Most Amazing Goal

This is the most amazing goal you'll ever see.

NOT because of technique-- but because of the teamwork it took to make it happen.
I dare you to watch... and not be touched.

Some background notes about this video, provided by Dale Lowe on his blog.

"I'm writing this from a hotel room in Kitchener, the host city for this year's Special Hockey International tournament.  I just got to witness an emotional Opening Ceremony welcoming the 32 teams - - many from Ontario and the eastern US.  There are also 2 teams from the UK with us this week.The theme of this year's tournament is "Yes I Can".  And while I often talk on the air about how proud I am of our local Kawartha Komets teams, it's impossible to find words that describe what I get to witness each week at the rink - - children and young adults alike who are overcoming physical adversity, neurological challenges and social issues.

Special needs inhockey is special.  This video captured an unstaged moment during A Guelph Giants game last year that embodies the spirit of the game.

I look forward to seeing more of these special moments over the next few days.

Enjoy."

Former T-Birds & Tips in NHL action today

This is just a quick note to let T-Birds, Tips and other Seattle-area hockey fans know about a few former players on several NHL game rosters today (including some who are playing against each other!)  Note: All times are Pacific

Noon
Ottawa Senators (Jim O'Brien, T-Birds) vs. New York Islanders (Thomas Hickey, T-Birds)

Dallas Stars (Brenden Dillon, T-Birds) vs. St. Louis Blues (TJ Oshie, Seattle Jr. Totems)
(This game is on NBC Sports Network)

Colorado Avalance (Calvin Pickard, T-Birds <on emergency callup>) vs. Columbus Blue Jackets (Note: former Silvertip Ryan Murray is on this team, but is injured)

3:00pm
Florida Panthers (Peter Mueller, Tips) vs. Carolina Hurricanes

Former T-Birds breaking into NHL ranks

I love watching players I've seen hone their skills here in the WHL make their mark in the bigs, especially two former Seattle Thunderbirds defensemen who have taken two very different roads to the NHL.

Thomas Hickey was drafted #4 overall in 2007 by the LA Kings, then spent three years making his mark with the Kings' AHL affiliate Manchester Monarchs. Shoulder surgery held him back one season. He made the AHL All Star team another season. But after signing Thomas to a one year extension, LA placed him on waivers this season. The New York Islanders snatched him up and placed him on their roster. He hasn't had too much ice time, but Head Coach Jack Capuano seems pleased with Thomas' cool head, great vision and smarts. To cap things off, he scored his first NHL career goal, scoring the OT winner against the Montreal Canadiens on February 21. (Read about it by clicking here).

Thomas Hickey shows off his first NHL goal puck.

(Photo: New York Islanders/Getty)

A number of Isles fans/writers thought once Lubomir Visnovsky returned to the lineup, Thomas would be sent to AHL Bridgeport, but he's still in the lineup - and still getting ice time.




I've been teased because it's no secret he's my favorite Seattle Thunderbirds player. I admire his work ethic, his strong skating skills and his perseverance - showing everyone that smarts can help make up for (lack of) size. He also happens to be a heck of a nice guy, or at least, he's been extremely nice and very intelligent the several times I've interviewed him over the past several years. There are many other Thomas Hickey fans among the T-Birds crowd - and we'll continue cheering for him to succeed.

The other former d-man making his mark is Brenden Dillon, who played with the T-Birds from 2007-2011. Brenden did not get drafted, but his work ethic during this final year with Seattle helped him stand out in the d-corps, catching the eye of several NHL teams, including the Dallas Stars. A successful training camp followed and Brenden found himself honing his skills with the AHL Texas Stars in Austin. Just one year later, he's in the Dallas lineup, using his size and skill to their best advantage. Brenden scored his first NHL goal on February 1 versus the Phoenix Coyotes. He also had his first assist and a fight, giving him a Gordie Howe Hat Trick. (Interesting note: Brenden's first WHL goal at age 17 was also part of a Gordie Howe Hat Trick versus the Portland Winterhawks). Brenden chatted with me about his transition from the WHL to AHL to the NHL. You can read it by clicking here.



Brenden Dillon shows off his first NHL goal puck.

(Photo: Dallas Stars/Getty) 

 



Another former T-Bird, forward Jim O'Brien, has been quietly making his mark with the Ottawa Senators. So far this season, Jim has scored 5 goals and contributed to the Sens' somewhat solid showing so far. Click here to read more about Jim.

 

 

Jim O'Brien celebrates a recent goal.

(Photo: Ottawa Senators/Getty)

 

 



It's been great watching these guys pursue their NHL dreams. So far, so good.

(NOTE: I did not include former T-Birds Patrick Marleau (San Jose Sharks) and Brooks Laich (Washington Capitals) because they're already pretty well ensconced in the NHL, but I am well aware of these two stellar alums)
 



Fantasy hockey time again!

Another NHL season is finally underway, which means another fantasy hockey season. Some friends from the old "NHL Connect" days and I held our draft last night. I love these guys and gals because we have so much fun! Some of my friends are pretty serious about this and out to win the league, but most of us use this as an excuse to socialize a little more during the season.

I've drafted teams based on a variety of criteria (where they played juniors, how players look in suits, etc.). This year, I decided to draft on age. My plan didn't succeed entirely, because others grabbed certain players before I could, but all in all, I think I came up with a pretty interesting team.

Without further ado, I give you: OLD DOGS, YOUNG PUPS

T.J. Oshie













Brooks Laich













Pascal Dupuis












Benoit Pouliot (picture him in a TBL uniform)



















Jaromir Jagr

















Teemu Selanne



















Brooks Orpik

Jack "JMFJ" Johnson

Ryan Whitney

Thomas Hickey (picture him in a NYI uniform)

Ryan Nugent-Hopkins



















Mike Smith

Evgeni Nabokov

Brayden Schenn

Steve Sullivan

Max Talbot

Ryan Kesler

NHL 2013 schedule, team by team

The NHL season gets underway next weekend, following months of quibbling over a new CBA. I don't have much to say about this- it's been thoroughly covered from all sides by much better writers than I.

Here's my meager offering - links to every team's schedule:

Anaheim Ducks

Boston Bruins

Buffalo Sabres

Calgary Flames

Carolina Hurricanes

Chicago Blackhawks

Colorado Avalanche

Columbus Blue Jackets

Dallas Stars

Detroit Red Wings

Edmonton Oilers

Florida Panthers

Los Angeles Kings

Minnesota Wild

Montreal Canadiens

Nashville Predators

New Jersey Devils

New York Islanders

New York Rangers

Ottawa Senators

Philadelphia Flyers

Phoenix Coyotes

Pittsburgh Penguins

San Jose Sharks

St. Louis Blues

Tampa Bay Lightning

Toronto Maple Leafs

Vancouver Canucks

Washington Capitals

Winnipeg Jets

Great message to NHL/NHLPA

GREAT message to the NHL/NHLPA - look past the lockout to see hockey thriving at many levels

An open letter to hockey fans

Dear Hockey Friends,

If there's a youth, junior or minor league hockey team in your area, please give them your support. It's great to see young people working hard to not just win for their team, but building toward a future in the sport. They're enthusiastic, passionate and will eagerly welcome you to their venue.

On the other hand, it's pretty safe to say that the NHL DOES NOT CARE for its fans. So why not give your support to youngsters who have not yet been jaded by things like "collective bargaining agreements?"

Here in the greater Seattle area alone, we're blessed with two WHL teams, one NAHL team, one NORPAC team, and a number of youth hockey leagues from Bellingham to Vancouver (with many more throughout WA state and into Oregon and up in British Columbia!)

Go cheer on the stars of tomorrow, since the stars of today seem to be stuck on the bench.

(Photo: Mick White)

Fun WHL fans to tweet with during the season!

Just wrapped up a story for the KING 5 website spotlighting Twitter handles of all the WHL teams and some of the more high-profile writers/bloggers for each team. You can check out that list by clicking here.

I love following teams and "official" writers as much as anyone, but during hockey season, I find I have the most fun chatting with other fans on Twitter. Most of my online WHL friends are within the US Division, although each and every one will give you a run for your money when talking about pretty much anything hockey related.

If you're looking for smart, witty and passionate hockey fans to connect with this winter, start following these people (and let me know who else I should follow for fun WHL chatter!)

Everett Silvertips fans:
@thenwchica (Amy is passionate about the 'Tips, Canucks, Pens and Ducks)
@walkbyfaith1970 (Christine will chat hockey + more with you)
@kirabby44 (Jodie wants more cowbells!)
@rmarcham (Ray will talk 'Tips & other teams. He knows WHL history like the back of his hand. And if you're an Edmonton Oilers fan, you're all right in his book)
@StephNewsNow (She's a news anchor in Boise, but the 'Tips are #1 in her heart)

Seattle Thunderbirds fans:
@naultybits (Sheena moved away from the Seattle area, but her T-Birds passion burns strong)
@RealmofHelm (Tom is also the AWESOME music/PA guy at @ShoWareCenter)
@iankorzeniecki (Ian is a realistic fan - he'll tweet the bad along with the good) 
@lorilinnm (Lori is awesome! A mom and a passionate hockey fan!)

Portland Winterhawks fans:
@TerranceNorman (Terrance is a passionate hockey & Winterhawks fan. You can also talk Iron Maiden with him anytime!)
@KNorman_ (Terrance's better half - awesome friend and Winterhawks fan)

Tri City Americans fans:
@imeanwegotguys (She pulls no punches and is extremely witty to boot)

Spokane Chiefs fans:
@Rhaen_ (I got to take in a 'Tips/Chiefs game once with Rhaen. Cool chick. Great hockey mind)
@AgateShadow (Susie will talk hockey and you will like it!)
@wraparoundcurl (I want to be her when I grow up. Seriously, great with hockey - and just about anything else under the sun)

Hockey's in the air! (at least, it is for the WHL... )

Training camp is underway in the WHL and other leagues.

While you wait for the NHL CBA talks to come to SOME kind of fruitful end, you can check out (and support!) your local team. 

Here's the schedule breakdown for US Division teams. If you don't follow the US Division, you can find a breakdown of training camp schedules at the WHL's website (www.whl.ca). Or, check out your local team's website.

 Everett Silvertips (www.everettsilvertips.com)

Training Camp Schedule at Comcast Community Rink/Comcast Arena

Thursday, August 23:
8:00am – 2:00 pm   Practices (each team individual practice, plus goalie session)
3:45 pm Team Grey vs. Team Green
5:30 pm Team Blue vs. Team Red
 

Friday, August 24:
8:00am – 2:00 pm Practices
3:45 pm Team Green vs. Team Blue
5:30 pm Team Grey vs. Team Red
 

Saturday, August 25:
8:00am – 2:00 pm Practices
3:45 pm Team Green vs. Team Red
5:30 pm Team Grey vs. Team Blue
 

Sunday, August 26:
8:00am 3rd place team vs. 4th place team
9:15 am 1st place team vs. 2nd place team
2:00 pm Green vs. Grey Game

Seattle Thunderbirds (www.seattlethunderbirds.com)

Training Camp Schedule at ShoWare Center
Thursday, August 23
9:00am Team Blue vs. Team White
4:30pm Team Blue vs. Team White

Friday, August 24
9:00am Team Blue vs. Team White
4:30pm Team Blue vs. Team White

Saturday, August 25
3:00pm Team Blue vs. Team White vs. Team Grey

Sunday, August 26
9:00am Team Blue vs. Team White vs. Team Grey
4:30pm Team Blue vs. Team White vs. Team Grey

Monday, August 27
5:30pm Team Blue vs. Team White

Tri City Americans (www.amshockey.com)

Training Camp Schedule at Toyota Center

Thursday, August 23
9:00am to 10:15 am – Practice (Team Gold)
10:30am to 11:45am – Practice (Team Grey)
5:45pm to 6:45pm – Goaltenders Session
7:00pm to 9:00pm – Scrimmage (Gold vs. Grey)

Friday, August 24
9:00am to 10:15 am – Practice (Team Grey)
10:30am to 11:45am – Practice (Team Gold)
5:45pm to 6:45pm – Goaltenders Session
7:00pm to 9:00pm – Scrimmage (Gold vs. Grey)

Saturday, August 25
9:00am to 10:15 am – Power Skating Session (Team Gold)
10:30am to 11:45am – Power Skating Session (Team Grey)
5:45pm to 6:45pm – Goaltenders Session
7:00pm to 9:00pm – Scrimmage (Gold vs. Grey)

Sunday, August 26
10:00am – Blue vs. White Game (*New teams selected)

Spokane Chiefs (www.spokanechiefs.com)

Training Camp Schedule at Spokane Arena

Thursday, August 23rd
10:30am to 12:15pm - Klemm vs. Bruton
1:00pm to 2:45pm - Klemm vs. Sawyer
3:30pm to 5:15pm - Bruton vs. Sawyer

Friday, August 24th
11:00am to 12:45pm - Bruton vs. Sawyer
1:30pm to 3:15pm - Bruton vs. Klemm
4:00pm to5:45pm - Klemm vs. Sawyer

Saturday, August 25th
10:00am to 11:45am - Sawyer vs. Klemm
12:30pm to 2:15pm - Sawyer vs. Bruton
5:45pm to 7:00pm - Bruton vs. Klemm

Sunday, August 26th
Red-White Scrimmage - 1:00 p.m.

SOUVENIR STAND
Thursday through Saturday - 10:00 a.m. through 4:00 p.m.
Sunday - 12:00pm - end of game

Portland Winterhawks (www.winterhawks.com)

Training Camp Schedule at Winter Garden

Thursday, August 23rd                     
4:00pm to 5:30pm – Heath vs. Mick           
5:45pm to 7:15pm – Holland vs. Yaremchuk    

Friday, August 24th
4:00pm to 5:30pm – Yaremchuk vs. Mick
5:45pm to 7:15pm – Holland vs. Heath

Saturday, August 25th                   
4:00pm to 5:30pm – Holland vs. Mick     
5:45pm to 7:15pm – Heath vs. Yaremchuk 

Sunday, August 26th
9:00am to 10:30am – Teams TBD – Third place game
10:45am to 12:15pm – Teams TBD – First place game