Sunday Puckpourri: Something for everyone (maybe)

Chasing Stanley...

(AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

The hubby never begins watching hockey until the post-season begins. He says this is when the REAL hockey is being played. He played hockey through college and to be honest, can be a pain to watch games with, so I'm grateful we have so many TVs in the house.

Thinking back on his words, I find he's correct. While I enjoy watching hockey from pre-season in September all the way through the final game where one team hoists the Cup, I agree the level of play intensifies during the post-season.

Okay - this is NOT an earth-shaking, "Aha!" observation. I can already hear many of you mutter "DUH" as you read this, but as I'm writing this for everyone who sails into this blog (including many who are not rabid hockey friends, but non-or casual-hockey friends who support everything I attempt to do), I'll leave that observation intact and carry on.

We've already talked ad-nauseum on Twitter, Facebook and the plethora of hockey-related blogs about how well the Kings have been playing in the post-season. They've never lost two games in a row, however, so how many fans are thinking the same thing I am right now: Are the Kings hitting the wall after going balls-out for 3 rounds? Or do they have one more win in them? Since I'm being honest here, I will admit that I don't know. As much as I support them, I didn't expect them to get past the first round. I didn't expect them to roll over St. Louis in the second round as easily as they did. By the time they reached Phoenix, however, my faith was growing and they did not disappoint.

However... the same thing could be said for the Devils. After the tough battle against the Panthers, how many people (I'm not talking about rabid fans who can't fathom their favorite team ever doing anything BUT win) honestly expected them to beat the Flyers AND Rangers?

The hockey fan in me is excited to see how this plays out - can the Devils come back from 3 games down to win their third Cup (with Brodeur in net for all 3) or can the Kings pull off their first Cup victory EVER?

As they say in the news business, "Stay tuned..."

Sailing to victory...

(Photo from AHL website)

Congratulations to the Norfolk Admirals, who pretty much "sailed" to a Calder Cup victory over the Toronto Marlies in four straight games. I'm not going to talk about the controversial OT goal in Game 3 - that's also been discussed ad nauseum on the social web by greater hockey minds than I possess. I will, however, post it here for you to check out for yourself.



Special congrats go out to former Everett Silvertip Radko Gudas and former Seattle Thunderbird Scott Jackson, part of Norfolk's championship team and possessors of two of the most EPIC playoff beards EVER. And by EVER, I mean at ANY level.

(Photo from Norfolk Admirals website. Both beards are WAY bigger now)

Pedal till you puke...

(Photo: NHL.com)

As we wrap up the NHL season, we gear up for the Draft and a rite of passage for many NHL hopefuls is the dreaded Combine. From what former participants tell me, the Combine is a defacto four-letter word (pick your favorite) which sends them to hell and back in hopes of landing with a team where they can grow. Players undergo a battery of physical and psychological tests and get the opportunity to meet with representatives from all 30 NHL teams. Teams use information gathered at the Combine to help make their decisions for Draft Day. One of the tests involves a stationary bicycle, breathing tube, duct tape and a guy screaming orders the entire time. Click here for results of the Combine. (and congrats to Everett Silvertip D Ryan Murray and Seattle Thunderbirds RW Branden Troock, who took part in the Combine and did well. Click here for a Q&A the T-Birds did with Troock about his experience. Click here for a blog that Ryan Murray wrote from the Combine)

(Everett Silvertips D Ryan Murray/Photo: NHL.com)

Click here for video of Neil Yakupov's (RW, Sarnia Sting) Combine tests.

The 2012 NHL Entry Draft takes place June 22 & 23 in Pittsburgh. I'm sure NBC Sports Network and the NHL Network will split the broadcasting duties.

Saturday Puck-pourri

There's a lot of hockey goodness going on  - but as each intense match winds down, we're reminded that the season is coming to a close. To make sure you're taking in every second of puck, here's a list of tournaments that are taking place right now:

NHL Playoffs.
As of this writing, the New York Rangers, New Jersey Devils, Los Angeles Kings and Phoenix Coyotes are fighting for a spot in the Stanley Cup Finals. As of this writing, the Kings look closest to achieving that goal.

AHL Playoffs
As of this writing, the Norfolk Admirals (TBL), Saint John Ice Caps (WPJ), Oklahoma City Barons (EDM) and Toronto Marlies (TOR) are fighting for a spot in the Calder Cup Playoffs. As of this writing, the field is WIDE open, so pick a team and jump on for the ride.

ECHL Playoffs
As of this writing, the Florida Everblades and Las Vegas Wranglers are battling for the Kelly Cup. Florida leads the series 2 games to 1. The two teams face each other again on Tuesday (May 22).

Memorial Cup Tournament
The Edmonton Oil Kings (WHL), London Knights (OHL), Shawinigan Cateractes (QMJHL) and Saint John Sea Dogs (QMJHL) are vying for the coveted Memorial Cup. The Q has two teams in the tournament because Shawinigan, as host city, gets an automatic berth. The other teams had to get their the old fashioned way, by winning their respective leagues.
Tangent: Here's hoping that this year's trophy is more sturdily constructed than the one awarded in 2008. This video has been seen so many times, but it never gets old:



NAHL Playoffs
Well, this went by pretty quickly! The Texas Tornado defeated the St. Louis Bandits to win the Robertson Cup.

World Championships.
Russia and Slovakia will meet tomorrow (Sunday, May 21) in a Gold Medal match. Russia got there mostly on the back of Evgeni Malkin, who's playing like a man possessed. As a diehard Penguins fan, I'm a little disappointed that he didn't unveil this side of him when the Pens needed him most, but I'm still cheering for Russia to go all the way. Former Pen Miroslav Satan led Slovakia to the finals, but my money is still on Geno.

Geno's Hat Trick
Here's Sean Leahy's story about Team Russia and Geno's hat trick. Video is included, because Sean is a thorough kind of guy.
What the hey - just watch it right here:





Norfolk Admirals on Video

My good friend (and CCPT Hockey Show co-host) Cassie McClellan covers the Norfolk Admirals for Raw Charge. Recently, she has shared several pieces of video featuring Admirals players showing off their various personalities. A shout out should go to the Admirals' PR corps for taking a creative approach to showcasing the team. I'd post individual videos here, but I'll use my time more wisely by linking you to Norfolk's website so you can browse to your hockey heart's content. Just click here. (BTW, if you're a WHL fan, then you should follow the Ads, as they boast a lineup that includes former WHLers: Radko Gudas (Everett Silvertips), Keith Aulie (Brandon Wheat Kings), Scott Jackson (Seattle Thunderbirds), Tyler Johnson (Spokane Chiefs), Brandon Segal (Calgary Hitmen), Dustin Tokarski (Spokane Chiefs).
Oh, who am I kidding?
Here are two videos I like, because one features Scott Jackson (former T-Bird) and the other features Radko Gudas (former Silvertip):





Did I miss anything?
Let me know!

Former T-Birds gunning for the Cup

I'm trying to keep up with former Seattle Thunderbirds and Everett Silvertips taking part in the NHL playoffs. Right now, only T-Birds are being represented in the race for the Cup.

Here are a couple of stories involving Jim O'Brien (T-Birds 2007-2009):

                      (Turris & O'Brien celebrate Game 4 OT score & win - Photo: Sean Kilpatrick/Canadian Press)

Jim O'Brien living the dream in NHL playoffs with Ottawa:
http://senators.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=628296

O'Brien had the assist in the OT game winner in Game 4
http://senators.nhl.com/club/recap.htm?id=2011030114

Rob Klinkhammer (T-Birds 2005-2006) has also seen a little action with the Sens, although he was a scratch today.

                             (this is Klinkhammer late in the regular season - Photo: Bruce Bennet/Getty Images)

Former T-Bird Patrick Marleau (1995-1997) didn't fare so well, as his Sharks were knocked out by the Blues. Judging by the tweets about Patty, there's a lot of frustration surrounding his play, or lack thereof (0 points). Former Seattle hockey wunderkind T.J. Oshie, however, had 3 assists in 5 games to help the Blues move on:
http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2011030165

                                         (A frustrated Marleau today - Photo: Dilip Vishnawat/Getty Images)

                                         (Oshie - Photo: Sarah Conrad/Reuters)

The Washington Capitals are up 3 games to 2 over reigning champs the Boston Bruins. Former T-Bird Brooks Laich (2001-2003) has 1 goal and 3 assists so far:
http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2011030125

                                   (Laich scores here - Photo: Larry Downing/Reuters)

There seem to be quite a few rookies representing in the playoffs and the NHL has courteously listed their stats for us:
http://www.nhl.com/ice/rookies.htm#?navid=nav-ply-rkies

I don't think I'm missing any other former T-Birds or Silvertips - but if you spot an omission, please let me know!

An interesting take on Crosby's recent behavior

My friend (and CCPT Hockey Show co-host) Cassie McClellan wrote a thoughtful (and thought-provoking) piece for Raw Charge about Sidney Crosby's recent personality changes and how they could be related to his concussion issues.

She is IN NO WAY trying to excuse Sid's behavior, but her story does make one take a step back and look at things in a different way.

Here's the link to it - I highly encourage you to check it out and join the discussion.

http://www.rawcharge.com/2012/4/16/2953166/the-cult-of-personality-sidney-crosby-concussion-problems-linger-on

NHL Playoffs from the fan perspective

The playoffs always bring out the best (and sometimes the worst) in teams, players and their fans. Social media sites like Facebook and Twitter really gives a glimpse into the minds of hockey fans, but nothing displays passion more than the numerous fan blogs all over the interwebs.

I enjoyed learning more about teams like the Nashville Predators and Tampa Bay Lightning this season through blogs like Preds on the Glass, The View from 111, Lightning Shout and Raw Charge. Traveling to Atlantic City to cover the AHL All Star game led to another stellar Preds blog, Smashville 24/7.

I thought it would be pretty awesome to follow the playoffs by not only watching the games on TV, but reading the blogs of each team battling for the Cup. As I believe in sharing, here's the list I've compiled. I hope you enjoy reading them as much I'm enjoying them, and welcome any blog suggestions you have.

Vancouver Canucks v. Los Angeles Kings

Canucks blogs:
Benched Whale             (Twitter:  @BenchedWhale)
Nucks Misconduct         (Twitter: @NucksMisconduct)
Humming Giraffe           (Twitter:  @alixiswright)
Canucks Hockey Blog   (Twitter: CanucksHockey)
Canucks Army               (Twitter: CanucksArmy)

Kings blogs:
LA Kings Court               (Twitter: @LAKingsCourt)
Kingscast                        (Twitter: @Kingscast)
Frozen Royalty               (Twitter: @FrozenRoyalty)
View from My Seats       (Twitter: @ViewFromMySeats)
Mayors Manor                (Twitter: @mayorNHL)

New Jersey Devils v. Florida Panthers

Devils blogs:
Speaking of the Devils    (Twitter: @SpeakoftheDevs)
Down Goes Avery           (Twitter: @DownGoesAvery)
Devils Army                     (Twitter: @DevilsGenerals)
Steve Palumbo                (Twitter: @StevePalumboNHL)
Seth Everett                     (Twitter: @Seth_Everett)

Panthers blog:
Litter Box Cats                 (Twitter: @LitterBoxCats)

Philadelphia Flyers v. Pittsburgh Penguins

Flyers blogs:
Broad Street Hockey        (Twitter: @BroadStHockey)
Flyers Faithful                   (Twitter: @Flyers_Faithful)
The 700 Level                   (Twitter: @The700Level)
Flyers - The Checking Line (Twitter: @TCLFlyers)

Penguins blogs:
Pens Universe                  (Twitter: @PensUniverse)
Face Off-Factor                (Twitter: @FaceOffFactor)
Empty Netters                   (Twitter: @EmpyNetters)
Puck Huffers                     (Twitter: @PuckHuffers)
The Pens Nation               (Twitter: @ThePensNation)
High Heels & Hockey        (Twitter: @highheelshockey)
Pensburgh                         (Twitter: @Pensburgh)

Detroit Red Wings v. Nashville Predators

Red Wings blogs:
Winging It in Motown          (Twitter: @WingingItMotown)
Abel to Yzerman (Kukla's Korner)
Nightmare on Helm Street  (Twitter: @HelmStNightmare)

Predators blogs:
Preds On the Glass           (Twitter: @PredsOntheGlass)
The View from 111            (Twitter: @TheViewfrom111)
Smashville 24/7                 (Twitter: @Smashville247)
RLD Hockey                      (Twitter: @RLDHockey)

Washington Capitals v. Boston Bruins

Capitals blogs:
Japers Rink                       (Twitter: @JapersRink)
Peerless Prognosticator
Homer McFanboy              (Twitter: @HomerMcFanboy)
Russian Machine Never Breaks (Twitter: @RussianMachine)
On Frozen Blog                  (Twitter: @OnFrozenBlog)

Bruins blogs:
Stanley Cup of Chowder     (Twitter:  @CupofChowdah)
Days of Y'Orr                       (Twitter: @JustinDOY)

Ottawa Senators v. New York Rangers

Senators blogs:
Sens Chirp                          (Twitter: @SensChirp)
The 6th Sens                       (Twitter: @6thSens)
Silver Seven Sens               (Twitter: @SilverSevenSens)

Rangers blogs:
Scotty Hockey                      (Twitter: @ScottyHockey)
Blueshirt Banter                    (Twitter: @BlueshirtBanter)
NY Rangers Blog                  (Twitter: @TheNYRBlog)

San Jose Sharks v. St. Louis Blues

Sharks blog:
Fear the Fin                          (Twitter: @FeartheFin)

Blues blogs:
Frozen Notes                        (Twitter: @FrozenNotes)
St. Louis Game Time
Blue Note Zone                     (Twitter: @BlueNoteZone)


Chicago Blackhawks v. Phoenix Coyotes

Blackhawks blogs:
Second City Hockey              (Twitter: @2ndCityHockey)
Committed Indians                 (Twitter: @CommittedIndian)
The 300 Level                        (Twitter: @The300Level)
Hockey Broad                        (Twitter: @HockeyBroad)

Coyotes blogs:
Five for Howling                     (Twitter: @FiveforHowling)
Your Mama Plays Hockey
The Yotes Diva                      (Twitter: @TheYotesDiva)   

If you're into more "general" hockey blogs, here are just a few of the best out there:

Puck Daddy                         (Twitter: @YahooPuckDaddy, @wyshynski, @Sean_Leahy)
Spector's Hockey                 (Twitter: @SpectorsHockey
Hockey Independent            (Twitter: @HockeyIndie)
Puck Buddys                        (Twitter: @PuckBuddys)
The Hockey Guys                 (Twitter: @TheHockeyGuys)
The Hockey Writers              (Twitter: @TheHockeyWriter)

Sunday Puckpourri: WHL playoffs; Arabs & Israelis find peace on ice; Biz Nasty's Call for Help & more

WHL Playoffs

The WHL first round playoff schedule is set, with the last team now in place.
The Seattle Thunderbirds lost a heartbreaker in Portland (6-2), knocking them out and paving the way for the Everett Silvertips to face the Tri City Americans.

Here's how the first round match-ups look:

Edmonton Oil Kings v. Kootenay Ice
Moose Jaw Warriors v. Regina Pats
Calgary Hitmen v. Brandon Wheat Kings
Medicine Hat Tigers v. Saskatoon Blades
Tri City Americans v. Everett Silvertips
Portland Winterhawks v. Kelowna Rockets
Vancouver Giants v. Spokane Chiefs

To follow the WHL playoffs and to print out a bracket, click here.

Middle East Peace... on ICE

I read a fascinating story about a hockey team in northern Israel made up of boys and girls, Jews and Arabs.
Yes, you read that correctly.

These pre-teens and teens practice together and play together as a team, at an Olympic-size ice arena at the Canada Centre in the town of Metulla. The sports complex was donated by a group of Canadian Jews, but once the kids take the ice, religious and cultural differences melt away. They're joined by one love: hockey.
I don't want to re-write an already awesome story. Click here to read it for yourself.
But it makes me wonder: if we can teach Arab and Jewish leaders to skate, then put them on the ice...

Biz Nasty's Call for Help

If you follow Paul Bissonnette on Twitter, you get a sense of a guy who's comfortable in his skin, who calls things as he sees them and does not apologize for his sometimes sharp opinions. So it came as a surprise to read about his recent (and apparent ongoing) struggle with depression and anxiety stemming from his decreased playing time. After reading a very thoughtful article in the Arizona Republic, my respect for Paul increased exponentially. I also wondered how many other players share his feelings but are suffering in silence. I applaud the strength it took for Paul to admit he needed some kind of help, as well as the strength it took to go public with his story. If you haven't read it, I highly suggest you do. I've even made it easy for you to find it. Just click here.

CCPT Hockey Show

Cassie & I hosted our third CCPT Hockey Show since coming back from hiatus. We didn't have any guests today, but managed to fill the hour ourselves, talking about a variety of topics, including: Norfolk Admirals' amazing winning streak; the Flyers snapping the Pens' 11 game winning streak; the Blues being the first team to 100 points; the North Dakota Fighting Sioux's incredible come-from-behind win over Minnesota and subsequent WCHA title victory + the NCAA leaders; Biz Nasty's call for help (see above); and much, much more.
If you didn't tune in, the show is available on podcast. Click here to take a listen. If you like us, we'd love it if you'd bookmark us.

Blog Roll Call of the Week

Some awesome bloggers/writers are doing some awesome blogging/writing.
Here's just a few of the sites that have great stories out this week.
If you're not already reading them, you need to. Now.

Spector's Hockey - Lyle Richardson has his finger on the pulse of all the latest rumors. And unlike others who claim to know what's going on, Lyle is the REAL DEAL.

The Hockey Guys - Dustin Leed & the guys bring unique perspective to the game, its players and issues.

Hockey Independent - Dozens of awesome writers covering all angles of every team. I'm proud to be among them, should I ever get off my lazy butt and actually start contributing stories.

7th Woman - Dee Karl is the First Lady of hockey writing and an awesome human being.

Preds On the Glass - Buddy Oakes covers the Preds with flair and a nod to other teams.
The View from 111 - I have to include Mr. Mark Willoughby here as well. He not only covers the Preds, but offers his view and insight on life in general. Well worth adding to your reading list.

LA Kings Court - Meg has a heart of gold and a great love of the LA Kings. But, she's another fan who sees other teams fairly and is worth a read.

Raw Charge - One of my favorite Lightning blogs, and not just because my CCPT Hockey Show co-host is on the staff. Love their insight.

There are other awesome hockey blogs/sites out there. These are the ones I read this week. Please feel free to add your blog/site suggestions in the comments section!

Silvertips hire new GM; Former T-Bird scores first NHL goal

The Everett Silvertips have hired a new GM, after firing Doug Soetaert earlier this month. Garry Davidson steps in to help the troubled team. If his name sounds familiar, he was the Director of Player Development for the Portland Winterhawks. I don't know the ins and outs of what happened, but luckily, Nick Patterson from the Everett Herald has been all over the situation.  CLICK HERE to read his take on things.

We love to see former WHL players doing well in the bigs. This week, former Seattle Thunderbirds fave Jim O'Brien scored his FIRST NHL goal! It happened last night during Ottawa's 6-2 drubbing of the Florida Panthers.

Here's the goal:






And here are Jimmy's thoughts about his first goal:

 

I had the chance to see another former T-Bird in action at the AHL All Star Game, January 29 & 30th in Atlantic City, NJ. Thomas Hickey is in his third and final year of his entry level contract with the Los Angeles Kings and he's been solid on the blue line. He took part in several skills competitions and enjoyed himself in the All Star game.  CLICK HERE for my recap of the skills competition for the KING 5 Sports website.

MotleySu joins SOPA Protest

MotleySu has joined many other web sites around the world for a 24 hour blackout on January 18, 2012 from 12:01 AM until Midnight PST. Here is more information on "The Web Going on Strike" which includes a place for you to join the protest.This site has been "blocked" in protest of the SOPA (Stop Online Piracy Act) and PIPA (Protect IP Act) two bills which will allow the government censor the intenet. Find out more at americancensorship.org or the video below.

High School hockey player paralyzed after boarding hit

Just tragic.
Prayers to this young man and his family.

http://rivals.yahoo.com/highschool/blog/prep_rally/post/High-school-hockey-player-paralyzed-after-hit-in?urn=highschool-wp10640

PUCK "Black Friday" - there's plenty of hockey on tap

Forget Black Friday.

Today is HOCKEY FRIDAY, with 13 NHL, 13 AHL and 11 WHL games on tap (I know there are more leagues out there; these are the 3 I follow most).

So, heat up your leftover turkey, pull up a chair and stuff yourself on power plays, penalty kills, hits and shots galore! I've made it easy for you to find your favorite team by listing all of today's games below.

WHL (all times are the home teams' local times)
(Watch or listen LIVE at www.whl.ca)
Spokane Chiefs @ Portland Winterhawks - 3pm (game thread)
This is being touted as the "Daylight Classic" - and the game will be played with the curtains open, giving an outdoor hockey feel to an indoor game. To celebrate, the Winterhawks are giving away sunglasses to fans in attendance.

Vancouver Giants @ Prince Albert Raiders - 7pm (preview)

Calgary Hitmen @ Saskatoon Blades - 7:05pm (preview)

Moose Jaw Warriors @ Brandon Wheat Kings - 7:30pm (preview)

Medicine Hat Tigers @ Edmonton Oil Kings - 7pm (preview)

Lethbridge Hurricanes @ Red Deer Rebels - 7:30pm (preview)

Victoria Royals @ Kamloops Blazers - 7pm (preview)

Kootenay Ice @ Kelowna Rockets - 7:05pm (preview)

Swift Current Broncos @ Tri City Americans - 7:05pm (I don't see a preview, but the best place for Ams info is the blog, I Mean, We Got Guys I'm sure they'll have a game thread, too.)

Regina Pats @ Everett Silvertips - 7:35pm (Nick Patterson from the Everett Herald provides great Silvertips coverage)

Prince George Cougars @ Seattle Thunderbirds - 7:35pm (I don't see a preview, but a great place to get T-Birds coverage is at the blog, Let's Go Birds.)
The T-Birds are heading into tonight's game on a roll, having won the last three games, against the Tri City Americans, Portland Winterhawks and Regina Pats, so fans are pumped for tonight's matchup. It's also Marcel Noebels Bobblehead Night, but you'd better get there early if you want one, because only 2500 were made.

AHL (all times are home teams' local times)
(watch or listen LIVE at www.theahl.com)

Toronto Marlies @ St. John's IceCaps - 7:30pm (preview)

Springfield Falcons @ Adirondack Phantoms - 7pm  (preview)

Connecticut Whale @ Bridgeport Sound Tigers - 7pm (preview)

Oklahoma City Barons  @ Grand Rapids Griffins - 7pm (preview)

Worcester Sharks @ Portland Pirates - 7pm (I don't see a preview, but here's a link to Portland Press Herald's Pirates coverage)

Hershey Bears @ Wilkes Barre-Scranton Penguins - 7:05pm (preview)

Binghamton Senators @ Syracuse Crunch - 7:30pm (preview)

Providence Bruins @ Norfolk Admirals - 7:30pm (I don't see a preview, but here's a link to Providence Journal's Bruins coverage)

Hamilton Bulldogs @ Lake Erie Monsters - 7:30pm (preview)

Albany Devils @ Rochester Americans - 7:35pm (preview)

Peoria Rivermen @ Rockford IceHogs - 7:05pm (preview)

Texas Stars @ Houston Aeros - 7:35pm (preview)

San Antonio Rampage @ Abbotsford Heat - 7pm (preview)

NHL (all times are Eastern time)
(watch or listen LIVE at www.nhl.com)

A few games are already in the books!

Detroit Red Wings 3 @ Boston Bruins 2 (SO) (game recap)

New Jersey Devils 1 @ New York Islanders 0 (game recap)

Montreal Canadiens 1 @ Philadelphia Flyers 3 (game recap)

Edmonton Oilers @ Minnesota Wild - 6pm (preview)

New York Rangers @ Washington Capitals - 4pm (preview)

Chicago Blackhawks @ Anaheim Ducks - 4pm (preview)

Ottawa Senators @ Pittsburgh Penguins - 7pm (preview)

Winnipeg Jets @ Carolina Hurricanes - 7pm (preview)

Buffalo Sabres @ Columbus Blue Jackets - 7pm (preview)

Tampa Bay Lightning @ Florida Panthers - 7:30 pm (preview)

Calgary Flames @ St. Louis Blues - 8pm (preview)

Toronto Maple Leafs @ Dallas Stars - 8:30pm (preview)

Vancouver Canucks @ Phoenix Coyotes - 9pm (preview)

UAH topples the Hockey Capital of the South

I feel as though I've lost a member of my family, or at the most a very good friend. Today, after 32 years in existence, the University of Alabama pulled the plug on the Division I hockey program at the University of Alabama in Huntsville. At the end of the the 2011-2012 season, the Chargers will cease to exist as anything but a club team.

Hockey has been a part of the UAH landscape since its inception in 1979 and the Chargers spent many years as an NCAA Division I team, competing against (and beating) the likes of:

Air Force Academy
Merrimack College
... University of New Hampshire
... Notre Dame
University of Alaska Anchorage
University of Alaska Fairbanks
University of Massachusetts at Lowell
Brown University
Harvard University
Yale University
Providence College
Ohio State University
Bowling Green University
Lake Superior State University
Western Michigan University
Niagra University
West Point
(Thanks to Howie McEachern for this list)

The Chargers may have seemed an anomaly, but they drew attention from the likes of Sports Illustrated and NBC Nightly News, who sent feature reporter Bob Dotson down to investigate "this little southern hockey team," after the Chargers soundly defeated Providence College - on Providence's home ice, no less.

UAH competed at the NCAA Division II level for several years in the mid-to late '90s, bringing the National Championship trophy home to Huntsville in 1996 and 1998. The school even saw the very first Alabama-born player (Jared Ross/UAH 2001-2005) to crack the NHL (with the Philadelphia Flyers).  The guys who donned Charger blue came from everywhere: Massachusetts, Minnesota, Maine, Washington, Canada. The list goes on. Even actor Kurt Russell's son Wyatt (UAH 2007-2008) did a stint with UAH. Every one of these guys brought two things with them: love of hockey and desire to compete at the highest level. That has not changed through the years, no matter how shaky things seemed at times.

In 2009, a group calling itself SAVE UAH HOCKEY launched a massive campaign to keep the program alive, after the CCHA denied UAH's request to join, leaving the Chargers scrambling to find a home in any conference that was undergoing changes. A number of former players, trainers, referees and fans joined the fight to protect what had become an institution - ice hockey in the South - even before teams like the Carolina Hurricanes, Nashville Predators and the team formerly known as the Atlanta Thrashers set up shop.

Just what made hockey so popular in a place more prone to add ice to their tea? Former player and assistant coach Howie McEachern explains it this way on Facebook, "UAH hockey was unique. It had always been an uphill climb, but one worth the trip. We were always the underdog in D1 but thats what made it fun. Imagine if Rudy never played at Notre Dame, or the Jamaican Bobsled team never competed. Sad day for the city and school. I'm gonna miss the reaction I get from people that say, 'They got hockey in Alabama'...........not anymore."

I've tried to write the "nuts and bolts" of what happened, but I'm not very good at that. Today, my friend Cassie forwarded me an article written by Joe Yerdon of PHT & Gross Misconduct websites, which perfectly sums up how I feel, with an added insight of someone who knows the workings of college hockey in a way that I could never comprehend. Just click here to read it. It's really worth the time.

Stu Vitue (L); Jean-Marc "Frenchy" Plante

This afternoon, the guys over at SAVE UAH HOCKEY posted a list of players who donned Charger Blue over the years. I smiled as I recognized many of the names on that list, having attended classes with them, watched them play, developed friendships with several players and married one. Click here to see that list.

I count myself very fortunate to have been part of the UAH hockey experience in the early 90's. As the school's National Anthem singer, I sang at every home game for nearly three seasons. One of the goalies taught me the Canadian Anthem (not correctly, but he meant well). Coach Doug Ross and players he brought to appear on the weekly Coaches' Show that I produced for WAFF-TV taught me about the game, along with my good friend Jay McCain, who was the announcer for two seasons. The Pittsburgh native brought with him the rallying cry that's so familiar to Penguins fans, but with a southern twist: "IT'S A HOCKEY NIGHT IN HUNTSVILLE!" Somehow, it fit.

To the leaders of UAH, the University of Alabama, College Hockey and the NCAA, I say this: Shame on you. You don't know what you've done.

To the UAH Chargers hockey team, I say this: It's been a tremendous ride. Thank you for letting this English Major be a small part of your incredible universe.

Geno's Giving Heart

Last month, the Penguins' Evgeni Malkin urged people to not forget the plane crash that decimated the KHL's Lokomotiv Yaroslavl team. Tonight, he and Capitals star Alexander Ovechkin teamed up for a fundraiser to help the families of those killed in the crash. Michelle Crechiolo of NHL.com/Penguins wrote a nice story outlining the fundraising project spearheaded by Geno and supported by his teammates and the Caps, who the Pens are facing tonight.

Here's the link to Michelle's story: 
http://penguins.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=594362&navid=DL|PIT|home

Lest we forget, here's the list of everyone who died in the crash:

Lokomotiv Yaroslavl

Passengers
Vitaly Anikeyenko
Yury Bakhvalov
Aleksandr Belyayev
Mikhail Balandin
Aleksandr Vasyunov
Josef Vasicek
Aleksandr Vyukhin
Aleksandr Galimov
Robert Dietrich
Pavol Demitra
Andrei Zimin
Marat Kalimulin
Aleksandr Karpovtsev
Aleksandr Kalyanin
Andrei Kiryukhin
Nikita Klyukin
Igor Korolyov
Nikolai Krivonosov
Yevgeny Kunnov
Vyacheslav Kuznetsov
Stefan Liv
Jan Marek
Brad McCrimmon
Sergey Ostapchuk
Vladimir Piskunov
Karel Rachunek
Evgeny Sidorov
Karlis Skrastins
Ruslan Saley
Pavel Snurnitsyn
Daniil Sobchenko
Ivan Tkachenko
Pavel Trakhanov
Igor Urychev
Gennady Churilov
Maksim Shuvalov
Artyom Yarchuk
Crew
Andrey Solontsev
Igor Zhevelov
Sergei Zhuravlev
Vladimir Matyushkin
Aleksandr Sizov -- in critical condition
Yelena Sarmatova
Nadezhda Maksumova
Yelena Shavina

Rest in Peace

Very well done.

The CCPT Hockey Show is back on the air!

My friend Cassie (from Raw Charge) and I launched the new season of our weekly hockey radio show, CCPT Hockey Show this afternoon. We welcomed good friend & awesome hockey mind Lyle Richardson (from Spector's Hockey,  The Hockey News, Eishockey News & more) to talk about a number of topics.  We were joined in our LIVE interactive chatroom by a number of friends, who contributed to the on-air conversation.

If you missed the show, read this. Then make sure to join us next week, mmmmkay?

The CCPT Hockey Show airs every Sunday at 6pm ET/3pm PT/11pm UK.

My Fantasy Hockey Team for 2011-2012

Every year for the last three years, a group of friends and I have played fantasy hockey. What I love about this league is that we have fun and some of us, including yours truly, don't take it too seriously. In fact, the way I draft my players is pretty silly, but I come up with some good teams anyway.

Do you play in a fantasy league of some sort? How do you draft your players? Do you have fun or is this a serious endeavor for you? If you're serious, you'd hate to have me in your league. Or maybe you'd like having me in your league because I'd make an easy target. :)

Here's the roster for Team SMFR this season:
CENTER
Anze Kopitar (LA Kings)
Matt Duchene (Colorado Avalanche)
Mike Fisher (Nashville Predators)

LEFT WING
Ryane Clowe (San Jose Sharks)
Tyler Ennis (Buffalo Sabres)
Brooks Laich (Washington Capitals)

RIGHT WING
Dustin Byfuglien (Winnipeg Jets)
TJ Oshie (St. Louis Blues)
Max Talbot (Philadelphia Flyers)
Wayne Simmonds (Philadelphia Flyers)

DEFENSE
Kris Letang (Pittsburgh Penguins)
John Carlson (Washington Captials)
Victor Hedman (Tampa Bay Lightning)
Zach Bogosian (Winnipeg Jets)
Thomas Hickey (Los Angeles Kings <- I'm still hoping!)

GOALTENDER
Pekka Rinne (Nashville Predators)
Semyon Varlamov (Colorado Avalanche)

WHL: Conference Previews, team by team

To get you in the mood for hockey, here's the WHL's take on the Western Conference this season.
And here's the Eastern Conference preview.

Luckily for  WHL fans, the puck drops THIS WEEKEND.
I'll open the season in Everett, taking in the Silvertips v. Kelowna on Saturday, September 24 with a couple of friends from Houston, who are huge Aeros (and Mitch Love) fans! Mitch is debuting behind the bench as an Assistant Coach. It'll be great to see the kids develop under his tutelage.

To honor Mitch, here's an awesome shot of him as an Aero, taken by good friend Fred Trask:

Who are you most excited to see this season?

Under re-construction

New stuff coming soon - just in time for the season!
In the meantime, if you have a hockey or music-related blog/website you want to share, send me the link!

NHL Awards: All that Glitters isn't the Stanley Cup

The NHL Awards took place tonight in Vegas. The Twitterverse was abuzz with the winners. Many of my friends were there to cover the event. I missed the entire broadcast.

And I didn't care.

I didn't care that I missed a number of good looking hockey players walking the red carpet in Armani, Hugo Boss and other designers I don't know. (Don't get on me because I wrote "good looking." We all know there are some lookers in the league. Even if you don't want to admit that aloud.)

I didn't care that I missed host Jay Mohr poke fun at the Edmonton Oilers and goodness knows what/who else.

I didn't care that I missed half-baked presenters and awkward acceptance speeches.

I didn't care that I don't know award winners aside from Lidstrom, Kesler & Disco Dan Bylsma.

Is something wrong with me? Or do more hockey fans feel the same way I do, even if they don't want to admit it aloud?

My interest ended after the Bruins won the Cup. To me, that's the only award that really matters (NOT to take away from players' individual achievements).

So what DO I care about?

Ask me on Sunday, after the NHL Draft has ended.

Canucks... Bruins... and BEER! NHL Tweetup in Seattle for SCF Game 2!

Hey, Seattle-area hockey fans! Join us for a fun night of hockey and good times, as we host an NHL Tweetup for Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Finals!!

Where:
Teddy's Tavern
1012 Northeast 65th Street
Seattle, WA 98115-6609
(206) 522-4950

When:
Saturday, June 4, 2011

If your team is NOT playing for the Cup, that's okay! Wear your colors and represent! Best of all, meet other like-minded hockey fanatics! Maybe we can form an ownership group to bring the NHL to the Emerald City!

Signed, Your Hosts:
Bill @wwbaker3
Su @Motley_Su

Monday Puckpourri: Pens net some Stars, Carey channels VINCENT Price, plus one HECK of a WHL game

So... the Penguins' lineup changes again. I found out via Twitter that the Pens have traded Alex Goligoski to Dallas for James Neal and Matt Niskanen.  I don't know much about either player, except that I think Sid got into a fight with Niskanen earlier this season.

Will this trade make a difference to the Pens, who have struggled without Sid and Geno, but still managed to win a number of games? I guess we'll just have to tune in and see. Here's the news release from the Pens' website:  http://penguins.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=553656&navid=BN|PIT|home

Lyle Richardson from Spector's Hockey wrote up a good analysis of the trade. Just click here.


Carey Price's new goalie mask has sparked a lot of chatter; not all of it good. He unveiled it yesterday for the Heritage Classic and calls it a tribute to Jacques Plante. I'm not sure what to think of it, but many say it "creeps them out." 

Okay. Maybe it IS a little creepy.


Last night, I attended my first hockey game in months, heading down to ShoWare Center in Kent for the T-Birds/Chilliwack Bruins match-up. I arrived early (2pm) to co-host the CCPT Hockey Show from ShoWare. That was an interesting experiment, lots of fun but cut short by about 45 minutes because of the music that started blaring from the speakers. The game that followed was one that I will not soon forget. It had everything, including a line brawl! I wrote up the game for the KING 5 website.
Here's the link: http://www.king5.com/sports/HockeyWHL-T-Birds-win-a-Sunday-night-shootout-at-ShoWare-Center-116597843.html

By the way, MANY THANKS to Brian Liesse for letting me use his photos. He's part of the awesome Washington Prep Sports Network, but also has his own amazing website.