For some good news, and for some much-needed hockey news, let’s turn to the Ontario Hockey League. Last week they announced the results of their annual coaches poll. Columbus Blue Jackets 2018 first round draft pick Liam Foudy – who we saw make a two game cameo in February – showed up on the list three times. The forward for the conference-leading, division-winning London Knights was named the Best Skater in the Western Conference, which should come as no surprise to anyone who has seen him play. Dude can fly. In third place was his younger brother, Jean-Luc, who plays for the Windsor Spitfires. Guess those athletic genes passed to every Foudy child. Liam Foudy also won Best Penalty Killer in the Western Conference for the second year in a row, and finished second in the conference for Best Defensive Forward. A young forward who can play defense and kill penalties? Torts is going to love this kid, and one would expect him to have an inside track to making the roster out of camp next season.
Heck, he could join the team even sooner than that. Since the OHL has canceled the remainder of their season, if the NHL does resume play Foudy would be eligible to play for the Jackets. That could be a huge boost if guys like BJORKSTRAND and Texier aren’t ready. It’s not just his defense that could keep him here; he has shown he can score: he followed up 36 goals and 32 assists in 62 games last season with 28 goals and 40 assists in just 45 games this season. In addition he scored 3 goals in 7 games for Team Canada in the World Junior Championships.
Also making an appearance in the coaches poll is last summer’s seventh round pick, Tyler Angle. The Spitfires center finished second in the Western Conference for Most Improved Player. He recorded 67 points in 62 games (29 goals, 38 assists).
Erstwhile, on The Cannon
Elaine compiled an archive of the writings of late Cannon writer Jeff Little. They’re still worth a read all these years later.
MrSwift wrote about movies you can watch at home to keep yourself entertained.
Give a listen to last week’s Cannon Cast if you haven’t already. We talked about how we were adjusting to staying at home, and played a fun game called Fight, Liney, Scratch. Some readers chimed in with their own FLS combos in the comments.
Commenter BurkusCircus52 created a fanpost ranking EVERY jersey worn in the 2019-20 NHL season. I don’t agree with every part of the ranking but I admire the amount of effort it took for him to research and write this.
Play me out
This is a really hard time for professional musicians, as live performance is the primary way they support themselves. Many have turned to technology and the internet to provide live streamed performances for their fans. Here’s one from Angela Perley, whose music is featured on the Cannon Cast: