Rivermen farm out Schwarz

[Kyle1512]

http://www.pjstar.com/sports_rivermen/x415869591/Rivermen-farm-out-Schwarz

PEORIA — The Peoria Rivermen made a move with their goaltending tandem on Monday, farming former St. Louis Blues No. 1 pick Marek Schwarz down to ECHL Alaska.

In turn, the Rivermen, via orders from the parent club St. Louis Blues, called-up goaltender Chris Holt from Alaska. He will re-join the AHL club in time for its game Wednesday in Cleveland.

[#1ELPBluzFan]

Honestly, a lot of the goalies we have in the system have potential...but the only way to improve is to play. Granted, the better the competition, the faster you'll improve...but getting ice time is the most important aspect of being in ANY farm system.

[Kyle1512]

Eminian's Blog post -
http://www2.pjstar.com/index.php?/eminian/

He has struggled of late in Peoria. There just won’t be enough games with the AHL Rivermen for him to turn it around, because the parent club Blues want the majority of starts to go to rookie Ben Bishop now. The latter had solid back-to-back outings last week for the first time this season.

This trip to the ECHL will be primarily to keep Schwarz playing, and partly to boost his confidence.

DE

[noodles27]

I am dissapointed in him. I once thought he was the goalie of the future for the Blues. It is clear Bishop has left him in his dust now though.

[section319]

I am dissapointed in him. I once thought he was the goalie of the future for the Blues. It is clear Bishop has left him in his dust now though.

As far as NHL 09 goes, bishop is a beast. He has a 1.62 gaa and 93% savt pct. in like 30 games for me so far.. If that helps the discussion any..

[OS]

Anyone know if Schwarz was injured or something? After getting sent down on the 8th he didn't play a game until the 28th.

[Kyle1512]

Anyone know if Schwarz was injured or something? After getting sent down on the 8th he didn't play a game until the 28th.

He was sent to Alaska, recalled back to Peoria before he played in a game. Legace's concussion and Bishop being called up to St. Louis, kept him in Peoria while Chris Holt started most games for Peoria. St. Louis made an attempt to send him to Alaska right before Christmas, but Bishop got the flu and missed 2 games. Schwarz has played 1 game for Alaska since being sent to Alaska after Christmas. He gave up 3 goals in 59 minutes (3.07 GAA) and did get the loss in that game.

Box score - Aces vs. LV Wranglers 12-28-08
http://echl.leaguestat.com/stats/game-summary.php?game_id=6657

As for being disapointed in Marek, I'm not. Marek has worked hard in practice and knows that he is struggling. He is the one of the first guys out and stays until practice is over on non-game days. If he wasn't working hard and had a visible problem, he wouldn't still be part of the Blues system. I agree that Ben Bishop has passed him up on the depth chart. I think Jake Allen will pass Marek up, once he goes pro. I think in 2 years Bishop and Schwarz will be competing for NHL roster spots. I don't think either is ready for the NHL or failing in the Blues system.

[OS]

If Mason and Legace don't get their act together, Bishop might very well be the starter in St. Louis to close the season. If there's a time to see if he's ready, that would be it.

[choppa4]

If Mason and Legace don't get their act together, Bishop might very well be the starter in St. Louis to close the season. If there's a time to see if he's ready, that would be it.

I see no reason why Chris Holt shouldn't get that chance before anyone else does.

[OS]

Is Holt even Blues property yet? I can't remember.

[Mellanby_equals_grit]

If Mason and Legace don't get their act together, Bishop might very well be the starter in St. Louis to close the season. If there's a time to see if he's ready, that would be it.

Boo to Bishop winning us games when we're in a Tavares race!

[Kyle1512]

Is Holt even Blues property yet? I can't remember.

After Legace got "Palined", Bishop and Holt were to rotate between St. Louis and Peoria, to give Bishop playing time in Peoria. Holt was given a Blues contract, so he could be on the bench for the Blues.

[WaukeeBlues]

I am dissapointed in him. I once thought he was the goalie of the future for the Blues. It is clear Bishop has left him in his dust now though.