Making The Cut, Episode 10: Coming Up Aces

First up, a recap: Last week, twenty Black Aces were designated to play in the “last chance game” against the Elite squad. To the surprise of many, they won the game, and four players were cut from the Elite Squad (#57 Jefkins, #30 Cuthbert, #45 MacGillivray, and #27 Harkins). You can read about it here. Tonight, who will be promoted back to the Elite Squad? Who is going to be demoted to the Black Aces? Read on to find out!

The show opens for real on Day 10. Naturally, there is a lot of discussion about yesterday’s game. The “no fighting” rule is blamed for the high incidence of dirty play.

One player, #22 Demone, apologizes for an anti-French comment he made. It’s out of character for him, but he got caught up in the intensity of the moment after being slashed so hard by #24 Periard that Periard broke his stick.

We’re back in the War Room as the coaches further discuss the game. Coach Birch is looking for suggestions as to who should be promoted. The names of #20 Mole, #67 Fortier, #41 Strome, # 64 Mizzi, and #18 Kivell get positive responses; but #28 Tessier and #23 Nault do not. Somebody should let CBC know they need to clear about another ten weeks on the schedule – we’ll never get down to six players at this rate!

So they can blow off some steam, mentor and former NHL goalie Kelly Hrudey takes the boys out to a sports bar to watch a CFL game. For my American readers, the CFL is the NFL, done right. OK, I had to say that! ARRRRGOOOOOS!!

OK, back to your regularly-scheduled recap. We see two of the above (#20 Mole and #18 Kivell) being summoned to meet early with coaches Mike Keenan and Jack Birch. And sure enough, they get all-valuable promotions. To my surprise, they are the only ones to be promoted.

It is specially noted that the other three mentioned will be skating with the Elite Squad to fill out the rosters – and I wonder why, as Mizzi and Fortier have been “filling the roster” for a few episodes now. It is stated (later) that Black Aces can still move up to the Elite quad, but surely there can’t be many such opportunities ahead, can there?

Profile: #58 Eric Sonnenberg and #22 James Demone: Well, it’s not an official profile, but we get the story of these two buddies who have been playing hockey together ever since they were kids. Demone has been to NHL camp with the Senators and Eric has not, so they’re glad to be sharing the experience this time.

Next up is a session with #53 Drouin at the nutritionist. We learn that carbs are the only food for your brain – and it occurs to me that I should carb up before doing these recaps. Does carbs mean pizza? We also find out that proteins are there to “anchor” the carbs to extend endurance. That sounds good, there’s protein in beer, I think. However, the biggest problem (for them) is finding time to eat, as almost each day has physical training, a practice, and a game. Me? I set aside a lot of time for food!

Profile: #43 Paul Deniset: Wow, these profiles are getting weaker! Paul must have been found in a cabbage patch, for we see nothing of his home, family, or friends and only learn that he loves hockey. Sheesh!

Inured player #62 (but inexplicably wearing #15) Mamane talks about how frustrating it has been to miss out on so much of the experience. The other injured player is #50 Kahler, who tells us he wants to play so much that even if it hurts he’s not going to tell the trainers.

We learn that there will be a three-game series between newly created Gold and Blue teams. NHL Scouts and Player Agents have come to watch the games. They expect several prospects to get a legitimate shot at the NHL.

Pre-game, Team Gold is told that if they aren’t pulling their weight, their ice time is going to be cut back. Both teams are showing their nerves.

Finally, play starts, and 37 seconds into the game, #37 Noel scores for Team Blue. However, Team Gold responds with a marker from #24 Periard of the Black Aces. And then there’s the check.

It’s a perfectly legal check, but #24 Periard catches #59 Power with his head down as Power carries the puck cross-ice. Just from the sound of it, you know Power is not getting up right away. He’s helped off the ice, but he’s not breathing right and eventually ends up being taken to the hospital. Good plan, that – he really got clocked, he was obviously in a great deal of continual pain and I was wondering why it took so long to make that decision.

Hockey resumes. No, not in the NHL, just here. Team Gold gains the lead on a goalmouth scramble as Black Ace #41 Strome tucks it home. The period ends with Team Gold up 2-1.

Early in the second period, #53 Drouin walks right in and sinks a backhander to extend the lead to 3-1. There are few smiling faces on the Team Blue bench until #4 Couch drifts one in from the blueline.

After a skirmish, #14 Weir is accused of taking advantage of the “no fighting” rule by #4 Couch. He’s already wearing a black helmet. Take note of that for next week.