DRAFT DAY WITH SCOTTY BOWMAN
Also: XM interview…TV cam for reaction at Coli
Since I speak quicker than I type, here’s an interview I did this morning on XM with Shawn Lavigne and Jamie Shalley. They even knew about RC Dugans.
It’s confirmed: there will be a camera at the Islanders Draft Party to beam a reaction shot on the TSN/VERSUS broadcast.
Folks, the John Tavares Twitter page is a fake. The real kid wouldn’t have 700 fewer Followers than Point Blank. Please stop.
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On this potentially historic day, who better to speak with than the man many regard as the greatest coach in the history of professional sports?
One of my last great memories of the old job was inviting Scotty Bowman to the Al Arbour game and being his tour guide for the weekend. Scott was good enough to take a few minutes out of his Blackhawks meetings and share his insights.
Matt Duchene is being compared with Steve Yzerman and Bryan Trottier. Victor Hedman with Nicklas Lidstrom. John Tavares with many of the league’s great goal scorers. As someone who has coached so many of the greats of the game, or coached countless times against them, what do you think of these comparisons?
To a certain extent, the comparisons are very silly. You rarely know what you are going to get with 18-year old draft picks, even the top prospects. If you look at the top 3, the only thing that seems pretty certain is that John Tavares is going to be a big goal scorer – maybe even lead the league. The rest of the draft has plenty of talented kids, but it all comes down to maturity, development and coaching.
You cringe a little for these young men when you hear them called “the next Stevie Yzerman” or ”the next Trottier” or the next Lidstrom. But in the end, it’s not really a big deal. I think it doesn’t help the player for the first half of his rookie year, and then it goes away. Look what Steven Stamkos went through last year. But if you look at his play in the second half, you know he’s going to be a terrific player in our league for a long time.
You’re known for your passion for defense. Did your philosophy on D effect how you view the draft?
In most cases, you just want to take the best player available. There are some exceptions for teams further along in their rebuilding, but you want the best player. The only thing I’d say about the draft is that, if your scouts are divided right down the middle on two players – if they feel they are completely equal – then I would choose the defenseman.
Why is that?
Hockey is a complicated game in some areas, but sometimes it’s simple. You play 12 forwards and only 6 defensemen. In the playoffs, in big spots a coach may go down to 9 and 4. The best forwards play around 20 minutes. The best defensemen will play 30 minutes when you need them. It kind of goes without saying that, man to man, a great defenseman is more valuable.
Is this how you feel about the John Tavares-Victor Hedman debate?
I’ve seen both players, but it’s really up to how the Islanders view them. If they rate them equally, then the defenseman is probably the way to go. But I don’t know how the Islanders rank them. They’re both excellent prospects, so the Islanders are in an excellent position.
I know most of the games you scouted of Tavares and Hedman were at the World Junior Championships. What did you think of Hedman?
He is where he is in this draft because of his size, skating ability and offense. To me, he looks like a defenseman who is really going to want to join the play as he gets NHL experience. His experience in the Swedish League should help him in the NHL next year, although playing our long season could take its toll.
From what our people tell me, Hedman was injured and only played to about 80% of his capacity at the World Juniors. He did not have the greatest tournament, but you could see that he has the ability to be a special player.
What about Tavares?
A nose for the net. Star qualities. Looks like he can carry a team with his offensive ability. To anyone who doesn’t scout juniors regularly, Tavares had a breakthrough tournament. The kid knew everyone was watching and he delivered. He was the best player. Just a tremendously gifted young man. I don’t think there’s any doubt he’ll be a great goal scorer at the NHL level.
Have you seen enough of Matt Duchene to understand why most scouts have him in the top 3?
That’s a tough call. I saw a few of his games with Brampton, and you could tell he is a talented and very, very smart player. The downside is he was playing behind Cody Hodgson, but that was a good experience for him too because I’m sure he learned a lot. If he goes back to Brampton next season instead of the NHL, it will be his team. Duchene is a tough call compared to Tavares and Hedman. He’s going to be very good, but he we know what his ultimate upside is going to be? This is why you have to put your faith in your scouts.
Comments.
55 Responses to DRAFT DAY WITH SCOTTY BOWMAN
Also: XM interview…TV cam for reaction at Coli
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Mike79 says:
So according to this hockey genius, JT might be lead the league in goals one day
That is all that I need to hear.Botta, thanks for keeping us updated all this time.
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Izzy Franchise says:
Ok..really. Is there any reason to read anymore articles about who to take?
John Tavares. Bottom Line.
See you guys at the Draft Party…I’ll be wearing the Isles jersey
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Bryan says:
I cant wait for this to be over so we can stop debating the same point over and over again.
LETS GO HEDMAN!
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19 ISLE in NJ 22 says:
OK … coming from my 5th favorite ALL-TIME NHL executive / coach … How can anyone think of Duchene or even Hedman above John Tavares!!!!
Snow … I doubt you or your minions are even reading this … so I implore to the Hockey Gods …. Please …. Please steer Garth Snow, Ryan Jankowski (Janks), Charles Wang to the correct conclusion to draft John Tavares …. Amen.
This may be my last post before I leave for NVMC … just have some errands to run this morning before we take off from Central New Jersey ….
I’d just like to say even though it’s been an emotional roller coaster ride I’ve shared with you all … it sure has been thrilling.
So now I’ll be in the house with about 20K of my closest fellow fans … and I just hope and pray that once again I can’t hear myself cheer from the roar of the crowd celebrating the pick of John Tavares.
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David Volek says:
CB – heard you on NHL Radio this morning. Nice job – it occurs to me you are singlehandedly making the Islanders relevant again. Hope it’s fruitful.
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islanders says:
First of all you cant go wrong with any of the three picks, i would be more then happy to have any one of them. Yes everyone wants JT, but why would you be so pissed if you get another Chara.
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Tavaras or Bust!!! says:
I’m so excited and I’m going on age 35. What’s wrong with me?!?!
Should I really care this much at my age, lol?
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Jislander7 says:
Brian Burke said yesterday that he thinks the Islanders are picking Duchene. I don’t know if I can take this anymore.
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starz31 says:
Ugh…the more I read about tavares, the more I want him, and the more I worry about our pick.
If it’s Hedman, I will undertsand…I wont be giddy, but I can understand it. Duchene is a reach at #1, especially over JT and Hedman, no way that happens.
But I want Tavares. This team needs Tavares.
The guy scores goals…we dont have anyone to do that…it should be an easy pick. Hedman will be needed if we dont takt JT, b/c we wont have any offense…if we take JT, then it just relieves pressure off everyone else.
It makes no sense to wait this long and draw this out and NOT take JT…b/c thats just very poor planning.
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CB, Yes, great job on XM this morning. People all over Canada must be wondering where East Meadow is and wishing they were there for the dollar pints ($1.50 Canadian, still a bargain).
And, thanks for finally making me break down and join the Twitter revolution. I know I’m going to regret it, but I crave the updates.
See everyone tonight at the NVMC.
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Geli says:
How can anyone say that this article means it should doubtless be Tavares when Bowman pretty much flat out says if you have them rated around equal, he would go with the defenseman?
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I hate twitter!!! Or my sensitivity and vulnerability during these mega-important times. This is my biggest day as an islanders fan, it doesn’t count when I was born in ’79, but I’m about to watch the dvd series right now!
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Scotty eludes to John as a great ‘goal scorer’ in the NHL a couple times. It seems most things I’ve read in the past two months state Tavares is going to score a lot of goals in the NHL, but then they wonder about other aspects (defense, skating, etc.). Isles say you can not go wrong picking a great goal scorer. Isn’t that what the greatest Islander of them all did?
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TuxTax says:
Today is Tavares Day Finally! This might have been more fun then last season?!? Anyways, who’s ready for Dollar Beers? Management, Do Not, I repeat, Do Not Screw this up!!!
Let’s Go Islanders!!! Clap Clap ClapClapClap
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B/c Geli, thats assumed if they are rated equal. JT is the consesus #1…meaning they are not rated equal.
Did you miss the part about Bowman saying JT will lead the league in goals one day? AND was the best player in the World Juniors?
That said, Hedman would be #1 any other draft…and maybe even tonight. I wont be mad if its him b/c we really could use him…but I’ll be very happy if its JT.
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Starz..I agree. snow told him nothing of the sort i’m sure.
Let’s go back to the whole…”We’ve had the same guy in mind since we won the lottery” idea. Ok…Well, Duchene is out of the mix because he was an afterthought at the time and not even on radar…Tavares was WAY more talked about than Hedman. Now mix all that with the articles saying that Tavares is an offensive powerhouse, game changer, winner, etc etc etc….c’mon now.
JT! JT JT!
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JD (e_godard) says:
That was hilarious for them to bring up the post draft party on XM this morning. Dugans is really getting some nice publicity out of this.
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AM says:
Wow I think we are all traumatically scared from the Mike Milbury tenure. Most of us (and the rest of the hockey world) are still worried the Islanders are going to mess this up. If we select anyone other than Tavares, I think its safe we are mentally abused fans.
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Rex says:
Today’s the day, sure WFAN hasn’t mentioned there’s an NHL draft and that a local team is picking #1 at all during the entire week! And i highly doubt the King of Long Island and the afternoon drive time Pope will mention it at all.
But at least XM & 1050 are aware. I just wanna light this candle already. John Tavares & then see if they trade up or what, maybe after the draft WFAN will realize it happened, but then again they hired Evan Roberts so they may not, they’re pretty clueless.
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JKP in Halifax says:
I’m gonna puke if it isn’t JT… T-minus 8 hours…
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Heineken says:
Great interview chris! Hopefully were all lucky and hear snowy announce Tavares! Not duchene! Although i feel bad for hedman or duchene if they’re called by Snow… They will be hearing 15k + fans booing. lol..
Will the concession stands be open tonight at the coliseum?
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dose says:
the man’s comments about JT were more declarative and definitive, with no qualifications. i think you can tell he’s more certain of JT’s success than the others’ and that he clearly ranks him higher. based on what we’ve heard from some of these great hockey people here, i can’t see how there’s any debate.
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CT Isles Fan says:
TAVARES
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GPMD says:
Tavares or Hedman is fine. Both players are going to be stars in this league and can step in immediately.
But, I’m absolutely dreading them picking Duchene. Especially if he isn’t NHL ready, as they said on TSN.
Oh boy, this is gunna be a long day at work.
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thepolishprince says:
John Ta-Var-es clap clap clap-clap-clap
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Travelchic59 says:
Scotty Bowman . . .NICE!!! Great job, CB.
I am hoping for the best tonight, but preparing for the worst. Though for me none of the picks will be “bad” and I will welcome whoever we choose with open arms. It’s not the fault of these young guys who our scouts pick. Someone yesterday mentioned being booed by the team that drafts you is like being booed on your wedding day. You can never be prepared for that. Food for thought. -
it would be great if we draft TAVARES, and then pick up JAY BO. they would clear all dicussions
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I think it has to be JT…it seems to me that it would very unfair to Hedman if its him #1 b/c of the backlash tonight at the coliseum and throughout the media. If its him, why would Snow still wait to announce, very well knowing that the kid is going to be boo’d on north american television. its not the right thing to do. if he announced it early, then that gives fans time to digest it and not react instantly tonight.
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drp79 says:
I don’t want to hear “defense wins championships.” The last time I checked Pittsburg had the cup. TAVARES!!!
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John T - Halifax, NS says:
LET’S GO IS-LAND-ERS!!!!!
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LET’S GO IS-LAND-ERS!!!!!
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LET’S GO IS-LAND-ERS!!!!!Wooohoooooo!!!! I am REALLY feeling the Tavares pick guys. I just have a feeling its gonna happen. Today is the day.
Very excited for tonight. Ill be watching the whole 1st round on TSN tonight. All of you going to the Draft Party have a good time. Wish I was there partying with all my fellow Islander fans
CB have a drink for me at the post draft party.
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Long Suffering says:
When the greatest mind in the history of the sports says the following — ” If you look at the top 3, the only thing that seems pretty certain is that John Tavares is going to be a big goal scorer – maybe even lead the league. He was the best player. Just a tremendously gifted young man. I don’t think there’s any doubt he’ll be a great goal scorer at the NHL level.” How can there be any debate????
At this point, if the Islanders don’t take Tavares I firmly believe we (Long Island) have been screwed by a backroom deal that ensures Toronto gets JT in return for the NHL providing massive financial support to Charles Wang as he relocates the team to KC. This is the only way you could justify not taking JT.
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StevieL says:
Less than 8 hours to go!!! A lot of Thunder on the Island this morning!! JT brings the thunder tonight!!
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Islesfan in Vancouver says:
I understand the reasoning behind Hedman – we don’t have any blue chip defense prospects in the system and with comeau, bailey, okposo, bergenheim, neilson…we have drafted and are in the process of developing some decent forwards that still have further upside. I understand that because of this, Hedman seems more like the next piece we might need. Duchene may turn into a much better player in future – but I don’t believe he did enough as a junior to justify taking him first overall. He has the speed, the two way play and the potential to be a hell of a player, but I think he also has the most potential of the three to be a bust or a role player.
IMO, it would be a mistake to pass on Tavares. I believe that his performance at the world juniors proves he’s a clutch player, his goal and assist totals are incredible and consistant, and he’s worked hard on his conditioning and defensive play. He also mentioned after the combine that he’s been dealing with a shoulder injury and still played through it, and at a high level. He wants to come to Long Island and be part of a rebuild.
I was impressed with the draft Snow pulled off last year. I do feel he will draft Tavares and has purposely not said so in order to keep Burke twisting in the wind, and frankly I love it. If Snow drafts Hedman or MD I will be shocked, disappointed and hoping that Toronto doesn’t get their hands on Tavares. This isn’t the year you make a big move, this is the year you save the franchise by drafting a star who will instantly make your team better, boost ticket sales, provide credibility and allow the fans to breathe again. All we want is a winner. There’s one available and we’re drafting first overall.
7pm est. June 26th, 2009. Where were you when the Islanders drafted JT?
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Joey303 says:
CB- Love the sarcasm about Schenn being the best defenseman in the world. See you tonite – Lets Go Islanders – its gonna be a great day – BTW, when did the world geography shift and move LI to the Pacific Northwest?
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Ben says:
It sure seems that Scotty had an easier time defining JT versus the others. I have also read that JT makes other players around him better. If that is the case if a couple more players playing with him get into the 20 goal – or maybe 30 goal a season range then JT has delivered more than with his own production.
JT is how I am leaning – not to trade down with the top pick and move up to the mid range with a pick or two and a player.
Bells and whistles tonight everybody!!!!!
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Jake says:
I really hope the 1st pick is at 7:15. I leave work at 7. I have been doing practice runs how fast I can get home this week. Latest in the door 7:11 earliest 7:09. I have my jersey on the couch and I left my TV on and of course tuned to Versus.
This is going to be a long day.
MY HOCKEY WISH FOR THE DAY PLEASE TAKE TAVARES…..
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Enzo says:
It better be Tavares. I can’t take the ineptitude of this franchise anymore.
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Mike from Bohemia says:
Scotty Bowman says:
“If you look at the top 3, the only thing that seems pretty certain is that John Tavares is going to be a big goal scorer…”
Case closed for me, how about you, Garth?
I’ll be at the party, and if they don’t take JT, I’ll be disappointed but I wont boo. I know I’ll be in the minority, but I think it would be unfair to ruin a great moment for VH or MD. I can understand the booing, but it would be a shame.
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a REAL hockey fan says:
..Tavares PLEASE! …. Im on hold with WFAN at noon, i will bring up the draft and importance of the pick for the franchise… its 12:03 right now, i will try 2 get them-WFAN to talk hockey.
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dan from va beach says:
“If you look at the top 3, the only thing that seems pretty certain is that John Tavares is going to be a big goal scorer – maybe even lead the league.”!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
HELLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLO
That’s Scotty Bowman Talking!
Do-it
D0-it
D0-it… -
-Big Van Vader says:
From The Examiner.com:
“There comes a time when an organization needs to do what is best for the organization as a whole and not just the team. While the other two may fit better on the roster, John Tavares is what Long Island, the Lighthouse Project, and the fans need. Long Island takes center stage tonight with the 1st pick in the draft and 22,000 fans are expected to fill the Coliseum for the draft party. It will only be a ‘party’ if Snow selects Tavares. If he comes away with anything less, he might as well not board a flight back to New York.”
Hell yeah. Give us John Tavares, or don’t come back, Snow.
I’ll be there tonight, with all of you. Screaming our heads off. I know alot of people who are coming from OUT OF TOWN to be there tonight. I can’t remember when a non-playoff event has caused this much excitement.
Do the right thing by us, Garth. EARN our trust. Do the one thing Milbury never did, and we’ll follow you into hell and back. Make the right decision.
Draft John Tavares.
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TimQ says:
Drink up. Free cabfare for everyone!!!
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@Geli…he said IF they are rated equal. But he does not say that they are.
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Jaffe on NHL Hour just said that most GM’s are confident that Snow is leaning towards Duchene and Jaffe said that he expects Snow to call Duchene’s name tonight.
I am going to be sick.. not b/c Duchene won’t be a good/great NHLer.. because we will have gone the safe route, again. Passing up a franchise defenseman and prolific goal scorer. This fanbase will *never* get what they want. It’s that simple.
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justin v says:
Garth, draft Tavares will you please. If you don’t I will use the money i was going to spend on tickets to buy you golie pads so when you get fired you will have a head start. If you do draft JT I was just kidding. LOL
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mrlbem says:
If they do draft Hedman, the one thing I don’t want to hear coming from Garth is that “we felt that with Ricky coming back from an injury, we needed that stud defenseman.” The “Everything Revolves Around Ricky” conspiracy theorists, myself included, will go nuts.
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Al S. says:
Garth, Do Not listen to Bowman about Tavares clearly he has no idea what he’s talking about, trust your own instincts and think outside of the box, pay no attention to the consensus amongst scouts, you and your staff are right and everyone else is wrong. Just kidding of course, the pick will certainly be Tavares. The organization would never hype up this draft party fully aware of what the masses demand unless they intended to draft him. Right? Tavares will go on to torture the Rangers and become the most hated Islander since Potvin (fingers crossed guys)
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Isle be Damned says:
having a camera in NVMC says they’re going with Tavares. why would they want a camera in NVMC to show 15,000+ fans booing Duchene or Hedman?
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Patrick Stephens says:
I don’t post on here too often but I read almost every blog post. You are doing an amazing job CB. “I’ll even pay for the cab” Awesome. What a great guy for the Islander faithful. This blog keeps me updated on all the goings on from my remote location of Poughkeepsie, NY. Wish I could be at RC Dugans tonight. Have fun everyone. Hope you pay the max for a pint tonight. Go Isles!
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NYI-fan-in-NC says:
I’m hoping for the best, but I’m sensing another Islanders fiasco coming up tonight. Why does this team always do this to me? It’s B.O.H.I.C.A., once more.
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Jamie says:
Duchene gets you 50 points a year and Tavares gets you 40 goals and 70 points!
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Hockey1919 says:
Scotty was not the best GM in the world when he was in Buffalo, but he was a great bench boss everywhere else. Seems like the only thing he said was that Duchene is the biggest risk.
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Pete M says:
To me a camera at the Coliseum tonight means one of two things (or maybe both): Tavares at #1 or a blockbuster trade that gets us back into the top of the draft.
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Isles fan in CA says:
Great interview..getting amped for tonight!! The XM chat was wonderful as well and I am bummed I won’t be able to make it over to RC Duggans afterward to celebrate with everyone. Enjoy the night everyone and be safe.
if i have a nervous breakdown moments before the draft at the coliseum, can i sue the islanders for the emotional and psychological damage following them so closely has caused?
TAVARES!! the countdown is on..