skip navigation

Summers Ending And So Is The Off Season

By MJ Hammett, 09/14/15, 10:00PM CDT

Share

Schools are in and training camps are open

As summer ends and the chill in the air comes back, my thoughts head to the ice.

On and off.

First off.

The Chicago Blackhawks raised the Stanley Cup for the third time in six seasons in June. Much was made about how many moves they would have to make in the off season to reach the salary cap limit. Patrick Sharp and Johnny Oduya are in Dallas, Brad Richards is now a Red Wing, and Kris Versteeg  is a Hurricane.

The next move could come with the fate of Patrick Kane. If you're a Hawks fan the silence on his case is deafening. Management may have some very tough decisions to make on his case depending on the outcome.

Now on the ice.

The Superior Spartans took home the WIAA State Championship in March. With a senior-heavy roster last season, it will be interesting to see how they do this season. One thing is for sure: they have an expectation of being in Madison next March.

Former Madison West Regent Cole Paskus is staying close to home. His junior hockey career is starting in Janesville. The Jets tendered Paskus last year and in preseason action he has played well. Watching him offensively I think he has the chance to do well in Janesville. The Jets had 13 Division 1 commitments last season. Is Paskus a D1 ?? I think so. Hope the scouts do.

Back to Superior for a moment.  Where will the Spartans start out the season in the WiPH rankings? On the girls side with Jason Woods coaching the USM boys, where will the USM girls co-op star? This year the field may be a little more open to start the season on both sides.

Rock County Fury girls hockey team still hasn't named a head coach to replace Darrel Moore, who has moved on to be with his family and new baby.

Pete Susens the head coach of the Central Wisconsin Storm?  If anyone can do it, he can.

Well, as I wrap this up I see this was more off ice than on ice. That will be changing in about two months.

Hockey is coming.