Like this:

So here I was, ready to recap the epic tale that was the Panel going to Everett for the Lightning/Coyotes preseason game. I had bounce in my step, pictures to share and tons of amusing anecdotes. That post is to come. But this had to come first.

As I was leaving for class this morning,  I get a call from a hysterical NoStache16. “THE CHIEFS ACQUIRED KYLE BEACH.” I was stunned silent. I mumbled a few things. Then the texts, calls and twitter messages starting rolling in No, this is real life. And this is really happening.

The press release:

The Spokane Chiefs have acquired forward Kyle Beach from the Lethbridge Hurricanes in exchange for defensemen Mike Reddington and Landon Oslanski. Beach was the Chicago Blackhawks first round draft selection, 11th overall, in 2008.

“Kyle Beach is the complete package,” Chiefs General Manager Tim Speltz said. “He’s big, physical, skilled and sees the game very well offensively. He will complement our forwards because of the dimensions he brings.

“We knew we had to make a move because of our numbers on defense and we were hoping to acquire a top three forward and this trade accomplishes that.”

As a 16-year-old with the Everett Silvertips in 2006-07, Beach was named the WHL Rookie of the Year after scoring 29 goals and 61 points in 65 games. He also led the Silvertips with 196 penalty minutes. In 2007-08 he recorded 27 goals and 60 points in 60 games with a team leading 222 penalty minutes. In 54 games split between Everett and Lethbridge last year Beach scored 24 goals and 66 points with 165 penalty minutes.

Reddington, a member of the 2008 Memorial Cup Champions, was originally a second round bantam selection in the 2005 WHL Bantam Draft. The Port Coquitlam, BC native has played in 194 career games in Spokane, plus another 34 in the playoffs. The defenseman scored two goals and had 15 assists with a +17 last year. He also posted 76 penalty minutes. In three seasons Reddington has 259 penalty minutes, including a team leading 102 in 2007-08.

Oslanski had an assist and was plus one on Friday night in his WHL debut in a 6-3 win over Prince George. The Camrose, Alberta native was Spokane’s selection in the third round of the 2007 WHL Bantam draft. In 2008-09, Oslanski scored six goals and 16 points with the Sherwood Park Kings of the AMHL. In 2006-07, Oslanski had 10 goals and 23 points in 30 games for Leduc of the AMBHL.

“Mike and Landon will receive a great opportunity in Lethbridge. We wish them both all the best.”

Ok, you want to know my axe to grind with Beach? He’s a prick. Now, that may not be kind to say about someone so young. But you are welcome to find a more tactful synonym.  He’s got a long list of problems and incidents and I don’t think he brings anything positive to a locker room atmosphere. Fine so he can put up points. But his less than sterling history has me questioning what it’s worth to have that. When scouts refuse to interact with a player prior to the draft? Yeah, that’s a big red flag.

Perhaps he’s changed. I’m just not seeing it. He was bounced out of Rockford pretty quick last less than ten days if I remember correctly. He’s got a bit of a mouth on him and he doesn’t seem to know how to reign it in. And Beach isn’t even a player I can say “man, I really hate him but I’d want him on my team.” UHM, no. I flatout supremely dislike him. At least with someone like Sean Avery, I know he’s a bit of irritant but he’s smart and he can flip it on and off. Oh and Aves is charming as well. BUT KYLE GODDAMN BEACH? I am crushed. And I know I’m not the only one.

Kyle Beach is not a Chief.

Also, whoever writes the newsletters needs to stop pulling the titles from The Big Book of Cliches.

Because I will never tire of this. EVER. Approximately the 30 second mark.

This is your thread to air your grievances. Suggest ice cream flavors and sad music to listen to.