SJHL RACE HEATS UP, NHL ALL-STAR SELECTIONS HURT PHIL'S FEELINGS

--Yorkton Terrier goalie Devin Peters looks like he's back on his game.  Peters made a number of real nice saves last night in a 4-1 victory over the Notre Dame Hounds.  The Terriers are ravaged with injuries throughout the line-up, so having Peters at his best is imperative right now.  Brendan Poncelet and Keon Vick appear to be the closest to returning.  Don't bank on seeing Blaine Tendler again until playoffs.  Robbie Ciolfi (indefinitely) and Zak Majkowski (2 weeks) are also on the shelf.

--Everyone knows goaltending is a huge factor in any playoff series.  Because of that aspect, if Notre Dame is able to get past Melville and into the playoffs, it might be real interesting to see if Russell Abbott can play spoiler in a series or two.  Having said that, Zack Rakochy has ramped up his game for the Mils and he may be the deciding factor as to whether or not the Mils can hold back Notre Dame in the fight for the last playoff spot in the Sherwood Conference.

--Give the National Hockey League credit for trying.  Their new All-Star Game format is definitely unique.  I'm not watching the game today because I don't have a rooting interest.  My only comment is that the sense of entitlement wasn't more evident when watching numerous media reports over the weekend concerning Phil Kessel being the last choice.  How embarrassing this, supposedly, is for Kessel.  I wonder if someone asked Marc Savard if he would be able to trade places with Kessel right now, would he do it?  Trade your concussions for last pick in the All-Star Game?  What about Wade Redden?  Think he'd trade his current situation for that of Kessel's All-Star Game selection?  Who cares if he's the last pick?  Someone has to be.  And, can anyone really put any credibility into Cam Ward going first?  The selections mean zilch.  Brian Burke is right when he says the attention paid to the last pick is absurd.  He couldn't be more wrong, however, when he suggests the last five names go into a hat.  This isn't grade one where Little Johnny has his feelings hurt.  These are multi-millionaire grown men.  They can suck it up.