Hockey in Hawaii?!?!? A Franchise Manager Story

[St George]

Disclaimer: I know very little about hockey which, to be honest, probably will make for a better experience. Also, first posts will be heavy on non-game images, as I decided to this on a whim, about two-thirds of the way through the season. I'll try and throw in some player profiles and keep y'all updated on how the other expansion teams do too. The Hawaii Honu logo was designed by Daniel Otters for some old fantasy hockey thing.

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NHL Announce Four New Expansion Teams, Bringing Hockey to Hawaii in Surprise Move​

New York - Hockey fans expressed disbelief at the National Hockey League’s announcement that one of the four new expansion teams for the 2022/23 NHL season will be based in the Pacific Island state of Hawaii, at a new arena initially built for the University of Hawaii in Halawa, Honolulu County. The team, owned by eBay founder and Hawaii resident Pierre Omidyar, joins teams in Houston, Atlanta and Quebec City in the single biggest expansion since the NHL-WHA merger in 1979.

Houston Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta brings hockey to the Toyota Center for the first time since 2013, when the Houston Aeros left for Iowa to be closer to their parent team Minnesota Wild, bringing to an end a will-they, won’t-they saga going back to the Rockets time at their previous stadium The Summit. Atlanta and Quebec City receive expansion teams to return to the NHL, with the Quebec City bidders keen to revive the Nordiques name. Houston have also expressed interest in reviving the Aeros name, whilst Arthur Blank, owner of the NFL’s Atlanta Hawks and MLS team Atlanta United, is unable to use the Flames name, as that was retained when the Atlanta Flames moved to Calgary.

Pundits and fans alike made their surprise at Hawaii’s bid, considered an outsider, known, with many saying that a team in Honolulu was unlikely to ever succeed in garnering mass local support and that the NHL should’ve pursued a team in a more viable market.

Hawaii Hockey Club Reveal Name; Hawaiian Airlines tie-up​

Honolulu - At a press conference in Honolulu, eBay founder and team president Pierre Omidyar revealed that the Hawaii NHL expansion team will be called the Hawaii Honu, revealing a teal and sand colour scheme and a green sea turtle logo, from which the team gets its name. The green sea turtle is a figure in Hawaiian mythology that is said to be an ancestor spirit (or ‘aumakua) and is said to bring good luck.

Omidyar also announced that the team’s main sponsor would be Hawaiian Airlines, with a stylized version of the turtle head logo appearing on some Hawaiian Airlines planes in the near future. The airline is the 10th largest commercial airline in the United States and the largest operator of commercial flights to and from the state. Clinching a sponsorship agreement with the airline is a major coup for the team, Hawaii lacks major Fortune 500 companies that might provide revenue and sponsorship, so the onus of funding of the team is almost entirely on Omidyar, more so than most NHL teams.

Omidyar announced that the team have a GM in place for the upcoming Expansion Draft and that the team was fully prepared to build something that would be competitive in the Pacific Division this year.

Expansion Draft Over; Teams Announce Captains​

Montreal - In a warm up for hosting the 2022 NHL Entry Draft, the Bell Centre played host to the Expansion Draft for the four new NHL teams. The home of the Canadiens saw several teams breathe sighs of relief as their rosters remained intact, whilst Buffalo Sabres General Manager Kevyn Adams was left with a lot to think on as no less than 8 Sabres players were picked.

The last expansion team the Seattle Kraken were one of four teams who lost just one player, whilst the San Jose Sharks remained entirely in-tact. Asked about their draft strategy, Hawaii Honu team president Pierre Omidyar said that the team was prioritising younger players who would grow into their primes with the organisation - the team selected 19 year old Luke Hughes, Olivier Nadeau and Kalle Vaisanen, both 20, and 21 year old Braden Schneider. In total, the Honu drafted 12 players under 25 years old, a further 8 younger than 30, and just 5 players aged 30 or over.

Center Nick Schmaltz was the best player the Honu drafted, with fellow Center Josh Norris looking to have the highest ceiling. Two-time Stanley Cup winner Trevor Lewis (11/12, 13/14) reunites with fellow 2014 winner Martin Jones, who provides competition for starts with 2020 Mike Richter Award winner Jeremy Swayman. Swedish right winger Victor Olofsson has been named as captain, with opposite side forward Ryan Nugent-Hopkins as first alternate, and defenceman Brett Pesce second.

Spoiler: Draft Results

 

[St George]

Meet the Team

Goalies:

31. Martin Jones 1. Jeremy Swayman Erik Portillo (AHL Affiliate)
Ability/Potential: 2/2 3.5/3.5 1/3
Owners Notes: A good selection of goalies, balancing ability now with potential. Swayman is a potential All-Star, whilst Martin Jones’s experience as a two time Stanley Cup winner is sorely needed.

Left Defensemen:

6. Travis Sanheim 19. K’Andre Miller Magnus Samuelsson (AHL) 2. Braden Schneider 43. Luke Hughes
3/3.5 2.5/3.5 2/3 2.5/3.5 2.5/4
Right Defensemen:

33. Colin Miller 73. Alexandre Carrier 3. Neal Pionk 22. Brett Pesce
2.5/2.5 2.5/3 3/3 2.5 /2.5
Owners Notes: No league leading players, but definitely good enough to keep things competitive and grow as a unit. Luke Hughes is both a standout prospect and someone who can contribute a lot now - if he avoids missing too much time to injury

Left Wing:

93. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins 44. Nicolas Deslauriers 27. Michael Bunting 17. Maxime Comtois
3.5/3.5 3/3 3.5/3.5 3/3.5
Centers:

92. Ryan Johansen 8. Nick Schmaltz 18. Pierre-Luc Dubois 9. Josh Norris
3.5/3.5 4/4 3.5/3.5 3.5/4.5
Right Wing:

10. Trevor Lewis Kalle Vaisane (TPS Turku) 83. Conor Garland 68. Victor Olofsson 88. Martin Necas 20. Olivier Nadeau
3/3 1.5/3.5 3/5/3.5 3.5/3.5 3.5/3.5 2/4
Owners Notes: This team is dangerous. We’ve collected some great players and some soon-to-be-great players and getting them to play to your potential will be a big part of the job you have to do. Olofsson as captain will lead from the front whilst Trevor Lewis lends some sorely needed experience.

Preseason Results: 1-0 W vs Detroit 1-4 L @ Buffalo 2-4 L vs Pittsburgh 1-3 L @ Buffalo 5-2 W @ Washington 7-0 W vs Anaheim 5-3 W @ Colorado
Top Scorer: Conor Garland 5
Top Assists: Neal Pionk 6
Most Penalty Minutes: Maxime Comtois 7

 

[St George]

October:
The very first game of competitive hockey for the Honu ended in defeat, going down 1-4 in Las Vegas against the Golden Knights. Losses in a shootout at home against Toronto and in overtime in Buffalo followed before a visit to Montreal brought Hawaii their first win in the NHL, a 6-1 blowout against the Canadiens. Results evened out and by the end of October Hawaii had a 5-5-3 record.

Spoiler: Full Results

Scorer: Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (1), assisted by Conor Garland (1) and Michael Bunting (1). Josh Norris, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Luke Hughes all picked up penalty minutes.

Scorers: Brett Pesce (1), assisted by Victor Olofsson (1) and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (1). Ryan Johansen, unassisted. Pierre-Luc Dubois (1) assisted by Martin Necas (1) and Maxime Comtois (1). Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (2) assisted by Olofsson (2) and Nick Schmaltz (1). Josh Norris (1), assisted by Nugent-Hopkins (2) and Garland (2). Ryan Johansen was the only player to visit the penalty box.

Scorers: Luke Hughes (1) assisted by Nick Schmaltz (2). Conor Garland (1) assisted by Michael Bunting (2) and Braden Schneider (1). Josh Norris (2) assisted by K’Andre Miller (1) and Olivier Nadeau (1). In a more ill-tempered game than the previous two, Nugent-Hopkins, Neal Pionk, Dubois, Johansen and Conor Garland all visited the penalty box.
THE GREATEST GAME OF HOCKEY EVER PLAYED:

Scorers: Pierre-Luc Dubois (2) assisted by Maxime Comtois (2) and Conor Garland (3). Martin Necas (1) assisted by Dubois (1) and Comtois (3). Dubois (3) assisted by Necas (2) and Brett Pesce (1). Nick Schmaltz (1), assisted by K’Andre Miller (2) and Comtois (4). Ryan Johansen (2) assisted by Luke Hughes (1) and Olivier Nadeau (2). Johansen (3) assisted by Travis Sanheim (1) and Hughes (2). Sanheim and Garland ended up taking penalties.

Scorers: Victor Olofsson (1) assisted by Nugent-Hopkins (3) and Nick Schmaltz (3). Olofsson (2) by Nugent-Hopkins (4) and Brett Pesce (2). Nugent-Hopkins (3) assisted by Schmaltz (4) and Travis Sanheim (2). Nugent-Hopkins and Dubois earned penalties.

Scorers: Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (4) assisted by Braden Schneider (2) and Alexandre Carrier (1). Luke Hughes (2), by Maxime Comtois (5) and Ryan Johansen (1). Pierre-Luc Dubois (4) by K’Andre Miller (3) and Brett Pesce (3). Josh Norris (3), by Michael Bunting (3) and Olivier Nadeau. Josh Norris (4), assisted by Travis Sanheim (3) and Carrier (2). Braden Schneider took 5 penalty minutes for fighting the Aeros Mats Zuccarello.

Scorers: Josh Norris (5), assisted by Bunting (4) and Neal Pionk (1). Josh Norris (6) by Garland (4) and Bunting (5). Norris (7) from Bunting (6) and Braden Schneider (3). Conor Garland, Bunting and K’Andre Miller all saw the penalty box.

Scorers: Maxime Comtois (2) assisted by Travis Sanheim (6) and Martin Necas (4). Pierre-Luc Dubois (5) by Victor Olofsson (4) and Bunting (7). Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (6) assisted by Olofsson (5) and Nick Schmaltz (6). Conor Garland (2) by Bunting (8) and Carrier (3). Schmaltz and Carrier picked up penalties.

Scorers: Maxime Comtois (3) assisted by Dubois (4) and Martin Necas (5). Dubois (6) by Necas (6) and Comtois (6). Michael Bunting (2) assisted by Dubois (5) and Braden Schneider (4). Neal Pionk (1) assisted by Travis Sanheim (7) and Josh Norris (2). Schneider (1) assisted by Conor Garland (5) and Schmaltz (7). Comtois, Norris and Sanheim all spent time in the penalty box.

Scorers: Pierre-Luc Dubois (7) assisted by Comtois (8) and Alexandre Carrier (4). Brett Pesce, Michael Bunting and Neal Pionk picked up penalties.

Scorers: Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (7), assisted by Conor Garland (6) and Josh Norris (3). Neal Pionk (2) by Garland (7) and Nick Schmaltz (8). Maxime Comtois (4) assisted by Travis Sanehim (8) and Schmaltz (9). Olivier Nadeau and Martin Necas went to the box after picking up penalties.

Scorers: Pierre-Luc Dubois (8) assisted by Neal Pionk (2), Martin Necas (7). Nick Schmaltz (3) assisted by Brett Pesce (5) and Colin Miller (1). Colin Miller (1), assisted by Necas (8) and Maxime Comtois (9). Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Nicolas Deslauriers got penalties.

Owners Notes: A good start to the season even with a technically losing record. We’re not expected to contend this season but you’re keeping us in the middle of the division, which is what we want. Renewing the contracts of players with just a year left on their deals at the start of the month was also a good move, it gives us a better idea of our cap space for next season. October ended with Pierre-Luc Dubois and Nick Schmaltz as the joint top scorers, with Maxime Comtois having the most assists.

 

[St George]

November and December:
November started with an overtime loss against 2021 Expansion team the Seattle Kraken, bringing the total number of OTL to 4 for the season, setting the early pace for most such results, though there was just one further overtime loss, against the Detroit Red Wings in a shootout in December. The very next day the Honu won their first ever shootout, beating Ottawa 4-3 to go with a November win in overtime over the New Jersey Devils to finish the two month period 2-2 in overtime games. Honu continued their winning record overall, with 17 wins in November and December to 11 losses, with only 3 losses in November. Come January, the team has a 22-16-5 record and sits firmly in the top half of the Pacific division.

Spoiler: November Full Results

Scorers: Nicolas Deslauriers (1), assisted by Martin Necas (9) and Neal Pionk (3). Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, assisted by Victor Olofsson (6) and Nick Schmaltz (10). Luke Hughes, Travis Sanheim and Pierre-Luc Dubois all saw the penalty box. Ryan Johansen tore his thigh muscle during this game, and may be out for up to four months.

Scorers: Josh Norris (8), assisted by Pionk (4), Braden Schneider (5). Norris (9) assisted by Pionk (5) and Conor Garland (8). Norris (10), assisted by Olivier Nadeau (4) and Nick Schmaltz (11). Victor Olofsson (3) assists from Nick Schmaltz (12), Colin Miller (2). Luke Hughes (3) assisted by Neal Pionk (6). Pierre-Luc Dubois and Josh Norris were penalised.

Scorers: Michael Bunting (3) assisted by Dubois (6) and Pionk (7). Norris, Dubois, Schmaltz all took penalties.

Scorers: Alexandre Carrier (1) assisted by Martin Necas (10) and K'Andre Miller (5). Brett Pesce (2) with assists from Maxime Comtois (10), Conor Garland (9). Nick Schmaltz (4) assisted by Neal Pionk (8), Michael Bunting (9). Luke Hughes (4) assisted by Olivier Nadeau (5) and Trevor Lewis (1). Olivier Nadeau (1) assisted by Trevor Lewis (2), Travis Sanheim (9). Victor Olofsson was the only player to pick up a penalty. Michael Bunting was assessed after the game to have ruptured his UCL and will miss up to 6 months of the season.

Scorers: Luke Hughes (5) assisted by K'Andre Miller (6) and Nadeau (6). Martin Necas (4) assisted by Nick Schmaltz (13) and Maxime Comtois (11). Josh Norris (11) assisted by Brett Pesce (6) and Victor Oloffson (7). Necas (5) assisted by Nicolas Deslauriers (1), Olofsson (8). Pionk, Deslauriers, and Nadeau all found themselves in penalty trouble

Scorers: Brett Pesce (3) assisted by Josh Norris (4). Olivier Nadeau (2) assisted by Norris (5), Nicolas Deslauriers (2). Braden Schneider (2) assisted by Victor Olofsson (9) and Maxime Comtois (12). Travis Sanheim and Nicolas Deslauriers picked up penalties.

Scorers: Josh Norris (12) assists Deslauriers (3) and Brett Pesce (7). Conor Garland (3) assisted by Maxime Comtois (13) and Pierre-Luc Dubois (7). Nick Schmaltz (5) assisted by Neal Pionk (9) and Deslauriers (4). Alexandre Carrier and Travis Sanheim picked up penalty minutes.

Scorers: Pierre-Luc Dubois (9) assisted by Deslauriers (5) and K'Andre Miller (7). Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (9) assisted by Conor Garland (10) and Pesce (8). Garland (4) assisted by Alexandre Carrier (5), Josh Norris (6). Garland (5) assisted by Nugent-Hopkins (6), Neal Pionk (10). Ryan Rugent-Hopkins (10) assisted by Alexandre Carrier (6) and Victor Olofsson (10). Garland (6) assisted by Carrier (7) and Maxime Comtois (14). Maxime Comtois (5) assisted by Garland (11) and Josh Norris (7). Carrier (2) assisted by Braden Schneider (6) and Nick Schmaltz (14). Luke Hughes was sent to the penalty box, joined by Deslauriers for fighting Jarred Tinordi. Both Tinordi and Deslauriers got 5 minutes for fighting, plus another 10 minutes for misconduct.

Scorers: Victor Olofsson (4) assisted by Braden Schneider (7) and Garland (12). Olivier Nadeau (3) assisted by Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (7) and Pierre-Luc Dubois (8). Maxime Comtois (6) assisted by Garland (13), Dubois (9). Neal Pionk (3) assist from Dubois (10). Dubois (10) assisted by Travis Sanheim (10) and Nadeau (7). Martin Necas (6) assisted by Brett Pesce (9), Nick Schmaltz (15). Comtois (7) assisted by Nick Schmaltz (16) and Martin Necas (11). Victor Olofsson, Alexandre Carrier and Schneider all went to the penalty box.

Scorers: Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (11) assisted by Brett Pesce (10) and Nick Schmaltz (17). Josh Norris (13) assisted by Victor Olofsson (11) and Neal Pionk (11). Schmaltz (6) assisted by Travis Sanheim (11) and Norris (8). Martin Necas (7) assisted by Maxime Comtois (15) and Pionk (12). Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Nicolas Deslauriers picked up penalties.

Scorers: Pierre-Luc Dubois (11) assisted by Deslauriers (6) and Martin Necas (12). Victor Olofsson and K’Andre Miller got penalties.

Scorers: Josh Norris (14) assisted by Maxime Comtois (16) and Trevor Lews (3). Josh Norris (15) assisted by Olivier Nadeau (8) and Comtois (17). Josh Norris (16), unassisted for the natural hat-trick. K’Andre Miller, Victor Olofsson and Martin Necas all went to the box.

Scorers: Martin Necas (8) assisted by Trevor Lewis (4) and Dubois (11). Necas (9) assisted by Braden Schneider (8) and Neal Pionk (13). Dubois (12) assists from Josh Norris (9) and K'Andre Miller (8). Dubois (13) assisted by Trevor Lewis (5) and Necas (13). Brett Pesce (4) assisted by Nick Schmaltz (18) and Schneider (9). Pionk and K’Andre Miller were sent to the penalty box.

Scorers: Josh Norris (17) assisted by Maxime Comtois (18) and Colin Miller (3). Maxime Comtois (8) assisted by Conor Garland (14) and K'Andre Miller (9). Martin Necas (10) assisted by Nicolas Deslaurier (7). Conor Garland was penalised by the refs.

Spoiler: December Full Results

Scorers:Nick Schmaltz (7) assisted by Victor Olofsson (12) and Luke Hughes (3). Pierre-Luc Dubois, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Maxim Comtois all picked up penalties.

Scorers: Conor Garland (7) assisted by Alexandre Carrier (8) and Pierre-Luc Dubois (12). Josh Norris (18) assisted by Colin Miller (4) and Carrier (9). Martin Necas (11) assisted by Nick Schmaltz (19). Garland (8) assisted by Dubois (13) and Neal Pionk (14). Olivier Nadeau (4) assisted by Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (8) and Josh Norris (10). Norris, Necas and both Millers, Colin and K’Andre, were all sent to the penalty box.

Scorers: Nick Schmaltz (8) assisted by Brett Pesce (11) and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (9). K’Andre Miller (1) assisted by Dubois (14) and Nicolas Deslauriers (8). Schmaltz (9) assisted by Victor Olofsson (13) and Travis Sanheim (12). Olivier Nadeau, Deslauriers, Maxime Comtois, Schmaltz, Martin Necas and Alexandre Carrier all saw box time.

Scorers: Olivier Nadeau (5) assisted by Nick Schmaltz (20) and Josh Norris (11). Brett Pesce (5) assisted by Victor Olofsson (14) and Pierre-Luc Dubois (15). Martin Necas, Nicolas Deslauriers, Travis Sanheim and K'Andre Miller all were penalised.

Scorers: Luke Hughes (6) assisted by Olivier Nadeau (9) and Trevor Lewis (6). Martin Necas (12) assisted by Nicolas Deslauriers (9), Josh Norris (12). Deslauriers (2), unassisted. Trevor Lewis, Neal Pionk and Pierre-Luc Dubois went to the box. Josh Norris scored the only goal in the shootout.

Scorers: Josh Norris (19) assisted by Alexandre Carrier (10) and Martin Necas (14). Nicolas Deslauriers (3) assisted by Martin Necas (15) and Pierre-Luc Dubois (16). Conor Garland and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins picked up penalty minutes.

Scorers: Ryan Nugent Hopkins (12) assisted by Nick Schmaltz (21) and Conor Garland (15). Nugent-Hopkins (13) assisted by Olivier Nadeau (10) and Travis Sanheim (13). Neal Pionk (4) assisted by Martin Necas (16) and Nicolas Deslauriers (10). Josh Norris (20), unassisted. Maxime Comtois (9) assisted by Conor Garland (16) and Alexandre Carrier (11). Alexandre Carrier, unassisted. Garland and Sanheim went to the penalty box.

Scorers: Maxime Comtois (10) assisted by Colin Miller (5) and Josh Norris (13). Pierre-Luc Dubois (14) assisted by Martin Necas (17) and Colin Miller (6). Braden Schneider (3) assisted by Nick Schmaltz (22) and Conor Garland (17). Dubois (15) assisted by Necas (18), Colin Miller (7). Garland, Necas, Norris and Deslauriers picked up penalties.

Scorers: Brett Pesce (6) assisted by Nick Schmaltz (23). Nick Schmaltz (10) assisted by Neal Pionk (15) and Josh Norris (14). Norris, Olivier Nadeau and Braden Schneider were penalised.

Scorers: Josh Norris (21) assisted by Victor Olofsson (15) and Martin Necas (19). Olofsson (5) assisted by Conor Garland (18) and Pierre-Luc Dubois (17). Olofsson (6) assisted by Neal Pionk (16) and Garland (19). Pierre-Luc Dubois (16) assisted by Travis Sanheim (14), Garland (20). Sanheim, Necas, Dubois, Alexandre Carrier and Colin Miller were sent to the box.

Scorers: Neal Pionk (5) assisted by Garland (21) and Necas (20). Nicolas Deslauriers (4), unassisted. Pierre-Luc Dubois (17) assisted by Necas (21) and Alexandre Carrier (12). Dubois and Josh Norris picked up penalties.

Scorers: K’Andre Miller (2) assisted by Alexandre Carrier (13). Nick Schmaltz, Travis Sanheim, Neal Pionk, Maxime Comtois, Colin Miller, Conor Garland and Luke Hughes all picked up penalties as Honu failed to turn hits into goals.

Scorers: Travis Sanheim (1) assisted by Victor Olofsson (16) and Nick Schmaltz (24). Pierre-Luc Dubois (18) assisted by Conor Garland (22) and Alexandre Carrier (14). Trevor Lewis (1) assisted by Brett Pesce (12) and Neal Pionk (17). Pionk, Carrier and Olofsson picked up penalties.

In an abject defeat to end the year, Honu failed to score for the first time in a regular season game. Alexandre Carrier, Colin Miller and Brett Pesce all took penalties.

Owners Notes: A very good record to end the year, wins are always good and November especially was very satisfying to see. Jeremy Swayman being voted into the All-Star game shows how good he’s been, and we continue to progress in other departments too. Watch the team’s harmony going forward as some players appear to be sticking much closer to each other than the rest of the team. That could spell trouble.

Report: Hawaii Honu Locker Room Rift Feared as Clique Forms​

Honolulu - An unnamed source in the Hawaii Honu organisation has revealed that management believes a potentially season derailing clique has formed in the team’s locker room, as forwards Pierre-Luc Dubois, Victor Olofsson, Conor Garland and Josh Norris have become “fast and firm friends, to the detriment of overall locker room unity.” Some of the players believed to be displeased with the quartet are fellow forwards and veterans Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Nicolas Deslauriers and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins. Defenceman and assistant captain Brett Pesce has tried to mediate between the clique and wider locker room, but thus far without success, the source said.

“The four play together pretty much more than any other player, and so it was pretty obvious that they’d form a tight bond. But they’re going about it the wrong way,” a second unnamed source said. “They’ve moved to lockers next to each other, away from many of the other forwards and Dubois especially has been vocal in his displeasure at some of his teammates.”

Asked about the locker room atmosphere ahead of his appearance in the NHL All-Star Game, goalie Jeremy Swayman refused to be drawn into any potential controversy, saying “I can’t see what happens up that end of the ice. Just focussed on doing my best for the franchise and also the conference during the All-Star game.”

He added; “I’ve not seen anything to give me concerns. Sometimes with new teams, you all come into the team together, it can take time to gel, but we’re all focussed on winning games and doing as well for the franchise and for Hawaii as we can.”

Assistant Coach Phil Housley said similar. “Any potential locker room issue will be handled in-house in the usual way, but I haven’t seen anything remotely like what’s being suggested. The atmosphere’s good, the team’s playing well, playing good hockey. We’re all happy and progressing forward as a team.”

Housley was also asked about Hawaii’s physical play that has come under fire from some pundits. The Honu have outhit almost every opponent they’ve played this season by some margin and could be on course to match the Nashville Predators 2021-22 number of 2,470 hits, the 12th most since record began in 2005-06.

Said a chuckling Housley, “That’s a question for Ulf,” referring to fellow Assistant Coach Ulf Samuelsson.

 

[St George]

January and February:
The new year started on a high with a 6-3 win over divisional rivals LA Kings, but uneven form followed with three losses in the next five games, including a horrible 12-0 loss in Dallas. After a 3-2-1 start to the month, the second half of January we went 5-2. February mimicked January in results, with the team again going 8-5, but this time the losses came in the second half of the month, with a 4-3-1 record in the last two weeks. Going 4-1 in the first half helped, and leaves our record on the trade deadline at 38-19-7. Carry on like this and we might make a trip to the playoffs in our first year.

Spoiler: January Full Results

Five third period goals turned the game entirely, after going 3-0 down in the first. Goals for Conor Garland (9), assisted by Pierre-Luc Dubois (18) and Maxime Comtois (19). Martin Necas (13) assisted by Nicolas Deslauriers (11) and Brett Pesce (13). Josh Norris (22) assisted by Neal Pionk (18) and Necas (22). Josh Norris (23) assisted by Comtois (20) and Garland (23). Pierre-Luc Dubois (19) assisted by Comtois (21) and Garland (24). Tevor Lewis (2) assisted by Olivier Nadeau (11) and Deslauriers (12). Colin Miller and Comtois both got penalties.

Home, away, it doesn’t matter. This team will find a way to lose in overtime at least once a month. Goals: Brett Pesce (7) assisted by Josh Norris (15) and Travis Sanheim (15). Colin Miller (2) assisted by Garland (25) and Alexandre Carrier (15). Olivier Nadeau (6) assisted by C Miller (8) and Carrier (16). Nick Schmaltz (11) assisted by Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (10) and Pierre-Luc Dubois (19). Luke Hughes, Dubois, Necas, Pionk and the Hawaii Honu bench all picked up penalties. The Bench got a penalty. Yup. Sounds about right.

After going into a 2-0 lead, the Honu’s shooting abandoned them and Oilers goalie Jack Campbell had one of his best games of the season. Goals: Deslauriers (5) assisted by Norris (16) and Necas (23). Maxime Comtois (11) assisted by Victor Olofsson (17) and Nick Schmaltz (25). Carrier and Nugent-Hopkins both visited the box in third as the Honu’s chances faded.

Canada’s new old team visited Hawaii for the first time and came away with nothing as the Honu outshot them by almost 2-1 and outscored them 4-1. Goals: Josh Norris (24) assisted by Schmaltz (26) and Carrier (17). Victor Olofsson (7) assisted by Comtois (22) and K’Andre Miller (10). Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (14) assisted by K Miller (11) and Olofsson (18). Nick Schmaltz (12), unassisted. Neal Pionk and Brett Pesce went to the penalty box.

A strong second period was enough for the Honu to tame the Wild when they came to town. Goals: Deslauriers (6) assisted by Norris (17) and Garland (26). Pionk (6) assisted by Comtois (23) and Trevor Lewis (7). Nick Schmaltz (13) assisted by Norris (18) and Carrier (18). Colin Miller, Schmaltz and the bench all got penalties.

Horrific. Abject. Traumatising. Devastating. Catastrophic. Disastrous. Humiliating. Terrible. Wretched. Contemptible. Dreadful. Abominable. K’Andre Miller, Ryan Nugent Hopkins and Travis Sanheim all found the penalty box as the Honu collapsed against a team that’s battling for Central Division supremacy.

Well, that’s one way to respond. A much better performance, and against a divisional rival to boot. Goals: Conor Garland, unassisted. Josh Norris (25) assisted by K’Andre Miller (12) and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (11). Brett Pesce (8) assisted by Victor Olofsson (19) and K Miller (13). Trevor Lewis (3) assisted by Maxime Comtois (24) and Alexandre Carrier (19). Nick Schmaltz (14) assisted by Nugent-Hopkins (12) and K Miller (14). Martin Necas was the only player to go to the box.

Luckily not all Central division teams are the stars. Honu went to the Jets and blitzed the home team with early goals in the first and second periods, and built on that to win the game. Goals: Martin Necas (14) assisted by Josh Norris (19) and Nicolas Deslauriers (13). Trevor Lewis (4) assisted by Conor Garland (27) and Maxime Comtois (25). Brett Pesce (9), assisted by Martin Necas (24) and Josh Norris (20). Norris (26) assisted by Necas (25) and Alexandre Carrier (20). Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (15) assisted by Deslauriers (14) and Pesce (14). Luke Hughes, Olivier Nadeau and Carrier all went to the box.

The sole bright spark in the Kings season thus far is that the Vancouver Canucks exist, and so they aren’t the division's basement team. They triumphed here though, after another third period collapse by the Honu, which is becoming a theme of the season. Goals: Josh Norris (27), unassisted. Maxime Comtois (12) assisted by Braden Schneider (10) and Pierre-Luc Dubois (20). Pierre-Luc Dubois (20) assisted by Alexandre Carrier (21) and Victor Olofsson (20). Dubois, Nugent-Hopkins and Nick Schmaltz all got penalties.

Another divisional rival falls to the Honu first period scoring flurry. Goals: Josh Norris (28) assisted by Necas (26) and Comtois (26). Norris (29) assisted by Nugent-Hopkins (13) and Victor Olofsson (21). Dubois (21) assisted by Necas (27) and Comtois (27). Dubois (22) assisted by Nicolas Deslauriers (15) and Necas (28). Nick Schmaltz (15) assisted by Nugent-Hopkins (14) and Olofsson (22). Norris and Carrier picked up penalty minutes.

Andre Vasilevsky reminded the league why he won the Conn Smythe Trophy in 2021 as he stifled the Honu who threw 40 shots his way, but were denied each time. Carrier and Norris were productive in the penalty department.

The first of two games against the Panthers to end the month sees Hawaii win a comfortable game at home. Goals: Nugent-Hopkins (16) assisted by Nick Schmaltz (27) and Colin Miller (9). Trevor Lewis (5) assisted by Schmaltz (28) and Nugent-Hopkins (15). Luke Hughes (7) assisted by Olivier Nadeau (12) and Trevor Lewis (8). Lewis and Deslauriers were penalised.

The Panthers put up more fight at home but still lost, as the Honu ended the month 2-1 against teams from Florida. Goals: Neal Pionk (7) assisted by Victor Olofsson (23) and Schmaltz (29). Pierre-Luc Dubois (23) assisted by Nugent-Hopkins (30) and K’Andre Miller (15). Deslauriers (7) assisted by Dubois (21) and K’Andre Miller (16). Brett Pesce (10) assisted by Josh Norris. Pionk, Nugent-Hopkins and Olofsson all went to the box.

February full results:

Spoiler: February Full Results

The Coyotes couldn’t resist a Honu side keen to start February the way they ended January - winning. Scorers: Josh Norris (30) assisted by Travis Sanheim (16) and Maxime Comtois (28). Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (17) assisted by Nick Schmaltz (30) and Josh Norris (22). Nick Schmaltz (16) assisted by Braden Schneider (11) and Josh Norris (23). Conor Garland (11) assisted by Sanheim (17) and Olivier Nadeau (13). Victor Olofsson (8) assisted by Pierre-Luc Dubois (22) and Neal Pionk (19). Conor Garland, Neal Pionk, Dubois and Sanheim all got penalties.

It really is Blue in St Louis, as Hawaii inflict a third straight home defeat in a week long run where they’ve conceded 14 goals and scored only half that. Scorers: Nugent-Hopkins (18) assisted by Victor Olofsson (24) and Neal Pionk (20). Olofsson (9) assisted by Nick Schmaltz (31) and Josh Norris (24). Brett Pesce (11) assisted by Dubois (23) and Braden Schneider (12). K’Andre Miller (3) assisted by Garland (28) and Sanheim (18). Dubois, Carrier and Garland all picked up penalties.

By far and away the best performing of the expansion teams welcomed the Honu and showed just why they are legitimate contenders for the Central division crown. Trevor Lewis (6) assisted by Neal Pionk (21) and Braden Schneider (13) scored the only goal for the Honu. Norris and Nicolas Deslauriers found themselves on the wrong side of the refs.

The Flyers haven't looked like contenders for over a decade but had a first six minutes to remind everyone of what they once were. They then proceeded to remind the league of what they currently are, scrapping with both New York teams and their neighbours in New Jersey for the basement spot in the Metropolitan division. Goals from Deslauriers (8) assisted by Norris (25) and Pionk (22). Martin Necas (15) assisted by Nadeau (14) and Luke Hughes (4). Dubois (24) assisted by Neal Pionk (23) and Victor Olofsson (25). Dubois (25) assisted by Conor Garland (29) and Nugent-Hopkins (17). Nugent-Hopkins (19) assisted by Dubois (24) and Garland (30). Necas was the only player who picked up a penalty.

From one basement team to another, though the Canucks are much, much worse than the Flyers. Weird that they conceded one less goal then, huh? Goals: Deslauriers, unassisted. Luke Hughes (8) assisted by Necas (29) and Olofsson (26). Nick Schmaltz (17) assisted by Olofsson (27) and Pionk (24). Conor Garland (12) assisted by Nugent-Hopkins (18) and Dubois (25). Norris, Nadeau and Nugent-Hopkins went the box, as did Maxime Comtois who fought the Canucks Tanner Pearson.

As in January, so in February. History repeats itself as the Edmonton Oilers defeat the Honu and further cement their place as the division’s team to beat. Olivier Nadeau (7) assisted by Martin Necas (30) and Luke Hughes (5) scored the only goal. Nadeau also picked up penalty minutes, along with Dubois.

From the top of one division, to the bottom of another. The Rangers came to town and put on a performance above their lowly position in the Metro. Overtime was needed for the Honu to come out on top. Scorers: Maxime Comtois (13) assisted by Neal Pionk (25) and Conor Garland (31). Luke Hughes (9) assisted by Olivier Nadeau (15) and Brett Pesce (15). Comtois (14) assisted by Pesce (16) and Dubois (26). In overtime, Luke Hughes (10) assisted by Nadeau (16) and K’Andre Miller (17), ended it. Comtois was penalised.

The Honu needed a shootout to beat Toronto in a game where the two teams combined for almost 100 shots. Nick Schmaltz (18) assisted by Travis Sanheim (19) and Martin Necas (31). Josh Norris (31) assisted by Nugent-Hopkins (19) and Braden Schneider (14). Neal Pionk (8) assisted by Olofsson (28) and Norris (26). Nugent-Hopkins (20) assisted by Olofsson (29) and Norris (27). Trevor Lewis and Schneider both picked up penalties. The shootout went four rounds, with Pierre-Luc Dubois and Nick Schmaltz scoring.

Vancouver is apparently something you can catch. Five unanswered goals in the first period set the Capitals up to blowout Hawaii 8-1. Maxime Comtois (15) assisted by Dubois (27) and Garland (32) got the only goal. Schmaltz and the Bench picked up penalties.

Need to recover from a loss? Play the Flyers. A quiet first period was followed by a second where the Honu scored three without reply. Scorers: Nugent-Hopkins (21) assisted by Nick Schmaltz (32) and Victor Olofsson (30). Martin Necas (16) assisted by Josh Norris (26) and Travis Sanheim (20). Nugent-Hopkins (22) assisted by Dubois (28) and Lewis (9). Penalties: Necas, Pesce, Comtois and Hughes.

Teams at the top of the Central Division continue to haunt Hawaii as the Predators came to town and took the spoils in overtime. Scorers: Martin Necas (17) assisted by Schneider (15) and Norris (29). Pierre-Luc Dubois (26) assisted by Nicolas Deslauriers (16) and Martin Necas (32). Pionk picked up the only penalty for Hawaii against a Nashville side that relished in their 16 penalty minutes.

And it’s 0-2 in attempts to beat Nashville as the Honu go to the Predators and get worked. No need for overtime here as Hawaii never got close to beating Finland’s Juuse Saros in net. Did win the penalty game though, so there’s that. Travis Sanheim and Nick Schmaltz picked up penalties on their own, with the Hawaii Honu bench getting penalised twice. That’s four for the season now.

Hawaii put their Nashville-related problems behind them to finish February on a high note, beating the Senators by finishing strongly, something of a rarity thus far. Goals: Nugent-Hopkins (23) assisted by Nick Schmaltz (33) and Neal Pionk (26). Conor Garland (13) assisted by Pierre-Luc Dubois (29) and Travis Sanheim (21). Martin Necas (18) assisted by Nugent-Hopkins (21) and Norris (30). Norris (32) assisted by Olofsson (31) and Schmaltz (34). Pierre-Luc Dubois (27) assisted by Trevor Lewis (10) and Nicolas Deslauriers (17). Luke Hughes, Olivier Nadeau and Ryan Johansen all picked up penalties.

Owners Notes: A winning record will never be anything to complain about, but making the losses a bit closer would be nice. You should never be losing 12-0 but the team recovered well. Barring a disaster in March we’ll be getting playoff hockey in our first season, which is an excellent achievement. Now we just need to address a developing issue in the locker room…

Ah, right. Remember how I mentioned that trade deadline approaching?

Off-Ice Incident Leads to Dubois, MacTavish Trade​

Honolulu - Pierre-Luc Dubois has somehow worn out another welcome, this time much quicker than before, but no less public. Dubois was revealed to be involved in a serious off-ice incident that remains under investigation by the NHL, but it was serious enough that the Honu traded away one of their star picks from the expansion draft for Anaheim’s promising centre Mason MacTavish.

Trading to a divisional rival is a bold move but won’t bring about a reunion of sorts this season, so if Dubois sticks around in southern California it won’t be until next season that he sees his old team again. For some of them, it will be much too soon.

“He’s just the worst,” said one team source. “When he tries he can be one of the best players there is but there’s so much attitude there. And with what he did, there’s no way he could stay here.”

Dubois was earlier reported to have been part of a clique of forwards at Honu that had divided the locker room, but PLD’s actions appear to have fractured that. The source said, “Before this happened, he was close to guys like Victor Olofsson but he was the loudest voice against him. He led the alternate captains and Martin [Jones] into a meeting with team bosses and the trade happened soon after.”

The Honu refused to comment on whether such a meeting took place, but other sources corroborated the report that captain Olofsson, alternate captains Brett Pesce and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and veteran goalie Martin Jones were present at a meeting with owner Pierre Omidyar and other team bosses. A lawyer was also reportedly present.

No one would reveal what exactly the incident was, citing the investigation, but some sources revealed that Dubois’s attitude around the locker room was an ongoing issue. One insider revealed that he had almost caused a brawl between himself and teammates over his immature antics, which involved repeatedly getting teammates names wrong.

Mason MacTavish joins to replace Dubois, but he’ll be further down the lineup despite a strong season with Anaheim. The Swiss-Canadian forward has 20 goals and 13 assists from 60 games this season, an excellent foundation to build on.

37. Mason MacTavish - Center
3

/ 5

 

[St George]

April and May:
A record of 6-5-4 was enough to see the Honu secure a playoff berth in the first season of their existence, as the 7th best team in the Western Conference. A four game losing streak put the Honu on the cusp of elimination, but after the Seattle Kraken and San Jose Sharks both lost three of their last four games Hawaii’s place in the postseason was secured, the Kraken joining them at the Sharks’ expense.

Spoiler: April and May Full Results

A winning start to the month against a New Jersey Devils side not mathematically eliminated from playoff contention but basically there. It’s very unlikely they’re reaching the postseason on performances like this. Scorers: Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (24), assisted by Nick Schmaltz (35) and Victor Olofsson (32). Schmaltz (19) assisted by Nugent-Hopkins (22) and Olofsson (33). Trevor Lewis (7) assisted by Olivier Nadeau (17) and Colin Miller (10). Neal Pionk (9) assisted by Ryan Johansen (2). Colin Miller and Conor Garland picked up penalties.

The one constant this season has been losses in overtime. If the Honu could get better when it goes past the third period, we’d be close to 50-55 wins. As it is, a hattrick from Victor Olofsson in just 6 minutes in the second period was not enough to win it in regulation, and the Honu lost in overtime yet again. Scorers: Conor Garland (14) assisted by Travis Sanheim (22) and Maxime Comtois (29). Victor Olofsson (11) assisted by Neal Pionk (27) and Nick Schmaltz (36). Olofsson (12) from Pionk (28) and Schmaltz (37). Olofsson (13) assisted by Mason McTavish (14) and Josh Norris (31). Norris (33) assisted by Comtois (30) and Brett Pesce (17). Norris, Schmaltz, Sanheim and Nicolas Deslauriers all got penalties.

Another overtime loss follows in Columbus, despite the best efforts of Hawaii. Scorers: Garland (15), assisted by Nadeau (18) and Brett Pesce (18). Norris (34) from Olofsson (34) and Maxime Comtois (31). Travis Sanheim (2) assisted by Pesce (19) and Mason MacTavish (15). Conor Garland, unassisted. The Honu bench and Braden Schneider (twice) went to the penalty box.

Hawaii gets back on track at home against Arizona, with the Coyotes out of playoff contention. The troubled Central Division franchise kept it close, but the Honu won through in the end. Scorers: Josh Norris (35), assisted by Nick Schmaltz (38) and Nicolas Deslauriers (18). Olivier Nadeau (8) from Travis Sanheim (23) and Brett Pesce (20). Norris and Schneider (twice) were penalised.

The Atlanta Firebirds boosted their chances of successfully chasing down the Pittsburgh Penguins with three unanswered third period goals to secure victory over a Hawaii Honu side that shot lots, but threatened little. Scorer: Olofsson (14) assisted by Josh Norris (32) and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (23). Colin Millers, Nicolas Deslauriers and the Honu bench all picked up penalties.

There were very few positives for Hawaii to take out of this game, with the Wild keen to play spoiler for a team that still can reach the playoffs. They’re not a bad team by any means, but the top four in their division are just too strong to catch this season. Scorer: Josh Norris (36) assisted by Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (24) and Olofsson (35). Ryan Johansen (twice), Josh Norris and the Honu bench (again?!?!) got penalties.

For a lot of this season, Hawaii would start strong before fading badly in the third period. And so it was true again, going down 4-2 thanks to two third period goals from the Kraken. Even worse, it put them within touching distance of the Honu in the playoff race. Scorers: Olofsson (15) assisted by K’Andre Miller (18) and Maxime Comtois (32). Josh Norris (37) assisted by Nugent-Hopkins (25) and Olofsson (36). Norris, Comtois (twice) and Deslauriers (twice) all picked up penalties, with Comtois fighting Seattle’s Ryker Evans.

One loss is nothing to worry about. Two is unfortunate. Three is worrying and four is potentially disastrous, especially at this stage of the season. Another loss earned late against the playoff bound Calgary Flames. Scorers: Nick Schmaltz (20), unassisted. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (25) assisted by Olofsson (37) and Brett Pesce (21). Trevor Lewis picked up a penalty, as did the Honu bench, who made up for their zero penalties last game by picking up two this one. Consistency.

A win? In overtime? Have we swapped franchise or something? Hawaii gets out of the skid in an uninspiring way by defeating the worst-in-the-NHL Chicago Blackhawks 2-1 in overtime. It wasn’t pretty, but a win is a win. Scorers: Conor Garland (17) assisted by Ryan Johansen (3) and Nicolas Deslauriers (19). Maxime Comtois (16), unassisted. Olivier Nadeau, Maxime Comtois, Travis Sanheim and Hawaii Honu bench (it’s a streak!) all picked up penalties.

Well, at least the Honu are scoring late on? The Houston Aeros have been far and away the best of the four expansion teams and are already safely in the playoffs, and they damaged Hawaii’s chances here with a comfortable victory. Scorer: Victor Olofsson (16) assisted by Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (26) and Nick Schmaltz (39). Comtois and Colin Miller went to the penalty box.

Another loss but this time in a shootout, which at least keeps the point total ticking over. The Honu go down to the best team in the Atlantic division, the Tampa Bay Lightning. Scorer: Conor Garland (18) assisted by Nugent-Hopkins (27) and Schmaltz (40). Martin Necas was penalised.

Pain. That’s the only thing that can be said after yet another overtime loss, which makes 11 for the season. Especially painful that it’s to the Pacific Division’s basement team Vancouver Canucks. Scorers: Olivier Nadeau (9) assisted by Alexandre Carrier (23) and Braden Schneider (16). Nadeau (10) assisted from Maxime Comtois (33) and Neal Pionk (29). Olofsson (17) assisted by Travis Sanheim (24) and Josh Norris (33). Nick Schmaltz (21) assisted by Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (28) and Carrier (24). Nicolas Deslauriers was the only player to get sent to the box.

Crunch time and the Honu show the quality that has them near enough safely ensconced in the playoffs with a good victory over the St Louis Blues. Another win should do it. Scorers: Nugent-Hopkins (26) assisted by Nick Schmaltz (41) and Braden Schneider (17). Travis Sanheim (3), unassisted. K’Andre Miller (4) assisted by Brett Pesce (22) and Mason McTavish (16). Victor Olofsson (18) assisted by Neal Pionk (30) and Schmaltz (42). Schneider and Olofsson were penalised.

Losses for both the Seattle Kraken and San Jose Sharks mean that Hawaii are confirmed in the playoffs, but it was nice to win against another Stanley Cup contender in the Washington Capitals, the second best team in their division. A 3-goal third period was needed to win it for the Honu and they duly delivered. Scorers: Nadeau (11) assisted by Neal Pionk (31) and Braden Schneider (18). Ryan Johansen (4) assisted by Nicolas Deslauriers (20) and Conor Garland (33). Olofsson (19) from Pionk (32) and Travis Sanheim (25). The Honu bench (welcome back, friend), Nadeau (twice), Brett Pesce, and Johansen were all penalised.

The 112-point, 3rd in their division Dallas Stars came to town to end the regular season and Hawaii snuck past a team many expect to do quite well in the postseason. Scorer: Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (27) assisted by Nick Schmaltz (43). Nugent-Hopkins (28) assisted by Victor Olofsson (38) and Josh Norris (34). Nadeau and Deslaurier (twice) got penalties.

Owners Notes: Despite a couple of losing slides, the points total kept ticking up and 99 points was enough to get into the playoffs. That’s an excellent result for an expansion team and I’m looking forward to what we can do in the playoffs. Let’s at least win a series, eh?

Speaking of the playoffs, let’s see who made it…

And the full standings, so we can see how all our expansion teams did…

Two hugely successful seasons for both the Houston Aeros and Hawaii Honu, whilst both the Quebec Nordiques and Atlanta Firebirds weren’t far off the playoffs themselves. They certainly did a lot better than some franchises with long and storied histories at least…

NEXT UP: PLAYOFF HOCKEY BABY! CALGARY GET READY, THE HONU ARE COMING!