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So, where are we? A Rover mid-season evaluation

Iqaluit, NU (CP)

Nearing the end of our extended league hiatus, it's time to get back into RHL-mode again. Well, some of us haven't left, although some PR departments (this one included) had taken a break alongside the games. But with 29 games played and the mid-point of the year impending, it's a good time to look at where this team has been and where it is headed.

First the raw numbers. At 18-6-5, the Rovers sit third overall in the league with 41 points, two behind the conference-leading Funboys and three behind the league-leading Reapers. That can't be considered bad. In fact, given the nature of the Malone and the intense competition therein, it is a great success. Going inside the numbers is where the source of the Rovers discontent lies. Frankly, the team just isn't scoring. While Mason and Gerber have been stellar in leading the team to the best goals against in the league (the only team averaging less than two goals against per game), the offense sits a pedestrian 14th out of 26 teams scoring just 2.72 goals per game. That's a half goal less than the Sockeyes, three quarters of a goal less than the Funboys, and a goal and a half less than the explosive Reapers.

Looking for the big play element, the Rovers acquired Joe Thornton from South Calgary. While the move has been lauded by pundits across the league for its immediate impact, some have asked the question who will Joe be setting up to score? Sources say that the Rovers continue to talk to teams about adding a premier sniper to finish for their new #1 centre, but management will not want to dig too much deeper into the prospect cupboard to add more parts. Thornton has been with the team for all of three games; a pair of 3-2 decisions split with the Sockeyes and a 1-1 draw with the Funboys. After the teams next game against Saskatoon, their hellish run through the cream of the league will be finished for the time being (their last five games have only been against either REA, FUN, or SOC). Perhaps then the team will see where the new offense stands against the rest of the league.

And maybe the team simply should not be so hard on themselves. The results in the recent stretch (2-1-2 against the other three teams in the top four) shows that the team can play Martin Gerber and win (or at least have a chance to win every night) in their defensive posture (the other reason most cited as why the Rovers aren't scoring with the big boys). But mostly, the team is antsy to get the second half underway.. there's a title out there to grab, and Baffin is ready to step up again.

Joe Malone, Meet Joe Thornton

"Excited? I nearly pissed myself with glee when they told me!" -Thornton reacts to being dealt from South Calgary to the league-leading Rovers.

Iqaluit, NU (CP)

The first salvo in the RHL16 arms race has officially been sent across the bow of the rest of the league. In a bold move, the Rovers, already the best defensive team in the league, added perhaps the pre-eminent playmaker in the league to their offensive attack by acquiring center Joe Thornton from the cellar-dwelling South Calgary (nee St. Albert) Spartans. The price was not insignificant, as going to the Spartans are a trio of highly-touted prospects in goaltender Kari Lehtonen, forward Mike Richards, and defenseman Ryan Parent, along with depth defenseman Steve Montador. South Calgary also sent cash considerations to the Rovers. "We've been looking at ways to boost the offense for a few weeks now, and at the top of our wish list has been Joe Thornton", GM Stringer said of his prized catch. "He's going to make everyone better. He's going to get the puck to our wingers where they need it to be successful. Plus he's getting better.. he's under contract for next season so this isn't a one-and-done scenario. Joe will be a Rover for a while". The Rovers are banking on the move giving them an edge as they battle for the Malone crown with the Funboys and Sockeyes in the toughest division in the league.

The Spartans certainly didn't come out light in the trade, picking up three youngsters who should play a large role for them in the coming years. The centerpiece is franchise goalie prospect Kari Lehtonen, the first overall pick in RHL11, and the first-ever draft pick by the Rovers. He was due to make his debut in RHL17, but will now do so in South Calgary. Center Mike Richards is expected to be ready to contribute next season and defenseman Ryan Parent is having another stellar season in junior and is expected to anchor Canada's blueline at the upcoming World Junior Championships. "We knew we'd have to give up quality to get quality, and these three young men are all going to very good RHLers", Stringer said of the departed prospects. "We're especially going to miss Kari, as he was the first ever Rover draft pick. However, we're blessed to have a depth of talent at each position, so we feel that with Emery in net, Malkin and Zajac at center, and Phaneuf, Michalek, and Vlasic on defense, we felt comfortable that we could afford to make this move without stripping the cupboard".

Thornton is en route to Iqaluit, hoping to land in time for tonights game against the Sockeyes. He is expected to center Cory Stillman and Glen Murray on the top line, sliding captain Olli Jokinen to the second line centering Frolov and Demitra. Murray and Thornton have quite a history together, having played in a number of championships and tournaments together. "I'm really excited to get back together with Muzz (Murray)", Thornton was quoted as saying before boarding a plane to Iqaluit. "I'm looking forward to getting back with him and clicking on the ice once more. But just coming up here is going to be a thrill; you want to play for a championship and the Rovers have stepped up and shown that they want me and they want to win now. It's very exciting".

Jumbo Joe a Rover???

Iqaluit, NU (CP)

On the eve of a critical home-and-home series with the Sockeyes, Rover Report has learned that Joe Thornton has been acquired by the Rovers and is trying to get to Iqaluit this afternoon for tonight's game. The story is yet unconfirmed by the team, but we will work on breaking the exact details of the trade as soon as possible.

A Trade? *GASP*

Iqaluit, NU (CP)

The Baffin Island Rovers dared to make a ripple in the perfectly still pond that has been the RHL trade market this season today, though it was only a ripple. With Bergeron and Laaksonen out another day and Stillman going down last night, the Rovers reached out for a body and came back with Marcus Nilson from the Roadkill. Nilson along with a third round pick were acquired in exchange for prospects Kris Chucko and Michal Barinka. "We've been thinking about Nilson for a while, mainly because he's cheap and versatile", Stringer said. "I do believe that both the guys we gave up will be RHLers, but thankfully our prospect depth is such that we won't be negatively affected".

Gerber blanks back-to-back, Rovers sit atop standings

Iqaluit, NU (CP)

Martin Gerber finished off back-to-back 2-0 shutout efforts last night by following up his blanking of the Freeze by stonewalling the Eagles with an identical score. The Rovers now sit at 11-2-1 on the season, atop the Howe Conference and overall league standings. The two shutout efforts dropped the team's GAA to a league-best 1.64. "We're very pleased with our discipline and our defensive zone coverage so far", Stringer said. "Our offense is scoring enough goals and we're keeping them out at the other end. We just need to realize that the level of effort required to maintain this pace will only increase as the season progresses, so we'll need to work harder this quarter than the last to hold off the Sockeyes and Funboys".

Notes: Rookie Patrice Bergeron suffered a leg injury against the Eagles and will be lost for the next six games.

Rovers win again, off to best start ever

Iqaluit, NU (CP)

The Rovers improved their early record to 5-0-1 after knocking off the Kansas City Monarchs 4-3 last night in front of the home crowd. The six games unbeaten to begin a season extends their franchise record best start (their previous best was winning their first two games in RHL13). Glen Murray and Adam Hall scored first period PP goals, while Eric Brewer and Patrice Bergeron scored in the third to deliver the victory. Chris Mason left the game in the first period with a sore groin, yielding to Martin Gerber who carried home the victory. Mason will not be available for the next game against Indianapolis. "A quick start in this division is imperative", Stringer said. I mean look, we've taken 11 of a possible 12 points so far, and were only one point up on the Sockeyes and the Funboys are right there as well. It's going to be like this the whole season. We've just got to keep it up".

Rovers Sting Grand Prairie in Third

Grand-Prairie, AB (CP)

After falling behind in the third, the Baffin Island Rovers exploded for four late goals to down the Stingers 6-3 and improve to 2-0 for the young season. Baffin skated out to a 2-1 first period lead on goals by Pavol Demitra and Eric Brewer. They held that lead into the third when the Stingers struck for two to take a 3-2 lead. But a minute after Jan Bulis gave GP the lead with his short-handed goal, the Rovers reeled off four straight by Olli Jokinen, Kris Draper, Jokinen again, and Demitra's second of the game. "It was good to see the offense come to life there in the third, especially on the road", Stringer said of the outburst. "The PP was clicking, so that's something to build on... we just hope Nate isn't out too long".

The injury spoken of was to sophomore Nathan Horton, who took a nasty slash to his left forearm and left the game without returning. He'll return to Iqaluit for further tests, but doesn't expect to miss significant time. He will not be in the lineup for tomorrow night's game at home against Albany.