Hey all! Here is our feature running Monday through Friday that will bring you up to date on what’s going on in the media pertaining to the Winnipeg Jets and elsewhere in the NHL.
Ed. Note: Now that we are through with the Stanley Cup Finals, Altitude Check will only be running on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
Here is what's in the news for Wednesday, July 18, 2012:
In which Ondrej Pavelec expresses disappointment in himself: “I’m disappointed in myself for this error in judgment. I’m thankful no one was injured as a result of my actions. I want to sincerely apologize to our fans, the Winnipeg Jets organization, and to my teammates for any embarrassment this has caused. I’m truly sorry for letting you all down.” Pavelec seems genuinely remorseful for his act, which is a good sign. The fact that he chose to address the media so soon after his sentencing is also a positive. While the act of drunk driving is not something to be taken lightly, the next step in this process will be for fans and management to be able to forgive. [Winnipeg Sun]
Paul Friesen questions the off-season commitment of players like Pavelec and Dustin Byfuglien who have both had run-in’s with the law over the past two years. With his court date looming, keep in mind that Byfuglien is still innocent until proven guilty. [Canoe]
Pete Tessier thinks that the fan base should move on from the Pavelec incident. Can't say that I agree though, as there is still a lot to be hammered out in this whole ordeal. I would hope that Pavelec at least does some anti drunk driving PR and community service explaining some of the perils of driving intoxicated. [Hockey Buzz]
Sources (not named the HockeyyInsiderr) speculated yesterday that the Jets and star forward Evander Kane are working on signing a long term contract which may rival those of John Tavares and Phil Kessel, keeping him in Winnipeg for quite some time. [WFP]
Greg Wyshynski of Puck Daddy also weighs in on the potential of Kane re-signing in Winnipeg. [Puck Daddy]
Ed Tait touches on the Jets initiative to ice a bigger roster and the addition of 6’4″ prospect Adam Lowry over the next few years will stick to that creedence. [WFP]
Kevin Cheveldayoff was pretty disappointed that Ivan Telegin couldn’t take part in this summers development camp: “We would have loved to have had him here on the ice, but he’s been able to participate in the off-ice stuff. It really signals how quickly things can change for an individual or an organization. You just have to be ready to roll with the punches. We’re thankful the injury has been dealt with and it’s under our care now. He’s going to continue rehab and it looks like everything should be a full recovery.” [WFP]
More news from the Kitchener Rangers v. The Michigan Daily as the OHL franchise has served the US-based newspaper with libel papers. This all stems from a report released in early July stating that the Rangers had offered Winnipeg Jets prospect Jacob Trouba $200,000 to forgo his collegiate career with the University of Michigan. [USOH]
Ching-ching! Mike Green is the latest NHL defenseman to cash in this free agency period, inking a three year 18.25MM contract. That sound you hear is Calgary Flames fans sobbing that Jay Feaster is still their General Manger. [Japers Rink]
The New Jersey Devils have named Scott Stevens and Matt Shaw as assistant coaches to Pete DeBoer. Stevens served as a part-time assistant coach under Jacques Lemaire during his 2010-11 tenure. [In Lou We Trust]
Where will Shane Doan wind up? [SB Nation]
Daniel Wagner offers a piece on Florida Panthers goaltending prospect Michael Houser and how he has overcome a lot in his life to be where he is today. Houser, if you didn’t know, was born with bilateral club feet. [Backhand Shelf]
Jeremy Roenick thinks quite highly of New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski: “I’m a Patriots fan. I grew up in Boston. I’m a big Patriots fan, a big Wes Welker fan, a big Tom Brady fan. So, being from that area, the Gronk is the next best thing to Jesus Christ, in my opinion. (Laughs) So, That’s my team.” [Puck Daddy]
More fantastic writing from Ellen Etchingham who relives the 2002 Western Conference Finals between the Detroit Red Wings and the Colorado Avalanche. [Backhand Shelf]
Finally, Elliotte Friedman provides his thoughts on the NHL's unrealistic CBA proposal. [CBC]
