Checked out the four-letter rag tonight.
It featured about 12.5 pages, including the cover, of it's latest issue, which is nearly 106 pages. So that's 11.3 percent.
Certainly more than I expected. If the editors average more than a page per issue of NHL coverage for the rest of the season, I'll be surprised.
Part of those 12.5 pages includes a paragraph or so by Bill Simmons, who wrote he's trying to like the NHL.
"Now, I don't want to go off on a rant here, but ...
Eh ... Simmons isn't worth my time and effort.
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Monday, September 29, 2008
Monday night in Indy
Damn, this economy is depressing.
I left the bar and wanted a cup of coffee. I walk toward the Dunkin Donuts, which is about two blocks away. Not even 9 p.m. and it was already closed. Across the street is a steak place, and standing outside of it was a valet.
"Dunkin Donunts always closes this early," I ask.
"Not usually," said the valet. "Lately they've been closing early."
In my mind I write it off to the economy.
"Well I'm off to Starbucks then," I said.
We exchange pleasantries, and I head toward the Circle. I'm not much of a fan of Starbucks. I like Dunkin Donuts coffee much better; it's not as harsh.
Anyway I head toward Meridian, pass the still unfinished Buffalo Wild Wings and am eventually sidetracked by the bookstore that is still open. It closes at nine, so I have about 10 minutes left.
Walking past the chatting clerks, I head toward the magazine rack. I'm on a mission to see what hockey magazines might be available. To my surprise The Hockey New yearbook with Pavel Datsyuk is on display. Even more surprising is the latest issue of ESPN the Magazine. It features Alexander Ovechkin on the front and blurb about a breakdown of all 30 NHL teams. I'm cynical though. I bet it's just a two-page feature with the 15 Eastern Conference teams on one page and on the opposing page the 15 Western Conference teams. This is the four-letter after all.
Anyway I'm not in a buying mood - maybe tomorrow when my purchase will get me two free hours of Wi-Fi goodness. Right now I'm on a mission for coffee, even if it's not Dunkin Donuts.
Mushing northward it's on to Starbucks. I buy an Indianapolis mug I'd been eyeing since August and a medium coffee in a paper cup. I leave and head back to my car.
Restaurants and bars that would normally seem jumping are slow - a hostess props her head up with her hand, elbow on the podium. Places are figuratively dead.
Is it the weather, which is a spitting rain that's keeping people away? The change of seasons? Just a day or so from October, it's noticeably darker. Maybe the goblins and ghouls are already out and about.
Yet this is Monday night and Hank Jr. is ready to party. The bars that should be lively are dead. Even the one I left I was.
I had stopped by to watch the end of the White Sox - Tigers games. Foolhardily I thought it would start at about 7 p.m. It started earlier though. So now with the speakers blaring loudly I'm subjected to four-letter idiocy - the ranting Chris Berman and the know-it-all former players and coaches. Start the game already I've had enough! It's only been five minutes. This will only be a two-pint night.
Everybody is such an American football fan now. Arguably the most popular sport, it bores me to tears. My gripes - there's no flow to the game, and it takes way too long between plays. It's thoroughly boring in my opinion.
The announcers, especially the four-letters, don't make it anymore enjoyable either. In fact they detract from it.
Tonight one of them said Terry Bradshaw and Lynn Swann were window dressing compared to Mean Joe Green. He then quotes an Eagles song.
"Come on, man. I had a rough night, and I hate the fuckin' Eagles, man!"
I left the bar and wanted a cup of coffee. I walk toward the Dunkin Donuts, which is about two blocks away. Not even 9 p.m. and it was already closed. Across the street is a steak place, and standing outside of it was a valet.
"Dunkin Donunts always closes this early," I ask.
"Not usually," said the valet. "Lately they've been closing early."
In my mind I write it off to the economy.
"Well I'm off to Starbucks then," I said.
We exchange pleasantries, and I head toward the Circle. I'm not much of a fan of Starbucks. I like Dunkin Donuts coffee much better; it's not as harsh.
Anyway I head toward Meridian, pass the still unfinished Buffalo Wild Wings and am eventually sidetracked by the bookstore that is still open. It closes at nine, so I have about 10 minutes left.
Walking past the chatting clerks, I head toward the magazine rack. I'm on a mission to see what hockey magazines might be available. To my surprise The Hockey New yearbook with Pavel Datsyuk is on display. Even more surprising is the latest issue of ESPN the Magazine. It features Alexander Ovechkin on the front and blurb about a breakdown of all 30 NHL teams. I'm cynical though. I bet it's just a two-page feature with the 15 Eastern Conference teams on one page and on the opposing page the 15 Western Conference teams. This is the four-letter after all.
Anyway I'm not in a buying mood - maybe tomorrow when my purchase will get me two free hours of Wi-Fi goodness. Right now I'm on a mission for coffee, even if it's not Dunkin Donuts.
Mushing northward it's on to Starbucks. I buy an Indianapolis mug I'd been eyeing since August and a medium coffee in a paper cup. I leave and head back to my car.
Restaurants and bars that would normally seem jumping are slow - a hostess props her head up with her hand, elbow on the podium. Places are figuratively dead.
Is it the weather, which is a spitting rain that's keeping people away? The change of seasons? Just a day or so from October, it's noticeably darker. Maybe the goblins and ghouls are already out and about.
Yet this is Monday night and Hank Jr. is ready to party. The bars that should be lively are dead. Even the one I left I was.
I had stopped by to watch the end of the White Sox - Tigers games. Foolhardily I thought it would start at about 7 p.m. It started earlier though. So now with the speakers blaring loudly I'm subjected to four-letter idiocy - the ranting Chris Berman and the know-it-all former players and coaches. Start the game already I've had enough! It's only been five minutes. This will only be a two-pint night.
Everybody is such an American football fan now. Arguably the most popular sport, it bores me to tears. My gripes - there's no flow to the game, and it takes way too long between plays. It's thoroughly boring in my opinion.
The announcers, especially the four-letters, don't make it anymore enjoyable either. In fact they detract from it.
Tonight one of them said Terry Bradshaw and Lynn Swann were window dressing compared to Mean Joe Green. He then quotes an Eagles song.
"Come on, man. I had a rough night, and I hate the fuckin' Eagles, man!"
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Pundits predict Yzerman's future
The Hockey News' Ken Campbell and others are predicting Steve Yzerman will leave Detroit within a few years.
"Why, oh why Stevie Y?"
“I guess I would just say that I’ve got certain things that I want to accomplish in hockey and that opportunity may or may not be here in Detroit,” Yzerman said. “I’m really happy doing what I’m doing and I’m enjoying working in the organization and trying to add value and help out. I’ve learned a ton and I will continue to learn just by being around. But I have goals and because the organization is so deep in the management level and our guys are successful and they’re young, at some point, we’re going to have to sit down and discuss it.”
Campbell goes on to write Holland is an excellent GM, and Jim Nill, assistant GM, and Yzerman, vice-president, could easily be GMs for other teams.
But that can’t work with three people who are all not only capable of being GMs, but also of doing a very good job at it. Holland, hands-down, is the best GM in the game today and is only 52, which puts him in about the middle of the pack when it comes to age among GMs. He’s not going anywhere and there’s nothing to suggest he will lose his acumen for judging talent and managing a salary cap anytime soon.
Yzerman has proved over the past three years he has both the skill and the desire to be a GM. The Red Wings have already lost Scotty Bowman from their front office and the betting here is sometime shortly after the 2010 Games, Yzerman will be making tracks out of Detroit as well.
Seriously though, I understand why he wants to leave. Still I'd be very sad if he left the Red Wings organization. He's been there is whole major league hockey career. I can't imagine him anywhere else.
"Why, oh why Stevie Y?"
“I guess I would just say that I’ve got certain things that I want to accomplish in hockey and that opportunity may or may not be here in Detroit,” Yzerman said. “I’m really happy doing what I’m doing and I’m enjoying working in the organization and trying to add value and help out. I’ve learned a ton and I will continue to learn just by being around. But I have goals and because the organization is so deep in the management level and our guys are successful and they’re young, at some point, we’re going to have to sit down and discuss it.”
Campbell goes on to write Holland is an excellent GM, and Jim Nill, assistant GM, and Yzerman, vice-president, could easily be GMs for other teams.
But that can’t work with three people who are all not only capable of being GMs, but also of doing a very good job at it. Holland, hands-down, is the best GM in the game today and is only 52, which puts him in about the middle of the pack when it comes to age among GMs. He’s not going anywhere and there’s nothing to suggest he will lose his acumen for judging talent and managing a salary cap anytime soon.
Yzerman has proved over the past three years he has both the skill and the desire to be a GM. The Red Wings have already lost Scotty Bowman from their front office and the betting here is sometime shortly after the 2010 Games, Yzerman will be making tracks out of Detroit as well.
Seriously though, I understand why he wants to leave. Still I'd be very sad if he left the Red Wings organization. He's been there is whole major league hockey career. I can't imagine him anywhere else.
Monday, September 22, 2008
Yzerman man-crush continues
As if I needed another reason to continue my Steve Yzerman man-crush.
Yet this article by Jim Boone deepened it.
Yzerman in his first NHL season.
Steve Yzerman played his rookie NHL season in 1983-84 scoring 39 goals and 87 points. (Getty Images)
Anyway Boone says Stevie Y would be the first hall of famer in his fantasy hall of fame, one for the fans.
At a year-end beach party during the final days of my 11th grade in high school, a group of my friends were clowning around on a local Ottawa beach. An accident occurred and one of my peers was left paralyzed and wheelchair bound for his remaining days.
I visited my friend in the hospital one day following the accident and he was happier than ever. He told me Steve Yzerman had just left the room. It was the spring of 1984 and Yzerman was only 18 years old. He had just completed his rookie season in Motown, setting franchise records for goals and points by a rookie with 39 and 87, respectively. He almost won the Calder Trophy (Tom Barrasso won) and was considered a local hero in Ottawa since he grew up playing in the community. My school friend was around 16 years old at the time and was recognized as a very good player in the same local league Yzerman had played in.
The fact Yzerman had taken the time to lift my friend’s spirits stuck with me. For years I thought I was the only hockey fan who held him in such high regard. When we started the NHLFA in 1998, I was thrilled to learn hockey fans all across North America revered Yzerman in much the same way I did. The guy had a positive effect on so many people in so many different ways.
That alone would be enough, but it's just the prelude. Below is the conclusion.
Ten, 11, 12 years passed in Detroit and the Wings still had not won a Cup with Yzerman at the helm. Then it finally happened in the spring of 1997.
My community quickly renamed an arena in town the “Steve Yzerman Arena” to honor his achievements. Yzerman showed up at the rink with the Stanley Cup. He walked into the arena and did not stop walking, showing the same focus he displayed when he had the puck and headed for the net.
He did not stop marching until he reached my old high school buddy, sitting in his wheelchair amongst the fans. He placed the Cup on my friend’s lap, triggering the greatest smile you have ever seen on a guy’s face. His smile lit up the room and the front page of the local paper the next day.
Yet this article by Jim Boone deepened it.
Yzerman in his first NHL season.
Steve Yzerman played his rookie NHL season in 1983-84 scoring 39 goals and 87 points. (Getty Images)
Anyway Boone says Stevie Y would be the first hall of famer in his fantasy hall of fame, one for the fans.
At a year-end beach party during the final days of my 11th grade in high school, a group of my friends were clowning around on a local Ottawa beach. An accident occurred and one of my peers was left paralyzed and wheelchair bound for his remaining days.
I visited my friend in the hospital one day following the accident and he was happier than ever. He told me Steve Yzerman had just left the room. It was the spring of 1984 and Yzerman was only 18 years old. He had just completed his rookie season in Motown, setting franchise records for goals and points by a rookie with 39 and 87, respectively. He almost won the Calder Trophy (Tom Barrasso won) and was considered a local hero in Ottawa since he grew up playing in the community. My school friend was around 16 years old at the time and was recognized as a very good player in the same local league Yzerman had played in.
The fact Yzerman had taken the time to lift my friend’s spirits stuck with me. For years I thought I was the only hockey fan who held him in such high regard. When we started the NHLFA in 1998, I was thrilled to learn hockey fans all across North America revered Yzerman in much the same way I did. The guy had a positive effect on so many people in so many different ways.
That alone would be enough, but it's just the prelude. Below is the conclusion.
Ten, 11, 12 years passed in Detroit and the Wings still had not won a Cup with Yzerman at the helm. Then it finally happened in the spring of 1997.
My community quickly renamed an arena in town the “Steve Yzerman Arena” to honor his achievements. Yzerman showed up at the rink with the Stanley Cup. He walked into the arena and did not stop walking, showing the same focus he displayed when he had the puck and headed for the net.
He did not stop marching until he reached my old high school buddy, sitting in his wheelchair amongst the fans. He placed the Cup on my friend’s lap, triggering the greatest smile you have ever seen on a guy’s face. His smile lit up the room and the front page of the local paper the next day.
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Blues, Sabres debut new jersey
The St. Louis Blues and Buffalo Sabres introduced new third jerseys over the weekend.
The Blues' jersey looks really sharp. I like it a lot.
The Sabres' jersey, I'm not feeling it. The piping and the front number ruin it for me.
The old Sabres logo is just ok, nothing great, but it's definitely better than the buffaslug. Frankly I miss the buffalo head logo the organization had in the late 90s, early 00s. I also liked the third jersey, cross sabres logo at about the same time.
I posted earlier today on a message board that I wasn't digging the new tie-up jerseys. I thought the NHL "V" made them superfluous. I see now the way Paul Kariya has his that they are not. I stand corrected.
Still I like with the tie-up jerseys designers are trying for an old school look. Yet with the new, sleek jerseys they don't look right to me.
The Blues' jersey looks really sharp. I like it a lot.
The Sabres' jersey, I'm not feeling it. The piping and the front number ruin it for me.
The old Sabres logo is just ok, nothing great, but it's definitely better than the buffaslug. Frankly I miss the buffalo head logo the organization had in the late 90s, early 00s. I also liked the third jersey, cross sabres logo at about the same time.
I posted earlier today on a message board that I wasn't digging the new tie-up jerseys. I thought the NHL "V" made them superfluous. I see now the way Paul Kariya has his that they are not. I stand corrected.
Still I like with the tie-up jerseys designers are trying for an old school look. Yet with the new, sleek jerseys they don't look right to me.
Saturday, September 20, 2008
Debate improves NHL
Adam Proteau of The Hockey News says debate must continue if the NHL is to improve.
Said criticisms usually come in the form of the following argument: “The game is great as it is. We’ve already made enough changes to it, so why can’t people just enjoy it and leave it be?”
On some levels, I understand and agree with that sentiment. But I also believe there’s an inherent, significant danger to the notion of being satisfied with the status quo.
Indeed, there are more than a couple people who will tell you the lack of serious debate about the NHL’s product throughout the 1990s led directly to the Dead Puck/Clutch-and-Grab Era that tested even the most devout hockey fans’ ability to keep their eyelids in the ‘up’ position during games.
Yet Ray Slover and Eric McErlain want to keep the goalie gear the same, the status quo.
Enough already: Leave goaltenders alone
Give NHL rule changes a breather
In this argument, I couldn't agree more with Proteau. He continues...
It wasn’t simply an absence of analysis that hurt the NHL so badly. It’s the aforementioned attitude that eschews all critical comment as being somehow offensive that truly hamstrings the sport.
To wit: Hall of Fame-bound NHLers such as Brett Hull and Mario Lemieux were labeled as whiners and me-first mopers during their playing careers merely for telling the hockey world what it has since come to accept: the game needed fixing – and not in a minor way.
For having the stones to speak up, both stars were shouted down. For daring to suggest it might be worthwhile to explore alternative ways to play the game, both were derided as traitors who deserved to have their tongues cut out.
I remember that well - not so much with Hull, but definitely with Lemieux.
He goes on write that without Brendan Shanahan the game might look the same as it did pre-lockout.
Even now, even after Lemieux and Hull were proven prescient in their appraisals of what ailed the sport, neither guy gets his due for it. And when you consider what it took for major changes to the NHL to actually come to pass – a season-long lockout, followed by an initiative that came not from the league, but from a player (Brendan Shanahan) – you have to wonder what the game would look like today if that conservative, shut-up-and-play mentality was permitted to prosper.
Actually, you don’t have to wonder at all. Without Shanahan’s courage, the NHL still would continue to give its greatest rewards to participants who preferred to lodge their sticks firmly in their opponents’ mid-sections and water-ski behind them up and down the ice; the league would remain a workplace in which endless cycling of the puck and the curtailing of skill mattered more than goals and those who could score them; and professional hockey would continue to fall further off the radar of the average sports fan.
I agree. Shanahan changed that attitude, and in my opinion he also saved the game.
The way I see it, it was predominately through his efforts that the lockout ended.
Said criticisms usually come in the form of the following argument: “The game is great as it is. We’ve already made enough changes to it, so why can’t people just enjoy it and leave it be?”
On some levels, I understand and agree with that sentiment. But I also believe there’s an inherent, significant danger to the notion of being satisfied with the status quo.
Indeed, there are more than a couple people who will tell you the lack of serious debate about the NHL’s product throughout the 1990s led directly to the Dead Puck/Clutch-and-Grab Era that tested even the most devout hockey fans’ ability to keep their eyelids in the ‘up’ position during games.
Yet Ray Slover and Eric McErlain want to keep the goalie gear the same, the status quo.
Enough already: Leave goaltenders alone
Give NHL rule changes a breather
In this argument, I couldn't agree more with Proteau. He continues...
It wasn’t simply an absence of analysis that hurt the NHL so badly. It’s the aforementioned attitude that eschews all critical comment as being somehow offensive that truly hamstrings the sport.
To wit: Hall of Fame-bound NHLers such as Brett Hull and Mario Lemieux were labeled as whiners and me-first mopers during their playing careers merely for telling the hockey world what it has since come to accept: the game needed fixing – and not in a minor way.
For having the stones to speak up, both stars were shouted down. For daring to suggest it might be worthwhile to explore alternative ways to play the game, both were derided as traitors who deserved to have their tongues cut out.
I remember that well - not so much with Hull, but definitely with Lemieux.
He goes on write that without Brendan Shanahan the game might look the same as it did pre-lockout.
Even now, even after Lemieux and Hull were proven prescient in their appraisals of what ailed the sport, neither guy gets his due for it. And when you consider what it took for major changes to the NHL to actually come to pass – a season-long lockout, followed by an initiative that came not from the league, but from a player (Brendan Shanahan) – you have to wonder what the game would look like today if that conservative, shut-up-and-play mentality was permitted to prosper.
Actually, you don’t have to wonder at all. Without Shanahan’s courage, the NHL still would continue to give its greatest rewards to participants who preferred to lodge their sticks firmly in their opponents’ mid-sections and water-ski behind them up and down the ice; the league would remain a workplace in which endless cycling of the puck and the curtailing of skill mattered more than goals and those who could score them; and professional hockey would continue to fall further off the radar of the average sports fan.
I agree. Shanahan changed that attitude, and in my opinion he also saved the game.
The way I see it, it was predominately through his efforts that the lockout ended.
Friday, September 19, 2008
QMJHL imposes tougher penalties
Still catching up on my Hockey News newsletters.
A recent article posted on the site states there will be tougher penalties in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League this season.
Instead, it calls for stiffer penalties for brawling and other acts of "gratuitous violence,"' for files to be kept on repeat offenders, better support for players, coaches and officials and an anti-violence campaign.
The governors are to decide whether to adopt the recommendations at a meeting in Montreal on Sept. 8, a day before the regular season begins.
"There was a consensus not to punish through ejection players who voluntarily get into a fight," said Jacques Letellier, co-president of the committee along with former national women's team coach Daniele Sauvageau. "There were those for and against it.
"We opted to strengthen the penalties without adopting an automatic ejection."
This change seems pretty significant me. Maybe it's much ado about nothing though, but I'd love to hear from Canadians with their thoughts on the matter.
Could the NHL follow suit?
A recent article posted on the site states there will be tougher penalties in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League this season.
Instead, it calls for stiffer penalties for brawling and other acts of "gratuitous violence,"' for files to be kept on repeat offenders, better support for players, coaches and officials and an anti-violence campaign.
The governors are to decide whether to adopt the recommendations at a meeting in Montreal on Sept. 8, a day before the regular season begins.
"There was a consensus not to punish through ejection players who voluntarily get into a fight," said Jacques Letellier, co-president of the committee along with former national women's team coach Daniele Sauvageau. "There were those for and against it.
"We opted to strengthen the penalties without adopting an automatic ejection."
This change seems pretty significant me. Maybe it's much ado about nothing though, but I'd love to hear from Canadians with their thoughts on the matter.
Could the NHL follow suit?
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Happy Birthday Scotty Bowman
Happy Birthday to Scotty Bowman. He is 75 today.
Some stats courtesy of the Wikipedia page.
As head coach, Bowman has won a record nine Stanley Cups with the Canadiens, Penguins and Red Wings.
He holds the record for most wins in league history, with 1,244 wins in the regular season and 223 in the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
He won the Jack Adams Award in 1977 and 1996.
No other head coach in the history of the NHL, MLB, the NFL or the NBA has won championships with three different teams.
Two other informative links - Legends of Hockey and HockeyDB.com.
According to Jamie Samuelsen of the Detroit Free Press, Bowman is the best coach in Detroit sports history.
On freep.com/sports is a list of the top 10 coaches of the past 15 years. Who would be your No. 1?
The fifteen year span makes the answer pretty obvious. In truth, you can probably go back 100 years in Michigan and get the same answer – Scotty Bowman. Bowman is the greatest coach in the history of hockey. And easily one of the five best coaches in team sports history. So it's not too much of a stretch to put him number one here. First and foremost, he just won more than anybody else in Detroit during that time. That's pretty much all you need to know. But he also delivered Detroit it's most sought after prize. And he helped Steve Yzerman realize his Stanley Cup dreams which made him even more popular.
One more thing, check out this Q&A Bowman did earlier this year with the New York Times.
Anything he has to say or write about hockey is worth listening to or reading.
Some stats courtesy of the Wikipedia page.
As head coach, Bowman has won a record nine Stanley Cups with the Canadiens, Penguins and Red Wings.
He holds the record for most wins in league history, with 1,244 wins in the regular season and 223 in the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
He won the Jack Adams Award in 1977 and 1996.
No other head coach in the history of the NHL, MLB, the NFL or the NBA has won championships with three different teams.
Two other informative links - Legends of Hockey and HockeyDB.com.
According to Jamie Samuelsen of the Detroit Free Press, Bowman is the best coach in Detroit sports history.
On freep.com/sports is a list of the top 10 coaches of the past 15 years. Who would be your No. 1?
The fifteen year span makes the answer pretty obvious. In truth, you can probably go back 100 years in Michigan and get the same answer – Scotty Bowman. Bowman is the greatest coach in the history of hockey. And easily one of the five best coaches in team sports history. So it's not too much of a stretch to put him number one here. First and foremost, he just won more than anybody else in Detroit during that time. That's pretty much all you need to know. But he also delivered Detroit it's most sought after prize. And he helped Steve Yzerman realize his Stanley Cup dreams which made him even more popular.
One more thing, check out this Q&A Bowman did earlier this year with the New York Times.
Anything he has to say or write about hockey is worth listening to or reading.
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Milbank equals hockey hotness
I've been catching up on my daily newsletters from The Hockey News, if it's not obvious by my recent posts.
A few weeks ago Adam Proteau spotlighted Carrie Milbank who hosts The Hockey Show on NHL.com.
See the photo below as to why I'm really a Red Wings fan.
The blog entry, Why I'm a Red Wings fan, was just a joke. She's the real reason!
WOW! Color me drooling.
A few weeks ago Adam Proteau spotlighted Carrie Milbank who hosts The Hockey Show on NHL.com.
See the photo below as to why I'm really a Red Wings fan.
The blog entry, Why I'm a Red Wings fan, was just a joke. She's the real reason!
WOW! Color me drooling.
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Five for fighting
Speaking of the instigator rule. The Hockey News' Ryan Kennedy says enforcers and agitators are alive and well in the NHL - despite the instigator rule, which prohibits enforcers from starting fights with more skilled players to draw a reaction penalty.
Far from retreating from the game, the enforcer – and his little brother, the scrappy agitator – is still a part of hockey and is in no way leaving any time soon.
Kennedy goes on to say the League has no desire to reign in instigators.
Because the NHL endorses fighting.
Yup, you heard me, folks. And I have no problem with that. How does the league endorse fighting? It’s simple: The NHL tacitly approves of fisticuffs because players are not suspended or fined for them. Sure, you can get suspended or fined for fighting in the last five minutes of a game if you’ve been red-flagged as a “goon,” but that’s a pretty simple rule to get around: Send your message at the six-minute mark. It’s not rocket science.
While fans of other sports can only hope something bad happens to hate-him-unless-he-plays-for-you guys like Terrell Owens or Alex Rodriguez, hockey has made it known since its inception that if you’re a jerk, you’re going to get rocked in the mouth sooner or later. Your pretty little teeth are going to bounce off the ice and you’ll think twice about spearing or butt-ending one of our boys again.
Repulsive? Venomous? I don’t know. It’s certainly cathartic every once in a while and there’s a big difference between law and justice.
I agree the NHL condones fighting, yet I see good and bad from it.
On one hand it allows players to police themselves, and Eric McErlain blogged about this in his post more than a year and a half ago, Is It Time To Retire The Instigator Rule?
In particular this from Neil K. Sheehy and his article, The Systematic Erosion and Neutralization of Skill and Play-making in the NHL.
I agree with Brett Hull and Mario Lemieux regarding the necessity of the NHL protecting its most skilled players. I believe the instigator rule should be eliminated. The officials should not be forced to call more penalties with new rules, but rather focus on calling fewer penalties and allow players to police themselves. If this were to happen, the tactics of trying to draw more penalties would be diminished.
The way it's argued there certainly makes sense.
However I believe fighting leads to other violent acts like the Bertuzzi - Moore, McSorley - Brashear, and Simon - Hollweg incidents.
Because the NHL condones fighting, it tacitly condones these acts. One follows the other in my opinion. I argued this point with other LetsGoWings.com posters in the thread titled Bertuzzi disobeyed Crawford.
Maybe the instigator rule should be dropped, and the violent incidents like above would stop.
Or maybe the NHL should ban fighting because it certainly allows it, now.
Far from retreating from the game, the enforcer – and his little brother, the scrappy agitator – is still a part of hockey and is in no way leaving any time soon.
Kennedy goes on to say the League has no desire to reign in instigators.
Because the NHL endorses fighting.
Yup, you heard me, folks. And I have no problem with that. How does the league endorse fighting? It’s simple: The NHL tacitly approves of fisticuffs because players are not suspended or fined for them. Sure, you can get suspended or fined for fighting in the last five minutes of a game if you’ve been red-flagged as a “goon,” but that’s a pretty simple rule to get around: Send your message at the six-minute mark. It’s not rocket science.
While fans of other sports can only hope something bad happens to hate-him-unless-he-plays-for-you guys like Terrell Owens or Alex Rodriguez, hockey has made it known since its inception that if you’re a jerk, you’re going to get rocked in the mouth sooner or later. Your pretty little teeth are going to bounce off the ice and you’ll think twice about spearing or butt-ending one of our boys again.
Repulsive? Venomous? I don’t know. It’s certainly cathartic every once in a while and there’s a big difference between law and justice.
I agree the NHL condones fighting, yet I see good and bad from it.
On one hand it allows players to police themselves, and Eric McErlain blogged about this in his post more than a year and a half ago, Is It Time To Retire The Instigator Rule?
In particular this from Neil K. Sheehy and his article, The Systematic Erosion and Neutralization of Skill and Play-making in the NHL.
I agree with Brett Hull and Mario Lemieux regarding the necessity of the NHL protecting its most skilled players. I believe the instigator rule should be eliminated. The officials should not be forced to call more penalties with new rules, but rather focus on calling fewer penalties and allow players to police themselves. If this were to happen, the tactics of trying to draw more penalties would be diminished.
The way it's argued there certainly makes sense.
However I believe fighting leads to other violent acts like the Bertuzzi - Moore, McSorley - Brashear, and Simon - Hollweg incidents.
Because the NHL condones fighting, it tacitly condones these acts. One follows the other in my opinion. I argued this point with other LetsGoWings.com posters in the thread titled Bertuzzi disobeyed Crawford.
Maybe the instigator rule should be dropped, and the violent incidents like above would stop.
Or maybe the NHL should ban fighting because it certainly allows it, now.
Mike Brophy seeks new job
Apparently The Hockey News' Mike Brophy wants a new job. He's tired of writing negatively about the NHL, and he wants to be Gary Bettman's public relations guru.
Below are the changes he'd lobby Bettman to make so NHL fans will like the commissioner.
• Do away with this phrase: "In keeping with club policy, terms of the agreement will not be made public." Gary, tell your dopey GMs we live in a salary cap world and contract information must be made public.
• Turn down the damn music. I come from an era when just being at the game was good enough. Throw in a little organ music if you wish. If I wanted to go to an AC/DC concert, I’d go to an AC/DC concert.
• Speed up video replay. I can’t count the number of times when I have seen a call come into question and the geniuses watching tape keep on watching after a definitive view has been shown on TV.
• Have home teams wear their white jerseys so fans can see more color from the visitors. And while we’re on the subject, how about encouraging teams to get away from predominantly black uniforms. Bring back the purple and gold of the Kings and the baby blue of the Penguins.
The first change I really couldn't care less about. Either way, it's fine with me. Here's my caveat though - I don't think it will change fans' perception of Bettman.
The second change: I've been to some arenas and the music is too loud. Others it hasn't. Here's my caveat though - I don't think it will change fans' perception of Bettman.
The third change: Here I agree with Brophy. But to me it's not worth complaining about because officials want to make sure. In any case NHL officials are faster than NFL officials in making a decision. Here's my caveat though - I don't think it will change fans' perception of Bettman.
The fourth change: My initial reaction when the white to dark change was made one of acrimony. I've since softened my stance. While generally I prefer white jerseys, it doesn't really matter to me anymore. On and the Penguins wore black before just about any other team, they changed in 1980 to be like the championship-winning Pirates and Steelers . They should keep black if they want. Any other team, except Boston too, I kinda agree. Here's my caveat though - I don't think it will change fans' perception of Bettman.
About a week before Brophy posted his article, the members at LetsGoWings.com discussed why they hate Bettman.
My response then:
His obvious love of and favoritism toward Brian Burke is enough for me to hate him.
Yet there's so many more reasons ....
Conference, division name changes.
Safety net installation.
His immeasurable duplicity.
... to name just a few more.
While going back to Adams, Prince of Wales, etc. is infinitely cooler than geographic names - some erroneously like Detroit and Columbus in the Western Conference - the geographic names predate Norris, Campbell, etc. So that's a wash, and it doesn't concern me much anymore. The others I still stand by.
Another LGW member posted this:
He has only one priority, more money for owners. Fans and players be damned.
That has merit, but Bettman works for the owners. The real problem is he doesn't necessarily look out for the greater good of the game.
Or as another LGW member posted:
He should have an eye on the long term health of the game, but shows little understanding or love of the sport.
More specifically the instigator rule is a point of contention. Many players, fans, and journalists disagree with it. I'm torn.
Oh, and as I posted during the playoffs, Bettman is a fascist. Banning Al Sobotka from twirling octopi was really necessary?
Below are the changes he'd lobby Bettman to make so NHL fans will like the commissioner.
• Do away with this phrase: "In keeping with club policy, terms of the agreement will not be made public." Gary, tell your dopey GMs we live in a salary cap world and contract information must be made public.
• Turn down the damn music. I come from an era when just being at the game was good enough. Throw in a little organ music if you wish. If I wanted to go to an AC/DC concert, I’d go to an AC/DC concert.
• Speed up video replay. I can’t count the number of times when I have seen a call come into question and the geniuses watching tape keep on watching after a definitive view has been shown on TV.
• Have home teams wear their white jerseys so fans can see more color from the visitors. And while we’re on the subject, how about encouraging teams to get away from predominantly black uniforms. Bring back the purple and gold of the Kings and the baby blue of the Penguins.
The first change I really couldn't care less about. Either way, it's fine with me. Here's my caveat though - I don't think it will change fans' perception of Bettman.
The second change: I've been to some arenas and the music is too loud. Others it hasn't. Here's my caveat though - I don't think it will change fans' perception of Bettman.
The third change: Here I agree with Brophy. But to me it's not worth complaining about because officials want to make sure. In any case NHL officials are faster than NFL officials in making a decision. Here's my caveat though - I don't think it will change fans' perception of Bettman.
The fourth change: My initial reaction when the white to dark change was made one of acrimony. I've since softened my stance. While generally I prefer white jerseys, it doesn't really matter to me anymore. On and the Penguins wore black before just about any other team, they changed in 1980 to be like the championship-winning Pirates and Steelers . They should keep black if they want. Any other team, except Boston too, I kinda agree. Here's my caveat though - I don't think it will change fans' perception of Bettman.
About a week before Brophy posted his article, the members at LetsGoWings.com discussed why they hate Bettman.
My response then:
His obvious love of and favoritism toward Brian Burke is enough for me to hate him.
Yet there's so many more reasons ....
Conference, division name changes.
Safety net installation.
His immeasurable duplicity.
... to name just a few more.
While going back to Adams, Prince of Wales, etc. is infinitely cooler than geographic names - some erroneously like Detroit and Columbus in the Western Conference - the geographic names predate Norris, Campbell, etc. So that's a wash, and it doesn't concern me much anymore. The others I still stand by.
Another LGW member posted this:
He has only one priority, more money for owners. Fans and players be damned.
That has merit, but Bettman works for the owners. The real problem is he doesn't necessarily look out for the greater good of the game.
Or as another LGW member posted:
He should have an eye on the long term health of the game, but shows little understanding or love of the sport.
More specifically the instigator rule is a point of contention. Many players, fans, and journalists disagree with it. I'm torn.
Oh, and as I posted during the playoffs, Bettman is a fascist. Banning Al Sobotka from twirling octopi was really necessary?
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Complaining Fans
A few weeks ago Paul Kukla blogged about fans who complain.
Everywhere I turn lately, I run into complaints from people. Why haven’t some of the established NHLers committed to playing this season? Why hasn’t my team made a trade yet? The NHL still has so many issues that need to be fixed!
In my opinion he's right. Just as there are many in the journalistic community who complain about the NHL, there are many fans who complain too. I read about them on message boards and on many sports sites. The complaints are unnecessary too. As Kukla explains, this is a great time to be an NHL fan.
Look how much the NHL has improved over the last three seasons. The game is being played the way it was meant to be played. Some people will say the current game lacks physical play, but I will say that aspect still exists, what has gone away is the constant grabbing, clutching and hooking that had crept back into the game.
Skaters can now skate, shooters can now shoot, all without being impeded. The true athleticism of the NHL player is now being showcased. Imagine Alexander Ovechkin or Sidney Crosby playing in the late 1990’s or early 2000’s. They would have a defensive blanket tossed over them, therefore limiting their offensive talent.
Nowadays the defensive game has changed, players must be able to skate with the opposition and actually use skill to stop the offensive side of the game. It was only a few years ago we were all screaming interference, hooking and holding. Do we really want to go back to that style of play?
Again Kukla is spot on. Watch a game and smile!
Everywhere I turn lately, I run into complaints from people. Why haven’t some of the established NHLers committed to playing this season? Why hasn’t my team made a trade yet? The NHL still has so many issues that need to be fixed!
In my opinion he's right. Just as there are many in the journalistic community who complain about the NHL, there are many fans who complain too. I read about them on message boards and on many sports sites. The complaints are unnecessary too. As Kukla explains, this is a great time to be an NHL fan.
Look how much the NHL has improved over the last three seasons. The game is being played the way it was meant to be played. Some people will say the current game lacks physical play, but I will say that aspect still exists, what has gone away is the constant grabbing, clutching and hooking that had crept back into the game.
Skaters can now skate, shooters can now shoot, all without being impeded. The true athleticism of the NHL player is now being showcased. Imagine Alexander Ovechkin or Sidney Crosby playing in the late 1990’s or early 2000’s. They would have a defensive blanket tossed over them, therefore limiting their offensive talent.
Nowadays the defensive game has changed, players must be able to skate with the opposition and actually use skill to stop the offensive side of the game. It was only a few years ago we were all screaming interference, hooking and holding. Do we really want to go back to that style of play?
Again Kukla is spot on. Watch a game and smile!
Friday, September 12, 2008
Pens' new igloo
Ground broke awhile back for the Penguins new home arena.
Arena groundbreaking is great day for hockey
Although work on the new arena has been under way for some time at this site, government and Penguins officials ceremonially broke ground yesterday on the long-awaited, much-debated facility. Everyone knew it was going to happen, but actually seeing shovels in the ground brought home the full impact of what this means.
Here's a link for more information and photos about the arena, which will seat a little more than 18,000 people.
The photo below shows where the new arena is in relation to Mellon Arena.
Concept drawing of the new arena.
Looks nice ... but generic. I'm not totally sold on new arenas.
Most, if not all, in my opinion are sterile, antiseptic, and separate fans based on class.
Also, most have at least two bowls, if not more, which limits good sight lines.
Arena groundbreaking is great day for hockey
Although work on the new arena has been under way for some time at this site, government and Penguins officials ceremonially broke ground yesterday on the long-awaited, much-debated facility. Everyone knew it was going to happen, but actually seeing shovels in the ground brought home the full impact of what this means.
Here's a link for more information and photos about the arena, which will seat a little more than 18,000 people.
The photo below shows where the new arena is in relation to Mellon Arena.
Concept drawing of the new arena.
Looks nice ... but generic. I'm not totally sold on new arenas.
Most, if not all, in my opinion are sterile, antiseptic, and separate fans based on class.
Also, most have at least two bowls, if not more, which limits good sight lines.
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Hockey, Caniac fans
So about a month ago I received this article by Luke DeCock titled "What made you a fan?" in a Google Alert
http://blogs.newsobserver.com/canes/monday-debate-what-made-you-a-fan#comment-7336
Similar to the blog entry I had a while back, this one is geared to the Raleigh, North Carolina area.
Some are classic, and some brought tears to my eyes.
It's worth reading the whole thing, because I'm just highlighting some of the posts and all are just excerpts.
Anything in bold is my emphasis.
Jeff Williams:
I can honestly say (with apologies to my father, who still lives in Texas), that hockey is now my favorite sport.
Anonymous:
I was hooked for life!
FLA Caniac:
My goal has been to someday retire to NC near the Raleigh area of course. I have now bought jerseys,hats,t-shirts etc...and stuff for my home and car. I have even named my Doberman puppy "Raleigh". I am hooked as hooked can be.
Later ....
Hockey is life ...
scomil:
I'll watch the Canes rather than a local college basketball game, and I watch a lot more hockey in general than any other winter sport.
Later ...
Hockey is a great game and maybe the only team sport left where honor and loyalty among teammates and throughout the team organization is still very important. The Canes exemplify that as well as or better than any other NHL team - that's why their fan base is expanding so well around here.
scomil grew up in Indiana and chooses hockey over basketball!
ctill:
I became a hockey fan in Atlanta, when the Flames played their inaugural season (72-73). It was great fun to watch then, and still is... an appeaing blend of power, speed, and skill with layer upon layer of subtlety and nuance in strategy and tactics. Not too physical like football, not to cerebral like baseball. Also I like the fact that 98% of the players live a reasonably clean life off the ice (hello, NBA). Incorporation of Europeans into the NHL was a great advance too.
SubwayScoundrel:
The minute I walked in, I was hooked.
Anonymous:
I played all the other sports. I always came back to hockey. Nothing required the speed, grace, physicality, and skill quite like the game of hockey. The others were always just easier because you weren't doing things on skates. The ebb and flow of the game, the thrill of rushing down the wing and streaking in on the goalie, deking him out of his jock and having him frantically flailing at the puck as it went past him/her, the feeling of absolutely laying a guy out with a great check.... nothing matches that....
When you see the game played the right way... and see the flow of that much speed and skill... it's hard not to get hooked...
caniacinclemson:
Despite being relatively new to the ranks of hockey fan-dom I can see why people all over the country (and world for that matter) have devoted their lives to both playing and cheering on those who do. I moved to Raleigh from Houston in 2005 which was the same year that I fell in love with hockey. I grew up loving football (especially high school) and college basketball but when I saw my very first hockey game during those amazing playoffs, everything else took a back seat. I was immediately hooked and have been ever since.
Later ...
The speed of the game, the amazing display of skill and the interesting back stories of everyone involved just add to why I am known among my friends as the hockey fanatic.
Later ...
I was awed by the effort given on the ice and the fans' reactions in the stands and seeing such a fast paced game in person made me count down the days until I could go back. To this day I still get goosebumps when the lights go down and the team makes its entrance to the roar of the loudest fans in the NHL.
Anonymous:
I was a casual fan till the 2002 run to the Finals. After that I've been "all the way in".
The players are also great. I've never experienced any ill will towards the fans. Most stop and will interact with the fans in a very friendly manner. Its awesome to shake hands,grab an autograph and ask a question of an on ice hero.
Finally - the atmosphere at the RBC is simply amazing ....I've been to sporting venues all over the country and the RBC has a unique atmosphere. Its not the biggest or most plush arena but overall - its hands down unmatched.
Anonymous:
The following fall, the NBA had their work stoppage, so I started watching whatever hockey I could get on t.v. - it was a time when there were games on both ESPN and ESPN2 and we had Fox Rocky Mountain Sports available. The more I watched, the more I loved the game. I've never gone back to the NBA! My first live hockey game was at the ESA (2nd game the 'Canes played there) while I was in town for job interviews. (The 'Canes got hammered by the Leafs, but what the heck, it was live hockey and I had a ball!)
Later ...
I'm hopelessly hooked on the game and a Caniac forever!
Carolina_Whaler:
Now I go through withdrawls during the off season, unless I'm playing NHL 08 on my X-box360 or talking with friends and family that are Caniacs like myself. I can't wait for the hockey season to start, as September gets closer i'm starting to feel like a kid right before christmas.
Anonymous:
I remember it clearly. I was watching the evening news one spring evening in 2002 and heard 'the Carolina Hurricanes are going to the Stanley Cup finals against the Detroit Red Wings.' I'd never watched an NHL game start to finish in my life at that point. But even I knew how important those words were--"Carolina Hurricanes," Stanley Cup finals," and "Detroit Red Wings." I started watching the games on TV, got completely hooked by the skill/speed/strength/grace of the game. Now, I'm a STH.
To say my knowledge of and love for hockey has exploded in these 6 short years is a gross understatement.
ClaytonCaniac4life:
However, a few years later my son and I had the opportunity to go to a Carolina Hurricanes playoff game against the NJ Devils in 2002 and we have been hooked ever since.
Later ...
Right then and there I knew I was HOOKED! I have been a fan ever since. It is ADDICTIVE, once you go to your 1st. game. The players are the BEST (so down to earth and friendly). I find myself looking online all the time now for any hockey news I can find. I order Center Ice every year and watch NHL Network faithfully.
Anonymous:
I had never been to a hockey game, nor did i know anything about hockey, when a guy asked me out and said he was a season ticket holder.... he asked if i'd like to go to a game. The reason i had never gone was because i just couldn't justify the cost of the ticket, seemed like a lot of money for a game! So i went..... that was the first playoff game of the Stanley cup run in 2006. And needless to say, I kept going with him until the very end. Although we're not together any more, I made some sacrifices and scraped up the money and have become a full season ticket holder, sitting third row. I haven't missed a game......and don't plan on ever missing one. I think if i were in a coma, they'd have to have the game playing in the background!! LOL. 41 days until the first game...........not that i'm counting.
wjcamp:
Born and raised in Chatham county, I grew up a huge fan of Tarheel basketball, major league baseball and the Washington Redskins. My first real exposure to hockey was the amazing run to the gold by the US in the 1980 Olympics, but that interest soon faded.
Later ...
When the Canes had their big ticket drive leading into the 2001-02 season I decided to buy two season tickets for my wife and me to use, as well as to share with our employees as a perk. After the first month of the season my wife, a total non sports person, fell in love with the game and the players as quickly as I did. There's just nothing like watching hockey in person to get you hooked.
Later ...
The thrill of being in the RBC to watch our boys raise the cup on the night of our 24th wedding anniversary is one of my life's greatest moments (no disrespect to my wife), and certainly the greatest sports moment I can remember. I can say with certainty that we'll be fans for life. I can't wait for this season to start so I can get my fix in after this much too long summer.
http://blogs.newsobserver.com/canes/monday-debate-what-made-you-a-fan#comment-7336
Similar to the blog entry I had a while back, this one is geared to the Raleigh, North Carolina area.
Some are classic, and some brought tears to my eyes.
It's worth reading the whole thing, because I'm just highlighting some of the posts and all are just excerpts.
Anything in bold is my emphasis.
Jeff Williams:
I can honestly say (with apologies to my father, who still lives in Texas), that hockey is now my favorite sport.
Anonymous:
I was hooked for life!
FLA Caniac:
Later ....
Hockey is life ...
scomil:
I'll watch the Canes rather than a local college basketball game, and I watch a lot more hockey in general than any other winter sport.
Later ...
Hockey is a great game and maybe the only team sport left where honor and loyalty among teammates and throughout the team organization is still very important. The Canes exemplify that as well as or better than any other NHL team - that's why their fan base is expanding so well around here.
scomil grew up in Indiana and chooses hockey over basketball!
ctill:
I became a hockey fan in Atlanta, when the Flames played their inaugural season (72-73). It was great fun to watch then, and still is... an appeaing blend of power, speed, and skill with layer upon layer of subtlety and nuance in strategy and tactics. Not too physical like football, not to cerebral like baseball. Also I like the fact that 98% of the players live a reasonably clean life off the ice (hello, NBA). Incorporation of Europeans into the NHL was a great advance too.
SubwayScoundrel:
The minute I walked in, I was hooked.
Anonymous:
I played all the other sports. I always came back to hockey. Nothing required the speed, grace, physicality, and skill quite like the game of hockey. The others were always just easier because you weren't doing things on skates. The ebb and flow of the game, the thrill of rushing down the wing and streaking in on the goalie, deking him out of his jock and having him frantically flailing at the puck as it went past him/her, the feeling of absolutely laying a guy out with a great check.... nothing matches that....
When you see the game played the right way... and see the flow of that much speed and skill... it's hard not to get hooked...
caniacinclemson:
Despite being relatively new to the ranks of hockey fan-dom I can see why people all over the country (and world for that matter) have devoted their lives to both playing and cheering on those who do. I moved to Raleigh from Houston in 2005 which was the same year that I fell in love with hockey. I grew up loving football (especially high school) and college basketball but when I saw my very first hockey game during those amazing playoffs, everything else took a back seat. I was immediately hooked and have been ever since.
Later ...
The speed of the game, the amazing display of skill and the interesting back stories of everyone involved just add to why I am known among my friends as the hockey fanatic.
Later ...
I was awed by the effort given on the ice and the fans' reactions in the stands and seeing such a fast paced game in person made me count down the days until I could go back. To this day I still get goosebumps when the lights go down and the team makes its entrance to the roar of the loudest fans in the NHL.
Anonymous:
I was a casual fan till the 2002 run to the Finals. After that I've been "all the way in".
The players are also great. I've never experienced any ill will towards the fans. Most stop and will interact with the fans in a very friendly manner. Its awesome to shake hands,grab an autograph and ask a question of an on ice hero.
Finally - the atmosphere at the RBC is simply amazing ....I've been to sporting venues all over the country and the RBC has a unique atmosphere. Its not the biggest or most plush arena but overall - its hands down unmatched.
Anonymous:
The following fall, the NBA had their work stoppage, so I started watching whatever hockey I could get on t.v. - it was a time when there were games on both ESPN and ESPN2 and we had Fox Rocky Mountain Sports available. The more I watched, the more I loved the game. I've never gone back to the NBA! My first live hockey game was at the ESA (2nd game the 'Canes played there) while I was in town for job interviews. (The 'Canes got hammered by the Leafs, but what the heck, it was live hockey and I had a ball!)
Later ...
I'm hopelessly hooked on the game and a Caniac forever!
Carolina_Whaler:
Now I go through withdrawls during the off season, unless I'm playing NHL 08 on my X-box360 or talking with friends and family that are Caniacs like myself. I can't wait for the hockey season to start, as September gets closer i'm starting to feel like a kid right before christmas.
Anonymous:
I remember it clearly. I was watching the evening news one spring evening in 2002 and heard 'the Carolina Hurricanes are going to the Stanley Cup finals against the Detroit Red Wings.' I'd never watched an NHL game start to finish in my life at that point. But even I knew how important those words were--"Carolina Hurricanes," Stanley Cup finals," and "Detroit Red Wings." I started watching the games on TV, got completely hooked by the skill/speed/strength/grace of the game. Now, I'm a STH.
To say my knowledge of and love for hockey has exploded in these 6 short years is a gross understatement.
ClaytonCaniac4life:
However, a few years later my son and I had the opportunity to go to a Carolina Hurricanes playoff game against the NJ Devils in 2002 and we have been hooked ever since.
Later ...
Right then and there I knew I was HOOKED! I have been a fan ever since. It is ADDICTIVE, once you go to your 1st. game. The players are the BEST (so down to earth and friendly). I find myself looking online all the time now for any hockey news I can find. I order Center Ice every year and watch NHL Network faithfully.
Anonymous:
I had never been to a hockey game, nor did i know anything about hockey, when a guy asked me out and said he was a season ticket holder.... he asked if i'd like to go to a game. The reason i had never gone was because i just couldn't justify the cost of the ticket, seemed like a lot of money for a game! So i went..... that was the first playoff game of the Stanley cup run in 2006. And needless to say, I kept going with him until the very end. Although we're not together any more, I made some sacrifices and scraped up the money and have become a full season ticket holder, sitting third row. I haven't missed a game......and don't plan on ever missing one. I think if i were in a coma, they'd have to have the game playing in the background!! LOL. 41 days until the first game...........not that i'm counting.
wjcamp:
Born and raised in Chatham county, I grew up a huge fan of Tarheel basketball, major league baseball and the Washington Redskins. My first real exposure to hockey was the amazing run to the gold by the US in the 1980 Olympics, but that interest soon faded.
Later ...
When the Canes had their big ticket drive leading into the 2001-02 season I decided to buy two season tickets for my wife and me to use, as well as to share with our employees as a perk. After the first month of the season my wife, a total non sports person, fell in love with the game and the players as quickly as I did. There's just nothing like watching hockey in person to get you hooked.
Later ...
The thrill of being in the RBC to watch our boys raise the cup on the night of our 24th wedding anniversary is one of my life's greatest moments (no disrespect to my wife), and certainly the greatest sports moment I can remember. I can say with certainty that we'll be fans for life. I can't wait for this season to start so I can get my fix in after this much too long summer.
Thursday, September 04, 2008
Hockey fans for Palin
Sarah Palin, self-admitted hockey mom, Alaska's governor, and now Republican John McCain's running mate, garnered support from Michigan delegates who attended the Republican National Convention in Red Wings jerseys.
Michigan delegates support Palin with jerseys
The delegates were easy to spot. They were close to the podium wearing red-and-white Detroit Red Wings jerseys and chanting, "Let's go, Palin."
Palin is a very attractive woman, and a hockey mom. It's almost enough to make me vote Republican this fall. Almost.
Michigan delegates support Palin with jerseys
The delegates were easy to spot. They were close to the podium wearing red-and-white Detroit Red Wings jerseys and chanting, "Let's go, Palin."
Palin is a very attractive woman, and a hockey mom. It's almost enough to make me vote Republican this fall. Almost.
Monday, September 01, 2008
Stanley Cup, tattoo me, Castroneves controversy
So I traveled to Detroit over the weekend primarily to see the Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix. However there was one big surprise.
A friend called me the night before the race, and told me Stanley was in town tomorrow. Whoa! That upset my plans a bit, but I wasn't about to let that opportunity pass me by. Not when I was that close, and not when my team just won it two months ago. It was great to see in person. It was just as fun meeting new people who were in line with me. The guy in front of me told me stories of him meeting Red Wings players. I explained to the people behind me that there's really three Cups. All good fun.
So after chatting with friends, old and new, it was off to my previously arranged meeting.
I'd been chatting with friends for a couple of years about getting a tattoo. I don't remember if I ever vocalized that I'd get one the next time the Wings one another Cup. It might've just been in my mind. Anyway, I couldn't just get one anywhere, it had to be in Detroit ... or at least the metropolitan area. Didn't have time during the parade festivities. So anyway, I got my first tat yesterday.
Pretty cool, eh?
Then it was off to the race. Easy enough to get there, especially since it's on an island, but the previous engagements left me a bit behind the power curve. I just missed the start of the race, which I really wanted to see or at least hear the call to start engines. That's because Detroit Red Wing Kris Draper was the grand marshal. As such he should've given the call for the drivers to start their engines. It's pretty cool in my opinion to see the NHL and IRL interact so much. The Nashville Predators captain was the grand marshal at the Nashville race. Now they're both leagues are on Versus ... hmmm.
Anyway, it was a decent race. I highly recommend sitting in the grandstands. With all the safety barriers it's nearly impossible to see the cars from the infield general admission section. If I'm able to go next year, I'll be in the grandstand with plenty of sunblock!
The controversy: Helio Castroneves who at the time was leading the race, was instructed by race officials to let Justin Wilson, the second-place driver, pass.
With Wilson breathing down his neck, Castroneves moved his race car into Wilson's path three times on lap 72, forcing IndyCar Series officials to make the rare and controversial decision to compel Castroneves to allow Wilson to speed ahead of him into first place.
In my opinion it was a call that had to be made.
I thought that Castroneves' moves were dangerous and unnecessary. Wilson appeared to have the better car. If Helio continued to block Wilson an accident could've happened, and both would've been taken out. With about 18 laps left, Wilson would've passed Castroneves anyway. Wilson was that much faster.
Anytime I go to Detroit I always I have fun. This time was no exception, and it was extra special.
A friend called me the night before the race, and told me Stanley was in town tomorrow. Whoa! That upset my plans a bit, but I wasn't about to let that opportunity pass me by. Not when I was that close, and not when my team just won it two months ago. It was great to see in person. It was just as fun meeting new people who were in line with me. The guy in front of me told me stories of him meeting Red Wings players. I explained to the people behind me that there's really three Cups. All good fun.
So after chatting with friends, old and new, it was off to my previously arranged meeting.
I'd been chatting with friends for a couple of years about getting a tattoo. I don't remember if I ever vocalized that I'd get one the next time the Wings one another Cup. It might've just been in my mind. Anyway, I couldn't just get one anywhere, it had to be in Detroit ... or at least the metropolitan area. Didn't have time during the parade festivities. So anyway, I got my first tat yesterday.
Pretty cool, eh?
Then it was off to the race. Easy enough to get there, especially since it's on an island, but the previous engagements left me a bit behind the power curve. I just missed the start of the race, which I really wanted to see or at least hear the call to start engines. That's because Detroit Red Wing Kris Draper was the grand marshal. As such he should've given the call for the drivers to start their engines. It's pretty cool in my opinion to see the NHL and IRL interact so much. The Nashville Predators captain was the grand marshal at the Nashville race. Now they're both leagues are on Versus ... hmmm.
Anyway, it was a decent race. I highly recommend sitting in the grandstands. With all the safety barriers it's nearly impossible to see the cars from the infield general admission section. If I'm able to go next year, I'll be in the grandstand with plenty of sunblock!
The controversy: Helio Castroneves who at the time was leading the race, was instructed by race officials to let Justin Wilson, the second-place driver, pass.
With Wilson breathing down his neck, Castroneves moved his race car into Wilson's path three times on lap 72, forcing IndyCar Series officials to make the rare and controversial decision to compel Castroneves to allow Wilson to speed ahead of him into first place.
In my opinion it was a call that had to be made.
I thought that Castroneves' moves were dangerous and unnecessary. Wilson appeared to have the better car. If Helio continued to block Wilson an accident could've happened, and both would've been taken out. With about 18 laps left, Wilson would've passed Castroneves anyway. Wilson was that much faster.
Anytime I go to Detroit I always I have fun. This time was no exception, and it was extra special.
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