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www.oakvillebeaver.com The Oakville Beaver, Friday October 3, 2008 - 37 offer code 0001244 SA LE New season for FALL hope in hockey By Clayton Ward-Theriault GRADE 11, T.A. BLAKELOCK THE EVENT OF THE SEASON O n A l l Le a t h e r & S h e a r l i n g Fa s h i o n s a n d F i n e Le a t h e r Fu r n i t u re SAVE UP TO 50% PLUS a special offer $ T he baseball season is now a memory, the Blue Jays having achieved another level of failure. We are now preparing for the start of a new season of hope: hockey is back. Hockey is our sport; our national pride and the Toronto Maple Leafs carry our banner, "once more unto the breach..." so to speak. The buzz is out there. Many of my school friends and teachers are starting to show the telltale signs of HAS -- Hockey Anticipation Syndrome. The question now is how the Leafs will perform and how that performance will impact on the faithful. Of course, the performance of the Leafs depends upon the performances of their opponents. In a recent and unscientific survey of friends and teachers, I received a number of similar observations. "They're going to be at the bottom," said Grade 12 hockey defenceman Eric Kocken. History teacher Nathan Kellar was not too optimistic about our team, "I don't expect a lot of wins, but I do expect a tough brand of hockey." Mr. James Stainton was also in a down mood, "The Leafs will not make the playoffs, yet fans will continue to pay outrageous ticket prices and fill the building." The new season will start with a few changes. The Hockey Night in Canada theme music is now the property of TSN and I think ratings will go up because it is a Canadian icon. CBC will suffer from its decision to drop it. I am not surprised it fumbled this because it has fumbled before: curling and the CFL are also now with TSN. Based on what happened in the preseason, I think this season will be very close. I predict that the teams to watch are Detroit and Chicago in the West, and Washington and Montreal in the East. I'm sorry to say the Leafs will continue to lose and disappoint me. I do, however, believe that the team members will put their hearts into it more than we've seen in recent seasons. I also believe Ron Wilson will turn the team into a contender. The Leafs are going to be future contenders because they have a brilliant base, a new and successful coach, a good core team -- they just need a better first line and a stronger defense. I really would like to see Sundin return. It is, however, going to be another depressing season for fans. On the overall scene, I predict a few dark horses. In the West, I think Minnesota will have a `wild' season and the player to watch is Marion Gaborik. In the East, Tampa Bay will have a `striking' season. Two players in this team who will impact are Steven Stamkos and Vincent Lecavalier. By the way, they're both Canadians. As a final prediction for this new season, I firmly believe Lord Stanley's Cup will be contested by Montreal and Detroit. Detroit will win in seven. up to Save $50 off your total purchase of $495 or more Save $100 off your total purchase of $995 or more One coupon per purchase. * Savings are applicable on any combined purchase (before taxes). Not applicable on previous purchases. Offer valid until Oct 15, 2008 100off * 49 Eastern Av. Acton Hwy 401 to Hwy 25 North 519 - 853 -1031 Mon. - Sun. 10am - 6pm Fri. 10am - 9pm www.hidehouse.ca Silent Angel Street Hockey to raise awareness for Rett Syndro m e October 5/08 · Details at www.rettfundraiser.com