Back in the Saddle

Yesterday I wrote a brief blog about my renewed interest in Midwest Hockey in general and I have to say my interest and desire to make this thing happen is just exploding at this point.

While the scope of what I want to cover involves pro and college hockey as well, I must admit at this point in my life, I just crazy about junior and I don’t know if I could be situated any better as seasons start to get down to the nitty gritty.

At the Tier III level, I was able to attend both of those series clinching games last weekend. This weekend the Dells Ducks will host Wooster Oilers in one semi-final and some friendly scheduling opens up a great chance as I will be able to make the trip to Madison Friday night to catch the opening game of the NA3HL Central Division Final between the Wisconsin Whalers and West Michigan Wolves.

Even earlier than that, my online subscription will give me a chance to watch the opener of the East Division opener from the Detroit area as the Metro Jets play host to the Pittsburgh Vengeance in Game 1 of their Best-of-Three East Division Final series.

Suffice to say, this will be an awesome long weekend of hockey viewing and just as the Tier III stuff will be winding down, the NAHL and USHL playoffs will be kicking off.

Then there is the pros.  Last year was the first time all five Midwest-based NHL teams reached the NHL’s post season and while the Columbus Blue Jackets will clearly not be invited to the dance this season, it appears the other four — Detroit, Chicago, St. Louis and thanks to an 8-2 run in its past 10, Minnesota all are looking good to at least start the marathon.

Putting a site like this together has proven such an elusive and tough challenge, but basking in some awesome huge games as teams bear down the homestretch and head to the playoffs make it all worthwhile.

Soon I am going to write something outlining how I hope to get all of this off of the ground in the near future.