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

Catching up on T-Birds & 'Tips news

The WHL season is now just a few weeks away and teams have been busy, shoring up rosters, extending coaching contracts and preparing for training camp and pre-season action.  One team is also celebrating a milestone anniversary.

The Everett Silvertips are marking their tenth year of existence by hosting their first-ever "Alumni Weekend" August 10 and 11. A number of former players will return to Everett for a weekend of festivities, including Leland Irving, Torrie Wheat, Zack Dailey, and Taylor Ellington. Fans can rub elbows with former players at a golf outing and banquet. Registration deadline was July 16, but it's worth it to call and see whether there are still any openings. Click here for more info. (BTW, the team will unveil its new logo and redesigned uniform at the alumni dinner)

Speaking of former Silvertips, one of the team's most popular players will remain behind the bench for two more years. The 'Tips gave former D-man/Captain/Assistant Coach Mitch Love a two-year contract extension. He was a highly respected player and continues to be a fan favorite as a coach. You can read more about his deal by clicking here.

The 'Tips' other Assistant Coach is lending his talents to Team USA (again). Chris Hartsburg is spending his summer vacation helping coach USA's Under 17 team, which will compete in the Five Nations Tournament in the Czech Republic next week. This isn't the first time that Team USA has tapped Hartsburg, proving that he's got some good coaching chops (from dad Craig?). Click here to read more about Chris' summer plans.

Once again, the Silvertips will host a Pre-Season Classic tournament at Comcast Arena. This year's event takes place Friday, August 31 - Monday, September 3 and includes US Division rivals Seattle Thunderbirds, Portland Winterhawks, Spokane Chiefs and Tri City Americans. The 'Tips are offering some sweet ticket deals. Here's the info.

Everett will open the 2012-13 season at home on Saturday, September 22 against the Prince George Cougars. The puck drops at 7:05. Get your tickets here.  Click here for the team's full schedule.

To follow all of the Silvertips action, check out their website. Or follow them on Twitter: @WHLSilvertips - or like their Facebook Page.  And make sure you're reading Nick Patterson's stories and blogs at the Everett Herald. Click here to check him out. Here's his twitter handle: @NickHPatterson

Now, to the Seattle Thunderbirds!

Second year defenseman Shea Theodore has just been named to Team Canada's U-18 team, which will compete in the 2012 Memorial of Ivan Hlinka tournament in Slovakia and the Czech Republic from August 13-18. Shea is one of nine WHL players named to Team Canada. Here are the rest:

Eric Comrie - G (Tri City Americans)

Madison Bowey - D (Kelowna Rockets)

Kayle Doetzel - D (Red Deer Rebels)

Josh Morrissey - D (Prince Albert Raiders)

Morgan Klimchuk - C (Regina Pats)

Curtis Lazar - C (Edmonton Oil Kings)

Nic Petan - C (Portland Winterhawks)

Sam Reinhart - C (Kootenay Ice)

Click here to see the complete roster.

Shea had a productive rookie year with the T-Birds, scoring 4 goals and 31 assists for 35 points. Read more about him here.

The T-Birds traded center Colin Jacobs to Prince George, in exchange for defenseman Jesse Forsberg (plus a 5th & 7th round selection in the 2013 Bantam Draft). Forsberg is 19 and judging by some of the things I've read about him, will either be a tough guy or a... tough... guy.

Seattle picked up two players in the CHL Import Draft: LW Alexander Delnov from Russia (played last year with Mystischi Atlanty in the Russian Junior League) and C Roberts Lipsbergs from Latvia (played last year with HK Riga of the Russian Junior League). Here's more info about both players.

The T-Birds will kick off the regular season with a "home and home" type scenario with the Portland Winterhawks. The teams will face off in Portland on Friday, September 21, then journey to ShoWare Center in Kent the following night. Click here for more information on this and the rest of the T-Birds 2012-2013 season.

Check out the T-Birds' website to follow the team. You can also follow them on Twitter: @SeattleTBirds (follow @TBirdsGameDay for play-by-play tweets). Find them on Facebook. 

This year, former T-Birds Media Intern Tim Pigulski and seasoned hockey writer Andy Eide will cover the team and the WHL for My Northwest/710 ESPN.  Read their stuff here. Follow them on Twitter: @AndyEide & @TPigulski