Wednesday Reset - Nov 3rd

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Another busy show last night as we talked with players and media all over North America at different levels and about a wide array of topics.

As usual, segment 1 was dedicated to current events. The big controversy over the Michael Liambas hit on Ben Fanelli was front and center. We asked out loud if Ryan O'Marra (above) might be the guy to recall from Springfield if Shawn Horcoff is out long-term. Plus we talked about some AJHL news as well. Hear the opening segment HERE.

Next we welcomed a new guest to The Pipeline Show; Sportsnet.ca's CHL reporter Patrick King. Patrick gave us his impression of the big OHL controversy and what his expectations are in regards to a possible suspension for Liambas. We also talked about the QMJHL and the fact that Moncton had to cancel a game because half the team was sick with the flu! We also asked him if he thought Oilers prospect Philippe Cornet had a chance at cracking the WJC team for Canada considering his hot start. Here that conversation with Patrick King by clicking HERE.

Dean Millard recently had a chance to head south on Highway 2 and take in some WHL action in Red Deer. While he was at the Centrium he caught up with star 16-year-old Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Detroit's free agent signee Willie Coetzee and head coach Jesse Wallin. Hear that Rebel-ious feature by clicking HERE.

At the top of hour #2 we spoke with Chris Vande Velde of the University of North Dakota. The senior talked to us about returning to play for a 4th and final year, how wearing a letter on his sweater this year has changed his mindset, about the make up of his team, the reasons behind their fast start and obviously about his potential future with the Oilers. Here that interview HERE.

From the college ranks we shifted to the 2010 draft with our weekly segment featuring a player eligible next June. This week we spoke with Austin Watson, just one of the notable scout targets this year with the Windsor Spitfires. Austin talked to us about playing on the same team as Cam Fowler and Taylor Hall. He also discussed how he went from a commitment to Maine, the US National Development program and finally decided that playing Major Junior was the right choice for him. We also asked him if he thought that was a growing trend for American players and we were intrigued by his answer. You can hear what Austin Watson had to say by clicking HERE.

We ended the show with a conversation we had with San Jose Sharks prospect Tyson Sexsmith. The former Vancouver Giants netminder had interesting comments in regards to making the jump from the WHL to the AHL including whether or not he felt the Western League was too defensive orientated to properly prepare goalies for the next level. Sexsmith also discussed what makes the AHL so challenging especially considering the always changing roster that plays in front of him. Definitely an interesting interview which you can hear for yourself by clicking HERE.

Next week: It's a big one as we offer up our own tribute to the Canadian Forces, plus we'll speak with a member of the NHL Hall of Fame who happens to be behind the bench of a Major Junior club, a Commissioner of one of the leagues we cover every week and one of the most popular figures at each and every NHL Draft. More on that in the days leading up to next Tuesday!

(Photos courtesy: Springfield Falcons, North Dakota, OHL, Worcester Sharks, The Hockey News)