Pre-Season? We're talkin about pre-season?

The San Antonio Rampage opened up their 2 games in 2 nights preseason schedule last night, dropping a hard fought 2-1 decision to the Evil Texas Stars. It wasn't the prettiest game. I even mentioned to my group that the only thing the game needed was a full out brawl, making it an official CHL contest. But that happens when you are dealing with low level guys trying to make an impression on both sides of the puck, crappy ice, and this being the first time these teams have played against someone in a different jersey in months. The turnout was fantastic. Good to see so much support for a pre-season game in a venue more accustomed to "Couples skating" and 8 year old girls skating circles around yours truly.

The game got off to an auspicious start as the Stars would change the visitors number on the scoreboard in the first two minutes. The goal was a direct result of a bad turnover in the Rampage zone by a defenseman (sorry, couldn't see who it was. Opposite end of the ice) and after a couple of crisp passes, Nino Mustelli found himself alone between the circles and fired a wrister of the shoulder of Rampage goalie Al Montoya. Neither team really established any rhythm in the period and the 1st ended 1-0 Stars.

The second period found both teams playing with a bit more energy. Rampage forward Dusty Collins went off for interference following a bruising hit at the blue line. About 30 seconds later, Rampage defenseman Michael Stone sent a clearing attempt from his own zone about 20 feet up the net over the Stars goal drawing a delay of game penalty. On the ensuing 5 on 3, the Stars knocked in an easy goal and led 2-0.

The 3rd period was all San Antonio. They were buzzing and hitting and forechecking like a Ray Edwards team should. The hard work payed off as Colin Long banged home a goal from in close on a perfect pass from Jeff May. The following 13 minutes or so, the game was played in the Stars zone. Unfortunately, they just couldn't get the equalizer past Stars goalie Adrien Lemay. The Rampage pulled goalie Joe Fallon with just under a minute left and put a ton of pressure on Lemay, but he stood tall and held on until the buzzer sounded.

Thoughts- Both teams threw their young guys out there fighting for a spot. Typical pre-season game and it's pretty close to impossible to draw any conclusions from this game.

Bright spots:

-Daryl Smith was all over the place. Speedy kid with a lot of desire. Made some plays happen in the 3rd with his aggressiveness and speed.

-Jamie Bates was really good with his stick on the forecheck. He single-handedly created several chances with poke checks and  stick lifts keeping the puck in the Stars zone.

-Joe Fallon looked very smooth and confident. Nice to have 3 experienced goalies fighting for a spot and having someone like Fallon in the wings should one of the big 2 go down.

-Nick Ross was stellar in hos own end. Just a steady defensive player. Should be a regular for the Rampage this year.

-Colin Long looked confident  and skilled. Granted the level of play isn't what we've seen him play against last season, but he was very good. Looked like he took on a leadership role last night as well.


Eek

-Mathieu Brodeur wasn't very good. That might be a nice way to put it too. He just needs more time before he's ready for the AHL, in my opinion.

-Michael Stone had some bright spots and his shot is everything as advertised. But he's got to control that thing a little bit. Just cannot take a Delay of Game penalty like he did with no one around him.

-Pierre Cedric-Labrie needs to learn how to receive a pass. There were probably 5 or 6 instances I saw (and I couldn't see jack) where the pass hit his tape and he lost control. That can't happen.

-#14 for Texas has neck tattoos. That's not acceptable unless you are a) dealing meth out of your double wide or b) a bouncer/DJ at the local "Gentlemen's Club". But, damn, that kid can play.


In other news, the Rampage have cut 3 players and replaced them with 3 fresh players. Before the game last night, the team announced they had released defensemen Darcy Campbell and Kevin Schaeffer and forward Les Reaney. Replacing them in camp are Mikkel Boedker, Andrew Ebbett, and Viktor Tikhonov. It will be interesting to follow the Tikhonov situation. He has a clause in his NHL contract that allows him to go to the KHL in Russia if he isn't in the NHL. Some may remember that he exercised said clause last season after playing 18 games in San Antonio last season. I will try and keep up with the situation and update as needed.

The Coyotes still need to make 2 more cuts to get to their roster limit before the regular season starts next week. One of the battles is for the 7th d-man spot between rookie Max Goncharov and Rampage regular David Schlemko. The loser of this battle will, barring a trade, be assigned to San Antonio.


The game may not have been pretty and we all know it didn't end favorably, but it sure was nice to be at the rink again. Watching some hockey with good friends never gets old. Now, onto roster cuts and the season (and home) opener next Friday night against the Wolves.

See you all at the rink!!