The Bruins hit the road for the first time this season in the first game of a two-game-road-trip. The trip starts tonight in Carolina where the Bruins are set to take on the winless Hurricanes. The Bruins and Hurricanes are scheduled to play again Tuesday in Boston. Game Details: Boston Bruins @ Carolina Hurricanes Puck [...]
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/thehubofhockey/mjgJ/~3/jMjF039jr-M/
Like other teams, the OHL’s Plymouth Whalers do their part during Breast Cancer Awareness month, donning pink jerseys and having a Pink Out at the rink for the fourth consecutive season. But unlike other teams, they take it one step further: Dying their hair shocking pink, as a team.
The 2011 Whalers Pink Out was Saturday night against the Sarnia Sting, with a jersey auction that benefitted the Karmanos Cancer Institute. The players had their hair styled for the game throughout the week, courtesy of Lucky Hair Company.
Goaltender Scott Wedgewood is a four-year veteran of the Pink Out! and decided to go with a blow-dried look after working with a Mohawk in other years. Alex Aleardi looked sharp in a pink do that was slicked back. Matt Mahalak continued with the tradition of a Mohawk. Nick Malysa decided to get his fu-manchu mustache pinked out.
Although Andy Bathgate has played four full seasons in the Ontario Hockey League, this is his first year in Plymouth. “We never did this in Belleville,” Bathgate said with a smile.
Plymouth defenseman Austin Levi had the most creative hair cut last season, with a Mohawk shaped into a breast cancer ribbon. Stylist Theresa Wojtan worked with Levi last year and looks forward to collaborating with the Carolina Hurricanes draft this season. “This year, instead of doing the Mohawk that went into the breast cancer ribbon, we’re doing his entire head a breast cancer ribbon. He came in with the idea and I said, ‘Let’s go with it.’
And go with it he did:
You’ve really not seen a hockey fight until you’ve seen a guy with a breast cancer ribbon on his head in a hockey fight.
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Ussoccerplayers/~3/bxmaS3A4t8s/wednesdays-tv-uefa-and-concacaf.html
Alessandro Nesta Michael Owen Pele Robert Pires Michel Platini
For the second straight game the Bruins were handed a frustrating loss. Just two days after a 1-0 shutout by Semyon Varlamov and the Colorado Avalanche, the Bruins came out with a lackluster performance in Carolina. Third period goals by Tyler Seguin and Brad Marchand were not enough as the Bruins gave the Carolina Hurricanes [...]
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/thehubofhockey/mjgJ/~3/sYKNO9MBn9A/
Bruins defensemen Adam McQuaid (head) and Steven Kampfer (MCL) returned to the ice Monday morning; participating in practice up in Wilmington. David Krejci (abdominal), meanwhile, is not taking part in practice and is listed as questionable for Tuesday’s rematch with the Carolina Hurricanes at the TD Garden. McQuaid missed his second game of the year [...]
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/thehubofhockey/mjgJ/~3/XU5XbfYnMZo/
Barcelona vs Racing Santander 3-0 Highlights Video Messi Xavi Goals 2011 is a post from Soccer Blogger. Follow Soccer Blogger on Twitter
Barcelona vs Racing Santander 3-0 Highlights Video Messi Xavi Goals 2011 is a post from Soccer Blogger. Follow Soccer Blogger on Twitter Barcelona vs Racing Santander 2011 ( Barca vs Racing 2011) Score and result:- Barcelona vs Racing Santander 3-0 ( Lionel Messi*2, Xavi Hernandez) Nou Camp, Barcelona- 16 October, 2011- Lionel Messi nets twice [...] Related posts:
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Magnus Hedman Robbie Fowler Lionel Messi Cristiano Ronaldo Wayne Rooney
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/GolfTipsQuips/~3/sdAD7_ePRpo/do-you-know-your-bounce-angles.html
This article has been promoted from our Press Box section. Our Press Box is open to up and coming writers. More detail can be found here. By Peter Harling After the Toronto Maple leafs failed to qualify for the playoffs last season general manager Brian Burke declared the team would address the need for a [...]
This article was originally published at: The Hockey Writers.
Source: http://thehockeywriters.com/five-potential-trades-for-the-toronto-maple-leafs/
It’s Double Overtime day here at HBIC! Stephen Cole’s newest book hasn’t been read by myself yet, but the marketing for the book starts today before it hits shelves at bookstores on October 25. Double Overtime is packed with all sorts of stories, facts, and photos about hockey, and you might be lucky enough to appear in the book! That’s right: the next edition of Double Overtime could have you in it if you’re willing to submit a hockey photo on the Double Overtime website! There’s lots to see and do over on the Double Overtime website, including reading an excerpt of the book and joining the forum for discussion, so click on over and join the fun!
Just flipping through the excerpt of the book, it looks like a great book for pictures at the very least. However, some of the facts that can be read are pretty interesting in their own right. For example, a night watching the Leafs play with a parking spot, a hot dog, and a beer will set you back almost $150! Information like that is, for me, interesting and a little eyebrow-raising.
The Flickr forum is where you can upload photos and join in the discussion. Any photos you upload could be selected for the next Double Overtime book, so if you want to be somewhat famous, send a photo in! The discussion hasn’t really started on the site yet, so get in there and voice your thoughts!
If you’re on Facebook, you should be following HBIC. In any case, if you’re on Facebook, why not win a copy of Double Overtime by liking them and entering the caption contest? The photo is actually pretty easy to write a caption for, so get your entries in on that to win a copy of Stephen Cole’s book! How easy is that?
If you prefer the traditional route of paying for an item, you can always head over to the Simon & Schuster website and order yourself a copy, or even get yourself an electronic copy for your e-reader! Not a bad deal, but why not just enter the contest above and get yourself a free copy? It’s so much easier… unless you don’t win. In either case, I’m sure HBIC may have a few copies to give away in the future.
Overall, I just want to say that reading is very important to me, and I hope that the Teebz’s Book Club entries that are featured here on HBIC are giving everyone a chance to expand their reading choices along with stocking the shelves of your own bookcases at home. Double Overtime looks like a great addition to any reader’s collection, and you can pick up your copy on October 25!
Until next time, keep your sticks on the ice!
Source: http://hockey-blog-in-canada.blogspot.com/2011/10/double-overtime.html
Back by popular demand, here are your Puck Previews: Spotlighting the key games in NHL action, news and views as well as general frivolity. Make sure to stop back here for the nightly Three Stars when the games are finished.
Preview: Carolina Hurricanes at Buffalo Sabres, 7:30 p.m. ET. The Sabres opened the season strong, winning both of their games in Europe and giving fans something to talk about. Then they had nearly a week off. Tonight, they finally stage their long-awaited home opener, and those fans will be jacked. Meanwhile, the Hurricanes picked up their first win of the season just two nights ago and rumour has it they quite liked the feeling. Buffalo’s home opener be damned — Carolina may try to win.
Preview: San Jose Sharks at Anaheim Ducks, 10 p.m. ET. Yet another home opener, as the Ducks look to notch their second win after going 1-1 in Europe. And if the excitement of the home crowd wasn’t enough, the Ducks should get an added boost, because defenseman Toni Lydman, who was a team-high plus-32 for Anaheim last season, is set to return to the lineup. Meanwhile, the Sharks are playing only their second game of the season. What the crap, NHL schedule-makers?
Check out previews and updated scores for all of today’s games on the Y! Sports NHL scores and scheds page. For tonight’s starting goalies, check out Left Wing Lock.
Evening Reading
? Via Reddit Hockey, Shawn Thornton mic’d up is pretty great. Poor Zac Rinaldo. [Youtube]
? Do yourself a favour and read Kevin Weekes’s take on the difficulty of shots from below the goal line. [Kevin Weekes]
? Daniel Wagner has a neat piece on statistics, intangibles, Kierkegaard, and choice. Unfortunately, he forgot to mention Godwin’s Utopia, so I can’t give him full marks. [Backhand Shelf]
Puck Buddy Comment of the Day: Dave W., on the photo of Rick DiPietro spraying water into his mouth that tops the post on his concussion:
I thought the picture on the article was DiPietro actually getting the concussion in question.
Bold Prediction: The Sabres beat the Hurricanes in a high-scoring affair, as the two teams combine for no fewer than nine goals.
We continue our comprehensive coverage of American soccer culture with our series “Better Know a Supporters Group,” just like Steven Colbert’s “Better Know a District” from “The Colbert Report“.
Our goal: to feature each of the MLS teams’ supporters groups. We’ve sent e-mails to each and every SG in Major League Soccer and soon you’ll be able to check all what each is all about and what awesomeness they have to contribute to our growing American soccer world.When we devised this idea a while back it was cool to be able to see what each supporter group is about, but in light of the terrible, one-sided, anti-American, condescending profile of Philadelphia’s Sons of Ben SG by the British GQ (not even going to link to it to give them the site hits) we think its all the more important to give supporters groups in Major League Soccer the proper exposure and voice they deserve.
Today… it’s the supporters group that inspired our series, Philadelphia Union’s Sons of Ben.
As told to the Free Beer Movement by Sons of Ben President Matt Ansbro.
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| Photo Credit: Paul Rudderow |
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| Photo Credit: Daniel Gajdamowicz |
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| Photo Credit: Paul Rudderow |
US Soccer has travelled light years since their ?just happy to be here? qualification for Italy in 1990. The players are getting valuable experiences all over the world and ratings for World Cup & Gold Cup games have grown audiences at rates that make ESPN & Univision take notice. Lots of people talk about the destination of Winning the World Cup. It may happen someday, but why focus on the future when we are pretty damn good right now.
For more information OR to join the Sons of Ben, check out their website.
Get the NEW Free Beer Movement “Pint Glass” shirt! Only from Objectivo.com
Source: http://www.thefreebeermovement.com/2011/10/better-know-supporters-group-sons-of.html
Pavel Nedved Alessandro Nesta Michael Owen Pele Robert Pires
3:13 pm Pacific – Pre-game preparation, which means I try to think of any players on the Avalanche without having to look it up. So far I’ve come up with Matt Duchene, the great young defenceman. If you would have asked me a few years ago I would’ve been able to say Joe Sakic, Peter Forsberg, [...]
Source: http://dennis-kane.com/game-watch-colorado-comes-a-callin/
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| Think about it. |
We here at The Other 87 feel that soccer, like life, is full of tough decisions. With that in mind, we present to you the soccer edition of “Would You Rather?”.
About “The Other 87 Minutes”
What is this new site we’re exposing you too? We’ll let them explain:
The Other 87 seeks to provide something that?s not instant analysis or eve of matchday previews. Think of us as the good bits of your favorite soccer coverage: the profiles that examine what makes a certain player tick, the historical background that sheds some light on how the sport has evolved to the present day, the silly features that are more than just tacking names on a list, but considering and explaining why each one deserves to be there.
O87 wants to be a home for soccer writing that makes you think, but that also treats the game as just that, a game. The greatest game, the one we obsess over and fixate on, to the point where we can?t read that gas costs 3.43 a gallon without thinking of Ajax?s 1995 Champions League winning team. But a game nonetheless.
?When you play a match, it is statistically proven that players actually have the ball three minutes on average. The best players ? the Zidanes, Ronaldinhos, Gerrards ? will have the ball maybe four minutes. Lesser players ? defenders ? probably two minutes. So, the most important thing is: what do you do those 87 minutes when you do not have the ball?. That is what determines whether you?re a good player or not.? ?Johann Cruyff
Get the NEW Free Beer Movement “Pint Glass” shirt! Only from Objectivo.com
Source: http://www.thefreebeermovement.com/2011/09/tuesday-10-would-you-rather.html
Pavel Nedved Alessandro Nesta Michael Owen Pele Robert Pires
For those just joining us, in Part 1 we laid out the accomplishments of one Pavel Bure. Since that time we?ve been considering the qualifications of inductees to the Hockey Hall of Fame (HHOF) with the aim of determining what exactly it takes to gain admittance to the holy shrine.
We?d love to dissect the hall and remodel it, rightfully moving some that are ?in? out and vice versa. But that is work for another year. At this point, the task is simple. Can a reasonable argument be made that Pavel Bure belongs right now?
Having reviewed the list of inductees and their accomplishments, there are a number of general factors that seem to stand out:
If Pavel Bure is to be considered based on what the HHOF has done to date, it would have to be on the basis of his offensive prowess and, perhaps, being a pioneering international player. As well, his relative dominance (measured in per game averages) would seemingly have to compensate for his lack of durability to at least the same degree as those with shortened careers already enshrined (which it does). We think his playoff record (he was the best player on a team that played the most playoff games of any NHL team in the four year span that coincided with his arrival) was impressive, but without the Cup win(s), it is a subtlety to be missed by those doing the deciding.
So where does Bure rank in goal scoring versus those in or out of the HHOF? Well, there are only 2 modern day players who scored at at a greater rate and they are both in, Mike Bossy (with virtually the same games played as Bure) and Mario Lemieux. The 2 early day players, Cy Denneny and Babe Dye, with better rates are also both in. And there is one current player with a comparable rate, Alex Ovechkin, who is essentially Pavel Bure 2.0 (or perhaps Valeri Kharmalov 3.0).
Forget about goal scoring rate for a moment, what about just total goals? Well, Bure ranks 63rd and of those in front of him, 27 are on the outside looking in. You?d think that should work against Bure?s induction. But in fact, the reverse is true. Of those 27, there were only 6 who earned as many or more major awards as Bure. The rest were simply star players with long careers, but not elite players that transcended or dominated their sport. Of those six players, only of one them (Joe Nieuwendyk) was eligible for induction this year and he made it in. The others are all potential first ballot inductees (Jaromir Jagr, Joe Sakic, Teemu Selanne, Jarome Iginla and Sergei Fedorov).
Pavel ranks 24th in points per game. Of the 23 in front of him, all but 2 are either already in the HHOF or are not yet eligible. The two exceptions being Kent Nilsson (who played 250 less games than Bure and who clearly benefited from playing during the high flying 80?s) and Eric Lindros. We?re sure there?s someone out there who can make a compelling argument for his inclusion – though it won?t be us.
As stated before, the HHOF has chosen to recognize international players either for their contribution at that level or their pioneering efforts at the NHL level. Of relevance to this discussion is the inclusion of Valeri Kharmalov and Igor Larionov and Slava Fetisov.
Kharmalov is in despite never having played in the NHL and having his career cut short at roughly the same age as Bure, though much more tragically. Kharmalov and Bure were fantastically comparable players in a uniquely Russian game-breaking style that was the mold for Ovechkin, the most entertaining player in today?s NHL.
The inclusions of Larionov and Fetisov are interesting. While both had successful NHL careers, those careers, on their own, do not appear worthy. As the best of the first wave of Russian players, they are seemingly included for this pioneering status and for having contributed mightily at the international level. We would argue that their adjustment to NHL life was easier than the trio of Russian stars that followed immediately after: Bure, Alexander Mogilny and Sergei Fedorov. All of whom arrived into the NHL as young men, as opposed to mature established stars, and all of whom excelled at the NHL all the while continuing to represent their country in international play. We would argue that in ignoring these three, the Hall is lacking internal consistency.
Pavel Bure arrived in Vancouver as if dropped from the sky. Literally and figuratively. It was pure cloak and dagger stuff getting the young superstar out of Russia and to the NHL. He almost wound up in Edmonton (who had fought bitterly for his rights) where he might have been able to avoid being cast as a malingerer; the Oiler organization, media and fan base completely experienced in how to handle superstars. He just as likely could have wound up in Detroit with his comrades; the Wings always seem to have the market cornered on the best international players. There he could have easily integrated into their European style play perhaps turning the best team of his era into a dynasty for the ages.
Playing with reckless abandon reminiscent of Bobby Orr (with the wonky knees to match), he changed the fortunes of a perpetually moribund franchise falling just short of the holy grail by the slimmest of margins. Banished to the hockey graveyard of Florida, he continued to entertain and score goals, typically unaided, at breakneck pace until (just in time for an abbreviated run on Broadway) his body failed him like other enshrined superstars.
In the end, despite his lack of playoff success and durability (both seemingly beyond his control), on paper alone, he?s a match for Pat LaFontaine or Cam Neely, both esteemed members. In flesh and blood, he?s a more dynamic one-of-a-kind player than either.
Statistically speaking, his offensive prowess cannot be denied and he is more than simply a borderline candidate. In reference to the 24 modern day wingers already enshrined, his statistics on a per game basis are among the best. And even on a total basis (despite the devastating injuries), he still fits in with the bottom quartile.
Finally, as one of best of the second wave of Russian players (and the first wave to spend their entire careers in the NHL), he was a pioneer to international players in a sport with ever increasing global aspirations.
Pavel is worthy.
Yet again, Arsenal striker Robin van Persie was the hero for the Gunners as he scored both goals, on Sunday, against Sunderland.
Speaking before and after the 2-1 win, the Dutchman wanted to clarify his position …
Patrick Vieira Zinedine Zidane Sasa Llic Egil Ostenstad Robbie Hooker
The Toronto Maple Leafs are currently enjoying a team bonding trip to CFB Trenton, where they are taking part in various activities, as well as on-ice practice sessions at the RCAF Flyers Arena.
This article was originally published at: The Hockey Writers.
Source: http://thehockeywriters.com/maple-leafs-fans-cannot-get-too-excited-after-2-0-start/
HBIC is proud to bring to you some of the great work done by the men we idolize on the ice. From Wayne Gretzky to Mario Lemieux to Darren McCarty to Mike Fisher, current and former NHL stars are in our communities helping out where ever and whenever they can. Today is the first charitable organization that will be feature an NHL player who is no longer with us. Despite him being gone, his work – specifically all the charitable work he did – has not been forgotten, and that’s why the hockey world is more like a family than an industry. Today, HBIC is proud to bring to light the work being done by 37 Rising Stars, the charitable organization founded in Dan Snyder’s memory.
Mission Statement: 37 Rising Stars is active in a number of charities and initiatives, but it is probably best known for the Dan Snyder Memorial Foundation. From the 37 Rising Stars website, the “Dan Snyder Memorial Foundation is dedicated to providing scholarship opportunities to young athletes, to assist in the pursuit of their goals. The Foundation also supports the fundraising for a multi-use recreational center, to be built in Dan’s hometown of Elmira in 2008. In his memory and in recognition of his many contributions to the community, the centerpiece of this complex has been designated The Dan Snyder Memorial Arena.”
How Did 37 Rising Stars Start?: Dan Snyder passed away on October 5, 2003, six days after being involved in car accident involving Dany Heatley. The two men were in Heatley’s Ferrari when the car crashed, and Dan Snyder was thrown from the car. He was comatose while in the hospital, and succumbed to septic shock. The 25 year-old left a void in everyone’s hearts who knew him, but the world lost an overly generous man who would drop everything to help a friend or fan who needed him.
Out of his commitment to the various charities and organizations that Dan regularly gave his time to, 37 Rising Stars was started by his parents, Graham and LuAnn Snyder, to carry on Dan’s charitable legacy. The 37 Rising Stars Foundation provides funding to:
In a very touching tribute to Dan Snyder, the Thrashers helped open the Dan Snyder Memorial Arena in Woolwich in 2009.
“I think he would be really happy to see what the result was,” Jake Snyder, Dan’s brother, said to ESPN’s Pierre Lebrun. “He kept really close ties to this community, volunteering with young kids and sports camps. Seeing that future generations of kids will be able to use this great facility, he’d be really happy.”
Clearly, Dan Snyder was a guy that a lot of people loved and he touched a vast number of people’s lives through his generosity and selflessness.
How Can I Help?: There are a number of ways you can help the 37 Rising Stars Foundation, and all of them are exceptional in their own ways.
First, if you’d like to help by donating to the Dan Snyder Memorial Scholarship, you should contact the directors of the Scholarship Fund. You can have your questions answered via phone by contacting Sue Van Every at (519) 669-7684. Please mail your donation or inquiries to:
Donations to the Dan Snyder Memorial Foundation can be mailed to:
If you’re more of a “wear it on your sleeve” kind of donator, that’s ok too. The 37 Rising Stars Foundation has shirts you can buy to help them out! The shirts are $25 for t-shirt length and $30 for long sleeve shirts. You can get one of those by emailing Craig Shantz or by calling (519) 576-2935.
Of course, there’s always the book about Dan Snyder’s passing. John Manasso’s A Season Of Loss, A Lifetime Of Forgiveness helps out as well. It’s an excellent read, and it deserves to be on the bookshelf of any hockey fan.
37 Rising Stars, the NHLPA, and the Snyder family are helping the communities they live in as a tribute to their fallen hero, Dan Snyder. It’s time for us to help them as well.
Until next time, keep your sticks on the ice!
Source: http://hockey-blog-in-canada.blogspot.com/2011/09/charitable-donations-37-rising-stars.html
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/BeaverGolf/~3/XEAw7s0Z_xk/bless-me-beavers-for-i-have-sinned.html
Italian giants Inter Milan are going through a dry spell in the Serie A that has seen them pick up only 3 points from their last 5 league games. In fact, things are so bad for the Nerazzurri that yesterday’s loss has left them only 1 point above the bottom 3. This latest loss will [...]
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/SoccerTicketsOnline/~3/LhcZ2Ucl0Mg/
Nery Castillo Roberto Carlos Eric Cantona Fabio Cannavaro Gianluigi Buffon
I was doing a little research today when I discovered that the online digital newspaper archives that Google is no longer supporting is pretty awesome. I’ve gone into these newspapers before to find information, but I was on a hunt for something today that made the newspaper archive a valuable tool. As I kept digging, I kept finding more and more golden newspaper articles that needed to be clipped! Well, as far as one can clip a digital newspaper anyway. The point is that I found some articles that are absolute gems that I want to bring to light today. One story in particular had me laughing and scratching my head at the same time due to how ridiculous it sounds. Let me assure you, though, that the events in question definitely did happen.
The story that had me entertainment and puzzled at the same time featured the rather flamboyant Derek Sanderson of the Boston Bruins. Sanderson was a one-in-a-million personality while he played in the NHL and WHA, so there’s no doubt that some of the stories about him may have been blown out of proportion a little.
There is one story, however, that seems to be almost surreal in that Sanderson’s inclusion is entirely believable yet unbelievable. As you’re probably aware, pro sports franchises like their players to be squeaky clean if nothing else so that no bad press is transferred to the team’s identity. Well, an article in The Telegraph, a Nashua, New Hampshire newspaper, from February 25, 1972 tells the story about how Derek Sanderson appeared in an X-rated film!
The film, entitled Loving and Laughing, apparently was getting good reviews in Montreal with Sanderson in it, but he made a request to have his scene cut when the film opened in the United States. The Bruins star filmed the bit part (no pun intended) during a contract dispute with the Bruins in August 1970. He appeared for less than one minute in the movie and did not disrobe, but could you imagine the backlash that may have had against the Bruins? The Milwaukee Sentinel confirmed that Sanderson pulled out (excuse the pun) of the movie one day later.
Also in that same February 26, 1972 edition of the Milwaukee Sentinel was a quick blurb about how a group of businessmen were looking to bring the NHL to Cincinnati so the city could have a team iced by 1974. A brand-new arena was being built next to Riverfront Stadium, home of the Reds baseball team, and it appears that the Cincinnati City Council was behind this proposal as well.
As you’re probably well aware, Cincinnati never got an NHL team. They did get a WHA franchise in 1975 and this new franchise played out of Riverfront Coliseum. They were called the Stingers, and they saw a number of successful NHL players play for them such as Mike Gartner, Mark Messier, Rick Dudley, Mike Liut, and Robbie Ftorek.
From there, I stumbled upon a March 12, 1974 edition of the Montreal Gazette that was loaded with awesome stuff. Personally, finding this edition of the Gazette was like finding a treasure chest full of gold. I was that excited by it.
First, we learned that Winnipeg Jets star Bobby Hull sat out of a game that saw the worst beating the Jets ever took at the hands of a WHA team to that point. The reason Hull sat out? He had ulcers! The Jersey Knights pumped ten goals past the Jets in front of a sparse crowd of 2146 fans as they matched the team record for most goals on one game. That may have been the highlight for that team considering their short existence.
To get an insight as to how these two teams were doing, check out the WHA standings. The Jets were having a horrible season by their standards, yet still found themselves in third-place in the West Division. By contrast, they would have been in fifth-place in the East Division. Jersey, meanwhile, sat in last-place in the East, but would have been fifth-place in the West. That 10-2 victory doesn’t really show how close these two teams really were. If you’re keeping score at home, Houston swept Chicago in the WHA Final that year.
In a moment that could have been the basis for the stripping scene in Slapshot, the first streaker in the WHA was Toronto Toros’ goaltender Gilles Gratton. Gratton was always a bit of an odd cat, but the reason for his streaking seems very peculiar: he was repaying a debt!
Said Gratton, “I took a few sticks and the trainer said I’d have to pay for them if I didn’t streak around the rink with only my mask and skates on. So I streaked a couple of times around the rink.”
Wow. And moving on, I like checking out the masks of goaltenders every year to see the new designs and paint jobs. There are always some that stand out from the rest, and a great place to find some of these masks is over on Uni Watch Blog. However, it seems that the Associated Press was doing a little uniform watching before Paul Lukas made it his obsession.
Here are the 19 different masks worn by the goaltenders of the WHA and the NHL. As you may notice, there are 20 images, but goaltender Andy Brown hadn’t taken to wearing one in 1974, so his mask is of the same design as the Emperor’s New Clothes.
I’ll admit: masks in black-and-white newsprint aren’t as impressive as the high-definition colour photos we get today, but how cool is it that the newsies in Montreal and at the AP were interested in that kind of stuff back in ’74?
I’ll dive into more digital newspapers in the future, but these stories made the day for me today. Especially that Sanderson one. I mean, it’s $4000, but an X-rated feature film? I may have to do an entire piece on Sanderson just to prove how out there he was.
Until next time, keep your sticks on the ice!
Source: http://hockey-blog-in-canada.blogspot.com/2011/10/flipping-through-newspaper.html
Pictured above is our 7th green taken just a few days ago. 2010 has been a challenging year for the blog as well as business. I’ve been working on leads from around the world, and that has slowed down my ability to post and limited what I can comfortably post. In January I will share some near misses, projects in the works and hopefully tales of one course ready for some improvements.
It is still the rare bird that gets to see Wolf Point… and this is what the last visitor/potential client had to say:
“I love your design work. The course is a jewel.”
Source: http://nuzzogolfcoursedesign.blogspot.com/2010/12/wolf-point-is-jewel.html
Source: http://arsenalanalysis.blogspot.com/2011/06/tottenham-is-doing-all-deals-that.html
Kevin Keegan Jurgen Klinsmann Miroslav Klose Philipp Lahm Frank Lampard
Midway through the second period of Friday night’s game between the Anaheim Ducks and the San Jose Sharks, Ducks’ winger Jason Blake got tangled up with Sharks’ defenseman Brent Burns while trying to win a loose puck on a faceoff.
Blake fell in front of Burns, and, as Burns stepped towards the puck, he accidentally brought his skate down on Blake’s forearm, slicing it open. The cut was “severe”, according to Ducks’ coach Randy Carlyle. Take a look for yourself:
See below for a scary photo of the incident as well. Blake was taken to hospital for emergency surgery immediately, according to Helene Elliott:
[...] Blake was taken to UCI Medical Center in Orange and was scheduled to undergo surgery Friday night after suffering what was described as a severe cut on his left forearm late in the team’s 1-0 victory over the San Jose Sharks at Honda Center.
Blake, 38, was injured almost midway through the final period of the Ducks’ home opener. He was taken out of the arena on a special stretcher that allowed him to keep his arm upright and he was sitting, not lying on his back, a team spokesman said.
The cut comes only five days after Michael Cammalleri suffered a nasty cut to his leg in last Sunday’s game versus the Winnipeg Jets. He admitted afterward that the cut was downright scary. “Our skates are pretty sharp,” he said then. “When you think about it, it’s like a bunch of knives flying around the ice.”
It’s true, and it’s always a wonder that this sort of thing doesn’t happen more often.
In Cammalleri’s instance, he escaped any serious damage, only requiring stitches and being pronounced out of the lineup for under a month. He was lucky. Here’s hoping Jason Blake is as well.
NEW YORK ? October 17, 2011 ? Popular NHL bloggers Jason Brough and Mike Halford have joined NBC Sports Digital to be the featured writers for ProHockeyTalk on NBCSports.com. Previously, Brough and Halford penned the Orland Kurtenblog for the Vancouver Province and hosted the KB Radio show on TEAM 1040 in Vancouver.
Brough and Halford will become the lead voices on NBCSports.com?s ProHockeyTalk, joining current writer Joe Yerdon to cover all topics across the NHL.
Source: http://www.kuklaskorner.com/index.php/hockey/comments/the_kurtenbloggers_land_on_their_feet/
History is being made. Important milestones in the growth of this game are happening on the ice, in the stands and in offices all over the continent.
This article was originally published at: The Hockey Writers.
Source: http://thehockeywriters.com/theres-no-better-time-than-now/
Back by popular demand, here are your Puck Previews: Spotlighting the key games in NHL action, news and views as well as general frivolity. Make sure to stop back here for the nightly Three Stars when the games are finished.
Preview: Washington Capitals at Pittsburgh Penguins, 7 p.m. ET. Tomas Vokoun gets the start and a chance at some redemption after a rough debut for the Caps, even though he won in a shootout. Brent Johnson, the former Cap, gets the nod for Pittsburgh with Marc-Andre Fleury under the weather. Evgeni Malkin was a game-time decision. Rumor has it these two teams aren’t fond of each other.
Preview: Tampa Bay Lightning at New York Islanders, 7 p.m. ET. The mighty Al Montoya gets another start for the Isles with Evgeni Nabokov as his backup. The Lightning are 1-1-1. Their power play isn’t clicking yet, at 2-for-15; but their kill is the best in the NHL, having not allowed a power-play goal in 18 shorthanded chances.
Preview: Vancouver Canucks at Detroit Red Wings, 8 p.m. ET. Cory Schneider gets the call for the Canucks. The Red Wings should be fired up after three days of “monotony” in practice. And listening to Mike Babcock, which we imagine is also monotonous.
Preview: Winnipeg Jets at Chicago Blackhawks, 8:30 p.m. ET. Not much to add beyond what Leahy previewed as far as Big Buff’s homecoming. Ray Emery gets his first start as a Blackhawk. “Corey [Crawford] is ready to go but we just want to get Ray playing,” said Coach Q.
Check out previews and updated scores for all of today’s games on the Y! Sports NHL scores and scheds page. For tonight’s starting goalies, check out Left Wing Lock.
Evening Reading
? Nikita Filatov has been demoted. Already. [QMI]
? Mark Messier will cry at the end of the New York Marathon. [NHL]
? Aaron Boogaard, 24, pleaded guilty today to the misdemeanor charge of interfering with the scene of his brother’s death. [Pioneer Press]
Puck Buddy Comment of the Day: Brian Bieber on the Adam McQuaid spill into the boards in Philly:
“After all the comments on the Philly booing cancer post, have to point out the round of applause that McQuaid got once he was helped up and off the ice. Remember that not all Philly fans are a-holes, as much as you would like to think they are…”
Bold Prediction: One way or another, we’re seeing a shutout in the St. Louis vs. Dallas game.
Little whispers began when Adam Scott started playing well at the Masters and then won at Bridgestone. They grew louder when Keegan Bradley took home the PGA Championship with a clutch long putter down the stretch.
Yep, long putters are officially u…
Source: http://www.worldgolf.com/blogs/brandon.tucker/2011/08/24/first-the-groove-rule-now
Source: http://arsenalanalysis.blogspot.com/2011/08/what-shambles.html
Bobby Charlton Petr Cech Nery Castillo Roberto Carlos Eric Cantona
from Eric Francis of the Calgary Sun, Former Calgary Flames and Tampa Bay Lightning assistant coach Wayne Fleming just received good news from an MRI and continues to rehab in Calgary.
Five months after undergoing extensive brain surgery to remove portions of a tumour, the affable Winnipeg native says he?s grateful for all the encouragement he?s received.
?Every day is a challenge, but I?m focused on staying strong and positive, working hard at rehab and moving forward one day at a time,? wrote Fleming in a text.
?Thanks to the love, support and encouragement of my family, friends and the hockey community, I?m pushing through this. Also, the Tampa Bay Lightning have been so supportive throughout this ordeal, and I?m honoured to work with such a great organization.?
Hockey Canada boss Bob Nicholson watched a recent Lightning game on TV at Fleming?s house during which the former Bolts assistant texted his thoughts to a coaching staff he remains in regular contact with.
more plus additional hockey notes?
Source: http://www.kuklaskorner.com/index.php/hockey/comments/fleming_continues_to_rehab/
I figured I’d toss these all in one place so it was easier to read them. Here are the Sunday Solheim Cup tee times, with the Euros first. It’s tied 8-8, and should be some great drama on Sunday.
Catriona Matthew v Paula Creamer
Sophie Gustafson v Stacy Lewis
Anna Nordqvist v Morgan Pressel
Laura Davies v Juli Inkster
Melissa Reid v Vicky Hurst
Christel Boeljon v Brittany Lincicome
Sandra Gal v Brittany Lang
Maria Hjorth v Christina Kim
Suzann Pettersen v Michelle Wie
Caroline Hedwall v Ryann O?Toole
Azahara Muñoz v Angela Stanford
Karen Stupples v Cristie Kerr
I gott say, that first match looks really interesting, and so does Reid versus Hurst. Also, it’s worth admitting; I’ve had more fun watching this than any PGA Tour event of the entire year. A LPGA crossover fan? That I am.
Two random notes about the event so far — first, I think I’ve finally accepted the fact that I have a mini crush on Paula Creamer. Blame it on the rain pants.
Second, how badass is Ryann O’Toole? I want to follow her on Twitter like yesterday.
Getty Images
Source: http://www.dogschasingcars.com/2011/09/solheim-cup-singles-matches-are-out.html
Back by popular demand, here are your Puck Previews: Spotlighting the key games in NHL action, news and views as well as general frivolity. Make sure to stop back here for the nightly Three Stars when the games are finished.
Preview: Washington Capitals at Pittsburgh Penguins, 7 p.m. ET. Tomas Vokoun gets the start and a chance at some redemption after a rough debut for the Caps, even though he won in a shootout. Brent Johnson, the former Cap, gets the nod for Pittsburgh with Marc-Andre Fleury under the weather. Evgeni Malkin was a game-time decision. Rumor has it these two teams aren’t fond of each other.
Preview: Tampa Bay Lightning at New York Islanders, 7 p.m. ET. The mighty Al Montoya gets another start for the Isles with Evgeni Nabokov as his backup. The Lightning are 1-1-1. Their power play isn’t clicking yet, at 2-for-15; but their kill is the best in the NHL, having not allowed a power-play goal in 18 shorthanded chances.
Preview: Vancouver Canucks at Detroit Red Wings, 8 p.m. ET. Cory Schneider gets the call for the Canucks. The Red Wings should be fired up after three days of “monotony” in practice. And listening to Mike Babcock, which we imagine is also monotonous.
Preview: Winnipeg Jets at Chicago Blackhawks, 8:30 p.m. ET. Not much to add beyond what Leahy previewed as far as Big Buff’s homecoming. Ray Emery gets his first start as a Blackhawk. “Corey [Crawford] is ready to go but we just want to get Ray playing,” said Coach Q.
Check out previews and updated scores for all of today’s games on the Y! Sports NHL scores and scheds page. For tonight’s starting goalies, check out Left Wing Lock.
Evening Reading
? Nikita Filatov has been demoted. Already. [QMI]
? Mark Messier will cry at the end of the New York Marathon. [NHL]
? Aaron Boogaard, 24, pleaded guilty today to the misdemeanor charge of interfering with the scene of his brother’s death. [Pioneer Press]
Puck Buddy Comment of the Day: Brian Bieber on the Adam McQuaid spill into the boards in Philly:
“After all the comments on the Philly booing cancer post, have to point out the round of applause that McQuaid got once he was helped up and off the ice. Remember that not all Philly fans are a-holes, as much as you would like to think they are…”
Bold Prediction: One way or another, we’re seeing a shutout in the St. Louis vs. Dallas game.
Steve Andrascik Henrik Karlsson Doug Acomb Dmitry Afanasenkov
England striker Wayne Rooney will miss the Euro 2012 group stage after being banned for three matches for his sending off against Montenegro. Uefa’s disciplinary panel, which described the incident as an “assault”, decided on the punishment at a meeting on Thursday. The England FA are said to be considering an appeal. The official UEFA [...]
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/SoccerTicketsOnline/~3/VPpqupLiwi4/
Doctor Khumalo Muzzy Izzet Kerimoglu Tugay Cha Bum-Kun Michael Ballack
The New Jersey Devils‘ AHL affiliate, the Albany Devils, partner with ESPN-affiliated radio station WTMM (104.5 FM), which will broadcast 38 games in the 2011-12 season.
Now, we all know that when ESPN has a sport or sports team on its television airwaves, coverage tends to increase. Apparently, the same does not hold for its radio affiliates.
Blogger Don Ferlazzo of the Albany Times-Union reached out to WTMM program director and show host Brian Noe about whether “the local ESPN affiliate would break tradition and allow hockey into the local sports talk conversation.” The result of that email exchange was this Twitter exchange above.
Yes, that would hashtag “Get a hobby.”
Local hockey fans are understandably a little cheesed off that the radio home for the Albany Devils wants them to take up stamp collecting instead of fighting for coverage. From Puck Daddy reader Laura Folos:
As a lifelong hockey fan with a son that now plays mite hockey, this media response to hockey is disgusting. Albany Devils partnered with this horrid station (by all standards) called “The Team” and only broadcasts away games. A far cry from the old days, where we used to listen to John Hennesey on the radio when we couldn’t make it down to the arena for the game. Now, when a local reporter twittered, he was met with a response and hashtag that said #getahobby. We fought hard to keep hockey in Albany and welcome the A-Devs. How can a sports radio even act like this to something that could bring them tons of listeners and bring the A-Devs needed press, coverage and more tushes in the seats?
From PD Reader Courtney Cutler:
Very disrespectful of us fans here in Albany, that in many cases NHL-wise, are fellow NJ Devils fans. Perhaps some other NJ Devils fans would like to know of this treatment. How can our attendance be better in Albany if this is way the team’s local radio station thinks of the fans.
Here is the WTMM website and here is the WTMM feedback page. Noe apparently addressed this on the air Wednesday and we’ll update with those comments.
As U.S. hockey fans, we have to deal with this from sports radio stations large and small around the country. And from newspapers. And from television sportscasts. We’ve written about it before: There are gatekeepers who aren’t into hockey or don’t understand it or don’t think it plays. Our jobs, as activist fans, are to let ‘em know we’re there, in the words of Reg Dunlop. Editors, publishers and producers respond to the audience. If the audience is strongly declaring “cover hockey,” they will ? if not because it “deserves” coverage in their eyes than to placate you.
I say this as a former editor at a newspaper: They’re listening. Let ‘em know we’re there.
UPDATE: Here’s the Bryan Noe response from his radio show today, claiming his comments were taken out of context (but not exactly apologizing to the fans). Via reader Joe S.:
Blair Atcheynum Dave Thomlinson Alexander Andrievski Bryan Adams
I’ve done my fair share of caddying. I’ve looped in Scotland at St. Andrews, for two LPGA friends of mine, and had friends carry my bag during qualifying rounds. I’ve bagged it in rain, cold, hot and near-snow. And the one thing I’ve always said when I finished is, “Man, I’ll never do this again.” Why? Because the job is tough.
Not physically, really. I can carry a bag for six miles and although my dogs tend to be barking when it ends, I’m not totally beat up. No, it’s just the beauty of the beast that pushes me to that conclusion. And then, four months later, I’m out lugging that big bag again and wondering what’s going on.
All of that just means I have a ton of respect for the people that do it on a daily basis. Sure, you can make good money doing it for a good player, but it isn’t easy money (why do you think Vijay Singh’s caddie muled over the idea of quitting when he was making nearly a million bucks a year?).
So when I read that ESPN.com had put caddies as No. 5 in their most thankless jobs, I was pumped.
OK, so the money is good. At the top end. But what about a caddie for a journeyman pro? They must pay their own way to tournaments — which means if their guy doesn’t make the cut, the caddie doesn’t get his cut. Add that to the sometimes-grueling work (carrying the bag like a servant, knowing the course like an expert, advising the player like a coach), and it’s — apologies in advance for this pun — rough. And when one tries to take some credit for a win? Watch out.
I think that about sums it up. We should praise the people that carry the bags. There should be a tournament where they get recognized, or a PGA Tour event where the player gives 60 percent of his earnings that week to the looper (that’s actually a damn good idea, if I do say so myself … you’re move, Finchem).
You’re always second fiddle, carrying a bag and cleaning the clubs and occasionally being blamed when your player hits a bad shot because of something you didn’t do.
Thank you to all the caddies in the world. You people are saints. Now, could you go grab me a banana?
Getty Images
Source: http://www.dogschasingcars.com/2011/10/espn-lists-most-thankless-jobs-nails-it.html
Review: Why Football Manager 2012 Will Rock Your World – originally posted on Soccerlens.com
The first impression you get while playing Football Manager 2012 is how it’s improved as an imitation of the real thing – a genuine simulation of what it means to be a football manager, inasmuch as you can simulate the experience digitally. Granted, there are no fans screaming pedophile chants at you, the BBC isn’t…
From Soccerlens.com – Football News
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/soccerlens/~3/fhTJ3bOl-cQ/
Marcus Bent Craig Burley David Seaman Mike Salmon Craig Short
BEND, OREGON — Making my second trip back to Bend for a short two days, I had outdoors on
So I was eager to tackle my two short days in Bend head on with a lot of experiences outdoors.
We went out for a late afternoon round on the Fazio course…
Source: http://www.worldgolf.com/blogs/brandon.tucker/2011/06/23/24-hours-in-bend-golf
From Tal Pinchevsky at NHL.com:
While the on-ice transition seems to be getting easier for these younger players, as evidenced by the fact Nugent-Hopkins already has a hat trick to his credit and some scouts are asserting that Larsson may be one of New Jersey?s two best defensemen, plenty of off-ice adjustments still have to be made?as those who came before this crop of talented 18-year-olds can attest.
?It was fun. Crazy, kind of, to be that young and sit beside Eric Staal and Cam Ward and all these guys you grew up watching,? Jeff Skinner said. ?You sort of have to grow up fast when you move away and get into a professional lifestyle at that age.?
To be sure, NHL teams handle these young players with care once they decide to reserve a roster spot for a teenager on which they just spent a high draft pick. For the most part, they are encouraged to live with an established team veteran, a process most fans learned about when an 18-year-old Sidney Crosby moved into Penguins owner Mario Lemieux?s guest house. These veterans don?t just serve as landlords, but mentors who help teenaged players adapt to life as an NHL player.
more
Source: http://www.kuklaskorner.com/index.php/hockey/comments/being_teenagers_in_the_nhl/
All the news that’s fit to drink.
And because you’d rather have a beer than be reading all the time… we’ve taken the day’s top news and given it the Reader’s Digest-treatment so you can get to that post-work pint quicker.
* JOOOOOLAZO! Altidore scores his 6th in seven games for his new Dutch club. Just three off his all-time, single season tally and ties the total amount he’s scored in Europe in the last three seasons.
* For Major League Soccer the sun rises in the West. Match Fit USA’s Jason Davis, writing for US Soccer Players, talks about the Western Conference’s current domination in the league. But just a few years back it was the East calling on the shots. Just all apart of MLS’ continuing parity see-saw.
“Several Western Conference teams have figured out recipes for success – something that has nothing to do with their conference affiliation – while Eastern teams have fallen behind in the ever-changing MLS environment. It?s luck of the draw, a natural ebb and flow, and purely coincidental. MLS isn?t immune to that odd phenomena seen in other pros sports, where a league goes through phases of one league/division/conference having dominance over the other.
Three years isn?t a very long time at all. Not much changes in three years. The order of things, in the macro sense, doesn?t typically over such a short period. In terms of soccer – certainly in most places – the possibility for sweeping change is essentially nonexistent. Europe?s leading leagues do not turn over the top teams in three year, and there?s never a geographic component. New challengers might pop up through investment or good management, but a decided lack of parity makes it nearly impossible for an entirely different group of teams to become the top echelon.”
* With the huge imbalance currently in the league, Sports Illustrated’s head soccer writer Grant Wahl says the playoff system is broken (even though it was just re-vamped for the 2011 season). Wahl spelled out a solution that was originally forwarded by
The Sporting News’ Brian Straus to makes MLS’ playoffs work again (if they ever did).
“What’s the solution? I’m not one of the people who think MLS should drop the playoffs and go with a single table like most European leagues. Playoffs are more exciting, and playoffs done the right way are a rewarding way to crown a deserving champion, as we’ve seen in so many other U.S. sports.
But there’s a much better playoff structure MLS could use, one that could start as soon as next year and remain in place permanently, no matter how many teams MLS adds to the league in the future. The idea (first proposed by Brian Straus, now of The Sporting News) is this: two World Cup-style four-team groups followed by a four-team bracket with league semifinals and a one-game MLS Cup final.
Here’s how it would work. You’d keep the Eastern and Western Conferences. As I’ll explain below in my idea for how to schedule a 20-team league, a regular-season schedule weighted with in-conference games would limit the cross-country travel that I think is a problem in the current setup. If MLS wants to hand trophies to the conference winners, then it can do so based on the regular season. Then the playoffs can start.”
“MLS? reputation as a physical league is well deserved: players are superb athletes, capable of maintaining a high level of play throughout a long season; they have to put up with countless hours of travel, crisscrossing time zones and enduring the kaleidoscopic climate variability of North America, but the implication of the negative insinuations of the word is to simplify the problem these injuries should be used to highlight. It would be folly to blame random chance for such a catalogue of injuries. Luck has played its part, but there is also an array of background factors, some easily reconcilable and some that require longer-term treatment. Injury is inevitable in all sport, but for its own development, MLS must create an environment in which the best players do not live in fear.”
* Sporting KC’s CJ Sapong tried his damnedest to win the heart of USMNT goalkeeper Hope Solo during training before tomorrow night’s match at LIVESTRONG Park in Kansas City. As Dirty Tackle put it, And that’s how C.J. Sapong won Thursday, September 15.”
Get the NEW Free Beer Movement “Pint Glass” shirt! Only from Objectivo.com
Source: http://www.thefreebeermovement.com/2011/09/shotgunning-thursdays-top-news.html
Petr Cech Nery Castillo Roberto Carlos Eric Cantona Fabio Cannavaro
The Zamboni driver is the high-school janitor of the hockey world: essential, yet constantly under-appreciated. It’s always “hey, you missed a spot” or “a little faster, we don’t have all day” or “thanks for spraying your noxious exhaust fumes inside of this confined space.” And they say even worse things about Zamboni drivers …
Well, maybe it’s time you consider a Zamboni driver’s place on your totem of respect. Because they might just save your life one day.
According to the Duluth News Tribune, Rich Mertz, 33, was skating at the Amsoil Arena last Thursday when “in a total freak accident” a friend’s skate sliced through his cheek and cut two arteries. His friends tried to shove ice into the wound, but blood continued to pump out. He was moved to a hallway ? and that’s when Thomas Lund and Aaron Hinnenkamp, the arena’s Zamboni drivers, sprung to action.
From Brandon Stahl of the Tribune:
Fortunately for Mertz, the 21-year-old Lund is a trained emergency medical technician who needs only to take a written test to become fully certified. “There was blood absolutely everywhere,” Lund said. “I was terrified at first, but I had to remain calm to help him remain calm. Once he knew we were calm and relaxed, it helped him calm down.”
Hinnenkamp, 19, immediately called 911 and ran to get Lund five or six towels. After Lund got Mertz to a locker room and off his feet, he removed a jersey a friend had placed on the wound. “All I could see was this huge open gash,” he said.
When he applied the towels, “I had 50 to 60 pounds of my body weight on you,” Lund told Mertz on Thursday, the first time the three met since the accident. “And blood was still pumping out.”
Eventually, firefighters and paramedics responded, Mertz was taken to a hospital and his arteries were cauterized after losing around two pints of blood. He’s still recovering from the surgery.
Check out the full story on the News Tribune site. And yes, after they may have helped save a man’s life, Lund and Hinnenkamp had to get back on the rink and scrap off the blood. Such is the life of the Zamboni Driver.
We recently published a story I did comparing two of the Jacksonville, Fla. area’s most iconic golf Meccas. One is the famed Sawgrass Marriott Resort and Beach Club, home of the TPC Sawgrass; the other is The Renaissance Resort at World Golf Village, wh…
Source: http://www.worldgolf.com/blogs/mike-bailey/2011/09/24/meet-up-at-the-renaissance
All the news that’s fit to drink.
And because you’d rather have a beer than be reading all the time… we’ve taken the day’s top news and given it the Reader’s Digest-treatment so you can get to that post-work pint quicker.
* JOOOOOLAZO! Altidore scores his 6th in seven games for his new Dutch club. Just three off his all-time, single season tally and ties the total amount he’s scored in Europe in the last three seasons.
* For Major League Soccer the sun rises in the West. Match Fit USA’s Jason Davis, writing for US Soccer Players, talks about the Western Conference’s current domination in the league. But just a few years back it was the East calling on the shots. Just all apart of MLS’ continuing parity see-saw.
“Several Western Conference teams have figured out recipes for success – something that has nothing to do with their conference affiliation – while Eastern teams have fallen behind in the ever-changing MLS environment. It?s luck of the draw, a natural ebb and flow, and purely coincidental. MLS isn?t immune to that odd phenomena seen in other pros sports, where a league goes through phases of one league/division/conference having dominance over the other.
Three years isn?t a very long time at all. Not much changes in three years. The order of things, in the macro sense, doesn?t typically over such a short period. In terms of soccer – certainly in most places – the possibility for sweeping change is essentially nonexistent. Europe?s leading leagues do not turn over the top teams in three year, and there?s never a geographic component. New challengers might pop up through investment or good management, but a decided lack of parity makes it nearly impossible for an entirely different group of teams to become the top echelon.”
* With the huge imbalance currently in the league, Sports Illustrated’s head soccer writer Grant Wahl says the playoff system is broken (even though it was just re-vamped for the 2011 season). Wahl spelled out a solution that was originally forwarded by
The Sporting News’ Brian Straus to makes MLS’ playoffs work again (if they ever did).
“What’s the solution? I’m not one of the people who think MLS should drop the playoffs and go with a single table like most European leagues. Playoffs are more exciting, and playoffs done the right way are a rewarding way to crown a deserving champion, as we’ve seen in so many other U.S. sports.
But there’s a much better playoff structure MLS could use, one that could start as soon as next year and remain in place permanently, no matter how many teams MLS adds to the league in the future. The idea (first proposed by Brian Straus, now of The Sporting News) is this: two World Cup-style four-team groups followed by a four-team bracket with league semifinals and a one-game MLS Cup final.
Here’s how it would work. You’d keep the Eastern and Western Conferences. As I’ll explain below in my idea for how to schedule a 20-team league, a regular-season schedule weighted with in-conference games would limit the cross-country travel that I think is a problem in the current setup. If MLS wants to hand trophies to the conference winners, then it can do so based on the regular season. Then the playoffs can start.”
“MLS? reputation as a physical league is well deserved: players are superb athletes, capable of maintaining a high level of play throughout a long season; they have to put up with countless hours of travel, crisscrossing time zones and enduring the kaleidoscopic climate variability of North America, but the implication of the negative insinuations of the word is to simplify the problem these injuries should be used to highlight. It would be folly to blame random chance for such a catalogue of injuries. Luck has played its part, but there is also an array of background factors, some easily reconcilable and some that require longer-term treatment. Injury is inevitable in all sport, but for its own development, MLS must create an environment in which the best players do not live in fear.”
* Sporting KC’s CJ Sapong tried his damnedest to win the heart of USMNT goalkeeper Hope Solo during training before tomorrow night’s match at LIVESTRONG Park in Kansas City. As Dirty Tackle put it, And that’s how C.J. Sapong won Thursday, September 15.”
Get the NEW Free Beer Movement “Pint Glass” shirt! Only from Objectivo.com
Source: http://www.thefreebeermovement.com/2011/09/shotgunning-thursdays-top-news.html
Frank Lampard Jens Lehman Gary Lineker Lionel Messi Diego MaradonaDiego Maradona
Well, dear readers, it seems Mike Gillis must have checked our UFA (Unrestricted Free Agent) poll results from last week. You all selected Kevin Bieksa as the player who should most definitely be re-signed. And today he accepted a five year, $23 million dollar deal that will pay him an average salary of $4.6 million per year.
Given his play of the last half season and playoffs, Bieksa has certainly drawn the attention of the league and would have likely commanded much more in the open market come this Friday.
At $4.6 million he is now the highest paid defender on the team, earning slightly more than the steady but not as versatile Dan Hamhuis. So in the here and now, this deal looks good.
Though it is worth remembering that Bieksa was at a career crossroads just over six months ago – recovering from yet another injury and playing inconsistently. And after a tremendous second half and playoff run, like the rest of his team, he struggled in the Final against the Bruins posting a single assist and a minus four rating in the seven games.
In his six years here, the good Bieksa makes you think he is the second coming of Chris Chelios while the bad Bieksa makes you think he is the reincarnation of Michel Petit (all the tools, but no toolbox). Though in his defence, the bad times have often been on the heels of some bizarre injuries.
In the end, right now this deal looks pretty good – another feather in the cap of the General Manager of the Year (an upcoming post).
In lesser news today, the Canucks also inked restricted free agent centre Maxim Lapierre to a two year deal at $1 million. Given his strong playoff showing, this seems like a bargain though puts prized prospect Cody Hodgson even further down the depth chart (expect an entry on that, too).
gamewatch.info GameJournal.info SportsStarsNow.info
