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                              Welcome to.....

West	Central	East
1. David Kaczowka..Seattle	1. Stephen Peat...Calgary	1. Darcy Hordichuk...Sask.
2. Mitch Fritz....Kelowna	2. Eric Godard...Lethbridge	2. Travis Churchman..Regina
3. Jason Bone...Kamloops	3. Graham Belak...Kootenay	3. Randy Ponte....Brandon
4. Darren McLachlan..Seattle	4. Craig Brunel...Red Deer	4. Kris Mallette....M. Jaw
5. Eric Bowen....Portland	5. Brett Shefflemaier.Med Hat	5. Barrett Jackman...Regina
6. K.C. Timmons...Tri-Cities	6. Josh Maser....Med. Hat	6. Matt Sommerfeld....S.C.
7. Mike Lee...Tri-Cities	7. Jim Vandermeer..Red Deer	7. Steven MacIntyre...Pr. Alb.
8. David Boychuk..Spokane	8. Dion Lassu....Kootenay	8. Jordan Clarke...Pr. Albert
9. Jeff Feniak...Tri-Cities	9. Derek Parker...Lethbridge	9. Colton Orr...S.Current
10. Three Tough Hombres	10. Robin Gomez....Calgary	10. Mark Forth....Sask.

 

The West

# 1. David "Not Goliath" Kaczowka (Seattle)...LW, 6'2", 205lbs, 07/05/81
NHL rights: Atlanta Thrashers

   Kaz moves into the top spot this month, not based on his record, but more because of some rather questionable moves by former number one Mitch Fritz, who is likely the division's best fighter, but is surely not the leagues smartest. Kaz is an honest fighter, who squares off and chucks 'em with anybody though March was a slow month that saw him fight only three times, his opponents were Mitch Fritz, Eric Bowen and Jeff Feniak, all tough customers.
 
 

# 2.   Mitch "Hurricane" Fritz  (Kelowna)...LW, 6'7", 260lbs, 02/22/82

The "hurricane" is again blowing much more like a "slight breeze", finding only two dance partners in David Kaczowka and Jason Bone. Another factor in the drop down to the two spot is the fact Mitch has a propensity for going after sixteen year old rookies who aren't regarded as fighters or who go looking for trouble, costing Mitch a lot of respect from other tough guys and fans alike. When you're six foot seven and over 260 pounds, chasing rookies around the rink (and not being able to catch them) makes this reputed tough guy look foolish. No doubt that straight up, Mitch is the division's best fighter, he just needs to learn his role and do it smarter to rank as the number one guy on the FM site.
 

# 3. Jason "Bad To The" Bone - (Kamloops) - RW, 6'2", 206lbs,05/10/80

 Jason jumps from the five spot to the three spot for having as much jam as any player in the division. This guy has had numerous battles with Mitch Fritz and never once refusing a date with the big guy, he's also taken on every other heavyweight whos wanted a go this year. Though he hasn't won as many as he'd like, nobody has shown more "go" than Jason this season, or more heart. On a rookie laden team with a lack of fighting toughness, Jason, a  nineteen year old rookie himself, has defended his teammates without hesitation, being the consumate team player.
 
 

# 4. "Darren "I'm not Sarah" McLachlan (Seattle) LW, 6'4", 223lbs, 02/16/83

Darren moves to the four spot from the seven spot after an active five fight month that saw the sixteen year old rookie fight Chad Grisdale,Travis Moen, Aaron Gionet, Adam Johnson and Chad Grisdale a second time just for good measure. This guy has future heavyweight champion stamped all over him. He  plays the game well enough to get plenty of ice time to ply his trade and appears to enjoy the enforcers role. Well over two hundred pounds and six feet already, this guy looks to be the "real deal" in the years to follow out west.
 
 

# 5.  Eric "Roller Hockey" Bowen -(Portland)....C - 6'2", 225 lbs, 10/30/82

  As an eighteen year old rookie this season, Eric has had his ups and downs, however he has continued to work on his game and figure out the tough guys role. Four fights in the month of March saw him entertain the likes of Daivd Kaczowka, Jason Bone and David Morissette, also moving up one spot from six to five. Big, strong and willing, Eric just needs to improve his balance and punching accuracy to become a force on the heavywweight scene, as he wastes a lot of energy missing with big bombs and trying to recover from the bad positions he gets into after missing with the big shot. A force to reckon with in the future for sure.
 
 

# 6. K.C. "Don't Steal My Sunshine" Timmons (Tri-Cities)...LW, 6'4", 222lbs, 04/06/80
NHL rights: Colorado Avalanche

  Hate to rank a guy as tough as K.C. in the six spot, however, a dull month with only one fight against Jason Beckett in his holster and a lack off physical play has made the decision easier. This guy can throw bombs, however his physical presence has become less of a factor as the season has worn down, thus making him a less effective player. Hopefully K.C. picks up his consistency next year as he's likely to move onto the pro's.
 

#7. Mike "Wild Man" Lee (Tri-Cities)- RW, 6'0", 220lbs, 05/22/80

  Tough to rank a guy who broke the jaw of his only dance partner this month, however, much like Mitch Fritz, Mike has a propencity for running guys from behind and playing borderline cheap hockey. Mike Lee is a hard puncher and tough as they come, but he also takes some bad penalties that make a person question his "willingness" to take guy's on straight up. Another checking from behind major goes on his resume this month, adding to the fact he more often than not turns down offers from other heavyweights, verified by his low fight totals, makes one wonder how Mike even see's himself in the heavyweight division.
 

# 8.  David "How Much Knuckle Could A" Boychuk (Spokane)...D, 6'4", 225lbs, 07/16/81

 Another of the pretty tough customers plummetting in the rankings due to no fights. March wasn't kind to David as he didn't answer the bell at all and wasn't really aggressive either. On a team that won the division crown for the regular season and that is likely to get a stiff physical challenge from the Tri-City Americans in the opening round of the playoffs, David will need to pick it up for the playoffs.
 
 
 

# 9.  Jeff "I'm Back" Feniak - (Tri-Cities) D, 6'4", 220 lbs, 01/13/81
NHL rights: Philadelphia Flyers

  Big bruising defenceman who doesn't drop the gloves all that often drops from the eight spot to the nine spot after a one fight month, maybe due to short staffed defence. Jeff did however find the time to go with David Kaczowka. Jeff may have been told to stay on the ice by veteran coach Don Hay. With and possibly Mike Lee moving on next year, Jeff will need to be a more physical presence on the Am's back end next year.
 

# 10.  Aaron "Monsieur Monster" Gionet - (Kamloops) D, 6'1", 200 lbs, 06/28/82

 Seventeen year old Gionet earns a top ten spot with two other seventeen year olds, however, Aaron is the first mentioned as he led the west divison in penalty minutes, not bad for a second year player. Aaron needs to work on his punching power and balance over the summer to become a major force in the heavyweight divsion, but the vast improvements he's made in his all aroiund game seem to say he'll be more than willing to do so. Aaron took the time to fight highly regarded rookie Darren McLachlan, Travis Moen and Justin Yeoman's in the month of March, but most impressive was his all around punishing style of play and the fact not many seveteen year olds ever lead a division of the WHL in penalty minutes. Looking for big things from Aaron in the years to come.

# 10.  James "Babyface" Demone - (Portland) D, 6'5", 220 lbs, 07/01/82

Another seveteen year old breaking into the top ten because of a late season surge in his willingness to scrap and the overall lack of interest shown by many of the league's veteran  tough guys. Seems James has figured out when your built like a brick sh** house (and a big brick sh** house at that), you better use it to your advantage and his five fights in the month of March indicate he's done this. At the FM were hoping this is a sign of James adapting to a role that suits his enormous frame.
 

# 10.  Ryan "Put up Your" Chieduchs- (Pr. Geo.) D, 6'1", 195 lbs, 01/25/82

Not huge by heavyweight standards, but a willing scrapper at seventeen. Ryan is another seventeen year old who's taken advantage of a lack of action from some veterans to get a shot at the top ten. Rock solid on his six foot frame and a guy who throws every punch like it's his last, Ryan will surely be heard from in the heavyweight division next year. He will need to figure out a better plan of attack against Darren McLachlan however, as Darren beat him like a drum in their two fights this season.

#1. Stephen "Terminator" Peat  (Calgary).....D, 6'3", 210lbs, 03/10/80
NHL rights: Anahiem Mighty Ducks

No doubt to the number one guy in the central and the WHL this season, however, I'd have liked to have witnessed another Godard/ Peat bout. Stephen destroyed his few opponents and only Jim Vandemeer actually made him sweat after dropping the gloves. Rumour has it, the red cross is thinking of hiring Stephen in the off season to help in the taking off blood from donors, instead of getting a cookie and juice however, the donor will now get a steak and tylenol.
 
 

#2. Eric "I ain't no Angel" Godard -(Lethbridge) LW, 6'4", 210 lbs, 03/07/80

 If it weren't for a guy named the "Terminator", Eric would have run away with the heavyweight crown this year in the central. Although Eric wins most fights, he doesn't demolish people the way Peat does. Twelve fights this month for Eric, including two bouts each with Sommerfield, Maser and Brunel. Hard to say if Eric will return for his overage season, however, if he does, this guy will be one tough dude to dethrone from the belt.
 
 
 

#3. Graham "Bigfoot" Belak - (Kootenay) LW, 6'5", 230 lbs, 08/01/79

  Injured for a good part of the second half, Graham returned just in time to send a message for any playoff rivals who think ring rust might have set in. Graham pounded both Craig Brunel and Jim Vandemeer  in the last Kootenay game of the season and surely sent a message to their first round opponent in Red Deer to be ready to rumble. It would have been nice for Graham to have challenged Peat and Godard this year, but due to injury Graham never got to show how he stacked up against these guys!
 
 

#4. Craig "I ain't scared of Nobody"  Brunel - (Red Deer)  RW, 6'0", 195 lbs, 12/11/79
NHL rights: Buffalo Sabres

 Craig either got pissed off this month or is finally healthy as his eight fights will attest. Craig fought the likes of Stephen Peat, Eric Godard, Graham Belak and Josh Maser among others, closing the year strong. More of a middleweight, Craig possesses great punching power, however, his short frame makes it tough to get inside of guys like Peat, Belak and Godard. Big finish to this overagers career and I'm sure we'll see him in pro hockey somewhere.
 

#5. Brett "My Name's as Long as My Arms" Scheffelmaier - (Med Hat)..
    D, 6'5", 210 lbs, 03/31/81
NHL rights: Tampa Bay Lightening

  Only three fights this month, drop Brett from three to five, but two of his fights were against Craig Brunel and Eric Godard, two very tough customers. A bad hand has kept Scheff from being as productive as he'd have liked I'm sure, but he should heal up over the summer and be one tough guy to beat next year. Long reach and an ability to fight forever, make Scheff a scrapper other guys don't really enjoy having a go with.
 

#6. Josh "Ua Tree" Maser - (Med. Hat) D, 6'1", 200 lbs, 04/20/79

  A lot like Brunel, Josh is a hard hitter with fast hands, but he also struggles to get inside the bigger fighters and can take a licking sometimes. Josh had six fights , including Brunel, two with Godard and a battle with Barrett Jackman. As an overage, Josh is now done in his WHL career, but his knuckle prints will be left for a lot longer on a few melons around the league.
 
 

#7.  Jim "aka Hansen" Vandermeer - (Red Deer) D, 6'1", 210 lbs, 02/21/80

 Not a long dance card but a very tough one for Jim this month. Three fights, including bouts with Stephen Peat and Graham Belak, more than holding his own in each of them. His willingness to fight the toughest guys around only adds to his image that he plays the game with less grey matter than most. This guy lives on the edge during games and other players surely know where he is at all times, making Jim a valuable asset to the Rebels and respected by his teammates.
 
 
 

  #8. Dion "The Mad Roper"  Lassu - (Kootenay) - D, 6'2", 205 lbs, 02/19/80

  A tough, physical defenceman for the Kootenay Ice, Dion had three fights. One each with Derek Parker, Josh Maser and Craig Brunel. Dion had a little trouble with the fat hands of Brunel, however did much better reportedly in his other bouts with Parker and Maser. Tough to say whether Dion will be back next year, but his bruising style and beligerent play will long be remembered in Cranbrook if he moves on!
 
 
 

#9. Derek "I Wanna be Scott" Parker - (Lethbridge) D, 6'2", 190 lbs, 07/29/83

 Derek continued his beligerent play, amassing a fight total of six, with dance parteners Colton Orr, Dion Lassu, Travis Churchman and two with Randy Ponte from the same game. Sixteen year old scrapping phenom needs to improve on just about every aspect of his game, however his willingness and jam are just fine. Derek surely knows how to fight, but he'll need to do more than just fight if he hopes to be around the league for long, which I hope he does because the FM loves these frequent fighters. Tough as nails and the only guy he wisely opted not to fight this year was the "Terminator" and apparently this was only because Lloyds of London threatened to cancel his life insurance policy! All I can say is, "lock up your daughters", Parker could be a force next year should he pick up his skating ability and earn more ice time.
 

#10. Robin "Boy Wonder?" Gomez - D, 6'1", 205 lbs, 10/15/81

  When Peat is around Robin just doesn't have to fight very much and this month he didn't. Only two scraps with Devon Francon and Dean Arsene. With Peat likley to move on next year Robin should be a busy guy and with his stand back and wing 'em attitude, should be highly entertainig to watch for all Hitmen fans.
 
 

The East

#1. Darcy "Yawannago" Hordichuk - (Sask) LW, 6'1",  200 lbs,  08/10/80

Darcy could only find two willing participants this month in Travis Churchman and Bart Rushmer, however, he still holds the number one spot and has from gate to wire. This guy can flat out hurt you with either hand and basically did it all for the Blades this year, but did get some help late in the year from Mark Forth. Not a tall fighter, but very solid on his skates. most guys would rather not fight Darcy if they van help it and that is born out in his fight numbers this month.
 
 
 

#2. Travis "Alter Boy" Churchman - (Regina) C, 6'4", 235 lbs, 02/16/80

 Travis really picked it up late in the year and fought some solid opponents including Darcy Hordichuk, Mark Forth, Derek Parker, Eric Godard, Craig Brunel and Konrad Brand. Not known for his punching power, Travis still had a solid month and kept other teams honest. With the Memorial Cup being hosted by the Pats next year, I'm sure they'd like the big physical presence of Travis around.
 
 
 

#3. Randy "You Lookin' at Me" Ponte - (Brandon) RW, 5'11", 210 lbs,  03/27/81

 Due to his team playing with only thirteen players most nights during March, Randy couldn't afford to be dropping the gloves too much and putting a real push on to take over the number one spot for the final month of the season. Randy still found time to fit Derek Parker (twice), Kris Mallette and Brett Schefflemaier into his game. Next season could prove to be a busy year for the fiesty Ponte and it looks like a number of young guns ready to challenge for the title out east.
 

#4. Kris "The Mallet" Mallette - (Moose Jaw) D,  6'3", 220 lbs, 01/19/79

Kris found the time to fight three times in March, including Colton Orr and Randy Ponte. Another overage who's career looks headed for pro hockey somewhere, had a solid final junior season, losing the reputation for picking his spots and this season pretty much taking on all comers. Hopefully Kris' knee will get better over the summer and it won't hamper his chase for a pro job!
 
 
 
 

#5. Barrett "Psycho" Jackman - (Regina)  D, 6'1", 195 lbs, 03/5/81
NHL rights: St. Louis Blues

Barrett had two fights, one each with Eric Godard and Josh Maser in the month of March and by all reports played his usual robust and very aggressive game. This guy is a hard puncher with both hands, who often has his invites to dance turned down. With the Pats hosting the Memorial Cup next year, this is one tough kid the Pats would dearly love to have back!
 

#6. Matt "I ain't no Day at the Beach" Sommerfield - (S. Current) LW, 6'2",  200 lbs,  04/26/82

Matt also had two fights this past month, both with the very tough Eric Godard. A slow month but the Broncos were also fighting for playoff position which probably had a bearing on his fredom to fight. On a very fast skating Broncos team, Matt also struggles to get ice time most nights. A big brawling type of fighter, Matt should be a force next year in the league as a nineteen year old and will probably get a lot of action in the playoffs this year, as it looks like a few of the series in the east/central could be rather feisty affairs.

#7. Steven "Moose" MacIntyre - (Pr. Albert) LW , 6'6", 235 lbs, 08/08/80

  Another lacklustre month, not only for Steven, but the whole east division and particularly the P.A. Raiders who played more like the P.A. Raiderettes. A physical, tough looking team at the beggining of the season has been less than a force in the toughness department this year and Steven seems to be following the teams trend toward kinder, gentler hockey. One of my favourite fighters, Steven slips from three to seven because of inactivity and physical play, only one fight with Craig Brunel on his resume. A likely returning overage next season, it should be interesting to see where Steven places himself in the chase for the title next season.
 

#8. Jordan "We finally got a picture" Clarke - (Pr. Albert) D, 6'2",  200 lbs,  01/29/82

Two fights show up on a previously frequent scrapper's dance card in Jordon Clarke. Mark Forth  was one of his two opponents in March and Jordon should be a regular on the FM next season as an eighteen year old. It seems P.A. toned it down a lot late in the season as Jordon was fighting early and often this season, however this late season slump has seen Jordon drop from seven to eight on the FM rankings.
 
 
 
 

#9. Colton "Don't call me Bobby" Orr - (S. Current) RW, 6'3",  203 lbs,  03/03/82

Tough seventeen year old who likes to throw 'em with anybody. Got saved in an early season game when he went temporarily insane and wanted a go with Stephen Peat. This guy almost wants you to wanna' get season tickets in Swift Current with his beligerent attitude and willingness to go with anybody. Colton found time to fight both Derek Parkler and Kris Mallette this month, with next season looking to be much busier as he finds more ice time on a Broncos team that is making a run for it all this year.
 

#10. Mark "Fast Fists" Forth - (Saskatoon) D, 6'1", 190 lbs, 09/28/81

Mark Forth moves back into the top ten, slowly plugging away late in the season to earn a number ten ranking in the east division,.fighting Travis Churchman, Scott Balan and Jordon Clarke. Mark has some of the quickest fists in the league, but doesn't seem to pack much power as he often pounds away early, but then fades and sometimes getting caught with a big shot. But because of his hand speed he is an exciting fighter to watch. Watch for this guy next year, as he should be doffing the mitts early and often.