<img src="http://cdn.nhl.com/canucks/images/upload/2007/07/salmonprospects.jpg" class="imageFloatRightFramed">No the title does not refer to a game on December 21, 2012, but to a quirk in the ECHL schedule that sees the last game between the Salmon Kings and the Ontario Reign taking place on Sunday (Dec 6).

In the seven games so far, Victoria has a lead with 4 wins to the Reign's 3, plus have outscored the LA King affiliated squad 17 to 13. Three of the Salmon King victories were home shutouts.

A note of interest for Vancouver Giants fans---Tim Kraus is in his 2nd pro season, and has been able to start his professional career in his home state of California. In recent years, both the BCHL and WHL have seen a sprinkling of California on rosters in both junior levels.

Thursdays ECHL "transactions" page will be of interest to Vancouver Island hockey fans. First, Michael Olson, the former captain and heart and soul of the Nanaimo Clippers has been activated to play by the Idaho Steelheads. Second, the Stockton Thunder have acquired former Surrey and Alberni Valley BCHL winger Matt Robinson. In Friday's action he netted a power play for the Thunder in their OT win over Bakersfield.

They say "what goes in in Vegas stays in Vegas." Three losses, and lost opportunities to move up in the standings. After the Ontario road game, it is 6 pre-Xmas home games against both Las Vegas and Stockton. First up the Wranglers, while the boys from central California venture to Anchorage for a series with Sarah Palin's favourite team, the Alaska Aces. These games are crucial, and will likely determine the fate of the Salmon Kings as the regular season winds down.