The Strangest One Of All

Absurd Goalie Monday: Dieter Kochan

2012-01-30T08:00:00.000-07:00

For many, you have to go through the systems in order to get to the pros, especially when bounced around before you ever start your career. However, this week's AGM went from a big leap and actually because the first player to go from so low to that high. This week, the profile of Dieter Kochan.

Born in Saskatchewan, Kochan first came into his own in Wisconsin high school, playing for the Edgewood Crusaders in the 1990-91 season, before moving to the USHL in the 1991-92 season with the Sioux City Musketeers, going 7-10-0 in 23 games that season. Kochan would move to the BCHL for the Kelowna Spartans going 34-8-0 in 44 games, then 12-3 in 15 playoff games, helping the Spartans win the BCHL and then the Centennial Cup for all of Canadian Junior A league champions.

After his Junior A venture,Kochan was drafted by the Vancouver Canucks in the 1993 Entry Draft in the fourth round. However, Kochan moved to the NCAA ranks with Northern Michigan University starting in the 1993-94 season, going 9-7-0 in 20 appearances, while in 1994-95, Kochan compiled a 8-17-3 record in 29 games. In his junior year of 1995-96 season, Kochan played in 31 games and went 7-21-2, while in his final season in 1996-97, he went 8-15-2 in 26 games.

Kochan moved to the pro ranks in the 1997-98 season with the ECHL's Louisville Riverfrogs, going 7-9-2 in 18 games. However, he would be on the move to the UHL with the BC Icemen in the 1998-99 season, going 18-16-5 in 40 games, while then going 1-2 in four playoff appearances. Also, Kochan would score a goal in a game in January against the Winston-Salem.

The 1999-2000 season was quite a busy one for Kochan, as he would start out with the Binghamton Icemen, but would bounce from there to the IHL's Orlando Solar Bears for four games (4-0-0), then to the Grand Rapid Griffins for two games (1-0-1) and then back to the Icemen before getting the call to the NHL by the Tampa Bay Lightning, becoming the first goalie to go from the UHL directly to the NHL. Kochan played five games for the Bolts, going 1-4-0 before moving to the AHL's Springfield Falcons for two games (1-1-0). At the end of the season for the Iceman, Kochan went 29-11-3 for the year, getting second team All-Star honors.

The 2000-01 season settled down for Kochan, as he played primarily for the IHL's Detroit Vipers, finishing with a 13-28-3 record in 49 games, but would make 10 showings for the Lightning, going 0-3-0 in those appearances. Kochan would move up to the AHL's Springfield Falcons for most of the 2001-02 season, going 21-20-1 in 45 games; then appearing in five games for the Lightning, going 0-3-1.

Kochan signed with the Minnesota Wild organization for the 2002-03 season, playing mostly with AHL's Houston Aeros, finishing with a 15-6-3 in 25 games, while playing in one game for Minnesota, a loss.

On the move before the 2003-04 season, Kochan signed with the New York Islanders, but would be relegated to the AHL's Bridgeport Tigers-- playing in 45 games and compiling a 20-17-7 record, then 1-3 in four playoff games. However, Kochan, along with Wade Dubielwicz,won the Harry "Hap" Holmes Award for fewest goals-against in the AHL. Kochan remained in Bridgeport for the 2004-05 season, playing in 39 games and breaking even with a 19-19-0 record.

Without a job in North America, Kochan moved to Russia for the 2005-06 season for Sibir Novosibirsk, playing in only eight games. Kochan moved back to North America during the 2005-06 season, playing in 15 games for the Portland Pirates and going 9-4-1. The 2006-07 season had Kochan signing back in Houston and went 6-14-1 in 23 games for the Aeros before announcing his retirement after the season.

Kochan stayed in hockey for a bit, being the volunteer goalie coach for Michigan Tech from 2008 until 2011.

Though the orthodox route wasn't what happened with Kochan to get to the NHL, he was a guy who still hung in their rough despite not having the team around him or the record to help back him up. He had his moment to shine and will have the record to get the call from a very lower minor league to the show.

Last-ing Impression

2012-01-27T11:17:00.001-07:00

While the buzz after last night's All-Star "Fantasy" Draft is all about the last pick, Logan Couture, it made me wonder about the other last picks of drafts, and I don't mean Phil Kessel's delve into the last pick from last season's edition of this.

I'm talking about the NHL Entry Draft, which "officially" started in 1979, as it was called the Amateur Draft prior to that. In that time span, only 10 last picks have played at least one game in the NHL, with the top-end player playing 739 games in the NHL.

It's started off in the 1979 Draft, where Blair Barnes was picked in the 6th round, 126th overall by the Edmonton Oilers-- playing in only one game in the 1982-83 season with the Los Angeles Kings. That next draft, the 1980 Draft-- Andy Brickley was the last pick in Round 10, 210th overall by the Philadelphia Flyers; then playing 385 NHL games with the Flyers, Pittsburgh Penguins, New Jersey Devils, Boston Bruins, and Winnipeg Jets. Brickley finished with 82 career goals and 222 points.

There was a quite the gap, but we got back-to-back last picks playing starting in the 1987 Entry Draft with Edmonton again pick last, this time Igor Vyazmikin with the 252nd overall pick, leading to a four-game stint with the Oilers, for only one goal in his career. In 1988, Edmonton's provincial counterparts, the Calgary Flames, picked last at pick 252 and took another Russian in Sergei Pryakhin-- who was the first Russian who was allowed by the Soviet government to play in the NHL-- and put up three goals and 11 points in 46 career games. Pryakhin was the first Russian-trained player to receive a Stanley Cup ring, as well, but not engraved on the Cup.

A small gap before yet another back-to-back last pick. The 1993 Draft has the Pittsburgh Penguins pick in the 286th slot, using Hans Jonsson for their pick, where he'd lead a solid career over 242 games with the Penguins, compiling 10 goals and 48 assists on the blue line. Another blue liner was picked last in the 1994 Draft, when Kim Johnsson was pick by the New York Rangers and would lead the way for the last picks-- playing in 739 games with the Rangers, Flyers, Minnesota Wild, and Chicago Blackhawks, finishing with 67 goals and 284 points.

The Boston Bruins picked last in the 1997 Draft, using the 246th pick to choose Jay Henderson, would only put up four points in 33 games with the Bruins.

More recently, the most active players on the chart include Jonathan Ericsson, currently playing with the Detroit Red Wings, who drafted him with 291st pick in the 2002 Draft. Currently, Ericsson has 10 goals and 42 points in 213 games-- with a Stanley Cup ring to boot. Also in the Central Division, Patric Hornqvist of the Nashville Predators was picked last in the 2005 Draft and has put up 67 goals and 129 points in 236 games with the Preds.

Keeping with the All-Star, Brian Elliott almost made this list, even with him being an All-Star-- but he was picked second-to-last in 2003 with the 291st pick by the Ottawa Senators, currently having career record of 76-58-18 over 165 games, with this year being his best on record.

While it's not horrible to be picked last, regardless of the fact, the success rate isn't always there....which I guess is why you're the last to be picked.

"Bett and Bals:" Miracles and Mirages

2012-01-27T08:57:00.001-07:00

(Just when we thought that this series could be dead-- something happens to bring this back to a whole new level and why wouldn't this just be left for dead, huh?? That's silliness.)

Jim Balsillie: (Reading the paper on the couch) iPad3, how the hell do they keep doing this with their guy dead?? Of course, this could be a whole new thing when all is said and done....

Gary Bettman: (Busting through the door) SANCTUARY!!!

JB: I don't think that word means what you think it does.

GB: WELL, KISS MY GRITS!!

JB: Okay, that's better-- but what the hell are you so happy about?? This better be cause for this celebration.

GB: Jim....there's a mystery guy for Phoenix!!

JB: This seems like a repeat. Are we in syndication already??

GB: Seriously-- the perfect timing of this news RIGHT before the big meeting with the Board and....whew, see the wheels are in motion with this team. We've got Jerry Reinsdorf, who-- let's be honest-- built that Bulls team to a dynasty; we've got Greg Jamison, who was the guy who helps the Sharks get off the ground, and now...this mystery guy-- who HAS to be the best of the three. Man....this is fantastic.

JB: How many of these mystery men have come to fruition, though?? Let's be honest-- the only mystery is when this bid will be considered a failure yet again, then have Reinsdorf get told by you he's still in.

GB: This is own free will to be in, especially since the White Sox are about to actually get less and less relevant....if I have my way.

JB: But, honestly-- what's going on with this mystery crap?? Is there a reason you don't want this mystery to be really revealed??

GB: Why are you harshing my buzz?? The point is this-- we have a third guy out there and it's now a sweepstakes. The power of three is a lot better than the two guys debating over the team.

JB: Debating?? What debating?? Is there a sale to be had that you held out on??

GB: Well, we have to wait for the City of Glendale for their stuff....

JB: Standing behind them now, too?? Do they not want to be revealed?? IS there actually a third buyer??

GB: Oh, there's a third buyer. The city wants to know who they're getting into business and how they can restructure one way or the other. They definitely want to have a good relationship where they can rearrange and work to the benefit of everyone out there. Win-win.

JB: And what about moving?? Let's be honest-- even with the team being bought, what's going to be done with these rumors of a buy-and-move?? I keep hearing Seattle, Kansas City, Quebec....

GB: All great areas-- you see how much snow Seattle has gotten?? They'd be PERFECT for the 2014 Winter Classic with all that snow, are you kidding me?? But the movement is secondary to get the team out of there. Once they're out of my hair and under ownership in Phoenix for a year-- I'll be whatever to moving. It's less stress on me once I get rid of this team and someone else can worry about them.

JB: So moving is still an option??

GB: Of course. Especially if the city can't come up with a good plan, I'll pay the $25 million payments BACK to the city in order to get the team out of there if they aren't thriving. At this point, I just want someone to buy the team from me.

JB: Interesting......because now I may have to reveal myself.

GB: Wait...what?? Didn't you just get fired??

JB: Fired nothing, I stepped down.

GB: If this turns out to be you.....(footsteps running up and down the hallway)...the hell....look, if it turns out to be you....(crashing into walls)...Okay, that's enough for our property value (Opens the door) Alright you rapscallions, this is....

Judge Redfield T. Baum: (Running By) T- BOMBED!!!!

GB: OH GOOD LORD (Falling backwards)

JB: Drive-by gimmicks now. Enjoyable, as always.

Cannon Fodder in Columbus

2012-01-26T13:50:00.000-07:00

The natives are restless in Columbus.

Through possible protests to beat writers basically having enough of the team they have been following, the state of the Blue Jackets have never been in more peril in the critical eye as it has been for this season. The criticism is well-needed, but the fact remains that nothing will fix this team, even though suggestions have been put out there.

The main point from everywhere is to get rid of most of the personnel in the organization and start anew, even though it won't create a quick fix and will probably actually make things worse before they are made better. Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch and the Puck Rakers blog put out two suggestions, which encompasses the main bickering points of the Blue Jackets fateful.

It's about having more people in the organization -- not just players, but above them, too -- who meet one or (preferably) both of the following two criteria:
1. They're absolutely g-- d--- obsessed with winning hockey games. Not competing. Not playing tough. Winning. It's a shallow way to go through life, perhaps, if your only concern is winning hockey games. And perhaps these individuals are so driven and myopic as to be a bit unnerving (Jonathan Toews). But it's what every winning club has in surplus, and every losing club needs.
2. They have long track records of winning in the NHL, either as a player or a builder. Some of the players in the room have had playoff runs, but a shocking number of them haven't. Ever. Only two of them -- third-line center Sammy Pahlsson and emergency defenseman Brett Lebda -- have their names on the Stanley Cup. The Blue Jackets front office is one of the most inexperienced and unproven in the NHL. There are some very good people, for sure, but compare the Blue Jackets, for instance, to the Blues. Can the Jackets match John Davidson, Doug Armstrong, Larry Pleau, Al MacInnis and Ken Hitchcock?

All well and good and while the point is a great one, but the big issue for me is that whether or not there's anyone who will actually want to take a job in Columbus. That doesn't say that the actual city or market or bad, but it's not one where people who are "hockey people" may not think it's the best place to be, especially since they probably don't have any link to the organization or want to be the guinea pig for this transformation in management. Sure, you can say that Steve Yzerman didn't have a link to the Tampa Bay Lightning to start, but he did start under the guise of Ken Holland in Detroit learning the trade.

We all know the history of the Blue Jackets had one playoff season and actually got off to a solid franchise start with a bunch of Expansion Draftees, like Geoff Sanderson, Tyler Wright, and Kevin Dineen-- which makes you wonder if the Jackets feel bad for not taking a chance on Dineen considering what he's doing in Florida right now with the Panthers. But, like it shows-- there's not many big names that have solid connections to the franchise or have the management skills to take over a team and have a quick turnover into greatness-- which is just happenstance of who they are and maybe where the team is located, always playing second fiddle to the University.

Not only that, but the reports out about the Blue Jackets losing money hand-over-fist and hoping for casino money, the attendance dipping to 80% capacity, and just the team getting worse despite getting bigger names in trades and free agency....it doesn't seem like the team is long for the area unless there's a DRASTIC change in the next.....six to ten months. That's not to say the team will fold or move-- but the reality of the situation is that if things don't change quick, it will be a long road to recovery for the Blue Jackets.

It stinks to think that this could be another failure to a NHL team and to Gary Bettman's expansion era regime, but it's the after-thoughts that always seems to get over-analyzed to no end. It's almost as bad as wishing for a team to move out of market to a more prosperous area to a more prosperous owner, but it's something that occasionally needs to be done in hindsight.

"Bett and Bals:" Means and Ends

2012-01-26T11:23:00.000-07:00

All good things may come to an end, which may be the case now-- but even with a possible ending; it may spark a new beginning....or not be an end at all. The fact that Jim Balsillie is now out a Research in Motion; it could make it harder for him to buy a team in the NHL...but it doesn't make it easier for Gary Bettman-- but they still to live together in the condo of perpetual bickering; as you're about to see now.

(Laying on the couch lamenting about what has happened, Jim Balsillie waits for the inevitable mocking by Gary Bettman).

Jim Balsillie: And I don't know why I thought naming something "Playbook" was a good idea. This isn't football, this isn't Playboy-- what was I thinking?? Sure, tablets are the way of the future, but this is almost as bad as the tablet Moses dropped at Mount Sinai.

Gary Bettman: Is that really true??

JB: The point is that....this could be it for us, this could be the end. I know you're happy with it.

GB: Happy?? What you're out of money?? Look, Jim, we here at the NHL hold the position that even broke or crooked, you too can have a NHL franchise at your disposal. You could even hold them.

JB: (Lifting his head in shock) Are you okay?? Do you understand what you're saying, more over-- do you understand what I'm saying??

GB: Sure, you've done stuff like move teams you didn't actually own and curse on live TV when possibly drunk...but at least you're real. I'm not sure this Matthew Hulsizer is real because he's screwed me twice.

JB: It does sound like a made up name.

GB: Sure, I can understand not being able to want to keep the Coyotes or be associated with them-- but the Blues?? Come on, that's the Wal-Mart guy's old team, so you know you're getting a nice rollback in prices.

JB: Good one, but the point is this: How are other teams getting sold and moved so quickly and yet the Coyotes are still in the limbo for the past 10 years of their existence. Why do you hold onto them so much??

GB: Look, I may have sunk some money into this project and I may have bet someone in 1996 I could make this work. The limit is 20 years and you know....almost there. Almost ready to collect on that bet and I can't let myself fail in this.

JB: All this for a bet?? It better be worth it.

GB: I think it's $20 and a dinner.

JB: Twenty dollars?? Losing millions and millions for $20 doesn't seem very fiscal....

GB: But we moved the Thrashers to Winnipeg, so that buys me at least another year for that honeymoon to stay. Plus, those bastards have screwed me. Luckily, someone wanted Dallas and now-- now it's a matter of getting St. Louis and Phoenix onward and upward for another turn.

JB: It's scary that you won't let me in, but keep allowing this Hulsizer to be in the fold. We've got the same money, he's got much less moxie, what the hell is the matter with me??

GB: The puns.

JB: The puns??

GB: Think of what the NHL.com writers will say on the headlines when it got done. I mean, it'd go something like "Hulsizer Me!!: Phoenix Sold." Where as you-- we'll get "Balsille Goose: NHL Finally Gives In" or "RIM-Job: NHL Bends Over." See the spot I'm in??

JB: So, rather than actually sell a team to a guy who has a decent track record, funding, and a known presence in the business world and will actually put himself out there-- you'd rather have the unknown guy who can't follow-through on anything he promises and misses deadlines....all because the headline-puns would be better??

GB: Now you get it!!

(Doorbell rings, knock on the door)

GB: Oh hell no.

JB: No, you have to do it.

GB: No, I won't-- we all know what happens, we all know how this turns out, this is pee-wee bullsh-

JB: SHUT it and open the door-- it's what everyone want to see and you know it.

GB: (Thinking.....)Okay...I'll open it, but I'll get the upper hand. (Opens door) G-BOMBED!!!! SEE I GOT YOU THIS TIME!!!

Delivery Guy: ....the hell is wrong with you?? Package for G. Bettman for a M. Hulsizer. Sign here.

GB: Sorry, I just....every time there's a door....a guy happens to be there....and....

DG: Look, I don't care for your whole issue, but better get your slacker buddy on the couch to help you because I ain't leaving the dolly here with you crazy people.

JB: Is that an iPhone?? Why not a Blackberry Curve??

DG: What is this, 2002?? Get with the times, boss.

JB: (Underbreath) jackass.

GB: Come on Jim, help me with this damn thing.

DG: Whatever it is-- it's heavy and solid....unless the premise for this show.

GB: What show??

(Delivery guy rolls his eyes and walks away)

JB: Is this the gold statue of yourself you order for the New York offices??

GB: No, it was back-ordered until June.

JB: Whatever-- I need something for my back, that was a haul.

GB: Fine, I'll open it (Takes out ceremonial scissors to cut the ends and middle)

Judge Redfield T. Baum: (Busting out of the box) T-BOMBED!!!! (Falls out of the box to tackle Gary)

GB: GAHHHHH!!!

JB: (Walking down the hall) That's what daddy likes.

GB: (From the ground) MY HIP FLEXOR!!!

JB: (From the hallway) What are things Rick DiPietro has said??

Absurd Goalie Monday: Peter McDuffe

2012-01-23T08:00:00.000-07:00

Whether it was a Reverse Draft, WHA Draft, or Expansion Draft, teams wanted this week's AGM. While he didn't get the best help or circumstances in the NHL, he did what he could in the lower leagues and other pro league to try to get him noticed. While it didn't necessarily work out, he did get a lot of mileage out of his career. This week, the profile of Peter McDuffe.

McDuffe started in the Junior ranks with the St. Catherine Blackhawks of the OHA, playing a span of 103 games between 1964 through 1968. McDuffe would make a stop onto the AHL's Buffalo Bison's at the end of the 1966-67 season, going 0-2-0 in two games there. McDuffe would play the 1968-69 season in the Eastern League with the Greensboro Generals for 65 games in the regular season and eight in the playoffs.

The Chicago Blackhawks had McDuffe's rights, but lost them to the Phoenix Roadrunners of the WHL in the Reverse Draft, but Phoenix will trade McDuffe to the New York Rangers almost a month after acquiring him in the summer of 1969. The Rangers put McDuffe in the Central League with the Omaha Knights for the 1969-70 season, finishing 26-24-9 in 59 games, while going 8-4 during the playoffs, helping the Knights to the CHL championship. McDuffe found himself back in Omaha in the 1970-71 season playing in 57 games and going 8-3 in the playoffs helping the Knights to another championship. McDuffe would have the fewest goals-against, First Team All-Star honors, and was co-MVP of the league.

The Rangers would trade McDuffe to the St. Louis Blues before the 1971-72 season. McDuffe would play in 10 games with the Blues, going 0-6-0 in those appearance before being sent to the Denver Spurs of the Western League to play in 21 games and finishing with a 10-7-2 record, letting him get the Leading Goaltender Award for the league.

The New York Rangers would reacquire McDuffe from the Blues in the summer of 1972 and during the 1972-73 season, McDuffe only played one game with the Rangers, which was a win. McDuffe played six games for the Rangers in the 1973-74 season (3-2-1), but would spend the rest of the time in the AHL with the Providence Reds, going 17-12-6 in 36 games.

McDuffe would be on the move again, as the Kansas City Scouts picked him up in the Expansion Draft, which allowed McDuffe to stay in the NHL for the 1974-75 season. McDuffe played in 36 games, finishing with a 7-25-4 record.

The Scouts traded McDuffe to the Detroit Red Wings for the 1975-76 season, where McDuffe would play four games going 0-3-1. The rest of the 1975-76 season had McDuffe play with the AHL's New Haven Nighthawks, going 8-9-3 in 21 games. McDuffe would stay in the AHL for the 1976-77, splitting between the Rhode Island Reds and the New Haven Nighthawks, playing 17 games in total between the two.

The WHA would call for McDuffe, as he signed with the Indianapolis Racers in the 1977-78 season, playing in only 12 games and going 1-6-1 before having a brief retirement. McDuffe would return to hockey playing amateur hockey with the Georgetown Gyros in the OHA before hanging them up. McDuffe would be part of the first induction class of the City of Milton, Ontario Walk of Fame in 2007.

Though he wasn't able to show himself off like he had wanted, McDuffe made a big showing in the minor leagues at the start, but because he got stuck into a rut, he was never able to actually get going, despite his early success. Whether it be bouncing around from team to team or minors to the show-- nothing seemed to stick for him when he needed it.

Island of No Escape or Paradise Island??

2012-01-22T08:17:00.002-07:00

The folks over at The Hockey News put out an article in their print edition (it's available online if you have a subscription, as well) about John Tavares and how it seems that he's "stranded" on Long Island and won't have the ability to show off his true talent on a national stage because of where he plays and the people around him. It's a topic that seems to have haunted him for a while, as the Globe and Mail tackled the subject in September of 2009.

The points made in both (as I have only skimmed both) are that Tavares is on a team that is struggling and really has no chance for accelerated success to be held over for a long period of time. And to an extent, it's a true statement. Long Island isn't necessarily the most desired place for some of the bigger production players long to be, especially with the crazed reputation of the owner and the unknown of the future of the team and whether they would stay in their mausoleum of an arena for much longer. It doesn't have the allure of what the Penguins had, a superstar player who was drafted and hot shot owner who was able to secure a new arena deal, even when times seem bleak.

But the notion that Tavares couldn't possibly be happy in Uniondale is a tad presumptuous. While it may not be the most desirable place for a young player to get development, it could be what Tavares needs in order to find himself as a player.

Let's be honest, Tavares has always been in the spotlight in his junior career. So much so, that he has a rule named after him in Major Junior hockey, as he was considered an exceptional player in Junior A hockey-- the OHL was allowed to have him available to be drafted at age 14 rather than 15. The spotlight continued to shine through in his first year, putting up 45 goals and 77 points his first year-- then exploding for 170 goals and 356 points in the following 182 games in the OHL before getting drafted. He's a player who has been under the microscope....and maybe it's not for him.

While some other players thrive in the spotlight, thrive in the media attention, and enjoy the criticism to make him better-- Tavares may not be that kind of player. He may have to be humbled for a bit and learn what kind of player and leader he is before he makes a lot of noise on the bigger scene of things. With the Islanders, he's got the ability to have the bigger market feel, but not the big market attention. He's on a team where he can grow and build along with other guys his age, which allows chemistry to build rather than actually having to deal with high-priced free agents coming in for a couple years just to collect a payday. This hardship could be what Tavares wants to show his manner of man he is as a player.

It has been a little rough for Tavares, as success hasn't come easy--- only 72 goals and 169 points in 207 games-- but he's growing as a player and shouldn't be expected to be the wunderkind that Sidney Crosby or Alex Ovechkin were. Plus, he's learning more tricks of the trade while adjusting to NOT being in the spotlight and trying to tune his game to a team mentality rather than just being the whole effin' show for a team. Always good to learn young.

That all said, it does make you wonder about what he could actually do with some kind of support around him that could compliment him well, much like Steven Stamkos has in Martin St. Louis. Also, you have to question of whether the reality check of getting into the NHL after a successful junior career was something he's trying to adjust to.

As it goes, Tavares is excelling this year-- 19 goals and 48 points in 46 games-- 10 goals and 19 points away from his season-highs in the past two seasons of his play. He's signed until the end of the 2017-18 season and will have plenty of time to grow in Long Island....or wherever owner Charles Wang finds a place for him. There's plenty of great things to come from Tavares, but he's going at his own pace and trying to round-out his game in a different location. To assume he wants out just for the sake of wanting out is not only a knock on the Islanders, but also the skill of Tavares that he can't save a team-- which makes me wonder why people would want him if he's just going to be a hanger on.

Another Post on Trivial Times in Montreal

2012-01-19T07:27:00.001-07:00

The headline reads "Un Genou Au Sol." Or, for Randy Cunneyworth, "Knee on the Ground" and for those who want to REALLY simplify it-- "Death Kneel."

That's the state that the Montreal media has when it comes the the 17-21-8 Montreal Canadiens. In this day in age, in the riches this franchise has had for the better part of the century-- the media and everyone around the team seems to be treating this season like it's the worst ever in the storied history of the franchise. Yet, when you look at the past two decades, it could be a lot worse.

In fact, should the Habs not be able to catch-up those for wins their fans will so desperately crave to prove their own self-worth through a hockey club-- this would only be their eighth season under .500 since the 1950-51 season. That's right, readers-- in the past 61 years, the Montreal Canadiens have only had SEVEN seasons under the .500 mark in their record not including this year. Many teams would hope to be around for 61 years in the same place, much less be over .500 in those 55 years.

The 1950-51 season was the one that is the starter for this, where the Habs went 25-30-15 in the 70 game season under Dick Irvin's helm during the original six days. After that, you have to really fast-forward to the 1983-84 season where the 35-40-5 record yielded two coaches of Bob Berry and Jacques Lemaire were steering the ship. Though the shortened season of 1995 put the 18-23-7 record under Jacques Demers, the 1996-97 team under Mario Tremblay's watch is where the recent troubled waters could stem from-- as they went 31-36-15, where the 1998-99 franchise with Alain Vigneault had a 32-39-11 standing at season's end. Then a split between Vigneault and Michel Therrien went 28-40-8 in 2000-01, while the last sub-500 team was the 2002-03 season, where Therrien and Claude Julien finished with a 30-35-8 record.

But because of the heritage this team has in the annals of hockey history, because of the cultural mark they have with the French-Canadian contingent-- the team will forever be under the microscope, maybe even more than the Toronto Maple Leafs. You could see that on display when it comes to the Cunneyworth protests a number of people had a few weeks ago shows that. The fact that the coach's language skills gets more press and more heat than the team that was put together by the French-Canadian GM shows that the cultural aspect of things means more to the people at some points than winning, especially if it hides the fact that the moves of one are masked.

Yet, Spector's Hockey's Lyle Richardson amongst others have suggested that it's time to clean house from top to bottom. Some say it's because the cultural aspect has gotten in the way of winning, others thing the right people aren't in there; but the formula is close. I believe that there's too many excuses and too many unsolved distractions from the top to the viewing public which is completely screwing over this team and what they are trying to do-- it's only welcoming havoc to arise.

While this season won't be the worst ever in the past six decades for the Canadiens, something in the air has panic abound from the general public in the area, which then expands to the entire country, then into the entire hockey world. While it could only be much ado about nothing in the end of things, the buzz we're getting half-way into the season for a team that's only four games under par shows that the hockey crazed market may want to check itself into an asylum before they become their own worst enemy.

Absurd Goalie Monday: Wayne Thomas

2012-01-16T08:00:00.000-07:00

This week's AGM does have quite the track record-- being a Stanley Cup winner, to taking over for a star goalie, to being rostered, but never playing a game in the season. For all the hallowed franchises he play with, he would take his knowledge of the game to behind the bench and into the the front office. This week, the profile of Wayne Thomas.

Thomas started his trek in Junior A with the Ottawa Jr. Senators from 1965 until 1967, as well as playing with the Morrisburg Combines in the 1967 Allan Cup. Starting in the 1967-68 season, Thomas started to play for the University of Wisconsin, though he would not play in his first year. Thomas did see time in the 1968-69 season for the Badgers, going 9-6-1 in 16 games. In the 1969-70 season, Thomas compiled a 14-7-0 record in 21 games, helping him receive Second-Team All-Star honors in the WCHA.

Thomas was initially property of the Toronto Maple Leafs, but would traded to the Los Angeles Kings in 1968, then the Kings would trade him to the Montreal Canadiens in 1970. After leaving Wisconsin-- Thomas would play for the AHL's Montreal Voyageurs for the 1970-71 season going 8-17-6 in 33 appearances. The Voyageurs moved to Nova Scotia for the 1971-72 season, which seemed to help Thomas; who finished that season with a 22-8-10 record in 41 games. Thomas only played in six games for Nova Scotia in the 1972-73 season, before getting the call by the Montreal Canadiens, where he'd play 10 games with an 8-1-0 record. Despite not dressing for a playoff game, Thomas received a Stanley Cup ring and included in the team picture at the end of the season-- but is not engraved onto the Stanley Cup.

With Ken Dryden opting to study law for the 1973-74 season, Thomas assumed the starting role-- playing in 42 games, finishing with a 23-12-5 record while splitting time with Bunny Larocque and Michel Plasse. Yet, in the 1974-75 season, Thomas was listed on the active roster for the Canadiens, but never played a single minute the entire season.

With his time in Montreal done, the Canadiens traded Thomas to the Toronto Maple Leafs before the 1975-76 season, where Thomas would take the starting role, going 28-24-12 in 64 games and a 5-5 playoff record. Thomas would also play in the 1976 All-Star Game. However, the 1976-77 season would be a little rough for Thomas, who lost his starting job and only appear in 33 games with a finishing record of 10-13-6 and 1-2 in the playoffs.

Before the 1977-78 season, the New York Rangers claimed Thomas in the Waiver Draft, though he struggled in his 41 games that season, finishing with a 12-20-7 record and 0-1 in the playoffs. Thomas's time in the pipes dwindled in the 1978-79 season, seeing only 31 games, but putting together a 15-10-3 record for the season. Thomas split his time in the 1979-80 season between the Rangers for 12 games (4-7-0) and five games with their AHL affiliate, the New Haven Nighthawks (5-0-0). Thomas would make one last gasp at playing int he 1980-81 season with the Rangers, but would go 3-6-1 in 10 games before he would hang-up the pads in retirement.

Not long after his retirement, Thomas went into the coaching ranks-- first with the Rangers as a goalie and then assistant coach, then getting his first head coaching job in the IHL with the Salt Lake Golden Eagles from 1985 to 1987, winning the 1986 Turner Cup with them; then onto the Peoria Riverman from 1988-90. Thomas would be promoted to assistant coach of the St. Louis Blues from 1990 until 1993, when he moved to be part of the coaching staff for the San Jose Sharks.

In March of 1996, Thomas was promoted to Sharks assistant General Manager and General Manager to their AHL team, which is the Worcester Sharks at the moment.

Though he had quite the ride for his playing career, his hockey sense allowed him to actually get an idea and prepared for something outside his playing career-- which he has turned into a great position and one of the respected front office people for the Sharks organization.

On the Topic Of the All-Star Game

2012-01-12T08:30:00.001-07:00

So we're at the time of year where the All-Star Game is the next big thing on the NHL schedule. For years, people have been clamoring to see the NHL stars of today on one big stage and for them to play a competitive game with nothing more than pride of their conference on the line.

It was hard to write that without breaking up laughing.

But the ASG is a time-honored tradition that really has no way to actually quit or have a big meaning to it all. The weekend has two gimmicks leading up to the game-- the "Fantasy Draft" and the Skills Competition-- which get a lot more heat than the actual game itself. In fact, the only good things in the past couple of years that the NHL has done with the game is to have fans only pick the top-six rather than 12 and then have the fantasy draft.

If this was a legitimate thing, you'd have to think that four Ottawa Senators-- who are hosting the event this year-- wouldn't be in the starting line-up, in fact; they may not even be starters at all. Hell, four Sens is a stretch when it comes to the game. This just shows how stupid fan voting is. The "starters" of the game are all Eastern Conference players and represent three teams.

Also, if you wanted a true ASG, you wouldn't have to have all 30 teams represented. That's a great idea to have every team recognized in the biggest major event in the NHL schedule, but if there's a team that doesn't warrant it (because there's a few); they don't deserve to be there.

Yet, the All-Star Game format is one that almost needs to happen for a league to have some kind of legitimacy, I suppose. However, I think the concepts that have the best way is MLB, who has the winner get home-field advantage in the World Series, and the MLS, who has their All-Stars play an elite European team and string up interest in their sport that way.

However, the NHL is a league that is going to get their sport out there by promoting the big name stars, even if they don't deserve to be there-- like an Alex Ovechkin type, who isn't having a great year, but is still a big name and will be needed to be used when it comes to hyping the game up because of his recognition in the mainstream. There's probably plenty of guys who are more deserving than Ovechkin, but he'll get their spot because of the fact he's more noticeable.

The game itself is just a glorified pond hockey game with little flow to it and little meaning to it all. There's really no way to fix the game itself and it's meaningless quality because it would be too much of a risk if they were to play in a game against a team from overseas or to make some kind of home-ice situation, because that would make the whole regular season achievements moot and take away from the real thing.

That said, it's not something you can just take out. It's something for the fans and allows another adventure for people to go to that's not the Draft and allows them to see a game, as well. Considering the game is in Ottawa, of course they'll vote four Senators into the starting line-up, because they want to see their guys in their building. Plus, it's a popularity contest, so whoever the fans want-- the fans will see. The NHL will cater to guys, even if it's not technically correct.

For the people bitching about it, I agree to an extent. However, it's a necessary evil for a "major" league to be considered relevant. If you don't like it, don't watch it. Because I know I won't most likely.

Absurd Goalie Monday: Markus Mattsson

2012-01-09T08:00:00.000-07:00

When the WHA came into the landscape in the 1970s, it gave me chances for players, mostly goalies, as well as giving the chance for international players to start off their career. That's what happened with this week's AGM, who broke in with the WHA from his native Finland before making a push at a NHL career. This week, the profile of Markus Mattsson.

Mattsson started is career off in his homeland, Finland, playing for Ilves Tampere from the 1973-74 season until the 1976-77 season. During that time as well, Mattsson played for Finland in international competitions, like the European Junior Championships (1974 and 1976), the World Junior Championships (1975), and in the inaugural Canada Cup in 1976 before moving his career forward.

In the summer of 1977, Mattsson was drafted by the New York Islanders in the NHL Draft and the Houston Aeros in the WHA Draft. Mattsson chose the WHA route, but he would be traded from Houston to the Winnipeg Jets in June and play a total of ten games (4-5-0) with the Jets in two stints-- as Mattsson was traded to the Quebec Nordiques, playing there for six games (1-3-0) before being traded back to Winnipeg at the end of the 1977-78 season. Also that season, Mattsson played two games for the Central League's Tulsa Oilers, going 1-1-0 in that brief time. The 1978-79 season settled down for Mattsson, who stuck with the Jets to play for 52 games that season, going 25-21-3.

As the Jets moved to the NHL, Mattsson moved with them, even though he was reclaimed by the Islanders, but then re-reclaimed by the Jets. For the 1979-80 season, Mattsson played 21 games for the Jets with a 5-11-4 record, while going into the Central League with Tulsa going 10-7-2 in 20 games. Mattsson would spend more time with Winnipeg in the 1980-81 season, but with a worse record-- finishing with a 3-21-4 record in 31 games, while playing five games in Tulsa with a 3-2-0 record. Though, Mattsson played in the 1981 Canada Cup, but he went 0-2-0 in two games before the 1981-82 season, where he's played in Tulsa all season, compiling 26-23-0 record in 50 games.

Mattsson signed with the Minnesota North Stars before the 1982-83 season, going 1-1-0 in two games. He'd spend most that season with the Central League's Birmingham South Stars, playing in 28 games and finishing with a 17-10-0 record of that season.

In February of 1983, the North Stars traded Mattsson to the Los Angeles Kings for a Draft pick. To close out the 1982-83 season with the Kings, Mattsson played in 19 games with a 5-5-4 record. Mattsson would split the 1983-84 season with the Kings and their AHL affiliate, the New Haven Nighthawks. In Los Angeles, Mattsson went 7-8-2 in 19 games, while in New Haven, Mattsson finished with a 16-10-1 record while appearing in 31 games.

After that, Mattsson would move back to Finland to play for Tappara Tampere from the 1984-85 season until he retired after the 1986-87 season.

While he still is the goalie who stopped Wayne Gretzky's 51-game point streak, he never seemed to get a chance to make a mark in front of a big audience. Mattsson played behind some of the worse defenses and offenses out there, which didn't help him much. Yet, luckily, because of the WHA, he was able to get his break in North America and leave his mark in the hockey aspect of things.

Why Eric Francis Enrages Me, Volume 3,452

2012-01-04T08:58:00.002-07:00

Eric Francis' douchebaggery knows no bounds. I've been saying it since 2005 and it seems people are cluing into it.

This time, the morning zoo jock at JACK-FM in Calgary had a little piece about the Russian junior's captain and Washington Capitals' prospect Evgeni Kuznetsov. To his point, Francis went on and on about how much of a selfish player he is and how he will fit into the "selfish-Russian mold" the Capitals have seemed to build. Because, as we all know.....Francis has been following the Caps beat for as long as anyone can remember.

Forget the fact Kuznetsov has seven assists this tournament. Forget the fact as a captain, Kuznetsov should be the one to be "selfish" on the ice and want to be the one to have the spotlight. Forget the fact that if Jaden Schwartz or any other Canadian would have done it, he would have been touted as a great leader-- the fact remains that this is just another point of Eric Francis ignorance and the fact him being a columnist is a bit of a joke, especially considering he took the time out to focus on the bad side of Kuznetsov's game rather than the Canadians melting down as they did.

Kuznetsov may be a little wet behind the ears-- sure, but at the same time; he did what any captain should do and make the heat and take the heat one way or another. He backed up his comment about looking forward to facing the Canadians and did what he needed to in order to get his team ahead (read: jawing/consoling Boone Jenner).

While Francis says that Kuznetsov is not much of a teammate, how does he know that?? Has he watched him this whole tournament-- because I know I haven't seen him in the media scrums in the mixed zone while I'm down there. Plus, if being selfish gets the job done, what does it matter how he is on the ice in terms of "being a teammate"?? Francis isn't in the room, he hasn't talked to the players, he hasn't done the leg work to get the actual beef of this story to see if Kuznetsov is actually a team player or only in it for himself. It's pure assumption, which is something I expect out of Francis-- who will get to spout this off on Hockey Night in Canada before getting put in his place by Mike Milbury and/or Elliotte Friedman.

For a guy like Francis, who seems to want to have all players controlled like his NHL12 team that he plays on his XBox, to question any player or coach's integrity-- much like he did with Darryl Sutter before his hiring in Los Angeles-- is absurd. You can't be a serious hockey reporter, while giving away Coldplay tickets to the ninth caller who gives the "phrase that pays." Sure, the CBC does pay some of his bills, so his nationalism is something that is expected, but to use the broad stroke brush he did is not only childish, but really lazy reporting-- which I guess is something we have become accustom to when speaking of Francis.

There is no love/hate for Eric Francis-- it's mostly hate. Not only from me, but from most of the people who watch him, most of the people who read him, and whoever decides to listen to him-- if only to get those advance screening passes for the next crappy movie out. Yet, he proves that if you kiss enough ass; you'll go places in the business.

Another Winter Classic Post

2012-01-03T08:09:00.001-07:00

For more pictures from JonnyP, check out the Face Off Hockey Show Facebook page for his set.

Another year has come, another Winter Classic has come and gone, and the debate of whether this is a gimmick that has run its course. To be honest, I have to say that I'm starting to think that the whole idea of the Winter Classic and most outdoor games being put on the shelf for a bit to freshen it up a bit. There's a couple reasons why, which I will point out-- in no particular order.

First, the limited amount of locales still available is one factor. The past two Winter Classics have been a bit sloppy in terms of the weather, which we can attribute to Al Gore. That said, the fact that we're going to Pennsylvania, which is usually nice and chilly at this time of year, and it's still sloppy-- it may limit the places for this event even more. What do you think DC could be like or anywhere south of the Mason-Dixon line.

Second, with the limited locales, you have the limited amount of teams that are available. This is the second time we've seen the Philadelphia Flyers, we've seen the Pittsburgh Penguins twice, and we'll probably see the Detroit Red Wings, New York Rangers, and Washington Capitals twice when it comes to the Winter Classic. While the idea of the Winter Classic is all well and good to opening up the public to the NHL and its players, but at the same time-- it's enraging to most fans who actually are hardcore into the game.

Part of that, however, is due to the NHL and their agreement with the National Broadcasting Company and it's bevy of networks that come with it. NBC wants the ratings, NHL wants the ratings and exposure-- thus, you get the teams in the bigger markets and with the bigger named players on the roster. Which is a damn shame, because you have so many teams with so many young and talented players on it that the world will not see because NBC doesn't seem to want to give those teams the exposure. Which is a disservice to the league and the fans-- hardcore and casual-- but it will definite increase people shelling out cash for the Center Ice package if they want to see teams outside of their area, which is good and bad.

When it comes to the Heritage Classic, that's already a limited thing between the seven Canadian teams, in which people will come out for regardless of the situation or the area because of how much the people love the game. That said, that game seems to be every two or three years so they don't hit all the areas at once.

As far as the US areas are concerned, you will likely not have many more areas to deal with. In all honesty, you have Detroit, New York, Minneapolis/St. Paul, Denver, and maybe Washington, DC left before you start to worry about this thing going into repeats. Sure, the ability to make and keep ice is there and you could really move it all over the place, however-- the sustainability has been tough in the past couple of season-- which makes me worry that they won't go south of DC.

The bottom line is that while this is a great thing to have around to get the causal fan into the game and to give exposure to the sport-- the fact you need a certain condition for it to be a great game and actually be true to life like every other game....we're looking at the last legs of the Winter Classic.

Absurd Goalie Monday: Guy Hebert

2012-01-02T08:00:00.000-07:00

When it comes to going from NCAA to the pros, it's always a tough route if you stay in college all four years. It's even harder when you play at a Division II school and hope for the best. However, with a little luck and the expansion era-- this week's AGM was able to not only get out of the shadows; but also become a franchise face for a team. This week, the profile of Guy Hebert.

Starting off a a little college in Clinton, New York-- Hebert started his long trek with Hamilton College starting in the 1985-86 season, going 4-12-2 in 18 games. However, the 1986-87 season was far kinder with Hebert compiling a 12-5-0 record in 18 games, which got the attention of the St. Louis Blues-- who drafted Hebert in the eighth round of the 1987 Draft. Hebert then went 5-3-0 in nine games during the 1987-88 season, before finishing out his college career with an 18-7-0 record in 25 games.

Hebert went on his way to the Peoria Rivermen of the IHL in the 1989-90 season, getting limited time by seeing only 30 games and finishing with a 7-13-7 record. The same went for the 1990-91 season, where Hebert went 24-10-1 record in 36 games-- sharing the James Norris Trophy for fewest goals-against with former AGM Pat Jablonski. That record helped Hebert into the 1991-92 season, where he would go 20-9-0 in 29 games with Peoria, but also getting the call up to the Blues, where he'd go 5-5-1 in 13 appearances. The 1992-93 season allowed Hebert to get a chance as a full-time back-up in St. Louis behind Curtis Joseph, where Hebert would go 8-8-2 in 24 appearances.

Even with his performance, Hebert was left unprotected in the Expansion Draft, where he would be picked up by the Anaheim Mighty Ducks. In the first year of the franchise, Hebert held his own finishing with a 20-27-3 record in the 1993-94 season, while in the shortened 1994-95 season; Hebert went 12-20-4 in 39 games. The franchise and Hebert fortunes started to turn in the 1995-96 season, with Hebert going 28-23-5 in 59 games; while in the 1996-97 season, Hebert compiled a 29-25-12 record in 67 games, helping the Mighty Ducks to their first playoff berth, in which he went 4-4 in nine games. It was a tough 1997-98 season for Hebert, who only played 46 games with a 13-24-6 record before having to miss out on the season after a shoulder injury.

Coming back in the 1998-99 season, Hebert was able to get into 69 games and finish with a 31-29-9 record with six shutouts, while going 0-3 in four playoff games in Anaheim. In another marathon season in the 1999-2000 season, Hebert played in 68 games and finished with a 28-31-9 record. The 2000-01 season seemed to be a swan song for the long time Mighty Duck, as he would only play in 41 games in Anaheim, going 12-23-4 before being placed on waivers at the trade deadline.

The New York Rangers picked up Hebert off waiver, playing him in 13 games and finishing with a 5-7-1 record before he would hang up the pads for good.

Hebert's career also had some international experience, as he played on the 1996 World Cup of Hockey team for the Americans, winning one game in which they won the title; while Hebert also played in the 1994 World Championship and going 4-2-0 in six games, including being the winning goalie when the US beat Russia, which was the first time they did so since the 1980 "Miracle on Ice" game in the Olympics.

From a small-time college, to back-up on the Blues, to being a huge building block for a franchise's existence; Hebert ran the gamut of experiences. You'll very rarely see these accomplishments from a Division II player making it this big in the NHL, but that's why people scour the ranks to see that diamond in the rough-- which St. Louis found, but Anaheim reaped the benefits of him.

On the Topic Of World Juniors Promotions and Relegations

2011-12-27T05:40:00.000-07:00

After seeing the scores from Day One of the World Junior Championships and seeing the US demolish Denmark 11-3 and Sweden overtake Latvia 9-4 (the latter being closer until the third period)-- it made me wonder how these more unknown or "developing" hockey countries are able to keep getting into the tournament, only to get trounced in the opening rounds and really only focus on not getting relegated.

Ironically enough, the two teams who did get beat badly were the last two teams who were promoted to the top division of the World Juniors. That also made me wonder about how quick of a turnaround the promoted teams have had after being promoted and if they were only to be relegated that next year. Tracking the last ten tournaments-- here's the results:

2002: Out: France; In: Germany
2003: Out: Germany, Belarus; In: Austria, Ukraine
2004: Out: Austria, Ukraine; In: Germany, Belarus
2005: Out: Germany, Belarus; In: Norway, Latvia
2006: Out: Norway, Latvia; In: Germany, Belarus
2007: Out: Germany, Belarus; In: Denmark, Kazakhstan
2008: Out: Denmark, Switzerland; In: Germany, Latvia
2009: Out: Germany, Kazakhstan; In: Austria, Switzerland
2010: Out: Latvia, Austria; In: Germany, Norway
2011: Out: Germany, Norway; In: Denmark, Latvia

As you can see, the turnover in the nations is something that is alarming in the fact that almost as quick as the teams get into the top division of the WJC, they get out just as quickly. The only exception to the point right now is Switzerland, who seems to have found their stride in their junior program and is on their third straight tournament.

I'm all for the ideal of developing nations getting a chance to be displayed and have their chance to go against the top dogs in order to see what they are made of, but at what point do you wonder if the turnover is too much to deal with??

When you look at these results, you have to wonder if there's an actual quick fix-- because the teams who get relegated are often too good for the Division 1A championships. There doesn't seem to be a middle ground which could be alarming or just happenstance of the system. The IIHF can only do so much with the system they have in place without creating another division which will only persist the middling effect. That, or have some sort of rules that if you do get relegated you have to have a time-set before you can actually be promoted to the higher rank or a if you get promoted, a time-set before you get relegated again. Seems simple enough-- but at the same time; just seems like it would create more of a confusing situation.

Also, you have to wonder if the whole idea of less teams could be better, which would never happen because they seem to have the formula down right now with the amount of teams and the scheduling around it. That, and it'd be another situation like we have now where if one of the teams were relegated outside of the "Big Eight" in hockey, they would dominate in the lower division and be right back up again.

For me, it seems like a bad situation where you have teams going out there and getting embarrassed on the world stage like the WJC has become. Plus, it could be off-putting for the kids at home watching this game in their own countries because while they'll have players here and there come out of their country and make it the pros because of individual skill-- the skill as a whole just isn't there and would dampen some spirits in the process.

Absurd Goalie Monday: Mario Brunetta

2011-12-26T08:00:00.000-07:00

This week's instalment has quite the interesting route to gain some kind of success. While he did have a chance in the the pros, he plied his trade more over in the Europe-- while helping grow sport in one of the unknown spots of European hockey. This week, the profile of Mario Brunetta.

Brunetta started his career off in the Quebec Midget AAA ranks with the Ste-Foy Gouverneurs starting in the 1982-83 season, playing in 22 that season with a 17-4-1 record and 4-1 in five playoff games, while in the 1983-84 season, Brunetta went 11-23-4 in 39 games, but 8-3 in the playoffs.

Brunetta made the move to the QMJHL in the 1984-85 season with the Quebec Remparts, going 20-18-1 in 45 appearances, then 0-2 in the playoffs. Brunetta was drafted by the Quebec Nordiques in the 1985 NHL Draft, but the 1985-86 season moved Brunetta to the Laval Titan, playing in 63 games and finishing with a record of 30-28-1 while going 9-5 in 14 playoff games. Back with Laval in the 1986-87 season, Brunetta compiled a 27-25-4 record in 59 games and an 8-6 record in 14 playoff games.

The 1987-88 season bumped Brunetta to the pro ranks, mainly with the Nordiques, finishing with a 10-12-1 record in 29 games that season, while also spending time in the AHL with the Fredericton Express going 4-1-0 in five games there. The bulk of the 1988-89 season for Brunetta was spent in the AHL with the Halifax Citadels, going 14-14-5 in 36 games while going 1-3-0 in five games with the Nordiques. Brunetta stucks with Halifax for the majority of the 1989-90 season, finishing with a 8-14-2 record in 24 games, but then getting the called from the Nordiques to play in six games with a 1-2-0 record.

During the summer of 1990, Brunetta was released by the Nordiques. Without a contract in North America, Brunetta went overseas to Italy to play for HC Asiago, playing in 93 games from the 1990-91 season until the 1992-93 season. Brunetta went onto play for SG Milano Saima for the 1993-94 and 1994-95 season, spanning 29 games. The 1995-96 season had Brunetta play in 40 games for Varese Hockey.

Starting in the 1996-97 season, Brunetta went over to Germany to play for EHC Eisbaren Berlin for three season until the 1998-99 season for 111 games, getting them to the Finals in 1998, but losing in the championship game. Brunetta moved to Sweden for the 1999-2000 season, playing 28 games for Frolunda before he would go back to Germany in the 2000-01 season with ERC Ingolstadt, which would last for two seasons for 86 games, where he would put up seven shutouts in that time. Brunetta moved back to North America to play 10 games for the Quebec Semi-Pro League's Quebec Aces, going 3-4-0 before hanging up his pads.

During his playing tenure, Brunetta played for Italy in international competitions, as he got Italian citizenship when playing overseas. He played in three World Championships for Italy in 1995, 1998, and 2002-- going 1-3-1 in eight games played. He also played for Italy in the 1998 Olympics, losing the only game he played in.

Not the most orthodox career path, but Brunetta found a way to actually get himself into international play when he probably wouldn't have otherwise. While he did get pushed out of the way in Quebec, he didn't give up and probably helped out some of the programs in Italy grow because of his experience in the NHL.

World Juniors Time Again

2011-12-23T16:00:00.003-07:00

While I could go ahead and do a preview, team-by-team, of the 2012 World Junior Championship in Alberta-- I'm not that kind of guy. Plus, the fact you can get them anywhere in a number of places-- not too much my style. This is a tournament could be second to the Olympics when it comes to national pride. Especially for Canada.

This is a tournament that is always hyped up around the hockey world and really gets a solid focus, unless the World Championships, which gets lost in the NHL Playoffs; thus making it hard for people in North America to have that same pride because their club team could still be in it and the access to the games aren't always there.

For the players, this is a big chance for them, considering some of them are draft eligible and want to show off their wears to the NHL world in hopes of getting drafted. For some of them, it could be the only time they get to represent their country on such a stage; making them want to give their all for such an event.

The kids themselves will have to deal with a lot of pressure. The Canadians will be on home ice, and with the team not having won a Gold in two tournaments, losing both of the last two championship games-- Don Hay and his squad will have to worry about not only playing well, but making sure the local media doesn't get to be too much for them. The defending champions in Russia will be playing with heavy hearts due to the Lokomotiv tragedy this summer, losing two of their top players-- but this year, they have a top squad and are primed to repeat. The USA is a team that last won the Gold in Canada and should have a solid squad, despite many of the cut players not enjoying their time or thinking it's fair. You can never forget the Scandinavian contingent of Sweden and Finland would could really throw a wreck in the spokes of a top contender. Plus, you can always have a "Cinderella" of the Czech, Slovaks, Swiss, Latvians, or Danes-- but don't count much on it.

The fact of the matter is that the holiday tradition is one that always get plenty of attention, whether it's to see the future of the NHL coming up, country pride, or just to have some frantic moments that will give some a break for their NHL teams that may not be doing so well-- it's an event that always seems to bring out the Olympic-like support year after year. This year should be another exciting tournament, so I hope somehow you can find a way to watch.

Absurd Goalie Monday: Ed Staniowski

2011-12-19T08:00:00.001-07:00

This week's AGM was a guy who battled for a spot when it came to getting game time and being able to actually get a spot. After his career was done, he took on another battle that was entirely different. This week, the profile of Ed Staniowski.

As a junior, Staniowski played for the Regina Pats in the WHL from the 1971-72 season until the 1974-75 season, being the starter in those days, winning the Memorial Cup with the Pats in the 1973-74 season. Staniowski also played in the 1975 World Junior tournament, going 2-0-0 for Canada, as they would get silver in that tournament. Staniowski was the inaugural CHL Player of the Year in the 1974-75 season and was selected 27th overall by the St. Louis Blues in the 1974 NHL Draft.

Staniowski started his pro-career in the 1975-76 season with the Providence Reds of the AHL for 29 games, finishing with a 15-11-1 record, but got called-up to St. Louis for 11 games and compiling a 5-3-2 record, then going 1-2 in the playoffs. The 1976-77 season had Staniowski spend some time in the Central League, playing for the Kansas City Blues for 17 games (8-9-0) before being recalled to St. Louis, where he would play in 29 games and finish with a 10-16-1 record, before going 0-2 in three playoff appearances. The 1977-78 season had Staniowski start in St. Louis, but after going 1-10-0 in 11 games, he was sent to the Salt Lake Golden Eagles of the Central League, where he would go 18-13-0 in the regular season and 2-4 in the post-season. The 1978-79 season had Staniowski play in 39 games with St. Louis, but only going 9-25-3 before being shipped back to Salt Lake, where he'd go 2-2-1 in five games. Staniowski also played for Canada in 1979 World Championships, going 1-1-0 in three games. The 1979-80 season saw Staniowski play the majority of time in St. Louis, going 2-11-3 in 22 appearances, while getting sent back to Salt Lake for a 3-1-0 record in four games there. In the 1980-81 season, Staniowski had his best season in St. Louis, going 10-3-3 in 19 games that season, sticking with the big club the entire season.

However, in the summer of 1981, Staniowski was traded from St. Louis to Winnipeg. With the Jets in the 1981-82 season, Staniowski went 20-19-6 in 45 games, then 0-2 in the playoffs. The 1982-83 season saw Staniowski get much less playing time, going 4-8-0 in only 17 games with Winnipeg before being sent to the AHL's Sherbrooke Jets, playing 10 games there, going 1-7-0. The 1983-84 season saw Staniowski play only one game for the Jets, a no-decision.

Staniowski was traded to the Hartford Whalers in November of 1983 for former AGM Mike Veisor. Staniowski would go 6-9-1 in 18 games in that 1983-84 season. Staniowski would play only one game for Hartford in the 1984-85 season (a no-decision), before being sent to the AHL's Binghamton Whalers, where he would go 4-4-2 in ten games. Also, that season saw Staniowski play in nine games with Salt Lake again, going 4-5-0 in those games. After that season, Staniowski hung up the pads.

Immediately after retiring, Staniowski answered the call for his country, but not in a hockey sense. Staniowski joined the Canadian Forces Reserves in 1985 and has made many tours overseas-- including Afghanistan, Africa, Bosnia, and the Middle East. He served as the Senior Advisor to the Armed Forces in Sierra Leone and is now the Director of Primary Reserve training in Kingston, Ontario. Staniowski was going to enroll in the Royal Military College in Kingston before he was drafted by the Blues.

For a guy who braved the shots in the NHL, there's probably nothing more braver for Staniowski than to put himself into the Armed Forces and serve his country like he has been doing for almost three decades. While he may have never left his mark much on the NHL, he has beyond that to people who need it.

Need vs. Want for Sidney Crosby

2011-12-13T08:05:00.000-07:00

With the news of Sidney Crosby being out indefinitely again due to concussion-like symptoms, many people started to worry about the health of the young superstar. While I don't like him or his team, I definitely worry about his health because I'm not a total bastard. That said, the comparison from someone from Twitter that puts Crosby as the modern-day Lindros is a very worrisome thought.

Of course, you're going to get every pundit under the sun talking about concussions and their toll and the steps the NHL needs to do more when it comes to protecting the players-- next step is bubble-wrap, if I remember correctly. However, there's one thought that bothers me-- Sidney Crosby being out is bad for the NHL. The NHL needs Crosby.

With all due respect, the NHL does not need Sidney Crosby to play to survive. They want him to play because he is the marketing tool for the league, but the NHL does not need Crosby on the ice to promote a product.

That thought and people saying something to that extent is a slap in the fact to the 400-plus other players who will play in the NHL this season. While I understand what people are getting when they say the NHL needs Crosby, especially since he's been the center of everything they put out-- and with good cause of course-- but that's just the fault of the league for doing that. Since they put all their eggs in one basket, they run the risk of having them tumble and break-- for lack of a better analogy.

The NHL is kind of like the WWE. It's not just the gimmicks they pull out or the story lines created, it's the fact they can create stars if the players are given the right chance. Yes, skill will definitely get you noticed, but if you're not on the right team or have the right story or in the right area-- the NHL and their partners may not promote you-- which is their right. They need to sell tickets, they need to sell merchandise, so the even share cannot be there. There's plenty of guys with skill out in the league

If you didn't look it up, would you remember that Brian Elliott is tied for the lead in shutouts?? Heck, if you didn't look it up, would you know that Steven Stamkos is top-five in points and goals?? If anything, the Crosby injury allows the other players in the league to actually step up and showcase their skill and get their team that press, to get them those sales, to get them noticed and maybe make them better by adding players who want to be in the new hot-spot for the NHL. However, if the NHL and the other media doesn't push the players because it's not a "sexy" story-- that's a disservice to the fans, especially those who are trying to get into the game through TV games, yet only see maybe a dozen different teams through the year, if they're lucky.

Fact of the matter is this, Sidney Crosby is the pinnacle player and will continue to be when he gets back, whenever that may be. He has the credentials and hardware to always be at the top of mountain because he earned it through his actual skill and being exposed to the masses. Wouldn't it be great if someone else could actually get noticed for their skill and get exposed to the masses because Crosby's injured?? It's a bittersweet thought, but the more players and teams that are known to the fans means better health for the league as a whole.

Absurd Goalie Monday: Frederic Chabot

2011-12-12T08:00:00.000-07:00

With an unorthodox way into the NHL, this week's AGM is a guy who travelled through two major junior leagues before he was signed by a NHL team. While he did have a great career in the IHL and overseas; he got into organizations who didn't need the goaltending or didn't have the space for him to fit into. This week's AGM is Frederic Chabot.

Chabot started off in Midget AAA in Quebec with Trois-Rivieres Selects, playing in 34 games with a 25-9-0 record before moving onto the QMJHL in the 1986-87 season with the Drummondville Voltigeurs, playing in 62 games that season with a 31-30-0 record, then 2-6 in eight playoff appearances. The 1987-88 was a better on while in Drummondville, with Chabot going 27-24-4 in 58 games, but a 10-6 record in 16 playoff games; though they lost to the Hull Olympiques in the Finals. Chabot also went 0-3 in the three Memorial Cup games that Drummondville played in.

As an "over-aged" player, Drummondville waived Chabot and he landed in the WHL for the 1988-89 season, playing for the Moose Jaw Warriors, but ending his season there with the Prince Albert Raiders.

As his junior career ended, Chabot went to the IHL to play with the Fort Wayne Komets for the 1989-90 season, playing in 23 games with a 6-13-3 record. However, midway through the season, Chabot signed with the Montreal Canadiens, where they would place him in the AHL with the Sherbrooke Canadiens, going 1-1-0 in two games.

Chabot was back in the AHL for the bulk of the 1990-91 season, playing with the Fredericton Canadiens, going 9-15-5 in 35 games; also getting called up by Montreal for three games, going 0-0-1 in those appearances. Chabot was back with Fredericton in the 1991-92 season, compiling a 17-9-4 record in 30 games; then a 3-4 record in seven playoff games. Chabot also spent 24 games in the ECHL with the Winston-Salem Thunderbirds, finishing with a 15-7-2 record. The 1992-93 season had Chabot play in 45 games for Fredericton and finishing with a 22-17-4 record, then a 1-3 playoff record. Chabot racked up the travel miles for himself in the 1993-94 season, playing for Fredericton for three games (0-1-1), then moving to the IHL's Las Vegas Thunder for two games (1-1-0) and Montreal for one (0-1-0).

Chabot was dealt to the Philadelphia Flyers for cash, playing in four games for the Flyers and going 0-1-1. He would spent the bulk of his time with the AHL's Hershey Bears, finishing with a 13-5-6 record in 28 games, then 7-4 in 11 playoff games. Chabot was awarded the Baz Bastien Award for AHL's Outstanding Goaltender.

Chabot signed with the Florida Panthers before the 1994-95 season, but he would play in the IHL with the Cincinnati Cyclones, posting a 25-12-7 record in 48 games, then 3-2 in five playoff games. Back in Cincinnati for the 1995-96 season, Chabot had a 23-9-4 record in his 38 games, then going 9-5 in 14 playoff games. The 1996-97 season saw Chabot play with the Houston Aeros of the IHL, going 39-26-7 in 72 games before going 8-5 in 13 playoff games. That season, Chabot was awarded the James Gatschene Memorial Trophy for IHL MVP.

The Los Angeles Kings signed Chabot for the 1997-98 season, but only played 12 games for them, finishing with a 3-3-2 record. Chabot spent the rest of the year with Houston again, finishing with a 12-7-2 record and 1-3 playoff record that season.

The summer of 1998 was confusing for Chabot-- who was claimed by the Nashville Predators in the Expansion Draft; then picked off waivers by the Kings again, finally picked up off waivers again by the Montreal Canadiens. Chabot spent 11 games with Montreal in the 1998-99 season, finishing with a 1-3-0 record in Montreal, but most of his time would be back in Houston; going 16-4-1 in 22 games there. In the 1999-2000 season, Chabot was back in Houston, playing in 62 games and finished with a 36-19-7 record and going 6-5 in 11 playoff games. Chabot racked up the awards, winning the Gatschene Trophy for MVP again, sharing with Nikolai Khabibulin, while also winning the James Norris Trophy for fewest goals against. Chabot was back in Houston in the 2000-01 season, finishing with a 23-16-5 in 47 games, then going 3-4 in the playoffs.

Starting in the 2001-02 season, Chabot moved it over season-- playing for the Nurnberg Ice Tigers from 2001 until 2004. In the 2004-05 season, Chabot moved to Austria to play with the Vienna Capitals before going back to Germany for the 2005-06 season, this time with Alder Mannheim. After that season, Chabot hung up the pads for good.

Chabot would go far from hockey, as he stayed in Europe to be the goaltending coach for AIK Stockholm (Sweden) in 2006, then over to Germany to coach for the Berlin Ice Bears, before returning to North America to be the goaltending coach for the Edmonton Oilers. Chabot has also had ties with Hockey Canada's World Junior Program.

While he did get bounced around a lot and mostly made relief duties, the time he spent in the minors allowed him to garner knowledge to pass around to the youth players coming up through the ranks and now onto the new generation of goalies in Edmonton.

Salvation in Realignment??

2011-12-06T08:00:00.001-07:00

The picture above is what everyone is raving about today. During the Board of Governor's meeting, 26 of the 30 teams approved of the idea, with only NHLPA agreement needed for ratification. The jist is that it's four different "conferences" (let's just call them divisions....or "confervision")-- two with eight, two with seven-- and then the top four will go to the playoffs, then move on from there.

While it's great news for people who love divisional playoffs (me especially), it could be interesting for some teams when it comes to this whole thing saving some franchises. Columbus and Phoenix do get a bit of a reprieve, but now it just seems that the one "confervision" that will be interesting to see if two of them will survive in the next five/ten years.

When it comes to the old Northeast Division plus the Florida teams will be the most interesting set to look at-- especially with the future of the Florida Panthers. However, it would prime them to move to Quebec City, leaving Tampa in the lurch hoping for another realignment. You can imagine that the Lightning and Panthers were two of the four teams to not approve of this, and rightfully so-- the closest team in there "confervision" to each outside of the state of Florida is Boston (1,237 miles from Miami, 1,183 from Tampa); which is.....quite the haul for the home-and-home scheduling that seems to be formatted.

The Bolts are on good footing with their new ownership group restructuring themselves perfectly from the Oren Koules/Len Barrie bedlam that happened, so I don't think they'll have issues with the travel costs. The Panthers on the other hand, I feel a little sketchy about. Sure, they've been doing well this year, but still 21st in attendance with just over 15,000 people going to their home games, which is right around their average. There's been questions about their stability for a while, even with them being bought in 2009, but it's not as widely reported as other teams like the Coyotes and Atlanta Thrashers.

Sure, there's some teams that this realignment helps, which is great-- that means hopefully less issues of which team is in peril this week and snap moves in the summer like we saw this past summer. Yet, you're always going to have the questions-- particularly when you have teams more than 1,000 miles from their nearest competition outside of their own state.

Absurd Goalie Monday: Goran Hogosta

2011-12-05T08:00:00.001-07:00

This week's AGM is a guy who didn't get much of a chance or recognition for what he did in the NHL. However, when it comes to his homeland, he was much more well-known and appreciated. Even with all of that, he did make his mark in the NHL landscape for what he did. This week, the profile of Goran Hogosta.

For his junior year, Hogosta played with HC Tunabro in his home country of Sweden. He played there from the 1971-72 season until the 1973-74 season in a total of 31 games. While in that time of playing for a junior club, he was elected to the Swedish National Team for the European Junior Championships for the 1972 and 1973 tournaments, where Sweden would capture silver in both with Hogosta getting top goaltender honors in the 1973 tournament.

In the 1974-75 season until the 1976-77 season, Hogosta played for Leksands IF in the Swedish League for 90 games, helping them boost up to the elite level of the Swedish ladder. Also in that time, Hogosta played in three World European Championships for Sweden, winning a silver and two bronze medals while going 12-5-0 combined in all three tournaments; being named top goaltender in the 1977 tournament and on the All-Star Team of that tournament, as well. Hogosta along with Hardy Astrom participated in the first Canada Cup tournament, where he would win one game in one appearance.

In the summer of 1977, Hogosta was signed by the New York Islanders and would make the team out of training camp. On November 1st, 1977-- Hogosta became the first European born and European trained goalie to play in the NHL, though he only played for nine minutes. Hogosta spent the bulk of the 1977-78 season in the AHL with the Hershey Bears, where he would play 23 games with a 6-13-2 record. Hogosta also spent time that season with the Central League's Fort Worth Texans, going 3-2-0 in five games. The 1978-79 season had Hogosta back with Fort Worth, playing in 61 games and going 25-29-4 in those games, then 1-2 in three playoff games.

In August 1979, Hogosta was traded to the Quebec Nordiques for Richard Brodeur. Hogosta played with the Nordiques for 21 games in the 1979-80 season going 5-12-3, while playing in 17 games with the Syracuse Firebirds and finishing with a 4-9-4 record there.

After that season, Hogosta went back to Sweden to play with Vastra Frolunda HC from the 1980-81 season until the 1983-84 season for a total of 116 games before he would retire at the end of 1984. Hogosta would make a short comeback in the 1986-87 season with Leksands IF for four games before retiring for good.

He may not be notable for much, but Hogosta was the man who paved the way for the European goaltenders of today. He didn't stay around for North America for long, but what he did in Sweden helped him cement his legacy in his home country by playing for them many times over and putting on a great display each time.

On the Topic Of Loyalty and Trade Rumors

2011-12-01T08:00:00.001-07:00

Despite having a No-Movement Clause in his contract, rumors of Jarome Iginla being traded out of Calgary continue to be a hot topic the hockey world. While Iginla and GM Jay Feaster said that there's no trade imminent or even being considered-- these things still pop-up.

The biggest argument seems to be the desire for others around the league to see Iginla raise the Stanley Cup in almost a Ray Bourque-esque fashion. Yet, there's a guy across the country that had some questions about his future with the team he's been with his whole career; but it seems that he's been forgotten about when it comes down to it. That person is Daniel Alfredsson.

When you look at the two, there's a lot of similarities between the two:

Both played with the same team their whole career
Both the face of their franchise
Both long-term captains
Both right wingers
Both helped their team to the Stanley Cup Finals
Both won Gold Medals (though Iginla has two)

Though, as Spector's Hockey's Lyle Richardson pointed out on the November 30th FOHS, Iginla seems a little more of a desirable acquisition because of his playing style. He's a gritter player than Alfredsson, willing to go to the dirty areas for a puck, as well as stick up for himself when play gets rough.

Yet, at the same time-- you'd think that Alfredsson's offensive upside is what's needed when it boils down to needs-- especially with their ages coming into effect. Coming into the season, Alfredsson had a 0.97 points-per-game average, while Iginla had only a 0.91 average. Albeit, Alfredsson is older and has played less due to injury, but he knows how to put points on the board when he is healthy. Iginla's age is definitely another nod to his upside for teams looking to put something together that will apparently never happen. That said-- while he's a 35+ contract, Alfredsson doesn't have a No-Movement Clause in his contract; so if he wants to go-- he can be shipped out, but you know the Senators will respect his wishes if he wants to stay or not due to his tenure.

In the end though, neither of these guys are likely to be traded this season. Next season, maybe a different story for Alfredsson, but Iginla controls his own destiny. Plus, as Lyle said during the show, too-- not every player wants to have the Bourque moment and could be fine without winning the Cup, legacy be damned. Most fans and some GMs just like the return and if they don't get the return-- they resent the player and deem them to be selfish. The player is screwed if he wants out, screwed if he wants to stay.

The fact of the matter is that while Iginla is getting all the publicity; it's interesting to see Alfredsson pretty much getting pushed to the side, though they do have parallel careers in length and decent enough upsides-- though Iginla has the grit X-factor going for him. Just food for thought.

Southeast Shuffle

2011-11-28T08:55:00.000-07:00

In a span of two hours, Guy Boucher became the longest tenured coach in the Southeast Division. Both Bruce Boudreau of the Washington Capitals and Paul Maurice of the Carolina Hurricanes were fired. Replacing them were Dale Hunter and Kirk Muller (rumored) respectively.

First, for the Capitals-- I guess if you give the people what they want, like old colors, jerseys, and players-- then you let the prisoners run the asylum. That said, if there's a hard-ass guy to get the team to pay attention and give effort-- it's Dale Hunter.

That said, Bruce Boudreau probably wasn't the guy to get the Caps over the hump after four seasons of trying. He lost the room and wasn't getting the effort from the guys that he needed to. When you have your star player who's signed long-term and your coach at odds-- the coach always loses out. Though Boudreau's tenure yielded the revitalization of the Capitals, he just never seemed to have the killer instinct needed. Going 201-88-40 will only give you so much reputation before the dismal playoff record comes up. Best of luck to Boudreau, who did a lot of the Caps in the long-run.

When it comes to the new coach, Dale Hunter is a legend in the Caps history. He's a guy who was a hard-nosed player and will probably be a hard-nosed coach. Yet, it's going to be a learning curve for a guy who hasn't coached a NHL game before. Sure, he was the fastest coach to win 300 and 400 games in the OHL and is only 49 away from 500; but it's two different dynamics. That said, I think he'll bring a different message to the room; holding more guys accountable and really laying into them because his number is hanging in the rafter and seems to care a lot about the franchise. We'll see how it goes.

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As far the Hurricanes are concerned-- fool Jim Rutherford once, shame on you; but if you fool him twice, shame on him. It seems that the second tenure of Paul Maurice ended as fouly as the first....but like every jokester on Twitter noted-- he'll be back for a third.

Though it won't be confirmed until later, replacing him with Kirk Muller should be a good idea, as he seemed to be groomed to take over the Canadiens coaching position, but then went to the Nashville Predators organization to coach the AHL's Milwaukee Admirals, who are 10-6-1 this season. Muller is a guy who seems to have a great grasp of the game behind the bench and should be able to take over the Hurricanes pretty easily; whom are second to last in the Eastern Conference at 8-13-4. Muller will have a lot of younger guys who have some experience due to their runs in the playoffs-- but getting the most out of them on a nightly basis will be the key.

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These were changes that were going to be made sooner or later and I guess they let their coaches give thanks and then can them like so much cranberries. Now, it's time to put these new coaches under the microscope and observe every movement.

Absurd Goalie Monday: Phil Myre

2011-11-28T08:00:00.000-07:00

The ultimate goal in life for a player is to get their name on the Stanley Cup. While this week's AGM did get a ring and was in the team picture, he didn't get on the Cup. Then two seasons later, he was off on a journeyman's career. This week, the profile of Phil Myre.

Myre started his career in the 1964 playoffs with the QMJHL's Victoriaville Bruins, going 1-1 in two of those games, then 0-1 in one Memorial Cup appearance. In his first full season in Victoriaville in the 1964-65 season, Myre played 21 games and finished up 14-7-0, then going 7-2 in nine playoff appearances, while going 0-3 in the Memorial Cup play-down games. Victoriaville moved to Shawinigan for the 1965-66 season, where Myre would go 38-6-0 in 44 games, then 8-4 in 12 playoff games and 11-4 in 15 Memorial Cup play-down games.

Myre was drafted by the Montreal Canadiens in the 1966 Draft, which was also a year that Myre went to the OHA's Niagara Falls Flyers starting in the 1966-67 season, leading them to a Memorial Cup championship following the 1967-68 season.

Turning pro in 1968-69, Myre played in the Central League for the Houston Apollos, going 24-19-10 in 53 games, then going 0-2 in the playoffs.

The 1969-70 season allowed Myre to play in 15 games for the AHL's Montreal Voyageurs before getting the call-up to the Canadiens, where he would play in 10 games with a 4-3-2 record. Myre stayed in Montreal for the 1970-71 season, playing in 30 games with a 13-11-4 record, but would be relegated to back-up when Ken Dryden made his mark in the league. While the Canadiens won the Stanley Cup that year and even though he qualified to be engraved on the Cup, the team left him off, even though he did receive a ring for his efforts. Myre only played nine games for the Canadiens in the 1971-72 season, going 4-5-0 in his efforts.

The Canadiens left Myre unprotected in the 1972 Expansion Draft, allowing the Atlanta Flames to pick him up. In that 1972-73 season, Myre tallied a 16-25-3 record in 46 games, while he went 11-16-6 in 36 games in the 1973-74 season-- in which he played in the team's first playoff series, going 0-3 in three games. Myre played 40 games in the 1974-75 season, finishing in with a 14-16-10 record; while in the 1975-76 and 1976-77 season, Myre went .500 in both seasons, with a 16-16-4 and 17-17-7 record respectively. Myre would only play nine games for the Flames in the 1977-78 season, going 2-7-0 before being put on the move.

Myre was traded to the St. Louis Blues in December of 1977 and would play 44 games for the Blues, going 11-25-8 in those last games. Myre return with the Blues in the 1978-79 season, going a dismal 9-22-8 in his 39 appearances.

Myre was traded to Philadelphia in June of 1979 and join a tandem with Pete Peeters for the 1979-80 season, with Myre going 18-7-15 that season, a season where he and Peeters had a 35-game unbeaten streak-- a NHL record. It wasn't a great for Myre in the 1980-81 season, as he would go 6-5-4 in 16 games before being on the move again.

The Flyers traded Myre to the Colorado Rockies for cash, in which Myre would play 10 games to end out the year and compile a 3-6-1 record. After the '80-'81 season, Myre played for Team Canada in the World Championships, but would go 2-5-0 in seven games. Myre returned to the Rockies for the 1981-82 season, playing in 24 games, finishing with a 2-17-2 record. Myre would also spend time that year with the Central League's Fort Worth Texans, playing in 10 games with a 4-5-1 record.

Myre signed with the Buffalo Sabres before the 1982-83 season, spending a majority of the season with the AHL's Rochester Americans, going 28-8-5 in 43 games, while playing in five games with Buffalo, going 3-2-0. Myre returned to Rochester for the 1983-84 season, going 19-9-1 in 33 games before hanging up his pads for good.

Post-playing career, Myre went into coaching, being an assistant with the Los Angeles Kings and Detroit Red Wings and then as a goalie coach for the Red Wings and also later as goalie coach with the Florida Panthers. Myre also got into some blogging (before it got hacked) and public speaking. Currently, Myre is working with the Montreal Canadiens in a scouting capacity.

While he had his hand in two big team trophies, he was only recognized for one, then started to bounce around from menial team to menial team-- which could have hurt his mentality in the long-run. He kept to it though and made himself a good life after his playing career was finished.

Logos Aplenty

2011-11-25T14:20:00.001-07:00

That logo above is for this year's Thanksgiving Showdown. To me, not only does it give the Bruins/Red Wings game a title, but it shows that the NHL love logos. They'll make a logo for any kind of event and will often make reasons to have their design team come up with something.

With that in mind, and the fact we're awaiting the player draft logo for this year's All-Star Game, a list of my favorite event logos that the NHL has rolled out with-- in no particular order, of course. (Thanks to SportsLogos.net for all the logos anyone could ever ask for.)

-Draft Logos 2001-2009: The reason these stand out is because there's not templated design like we see now. The identity of the teams were well represented in these logos, which gave it a personalized feel for the events in terms of the host city and allowed plenty of freedom for designers. Now, with the templated work they have now, it's basically just adding small elements of the host city in the already made main logo.

-2009 Winter Classic: While many of the Winter Classic logos do have elements of the host city into it, the iconic use of the Wrigley Field scoreboard helps set this one away from the rest. Plus, it's the only logo in the Winter Classic cluster that is tilted to give a three-dimensional appeal to it rather than just being flattened.

-1994 All-Star Game: New York City is one of, if not the most, iconic city in the world. Their skyline is one of the most memorable, so when you combine that with an All-Star logo, you're basically yelling for it to be a fantastic one. While the jersey selection disappointed, the logo itself is one of the more fantastic logos of any ASG.

But, I couldn't let the NHL have all the fun....

-1999 ECHL All-Star Game: Sure, it's not the NHL, but the incorporation of the coast line and the lighthouse element is pretty damn fancy for the ECHL.

-2011 AHL All-Star Game: Where to start-- the Bear slapping a Hershey's Kiss; the HersheyPark roller coaster coupled with the Hershey's chocolate factory, coupled with the Giant Center in the top silhouette; the team logo inclusion-- it all makes for a fantastic event logo.

Though, you always have to have a logo to show during the breaks and to promote a product (read: All-Star Fantasy Draft), some times it's a bit overkill....like this game and the event I mentioned in parenthesis. Yet, at the same time-- logo nuts like me will clamor for something like these to come out because we enjoy the aesthetics of it all.

Ovechkin/Crosby Post #3,297 of the Day

2011-11-22T08:00:00.000-07:00

When Greg Wyshynski revealed that Alex Ovechkin was asked what he thought about Sidney Crosby's triumphant return, then it found its way on Twitter-- you could hear the collective grinding of teeth from Caps fans at the audacity of the question.

That's something I could understand, the Caps had just broke a four-game losing streak with a gritty win over a tough Western team and yet still-- the Ovechkin-Crosby debate raged on, I'm sure to many people's dismay.

While Crosby coming back was a notable thing, the fact in 48 hours people were already sick of it and wanted it to end. Crosby looked like he had never left from the ice, though the team he played against had a rookie making his first NHL start in net and aren't that good to begin with....but what better way to actually build his confidence over a team that's not going to pose too much of a threat-- as the two goal, two assist night would show you.

Yet, back to the question asked of Ovechkin-- it seems a little bit of a craptastic thing to talk about, especially since the Caps didn't play the Penguins and Ovechkin was on the ice playing his own game as the hype in Pittsburgh reigned on. Maybe to give Ovechkin a bit of time to watch the highlights from the night and then ask at practice today-- then it could actually be a legit question and get a better answer than "good for him."

That's my only complaint about it. Sure, Ovechkin has mired in a slump and Caps fans are getting restless with the team's lack of production and the attention their superstar has been getting because of his slump-- but the Ovechkin/Crosby thing will live on until one of them retired. They'll be forever linked and it's something that the fans on both sides will have to live with.

And is that such a bad thing?? Sure, it's gets annoying at times, but so do each of the team's fanbases when it comes to defending their superstar. I'm sure every team gets that way, but these two particular teams have fans that go over the rationality line. In any case, Ovechkin and Crosby being pitted against each other will step their games up accordingly, I'm sure. While the magnifying glass will be even bigger around both of them and will annoy everyone else-- it's good for the game to have these two prolific players put to the forefront, though one of them is off his game and the other is coming back from a serious injury-- as the games go on, you have to hope they'll both pick up their games throughout the rest of the season.

Absurd Goalie Monday: Denis DeJordy

2011-11-21T08:00:00.000-07:00

This week, the focus on the AGM is for a guy who kind of changed the way the game is played-- yet not for his on-ice prowess, per se. What he did after his career has changed the way goaltending is handled today and made many discussion topics should things in net start to go wrong. Not to say his playing career wasn't shabby, but he could be a little more remembered for his first gig post-retirement. This week, the profile of Denis DeJordy.

DeJordy's first presence was with the Junior B Dixie Beehives before really making a name for himself in the 1957-58 season with the St. Catherine Teepees, going 32-14-6 in 52 games, while getting in one game in the AHL with the Buffalo Bisons, which was a loss. Returning to the Teepees in the 1958-59 season, DeJordy went 40-10-3 in 53 games, then 2-4-1 in the playoffs, as well as being named to the OHA First All-Star Team. DeJordy would also get the call by the Peterborough Petes for the 1959 Memorial Cup, but would go 1-4 against the Winnipeg Braves in the Finals.

Starting in the 1959-60 season, DeJordy moved to the new Eastern Professional League to play for the Sault Ste. Marie Thunderbirds where he would play 69 games and finish that year with a 27-31-11 record. The 1960-61 season had DeJordy start out in Sault Ste. Marie for 33 games (16-14-3) before moving up to the AHL and the Buffalo Bisons, playing in 40 games and finishing there with with a 20-18-2 record, then going 0-4 in the playoffs.

The 1961-62 season saw DeJordy return to Buffalo, where he would go 36-30-3 in 69 games, while then going 6-5 in 11 playoff games, losing to Springfield in the Calder Cup finals. DeJordy had his sights set on a championship when he came back to Buffalo in the 1962-63 season, going 37-23-7 in 67 games, then going 8-5 in 13 playoff games, helping the Bisons win the Calder Cup that season. DeJordy racked up the awards, too-- winning the Hap Holmes Trophy for fewest goals-against; the Les Cunningham Award for AHL MVP; and named to the AHL's First All-Star Team. Also in '62-'63, DeJordy made five appearances for the Chicago Blackhawks, going 2-1-2 in those games.

The 1963-64 season had DeJordy not playing much, as he play only one game with the Central Professional League's St. Louis Braves (a loss) and then only six games with the Chicago Blackhawks, finishing 2-3-1. It picked up in the 1964-65 season, as DeJordy played 30 games in Chicago, going 16-11-3-- as well as seven games in Buffalo for the Bisons, going 3-4-0 in that time. However, DeJordy was relegated to the Central Pro League with the St. Louis Braves in the 1965-66 season, playing 70 games and compiling a 30-31-9 record in the regular season and 1-4 record in five playoff games. DeJordy was named to the CPHL's First All-Star Team that season.

DeJordy returned to Chicago for the 1966-67 season, splitting duties with Glenn Hall and finishing with a 22-12-7 record in 44 games, then 1-2 in four playoff appearances. DeJordy and Hall would win the Vezina Trophy for the season, in a time where both goalies were rewarded for fewest goals-against in a season. Starting in the 1967-68 season, DeJordy got the majority of the playing time in Chicago, as he would play 50 games that season and finish up with a 23-15-11 record, then compiling a 5-6 playoff record. DeJordy struggle in Chicago during the 1968-69 season, playing in 53 games with Chicago, going 22-22-7, but would be sent down to the Central League's Dallas Blackhawks for 15 games, going 8-4-3 in those appearances. DeJordy started the 1969-70 season with Chicago, playing in 10 games with a 3-5-1 record, but his time there would be short.

DeJordy would be traded to the Los Angeles Kings late in the season, playing in 21 games to end the season and have a 5-11-4 record to show for it. Getting a full season with Los Angeles in the 1970-71 season, DeJordy would play in 60 games and finish with an 18-29-11 record. The 1971-72 season saw DeJordy only play five games, all losses, for the Kings before being on the move again.

DeJordy was traded to the Montreal Canadiens after those five games, which brought Rogie Vachon to Los Angeles in return. With a short stint, DeJordy went 3-2-1 in the seven games with the Canadiens.

DeJordy was on the move again, getting traded in the Summer of 1972 to the New York Islanders, but would never play there-- as he was traded to the Detroit Red Wings before the 1972-73 season, where he would play 24 games and wrap up an 8-11-4 record. He would always be sent to the Central League's Fort Worth Wings for ten games that season. The 1973-74 season had DeJordy play with the Baltimore Clippers of the AHL, going 21-13-6 in 42 games, named to the AHL's Second All-Star Team. DeJordy played only one game in Detroit that year, a loss. DeJordy retired after that season.

Immediately following his retirement, DeJordy became the first ever goalie coach in the NHL, as he would be in charge of Jim Rutherford and Doug Grant starting in the 1974-75 season. Also, during his playing days-- DeJordy owned a sporting good store in Quebec in the off-season.

Though his playing career didn't seem to leave a huge mark, the fact he pioneered the goaltender's coach position allowed more one-on-one direction to the goalies and actually give them the attention they need to focus on the game. Even so, DeJordy had a solid career and learned enough from his time to pass onto others.

The Maple Leafs' European Scouting Adventure

2011-11-16T11:25:00.000-07:00

In an interesting story, it seems that the Toronto Maple Leafs are going to expand their network even more. From the IIHF website, the Leafs and the Zurich Lions now how a working agreement and will work closely together when it comes to scouting players from the Swiss league. The Leafs also have an agreement like this with German team Alder Mannheim.

While players who are draft-eligible aren't able to be plucked by the Leafs, all players who are older than 22 can be plucked up by the Leafs if they deem them to be worthy enough. Not only that, but Zurich and Mannheim can compare notes with the Leafs about other teams and players in their respective leagues.

First, I haven't heard this happen with many other teams-- so you have to respect the Leafs and GM Brian Burke for picking up this kind of idea and running with it. Though, it should be something expected, as Burke has gone for untapped markets before, mostly the US college ranks, and work to some success. Second, with the Swiss turning out some pretty decent NHLers (Jonas Hiller and Mark Streit) and prospects (Nino Niederreiter and Sven Bartschi), it seems like it could be the next, to pull a US college sports reference, "mid-major" country to be on the big map for development. Of course, many thought that Germany was going to be the next big thing and it fizzled a bit.

Yet, at the same time-- when it comes to European, undrafted players-- it hasn't turned out completely well. Both Fabrian Brunnstrom and Jonas Gustavsson have given less than stellar returns for the hype they got, which could turn some people off. Though, Burke is a guy who can sniff out solid talent, which could make these deal work more-- especially since he'll get notes and won't have to go on some hearsay and conjecture. Even so, you have to say that the put-off of what Brunnstrom and Gustavsson have brought could make this nothing more than a place for Burke to ship high-contract, underperforming players-- but that's just me.

All in all, it's another way for the Leafs, and mostly Brian Burke, to think outside of the box of professional scouting and also getting their foot in the door when it comes to untapped marketplaces for hockey talent. If this provides nothing of substance for the Leafs-- they still made the effort that other teams could be scared to do.

Absurd Goalie Monday: Ron Low

2011-11-14T08:00:00.000-07:00

It must be a difficult task to go from a Memorial Cup team to the worst team in modern NHL history, but that's what this week's AGM had to endure. If nothing else, it got him prepared for not getting much support from his teammates and very lean years during his NHL time. Yet, it got him a coaching gig at the end of his career-- so he did something right. This week, the profile of Ron Low.

While Low came onto the scene in the 1967-68 season with the West Coast Junior League's Winnipeg Jets for sixteen games, he would spend the rest of that season with the Dauphin Kings of the Manitoba Junior League. Low would spend the 1968-69 and 1969-70 season with the Dauphin Kings, winning the Manitoba Junior championship each year and attending the Memorial Cup both seasons, but never winning it.

The Toronto Maple Leafs drafted Low 103rd overall in the 1970 Draft, but Low would play in the Eastern League's Jacksonville Rockets for 46 games and then four games with the Tulsa Oilers of the Central League for the 1970-71 season. The 1971-72 season had Low spend it mostly in Tulsa again, going 21-18-2 in 43 games, then winning his only appearance with the Richmond Robins of the AHL. The 1972-73 season saw Low get the call to the Maple Leafs, playing in 42 games and finishing 12-24-4 for the season. That make the Leafs send him back to Tulsa for the 1973-74 season, where Low would compile a 23-23-8 record in 56 appearances.

Low was left unprotected by the Leafs during the expansion Draft, which left him open to be picked by the Washington Capitals. Low had the job of being on the worst team in modern NHL history, as he went 8-36-2 in 48 games with the Caps, actually winning all the games the Caps did that season. It fared no better for Low in the 1975-76 campaign, going 6-31-2 in 43 outings for the Caps, though the 1976-77 season was better for Low, finishing up with a 16-27-5 record

The rights to Low were traded to the Detroit Red Wings for the 1977-78 season, where he would play 32 games in Detroit, finishing with a 9-12-9 record in the regular season, then 1-3 in four playoff games. Low was sent to the Central League's Kansas City Red Wings for the 1978-79 season, where he'd finish up his 63 game season with a 33-28-2 record; then 1-4 in five playoff games.

Crazily enough, Low was left unprotected and picked up during the Expansion Draft by the Quebec Nordiques for the 1979-80 season, where he'd go 5-7-2 in 15 games before being sent to the Syracuse Firebirds of the AHL, playing 15 games and finishing up with a 5-9-1 record.

Low was traded to the Edmonton Oilers in March of 1980, and would play 11 games with the Oilers and finish with an 8-2-1 record. While he spent two games with the Central League's Wichita Wind (0-2-0), Low spent most of the 1980-81 season with the Oilers, going 5-13-3 in 24 games. Low played 29 games for the Oilers in the 1981-82 season, finishing with 17-7-1 record. The 1982-83 season had Low play only three games for the Oilers (0-1-0) before being sent to the AHL's Moncton Alpines for six games, though no record is available.

Low was eventually traded to the New Jersey Devils at the end of the season, playing in 11 games with a 2-7-1 record. Low stuck with New Jersey for the 1983-84 season, but would only post an 8-25-4 record in 44 games, while the 1984-85 season yielded only 26 games with a 6-11-4 record to show for it.

Low would spend the 1985-86 season with the Nova Scotia Oilers, but he would go 1-5-0 in six games before he would retire in his playing career.

After he retired, Nova Scotia immediately made him an assistant coach, before he was promoted to the assistant in Edmonton before becoming the head coach of the now Cape Breton Oilers in 1989. He would then be promoted again to Edmonton's assistant coach, the became head coach of the Oilers in 1995, where he stayed for four seasons before moving to the Houston Aeros head coaching position. In 2000, Low was named head coach of the New York Rangers and spend two season behind the bench before being relieved of his coaching duties and put in the scouting position. Low then moved to the Ottawa Senators as a goalie coach and scout, then assistant coach before being fired. Low is the only NHL goalie to head coach two different teams, as well as winning two Stanley Cups as an assistant in Edmonton in 1987 and 1990.

Low had a scary moment in March of 2010, when he was in Calgary and got mugged after seeing former teammate Dave Hunter. He made it to his hotel after the attack and called an ambulance to get him, which also required him to get surgery on his damaged organs. He has since gotten better.

He had to overcome getting squeezed out of positions, dealing with bad expansion teams, and then trying to find magic when he did play-- but he learned enough to move over to the coaching side and have a successful run there.

Nashville's D-ilemma

2011-11-10T12:00:00.001-07:00

It was mentioned on the 11.09.11 episode of the Face Off Hockey Show, which was the unknown topic of the masterful Lyle Richardson's article on The Hockey News' website-- but the Nashville Predators are in a tight spot with the signing of Pekka Rinne last week, but only in terms of trying to re-sign Shea Weber, Ryan Suter, or both.

If you look at the things both bring to the table, you have to wonder who has the edge. The knee-jerk reaction is to say Weber-- if only for the physical force he brings to the table, as well as the cannon of a shot. The fact that the Predators are not a high-offensively minded team and Weber is good for 15 goals on the back-line while Suter has no more than eight in one season (2006-07).

Yet, the Predators have always been know and probably will always be known as a defensive team. That's where I think Suter has the edge. As good as Weber is in the offensive zone, Suter has the edge in his own zone and is probably the more of a shutdown man in comparison. If the Predators want to stick to that same scheme of defense first, Suter has to be the right choice to say around.

Of course, you look at what has happened in situations before. Most notably, the Ottawa Senators when trying to decide between Wade Redden and Zdeno Chara. In the end, the Sens made the wrong choice in picking Redden, as Chara was a monster back then and still is now. That's where the Predators are and this is a "damned if you do, damned if you don't" situation. If you let Weber go, you let a physical presence go with a helluva offensive upside. If you let Suter go, there goes a guy who could shutdown a team in a key situation.

Another side of the situation is Ryan Suter being the only one of the two being a UFA in the summer, while Shea Weber is a RFA. The danger in this is that Suter can be left with nothing coming back in return, which will ramp up his trade rumors. With Weber, the Predators could have other team dictate what the Predators have to pay if he is signed to an offer-sheet in the summer.

David Poile is a magician as a GM. If there's anyone who can balance out this situation, it could be Poile. While he's not a guy who will spend over his own means in order to appease the fan base who'd love to have all these guys signed to long-term deals. He won't hand-cuff his team in order to keep some guys who may not be able to pan out to their contractual terms. All eyes will be on Nashville until the trade deadline, then starting up again in June-- and mostly not for the hockey.

Battle of the Blurst: Caps and Jackets Required

2011-11-08T14:10:00.001-07:00

Depending on how things go, we could make this a running gimmick, but here's the deal. The Columbus Blue Jackets are bad, but could they be on pace to be the worst team to ever hit an NHL ice surface?? They need a lot of work and with guys coming back from injury; they could have some kind of reversal of fortune, but it's not looking good right now.

The Washington Capitals from the 1974-75 season hold the record for fewest wins, worst winning percentage, and fewest points in the modern era of hockey. The Caps went 8-67-5, which equals 21 points and a .131 winning percentage. Thanks to the NHL History Girl, Jen for reassuring me there was no one worst in the modern era, though I begged and pleaded for her to say differently.

Alright, so we're past the 14th game of the season with the Blue Jackets, so here's the comparison:

2011-12 Columbus Blue Jackets: 2-11-1, 5 pts., 31 GF, 53 GA
1974-75 Washington Capitals: 1-12-1, 3 pts., 28 GF, 72 GA

So, as you see--we're only looking at a one-win, two point difference, three goals-for difference, but 19 goals-against difference. Neither team has won a road games (Caps lost 39 of 40 road games, so maybe the Jackets will be better than that....) and looks like it won't get easier.

Granted, we're at a modern era were there's a lot more parity and there's a lot more skill on this bad team-- considering they aren't an expansion team-- and could hit a nice little winning streak to make people forget about the awful start of the season.

Absurd Goalie Monday: Derek Wilkinson

2011-11-07T08:00:00.000-07:00

While you always hate to see a goalie have his career cut short due to lack of opportunities, the fact that this week's AGM was able to make it to the show and then make a solid name for himself after his playing days is always a good thing. This week, the profile of Derek Wilkinson.

While he first busted on the scene in the 1989-90 season in Junior B and C hockey with the Windsor Bulldogs and Belle River Canadiens respectively, he broke out a bit in the 1990-91 season in Junior B with the Chatham Micmacs Jr. team, playing in 24 games with a 3.61 GAA in that year.

Wilkinson moved up to the OHL for the 1991-92 season with the Detroit Compuware Ambassadors, where he would play 38 games and go 16-17-1 in the regular season, with a 3-2 record in seven playoff appearances. The Tampa Bay Lightning drafted Wilkinson in the 1992 Entry Draft in the 7th Round. The 1992-93 season had Wilkinson in Detroit with the newly named Jr. Red Wings, going 1-2-1 in four games before getting traded to the Belleville Bulls-- playing in 59 games and finishing with a record of 21-24-11, then 3-4 in seven playoff games. Returning to Belleville for the 1993-94 season, Wilkinson went 24-16-4 in 56 games and then 6-6 in 12 games of the playoffs.

Moving up to the professional ranks in the 1994-95 season, Wilkinson spent the year in the IHL with the Atlanta Knights, playing in 46 games and finished with a 22-17-2 record, then going 2-1 in four playoff games. Wilkinson had the bulk of the 1995-96 season spent in Atlanta again, playing in 28 games and compiling an 11-11-2 record, then getting called up to Tampa Bay; playing in four games and posting a 0-3-0 record.

The Bolts changed affiliates to the Cleveland Lumberjacks in the 1996-97 season, where Wilkinson would be for most of the year-- playing in 46 games with a 20-17-6 record, then going 8-6 in the playoffs. Wilkinson got the call to Tampa Bay again, this time going 0-2-1 in five games. The 1997-98 season had a bit of a split, as Wilkinson only played 25 games in Cleveland (9-12-2) and then appeared in eight games with Tampa Bay (2-4-1). Wilkinson had another split year in the 1998-99 season, playing in Cleveland for 34 games whilst finishing with a 10-15-2 record; then moving up to Tampa for five games with a 1-3-1 record.

The 1999-2000 season had Wilkinson as a free agent, which he would serve the bulk of the season with the ECHL's Charlotte Checkers, playing in 31 games and finishing with a 11-13-2 record. Wilkinson would also play a game with the IHL's Chicago Wolves, were he would get a tie out of it. Wilkinson got signed by the Belfast Giants of the British Elite League for the 2000-01 season, playing 23 games there before hanging up his pads for good at the age of 26.

While he had his career ended early, Wilkinson was able to land on his feet afterwords, getting hired by the Charlotte Checkers as an assistant coach in the 2002-03 season, then moving to head coach in the middle of the 2003-04 season. Wilkinson would be the head coach in Charlotte until they moved into the AHL, in which he took over the role of Senior VP of Business Operations of the Checkers. He remains the winningest coach in Checkers history at 237-182-42.

It was a long road and it seemed that Wilkinson wasn't able to find his niche in the NHL, Wilkinson made his mark in the minors and then parlayed that into a coaching role and making a very successful run for himself. It was short and sweet, but he'll last forever due to this post.

Kyle Wellwood is so Phat

2011-11-01T09:50:00.002-06:00

Who is this player and what has he done with Kyle Wellwood??

After signing with Winnipeg in September, Wellwood has been a house of fire for the new Jets. Through 11 games, Wellwood has five goals and eight points for the Jets; third in scoring and first in goals with the team.

Whether or not this stick the entire season remains to be seen, but his start is something that's promising for the lowly Jets this year. Even so, it's bound to be a career year for Wellwood, who's career high in goals is 18 (2008-09) and in points is 45 (2005-06). Barring an injury or major slump, he's well on his way to possibly being the most surprising player of the NHL this year, as well as finally following through on his promising junior career.

Yet, you have to wonder what happened with Wellwood and made him more motivated this year than years past. Was it his KHL excursion, letting him know how well he had it in the NHL and needs to actually work harder to stay there?? Is it the market he's in that made him motivated to do solidly, even though he couldn't muster that motivation in Toronto?? Did he want to shut up the Twitter hashtag for ever popping up again (try and stop us)??

Regardless of what happens, he's definitely a bright spot in a slow start to the Jets season. Again, if it continues or not, time will tell. Yet, considering the Jets probably didn't expect much from Wellwood when they signed him before the start of training camp, this is definitely giving them a lot of bang for their buck; even though it could also cause concern for their bigger name players out there who aren't as effective.

Absurd Goalie Monday: Wilf Cude

2011-10-31T08:00:00.000-06:00

Time to look back at a different time, a different era, and a time where we had a decent amount of British players in the league. This is a time were because franchises came and went, the goalies often were just hanging around, waiting for someone to get injured. Luckily, for this week's AGM-- he got on with a lot of teams because of injury. However, he has been blamed for being part of the darkest days of one of the leagues most hallowed franchises. This week, the profile of Wilf Cude.

Born in Barry, South Wales, Great Britain; Cude honed his craft when he moved over to Winnipeg, Manitoba, playing for St. Vital Athletic Club for three years and then moving to the senior leagues with the Winnipeg Wellingtons in the 1928-29 season. The 1929-30 season had Cude play with the Melville Millionaires, going 13-6-1 in 20 games that season.

In February of 1930, Cude signed with the Pittsburgh Pirates; but would never play a game there as the Pirates would relocated to Philadelphia and become the Quakers. The 1930-31, Cude would make his NHL debut with the Quakers, but would only go 2-25-3 in 30 games for the hapless Quakers, who could disband after the season.

With a lack of jobs, Cude would pretty much go anywhere and everywhere in the 1931-32 season. He would play two games with the Chicago Blackhawks (1-1-0), one game in relief for the Boston Bruins (no decision), and one game with the IHL's Syracuse Stars (a tie). Cude would spend most of the time that season in the Can-Am League with the Boston Cubs, finishing with a 7-7-1 record in 15 games. Cude played in the Can-Am again in the 1932-33 season, while returning to Philadelphia with the Arrows, going 21-9-2 in 32 games, then 2-3 in five playoff games.

In a cross-league trade, Cude was traded from Philadelphia to the Montreal Canadiens before the 1933-34 season, but would only play one games (a win and shutout) for the Canadiens. Cude would play in the IHL for 19 games with Syracuse (no record available), before the Canadiens loaned out Cude to the Detroit Red Wings for a bulk of the season. With the Wings, Cude went 15-6-8 with four shutouts, then going 4-5 in nine playoff games.

Cude would be returned to the Canadiens in the 1934-35 season, compiling a 19-23-6 record in 48 games, then 0-1-1 in two playoff games. It would be a bit worse for Cude in the 1935-36 season, only putting up a 11-26-10-- though he did have six shutouts in that season. The 1936-37 season was a bounce-back year for Cude, going 22-17-5 in 47 games, but going 2-3 in five playoff games. Back for the 1937-38 campaign, Cude had a 18-17-12 record, then 1-2 in the playoffs. The 1938-39 season saw Cude split work with Claude Bourque, as Cude played in 23 games with an 8-11-4 record.

For the 1939-40 season, Cude lost his spot with the Canadiens after only seven games (1-5-1) and spent most of the season in the AHL with the New Haven Eagles, playing in 44 games with a 23-18-1 record, then going 1-2 in three playoff games. Cude would return to the Canadiens again in the 1940-41 season, but only for three games, completing with a 2-1 record before retiring.

To note, Cude played in the Howie Morenz Memorial Game and the Babe Siebert Memorial Game, which were two of the first few All-Star games to take place.

After hockey, Cude owned a private distribution company in Quebec for British American Oil. After a lengthy illnes, Cude passed away in May of 1968 at the age of 57. Cude is an Honored Member of the Manitoba Hockey Hall of Fame.

He wasn't the biggest guy and didn't seem to have the most routine route to the NHL; he stuck to it and kept himself out there before getting the break he needed in Montreal. It just shows that if you stick around through the toughest of times, you will get rewarded at some point in time.

Myth of the Stanley Cup Hangover

2011-10-30T08:20:00.000-06:00

Last year's Stanley Cup participants are struggling and many would have you believe that it's due to the dreaded "Stanley Cup Hangover." The Boston Bruins are 3-7-0, last in the Eastern Conference and only better than the Columbus Blue Jackets in the league. The Vancouver Canucks are 5-5-1, 11th in the Western Conference and started 4-5-1.

While those are definitely not the best for two champions of their conferences, but is there really such a thing as a "Stanley Cup Hangover??" Let's be honest, you have to just assume that there is because that's what the media is selling and spinning. Though, if you do the research-- there's not really that much of a big deal with it comes to a "Hangover" from the shortened off-season. And you know it bugs me because I actually did research-- WHICH I NEVER DO!!!

So, here are my findings from the first ten games from the past ten season, not including this season. Of course, the years noted are the season AFTER they met in the Cup Finals.

2010-11: Chicago 5-4-1; Philadelphia 5-4-1

2009-10: Pittsburgh 9-1-0 ; Detroit 4-4-2

2008-09: Detroit 7-1-2; Pittsburgh 5-4-1

2007-08: Anaheim 4-5-1; Ottawa 9-1-0

2006-07: Carolina 4-4-2; Edmonton 6-4-0

2005-06: Tampa Bay 5-3-2; Calgary 4-5-1

2003-04: New Jersey 5-3-2; Anaheim 3-5-2

2002-03: Detroit 6-3-1; Carolina 4-4-2

2001-02: Colorado 8-0-2; New Jersey 6-3-1

2000-01: New Jersey 6-2-2; Dallas 6-3-1

So, we have five pre-lockout, five post-lockout on those Finals. The Cup winner was AT OR OVER .500 nine times (five pre-lockout), while the Cup loser was AT OR OVER .500 eight times (three pre-lockout). Not TOO much of a hangover if you act me; just some bumps in the roads to start-- but nothing as drastic as people make it out to be.

However, it's a nice little excuse that teams may have in order to describe the teams woes. That said, you look at the rosters of these teams and there hasn't been that many changes to either roster from the Cup final to the start of this season. That could be a hinderence because of the fact other teams may have gotten better, thus making the Bruins and Canucks already starting off down because they held steady.

The point of this is that the hangover doesn't effect many teams as hard as it has these past two teams. Seven times, both teams started at or over .500 and only once did the Cup winner from the year previous (Anaheim) start out worse that their other Finalist. Just some food for thought on this last Sunday in October.

Long Line Change: Visors and Turris and Relocation, Oh My

2011-10-28T12:10:00.000-06:00

The Eternal Visor Debate

After Chris Pronger got stabbed in the eye and Andrew Ladd hit between eyes; the visor debate got woken up again. And honestly, it's not that much a debate. Across the board, it seems people want the players to have visors mandatory with a grandfather clause to help out those guys who already don't wear them and don't feel right to wear them for one reason or another.

The NHL has been trying to do this for year, the NHLPA doesn't seem that ready to move forward with this plan, though. In the end, with all the players moving up from junior or college already having mandatory visors or cages-- why wouldn't they want to keep it on, if nothing else but to be able to keep your vision for well beyond their playing career.

Kyle Turris and His Plight

Kyle Turris is still holding out from the Phoenix Coyotes and now it's getting really real. It seems that Turris' agent is saying that because the Coyotes are owner by the NHL, they aren't willing to move him along because of one reason or another, while 29 teams are pissed off because of the unwillingness to move them.

Of course, Turris at one point demanded a boatload of money (upwards of $4 or $5 Million) while not really doing anything while with the Coyotes. He's not a regular on the team, he didn't contribute much to the team, and while a fresh-start could do him good-- you can't blame the Coyotes/NHL for not giving him what he wants money wise.

The Turris Camp can say it was never about the money, but if they thought that-- why ask for that kind of money at all, just keep demanding to be traded until you got it. Don't even talk facts and figures-- just say you want out, which would tell them that no amount of money will want him to stay.

Minor League Realignment

It seems that the western NHL teams were very vocal about having their affiliates half-way across the country, especially when it comes to an surprise injury, making a player fly across the country in short time.

Most of the AHL teams are in the Central and Eastern Time Zone, with Abbotsford being the only team in the Pacific Time Zone, which is good for the Flames since it's not TOO far from home-base, but at the same time-- having Los Angeles have to pull guys from Manchester, New Hampshire; not the most ideal situation, of course.

While the idea of ECHL teams being the primary affiliate for these Western teams, which is something that has been used in the past, is one that's a good decision-- this is how it happens when you make the AHL the monopoly for a "AAA" situation in hockey. When the AHL and IHL had the split of the affiliated teams-- it was a little better for some teams, but then it seems the IHL collapsed on itself because of the distances between the teams.

It's definitely a cause for concern for Western Conference teams, but at the same time-- the Kings and the Sharks OWN THEIR AHL FRANCHISES, so they could actually move them as they want them and all of that-- but that cost of travel would be killer as well. If you do some kind of Western AHL situation-- it could work out, but whether the AHL or NHL teams want to risk it, that's the real question.

Absurd Goalie Monday: Jamie McLennan

2011-10-24T08:00:00.001-06:00

While we seem to have a lot of commentators that have been AGMs in the past, this week's has only recently taken that step in his career. After dealing with the highs of junior success, to the fear of dying in the off-season, to the rejuvenation of his career, finally settling in with being a back-up to work horse goalies, this week's inductee has been through it all. This week, the career of Jamie McLennan.

McLennan started off by playing in the Alberta Jr. League for the Saint Albert Royals in the 1987-88 season before moving to the WHL in the 1988-89 season, first for 11 games with the Spokane Chiefs before getting traded to the Lethbridge Hurricanes, where he would play for seven games. The 1989-90 season had McLennan in 34 appearances and would respond well to the added time, going 20-4-2 in those games, then sporting a 6-5 playoff record in 13 games. McLennan would take the starting role in the 1990-91 season, playing in 56 games and finishing with a 32-18-4 record, then lead Lethbridge to the WHL Finals with a 8-8 record in the playoffs. McLennan would win the Del Wilson Trophy for top goaltender in the WHL.

After that season, the New York Islanders selected McLennan in the third round of the NHL Draft. That 1991-92 season saw McLennan start out in the ECHL with the Richmond Renegades, playing 32 games and going 16-12-2, while also playing in 18 games with the AHL's Capital Distrcit Islanders, going 4-10-2 in those match-ups. The 1992-93 season had McLennan staying with Capital District and appearing in 38 games with a 17-14-6 record to show for his efforts.

For the 1993-94 season, McLennan split his time between the Salt Lake Golden Eagles of the IHL for 24 games (8-12-2), as well as getting into 22 games in the NHL with the Islanders, finishing with a 8-7-6 record. The 1994-95 season had McLennan in the Islanders line-up for 22 games after the lockout happened, going 6-11-2; but would spend the last part of the season with the IHL's Denver Grizzlies, going 3-0-1 in four regular season games, then going 8-2 in 11 playoff games, helping the Grizzlies win the Turner Cup. The 1995-96 season was a whirlwind for McLennan, playing on Long Island for 13 games (3-9-1), then 14 for the Utah Grizzlies in the IHL (9-2-2), then 22 for the AHL's Worcester Ice Cats (14-7-1), but it would be the off-season that would really make things interesting for McLennan.

While on his way back from Salt Lake City, Utah to his home in Edmonton, Alberta; he stopped in Lethbridge, Alberta to visit family. While in Lethbridge, McLennan got sick and went to the hospital thinking he had the flu. However, on further testing, it turned out McLennan had contracted bacterial meningitis and, had he not been treated, would have died. After spending a week in intensive care and on a heavy dose of antibiotics, he was released in good health.

Yet, the Islanders didn't re-sign McLennan, which allowed the St. Louis Blues to pick him up in the summer of 1996. The 1996-97 season had McLennan in the AHL with the Worcester Ice Cats, playing in 39 games with an 18-13-4 finishing record, then going 2-2 in the playoffs. McLennan was able to make the Blues' roster in the 1997-98 season, backing up Grant Fuhr, and playing in 30 games with a 16-8-2 record to show. Coming back that season allowed McLennan to win the Bill Masterton Trophy for dedication and perseverance to the sport of hockey. The 1998-99 season saw McLennan play in 33 games with the Blues, but finished with a 13-14-4 record, while he would only get 19 games in the 1999-2000 season, finishing with a 9-5-2 record.

With the Expansion Draft, McLennan was picked up by the Minnesota Wild, where he would play in 38 games, but would go a dismal 5-23-9. Due to that season, McLennan was sent to the AHL's Houston Aeros for the 2001-02 season, where he would go 25-18-4 in 51 games.

During the 2002 Draft, McLennan was traded to the Calgary Flames for a ninth-round pick. McLennan in the 2002-03 season went 2-11-4 in 22 games for the Flames that first year. The 2003-04 season was better in Calgary for McLennan, who went 12-9-3 in 26 games. McLennan was traded to the New York Rangers at the trade deadline that year with Blair Betts and Greg Moore for Chris Simon, while McLennan would only play four games with a 1-3-0 record.

When the lockout happened in the 2004-05 season, McLennan went to Great Britain to play with the Guildford Flames for three games, winding up with a 2-1-0 record to show in the regular season, then a 4-3 record in seven playoff games.

When the NHL returned in the 2005-06 season, McLennan signed with the Florida Panthers, where he would be behind Roberto Luongo for the season, only seeing 17 games during the season finishing with a 2-4-2 record.

McLennan signed with the Calgary Flames again for the 2006-07, where he would only play in nine games, finishing with a 3-5-1 record. However, how he ended his NHL career was memorable. McLennan was in a playoff game for the Flames against the Red Wings for 18 seconds-- in which he slashed Johan Franzen in the stomach, for which he was suspended five games. He would not play in the NHL again.

The 2007-08 season had McLennan go overseas, first having a five week stint with Russian Elite League's Metallurg Magnitogorsk, then going to play with the Nippon Paper Cranes of the Asian Hockey League, where he would appear in 17 games before retiring.

Post playing career, McLennan was a goaltending and assistant coach for the Calgary Flames for a couple of season, but would move onto the media world in 2010-- first writing a column for The Hockey News, then moving on the NHL on TSN staff.

He's been up, he's been down, and he faced death-- but the man they call "Noodles" always took things light-heartedly and was a guy who was upbeat according to his teammates. His personality helped him get jobs in the league, as well as now in the media side of things.

Long Line Change: Dropping Teams, Raising Age, Blowing Up

2011-10-20T13:45:00.001-06:00

Long Ling Change is the gimmick done to talk about the stories that have been tackled in the past, which makes me not add anything more that what's already been added from the others on the 'net or not enough to actually make a separate post for.

Columbus and Ottawa Make Case for Relegation

Yes, we are young into the season, but it looks like the Columbus Blue Jackets and Ottawa Senators aren't going to get any better this season. If anything, they are really making a case to have a relegation factor put into the NHL. Sure, we won't see it because of how the affiliations work these days, but at the same time-- it's a nice idea to have if you split the divisions and make a "loser's bracket" playing for a promotion to play for the Stanley Cup.

While the idea of having a 14-team relegation league for the Ziegler Cup would be interesting-- no one will go for it. That said, with about how awful these teams have come out of the gate, you have to wonder how much longer before not only the team is blown up through trades, but the management who got them into this mess is blown up. The Senators have had issues since Bryan Murray took over as GM and the Blue Jackets have off-ice mess that seems to holds them back, as well.

It'll be a long season for the fans of these teams, but at the same time-- maybe it's going to take a horrific season to fix things for the better....or to keep extending the misery.

Bob Nicholson Wants Older Draft

The head of Hockey Canada said that the Draft age in the NHL should be upped one year to 19, rather than 18-- but would maybe thinking about an "exception" clause for 18-year-olds who dominate the CHL.

While this does come on the heels of some pretty stellar junior players coming into the NHL and making their teams at 18, I can see where Nicholson is trying to protect his leagues so that they aren't completely cropped of talent by guys making the jump a bit too early. Yet, at the same time-- it's not like the CHL would be hurting with talent as it seems to pop up constantly through they years of development.

One year may or may not make a difference, but I can understand why Nicholson wants the age limit raised-- and it could have some reason to deal with the World Juniors, as some of the better players have been taken from Hockey Canada because they stuck with their NHL squads and it could have made the different in that tournament. Sure, it's far-fetched, but it's not out of the realm of possibility to have him think about that side of things.

While it may or may not happen-- this is a debate that many people have been taking up here-and-there for a couple years now. It's just something that's going to have to be worked out in the new CBA. Personally, I think if a guy is ready at 18, then they're ready-- but it's not for everyone.

Blowing Up Teams

Stop panicking, people. This is worse than the preseason-- I mean there's some teams that deserved to be blown up (like mentioned above), but for teams in an early slump; just seems to be throwing the baby out with the bath water-- like the Canucks and Bruins. These teams will find their way, but may need to work on the chemistry and shake off the rust for the first month. While points may be lost, it's not like a season can be lost just in the first two weeks.

Things will right themselves in time. However, if it gets to US Thanksgiving and your team is still struggling-- that's when the panic should set in and meltdowns abound.

Absurd Goalie Monday: Doug Soetaert

2011-10-17T08:00:00.004-06:00

It's a good thing to have parents who are into the game, even if it only means storing the local arena's gear in the basement of the house. However, if not for that, this week's AGM probably would have never been interested in the position enough to make it to this list. This week, the profile of Doug Soetaert.

Growing up in Edmonton, Soetaert's father was in charge of the community's equipment, including goal gear. That allowed Soetaert to put on the gear at will have his buddies shoot puck at him. That helped a lot, as he was a solid junior goalie from the 1971-72 season until the 1974-75 season playing with the Edmonton Oil Kings, where he would play 184 games in four seasons, compiling six shutouts in that span and 4.05 GAA. Also, Soetaert would be able to get onto the 1975 World Junior team, which was compiled of an All-Star team from the Western Canadian Junior League.

Soetaert played well enough to be drafted by the New York Rangers in the second round of the 1975 Entry Draft. The 1975-76 had Soetaert in the AHL with the Providence Reds, playing in 16 games and putting up a 6-9-1 record, while also playing eight games with the Rangers and finishing with a 2-2-0 record. It was another split year for Soetaert in the 1976-77 season, playing 16 games with the AHL's New Haven Nighthawks with a 6-9-0 record and then 12 games with the Rangers, ending there with a 3-4-1 record. New Haven is where Soetaert would play the majority of the 1977-78 season, playing in 36 games and compiling an even 16-16-6 record there; plus a 8-7 record in 15 playoff games. Soetaert also did get the call for six games with the Rangers-- another even year at 2-2-2.

The 1978-79 season had Soetaert as the back-up for the Rangers the majority of the year, going 5-7-3 in his 17 appearances, but did play in three games in New Haven at 2-1-0 clip. Soetaert would return to New Haven with the 1979-80 season, appearing 32 times with a 17-18-5 record to his name, with a playoff record of 5-3. Soetaert would fair better with the Rangers with a 5-2-0 record in eight appearances there. That allowed Soetaert to spend the 1980-81 season primarily in the Big Apple, playing in 39 games on Broadway and finishing up with a solid 16-16-7 record. Soetaert also touched back in New Haven, finishing with a 5-5-1 record in his 12 games played.

The Rangers were in a logjam with goalies, which made Soetaert expendable as they traded him to the Winnipeg Jets for a draft pick in the summer of 1981. Soetaert jumped into the line-up with the Jets in the 1981-82 season, playing in 39 games and compiled a 13-14-8 record, then going 1-1 in two playoff appearances. Soetaert was allowed more game time in the 1982-83 season by playing in 44 games and finishing with a 19-19-6 record, while in the 1983-84 season; Soetaert had played 47 games with a 18-15-7 record to show and a 0-1 playoff record.

Before the 1984-85 season, the Jets traded Soetaert to the Montreal Canadiens for Mark Holden. That first season with Montreal, Soetaert when 14-9-4 in 28 appearances backing up a young goalie named Patrick Roy. The 1985-86 season saw Soetaert do the same thing, playing in only 23 games and finishing with a 11-7-2 record and being along for the ride as the Canadiens won the Stanley Cup that spring.

The 1986-87 season had Soetaert return the Rangers as a free agent, where he would play 13 games with a dismal 2-7-2 record. It would be Soetaert's last, as he would retire after that season.

After his career, Soetaert went into the front office roles many former players do. Soetaert would first work with the IHL's Kansas City Blades for 11 seasons as a coach and GM; helping them win a Turner Cup and being named Executive of the Year in the IHL in 1992. Soetaert would also build up a solid junior team in the Everett, Washington with the Everett Silvertips, starting from the ground up and putting a solid contender in the WHL from the start. While he did take a small detour to help the Calgary Flames in their new AHL team (Omaha Ak-Sar-Ben Knights), but would only stay there for a season before returning to Everett as a GM, where he is today.

It was from the basement to Broadway for Soetaert and he did have quite the career. He did what he could in order to show his wears for the team he was drafted with, but also made notable strides late in his career, where he would also be witness to the start of a great goalie's career and winning a Cup ring in the process. He made a solid life for himself in the hockey world after his playing career is well. You can't really see much of a downside, if only the happenstance of things getting jammed up a bit stifling some progress.

Dressing to the Ninth

2011-10-16T09:00:00.000-06:00

There's going to be quite the racket coming up so when it comes to some high-profile rookies and what their club teams are going to do and should do with them for the rest of the season. The rule is that teams can have junior-eligible players dress up to nine games without having the first year of their entry-level contract kicking in. They have more time to send them back before a year of service goes in their career, but that's another story altogether.

The likes of Ryan Murphy, Ryan Strome, and Jonathan Huberdeau were sent back before notching a game under their belt. The big question is for the following guys from the 2011 Draft still in the pros, which I'll talk about, huzzah.

Ryan Nugent-Hopkins: Following Saturday night's hat-trick, the Oilers are going to be hard pressed to make this decision to either keep RNH or to send him back to Red Deer. Undeniably, he has the skill, but will the size and stamina be there for him?? Plus, with all the young guns that they have in Edmonton, do they want to burn a year on his contract and create a logjam for the Oilers for money in the next five years?? Personally, I think that it would definitely help RNH to go back to Red Deer for another season just to dominate and to fill out a bit, but if the Oilers keep winning and he keeps playing top-six time; he could find an apartment right quick.

Gabriel Landeskog: Here's another guy who would enjoy a decent goal-scoring season in Colorado, should the management think he could hang with the team. He's got the size, but it's a matter of what the team will do and what they want to do with the contract. While Landeskog has the guile to be an NHL right now, I believe the Avalanche will send him back to Kitchener for another year of seasoning.

Adam Larsson: The odds are good Larsson will stay up in New Jersey. In four games, he's averaging over 24 minutes of ice time, though he has a minus-1 to show for it. He's playing in key situations and really getting a lot of confidence from coach Pete DuBoer; which makes me think the big Swede will stay in the Swamp this year.

Mika Zibanejad: Senators' coach Paul MacLean said that Zibanejad would get the full nine-game tryout, but beyond that is going to be a question. It seems the Senators are going nowhere fast this season, which makes it hard to put a young kid in that disorganization and maybe warp him. Of course, he hasn't reacted too well to the change in game from over in Sweden, so odds are that's where he'll be destined when his nine games are up.

Mark Scheifele: With Scheifele's big training camp and preseason (4g, 4a), you'd expect he'd light things on fire. Yet, the Jets and Scheifele haven't done much of anything on the ice, which could cause this great story to fall by the wayside; but for the best on a new team trying to find their way in a new place. Scheifele will definitely be a big part of the future of the Jets, but right now-- he could just want to enjoy the splendid time he had in the limelight and build off of that.

Sean Couturier: Couturier had a solid pre-season, enough to get on the Flyers roster; but alas-- it seems he hasn't been able to hang with the regular season side of things. With one assist and a +2 in three games, he hasn't been horrible; but could get lost in the fold if he stays up and starts to decline in performance and ice time.

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There's one definite, two maybes, and the rest will probably see their NHL experience end in the next week, which could be just enough for them to get hungrier and more driven to get back there full time. Or it could break them completely and never be as good as they could have been. It's always a tight-rope walk when it comes to young kids, especially those who are just over three months removed from being drafted into the league.

Realignment Assignment

2011-10-12T08:10:00.000-06:00

If we are to believe the Irish god of Twitter, Bob McKenzie, then the Detroit Red Wings will be the newest member of the Eastern Conference in the Southeast Division, sliding the Winnipeg Jets over to the Western Conference in the Central Division.

I'll let that sink in for a second, while you try-- like me-- to figure out how this is possible.

For one, the Red Wings are further north than the Columbus Blue Jackets-- who could really use the move to the Eastern Conference because of the monetary woes they have been having. Greg Wyshynski pointed it out perfectly in this tweet. Hell, even the Nashville Predators would make a little more sense to be in that area in terms of location; though they are in another time zone and about 200 miles further away to their closest rival than the Wings or Jackets are.

Regardless of the outcome-- the tin-foil hat brigade will be other on either side.

If the Red Wings move: Then the Wings haters will be all over the NHL for saying that the Wings have the NHL by short hairs and forced this move to have an easier schedule, though they have been doing very well in the Western Conference even with the travel.

If any other team moves in lieu of the Red Wings: Then the Wings fans will get up in arms about how the NHL doesn't want them to win and that because of their history-- they should be able to move to the East and have a lighter travel handed to them.

Either way, the NHL is in a lose-lose situation here. Damned if they do, damned if they don't.

Not so much the distant, the fact that the Red Wings would lose the rivalries they have with the Chicago Blackhawks, Colorado Avalanche, and even the Nashville Predators if they moved west; though if the Preds move-- that would screw that up, but whatever. My point is that you can't have a team that has a rival base like that up-and-move because they feel they have some kind of stroke with the league.

Logically, the Blue Jackets would be the best. They don't have any natural rivalries in the West, they're in financial peril and could use the break in travel, plus they're closer to the Southeast Division than the Wings. I'm not a fan of the Predators moving due to the time-zone, but at the same time-- it would fit in to the geographical logic.

With brings me to this point, the NHL needs to realize that they geographical assignments to the divisions don't work. Hell, the divisions should exist anymore. Since teams don't have to play out of their divisions to move along-- why even have them at all?? Send the best eight teams out of the Conference to represent them in the Stanley Cup Finals rather than having to make sure that every division has a team in there, even if they aren't worthy enough-- like the Southeast Division was for years. There's really no need to have the geographical assignments with teams out of whack-- like Minnesota in the Northwest Division.

If the NHL wants a divisional setting-- you'll have to have uneven divisions of seven in one, eight in the other, and have the top-four from each go to the playoffs, play out of the playoffs, and then move onto the winners out of the division go to the Conference Finals-- much like in the days where there was a Patrick, Adams, Smythe, and Norris Divisions out there.

The debate will never not make sense to one side or another and the debates will rage on. Now, if the Blue Jackets or Phoenix Coyotes end up moving to Quebec City-- then problem solved, but that's just me stirring the pot. We'll just have to wait until December.....a long December.

Absurd Goalie Monday: Bob Janecyk

2011-10-10T08:00:00.000-06:00

It's not often where we see a goalie make it to the NHL from a Division II NCAA school, but that's exactly what we have in this instance. While he did stay at home in one of the more unlikely college markets, he attained most of his playing time and notoriety. This week, the profile of Bob Janecyk.

The long road for Janecyk started in his hometown of Chicago, Illinois; where he would play four years with Chicago State University from the 1975-76 season until the 1978-79 season. Janecyk would get All-American honors in 1976, 1977, and 1978.

Janecyk would move to the professional ranks during the 1979-80 season, where he would start with the Chicago Cardinals of the Continental Hockey League for a single game, before moving to the IHL to first play two games with the Flint Generals, but would make his name for 40 games with the Fort Wayne Komets.

The summer of 1980, Janecyk was signed by the Chicago Blackhawks and spent the 1980-81 season in the AHL with the New Brunswick Hawks, going 11-18-1 in 34 games. Janecyk would stick with New Brunswick for the 1981-82 season, putting up an impressive 32-13-7 record in the regular season and going 11-2 in 14 playoff games, helping them win the Calder Cup. Janecyk won the Hap Holmes trophy for fewest goals-against that season, as well as getting First Team All-Star honors. The 1982-83 season had Janecyk move to the Springfield Indians of the AHL, going 19-24-4 in 47 appearances, as well as getting First Team All-Star honors that season as well. Janecyk was back in Springfield for the 1983-84 season, playing in 30 games and finishing with a 14-11-4 record. Janecyk also spent eight games with the Chicago Blackhawks, going 2-3-1 for his hometown team.

During the Entry Draft of 1984, Janecyk and three draft picks from the Blackhawks (which included future Baseball Hall of Famer Tom Glavine) to the Los Angeles Kings for two draft picks in return. That 1984-85 season had Janecyk thrown into the starting role for the Kings quickly, as he would play 51 games and compiling a 22-21-8 record, then going 0-3 in three playoff games. Janecyk only saw 38 games of playing time in the 1985-86 season, finishing with a 14-16-4 record. With the Kings bringing in Daren Eliot as a back-up in the 1986-87 season, Janecyk only saw seven games of action, going 4-3-0. Janecyk played in the AHL for the New Haven Nighthawks for the bulk of the 1987-88 season, going 19-13-3 in 37 appearances, though he would get the call back to Los Angeles for five games, having a 1-4-0 record to show for it. Janecyk would be back in New Haven for the 1988-89 season, posting a 14-13-6 record in 34 games, as well as getting to play in one game for the Kings; a no-decision. After that year, Janecyk hung up his pads.

After retiring, Janecyk got into the management game and is currently a scout for the Ottawa Senators.

He stayed close to home when he started his career, but it could be the most unlikeliest of career paths taken of all these AGMs that have been done. Though Janecyk was pushed out towards the end, he did what he could to keep his spot in the NHL. If nothing else, he played for his hometown team, which something not many players can do in their careers.

Kaity 'Beth's Outsourced Picks

2011-10-06T19:18:00.003-06:00

The joys of parenthood is defined different for everyone. For me, it's someone to do my work for me. As Kaity did in her 2nd Annual Picks for the Cup.

To be fair, on FOHS last night (which you can hear when the Playoffs start, I'm sure): I did pick the Carolina Hurricanes and Dallas Stars for my Cup picks, not picking a winner.

And that's what's up.

The Case of Sean Avery

2011-10-06T12:25:00.002-06:00

With the waiving and subsequent sending down of Sean Avery, the big question is whether or not anyone will see Sean Avery on an ice rink in a hockey playing capacity ever again. With one more year remaining on his current contract and then three teams having to pay him if he's picked up on re-entry waivers; the odds are slim unless someone wants to take a big chance.

However, oddly enough-- that's to the wonder that is FOHS's resident accountant, JonnyP-- if every team picked-up Avery on waivers and then put him back on re-entry waivers; the last two teams would only have to pay $0.0072 for his contract. Fun facts.

But still-- the biggest thing working against Avery is the fact he is a loose cannon. While he does have a great amount of actual hockey skill; the fact he takes greater pride in being an instigator...and then not knowing when to draw the line in that makes many teams wonder if it's worth the risk to have a guy out there like that. Sure, he'll draw a key penalty; but at what point do you think he'll be able to know when to draw the line.

That's why the Rangers were the best fit for him, because he had a coach like John Tortorella who knew when to pull the leash on him and keep him in line and focused; to which Avery responded most of the time. Other teams are going to look behind their bench and maybe give their coach a break for trying to deal with a guy like that; not so much that the coach couldn't handle it-- but because of the stress that it could cause trying to keep an eye on someone like Avery, as well as the rest of the bench could take it's toll.

Then there's the distractions on Avery's behalf, mostly because he's a guy who does seem like he want to have his hand in other interests outside of hockey, so putting him in a place where he doesn't have that outside stimulus-- while it's the best place for him to focus on hockey-- would make him a restless soul to deal with and then he goes out and does something stupid to make himself and team look back. We all remember the Dallas incident, so there's that.

Personally-- I would enjoy seeing Avery back in the NHL because he's the prototypical guy who's going from the goon mentality to the agitator mentality. Plus, when he wants to be a solid offensive player, he actually can be. It's not like he's a one-trick pony. However, that fate for this year is held in the hands of Glen Sather and Avery. After his contract runs out, I doubt many teams will make a move unless they see an attitude change-- which is a bit disappointing, but understandable. Time will tell.

On The Topic of Player Rankings

2011-10-05T14:00:00.000-06:00

To have Sidney Crosby ranked as the #1 on a Top 50 list is just as asinine as Ian Laperriere winning the Masterton Trophy even though he didn't play a single game in 2010-11.

Sure, it's a crass comparison, but when you look at the fact Crosby hasn't played a game in almost ten months, it's hard for me to believe that TSN is right in naming Crosby the top player in the league. I get that they have to keep the Canadians happy and Canadians love Crosby-- but there's a thing call reality in there. Yes, Crosby's skills are amazing when he's on the ice-- but now, who knows what's going to happen if he gets into traffic or get a solid check again that drops him for another extended time.

That said, while I like Alex Ovechkin, too-- he shouldn't be the second player on that list or first. Ovechkin is coming off a horrible year. He should be judged as such, at least in my world.

This is the problem with lists, they don't have ANYTHING to do with reality. It's just something that deals with a popularity contest-- much like the All-Star voting, where it doesn't matter how hurt someone is, they'll still get voted to the starting line-up because of popularity. The lists are crap and definitely not rational when it comes to proving worth.

It's a slight to guys like Steve Stamkos and the Sedins (Daniel and Henrik) that Ovechkin and Crosby are ranked higher than them. Granted, the dynamics and attention Ovechkin and Crosby get are second-to-none; but that doesn't mean they're effective as the others mentioned above (or others in the league) that have played better than the big two.

In the end, it's all subjective. People will like who they like and there's going to be no moving them from that position. People love Crosby and Ovechkin and will discount their play (or lack thereof) because of their position in promoting the league and being recognizable. It is what it is though, because you can ask fans of all 30 teams and odds are you'll get at least 20 different answers on who the best in the league is. That's just the happenstance of people's opinion.

Absurd Goalie Monday: Daryl Reaugh

2011-10-03T08:00:00.001-06:00

I'm quite surprised I haven't gotten to this week's entry sooner. He has a bigger presence in his post-career life than he did during his career. Even so, if not for the experience in the pros that he had, he may not be as good on the mic as he is now. Yet, one big injury shortened his career, though allowed him to get to the booth sooner than usual, which benefits fans ten-fold. This week, the career of Daryl Reaugh.

Reaugh started it off with the Cowichan Valley Capitals in the BCHL starting in the 1982-83 season, but would move to the WHL's Kamloops Jr. Oilers starting in the 1983-84 season; putting together a 34-10-0 record in 55 games, then going 14-3 in 17 playoff games, helping the Jr. Oilers to the WHL Championship. Reaugh went 1-2 in the Memorial Cup, as well. During the 1984 Draft, the Edmonton Oilers selected Reaugh in the second round; but he would play again in Kamloops, posting a 36-8-1 record in 49 games and 10-5 in the playoffs, losing in the Finals. Reaugh was awarded First All-Star Team honors for the WHL West.

During that 1984-85 season, Reaugh played one game with Edmonton, a loss, and would join the organization in the 1985-86 season with the Nova Scotia Oilers of the AHL. Reaugh had a 15-18-4 record in that first year while playing 38 games. The 1986-87 season saw Reaugh get into 46 games and finishing with a 19-22-0 record and 0-2 in two playoff appearances. The 1987-88 season had Reaugh bouncing everywhere. He would play in Nova Scotia for eight games (2-5-0) and for the IHL's Milwaukee Admirals for nine games (0-8-0), but would spend the majority of his time in Edmonton with the Oilers, dressing for 60 games, but playing in only six (1-1-0).

Reaugh dressed enough for the Oilers that year that he received a Stanley Cup ring for the Oilers' victory and was included in the team picture, but did not get his name engraved on the Stanley Cup.

The 1988-89 season was an interesting one for Reaugh. First, he started out with the Cape Breton Oilers, but would move over to Finland to play with Karpat Oulu for 13 games and going 7-5-1, then returned to Cape Breton. With Cape Breton, Reaugh went 3-10-0 that entire season.

Reaugh signed with the Hartford Whalers in the summer of 1989, but would spend most of the 1989-90 with the Binghamton Whalers of the AHL, playing in 52 games and ending with a dismal 8-31-6 record for the season. Reaugh would split his 1990-91 season between Hartford and with the Springfield Indians, who relocated from Binghamton. In Springfield, Reaugh went 7-6-3 in 16 games, while in Hartford-- Reaugh went 7-7-1 in 20 games, but would have his season end abruptly as his catching hand was skated over by an opponent's skate. Reaugh was back in Springfield for the 1991-92 season, playing on 22 games and finishing with a 3-12-2 record.

There was little work for Reaugh in the 1992-93 season, as he would play only one games with the Hershey Bears of the AHL that season, which was a no-decision. The 1993-94 season had Reaugh in the ECHL wth the Dayton Bombers for four games (1-3-0) before a severe hamstring injury would end his career at age 28.

Yet, Reaugh was able to get back into the game easily, first contributing to the play-by-play spot in Dayton after his injury Then, he would become the Dallas Stars color commentator in 1996, a position he still holds today; as well as blogging for the team's site.. Along with that, Reaugh has been a contributor for the Versus Network, NBC, ESPN, ABC, Fox, and EA Sports. This season, Reaugh will also contribute to CBC's Hockey Night in Canada for the late broadcasts. Reaugh has great comedic timing in the booth, as well as being a very articulate broadcaster with catch-phrases for days....whatever that means.

While severe injuries cut his time in the pros short, at least he was able to get back on his feet just after his career did end. There was a lot of promise, but it just seemed fate wasn't there for him. He did have a couple championships to his credit, though, and you can't take that away from him.

Front Numbers Of the Apocalypse

2011-10-01T13:32:00.000-06:00

Sure, I'm a bit late to the party, but I wanted to see how they panned out first. The NHL is apparently going to try out having numbers on the front of the helmets for this upcoming season. The news first broke when the equipment manager of the Minnesota Wild put a picture up on Twitter of Dany Healthy's helmet with the front numbers on them.

During preseason games, you could see team like the Wild and Nashville Predators try out this new invention, which the NHL is claiming to use to help the people at home watching with who has the puck and broadcasters, as well. Not that that big number on back and "TV" numbers on the sleeves were enough for some people.

My point is that these look so far out of place, it's laughable. As much as I hate the front number to the jerseys because it's out of place; I'd much rather have those than the numbers on the front of the helmet. Hell-- I'd rather have unnecessary piping on the helmets than to have these front numbers.

There's a lot of other hypothesis about why these numbers are there-- that it's the start of helmet branding is one of the funnier ones, but someone suggested that it's to maybe get the players from focusing on the head, as if it were a guy with his back turned. If you see the numbers, don't hit them is the rule you learn in pee-wee hockey, but still we have those issues today. If that's the reason, the NHL should come out and say that rather than to actually have the audacity to say that it's due to making it easier to watch.

People have eyes and will probably be able to tell the numbers from the back rather than in the front. Plus, you'd be able to tell skating styles and all that other junk, but at the same time-- if this is for safety measures; it probably is going to get as ragged on as it has been. Odds are people would accept it more and maybe even applaud the decision to do something like that. Yet-- here we are....front numbers; hopefully the helmet companies will take my piping line as a joke.....god, I hope.

Absurd Goalie Monday: Lindsay Middlebrook

2011-09-26T08:00:00.001-06:00

While we get closer and closer to the return of the Winnipeg Jets, we flashback to one of the original NHL Jets who didn't really make the cut with Winnipeg....or many places else in the NHL for that matter. However, he came up from a very unknown source in the NCAA and carved his niche in the minors. This week, the profile of Lindsay Middlebrook.

Middlebrook played Junior "A" hockey with the Wexford Raiders in Ontario, before signing on to play with the St. Louis University Billikens, who were a founding member in the CCHA division of NCAA hockey. From the 1973-74 until the 1976-77 season, Middlebrook played 74 games with the Billikens, helping them with two CCHA titles and garnering CCHA First Team All-Star honors in the 1974-75 season.

After his college career, Middlebrook signed with the New York Rangers before the 1977-78 season, where he would play between the New Haven Nighthawks of the AHL for 17 games (5-9-3) and then 16 regular season games with the IHL's Toledo Golddiggers, then 13 playoff games helping them win the Turner Cup for the season. With that prior success, Middlebrook stayed in the AHL for the 1978-79 season with the Nighthawks, going 29-19-5 in 54 games, then 2-3 in five playoff games. Middlebrook was named to the AHL First Team All-Star team at the end of the season.

With the NHL absorbing or "expanding" the WHA, Middlebrook was left unprotected and picked up by the Winnipeg Jets with their second pick of the Expansion Draft. However, most of the 1979-80 season saw Middlebrook with the CHL's Tulsa Oilers, where he would play in 37 games and compile a 16-15-3 record, then 0-2 in the playoffs. When called up by Winnipeg, Middlebrook went 2-8-0 in his ten games. The 1980-81 season had Middlebrook back in Tulsa for the majority of the time, going 17-16-2 in 36 games, then 4-4 in the playoffs; allowing him to take home the CHL Second Team All-Star honors. When called up to Winnipeg, Middlebrook struggled and went 0-9-3 in 14 games with the Jets.

In the summer of 1981, Middlebrook was traded to the Minnesota North Stars for cash. The 1981-82 season would have Middlebrook settle back into the CHL with the Nashville South Stars, where he would play 31 games with a 17-11-2 record; then going 0-3 in the playoffs. When called up to Minnesota, Middlebrook didn't lose a game......or win a game, as he went 0-0-2 in his three appearances.

Middlebrook was a free agent and signed with the New Jersey Devils in 1982, who had recently moved to New Jersey from Colorado, allowing him to play with a new team that actually was old. However, he only got in nine games with the Devils, going 0-6-1. He would spend most his time in the CHL again with the Wichita Wind, going 6-7-0 in 13 games.

Then, Middlebrook was traded by the Devils to the Edmonton Oilers in the middle of the 1982-83 season, but Middlebrook only played one game-- which was a win-- for the Oilers. Middlebrook was sent to the AHL's Moncton Alpines, going 6-4-1 in 11 games with them.

After no NHL offers came, Middlebrook signed with the CHL's Montana Magic, playing in 33 games in the 1983-84 season; going 10-22-3 for that time. In the 1984-85 campaign, Middlebrook went back to the IHL and the Toledo Golddigers, playing 18-25-3 in his 50 games, then 2-4 in his playoff starts. For a third year, Middlebrook moved to another team-- the Milwaukee Admirals of the IHL-- and would have a solid showing the 1985-86 season, going 33-10-0 in 56 games, then 1-4 in five games of the playoffs. Middlebrook would end his career playing with the Danville Fighting Saints in the 1986-87, helping them to the championship of the All-American Hockey League. After winning that title, Middlebrook decided to hang up his pads.

While Middlebrook has seem to been out of the limelight, he has been seen around the Danville, Illinois area in the hockey scene there.

While he did have his bright spots, it seems that during a time where you had little leeway to make a mistake-- Middlebrook seemed to have the mistakes following him around in the NHL. He did carve a slight spot for him in the minor leagues, but still could have done better. All in all, he could hang his hat on being with two franchises that were just starting, but moving from either a previous league or previous city.

Shanahan, Suspensions, and Social Appeal

2011-09-23T11:25:00.000-06:00

With the NHL taking the next new step into being a more personable brand, it also seems to shed some light into the latest idea they have in order to explain some of the suspensions they have doled out and why. This, of course, is due to Brendan Shanahan's new gimmick of taking to video in explaining and showing why the suspension of the player is given.

While he seems to take on the role of Jack Tunney in these videos, it's a smart idea for Shanahan and the NHL to do; because I don't know about you, but I hate reading. Plus, with this-- Shanahan can definitely spot out where it went wrong in the explanation and he gets to do the announcement from that fancy set in some secret mountain base the NHL produces stuff in.

It's very unlike any other sport where you can see the hit and have the disciplinarian explain it all-- like so much Clarissa Darling. Sure, you'll have debates on why the same hit carries a different penalty or how one player can get off the hook without penalty when a hit weeks earlier did get penalized-- but at least you won't have the NHL hiding from their reasoning on why someone got the penalty they did.

Even so, this seems to show that the NHL wants to be more relatable to the fans and actually takes them inside the process. This could be a good thing, this could be a bad thing. We already have too many armchair GMs and armchair Commissioners around the social media sites and blogging sites that this just adds another facet to the whole armchair expert ideal. That could make some people even more incorrigible, but it's just something that seems to go with the territory.

However, this whole thing makes me wonder if people will ever get mad at someone like Brendan Shanahan and lash out at him like they do with Gary Bettman or like they did with Colin Campbell?? Shanahan is a likeable guy from his playing days, very well respected for his decisions up to this point-- but will he get more slack cut from him for it?? Everyone is able to hate Bettman and Campbell because they're the figureheads who are supposed to be hated and they take it in stride. Yet, Shanahan could be a guy that will get the benefit of the doubt from fans and commentators because of what he has done, which will definitely take the heat off of Bettman for the decision making or maybe even creating rules to help protect players; which is a smart move to give someone likable the main stage so the heat won't be as bad.

Though, the tide could change with people. Sure, the honeymoon period should be give to Shahanan and with him going out-front with these videos will help his cause. At the same time-- there could be a breaking point for people if while he may be respect, some of his decisions will irk some fanbase, then have a snowball effect from there. It'll be interesting to see if Shanahan will get the same heat as people in his position from the past.

All in all, it's a great step for the NHL to take a different angle in order to reach out to the fans and be a little more insight to the reasons why a player was suspended; rather than typing up a press release and sending that out and thinking it's kosher. Whether it ultimately makes things more understandable for the fans remains to be seen, but at least they can say they tried and failed rather than not trying at all.

On The Topic of Pre-Season

2011-09-21T11:05:00.001-06:00

With pre-season underway, many people are definitely hyped up that the game they love is back. Plus, it also allows people on social media sites to be done with the annoying "Is it October yet??" battle-cry that makes me all stabby and what-not.

Even with the game back, it definitely doesn't feel the same. If anything else, the only good thing about the pre-season is just to see what your team has laying in wait for whenever players are traded or injured. More often or not, I'm usually watching pre-season games wondering who is wearing those unusual numbers ("Is that a fraction on the jersey??") and then wondering how long it'll take before they're sent back to the AHL or juniors.

That said, you will have stories like Mark Scheifele of the Winnipeg Jets, who has had a great rookie camp and pre-season-- it almost makes him someone to watch and see if he sticks with the main squad for the whole year. Scheifele was the first pick ever from the newly formed Jets and would have a great story behind him if he can keep it up. Oddly enough, though, I haven't heard much about Ryan Nugent-Hopkins recently, which could be either good or bad depending on how you look at that.

More over, the big deal is that the pre-season allows teams to play in different locations. Last night, there was a game in Baltimore, while the rest of the month brings about locations like London, Ontario; Charlotte, North Carolina; Kansas City, Missouri; Orlando, Florida; Albany, New York; and Halifax, Nova Scotia. Those are cities that may not get to see the NHL during the regular season, so I can actually see the excitement and hype that will come from those games.

In addition to that, these games are probably the only time some fans are able to afford a game since regular season tickets are pretty crazily priced.

The biggest risk in these games are with the star players on the team playing in the exhibitions probably getting hurt (especially in the neutral site games) or star players not getting enough time, then really getting off to a slow start. Even so, you hear guys like Jarome Iginla having nagging injuries at the start of camp; which will have fans waiting with bated breath when it comes to their return.

There's a lot of drama that comes around the pre-season and it's great reporting for the people who have starved for actual news during the summer. It's game action, it's something other than speculation to worry about, and it gets people ready for the impending weather change. It may not be my cup of tea, but at the same time-- guess it's better than nothing, right??

Absurd Goalie Monday: Marcel Cousineau

2011-09-19T08:00:00.003-06:00

This week's AGM had very few winning seasons to his name, though you have to wonder if that was his problem or the fact he wasn't on many very good teams. Regardless of what it was, he had enough chances to try and break through, but it didn't seem to stick. This week, a look at the career of Marcel Cousineau.

The first appearance of Cousineau was in Midget AAA, playing with the Richelieu Riverains, he would go 22-5-0 in 27 games, then going 1-3 in four playoff games before he would jump to the QMJHL's Beauport Harfangs in the 1990-91 season, finishing that season with a 14-29-3 record in 49 appearances. Cousineau was drafted by the Boston Bruins during the 1991 Entry Draft, but he'd return to Beauport for the 1991-92 season, playing in 67 games and compiling a 26-32-5 record. The 1992-93 season had Cousineau start in Beauport, going 12-24-2 in 39 games before being traded to the Drummondville Voltigeurs, going 8-8-0 in 21 games there; then going 3-6 in nine playoff games.

Cousineau was a free agent at the start of the 1993-94 season, but would get signed by the Toronto Maple Leafs in November of 1993 and sent to the AHL St. John's Maple Leafs, playing in 37 games with a 13-11-9 record to show. Cousineau would get the starter's role in the 1994-95 season, but would only finish with a 22-27-6 in 58 games; then go 0-3 in three playoff games. Cousineau would put in 62 games for St. John's in the 1995-96 season, finishing with a 21-26-13 record, then 1-3 in four playoff games for the Baby Leafs. The 1996-97 season had Cousineau get a step up the the NHL with Toronto, where he would play in 13 games with a 3-5-1 record; but he would split his season in St. John's, where he'd go 7-8-3 in 19 games with the Baby Leafs, then 6-5 in 11 playoff games. The majority of the 1997-98 season has Cousineau back in St. John's, finishing with a 17-25-13 record in 57 games, then 1-3 in four playoff games-- all the while making two appearances in Toronto with no decisions in either game.

Cousineau would sign with the New York Islanders in the summer of 1998 and play most of the 1998-99 season with the Lowell Lock Monsters, putting up a 26-17-7 record with a 0-3 playoff record. Cousineau also saw six games on Long Island, compiling an 0-4-0 record in those games.

Before the 1999 Draft, Cousineau-- along with Ziggy Palffy, Bryan Smolinski, and a pick-- were traded to the Los Angeles Kings for Olli Jokinen, Josh Green, Mathieu Biron, and a pick. Most of the 1999-2000 season, Cousineau spent in the IHL with the Long Beach Ice Dogs, going 15-6-1 in 23 games, while spending five games with the Kings, going 1-1-0. Cousineau would miss the last month of the IHL season due to appendicitis. The 2000-01 season had Cousineau in the AHL with the Lowell Lock Monsters, finishing there with a 15-20-2 record and o-1 in this playoff appearance. With a new AHL affiliate to the Kings, Cousineau would be play with the Manchester Monarchs for the 2001-02 season, finishing with a 10-12-2 record in 28 appearances.

With no North American offers, Cousineau went overseas to play with Severstal Cherepovets in the Russian Elite League. The 2002-03 season had Cousineau playing in 34 games with a 1.81 GAA with six shutouts. Also, Cousineau would help Cherepovets win the silver place in the Russian League playoffs.

Cousineau would come back to North America to play in the Quebec Semi-Pro League with the Verdun Dragons in the 2003-04 season, finishing with a 17-10-1 record in 29 games. When the league changed its name to the North American League in 2004-05, he played with the Sorel-Tracy Mission, playing in 52 games before he would hang up the pads.

The whereabouts of Cousineau since he retired are unknown, but he did seem to have some chances to make a name of himself; but happenstances didn't turn out the way he had wanted. He did get a lot of playoff experience; but did nothing with it due to his teams' inabilities to actually give him any means of support to help him win.

2011-12 NHL '94 Update

2011-09-15T13:35:00.002-06:00

Great image from Dave's Geeky Ideas

With the announcement of Teemu Selanne saying he was coming back, it's time for me to update the list from before about who's still left from the fantastic NHL '94 franchise. That also ties into the NHL '12 release, which was just happenstance.

Now, with Mike Modano and Chris Simon still out there as free agents and Owen Nolan only with a try-out contract, we could be in our last throws of this whole gimmick. It's just a clean-up from the old list to make it easier to read.

Plus, I still say that I'll buy a jersey of the last player and the team they were on when they finally retire.

UPDATED: SEPTEMBER 21, 2011

BUFFALO: Dominik Hasek, KHL

DALLAS: ~~Mike Modano, UFA~~; Mike Craig, Austria

DETROIT: Sergei Fedorov, KHL; Slava Kozlov, KHL; Nicklas Lidstrom, Detroit Red Wings

HARTFORD: Mikael Nylander, AHL; Robert Petrovicky, KHL; Zarley Zalapski, Switzerland

NY RANGERS: Alexei Kovalev,KHL

PITTSBURGH: Jaromir Jagr, Philadelphia Flyers; Martin Straka, Czech Republic

QUEBEC: Owen Nolan, Vancouver Canucks [try-out]; Martin Rucinsky, Czech Republic, Chris Simon, UFA

SAN JOSE: Sandis Ozolinsh, KHL

TAMPA BAY: Roman Hamrlik, Washington Capitals

VANCOUVER: Petr Nedved, Czech Republic

WINNIPEG: Teemu Selanne, Anaheim Ducks

Former NHLers Say "Hello MoDo"

2011-09-14T09:50:00.001-06:00

An interesting article on IIHF.com about the hopes of a revival for one of the most recognizable Swedish Elite teams, MODO Örnsköldsvik, also know as MoDo. The point of the article was the return of some of the stars from their North American careers-- like Markus Naslund as the General Manager and Peter Forsberg as the Assistant GM, then hiring Ulf Samuelsson as the head coach. The article basically goes onward to say that it seems that the MoDo organization could be showing a bit of a North American style because of this for the upcoming season.

While the MoDo organization has been quite the factory for producing NHL players, especially with Victor Hedman and Mats Zuccarello Aasen coming out from the team most recently-- is it the best to have the North American/NHL style of play over in the European game??

Sure, there's going to be a change of pace for MoDo as they have all new management and need to get out of their funk of not making the post-season in the last three seasons and not winning a championship since 2007. Yet, is the overhaul of a system going to be the thing that makes this team have a rebound and maybe make this team a force to be reckoned with??

The style it seems that Samuelsson wants to employ is a high-paced action; which on the bigger rink could be great to the start, but if the conditioning isn't there-- the team will falter later on in the season. Plus, the type of player they're bringing in must be comfortable with the system beforehand because of the fact trying to transition to an overly offensive from maybe a more defensive-based system is a shock to the style of play.

One good thing is that it could possibly catch other teams off-guard, which would definitely be a help-- but much like the hot play of an unknown goalie in the playoffs; team may catch on, adjust, and if MoDo can't adjust properly to counteract the change of the opposition, they could very well be looking from the outside of the playoff picture once again.

It should be an interesting year for the MoDo team, with many of their legendary players coming back to be in a higher position, which also seems to be common theme for recently retired NHLers. Whether this will pay off dividends, of course, remains to be seen-- but it's a nice little something to be on the look-out for outside of the NHL storylines that will be happening.

Absurd Goalie Monday: Hardy Astrom

2011-09-12T08:00:00.002-06:00

While you have heard a lot of about how much Don Cherry loathed this guy, this week's AGM always got the short end of the stick when it came to his playing days. While he started and then ended in Sweden, many will remember him just for that bile that his former coach spewed about him. This is the profile of Hardy Astrom.

(Note: There's no record for the European times, which will show as we go along.)

Relatively unknown due to playing in Sweden, Astrom first got work with Skelleftea AIK of the Swedish Elite League, playing in 101 games in three seasons from the 1974-75 season until the 1976-77 season. Astrom also was able to get time on the Swedish National Team for the 1976 Canada Cup, where he would play in four games and finish up with a 1-2-1 record. Though, Astrom really got noticed during the 1977 World Championships, where while he went only 1-2-0 in four games, the New York Rangers seemed to take a shine to his resiliency.

In the summer of 1977, Rangers GM John Ferguson signed Astrom to a deal with the Rangers. However, the 1977-78 season saw Astrom only play four games for the Rangers (2-2-0), putting him in the AHL with the New Haven Nighthawks for 27 games with a 17-5-3 record to show for it. Astrom also played four games in the World Championships for Sweden.

Yet, Astrom didn't like the treatment he got from the Rangers, especially when he came over with the idea of playing full-time in the NHL; so he went back to Skelleftea AIK for the 1978-79 season, where he would play in 26 games over there for the season.

Astrom was eventually traded by the Rangers to the lowly Colorado Rockies in July 1979 for Bill Lochead. The 1979-80 season was not a kind one for Astrom, as he would have a dismal 9-27-6 record in 49 games; which would see coach Don Cherry verbal abuse Astrom, especially when it came to a drill where Cherry would dump the puck in on net from center ice....and the puck went into the net. However, the 1980-81 season saw Cherry gone in Colorado, but Astrom staying; but he would go 6-15-6 in 30 games. Astrom would be demoted to the Central League's Fort Worth Texans for seven games, with a 1-5-1 record at the end of the year. In the 1981-82 season, Astrom played with the Central League's Oklahoma City Stars for 35 games with a 12-18-1 record, which would be the last time Astrom played in North America.

With the 1982-83 season, Astrom went back to Sweden, but this time with MoDo Ornskoldsvik, though he wouldn't play that season. However, Astrom played in 36 games with MoDo in the 1983-84 season, finishing with a 2.16 GAA to show. Astrom would move along to Sodertalje SK for the 1984-85 season, playing in 27 games with three shutouts to his name; then going 5-3 in eight playoff games, helping Sodertalje win the Swedish Elite League playoff title. The 1985-86 season had Astrom play in 28 games, then going 4-3 in seven playoff games. After that season, he would hang up the pads.

The man who was dubbed the "Swedish Sieve" seemed like he came onto the scene with high hopes, but after some possible mismanagement and then some struggles with getting great footing in North America, though it did help him out when he went back to Sweden. Even so, you wonder how much he could have shined if he wasn't mismanaged OR if he had patience to stay in the minors to develop to the North American game more.

On the Topic Of Tryout Contracts

2011-09-05T10:10:00.000-06:00

While the shooter-tutor and small child won't get offers, we stand only a few weeks from NHL camps opening up, the slew of tryout contracts that are out there aren't surprising. However, there are some interesting names that are out there when it comes to the tryout basis, especially for the teams that signed them up to begin with. The list that I has, goes as such:

-Fabian Brunnstrom, Detroit Red Wings: For a kid who was hyped and sought after when he was a free agent in Sweden, he seemed to fizzle in the Dallas heat. Whether or not he'll thrive in Motor City remains to be seen, but if there's a team that has the ability to turn one team's trash into a treasure-- it's the Red Wings. They've picked diamonds in the rough for the better part of the past decade and if they are able to figure out where Brunnstrom is supposed to fit in, sell him on it, and then have him succeed; it could be a great reward for a small risk.

-Michael Nylander, Philadelphia Flyers: With the neck injury he suffered, it was unknown whether or not that Nylander would be able play again, but it seems that the Flyers have some sign of faith in Nylander to at least give him a look. While he could work very well with Jaromir Jagr, the speed of the game seemed to have taken it's toll on Nylander, as seen during his days in Washington. However, with the lack of offense the Flyers have, it could result in #92 suiting up in the City of Brotherly Love.

-David Aebischer, Winnipeg Jets: While his time in the Swiss league has been rough to say the least, the Jets really lose nothing in trying to stack up their minor league or at least give Aebischer one last kick in the can for the NHL. For a team that's under new.....well, everything, it's the perfect spot for Aebischer to make a good first impression. Though it's unlikely he'll unseat Ondrej Pavelec or Chris Mason; should he want to play in the AHL-- it will be there for his taking. Yet, they would have to get over his contract with HC Lugano; but they'll cross that bridge if they get to it.

-Owen Nolan, Vancouver Canucks: If nothing else, this could breath some life into the "NHL '94" franchise, should Nolan be able to to make the Canucks. He's one of the few left from that fantastic game, but he could also give some more veteran presence in the room. With 26 points in 24 games over in the Swiss league-- he does seem to have SOME positives to him on the ice, though it'll be seen if he can make it work during the camp.

While there are others (Chris Clark, Jay Pandolfo to name a couple), these are the guys who I think will definitely be ones to look at and will probably make the most noise in the camp-- for the better or worse.

Absurd Goalie Monday: Corrado Micalef

2011-09-05T08:00:00.000-06:00

With the fantastic announcement that Amway will be sponsoring the Detroit Red Wings this year, we go to the Motor City. Many have said that these Wings teams were so horrific, it wouldn't have mattered who was in net. Luckily, this netminder is going to be worthy enough to be put into the AGM archives after today. This week-- the profile of Corrado Micalef

Micalef started his career with the QMJHL's Sherbrooke Castors beginning in the 1978-79 season, where he would play in 42 games, posting an 18-11-3. The starting role beckoned Micalef after that and he saw 64 games in the 1979-80 season, finishing with a 38-15-7 record; then 10-5 in 15 playoff games, placing him on the Second-Team All-Star team at the end of the season. The 1980-81 season was monumental for Micalef, as he would play in 64 games with Sherbrooke and go 35-26-3, while going 7-7 in 14 playoff games. Plus, Micalef was able to get a spot on Canada's World Juniors team, but went 1-2-1 in five games. However, the big coup came for Micalef when Sherbrooke loaned him to the Cornwall Royals for the 1981 Memorial Cup, as the Royals' goalie was injured. Micalef went 3-0 in his three games, helping the Royals win the Memorial Cup. Micalef took home the Hap Emms Memorial Trophy for top goaltender of the tournament, as well as the Memorial Cup All-Star Team, plus the QMJHL First-Team All-Star squad.

That performance allowed Micalef to get drafted by the Detroit Red Wings in the 1981 Draft at pick #44. Micalef was thrown into the Wings cage immediately, playing in 18 games for the 1981-82 season-- however, he'd only go 4-10-1. Micalef was sent down to the AHL's Adirondack Red Wings, playing only one games in relief before being sent to the IHL's Kalamazoo Wings, playing in 20 games there. The 1982-83 season brought some more opportunities, as Micalef would play in Detroit for 34 games and have a better go by finishing with a 11-13-5 record in Detroit, while going 6-5-0 in Adirondack.

For the 1983-84 season, Micalef only saw 14 games in Detroit (5-8-1), but would get more time and a bit better performance in Adirondack, finishing with a 14-10-5 record in his 29 games down there. With that, Micalef only played on games in Adirondack in the 1984-85 season (a win) and spent most of the year with Detroit. Yet, in his 36 games that season, Micalef only went 5-19-7. The 1985-86 season wasn't much better for Micalef, as he would go 1-9-1 for Detroit in two stints-- as he would make a seven game stop in Kalamazoo and then a 25 games stop in Adirondack (12-9-0). It would be a quick 1986-87 season for Micalef in North America, as he would only play in one game for Adirondack (a loss), before leaving town.

Micalef went over to Europe and signed on for the rest of the 1986-87 season with HC Fribourg-Gotteron of the Swiss League, playing in 13 games there. While Micalef sat out the 1987-88 season; he went to the French League, playing for HC Villard-de-Lans for two seasons, then moving to HC Briancon for two seasons starting in the 1990-91 season. The 1992-93 season has Micalef go to his family's homeland of Italy to play for Vasace Hockey, but he would move on from there to HC Courmaosta for two seasons starting in the 1993-94 season.

The IHL came calling for Micalef in the 1995-96 season, as he signed with the San Francisco Spiders, playing in 18 games and posting up a 4-8-2 record. It wasn't enough to keep Micalef in North America.

The 1996-97 season has Micalef going to Germany to play in the second divison with EHC Trier for two seasons, then move to Braunlager EHC Harz for the 1998-99 season. Micalef dropped to the third division in 1999-2000 season with ESC Erfurt for two seasons, then moved to ESV Bayreuth for the 2001-02 season before hanging up the pads.

Also of note, during his European vacation; Micalef came back to North America in the summer to play for Roller Hockey International from 1994 to 1997, playing with the Montreal Roadrunners, Orlando Rollergators, and San Jose Rhinos.

Currently, Micalef stays busy with the PEI Rocket of the QMJHL as an assistant coach for them.

While his NHL was not very memorable, Micalef was able to keep plugging along over in Europe and made his way through the lower, unknown leagues and kept his passion alive. While he will be a blip on the radar of the Red Wings history, he was a part of the very lean years in Detroit-- which is a time no Wings fans want to to remember what-so-ever.

Wade Belak 1976-2011

2011-08-31T21:55:00.001-06:00

The world lost Wade Belak on Wednesday. It was the second time in just over two weeks the NHL has lost someone close to the community, as Rick Rypien passed on the 15th of August. Both cases seem to be by way of suicide. This is also the third death this off-season, including Derek Boogaard's passing earlier in the summer.

While Belak wasn't always a guy who jumped out on the score sheet for goals or assists, he was a fan favorite and a guy who was always there to help out the team with an energy shift or to stir up things with the other team. He was always there for the media to give a quip and always seemed to have a light-hearted person. He was a character. On the ice, Belak was a scrapper, but it seemed off the ice, he was a teddy bear. The most heartbreaking part of this is him leaving behind a wife and two young daughters who may never know the answers as to why.

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While people are quick to jump on sides and try to play armchair commissioner; it's not that easy. People can clamor for change as much as they want, but by all knowledge; Belak didn't have any known cases of depression nor concussions (according to him, at least). He was a character and always seemed to be a happy-go-lucky guy. The world is less without him on it anymore.

But as far as people blaming the NHL or NHLPA for not doing enough to help out their players-- who's to say they didn't?? Like I mentioned and has been mentioned abound, it didn't seem like Belak showed any symptoms of depression and it hasn't be documented that he ever requested to go into the program at all.

As I mentioned in my post about Rypien, there's a lot of times where guys aren't going to broadcast their problems out there. A lot of guys are on guard because of the profession they got into. They have a strong pride factor with their toughness and if they even show some vulnerability, it could be seen as weakness and they never showed weakness at all.

People can go on and on about the programs and how the league and the PA needs to get harsher on testing and monitoring of players-- but you cannot force someone to go into these programs. They aren't children and if they feel there is nothing wrong; you have to trust them-- especially if they aren't doing any harm to themselves or others outside of the rink.

Any kind of program a person gets into when it comes to depression is only as good as the person who is getting the help. The NHL and NHLPA could have thrown every available option at guys like Rypien and Belak and it still may not have been enough. Hell, Rypien was in a program a couple times and wasn't rushed at all to come back. He had the wherewithal to actually voluntarily go into the program; because he knew something was up and wanted to get himself better.

There's no cure-all for depression, and while the psychological part of it all is just as important as the physical part-- it's much, much harder to diagnosis and to treat; especially if someone believes they are okay the way they are. All the medicine, counseling, and time in the world could be given to any player-- and it still may not be enough.

Because of that-- you cannot blame any party involved. These are sad happenstances that occur and sadly, would have occurred regardless of how early it was caught, how much medicine was given, how much advice or life changes were suggested. That the messed up part of the brain chemistry; no one really knows how someone else feels and you have to be trusting if they aren't showing any signs.

People can go on and on about how fighting or overly physical nature of the game is to blame; but sometimes that's not always the case. These players are also humans-- they have real-life issues, real-life problems, and are just like you and me; but put on a highly pedestal because of their skills they were able to pick-up through playing a game they love, which they turned into a career. It's easy to lose sight of the humanity of the situation until it turns tragic.

God speed to you, Wade-- I hope you have found peace. To the Belak family, my deepest condolences to you all and I hope one day you may all find some peace in all of this.

To those reading this-- hug the ones you love today and let them know you love them. And hopefully I won't have to write another one of these for a good, long while.

Modernized Retro Strikes Again

2011-08-31T11:45:00.001-06:00

Some big news on Tuesday....well, at least for the last Tuesday for August anyway-- was the Los Angeles Kings putting out a release saying that they are ditching the purple from their color scheme and going with a "modernized retro" version of the Gretzky era black/silver motif. At the Draft, they introduced the white jersey to go along with the black jersey, which used to be the third jersey.

These jerseys are (I believe) the fifth "modernized retro" edition behind the Capitals, Penguins, Sabres, Flyers, and Oilers. They harken back to the Wayne Gretzky era and how they brought the Kings to higher levels of notoriety. Of course, it brings up the unnecessary piping issue again, but at least they don't have front numbers to them all.

However, I have an issue with ditching the purple out of the scheme. Not only is purple a regal color-- something you'd think the Kings would want to have-- they couldn't have gone with a more bland combination of black, silver, and white. The purple and black were unique combination and something that you didn't see much in sports. Hell, I don't believe purple has been used in the NHL prior or since (Mighty Ducks wore plum, Avalanche burgundy; so calm with that chatter). It's bad enough that we have teams going to navy alternate in the past couple of years and before that-- all black everything. Now, we lose a very unique color in the lexicon of sports.

Granted, I could be saying this because I'm a Mount St. Joseph alumni ('01), where our colors were purple and cream-- but I liked the look the Kings already had. It make things pop uniform wise and was something that went with their whole theme of their identity. People fawned over their purple and yellow retro jerseys-- but they can't go ahead and embrace the purple as it was already?? It's confusing, people.

In the end, it's all about nostalgia nowadays. If people clamor to one style over another-- a team will eventually turn to that. Look at all these "Turn Back The Clock" nights and yearn for the past, even though they were probably horrible decisions then and now. But, I'll miss the purple on the jerseys and hope that the Baltimore Ravens, Minnesota Vikings, Sacramento Kings, Phoenix Suns, and Colorado Rockies can hold down the purple reign (HA-- PUNS!!) in sports.

Absurd Goalie Monday: Jacques Caron

2011-08-29T08:00:00.001-06:00

With this week's AGM, we go for a guy who had to take part in two changes that involved the old school NHL Reverse Draft; all leading to very new teams, just happened out of expansion. Even though he didn't see much NHL time, his post-career hockey life has seen him work with the greatest in the NHL and get some hardware in the process. This week, we look at the career of Jacques Caron.

Starting in the Ontario Hockey Association Junior League in the 1956-57 season, Caron played with the Toronto Marlboros, playing in 10 games before moving onward to the Peterborough Petes in the 1957-58 season, where he would play in 31 games. Caron stayed with the Petes for the 1957-58 season, going 24-14-4 during 43 games; then went 9-3-1 in 13 playoff games, as well as going 0-2 in Memorial Cup qualifications.

The 1959-60 season saw Caron move to the Eastern League with the Washington Presidents, where he would play in 55 games with three shutouts. However, the 1960-61 season saw him go back to Canada to play for the Senior League Rouyn-Noranda Alouettes, were he would help them get to the Allan Cup, though he would be 0-3 in the tournament.

With the 1961-62 season, Caron would move back to the States; starting in the Eastern League in five games with the Charlotte Checkers before moving to the AHL with the Springfield Indians, where he would go 4-1 in five games. Caron would stick with the Indians for the 1962-63 season, going 12-14-7 in 38 games that season. Sticking Springfield again for the 1963-64 season, Caron would play in 31 games and finished with a 12-14-1 record on the year. Caron saw more time for the Indians in the 1964-65 season, where he would play 55 games and go 21-29-4 for the year. Caron's would only see 33 games in the 1965-66 season, where he went an even 15-15-1, but then would move up to 35 games in the 1966-67 season, though with an 11-17-5 record to show for it.

For the 1967-68 season, Caron's contract was purchased by the Los Angeles Kings, as the Kings bought the Springfield AHL franchise. Caron would stick with the Springfield Kings for most of the season, going 19-18-4 in 42 games, then heading to Los Angeles for a game, which was a loss. Caron played in the Western League for most of the 1968-69 with the Denver Spurs, finishing there with a 7-21-3 record in 31 games, but still got the call to Los Angeles to go 0-1-0 in three games the Kings.

In June 1969, Caron was picked up by the St. Louis Blues in the NHL Reverse Draft, where NHL teams would pick from minor league teams and vice-versa. In any case, the 1969-70 season saw Caron back with the Spurs, where he'd go 8-16-4 in 31 games. Caron saw 30 games in 1970-71 season with a 10-13-4 record, then 0-2 in the two playoff appearances he saw. While Caron went back to Denver for 20 games for the 1971-72 season (15-3-0); he got the call up to St. Louis for 28 games, where he'd end up with a 14-8-5 record, then went 4-5 in nine playoff games that season. Caron stuck with St. Louis for the 1972-73 season, playing in 30 games behind Wayne Stephenson, which saw Caron go 8-14-5, then 0-2 in three playoff games.

The Reverse Draft struck again, as the Vancouver Canucks claimed Caron before the 1973-74 season. Caron actually stuck with the Canucks and played in 10 games, finishing with a 2-5-1 record in that season.

Caron was traded by the Canucks to the Buffalo Sabres before the 1974-75 season. That season, Caron played in the AHL with the Syracuse Eagles, where he'd play in 50 games and finish with a 16-21-9 record.

The 1975-76 season had Caron stay in Syracuse, but with the North American League; playing in 32 games with three shutouts and was awarded First-Team All-Star honors for that year. Also that season, Caron played with the WHA's Cleveland Crusaders, going 1-0-1 in two games. The 1976-77 season saw Caron with Syracuse for 22 games with a shutout before Cleveland traded Caron to the Cincinnati Stingers; playing in 24 games with a 13-6-2 record with three shutouts.

The 1977-78 season saw Caron play one minutes with the Binghamton Whalers of the AHL, before he would go into a small retirement. Caron would return for 19 minutes with the Whalers in the 1980-81 season, then he'd actually hang-up the pads for good.

Post-playing career, Caron was an assistant coach for the Hartford Whalers, before moving onto the New Jersey Devils. With the Devils, Caron is the goaltending coach for Martin Brodeur; which allowed Caron to get Stanley Cup rings in 1995, 2000, and 2003. Caron is a Special Assignments Coach now.

Though he held it down in the minor leagues, his many travels through the NHL and dealing with all assortment of leagues got Caron pretty prepared for his coaching career. Whether or not the knowledge he had was past onto Brodeur, but the experiences probably aided him along.

The Many Pads of Rick DiPietro

2011-08-25T08:25:00.001-06:00

When it comes to goaltenders, there seems to be a lot of times during the season where goalies will switch their pads. Most of the time, it's due to the impact their original set of pads taking so much punishment from pucks, that they need to get better protection. Other times, it's their pad company wanting to roll out their new style of pads for next season.

Most of the time, it's a small change and not many people will not notice it. Yet, for some times, it's beyond noticeable and could be made for fodder by some people silly enough to actually take it and point it out.

Enter Rick DiPietro. DiPietro has played 307 games since he came into the NHL in during the 2000-01 season. This included the combined 39 games he has played in the past three seasons. Yet, in those games-- as well as games played for Team USA in International competition for the World Cup and World Championships-- DiPietro has had a numerous amount of pad changes.

Of course, I'm just talking about a quick Google Image Search, but 26 different sets of pads have been used by DiPietro, by my count. Some times, it's small changes-- other times, the changes are very drastic and noticeable because of the Islanders' colors of blue and orange, with DiPietro utilizing those colors to the utmost. Of the 26 pictures, 24 of him during his Islanders tenures (two from Team USA) and if you do the math, he changes pads almost every 12 games (which I'm sure is wrong by dividing 307 by 24) . That's almost three sets of pad changes for his nine years in the NHL.

However, because I don't want you kids to do all the research-- here's the slideshow of the pads that DiPietro has used over his years-- enjoy.

Of course, the credits varies by picture and because Google Image Search is what I used-- so I couldn't really give proper credit. If you see a picture of yours and want the credit-- drop it in the comments and I'll go ahead and give you the credit. AND-- if you had anymore, please feel free to send me a link to those pads.

I don't know what the purpose of this whole drill was, but I just found it interesting about the frequency that DiPietro changes pads and how drastic he goes ahead and changes them willy-nilly; but it's August and we need some kind of filler with all of this.

Absurd Goalie Monday: Kevin Hodson

2011-08-22T08:00:00.000-06:00

There are many times where a guy falls into good fortunes and sometimes where guys make their own good fortunes. It seems that this week's AGM had a little bit of both during his playing career. While he made a name for himself on the junior stage; he fell into greatness on the NHL stage to start off with, then had some troubles getting any ice time from there. This week, the profile of Kevin Hodson.

Hodson got started off with his hometown Winnipeg Blues of the Manitoba Junior "A" league before he moved on with the OHL's Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds starting in the 1990-91 season, where Hodson would play 30 games and finished off with a 18-11-0 record; then went 9-1 in ten playoff games on way to helping the Greyhounds to the OHL Championship. However, Hodson would go 0-1 in two Memorial Cup games. The 1991-92 season saw Hodson get more game time in with the Greyhounds, going 28-12-4 in 50 games; then going 12-6 in 18 playoff games to help the Greyhounds to a second straight OHL Championship. In the 1992 Memorial Cup, Hodson went 3-1, with the only loss coming in the Championship game.

In August of 1992, the Chicago Blackhawks signed Hodson to a contract, but stuck him in the IHL with the Indianapolis Ice. With the Ice, Hodson went 5-9-0 in 14 games before the Blackhawks sent him back to the OHL and the Greyhounds. Back with the Hounds, Hodson went 18-5-2 in 26 games, then going 11-2 in the playoffs, though the Hounds would lose to Peterborough in the OHL Championship series. Yet, with Sault Ste. Marie hosting the Memorial Cup, they would get into the tournament and Hodson would go 3-0-1 and allowed the Greyhounds to win the Memorial Cup in their third try. Hodson took home the Hap Emms Memorial Trophy for Outstanding Goaltender in the Memorial Cup, the Memorial Cup All-Star Team, then the OHL All-Star team as well.

Hodson would sign with the Detroit Red Wings before the 1993-94 season, but would be placed in the AHL with the Adirondack Red Wings. Hodson would get in 37 games and post a 20-10-5 record in the regular season, before going 0-2 in three playoff games. The 1994-95 season saw Hodson able to get into 51 games and finish 19-22-8 record, but only go 0-4 in four playoff games. Back in Adirondack in the 1995-96 season, Hodson would 13-13-2 in 32 games, then 0-2 in three playoff games. Hodson would also get into four games with Detroit, going 2-0-0 in his time there.

Detroit kept Hodson up on the team in the 1996-97 season as a third goalie, which limited him to only six games all season for Detroit, finishing with a 2-2-1 record. However, thanks to him staying up on the roster all year, the Red Wings petitioned and got Hodson's name on the Stanley Cup when they won it that summer. Hodson did get two games in the IHL that season with the Quebec Rafales and end with a 1-1-0 record. In the 1997-98 season, Hodson was the back-up for the season and get into 21 games, finishing with a 9-3-3 record and saw 16 seconds of ice time in the playoffs, as the Red Wings would win the Stanley Cup yet again. The 1998-99 season had Hodson seeing limited time in Detroit, playing on four games with only a 0-2-0 record; then being sent down to Adirondack-- playing in six games finishing with a 1-3-2 record before getting on the move.

At the trade deadline in 1999, Hodson and a draft pick was traded to the Tampa Bay Lightning for Wendel Clark, Bill Ranford, and a draft pick. In five games at the end of the season, Hodson went 2-1-1. Hodson would be back in Tampa for the 1999-2000 season, but would appear in most of his 24 games in relief, finishing with a 2-7-4 record. He would get sent down to the IHL's Detroit Vipers for nine games, finishing 2-6-0 record there.

Hodson was traded to the Montreal Canadiens in June of 2000, but would not play with the Canadiens or their affiliates, pretty much being inactive for a coupe years.

Hodson would return to the NHL when he re-signed with the Tampa Bay Lightning for the 2002-03 season, but only appear in seven games with a 0-3-1 record before deciding to hang-up the pads in January of 2003 when the Bolts brought in John Grahame from Boston.

The retirement didn't last too long, as Hodson signed with the Texas Wildcatters of the ECHL in August of 2003, but did not make the squad out of camp. In November of 2003, Hodson went to Finland, signing for Jokerit. Hodson would appear in only three games, finishing with a 1-1-1 record before hanging up the pads for good.

After his career, Hodson went back to school and earned his Bachelor of Business Administration from Algoma University in Sault Ste. Marie and is now working as a financial adviser with Edward Jones Investments.

While he didn't have the greatest NHL career, it was mostly because he wasn't able to get enough games in; but was valuable enough to be kept on a good team as insurance. It got him some good hardware in the end and some valuable experiences. Even so, he had enough sense to go back to school and make the most of his life after hockey; even if he's not directly related to the game anymore.

Rick Rypien 1984-2011

2011-08-17T12:40:00.004-06:00

The world lost Rick Rypien on Monday night.

There's not much else that really can be said that hasn't been said already about the young man's life being taken so young. There were a decent amount of demons in his life that he tried to overcome and to some, it seemed that he may have been able to curb his moods; especially with his signing in Winnipeg this summer.

This is where I go full disclosure on this. I am a sufferer of depression. It's not something I like to put out there too much, but as I look back on what has come out on Rypien from those close to him; I see a lot of things that I could relate to or that may have some personality traits that have been put out there.

It may seem like I'm trying to put myself over in this tragic time (not the case at all), part of me wants to give a different angle and maybe put forth some idea to people who may not be familiar with some things and just different stuff that's being said about Rypien and the person he was. This will probably seem all over the place, so I apologize in advance.

Also, this is all from my personal experiences in one way or another. Others will probably say differently, which is another great thing to have-- options are always a good thing.

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"I’ve got a clean mind, and, I’m healthy, I’m happier with myself than I’ve ever been. I think it’s going to be how I behave and how I act over time, but I’m just taking it one day at a time, and I’m more excited about hockey than I’ve ever been in my whole life." ~ Rick Rypien; March 8th, 2011.

While we don't know if Rypien actually did commit suicide or not to this point, it's still odd that the RCMP would say it was a "sudden and non-suspicious" death. If it was suicide, that just shows how quickly depression can change things. Five months is a long time, but who knows how many times he had bounced back and forth from mood to mood. That's just it with depression-- it's never expected, one way or another. You could be at the highest highs, but the next minute; you're down in the dregs again within seconds, minutes, days, weeks, and so on. It's a dreaded thing and you never really know what's happening until it's too late.

The root of depression is something that is also unknown, though while he was playing junior hockey in Regina, his girlfriend at the time was killed in a car accident on the way to seeing him play. Odds are, something like that is going to eat away at a teenager and be hard to deal with. With a trigger like that, it may not take much for anyone to slip back into a back thought process that isn't the brightest.

"You could tell he was hurting after that but he was just very stoic-- he just kept so much to himself. I don't want to say he was guarded, but he was very private, almost shy." ~Brent Parker, GM of the Regina Pats

"He was kind of a man of few words, but once you got to know him he was just a great guy. If you sit down and have a beer, he’s not going to be the loudest guy in a group of people but once you get two, three, four guys around a table, that’s when you see his true colours come out. He’s funny and he had a heart. It’s sad now to talk about him." ~Tanner Glass, Montreal Gazette

When it comes to group situations, some who are depressed are going to be very on-guard when dealing with it. They don't really want to be vulnerable to people they may not know. Even those who they do know, they don't like to put themselves out there at first. That said, like Glass mentioned, when you get a solid group there and the mood is light; it's easy for people to have their mood change and actually start enjoying things more and more and get involved into the discussion and involved into the conversation or whatever social activity there happens to be.

It's a matter of gaining trust and a matter of having the mindset that things will be okay if you put yourself into the whole spirit of the things going on around you. Sure, some events may be harder than others; but that can go with anyone in a new or unfamiliar situation.

"Even being his roommate, and on the road we did pretty much everything together … he didn't like to talk about that kind of stuff a whole lot. And guys knew not to pry because when you did try to pry, he kind of got uncomfortable." ~Jason Jaffray, USA Today

That's where the hook is when it comes to those who are depressed. There's some out there who do like to air out their problems, but for some-- they'd rather not broadcast it out to anyone, even trained professional. Why that is?? Talking from a personal stand-point, it could seem as a bother. People do want to help and people do want to be able to listen-- but at the same time, a person in that state of mind will not see it like that may think they would be judge differently and have people act different around them-- something that no one wants to have happen to them.

The whole bothered feeling may go with the whole ideal that everyone has problem and the mindset that you really don't matter and who's to say your problems are bigger or more of a concern than the person you're trying to talk to. When you have that down feeling and possible feeling of hopelessness; you're not going to be as open as you would like to be or as people would want you to be.

A lot of people have offered either places to call or go to in order to get help or have offered an ear for support. It is a very kind gesture and really selfless, but there's a lot of people out there who are depressed who won't take them up on those suggestions or offer because of not wanting the feeling of being vulnerable or bothersome.

"Everyone knew he had some issues that he had to get taken care of last year, and he was definitely a new man when he came back and … he was definitely the happiest I'd even seen him" ~Jason Jaffray

It all goes back to moods changing in an instance from one thing or another. It's something that can change on a dime and even though the outlook you have is sunny and help you've gotten gave you a nice foundation to build off of....sometimes, it's just not enough. And that's the sad part of it all.

Rypien did all he could to help himself. The Canucks, the NHL-- they did all they could in order to not just get Rypien back on the ice; but mostly to get him back on track for his own life rather than his own career.

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It's been quite the tough nine-months when it comes to death of those in the hockey community in their playing career-- Rypien, Derek Boogaard, Sharks' prospect Tom Cavanagh, and Daron Richardson, daughter of former player Luke Richardson, all passing long before they should have.

You can debate whether fighting or physicality of the game is the cause for player's mentality change or what-have-you, but at the same time you can't dismiss the possible preexisting conditions that may have loomed before hand. Something where hockey or physicality wasn't involved. Sometimes depression or mental illness is something that can't be detected as readily as other illness.

The best thing to do is to see someone qualified to talk to. There are plenty of places to turn to online-- TWLOHA is one that I'm a big supporter of. You have the Depression and Bi-Polar Alliance and the National Suicide Prevention Hotline in the US and the Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention. In Ottawa, the Do It For Daron Foundation is one that has been putting themselves out there to the youth of the region to talk about their problems in the wake of Richardson's passing.

There's times where's it hard to admit you need help or admit that you have mental issues because there's people who do have preconceived motions of how people act and how they should be treated. But it's okay to look for help and it's okay to talk to people if they're willing to listen to you without judgement. People are there for you even when you think no one is. Reach out to them. Keep the discussion going because there's a lot more people out there who are dealing with the same problems as you.

You're not alone.

Absurd Goalie Monday: Ken Holland

2011-08-15T08:00:00.000-06:00

This week's AGM is a guy people all know very well in many hockey circles, yet don't really remembered that he played in the NHL. While the greatness of his hockey mind can't be matched, his career as a goalie is one that's often overlooked. This week, the profile of Ken Holland.

Holland started his march with his hometown Vernon Vikings in the BCJHL, where he played 16 games in the 1973-74 season. The 1974-75 season had Holland move onto the WHL and the Medicine Hat Tigers where he would go 23-10-4 in 37 games for the Tigers. Holland was selected by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the 1975 Amateur Draft, but stayed with the Tigers for the 1975-76 season. Holland would go 22-11-1 in 41 games with the Tigers.

Holland jumped to the professional ranks in the 1976-77 season with the North Amercian League with the Binghamton Dusters, playing in 48 games with a 3.80 GAA and taking home Second-Team All-Star honors that season.

Holland and the Dusters moved to the AHL for the 1977-78 season, where Holland would go 12-19-3 in 39 games in Binghamton. The 1978-79 season had Holland in 41 games a finishing the regular season with a 19-17-3 record, then going 5-5 in ten playoff games. Holland moved onto the Springfield Indians for the 1979-80 season, where he would go 15-14-5 in 37 games.

Holland signed with the Hartford Whalers in July of 1980, but would spend most of the year in the AHL with the Binghamton Whalers, compiling a 15-25-4 record in the regular season and 0-2 in the post-season. Holland played in one game for Hartford, which was a loss. Holland enjoyed a better season for the 1981-82 season, going 27-13-4 in 46 games, then going 8-7 in 15 playoff games; both enough to have him garner Second-Team All-Star honors. Holland would play 48 games in the 1982-83 season for Binghamton and finish off with a 23-18-5 record, then 1-2 in the playoffs.

Holland would then sign with the Detroit Red Wings in the summer of 1983, but the 1983-84 season had Holland playing with the Adirondack Red Wings for most of the season, going 19-15-6 in those 42 games; then 3-4 in seven post-season games. However, Holland would play three games with Detroit, but only have an 0-1-1 record to show. Sticking with Adirondack for the 1984-85 season, Holland finished with 13-22-6 in 43 games before hanging up the pads.

After retirement, Holland stayed with the Red Wings organization-- first as a scout for the Western side of North America, then move all the way up the ladder before being named General Manager in 1997. Since then, Holland has had quite the run; building up talent from deep in the Draft and winning three Stanley Cups as a GM.

He may not have had the chance to prove himself as a player in the league, he has made himself a player in the management side of things in the NHL. Many have considered him to be one of the best GMs to ever be in the game and you'd be hard pressed to fight that argument.

Bett and Bals: "Shroud of Mystery"

2011-08-11T11:50:00.000-06:00

The past couple of days has brought us the news that the Phoenix Coyotes have had two mystery buyers approached the team about purchasing them away from the NHL. Now, whether or not the team stays in the area remains to be seen; but the bigger question are who are these two anonymous owners?? Have we seen them before at all or are they new guys we've never heard of before?? This episode has Gary Bettman in his condo showing around a perspective owner of the sights and sounds of Glendale. While he looks strikingly familiar to someone Bettman has seen before, but he doesn't pick up on it....

Gary Bettman: And as you see here, just vast amounts of land out there. Sure, it's warm-- but no humidity, so you've got to like that. What do you think about all of that??

Mystery Buyer: It seems like a good place to be, but more importantly-- what's the cell phone and tablet connection like out here??

GB: Interestingly, it's pretty good. There's not much out here to block your service. It's funny-- you look like a guy who used to be all about the phone service....but he didn't have glasses, a big nose, or a mustache. So, what do you think about signing this here Memorendum of Agreement mister.....

MB: Jalsillie-- Bim Jalsillie.

GB: Well, Mr. Jalsillie, I think you'll love it here in Glendale and it should be a great team for you to follow, despite the what has happened this summer and the team not really snatching up much of anyone on the free agent market....even losing their top goalie.

MB: I've noticed that. Now...if I wanted to move the team, perish the thought, how would we go about that??

GB: You've come to something that's been a struggle, but between you, me, and this condo-- it won't be that hard, Mr. Jalsillie. The fact is I only stopped a seller from moving because-- well, I didn't like him that much and tried to convince him this area needed this team. It's just to bust his balls.

MB: I see-- well, where should I sign right here?? (As he bends down to sign the MoA, his Groucho Marx glasses fall off and Bettman realizes who it is.)

GB: You dropped your-- oh GODDAMMIT!! How could you have done this to me, Jim?? I trusted this Mr. Jalsillie and now you have to throw me this curve that it was actually you??

Jim Balsillie: Seriously?? I just switched the first letters of my name and you couldn't pick up on it?? I'm in a Blackberry t-shirt for the love of god....

GB: Honestly, I didn't know it was you. I wouldn't have know if these glasses didn't fall out. I shared everything with Mr. Jalsillie....

JB: I know you did and there's not enough mind bleach in the world to take that away from my memory. But it just goes to show that you and I can co-exist, Gary.

GB: But like I said to Mr. Jalsillie...

JB: Stop that...

GB: ....this is a team that doesn't need to stay in the area, but I want it to. You know there's not much else in this area-- why would you want to take this team from the area when there's so much this team could be??

JB: Didn't you say this team didn't do much in the off-season?? Didn't you say this team doesn't need to be here?? The fact of the matter is that with everything all done and people locked up for the season; why would there be a big buzz for this team in this area?? They had gone from a great story the past couple of years to possible craptasticness this season. The fact this team has had so much turmoil anyway-- players would be gunshy to sign here long-term anyway.

GB: Please don't make me go to Canada again right now-- I'm still not over Winnipeg.

JB: That's just it though-- the passion is there in Canada and you know the revenue stream will be good to go up there; which is good for business and is good for the economy.

GB: You don't hear the people trying to fire you....

JB: Until you see the stocks plummeting and realize your network is used to help communicate rioting.

GB: Topical. Yet, there's not many places up in Canada who have buildings ready and there's already a couple places that are in the battle with their local governments in order to get their new arena built up there and if you get this team and you have to battle the government; then not get it after all-- why would I want to sell a team to you OR ANYONE who doesn't have someone structured and ready to go right now??

JB: Fair enough, but with me-- I can build the arena out of unused Blackberry Playbooks. And at this point, if you're selling to someone that doesn't have some contingency plan; that's your own fault for selling to them and their own fault for wanting out and then not getting a place in the midst of it all.

GB: I just don't get why people aren't seeing how well this community can thrive when this team is winning.

JB: Any community can thrive with a winning team, but at the same time; who's going to want to come here to actually work out for the team and not use this as a country club?? Sure, Dave Tippett has been very well about getting these guys to focus; though I'm sure with not much star power around-- it could turn into the issues like it was before.

GB: Though, at the same time-- you can't get a lot of guys if you're going to be moving to a place they won't want to be moving to. You're going to have issues attracting talent either way, but it's much easier to sell a city you're already at then in a destination you're going.

JB: But the arena is in the middle of nowhere and even winning, it's hard to get a lot of people out there until the troops are rallied and the threat of a move is in the conversation.

GB: I get that, but the thing is that you get the people in to make this work and the people will show up regardless, so long as their winning.

JB: I don't think it works like that.

GB: Maybe not, but now that you duped me; I have to worry that this next mystery buyer isn't going to do the same thing. (Doorbell rings) See here he is now.

JB: Really?? You brought him all the way overhere, even when I'm here??

GB: You're not getting the team, what's the worst that could happen??

(Opens Door)

Judge Redfield T. Baum: T-BOMBED!!!

GB: WHATTHEWHOTHEBAAAHHHHH!!! (Falls over coat-rack)

JB: Tell me you didn't see that coming. Hey, how are you going to buy the team anyway??

JRTB: T-BONDS!!!

JB: Hilarious.

On the Topic Of Mascots

2011-08-09T10:40:00.001-06:00

As the Draft is being revealed as heading to Pittsburgh for June 2012, there needed to be some shuffling of scheduling for the Consol Energy Center. One of which was a "Furries" Convention that needed to be pushed a week earlier. If you're not familiar with the "Furries" craze....then read up on it at the link.

Not only is that kind of amusing to me, but it made me wonder about mascots and how fun it would be if the mascots actually picketed outside during the FanFest wondering where the convention was and why they weren't notified.

In any case, since it's August and not much is going on out there-- this is a post on mascots that are my favorite-- sans Boomer, because I've already done something about him before.

1. Harvey the Hound-- You always got to love the first in any movement and Harvey is the first mascot in the NHL. Introduced in 1983, Harvey has been most noticeable for having his tongue ripped out by then Oilers' coach Craig MacTavish. Plus, the fact they use-- I guess-- a rescue dog for the Flames and he doesn't have a shirt on.....makes it even more interesting. Good on Harvey for being the first and most unusual-to-the-team-name mascot.

2. Badaboum-- This was the mascot of the Quebec Nordiques and it almost seemed like the starting for the Quebecors to actually have crazy muppet-esque mascots for their representation. Sadly, Badaboum did not make the trek to Colorado and could make a comeback (doubtful) if there's a team that relocates to Quebec City.

3. Youppi-- To continue with the Quebec theme, the Canadiens' mascot could be the most versatile, as Youppi was the iconic mascot of the Montreal Expos; but when they moved to Washington, DC-- the Habs picked up the pieces and kept the tradition of the Expos alive. They have the retired Expos numbers in the rafters and brought over Youppi in order to kept that tradition alive.

4. Stormy-- A hog shouldn't correlate with a hurricane, but it does in Raleigh. You see, the Hurricanes could have been called the Ice Hogs because of the all the hog farms in North Carolina. Yet, it still makes me laugh that a hog is the mascot of the Hurricanes-- but it's probably better than anything they could have come up with otherwise.

5. Nordy-- While I did say once that he was an odd looking mascot-- you have to respect the Wild's mascot. Not only is he half-bear, half-fox, half-man (ManBearFox??), but he has a mullet. Any mascot that can rock the mullet is alright in my books, even if they look freaky as hell and make people cock their heads to the sides wondering what it is.

That's my five-- and while these choices aren't like the NHL Guardians, it's a little more family friendly and unique to the team at each turn. Some have a lot to do with the team, some do not-- but the ones that do not are the best because of the guessing game of why they actually exist.

FOHS's Decade Under the Influence

2011-08-08T11:10:00.000-06:00

(Yes, I ripped this off from a Taking Back Sunday song, deal with it)

It's kind of crazy that Face Off Hockey Show has been "on the air" for ten years. It's even weirder that we still keep going and don't get sick of it. Okay, not weird because we all like hanging out and talking with each other; but the point is this-- it's been a long crazy road we've been on.

All starting at the original studio in the two-car garage in Lanham, Maryland, where we used very old soundboards and an unusual set-up of things, but it felt like home. With only a few computers to surf and stream other things on the network-- the Face Off Hockey Show began.

It was a rough first couple of years, with myself being in Aston, Pennsylvania for the first year-- eventually traveling 90 minutes each way to do things in studio on Wednesdays; then the second year having Marc "with a 'C'" pledging for a fraternity, as well as he and I play on what is now known as the adult league team-- Deadeye, but we made it through.

Then the show moved to the Crofton studios-- more space, more freedom, fancy set-up and equipment and good times. That's probably one of the closest things we'll have to a radio station set-up without actually being on a radio station. That was heyday of BCM, with shows coming and going and a lot of things happening. However, while still in Crofton, I decided to move off to Calgary-- which put the future a bit in doubt after that third year. Though we've had issues with the sound quality-- the Calgary move hasn't been too shabby for the past seven years since that move.

Then the last move for the studio, which was into Sean's House in Perry Hall. It's got a more homey feel, with a bit less space; but still a space to ourselves. The network is just us doing our live show, which is a bit of an end of an era for the empire; but it shows that we can still get off our asses to do something new each and every Wednesday (521 and counting) and hopefully entertain and inform you.

Through these ten years, we've made plenty of friends-- both in the industry of hockey and fans who stumbled upon us. For each of those people; we're appreciative of what you've provided us-- whether it's content, suggestions, or even just a kind word or two (or even just lending an ear or two to listen)-- we can't thank you all enough for listening to us ramble on and on and on and still come back for more.

At the end of the day, we're still going strong and-- as far as I know-- have no plans to stop it from going. We've got a good thing and we like going on yearly trips to wherever the Draft is and meeting new people and reconnecting with our old friends who we may see only once a year. We appreciate people more than their status or what contacts they may have-- because if we didn't like them as friends; we won't associate with them-- simple as that.

And, because you're my friends and I like you (for the most part)-- if you listen to FaceOffHockeyShow.com at 7:30 PM ET on Wednesday....we'll have clips of our FIRST EVER SHOW on August 8th, 2001 and making fun of how squeaky we sound and just how green we were. Plus, to show that the randomness isn't because we have nothing else to talk about-- but because it's who we are.

I can't stress it enough how appreciative I am to the people who have stuck with us for the majority of the decade we've been on, which has jumped since the lockout and thanks to social media like Facebook or Twitter (and mine). Thank you again and hope to see you through to the next ten years of Face Off Hockey Show.

Absurd Goalie Monday: Tyrone Garner

2011-08-08T08:00:00.001-06:00

It's rare that the AGM didn't spend his entire pro career as a goalie, but at the same time-- the story of this AGM is too good to pass up. Thanks to the suggestion from the fantastic Sasky from Australia, this week-- the profile of Tyrone Garner.

The native of Stoney Creek, Ontario, Garner began his part in Junior "B" with the Stoney Creek Spirit, going 2-7-1 in 10 games during the 1994-95 season. Garner would also spend eight games with the Junior "A" Hamilton Kitty B's, finishing with a 4.01 GAA.

The 1995-96 season saw Garner make the next step, going to the OHL's Oshawa Generals and playing in 32 games with an 11-15-4 record. That was enough for the New York Islanders to select Garner in the 4th Round of the 1996 Draft. Yet, the 1996-97 would be a rough one for Garner, as he would only play nine games with Oshawa, putting up a 6-1-0 record, then a 1-0 record in three games in the playoffs.

During that season, as well, Garner's rights, Marty McInnis, and a draft pick were traded to the Calgary Flames for Robert Reichel. Garner wouldn't make the jump to the professional ranks, as he would stay with Oshawa for the 1997-98 season, going 23-17-8 in 54 games, but then going 3-4 in seven playoff appearances. The fourth and final year of OHL play for Garner had him play in only 44 games with a 24-15-3 record with four shutouts and then going 9-6 in the 15 playoff games he appeared in. Garner got Second-Team All-Star honors from the OHL.

When Oshawa's season was done, Garner made the jump to the Calgary Flames for three games that season; going 0-2-0 in those games.

The 1999-2000 season had Garner bounce all around the minor leagues, starting off the AHL's Saint John Flames, where Garner got into 19 games with a 4-8-4 record in those games, before being loaned out to the Dayton Bombers of the ECHL, where he would play three games with an 0-2-0 record. Garner wasn't done there; being loaned out to the Johnstown Chiefs of the ECHL-- going 8-6-3 in 17 games then losing his only playoff appearance.

The 2000-01 season had Garner still in the ECHL, first starting off with the Johnstown Chiefs for five games (3-1-1) before moving onto the Greenville Grrrowl, where he would play in 35 games, compiling a 17-15-3 record. The Grrrowl would retain Garner for the 2001-02 season, only playing in 29 regular season games, posting a 12-12-5 record; but the playoffs were another story, as Garner put up a 12-2 record, leading the Grrrowl to the Kelly Cup championship. Garner would share the Playoff MVP with teammate Simon Gamache.

The 2002-03 season had Garner signed with the Florida Panthers. He would still be in the ECHL, but with the Jackson Bandits-- going 18-17-4 in 39 playoff games, as well as getting one game in the AHL with the San Antonio Rampage, which was a loss.

With no opportunities in North America, Garner decided go overseas to Germany to play for the Stuttgart Wizards for the 2003-04 season, playing in 54 games with seven shutouts and a 2.54 GAA. The 2004-05 season had Garner only play in 39 games with a 3.04 GAA and one shutouts.

The journey continued in the 2005-06 season, as Garner went over to Norway, which would change his career forever. Garner played with Valerenga IF Oslo for 27 games with a 2.59 GAA and .914 save percent, accompanied by two shutouts. Yet, it was the playoffs that really changed Garner's career and life around.

During the league semi-finals again the Storhamar Dragons, Garner was facing a penalty shot; where the shooter severely deked Garner out, forcing Garner to over-extend his leg. The over-extension caused Garner's groin muscle to snap off the bone, leaving the goalie in severe pain and his career in peril. The doctors said he would be able to play, but he couldn't play goaltender for at least one full year.

Knowing he probably had to stay in some kind of ice shape to make a comeback, his father made a suggestion to make a move to the forward position. His size (6'0, 215) made him a natural fit for a power winger. Luckily, Garner was able to catch on with the Jacksonville Barracudas of the Southern Professional League for the 2006-07 season, putting up 12 goals and 22 points in 47 games as a winger.

While he seemed to enjoy playing forward, the bug for playing in net remained, which is why he decided that rather than perform dryland training, he would go to a place where it's winter time in summer. Garner signed on with the Brisbane Blue Tongues of the Australian Hockey League for their 2007 season to play in net for them. In the 13 games with the Blue Tongues, Garner went 8-2-2 in his return to the crease.

That fall, Garner returned to the SPHL's Barracudas as a forward and would put up 12 goals and 27 points in 41 games in the 2007-08 season. Garner used the 2008-09 season to play senior's hockey in Ontario for the Brantford Blast, putting up seven goals and 11 points in 13 games.

After that, it seems that Garner stopped playing puck-- at least in places where stats are tallied up for internet consumption.

While he took a unique route to keep playing after his career path changed, the fact he still had the wherewithal to actually continue playing hockey despite not playing in his natural position shows that you can make something out of nothing if you put your full effort into it. Plus, if nothing else-- that injury and return got him more coverage of his career than probably ever before.

Is the Buffaslug is the New Fisherman??

2011-08-07T08:20:00.000-06:00

Now, I've gone on before about the '90s era of jersey becoming the new found retro (with the same Ziggy Palffy photo...) and I think I may have found the new trend of one logo/identity that will be hail as awful at the time, but when looking back on it was so bad that it was actually cool, neat, and hip to have in the present day.

The Buffaslug.

Now, this isn't because I bought an authentic jersey and fancy Buffaslug hat on the very cheap and hoping to get on the ground floor; but when I look at it in-depth-- this could be something that in a few years could be the nostalgic dream for some fans and collectors alike. Much like how the Gorton's Fisherman Islanders jersey is fondly look back and has many people pining to get their hands on a jersey.

Sure, the two have their difference, but if you'll allow me the time and the begging capabilities, I'll see if I can show the similarities and change your mind on how you look at the Buffaslug.

1. Both were quite the change for each identity, but different for each team. The Islanders went from their normal blue and orange to a drastic addition of teal and silver and switching from royal blue to navy blue-- quite the change from a team who had the tradition of the royal and orange. The Sabres were going back a yellow and blue scheme (again, navy instead of royal), but it was from a drastic overhaul prior where the team went from their traditional set to a whole new color scheme of black, silver, and red. The Sabres at least tried to right things.

2. The logos were....interesting. The Islanders at least tried to capture the spirit of their name; getting an actual mascot/logo on there rather than the "NY" combination in a circle with a hockey stick coming from the "Y" and a silhouette of Long Island behind it all. The Buffaslug trying to almost modernize the original Sabres logo, but it also combined the "angry goathead" they had in the black and red days. Both, very drastic changes, but tried to capture the spirit of the thing.

3. Both teams reside in New York.

4. The fact remains that it was a stop gap to get to a new modernized version of the identity they had before. After the Fisherman failed, the Islanders kept the wavy jersey pattern with the old logo for a season before going back to a more traditional look, but with a navy blue and orange motif. The Sabres did the same, moving back from the Buffaslug to a modernized version of their original scheme, again switching out the royal blue for navy to go along with their yellow look.

5. Each will have their lovers and their haters. Personally, the kid in me enjoyed the Fisherman jersey when it came out because it was something you didn't see in other logos and it was bright and colorful-- as a 12 year old, that's what you go for. Still to this day I regret not getting a Fisherman jersey. The Buffaslug will have people remembering it for being closely related to the Flinstones' Royal Order of Water Buffalo hat, but it's something that won't go away from the memory of people too soon and some will look back on it fondly and maybe actually want it come back-- if only for a goof.

6. With both, the alternate logo seemed to go with it as well. The Islanders had a great alternate logo with the wavy jersey of the lighthouse with the crazed colors to it. That went away when the jersey went away and it shouldn't have. The Buffaslug also ushered out the "B" with the sabre through the openings-- which was there for the black and red era and was a fairly bad-ass looking alternate as well.

Both are long dead and buried, but much like the underground movement of the Fisherman jersey coming back; so, too, could the Buffaslug. It's a far reach, but it's one of those logos that seemed like a good idea, but the execution is very off.

The "O" Stands For "Oh Em Gee"

2011-08-04T11:30:00.000-06:00

Lame title, I know, but still.

It has been a couple of days since the leak of the new Ottawa Senators heritage design came out on the fantastic Icethetics website and I have to say, I'm still in awe over the design of the jersey. It's something that should have happened post-lockout, but maybe they were a little gun-shy on what the reception would be.

However, the reception seems to be positive across the board. The new look, as seen above, is a bit of the good ol' "modernized retro" scheme we've come to find so near and dear to our hearts. It's a simple design of the teams first jerseys, but also brings back the tradition of the old Ottawa Senators for the early 1900s up until the mid 1930s with the barberpole design on the sleeves and partially on the front.

I've been a big fan of the barberpole design because it does harken back to the old days of hockey, pre-Original 6 when not every team had two jerseys. Some people hate the barberpole design, and with the Montreal Canadiens jersey a few seasons ago-- I could see why-- that's a bit overdoing it. With what the Sens have done, and even the Flames with their Heritage Classic jerseys, they take a more tame approach to the look and feel of the jersey. It's not all over, but it's something where they keep the sleeve design, but on the torso, it's a stripe or two and that's it. Simple, smart, tradition.

Whether or not the Sens keep this look after their 20th Anniversary season (and god I hope they do), but the big thing can be said about this-- it's a good look. It's better than the Super Nintendo third jerseys they have now and better than most of the looks that they have had in the past. Makes you feel hopeful that this look is going to move things in the right direction.....at least from a jersey standpoint-- the actual team play is another story.

Absurd Goalie Monday: Darrin Madeley

2011-08-01T08:00:00.002-06:00

With the amount of players jumping for college hockey to the major junior route, this week's AGM didn't go that way. He had an outstanding career in college; but he wasn't a part of the trend of college goalies going on to surprise and astound in the NHL ranks. This week, the profile of Darrin Madeley.

Starting off, Madeley played in Junior "C" in Ontario with the Bradford Blues in the 1984-85 season where he played in 10 games and went 7-2-0 in ten games that season. The 1985-86 season had Madeley back in Bradford for four games, going 2-1-0; while also going up to Junior "A" with the Newmarket Flyers for three games, going 0-1-0 in those games. The 1986-87 season had Madeley move on to the Richmond Hill Dynes of the Junior "A" Ontario League, where he would play in 14 games and go 6-9-1. The 1987-88 and 1988-89 season had Madeley drop down to the Junior "B" side with Richmond Hill, playing in 59 games over those two seasons, but no record is available.

Madeley moved onto the NCAA ranks at Lake Superior State for the 1989-90 season, where he would play in 30 games and compile a 21-7-1 record, which was able to get him CCHA Second-Team All-Star accolades. The 1990-91 season was great for Madeley and Lake Superior State, as Madeley would go 29-3-3 in 36 games, while Lake Superior State would go on to win the CCHA, but go down in the NCAA Tournament. However, Madeley gathered up CCHA First-Team All-Star honors, NCAA West First-Team All-American honors, as well as NCAA All-Tournament Team honors. The pinnacle for Madeley was the 1991-92 season, where he went 23-6-4, but him and Lake Superior State went on to win the CCHA again, as well as taking the NCAA Championship over Wisconsin in the Final. Madeley again had CCHA First-Team All-Star, NCAA-West First-Team All American, and NCAA All-Tournament team for a second straight season.

Coming off the high of his performances in college, Madeley made the jump to the pros, signing with the Ottawa Senators, becoming one of the first Senators to come to the team via free agency. Madeley made two appearances with Ottawa in the 1992-93 season, losing both games; before he would be sent down to the AHL's New Haven Senators-- playing in 41 games with a 10-16-9 record on that team, which enabled him to take home AHL Second-Team All-Star honors. The 1993-94 season had Madeley stay in Ottawa for the majority of the season; being able to get into 32 games for Ottawa and finishing off with a 3-18-5 record, while going 0-4-0 in six games with the AHL's PEI Senators. The traveling for the 1994-95 season was the story for Madeley, playing in the IHL for the Detroit Vipers for nine games (7-2-0), then going to the PEI Senators for three games (1-1-1), then finishing the season with Ottawa, going 1-3-0 in five games in that season.

The 1995-96 season saw Madeley in the IHL with Detroit for the majority of the season, getting him 40 appearances and finishing off with 16-14-4 record in the end, while going 3-3 in seven playoff games. Madeley would win his only game with the PEI Senators.

Madeley signed a contract with the San Jose Sharks just before the 1996-97 season, while it landed him in the AHL with the Saint John Flames where he would play 46 games and go 11-18-11, while playing with the Detroit Vipers for four games going 2-0-0 on the season.

For the 1997-98 season, Madeley tried his hand at international play, going over to Finland to play with TPS Turku. That would only last for two games, going 1-0-0 before returning to North America. The Richmond Renegades of the ECHL signed Madeley, where he would play five games with a 1-1-0 record. Madeley went back overseas in the 1998-99 season to play in Germany for Star Bulls Mannheim for three games before returning to North America and the ECHL, but with the Pensacola Ice Pilots, going 12-16-3 in 32 games before he would hang up his pads.

After his playing career, Madeley went onto the coaching ranks, where he is the Assistant Athletic Director and Director of Hockey at Lake Forest Academy in Lake Forest, Illinois.

He had his success in college, but because of the whole debacle of going to an expansion team; which stifled his possible success in the professional ranks. Though you have to wonder with all the personal accomplishments, would he gives those up for team success in the pros or would he keep all of that because of what became of him when he made the move?? Maybe we'll never know.

Trenton Titans Continue Returning Name Trend

2011-07-28T14:05:00.000-06:00

With the revitalization of the Winnipeg Jets in the NHL, it seems there's a lot of team following suit for the old names coming back. Today, the Trenton ECHL franchise decided to come back from their three-week hiatus (the Devils sold the team and put them on hiatus until things were signed) and will be named the Titans, much like they were named before the Devils rebranded them into the Devils.

I'll pause this now to say that while I don't like the idea of the Jets name being used because it's not the actual original Jets team being brought back to Winnipeg; the Titans name is okay by me, because it's the old Titans organization that's being used. And that's the story of Flag Day.

While we all know that people in hockey yearn for the Hartford Whalers and Quebec Nordiques to come back; what better way to actually regale people of minor league teams past and the names I'd like to see back into the fold for the lexicon of sports. It's late July folks-- what do you want out of me??

Miami Matadors: While this team was only a one-year team, it showed that you can have stereotypical names in the late-90s to try and garner an audience. However, the Matadors were only around for the 1998-99 season where they went 28-32-10 and missed the playoffs, but the jerseys and logo were fantastically comical.

Kentucky Thoroughblades: A great pun team name, that captured the essence of the Lexington area with the horse-racing nod into the name. Not only that, but the color scheme of green, purple, and silver could be one of the most diverse color scheme to have appeared in any league. If nothing else, the history can tell that Miikaa Kiprusoff, Dan Boyle, and Zdeno Chara all sported the Thoroughblades logo on their chest.

Orlando Solar Bears: Another puntastic name, but this could be the most successful of the defunct teams, with many IHL Finals appearances and even a Turner Cup championships. However, the fact they had a polar bear with sunglasses on was a nice combination of the sun and hockey aspect of it all.....or a comment on global warming and polar bears being displaced in their habitat. Either way.

Phoenix Roadrunners: While this team wasn't really know as something special, but it's a name that has been with the Phoenix area forever, being in several leagues-- including the WHA, IHL, and ECHL. The name has always stuck around. Plus, if the Coyotes stick around-- we could have the Warner Brothers annual game between the Coyotes and Roadrunners.

Macon Whoopee: This is the TOP of the list. Not only is it a great pun, but it's a double entendre. Not only was it fancy to have a whopping crane as their logo late into their existence, but the whole 70s raunchy game-show/sitcom vibe to it. The team itself had ups and downs during their CHL and ECHL days, but the name is what brought people in. The ACHL/SPHL off-shoot of Macon Trax is nice for a small snicker, but nothing like the Whoopee.

---------

These are only a couple of teams that I'd love to see back into the fold. The big thing with the Titans is whether or not they go with the modernized retro aspect of the identity remains to be seen; but it would probably not have that much of a change of pace to it all. If you've got some old teams you want to bring back, drop them in the comments and your rationale behind it.

Scratch N' Win Arena in Edmonton??

2011-07-26T08:25:00.000-06:00

The Edmonton Oilers want a new arena and they have about $350M of the $450M needed to fulfill the dream that owner Daryl Katz has planned out. While Katz has put up $100M, the city of Edmonton put up $125M, a user-paid facility fee has put forth another $125M; the province of Alberta has said they won't put up money to help out the Oilers plight.

Yet, while the Wildrose Alliance Party has said "no" to helping out with the arena, but Danielle Smith of the Wildrose has proposed a "special lottery" to help raise fund for the arena, while those in the Progressive Conservative Party said if the city raised sales tax by just 1%, that could go towards the arena.

The idea of a lottery is a grand idea, and I have to thank Roger Kingkade of "The Show" on X 92.9 FM in Calgary for bringing this idea to my ears. You see, the shocking thing about this is that this isn't the first time that the Oilers (and the Flames) have had a lottery in the province. Back, let's say 2003 or so, both teams-- incorporation with Ford-- had a scratch-off lottery (the ticket is above) to help out both teams, as both were close to moving away and it was a way to get some money to help keep the team with their losses.

This is something that will not only allow the fans to help out with the arena, but also they could win something here and there-- as I'm sure that local businesses would chip in a prize here and there in order to not only help out; but to get some free publicity in the process. Plus, you have to figure this is much better than the province to give up some money-- which could help the Flames leverage for funding in possibly getting a new arena-- and probably better than raising city taxes if the city had to add onto their $125M donation so far.

I know if there is a lottery and if it's province-wide, I will definitely be going to get one. While I'm not a big fan of the Oilers, I would definitely support them in trying to get this money for their new arena if it means I won't have to pay more in taxes to fund it. It's better to possibly win something from paying up $5 for a ticket than possibly losing more when tax-time rolls around.

Absurd Goalie Monday: Mike O'Neill

2011-07-25T08:00:00.001-06:00

With the Winnipeg Jets showing their new identity, what better chance to review the career of another Jet goalie, right?? However, while most of his appearances were in relief, he did have a decent amount of time in Winnipeg. Yet, the one thing he does share with the new Winnipeg Jets-- no wins in the NHL yet. This week, the profile of Mike O'Neill.

The Montreal native forged his way with Midget AAA with the Lac St-Louis Lions starting in the 1982-83 season, playing in 20 games that season with a 7-8-5 record. The 1983-84 season saw O'Neill have a better go, finishing with a 13-7-2 record in 22 games with the Lions.

After spending a year at Lower Canada College, O'Neill moved to Yale University for the 1985-86 season. O'Neill was slowly worked in at Yale, going 3-1-0 in six games during that first season; but would get increased time in the 1986-87 season, playing in 16 games with a 9-6-1 record-- taking home ECAC First-Team All-Star honors. As he took over the starting role in the 1987-88 season, O'Neill's number slipped, going only 6-17-0 in 24 games-- but it was enough for the Winnipeg Jets to pick O'Neill in the 1988 Supplemental Draft. With a team behind him, O'Neill bounced back for his season season in the 1988-89 campaign, going 10-14-1 in 25 games, which was enough for O'Neill to get yet another ECAC First-Team All-Star honors and NCAA East First All-American Team.....though it's odd since he's Canadian.

While his college career was over, O'Neill didn't jump to the North American professional ranks right after that. Instead, he went overseas to play in Finland with Tappara Tampere in the 1989-90 season and got plenty of playing time, going 23-13-5 in 41 games, then going 3-4 in the playoffs.

O'Neill returned to North America for the 1990-91 season, starting off with the IHL's Fort Wayne Komets and playing in eight games (5-2-1) before making the move to the AHL's Moncton Hawks for 30 games and going 13-7-6 in the regular season, while going 3-4 in eight playoff games. The 1991-92 season had O'Neill traveling a lot, starting off in Fort Wayne for 33 games and a 22-6-3 record, then he would spend a game in Winnipeg, coming on in relief for a game. The end of the season had O'Neill setting in Moncton, posting a 14-16-2 record in the regular season, then went 4-7 in 11 playoff games. The 1992-93 season had O'Neill start off in Moncton, playing for 30 games with a 13-10-4 record before getting the call-up to Winnipeg-- playing in two games and going 0-0-1 before having to miss the rest of the season due to shoulder surgery in February. When O'Neill came back in the 1993-94 season, he went through another whirlwind traveling schedule, starting off in Fort Wayne and finishing with a 4-4-3 record in 11 games before he moved onto Moncton, going 8-4-0 in 12 appearances. Finally, O'Neill got the call to Winnipeg to back-up former AGMs Bob Essensa and Tim Cheveldae-- appearing in 17 games and posting up a dismal 0-9-1 record.

The 1994-95 season had O'Neill stuck in the IHL, first with Fort Wayne, playing for 28 games with a 11-12-4 record before he was traded to the Phoenix Roadrunners. With Phoenix, O'Neill had a 13-4-4 record in 21 games, then a 4-5 record in nine playoff games.

O'Neill signed as a free agent with the Anaheim Mighty Ducks and was sent to the AHL's Baltimore Bandits for the 1995-96 season. O'Neill had plenty of playing time in Baltimore, playing 74 games and finishing with a 31-31-7 record, then going 6-6 in 12 playoff games. O'Neill got a small shot with Anaheim, but came in for a game as a replacement for Mikhail Shtalenkov. O'Neill stayed in the Anaheim organization, but was shifted to the IHL and the Long Beach Ice Dogs, where he'd play 45 games and finish with a 26-12-6 record.

For the 1997-98 season, O'Neill signed with the Washington Capitals, but spent that season with the Portland Pirates-- playing in 47 games and compiling with a 16-18-10 record, then finishing with a 2-3 record in six playoff contests.

With no jobs in the 1998-99 season in North America, O'Neill had to sign in Austria with EC Villacher SV, who played in the Swiss league. He would play in 42 games and finished with a 2.46 GAA on the season.

O'Neill would return to North America for the 1999-2000 season, signing a deal with the Los Angeles Kings, but would be placed in the IHL, first with the Michigan K-Wings for four games (1-1-0), then was moved to the Long Beach Ice Dogs, where he would go 7-12-5 in 25 games, and suffer a loss in his only playoff game.

No opportunities in North America, O'Neill once again went overseas, this time with the Sheffield Steelers of the British Hockey League where he played in 30 games, finishing with a 2.39 GAA and aided the Steelers winning the B&H Cup (held at the beginning of the season), the Challenge Cup (held during the season), the League Championship, and Playoff Championship-- the Grand Slam of British Hockey championships.

O'Neill would retire after that season and his whereabouts are unknown after his retirement.

While it seemed he was able to get things going in the IHL, O'Neill's struggled in the AHL, with some fairly bad teams, and didn't get a chance in the NHL past a back-up. Though, he was able to see the world in North America and then overseas-- but just couldn't seem to get as successful in the other leagues as he did in the IHL and overseas.

Winnipeg and the Jets

2011-07-23T13:00:00.000-06:00

One mystery of the Winnipeg Jets have been revealed, with their logo identity being shown (as you see above), which radically different from anything they've had in the past. This identity was a nod to the relationship the city of Winnipeg has had with the Royal Canadian Air Force and the 17 Wing Squadron.

The logos themselves are solid, but could be considered a little bland, which I kind of thought at first, but it's growing on me. I still think the alternate logo with the pilots wings are a little bit better than the main logo. Once the jerseys are revealed, it could change me a little more because the main one could look better on the right canvas. The wordmark is a nice little nod to the old WHA Jets, as it seems like the modernized version of their old wordmark/logo.

Yet, the first thing that jumped out to me on the main logo is the self-masturbatory habit that True North Entertainment put forth on the perimeter of the logo. You see that little notch taken out of the circle surrounding the jet?? Hey, it points North....a somewhat subtle nod to their own brand within a brand of the hockey team.

I understand they paid a lot of money to get a team to Winnipeg and are putting a lot of money out there in general-- but at the same time, shouldn't you leave yourself out of your team's logo?? You don't see a big "AOL" mark on the Capitals logos nor do you see the Canadiens have a Molson alternate logo....though it'd be cool. There's a time where the True North folks have to realize they don't need to their hand in everything that the team does. It's nice for them to get involved, but they don't need to have their hand in on everything.

It's their team now and they can do whatever they want. Though, at the same time-- it's a touch tacky if the team itself will just be used for True North to peddle their wears and their own brand with subconscious marketing. If they screw up the possible retro jerseys with some of their branding-- that's when you'll see tables flipped.

Failed R&D Attempts

2011-07-22T12:30:00.000-06:00

The Research and Development Camp for the NHL is coming up in mid-August. The NHL brings out some of the top junior players to test out some of the crazy schemes that the NHL has to offer. We remember last year's R&D camp that provided bigger blue lines, hybrid icings, and a giant Cyclops face-off circle in the attacking zone.

As this is a giant gimmick blog, I have wondered what attempts could have been made for this year's R&D camp that didn't quite make the cut. There is some truth to the rumor that most of these ideas are from the Face Off Hockey Show tirades over the past decade.

The Doubler Puck: Popularized by the old MTV Rock N' Jock series of games, the Doubler Puck would be used by a team that's down late in the game and need to take a risk for these games. Of course, the adverse effect would be the team who wanted the Doubler Puck would be down in the hole if they get scored on-- but it's a risk you have to take. The NHL denied it because it would inflate some of the statistics, even though the ratings for the games would spike during those times.

Behind-the-Net Ramps: Another bit taken from TV, the Pro Beach Hockey on ESPN had ramps behind the net to create new plays and to keep the players from stopping and stalling behind the net. While the NHL liked the continuous playing idea, the brass didn't enjoy the idea of constant stoppages from the net being off their moorings because of players not having the momentum to make it around the ramp behind the net. Plus, ice makers have said they'd go on strike and owners wouldn't want to kill the behind-the-net seating since those are primo dollars.

The Three-Way Dance: To keep some costs down for the lower level teams, the idea of having three-teams played at once was pitched. This was immediately shutdown due to the rink being not only overly cluttered, but other owners claiming they would be getting shutout of revenue by missing a home game because of it. However, it would provide more bang for the buck for those there.

The Run-In Rule: While this would only be instituted during the playoff race late in the year, the run-in rule would allow rival teams who are battling for those valuable playoff spots to come out onto the ice late into a crucial period of the game to switch the momentum of the game and reek havoc on their opponents. For example-- if the Flyers were playing the Rangers late in the season and the game was tied; both battling for a playoff spot-- you could see two member of the Hurricanes come running onto the ice and create havoc for both teams, possibly costing them valuable points in the end. Somewhere, Vince McMahon is reading this and smiling.

Speaking of McMahon, he could use these all for his XHL that he'll get started when he realizes there's a market for something like this to rival the NHL and create the extreme side of things. Yes, these are silly-- but it's oddly not out of place for the R&D side of things, so it's not too far fetched in the end.

Long Line Change: Stammer, Coaches, and Retirements

2011-07-20T08:10:00.000-06:00

There hasn't be a lot of news......or enough for me to do crazy posts on it and make a lot out of a little. So I've concocted this "Long Line Change" to maybe get the same information out in one fancy place......huzzah?? In any case.....

Steven Stamkos Re-Signs

It took what seemed forever, Steven Stamkos finally re-signed with the Tampa Bay Lightning to the tune of five-years and $37.5M ($7.5M cap hit). It was something that you knew was going to get done sooner or later and Steve Yzerman did it right; pacing things and letting it all play out how it needed to. It's a solid price for a kid who is already a star and should be solid for the Bolts in the long-run as well. Plus, the move leaves about $7M in buffer room for the Bolts against the salary cap.

That said, still no word on the other highly touted RFA, Drew Doughty of the LA Kings. Though you can bet that will be under the microscope moreso now with Stamoks signed.

The Devil You Now Know

In what could be considered a decent coaching swerve, the New Jersey Devils didn't go with Guy Carbonneau or Ken Hitchcock-- heck, even Michel Therrien wasn't good enough for them. No, Lou Lamoriello went with former Florida Panthers coach Peter DeBoer to be the new bench-boss in the Swamp. DeBoer didn't have much success while in Florida, but he also didn't have the guns to really make a huge splash. With the Devils, he'll have a solid line-up and should be able to show his meddle in the big leagues.

Retirement Always Means Hall of Fame Debates

Chris Osgood called it a career, finishing his career with 401 wins and three Stanley Cups. While he did have a solid career, are his numbers good enough to get him into the Hockey Hall of Fame?? Personally, on merit alone-- the Cups and wins gets him in; but not as a first-ballot guy. While he could slip in there on the first one, I still think there's a lot of guys who are more worthy than Osgood. He'll get in one day, but I don't think it'll be right off the hop.