I know most of the talk today will be the shoulda/woulda/coulda and Loepky's call etc etc. I too was disappointed with the outcome but oh well, life goes on. I guess that's why I like sports so much. Sometimes your on the winning end and sometimes not.

Anyhow, thanks to all the Dogs for an amazing year. Hold your heads high. Number one all year and one of the, if not THE most dominating playoff performance ever. And just when I thought that was enough, some of the best hockey I've ever seen in the Anavet. Sure, we could've won. But we stuck right with and almost beat one of the best teams in Canada. Not so bad, just a crappy finish.

The games were fast, hard hitting and some great talent. Outside of the usual hockey mistakes that we all make from time to time, congrats to the 20 year olds. Delong was amazing to watch and always a treat. An upstanding guy with great vision. Hope to see him in the higher ranks some day.

Drew Ellement...what can you say. Your MJ playoff run was a tale for the ages.

Miller's bone crushung checks will always be remembered and some huge ones in the Anavet.

Couple of great season's from Fischer. I'd say that trade worked out well.

Roteliuk stepped it up for the playoffs and was a treat to watch when he was on.

Mountain, despite having naysayers all year, came in after an MVP goalie and did the job. Wasn't sure he could and I'm glad to say I was wrong. Hoped you enjoyed our little piece of Canada.

Glennie? Wow, the punishment this guy takes and then just gets up for more. Not sure how he can do it.

Rowatt? Another outstanding young man. Great fews seasons.

And Nixdorf? Another treat to watch some of those passes and big goals.

Thanks guys. The returning guys have some big shoes to fill, but I said that last year and I know they can do it.

And when you're having a cold one with your buddies next weekend, it will be all in the past and an amazing story you'll be able to tell for the rest of your life.


Good luck Humboldt and win it all again. No ill will to Humboldt but if they win, it will leave that yucky feeling that it could've been us. And if they get blown away at least it will make it a feeling like we probably would not have won anyway so no big deal. None the less, good luck Bronco's I don't like how it ended but the bottom line is you had to score those goals and you did.

I imagine it will take much more than a week for this to be "all in the past"

and maybe an amazing story for the Broncos to tell later in life, not sure about the Dog players.

lets not forget the other terriers that had huge contributions in the playoffs

Audino 5 goals and the best player by far in the anavet for the dogs

Moore worked hard every night. too bad he couldn't be in for game 7

More finished all his checks. brought it to the table every night.

Brunet stepped in as a AP and looked good. he's a lockdown for next year


Thanks to all the 20's for a great year. good luck in your future careers

Let's not forget about Eric Delong either. Portage fans won't soon forget that this guy was the cornerstone of the franchise during its most successful period. He's a hometown hero, and a shining example of what a true captain and leader should be to a hockey team.
Best of luck next year at Sacred Heart, Eric. It's been a pleasure.

Trust me, I've talked to some guys that have blew it in the past. Win or lose it becomes a story. Hockey is a game. Do you think Aaron Starr or the rest of the Blizz could give a rat's ass these days that in 2004 his team was swept by the Dogs who had 35 less regular season points? NO. At the time, it was the end of the world. Now, it's a story over beer that is no big deal and has no relevance on his or their lives. Just like this will be down the road. Remember, it's a game. The memory is a short thing.

I still remember losing out in the MJHL play-offs. Every spring it stings especially bad. Those kids will remember it for a lifetime.