[Professional Blog] One more for the road

With the Herder awarded, this could be my last blog on senior hockey related matters for some time. Unless Keith Delaney announces his retirement or the West Coast league foolishly decides to give the Caribous the old heave-ho, you wont hear a peep out of me. Following the CeeBees failed attempt at a fourth straight Herder (my heart really does go out to the faithful C.B.N. fans, I know how badly you wanted this one) outgoing coach Eddie Oates insisted what we saw in the dressing room following Game 5 would not be the same team that returns next fall. We can speculate until the cows come home about what he might have specifically meant by that, but its pretty clear some guys probably wont be getting as a hard look at next years tryouts. Nothing to fear, lots of bluechips in the system on their way up. And you can probably add one more to that list for the 2010-11 season, Bay Roberts native Cody Roach. The Cumberland Cool Blues all-time leading scorer (213 points in three seasons) is back on the island this week for the Don Johnson Cup and in speaking with him about his return, he said hell probably be back here before long playing senior. Nine chances out of ten Im probably going to end up playing senior hockey back in Newfoundland somewhere, Roach said about his plans following the 2009-10 campaign, his last with junior eligibility. I would like to play with the CeeBees, but I could end up anywhere. Having gone through the CeeBees minor system, hes their property. And his parents, Edsel and Maureen, are CeeBees fans and would love to see their son come home to play for the community. We havent seen much of him now in three years, and if he goes back itll be another year gone, said the elder Roach. Wed love to see him back playing for our home team when the day comes. At least well be able to watch him play a few games locally and support his own area. Look for more on Cody Roach in tomorrow's edition of the Telegram and online at www.thetelegram.com