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June 30, 2006
Roenick Writes A Letter
Eklund's Note: I was talking to Jeremy Roenick tonight and I could feel "it." If it possible for determination and passion to bleed through a phone line it was pouring through tonight as JR talked of just how much he wants to play hockey this year and prove everyone wrong. This is a man on fire. We have seen him play with concussions, broken bones, and play double overtime playoff games when most players would not have gotten out of bed. Last year was not JR's year, but I sure wouldn't bet against him next year.
Umm, JR, you're done. You blamed your skate sharpening for why you sucked. Come on.
Posted by aetchells at 12:31 PM | Comments (2)
Clarke Claims Caution
Flyers cautious on free agency
Hockey's first summer of true free agency following the implementation of the salary cap begins at noon tomorrow. Assuming they don't shed current salaries, the Flyers have roughly $6 million to spend on free agents. A puck-skating defenseman and a right winger are their targets.
Stars put forward Guerin on waivers
The Dallas Stars placed forward Bill Guerin on waivers Thursday with the intention of buying out his $6.7 million US contract if another team doesn't claim him.
Standout defenceman Wade Redden will be back patrolling the Ottawa Senators blue-line for the next two seasons after signing a $13-million US deal with the NHL club on Thursday.
Numminen has surgery to correct irregular heartbeat
Buffalo Sabres defenseman Teppo Numminen had surgery to correct an irregular heartbeat this week, his agent said Thursday.
Posted by aetchells at 12:25 PM | Comments (0)
June 29, 2006
Roy Brooks Head Class
Roy, Brooks among '06 Hockey Hall of Fame class
"Miracle on Ice" coach Herb Brooks and Patrick Roy, the NHL's winningest goaltender, highlight the newest class of the Hockey Hall of Fame.
Former NHL player Dick Duff and executive Harley Hotchkiss also received enough votes from the selection committee, the hall announced Wednesday. All four will be inducted in November.
Bertuzzi and wife sued for fraud
Bertuzzi, who was traded to the Florida Panthers last week, and his wife Julie are the defendants in a lawsuit filed on March 6 by Moore and his parents. It accuses the Bertuzzis of fraud and asks for $100,000 in punitive damages.
The suit claims that five weeks after Bertuzzi’s attack on Moore during a game on March 8, 2004, the joint ownership of the couple’s home in Kitchener was legally changed to place it in the sole possession of Bertuzzi’s wife.
Burnside: My Top 25 NHL free agents
Scott Burnside takes a look at the top free agents on the market as Saturday's opening day looms.
Signings
McCabe accepts Leafs' offer
Coyotes ink Boynton
Klemm stays a Star
Posted by aetchells at 09:26 AM | Comments (1)
June 28, 2006
Shields Mandatory
AHL makes visors madatory for all players
American Hockey League President and CEO David Andrews announced today that the AHL's Board of Governors, currently convened for its Annual Meeting, has overwhelmingly approved the mandatory use of protective visors by all of its players, beginning with the upcoming 2006-07 season.
Posted by aetchells at 02:58 PM | Comments (0)
Now Here Is A Good Idea
Rangers-Islanders In Yankee Stadium On New Year's Day?
A Rangers-Islanders game in frosty Yankee Stadium in December or on New Year's Day? It's a possibility.
Preliminary discussions between NHL and Yankees executives, the two NHL teams, city officials and NBC -- which would televise the proposed Jan. 1 regular-season contest between the arch rivals -- began last week, according to numerous people with knowledge of the talks.
"Everybody likes the idea," said one person. "But there are some obstacles. The question is whether the stadium will be usable at that time of year for that purpose."
Bruins fire Sullivan, close in on new man
According to a source with direct knowledge of the Bruins' front office negotiations the past two days, the Bruins yesterday came to terms with a new coach and will name Sullivan's successor today or tomorrow. Another source, well acquainted with Chiarelli's connections and confidants around the league, and particularly in Ottawa, where he remains the Senators' assistant general manager until July 15, said that former Red Wings bench boss Dave Lewis will be named Boston's coach.
Red Wings captain Steve Yzerman was asked Monday if he had an answer yet to the question everyone has had on their minds. He grinned. "I don't know what the Whitecaps' record is right now," said Yzerman, who was at Fifth Third Ballpark to throw out a ceremonial first pitch before West Michigan's game against South Bend.
Best buds: Demitra and Gaborik united
Pavol Demitra and Marian Gaborik have always dreamed about playing together in the NHL. The fellow Slovaks saw the results when they teamed up, both for Dukla Trencin in the Slovak Extraliga and for the Slovakian Olympic team in Turin, Italy, where they teamed with Atlanta's Marian Hossa to form an electrifying line. "We've always been talking about it," Demitra said. But Demitra never really thought that it would happen in the United States.
Posted by aetchells at 02:07 PM | Comments (0)
June 27, 2006
Sabres New Look Leaked?
The Sabres have been rumored to be chaning their look and bringing back the blue and gold. Could this be the new look?
Posted by aetchells at 02:58 PM | Comments (2)
It Burns When I Pee
Hockey star gets penalty for Hilton hookup
Paris Hilton can add another notch to her belt.
The heiress was spotted in Montreal partying into the wee hours of the morning with hockey star Jose Theodore, but afterwards insisted it was nothing serious. Theodore’s girlfriend of eight years — who also happens to be the mother of their three-month-old daughter — disagreed and booted Theodore, according to reports. “Stephanie Cloutier has kicked Theo out of her life and her house,” according to the French-language Canadian television network TQS.
Photographic Evidence
Posted by aetchells at 01:56 PM | Comments (1)
Off-Season, My Ass
Blackhawks dump Barnaby, Brown
Veteran forwards Matthew Barnaby and Curtis Brown received buyouts Monday from the Chicago Blackhawks.
Buffalo Sabres goaltender Martin Biron received a qualifying offer on Monday, and will likely sign it to hasten a trade.
Yzerman hopes to make decision soon
Red Wings captain Steve Yzerman hopes to make a decision on his playing career in the near future. The Detriot Free Press reports that Yzerman has set a self-imposed deadline of July 1.
Jovanovski in Florida waiting for offers
Ed Jovanovski is in Florida, waiting to see how many free agent offers come pouring in when he becomes an unrestricted free agent on Saturday.
Pronger to Toronto by Saturday?
Martin Havlat being shopped?
Market tepid for Giguere?
Aebischer and picks to Tampa for St. Louis?
Cuban and Marino to buy the Penguins?
Posted by aetchells at 01:21 PM | Comments (0)
Name Change No Jive
DATELINE SANTIAGO - When Jive Turkey called an emergency meeting together last week in the Philadelphia Rams "warroom" the front office took a collective deep breath.
Where heads going to roll?
Not exactly. But change was in the air. It seems the Turk, smitten by a photograph of a "soccer betty" on the site submitted by Fiyah, had decided to move to Brazil and set up a satellite office.
Today, more change came over the wire. Jive Turkey has a new name. "It's almost July. Time to start getting in shape. Time to start thinking about this coming hockey season. Time for me to be known as Ronaldeano," said Jive Turkey ... or, as we now know him, Ronaldeano.
"The real Ronaldhino was footballer of the year, and is scoring in more ways than one down here. I figure this only raises my stock both as a player and as a playah."
Response to the name change has been hard to find in the states. But, as World Cup fever spreads throughout Europe ... "I'll soon be more popular than David Hasselhof."
Posted by aetchells at 10:55 AM | Comments (2)
June 26, 2006
Flyers Look To Free Agents
After draft, Flyers turn to free agents
t has become apparent that Eric Desjardins and Kim Johnsson, who are both unrestricted free agents, will not be coming back.
Yesterday, Clarke said the Flyers have decided not to re-sign Johnsson, who missed the playoffs and played only 47 games this season because of severe concussion symptoms.
Desjardins, 37, most likely will retire after 17 NHL seasons, Clarke said. The Flyers will not re-sign any of their other unrestricted free agents - Donald Brashear, Brian Savage and Chris Therien. Without Johnsson and Desjardins, the Flyers will be left with just five NHL defensemen.
Posted by aetchells at 05:08 PM | Comments (0)
Five Years Away?
Rangers complete Sanguinetti's dream
He idolized Brian Leetch and his father is a season-ticket holder at Madison Square Garden. But it's not the sentimental reasons that spurred the Rangers to select defenseman Bobby Sanguinetti in the first round of the NHL draft on Saturday.
"We know he's three, four, five years away," Rangers assistant general manager Don Maloney said by telephone from General Motors Place in Vancouver, British Columbia. "But the way the game has trended, he has a game that is suited for the new NHL."
Phil Kessel: Something To Prove?
Twelve months ago, the shy and unassuming Phil Kessel might have looked forward to his draft day with plenty of excitement.
As this Saturday and the NHL Entry Draft arrived and passed, the emotion that Kessel seemed to exude was relief. When the Boston Bruins made Kessel the fifth overall pick, the waiting, speculation and yes, maybe even some pain for Kessel was over.
It was a year ago that Kessel, one of the most talked-about recruits to enter the college game in some time, was the top-rated prospect for the 2006 Entry Draft. Despite putting up 51 points in 39 games with Minnesota and an additional 11 points in seven games at the World Junior tournament, Kessel's stock fell.
Posted by aetchells at 10:42 AM | Comments (0)
June 25, 2006
Blues Take Johnson First
The St. Louis Blues selected American defenceman Erik Johnson with the first pick in the 2006 NHL Entry Draft on Saturday.
The 6-4, 220-pound American emerged as a force at the 2006 World Junior Championship and was the consensus pick as the top player available. He is the fifth American to go first overall.
While Kevin Lowe was helping build the future of the Oilers organization at the NHL Draft on Saturday, the general manager was dealing with the "disheartening" reality that one of his stars does indeed want out.
Lowe admitted Saturday that defenseman Chris Pronger has officially requested a trade and that the team has heard from his agent.
"We've been aware of it for a period of time," Lowe told reporters before the start of Saturday's draft. "Just let me say, yes, we have heard from his agent, that [Pronger] prefer to be traded.
Luongo surprised by trade to Canucks
Goaltender Roberto Luongo says the trade that sent him to the NHL Vancouver Canucks came as surprise since he believed he had a long-term deal worked out with the Florida Panthers.
"I'm really sad because I didn't think this was going to happen," Luongo said Saturday in a telephone conference call.
Flames trade Leopold for Tanguay
The Calgary Flames picked up the scoring winger they wanted. The Flames sent defenceman Jordan Leopold to the Colorado Avalanche for winger Alex Tanguay.
Kings get Wild, deal Demitra for O'Sullivan
The Los Angeles Kings shipped forward Pavol Demitra to the Minnesota Wild for Patrick O'Sullivan and the Wild's No. 17 pick, which was used to select USHL center Trevor Lewis.
Demitra, scored 25 goals and 37 assists for 62 points. The 31-year-old was limited to 58 games due to an eye injury. Demitra's scored 241 goals, 340 assists and 581 points in 611 NHL games.
Leafs give up Rask for Raycroft
The Toronto Maple Leafs had to give up a netminder to shore up their goaltending situation.
General manager John Ferguson dealt the rights to Finnish prospect Tuukka Rask to the Boston Bruins in exchange for goaltender Andrew Raycroft during the NHL entry draft Saturday.
Posted by aetchells at 09:29 AM | Comments (0)
June 23, 2006
Philadelphiarams.com Awards Ceremony
In a first ever awards ceremony, the tarnished brass at Philadelphiarams.com gave out hardware last night:
All the stars were on hand for this gala event.
“Blue Line Spirit” award for most times tripped by the blueline – ZDALDO
With feet the size of his heart, ZDALDO can be a formidable opponent for any forward. But when it comes to the one-on-one match with Z and BL … L O (look out).
“You’re my Heron” award for most toxic substances consumed prior to game time — Denny
Faster than a wood duck escaping 12-gauge fire, Denny is usually the one making people spin around and fall down. But one night Buddy Weiser put the brakes on Denny, who got “the spins” in the face off circle vs. the Continentals.
“Blow My Whistle” award for best referee … Bruce!
Bruce, obviously a goalie by trade, gets this award for best ref. Once the spring league video comes out you’ll see why. By the way, Bruce, get off your knees. You’re blowing the game.
“Duck Call” fan appreciation award — Booty.
It was a toss up between who brought more to the table this year between Jones and Booty. But, the powers that be, decided on Booty. He just has a louder more annoying voice than anybody but Pee Wee Herman. BTW – don’t know if Booty ever got caught whacking off in a theater, but it wouldn’t surprise us.
“Commissioner’s Cup” award for biggest complainer (cup = athletic cup) — Kleb, L.
Odds are, he’ll complain about this post, too.
“I got your back” award — Blackwood & 44 Wissy Waaaaa!
By “having your back” we mean drilling it with a crosscheck. Congrats, gents, on the first ever tie for an award.
And last but not least …
The “Lady Pussybear” award — Jive Turkey.
C’mon, man, strap on some balls and take your licks. It’s hockey. PS – The final game in spring league is not hockey. Well, most of it.
Posted by aetchells at 11:25 AM | Comments (5)
Is There An EA NHL Curse?
Washington Capitals rookie phenom Alexander Ovechkin has signed with Electronic Arts (NASDAQ:ERTS) to be the cover athlete and spokesman for its EA SPORTS™ branded NHL®07 game. Drafted first overall in the 2004 NHL Entry Draft, Ovechkin lived up to his potential and put forth the third most prolific rookie campaign in NHL history. Exceeding his freshman status, Ovechkin made his presence known by finishing the season third overall in the League for points (106), tied for third in goals (52), and first in shots (425). “To me, I feel like your accomplishments have been recognized when you make the cover of a videogame," said Ovechkin. “I have been playing EA SPORTS games for years and am honored to be a part of the NHL® 07 team.”
Posted by aetchells at 10:17 AM | Comments (1)
Thornton Named MVP
Traded by the Boston Bruins earlier in the season, Joe Thornton responded by winning the Hart Trophy as the NHL's Most Valuable player with the San Jose Sharks. Thornton won the award over Calgary goaltender Miikka Kiprusoff and New York Rangers forward Jaromir Jagr.
Posted by aetchells at 10:08 AM | Comments (1)
June 22, 2006
Lots Of Rumors
Want NHL pre-draft rumors? Go no further, puckhead
Some of these are just nutty.
Posted by aetchells at 03:15 PM | Comments (1)
Twist Entitled To $15 Million
Appeals court upholds verdict for Twist
Missouri appeals court has upheld a $15 million jury verdict against a comic strip creator for using the name of former NHL enforcer Tony Twist without his permission.
In a 3-0 opinion, a three-judge panel of the Eastern District court ruled Tuesday that the comic book creator's "predominant purpose" for using the name was commercial gain, not artistic expression, and therefore was not entitled to First Amendment protection.
Michael Kahn, one of the attorneys for comic book creator Todd McFarlane, said the long First Amendment battle is not over.
Posted by aetchells at 03:13 PM | Comments (0)
No Longer Mighty
The Ducks have dropped the Mighty and are now just the Anaheim Ducks.
Here's a more complete look at the jerseys.
View image
Posted by aetchells at 02:34 PM | Comments (3)
Canes Terrorize Raleigh
Carolina Residents Confused, Terrified As Victorious Hurricane Players Riot In Streets
Only hours after the Carolina Hurricanes won the NHL Championship Monday night in a hard-fought Game 7 against the Edmonton Oilers, North Carolina Gov. Michael Easley mobilized the National Guard to contain over two dozen members of what he described as "some sort of depraved, violent, heretofore unheard-of gang calling themselves as the Hurricanes."
Posted by aetchells at 11:23 AM | Comments (0)
June 21, 2006
Another Jersey Kid Set For First Round
Sanguinetti already a success story
Jane Sanginetti wasn't sure she was doing the right thing, and the look of dread on her face betrayed her inner emotions. Hunched over in the aluminum stands of the former Twin Rinks of Pennsauken, she sat arms folded and tightlipped, watching as her 7-year-old son, Bobby, was going through the paces of a mite travel hockey team tryout.
Posted by aetchells at 11:22 AM | Comments (3)
Off-Season Is Anything But
Vigneault is Canucks' new coach
Get Backstrom - Bruins Fans Enamored with Swedish Forward
Posted by aetchells at 11:05 AM | Comments (0)
Carolina Enjoys Cup
The Stanley Cup spent its first full day with the NHL's new champions -- the Carolina Hurricanes -- on Tuesday in the Triangle.
During the day, members of the Hurricanes celebrated with Lord Stanley's Cup before bringing it to a public celebration at the RBC Center later in the afternoon.
Today, the Cup will attend a second civic celebration in downtown Raleigh.
An estimated 30,000 Carolina Hurricanes fans gathered under a scorching sun Tuesday for a Stanley Cup victory parade that had the trappings of a Southern summer festival.
"This is uniquely Carolina," said Leigh LeClair, a season ticket holder who showed up to salute the team as it rolled through the RBC Center parking lot in Jeeps, trucks and cars. "It's a tailgate party. It's at the arena. ... Since we're the face of the new NHL, we might as well start new traditions."
The Edmonton Oilers were welcomed home Tuesday by a tiny but appreciative crowd at Edmonton International Airport.
Posted by aetchells at 10:58 AM | Comments (0)
June 20, 2006
The Cup Is Over, Here Come the Rumors
Elias to test free agency, or could a deal be in the works to bring Elias back and Havlat from Ottawa?
The Red Wings and Lightning could address goalie concerns by the weekend?
Luongo could be re-signed or traded within 10 days?
Here are some unrestricted free agents about to take a free agency dip. Lidstrom, Elias, Jovanovski, Redden, Chara, Carter, Arnott.
And contracts can be bought out between now and June 30th. Could Guerin be bought?
Draft is this weekend. Blues and Penguins might be shopping their picks. Could the Pens trade the 2nd pick so Carolina could get another Staal?
Posted by aetchells at 10:22 AM | Comments (0)
Canes Capture Cup
Believe it! N.C. home to the Cup
It's a state of mind. It's a state of euphoria. And -- even for the truest of believers since the Greensboro days -- a state of disbelief.
It was no dream Monday night that the Carolina Hurricanes beat the Edmonton Oilers 3-1 in Game 7. In the light of this morning, it's still true.
It is a stunning and perhaps transforming win for a Southern region where NHL hockey is less than a decade old. Whatever happens from now on, this region will be home to the Cup for a year and part of its history always.
The thrill was shared by thousands Monday, but the honor goes to some 20 battered men. They played 25 games in a playoff campaign that opened April 22 and stretched to June 19, one of the latest finishes in Stanley Cup history.
On the brink of tragedy after missing out on two chances to close out the Edmonton Oilers, the Hurricanes claimed ultimate success with a 3-1 win in Game 7 of the Stanley Cup finals on Monday, securing North Carolina's first major league title.
Cam Ward started the NHL playoffs as a backup rookie goalie full of potential. Two months later, he was at the center of the Carolina Hurricanes' celebration.
Ward earned the Conn Smythe Trophy as the most valuable player of the postseason after the Hurricanes beat the Edmonton Oilers 3-1 in Game 7 on Monday night for their first Stanley Cup title.
Posted by aetchells at 09:54 AM | Comments (0)
Stanley Lives In Carolina
Lord Stanley lives in Carolina and that's OK.
Because as much as we might want to make it Raleigh versus Edmonton, and USA versus Canada and hockey tradition versus NASCAR, it comes down to twenty-some hockey players who were able to achieve the greatest feat in pro sports. They battled, survived, and won the Stanley Cup. It is theirs to hold high.
Congratulations to the Carolina Hurricanes.
Posted by aetchells at 01:07 AM | Comments (4)
June 19, 2006
Proof Of God
Posted by aetchells at 01:15 PM | Comments (0)
Jones Is Having A Party
Jones is having an 8th of July party as opposed to the 4th of July party (which is on a Tuesday). He will supply the beer, and is asking people to bring the food. Please let him know if you plan on attending and what food dish you are bringing. There will be swimming, Kensington horseshoes, and plenty of "innocent" fun. This year, Yashin is jumping off of the roof.
Posted by aetchells at 11:53 AM | Comments (3)
Game Seven
The Detroit Red Wings, the NHL's top team during the regular season, couldn't stop them.
Neither could a 0-2 series deficit to the San Jose Sharks in the Western Conference semifinal or a wicked bout of the flu during the conference final against the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim.
Losing Conn Smythe Trophy candidate Dwayne Roloson in Game 1 of this Stanley Cup final, then falling behind 0-2 hasn't stopped them either, even though it stood to reason it should.
Given the above, the Carolina Hurricanes will need one helluva game plan tonight to put the brakes on the Edmonton Oilers with the Stanley Cup in the house for Game 7 at the RBC Center.
A simple message for the Hurricanes: Play your game
There is one game left. It's for everything. How do you play it? You play it as you would any game. Nothing extraordinary. No new wrinkles. Play your game.
Posted by aetchells at 10:03 AM | Comments (4)
June 16, 2006
Cup Talk
Fatigue, not Oilers, may be Canes' biggest opponent
Carolina has more offensive power and a better goalie than Edmonton, but the Canes may be wearing down just as the Oilers are being reinvigorated by the success of backup goalie Jussi Markkanen, Pisani's stunning winning goal and a return home to Rexall Place.
Oilers have their eye on the champagne bottles the Hurricanes had chilled
The Carolina Hurricanes were forced to take the champagne off ice. Now the Edmonton Oilers have visions of stealing the bottles for themselves.
The Oilers, written off like cheap wine after losing the opening two games of the series, have shown their vintage by putting themselves back into the NHL Stanley Cup final against Carolina. Edmonton's thrilling 4-3 overtime victory against the Hurricanes in Raleigh Wednesday night forced what many thought was an improbable Game 6 on Saturday.
Canes won't reveal Game 6 status of Weight, Ward
It's unknown whether injuries sustained in Game 5 to forward Doug Weight or defenseman Aaron Ward will keep them out of the lineup for Saturday s sixth game against the Oilers.
Posted by aetchells at 09:51 AM | Comments (0)
June 15, 2006
Ego Trip
Blogarithms: ‘Special’ kind of site
Arthur Etchells says he eats out at least five times a week.
“I’m not much of a cook,” he says over a beer at the Good Dog on 15th Street above Locust.
And how much beer does he down a month?
“I’d really rather not think about it,” he says, before taking another swig. “That’s one of those numbers you’re better off not calculating.”
Posted by aetchells at 11:43 PM | Comments (2)
Oilers Stop Celebration
Playing for their playoff lives, the surprisingly energetic Edmonton Oilers managed to extend the Stanley Cup final for at least one more game Wednesday night in Raleigh, N.C. Forward Fernando Pisani scored a short-handed goal at 3:31 of overtime to lead the Oilers to a 4-3 win over the Carolina Hurricanes in the most thrilling game of the final.
Melrose: Don't be surprised if Cup finals go the distance
Barry Melrose says the Oilers answered all their questions in Game 5 and he won't be surprised if the Cup finals go the distance.
Oilers Break Wind in Game Five
That's justice after a travesty of a call on Steve Staios. The 'Canes affinity for forwards on the point on the PP finally caught up to them, as Pisani picked Staal's pocket for the OT winner.
So close.
And, yet, still so far.
The Carolina Hurricanes, a goal away from winning the Stanley Cup in overtime, still need one victory to get their hands around the old silver trophy and finish off a special season. The Edmonton Oilers, on the brink of being eliminated, still have at least one more game to play.
Posted by aetchells at 01:20 PM | Comments (4)
Turkey Talk
There’s been a lot of discussion and, frankly, embarrassment about women’s softball having more viewers than the cup finals. The Turkey wants to know, are hockey fans/players watching? If not, you suck.
Posted by aetchells at 01:03 PM | Comments (11)
June 14, 2006
Consecutive Points In The Playoffs
Eric Staal has points in 15 straight playoff games which has him tied with Mario Lemieux. Who holds the record, and how many games is it?
Posted by aetchells at 10:40 AM | Comments (5)
Devils Get Another Canadien
Lamoriello turns again to successful Montreal pipeline
As Claude Julien watched the Devils-Canadiens game that ended the regular season in April, he knew something that virtually nobody else did: He was a candidate to coach the Devils.
Six months after Julien first spoke to Devils general manager Lou Lamoriello, he got the job, in a surprise pick yesterday that made him the 15th coach in team history.
Downtown Raleigh might be no place to celebrate a hockey championship
With the Stanley Cup in sniffing distance, talk in Raleigh is turning to fireworks, parades and confetti -- but not downtown.
Should the Carolina Hurricanes win the Cup, they'll take a victory lap later around the RBC Center parking lot in a daytime celebration, the city and the Centennial Authority said Tuesday.
But Cup fever aside, that idea fell flat for some fans, who thought any celebration ought to have the Raleigh skyline as a backdrop.
"If you win the main prize, you've got to have the parade downtown," Jerry Thompson, a fan in Roanoke Rapids, said in an interview. "The arena is really the runner-up venue. That's where you have the parade if you don't win."
Pound dismisses NHL's claim of no positive tests
The NHL is trying to fool the public with a flawed anti-doping program, the chairman of the World Anti-Doping agency said Tuesday.
Dick Pound said league statements Monday that there were no positive tests among 1,406 administered during the season were meaningless given the loopholes in its anti-doping program.
"All we can do is keep drawing the attention of the public to its shortcomings and make sure the public understands that it's being fooled by the NHL when it says it has a serious testing program," Pound said.
Hey Pound, exactly how many NHL Olympians failed drug tests? One. Jose Theodore. And he blames rogaine. That's not 1/3 either.
Teemu Selanne will be back with the Anaheim Mighty Ducks next season.
The Ducks signed their leading scorer to a one-year, $3.75-million US contract on Tuesday. The deal also includes some performance bonuses.
Posted by aetchells at 09:15 AM | Comments (1)
June 13, 2006
36 Holes
Anyone interested in playing 36 holes on Saturday June 24, 2006.
- First 18, tee off at 9 AM at Skippack Golf Course
- Second 18, tee off in the afternoon at Twining Valley Golf Club
- Third 18, back at Jones’ house to bbq.
Anyone who is interested let Jones know. His number is 267-767-7395.
Posted by aetchells at 01:33 PM | Comments (6)
NHL Round Up
Hextall goes West to find opportunity
Because Ron Hextall figures to be an NHL general manager someday and because Flyers general manager Bob Clarke and assistant GM Paul Holmgren probably aren't going anywhere soon, a move was necessary.
No NHL player tests positive in first year of league's testing program
No NHL player failed a drug test during the first season of the league's anti-doping program, adopted last year in the collective bargaining agreement that ended the yearlong lockout.
"I suppose it's safe to say that the results confirmed what we knew already, which is the use of performance-enhancing drugs is not prevalent in our sport," NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly said Monday in an e-mail.
The following mock draft comes from a Red Line Report scouting source.
This mock draft has a number of differences from Red Line's own value board. The purpose of Red Line Report is to be a pure scouting service, and ultimately rank prospects in the order we would select the available players if we lived in a vacuum where "needs" and other outside forces never entered the equation.
Williams the one that got away
Of all the players who have exited the Flyers either by trade or free agency over the past decade, Justin Williams might turn out to be one they rue the most.
Now one of Carolina's key players in a drive for the Stanley Cup, Williams never quite clicked with the Flyers, even though there were times when he showed of promise.
Posted by aetchells at 11:50 AM | Comments (0)
Eat Your Heart Out Bellagio
The power of mentos and diet coke.
Check out the video.
Posted by aetchells at 11:06 AM | Comments (0)
NASCAR Country One Win From Lord Stanley's Cup
Should the Carolina Hurricanes go on to win the Stanley Cup, whether it takes five games or more to finish off the Edmonton Oilers, the winning edge should be easy to define.
In short, the Canes have scored goals on the power play while the Oilers, try as they might, have not for the most part.
Cory Stillman walked off the ice after being honored as the game's first star, and Peter Laviolette was waiting.
Under the stands, hidden from the fans, the Carolina Hurricanes' coach wrapped Stillman in a bear hug of triumph and thanks.
Stillman and Laviolette are now only a victory from embracing the Stanley Cup and are coming back to Raleigh on the verge of a championship after Stillman helped Eric Staal fight through a resolute Edmonton Oilers defense and get assists on both Carolina goals in a 2-1 win over the Oilers in Game 4 on Monday.
Oilers lose crucial home game
The catchy "Get Electric" slogan the Edmonton Oilers adopted for the playoffs has put a jolt into 10 capacity crowds at Rexall Place this post-season, but it hasn't provided the Oilers' power play enough of a charge to light a 60-watt bulb against the Carolina Hurricanes.
Posted by aetchells at 09:37 AM | Comments (0)
June 12, 2006
Hockey Versus Soccer
It's just 6 minutes into game four of the Stanley Cup Finals and it's already had more excitement than the last eight soccer games I've watched. Yes, I've watched eight soccer games over the weekend and today.
Posted by aetchells at 08:29 PM | Comments (7)
June 09, 2006
Odds & Ends
2010 Olympic hockey will be NHL-sized
Hockey games at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver will be played on North American-sized ice surfaces instead of the larger international rink, organizers have announced.
In a joint statement with the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF), the Vancouver organizing committee said the decision would save a $10-million worth of renovations to GM Place and the Pacific Coliseum.
Leak to press is bad Pee R. for Ranger (second story)
The Rangers were hoping that rookie Ryan Hollweg would turn out to be a real whiz, but this probably wasn't what they had in mind.
The Score has learned that Hollweg showed up at The Stephen Talkhouse on Long Island over Memorial Day weekend and turned the club's bar area into his own private urinal, according to an unlucky fan.
Horcoff says Brind'Amour cheats
Edmonton Oilers forward Shawn Horcoff isn't impressed by the faceoff technique of Carolina captain Rod Brind'Amour. In fact, he doesn't even think it's legal. Brind'Amour has won 310 of his 514 faceoffs (60.31 percent) in the playoffs - including 28 of 34 in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup finals. He was third in the NHL during the regular season at 59.1 percent and has finished in the top five in three of four seasons.
Posted by aetchells at 03:05 PM | Comments (2)
REMINDER: Sunday Skate
Wintersport Ice Arena
Sunday June 11
7:50 to 9:20 PM
Posted by aetchells at 10:46 AM | Comments (2)
More Playoff Penalty Shot Trivia
Which goalie has had the most penalty shots on him in playoff history?
To view the answer drag your mouse cursor across the white space below:
The Dominator, Dominik Hasek has faced 5 penalty shots.
Posted by aetchells at 10:33 AM | Comments (8)
Down 2-0
Surprisingly only one team in NHL history to come back to win the Cup after dropping the first two games on the road. Can you name them?
Posted by aetchells at 10:10 AM | Comments (2)
Ted Nolan, Back In The NHL
The revamping of the New York Islanders' front office included the introduction Thursday of general manager Neil Smith and head coach Ted Nolan, both of whom are returning to the NHL after lengthy hiatuses.
Yes, that's Cory Stillman lighting the lamp for Canes
It must be about 16 years ago that Bud Stefanski came home from practice one day, telling his family about the likeable local kid that had come to try out for his Junior B team in Peterborough, Ontario.
About the same time, maybe even at dinner that same night, Stefanski's daughter Mara, a high school freshman, excitedly described to the family the young boy who'd been smiling at her across the hallway at school.
"They turned out to be the same guy," said Stefanski.
The boy who would become his son-in-law and the father of three of Stefanski's grandchildren was Cory Stillman, itinerate hockey sniper and surprise playoff hero for the Carolina Hurricanes.
Peter Laviolette and Michael Peca envisioned being at the Stanley Cup finals together. They just thought they'd be on the same team.
These finals have reunited the coach-captain combination that got the New York Islanders back into the playoffs for the first time in eight years in 2002. This postseason, though, has them on opposite benches.
Posted by aetchells at 10:03 AM | Comments (0)
June 08, 2006
Next Tournament Day Necessity
The world's only chambered beer bong
The Octabong
Posted by aetchells at 02:06 PM | Comments (2)
Beer Talk with Tipsy Pucks:
Stillman’s goal last night, with 2 seconds left in the period, set a zdildo-like tone for this series. The question, did he pass it to himself?
Talk amongst yourselves…
Posted by aetchells at 11:03 AM | Comments (24)
Canes Pour It On
Cory Stillman scored a goal that was both pretty and pretty easy at the end of the second period Wednesday, putting an emphatic stamp on a home sweep of the Edmonton Oilers in the first two games of the Stanley Cup finals. The Canes won 5-0 over the Oilers.
Ladd rewarding Canes' confidence
In the same month and the same building in which he was hailed as the future, Ladd, 20, became the man of the moment Wednesday by scoring the first and winning goal in Game 2 of the Stanley Cup finals, a 5-0 victory over the Edmonton Oilers.
For the goal, the Canes' 2004 No. 1 pick combined with the Canes' 2003 top pick, Eric Staal, on a two-on-one rush. Ladd took the pass from Staal and wristed the puck off a defenseman's skate and past goalie Jussi Markkanen to put the Canes up 1-0 with 6:21 gone in the first period.
Hurricanes simply have all the answers
Had you told me 25 years ago that the Stanley Cup would take up residence on Tobacco Road before North Carolina or N.C. State could recover possession of another ACC football championship trophy, I would have advised you that sniffing Zamboni fumes can be risky for your health.
Silly me.
After Wednesday's 5-0 wing-dinger of a win over Edmonton in Game 2 of the NHL championship series, the Carolina Hurricanes are within sniffing distance of an accomplishment that once seemed so unlikely that it was rarely mentioned as a possibility.
The Edmonton Oilers had a problem in the goal crease at the RBC Center last night, but it had little to do with the absence of Dwayne Roloson or the presence of Jussi Markkanen.
It had a lot more to do with rookie goaltender Cam Ward, who, for the second straight game in this Stanley Cup final, turned in a sensational performance, this time with 25 saves as the Carolina Hurricanes blew away the Oilers 5-0 to take a 2-0 series lead.
There's a new No. 1.
Craig MacTavish didn't just name Jussi Markkanen as his starter at the RBC Center last night, the Edmonton Oilers coach called his shot for the rest of the Stanley Cup final against the Carolina Hurricanes.
MacTavish said yesterday before Markkanen led the Oilers out of the tunnel last night that the stopper who got the tap for Game 2 against the Canes would be his No. 1 man the rest of the way. Win or lose.
We'll see about that!
Posted by aetchells at 10:50 AM | Comments (1)
June 07, 2006
Stanley Cup Penalty Shots
Chris Pronger was the first player to ever score on a penalty shot in the Stanley Cup Finals. It was the first penalty shot since June 7, 1994 when Mike Richter stuffed Pavel Bure. In 1985 two Flyers were stopped by Grant Fuhr. Can you name them?
To view the answer drag your mouse cursor across the white space below:
on May 28, 1985, Ron Sutter failed to score on Grant Fuhr, and two days later it was Dave Poulin who was turned aside.
Posted by aetchells at 01:53 PM | Comments (4)
The Legend Of Bill Barilko
It was 44 years ago today that Bill Barilko's body was found.
Audio of Bill Barilko's Stanley Cup Winning goal.
Maple Leaf Alumni Bio
The ProSet hockey card
Posted by aetchells at 10:16 AM | Comments (4)
Here Comes Game Two
During their march through the playoffs, the Carolina Hurricanes have benefited from some poor health on the part of their opponents:
Saku Koivu
Colin White
Dmitri Kalinin
Teppo Numminen
Henrik Tallinder
Jay McKee
Dwayne Roloson
Can the Canes and Oilers bring more intrigue tonight? After winning an action-filled opener, Carolina wants to take advantage of Edmonton's goaltender dilemma in Game 2.
Battered Oilers look to bounce back
Still reeling from Monday's stunning turn of events, the Edmonton Oilers will have to pick up the pieces in a hurry to avoid falling into an even bigger hole in the Stanley Cup final.
Luckily, Edmonton has nowhere to go but up after a disastrous Game 1 in which it blew a 3-0 lead, dropped the game 5-4 and lost starting goaltender Dwayne Roloson for the remainder of the playoffs to a right knee sprain.
I would say that about 70% of the media are thinking Markkanen is the guy for game 2. It may be the case, but I didn`t get that impression..not at all. In practice they worked Ty much harder and he looked much sharper in my opinion. Jussi was fighting the puck and much tighter. I counted three times he whacked his stick on the crossbar in frustration in practice...
Posted by aetchells at 09:40 AM | Comments (0)
June 06, 2006
Who Will Take The Oilers Helm?
Roloson's injury could make this a short series
Dwayne Roloson was one of the major reasons why the Oilers are competing for the Stanley Cup. His injuy series-ending injury suffered in Edmonton's Game 1 loss against the Hurricanes, according to Alan Adams, could be the reason why the Oilers don't win the Cup.
Forsberg going in right direction after surgery
Peter Forsberg is about halfway through recovery from his first ankle operation, and the Flyers center says things are going well.
Posted by aetchells at 04:50 PM | Comments (0)
And Another Thing
I'm really sick of people griping about how horrible it is to have small market teams meet in the Stanley Cup Finals. If it ain't your team it doesn't matter anyway. Get over it and actually look at the hockey. It's end to end, breathtaking fun. If you can't like it because it's Carolina and Edmonton, well then that's your problem. Your loss. I'm not trying to convert you. Go enjoy the Phils and the Diamondbacks. Lots of luck.
That is all.
Posted by aetchells at 09:25 AM | Comments (6)
And Visions Of Steve Smith Danced In Our Heads
The Edmonton Oilers will have to win the Stanley Cup without No. 1 goaltender Dwayne Roloson between the pipes. Roloson, a prime candidate for the Conn Smythe Trophy as top playoff performer, sustained a season-ending knee injury late in Monday's 5-4 road loss to the Carolina Hurricanes in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup finals at the RBC Center.
Oilers face huge test, but they still have Cup chance
After Monday's exciting, up-and-down, heart-breaking Game 1, the first question on everyone's minds is going to be: Do the Oilers still have a chance at the Stanley Cup without goalie Dwayne Roloson?
Edmonton lost its best player of the playoffs, its Conn Smythe Trophy candidate. What now?
Down three goals to the Edmonton Oilers late in the second period, the Hurricanes managed to do Monday on the NHL's biggest stage what they did all year long. A four-goal spurt got the Canes back into the game and gave them a 5-4 victory over the Oilers.
Oilers Blow Lead, Hurricanes Take Game One
The Edmonton Oilers learned a valuable lesson in Game One of the Stanley Cup Finals: no lead is safe against the Carolina Hurricanes.
The Oilers squandered a 3-0 lead, lost their starting goalie to injury and gave up a bad goal late in the third as the Hurricanes won 5-4 to take a 1-0 series lead.
Edmonton looked pretty good to start the game, showing little “rust” from their 11 day layoff, although it showed a bit on their powerplay opportunities in the first, including two back-to-back two-man advantages.
Posted by aetchells at 08:50 AM | Comments (3)
June 05, 2006
Fooboz - Eating and Drinking In Philly
Well if you've known me for any amount of time you know I like to go out and eat and drink in Philadelphia almost as much as I like hockey. So I've created a new web site, foobooz.com, to track the latest happenings in Philadelphia's exciting restaurant and bar scene as well as to keep track of cool events and good specials.
Check it out. Tell me what you think.
- Art
Posted by aetchells at 03:39 PM | Comments (9)
Wintersport Skate
On Sunday June 11th there is an open hockey slot for Rams, Penguins and friends. Please confirm whether or not you can come, a ten-on-ten is needed to guarantee breaking even, Jim doesn't want to lose any of his playoof winnings in the deal.
Wintersport Ice Arena
Sunday June 11
7:50 to 9:20 PM
Posted by aetchells at 12:26 PM | Comments (5)
Stanley Cup Finals Begin Tonight
Burnside: Our Stanley Cup finals primer
Off Wing Opinion: Stanley Cup Finals Primer
Spector's Blog: Stanley Cup Final Prediction
Burning questions for the Stanley Cup Finals
Posted by aetchells at 10:08 AM | Comments (1)
An Oiler Question
Which Edmonton Goalie won the Conn Smythe Trophy?
To view the answer drag your mouse cursor across the white space below:
Congrats to all of you who answered Bill Ranford, you are correct! Ranford won the Conn Smythe in 1990 as the Gretzkyless Oilers won the Cup.
Posted by aetchells at 10:00 AM | Comments (10)
June 02, 2006
Hurricanes Comeback Stops Sabres
For the hockey diehards lucky enough to witness the electric madness of Game 7 in person, there were scores of jolting little deaths and sudden revivals.
With every mad rush up the ice by the Canes or Sabres, hopes and fears would rise with the hammering pace of a fan's heartbeat.
With every furious scramble in front of a wide-mouthed goal, anticipation or dread would flood the brain, frozen by slow-moving seconds of blurred ice action and a long-held breath.
Every body-slamming hit brought a roar of delight or indignation.
Every red light and horn blast signaled Armageddon or salvation, doom or rapture.
And when that final horn sounded, only Caniacs felt the renewal of victory, the flush of the Eastern Conference championship and the fresh, bright chance of winning Lord Stanley's battered cup.
Inspirational Brind'Amour scores winner as Canes reach finalsCarolina storms back from 2-1 down to defeat Buffalo in Game 7. Now, only the Oilers can spoil the Canes' run to the Stanley Cup.
So goes the maxim: all good things must come to an end.
Unfortunately for the Buffalo Sabres, those good things - 63 total wins - fell five short of the ending the team and Western New York longed for - Lord Stanley's Cup.
The Sabres, chipped and cracked from the barrage of a thousand blows, finally fell, unable to endure the force of one more jolt.
No, they didn't crumble. They didn't fall to pieces. They simply gave out while trying to keep everything together and accomplish what would have been a miraculous feat.
The patchwork Sabres, plagued by a fourth substantial loss on defense when veteran Jay McKee developed a strep infection, actually had a lead with about 18 minutes to go until the Stanley Cup finals.
That lead didn't hold up. The Carolina Hurricanes ended the Sabres' storybook run by scoring three third-period goals and winning, 4-2, in Game Seven of the Eastern Conference finals Thursday night in the RBC Center.
"Those guys in the room are a special group that never used an excuse all year long," Sabres coach Lindy Ruff said. "Even tonight, they gave it everything they absolutely had."
Posted by aetchells at 10:14 AM | Comments (0)
Lightening Knocks Out Hurricanes
Lightning strike zaps Game 7 on OLN
Just as many of you were settling in to watch Game 7 of the Eastern Conference finals between the Buffalo Sabres and Carolina Hurricanes on the Outdoor Life Network, the screen went black. And, in some places, stayed that way until after the game was completed.
"We had a severe storm in the area and the facility that provides the feed to the Philadelphia market got a direct lightning hit," Comcast spokesman Jeff Alexander said. "There were a few other channels that were affected, and the vast majority were restored quickly. Unfortunately, OLN was not one of those channels."
Alexander said "a little more than an hour" of the game was lost in most affected areas, which included Philadelphia, South Jersey and other outlying areas.
As of late last night, plans to rebroadcast the game, won by Carolina, 4-2, hadn't been made by OLN.
Posted by aetchells at 09:45 AM | Comments (3)
June 01, 2006
SIGNAL LOST
HEY OLN? WHERE'S YOUR SIGNAL.
ASSHOLES
Posted by aetchells at 09:34 PM | Comments (3)
GAME SEVEN
Everyone said this would be a war. The coaches' words Wednesday were broadsides. Now it's time to settle it. The Carolina Hurricanes play the Buffalo Sabres in Game 7 of the NHL's Eastern Conference finals at 7:30 tonight at the RBC Center.
The Buffalo Sabres were incensed when informed the Carolina Hurricanes had brought champagne into HSBC Arena on Tuesday night to celebrate the Eastern Conference championship they could have clinched with a Game Six victory.
The Hurricanes denied any such thing. A spokesman insisted they brought no champagne, and center Kevyn Adams said he'd never heard of a team reveling in a conference title by breaking out the bubbly.
'Canes not happy to say hello to Jason
A day later, Sabres winger Jason Pominville was still having a good laugh at the expense of Carolina's Doug Weight. The key play in overtime of Game Six came when Weight drilled Pominville into the boards, earning the penalty that set up Daniel Briere's game-winning goal.
Sabres' McKee Will Miss Game 7 Tonight
Posted by aetchells at 04:03 PM | Comments (0)
New Sponsor
We here at Philadelphiarams.com have always wondered if there's any money in this web stuff. So we're thrilled to announce our first sponsor. Philips Bodygroom.
Posted by aetchells at 09:56 AM | Comments (4)
Chelios Not Done Yet
Chelios signs one-year deal with Wings
The NHL's oldest player has at least another season in him. Chris Chelios signed a one-year contract Wednesday with the Detroit Red Wings. He will be a 45-year-old defenseman next year in the middle of his eighth season with the team and 23rd in the league. The three-time Norris Trophy winner as the NHL's best defenseman played in 81 games last season and had a plus-22 rating.
The Toronto Maple Leafs have agreed to a five-year deal with defenceman Bryan McCabe, a source told The Canadian Press.
The deal is worth between $5.5 million US and $6 million per year, the source said Wednesday.
Oilers skip town to prepare for final
The Edmonton Oilers have seen enough interruptions from their hockey-mad city to make a change from the media frenzy of Alberta's capital to the serenity of New York State.
Needing a break from family, friends and numerous media demands, the Oilers will fly to Greenburgh, N.Y., Thursday morning to better prepare for their first trip to the Stanley Cup final in 16 years.
The suburban city houses the practice facility used by the New York Rangers and is 35 kilometres north of New York City.
Burnside: Gretzky's return not about reputation but about challenge
There was death and more death and gambling and an Olympic pratfall. And in the end, it was hard to tell just what kind of hockey coach Wayne Gretzky turned out to be.
Maybe, in part, that's why The Great One is stepping back behind the Phoenix Coyotes' bench -- to find out. And not just for the short term, either.
Gretzky announced Wednesday in Phoenix that he signed on for five more years of desert coaching duties.
Forsberg: 'Everything is fine'
Two weeks after the first of two ankle surgeries, Flyers forward Peter Forsberg says "everything is fine" and he hopes to be able to start putting weight on his right ankle in about 2 weeks.
Agents get good news on revenues
NHL revenues will surpass initial projections by some $300 million, the players' association told agents during a meeting on Wednesday. NHLPA executive director Ted Saskin met with 115 agents during a nine-hour gathering and provided good news to the player representatives. The final numbers won't be tallied until the end of June, but league-wide revenues will likely exceed $2.1 billion, easily topping the $1.8 billion estimated for this season in the new collective bargaining agreement.
Posted by aetchells at 09:34 AM | Comments (0)
Jenkins With Milfs
Posted by aetchells at 09:20 AM | Comments (3)