Monday, October 24, 2011
Alabama-Huntsville Losing Varsity Status
Well it appears Alabama-Huntsville, formerly of the CHA, will be joining other, major southern universities in the ranks of club hockey. AH Charger head coach Chris Luongo has informed the team that the University President Malcolm Portera has decided to remove the varsity status from Huntsville. More information forthcoming.
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
New Season Preview
Well the season is finally upon us. Last night, the Bruins received their Stanley Cup rings at a team dinner at the Boston Harbor Hotel. The top of the ring features the Bruins spoked B logo in the foreground with the Stanley Cup in the background. There are over 100 diamonds on the top of the ring alone with 26 making up the Stanley Cup. The Bruins Stanley Cup winning seasons are listed around the Stanley Cup image on one side of the ring. The other side of the ring has each player's name and number engrained around an 18k yellow gold version of the Bruins secondary "bear" logo. There are six rings on the sides of the ring signifying the original six teams of the NHL. On a lighter note, Bruins backstop Tim Thomas was late getting into work yesterday at the Garden because of flooding on Route 1 Southbound in Lynnfield.
The puck drops on Thursday with some very notable match-ups. The Leafs renew their ancient rivalry with the Canadiens in the classic opening night tilt. The Flyers travel to Boston to face the Bruins in a rematch of this year's Eastern Conference Semifinals that saw the Bruins exact revenge on the Flyers for their epic 2010 collapse. The Crosby-less Penguins travel to Vancouver to face the Stanley Cup Finalist Canucks. Overseas, the Ducks face-off against the Sabres and the Rangers take on the new-look Kings.
Check back for division previews over the next few days, I'll be rolling them out as my own season starts so I apologize if it takes until the weekend. I'm looking forward to another season, although no new goalie gear for this year. And...look out for a new paint job on my lid!
The puck drops on Thursday with some very notable match-ups. The Leafs renew their ancient rivalry with the Canadiens in the classic opening night tilt. The Flyers travel to Boston to face the Bruins in a rematch of this year's Eastern Conference Semifinals that saw the Bruins exact revenge on the Flyers for their epic 2010 collapse. The Crosby-less Penguins travel to Vancouver to face the Stanley Cup Finalist Canucks. Overseas, the Ducks face-off against the Sabres and the Rangers take on the new-look Kings.
Check back for division previews over the next few days, I'll be rolling them out as my own season starts so I apologize if it takes until the weekend. I'm looking forward to another season, although no new goalie gear for this year. And...look out for a new paint job on my lid!
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
NHL Research and Development
The NHL's annual research and development camp gets underway this week in Toronto with some of Canada's top major junior players trying out new rule tweaks under Brendan Shanahan's watchful eye. Shanahan was tabbed as the NHL's Senior Vice President for Player Safety and Hockey Operations in June, replacing the outgoing and always controversial Colin Campbell.
Each year, the NHL uses the camp to test implementation of rule changes and tweaks. Some of this year's tweaks Shanahan will try out are the "Hybrid" Icing Rule, 4 on 3 and 3 on 3 Overtime, No Icing while Shorthanded, Offside adjustments, Removing the Trapezoid, and a Goaline camera.
The Hybrid Icing Rule was implemented this year by USA Hockey and yours truly played under the rule in the ACHA. The rule is seen as a compromise between no-touch icing and traditional touch icing. Opponents of touch icing have long advocated for no-touch icing citing concern for the players' safety. Each year, CBC analyst Don Cherry compiles a list of NHLers who have been injured (usually from slamming hard into the dasher) in a chase for the puck. Many in the NHL world see no-touch icing as another blow to the excitement of the sport once marketed by the NHL as the "coolest game on earth." Under the hybrid icing, the linesman determines whether icing is blown based on which player is first to the near faceoff dot. If the attacking player is first to the dot, the icing is washed out, if the defence is closer to the dot, the whistle is blown then and there. In USA Hockey, if there is a tie, icing is automatically called. Many consider this a no-brainer, including TSN. I have witnessed numerous close-calls in which one player has their stick extended to get the call, plays in which both players are tangled going into the circle and fall down anyway, and linesmen that simply miss the call. It is a judgement call and puts a great burden on the officiating crew. Hockey is an exciting and at times dangerous sport. Keep tag-up icing. If nothing else, it provides a good reason for the defence to hustle back.
I hate the shootout. Period. Many around the NHL dislike the shootout, especially for determining who wins a contest. A win in a shootout may not seem all that important in November, but come April, all those shootout wins and loses seem consequential. Four minutes of 4 on 4 play is similar to what we have now. Instead of going to a shootout, the game would open up even more after four minutes of OT with a 3 on 3 session for three minutes. This would take the pressure off the goalies, allow the skill and speed of many NHLers to shine, and avoid the shootout. Honestly, I wouldn't mind going back to ties after a 5 minute OT.
No Icing Permitted while Shorthanded. This rule would make minor penalties more serious and keep the puck in the zone longer, theoretically leading to more goals. As a goaltender, I am not a fan, but if the NHL is keen on increasing scoring, this might be one way to do it.
No line change for teams committing an offside would make players more aware of where they are and theoretically would improve the flow of the game by having fewer offsides. This rule, as TSN.com points out, may also reduce creativity by increasing the incentive to just dump the puck in and not try some tick-tack-toe passing or slick dangles. The league should watch out when trying to implement this one lest in turn into the two-line pass rule. Another similar rule is forcing a team to go all the way back to the defensive zone for a faceoff after an offside. I think the faceoff should be where the offside play originated from. Forcing the offending team to go back into their own zone will cause players to be more cautious thereby slowing down the game and reducing creativity. I happen to think dump and chase hockey with some good puck battles in the corners is exciting. I am not your average hockey fan. Ask someone watching the NHL on NBC from Tampa or Carolina what they think and they'll tell you dump and chase is as boring as soccer.
The trapezoid rule is one of the most boneheaded rules in the book. According to TSN, the NHL implemented the trapezoid to prevent goalies from playing the puck behind their net and passing it out to the defence, thereby keeping the puck in the zone longer and creating more offense. Instead, this led to slow breakouts because the defence must skate all the way back to retrieve the puck, slowing down the flow of the game. Playing the puck is a skill for a good goaltender and can make the difference between a Bobby Luongo and Marty Brodeur.
The last change the camp will examine is having an HD camera on the goaline. If the technology is there, why not give officials another view of controversial goals that is not obstructed by the crossbar?
Each year, the NHL uses the camp to test implementation of rule changes and tweaks. Some of this year's tweaks Shanahan will try out are the "Hybrid" Icing Rule, 4 on 3 and 3 on 3 Overtime, No Icing while Shorthanded, Offside adjustments, Removing the Trapezoid, and a Goaline camera.
The Hybrid Icing Rule was implemented this year by USA Hockey and yours truly played under the rule in the ACHA. The rule is seen as a compromise between no-touch icing and traditional touch icing. Opponents of touch icing have long advocated for no-touch icing citing concern for the players' safety. Each year, CBC analyst Don Cherry compiles a list of NHLers who have been injured (usually from slamming hard into the dasher) in a chase for the puck. Many in the NHL world see no-touch icing as another blow to the excitement of the sport once marketed by the NHL as the "coolest game on earth." Under the hybrid icing, the linesman determines whether icing is blown based on which player is first to the near faceoff dot. If the attacking player is first to the dot, the icing is washed out, if the defence is closer to the dot, the whistle is blown then and there. In USA Hockey, if there is a tie, icing is automatically called. Many consider this a no-brainer, including TSN. I have witnessed numerous close-calls in which one player has their stick extended to get the call, plays in which both players are tangled going into the circle and fall down anyway, and linesmen that simply miss the call. It is a judgement call and puts a great burden on the officiating crew. Hockey is an exciting and at times dangerous sport. Keep tag-up icing. If nothing else, it provides a good reason for the defence to hustle back.
I hate the shootout. Period. Many around the NHL dislike the shootout, especially for determining who wins a contest. A win in a shootout may not seem all that important in November, but come April, all those shootout wins and loses seem consequential. Four minutes of 4 on 4 play is similar to what we have now. Instead of going to a shootout, the game would open up even more after four minutes of OT with a 3 on 3 session for three minutes. This would take the pressure off the goalies, allow the skill and speed of many NHLers to shine, and avoid the shootout. Honestly, I wouldn't mind going back to ties after a 5 minute OT.
No Icing Permitted while Shorthanded. This rule would make minor penalties more serious and keep the puck in the zone longer, theoretically leading to more goals. As a goaltender, I am not a fan, but if the NHL is keen on increasing scoring, this might be one way to do it.
No line change for teams committing an offside would make players more aware of where they are and theoretically would improve the flow of the game by having fewer offsides. This rule, as TSN.com points out, may also reduce creativity by increasing the incentive to just dump the puck in and not try some tick-tack-toe passing or slick dangles. The league should watch out when trying to implement this one lest in turn into the two-line pass rule. Another similar rule is forcing a team to go all the way back to the defensive zone for a faceoff after an offside. I think the faceoff should be where the offside play originated from. Forcing the offending team to go back into their own zone will cause players to be more cautious thereby slowing down the game and reducing creativity. I happen to think dump and chase hockey with some good puck battles in the corners is exciting. I am not your average hockey fan. Ask someone watching the NHL on NBC from Tampa or Carolina what they think and they'll tell you dump and chase is as boring as soccer.
The trapezoid rule is one of the most boneheaded rules in the book. According to TSN, the NHL implemented the trapezoid to prevent goalies from playing the puck behind their net and passing it out to the defence, thereby keeping the puck in the zone longer and creating more offense. Instead, this led to slow breakouts because the defence must skate all the way back to retrieve the puck, slowing down the flow of the game. Playing the puck is a skill for a good goaltender and can make the difference between a Bobby Luongo and Marty Brodeur.
The last change the camp will examine is having an HD camera on the goaline. If the technology is there, why not give officials another view of controversial goals that is not obstructed by the crossbar?
Friday, August 12, 2011
Jets Logo draws Criticism
For most 'Peggers, the return of the Winnipeg Jets has meant jubilant celebrations and trips to the MTS Centre to buy new Jets gear. True North Sports and Entertainment announced the NHL's return to Winnipeg at the end of May and for weeks, fans across North America sat in anxious anticipation, just waiting for executives to announce a new name for the franchise. With the return of the Jets nickname came speculation on the team's new colors and logos. Some expected the return of the classic blue and red from the old Jets' jersey. Others expected blue and gold to match the Blue Bombers. When the new logo was unveiled a month later, everyone seemed pleasantly surprised at the return of a slightly darker shade of the classic blue and red and an actual jet on the new logo.
The primary logo features a white circle with a thick blue outline. In the centre is an outline of a grey military jet set on a red maple leaf. The alternate logo looks like grey Royal Canadian Air Force wings outlined in dark blue with the red maple leaf in the center. The logo is clean and classic looking without too much detail. The new logo received praise from Don Cherry and a number people in the media and across the NHL. Cherry embraced the logo for its similarity to the RCAF and called it a nice tribute.
Some anti-War pacifists in the Winnipeg community have complained that the logo is pro-military and a tacet sign of support for the war in Afghanistan and bombing of Lybia. Nothing could be more absurd. Besides, the Winnipeg community should be grateful for the service of the RCAF and the freedoms they enjoy as a result of their service. Such gratefulness does nothing to show support for the political decisions made by Ottawa.
Wearing the sleek new Jets gear will show support for the new franchise and the city of Winnipeg. The city has ties to the RCAF that are as thick as blood. Winnipeg is the proud home to the Wing 17 Air Force Base and Manitoba has long played host to a number of aircraft and military manufacturers.
Be proud of your heritage and community and put on the blue and red for the new Jets!
The primary logo features a white circle with a thick blue outline. In the centre is an outline of a grey military jet set on a red maple leaf. The alternate logo looks like grey Royal Canadian Air Force wings outlined in dark blue with the red maple leaf in the center. The logo is clean and classic looking without too much detail. The new logo received praise from Don Cherry and a number people in the media and across the NHL. Cherry embraced the logo for its similarity to the RCAF and called it a nice tribute.
Some anti-War pacifists in the Winnipeg community have complained that the logo is pro-military and a tacet sign of support for the war in Afghanistan and bombing of Lybia. Nothing could be more absurd. Besides, the Winnipeg community should be grateful for the service of the RCAF and the freedoms they enjoy as a result of their service. Such gratefulness does nothing to show support for the political decisions made by Ottawa.
Wearing the sleek new Jets gear will show support for the new franchise and the city of Winnipeg. The city has ties to the RCAF that are as thick as blood. Winnipeg is the proud home to the Wing 17 Air Force Base and Manitoba has long played host to a number of aircraft and military manufacturers.
Be proud of your heritage and community and put on the blue and red for the new Jets!
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Alaska Meets with WCHA
WCHA Commissioner Bruce McLeod will visit with representatives from the University of Alaska-Fairbanks today. McLeod and school officials will discuss the possibility of Alaska joining the ranks of the WCHA in 2013-14 with fellow Last Frontier School, Alaska-Anchorage.
The Nanooks are currently members of the CCHA, which will see its ranks depleted following the 2012-13 season when members bolt for the new Big Ten Conference and NCHC. More information is expected out of both camps later this week. It only makes sense that the two Alaska schools would compete in the same conference and have to travel the least distance (not to Ohio as Alaska presently does as part of the CCHA).
The Nanooks are currently members of the CCHA, which will see its ranks depleted following the 2012-13 season when members bolt for the new Big Ten Conference and NCHC. More information is expected out of both camps later this week. It only makes sense that the two Alaska schools would compete in the same conference and have to travel the least distance (not to Ohio as Alaska presently does as part of the CCHA).
Thursday, August 4, 2011
NHL Inflation
This week, an NHL Arbitrator, on the second to last day of arbitration hearings, awarded Nashville's Shea Weber a one year, $7.5 million contract. Weber had been seeking $8.5 million, while the small market organization countered with an offer of $4.75 million. The award is the largest of its kind in NHL history. As a result of the deal, Weber will be a restricted free agent after this season.
The Predators reached the Western Conference semifinals for the first time in their 12 year history in 2010-2011 and Weber contributed five points in 12 playoff games. Known for his physical presence and booming clapper, 6'4", 234 lbs. defenceman from Sicamous, B.C. had 58 points in all 82 of Nashville's games. He has played his entire career in Nashville and appeared in several international competitions. Weber won gold at the 2005 WJC, the 2007 World Championships, and the 2010 Olympics.
In an off-season that saw Brian Campbell traded from the Blackhawks to the Panters, and teams slightly overpay for UFA'sTomas Kaberle and James Wisniewski, Weber is a coveted treasure. Nashville, like Boston in its negotiations with Kaberle, erred on the conservative side in anticipation of a lower cap ceiling next season. Coupled with Nashville's small market and more limited resources, Weber's new contract may be too much for the Preds to handle.
In addition to Weber, Pekka Rinne will also be a RFA next season. The 28 year old native of Finland backstopped the Predators to their first round toppling of Anaheim and put up world class numbers this past season. Rinne is in the second year of a two year, $6.75 million contract. He might be looking for 2-4 years in the range of $4 million. With a lower cap figure next year, the Predators, assuming they sign Weber this season for the $7.5 million, may be forced to make a difficult choice between signing a franchise defenceman and a franchise goalie. Based on the Predators success at finding and developing young goaltenders, they will be wise to sign Weber. Weber is truly a once in a decade talent similar to Chara, Stevens, and the like. Only the unsigned Kings defenceman, Drew Doughty has a similar upside.
The Blue Jackets, looking for steady defence and a solid puck-moving blueliner, severely overpaid for Wisniewski. Wisniewski had a good season in Montreal and played well in the playoffs despite having to wear a full cage due to a facial injury. He is best in a supporting role as a number 2 defenceman on the top pairing or as a second pairing defenceman. The Blue Jackets, although they did improve backend offence and special teams, will still be searching for a franchise defenceman come March and April. I cannot wait to see the UFA and RFA list next season when teams realize they cannot afford them under the new salary cap!
The Predators reached the Western Conference semifinals for the first time in their 12 year history in 2010-2011 and Weber contributed five points in 12 playoff games. Known for his physical presence and booming clapper, 6'4", 234 lbs. defenceman from Sicamous, B.C. had 58 points in all 82 of Nashville's games. He has played his entire career in Nashville and appeared in several international competitions. Weber won gold at the 2005 WJC, the 2007 World Championships, and the 2010 Olympics.
In an off-season that saw Brian Campbell traded from the Blackhawks to the Panters, and teams slightly overpay for UFA'sTomas Kaberle and James Wisniewski, Weber is a coveted treasure. Nashville, like Boston in its negotiations with Kaberle, erred on the conservative side in anticipation of a lower cap ceiling next season. Coupled with Nashville's small market and more limited resources, Weber's new contract may be too much for the Preds to handle.
In addition to Weber, Pekka Rinne will also be a RFA next season. The 28 year old native of Finland backstopped the Predators to their first round toppling of Anaheim and put up world class numbers this past season. Rinne is in the second year of a two year, $6.75 million contract. He might be looking for 2-4 years in the range of $4 million. With a lower cap figure next year, the Predators, assuming they sign Weber this season for the $7.5 million, may be forced to make a difficult choice between signing a franchise defenceman and a franchise goalie. Based on the Predators success at finding and developing young goaltenders, they will be wise to sign Weber. Weber is truly a once in a decade talent similar to Chara, Stevens, and the like. Only the unsigned Kings defenceman, Drew Doughty has a similar upside.
The Blue Jackets, looking for steady defence and a solid puck-moving blueliner, severely overpaid for Wisniewski. Wisniewski had a good season in Montreal and played well in the playoffs despite having to wear a full cage due to a facial injury. He is best in a supporting role as a number 2 defenceman on the top pairing or as a second pairing defenceman. The Blue Jackets, although they did improve backend offence and special teams, will still be searching for a franchise defenceman come March and April. I cannot wait to see the UFA and RFA list next season when teams realize they cannot afford them under the new salary cap!
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Nassau County Voters Reject Plan
On Monday, August 1st, Nassau County, NY voters rejected a plan by Islanders owner Charles E. Wang and Nassau County officials to overhaul the aging Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum. The $400 million proposal included refurbishing the arena and constructing a minor league baseball stadium. According to the New York Times, as of late last night, with 82 percent of the ballots counted, the vote was 57 to 43 to reject the plan.
The $400 million plan is a compromise. Originally, Wang sought to build the Islanders a new home on Long Island, but Nassau County and the Federal Government would not kick in the extra funding necessary. Wang is still seeking assistance Edward P. Mangano, the Nassau County Executive who supported the latest plan, to overcome redevelopment and zoning issues on the current site.
Supporters of the plan point to increased revenue and taxes from a new or refurbished arena, which could host countless events, concerts, and hockey games. Many, who would not normally support such a large expenditure expressed support for the plan because in the words of an unemployed plumber commented to the New York Times, with the Islanders goes millions of dollars supporting local restaurants and businesses.
Finances in Nassau County are in such poor shape that they are monitored by the Nassau County Interim Financing Authority and an outside company. The County is already set to run a $140 million deficit. An additional $400 million would cause undue burden on the County and would result in a significant jump in property taxes for Nassau County residents. The special election alone cost $2 million and Mr. Wang offered to cover the cost only if the proposal passed.
Averaging 11,059 fans per game, support has been dwindling. Last season, a large contingent from Quebec City made the journey down to Uniondale to show their support for the franchise moving north of the border. Mr Wang told reporters Monday he was "disappointed" and "heartbroken." Wang also stated he will honor the Coliseum lease. The Islanders are under contract with Nassau County through the 2015 season. If economic conditions do not change and Islander fans do not magically appear in the seats, expect the 2015 season to come much sooner.
The $400 million plan is a compromise. Originally, Wang sought to build the Islanders a new home on Long Island, but Nassau County and the Federal Government would not kick in the extra funding necessary. Wang is still seeking assistance Edward P. Mangano, the Nassau County Executive who supported the latest plan, to overcome redevelopment and zoning issues on the current site.
Supporters of the plan point to increased revenue and taxes from a new or refurbished arena, which could host countless events, concerts, and hockey games. Many, who would not normally support such a large expenditure expressed support for the plan because in the words of an unemployed plumber commented to the New York Times, with the Islanders goes millions of dollars supporting local restaurants and businesses.
Finances in Nassau County are in such poor shape that they are monitored by the Nassau County Interim Financing Authority and an outside company. The County is already set to run a $140 million deficit. An additional $400 million would cause undue burden on the County and would result in a significant jump in property taxes for Nassau County residents. The special election alone cost $2 million and Mr. Wang offered to cover the cost only if the proposal passed.
Averaging 11,059 fans per game, support has been dwindling. Last season, a large contingent from Quebec City made the journey down to Uniondale to show their support for the franchise moving north of the border. Mr Wang told reporters Monday he was "disappointed" and "heartbroken." Wang also stated he will honor the Coliseum lease. The Islanders are under contract with Nassau County through the 2015 season. If economic conditions do not change and Islander fans do not magically appear in the seats, expect the 2015 season to come much sooner.
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