A night at the Glacier

Had an opportunity to check out a Mount Pearl H.J. Bartlett Electric Blades game against the Bell Island Family Drug Mart Blues (good call on the name change by the way, Mr. Brazil) earlier this week. This year's edition of the Blades are impressive lot. Great to see for an organization that has invested heavily in getting better, and great for senior hockey on the East coast.

Picked up a few tidbits roaming around the Glacier...

Blueliner John Ball, who came over from Clarenville last season, has been released by the team. It's said Ball wasn't keen on skating on the third defensive unit — behind the likes of Mike Lee and Brian Sutherland and Tyler Reid and Jon Reid — and asked for his release. Rumour is he'll be picked up by the Blues who desperately need the help. Mark Yetman is seeing ton of rubber — 65 shots from the Blades on Wednesday — between the pipes.

It's no secret Harry Bartlett has helped a few of the boys find employment since joining the Blades. Ball continues to work for him, as does Steve Pearson and goalie Roger Kennedy, along with a number of others. People may look at it and say it's the same as paying a player, but some of these young guys are getting training and a leg-up for down the road. It's even been remarked to Bartlett what a positive influence it's been on the guys. With all the garbage surrounding tampering and bloated player fees, it's refreshing.

Among those in attendance for Wednesday's game were former Breakers president Kenny Williams, former Avalon East boss and current Northeast chief Joe Maynard, current league president Kevin Dicks, Holy Cross soccer player Laura Breen and forward Adam Gear, who is headed back West to join the Corner Brook Royals this season.

Next time you're out to a game at the Glacier, bring something warm to wear and some mittens. The new heating system is installed — and will keep the rink warm enough to watch a game in a t-shirt — but it can't be turned on until the secondary rink being constructed next door is completed. Construction is supposed to be completed in December.

Finally, Bartlett tells me the Blades will be introducing a mascot in the not too distant future. He says it wil be a character based on a lightning bolt and some parties have already expressed an interest in donning the costume. I wonder will they take it on the road with them?