tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35416862012-02-11T16:53:16.492-05:00This is an internet journal to give my opinion on anything regarding "the coolest game on Earth" from the NHL to the Stanley Cup and it's playoffs, from International hockey, to my thoughts about my hometown team Pittsburgh Penguins, to talking about match-ups I've made from playing EA Sports NHL Playstation and to my personal anecdotes working in and with the game that I love... HOCKEY!!Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10554602049763238040noreply@blogger.comBlogger11481100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3541686.post-18912406584769669252012-02-11T09:00:00.000-05:002012-02-11T16:53:16.499-05:00

There's a special day set aside for everything, it seems nowadays. And today is something that I would certainly want to celebrate. When I was little, I collected Topps football cards. I remember getting my first pack (yes, with the chewing gum) in my Christmas stocking. It would later grow into a hobby and eventually expand into a crate of cards. It was an investment for me. This is where I

Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10554602049763238040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3541686.post-3513282021543537132012-01-23T19:30:00.000-05:002012-01-23T20:36:28.036-05:00

Brendan Shanahan, NHL's Vice President of Hockey and Business Development and head disciplinarian, has released the video explaining the reasons why the League chose to suspend NHL superstar Alex Ovechkin after a vicious hit to the head on his Penguin opponent during yesterday's high-profile nationally broadcast NBC game. Watch the video and decide for yourself to see if you agree with their

Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10554602049763238040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3541686.post-86265802546999422372012-01-22T18:31:00.000-05:002012-01-23T18:45:14.534-05:00

With the enormous success of the outdoor hockey game concept, it seems like every team is going outdoors to grow the game in their regional areas. From every level - major juniors to US colleges, to even local high schools here in Pittsburgh have been romanced by the outdoor tradition. Then along comes the giant spectacle of an Outdoor classic that features two American Hockey League rivals the

Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10554602049763238040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3541686.post-14835409657962949142012-01-02T07:00:00.000-05:002012-01-10T02:43:16.458-05:00

When Comcast first approached me to advertise for them about the new channel Versus and talk about the new forms of programming, I was elated that soon I was showing just how viable I was as a blog source and respected among the mainstream media. I was glad to help them out hopefully during that time. It was a cleverly named channel, I'd thought. Versus, the name, was the epitome of what sports

Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10554602049763238040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3541686.post-38460831578389451642011-12-25T11:00:00.000-05:002011-12-28T13:28:33.395-05:00

I am truly grateful that you have come here and decided to check out my blog once again for this year's holiday greeting. I've made a new video that had to be a little shorter than I wanted. But hopefully, I want you to enjoy the video anyway Here's to spending the time in between holidays catching up on a lot of things in the hopper as well as tying to balance a home life with the kind of day

Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10554602049763238040noreply@blogger.com0Irwin, PA 15642, USA40.3245138 -79.701154940.3124083 -79.7208959 40.336619299999995 -79.68141390000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3541686.post-4552774811986004862011-12-18T13:05:00.000-05:002011-12-18T23:24:36.587-05:00

Here is a video that I made this year on site of the new fantastic outdoor rink that the Pittsburgh Penguins have helped build called Penguins Pond at SouthSide Works This year, I've been working to help build and promote the DEFENDING THE BLUELINE non-profit organization that helps provide hockey equipment for the kids of our military servicemen and women. I hope you enjoyed this video and

Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10554602049763238040noreply@blogger.com0South Side Works, 2730 Sidney St, Pittsburgh, PA 15203-5132, USA40.427414 -79.96583540.4153265 -79.985576 40.4395015 -79.946094tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3541686.post-61805992457523677682011-11-24T09:00:00.000-05:002011-11-24T09:00:07.838-05:00

Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10554602049763238040noreply@blogger.com0Newark, DE, USA39.6837226 -75.749657239.634843100000005 -75.8286212 39.7326021 -75.6706932tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3541686.post-78780629792153433422011-10-13T22:34:00.000-04:002011-10-15T07:16:15.571-04:00

As it was reported among several social media websites that Philadelphia Flyers fans had displayed another less than favorable behavior towards their arch-nemesis in Sid Crosby. But, in their fervent furor, their knee-jerk reactions to boo automatically any Crosby appearance has now collectively cost them another deep wound to the soiled reputations. During the intermission, of the Wednesday's

Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10554602049763238040noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3541686.post-11530903440675080762011-09-29T09:00:00.000-04:002011-10-04T11:35:47.754-04:00

It's the one very special spiritual day of the year when I take some personal time to reflect and honor the moniker that has been passed down from my forefathers. So, every year on this COHF blog, I dedicate a little something special to highlight a couple of developmental organizations. I hope these young players represent the kind of sportsmanship and class that the team name invokes. First

Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10554602049763238040noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3541686.post-82370251751084896802011-09-28T21:00:00.000-04:002011-09-29T05:18:15.829-04:00

The Montreal Canadians may face serious international copyright law violations after a law firm hired to find and contact people who have illegally downloaded the Oscar winning movie "The Hurt Locker". Internet websites that provide a service to download files to their users within a network is in popular jargon called a "bittorrent". It's speedy technology of arranging the electronic

Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10554602049763238040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3541686.post-26779005957990269052011-09-23T20:00:00.000-04:002011-09-29T05:40:01.859-04:00

Mike Modano announced his retirement today in front of a Dallas Stars press conference podium. Which wouldn't be all that shocking, because most popular star players get to do this kind of thing all the time. But considering that Modano had previously tried to extend his career 1 more year and do it wearing an legendary rival Red Wings jersey. But what has shown to be one of the classier

Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10554602049763238040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3541686.post-63431144337698073392011-09-18T14:00:00.000-04:002011-09-18T14:00:04.981-04:00

If you were at Podcamp Pittsburgh 6 this weekend, then you got to see this video premier before it was published here on the page. But for the rest of you here that either couldn't attend or missed the lecture I gave, please enjoy my latest YouTube production. It took a fairly good amount of time to both produce and shoot the video. I couldn't have done it without the cooperation of my brother

Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10554602049763238040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3541686.post-57727729892904124122011-09-17T19:04:00.000-04:002011-09-17T21:07:29.482-04:00

Alex Ovechkin has taken on some real big criticism about his worth ethic and desire. It doesn't seem to match up to the demands of the Washington Capitals franchise's fans. Here we see Alex just laughing it up and profiling in his new Orioles jersey with his name and number on it. Jersey Foul? Maybe not.Watching this video, I think I've discovered Alex's handicap stunting his achievements in the

Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10554602049763238040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3541686.post-75549973598491363602011-09-15T20:38:00.000-04:002011-09-17T22:04:44.410-04:00

Most likely inspired in the wake of several huge mistakes and public relations nightmares in the NFL and other pro athletes, the NHL has announced that the league is going to institute a new social media policy. In my opinion, it's never truly that bad among hockey "tweeters", but I guess this is going to prevent things getting as bad. The league (as I am understanding and interpreting it) is

Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10554602049763238040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3541686.post-70551917114731927332011-09-11T09:03:00.000-04:002011-09-11T16:14:47.239-04:00

It was a day that changed the world. Now, 10 years later, we Americans continue with the inalienable task of mourning the brave souls lost and others who were taken too soon. I remember where I was at the tragic day. In the upcoming day, this blog choses to solemnly honor those who have picked up the fight against terror - insuring our chosen way of life of personal liberty as a beacon of hope

Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10554602049763238040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3541686.post-52833445106570879102011-09-07T17:15:00.000-04:002011-09-12T02:26:28.572-04:00

When I spotted the headlines as soon as I felt the emotion punch me in the gut. As if this hockey off-season has to have any more tragedy, the KHL team Lokomotiv Yaroslavl (Russian: Локомотив Яросла́вль) died today in a horrible plane crash that killed 43 people. Included on that plane were many familiar names of NHL players and coach. According to the news reports, the plane had a difficult

Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10554602049763238040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3541686.post-78687513701596250412011-09-06T16:38:00.000-04:002011-09-12T02:25:59.270-04:00

Photo: Tumblr.com I'm glad that the NHL's new Winnepeg Jets decided to hold a press conference and release the official look to the jerseys they are going to use during the upcoming season. I like them! The jerseys are Reebok EDGE performance cut so, I know right away I'm never going to own one. But as far as the look itself, I think it's a very updated look for a team shedding an identity to

Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10554602049763238040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3541686.post-27881752466656113862011-09-01T08:00:00.000-04:002011-09-01T08:00:09.445-04:00

I wanted to do this earlier in the summer, but for some reason, I had really flubbed up the footage. After learning some of the new camera and editing software, I am now ready to present the short video I made getting ready for the upcoming hockey season. I wanted to talk about the free-agents signing this summer. When I rushed through the content in my mind, I had forgotten to mention about the

Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10554602049763238040noreply@blogger.com0Renziehausen Park, McKeesport, PA 15132, USA40.3376953 -79.827573340.3255918 -79.8473143 40.3497988 -79.8078323tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3541686.post-22666779878421398112011-08-31T20:00:00.000-04:002011-09-17T21:32:56.743-04:00

To say that it's becoming a disturbing trend seems more and more like an understatement to me. When the news first appeared in my e-mail inbox, I was shocked and felt disturbed knowing that the body count is now mounting this off-season. Sure, tragedies will always happen, it's a fact of life. But the commonalities between the NHL players who have lost their lives are certainly not going

Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10554602049763238040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3541686.post-20576878506263069232011-08-18T17:15:00.008-04:002011-08-30T20:28:11.271-04:00

In the latest promotional video for Electronic Art's sports division, they've gone again and made the perfect hockey video game. As if the only new additions to the NHL franchise from EA Sports is going to have the Winter Classic, but EA Sports again ramps up it's value by adding retired NHL legends as playable characters. 9 former NHL players are going to be included into the game and they are

Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10554602049763238040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3541686.post-90799073486826108122011-08-16T02:38:00.037-04:002011-08-17T03:17:15.997-04:00

With the demise of Derek Boogard still fresh in the memories of all hockey fans and players, we've learned of another passing to a current roster NHL player. Rick Rypien, an NHL player expected to appear on the new Winnipeg Jets during the 2011-12 season, was found deceased in his apartment late Monday night. According to the article, Police say that the evidence thus collected has suggested

Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10554602049763238040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3541686.post-58727519948388313292011-08-09T15:51:00.002-04:002011-08-18T17:14:43.471-04:00

Seeing the need to move the AHL farm club out of Manitoba now that it's been granted another NHL franchise, the True North Sports & Entertainment owners have decided to move the familiar AHL franchise to an area that has been long waiting for a professional franchise to return to it's St. John's once contained the NHL's Maple Leafs as it's area for developing young players, but once the Toronto

Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10554602049763238040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3541686.post-25497763819633816852011-08-09T15:18:00.001-04:002011-09-12T02:44:28.632-04:00

As if any polarizing fiscal dispute could be settled in a brief (You hear that Washington D.C. politicians?) arbitrated hearing, then there would be more stuff getting done. Shea Weber, who many consider to be one of the premier defensemen in the NHL, is looking for a big payday. And now the arbitrator has suggested that he at least get paid like one of the top players in the league. Shea Weber

Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10554602049763238040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3541686.post-45860914077511122402011-07-22T23:27:00.002-04:002011-07-26T03:03:02.849-04:00

The new logo for the Jets was released today in anticipation for the 2011 NHL season. So far, it's been the latest talk of the hockey town in a time of the summer that the news, speculation, and trade rumors hit a slide into silence. Below is the new design released by the True North Sports owners group as they near the new season. It looks like a real far off distancing from the previous logos

Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10554602049763238040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3541686.post-99250104601545302011-07-19T19:18:00.004-04:002011-07-21T00:02:09.409-04:00

AP Photo The one guy that has the potential to score 50 goals a year and only after just completing his 3nd year as a professional in the National Hockey League has signed his first contract extension with the Tampa Bay Lightning. He's re-upped with TB for another five years and reportedly to have it $37.5 million dollars. He's quickly becoming the media darling in a lot of hockey media areas

Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10554602049763238040noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3541686.post-73825827523742354012011-07-03T23:59:00.032-04:002011-07-19T17:09:47.101-04:00

"Shocking" doesn't quite describe the emotional response to the news late tonight that the Sharks have unloaded Heatley to a team that could desperately use him. To give up on his services this early means that the Sharks weren't as patient as they first thought they would be. But the real focus should be on the new direction of a Minnesota Wild team which lacked scoring and new coach. Heatley

Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10554602049763238040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3541686.post-28131977017009158832011-06-22T18:02:00.001-04:002011-06-22T18:07:00.605-04:00

Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10554602049763238040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3541686.post-78041252678876513352011-06-22T18:00:00.001-04:002011-06-22T18:00:00.528-04:00

The NHL Awards are tonight and based on previous years results they will most likely get things wrong AGAIN!. Here are my alternative picks to those honors and showing you my selections for the individual and team performance Awards this year. I also took into consideration the entire hockey season from October until June. Most Valuable Rookie: Logan Couture of the San Jose Sharks Because

Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10554602049763238040noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3541686.post-52006389890410766282011-06-20T22:14:00.054-04:002011-07-19T17:07:30.566-04:00

When the NHL locked out it's players until the new CBA promised a fiscal responsibility and cost assurances, the salary cap was a ceiling so that the rise in players' salaries weren't exceeding the team's income. Now, the NHL salary cap has been raised to 64 million dollars, it is far beyond the initial 39 million that was established making this year's floor salary level 48 million dollars - a

Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10554602049763238040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3541686.post-24752169849794369952011-06-15T23:59:00.040-04:002011-06-22T02:31:32.229-04:00

The Boston Globe Congratulations to the Boston Bruins for winning the Stanley Cup, fabled to be one of the hardest trophies to win in all of professional sports. It's eventually a true testament to their win pointing out several key moments in their playoff run. Most notably, it was the controversial hit on Nathan Horton that woke up the then 0-2 Bruins. "Win one for Nate?" could have been the

Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10554602049763238040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3541686.post-17233957473740611602011-06-12T18:45:00.034-04:002011-06-21T13:42:04.753-04:00

Even though the team may change cities, the proof that true hockey people are more classy than compared to the other major professional sports, the Thrashers number 37 will continue to be retired in Winnipeg. Classy and impressive. It's a PR move that is certain to smooth over some bitterness of knowing that a fan base in Georgia did just lose their team. As you may recall, Dan Snyder was a

Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10554602049763238040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3541686.post-68479909213719633882011-05-30T20:11:00.016-04:002011-06-21T17:19:21.273-04:00

So, it comes to this... the team that won the Presidents' Trophy, the Vancouver Canucks versus the stigmatic Boston Bruins who were able to figure out a balanced roster with the trades at the deadline. Vancouver v. Boston Boston is going to sit-back on this one and play defense around the stunning and attention grabbing style of goalie Tim Thomas. He has the ablitiy to steal a game or two.

Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10554602049763238040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3541686.post-878428417682557482011-05-30T09:00:00.027-04:002011-06-12T22:12:19.765-04:00

Just when I thought times were tough here at the Confessions of a Hockey Fanatic blog, I look at the calendar and realize that this blog has reached yet another anniversary to make it thee longest running hockey blog in the internet. May 30th, 2002 is the first date I decided to blog about the sport I love and it's certainly opened many doors for me and my broadcasting career. I've met and

Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10554602049763238040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3541686.post-64070769097733465472011-05-24T18:35:00.010-04:002011-05-26T19:05:40.150-04:00

Everybody knows I love the NHL game series created by EA Sports. So, the latest preview release of the latest innovative feature technologies that will comprise the makeup of NHL 12 will surely provide hours of fun and infuse it with enough attention grabbing effects to allow fans to open up their wallets and pay the exorbitant $59.99 price. The top improvement that stands out in my mind is the

Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10554602049763238040noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3541686.post-193780642151005972011-05-22T23:37:00.042-04:002011-06-21T15:25:04.274-04:00

AP Photo from SI.com It was the inevitable pep rally that eventually turns to pointing fingers at who should be assigned blame to the perceived failure of the Atlanta Thrashers - the second NHL franchise in the city. The rational hockey fan can hopefully see beyond the hyperbole and rhetoric that claims the Thrashers has no fans (or if they do you can count them on 1 hand). But the reasonable,

Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10554602049763238040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3541686.post-46083659288039533642011-05-19T19:29:00.000-04:002011-05-19T19:29:31.498-04:00

Several European sources are reporting that Czech hockey superstar Jaromir Jagr is negotiating in becoming the hometown team Kladno's majority owner along with his father Jaromir Sr. It's being reported that the team may be lost from the Czech league because major sponsor Gazprom can no longer afford the team possibly losing the team's license. Also according to the source, it is speculated that

Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10554602049763238040noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3541686.post-51295060552659003992011-05-18T23:45:00.035-04:002011-05-19T02:41:27.595-04:00

The leading magazine that analyzes the business side of sporting athletics, SportsBusiness Journal and SportsBusiness Daily, has awarded the National Hockey League it's Sports League of the Year Award honor. It was announced at a special ceremony at the NY Marriott in Manhattan. There are several factors that the NHL is doing right in comparison to the executive direction that other sports

Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10554602049763238040noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3541686.post-39379733895183176032011-05-14T11:33:00.056-04:002011-05-17T21:01:53.973-04:00

The playoffs have gotten really interesting. The "sexy pick", the underdog, the usual suspects, the front runners, and the rest of the remaining ex-champions are all eliminated. This leaves 2 teams with a history of choking (or under achieving, if you so feel inclined to call it that instead) with another team from the south and Boston. I went 50% correct on my predictions because I completely

Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10554602049763238040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3541686.post-597692241234313032011-05-02T19:15:00.043-04:002011-05-26T18:48:46.925-04:00

I once tried to collect hockey trading cards, along with other sports, and kept them as a hobby through most of my formative years. I tried building a whole set of1993-94 Leaf once by purchasing the common cards at 5 or 10 cards at a time. So, I know a little thing or two about the trading card industry. Imagine the smirk on my face that must have happened when I spotted the headline hyperlink

Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10554602049763238040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3541686.post-19632340018970104382011-05-01T09:30:00.019-04:002011-07-20T20:35:17.632-04:00

Sidney Crosby had disappointed his fans in a whole new way. He recently stated publicly that a comeback in the playoffs wasn't possible because he had been suffering from symptoms of a concussion. This changes the public debate between fans and media pundits that want to see him shut down because of further risk to his personal health. Talk about it more down in the comments section as to

Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10554602049763238040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3541686.post-72473716126252067202011-04-28T21:24:00.000-04:002011-05-01T15:19:13.636-04:00

I was hoping I was wrong with some of my first round predictions, but it turns out that I know my hockey a little too well. I chose 6 winners out of the eventual 8. Why can't I do that when it's for "bracket pools?" It looks like the teams that most know how to grind it out (as well as stay healthy) by utilizing their grit can survive the post-season. We were treated by many more OT games, so the

Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10554602049763238040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3541686.post-34965513688292205662011-04-23T09:14:00.000-04:002011-04-23T13:50:35.571-04:00

Unfortunately it's getting drowned out by the excitement and drama of the Stanley Cup playoffs, the IIHF World Championships of Hockey is being hosted by Slovakia. But the built in hype of it surrounds the bigger picture of national pride on the line (instead of just a civic one), it's an event that collects the best of the best that makes it really exciting hockey. Like a host city should,

Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10554602049763238040noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3541686.post-77711264439720240962011-04-22T16:40:00.004-04:002011-04-23T02:22:21.155-04:00

Andrew Ference, once a champion of freedom of speech for speaking out to the press regarding a teammate, now finds himself writing out a check after his self-expression directed at the Montreal fans attending the playoff game in Le Centre Bell. Today, He was fined by the league $1,200 for his gesture deemed my most as "unsportsmanlike" and "obscene". The money goes towards the Players'

Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10554602049763238040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3541686.post-88781243905297687242011-04-21T21:57:00.003-04:002011-04-23T02:32:52.455-04:00

The classic Swedish Elite League team MODO has hired former NHLer Peter Forsberg as an assistant GM. He joins the team underneath fellow Swede and familiar NHL player name Markus Naslund who is the general manager. It must be really cool for a player to go back home and serve their team in this capacity. I don't know what it may be like for Europeans returning home, but it must be a great treat

Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10554602049763238040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3541686.post-37416847794781312452011-04-21T21:07:00.003-04:002011-04-23T13:57:33.042-04:00

An interesting development in the Thrashers saga continues to make it intreguing enough to blog about. Modern day sports legend Tom Glavine has floated news via an Atlanta radio station that he is interested in being a part of an ownership group to keep the Atlanta Thrashers in the state. Tom Glavine is no stranger to hockey. He's often asked about it when he makes appearances at games on

Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10554602049763238040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3541686.post-9128987773458372622011-04-21T18:46:00.004-04:002011-04-21T21:52:55.153-04:00

If you're not loving hockey, then you haven't seen this year's playoffs. The stakes are higher and the civic pride is at an all time high. I was woried about my hometown team going into these playoffs missing both elite players while mixing and matching lines while others are targeted for suspension. Enter: James Neal.Yea, it's his first goal as a Pittsburgh Penguin since the trade deadline that

Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10554602049763238040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3541686.post-14255262554552754322011-04-19T00:00:00.008-04:002011-04-20T16:23:59.020-04:00

So, it's once again that time of the year that I celebrate a year older.I did a few things hockey related like played some more NHL 11. Probably going skating later this week. If the weather is nice, I'll go roller blading. If not, I'll go to the rink and skate around.

Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10554602049763238040noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3541686.post-45181738286708049482011-04-13T23:43:00.030-04:002011-04-14T01:57:45.811-04:00

courtesy: Rogers Sportsnet Playing with the gift of last year's #1 overall selection in Taylor Hall, the Edmonton Oilers have again had the ping-pong balls fall in their favor. This allows them the next year's pick to help them again gain some ground on the competition and aid their rebuilding program. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins of of the WHL's Red Deer Rebels is considered to be the top

Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10554602049763238040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3541686.post-25301454894282718252011-04-13T09:45:00.102-04:002011-04-13T09:45:00.452-04:00

If your favorite team made it this far, then congratulations. So, continuing on with the traditional playoff predictions, I hope I am wrong with some of them. This is the first year that all three California teams have made it to the post-season. And the Vancouver Canucks are the only hope that Canada has to bring the cup back to Canada. But Every year that Canada hosts a Winter Olympics, that

Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10554602049763238040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3541686.post-28949717984106925522011-04-08T23:25:00.051-04:002011-05-01T17:32:22.084-04:00

Courtsey: HC Košice While most other Leagues are trying for a unilateral parity, where any team can win the championship or at least have the chance at a great season, the HC Košice club has won their third consecutive Slovak league championship. They posted this victory against a strong showing of HK ŠKP Poprad. This now makes 4 appearances in the Slovak Extraleague finals in 5 years

Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10554602049763238040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3541686.post-2736656818616688022011-04-04T09:19:00.045-04:002011-04-04T10:36:03.691-04:00

Heaven's hockey all-star team has now just become co-ed. A story that I have been following for a while has met it's sad end as Mandi Schwartz succumbed to cancer on Sunday April 3rd. She was 23 years old. She is talked about fondly by everyone who knew her as I made the trek through the Internet websites and blogs."She's such an inspiration," Hughes admitted. "It's weird because people who read

Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10554602049763238040noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3541686.post-48345668206819718402011-03-23T19:12:00.009-04:002011-03-24T01:33:39.053-04:00

The critical feedback from the 24/7 HBO documentary was kind by most media outlets based on my collective observances were mostly kind and open to the experience. They, including me, hoped that the show would gain new fans to the game while it featured some of the more charismatic personalities and dramatic moments that makes hockey a great sport. Today, it was announced that the HBO series was

Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10554602049763238040noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3541686.post-25531600855073426842011-03-21T17:09:00.052-04:002011-03-24T02:40:54.509-04:00

Even though the decision is to be made official when the group of ADs and Chancellors meet in June, the Big Ten will invite the collection of traditional rival schools Michigan, Michigan State, Ohio State, Wisconsin, Minnesota and Penn State to finally be reconciled underneath the same conference competition banner. The conference has been passively supportive of each school as they competed

Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10554602049763238040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3541686.post-15722856539188514042011-03-20T19:11:00.042-04:002011-03-24T03:13:59.583-04:00

Even when the Internet is the new "vast wasteland" or "uncharted final frontier", many of it's users are trained in communications and use it to reach a mass audience. But sometimes there is a generation gap that gets revealed to show those people who are immature, but old enough to know better. I can't keep up with a blog post that talks about one "twitter-bomb" scandal after another, but this

Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10554602049763238040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3541686.post-13581359457838117032011-03-16T23:16:00.000-04:002011-05-01T16:55:24.823-04:00

With a new Provincial spring election looming for Canada, the Conservative PM has chosen to remain steadfast to the official federal policy to curb federal tax dollar funding on privately used sporting arenas and other venues. I am very concerned about the popularity of this decision regarding the aforementioned election. Will sports fans and NHL fans remember this at the voting polls? I haven't

Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10554602049763238040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3541686.post-62709883247792275492011-03-14T21:05:00.092-04:002011-03-15T05:56:41.461-04:00

After having been pressured by a multitude of outside sources, the NHL today released a plan that intends to fix the very dangerous rising trend of concussions and adhere to clarity of player safety. Even with the best of intentions, the collective NHL general managers are fighting against the rising tide of cynicism among fans and media. The League representatives at their best have trotted in

Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10554602049763238040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3541686.post-29601709003499484512011-03-09T23:57:00.052-05:002011-03-10T00:43:54.366-05:00

Hockey is a passion that unites millions of fans across the United States and Canada. We take our game seriously and instill civic pride in our teams as well as prepare the players in a code of conduct mold. When things don't go our way, a simple tragic event can be turned into an epic crime against humanity. Such is the case with the Montreal fans upset that nothing more was made of the brutal

Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10554602049763238040noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3541686.post-19048531537256879522011-03-09T23:05:00.005-05:002011-03-10T00:12:17.968-05:00

Air Canada, the leading air travel company in Canada, has issued a stern warning to the National Hockey League that they intend to pull their league sponsorship unless the NHL does something immediately to curb the rash of injuries. Said Denis Vandal, Air Canada's director of marketing/communications: "From a corporate social responsibility standpoint, it is becoming increasingly difficult to

Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10554602049763238040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3541686.post-25332198616253710482011-03-07T21:28:00.000-05:002011-03-16T17:38:34.098-04:00

Concussions are starting to run in the Crosby family. Like brother - like sister, young Taylor Crosby has been struck by the bad luck injury bug forcing her to miss games. Taylor plays Goalie for the Shattuck-St. Mary’s Prep school U-16 in Minnesota. It's the same one that helped develop her older brother Sidney. The Toronto Star reports that she was recently injured in practice when her record

Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10554602049763238040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3541686.post-55122833998175194542011-03-02T19:47:00.041-05:002011-03-15T06:10:16.452-04:00

When customers buy something in advance with the expectation that the seller will deliver, we call it "pre-pay". So, the Quebec governing body have been operating with the same business model. They've accepted payment from media communications company Quebecor as means to reserve the naming rights to the proposed new arena in Quebec City. This is the next step in proving to the NHL that a new

Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10554602049763238040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3541686.post-1838704987143410482011-02-28T22:00:00.077-05:002011-03-01T03:57:06.649-05:00

The remaining day to the trading deadline was just a mild surge of player transactions at best, which left a lot of pundits and hockey fans disappointed in the anticlimactic resolution. There was no blockbuster deal to be had. The teams on top of the standings decided to "dance with who brung ya." as the perception of others who are in the middle of the pack were the most active at trading

Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10554602049763238040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3541686.post-250062247514333482011-02-28T09:00:00.101-05:002011-02-28T09:00:03.007-05:00

Since the media has caught up to the hype and stratagems of the NHL general managers, the new media (i.e. Twitter and websites) have kept the grist of the rumor mill grinding. But as a whole, it's become a national media event at the trade deadline that becomes a festival of wall-to-wall punditry and various talking heads. There's even a Facebook campaign to make it a National holiday. Since I am

Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10554602049763238040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3541686.post-81594254407173143022011-02-22T15:27:00.026-05:002011-02-23T02:04:16.852-05:00

Once again, showing the viability of the NHL, they've just agreed to a record breaking endorsement deal with the mega brewery Molson Coors company.Terms of the seven-year deal weren't disclosed, but a source with knowledge of negotiations said it came in at slightly more than US$375 million.I am really excited to see news stories like this because it shows to a lot of skeptical media pundits and

Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10554602049763238040noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3541686.post-80237137969451564202011-02-20T22:45:00.105-05:002011-03-01T04:47:44.902-05:00

Already, from the look of the game's promotion logo, I could tell that it was going to edge out to be a better game than the one on January 1st. Where the Americans were run-over by Bridgestone tires, the Calgary community sipped at the cup of a Canadian company with the long legacy of hockey association. Nothing says heritage like a Tim Horton's sponsored hockey event. The name is a legacy unto

Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10554602049763238040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3541686.post-55190904904991157842011-02-20T19:10:00.003-05:002011-02-21T00:51:26.300-05:00

What started out as a joke and a cleverly designed logo has turned into a very successful grass roots campaign to have a very special hockey event that mimics the bigger hockey league promotions. The Ginger Classic, an outdoor roller hockey competition based in Ashland, VA. I was following along for a while now about the event from a fellow Penguins fan on his blog and I was hoping that the

Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10554602049763238040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3541686.post-69060086502108252902011-02-20T12:40:00.029-05:002011-02-21T01:51:19.015-05:00

Quite often on this blog, I will just chose to write something I am more comfortable talking about - graphic arts. When a new logo is revealed, I look at it with a critical eye as well as learn from it's approach. So, this time around, I'll take a look at the newest logo to circulate the web. I realize that this weekend is still a work in progress, but I would still have to call it a success for

Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10554602049763238040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3541686.post-5995955202779692802011-02-18T16:28:00.023-05:002011-02-18T23:49:04.568-05:00

As a result of exposing myself to many new things while being prominent on the internet as well as listening intently to satellite radio on NHL Home Ice, I have been envious of the country-wide celebration that is Hockey Day in Canada. The CBC and others have made it feel like it was a national holiday - just to celebrate the culture and the game I love so dearly. What became of this celebration

Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10554602049763238040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3541686.post-89167479337827701272011-02-16T20:53:00.029-05:002011-02-16T23:50:57.571-05:00

The Confessions of a Hockey Fanatic blog would like to announce a new arrival in partnership to the blog.The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, also known as "the Trib," is the second largest daily newspaper serving metropolitan Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, in the United States. As part of the Trib Total Media conglomerate, the Tribune-Review has partnerships with ABC affiliate WTAE-TV (owned by the Hearst

Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10554602049763238040noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3541686.post-60919964596008481802011-02-14T20:02:00.001-05:002011-02-16T23:25:13.054-05:00

If you blinked, you would have missed it. But this time around, you didn't miss much. Petr Forsberg, the premier Swedish-born player to ever play in the NHL, announced his retirement once again from the NHL after a brief comeback try with his former team the Colorado Avalanche. Forsberg, 37, retires leaving behind a strong legacy of being a part of a powerful team in Colorado wining Stanley Cup

Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10554602049763238040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3541686.post-54585839257865014372011-02-13T10:15:00.066-05:002011-02-23T02:15:13.124-05:00

When the National Hockey League doles out the disciplinary actions, I am sure they hope that they are doing the right thing and making the right decisions. Now that "shots to the head" is seen as a hot-button issue, the recent debacle of a game between the New York Islanders and the Pittsburgh Penguins have pushed the tolerance for such violent behaviors to it's limits. Now the NHL's "hockey

Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10554602049763238040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3541686.post-80120747873496277492011-02-10T22:59:00.057-05:002011-02-23T01:41:43.565-05:00

The NHL's poster-boy for what they think that's all that's wrong with the sport, Pittsburgh Penguin Matt Cooke, has immediately channeled the full ire of many fans who dislike his overly aggressive style of play. During a recent game against the Columbus Blue Jackets, veteran defensman Fedor Tyutin skated back to his own zone to play the puck. But he was quickly made to feel the force of Cooke's

Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10554602049763238040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3541686.post-77175004246394258512011-01-31T16:42:00.038-05:002011-02-02T21:45:16.515-05:00

The words "bold", "classic" and "iconic" were used to describe the new look, which is radically different than what has been associated with the team in the past."Shocking" might really be an apt term to describe the new logo and uniform of the Tampa Bay Lightning as they recently unveiled it at the St. Pete Times Forum. The player models Lecavalier, St. Louis, and Stamkos all posed for the press

Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10554602049763238040noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3541686.post-73985590410205237132011-01-31T16:42:00.001-05:002011-01-31T22:16:57.049-05:00

Dialing up on the recent success of the NFL's Pittsburgh Steelers by playing in the upcoming Super Bowl, the American Hockey League's Wilkes-Barre Scranton Penguins have pandered to their fan base who also follow the Pittsburgh sports franchises. Via their twitter account, the Wilkes-Barre Scranton Penguins have released a "twitpic" of the Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza arena floor getting

Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10554602049763238040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3541686.post-78392227385140006732011-01-26T23:29:00.000-05:002011-01-26T23:29:55.314-05:00

A startling news story across the continental States is the lawsuit filed by former Anaheim Ducks player Jason Bailey alleges he suffered many forms of anti-semitic discrimination while under contract with the southern California based NHL franchise. Baily's claim is that he was buried in the ECHL's Bakersfield Condors and received terrible comments by the coaching staff.After Bailey complained

Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10554602049763238040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3541686.post-21880653922378005772011-01-26T22:09:00.000-05:002011-01-26T22:09:38.373-05:00

The Quebec Province is still examining all issues and angles surrounding a new proposed arena funding deal that could potentially mark the new trail for a NHL hockey team returning to the Quebec City area. According to the Canadian Press, the total amount to create such a stadium would cost $400 million dollars (CDN). [Mayor Regis] Labeaume is hoping the construction of a new arena will help

Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10554602049763238040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3541686.post-26705205366615664112011-01-26T14:37:00.009-05:002011-01-26T21:18:11.014-05:00

Every professional sport has a player that was so good they seem to transcend the game itself. And through that, the guy from Brampton, Ontario, Canada, Wayne Gretzky is someone we all have heard about in our lifetime. He's been profiled, satirized, and filmed numerous documentaries, to the point where he's a living folk hero. Of the things that he has achieved in the game of hockey, many

Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10554602049763238040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3541686.post-7040477606803027392011-01-23T21:12:00.047-05:002011-02-16T23:09:49.076-05:00

Believing that he would sign with a contending team, the once premier goalie in the NHL, Nabokov, has been picked up by the New York Islanders off waivers because since he played this year in the KHL Russian league. However, not going to the team he wanted, created a bit of a stir within the League and consequently debated through the continent-wide media. And according to the AP sources, Nabokov

Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10554602049763238040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3541686.post-84223974500125843722011-01-13T19:01:00.000-05:002011-01-13T19:01:37.127-05:00

Once again, it's time for me to put on my critic hat and analyze the newest design for the game jerseys that will be worn in the upcoming all-star game in the RBC Center in Raleigh, NC. Most likely, the NHL and Reebok has a lot of money in marketing tied into this new product, it's necessary to look at this from a consumer point of view. "You've got the ultimate fantasy draft and what's shaping

Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10554602049763238040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3541686.post-87046583516313089792011-01-07T19:28:00.001-05:002011-01-13T20:32:23.328-05:00

One of the few things left in professional sports considered "sacred" is the design and logo of the uniforms to which all athletes identify with. Another time-honored tradition is the AHL's 75 year long legacy of developing major league talent in such cities as Hershey, PA.Gary Lawless of the Winnipeg Free Press who is rather outraged about the whole development. Hershey is not some backwater but

Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10554602049763238040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3541686.post-20609794550147537042011-01-04T17:44:00.000-05:002011-01-04T17:44:33.767-05:00

Now that the dust has finally settled and the hockey world can recover from their major sporting event during the season, the Pittsburgh Penguins have released an official statement from the top brass within expressing many thanks to the fans and city of which they seem so proud.On behalf of Mario Lemieux and the entire Penguins organization, I want to thank our fans for your incredible role in

Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10554602049763238040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3541686.post-76179856588240662192011-01-04T16:28:00.003-05:002011-01-04T19:05:07.761-05:00

Everyone knows that the most famous fast food chain in Canada is Tim Horton's, who's named after a famous hockey player. Today, the food chain makes another connection to it's humble roots by making a doughnut in honor of the team that once played for them.As of Monday, fans can satisfy their cravings for fat and sugar with a doughnut covered in blue-and-white sprinkles at Tim Hortons’ 320

Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10554602049763238040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3541686.post-6361183574575178282011-01-01T08:30:00.038-05:002011-01-01T08:30:00.249-05:00

It is that time once again that we traditionally shrug off the previous 12 months and put on new hope and change for the new year. I've made some tremendous strides during my time here in the blogisphere, but the real job is still not finished. I've seen some time on the big stage with many thanks to FAN 590 in Toronto and have gotten to make some great connections with NHL Home Ice. 2010

Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10554602049763238040noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3541686.post-14205002644213406402010-12-25T10:00:00.004-05:002010-12-25T10:00:02.421-05:00

It's once again time to wish everybody the peace and love that comes around this time of year! So, I made another video to everybody!Please don't ever get offended by the holiday season. It's all about the spirit of joy, happiness, kindness and love towards all of this big blue ball's creatures. So, the reason for the season transcends all of the bigotry and haters out there. Merry Christmas!

Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10554602049763238040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3541686.post-59360879546235482442010-12-13T23:03:00.031-05:002011-02-21T01:19:44.163-05:00

For the critics of the survival of hockey in America, this latest news story must really stick to them in all the wrong ways. But to the American hockey fans, this story's headline is certainly going to prompt some chest pumping and gloating. Even then it's also a preview of what's in store for the NHL at the Winter Classic and provides more proof that the sensational event of holding a hockey

Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10554602049763238040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3541686.post-10277897072569390352010-12-04T20:00:00.042-05:002011-01-04T19:49:25.165-05:00

Now that we are just a month away from the Winter Classic, the hype begins with the promotions of the jerseys. I think the real money that gets the economy going is all the merchandise that gets sold during and after the event. As I have profiled before on this blog, Robert Ullman's Atom Bomb Bikini, is a cartoonist and stand alone Penguins fan in Capitals territory, has once again given his

Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10554602049763238040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3541686.post-13095695938690159442010-11-30T23:42:00.014-05:002010-12-29T18:49:33.118-05:00

During my working affiliation with CJCL-AM in Toronto, ON, I had become accustomed to listening to a fascinating broadcaster by the name of Jim Kelley opine on the direction of hockey in a diverse grouping. His specialty was that as a beat writer for the Buffalo Sabres at the The Buffalo News in 1981, but also expanded to the point where he gained such national acclaim he was awarded a spot in

Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10554602049763238040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3541686.post-46892072296851952732010-11-26T09:04:00.001-05:002010-11-26T16:58:04.258-05:00

A couple more jersey sweaters have been released to the public in hopes that the hockey world will turn it into retail gold. Basically, that is all the third jersey, or alternate jersey as it is sometimes called, really is to the professional sports leagues these days. The minor hockey teams apply this more often, but the lure of the popularity of it makes a strong case for every team do design

Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10554602049763238040noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3541686.post-55280872777471256672010-11-25T10:47:00.022-05:002010-11-26T00:27:08.096-05:00

Once again, it is the traditional gathering of people everywhere in America to take the time and be mindful of the appreciation to the good things and people around us. So, along with the standard answers that I am thankful every year (i.e. family, job, talents, etc...) I am also glad that I have a passion for a great game that has opened many opportunities to me to meet many other fans, players,

Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10554602049763238040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3541686.post-84129481811945992302010-11-19T22:30:00.003-05:002010-11-26T16:04:17.218-05:00

By now, most of you have already heard the tragic news that one of the familiar faces in the modern hockey era has passed away due to cancer. Pat Burns was more than a "journeyman coach" as his knowledge for the game traversed many things much like his flyer miles. He never coached in my hometown, but I do know him through his reputation as being a great coach. So, in times like this where my

Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10554602049763238040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3541686.post-84791462418746722272010-11-10T15:28:00.003-05:002010-11-10T17:37:16.005-05:00

The NHL has adopted a strange new format for the upcoming 2011 All-Star Game. Instead of the traditional East vs West pairings or even the North America vs World format, there will be two team captains dubbed with the responsibility to draft the all-star players on two teams. This would be certainly showing their hand as they are surely going to promote yet again a "Team Crosby" versus "Team

Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10554602049763238040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3541686.post-68023372213228655142010-11-02T00:02:00.003-04:002011-01-08T01:54:25.134-05:00

It is time now once again to resurrect this simple list blog and let you all know that I've upgraded my media player to the new Sony S series mp3 Walkman. Try each song out for a great thrilling pre-game pump up! Each link takes you to a sample of the song courtesy of YouTube. Down with iPods! music listULTRAnumb by Blue Stahli Carnival of Rust by Poets of the Fall Bad Company by Five Fingered

Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10554602049763238040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3541686.post-89012848117165752072010-10-31T09:05:00.018-04:002010-10-31T09:05:00.169-04:00

I wanted to wish all hockey fans a very Happy Halloween. And in the spirit of things, the NHL production department has put together a really really great highlight reel. I guess I could show it to you here.As a whole, I think the League has come together quite well since the lockout and really has been able to provide quality commercials for their product. Sure, it's still not getting the

Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10554602049763238040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3541686.post-73519835632153396902010-10-29T12:57:00.000-04:002010-11-01T00:58:39.520-04:00

The Pittsburgh Penguins have released their uniforms at practice this morning. Popular young stars Evgeni "Geno" Malkin and Jordan Staal wore them for the press and for the select fans. And then the thundering sound was heard as every hockey fan rushed to their computers and other network sharing electronic devices. Looking at them, from a critic's point of view, I am truly disappointed that the

Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10554602049763238040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3541686.post-10777135573884627102010-10-24T15:35:00.002-04:002010-10-24T16:33:11.970-04:00

In what should be seen as a true sense of sportsmanship and humor, winger Adam Burrish recorded an apology to a video game playing fan who was thwarted on a 2-0 breakout by the in-game Burrish. So, as the story goes as reported by Yahoo! Sports hockey bloggers, the fan who was playing NHL 11 sent an angry letter demanding an apology to the real Dallas Stars and the real Adam Burrish. Here is the

Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10554602049763238040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3541686.post-1301671187543043272010-10-23T23:50:00.009-04:002010-10-24T17:38:19.247-04:00

In what is sure to be one of many more to come, John Tavares, the young face of the superstar NHL players, scored his first hat trick in a game against the improved Florida Panthers. It's also impressive that he did it against one of the standard bearers of consistent hockey goalies in Tomas Vokoun. I did not get to see the game live, but thanks to a great New York Islanders blog called "

Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10554602049763238040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3541686.post-48616677148983080382010-10-16T22:50:00.001-04:002010-10-24T18:10:51.758-04:00

In game two, things looked different. There was a new Penguin goaltender between the pipes and another new arena as the venue was the perpetually hostile crowd of the Wells Fargo Center (or whatever they want to call it these days). It's a quick turn around to game 2 as the painful memory of the opening day loss to the Flyers remain in the minds of the Penguins players and fans. Could they strike

Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10554602049763238040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3541686.post-63810821725376402872010-10-13T17:21:00.003-04:002010-10-18T13:34:34.252-04:00

The puck bunny jokes often get the cliche mention on lesser blogs and other media sources, but the hockey world does need it's share of eye candy from the cheesecake crowd as well as the pin-up queens. Enter: Rob Ullman who's cartoonist style has sexed up the female hockey fan in a fresh new way! Rob is a Penguins fan living in the enemy territory of Washington D.C. When he is not doing one of

Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10554602049763238040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3541686.post-50065743656251437642010-10-10T22:39:00.003-04:002010-10-24T16:29:37.771-04:00

People usually remember their first day at work at their new job, so it's even easier when the first day becomes a historic event of a lifetime. In only the 4th time in NHL history, New York Rangers rookie Derek Stepan shot himself into the recordbooks by scoring a hat trick in his first game as an NHL player. The last time this was accomplished, it was Dallas Stars Fabian Brunnstrom in 2008.

Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10554602049763238040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3541686.post-10335989124073460282010-10-07T23:40:00.095-04:002010-10-09T17:21:52.698-04:00

The Battle of Pennsylvania begins with a new arena to play in and a fresh new perspective on NHL hockey. Consol Energy Center has been talked about all summer long and would certainly be the underlining storyline to the game. Once the pomp and circumstance have all worn away, we would get the first true look at what the NHL season had in store. But as I clicked on the TV reminder note to the

Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10554602049763238040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3541686.post-13172173131608554002010-09-30T02:52:00.024-04:002010-10-09T15:51:10.216-04:00

Critics of Commissioner Gary Bettman have leveled many charges against him, but occasionally they will see a side to Gary that can be agreeable. Such is the case of the momentum of the Hockey Summit focusing light on the marginally growing womens game. So, Bettman, being the consummate leader familiar face to the media chose to stand up to the I.O.C. in response to whispers and rumors regarding

Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10554602049763238040noreply@blogger.com0