Quebec Nordiques

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1 Team Roster
2 Blockbuster of Blockbusters
3 Mirch fired over strip club incident; Dreammitchconner promoted
- 3.1 Ellis made top pick in 2009
- 3.2 Ryan Durke targets....Tavares?
4

[edit] Team Roster

Center

Sidney Crosby
Patrice Bergeron
Jordon Staal
Mikhail Grabovski
Paul Gaustad

Left Wing

Andrei Kostitsyn
Jarko Ruutu
Sergei Smasonov
Clarke MacArthur
Zach Kassian (F)

Right Wing

Martin Erat
Micheal Frolik
Colby Armstrong
Evgeny Artyukhin
Simon Hjalmarsson (F)

Defencemen

Mike Green
Flilip Kuba
Chris Campoli
Boris Valabik
Andrej Meszaros
Jordan Leopold
P.K Subban (F)
Michael Del Zotto (F)
Ryan Ellis (F)

Goaltenders

Steve Mason
Jonas Hiller
Dustin Tokarski (F)

Nova Scotia Spartans (Farm team)

Simon Hjalmarsson (F) Zach Kassian (F) Ryan Ellis (F)
Michael Del Zotto (D) P.K Subban (D) Dustin Tokarski

[edit] Blockbuster of Blockbusters

The Quebec Nordiques GM Ryan Durke & Jugo Three of the Seattle Spectres put the finishing touches on the biggest deal in the history of the IGNHL. Quebec lands the best Center on the planet in Sidney Crosby as well Martin Erat and a 1st round pick in this summers draft.

Going back the other way are 3 large pieces in any GM's puzzle in Jonathan Toews, Corey Perry & Phil Kessel. Seattle also gets Quebec's 3rd round pick. Quebec had previously dealt their 2nd round pick last summer along with Brooks Laich for super-prospect Zach Kassian. This means Quebec will likely have 2 top ten picks in this summer's draft, but not pick again until round 4.

"We've hit a home run player wise." Durke said "There's not a GM in the league who wouldn't have traded his orginal 25th, 71st & 131st picks for Sidney Crosby 2 summers ago. The problem is, nobody would agree to that. You have to take those picks and turn them into something worth trading for. Our scouting staff has done a fantastic job, and they deserve a ton of credit for landing the best player in the world."

Last season, Quebec finished 8th overall in the IGNHL. They were a young team on the rise, and the belief was they would push hard for top honors this year. However, the once brilliant goaltending tadem of Rookie of the Year Steve Mason & Jonas Hiller faltered a few weeks into the season, and never recovered. Christopher Higgins, who was protected last year over Teemu Selanne, Mike Fisher & others, crapped the bed all year, and has been banished to parts unknown, I'm serious, where is this guy? Injuries also hurt, as Kessel missed a large portion of the season recovering from off-season surgery.

"We've stumbled, no doubt. To make this deal truly historic for this franchise, we have to make those 2 top 10 picks count. Our farm is getting restless, Guys like P.K Subban, Ryan Ellis & Zach Kassian, they allow as to help our team right now with those 2 picks, we don't have to use them for the future. We want to win sooner, not later"

The addition of Martin Erat to the deal might go unnoticed by some, but TSN.com's Rob Makcensie, sees it as a shrewd move on Durke's part.

"With the league protection rules in-place, Quebec stood to lose a major player for nothing July 1st" says Makcenise "Durke identified this early, and made it known to the league had he was willing to deal, and frustrated with his team's play, anyone was available. I don't know if he thought he could get Crosby or not, but he did a great job adding pieces to this deal. With a 3 for 2 deal, the Nords free up a protection slot, while adding the best player in the world as well a solid RW to help soften the blow of gutting arguably the best pair of right-wingers in the league. Getting that #1 pick was just gravy."

[edit] Mirch fired over strip club incident; Dreammitchconner promoted

The Quebec Nordiques have relieved Randon Mirch of his assistant general manager duties early this morning. Mirch was arrested late last week after an altercation at a local strip club in Quebec City. Mirch allegedly struck a stripper when she couldn't make proper change for a lap dance.

This was not the first incident when Mirch got into hot water with ownership. During a charity fundraiser in the month of April, Mirch released a pair of endangered Owls from their cage. The Owls were subsequently sucked into the air conditioner ducts, and killed. Mirch later claimed to have been drugged by aliens. He would also put cardboard cut-outs of himself in from of his webcam during conference calls.

Tim Dreammitchconner has since been promoted from the Nordiques law division to assistant GM affective immediately. While DMC's hockey management experience is limited, GM Ryan Durke felt he as a keen mind for the game.

Mirch will stay on in a lesser role, possibly in the house-keeping or food services departments.

[edit] Ellis made top pick in 2009

The Quebec Nordiques wasted no time adding to their already formidable young defence corps, adding superstar junior Ryan Ellis.

"He's won just about everything you can possibly win prior to getting drafted", GM Ryan Durke said, "He's also got tons of character, and an NHL one-timer from the point."

[edit] Ryan Durke targets....Tavares?

Less than 1 week from IGNHL's first combined Continuation and 2009 Entry drafts, Golden Eagles GM Ryan Durke says his team has targeted superstar sniper in the waiting John Tavares, with their first pick in the 2009 draft.

"Without a doubt, he's the most promising young player in the draft, and we plan on taking him. 100%, he's ours"

It was a very puzzling event, as the Golden Eagles, formerly the Quebec Nordiques, sit at 13th on the draft board, and no trades can be made until the drafts completion. Even more odd, was the fact that Durke wasn't speaking to the local media at a press conference. Rather, he was speaking through a megaphone to no-one in particular outside the Eagle's home arena.

He later called up Honolulu GM Gorridon Loowe to talk about John Tavares.

"Yeah, its Tavares right? You want Tavares?" Durke spoke on the phone " yeah, well we're taking him.......no you don't understand, we're gonna pick him okay? It doesn't matter that you have the fir.....No, no, no, let me break it down for you, we are taking Tavares, and there is nothing you can do about it."

"What's his problem anyway?" Durke continued after hanging up the phone, " i told him we were gonna take Tavares, he's just being a jerk about it. Its not like we're gonna just sneak in there and grab him without telling anyone, I'm telling everyone now sso they don't waste a pick for a guy who only wants to play in Golden..." he shuffles through some paperwork on his desk, "......Colorado."

[edit]

[edit] Nordiques staying in Quebec

After an unbelievable series of events, the sale of Quebec Nordiques to a group of investors in Colorado, has been voided by IGNHL commissioner Dary Quigman.

"We had some suspicions" said Quigman, "and after a closer look at the group's finances it became apparent, they did not possess the captial to purchase the team. Where they got the money for the down payment remains a mystery."

Or maybe it doesn't. At least 2 of the investors have strong ties to Verizacon Communications. Verizacon CEO, Tim Baldsmelly, has been actively trying to purchase an IGNHL franchise for some time now. Both Niagara and New Westminster were originally targeted by Baldsmelly, and initally it seemed that the league would welcome him to the fold. However, questions about his character began to come to the for front. During negotiations to buy the Niagara Falls, he began a television campaign which outright frightened people. In it he claimed that once installed as "overlord", yes he said overlord, he would use the raw power of the actual Niagara waterfalls to fuel his "weather dominator" which would be the first step in his taking over the universe.

At the time, Quigman responded:

"We here at the IGNHL believe the universe is currently under proper management. We would certainly not want to jeopardize that by giving more power to a Cobra Commanderish man like Baldsmelly"

Baldsmelly was furious, in retaliation, he air-lifted New Westminster Trojans home arena and brought it to his secret underwater base of operations. The Trojans will be playing Winter Classics all season long this year as a result.

Whether Baldsmelly had a hand in this almost-purchase, might never be revealed, but fans in Quebec are relieved they have their team for at least on more year.

[edit] Nords no more

All great things must come to an end. The Nordiques ownership group accepted a buyout from a group of investors based in Golden, Colorado. The franchise will be relocated to Golden for the following season, and take on the team name Eagles. No word if GM Ryan Durke will remain with the organization, although his contract as GM with the club expires this July 1st. Insider sources say Niagara have asked for permission to speak with Durke.

[edit] Nordiques find Green a Partner

Its no secret, Nordiques GM Ryan Durke has been looking to upgrade his blue line for some time now. Mike Green is having a Norris Trophy type season, but Quebec's current lack of depth on D has forced him to carry a load no defenceman in the league could handle. He's the only player producing consistently from the back end, and it has crippled this teams Assist & PPA totals.

Tobias Enstrom's a joke of a defenceman, and he's unwelcome on any team trying to go in the right direction, which is why he fits in so well in Atlanta.

Matt Carle has been okay. Philadelphia's depth on D doesn't afford him much PP time. Still Carle would himself admit, 18 points in 63 games in his 3rd full season is not where the former Hobey Baker winner would like to be. Especially after putting up an impressive 42 points as a rookie in 2007. Carle is currently suitable as a 3rd or 4th Dman on the depth chart.

Which is where veteran Filip Kuba comes in. Quebec acquired the Czech for a 3rd round pick. Having just signed a 3 year deal to remain in the NHL Kuba was a big surprise this year in Ottawa. He's put up decent numbers, numbers that will likely go up next year when the Sens are playing under offensive-minded coach Cory Clouston for entire season. When asked earlier today how he felt about joining the IGNHL's Nordiques fantasy team he said:

"huh?"

After quickly educating him on IGNHL and fantasy sports in general he said:

"oh well it'll be great i guess"

Kuba has put up Career numbers this year in Ottawa. His best season prior to this year was 2007 when he had 37 points in 81 games. So far this year, he has 33 in just 53 games. Even more impressive, he's a +9 on a Senators team full of minus players who have struggled most of this season.

"When we look at adding players," says GM Durke, "we look at what we need. People say 'oh he only has 2 goals' well this team doesn't need more goals, we are loaded with goal scorers. Don't take my word for it, just look at the numbers. We need assists, in even strength and on the Power play. You look at what one player can do for us. Add his assists to our team's total, and we leap frog 5 teams in each category. We go up a couple spots in SOG too.

"What really matters is, while he helps us there, he doesn't hurt us in other places. He's a + player on a bad team this year. To this team, he's worth a mid 3rd round pick, heck, he's worth more than that based on some the trade talks I've had going into the deadline, he's absolute bargain."

[edit] Finished Flash?

Mike Fisher's reign as eldest skater on the Nordiques lasted only a few hours, when Quebec selected Teemu Selanne. Selanne is currently without a contract but to GM Ryan Durke, felt it was a high-reward, low loss roll of the dice. Raffi Torres is another veteran added to the Nords over the last few days.

Already among the youngest teams in the league, Quebec added Michael Del Zotto, Mikhail Grabovski & Robbie Schremp to their roster as well. All 3 players are farm eligible next season, and Grabovski & Schremp are both expected to step into regular roles on young teams looking for offensive firepower next year.

July 17th 2008

[edit] Mutiny averted as Nords catch a Fish

The Quebec Nordiques added a little character, leadership and heart with their 14th round selection of Mike Fisher. Fisher, one of the league's premier two-way players, is now the oldest skater on the team having just turned 28. The former Selke trophy nominee, is coming off a career best 23 goals, which followed two consecutive years of 22 goals. He also had a career best 215 shots last year playing a regular shift, powerplay & penalty killing minutes.

There were some tense moments prior to the Nordiques selection, as many GMs felt Ryan Durke purposely let the clock run on his team's pick just to annoy and anger fellow GMs. One rabid GM actually wanted to change the CBA, in mid-draft, specifically the portion the 12 hour sliding pick. A frustrated Durke commented on that today.

"It was not my intention to hold up the draft. I sat and waited patiently for my pick. You didn't hear me calling for heads when nobody knew where Niagra's GM was did you? Midnight rolled around, and i said '%$#@ this', i'll make my pick in the morning if this guy sticks his head out. My aides actually told me some clown GM wanted to force my assistant, who was at home without access to our draft board, to make the selection. Lets just throw the rules out the window because its convient for you. I want him, and everyone else to know, the league offices are seriously looking into these comments, and legal action may be taken. All this, after i looked the other way when this guy, who will remain nameless, made a pass at a druken Corey Perry at our post draft party. Yeah guy, i saw that. You know what that is? Tampering."

July 16 2008

[edit] Giggy and the Hill

The Quebec Nordiques drafted their second goaltender earlier today, and they didn't have to look far. Jonas Hiller backed up Nords #1 pick, Jean-Sebastien Giguere last year, his first in the pros. The Swiss native adapted quicker to the big leagues than most thought he would. As a matter of fact, Hiller had the best goals-against-average and save percentage of any goaltender playing at least 20 games. Giguere was no slouche either, he ranked 4th in GAA and 3rd in S% and 7th in wins. 7th, despite playing atleast 10 games less than any of the goalies ranked ahead of him.

"With this tandem,"GM Ryan Durke said, "I don't see many teams besting my squad between the pipes."

Giguere's trophy case is quite vast. The 2003 Conn Smythe trophy winner, added a Stanley Cup ring to his colllection last summer. He has yet to win a Vezina Trophy, as top goaltender in the regular season, but has his sights set on that goal next season.

Hiller was a uncommon commodity in this draft. With a mere 23 games to his credit, he's automatically protected in next summer's annual draft, as is Michael Frolik, drafted one day earlier.

July 15 2008

[edit] Durke to detractors : Frolik my Balls

The Quebec Nordiques turned many heads today with the selection of Michael Frolik with their 11th round choice in the IGNHL inaugural Draft. The talented Czech forward, has yet to play in the pros, but his amateur expolits paint a picture that GM Ryan Durke felt was to impressive to ignore.

"He's got the size, skill and smarts to be a top line player in this league" said Durke from his private Island villa, " He's going to intimidate many goaltenders in this league."

Frolik has spent the last 2 seasons learning the North American game with the QMJHL's Rimouski Oceanic. He also has stared for his home country in international events.

The Hockey News had him ranked as the 19th best prospect last year. Hockey's Future had him ranked as the 16th best prospect in the world last summer. As of this summer, he is the only skater listed from 1-16, who has yet to play Pro.

Not for long.

July 14 2008

[edit] Nords hunt for dynamic D-men

After selecting Mike Green in the 3rd round, Quebec sat back and watched as many GMs flocked for defencemen in the following rounds. The Nords padded their forward lines, and waited till the time was right.

"I had a list of 10 defencemen at the start of the draft," Quebec GM Ryan Durke said, " We ended up getting 3 of the 10, and one of them was still on the board afterwards."

The two they selected were Hobby Baker winner Matt Carle, and rookie sensation Tobias Enstrom. The trio of Green, Carle & Enstrom give Quebec arguably the best young defence in the league.

"The problem going forward, is keeping this core together. We have some fantastic forwards." Durke added," But they'll have to be really fantastic to give up one of these d-men"