One To Watch: Toronto Maple Leafs

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Once upon a time, I hated the Leafs. Back before my media days when I saw hockey solely through the eyes of a fan, my dislike of the team from Toronto was unrivaled. 

But that was a long time ago. Now there really aren't teams that I like or dislike, it's the people who play or work for them that are the deciding factors for me. As a media guy covering junior and college hockey, there are quite a few players within the organization that I knew and liked before they became property of the Leafs and it didn't change when that happened. 

Then there is Brian Burke who is a polarizing figure to be sure. Personally, as a media guy, I could listen to him all day long. He's been on TPS and a planned 10-minute interview turned into 16 minutes simply because we couldn't stop - it was pure audio gold. 

So no, I no longer hate the Leafs.  In fact, I actually would love to see them back in the playoffs (gasp!).

As for the prospects Toronto has coming up, there are quite a few I like. Edmontonians Matt Frattin and Ben Scrivens are two of them. The ups and downs of Frattin's college career are well documented but how can you not pull for a guy in his shoes? Scrivens was always of interest me as he compiled stellar numbers year after year at Cornell. Then he joined us in studio for an hour last summer and blew me away. 

Brad Ross is the perfect prospect for the Leafs; he'll be loved by Bud fans and hated by everyone else in the league just like the organization itself. 

The hype machine is already in full gear for Morgan Rielly, a player I really like myself, and now the question is whether he gets a look at the NHL level this year or not. If he eventually lands back in the WHL with Moose Jaw, he instantly becomes a huge trading chip for the Warriors not unlike Brayden Schenn a couple of years ago. 

So who did I settle on? It's not really a surprise to anyone who has read this blog over the last number of years. Every year we ask a handful of draft eligible players to blog with us and the first player who stepped up is the guy I'm going with.   

Rookie Watch: Toronto Maple Leafs

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Each day until September 15th TPS will take a look at one team from the East and one club from the West and spotlight a few rookies to watch for this season. This afternoon we explore the potential first year guys for the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Saturday Morning Special - May 7th

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With the CHL Playoffs, round 2 in the Stanley Cup playoffs, the RBC playoff round and the World U18s over, the WHL and OHL drafts, there was plenty to talk about on Saturday morning. Dean and I were joined by guests across the continent to cover all of the above plus we spoke with a top prospect of the Toronto Maple Leafs as well.

Massive Recap of Signings

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With all the excitement of the playoff stretch drive in the NHL, the CHL playoffs and the Frozen Four the news of all the free agent and entry level signings during the last month or so. If you're wondering who recently picked up NCAA free agents or signed their drafted CHL prospects I've tried to piece together a team-by-team list.

There are way too many players to go into depth on each guy but I'll give you a bit of info along the way.

Bruins Prospect Snap Shot

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The Boston Bruins have been around for 86 years with 5 Stanley Cup’s in their trophy case. The last title came in 1972, and the Bruins last contended for the cup in 1990 losing to the Oilers. Boston has 3 times drafted first overall taking Barry Gibbs in 1966, Gord Kluzak in 1982, and Joe Thornton in 1997. That year the Bruins also took Sergei Samsonov 8th overall. In 2010 Boston will also have 2 first round picks (If they don’t trade one) thanks to the Phil Kessel trade with Toronto.

The Bruins top minor league team is in Providence. The baby Bruins won a Calder Cup in 1999, but are struggling right. As of this writing they were 7th in the Atlantic division.

Here now is a look at the top prospects of the Boston Bruins.

Wednesday Reset - Oct. 20th

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Last night on The Pipeline Show we tried something new with Bad Ass Trivia, spoke with a former Oiler who is now an executive with the Colorado Avalanche, chatted up two prospects eligible for the 2010 NHL Draft and posed several questions to a Pioneer (some questions more than once).

First with Bad Ass Trivia - we got to thinking recently that we could have another guest each show if we changed trivia by asking a question as we go to a commercial break and take the calls off the air. That way we weren't spending part of our 2 hours/week playing trivia that listeners outside of the Edmonton area can't partake in. We tried it last night and it seemed to work so expect that to continue.

We began last night's edition of TPS with a segment of news and notes from around the hockey prospects world. We updated listeners on the QMJHL, OHL, WHL, USHL, NCAA and AHL. The show also featured a new intro, well at least a new music bed for the intro, let us know what you think of it. Hear that segment HERE.

Our first guest on the show yesterday was supposed to be Patrick Roy but apparently the Quebec Remparts had a team function so we'll have to re-schedule his appearance another week.

Instead, Dean and I had the pleasure of speaking with Jonathan Merrill, a name most fans probably don't recognize yet but definitely will by the time the draft rolls around. Merrill is a 6'3, 200 lb defender with the U18 US National Development team who will join the Michigan Wolverines next year. We talked to Merrill about the program, being a part of the USHL, his future at Michigan and of course his draft year. You can hear that interview with Jon Merrill HERE.

We also talked with another 2010 eligible prospect but this time it was a native Californian playing in Medicine Hat. Emerson Etem is another player probably off the radar of the casual fan but with the Tigers this year he already has 9 goals and 11 points in 13 games as a rookie so he's definitely making a statement. We spoke with the likable forward from Long Beach, CA about his past with the US National Development Program, playing away from home since he's been about 14, and making the move to Canada and the WHL. Hear what Emerson Etem had to say HERE.

The Denver Pioneers are off to a slower than expected start as the formerly #1 ranked program posts a 2-2 record after week 2 of the schedule. Joe Colborne (BOS) is now on the shelf with a broken finger so we had a chance to speak with the former AJHL star about the rough start for his team and also got an update on the injury. Joe also offered up his thoughts on his former team (Camrose) being awarded host status for the 2011 RBC Cup. Hear Colborne's comments HERE.

Another former Kodiak gave us his thoughts about that same topic as Dean had a chance to speak with of the Vancouver Canucks. That was one part of a segment featuring our AJHL Game of the Week and Alumni Player of the Week. Hear that Here.

Last but not least, David Oliver, Director of Player Development of the Colorado Avalanche, talked to us about a number of the prospects playing for the Lake Erie Monsters, junior, NCAA or at the NHL level like Ryan O'Reilly, Matt Duchene, Kieran Millan, Kevin Shattenkirk, Colby Cohen, T.J. Galiardi, Brock Bradford and more. Hear what the former Oiler and Michigan Wolverine had to say by clicking HERE.

Colborne breaks finger

Not only did the Denver Pioneers lose to Ohio State University last night, but they also lost star forward Joe Colborne. Colborne broke his finger and underwent surgery after the game. He may require more surgery and his time out of hte line up isn't known.

The former Camrose Kodiak will be a guest on The Pipeline Show this coming Tuesday, we will call him as it may be hard for him to dial right now.

Draft Day Trades

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It's been 10 years since Brian Burke pulled off one of the greatest draft day deals by working his magic so he could draft both Henrik and Daniel Sedin 2nd and 3rd overall. Will there by some big deals at this year's draft? A lot of people TPS has spoken to think there could be 4-5 deals made in the first round alone.
Here is some scuttlebutt that I've been hearing over the last little while.

Senators and Canucks talks could be heating up
Dany Heatley wants out of our nations capital and the Canucks need to get the Sedins signed. I've heard the twins could be swapped for the disgruntled 50 goal man. All 3 players have the same agent in JP Barry, and Brian Murray shouldn't be looking for a better deal if this one is on the table. There might be picks on the table in this one as well.

Lecavalier leaving Lightning?
A storm is brewing in Lightning land and the infighting between owners might be getting to Vincent Lecavalier. Oren Koules wants to deal the captain and his massive contract, (even though he's the one that gave it the green light) while Len Barrie wants to keep Lecavalier and build around him. I've been told Lecavalier recently made a trip south to Tampa and met with management about getting him dealt. His no trade clause kicks in July 1st, so the bolts would be wise to deal him at the draft and get some extra picks in a draft with tonnes of depth.

The Tootoo train could be rolling into Edmonton
The Oilers need to get grittier and Nashville could use some more skill. Robert Nilsson hasn't lived up to expectations offensively in Edmonton and maybe it's a change of scenery he needs. It's my belief that the teams have talked trade, but I also think the Oilers might have to throw in a mid round pick this year to complete the deal. While Tootoo doesn't have the offensive updside that Nilsson might some day reach, he's more consistent and would give the Oilers some sandpaper.

Pronger done as a Duck, Jack might not be back in LA
The trade that was supposed to send Chris Pronger to LA for Jack Johnson and the 5th overall selection this year didn't happen, but as I heard it from an NHL source recently "it doesn't mean it still won't." Pronger was the centre piece of a 2009 trade deadline deal that fell through at the last second. As it was told to me, the Ducks were sending the former Oiler to Boston for a package that was to include Patrice Bergeron, Mark Stuart and 2008 first rounder Joe Colborne. Another possibility for Pronger could be heading back to St. Louis. As for the Kings another NHL management type added that "Jack Johnson isn't the easiest to deal with" despite his complete innocence at the 2006 WJC when Steve Downie went down due to a supposed Johnson elbow. Johnson has already forced one trade from an NHL team when Carolina shipped him to L.A. and now is reportedly asking for around 5 million from the Kings.

The Bulldogs stop the upset insanity in NCAA tournament action

Wow, what a first day of the NCCA tournament. Minnesota-Duluth became the only favorite to win their opening game, needing overtime to sneak past Princeton 5-4. Brett Wilson scored a pair as the Tigers took a 4-2 lead into the 3rd. Only a Camrose Kodiak connection saved the season for the UMD Bulldogs. With one second left, Evan Oberg scored a goal set up by MacGregor Sharp and Mike Connolly to force overtime. The AJHL came through for the Bulldogs in overtime as Connolly finished off a set up from Oberg and former Bonnyville Pontiac Justin Fontaine.


Meanwhile, after Air Force got things going (see Guy's post below) then Miami took out the 3rd ranked Denver Pioneers 4-2. The Redhawks who lost out in the their conference playoffs and needed an at large bid to the big dance, advances to the regional final for the 3rd straight year, but for the first time in 4 straight years won't have to worry about losing to Boston College. Miami jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the second period where they outshot Denver 12-3. Former Camrose Kodiak and TPS blogger Joe Colborne got the Pioneers on the board in the middle frame but Andy Miele regained the 3 goal lead for Miami before the intermission. Denver's Tyler Bozak, a former TPS guest scored in the 3rd to get Denver within 2 again, but that was as close as they would come. Bozak was playing his first game since December 12th due to a knee injury. Miami will now take on Minnesota-Duluth tomorrow in the regional final.

In the other tilt today, yes another underdog comes up large. After it seemed like they called in sick for their conference playoffs, while they partied in Tijuana, Vermont used their wild card bid to oust Yale 4-1. 4 different Catamounts scored for Vermont, while noone had more than a point. Yale's only goal came with just 1:45 to go. So Saturday it will be Vermont taking on Air Force in their Regional Final.

Also on the sked for Saturday:

Bemijdi State Vs. Notre Dame
Ohio State Vs. Boston University
Cornell Vs. Northeastern
New Hampshire Vs. North Dakota

Falcons win streak over, Oil Kings go Cougar Hunting, Jumbo Joe strikes gold for Pioneers

Springfield's win streak has ended just as it was getting started...literally. After doubling up Portland 6-3 Tuesday, they fell to Worcester 2-1 in overtime. Springfield grabbed a point for the second straight night though. Newly acquired Charles Linglet scored the only Falcons goal. The winger was picked up from Peoria, the farm club of the St. Louis Blues, in exchange for Carl Corazzini. Corazzini was signed in the off season to a minor league deal. Devan Dubnyk was the games 2nd star and deservedly so, kicking out 35 saves with the game winner a deflection with under a minute to go in next goal wins time. Gilbert Brule sat this one out with an injury, as did Geoff Paukovich (See Guy's post below) You can hear Head Coach Rob Daum's post game comments courtesy of the Falcons website. Springfield is home to Bridgeport tomorrow and travel to Providence Sunday.

Meanwhile, apparently Guy was a little premature with his locust warning (again see below) as the assist J.F. Jacques looked to get last night on a Liam Reddox goal, has been taken away by the NHL.

The Edmonton Oil Kings brought out both barrels in Prince George Friday night, firing 38 shots on net and winning 3-2. Jeff Lee, Thomas Vincour, and Logan Proulx scored for Edmonton. Vincour was playing just his 3rd game since January 11th due to an injury. P.G. pulled within 1 with 51 seconds to play, but the Kings held off a late rally. The same two teams will do it again tomorrow night in Big Al Bristowe's town. Prince Albert was idle so the OK kids are tied with the Raiders for the 8th and final playoff spot. Regina beat Moose Jaw on Rogers Sportsnet so the Pats are still 8 points back. 2 interesting things about the Pats, they gave away some really cool posters as Guy pointed out below and was shown on Global TV Friday, and Colton Teubert went off on fans in Regina. Check out Greg Harder's story. I hope this guy turns things around, because when he's good he can be a game changer with big hits. But it's his reputation that's taking a big hit right now.

Also tonight former Camrose Kodiak Joe Colborne, who was once a guest blogger for TPS, came up extremely large for the Denver Pioneers tonight. The game was on the NHL network, and Colborne made sure it didn't end on time, scoring the tying goal with 15 seconds to go. The Pioneers won it the first minute into overtime. It's the second straight week Jumbo Joe has tied a contest as he salvaged a point against Colorado College last weekend. After a slow start with just 2 goals in his first 16 games, the Bruins first rounder has 3 in 2 games and 5 points in 4 February games. He has 26 points in 31 games overall, and if he can finish strong he might catch the eye of Team Canada for next year's World Junior Championship in Saskatoon and Regina.

Top 5 Tuesdays: AJHL-NCAA Skaters

A little while ago I made a brief mention of the fact that there are several AJHL alum who are playing extremely well this year for various NCAA programs. Many of them are actually goaltenders but for this time around I'm looking strictly at skaters.

Some of these guys are drafted, some aren't but should have been if not for issues like a lack of size. And again, like every week when we do the top 5 lists, these are personal opinions and not necessarrily the top 5 guys in the eyes of scouts or coaches polls or statistically speaking. They're simple the top 5 guys in my opinion.

That said, feel free to comment by adding some other names I could have considered.

#5 Jesse Martin - Spruce Grove Saints

It might be the local boy aspect that has me always checking the Denver Pioneers box scores to see if Martin's name appears. Maybe it's because I took him late in the draft during my fantasy league's 2006 Draft. It also might be that I interviewed Jesse for ISS during his NHL draft year so his personality kind of stuck with me from there.

The Atlanta Thrashers took him late in their draft as well and have really been hands off on his development ever since. When Jesse appeared on The Pipeline Show earlier this fall he talked about how the NHL club told him not to bother attending their summer prospect camp.

After his AJHL days in Spruce Grove where he put up strong numbers until an injury sidelined him long term, Martin went on to the USHL's Tri-City Storm. Now in his sophomore year with the Pioneers, Martin has a respectable 18 points. He's playing down the depth chart behind a myriad of household names so it an accomplishment to a degree that he's been able to land in the top 10 on his team's scoring.

#4 Lee Jubinville - Camrose Kodiaks

It's a bit of a down year for Jubinville who led the ECAC Conference in scoring last year but finds himself 4th on just his team this season. He's on pace for about 25 points which would be less than the number he's ended up with in each of the last two campaigns. He's now a senior so he should be at the top of his game but for whatever reason (chime in if you know) he just isn't producing at the same level as he has been.

Jubinville had a pair of 20-goal seasons with the Camrose Kodiaks before joining Princeton in 2005-06. He nearly tripled his freshman numbers during his second year with the Tigers and last year he was a Hobey Baker level player.

The Edmontonian made his TPS appearance in late August and talked about how key the coming senior year was. Back then I thought he was a no-brainer to get a pro contract but with the way he's struggled this year, without knowing why, I'm wondering if he's got much interest from NHL clubs who might be looking at 5'10 and 165 lbs more than his NCAA stats.

#3 Mike Connolly - Camrose Kodiaks

After having watched him play in the AJHL playoffs and during the Doyle Cup against Penticton, I thought that Connolly would have been a terrific sleeper pick last year. However, whether it was his diminutive size or his lengthy injury last year that scared the scouts away, Connolly went undrafted and joined Minnesota-Duluth when his AJHL days were done.

This year Connolly is surrounded by other AJHL alum and perhaps that has helped team chemistry to a degree. The 5'8, 180 lb center has 25 points in 30 WCHA games, third best on his team. The freshman got off to a tremendous start with 7 points in the first 5 games but has been on and off the scoresheet regularly since then. His recent 3-point weekend against Denver was his most productive series though since October. On February 11th he was named as the WCHA Rookie of the Week.

What intrigues me about Connolly is that, although lacking in height, he's got those stereotypical tree-trunk legs making him really hard to knock off the puck. He's a playmaker first and foremost but did manage to score 25 goals in just 37 games last year with the Kodiaks. I really think this is a guy that was overlooked and that he'll have his pick of NHL contracts when it's all said and done.

#2 Justin Fontaine - Bonnyville Pontiacs

Another Bulldog enjoying a bunch of success this year is this former Bonnyville standout. Fontaine had the unenviable task of replacing Mark Letestu with the Pontiacs the season after he dominated the AJHL. The Bonnyville native had 81 points in his first full AJHL compaign and scored 30 goals in 52 games the following season.

As a freshman at Duluth, Fontaine was fairly unspectacular as he collected just a dozen points all year. This season however, the 5'11, 165 lb forward has broken out with 37 points in 30 games so far and leads Duluth in scoring by a fair margin and was named WCHA Offensive Player of the Week back in December.

MacGregor Sharp and Evan Oberg, both Camrose alum, are also on the team as former Calgary Royals blueliner Brady Lamb.

#1 Joe Colborne - Camrose Kodiaks

It's safe to say that "Sleepy Joe" woke up in time for the NCAA season as he currently has 25 points in 30 games with the Denver Pioneers. The Pionners are in first place in the WCHA standings thanks to Colborne's 2-goal effort against Colorado College last Friday night.

Colborne was a 1st round pick of the Boston Bruins last June and joined the Pioneers admist rumors of a planned short NCAA career. When Colborne joined us on The Pipeline Show last November he back tracked from that and said he was not looking to jump to the WHL's Tri-City Americans.

The freshman is tied for tops on the team in rookie scoring with blueliner Peter Wiercioch. He didn't get consideration for the Canadian WJC team like Wiercioch did but you'd have to think that won't be the case in 2010.

For those critics of Colborne who felt he was to much of a gentle giant for the pro game, a NCAA program which allows him up to 4 years to develop has to be considered the perfect fit. Plenty of time in the weight room will go along way to addressing the issues Colborne knew he was facing as he left Camrose for the NCAA.

Dean and I got to know Colborne during his draft year thanks to his ongoing blog that ran here at Coming Down the Pipe last spring.

Wednesday Re-Set

Last night on The Pipeline Show we had another wide variety of guests from the world of hockey prospects. As always, you can find the archived interviews, convenietly cut up into the 6 segments of the show, by hitting our website and checking out the media archives section. Here's last night's archive.

First up Dean and I spoke about the current situation the Edmonton Oil Kings find themselves in - the playoffs! Will it last though?

Also in that first segment we talked about the story that Jonathan Willis commented at Oilers Nation on about the Oilers and Oklahoma City. We offered up our thoughts on it too.

The CHL Top 10 list came out, we debated the rankings for a while then moved onto some NCAA notes as well like undefeated Air Force.

Flaming Hot / Flaming Not and Dean's Fantasy Pick Up of the Week rounded out the opening segment of the show.

The 2009 Draft Prospect Performers of the Week were unveiled in segment #2 and then we went out to Brampton and spoke with highly touted Battalion forward Matt Duchene. Duchene talked about the ADT Challenge, his injury, Michigan State, John Tavares and a lot more.

In the third segment of the show we caught up with former Coming Down the Pipe! guest blogger Joe Colborne (pictured above) who is now a freshman with the Denver Pioneers. The former Kodiak talked about making the jump to the NCAA, the rumors of his eyeing Tri-City in the WHL and much more.


Sam Cosentino from Rogers Sportsnet joined us at the top of hour #2 to talk about the ADT Canada-Russia Challenge. His passion for junior hockey definitely came through and made for a great interview. I got to try out my ADT solution theory on him, he offered his comments on that but also why the current system might not be as bad as I think it is.

Bad Ass Trivia was, as always, entertaining in its own way but we FINALLY got a correct answer to the $30 question that was carried over from last week.

Lastly, Tim Sestito from the Springfield Falcons / Edmonton Oilers was on to talk about the recent recall from the farm but also touched on his time in Stockton, Plymouth and of course the current year in the AHL.

We also archived some recent audio that Dean picked up from Rexall Place after he had a chance to speak with some members of the Detroit Red Wings. Nick Lidstrom chimes in on top rated Victor Hedman, Kris Draper talks about his extremely unusual road to the NHL (you'll have to hear it to believe it!) plus young Jiri Hudler describes the patience that he and other Detroit prospects have to have being a part of the franchise.

Again, those Detroit clips did not air last night but can be heard by hitting the archive of last night's show.

(Photos credits: Colborne - Denver Pioneers, Cosentino - Rogers Sportsnet)

Inside The Draft

A few weeks back we had Camrose Kodiak forward Joe Colborne blogging for us while he was at the Royal Bank Cup. As the draft approaches Joe is kind enough to jot down some more thoughts for us, giving an insiders look at the NHL draft. We're also excited to have Regina Pats forward Jordan Eberle on board to blog as well. Keep checking back for Jordan's thoughts but in the meantime, here's Joe's Journey part 2.

Joe's Journey

During the Royal Bank Cup it was The Pipeline Show's pleasure to have Joe Colborne give us an insiders look at what playing for a National Championship was like. We would like to thank Joe for his great daily updates, and wish him the best in the future, especially this June when he is expected to be selected fairly high at the NHL draft. Here is Joe's final entry. In our opinion it speaks to his character, that even after a tough loss, he is willing to share his thoughts with hockey fans. Enjoy it...as we certainly did during the entire Royal Bank Cup...thanks again Joe, for giving us an inside look at your Journey:

Joe's Journey - Day 9

Each Day of the Royal Bank Cup, Camrose Kodiaks forward Joe Colborne, who's predicted to be a first round NHL draft pick this June will give us a first hand look at what it's like playing for a National Championship. (photo courtesy Camrose Kodiaks) Here's Day 9, Saturday May 10th, 2008:

Joe's Journey - Day 8

Each Day of the Royal Bank Cup, Camrose Kodiaks forward Joe Colborne, who's predicted to be a first round NHL draft pick this June will give us a first hand look at what it's like playing for a National Championship. (photo courtesy Camrose Kodiaks) Here's Day 8, Thursday May 9th, 2008:

Joe's Journey- Day 7

Each Day of the Royal Bank Cup, Camrose Kodiaks forward Joe Colborne, who's predicted to be a first round NHL draft pick this June will give us a first hand look at what it's like playing for a National Championship. (photo courtesy Camrose Kodiaks) Here's Day 7, Thursday May 8th, 2008:

Joe's Journey- Day 6

~Joe's Journey- Day 6

Each Day of the Royal Bank Cup, Camrose Kodiaks forward Joe Colborne, who's predicted to be a first round NHL draft pick this June will give us a first hand look at what it's like playing for a National Championship. (photo courtesy Camrose Kodiaks) Here's Day 6, Wednesday May 7th, 2008:

Joe's Journey- Day 5

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Each Day of the Royal Bank Cup, Camrose Kodiaks forward Joe Colborne, who's predicted to be a first round NHL draft pick this June will give us a first hand look at what it's like playing for a National Championship. (photo courtesy Camrose Kodiaks) Here's Day 5, Tuesday May 6th, 2008:

Joe's Journey-Day 4

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Each Day of the Royal Bank Cup, Camrose Kodiaks forward Joe Colborne, who's predicted to be a first round NHL draft pick this June will give us a first hand look at what it's like playing for a National Championship. (photo courtesy Camrose Kodiaks) Here's Day 4, Monday May 5th, 2008: