Even though I’ve only been on the knights for a short period of time I believe our biggest rivalry is with the Vancouver whalers due to our proximity to each other (only 240 miles apart ) the fact that the teams have always been relatively close in the standings and evenly matched in team strength . These matches are to see who gets the right to be the best team in British Columbia and with league standing for both teams in recent history (the last 5 seasons ) being very close being 5th &6th the games between our 2 teams always feel like the play offs the fan help in the atmosphere . The fact that both teams have reached a final in recent history and with Vancouver winning their it’s left a bitter taste In Kelowna mouth and we’re itching to get them back . And with that I think it’s time to make the whalers wail
You know, I think the rivalry team of the moment is really the one in the top 1 right now in the league. Their goalie really is a concrete wall! It's almost impossible to win against them, even though our games are close. When you look at the stats, we often get dominated. We need to find a way to break down the citadel. We've got to show that we're the armada and that nobody can scare the armada. We come from a territory where we inevitably have the advantage of the ice with its cold temperatures. We also need to bounce back and show that we can take on this rivalry and come out on top. Let me come back to Ela Solberg. The guy's a genius on the ice, all his moves are perfect. Linus sometimes tries to imitate her moves when he watches the replay during video training. It's true that he grew up watching the greats and now he has the chance to show off. His trainer is very good with him and makes him work hard. Linus still hopes to become as good as Solberg.
The Quebec City Citadelles are the most recent team to eliminate our Vancouver Whalers from the playoffs. For that reason I have decided to name them as our current biggest rivals. With not much to hope for during the regular seasons, Vancouver must rely on playoff magic to make things interesting on a league wide scale. In these past playoffs, Quebec City gave us but one game to attempt at a miracle in which they handedly shut down the hopes and dreams of our team in a 5-4 OT loss for the Whalers. To begin this offseason, trades were made between the two Canadian teams as Vancouver was looking to secure some draft capital in exchange for some of the players from their roster last season. The players now on QCC are thriving while we've actually made an improvement from last season already. The goal now is win the trade by going farther than the French Canadian powerhouse in the playoffs. Quebec City, here we come.
I'm still very new to this league and frankly still trying to find my way and get as active as I want to be. Considering something a rivalry now is hard to do on a personal level, and ever harder to talk about from the perspective of Yukon as a whole since I don't know my Malamute history yet. But one game comes to mind, and while my mantra is one from Mark Dantonio after a football game against Michigan where Jeremy Langford scored with under a minute in the game to extend the lead to 35-11, where he said "It's not up to [us] to stop us. It's up to [them]. If they want us to stop scoring, stop us." Despite this mantra resonating with me, come on Carolina, you didn't have to net 11 on us. Rude, if I might add, so I'm hoping if I get the chance to tend the net against Carolina again I'll put up a better showing and that's my personal "rivalry" for now. Minor vendetta, at best.
The Ottawa Highlanders don’t have much history at this point of their existence. Announced as an expansion franchise in S75, their first season in the SMJHL came in S76. That’s only four full seasons in the league. After doing a bit of research and looking at the history that’s there, I could make a case for a few teams being rivals of the Highlanders.
First is the Quebec City Citadelles. This is based purely off of geographic location. As the closest team to Ottawa (it’s only roughly 275 miles between the two cities), it makes sense for the Citadelles to be a rival as it means bragging rights in the area are on the line. However, there aren’t any epic games or playoff matchups between the teams to speak of (yet).
The next team on the list is the Maine Timber. They’re pretty close geographically with only 400 miles between the two arenas. They have also met in the playoffs twice in the Highlander’s four season existence. The first time in S77 in which Ottawa knocked the Timber out of the playoffs with a 4-2 series victory (Maine was the best team in the league during the regular season) then again in S78 where Maine got their revenge, eliminating the Highlanders with a 4-1 series victory.
The last team on the list is the Carolina Kraken. Maybe a bit of the reach but Ottawa’s GM Frenchie was sve7en’s longest tenured co-GM before leaving to found the Highlanders. Bragging rights are always on the line when mentor and mentee square off.
I think that the rival of my team is any team that uses dirty and underhanded methods to get ahead. I am definitely not naming any specific names because I am not sure who that is right now, I just know that there's always somebody trying to do something to get ahead in a dev league that isn't in the spirit of the league, and personally that's what I'm always going to try to combat. I just want everybody to have a good time and to have a good experience in the J and get to go to the SHL and have fun. I think it's hard to really maintain rivalries when the rosters change so often with the short life cycle of J teams, so I think my main rival is just going to be anybody who detracts from the experience of others with dodgy tactics and behavior that shouldn't be having a place in a developmental league.
In my opinion, the biggest competitor for the team is the Raptors. Why? The matches between the teams this season have been even and only small margins have turned the matches one way or the other. In my opinion, there is also a lot of loading in the matches, which makes the matches very fast and even. During the season, we will definitely see several heated and even matches between these teams. So I mean Knights and Raptors. Who will be ranked higher in the league? Of course we'll play home and I say Knights. Is the difference big? Probably not really, but precisely those small margins and nuances that will decide the situation in favor of the Knights. I would like to welcome the Raptors players to the Knights arena, where there will be no shortage of speed and spare situations. In this cauldron of horns, the temperatures rise for the players, coaches, owners as well as the fans. No one will be left cold in these matches for sure.
We at VAN didn't really have rivals until this PT went out and we saw the overwhelming hate coming from one team in particular and that team is KEL. For some reason those guys do not like us. And in the words of a famous chief in a certain game. If they want war we'll give em war. And we at VAN aren't ones to back down from a challenge. Every game we play vs KEL now means something beyond just the two points. Its about sending a message. Its about proving a team that hates us for no reason is just the little brother complaining that the big brother wins to much. Because that's who we are here at VAN we are winners. And were not about to lose at the end of a one sided rivalry. We dont even know who they are until now and now that they have our attention we will win again and again and again because we are better.
When speaking to Lancer Frappé after his last match we got the chance to talk to him about who he thinks is his greatest competition in their division was and his response was "My personal greatest rivalry is the great falls grizzlies they are a tough team and the GM had given me hope of being drafted there and I personally feel I was let down although I absolutely love the Vancouver Whalers, it wasn't where I expected to go. The grizzlies are struggling and it gives me some satisfaction seeing that knowing that I could have made a difference. The toughest team for us and I think everyone in the league is the Citadelles those guys don't seem human at times but we will take our chances to break through whatever crack we can find in their armour and with the group of people we have I don't think we can't beat anybody if we put our minds to it."
A personal vendetta against the great falls grizzlies and the league against the Citadelles those are two games to watch this year for sure.
Thunder Bay Walleye are the obvious rival for my team. I dont know if that is actually true but that was the team name I liked least. I just dont even really know what a Walleye is or why where Thunder Bay is. What do they even do there? Who lives there? Why would you be a fan of a Walleye? Is it a fish? Is it an eye in a wall? And who plays for them, are they really a good player? I just don't believe it. I think they are all a bit silly and not great and I wanna crush them and defeat them with my own team and player. It will be a great moment when we beat them and win a title when they are not even making the playoffs, that would be the ideal circumstance but really who knows. I guess we will see. But I hope so!
So, what makes a rivalry? Sharing a state or province? A long, storied history of back and forth games? Heartbreaking losses - or insane victories - at just the right time?
How about something a little more absurd?
Following a hypothetical but hilarious mascot showdown, Great Falls has been left with its most iconic rivalry to date - the Battle of the Beasts. No more petty squabbling over standings or cup eliminations or draft drama. No, now the Grizzlies and their fans are embroiled in a bigger beef - what team's mascot deserves to sit at the top of the food chain.
There was a good deal of chatter among fans as to who the true rival would be. Yukon? Malamutes can be fierce, true, but a Grizzly would almost certainly come out on top. The Kraken was a frontrunner for a while, but various ‘rational’ heads prevailed, citing the Kraken's ocean habitat as a natural barrier to true conflict. The Battleborn were even considered for a time, despite a ram's position as a herbivore, for their notorious strength and ferocity. But, finally, forums and fansites were agreed.
The Battle of the Beasts? Grizzlies and Raptors.
The arguments were fierce and lasted weeks. Shouldn't the millions of years spent extinct disqualify the raptor? What about any size difference? It was all eventually settled with the rule of cool, and with how the two were an immensely entertaining match up. Might against agility. Stamina versus speed. Would would win?
There's rumors that there's an open invitation from the Grizzlies’ mascot to the Raptors’. Any rink, any time, open season.
What remains to be seen is whether that bout will materialize, to settle the question of whose mascot can claim the title of top of the food chain.
I think when it comes to rivalries this season there are two good candidates for the Timber. First off we have the Ottawa Highlanders; a division rival looking to climb the standings and nip at the heel of Maine as they sit just behind the Kraken for the conference lead. Also despite having a better team & performance overall, Maine has lost 3 of 4 matches with Ottawa so far this season, being outscored 16-11 over that span. It's also worth noting that forward Scott Fortune leads the league in points, with Highlander forward Spaceman Spiff right on his tail. Secondly I think the Tidal pose an interesting rivalry for the Timber. Having already played each other a total of 6 times, it turned out to be a split decision as both teams took home three wins a piece for the season series. Despite San Diego having the inferior team on paper, there's something about the Timber that just brings them to life.
12-30-2024, 12:42 AM(This post was last modified: 12-30-2024, 12:45 AM by Rookyi. Edited 1 time in total.)
One of the biggest rivalry in the history of the SMJHL is probably the rivalry between the Vancouver Whalers and the Kelowna Knights. This rivalry begun in the early years of the league. There was six teams, in thoses six teams two were close rivals, you gessed it, it was the Kelowna Knights and Vancouver Whalers ! They were both part of that little group and this forged the rivalry that we know today. Also, the fact that they didnt draft prospect Jordan Lafrenière added something to this rivalry as he tries to prove Vancouver wrong every matchups ! ‘Its sure that I was a bit frustrated by their decision(Vancouver) but now im in a very good lockeroom and the organisation is superb as a whole! Now, its up to me to prove them wrong’ he said. Another factor such as the current state of both teams also makes this rivalry very interesting ! Indeed, both teams are in an important rebuild and aim for four star cups in the future ! Games between these rivals are and will always be fun to watch as there is always animosity in the air and players are taking these games very seriously.
12-23-2024, 10:19 PMBeavie Wrote: You know what? To add some fun to this, I'm going to request it be done by a man who knows how to address his enemies. Is this too much? Probably. Is it fun?
"Nah, nah nah. Listen here. You talk about who disrespected the great French-Canadian Claude L'Castor?
"How about we start with the team who chose to draft a centerman in a draft full of them right before the hottest goaltending prospect in San Diego? You see, they skate around in their bright orange jerseys, looking like a team of fruit roll ups, and they don't have any good iced drinks in their arena. You can't expect someone to play in San Diego in the hot sun in a bunch of goaltender gear and not sweat their asses off.
But at least their arena is near a beach and not in the middle of nowhere like the Canadian Tire center for the Highlanders. You think you're tough? With your Braveheart wannabe [explicit]? Oh, buddy, your freedom isn't going to be the thing to worry about when you have to drive home in the dark after a game.
But then there's Joe Primeau and the Vancouver Whalers. Oh? You mad I'm dissing the Believer dude? THIS IS REAL! IT'S REAL! The dude is from Montreal and doesn't even go to the Quebec's IIHF, and instead is chasing music hits, but Claude already knows him well and he'd leave Vancouver again in a heartbeat!
As for the Detroit Falcons? Well, they're already six feet under this season, and the Waleye, they got a fish? Good luck shedding that Elk curse and we'll see you in another 20 seasons when that doesn't work and you move to Halifax or something. Though speaking of, Nevada we got a fish dude in our locker room. Dude slaps.
Carolina? The Kraken? Sorry someone stole your gimmick. First some dudes in a reality we can't mention, and another where San Diego steals your colour.
Oh speaking of, why do we have teams in Yukon and Alaska ? Claude is freezing his [explicit] off. That travel, ain't good for you. Newfoundland , you ain't safe there on the East Coast. The half hour thing? Terrible! Maine, you get a pass, barely. But I'm watching you. Then there's Great Falls and Kelowna. You can't point those on a map. Why do they have teams and my homies back in Yonkers, New York ain't got a team?
Then we get Colorado. Claude tried some of the green stuff there, it was medical, in the form of a creamm recommended by his doctor for his elbow after it faced 20 shots. Gave him a rash! Don't go anywhere near there!
How about we end at home with Quebec City. You see, when you force a man to stare down the barrel of 50 shots a game, they can't stand it. But worst of all, he had some poutine at the concession stands as his cheat day, missing home, trying that good old home cooking, and he goes to open it up, and it is shredded cheese! There are some crimes you can't repent for! You disrespected not just all of Canada, but the entire province of Quebec!"
**Eddie Kingston leaves and Claude sheepishly walks on**
"Ahem, uh, Bonjour. I would like to apoligize for the language of Mr. Kingston. Most of that was not real. The man did, as we call 'Working ourselves into the shoots.' Though, I did have a bit of a rash, uh, my doctor is managing it. Then, uh, the Quebec City team's poutine, I learned, they had to use shredded as a substitute because of a supply issue. I was given a refund, and it is all good now. But please, stop shooting the puck so much. I need a break. merci beaucoup."
The crowd erupts into a chorus of boos as “Better Than You” blares through the speakers. Maxwell Jacob Friedman steps out onto the stage, donning his signature scarf and an arrogant smirk. He strides to the ring, microphone in hand, soaking in the jeers with mock gratitude. Once in the ring, MJF leans against the ropes, raises the mic, and speaks.
MJF: Cut my music, Cut my music! Shut your mouths, you uncultured inbreds—Maxwell Jacob Friedman is speaking, and you’re going to listen.”
The crowd boos even louder, and MJF smirks, pacing around the ring.
MJF: Now, before I get to the reason why I had to grace you people with my presence tonight, let me clear something up. Some shmuck from Montreal—and believe me, I had to Google that dump to make sure it was real—paid me, the AEW World Champion, to come out here and say a few words. And honestly, I wasn’t going to do it, but then I thought, ‘Max, who better than you to talk about this?
The crowd chants, “You suck! You suck!” as MJF rolls his eyes.
MJF: Oh, boo all you want! Deep down, you know I’m the salt of the Earth, and you’re lucky to even be breathing the same air as me. Now, apparently, this is about some hockey netminder named Claude L’Castor. Yeah, L’Castor—sounds like a French dish that leaves a bad taste in your mouth. And get this: he’s got beef with some other guy named Joe Primeau. Don’t know him, don’t care. But here’s the kicker: Eddie Kingston—Eddie ‘I live in my mom’s basement and scream into the void’ Kingston—decided to run his mouth on behalf of L’Castor. Eddie, buddy, listen: the last thing Claude L’Castor needs is you fighting his battles. The guy’s a goalie, right? Aren’t goalies supposed to block stuff, like insults and failure? Oh wait, he can’t even do that right!
MJF adjusts his scarf, sneering into the camera.
MJF: Claude, let’s talk, man to… whatever you are. You think you’re some big deal because you can stop a puck? Congratulations, you’re essentially a glorified wall. But here’s the thing about walls—they get knocked down. And when it comes to your rivalry with Joe Primeau, from what I hear, he’s the wrecking ball coming straight for you. See, I’ve dealt with people like you my entire life—guys who think they’re untouchable until reality slaps them in the face. Claude, you’re not untouchable; you’re just unremarkable.
The crowd jeers, but MJF ignores them, leaning casually on the ropes.
MJF: And Eddie Kingston, let me make this clear: you stepping in for Claude is like putting a band-aid on a broken leg. It’s not going to fix anything. Claude L’Castor’s problem isn’t Joe Primeau, and it sure as hell isn’t me. His problem is that he’s too busy living off hype instead of delivering results. Sound familiar, Eddie? Yeah, I thought so.
MJF turns back to the hard camera, directing his final words straight at Claude.
MJF: So, Claude, I hope you’re listening from your little frozen tundra up there in ''Laval''. Because while I may not care about hockey, or you, or whatever irrelevant beef you’ve got with Joe Primeau, I do care about this: when you step into the spotlight, you better be ready to prove you belong there. And from where I’m standing, Claude, you don’t. Now, do me a favor: take that mask of yours, hang it up, and go find a new hobby. Because you, my friend, are not on my level. And frankly? You’re not even on Joe Primeau’s.”
MJF throws the mic to the mat with a smug grin as the crowd erupts in a mix of boos and scattered cheers. He exits the ring, waving dismissively at the audience, as his music hits once again.
Say his name and he appears! Believe In Joe Primeau! Believe In the Whalers!
Thunder Bay retains its historical rivalry from its Regina days with the Quebec City Citadelles, a rivalry that dates back to a vicious line brawl between the two squads during a regular season game. Since then, both teams have gone in opposite directions in terms of record and success, but the ire still sits at a simmering level for both fans and players, who know the spot on the schedule means a harder game with a rougher feel in the corners, a more determined battle for positions in front of the net. It’ll be a tough battle with them this year two, but everyone in the Thunder Bay locker room understands their assignment. Play hard, don’t give an inch, and no fraternizing with the Quebec City players, for fear of retribution or the cold stares of your teammates after the game. It’s go time when the lights turn on for that game.
Deecee98![[Image: Linus-Ully.webp]](https://i.ibb.co/8X5KPx6/Linus-Ully.webp)
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Say his name and he appears! 
![[Image: EpX87UfXYAcId9r.jpg:large]](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EpX87UfXYAcId9r.jpg:large)
You see, they skate around in their bright orange jerseys, looking like a team of fruit roll ups, and they don't have any good iced drinks in their arena. You can't expect someone to play in San Diego in the hot sun in a bunch of goaltender gear and not sweat their asses off. 
You think you're tough? With your Braveheart wannabe [explicit]? Oh, buddy, your freedom isn't going to be the thing to worry about when you have to drive home in the dark after a game.
Well, they're already six feet under this season, and the Waleye, they got a fish? 
Good luck shedding that Elk curse and we'll see you in another 20 seasons when that doesn't work and you move to Halifax or something. Though speaking of, Nevada we got a fish dude in our locker room. Dude slaps.
The Kraken? Sorry someone stole your gimmick. First some dudes in a reality we can't mention, and another where San Diego steals your colour. 
and Alaska 
? Claude is freezing his [explicit] off. That travel, ain't good for you. Newfoundland 
, you ain't safe there on the East Coast. The half hour thing? Terrible! Maine, you get a pass, barely. But I'm watching you. 
Then there's Great Falls 
and Kelowna. 
You can't point those on a map. Why do they have teams and my homies back in Yonkers, New York ain't got a team?
Claude tried some of the green stuff there, it was medical, in the form of a creamm recommended by his doctor for his elbow after it faced 20 shots. Gave him a rash! Don't go anywhere near there!
You see, when you force a man to stare down the barrel of 50 shots a game, they can't stand it. But worst of all, he had some poutine at the concession stands as his cheat day, missing home, trying that good old home cooking, and he goes to open it up, and it is shredded cheese! There are some crimes you can't repent for! You disrespected not just all of Canada, but the entire province of Quebec!" 
