1950 ECHO Re-sign Phase

The Montreal Beavers would give a new 2-year contract to defenseman Mike Donovan, then re-sign center Gordie Silver to a brand new 4-year deal worth 173k annually. They would also give out a new 4-year deal worth 523k per year to center Henry Potvin and a 4-year deal worth 951k annually to winger John Peters.

On the other side of Montreal, the Métros would re-sign goalie Jalen Knevel to a 3-year deal worth 165k annually. They would also hand a new 412k/year, 4-year deal to winger Georges Héroux before bringing back the defending MVP in center Yvan Roy with a 5-year deal worth 1,01 million/year.

Ottawa would hand a brand new 3-year deal worth 191k annually to center Jarryn Green, a new three-year deal worth 82k/year to winger Henry Lee, a new 3-year deal 356k per year to defenseman Gerald Mulder, and finally, a brand new 5-year deal worth 941k annually to star winger Joe Djogo.

Quebec would give a new 2-year deal to winger John Bender, then re-sign winger Andrew Powell to a 3-year deal worth 84k per year. The Reds would also bring back defenseman Andrew Mike on a 5-year deal worth 830k per year and defenseman Evan James on a 5-year deal worth 1 million/year.

Trois-Rivières has been busy renewing contracts. They signed defenseman Brian Lee and winger Benoit Archambault to two-year deals. Winger Gary Fleming was also signed to a three-year deal, and defenseman Bryan Jack-Kurdyla received a $240,000 per year contract until 1953. Meanwhile, defenseman Chris MacKenzie was given a new four-year deal worth $139,000 per year, and defenseman William Paquette signed a new three-year deal worth $296,000 annually.

Charlottetown would re-sign winger Jean-Marie Ryan to a 4-year deal worth 387k/year and goaltender Stanley Fraser to a 3-year deal worth 492k per year.

Fredericton gave defenseman Paul Girard a new 2-year deal worth 288k per year, then re-signed winger Kain Marshall for 107k/ year until 1953 and winger Erik Smith for 166k per year until 1953.

Halifax would re-sign winger Steven Martin to a 3-year deal and then hand out a new 3-year 240k per year contract to winger Jamie MacKenzie.

Moncton would give winger Mark Ndahiro a brand new 3-year deal worth 157k per year, then re-sign winger Steve Wetherell to a 3-year, 245k per year deal. The Generals would also bring back winger Craig Therrien until 1954 for 462k per year.

Saint John did not re-sign any players.


Top Free Agents
1. D Bob Dezouvre, STJ
2. C Faith Hebert, MON
3. C Justin Manojlovic, STJ
4. C Michael MacKenzie, FRE (HFX)
5. C Alexander Burton, MON
6. W Danny Evans, CHA
7. C Renald St-Pierre, HFX
8. C Earl Baker, STJ
9. W Robert Gill, STJ
10. C Steven Prince, TRV (MTM)

1950/51 Preseason Power Rankings

1-Halifax Highlanders
The defending champs have maintained their strong core of players, with goaltender Alex Davis remaining vital to the team's success. However, some of their supporting cast may need to step up for the team to remain dominant. The addition of James Stewart and the development of Harold Sullivan could provide some extra depth at the center position. The team will rely heavily on Robert Mayne and Charlie Ellis on the wing, with potential breakout stars in Antony Sinclair and Gavin Scott. Defence could be a concern, as the team has few standouts outside Stanley Blackwood. The backup goaltending position could also be an area to watch, with Jamie Scott looking to prove himself behind Tristan Campbell. Overall, the defending champs have the potential to remain a top team but will need contributions from various players to stay on top.

Best Player: G Alex Davis
Best Rookie: C Michael Nelson

2-Quebec Reds
Quebec was one win away from winning it all last season and looks to continue their success this year. Alex Fortin leads a strong group of centers, with Bradley Stewart providing experience and Gabriel Caron and Lachlan Johnston providing depth. The team is strong on the wings, with Roy Davies and Nicholas Marriott leading and younger players like Dustin Fraser showing potential. On defence, Evan James is a standout performer, with Kevin Taylor and Bob Dezouvre providing substantial support. Patrick Bell is a reliable starter in the net, and Ray Young provides a solid backup option. Overall, this team has a strong lineup with experience and potential in every position and could threaten for a championship once again.

Best Player: D Evan James
Best Rookie: W Nicholas Marriott

3- Montréal Métros
The Métros have a strong core of forwards led by Yvan Roy, the league's top player. Thierry Rousseau is also a solid contributor, while Edouard Lefebvre and Bill Walker Jr. provide some promising young talent. On the wing, Tristan Loubier and Jean Sirois provide some offensive firepower, with rookie Gérard Moisan also showing potential. The team's biggest strength could be defence, with Robert Leblanc and Simon St-Pierre forming a formidable top pairing. Randall Clarke and David Grenier also have the potential to make contributions. In net, Jalen Knevel and Louis Giroux provide a solid tandem, with Giroux being a former high draft pick. Overall, Montréal looks to build off their playoff appearance with a strong group of forwards and a strong defence.

Best Player: C Yvan Roy
Best Rookie: C Bill Walker Jr.

4- Ottawa Knights
Ottawa is looking to bounce back after missing the playoffs last season. The center position is strong, with Guy Morrison and Doug Fournier providing talent and experience. On the wings, Joe Djogo is a veteran presence, and Robert Gill has the potential to be a breakout performer. Gilbert Houle and David Demers lead the defence, but there may be questions in the bottom pairings with younger players like Todd Bekkering and Wayne MacEachern. Tom Mullings is a reliable starter in net, but the team may be looking for more from their backup goaltending position with David Moreau or Christopher Peters. Overall, the Knights have potential with a strong group of forwards but will need consistent performances from their depth players and defence to make a push for the playoffs.

Best Player: D Arthur MacDonald
Best Rookie: W Glen Nash

5- Moncton Generals
Moncton may be looking to build off their playoff appearance last season, but they have a few question marks on the roster. Center Allan Wilson remains a top player, but the team will need more consistency from their other centers, especially Richard Tardif and David Howard. Daniel Hebert and Steve Wetherell on the wing provide some solid offensive potential, but there are some holes in the depth chart. The defence could be a strength, with Rick Murray and Glen Wallace providing a solid top pairing. However, there may be some inconsistency in the bottom pairings, with younger players in Hugh MacKenzie and Abélard Leroy. Emmett O'Leary is a promising young goaltender but may not be fully developed yet. The backup goaltender position is also a bit uncertain, with Peter Anderson being a recent free-agent signing. This team has potential but may need additional breakout performances from their depth players to make a serious push for the playoffs.

Best Player: G Emmett O'Leary
Best Rookie: W William Woods

6- Charlottetown Monarchs
Charlottetown missed the playoffs last year but has a mix of young talent and veteran leadership. Their center position is highlighted by Jacques Tremblay, who is looking to bounce back from a down year, and the up-and-coming William MacDougall. The wings are led by Ken Chang, who had a down year last year and supported by a mix of free agent signings and draft picks. Kenneth Wright and Dennis Pellerin anchor the defence but will need help from some of the younger players to improve their performance. In goal, Peter Chiasson is a reliable veteran but will be pushed by the young and talented Stanley Fraser. Overall, this team has the potential to compete for a playoff spot if the young players continue to develop and the veterans provide leadership on and off the ice.

Best Player: C Jacques Tremblay
Best Rookie: C Quinton Labelle

7-Montreal Beavers
The Montreal Beavers struggled last season, finishing dead last in their division. However, they have made some moves to improve their team. Henry Potvin is a bright spot at center, with the potential to be a top performer in the league. Jacob Cox is a strong winger with potential, while John Peters and Eric Russell provide some offensive depth. On defence, Chris King is a standout player with high potential, but the team may need more support from their remaining defensemen. William Parker is a young goalie with high potential in the net and could become a star in the league, while Glen Lloyd provides an excellent backup option. This team may still have some growing pains, but it has made moves to improve and could surprise some teams if their young players can develop quickly.

Best Player: D Chris King
Best Rookie: C Jock Stewart

8- Saint John Admirals
Saint John finished dead last in the league last season and has a tough road ahead of them to improve. Robert Davis is a solid center, but the team needs more depth. On the wings, Ephraim Gauthier and Louis Moreau show potential, but overall, the team could be more robust in this area. Lucien Dubois provides some experience in defence, but the rest of the defensemen are relatively young and inexperienced. Andy Fox is the starting goalie, while Bruce Lavoie and William Richer provide backup options. This team has a long way to go to become a competitive force in the league and will likely need help to climb out of last place.

Best Player: C Robert Davis
Best Rookie: D Harry Tubbs

9- Trois-Rivières Tigres
Trois-Rivières is a team with a mix of experienced players and promising young talent. Earl Baker and Michael MacKenzie provide experience at center, while rookies like Jérémie Bonheur offer potential. William Weber and Anatole Grenier have much experience and talent on the wings. Defence is led by Chris MacKenzie and Jean-Francois Doyle, with promising young players like Charles Wallace and Wilfred Gauthier showing potential. Nicolas Deschênes and Tyson Gravel provide experience in the net behind rookie Homer Rodgers. With a mix of experience and youth, this team could surprise some opponents this season.

Best Player: G Homer Rodgers
Best Rookie: G Homer Rodgers

10- Fredericton Stars
Fredericton is another team with a solid blend of experience and promising young talent. Justin Manojlovic is a skilled and experienced center, while Les Conner and Andrew Dupont are both highly-rated rookies. The team has a mix of veterans and young talent on the wings, with Erik Smith and Bob Wright showing promise. On defence, Rémi Bellefeuille and Christian Tang bring experience to the blue line, while young players like Paul Girard and Kevin Larkin show potential. Richard Jones is a capable goalie in the net, while Carol Blanchard is a young player. This team can potentially exceed expectations and surprise some opponents this season.

Best Player: C Justin Manojlovic
Best Rookie: C Les Conner

How do you see your team performing this season? Predictions are welcome, as are questions about ECHO like usual.

Kingsfan11 wrote:

finishing their season with 69 points

nice
 

1951 Sound Cup Finals
Halifax Highlanders vs Montréal Métros

Game 1: MTM 2 @ HFX 1 The game got off to a quick start as the Métros would score barely a minute in, with Sage Steeves besting Halifax goalie Alex Davis to put Montreal up 1-0. The Métros would take a lot of penalties over the rest of the first period, but the Highlanders could not capitalize on any of them. The two teams would exchange penalties in the second period, and Halifax would profit from a cross-checking penalty to Montréal's James LeRoux. Highlanders winger Martin Lindsay would make the Métros pay and send the puck into the back of the net on the powerplay to tie the game at one apiece. A few minutes later, it would be Montréal's turn to score on the powerplay, with center Edouard Lefebvre scoring with a well-placed shot to put his team back in the lead. Despite Halifax's efforts to equalize, the Métros would stand tall defensively for the rest of the game as Montréal's Jalen Knevel would stop 26 of the 27 shots he faced on the way to the victory. After the game, the Highlanders would learn that winger Robert Mayne would miss games 2 and 3 due to injury.

Game 2: MTM 2 @ HFX 1 Penalties would continue to be exchanged between the two teams to open the game, and the Métros' Robert Leblanc would capitalize on a Halifax penalty late in the first period to open the scoring with a powerful slapshot. Montréal wouldn't give up anything to the Highlanders for the rest of the period. About midway through the second period, the Métros would see their lead doubled by star center Yvan Roy's goal. Halifax wasn't going to give up, and late in the second, winger Martin Lindsay sent the puck past Métros goalie Jalen Knevel to bring the score to 2-1. Unfortunately for the Highlanders, Montréal wouldn't allow anything else for the rest of the game and would take a 2-0 series lead

Game 3: HFX 6 @ MTM 3 Halifax didn't want to go down 3-0 in the series and started the game aggressively on offence. That would eventually pay off as center Harold Sullivan's shot would rebound off of a Montréal player onto the stick of his teammate Oscar Wilson, who would put Halifax up 1-0 with a quick shot. Montréal would try to counter Halifax's aggressiveness with some of their own, which would cost them as Highlanders center Sean Fontana would capitalize on a Métros penalty to give Halifax a 2-goal lead late in the 1st period. However, the Highlanders weren't done, and early in the second, winger Charlie Ellis would score on a rebound to get Halifax up by 3. Montréal would finally get one back a minute later when Alexander Li's shot found the back of the net. The Métros weren't done, and a few minutes later, after a big hit by defenseman Ronald Miller on Halifax's Charlie Ellis, star center Yvan Roy would bring Montréal within one with a great slapshot past Halifax goalie Alex Davis. A few minutes later, Halifax's lead was two goals again, thanks to a goal from second-year defenseman Clark Brodhead. That wouldn't do for the Métros, and late in the second, defenseman Robert Leblanc would bring the Halifax lead back down to 1. Almost midway through the third period, Halifax would get a powerplay, and after a bunch of saves from the Montréal goalie, winger Jamie MacKenzie would make it 5-3 for the Highlanders on a rebound shot. Halifax would remain strong defensively, and defenseman Chris Davis would eventually confirm the victory with an empty-net goal.

Game 4: HFX 5 @ MTM 4 (OT) The two teams would be off to the races early, and the Métros would strike first, with winger Jean Sirois giving Montréal the opening lead 2 minutes into the game. Halifax would counter with Charlie Ellis' goal a few minutes later to tie the game at 1. The flurry of goals would continue late in the 1st period when Montréal's Tristan Loubier would score off of a rebound on the powerplay to give the Métros the lead back. The Highlanders would capitalize on a Montréal penalty almost midway through the second period when winger Anthony Sinclair's slapshot found the back of the net to tie it back up. A few minutes later, Halifax would take the lead thanks to a powerplay goal from Charlie Ellis, his second goal of the game. Montréal would reply late in the second period when Edouard Lefebvre would find the back of the net on the powerplay to tie the game at 3. A minute later, Halifax was in the lead again, thanks to the returning Robert Mayne. Early in the third period, Montréal would tie it up again thanks to a great shot from Tristan Loubier. The two teams would then play tight defensively for the rest of regulation time and need overtime. About halfway through overtime, Halifax's Charlie Ellis would complete his hat trick with a slapshot to give Halifax the win and tie the series at 2.

Game 5: MTM 2 @ HFX 5 Tensions were heightened as the series returned to Halifax for this pivotal game. The teams would be very aggressive on offence to start the game, and eventually, it would pay off for the home team. Halifax would strike first, with winger Joseph Drouin scoring on his first shot of the game 4 minutes into the first period. The two teams would remain defensively sound for the rest of the period. Early in the second period, Halifax's Jermaine Thompson would be sent to the penalty box on a double minor penalty for high sticking, which the Métros would capitalize on almost near the end of the penalty when Edouard Lefebvre's slapshot would beat Highlanders goaltender Alex Davis to tie the game at 1. Midway through the second period, the Métros would find themselves buzzing in the offensive zone as they would send multiple shots on goal, which would almost all be stopped by the Halifax goalie. Indeed, Montréal would be propulsed into the lead thanks to a well-placed wrist shot from star center Yvan Roy. Of course, Halifax wasn't about to roll over and late in the second, Highlanders winger Anthony Sinclair would tie the game at 2 with a rocket past Montréal goalie Jalen Knevel. The Halifax offensive aggressiveness would pay off again midway through the third period when defenseman Chris Davis' shot found the back of the net to put his team back in the lead. A few minutes later, Gavin Scott would put Halifax up by 2 with a shot that would beat the Montréal goalie between the pads. The Highlanders would tighten up defensively for the rest of the third period and, after an empty net goal from Anthony Sinclair, would take home the victory to give themselves a chance to lift the Sound Cup in the next game.  

Game 6: HFX 3 @ MTM 4 (OT) This game was even more pivotal than the last one, with Halifax one win away from their 3rd triumph in 4 years and the Métros looking to stop them for a chance at their 2nd Sound Cup in team history. It would start great for Montréal as winger James LeRoux would score on the powerplay to put his team up 1-0. The aggressive play of the Métros wouldn't shake Halifax, and later in the first period, winger Martin Lindsay would find the back of the net with a well-placed wrist shot to tie the game at 1. Midway through the second period, Montréal center Yvan Roy would score on the powerplay to put his team back in the lead. A few minutes later, that lead was doubled when Tristan Loubier's slapshot reached the back of the net. Halifax wasn't going to give up, and 1 minute later, Charlie Ellis would bring the Highlanders within one with a slapshot of his own. Halifax would continue to get blocked on their scoring chances until early in the third period when winger Jermaine Thompson would beat the Montréal goalie glove-side to tie the game at 3. No one would allow another goal until the end of regulation, and we would need overtime again. About 4 minutes into overtime, Montréal center Yvan Roy would take a pass from defenseman Randall Clarke and entered the Halifax zone. Seeing a man near the net, Roy would make a pass that ended up on his teammate Tristan Loubier's stick. All Loubier had to do was flick the puck over the outstretched pad of Halifax goalie Alex Davis to score the game-winning, series-tying goal.   

Game 7: MTM 1 @ HFX 7 The pressure was on full blast for the two teams for this ultimate game to decide who would be Sound Cup Champions. That would be evident early as both teams had excellent chances but couldn't convert. Almost midway through the opening frame, Halifax winger Robert Mayne would score for the first time since Game 4 to give the home team the opening lead. Almost a full 20 minutes of play where both teams tried as hard as they could to get a goal went by before there would be another goal. The Highlanders' Anthony Sinclair would break the silence with a powerful slapshot to put Halifax up by 2. The Highlanders would continue to dominate, and later in the second period, Martin Lindsay would make it 3-0 for the locals with a quick shot past the Montréal goalie. The Métros wouldn't let themselves lose this game, and a few minutes later, Montréal center Thierry Rousseau would find the back of the net to make the score 3-1. Of course, Halifax didn't take it well, and a few minutes later, a well-placed wrist shot from James Stewart restored the Highlanders' 3-goal lead. The Halifax dominance would continue in the third period as Highlanders center Sean Fontana would find the back of the net with a fantastic slapshot while on the penalty kill early in the period, and then later in the period, defenseman Alain Leblanc would make it a 6-1 game with a slapshot of his own. The carnage would not stop as Martin Lindsay would score his second of the night a few minutes later to give Halifax a 7-1 lead. A fully broken Montréal squad watched Halifax run down the clock and secure the Cup-clinching victory to repeat as champions.



1951 Sound Cup Champions: Halifax Highlanders (3)



 Let me know what you think of this final. C&C is appreciated, as always. You can also ramp up the submitting of prospects for the ECHO; I am sorely in need of prospects.

Last edited by Kingsfan11 (10/07/2023 12:07 am)

1951 League Meetings

ECHO Changes

In the early years of the ECHO, teams promoted players from their youth teams or recruited from outside their market. That would change this year as the owners would come together and vote on a new method of acquiring rookies, which would be a draft. A 4-round draft was established, and the draft order would be determined by reverse order of finish, with the inaugural draft order as follows:

1. Fredericton
2. Trois-Rivières
3. Saint John
4. Quebec
5. Montreal Beavers
6. Charlottetown
7. Ottawa
8. Moncton
9. Montréal Métros
10. Halifax

The owners also decided that the teams could now trade players and picks between each other, a policy taking effect after the draft. A trade deadline would also be established; it would be placed at a date shortly after the season's midway point.

Trouble in Saint John

The Saint John Admirals have been facing difficulties lately. The team's performance on the ice has been poor, resulting in a significant drop in attendance as fans hesitate to waste their money watching an incompetent team. The situation worsened when owner Cassius Griffiths fell ill during the league meetings. Griffiths would delegate most of his duties to his son, Ethan, who has no interest in taking over as owner of the Admirals and will do so temporarily but reluctantly.

The World at Large
OEHL

A few days after his Toronto Thunderbirds defeated the Hamilton Sabres in the OEHL finals, Thunderbirds owner and OEHL president Sir Spencer Lancaster was asked about what he thought of the ECHO's rise and if he considered the ECHO a potential threat to the OEHL. With a smirk, Lancaster responded:
« The ECHO may be successful now, but once (Halifax owner Riley) McCullough and (Charlottetown owner Arthur) King realize that their teams are way better than the other teams in the league, they'll pull out, and the ECHO will fade into the annals of history. The ECHO is not a threat to the OEHL and never will be.» 

Let me know what you think. Comments and criticisms are welcome. You can also start ramping up the sending of prospects for the draft, as I will start putting together the draft class over the next few days.

Last edited by Kingsfan11 (11/09/2023 8:54 pm)