Sugden’s NHL Bid Blocked
Brandon Sugden‘s dream of getting one more shot at making it into the NHL has suddenly come crashing to a halt.
After scoring an invitation to attend training camp with the New York Islanders, all that was left in Sugden’s way was the approval of all 30 NHL teams. Because Sugden retired from hockey in December 2006 only to suit up in the LNAH months later, the league must grant Sudgen an unofficial reinstatement in the aforementioned form.
Unfortunately for “Sugar”, three different teams gave a thumbs down according to Lindsay Kramer of the Syracuse Post-Standard:
Travis Sugden called me on Wednesday morning with some stunning news about his son, Brandon, the former Syracuse Crunch enforcer. Travis said he just found out three NHL teams have objected to Brandon returning to pro hockey this season. Brandon had planned on attending camp with the Islanders. If he did not make New York, he said he was eager to explore playing for the Crunch again.
Travis did not yet know which teams blocked Brandon. But the denial means he can’t play in the NHL or AHL until next year. Brandon needed to clear this odd technicality because after leaving the Crunch two seasons ago, he announced it as a “retirement.’’ Because he “retired’’ then came back to play pro hockey (in the LNAH) within one year, every other NHL organization had to give him a thumbs up to return.
That’s not where the story ends though. While his rejection would only mean another year in the LNAH until he can return to either the NHL or AHL, Sugden’s plan fell in line with the current health of his father, Travis, who has been diagnosed with cancer and has less than a year left to live according to doctors. Part of Sugden’s reasoning in giving the big leagues one more try was to give his father the opportunity to see his son play at the highest level possible.
Sugden’s camp will reportedly be contacting the NHLPA to see if there is anything they can do. Still, at the moment at least, things aren’t looking very promising. Here’s to hoping some sort of agreement can be worked out and Sugden will be permitted to play after all.
Giveaway: The Bruise Brothers: Hockey’s Heavyweight Champions
We’re giving away a copy of the book The Bruise Brothers: Hockey’s Heavyweight Champions.
A quote from our preview post:
Even those who were often on the receiving end of their blows find it difficult to dislike them. “They were larger-than-life characters,” former St. Louis tough guy Kelly Chase said. “People loved the way they fought.
Tie Domi teamed with Kocur in New York and fought Probert nine times, but simply smiles when their names are brought up in the discussion. “Joe and I were tag-team partners in New York,” Domi said. “He really showed me the ropes.”
As for Probert, his frequent nemesis, Domi is nothing but respectful. “He’s a classy guy,” Domi said. “We’ve been friends, even through all that’s happened between us through the years."…
Gotta have the book now? Go over to immortalinvestments.com to order your copy.
So how to enter? Easy - go to this thread and make a post. It can be anything, “I’m in” works just fine. Two posts gets you dq’d. Lurkers - it can be your first post, we’re cool with that. Register if you’re not a member already. I’ll ship to anywhere.
Mirasty’s NHL Chances Increasing
It’s a story that could be made into a book some day.
After years toiling around in lower-level minor leagues, cutting his teeth in Quebec’s infamous LNAH, and temporarily calling it quits, Jon Mirasty will attend his first NHL training camp this fall after signing a two-way deal with the Columbus Blue Jackets this past offseason.
The Jackets are already “enforcer-less” after shipping Jody Shelley to San Jose last season. To top that off, 2007-08 fighting majors leader Jared Boll reportedly broke his right hand while playing a pickup hockey game with friends last week:
The Blue Jackets winger said he suffered a broken right hand last week while playing pickup hockey in Toronto. Boll said he was hit in the glove by a puck that was shot from the point.
“It was kind of what happened to (Dan) Fritsche at the end of last season,” Boll said yesterday as he arrived in Columbus with a cast on the hand. “The doctor said it was a clean break. It didn’t even require surgery.”
Boll will likely be healthy enough in time for the start of Columbus’ training camp in September, but it’s key to note that this isn’t the first time that he’s injured his right hand. Hopefully it’s not the start of repeated problems.
If the Jackets decide to go into the season without a true heavy and Mirasty’s skills continue to progress, it wouldn’t be a surprise if “Nasty” were to receive a cup of coffee at some point next year, regardless if Boll is in the lineup or not.
Remembering the Gretzky trade
Wayne Gretzky 20 Years After The Trade (Video)
Gretzky Trade: Original reports
Gretzky forgives and forgets
Residual effect from Gretzky trade still felt today
20 Years Ago: Gretzky deal shocked the hockey world
If only Gretzky’d listened to his dad...
Some reads
Flyers name Berube assistant coach
Source: Snow has narrowed his list to three
The Straight Edge: Enforcers are alive and well
Sean Avery happy to bring his ‘style’ of hockey to the Stars
Avery not impressed with Rangers’ signings
Getting to Know: Bruce Bennett
Mr. Price anxious for new season
Pest vs Pest
When the Stars signed Sean Avery to a four-year deal last month, everyone else in the league cringed. The NHL’s two biggest pests on the same team? Say no more.
However the Dallas Morning News looks at the big picture. They point out that Steve Ott‘s ice time started to steadily decrease throughout the playoffs and the inclusion of Avery along with a handful of prospects hoping to stay with the big club calls into question Ott’s status with the team:
The key for him will be to find his place. If he is the left wing on the checking line with Mike Modano (as he was for much of last season), Ott will indeed play an important role. But if the coaches are hoping to move Modano around or give him a more skilled partner like Brunnstrom, Ott will probably be moved to the fourth line.
And with Avery now a significant part of the picture who does many of the same things Ott does, is there a concern that Ott’s role will be diminished?
While Avery will likely settle in on one of the top two lines, Ott could indeed see himself relegated to the fourth line. Avery is able to instigate at will and do it without the fear of being a liability on the ice, so will the Stars still include Ott’s peskiness in their everyday lineup? It’ll be interesting to see what develops out of training camp in the fall.
Listen up
Catching Up With Adam Deadmarsh (mp3)
Newly-signed Oilers defenceman Jason Strudwick talks to Dan Tencer (mp4)
Duck Cast with Joe DiPenta (mp3)
Cam Neely speaks to BostonBruins.com about Bruins Dev Camp 2008 (mp3)
Some reads
Leafs get tougher with Deveaux
Sean Avery Bucks The Trend
CoUIHL cities: Ranking the 16 I’ve visited
Sharks don’t have look of champions
Coyotes’ Sulliman puts his career on ice
Winning the Sundin sweepstakes is no guarantee of a Cup
Patrick Roy’s Son Charged with Assault from Hockey Fight
Sean Avery Pontificates on Men in Shorts
Lightning aim for speedy turnaround with changes
Captain jailed for hockey assault
Sporting Equivalency: The Joker
Life Lessons from Leafs Nation, Plus Darren McCarty Wants to Autograph Your Phone Book
Questions abound about KHL’s effect on NHL
Video: Baywatch’s Traci Bingham is blissfully unaware that Igor Larionov is retired, and your Ovechkin love update
Summer Lullin’
Ah, the summer, when I get to take a break around here… kinda. If you’re wondering what goes on during the summer, besides news coverage, it’s mostly prep for the next season. The foundation for anything that’s new has to be added now, as it’s just too crazy in-season to do anything other than cover hockey (not a bad thing).
Some things we’re working on now: log expansion and archives, adding clips, new articles pages, new news pages and forums upgrades to name a few. Within a couple of weeks I’ll start pointing out the changes and new things around here. We’ll also have another giveaway, always fun.
NHL schedule released
The NHL released the 2008-09 schedule last week. I plan on having it in the system by next week, so you’ll be able to start previewing match-ups.
Yes, it’s the new more boring balanced schedule, that media and some fans pressured the NHL into adapting. The top three reasons given:
1. Everyone should see Sidney.
2. Everyone should see Ovechkin.
3. Detroit plays outside of their own timezone too much. (They won the Cup, pity their fans.)
Craig Custance of the Sporting News put together his list of 10 can’t-miss games.
We’ve lost division games for this so-called balance. I wonder how the NHL is going to market these must-have games. Some possible tag lines:
Canucks vs Panthers - “Bure Partied Here”
Coyotes vs Islanders - “The Wrath of Brad Isbister”
Oilers vs Hurricanes - “And You Thought Cup Ratings Were Low”
Wild vs Devils - “No Ambien, No Problem”
Maybe when the Coyotes play the Panthers the league could setup an early bird home and home special?
Videos added
With or without new blog posts, we have been adding clips, just check out the list on the videos page for updates.
Some reads
Griffins hire former NHL tough guy as head coach
Roy’s ready to rumble | Feisty Roy punches ticket to play with Flames
Owner issues shouldn’t get in way of NHL’s progress
Babcock keeping Sask.-Detroit ties together
O’Byrne is final piece of CH puzzle
From Wall Street to desert heat
Adding sandpaper
Amerks and fans are eager for arrival of tough guy MacIntyre
So are the Stars tough enough?
Still Stylin’
HF News • Video Updates • (0) Comments • Permalink
Some Wait
While many free agents have signed, a number still wait to find an NHL team (or possibly an AHL affiliate) to join.
We had a lot of fun covering the first few hectic days of free agent season, and it’s been slowing down since.
After a few more key (hockeyfights.com “key") free agents sign, we’ll chart out who went where to make it a little easier to follow your favorite players.
As a bit of a jump start, a good number of the reads below are free agent signing-related.
Videos added
Dennis Bonvie vs Triston Grant Oct 14, 2007
Darren Reid vs Ryan Stone Oct 13, 2007
Denis Gauthier vs Deryk Engelland Oct 13, 2007
Martin Grenier vs Mike Hoffman Nov 2, 2007
Josh Beaulieu vs Jay Rosehill Oct 26, 2007
Frederik Cabana vs Patrick Davis Nov 4, 2007
Kyle Greentree vs Ian Moran Nov 4, 2007
Some reads
Iggy’s backing of Bertuzzi a cue for Flames fans
Laraque signing gets mixed reviews | Canadiens sign Laraque
Hordichuk set to fill out fight card
Coyotes Shifting Focus
News from across the pond on Fedorov, Sundin
Sean Avery dishes on Dallas and couture
Real ‘Vogue’ Interns: Our Jobs Were Nothing Like Sean Avery’s
Stars sign Sean Avery (mp3)
Wild PONDcast (mp3): Owen Nolan | Craig Weller
Free Agent Day 2008
Welcome to the most important hockey day in July. It doesn’t sound so important when you write it out like that, but make no mistake, today brings us into the 2008-09 season. Rosters will start to fill up, and within a few days we’ll start seeing standings predictions.
Happy Canada Day, too.
At noon Eastern, the first free agent signings will become official. Jamie Fitzgerald and I will be working on keeping up with rumors and official signings.
Tracker - follow along and comment
July 3
10:13am - The Caps have signed Keith Aucoin.
12:13pm - The Habs have traded Mikhail Grabovski for Greg Pateryn and the Leafs’ second round pick in 2010.
12:33pm - The Canadiens have signed Alex Henry for one year, and Cédrick Desjardins for two years.
12:59pm - The Stars have signed Francis Wathier, Maxime Fortunus and Garrett Stafford each to two-year, two-way contracts through the 2009-10 season. They also signed Landon Wilson to a one-year, two-way contract for 2008-09.
1:48pm - The Hurricanes signed Dwight Helminen to a one-year, two-way contract for $475k in the NHL level and $100k in the minors.
1:59pm - The Pens have signed Ruslan Fedotenko and Miroslav Satan, each for one year.
2:08pm - The Coyotes have signed David Hale for two years.
2:11pm - The Oilers have signed Taylor Chorney to a three-year entry level contract.
2:24pm - Wyatt Smith has signed a one-year, two-way deal with the Bolts.
2:50pm - Georges Laraque has gone home to Montreal, signing a three-year deal with the Habs.
3:53pm - Avalanche sign Daniel Tjarnqvist and Chris Durno.
4:16pm - The Islanders have gone on a signing spree, giving contracts to Kurtis McLean, Chris Lee, Mitch Fritz, Peter Mannino, Mike Iggulden and Brett Skinner.
4:18pm - The Wild have signed Antti Miettinen.
4:39pm - The Rangers signed Markus Naslund to a two-year, $8 million contract and Dmitri Kalinin to a one-year contract.
4:49pm - The Florida Panthers signed Rory Fitzpatrick, Steve MacIntyre, Chris Beckford-Tseu and James DeLory. Panthers, or Amerks fans, will definitely be happy with MacIntyre.
5:11pm - The Leafs signed Dominic Moore, John Mitchell and Greg Scott.
5:32pm - In a shocker, the Canadiens have signed another Montreal native. Marc Denis signed a one-year, two-way deal.
5:39pm - The Sharks have signed Rob Blake.
5:52pm - The Blues re-sign Yan Stastny to a two-year deal.
6:43pm - The Coyotes re-sign Matt Jones.
7:20pm - The Coyotes have also signed another heavyweight, this time Francis Lessard. Both Phoenix and San Antonio will be fun to watch.
10:41pm - Brian McGrattan, recently traded to the Coyotes for a draft pick, signed a one-year deal with the team.
July 1 and 2 after the jump
hockeyfights.com links
News
General Off-Season Rumors
2008 Qualifying Offer Deadline Thread
Player Movement & Rumors Forum
Roster Season
It’s all about next season’s roster in the NHL right now. From the draft to free agent day, the league’s all about signings, waives and trades.
Jamie’s put together a complete qualifying offer list, with updates.
Latest tough guy moves: Avalanche Re-Sign Scott Parker, Coyotes Trade for Brian McGrattan
A mullet grows in Florida
Rumored for some time, the Lightning have gone ahead and hired Barry Melrose as coach. The former talking head will be taking that head, avec les cheveux, to Tampa.
Fomer power forward and Coyotes assistant coach Rick Tocchet, along with recently retired center Wes Walz will join become part of Melrose’s staff.
Making Melrose’s job a little easier: Vinny Lecavalier reportedly signed a 9-year, $77 million contract with the Lightning.
Some local reaction:
Hair He Comes
At Melrose Place, Folks Are Abuzz About Barry’s Lightning Move
New Lightning coach Barry Melrose brings tempered toughness
Melrose returns to true calling
Ear of the beholder
There’s been a lot of buzz about Sean Avery‘s Vogue internship. I never thought it was so outrageous. He’s doing something he likes during the offseason. Plus, Manhattan’s always a nice place to walk around and Fashion Week makes it even nicer. Hell, my own wardrobe is part-generic, part-NY. If you’re wondering what that means, basically if it’s all NY and trendy, it needs lots of quantity and lots of updating, meaning dropping way too much cash on clothes - unless you’re a pro athlete, then it’s easy.
Avery’s guest editing Men’s Vogue this week. He’s written a piece about what it was like starting his internship and what he’s learning.
While it’s not a bad article overall, he tries too hard to separate himself from sport:
I don’t watch sports. I don’t read about sports… I don’t hang out with other athletes… Some people question whether I’m straight; others give me compliments. Some women find it a turn-on. My teammates are very supportive and cool about my interest in fashion - sometimes they even ask for my advice on what to wear. But I’d be lying to you if I said that I don’t take some verbal abuse from opposing players for the clothes I wear, or for my interest in something - “fashion” - that I think sounds a little frightening to narrow-minded blockheads.
Later on he describes his job as “pure fun”.
His verbal abuse comment is simply ridiculous as that’s part of his own job on the ice. Considering he has a no holds barred reputation when it comes to topics (race, family, etc.), saying his opponents are “narrow-minded blockheads” makes you wonder what class he’s in.
As for the sexual orientation part of it, I was going to leave it be until I saw this title from Outsports, a gay-focused sports site: Sean Avery, still gayer than me. So, uh, there you go.
Back to his hockey career: John Dellapina of the NY Daily News is reporting the Rangers are set with letting Avery skate away as a free agent. The problem here is salary, not exactly an uncommon issue around this time. Avery’s agent is selling the Rangers their own record with and without Avery in the lineup:
“Their record is 50-20-10 with him in the lineup and 9-13-3 without him in the lineup,” Morris said. “And he can skate, which is needed in today’s hockey. He can hit. He can fight. He can score. He plays with passion. He would like to remain a Ranger but is prepared to leave if Glen feels differently.”
Given Avery’s off-ice interests (fashion, night life, hot ass), there aren’t many other cities Avery would be comfortable in.
Videos added
Kris Newbury vs Steve Downie Dec 14, 2007
Ryan Parent vs Jay Rosehill Dec 15, 2007
Dennis Bonvie vs Darroll Powe Dec 16, 2007
Nate Guenin vs Adam Henrich Dec 15, 2007
Grant Potulny vs Ryan Potulny Dec 21, 2007
Some reads
Gillies Prefers Gym To Golf
10 facts about expected Lightning coach Barry Melrose
Schenn brothers driven to succeed
Capitals choose defenseman with Bears connection
No Niedermayer decision yet
Peter Chiarelli says Bruins eyeing free agency splash
Russian league still open to signing NHL players
Criticism is water under the bridge for Beach
A Hockey Team Built on Showmanship Is Sidelined Indefinitely
NHL Draft Coverage 2008
Media coverage
TSN: DraftCentre | First Round Draft Tracker
Sportsnet: 2008 NHL Entry Draft - Round 1
Sportsline: Draft Tracker | Prospect Rankings | Prospect Profiles | History
ESPN: Draft home | Draft order | Past No. 1 picks | History
CBC: Jeff Marek’s 2008 NHL draft instant analysis
NHL.com: All draft picks
KuklasKorner: NHL Entry Draft 2008 Liveblog
hockeyfights.com NHL Draft Preview 2008
First round results
- TAM: Steven Stamkos C Sarnia Sting (OHL)
- LAK: Drew Doughty D Guelph Storm (OHL)
- ATL: Zach Bogosian D Peterborough Petes (OHL)
- STL: Alex Pietrangelo D Niagara Ice Dogs (OHL)
- TOR: Luke Schenn D Kelowna Rockets (WHL)
- CBJ: Nikita Filatov LW CSKA Moscow (REL)
- NSH: Colin Wilson C Boston University (NCAA)
- PHX: Mikkel Boedker LW Kitchener Rangers (OHL)
- NYI: Joshua Bailey C Windsor Spitfires (OHL)
- VAN: Cody Hodgson C Brampton Battalion (OHL)
- CHI: Kyle Beach C Everett Silvertips (WHL)
- BUF: Tyler Myers D Kelowna Rockets (WHL)
- LAK: Colten Teubert D Regina Pats (WHL)
- CAR: Zach Boychuk C Lethbridge Hurricanes (WHL)
- OTT: Erik Karlsson D Frolunda HC (SEL)
- BOS: Joe Colbourne C Camrose (AJHL)
- ANA: Jake Gardiner D Minnetonka (HS)
- NSH: Chet Pickard G Tri-City Americans (WHL)
- PHI: Luca Sbisa D Lethbridge Hurricanes (WHL)
- NYR: Michael Del Zotto D Oshawa Generals (OHL)
- WAS: Anton Gustaffson C Frolunda HC (SEL)
- EDM: Jordan Eberle RW Regina Pats (WHL)
- MIN: Tyler Cuma D Ottawa (OHL)
- NJD: Mattias Tedenby LW HV-71 (SWE)
- CAL: Greg Nemisz C Windsor Spitfires (OHL)
- BUF: Tyler Ennis C Medicine Hat Tigers (WHL)
- WAS: John Carlson D Indiana Ice (USHL)
- PHX: Viktor Tikhonov W Cherepovets (RUS)
- ATL: Daultan Leveille C St. Catharines (GHJHL)
- DET: Thomas McCollum G Guelph Storm (OHL)
Trades
7:17 PM ET: In a surprising trade, the Los Angeles Kings have sent Mike Cammalleri to the Calgary Flames in a three-way deal. The Kings received the Flames’ first-rounder this year (17th overall) and gave it to the Anaheim Ducks, along with the 28th overall pick this year in exchange for the 12th overall selection. - JC
7:19 PM ET: The Florida Panthers have traded team captain Olli Jokinen to the Phoenix Coyotes in exchange for a pair of defensemen - Keith Ballard and Nick Boynton, as well as the 49th overall pick in this year’s draft. (2nd round) - JC
7:43 PM ET: The Montreal Canadiens have acquired Alex Tanguay and a 5th round pick in 2009 from the Calgary Flames in exchange for the 25th overall pick in this year’s draft (first rounder) and a second-round pick in ‘09. - JC
7:56 PM ET: The Toronto Maple Leafs and New York Islanders have swapped first-round picks. Toronto gets to pick 5th overall; the Isles 7th. However the Isles also get one of two combinations pending on the drafts of both teams - The Isles will receive either the 60th overall pick in this year’s draft and a 3rd rounder from this year also or the 68th overall pick and a 3rd rounder in next year’s draft. Confusing, I know. - JC
8:09 PM ET: The Philadelphia Flyers have traded winger R.J. Umberger to the Columbus Blue Jackets in exchange for the 19th overall pick in this draft and a 4th rounder this year as well. - JC
NHL Draft Preview 2008
With the 2008 NHL Draft just days away, lets take a look at some of the tougher, scrappier players available. Not surprisingly, the WHL led the way especially in the first round, but the OHL and QMJHL are still well represented in early rounds.
The hockeyfights.com Content Team put together a preview of what the future holds for all the tougher players ranked by the NHL Central Scouting. Huge thanks go to them, the guys who follow the juniors and made the time to give us some insight into the players who’ll dominate discussion on this site in the future. The WHL was covered by Shawn (HordiBrusk29), QMJHL by Chris (CatatonicMoose) and the OHL by Dan (tie domi28).
The list is ordered by NHL Central Scouting ranking.
Sean Speedo
Sean Avery has taken a lot of heat, or at least a lot of verbal jabs, for his internship at Vogue magazine this summer. It wasn’t much of a surprise after reading about his love of fashion in the NY Times, or after seeing Avery take Brendan Shanahan along to Fashion Week last fall:
I’m from New York, I get it.
However, there’s a line in the sand, and Avery just crossed over it:
“I’m bringing the European flavor back to America,” he says, “and I’m rocking a straight Speedo all summer.”
Hey, he could wear Jason Giambi’s gold thong for all I care, just cover the thing up.
Wings, Wolves Win
I was pulled offline the night of the Stanley Cup win for the Detroit Red Wings, so no rush back for reporting on that, as any hockey fan who didn’t know the Wings won must be living in a hole.
For the less casual fan, the Chicago Wolves winning the Calder Cup isn’t much news either, but for those who don’t follow the AHL, there’s your winner.
The Penguins, both of the Pittsburgh and Wilkes-Barre/Scranton variety, were the losers. It’s bittersweet for Pens and Baby Pens fans. The double-loss is tough, but you know your teams are young and skilled, and should be good for quite a few years.
Hollywood Probert
Bob Probert has a small part in Mike Myers’ new movie, The Love Guru. While filming, there was a fight scene and Probert’s opponent skated away with a bit of a black eye trophy.
“There was one scene that I happened to get one of the smaller guys on the Leafs and there was a brawl scene that took place to the right of Justin Timberlake,” Probert says. “I was supposed to make it as realistic as I could and knock his helmet off. Anyways, it was an uppercut and I kind of dinged him in the eye and he was sporting a shiner for the next week or so.
“He was kind of happy about it. He was like, ‘Look what I got from Probie.’ He had the bragging rights that he took a punch from me, and I thought that was pretty funny.”
Bolts want Tocchet
According to The Arizona Republic, the Tampa Bay Lightning have asked the Phoenix Coyotes for permission to talk to Rick Tocchet.
Coming soon
The content team has been busy preparing draft day previews and coverage, along with free agent day coverage.
Some reads
Tough call for the Hall
Oilers 1990 Stanley Cup ring goes for US$72000 on hockey auction site
Off-base Leafs add good coach
Wild bruisers play nice
Hossa is poster boy for free-agent cap busters
Bonvie looks back on colorful career
Move on, and make the right moves
Disappointed Pens know roster will change
Pens Win Triple OT Thriller
After a lot of hockey, the Penguins put the Wings‘ Cup dreams on hold, at least for a couple of days.
Nothing’s better than overtime in the playoffs, but when the Cup can be grabbed with just one goal, it’s as nerve-racking as it gets, outside of it being game 7.
The Pens came out hard, taking a two-goal lead, but playing like they should be winning by a good five. The Wings then became dominant. Somehow the Penguins’ young legs just can’t keep up with the Red Wings through an entire game. The Wings climbed back into it, and then over the Pens, taking a one-goal lead in the third. With just 35 seconds left, Maxime Talbot tied it up, deadening the Detroit crowd temporarily.
There were some weak penalties called in the first couple of overtimes. I know the refs need to stick to the rulebook, but at the same time, it’s just not the kind of game you want to see end due to a questionable call. In the third OT, Jiri Hudler got careless with his stick, catching Rob Scuderi up high. You can’t ignore blood, and Hudler was whistled for a double minor. Petr Sykora needed only 36 seconds this time around to capitalize on the power play and force a game six.
Some decent ratings should be in the NHL’s future.
Character
Steve Simmons has a good, honest piece about Darren McCarty and his struggle to right his life and resume his NHL career.
In more of a smiler, Georges Laraque‘s extensive charity work was profiled by the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
Woah, Tie
There hasn’t been much Tie Domi news lately, but I ran across this:
“Not 10 seconds ago I was sitting here thinking, ‘Oh my God, I did his last movie with him,’” Kelly Carlson said Tuesday when asked about Sydney Pollack’s death.
Carlson said she had just returned to L.A. from Toronto, where she has been visiting her boyfriend, former NHLer Tie Domi.
Shame about Pollack, a very creative man, but I had no idea Kelly Carlson was dating Domi. Yes, this Kelly Carlson. Go Tie.
What Up, Niko?
Ok, so Sean Avery isn’t the only one into fashion. Alex Ovechkin is going to launch his own line of streetwear.
I’m assuming he wasn’t showing any of it off during this game 3, second intermission interview, when he was auditioning for a part in GTA 5. That whole “I’m from Russia” thing is a ruse. He is, in fact, from Liberty City.
Video added
Nathan Smith vs Nathan Oystrick Jun 1, 2008 (AHL Calder Cup)
Some reads
Too much Sidney? Here are 10 things you may not know
Refresher course: Getting to know the Stanley Cup
Glen Sather thinking cap with Jaromir Jagr, Sean Avery offers
Greetings from the NHL GM meeting
Surely NBC couldn’t eclipse CBC on Cup final
To the mountaintop and beyond, NHL-style
Quebec sports minister fights to eliminate hockey brawls
Campbell might not fit on Flyers
Penguins role players watch, wait
Luc Bourdon, 21
By now many of you have probably heard of the passing of Luc Bourdon, only 21 years old.
Bourdon split the 2007-08 season between the Vancouver Canucks and Manitoba Moose.
He played juniors in the QMJHL with the Val-d’Or Foreurs, Moncton Wildcats and finished up with the Cape Breton Screaming Eagles.
A motorcycle acccident claimed Bourdon’s life earlier today. The hockey world now mourns a young man whose life had barely begun.
Our condolences go out to Luc’s family and friends.
hockeyfights.com: Luc Bourdon
hockeydb.com: Luc Bourdon
hockey-reference: Luc Bourdon
Canucks and Beyond: Report: Luc Bourdon has Died
TSN: Canucks Blueliner Bourdon Killed in Motorcycle Crash
Sportsnet/CP: Canuck killed in accident
canucks.com: Vancouver Canucks Statement on the Passing of Luc Bourdon
NHLPA: Luc Bourdon Passes Away
A Series, Hopefully
It’s not that I’m pulling for the Red Wings or the Penguins, but as a hockey fan, it’d be nice to see the Pens put up a win or two and make this series competitive.
The first two games have been all Wings, and although the Pens did look like they came to play at the beginning of game two, the result didn’t change: another Wings shutout.
The tough guys sat out game two. Both Georges Laraque and Darren McCarty took a seat. Laraque, who played 71 games during the regular season and all prior 15 in the playoffs, wasn’t thrilled about having the night off:
“They outhit us the first game,” he said. “That’s obviously frustrating when you’re sitting on the bench.”
Laraque noted that this is the first time he has been a healthy scratch this season, and added that, “I’m not going to look at it like the end of the world.”
Videos added
How about some McCarty? His first NHL scrap included.
Darren McCarty vs Matt Barnaby Mar 25, 2004
Darren McCarty vs Scott Walker Oct 9, 1995
Darren McCarty vs Bob Rouse Oct 15, 1993
Keith Tkachuk vs Darren McCarty Apr 10, 1996
Craig Muni vs Mike Ramsey Apr 10, 1996
Jeff Finley vs Keith Primeau Apr 10, 1996
(three above same vid)
Darren McCarty vs Jamie Allison Oct 30, 2003
Jody Shelley vs Darren McCarty Nov 3, 2005
Tonight’s game
Detroit Red Wings vs Pittsburgh Penguins 8:00 PM ET
Some reads
Datsyuk impresses by showing feisty side
Toe-to-Toe with Hall-of-Famer Clark Gillies
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Ducks GM Burke deals with what’s next, not what if
Panthers deny Maple Leafs’ request to speak with Joe Nieuwendyk
Flyers-Penguins outdoor game ‘is intriguing,’ Bettman says
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