Post by wade on Apr 8, 2014 8:17:28 GMT -5
1: The Host Dundas Real McCoys
Formerly known as "The False McCoys", Dundas gets a chance to break their all-time franchise jinx, by HOSTING the Allan Cup. Simply put...its the best shot they've ever had and the best shot they'll ever get.
Which, to be honest, is a dubious statement...seeing as how Dundas is entering the tournament having lost the ACH final to rival, Brantford. And yet, I doubt even Blast fans would be willing to say they've gotten comfortable with the idea of possibly having to play Dundas in a one & done scenario at the tournament. It is very hard for me to project what kind of a squad Dundas has put together without having seen them play since 2011...and really...we didn't "see" much in 2011. The last time Dundas made a serious Allan Cup aspiration was 2010. One question I think Dundas faithful should be asking right now: 'Has the season been used as an effective preparation tool...or...has the season been brushed aside as a technicality?" I guess we will find out soon enough.
2: Brantford Blast: ACH Champion
I'm tempted to buck the trend and call Brantford the favourite for the 2014 Allan Cup...even though...history tells us to NEVER do this. I just think the fact they've played Dundas a ridiculous amount of times this season...makes it a virtual wash between the two rivals.
3: Kenora Thistles
Probably the Thistles best roster. Ever. They've known for 2 years already that they were going to be handed a ticket to ride...and to their credit...that didn't stop them from qualifying for Red Deer last spring when other Ontario teams failed to show much interest or commitment to the cause. I think the experience Kenora gained in Red Deer could prove astronomically beneficial...as they played the defending Allan Cup Champs...twice...and should therefore...be about as educated & motivated as a hockey team can possibly be at this point. Any of the 3 Ontario teams could win this tournament...and yet...if Kenora were to do it...I get the sense people would be "shocked". They've always been a sleeper and now they they've hit the snooze button a few times...they might be more dangerous than ever.
4: SEPT
As I type these amateurish prognostications together...it occurs to me that every single team in the tournament has been able to recruit players from a position of strength this season. SEPT had to beat one team in their playoffs and they did so in impressive fashion. They might have an ever better defence core than the group that won the 2012 Allan Cup.
5: Clarenville
6: Bentley Generals
The Army will not take it for granted that they have some sort of mystical force holding onto the handles of the holy grail. The truth of the matter is that they've lost more Allan Cups than they've won and for good reason! It is really hard to win. Especially in southern Ontario where...the last time Bentley appeared...they were unable to win a round robin game. This is basically the same scenario as 2008 from The Army's point of view. Although...I could argue its ever harder for them this time around...because they're defending champs. So, not only is The Army facing a field of Ontario favoured squads...they're doing it...as the focal point of the entire nation.
Formerly known as "The False McCoys", Dundas gets a chance to break their all-time franchise jinx, by HOSTING the Allan Cup. Simply put...its the best shot they've ever had and the best shot they'll ever get.
Which, to be honest, is a dubious statement...seeing as how Dundas is entering the tournament having lost the ACH final to rival, Brantford. And yet, I doubt even Blast fans would be willing to say they've gotten comfortable with the idea of possibly having to play Dundas in a one & done scenario at the tournament. It is very hard for me to project what kind of a squad Dundas has put together without having seen them play since 2011...and really...we didn't "see" much in 2011. The last time Dundas made a serious Allan Cup aspiration was 2010. One question I think Dundas faithful should be asking right now: 'Has the season been used as an effective preparation tool...or...has the season been brushed aside as a technicality?" I guess we will find out soon enough.
2: Brantford Blast: ACH Champion
I'm tempted to buck the trend and call Brantford the favourite for the 2014 Allan Cup...even though...history tells us to NEVER do this. I just think the fact they've played Dundas a ridiculous amount of times this season...makes it a virtual wash between the two rivals.
3: Kenora Thistles
Probably the Thistles best roster. Ever. They've known for 2 years already that they were going to be handed a ticket to ride...and to their credit...that didn't stop them from qualifying for Red Deer last spring when other Ontario teams failed to show much interest or commitment to the cause. I think the experience Kenora gained in Red Deer could prove astronomically beneficial...as they played the defending Allan Cup Champs...twice...and should therefore...be about as educated & motivated as a hockey team can possibly be at this point. Any of the 3 Ontario teams could win this tournament...and yet...if Kenora were to do it...I get the sense people would be "shocked". They've always been a sleeper and now they they've hit the snooze button a few times...they might be more dangerous than ever.
4: SEPT
As I type these amateurish prognostications together...it occurs to me that every single team in the tournament has been able to recruit players from a position of strength this season. SEPT had to beat one team in their playoffs and they did so in impressive fashion. They might have an ever better defence core than the group that won the 2012 Allan Cup.
5: Clarenville
6: Bentley Generals
The Army will not take it for granted that they have some sort of mystical force holding onto the handles of the holy grail. The truth of the matter is that they've lost more Allan Cups than they've won and for good reason! It is really hard to win. Especially in southern Ontario where...the last time Bentley appeared...they were unable to win a round robin game. This is basically the same scenario as 2008 from The Army's point of view. Although...I could argue its ever harder for them this time around...because they're defending champs. So, not only is The Army facing a field of Ontario favoured squads...they're doing it...as the focal point of the entire nation.