Shawn Mullin's Trail Smoke Eaters Blog: November 26th Smokies Alumni Update

(Brett Corcoran as a Smoke Eater - Photo Randy Emery)

I'm going to try and keep a running list of where to get statistical updates on former Smoke Eaters that are playing hockey around the globe this season. This is an incomplete list and I'll be updating it as often as I can. If you have a link to a player I have not been able to find please pass it along at shawnsamsmullin@hotmail.com

This week Grant Rollheiser bounced back from a loss with a 3-2 victory for Boston University over Holy Cross. He is seemingly rotating with Kieran Millan and the major difference in their stats is that Millan has one shut out. That gave him enough of a boost to have a lead on Rollheirse in every other number. It's early yet, and as Leafs and Smokies fans know very well Rollie gets better and better as the season grows longer. The reason I mention this specifically is because I found a link to video highlights of BU games. All you see from Grant is the two goals he let in, but it's cool to get to see him in action. http://all-access.cbssports.com/player.html?code=bost&media=93438

Brett Skinner got sent back down to the AHL after an 11 game stint with the New York Islanders. He's a puck mover and didn't record any points so I think the demotion was inevitable. After a taste of the show I'm sure he's going to just work all that much harder to make sure he gets back.

The Cowichan Valley Capitals are going to be in Trail tomorrow night at 7:30pm for a very intriguing game. Former Smokies Brett Corcoran and Jimmy Geerin are important parts of the Capitals this season. Corcoran wears an A and is tied for the team lead in goals. Geerin is among their top scoring defensemen. Former Capitals Marco Raimondo and Brandon Clark have flourished with the Smokies. Raimondo has among the best numbers of any goaltender in the BCHL while Clark (wearing an A) has been a leader at both ends of the ice and off the ice for Trail. In addition to the players involved, Smokies Coach Jim Ingram was once an assistant under Capitals Coach Scott Robinson in the BCHL. They're old friends transformed into rivals when the puck drops tomorrow night. It should be a blast. I only wish we got to see the coast and island teams more often.