Joining St. John’s will be defenceman Anders Eriksson, who played well when here in St. John’s last season. Also sent to the Rock were forwards Aaron Gavey, Paul Healey, Josh Holden and Alexei Ponikarovsky along with goalie Mikael Tellqvist, who had a very strong camp according to many Toronto reporters.
With the addition of Tellqvist and his improved play, the Leafs should have a very strong goaltending contingent this season. Sebastien Centomo hopes to keep up his 2001-02 heroics, while Jamie Hodson is also in the battle for now. Hodson is suffering from an undisclosed injury but may be back for the season opener against Wilkes-Barre. The question is whether Hodson will play a regular season game for the Leafs this season. There are no shortage of goalies around that could play for the Baby Leafs this year.
One of those goalies who could be playing but isn’t is Mike Minard. Minard, the former Leafs MVP two years ago, who was somewhat surprisingly sent to Memphis, has refused to report there, and he told local papers that he wasn’t given a chance to prove himself in Toronto’s camp. He is trying to be loaned to another AHL team if at all possible. Minard says he has proven that he can play well in the AHL and wants to get back with the Leafs, but that seems unlikely. Let’s hope something can be worked out to see Minard back in the AHL somehow. His Mini’s Munchkins program benefitting sick kids will be taken over by Morgan Warren. The goaltending situation is an interesting one, so we’ll keep you posted.
As for the new additions, Paul Healey and Ponikarovsky will look to continue to play well and give some guidance to a much younger Leafs squad. Highly touted prospect Brad Boyes, and WHL Scoring champ Nathan Barrett will also benefit the offence, but it will be interesting to see how they adjust to the AHL game. Aaron Gavey and Josh Holden will bring experience to the table and despite his big contract and problems with Toronto, Anders Eriksson will be a great benefit to the St. John’s club. He will be the most experienced defenceman out there and will help young guys like Allan Rourke, Petr Svoboda and Chris Chartier who will be asked to become the leaders on the defensive corps.
The Leafs first game will be October 10th on the road against the Wilkes-Barre Scranton Penguins and will have games against Albany, the Penguins (again) and the Bridgeport Sound Tigers before their first home game October 22nd against Manitoba.
Leafs notes:
Highly touted prospect Brad Boyes was named in the local paper, The Telegram, as “being the biggest prospect in a St. John’s uniform since Felix Potvin”. Leaf Fans hope he will make a significant impression this season.
If you love the Leafs and live in Canada’s Capital Ottawa, Valentine’s Day will be special for you as the Leafs will battle the Binghamton Senators at the Corel Centre February 15th, 2003.
All the Leafs action will be as near as your computer as 930 AM Radio Newfoundland will carry the Leafs broadcasts once again this season. Check out the Leafs at http://www.radionewfoundland.net
The Leafs held a special celebration luncheon for Special Olympics at the St. John’s Convention Centre October 7th.
