According to the latest IIHF Poll

Canada is #1!!
After surfing around the latest link that I added to the Essential Hockey Websites listed at the left, NHL Network (actually it was TSN) had an article reporting that for the next World Championships and carrying over to the new format in the Winter Olympics. The top 8 teams automatically qualify for the Turin Olympic games.

Based on recent international competition wins and overall reputation, Canada was listed #1 like a national champions poll in NCAA Football. In no particular order... Slovakia, USA, Finland, Germany, Czech Republic, Sweden and Russia round out the top 8. The last place team was Turkey listed as 43rd.

Turkey has a hockey team?

Toronto Ambassadors to European Fans

Well.. the Toronto Maple Leafs are the ambassadors for NHL brand of hockey this month. They are currently playing exhibition games in Sweden. Yesterday, they defeated the Jokerit team 5-3. Newly acquired defenceman Richard Jackman (no, not the guy that played Wolverine... that's Hugh) scored twice for the Leafs. The lowlight for the Leafs was that team star Owen Nolan was the recipient of a check in the previously injured back. Later, he assured the fans and team on numerous websites including the Leafs official page that his back is fine. One thing for sure, team captain Mats Sundin played host as he hails from Sweden.

Gilmour Hangs Up his Skates

When the announcement came that Richter called it a career, it was one down one to go.

Today, 20 year veteran Doug Gilmour announced his retirement from the NHL as a Maple Leaf. He played nobly for the Canadiens, Sabres, "Leaves", Flames, Blackhawks, and Devils. He won the Stanley Cup with the Flames in 1989. He also stands high on the all time scoring list putting in 450 goals and totaling 1,414 points.

I was amazed when Gilmour signed a contract to play one more year in Montreal last year. (check out my archives on what I said then). Gilmour was overdue for retirement, but gave his best shot for one last run.

Team Jerseys Switch for Upcomming Season

Don't be caught with the wrong jersey for the 2003-2004 season...

...warns the scrolling internet banner advertisement.
The NHL will break with tradition and switch the jersey sweaters worn for all NHL teams during the season. The dark jerseys will now become the home jerseys and the away jerseys will be the white jerseys.

I think this is a terrible idea! This isn't the NFL! If it 'aint broke, don't fix it!

Coyotes New Uniforms for Upcoming Season

The Phoenix Coyotes, owned by NHL Hall of Famer Wayne Gretzky, has updated their look to the franchise by creating the new jerseys. You can check them out at this link Official Coyotes website.

I think they look terrible! I'm not really that impressed with the new design. They tried to incorporate the red and white of the Detroit Red Wings and ended up in the same vein as fashion victims the Carolina Hurricanes. I think they also wanted to tie into closely with the Cardinals, the local pro football team. Their red colors are close to what they chose. The Coyote logo is a slight improvement.

The original press conference from the organization said that they were "going to incorporate the rich heritage of the franchise by honoring it's past." Everyone thought that this would be a nod to the Winnipeg Jets that the franchise started out as. The Jets were blue. I don't see any blue.

Rangers' Richter Retires

Too little too late for some people, but it came down to the personal honor as veteran goaltender Mike Richter has called a press conference. He is expected to announce his retirement from the NHL.

Richter spent the bulk of his time on the IR the last 2 years of his career. However, he was earning his paycheck by manning the pipes as the New York Rangers won their first Stanley Cup in more than 40 years in 1994. He also distinguished himself as a USA born goaltender selected to represent his country in the Winter Olympics in Nagano, Japan.

The Rangers are trying to turn things around by investing in goalie prospects Jussi Markkanen and Dan Blackburn. They also picked up veteran goaltender Mike Dunham at last year's trading deadline. The writing was on the wall for Richter.

McCabe Injured and Yahoo Fantasy Hockey to Start

10 days after re-signing with the "Leaves", defenceman Brian McCabe will be out indefinitely after Yahoo! Sports and Sporting News reports McCabe injuring his knee in practice yesterday.

In other news, I'm starting up my Yahoo Fantasy Hockey League again this year. Stay tuned with the details. My team, "Ruthless Aggression", came in last place last year.

"Moose" Goes on the Move West

Well, today's the last day in August... so it's the last chance to post something. Maybe I should update it more often, even when things aren't going as fast in the off-season.

My Penguins gave away one of their goalies in the "plethora" of goalies that they had. Johan "Moose" Hedberg was traded to the Vancouver Canucks for a second round draft pick. When, Caron got the bulk of the playing time, it looked as if he was "the chosen one" for goalie of the future.

That's all for now.. have a safe Labor Day weekend!

Herb Brooks Arena?

In a follow up story to the tragic death of USA hockey's legends, Herb Brooks, several sources including Yahoo! Sports have said this:

Sen. Cal Larson (R-Fergus Falls) recommended Monday that the National Hockey Center in St. Cloud, MN should be called the Herb Brooks Arena.

The Gov. Tim Pawlenty said he'd think about it and talk to the people who own the Arena rights. It is home to the St. Cloud University men's and women's team by seating 6,000 and contains two Olympic size rinks.

Hockey Joke on Comedy Central

I just caught the last few minutes of Colin Quinn's comments on his Comedy Central show. In closing, he said this:

"How do you get more black men to watch hockey? Tell them that white guys won't allow them to," said Quinn.

Herb Brooks 1937-2003

The Associated Press and NHL.com reports that legendary coach Herb Brooks was killed in a car accident in his home state of Minnesota today.

The entire hockey world is both shocked and saddened to learn the news. Mr. Brooks was the head coach for several NHL teams including the North Stars, Rangers, Devils, Penguins (funny how NHL.com article omitted that fact from the list) and was also the head coach for the 1980 U.S. Olympic team when they won the Gold Medal. He was currently the scouting coach for the Pittsburgh Penguins.

No doubt, the NHL will honor this man with memorial patches. Expect the Penguins to have one night of tribute for opening night.

Herb Brooks was 66 years young. He will be missed.

A Silly Name for A Silly Team

On an internet surfing trip to Tim Harvey's Hockey Blog, I was disappointed to read that the most "original" hockey team name the Macon Whoopee have decided to cut out and rubber stamp themselves "defunct".

Mario Lemieux Announces One More Comeback

Mario decides to come back for at least one more year!

According to a Yahoo.com Sports article, (and you could also check out the story on NHL.com) that Mario Lemieux will again lace up his skates to play for the Pittsburgh Penguins for the 2003-2004 season.

It's been received around the league with mixed emotions. Some people are still jealous of the greatest hockey player and think he's just doing it for money and/or self interest. Other fans like me think this is great for hockey to have him around one more year. The Penguins really need him to survive.

F-U Center no more!

The Philadelphia Flyers have announced the re-naming of their arena from the First Union Center to Wachovia Center. I think this is a good choice to go from a vulgar nickname to a gothic eastern Europe castle sounding name.

The Wachovia Corporation is a financial institution that not only will hold your money, but they'll tell you how to manage it for you.

Goalies Pads are Now Regulated

Bowing to fan and player complaints, the NHL last week amended the rule for goalie leg pads to meet. Forever known as the "Roberto Luongo Rule", goalies leg pads must be 12 inches in length.. no more.

Anyone violating the standard equipment rule will be fined $25,000.

2004 Season Schedule and Notes

It's a little bit closer to the new 2003-2004 hockey season!

Today, the NHL released their regular season schedule. A few surprises are in store to boost fan interest and TV coverage.

1. Edmonton and Montreal will play an NHL game outdoors at Commonwealth Stadium making NHL history Nov 22


2. Toronto will play pre-season games in Sweden on Sept 18-19 and Finland on Sept. 16.


3. New Jersey will raise their newest Stanley Cup Banner on Oct. 16th vs. Buffalo


4. My Penguins play their rival Flyers for the first time on October 11th and open the year against the LA Kings the day before.

New Coach for AHL Penguins

Speaking of the "baby Pens", today they named a successor to my buddy Glen Patrick.

Michel Therrien was announced as the new head coach of the AHL minor league affiliate to the Pittsburgh Penguins. He was the head coach of the Montreal Canadiens in the NHL. But, his employers had little patience for re-building the franchise. When your a hockey fan in Montreal and French Canadian losing is not an option. So, what Canada's loss is Pennsylvania's gain.

AHL Re-Alignment

So, riddle me this... what was the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins doing in the Western Conference anyway?

In the summer meetings for the American Hockey League (AHL), the league commissioners voted in favor of realignment. The new divisions and conferences were marketed around local rivalries.

The "baby Pens" will compete against their rivals in the new Eastern Conference - East Division with: Bing-hampton (Sens), Albany (Devils), Philadelphia (Flyers), Hershey (Avalanche), Bridgeport (Islanders), Norfolk (Blackhawks).

Hockey in my Dreams?

Well, since there isn't a whole lot of newsworthy events going, I'll tell you about my hockey dream I had the other night.

There wasn't much too it. I remember suiting up for the Penn State Icers. I was in the locker room and preparing for a game. I remember hopping up and down on my skates trying to get the adrenalin pumping. The anthem was playing, I was about to take the ice, but.... I was approached by a real player who told me that I shouldn't be here, that I wasn't really a part of the team and that my services wasn't going to be needed.

Oh well, I wish it was a more pleasant dream. I was woken up by the alarm that next morning.

Happy 4th of July!!!

I want to wish all of the American readers of this blog a very happy and safe holiday.

Please celebrate our nations herritage by doing the thing(s) that you love. I for one will be out and about skating on my roller blades and you might just see me with a stick in my hand.

Avalanche Score Buddy Players For Cheap & Rival Wings Counter with Hatcher

The free agent signings started off with a bang by the announcement that the deep pocketed Colorado Avalanche have signed both friends Paul Kariya and Teemu Selanne to million dollar one year contracts. The two wanted to play on the same team again since their first stint with the Mighty Ducks. The most shocking news is that they both chose to sign only one year deals, making them free agents again and most certainly affected by the new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) that will be voted on and go into effect in 2004. Subsequent to the retirement of Av's goalie Patrick Roy, Colorado's plan is "the best defense is a good offense!"

The Red Wings signed away one of their rivals best players in Dallas Star's Derian Hatcher. Hatcher was the Stars captain and big hitting defenceman, but Detroit gave him over a suspected million reasons to go home to Detroit. Dallas then announced that franchise Stars player Mike Modano will wear the "C" on his jersey next season.

Stewie We Hardly Knew Ye!

Veteran and Controversial NHL referee Paul Stewart has announced his retirement. I can't say enough about him and the effect that he had on the league.

NHL Free Agent Season Now Open

Let the free agent signing begin! Today, the NHL begins it's Free Agent season allowing players and teams to sign contracts. Here's the link to the NHL.com's list of Free Agents.

In other news...
The New York Rangers have decided to just make Glen Sather the coach too. Sather, the GM of the Rangers, took over when the Trottier experiment last season did not prove for the better. Pat Quinn tried this in Toronto. Look how they turn out!

Jeff "cant" Hackett signed a free agent deal with the Flyers. He couldn't do it in San Jose. He couldn't do it Montreal. He couldn't do it Boston. I swear this guy is on his 18th team in 2 years.

Canada Day Championships 2003

Happy Canada Day!!


Last years winners were the Edmonton Oilers who got past three rounds of very tough tournament action. They defeated a tough Nordiques squad to set the standard the first year. This is the rundown All original 8 Canadian franchises (Quebec, Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto, Winnipeg, Calgary, Edmonton, and Vancouver) were simulated out in tournament fashion using NHL 2002 for EA Sports. This year, I decided to change it up a bit. Instead of a one-and-done format, I brought the up to date July 1 rosters and simulated an international tournament to first decide the tournament seatings. Then, I watched the final "gold medal" game between the Maple Leafs and the Avalanche (sporting their original Nordiques uniforms).

[Results]
The game was a classic. In the first period, Toronto took a couple of stupid penalties, but still squeezed out a 2-1 lead. Despite franchise players Sakic and Forsberg, Toronto scored 4 and added an empty net 5th goal. Aebisher stood on his head at times for the retired Roy, but his counterpart Ed Belfour was solid.
Toronto wins the second Canada Day Cup!

Thanks, Canada for a great game, great beer, and a great woman!

Trade Rumors on Broadway

My friend Jim would be interested in this story...

NHL.com says that the NY Rangers and the Edmonton Oilers have come to an agreement to send the rights of aging veteran defenceman Brian Leetch up north for backup goalie Jussi Markkannen.

On the surface, it looks like a good deal, but if you think about it, it doesn't make sense for NY. The Rangers let go one of their leaders for another goaltender when they already have a platoon of goaltenders to start with. Blackburn, Richter, and Dunham have all been established as the #1 guy. Plus, this doesn't mean that Leetch will even put on a Oilers jersey, he has to sign a free agent contract first.

Updates When Confessions Was on Hiatus

Besides covering my favorite teams here, I think I should mention a few news-worthy items for the rest of the league happening since Blogger was converting my account to the upgraded version.

1. Dominick Hasek wanted to go out a champion and retire to spend more time with his family in the Czech Republic. After a year, Hasek has considered a return to the Red Wings. I guess he sat at home and watched the team leave the playoffs after 4 game sweep made him wonder.

2. Bondra and Halpern have decided to go down with the ship re-signing with the one team that seems to always be going nowhere. The Washington Capitals exercised their contract options on their players.

3. Toronto GM/Coach is now just a coach. Pat Burns demoted himself as a part of the upper management to the club. President and one heck of a former NHL goalie Ken Dryden also stepped down as team president. No word was said to when the positions would be replaced. (Gentlemen, get your resumes ready!)

4. "Mr. Candice Cameron" was picked up by his former team he was traded from at last years deadline. Valeri Bure was released by the St. Louis Blues and picked up by the Florida Panthers solidifying the idea that the NHL trading deadline is the "rent a player for the playoffs" sweepstakes.

NHL 2003 Entry Draft

In a shocking move, my hometown Pittsburgh Penguins moved up to get the #1 pick in the draft and used it on highly sought after goalie Marc-Andre Fleury. They traded up with the Florida Panthers who selected in the number three spot. Here is the top 5 selections in the first round.

1. Marc-Andre Fleury (G) - Pittsburgh


2. Eric Staal (C) - Carolina


3. Nathan Horton (C) - Florida


4. Nikolai Zherdev (W) - Columbus


5. Thomas Vanek (LW) - Buffalo

In Nashville, TN the host city of the draft, the Nashville Predators selected defenceman Ryan Suter with the 7th pick overall.

With a very classy move, the NHL paid respect to the memory of Roger Nielson who died this morning. He was currently serving as assistant coach of the Ottawa Senators. He also worked for Florida, Philly, NY Rangers, and other teams. When representatives of teams Nielson worked for, they expressed their condolences. They also paused for a moment of silence. Roger Nielson died of cancer at his home in Peterborough, Ontario at the age of 69.

Skating to Evanescence and Finding Hockey Mask

Today, I laced up my CCM's and hit the rink as Penn State's favorite rink rat and skated the public session at the Penn State Ice Pavilion from 1 to 3 PM. It felt great to get back on the ice after a long month's layoff! I had a wide open rink to myself through most of the first hour, then at 1:55 the PA system played "Bring Me To Life" by Evanescence and "Fighter" by Christina Aguilera. That helped propel me even faster around the rink as I pushed myself to skate harder and faster. The great news is that I can skate backwards better!

Then I went to the local mall and found a Franklin SX Pro Extreme In-line Hockey Goalie's Mask reduced from a lot of money to very very affordable money! It was probably last years model. It's a black mask with a skull of a fanged creature of some sort. It looks pretty fearsome. I have an idea that if I am not satisfied with the look, I just may take the helmet to a air brush place and get something really interesting on it! Like a Trish Stratus tribute!

2002-2003 NHL TROPHY WINNERS

Well, the season is over... time to hand out the awards for the year!

• HART MEMORIAL TROPHY (MVP)
  Peter Forsberg, Colorado


• JAMES NORRIS MEMORIAL TROPHY (Best Defenceman)
  Nicklas Lindstrom, Detrot


• FRANK J. SELKE TROPHY (Best Defensive Forward)
  Jere Lehtinen, Dallas


• VEZINA TROPHY (Best Goaltender)
  Martin Brodeur, New Jersey


• CALDER MEMORIAL TROPHY (Rookie of the Year)
  Barret Jackman, St. Louis


• LADY BYNG MEMORIAL TROPHY (Sportsmanship)
  Alexander Mogilny, Toronto


• JACK ADAMS AWARD (Coach of the Year)
  Jacques Lemaire, Minnesota

[TOTAL RIP OFF! Mike Babcock of Anaheim deserved it more!]

Robinson Turns Down Coaching Job

IF you thought your job was hard, consider....

Larry Robinson, NHL head coach, is reported to have turned down the head coaching job in Calgary because after consulting the wife and kids. He is expected to meet with Glen Sather and the Los Angeles Kings next week. I wonder if his family will approve this move. The former coach of the NJ Devils is a higly sought after no nonsense coach. According to this quote from the New York Daily News; he knows how to get things done.

"I coach a certain way and I'm not going to change my philosophy because somebody else feels the game should be played a certain way. It would be my rear end on the line. And if it is, I'm going to do it my way."

Kick Ass!

It's Caption Contest Time!!

Hey!!! That's Coach Edzo to you!!!"

or

"Oh, by the way, I've had to announce the resignation of my membership to the Pittsburgh Penguins Message board under the name of foreczech"

or this could only happen in my wildest dreams.. but who knows.. maybe someone will pick up on the hint!

"I have called this press conference to name my successor to the color analyst as little known broadcaster from WRSC AM - in State College - Mike the Biggest Pens Fan"

Hockey Hall of Fame Selections Announced

It's Hockey Hall of Fame selection time again. You know that you're getting old when players you remember watching as a kid are retired and getting into the Hall.

The first black hockey player to get into the Hall is Grant Fuhr. He rose to fame by goaltending for the really really good Edmonton Oilers during their dynasty run. He then moved on to other teams, most notably with St. Louis. He won 5 Stanley Cups with Edmonton and won several championships representing his native Canada in international tournament play. No mention that he was once in trouble for substance abuse.

Pat LaFontaine is one of the few members of the NHL that have played for all three NY teams. During his 15 year career he jumped from the USA Olympic team to the NY Islanders. He then became captain for the Buffalo Sabres, and only played one season with the NY Rangers before sustaining a career ending head injury in 1998. Today, Pat LaFontaine raises money for cancer and promotes the Pat LaFontaine challenge cup to the winner of the Islanders/Rangers rivalry game.

Penguins Name New Head Coach

Well... the search is over... and the Pittsburgh Penguins have decided to go in an unexpected direction.

The Penguins have chosen former color analyst and former player Eddie Olczyk to be the next head coach for the franchise. New fans would recognize his voice as the NHL Radio announcer for this years Stanley Cup playoffs. He was also partnered with Hall of Famer Mike Lang for 3 seasons for the local Penguins broadcasts.

I guess this was as much a monetary decision as much as it has been a directional descision. Names like Herb Brooks, Larry Robinson, and the like would have commanded a high salary to coach the money strapped team. They probably got "Edzo" for cheap.

The mother of all rumors... with a big emphasis on the rumor part is that I will be named to replace "Edzo" soon.

Devils are the Champs for 3rd Time

Congratulations to the New Jersey Devils as they won the 2002-03 Stanley Cup Championship last night in front of their home crowd. Pundits and critics talked about it being a home rink advantage in the series as both teams won their games at home. It was fortunate for the Devils to have Game 7 land in their favor.

A teary eyed J.S. "Jiggy" Giguere did in fact win the Playoff MVP as one of the rare times that the losing team's player had won the award.

Brother vs. Brother in Stanley Cup Matchup

hmmm.. Somehow I overlooked the Civil War brewing among this Stanley Cup series. If you are not sure still of who to root for in the Finals, just ask Mr. and Mrs. Niedermayer.

Traded to the Mighty Ducks at the trading deadline this past season, Rob Niedermayer has enjoyed his first trip to the Finals. His older brother Scott has been a mainstay for the New Jersey Devils defence. He's already got two rings.

I guess they must have some additional motivation for the series. I have a brother and if these guys were as half as competitive as my brother and I, they want to win the Stanley Cup badly.

Rob and Scott aren't the only brothers to play in the NHL. Eric and Brett Lindros, Wayne and Keith Primeau, and Peter and Antonin Stasny are some of the better known Family legacy names.

Mightiest Duck Keeps Goals Away

On the 1st, "Jiggy" maintained a 166.4 minutes of shutout hockey. Mighty Ducks goaltender has set a new record for longest shutout streak in OT in the playoffs!

Today, Mighty Ducks of Anaheim goaltender J.S. Giguere earned another overtime win in the playoffs over the Devils to extend his OT shutout streak record. Congratulations. I think he's won the Conn Smythe Trophy with his efforts this year. [Note, the trophy is given every year to the MVP of the playoffs]

Roy Retires & Other Goalie News

Earlier today, "St." Patrick Roy announced his retirement from the NHL after an 18 year career.

Regarded as thee best goaltender in the history of pro hockey, he owns many NHL records including most wins. He also holds 3 Stanley Cup rings he won with Montreal and Colorado. The French Canadian was highly criticized for his departure in Montreal after a contract dispute with owners. He then went on to rival organization Quebec/Denver and won two Stanley Cups with them. Oh, yea, he also assaulted his wife after a temper tantrum that included ripping a closet door off it's hinges.

After one full year of Confessions of a Hockey Fanatic I began talking about Patrick Roy. Fitting that I now post about him one year later.

In other goalie news, the scapegoat of Flyers fans, Roman Cechmanek was traded to the L.A. Kings for a second round draft pick. Poor Felix Potvin, looks like he's on the move again from L.A. Potvin was in Toronto and was outplayed by Curtis Joseph and in Vancouver wore out his welcome. No word yet if Felix "the cat" will accept a backup or a pack up role.

Stanley Cup Finals Prediction

In my last installment to the Stanley Cup predictions, here is how I think the teams match up.

Stanley Cup Finals
New Jersey Devils vs. Mighty Ducks of Anahem
This series might not be the match-up that will bring in all kinds of interest continent wide, (especially in Canada when they get pissed off when an American team wins the Cup) when neither team are among the elite franchises in the league. The Mighty Ducks, a Disney company/team, are in their first Stanley Cup finals ever. They sport Paul Karyia as their team captain and best player. They also have a few former Devils on the team having worked a few trades at the deadline and in the previous off-season. Peter Sykora looks to get his third championship ring as a member of the Ducks. The Ducks have to battle the iddleness waiting 11 days for the Eastern Conference to finish up. J.S. Giguere, the phenom goaltender, hopes that he could carry them though one more series.The Devils are a determined crew of hard hitting defensive minded franchise. Scott Stevens is their Captain and team leader. This defenceman leads with his shoulder. They've been able to win the Stanley Cup twice in their history.However, Pat Burns, their coach, has never been able to win it coaching other teams. The Devils have a star goaltender that can take control of the game and shut an opposing team down. Martin Brodeur will be huge in this series. It will be a series of which goaltender can be better.Prediction: Devils in 6

Predators Involved in Naming Rights Scandal

Who would name their arena Gaylord Entertainment Center anyway?

The Nashville Predators the 5 year old NHL expansion team has filed a lawsuit against Gaylord Entertainment Company for not paying in January for the naming rights to the arena.

This is getting silly, folks. With the issues of Enron and the internet website that had the naming rights to Baltimore Raven's field, I think stories like this should change the minds of pro teams who get corporate sponsors. At least, they should be more thorough in their investigations and not give the rights over to the highest bidder.

Conference Championships Decide Final Two

Congratulations to the Conference winners in the NHL 2002-03 playoffs. Tonight, the New Jersey Devils defeated the Ottawa Senators 3-2. They go on to face the surprising Mighty Ducks of Anaheim.

Sad Story From the Hockey Digest

The summer of 2003 issue of Hockey Digest has an article covering the tragic story of a youth hockey player near Pittsfield, Mass.

Quinn Connelly, according to the article, was diagnosed with the learning disability called dyslexia. But Quinn would find an outlet for his frustration by finding something he was good at and something he loved - hockey. His sister was his biggest supporter and fan. However, tragedy struck in early December of 2000 where Quinn was at practice. Quinn dove his body out with the purpose of blocking a shot. He turned his head back only to have the shot strike the back of the neck. It's the one small part on a hockey player that is not protected. The 1 oz. solid rubber puck crushed two arteries that connected to the brain. Quinn later died at the area hospital.
The Connally family want to give his son a lasting legacy and build a two rink sports facility for the Massachusetts community. You can read and donate to the Memorial fund by clicking on the Quinn's Legacy Foundation link.

IIHF World Championship Medal Round Set

Today, the World Championships of International Hockey is set for the Gold Medal Game. Sweden will take on Canada tomorrow. Though the teams did not match the same "dream team" rosters from the Salt Lake Olympics, both teams are stocked with NHL talent from their home country. The loser of this game will earn the Silver medal and second place.
In the Bronze medal game, the defending World champion Slovakia will face their traditional rivals of Team Czech Republic.It's a dissapointing finish for Slovakia who had high expectations of repeating as champions. Czech Republic a hockey powerhouse in recent years hopes they return to their former glory since winning the Gold Medal in the Nagano Olympics. This is the biggest match between the two countries since they parted ways more than 9 years ago. In a sureal turn of events, the two teams will have to face goaltenders who work together in the NHL. Tomas Vokoun (Czech) and Jan Lasak (Slovak) both play goal for the Nashville Predators.

Paige Quotation

Denver Post Columnist Woody Paige wrote in a column dated May 21, 2001

"However, St. Louis somehow is supposed to win three consecutive games, two at The Can, against the Avalanche"

It's nice to know that the citizens and media in Denver have nicknamed their indoor sports facility after a slang term for the toilet. In reality, the Official real name is called the Pepsi

Hockey Playoffs @ Hooters & Conference Finals Predictions

Well, I blew it big time! I had to leave Hooters last night because they were closing at midnight and the third period had just started. I can't believe that I missed a great comeback from the Minnesota Wild to win 4-2!

So far I am 66% correct on the Playoff Round Predictions. (Hey, a blind squirrell finds a nut every now and then)

Eastern Conference
Ottawa v. New Jersey
The team that just won't go away in the Eastern Division is the Ottawa Senators. They feature a European scoring threat of Alfredson (captain), Hossa and Havlat. Despite filing for bankrupsy, the Senators have continued to find ways to win - including winning the President's Trophy as the team that won the most points in the standings.The undersized and defensive minded New Jersey Devils have been riding the coat-tails of goaltender Martin Brodeur. Headmanned by Pat Burns, this team looks primed for their third Stanley Cup. Prediction: Ottawa in 6

Western Conference
Anaheim vs. Minnesota
Hot Goaltenders have been the major focus in this years playoffs. J.S. Giguere has taken the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim the furthest the NHL franchise has ever gotten. They shut down Detroit in 4 and hope to do the same to Minnesota. The current goal and point leader in the playoffs is phenom Marian Gaborik. He hopes to score Minnesota into the finals who haven't been there in 10+ years. Prediction: Mighty Ducks in 5

Young Expansion Team To Make Playoffs

Tonight, the Minnesota Wild will make history in the NHL as they play Game 7 in Conference semi-finals tonight against the Vancouver Canucks.

The Minnesota Wild, comming off a 7 game series defeating the vaunted Colorado Avalance when they were down 3 games to 1 now travel to Vancouver tonight to accomplish the unthinkable. The 3 year old expansion franchise is in their first year of post season play. If they win tonight, they will be the first team in NHL history to come from behind 3-1 twice in the same year.

... Told ya it was going to 7 games! *wink*

I'll be watching the game from a comfy seat at Hooters!

Flyers Eliminated in Playoffs

Come on everybody... sing along with me... "na na na na..na na na na.. hey hey hey... goodbye!"

The Flyers lost tonight to the Ottawa Senators 5-1. They should really consider getting a new goaltender over the summer. Chechmanek is the softest goaltender in the league. I watched the game tonight and 7 minutes into the game the Flyers are down 2-0. The first goal catches Cechmanek out of position. Two more goals were also scored just like that. Ottawa just put the puck into the empty net.

Philly's big scorers Primeau, Amonte, Roenick, et al only managed 2 or 3 goals the whole series. The offensive production is what eventually got them in the end.

Ottawa moves on to the Eastern Conference Finals against another Penguins rival - New Jersey.

Trish Stratus' Perfect Man & Personal Thanks

Hmmm... In a online interview given by some newspaper in England, m'girl Trish Stratus lists her "perfect man"

"The main thing I look for in a man is personality. I always say, and I know it sounds funny, is that I'd like a male Trish Stratus someone who's quirky, with a good sense of humour and into jokes. I like sports, to watch movies and just to chill out, so if they like that then they could be my man."

Sounds like me to a "t"!

Oh.. here comes another mention that I need to get out of the way..

Thanks to Hootress, Jay Currie, and the Elephant Rants by linking my website on theirs. Thanks guys, I appretiate that!

wait.. what does this have to do with hockey??? *imitating cackle like Barry Melrose*

USA Slips in World IIHF Play

Team USA almost missed not qualifying for the medal round in next Winter Olympics by defeating Belarus 4-2 in regulation round after losing the first 3 games in Preliminary action.

The loss would have had made team USA play a few more games to qualify to the Olympic tournament in Turin, Italy.

Penguins Make Coaching Change

In a somewhat shocking move, the Penguins organization has fired the Wilkes Barre - Scranton coach Glen Patrick.

I remember talking to him early last fall during one of the PSU icers games and interviewing him on my station WRSC. He spoke about developing talent to the NHL level - something that he and the organization was always blamed for. Glen convinced me that he did have a lot of hockey knowledge and could be a very competent coach elsewhere.

"After reviewing all of the circumstances, we decided it was time to make a change,"

said Penguins GM and brother Craig Patrick.

Glenn Patrick compiled a record of 115-152-38-15 in four seasons with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton. His son Curtis played for PSU and Team USA in the World University Games in Italy earlier this year.

Today, I just went ice skating at Penn State Ice Pavilion. I had a good time.

IIHF World Championships Starting

Slovakia's defense of the World's Top Hockey Country begins today with 16 international teams participating in the IIHF World Championships beginning Saturday April 26th. This year, the tournament will be settled in Finland.

A lot of the NHL stars will represent their respective countries as they have done so last year and in the Salt Lake Olympics. Jaromir Jagr is not on the Czech Republic roster since the Capitals reached the first round of the playoffs. Many of Canada's stars turned out on thier roster. In the peliminary rounds already, USA lost to Denmark and Canada defeated team Belarus. Since when did Denmark get a hockey powerhouse????

GROUP A
Slovakia
Germany
Ukraine
Japan

GROUP B
Russia
USA
Switzerland
Denmark

GROUP C
Sweden
Canada
Latvia
Belarus

GROUP D
Finland
Czech Rep.
Austria
Slovenia

Second Playoff Round Predictions

Okay! The first round is over... time now for the elite 8 in the NHL to survive to the Conference finals.

Eastern Conference
Philadelphia vs. Ottawa
In a rematch of last season's first round, Ottawa and Philadelphia square off in what is sure to be another classic playoff series. Tony Amonte has to score a hole lot more to prove acquiring him for the sole reason of the playoffs wasn't a bust. It's time to start serving the Wheaties in the locker rooms. The Senators proved that they didn't need Yashin to not get "voted off the island" and sent the former holdout with the resurgent Islanders packing. The Senators are the top seed in the East and it will be just as difficult eliminating them as chopping down the 6 ft. 9 in. "tree" named Zedno Chara. Prediction: Senators in 6

New Jersey v. Tampa Bay
The second seated Devils had a short time taking care of Boston in the first round. Though New Jersey had them on the ropes early in the series, Boston was eliminated in 5 games. Martin Brodeur continues to be the clutch goaltender he always was stopping a barrage of shots day in and day out. The matchup of the series is Brodeur versus Martin St. Louis who took more capital offense in the last series. This is the furthest that the Lightning have traveled in the playoffs, so the underdog Tampa Bay team has low expectations on their side. Prediction: Devils in 5

Western Conference
Minnesota vs. Vancouver
NHL Playoff hockey has not been played in Minnesota in 10 years since. The tremendous support that the Wild franchise got in the first round proved moving the Stars to Dallas was a huge mistake. It took 7 games to shockingly upset the strong Avalanche franchise. Overtime helped the Wild get a second chance at winning taking their last two games into OT. The Wild are also undefeated when they score the first goal this year. Vancouver is also a team that had to fight back from being on the brink of elimination. Marc Crawford's teams always come ready to play and are poised on representing the Western Conference in the Stanley Cup Finals. Prediction: Wild in 7

Dallas v. Anaheim
If you checked my predictions in the first round, somebody was going to be swept, but who'd thought it was going to be the defending Stanley Cup champions. I'll admit that the Mighty Ducks shocked even me when they sent Detroit to the geriatric ward. The Ducks got "jiggy" with it and never looked back. Dallas once again proved to be the Oilers nemesis in the playoffs and fought off a tremendous crowd support in the Skyreach Center last series. The Ducks must remove the rust and shoot for the stars to continue to the next round. Prediction: Stars in 7

Denis Leary Segment on NHL 2night

I enjoyed watching NHL 2night crew get ready for the upcoming games as they planned a segment featuring comedian Denis Leary.

Denis is a long time hockey fan and helps organize a celebrity show for the Neely house. Being a Boston native, Leary sported the Bruins away jersey and struck a pose or two. His message was short and only to bash the heck out of Barry Melrose. His verbal parsings targeted Barry's mullett. Of course, Barry being the good sport he is, took things in stride and even threw in a few insults of his own by laughing at Denis' choice of favorite teams.

I guess you had to be there. It was really funny.

Happy Birthday Celebration

Happy Birthday to me!!!
Happy Birthday to me!!
Happy Birthday to me!!

Well, it looks like I have turned another year older. 26 years on this planet and I am well on my way to reaching a lot of achievements in the coming years. I spent the day doing a lot of hobbies that I enjoy.

Kehoe Fired

The Pittsburgh Penguins today have relieved their head coach Rick Kehoe of his duties.

Coach Kehoe has spent years behind the bench as an assistant coach to the Penguins team, a team that he recently spent more than 25 years in association with. No word as to who the successor will be or if Rick will be maintained as a scout or assistant coach with the Penguins for the 2003-04 NHL season.

EVERYONE IS CUP CRAZY!!

The NHL playoffs have begun and already there have been some great games played out with the bracketed matchups that the NHL provided. Fighting it out in 4th and 5th seeds respectively are the Toronto Maple Leafs and Philadelphia Flyers. These teams have had a long history in the past and the series has proved to be an exiting one. However, the Maple Leafs were reminded of their past when a Flyers fan brought a law suit from an incident two years ago. The Flyers fan is suing for damages after alegedly had been provoked into leaping the plexi-glass while being taunted by known goon Tie Domi. "It might be Philly trying to stir up something two years later because we're playing against them. It's two years later but, who knows, I wouldn't put it past Philly," Domi said.

Since my beloved Penguins are not in the playoffs this year, many Pittsburgh fans have asked me who should we root for now? I gave them this advice:

1.) True Penguins fans NEVER NEVER NEVER NEVER root for the Flyers. If it was a game between the Flyers and Iraq with Saddam Hussein and his sons as the top line, You still don't root for the Flyers!

Trish Stratus Signs Autograph

Yesterday my dad came for a visit. He brought a surprise with him... my mail

"To Mike,... a fellow hockey fan, love Trish Stratus xox"

reads the 8x10 photo of the perfect figured blond Canadian fitness model. This WWE Diva is standing as the Women's Champion and hailing from Toronto, Canada. Nobody comes out of Toronto or lives there and not be a Leafs fan.
On Spike TV's WWE Confidential program shows a recent tour of her home, Trish showed off her action figure collection, complete with CuJo and Mats Sundin.

I have another photo of her in a NHLPA jersey. It's one of my favorites of her.

Minnesota University NCAA Champions

University of Minnesota Golden Gophers have won the NCAA National Championship. This is the second year in a row for the team, making the first team to go back to back national champions since 1921.

The Frozen Four, as it's called, was played this year in HSBC Arena in Buffalo, NY. They defeated the University of New Hampshire 5-1 on Saturday.

Collegiate MVP Winner

Congratulations to the first Slovak and European born player to win the Hobey Baker Award as NCAA's 2002-03 Player of the year.

Peter Senja the forward for Colorado College.

ESPN Columnist and Broadcaster Looks Like...

Tonight, I was watching the resurgent edition of NHL 2night on ESPN2 and the usual suspects were behind the anchor desk. John Buccigross, Barry Melrose, and Ray "Chicken Parm" Ferraro.

During one break, Barry teased his friend John by calling him "Ashley Banfield" because of the glasses that John wears are similar to the MSNBC info-babe. When they came back from the break, John re-introduced himself by naming his co-anchors and referring to himself as "Ashley Banfield".

I got a good laugh out of that. It only supports the belief that Buccigross and all the self-deprecating humor (especially in his ESPN.com columns) that make him out to be a nice guy.

Stanley Cup Opening Round Predictions

Okay.. for starters.. lemme just say that John Buccigross is a great guy... he has a great sense of humor and I think he sees things on the right side - if ya know what I mean.

The Stanley Cup Playoffs begins tomorrow night and people and pundits are ringing in with their predictions. I think I'll do the same.

Eastern Conference

Ottawa v. NY Islanders
Ottawa enters in with a few negatives. 1. The President's Trophy winners don't have an above average chance to win it all. The Detroit Red Wings were the first team to break that curse last year. 2. Ottawa is still strapped for cash, they need to win to earn more money. 3. Alexei Yashin is an Islander now. Their once top pick has come back wearing a new uniform. The Islanders have proven that they can win, but dealing Osgood to St. Louis will prove to be their downfall. Prediction: Ottawa in 6

New Jersey vs. Boston
Boston's managerial and upper management got a shake up when they fired Robie Ftorek their coach and the GM is now sitting in temporary. Glen Murray and the B's have been on a mission all season long to return the once proud franchise back to it's legendary status, New Jersey is riding on the hot goalie in Martin Brodeur. They also contain a lot of veterans from Dallas in a blockbuster trade a while back. The Devils are the experienced playoff franchise. Sorry Beantown, you'll get 'em next year. Prediction: Devils in 5

Tampa Bay vs. Washington
If you asked who the higher seed is in this series, you'd be surprised that Tampa Bay won the Southeastern division over their rivals Washington. Tampa has been quietly making waves thanks to their good goaltending in Graham and Khabibulin. Jaromir Jagr is "dying alive" with his skills in Washington and fighting the discomforting process of healing a broken wrist. Peter Bondra scored 2 goals in their last regular season game. Look for the Caps and my Uncle (in the PR office) to find a lightning rod and control the young and inexperienced 'Bolts. Prediction: Capitals in 4

Philadelphia vs. Toronto
The two teams that made the major deals to re-tool and improve for a serious playoff run find themselves against one another in the first round. Roenick has his buddy Amonte back and are playing well. Hitchcock has coached the Stanley Cup Stars; he knows what it takes to make it for the long haul. Toronto awaits their return on investment with goalie Ed Belfour and RW Owen Nolan. The Leafs look stronger and battle tested than Flyers goaltender Checkmanek. The Flyers are looking at another first round exit if Amonte and Roenick can't score. Prediction: Maple Leafs in 7.

Western Conference
Dallas vs. Edmonton
The Stars were the best team in the Western Conference earning the home ice advantage throughout the playoffs. The new world Oilers re-tooled themselves for a better showing in the playoffs this year. Dvorak for Carter will prove that it was a lopsided trade in favor of New York. Tommy Salo treats every shot like a Swedish meatball. Dallas has the kind of firepower to knock a few of those back in on 2nd and 3rd tries. Prediction: Stars in 6

Detroit vs Anaheim
The Mighty Ducks are the surprise team in the playoffs. Led by Peter Sykora and Paul Kariya, Anaheim is a scoring threat that could hold their own. However, Detroit is a team that has the right mix of age and youth. They can score like water off a mallard's back. Brett Hull scored over 700 goals for his career this season and won't hesitate to score some more. Detroit is the defending champions and will play like that through the series. Curtis Joseph is trying to achieve what he couldn't for Edmonton or Toronto. Maybe the ageless veterans on Detroit's team all retire at once for going out on top. Prediction: Wings in 4

Colorado vs. Minnesota
In a surprising turn of events, the Minnesota Wild fought hard to get a playoff berth in only their third season. The young team is lead by Slovak phenom Marian Gaborik and the defensive trap system. Colorado had a bum year losing Joe Sakic for most of the first part of the season due to injury. Patrick Roy hasn't looked like his old self this year and even let the team down when Minnesota won a few games at their expense. This is a tough call because Minnesota is good enough to shock some people, but Colorado has the dominant team. Prediction: Avalanche in 6

Vancouver vs. St. Louis
It's put up or shut up for Vancouver. The hottest team in the league scoring wise is Vancouver with Bertuzzi, Naslund and Brendan Morrison as the saviors of most fantasy league teams. They gave the defending champs Detroit a run for their money last year in the playoffs and the fans support their efforts to give it another go. St. Louis stands in their way this year bringing back captain Chris Pronger from injury. The Blues were treading water with the goaltending they had only to pick up Chris Osgood at the trading deadline. Also, look for newly acquired Mr. Candace Cameron (Valerie Bure) to make an impact in the playoffs. Prediction: Canucks in 5

WORLD CUP OF HOCKEY 2004 SCHEDULE

Preliminary round- Aug. 30 - Sept. 5
Quarterfinals - Sept. 6-8
Semifinals - Sept. 10-11
Championship- Sept. 14

European Pool (E): Czech Republic (CZE), Finland (FIN), Germany (GER), Sweden (SWE)


North American Pool (NA): Canada (CAN), Russia (RUS), Slovakia (SVK), United States (USA)


The complete World Cup of Hockey schedule follows:


Aug. 30 Hartwall Arena, Helsinki CZE vs. FIN
Aug. 31 Globe Arena, Stockholm GER vs. SWE * Bell Centre, Montreal CAN vs. USA
Sept. 1 Globe Arena, Stockholm CZE vs. SWE * Bell Centre, Montreal CAN vs. SVK
Sept. 2 Cologne Arena, Cologne FIN vs. GER * Xcel Energy Center, St. Paul USA vs. RUS
Sept. 3 Sazka Arena, Prague GER vs. CZE * Xcel Energy Center, St. Paul USA vs. SVK
Sept. 4 Hartwall Arena, Helsinki SWE vs. FIN * Air Canada Centre, Toronto CAN vs. RUS
Sept. 5 Air Canada Centre, Toronto RUS vs. SVK
Sept. 6 QUARTERFINAL - Home Arena of E1 E1 vs. E4
Sept. 7 QUARTERFINAL - Home Arena of E2 E2 vs. E3
QUARTERFINAL - Xcel Energy Center, St. Paul NA1 vs. NA4 or NA2 vs. NA3
Sept. 8 QUARTERFINAL - Air Canada Centre, Toronto NA1 vs. NA4 or NA2 vs. NA3
Sept. 10 SEMIFINAL - Xcel Energy Center, St. Paul
Sept. 11 SEMIFINAL - Air Canada Centre, Toronto
Sept. 14 CHAMPIONSHIP - Air Canada Centre, Toronto

*From- Wild.com

California Love

So would you believe me if I told you that I was friends with a former stripper in California??

This afternoon, I was talking to her via one of my instant messenger names. I asked her how she was doing and she responded by telling me that she went to a hockey game last night! Bakersfield Condors v. Idaho Steelheads. The Steelheads won that night. She said that she went and had a good time, got Luxury Suite seating, and loves hockey!

Liberal CBC Upset at Coach's Corner Comments

Continuing the debate about talking heads and TV personalities commenting about the War in Iraq, I found an article at Faceoff.com that says CBC completely hung out their most popular and controversial personality Don Cherry out to dry.

The article says that the Canadian Broadcasting Company (CBC) gave a statement that the comments that Cherry made on Hockey Night in Canada about the war in Iraq was his opinion and did not necessarily reflect the views of the CBC or it's management. They felt compelled to release a statement after being deluged by letters of complaints.

Cherry came out and supported the U.S. in the war against terrorism.

World Cup 2004 Site Announced

World Cup 2004 - Toronto, Canada
NHL.com article

The tournament, a joint effort staged by the National Hockey League and the National Hockey League Players' Association, in cooperation with the International Ice Hockey Federation, will feature the national teams from the top eight hockey-playing nations in the world. Tournament organizers discussed many of the preliminary details of the tournament during Wednesday afternoon's press conference at the Air Canada Centre, which will host the final game Sept. 14, 2004. "It's a real honor for us to be the host of the championship game for the World Cup of 2004," Ken Dryden, Toronto Maple Leafs President, said. "We are very pleased to have preliminary round games here, a quarterfinal game, a semifinal game and the final game of the 2004 World Cup." According to organizers, the tournament's final will be a one-game affair, as opposed to the best-of-three format that was used in the 1996 World Cup of Hockey, and also in several Canada Cups. Canada, the United States, Russia, Sweden, the Czech Republic, Finland, Slovakia and Germany are scheduled to take part in the tournament.

Spring Break in Canada?

I should be in Toronto right now.

I had this plan that we would go on Spring Break with a friend of mine from work, but when he got sick, the plans were changed. We then decided to make a road trip to Toronto to see the Hall of Fame on Wednesday night and see the Wild vs. Leafs the following night. However, that didn't happen as a lack of money made us change the plans.

Oh well, I'll get to go............... someday.

Maple Leafs 2 Wild 1

Mario Lemieux Encore Performance

Today, Mario Lemieux played in his last game..... again.
In a game vs. the Carolina Hurricanes, he set up Miloche for the game winning goal. Before the game, he decided to sit out the season ending game pondering retirement once more.

Mario... please come back... one more time!!! The team needs you! If we wanted to see a minor league team, I'd go to Wilkes-Barre. Give it one more time to try and turn things around. It sucks that all the good players had to go.

Sports Cafe & Grille a Neural Site?

Tonight marks the night that the Philadelphia Flyers play the Pittsburgh Penguins during the season. I want to go downtown to Sports Cafe & Grille because it may be my last time to relive my "glory days" of when I used to go there all the time dressed in my Penguins jerseys surrounded by Flyers fans.

There was one time where this Flyers fan shoved me in the back celebrating a Flyers goal. I didn't retaliate because the bartenders threw him out! hehehe... it's good to be one of 'da regulars.

League Invests in Developmental Think-Tank

There may be hope for the National Hockey League as it announced a brand new marketing agreement with the appropriately named, "The Hockey Company".

I can't write it any better than the paragraph or two mentioned in the article taken from NHL.com.

To capitalize on the opportunities and new demands of the agreement, The Hockey Company and the NHL will create a Research and Design Center in Montreal dedicated to developing innovative, high performance apparel products. The new NHL/THC Research and Design Center will serve as a key resource for the development of the NHL Member Teams' authentic uniforms. The agreement also includes an annual multi-million dollar marketing commitment from THC to the NHL and each of the 30 Member Teams.

Safety Netting Just Gets in the Way

I got this article from the Baby Pens Website talking about the growing concern that some hockey fans felt that the new safety netting was obstructing the view of people in the arenas. The First Union Arena at Casey Plaza took some focus group polling and found that the transparent fishing line was less bothersome than black nylon.

Best Buy Commercial Features Hockey Team Fantasy

I'm sure that you've seen some of the Best Buy commercials where the customers get lost in their daydreams while playing with the displays. While watching ESPN waiting for the Thursday night game to come back on, I was really genuinely surprised at the commercial I saw next.

A man dressed in street clothes was on the rink in the middle of a game. It seems as if he is the only one playing. Ducking and weaving on the ice, but from out of nowhere and before he is pancaked along the boards by 4 NHL hockey players in full gear (and recognizable jerseys) he passes to his female companion wife/girlfriend/mistress??) who is also in street clothes, does this great little spin move at center ice and then throws a backhand through the goaltender for a goal! From there the fantasy scenario turns to some reality as the man and lady were shopping at the Best Buy store.

The recognizable team was the Minnesota Wild featured in the commercial. This would make sense since the Best Buy Co., Inc. has their home office in Minneapolis, MN.

Don Cherry Sticks Up for America and National Anthem During Wartime

Ever since I talked about the controversial and shocking story of fans booing the National Anthem, "some guy" named Don Cherry waxes poetic on the issue, which in turn creates a bigger issue. Should athletes and celebrities way in on the war; swaying public opinion? This article from Mark Spector of the National Post delivers an opinion column of the way Cherry addressed the war. In the segment "Coaches Corner" in CBC's broadcast of Hockey Night in Canada, legendary NHL coach Don Cherry gave support to the U.S. for the war on terrorism and condemned his Canadian countrymen for being disrespectful to America for their lack of support.

Don Cherry, always a stand up guy, chose to take some flack, but has not strayed from his "old school" views.

NCAA Women's Championship

Harvard University lost the NCAA Women's Championship to University of Minnesota-Duluth. It took 4:19 left in the second OT for Nora Tallus to put one past goalie Jessica Ruddock.

I'm sure my gals here at Penn State could kick both team's buts!

Expansion Team Wins Playoff Berth

Congratulations to the Minnesota Wild for earning a playoff berth in their 3rd year of existence. The keys to some of their success was the excellent play by Dwayne Rolson and Manny Fernandez who have been platooning the net during the season.

They defeated the division rival Detroit Red Wings in a 2-0 shutout to clinch their post-season play.

Americans Retaliate Booing in Florida

FOX Sports Radio News had reported today that since word had gotten out that our anthem was booed by some really rude canuckleheads in Montreal, the Canadian anthem was booed by many just as rude fans in Florida in retaliation.

Okay guys, this is really getting out of hand. Stop it!!

WCHL Hits Closer To Home

Since I had been early to work, I chose to go to the QWK Rock studio next door and talk to the young lady working Saturday mornings.

She had on this long sleve red t-shirt on. I noticed that there was a little logo on it that looked like the state of Idaho. The blond female D.J. told me that she was originally from there and it was an Idaho Steelheads t-shirt. She told me that is where she was originally from.

I researched the franchise after I told her that I wasn't that familiar with the team. The Steelheads are an WCHL minor league team that plays other west coast teams. The WCHL is comprised of several teams in cities like Las Vegas, Fresno, San Diego, Bakersfield, Long Beach and Ankorage. Idaho is in first place in the WCHL with 100 pts after 65 games played.

Go Idaho!

Canadians President Offers Appology

Thank God for someone in Canada with some class! Montreal Canadians President Pierre Boivin issued this appology:

On behalf of the entire Montreal Canadiens organization, I would like to express my deep regret over the conduct displayed by certain fans prior to Thursday night's game against the New York Islanders.During the performance of The Star Spangled Banner, some of the fans in attendance at the Bell Centre chose to express their political beliefs by jeering the American national anthem. It is our firm belief that this kind of behaviour has no place in the context of professional sports. The Montreal Canadiens organization has always held a high respect for its neighbours and friends in the United States, and we look forward to maintaining this strong and positive relationship. We apologize to anyone who may have been offended by this incident, and would encourage all fans at the Bell Centre to conduct themselves in a manner worthy of our game and our two great nations."

I think I might write this guy and say thanks for trying to set things straight.

Vanbiesbrouck Accused of Using Racial Slurs

From the Ottawa Citizen

The Ontario Hockey League has fined the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds $50,000 and suspended former coach and general manager John Vanbiesbrouck indefinitely from the league for the racial slur (the "n" word") he directed at team captain Trevor Daley.
"It is imperative that the Ontario Hockey League make a strong and unambiguous statement to the effect that any statements or comments of this nature will not be tolerated by the league," Branch said in a release. Vanbiesbrouck may apply after five years for reinstatement, he said.

Cute, guys. Real cute.

I am not in the kind of mood to hear this news. I'm not defending at all for what he did, it was wrong and that word should be erased from American-English lingo, but my gosh!! The thought police are on a roll! Way to take a man's livelyhood for one stupid remark.

Like I said.. I'm not having a good week and just reports like this are rubbing me the wrong way.

Canadians Boo American Anthem at Hockey Game

Canadians that boo us during our National Anthem at the time we are trying to do the good thing and take down a dictator that will surely kill us all in a bink of an eye.

Okay.. this is going too far.

Classless people, truely classless.

[Via: NY Post]

Straka Reaches Career Point Total Milestone

Tonight Martin Straka scored his 500th career point against the Detroit Red Wings at home by scoring a terrific backhanded goal on Manny Legace. Congrats to him! Unfortunately, The Pens lost another one 5-1 tonight.

Sundin Reaches Career Point Milestone

Congratulations to Mats Sundin for scoring his 1,000 career point in a game at Edmonton yesterday.
Upon returning to the bench, he picked up the puck, pitched it to a equipment manager and plopped down in his seat. Job well done, Mats!

NHL Trading Deadline Highlights

Well, the deadline for the NHL to trade was at 1 PM MST.

Many teams went nuts trading for draft picks, vying for the best player to get them either into the playoff hunt or carried through the Stanley Cup playoffs.

Lots of key veterans, overpriced and taking up salary on teams that can't afford to keep them, guys like Tone Amonte wound up with his best frien Jeremy Roenick and the Philadelphia Flyers. Phil Housley went to the Toronto Maple Leafs along with old man Doug Gilmour.

If you are a Penguins fan, you are pissed like me to see the entire team get thrown away and young guys only making $40,000 a year.

Leafs Trade Prospects for Owen Nolan

After returning to State College from a brief vacation to see my brother perform as The Near Professionals, I checked my email & the news around the NHL world.

I was surprised to see that the San Jose Sharks had traded Owen Nolan to the Toronto Maple Leafs. In return, they got Alyn McCauley and Erie Otters standout Brad Boyes.

The trade looks great to the Maple Leafs who are looking to a strong push towards the playoffs. Their offence was lagging a little and looked for a way to boost a quiet Mats Sundin. I was really impressed with Brad Boyes having seen him play in Erie for major Junior OHL hockey. He looked to be a great prospect. Both new S.J. Sharks Boyes and McCauley have both been rumored to be offered to the Penguins for Alexei Kovalev.

The trading deadline for the National Hockey League is March 11th.

Yahoo! Fantasy Hockey League Update

Okay... so I got my brother, my best friend, and my radio co-worker into a Yahoo! Fantasy Hockey league over the internet. For the most of the begining of the season, I was ahead in point totals. Then, people started to lose interest because it wasn't fair that the one guy running the leage was ahead. It wasn't any fun.

After teaching some tricks and advising the other players, I found myself and my team in a serious scoring slump. I am now in last place. The Ruthless Agression has now been reduced to a mild advancement.

I have now decreed that for the rest of the year my players will wear a patch with "WTF"

Sergei's Secret Love

This week's The Hockey News has a cover story that has the hockey world gone ape shit.

Sergei Fedorov, center for the Detroit Red Wings has admitted in an article that he did have a serious fling with tennis/model (and fellow Russian) Anna Kournikova. In the article, he admits to a brief marriage to her. Something like this was kept a very closely guarded secret, but comments by Barry Melrose would have you believe that it is not that big of a deal to a hockey team such as a Detroit. They all new about Sergei and Anna's relationship.

I think Sergei is one of the luckiest guys on the Earth! But much like most Hollywood marriages, it never works out due to conflicts in interest. Stars and famous celebrities often marry or "hook up" because very few people can relate to fame the way other stars do. Sergei and Anna have similar cultures and used to the limelight, working in America they more than likely formed a common bond. However, the questionable nature of their relationship is that Anna is very very young. Sergei and Anna were also never in the same country together long enough to make a relationship work. The constant traveling and touring that celebrity pro athletes have to do is very stressful and makes for a life of living out of a suitcase. Their eventual split was no doubt an effect of the aforementioned problems.

NHL 2night Lends Stanley Cup Prediction

While flipping through the channels & getting my weekly Monday Night "Stratusfaction". I watched a little bit of the NY Rangers and NY Islanders game. During the intermission, the ESPN Commentators John Buccigross and Barry Melrose gave their picks for the Stanley Cup Finals.

• Barry: New Jersey and Dallas


• John: Toronto and Detroit

I would like to agree with fellow Pittsburgh fan Buccigross be right, but Barry knows the teams better. Since I hope Pittsburgh overachieves and sneaks into the playoffs I'd natually pick them for the finals. Realistically, I'd want the two other favorite teams to root for to get to the playoffs. I have a growing respect for the history and tradition for the Toronto Maple Leafs. They have a realistic chance of making it in the Stanley Cup finals representing the Eastern Conference. The team that surprised the leage in the Western Conference is the team currently sitting in 6th place. The Minnesota Wild should surprise somebody and play spoilers in the playoffs like the San Jose Sharks a few years ago.

• Mike: Ottawa and Vancouver

Today in Hockey History 1920

Montreal Canadiens set an NHL record for most goals in a single game. Montreal defeated the Bulldogs 16-3 in Quebec City.

ACHA Divisions 1 and 2 Championship Tournaments

ACHA D-I Championships @ Athens, OH (Ohio University-Bird Arena)

#2 Penn State is looking for a 4-peat and 7th national title overall.

Today they face off today at 2:00pm

ACHA Division II Championships @ Anaheim, CA (USC-Disney Ice)

#2-Northeast, Penn State (D-II) and #3-Southeast, Indiana University of Pennsylvania both look for their first ever national championship. Both teams have been to the 16-team dance several times in the past few years.

IUP begins with #2-West, Colorado State today at 12:45pm on the NHL rink and PSU takes on #3-West, Weber State at 4:00pm on the Olympic Rink.

Goalie With Sensitive Eye Injury

Goalie Robbie Tallas left a 5-2 loss to the Utah Grizzlies early on Wednesday when a spray of ice scratched his cornea

Oh-no. If a little bit of frozen water can take this guy out... umm.. maybe he should not be playing hockey.

I don't understand... how could that scratch his cornea? It would melt upon touching his eye, no?

[Via: Pittsburgh Tribune Review]

Happy Anniversary to Team USA Hockey!

Today in 1980, the Miracle on Ice team scored a victory in the 1980 Lake Placid Olympic Winter Games against the rival Soviet Union Team. Two days later they won the Gold Medal vs. Sweden.

Trivia at Dinner with Australian Roommate

While at dinner with my new friend Ben from Brisbane (who looks a lot like a young Jaromir Jagr), I was watching an Isles and 'Lanche hockey game and they had this amazing stat on there to share with all of you.

Arron Asham, defenceman for the New York Islanders played 40:14 in a game last October which was an NHL record.

He was certainly earning his paycheck that night!

Avril in Sunday Newspaper Magazine Interview

"She's an Original," reads the front cover of Parade magazine, the Sunday newspaper insert. Avril Lavigne posed provocatively with microphone in her 18-year-old hands advertises the breif interview by columnist James Brady.

The cover insists that one of her favorite sports is hockey, she played on a boy's team from the age of 10!

Holy cow, she's awesome! Here's an excerpt from the online version of the article

In boys hockey there's a lot of body contact," she says. "I would've gotten killed on the ice. So I dropped out and played on a girls' team." Like most hockey fans, Lavigne is a big fan of the great Wayne Gretzky. "Gretzky is huge," she says. "He's still a hero in Canada. I'd like to meet him."

Happy Valentines Day!!!

Road Trip!!

Yesterday, my friend Dan and I took a trip to Pittsburgh to see the Penguins. It was a long trip from the middle of PA, but it was worth it going home again.

We get there and I was supposed to meet a friend of mine, but things got crossed up and I got in before with tickets. After we sat down in Mellon Arena, a row of obnoxious people kept getting up for beer. I guess they missed the announcement to wait in your seats until the next period and be considerate to other fans.

The game between the Penguins and Senators was a shutout. Unfortunately, it was a shutout for the Senators. They won 3-0.

Hedberg the goaltender tried - really, he did.

The second goal was scored by Marian Hossa and the other two was scored by an AHL call up that I never heard of. For the Penguins, my first look at the new acquires proved just what the rest of the Penguins fans on the Penguins message boards were expecting. God, WE WERE TERRIBLE!

On the way out, it was just as frustrating as watching the game. To redeem the coupons that all fans received entering the Mellon Arena, Dan and I had to go through this labyrinth of hallways down to gate three to pick up the Joe Mullen bobblehead collectible.

Headache Fortells Bad Day and Kovalev Traded

As soon as I got up, I knew it was going to be a bad day. I woke up this morning with a bad headache that left me incapacitated for at least most of the morning and afternoon. Later on, I got up (a hot shower really helped) and visited my buddy Dan. The day just got worse!

"Hey, guess what.... they traded Kovalev!!" says my radio partner, Dan, as I walk into the door.

Prior to this, all he did was make jokes and tell me they traded Kovy. This time, I didn't want to believe him. Sure enough, I looked at all the Internet sites and it was plastered there in big black lettered headlines.

I still didn't want to believe it.

Toronto Maple Leafs & Companions For Sale?

Ah-Ha!! Now my fantasy is at least half way realized!

Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment Toronto Maple Leafs for Sale, with Raptors and ACC thrown in.

If I only had the money to buy the Leafs, that would be awesome! I could co-own it with Toronto native Trish Stratus and really go on a marketing promotions frenzy to juice up the NHL and rescue it from the Public Relations disaster that it is in.

I am currently searching for all loose change in my pocket and couch cusions!

Speaking of milestones...

Mario scored 4 assists today at Boston's Fleet Center to get his 1,000 assist. The clinching goal was scored by "enforcer" Steve McKenna on a fluke-ish soft goal that newly acquired Boston Goalie Jeff "can't" Hackett let in late in the game.

Hockey Goal Scoring Milestones

Two hockey players in the NHL have been in the front page headlines recently looking for Milestone goals in their career.

Jaromir Jagr scored his 600th goal this past week and Detroit's Brett Hull is trying to reach his 700th. Brett was shut out yesterday against the Colorado Avalanche and now has waited 5 games to score that elusive milestone.

Mario Lemieux needs 4 assists to get 1,000 for his career. The next game is at Boston with Regional coverage on ABC.

The 53rd Annual NHL All-Star Game in Florida was a huge success!!

The first period was missed due to my covering the Penn State Wrestling on WRSC, but I did get to see the better part of the show. Danny Heatly of the Atlanta Thrashers (ick!) scored 4 goals and became the youngest player by one day to have done that in an All-Star game. The action was really fast and ended with a fantastic display of goalie saves that took a 4-4 tie into overtime. Even the casual fan could tell that the players were actually getting into it and tried their best to get the game winning goal. Both Marty Turco of the Dallas Stars and Patrick Lalime of the Ottawa Senators were phenominal in goal in the third period. My boy Marian Gaborik even had a chance for the game winner at the very end, but clanked it off the post.

It took a shootout to determine the winner! Three of the five Western Stars had scored for their Conference to secure the game victory, but Danny Heatly had the last laugh. With a toothless grin, he won the MVP and a new Chevy Blazer.

I'm going to look forward to going next year to Minnesota!!

Well, the NHL All-Star weekend is upon us!

Yesterday was the skills competition. I had stayed up late to see the replay on ESPN last night. I was really impressed with the Young Stars or Rookie All-Star game. Although there was only two names I actually recognized, the speed of these players coasting up and down the ice was amazing. Of course, the idea of a running clock probably had them in a "hurry-up" offense too!

The Skills competition by the other veteran all stars was not too bad. The Western Division won 15-8 I believe. The most impressive thing was seeing Martin St. Louis stretch out and beat one of the faster stars in the NHL, Teemu Selane in a puck-control relay race. The objective was a full sprint down the length of the ice and then weaving back through maintaining control of a puck. I have to be glad for Marian Gaborik who turned out to be the fastest skater with the quickest lap time. The oddest thing, and probably overlooked, was that the Toronto Maple Leafs were not represented. Ed Belfour and Mats Sundin were both selected to go, but had to bow out at the end. They didn't bother to replace them with another teammate. I guess it was an oversight.

If the Penn State Wrestling doesn't go overtime, I may just make the beggining of the All-Star Game that starts at 2:30 PM Eastern time on ABC. Be sure to read here what I thought about the whole show either later tonight or tomorrow evening.