BS: Ice Hockey 2007-08

Subject: BS: Ice Hockey 2007-08
From: wysiwyg
Date: 29 Sep 07 - 10:15 AM

Here it comes.

Now I see why preseason hockey is often not televised-- those are not real games but merely extended auditions and scrimmages! NHL Center Ice (online viewing) has a free trial going for the preseason; the camera work and playing are really bad-- I love my widescreen monitor but I can't wait to get back to regular-TV viewing and our recliners!

Nice that some of the Crosby hype, Malkin hype, and Staal hype are diminishing-- of course they're brilliant but I can SEE it, I don't need to HEAR about it in every color comment!

GO PENS!

~Susan

Subject: RE: BS: Ice Hockey 2007-08
From: bobad
Date: 29 Sep 07 - 10:56 AM

Regular season play begins today, Anaheim Ducks vs. L.A. Kings - in London, England.

Subject: RE: BS: Ice Hockey 2007-08
From: wysiwyg
Date: 29 Sep 07 - 11:25 AM

Amazingly, I think it will be in the Center Ice free feed at noon EST. You have to sign up, but the only "billing" info they requitre is your snail address.

~Susan

Subject: RE: BS: Ice Hockey 2007-08
From: bobad
Date: 29 Sep 07 - 12:34 PM

The game is being broadcast on CBC in Canada.

Subject: RE: BS: Ice Hockey 2007-08
From: wysiwyg
Date: 30 Sep 07 - 12:19 PM

London's on again now, this time in the US on Versus who-- whoo-hoo!!!-- are carrying the Cdn feed and great Cdn commentators!

Go Hockey!

~Susan

Subject: RE: BS: Ice Hockey 2007-08
From: GUEST,Texas Guest
Date: 30 Sep 07 - 06:52 PM

YES! - it's finally come around - horray hockey.

It's been a tough fall with my beloved Fighting Irish football team getting whipped by everyone under the sun - and all of the golden-
domers getting their beatings from the anti Notre Dame folks on every corner. Horray for hockey.

The Dallas Stars have some new sweaters and they look really nice;
however, they are still the Dallas Stars, so...

go wings, GO wings, GO WINGS, GO RED WINGS, GO RED WINGS, GO! Cheers.

Subject: RE: BS: Ice Hockey 2007-08
From: Rapparee
Date: 30 Sep 07 - 09:26 PM

How's Beckworth doing?

Subject: RE: BS: Ice Hockey 2007-08
From: Mooh
Date: 01 Oct 07 - 09:58 AM

GO LEAFS GO!

(...and to answer the inevitable "leaves" as I have in the past, this is hockey, where common usage trumps grammar every time...)

Peace, Mooh.

Subject: RE: BS: Ice Hockey 2007-08
From: Backwoodsman
Date: 01 Oct 07 - 10:08 AM

Just as thuggery trumps decency and sportsmanship.

Subject: RE: BS: Ice Hockey 2007-08
From: wysiwyg
Date: 01 Oct 07 - 10:11 AM

Re: London openers.... How weird was THAT hearing the Star Spangled Banner (topic: GO INDEPENDENCE FROM BRITS) sung by a Brit?!?!?! Cool, but weird.

BTW I see a lot of advance PR this season already for "new" (translation: "expensive") ways to see the games. I predict "free" TV viewing will be gone by 2010, now that they've given away all the post-lockout coverage to reinvigorate (repair) the fan base.

~Susan

Subject: RE: BS: Ice Hockey 2007-08
From: wysiwyg
Date: 01 Oct 07 - 11:10 AM

For folks new to Mudcat hockey threads...

If you look at past years' hockey threads, you'll quickly note that there is not usually much "trash talk" in the Mudcat hockey threads. Mudcat spirit on personal interests is more usually encouraging than competitive. There have sometimes been debates on NHL rules, but not usually insults directed at one anothers' teams. I say this despite strong feelings about one of my favorite team's arch-rivals' reputation. :~) I keep those comments at home! :~) I bet I'm not the only Mudcat hockey fan who uses colorful language during games. :~) (We need a MudGather for the playoffs!)


Anyway this approach has been nice because as we narrow down in the playoffs, we're usually able to cheer one another (and one another's teams) onward. Kinda reminds me of the players' playoff handshake line.

So this thread is meant to be a place to extol our own teams (or rag on 'em when they screw up), not to knock others'.

~Susan

Subject: RE: BS: Ice Hockey 2007-08
From: Mooh
Date: 01 Oct 07 - 11:16 AM

Backwoodsman...I don't agree. However, unfortunately and regretably, that may well be the common perception. A recent preseason incident (the Downie hit) does nothing to help either...like drug use, unfair play, betting, cheating and a host of other things troubling pro sports. Too bad, it detracts from the vast majority of good will and fair play most common in pro hockey. Heartbreaking too, for those of us who grew up on pond hockey and road hockey where the biggest arguments were over who got to "be" Keon, Howe, or Richard...and actively relive our juvenile fantasies through the NHL.

Peace, Mooh.

Subject: RE: BS: Ice Hockey 2007-08
From: Mooh
Date: 01 Oct 07 - 11:20 AM

Susan...Yes! Born into a Leaf family I was, but I cheerfully (pun intended) support other teams after the Leafs get eliminated, based on arbitrary things like the "original six" (which really weren't), place of origin, players I like, etc. It's about the game.

Peace, Mooh.

Subject: RE: BS: Ice Hockey 2007-08
From: wysiwyg
Date: 01 Oct 07 - 11:31 AM

Go Hockey!

~S~

Subject: RE: BS: Ice Hockey 2007-08
From: Beer
Date: 01 Oct 07 - 12:15 PM

"Go Wings Go"
Beer (adrien)

Subject: RE: BS: Ice Hockey 2007-08
From: Backwoodsman
Date: 01 Oct 07 - 12:17 PM

OK Mooh, I take your point - my comments, whilst genuinely felt, may have been somewhat out of place and ill-judged. I'll 'haud ma whisht' from now on - enjoy your sport of choice!

Susan - I've responded to your message.

Pax,
S:0)

Subject: RE: BS: Ice Hockey 2007-08
From: Rapparee
Date: 01 Oct 07 - 01:12 PM

Sorry. I meant Beckham. The guy that come over the US for millions of dollars than blew out his knee. The one who married Old Spice or whichever one it was.

Subject: RE: BS: Ice Hockey 2007-08
From: wysiwyg
Date: 01 Oct 07 - 01:14 PM

Mooh, I'd bet the NHLers are reliving those very same fantasies. I'd love to see a poll: "How long did it take into your pro career before you realized you were some kid's new hero?"

~S~

Subject: RE: BS: Ice Hockey 2007-08
From: Mooh
Date: 01 Oct 07 - 01:24 PM

Susan...I remember watching Gretzky when he was PeeWee (we lived nearby). He could do more surrounded by goons, on his backhand, skating backwards with the puck in the air than much older kids could do on a breakaway. He was a hero then as now. Scary good he was.

Backwoodsman...You gotta do worse than that to annoy me! I have feelings about car racing and golf that make me unpopular with friends, never mind strangers, so I can empathize.

Rapaire..."Old Spice". That's very funny, and so obvious I bet half of us reading this wish we'd thought of it first. I just about spat lunch on my laptop.

Peace, Mooh.

Subject: RE: BS: Ice Hockey 2007-08
From: Backwoodsman
Date: 02 Oct 07 - 02:58 AM

Thanks Mooh. Peace, man!
S:0)

Subject: RE: BS: Ice Hockey 2007-08
From: wysiwyg
Date: 17 Nov 07 - 03:03 PM

Hey Hockey Pals,

I need help locating a recent post where someone mentioned the demographics of hockey, specifically that it's a "mostly-white" sport or words to that effect. At the time I saw that post, I thought, "I bet they dunno much about the NHL diversity program." It's quite an active program, I believe, at least in Pittsburgh.

If you can find that post, will you go to that thread and add a link there back to this post, or directly to this:

http://penguins.nhl.com/team/app/?service=page&page=NewsPage&articleid=343631

=====

O'Ree Promotes Diversity Program In Pittsburgh
Joe Sager, pittsburghpenguins.com
Nov 17, 2007, 2:31 PM EST

Willie O'Ree made a special stop in Pittsburgh this weekend.

The first black player in NHL history, O'Ree came to the area Saturday to take part in a full day of activities to promote the NHL's Diversity Program.

O'Ree, the NHL's Director of Youth Development and ambassador for NHL Diversity, started the day by attending the Penguins' morning skate at Mellon Arena. He was joined by young players from the inner-city hockey program, "Hockey in the Hood." The youngsters made a presentation to O'Ree, who had a chance to meet Penguins forward Georges Laraque.

It's nearly been 50 years since O'Ree suited up for the Boston Bruins in a game at Montreal and broke the NHL's color barrier.

"Yeah, Jan. 18, 2008, is going to mark 50 years. It seems like just yesterday when I stepped on the ice at the Montreal Forum," he said. "There are so many good memories over the years. I can imagine when they celebrate my 50th, it's going to be quite a milestone for me."

Now, O'Ree spends his time giving back to the sport he loves dearly.

"I was appointed the director of the diversity program on my 40th anniversary by Commissioner Bettman," he said. "I have been traveling around Canada and the United States working with our 39 nonprofit programs. Basically, I just do clinics, personal appearances, fundraisers – I am just having a great time. The youth development program in this country is the greatest. I am happy that I am in a position to give back to the community and give back to the sport."

Following his morning stop at Mellon Arena, O'Ree conducted a street hockey clinic at the Ammon Recreation Center on Bedford Avenue in the Hill District. Then, he attended the Hockey in the Hood practice at the RMU Island [Robert Morris U, I believe ~SH~] Sports Center on Neville Island.

"It was nice to be on the ice with the Hockey in the Hood kids," he said. "It was nice to just go out there and get on the ice with them and see what their goals are and talk about how they are doing in school and what they want to do when they grow up."

O'Ree was scheduled to attend the Penguins' game against the New York Rangers Saturday night at Mellon Arena, too.

"I am really excited about seeing Georges play and Sidney," he said. "I am really excited about being here and watching him perform."

And, O'Ree was happy to visit with Penguins Senior Advisor/Hockey Operations Eddie Johnston. The two were teammates with the Hull-Ottawa Canadiens during the 1960-61 season.

"We go back to 1961. He's a great guy," O'Ree said. "He's a super guy to be with and I always enjoy being in his company. I am glad he is with the Penguins organization and doing well."

O'Ree played 45 games with the Bruins from 1958-61, registering four goals and 10 assists for 14 points. He played pro hockey for 21 seasons, most of those with the Los Angeles Blades and San Diego Gulls of the Western Hockey League.

The NHL is commemorating the 50th anniversary of O'Ree's debut throughout the 2007-08 season. Despite all the recognition, O'Ree just likes helping kids play hockey.

"There are more kids today playing hockey than ever before and more girls playing hockey today than ever before. There are more rinks being constructed, too," he said. "This gives the opportunities for these kids to get on the ice. I can honestly say, of all the clinics I have been involved with, once I get these boys and girls on the ice, I just tell them I am out here to have fun. If they don't want to have fun and play, the door is open and they can leave. I have never had one kid leave, so that's a positive thing right there. I'll continue to work and travel and work with these boys and girls for as long as I can."

=====

Thanks,

~Susan

Subject: RE: BS: Ice Hockey 2007-08
From: gnu
Date: 17 Nov 07 - 04:27 PM

Go Habs go!

Uh, sorry, old habs die hard. Pun definitely intended.

Subject: RE: BS: Ice Hockey 2007-08
From: Art Thieme
Date: 17 Nov 07 - 05:57 PM

Watch Patrick Kane---the Black Hawk's 18 year old rookie, This kid seems to have stardom in his future!!! Now that owner, Arthur Wirtz, has passed on, maybe the team's front office will finally do what is necessary t build a team worth watching. It's a long time since Bobby Hull took a million dollar bribe to leave Chicago. And, from where I sit, it has always seemed that that started the huge salaries of today.

Was that the first big million dollar salary??? I think it might've been the very first in all of sports...

Art Thieme

Subject: RE: BS: Ice Hockey 2007-08
From: Little Hawk
Date: 17 Nov 07 - 07:24 PM

It was my post you recall, Susan, but "mostly White" is a bit misleading way to put it. Culturally speaking, hockey in North America has historically drawn a lot of players from the White and the Native American populations...not many from Black or Asian or Hispanic populations.

Why? Because it started up in the White and Native American milieu, that's why, and the past tends to repeat itself. Kids tend to emulate the heroes from their own cultural community.

Thus a Black kid is much more likely to emulate a Black football player, basketball player, boxer, or baseball player than he is a Black hockey player, because very few professional hockey players have been Black in the past. That is slowly changing in places like Toronto where you now see kids of every race and culture going into hockey.

Likewise, a Hispanic child is more likely to emulate a Hispanic baseball or soccer player than a hockey player. I'm sure that's gradually changing too.

The most popular team sports in Cuba are baseball and soccer. Cubans are downright crazy about baseball. Accordingly, you will see a lot of good Cuban baseball players.

It's a cultural thing the way different communities gravitate to different sports, and it happens quite naturally, as a result of past cultural patterns...and the climate in any given area. The strongest hockey playing nations are naturally those with a northern climate. Those nations have also mostly been predominantly White nations in Europe and North America.

Subject: RE: BS: Ice Hockey 2007-08
From: GUEST,Texas Guest
Date: 17 Nov 07 - 09:49 PM

Art: I knew something was going on in Chicago these days as my beloved Red Wings have lost more than a couple to your guys this year while recent history has us "whuppin' up" on the Blackhawks on a regular basis.

Speaking of Blackhawks - I have several Red Wing shirts and/or jerseys which I love to wear around down here; but, there is another
jersey in my closet and that is a red Blackhawks jersey that I found
on a discount rack. The jersey has a "C" on the left breast, and on the back is the number "7" - with the name, Chelios - and now you know why I have it. Go Red Wings! Cheers.

Subject: RE: BS: Ice Hockey 2007-08
From: Art Thieme
Date: 17 Nov 07 - 10:51 PM

...and the Blackhawks beat Detroit again tonight---5 to 3. No way they should've. Chicago had 10 shots on goal all night I think. Khabibulin stopped 29 Detroit shots. But the Hawks got 3 power play goals. A good game--especially the outcome.

Art

Subject: RE: BS: Ice Hockey 2007-08
From: catspaw49
Date: 17 Nov 07 - 11:27 PM

Hey Mooh.....I can handle the racing for you and you handle the hockey for me....LOL.....Everytime I wonder how anyone can't dig racing I remember how I feel about hockey!

Besides, we don't have an NHL Pro team here in Columbus. We have the Blue Jackets.........................................

Spaw

Subject: RE: BS: Ice Hockey 2007-08
From: Art Thieme
Date: 18 Nov 07 - 12:29 AM

I'm wrong. They weren't power play goals. They were 3 short handed goals!
Art

Subject: RE: BS: Ice Hockey 2007-08
From: GUEST,Texas Guest
Date: 18 Nov 07 - 01:30 AM

Well, that's why they play the game - those who "should" win, often don't. The Wings are strong but sometimes play like they're on another planet somewhere; the Blackhawks, I think, are up-and-coming and will be contenders again pretty soon. But, hey, tell 'em to lay off my Wings now, huh? Cheers.

Subject: RE: BS: Ice Hockey 2007-08
From: Mooh
Date: 18 Nov 07 - 07:47 AM

Ottawa really rocks this year, but they couldn't rock past the Leafs last night. Funny what happens when one team plays a little weak and the other plays very well...all bets are off.

Spaw...agreed, LOL!

Peace, Mooh.

Subject: RE: BS: Ice Hockey 2007-08
From: 3refs
Date: 18 Nov 07 - 11:51 AM

Watch Patrick Kane---the Black Hawk's 18 year old rookie, This kid seems to have stardom in his future!!! Now that owner, Arthur Wirtz, has passed on, maybe the team's front office will finally do what is necessary t build a team worth watching. It's a long time since Bobby Hull took a million dollar bribe to leave Chicago. And, from where I sit, it has always seemed that that started the huge salaries of today.

Was that the first big million dollar salary??? I think it might've been the very first in all of sports...

Art Thieme

I could be mistaken, but I think the first "Million Dollar" athlete was Pele(of soccer fame). At the beginning of the 1971-72 season, Bobby Orr signed a contract with the Boston Bruins worth a reported $200,000 per season over five years. So he made a million dollars, but spread over five years.

Derek Sanderson and Bobby Hull are widely remembered as hockey's first millionaires because of the sensation they caused in 1972, when they left the NHL to sign big contracts with the new World Hockey Association.

Sanderson was only a millionaire on paper. His five-year, $2.65 million deal with the Philadelphia Blazers briefly made him the world's richest athlete. But he played only a few WHA games before returning to the NHL, so he never collected his millions.

Hull's WHA contract was worth $2.75 million over ten years, with $1 million of that paid up front. So Hull qualifies as the first guy to make $1 million in a single year. No NHL salary came close to $1 million a year back then.

Subject: RE: BS: Ice Hockey 2007-08
From: Art Thieme
Date: 18 Nov 07 - 02:17 PM

3Refs,
Thank you for that breakdown. It is appreciated!
Art

Subject: RE: BS: Ice Hockey 2007-08
From: JeZeBeL
Date: 19 Nov 07 - 03:58 AM

Yay....gotta love hockey season.......

It's the reason we wnat to emigrate to canada!!

GO LEAFS GO!!!! (or go flames go in my partner's case - how the hell did we end up together!!)

We can't watch it at normal times here in the UK, but I did stay up last night to watch the flames match on setanta....only got about 5 minutes in before I fell alseep.

hockey season rocks.....

Subject: RE: BS: Ice Hockey 2007-08
From: Mooh
Date: 19 Nov 07 - 09:34 AM

JeZeBel...The Leafs website has past games reduced to 6 minute hightlights a day or two later, if it's any consolation.

Peace, Mooh.

Subject: RE: BS: Ice Hockey 2007-08
From: JeZeBeL
Date: 19 Nov 07 - 09:57 AM

Ooo....thanks Mooh...I will have a look at that definately....you've just made my day :)

Subject: RE: BS: Ice Hockey 2007-08
From: wysiwyg
Date: 19 Nov 07 - 10:20 AM

And you can record whole-game audio from NHL Radio, via Total Recorder or other soundcard-capturing software. As far as I know, NHL Radio is not limited by country?

~S~

Subject: RE: BS: Ice Hockey 2007-08
From: wysiwyg
Date: 01 Dec 07 - 12:25 PM

Hello, my name is Susan, and I'm a hockeyholic.

I freely confess-- my daytimer is filled with NHL and ECHL games for the week to watch, videotape, and/or record from computer-streamed radio.... for the nights when there may not be a team playing I'm interested in.

It's getting worse and I haven't hit bottom-- as evidence I cite the game I plan to stream to scout a team MY team will play on TV a few days later. First time I'll do that, but I suspect a definite trend beginning!

Of course, I don't want an intervention. Hardi's my co-dependent in this, as well as my recliner partner, and even our dog is addicted for the complete dysfunctional family! House chores, bah!-- only as they fit into the intermissions! Gotta stretch the legs ya know!

~Susan

Subject: RE: BS: Ice Hockey 2007-08
From: topical tom
Date: 01 Dec 07 - 12:42 PM

I used to watch many more games than I do now when the children were at home but I am still a fan.Though I may not always agree with Don Cherry he is nothing if not interesting, attention-getting!I deplore the mean-spirited assaults in the league but the occasional fair fight is a part of the game.

          That said, GO CANADIENS!

Subject: RE: BS: Ice Hockey 2007-08
From: wysiwyg
Date: 04 Dec 07 - 09:18 AM

Go Wings! Kick some baggy Hab ass tonight! :~)

~S~

Subject: RE: BS: Ice Hockey 2007-08
From: Beer
Date: 04 Dec 07 - 04:56 PM

Thanks for the reminder Susan. Must check if they are on our local network otherwise I will listen to the game thanks to this wonderful INTERNET.
Beer (adrien)

Subject: RE: BS: Ice Hockey 2007-08
From: wysiwyg
Date: 04 Dec 07 - 07:30 PM

Sorry I can;t tape it for you; I have something else programmed. Here's to Chelios et al making Hab Puree. Game's about to start--- wheee! Shall I record the radio call as a WAV for you?

~S~

Subject: RE: BS: Ice Hockey 2007-08
From: Beer
Date: 04 Dec 07 - 10:12 PM

Just got home from my son's house and watched the game. Thanks for the offer Susan. I found that most of the Canadians gave up after the third Red Wing goal. Was entertaining and the Canadians have a very promising young goalie.
I'll sleep well tonight.

Subject: RE: BS: Ice Hockey 2007-08
From: wysiwyg
Date: 04 Dec 07 - 10:22 PM

I LOVED that the Wings got tough early and made the Habs actually play hockey instead of just running ther usual cheap-shot shenanigans. It was a great game.

~Susan

Subject: RE: BS: Ice Hockey 2007-08
From: topical tom
Date: 05 Dec 07 - 12:59 PM

Cheap-shot shenanigans, WYSIWYG? I say! Oh, well, congrats on winning your game.(Grrrrrrrrrr...AAAAAAAAghhhhhhhhh!!!)

Subject: RE: BS: Ice Hockey 2007-08
From: Beer
Date: 05 Dec 07 - 01:02 PM

My condolences Tom

Subject: RE: BS: Ice Hockey 2007-08
From: wysiwyg
Date: 05 Dec 07 - 01:32 PM

tt, sorry, I wasn't thinking that we had a Habs fan here-- had missed your post above. What I was thinking of were the several times in the past few years when I have seen the Habs go for the dirty tricks instead of the skill for which they are known and respected and which I had tuned in, hoping to see for myself but being disappointed.

I have to say though that their game last night was truly a well-played one, and did a lot to change my mind about them.

But you are right to object. I've said above (and many other times) that Mudcat's hockey threads are a mutual encouragement, not a mutual mud-slinging. I was wrong, and I apologize.

Go Hockey!

~Susan

Subject: RE: BS: Ice Hockey 2007-08
From: Beer
Date: 05 Dec 07 - 02:30 PM

I'm sure he wasn't angry Susan.

Subject: RE: BS: Ice Hockey 2007-08
From: topical tom
Date: 06 Dec 07 - 12:40 PM

Heavens, no WYSIWYG!Absolutely no offence taken! It was but my feeble attempt at humour.No apology needed.Though I am a Montreal Canadiens fan I am not a fanatic about it.

      As for you, Beer, thanks for the sympathy!I was not truly mourning, though!

                   GO CANADIENS!

Subject: RE: BS: Ice Hockey 2007-08
From: wysiwyg
Date: 06 Dec 07 - 09:06 PM

Well, I was wrong anyway, even if I do not understand the manner of expression in Canadia.

Thanks for being nice about it, tt. Now I gotta go watch our Pens try to kick some other butt in Canadia (-- where the heck is Calgary and why does it flame? All I know is rodeo's... stampede?). We taped last night's Pens game due to having to miss it to attend an ECHL game somewhat in pastor's garb (we won), but I hear a rumor the Pens won last night, too.

~Susan

Subject: RE: BS: Ice Hockey 2007-08
From: gnu
Date: 11 Feb 08 - 01:54 PM

87 points! Are the Wings really that good?