Goon's World

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

Bruins re-sign Brad Marchand

BOSTON, MA - APRIL 14: Brad Marchand #63 of t...

Boston Bruins fans breathed a collective sigh of relief today as their up and coming star forward re-upped for two more seasons. Brad Marchand was a restricted free agent and was coming a great post season where he scored 11 goals and added 9 assists in 25 Stanley Cup playoff games. Marchand was a major reason the Bruins won the Stanley Cup this past season. Marchand’s deal is worth about 5.5 million over two seasons.

Fluto Shinzawa; Boston.com --- The Bruins have confirmed that Brad Marchand has agreed to a contract extension. According to TSN, Marchand has signed a two-year, $5 million contract, giving him an annual cap hit of $2.5 million. Marchand will earn $2 million this season and $3 million in 2012-13. Marchand will be under contract and alongside his teammates when camp officially opens on Friday at TD Garden.

“From the get-go, I never was going to miss a day of camp,” Marchand said during a conference call. “I never wanted that. I wanted to be here the first day and show everyone I wanted to be here. I wanted to go through the whole camp with the guys and be part of the team. I’m very happy it didn’t have to come down to [a holdout] and that we could get a deal done before camp.”

Marchand’s extension was framed primarily by the two-year, $5.75 million contract that Logan Couture signed with San Jose. Couture, one of three finalists for the Calder Trophy last year, scored 32 goals. Marchand scored 21 goals and 20 assists.

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

New York Daily News covers Sioux nickname issue

University of North Dakota Fighting Sioux athl...

Image via WikipediaThis is an interesting story that I found in the New York Daily News. To be honest with you I didn't expect to read a story like this in a newspaper from New York City, but it's refreshing to read none-the-less.

New York Daily News --- Native American tribe officials are battling to save the University of North Dakota's Fighting Sioux nickname. Members of the Spirit Lake Tribe are working to block the controversial removal of the nickname and the school's Indian head logo. KXMB TV Bismarck is reporting an injunction has been filed in tribal court seeking to stop the retirement and force the transfer of the Fighting Sioux licensing and merchandising rights to the Spirit Lake Sioux tribe.

NCAA officials forced UND to retire the nickname because of political correctness and have threatened sanctions against the school unless it removed the Sioux nickname. Ironically, the very people who the NCAA claims should be offended love the nickname. Frank Black Cloud, spokesperson for Spirit Lake Nation, says the use of the nickname has always been respectful of the Sioux nation and is a source of pride.

"We gave UND permission years ago. This was a gift and that's what the NCAA doesn't understand. Nobody has the right to take that gift away except a Sioux tribe and the only reason we would take it away is if they were doing dishonor to the Sioux name -- and the aren't doing that. They are holding it respectfully and with honor and in its tradition."

Tuesday Morning Links

Image via WikipediaFighting Sioux defensive recruit Jordan Schmaltz who is expected to go high in next summer's NHL entry draft, is Ryan Clark's, (the beat writer for the Fargo Force from the Fargo Forum), top defensive recruit to watch in the USHL this season.

Ryan S. Clarke Slightly Chilled --- 1. Jordan Schmaltz, Sioux City: Eh, he’s bum. Really, he’s actually the truth and might be the most high-profile player heading into the league this season. Schmaltz is arguably the USHL’s most gifted offensive defenseman and he certainly showed why last season. When Sioux City was looking to edge into the playoffs, Schmaltz went all T-800 series and basically said, “Come with me if you want to live” by scoring 12 points in his last 13 games. That includes a 10-game point streak he used to end the season. In all, Schmaltz scored 44 points (13 goals and 31 assists) in just 59 games. Very few players could control a game last season like Schmaltz and there’s a good chance that it could be that way this year. Some have wondered if the 6-2, 175-pound North Dakota will come out a bit more defensive-minded this year. If Schmaltz is able to do that along with having another electric year on offense, it could be an amazing season for the Wisconsin native.

This season could prove to be a big for former Fighting Sioux forward T.J. Oshie. Jeremy Ruthorford the Blues beat writer from St Louis Today interviewed former Fighting Sioux forward T.J. Oshie.

Now armed with a one-year, $2.35 contract extension, Oshie says he's healthy and ready to begin the 2011-12 season. Here's my conversation with T.J. Oshie...

JR: Congratulations on your contract. What was that process like for you?

TJO: "It was tough. The first time for me. I was kind of just sitting back, trying to take it all in ... take it slow. It came down to the wire (before the start of restricted free agency). They threw out a number that we were really comfortable with and felt like it was best for both sides."

JR: Some Blues fans were hoping that you would signing a long-term deal. Why only one year?

TJO: "It's a chance for me to prove that I can go away for a summer, have a good summer on my own, working out and training. I was doing all of (Blues strength coach Nelson Ayotte's) stuff, but I just wanted to prove to them after everything that happened (an unexcused absence at practice, leading to a two-game suspension), that I've matured and have grown up. I'm just ready to step in and hopefully play as good

There has been increasing chatter that there is a possibility that Notre Dame might be joining the Big Ten along with the University of Texas. This might also explain why the Fighting Irish have not joined the NCHC or Hockey East. It also might explain why BGSU and WMU haven't accepted the WCHA's bid for membership as well.

Larry Phillips;Telegraph-Forum ---- In the Internet community, when Purple Book Cat talks, folks listen. On Thursday, the anonymous PBC started a thread revealing at a Wednesday night meeting, Notre Dame and Texas jointly presented the Big Ten Conference a proposal for terms of entry into the league. Such terms came after lengthy discussions involving both schools over the past several months.

Interestingly, the top priority for both institutions was to get the Big Ten to back off its mandate of a 9-game conference schedule beginning later this decade and maintain the current 8-game slate. This would allow Texas and Notre Dame to continue traditional rivalries, with Oklahoma and USC, respectively.

Monday, September 12, 2011

'Goon' a Hockey movie...

Finally a movie about a hockey goon. Coming to a theater near you in 2012, the movie 'Goon'. I have to admit that I can't wait for this movie, one of my favorite actors Seann William Scott the actor that played the character Steve Stifler in American Pie that is going to play a hockey enforcer/goon.

Alex Billington. MTV --- It's hockey time! This isn't Kevin Smith's hockey comedy (that's titled Hit Somebody), but Goon is another hockey comedy, directed by Canadian Michael Dowse. It's currently shooting and MTV just debuted a few new photos. Seann William Scott plays Doug, a small town bouncer who, after "physically" defending his best friend, played by Jay Baruchel, at a hockey game, is recruited to play the enforcer for a minor league team. It's basically a good ole time hockey flick and that means plenty of fights and hocke. You can see two photos below, plus one on their site. "[This is a movie for] guys that are sick of PG blood and just nonsense."

Frattin ready to break out?

Every time I read the Matt Frattin story it makes me stop and think; what a story, here was a kid that made a few knuckle headed mistakes but he turned his life around and made it right. Like many of the college hockey players that had gotten into trouble in the past; Matt Frattin could have left school and signed a professional hockey contract, instead Frattin chose to go back home get his priorities straight and refocus and rejoin his teammates at the half way point of the 2009-2010 season. Now it appears that Matt is on the cusp to make his mark in professional hockey. Like coach Hakstol said last year, Matt took the hard road to get back to UND, the story was well documented, he worked a few jobs that were less than glamorous and came back to UND like a man that was possessed.

Kevin McGran; Toronto Star --- No one is under the microscope at this four-team tournament more so than Frattin — the only player on the Leaf rookie squad to have played a game in the NHL, and the only one singled out by GM Brian Burke as being ready to challenge for a spot.

That might sound like pressure to some. Not to Frattin.

“It’s a sign that things I’ve been doing last year and through the summer, that (Burke) thinks I’ve been doing the right things,” said Frattin, “and that I can be taking that spot after training camp if I keep doing the right things.”

Frattin’s been doing the right things for some time, after a summer of doing many things wrong.

Frattin’s well-told story of drinking-related hijinks — which got him arrested in the summer of 2009 and suspended from his college program — is far behind him now, but follows him everywhere.

Brad Marchand still unsigned.

Bruins restricted free agent forward Brad Marchand who had an impressive run during Stanley Cup Playoff (25 games 11g-8a-19pts) is still unsigned and without a contract. Going forward I think the Bruins are going to need Marchand in the mix if they want to make another run towards the Stanley Cup. If you forgot how good Brand Marchand was during the Stanley Cup playoffs take a look at this highlight video.

BOLTON, Mass. -- The Bruins assembled at The International in Bolton for the annual Bruins Foundation Golf Tournament on Monday, and Brad Marchand was once again present with his teammates.

Marchand has been skating with the Bruins in their captain's practices, but the restricted free-agent forward remains without a new contract with veterans due to report to training camp on Friday.

The fact that Marchand remains involved in team functions gives reason for some optimism that a deal will be reached soon, but both sides remained relatively mum on the state of the negotiations.

"I'm not going to comment on that," Bruins general manager Peter Chiarelli said. "I can say that I love the way he plays and he's a very good player for us."

Sunday, September 11, 2011

Frank Mazzocco gets second chance...

Frank Mazzocco affectionately known as “the Rug” by many college hockey fans in the WCHA will join the KSTP 1500 broadcast team to call Golden Gopher Hockey games with Wally Shaver. Personally, while I do think that Frank Mazzacco genuinely loves college hockey it's almost impossible to listen to him if you a fan of an opposition team. One move that I do applaud is; former Gopher hockey All-America and great hockey mind Pat Micheletti will do ice level broadcasting/analysis for the KTSP team.

PAUL WALSH , Star Tribune --- Radio broadcasts of University of Minnesota men's hockey games, moving this season to a new spot on the AM dial, will feature two familiar voices and the departure of another one.

Frank Mazzocco and Wally Shaver will call every game this season on the flagship KSTP 1500, commonly known as ESPN1500, the school announced Friday.

Mazzocco replaces Glen Sonmor, a longtime figure in Minnesota hockey best known by listeners for his folksy storytelling and steady critiquing of officiating calls that went against his beloved Gophers. Sonmor retired midway through last season.

Former Gopher hockey All-America Pat Micheletti will join the broadcast team for selected games as an ice-level commentator.

"Frank and Pat will both bring recognizable and knowledgeable voices to Gopher hockey fans on the radio," U athletics director Joel Maturi said in announcing the selections.

When it came to Frank Mazzocco fans around the WCHA seemed to either really love Frank Mazzocco or they didn’t. For me personally I thought Mazzocco was more of a cheerleader for the Golden Gopher hockey team and less of a broadcaster. Historically speaking Frank was known for taking unneeded and unnecessary shots at the opposition teams and whining about every call that went against the Gophers.

On one occasion while watching a rebroadcast of a game between the Sioux and the Gophers with Sioux7, the beloved Frank Mazzacco referred to a Sioux play that ended up in a glorious scoring opportunity as being lucky. After not believing our ears Sioux7 and I played the clip back three or four times to wonder if Frank’s eye sight was failing him? None-the-less good luck to Frank Mazzocco on his new endeavor.

Saturday, September 10, 2011

Never Forget 9/11

Tomorrow is the 10th anniversary of the horrific 9/11 Terrorist attacks. Most of us can probably remember what we were doing when the two planes hit the World Trade Center Towers... I was on my way to work listening to KFAN 1440 A.M. and Tim and Swig were talking about an airplane that hit the World Trade Center in New York City.

Unfortunately that day changed our lives forever. If you get a chance tomorrow, take a minute from your busy day to remember the victims that perished on that horrific day ten years ago. One of the memories that I can still remember was the messages on the CNN, there was a scroll at the bottom of the TV screen, and there were messages from people looking for family members that were missing after the WTC collapsed. Lastly, lets also not forget the Men and Women in uniform that serve this great nation but also the Men and Woman gave their lives protecting freedom.

Lest we NEVER forget or history WILL repeat itself.

Frattin talks about playing college hockey...

Toronto Maple Leafs prospects Matt Frattin and Jake Gardiner explain the benefits of playing US Division I College Hockey. Listening to these two young players talk about hockey and the more I think about it; if you're one of these hockey players that is a bit of a late bloomer; maybe you don't develop as fast as other players, Division I college Hockey would probably be a better option than Major Juniors. Not everyone is going to be like Sidney Crosby and play one or two years in Major Juniors before making the jump to the professional ranks.

The reality is that if you’re good enough to play hockey after you college hockey days are over, more than likely than not you're going to start out in the ECHL or the AHL and then “maybe” transition to fighting for a spot on the third or fourth line on an NHL club, if you’re lucky. Very few players are going to play in the NHL and the college education gives players an option to fall back on after they are done playing hockey.

Here is an awesome story on former Fighting Sioux forward Matt Frattin and how he has learned from his past mistakes. Apparently Frattin has a "decent chance" of making the Leafs out of training camp as well.

TORONTO — The rookie wants to be a role model.

He wants young people to know his story and how it changed him, made him a better hockey player and — ultimately — a responsible adult. Wants them to know that as a sophomore at the University of North Dakota, he made foolish decisions that resulted in him being kicked off the hockey team and working a blue-collar construction job.

And how it made Matt Frattin who he is today.

“It was a life experience that I kind of needed to happen,” says the Toronto Maple Leafs prospect, who is among those competing at a four-team rookie tournament in Oshawa, Ont., this weekend. “I wasn’t really living my life as though I wanted to be a professional. I was more a college kid. It happens. But it was probably good that I got caught in a couple of situations and it changed the way I am today.”

Friday, September 09, 2011

Fighting Sioux men’s hockey tickets on sale tomorrow!

This Reminder was sent to fans in their email today… It won’t be too long before Fighting Sioux hockey takes the ice again for another exciting season.

Fighting Sioux men's hockey tickets go on sale tomorrow at 10 AM!

We know you're looking for Sioux vs. Gopher tickets, but don't forget about this season's deals & unique hockey events!

October 1 UND vs. Regina	October 7 & 8 Ice Breaker Tournament

We're celebrating our 10th Anniversary! All tickets just $10!	Tournament packages available – four games for just $70!

Tickets are available online at Ticketmaster.com, at the Ralph Engelstad Arena Box Office, or charge-by-phone by calling 800.745.3000.

Thursday, September 08, 2011

Save - UAH Hockey

Image via WikipediaAs you know that UAH Hockey is a program on the brink of extinction and there is a community group forming in Huntsville, Alabama to help save their hockey program. Seems that the UAH president is one of these academics that doesn't value Division I hockey either.

###PRESS RELEASE###

Community Group Forms to Save UAH Hockey

Group has secured over $500,000 to support program but Chancellor Portera must hear support from the community

Huntsville, AL (September 8, 2011) – Local business leaders and several UAHuntsville Alumni today announced a grassroots effort to save NCAA Division I Hockey at the University. According to recent reports UA Chancellor and UAHuntsville Acting President Mack Portera is considering abandoning NCAA Division I hockey at UAHuntsville. Since word of those plans spread supporters of the program have secured over $500,000 in pledges to support the program and offset any financial losses to the University over the next three years.

“Hockey at UAHuntsville is a part of our community and we need to save it.” Said Doug Martinson, a local attorney and former school board member. “It is Huntsville’s only Division I sports team and brings national recognition not only to the University but to the community as well. We need Dr. Portera to work with us to keep this program at the NCAA Division I level. Going to club level hockey is not an option and will only kill the program and provide no real benefit to the community.”

Several groups of community leaders have met with Chancellor Portera to express their support for NCAA Division I Hockey at UAHuntsville and have asked that the community be consulted in this decision and have pledged to do what it takes to ensure the success of the program. Both the Madison County Commission and the Huntsville City Council have passed resolutions calling on the Administration to work with the community to save hockey at the NCAA Division I level.

“We have reached out to our alumni and friends in the community and have asked them for much needed financial support.” Said Nathan Bowen, a UAHuntsville Hockey alum that now runs the Thunder AAA Hockey Club “All we are asking for is a chance to work with the school, reduce the financial burden on the University and put a long-term plan in place that will allow this program to continue to put the city of Huntsville, the University and our Student/Athletes consistently on a National stage. In a few short weeks we have raised over $500,000 in pledges to support the team and have organized campus and community drives to sell more tickets and raise excitement about NCAA DI college hockey in Huntsville. The outpouring of support shows that hockey at UAHuntsville is important not only to the alum, but to the Huntsville community as a whole.”

Despite several requests from the community Chancellor Portera has not yet disclosed what must be done to save the program or provided a fundraising target required that would keep the program at the NCAA Division I level. Several community efforts are now underway to show support for the program and to persuade the Administration to give the community a chance to save this program.

“We are calling on the community to join our efforts and get involved.” Said Geof Morris, founder of SaveUAHhockey.com. “Go online and sign our petition at Saveuahhockey.com, join our Facebook page, buy a season ticket or just come out to a game. The only way we can be successful is to show Chancellor Portera that we support this program and we are not going to let him take it away from our community.”

The University of Alabama in Huntsville ice hockey team took to the ice for the first time in 1979 to the rock anthem “Sweet Home Alabama” and finished out the season with an impressive 21-1 record. A grass roots effort from the beginning, the UAH hockey program has its roots firmly planted in the melting pot that is Huntsville, Alabama, with multiple National Club Championships, Two NCAA Division II Championships, and made two appearances at the NCAA Division I Tournament losing both times by only one goal. Huntsville, Alabama is the Hockey Capital of the South!

Fighitng Sioux nickname: New Senate leader sees repeal of law

Image via WikipediaHere is the latest in the saga that is the Fighting Sioux nickname...

Chuck Haga, Grand Forks Herald ---- The newly elected majority leader in the North Dakota Senate said today that the state law requiring UND to retain its Fighting Sioux nickname and logo should be repealed during the November special legislative session.

“I’ve been involved with sports and coaching out here at Dickinson State, and I think we need to rescind our action on that law because it really puts UND in a bad light,” Sen. Rich Wardner, R-Dickinson, said.

Wardner, who was elected by his Senate Republican caucus Tuesday night to succeed the late Sen. Bob Stenehjem, voted for the nickname bill authored by Rep. Al Carlson, R-Fargo, the House majority leader.

Like I have said in the past; you won't find a bigger fan/supporter of the Fighting Sioux nickname than me, I don't want to change the name and I am sick and tired of political correctness, however, there is no way we can win in this instance. There is no guarantee the NCAA would back down even if the group from Spirit Lake was able to get standing in Federal Court. The NCAA has a lot of money and high priced lawyers to wait out the people from Spirit Lake... If anything an injunction might jeopardize UND's chances of getting into the Big Sky Conference.

The time to stand and fight for the Fighting Sioux nickname was 3-4 years ago and our elected leaders did nothing. If our elected congressional leaders had actually been proactive they might have been able to get the NCAA to back down, instead our elected leaders sat on their hands and did nothing.

If the University of North Dakota keeps the Fighting Sioux they will jeopardize their application for membership in the Big Sky Conference. I like most people don't want to see the UND football team continue to play teams like University of Sioux Falls in football or New Jersey Tech in Basketball.

Wednesday, September 07, 2011

A few links on hump day...

As I woke up this morning around 9:30 the news of the air disaster in Lokomotiv Russia was just breaking on twitter and on the internet. I had to look twice because I thought my eyes were fooling me. In today’s world where flying is consider relatively safe a whole KHL hockey team the Lokomotiv Yaroslavl had perished in a aviation disaster.

Some of the dead were well known former NHL players; former Boston Bruins defenseman Brad McCrimmon, former Wild, Blues and Canucks forward Pavol Demitra, Ducks defenseman Ruslan Salei, former Hurricanes forward Josef Vasicek, former Senators defenseman Karel Rachunek, former Devils forward Alexander Vasyunov, former Predator, Avalanche, Stars, Panters, defenseman Karlis Skrastins just to name a few were among the confirmed fatalities.

If this horrible summer does anything it puts life into perspective and reminds us that we only have very short time on this earth and we need to enjoy our loved ones and family members every chance we get. If anything when you go to bed tonight give your love ones a hugs and let them know that you appreciate them. I know it sounds cliché but no one really knows what tomorrow will bring or how life is going to shake out.

Western Michigan Broncos still haven't decided where they are going...

The Western Michigan Hockey beat writer had this blog post on his Western Michigan media blog today. This might shed some light and explain why WMU hasn't accepted the WCHA bid for membership from the WCHA yet. It's no mystery that Western Michigan would like to get into the NCHC and I don't blame them. I think Western Michigan is a hockey program that is on the way up.

David Drew; Mlive.com --- WMU athletic director Kathy Beauregard said Wednesday no developments have come about regarding the Broncos’ future.

On Aug. 25, the Western Collegiate Hockey Association invited WMU, Bowling Green, Ferris State, Lake Superior State and Alaska-Fairbanks to join its league in 2013-14 and stated each program had 30 days to accept or decline the offer.

FSU, Lake Superior State and UAF have accepted the invitation while BGSU and Western Michigan have not yet announced a decision.

It is believed the National Collegiate Hockey Conference is still an option for WMU, but the new league has been quiet about potential future members and the qualifications for membership.

Brought to you from the huh department.

The Roman Empire formerly known as Goal Gophers posted his pre-season prediction on his blog and his selections have cause a bit of discussion. Does anyone think that the WCHA will shake out this way during the season? Personally, I don't see how Wisconsin finishes in 10th place. Personally do any of you think the Wisconsin Badgers will fall that far in the standings this season?

1. Colorado College
2. Denver
3. North Dakota
4. Gophers
5. UMD
6. Nebraska Omaha
7. Alaska Anchorage
8. Bemidji State
9. St. Cloud State
10. Wisconsin
11. Michigan Tech
12. Minnesota State Mankato

Will Sidney Crosby return this season?

There has been a lot of rumbling about Sidney Crosby's health with him still suffering from post concussion syndrome symptoms almost nine months after his injury. There have also been rumors that Crosby might retire or not make a return to the NHL this season. Check out what Sidney Crosby had to say on the matter.

Bruce Arthur: National Post --- Sidney Crosby will not retire, though he intimated the thought did at least flit across his mind. When asked Wednesday if there was a chance he would never play again, Crosby said, “A pretty slight one. I wouldn’t bet on it.” When his doctors were asked if the Pittsburgh Penguins star would make a full recovery from the concussions which have sidelined him since early January, they almost made it sound as if he would return better than ever.

It all seemed very encouraging, given the vacuum of information that has swirled around the 24-year-old Crosby all year. Still, he is “not even close” to being cleared for contact; no timeline for a complete recovery exists. It sure could be better, even if it could have been worse.

But on the day Crosby broke his four-month silence, he also found his voice in a way he rarely has before. Crosby took his first media training classes at 14; he is careful, when he speaks. In March he had expressed cautious support for banning targeted hits to the head, but said he was not sure about accidental contact. He seems sure now.

Matt Frattin talks about the up coming season.

Former Fighting Sioux forward Matt Frattin had a lot of nice things to say about his career with the Fighting Sioux. I am going to miss watching this kid play for the Fighting Sioux. If there is a player coming out of college that is NHL ready I think it would be Matt Frattin.

Another day, another tragedy. Air Disaster in Russia.

Image via WikipediaJust when you think the hockey world couldn't suffer anymore this off season there was a plane crash today in Yaroslavl, Russia that killed 43 of 45 people on board.

Former Wild forward Pavel Demitra was one of the passengers on board. Goon's World would like to extend our sympathy and prayers to the people that perished in this horrific crash.

NHL.COM --- A plane crash near the city of Yaroslavl in Central Russia has claimed the lives of at least 43 people, according to Russia's Emergency Situations Ministry. The majority of victims are believed to be members of the Kontinental Hockey League club, Lokomotiv.

The crash occurred at 12 noon Moscow time and the weather was sunny and clear, according to reports.

Eight crew members are also among the dead, according to reports. According to Russian aviation officials, two passengers survived the crash, but are in critical condition. According to Sovetsky Sport, one of the survivors is Russian forward Alexander Galimov.

Lokomotiv has confirmed that the entire main roster, plus four players from the youth team, was on the plane.

"We have no team anymore," Vladimir N. Malkov, the team spokesman, said in a telephone interview with The New York Times. "All our starting players, and all the service people, they all burned in the crash."

Coach Brad McCrimmon, forward Pavol Demitra, forward Josef Vasicek, defenseman Karel Rachunek, forward Jan Marek and forward Alexander Vasyunov are among the confirmed fatalities.

The agent for Demitra, an ex-NHL star, confirmed he was killed in the crash.

Lucic involved in incident with girl friend in North End of Boston.

Image via WikipediaRight away when I read the newspaper article about this incident, it does send up a few warning flags, especially after what has happened this summer.

Boston Herald --- Stanley Cup hero Milan Lucic was questioned by police early yesterday after he and his girlfriend got into an altercation in the North End.

According to a police report of the incident, the Bruins [team stats] left winger was “highly intoxicated and hostile” after he and his galpal argued outside a Starbucks on Commercial Street shortly before 1:30 a.m.

Witnesses told police the 6-foot-4, 220-pound hockey player was yelling at his girlfriend, who was on the ground, and at one point threw her shoes and purse at her. However, the woman told police she was not physically assaulted and “was adamant about not being harmed,” the report states. Police “did not observe any visible injuries,” the report says, and Lucic was not charged.

Tuesday, September 06, 2011

Does the NHL have a painkiller problem?

Image via WikipediaI don’t know if the blog post needs a lot of narration but the article is worth a read and the revelations from this article are jaw dropping. One has to wonder if the NHL needs to do a review of it’s chemical dependency protocols.

Stu Hackel, Sports Illustrated --- “Today the biggest problem, which isn’t talked about…is pills. It’s painkillers,” Laperrière said.

Laperrière knows something about pain and medicating it. In addition to losing seven teeth and getting hit in the eye with pucks during the 2009-10 season, he’s had abdominal surgery, an operation to remove bone chips and scar tissue from his knee, and various hand, back, groin and neck ailments that forced him from the lineup at times during his career. “After my operations…I took two or three [pills] a day to ease the pain. But there are guys who take it just for the buzz,” he said Friday morning over CKAC Radio (audio), the French language all-sports station.

“[Painkillers] are appropriate for those who need them,” he said. “If I just had an operation, I may take my pills for two days, but the doctor gives me pills for twelve days. There are pills left over.”

And those leftover pills are apparently provided by some NHLers to their teammates.

Asked by host Michel Langevin how many players might be taking painkillers on a given team, whether or not they really need them, Laperrière responded, “The teams that I’ve played on, I would say four or five guys per team, and those are the ones I saw.”

Dean Millard talks with Brantt Myhres about depression

Dean Millard from the Pipeline Show talks to former NHL enforcer/tough guy Brantt Myhres about the stigma surrounding depression in the NHL. Brantt Myhres also talks to Dean about a new peer support program that Brantt Myhres is trying to start.

Andrew Ference takes Lord Stanley for a bike ride.

What an awesome way to spend a day with the Stanley Cup. It's also nice to see Andrew Ference wearing a helmet while riding his bike.

Monday, September 05, 2011

Effort to Save UAH underway...

Here is a good link to take a look at and if you have a few bucks to spare a good cause to make a donation to, let's not kid ourselves UAH hockey at the Division I level is on life support. Another good source to check out is Save UAH Hockey.

Thunder AAA Hockey --- First of all, the response to the news article sent Friday has been overwhelming! Getting to how everyone can help I’m going to explain where we are in our current campaign. We were told last Wednesday that the annual financial number that needs to be raised over the next 3 years is $500k per year. We set up a three year pledge system to allow the new UAH Athletic Department personnel, under the leadership of Dr. EJ Brophy, time to put together a long term business and marketing plan.

The eminent danger of losing the program has been insulated to the UAH Hockey Alumni to date. Reasons for this was to make sure we had the correct information (i.e. $500k annually) to convey and to keep the current UAH Charger Hockey players separated from the issue until it was officially stated from University officials.

Last Tuesday, the UAH Hockey Coaching staff met with Chancellor Portera and he indicated there is a possibility of dropping the Division 1 Charger Hockey program to the Club level, and a decision could be made in early October. However, there have been some exciting things to happen since these meetings last week: 1 )With our Pledge drive only being exposed to UAH Hockey Alumni and Blueline Club Members, we have raised nearly $200K/year. 2) Local politicians have offered to help fund a marketing position (much needed) within the UAH athletic department. 3) The Huntsville City Council, along with Mayor Tommy Battle, passed a resolution to continually help support the Division 1 UAH Charger Program in any way they can. 4) Local and national media are willing to help in any way possible to get the word out.

Goon's World Extras

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Brought to you from the huh department.

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