Minard was relegated to the Memphis River Kings of the Central Hockey League as the Toronto Maple Leafs made their first set of cuts. Joining him will be fellow netminder Jean-Francois Racine, forward Jonathan Gagnon and rookie Vaclav Zavoral. Minard, who struggled at times during last season in St. John’s (14-11-7, 3.10 GAA) was outplayed by Sebastien Centomo, but he will be missed in St. John’s however.
Minard’s “Mini’s Munchkins” program benefitting kids in hospitals in St. John’s had nominated him twice for the Yanick Dupre Award as AHL Man of the Year, winning the award in 2000. Also well known was Minard’s love for the fans. He always was there for them, giving a game puck to a lucky starry eyed kid after every pre-game practice and his demeanour was always professional. Let’s hope Minard sees a St. John’s Maple Leafs uniform again soon.
Speaking of the Leafs goaltending, it will be Sebastien Centomo and Jamie Hodson between the pipes for now. Hodson, who played with South Carolina of the ECHL last season (20-9-3, 3.01 GAA), had a strong training camp and may be ready for primetime with St. John’s. Mikael Tellqvist is still in Toronto, but it’s expected he’ll be sent back soon as well.
As for the rest of the players officially assigned to the Baby Leafs, the one who may make the most impression is Brad Boyes, Hockey’s Future #1 prospect for Toronto. He has scored in each of the Leafs three exhibition games (all losses). Other Leafs include Nathan Barrett, Jay Harrison, Regan Kelly, Ryan Bonni, Chris Chartier, Doug Doull, Allan Rourke, Brad Leeb, Petr Svoboda, Craig Mills, Robb Palahnuk and Dmitri Yakushin, who is back for a second tour of duty with St. John’s.
Other players still in Toronto that may end up in St. John’s include Paul Healey, Alex Ponikarovsky, Josh Holden, Richard Jackman and Anders Eriksson. As for Nik Antropov, the forward would have to clear waivers, and it’s unlikely he’d not be unclaimed by another club.
The Baby Leafs first practice is set for Tuesday.
Leafs notes:
Congratulations to Alexei Ponikarovsky, who’s wife gave birth to a baby girl.
Former Leaf Jeff Farkas, now with Manitoba, did not play against his old mates over the weekend. Moose coach Stan Smyl rested Farkas because he didn’t want to rush Farkas into the lineup.
Nathan Dempsey is looking strong to make Chicago’s Defense corps. The former Leafs defenceman has had an excellent camp and all St. John’s fans wish him lots of luck and hope he does make the NHL.
