Somewhat locally related links

Links and minutiae for you to peruse while taking in this not-so-glorious weather today in the Lower Rainland (Patent Pending).

---Some guy named Nucks IceMan at Bleacher Report (who has about the same knowledge as anyone following the Canucks and attempts to write about it) says that Cory Schneider could become one of those guys who shines in the AHL but can't make the transition to the big times. My take? Nucks Iceman is as much of a "ritard" as Allen in The Hangover. Much to the shagrin of people who think they know what they're talking about, Schneider has never really gotten a chance. Goalies need time to get acclimated into the pro game. Look at Marc-Andre Fleury. He was thrown into snake pit and was terrible. Now he's in consideration for the Canadian Olympic team. The only way Schneider can reach his potential is to be a number one goalie in a place like Atlanta or Florida where he can truely get used to NHL shooters without the pressure of a hockey market. Let him pull a Pekka Rinne and actually make a name for himself.

---Iain MacIntyre of the Vancouver Sun (and consequently the brother of my fifth grade teacher and may be the reason I'm in journalism) looks on the bright side of what the Canucks are doing with a depleted lineup, while saying that "it could be worse." Well yeah, it could always be worse. They could be the Toronto Maple Leafs and be awaiting upon their one-nutted saviour Phil Kessel. MacIntyre said five Canucks are having a good season but left out Henrik Sedin, who is on pace for his best season ever even without the services of his brother for the last 11 games.

---Moving a couple hours down south, Constable Echelon of Hotdog & Friends argues that seeing a lower level hoops team such as Cal State Northridge would be more entertaining and affordable at Key Arena when they play Seattle U, instead of paying the big bucks to watch Washington play at Hec Ed. Courtside season tickets are running at $150, working out to about $12 per game.

---For your high school football fix, Thomas Miller of The Sports Corner churns out info on all of the important games in BC while putting together weekly power rankings to rival The Province's Howard Tsumara's work.

--- Bob Condotta's football blog and Percy Allen's basketball blog at the Seattle Times will give you everything you need to know about the Washington Huskies two major athletic programs.

All for now.