis Nações 2009, muitos dos quais também convocados para os British & Irish Lions. À frente do esquadrão, Paul O’Connell, capitão da Irlanda e dos Lions, e o excelente abertura Ronan O’Gara, contestado por uns e adorado por outros. O elenco é recheado por outros grandes, sobretudo entre os forwards, ponto forte da equipe. O’Callaghan, Hayes, Horan, Wallace, Leamy… dispensam apresentações. A dupla de halfs, O’Leary e Stringer, e o ponta All Black Doug Howlett completam a lista impressionante do escrete vermelho. Todavia, com tudo isso, o Munster começou mal o ano. Ocupa a fraca sexta posição na Magners League e estreiará na Heineken Cup após levar uma surra épica do seu maior rival, Leinster. 30 x 0. O que significa que o Munster, apesar de tão forte elenco, está cambaleante. Enfrentar na estréia o embalado Northampton Saints, na Inglaterra, será, pois, uma estréia indesejável.

O outro grande favorito é o francês Perpignan. Atual campeão do Top 14, a equipe da Catalunha francesa espera dar um passo decisivo em sua história. O título francês veio depois de mais de 50 anos de jejum no campeonato nacional. Na era profissional, o time havia sido já vice-campeão francês em 98 e 2004, e vice-campeão da Heineken Cup em 2003. Faltava uma taça. E ela veio em junho. O elenco é consistente. Grandes astros a equipe não tem, ainda mais se comparado com o Munster, mas o que deu ao USAP o troféu do Top 14 foi a consistência e competência de seu elenco, que deixou para trás Toulouse e Stade Français, equipes que apostaram mais em grandes nomes que em um time coeso. E é esse o segredo catalão para triunfar na Heineken Cup. O clube entra para buscar o título, mas antes terá que se ver frente a frente com o temível Munster. Se os irlandeses têm um scrum poderoso, o Perpignan também tem. Nicolas Mas, Marius Tincu, Rimas Álvarez Kairelis, Ovidiu Tonita, Henry Tuilagi, todos nomes conhecidos no rugby internacional pela força que possuem. E a linha desfruta à seu favor da tradição francea, de jogo rápido e habilidoso. Marty, Mermoz e Porical poderão dar muito dor de cabeça a seus adversários, na busca pelo primeiro triunfo europeu.

O Northampton Saints corre por fora. De início menos cotado, a equipe inglesa, que já foi campeã européia (quando poucos esperavam que fosse capaz), ganhou um ânimo novo para a competição com o ótimo início de temporada na Guinnss Premiership. A condição de atuais campeões da Challenge Cup depõe também à favor do bom momento da equipe. Se o ponto forte de Perpignan e Munster encontra-se na frente, o mesmo pode-se dizer do Northampton. O scrum da equipe é forte, com atletas como os pumas Ignacio Fernandez Lobbe e Santiago Bonorino, o escocês Euan Murray (que está lesionado) e o ex-wallabie Daniel Vickerman. A fanática torcida dos Saints e o elenco motivado farão da equipe um azarão perigoso em um grupo tão difícil. Olho neles.

Completando o grupo, o atual campeão italiano, o Benetton Treviso. Apesar da condição de campeão, Treviso não deverá sair da lanterna do grupo. A última temporada da equipe na Heineken Cup – pelo menos pelos próximos anos – deveria servir de motivação à equipe para conseguir um resultado melhor que a última colocação do grupo, já tradicional entre os italianos. Mas a equipe verde simplesmente deu azar. Caiu no grupo da morte, e não terá muito o que fazer.

Grupo 2 – Biarritz, Glasgow Warriors, Gloucester e Newport Gwent Dragons

A princípio, se olharmos para a tradição na competição, o grupo tem dois favoritos: Biarritz e Gloucester. Contudo, o grupo 2 está nivelado por baixo. Nenhum dos quatro competidores inspira muita confiança. Ainda assim, Biarritz pode ser, a priori, tido como favorito.

A equipe basca começou a temporada 2009-10 do jeito que foi a temporada 2008-09, decepcionando. O Biarritz é uma equipe que adquiriu grande respeito no cenário europeu nesta década, vencendo o campeonato francês em 2002, 2005 e 2006, desbancando os grandes do país, e quase triunfou na Heineken Cup em 2006, ficando com o vice-campeonato. Por isso mesmo, ano passado esperava-se grande desempenho da equipe, que conta com bom elenco. Jérome Thion, Harinordoquy, Dimitri Yachvili, Valentin Current, Damien Traille e Nicolas Brusque são nomes que qualquer um acostumado a ver a seleção francesa está mais do que familiarizado. São atletas de nível internacional, acostumados a grandes jogos e às vitórias. Reforçado com o ótimo ponta inglês Iain Balshaw e o ponta americano sensação Ngwenya (aquele que “derrotou” Habana na corrida na Copa do Mundo), não haveria preocupações para os torcedores bascos. Mas a campanha da equipe até o início desta temporada era vexatória. Era. Porque o Biarritz passa pelo seu melhor momento dos últimos 2 anos. Nas últimas cinco rodadas do Top 14, a equipe basca deu uma arrancada fenomenal, embalou vitórias e já ocupa a terceira posição do certame, posição que condiz com seu elenco. Resta agora dar continuidade ao trabalho no certame europeu.

Quem deveria ser cotado para competir cabeça a cabeça com o Biarritz são os ingleses do Gloucester. Contudo, a fase é negra pelos lados de Kingsholm. O clube começou a Guinness Premiership pessimamente, ocupando a sétima posição, tendo vencido apenas o rival Bath, em péssima fase também, e o fraco Leeds. O percurso no campeonato inglês já lhes rendeu uma derrota por 40 x 10 para o London Irish, fazendo qualquer um desconfiar do elenco do Gloucester. Mas a Heineken Cup é outra competição, e avançar à segunda fase é um costume da equipe nas últimas temporadas. É frequente vermos uma equipe que capenga nas competições nacionais se encontrar na Heineken Cup. O Gloucester pode muito bem achar seu melhor rugby nos gramados europeus, ainda mais tendo pego um dos grupos mais fracos desta temporada. O capitão Mike Tindall certamente fará com que seus jogadores se doem ao máximo em campo.

Os escoceses do Glasgow Warriors chegam a mais uma Heineken Cup buscando o feito de avançar à segunda fase, o que não é uma constância entre as equipes do país. As duas primeiras rodadas da Magners League foram muito boas para a equipe, suscitando esperanças nos torcedores do país de que talvez fosse esta a grande temporada do rugby da Escócia. Mas o equipe já voltou à normalidade, sendo derrotada e caindo pela tabela. No entanto, a sorte pode vir justamente na Heineken Cup. O grupo é fácil, e a última temporada européia do time foi boa, realizando jogos épicos contra Toulouse e Bath. Aliás, os escoceses bateram o poderoso Toulouse na França, feito que é tido como quase impossível até mesmo pelos grandes do continente. Com isso, os guerreiros de Glasgow podem nutrir esperanças de classificação, sem dúvida.

A quarta equipe do grupo é o Newport Gwent Dragons, ou simplesmente Dragons, o menos comentado dos times do País de Gales. De fato, desde que foram criadas as equipe regionais no País de Gales, os Dragons são a equipe de pior desempenho. Apesar de jogar em Newport, cidade fanática por rugby, a franquia não engrenou ainda e não desfruta de grande apreço entre os torcedores locais. Por isso mesmo que os Dragons precisam mais do que nunca de uma grande temporada. Os investimentos, como sempre, foram modestos, mas parecem estar surtindo algum efeito. A quinta colocação neste início de Magners League e a má campanha de seus rivais do Cardiff e dos Scarlets dão ânimo maior à equipe, que espera finalmente ser grande. O grupo da Heineken Cup ajudou, resta agora fazer em campo o que em sua história ainda não foi feito.

Grupo 3 – Clermont, Leicester Tigers, Ospreys e Viadana

O grupo 3 é também um “grupo da morte”. Na verdade, mais do que o próprio grupo 1. Clermont, Leicester Tigers e Ospreys fazem deste o grupo mais forte do torneio. Três seríssimos candidatos a título, e talvez apenas 1 deles avance. Mas, certamente, aquele que avançar deverá ser visto com atenção por todos, já que deverá ser uma equipe muito difícil de ser batida.

Clermont lidera a atual edição do Top 14 francês e coleciona uma impressionante série de…. vice-campeonatos. Está mais do que na hora de os amarelos levantarem um título importante. Em sua história, taças relevantes apenas as da Challenge Cup. Ou seja, pouquíssimo para um clube de uma cidade fanática por rugby. O clube fundado pela fábrica de pneus Michelin tem um elenco forte, talvez um dos mais fortes da França. Não á toa disputou as últimas três finais do campeonato nacional. No scrum, Mario Ledesma, Lionel Faure, Martín Scelzo, David Zirakashvili, Jamie Cudmore, Julien Bonaire e Elvis Vermeulen. O half-scrum é Morgan Parra, dos Bleus. O abertura é Broke James, e na linha o clube de Auvergne conta com Baby, Malzieu, Nalaga (artilheiro do Top 14 em tries), Rougerie e Gavin Williams. Elenco para brigar pelo título. Se não amarelarem…

O atual vice-campeão europeu está no grupo. O Leicester Tigers começa a temporada 2009-10 com estádio renovado e ampliado. A tradição de títulos da equipe é invejável. Enquanto se fala nas contratações que time A ou B fez para a temporada, em um piscar de olhos os tigres estão lá, de novo, disputando uma final. Foi assim ano passado e pode perfeitamente ser assim neste ano. O Leicester Tigers é aquele clube que sempre disputa títulos, sempre é favorito. Começaram 2009-10 jogando um rugby pouco encantador, sofrido e apático. Ainda assim alguém duvida que ele possam chegar a uma final de Heineken Cup? A equipe quase nao perde em casa, e conta com um dos melhores – senão o melhor – elenco da Inglaterra. Na frente, Ayerza, Castrogiovanni, Ben Kay, Tom Croft, Lewis Moody, Jordan Crane, entre outros. Atrás, Harry Ellis de half-scrum, Tobby Flood como abertura, Hipkiss, Maugers, Tuilagi, Geordan Murphy e Scott Hamilton fazem de Leicester uma equipe muito forte. Cairam em um grupo difícil, mas a camisa dos tigres pesa mais do que a dos outros.

O outros esquadrão poderoso do grupo 3 são os Ospreys, do País de Gales. Forwards de peso compõe o elenco de Neath e Swansea: os três Jones: Adam, Alun e Ryan, e oAll Black Jerry Collins, uma das maiores contratações do ano no rugby europeu. A linha tem o melhor do rugby galês: James Hook (contestado), Gavin Henson, Lee Byrne e o ex-melhor do mundo Shane Williams, sempre brilhante. Completando a lista, o fenomenal ponta irlandês Tommy Bowe. Por causa de um elenco como esse, os Ospreys são tidos como o “gigante adormecido” da Europa. Têm potencial inesgotável para se tornar grande, tão grande quanto, por exemplo, os rivais irlandeses da Magners League, mas o time ainda não emplacou no cenário europeu. Já venceu a Magners League duas vezes, mas ainda não chegaram sequer a uma final de Heineken Cup. O elenco é forte, o time vem crescendo nas últimas rodadas do torneio celta, mas tiveram o azar de cair em um grupo tão forte, junto de uma equipe que também precisa muito de sucesso europeu (Clermont) e um gigante que assusta (Leicester Tigers).

Por fim, o Viadana. Veio para apanhar. Se os italianos já têm dificuldade em se impor na Heineken Cup, imagine caindo em um grupo tão difícil. Os amarelos da Itália vão sofrer, e muito, neste grupo.

A Heineken Cup, o maior campeonato europeu de clubes de rugby, terá início nesta sexta-feira, dia 9 de outubro! Grandes clubes, muita rivalidade e alguns dos maiores atletas do mundo reunidos em uma grande competição. E o público brasileiro terá a oportunidade de acompanhar tudo pela ESPN e, claro, pelo Blog do Rugby!

A edição 2009/10 da European Rugby Cup, mais conhecida como Heineken Cup, ou H-Cup, reunirá 24 clubes europeus, divididos em 6 grupos com 4 equipes cada. Cada equipe joga 2x (1 em casa e 1 fora de casa) contra cada equipe de seu grupo. Ao final das 6 rodadas, as campeãs e os 2 vices que somarem mais pontos avançam para a fase de quartas-de-finais. Os confrontos de quartas-de-finais e de semi-finais serão disputados em apenas 1 partida cada, na casa da equipe de melhor campanha na primeira fase. A final será disputada em uma única partida, na cidade de Paris, no Stade de France. Disputam a Heineken Cup 2009/10: 7 equipes da Inglaterra, 6 equipes da França, 4 equipes do País de Gales, 3 equipes da Irlanda, 2 equipes da Escócia e 2 equipes da Itália. A novidade para esta temporada é que o terceiro, o quarto e o quinto melhores segundos colocados se classificam para a fase de quartas-de-finais da European Challenge Cup.

A Heineken Cup teve início em 1995, com o início da era profissional do rugby union. O primeiro campeão foi o Toulouse, da França, que derrotou na final o Cardiff, na própria cidade de Cardiff, no País de Gales. Até hoje foram disputadas 14 edições do torneio, e o maior campeão é o Toulouse, com 3 títulos. O atual campeão são os irlandeses do Leinster, comandados pelo grande Brian O’Driscoll.

Veja quem foi campeão em cada edição da Heineken Cup:

1995/96: Toulouse (França) 21 x 18 Cardiff (País de Gales)

1996/97: Brive (França) 28 x 9 Leicester Tigers (Inglaterra)

1997/98: Bath (Inglaterra) 19 x 18 Brive (França)

1998/99: Ulster (Irlanda) 21 x 6 Colomiers (França)

1999/00: Northampton Saints (Inglaterra) 9 x 8 Munster (Irlanda)

2000/01: Leicester Tigers (Inglaterra) 34 x 30 Stade Français (França)

2001/02: Leicester Tigers (Inglaterra) 15 x 9 Munster (Irlanda)

2002/03: Toulouse (França) 22 x 17 Perpignan (França)

2003/04: London Wasps (Inglaterra) 27 x 20 Toulouse (França)

2004/05: Toulouse (França) 18 x 12 Stade Français (França)

2005/06: Munster (Irlanda) 23 x 19 Biarritz (França)

2006/07: London Wasps (Inglaterra) 25 x 9 Leicester Tigers (Inglaterra)

2007/08: Munster (Irlanda) 16 x 13 Toulouse (França)

2008/09: Leinster (Irlanda) 19 x 16 Leicester Tigers (Inglaterra)

Campeões por número de títulos:

Toulouse (França) – 3 títulos

Leicester Tigers (Inglaterra) – 2 títulos

London Wasps (Inglaterra) – 2 títulos

Munster (Irlanda) – 2 títulos

Bath (Inglaterra) – 1 título

Northampton Saints (Inglaterra) – 1 título

Brive (França) – 1 título

Ulster (Irlanda) – 1 título

Leinster (Irlanda) – 1 título

Títulos por país:

Inglaterra – 6 títulos

França – 4 títulos

Irlanda – 4 títulos

A edição 2009/10 terá os seguintes grupos:

Grupo 1: Benetton Treviso (Itália), Munster (Irlanda), Northampton Saints (Inglaterra) e Perpignan (França)

Grupo 2: Biarritz (França), Glasgow Warriors (Escócia), Gloucester (Inglaterra) e Newport Gwent Dragons (País de Gales)

Grupo 3: Clermont (França), Leicester Tigers (Inglaterra), Ospreys (País de Gales) e Viadana (Itália)

Grupo 4: Bath (Inglaterra), Edinburgh (Escócia), Stade Français (França) e Ulster (Irlanda)

Grupo 5: Cardiff Blues (País Gales), Harlequins (Inglaterra), Sale Sharks (Inglaterra) e Toulouse (França)

Grupo 6: Brive (França), Leinster (Irlanda), London Irish (Inglaterra) e Scarlets (País de Gales)

Primeira rodada:

Dia 9/10:

Ulster x Bath, em Belfast, Irlanda do Norte

Gloucester x Newport Gwent Dragons, em Gloucester, Inglaterra

Leinster x London Irish, em Dublin, Irlanda

Dia 10/10:

Cardiff Blues x Harlequins, em Cardiff, País de Gales

Benetton Treviso x Perpignan, em Treviso, Itália

Stade Français x Edinburgh, em Paris, França

Scarlets x Brive, em Llaneli, País de Gales

Glasgow Warriors x Biarritz, em Glasgow, Escócia

Clermont x Viadana, em Clarmont-Ferrand, França

Northampton Saints x Munster, em Northampton, Inglaterra

Dia 11/10:

Leicester Tigers x Ospreys. em Leicester, Inglaterra

Toulouse x Sale Sharks, em Toulouse, França

Em breve análise completas de cada um dos grupos da Heineken Cuo 2009/10!

Para mais informações, acesse: o site oficial da competição

Onde Assistir

A ESPN Brasil trasmite 2 partidas da primeira rodada, mostra que o Rugby está se consolidando de vez na TV brasileira.

Dia 10/10  às 09h30 - Cardiff Blues x Harlequins – ao vivo 

Dia 11/10 às 11h00 – Stade Toulouse x Sale Sharks – ao vivo

Life Inc.

By Alex Clermont

In the middle of Main Street stands City Center Mall. It’s a relatively new mall, only having been around for a year, but business is constant, and its stores are always filled with eager shoppers. You walk pass the mall’s front doors and wonder about the huge banners hung on the front of the box shaped building. Words written in steel blue ask you to “Find What Defines You.” Along with the inviting words are images of happy and pretty people holding cheap and pretty solutions to their problems. You take the invitation and walk in.

By far the mall’s most popular store is Widgets, an electronics franchise that prides itself on being the place where “shopping is fun again.” Entering the mall you head for Widgets by way of elevator. The first thing to catch your eye once you’ve reached the top floor is a huge display of the company’s logo. Positioned above the entrance the sign violently grabs your attention, and for a few seconds your stare is fixed.

The Widgets logo is a yellow star burst set against a navy blue background and containing bold black letters that spell out “WIDGETS.” According to consumer psychologists three is the optimal number of elements for a memorable logo – in this case a star burst, black letters and a blue background. It’s a conscious attempt by Widgets to invade the unconscious and stamp themselves into the consumer’s brain. After being stamped you snap out of the gaze and continue walking towards the automatically opening doors.

Once you step inside your senses are immediately attacked. What you first notice is the blaring music. These are mediocre songs that have become great through repetition. You recognize most from the radio, and hum along with some of the more familiar tunes.

The music is played at its loudest in the media section. This section consists of a few dozen, very long, very narrow rows of music CDs, movie DVDs, and video games. All are organized by category and name. “Manufacturing Consent” is in Drama, and any musical artists not born in the United States is in a small section titled “World Music.”

This department is by far the most popular in the store. Customers get the newest music releases, or pick up a copy of the “special edition director’s cut” of last year’s Hollywood blockbuster. The choices appear to be almost limitless – and indeed you see people traveling between the rows with baskets full of product… The items themselves, however, are almost inconsequential; the act of having something is what consumers seek. In reality, Widgets doesn’t sell widgets, they sell a feeling of ownership and identity.

As you walk deeper into the store the sound of the music lessens and you enter the home theater department near the back. This is where the wall of televisions shine their light in flashes of bright red, green and blues. The whirlwind of colors reminds you of a disco ball, or when you were a child and you held your breath for too long underwater; the tint of your skin changes in reaction to the lights shooting from the displays and reflecting off your face. More than just a wall, the home theater section is a whole world of televisions big and small, and everything in between.

The ceiling in this area is arched, with one end reaching the back, against the wall, and the other beginning at the front of the section. This overhang roof near the entrance blocks the glare from the roof windows. This is so the light of the Sun won’t diminish the brightness of the many displays.

It’s here’s where you learn phrases like, “Plasma screen,” and “LCD technology.” A looped video playing simultaneously on every screen tells you the difference between the two, and explains why you must buy one or the other. The recording is also filled with TV show promos and “helpful tips” on what items you need. The plasma screens are by far the biggest and most expensive things there, but as you look at one and compare its image quality with the neighboring, cheaper, TV, you don’t see much of a difference.

The media section from earlier, sits in the middle of the store on a gray shag carpet. This carpet is cut off from the store’s other sections by black and white tiles that encircle the media department, turning it into an island. The tiles have a yellow racing stripe that runs across the middle of them. This racetrack, when followed, takes you through the entire store and back to the cashier. After leaving the home theater department you get on the track and browse through the Widgets’ other departments.

You pass the appliance section and notice a change in the air. The smell is a little different. You sniff a little more and notice the odd combination of staleness and sterility. What you don’t know is that the smell is a combination of ozone gases and chlorofluorocarbons being released by the air conditioners, purifiers and other domestic devices. It’s hard to resist sniffing the queer-smelling, artificial air, but once the smell travels to your tongue you move on to the computer section.

The computer section isn’t as busy as the media area but it’s also filled with customers, all grabbing for the attention of the three available salesmen. They scramble around in their khaki pants and blue Widgets uniform shirts to answer complicated electronics questions, and at the same time try to push even more complicated accessories on ignorant customers. You unintentionally hear two conversations. One is between the sales manager and his employee:

“Bryan, our accessory sales are lower than dirt right now. You need to push more ink cartridges. Those things are marked up so damn high that if you sell just a couple our numbers’ get a nice boost.”

The employee nods attentively while being briefed on the sales of the day. The other conversation is between a salesmen and a customer.

“I can tell you from experience that things happen to computers. Hey, technology is a funny thing. One day you’re surfing the net, checking e-mail and cyber dating. The next ‘error’ is flashing across your expensive-flat-screen-monitor in red letters.”

The customers chuckles.

“That’s why I always recommend the Widgets Product Service Program to customers who buy heavy-duty electronics. If it breaks, we’ll fix it. It’s that simple.”

“Will it cover a computer virus?” The customer asks.

“Well no, but…”

You continue to walk down the racing stripe past the flashing digital cameras and cellular phones – pressing a few buttons on the fancier gadgets that an employee tells you to test out; you walk past a video game demo that begs you to take a try – and you do; you walk past the brightly colored displays that seems to jump up for your attention.

Finally, as you get near the door, you notice a CD. It has a special “buy two for $10.00” tag on it. If you find another CD with that tag you can buy both for only $10.00. You search around for another one and you seize it with enthusiasm. You don’t like the artist of either CD that much, but it certainly is a great deal. You take both titles up to the cashier. Once you’ve paid the total price of $14.45, after taxes, you walk towards the exit.

The employees don’t look as friendly as they once did, and you find yourself being eyed suspiciously as they ask to see your receipt. After matching the items listed on the receipt with the items in your bag, they point towards the door and you leave through another set of automatic sliding doors.

The exit stands only a few feet away from the entrance, which continues to let in eager consumers.

Once outside, you stare at the widgets logo on your bag. Wrenching your eyes from the image you walk towards the elevator – a box within the bigger box. You realize that though you caught a great deal on some worthless CDs you’re no more closer to lasting happiness than you were when you came in.

Join in New York State’s first ever New York Heritage Weekend, with free tours at Old Croton Aqueduct’s Ossining Weir, Clermont, Philipse Manor Hall, Olana and Staatsburgh State Historic Sites September 12 and 13.

NYS Parks – Taconic Region joins the more than 100 historic sites, forts and battlefields, museums and churches welcoming visitors during New York Heritage Weekend for free. Come and enjoy the historical wonders of these state historic sites:

Old Croton Aqueduct State Historic Park – Tours of the Ossining Weir every two hours from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. both days. Meet at the Caputo Community Center parking lot, 95 Broadway, Ossining.

Staastburgh State Historic Site – Tours of Mills Mansion and parking are free both days, Sat. 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Sun. 11 – 5 p.m. Celtic Day in the Park, $10/adult, $2/children, Sunday only, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. with artillery demonstration, contests and more!

Philipse Manor Hall State Historic Site – Tours of the house are free 12 – 3 p.m. both days. Events: Native American Village and Craft Day, Saturday. Yonkers walking tour, Sunday.

Olana State Historic Site – Tour fees of the house and vehicle use fee are waived both days, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Clermont State Historic Site – Free house tours featuring historic characters, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.

For further information on Heritage Weekend sites, please visit the New York Heritage Weekend website: www.heritageweekend.org.

The Taconic Region consists of 13 state parks and six historic sites administered by the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. For more information about New York State Parks, please visit our website at www.nysparks.com.

Pastor Mkhize and his team from Clermont are having a 2-week Revival Crusade

(Back to Homepage)

Pela primeira vez, o Top 14 francês realizou uma rodada em uma quarta-feira. E o Blog do Rugby não poderia deixar de cobri-la! Completarei o artigo com a tradicional Elgon Cup, entre Quênia e Uganda, que rolou no último final de semana.

 O Toulon continua invicto! Desta vez, a equipe provençal derrotou o poderoso Clermont, uma das equipes que melhor se reforçaram para a competição. 26 x 21, e co-liderança. Outro líder é o tradicional gigante Toulouse, que passou bem pelo Bayonne. Já o Stade Français deu vexame. Foi derrotado em casa pelo Montauban, por 40 x 35, em partida fenomenal.

Os parisienses seguem muito mal no início da temporada e desde já dão margem a dúvidas sobre as reais aspirações da equipe na nova fase sem Hernandez. Para os verdes de Montauban, a vitória é uma resposta aos que pensam que eles brigarão contra o rebaixamento. Podem ir tão bem no Top 14 quanto no torneio passado.

Bourgoin deu mais um passo para se afastar da crise. Venceu o Racing Métro. Quem também venceu foi o Montpellier, afundando o Biarritz Olympique em meio a uma crise que pode piorar e muito ainda. Por fim, os atuais campeões do Perpignan se recuperaram da última derrota, vencendo o Brive por 21 x 9. As únicas equipes que não entraram em campo foram Albi e Castres, devido ao adiamento da partida por causa da gripe H1N1, o mesmo que ocorreu na última rodada.

Resultados:

Albi x Castres – adiado

Toulon 26 x 21 Clermont, em Toulon

Toulouse 21 x 17 Bayonne, em Toulouse

Bourgoin 17 x 13 Racing Métro, em Bourgoin-Jallieu

Stade Français 35 x 40 Montauban, em Paris

Montpellier 22 x 18 Biarritz, em Montpellier

Perpignan 21 x 9 Brive, em Perpignan

Classificação, após 4 rodadas:

1 – Toulouse – 14 pontos

2 – Toulon – 14 p.

3 – Perpignan – 13 p.

4 – Clermont – 13 p.

5 – Racing Métro – 9 p.

6 – Castres – 8 p.

7 – Bourgoin – 8 p.

8 – Montpellier – 8 p.

9 – Biarritz – 7 p.

10 – Stade Français – 7 p.

11 – Brive – 7 p.

12 – Bayonne – 5 p.

13 – Montauban – 5 p.

14 – Albi – 2 p.

ELGON CUP

Na cidade ugandesa de Campala, Quênia e Uganda se enfrentaram pelos confrontos de volta da Elgon Cup, no masculino e no feminino.

Entre os homens, vitória de Uganda por 18 x 13, o que foi insuficiente para dar o título aos Grous. A taça foi para o Quênia, 43 x 40, no agregado – o primeiro jogo foi 30 x 22, para os quenianos.

No feminino o mesmo ocorreu: vitória de Uganda (12 x 0), mas título queniano. Agregado: 38 x 17 – primeiro jogo, 38 x 5 para o Quênia.

Clermont Teenager Won’t Face Charges For Posting Obama Joker Flyer