Training Camp

In 2007, I went to Red Wings Training Camp up in Traverse City for the first time.  I must have had beginners' luck because that season the Red Wings won the Stanley Cup.  This year, Colin & I made it up to Training Camp.  It was a must needed vacation.  We got some autographs from players and prospects.

Centre Ice held an Alumni game with a lot of the former Red Wings I used to watch since I was little.  The highlight of the night was Chris Chelios slid down the ice balancing on his helmet and skates while thrusting hips in the air.  As he reached the goalie he immediately got up.

The next day we attended the Red and White game which consisted of regular players and prospects.  A few of the defense men impressed us.  The game was tied after two 25 minute periods so they had a shootout resulting in the White team winning.

Ramblings of a shortened season

Well as everyone knows by now, the NHL owners and NHLPA agreed to a new CBA agreement.  I still thought they should have waited until this September and start a full season, but that's just my opinion.  Since there are more games per week, the NHL teams have been plagued by injuries.  They have calling up players from their farm teams to fill open positions because so many players are hurt.  I know the Detroit Red Wings have more back to back games than the rest of the NHL teams.  

Besides the lockout being over, I did get some good news out of all of this.  I received my refund for my Winter Classic tickets, alumni game, college hockey games, partial refund for the 20 game package I purchased.  I did go to the home opener and two other games this season.  I sold a few of my games I had to get so it wasn't as bad of a hit to my bank account.  I don't plan to get another partial/season tickets again unless I win the lotto or something.  For how much I make in a year, it's just too expensive for me.  My dad was lucky enough to be at the game where the Red Wings shutout Nashville 4-0!  I still plan to go to games, but I will just do it on a single game basis from now on.  I went to the Winter Classic in Chicago where the Red Wings beat the Blackhawks!!! I'm not sure if I will try to get tickets for the Red Wings vs. Maple Leafs yet, it will all depend if I have the money to go.

I am pleased to hear about the NHL re-alignment.  The Detroit Red Wings are finally in the Eastern conference so they will be in the same time zone as me the majority of the time.  I know there will still be west coast trips, the Red Wings have has to travel the farthest compared to most teams during the playoffs.  The 10:00 p.m. games are so hard on the people in the eastern time zone.

NHL Lockout 2

I know I haven't wrote in this blog since last year.  I am upset about the NHL lockout.  During the lockout of the 2004-2005 season I went to Saginaw Valley State University my freshmen year so I caught some Saginaw Spirit games, some alumni games, and some charity hockey games to help me get through the winter/spring.

I won't forget to mention in 1994-1995 there was a lockout too and they had a shortened season to 48 games compared to the normal 82.  The fact we have a second lockout with only a few years between them will kill the sport in the U.S.  The NHL lost about half of their fans after the 2004-2005 lockout.  The sport was finally recovering from the previous lockout and their profits were increasing and now we have another lockout because they can't reach a collective bargaining agreement. The worst part of this whole situation is the vendors, ushers, and other arena staff are losing thousands of dollars by not working.  I remember reading some online articles that some bar owners will not be able to stay open because there are no NHL games.  If and when there is another NHL season, who knows how many fans they will actually get to retain.

Yesterday when they announced the cancellation of the 2013 Winter Classic the NHL reached a new low.  I saw a tweet from USA today asking fans that purchased Winter Classic tickets to email their reactions.  I emailed them and was surprised they put my email in the article.  Here is the link to the article: USA today 
There are two options: a full refund with associated fees or they hold onto the money for the next Winter Classic.  The owners have been sitting on my money since July and I'm going to be asking for a refund.  The interest alone they are collecting from the season tickets and WC tickets pisses me off.  They marketed a product that isn't even happening.

Being a recent college graduate, last year was the first time I bought a 10 game package for the Red Wings season.  I sold some of the games, but went to at least one game a month.  Last spring, I put a $500 deposit down to secure a spot to get a 20 game package for this season.  I only purchased a 20 game package because it gave me access to buy Winter Classic tickets that would have taken place at the Big House.  I only have a part time job so I had to save up a lot of my money and make sacrifices to be able to afford it.  The majority of my tax refund went to paying for these tickets and now it was a waste.
 
Even though I am not a season ticket holder I have spent thousands of dollars on game tickets, Winter Classic tickets at Wrigley Field, jerseys, clothing, went to autograph signings, and merchandise.  A few friends of mine are more upset this time around than the last lockout.  It will be hard for me to come back as a fan after this crap.

I honestly hope they just scrap this season, it's pointless to try to squeeze in a partial season.  More games per week will lead to more injuries on teams.  Both the players and owners are to blame.  They need to just reach an agreement and start a new season next fall 2013.  They can also work on getting their fans back and maybe lowering ticket prices!  

Hockeyfest

Probably like every hockey fan right now, we miss the sport! If you have the NHL network they are doing replays of the 2011 Stanley Cup run and I have watched it a few nights.

Training Camp will be starting in September and in October the 2012 regular season will begin.

Life starts when the season begins

For anyone in the Metro-Detroit area HockeyFest is September 10th, 2011 from 11am-6pm
HockeyFest 2011

I'll be counting down the days to the regular season I need my hockey fix!

Prepping for next season

Even though the Stanley Cup was awarded at the beginning of the summer, the work is still not done. There was the NHL draft and all teams hope their prospects will turn out to be stars and stick around in the long run. On June 30th the free agent frenzy began. The Red Wings re-signed some players and picked up some new ones. Most recently Chris Osgood retired, I was sad to see him go. He was a great goalie and I hope he makes it into the Hall of Fame. Today the Wings signed Ty Conklin (he was a Red Wing a few years ago and we need a backup to Jimmy Howard). I'm happy the Red Wings re-signed former Spartan Drew Miller earlier this summer. I was able to see him play for the green and white when I was in college. Besides players many coaches are moving to other teams or being promoted to assistant coaches or head coaches.

To get my hockey fix I've been listening to the radio and watching the NHL network. It's awesome getting news about players being signed, traded, re-signing, etc.

So who knows what else will happen this summer. I can't wait until prospects camp and training camp in September! The NHL seasons starts up in October so hopefully it comes fast!

Stay Classy Vancouver

First of all I want to send a Congrats to the Boston Bruins for winning the Stanley Cup! Tim Thomas is a native from Flint, Michigan and he played amazing and deserved the Conn Smythe trophy! After Game 7 which was played in Vancouver, the Canucks fans were rioting and burning police cars. Words cannot express how upsetting this was. The fans should be respectful and shows some sportsmanship. The Vancouver Canucks have never won the Stanley Cup that doesn’t give them any reason to riot. Not only is it an embarrassment to the fans, it makes the National Hockey League look bad. In 2005 the NHL had a lockout because of dispute between the Commissioner Gary Bettman and NHLPA. In the United States NFL, NBA, and MLB are the more popular sports. The NHL has had to work on marketing to get a greater fan base. Now everyone knows hockey is my favorite sport, the NHL doesn’t need fans rioting or other unsportsmanlike activities. This was unacceptable what the Canucks fans did!

Rainn Wilson made a comment, “Vancouver is now the Detroit of Canada.” This is a horrible analogy. Why compare the two cities? Detroit isn’t the only city that has had riots. I did graduate from Michigan State and will use the city of East Lansing as an example. When Michigan State won the national championship for basketball the students rioted around campus. My senior year of college in the spring Cedar Village celebrates CedarFest. That year students set fireworks on police cars and rioted. I actually went home that weekend because I knew the party would get broken up by the police anyway. If you look at past history many cities have had riots or other major incidents than just Detroit. I hate that people have this stereotype of Detroit being the most dangerous city in the world. Most recently, the most dangerous cities were polled in the United States and Camden, NJ was #1 on the list. Detroit was on the list. There are some parts of the city of Detroit that are not safe to walk around alone, it should be common sense that people should be aware of their surroundings at all times.

In 2008 the Detroit Red Wings won the Stanley Cup and beat the Pittsburgh Penguins. Like most fans, I will always dislike Sidney Crosby. My reasons would take a whole blog entry on it’s own. In 2009, the Detroit Red Wings made it to the Stanley Cup finals and met a familiar foe, the Pittsburgh Penguins. The Penguins won the cup that year and Detroit did NOT riot because they lost in the Stanley Cup Finals. The Detroit Red Wings fans would never do that ever!

I’m not happy with what Kilpatrick did to the city and I know in the 1960s there were riots but for different reasons. (that would just open another can of worms if I talked about that) I’m not excusing the city for that, but it wasn’t for losing in a sports event. In the 1980s the Detroit Tigers won the championship and fans did overly celebrate.

I have worked in Detroit since 2009 and haven’t had any problems. I’m still careful when I work there. The city of Detroit has a lot to offer. For the sports lovers: The Detroit Red Wings play at Joe Louis Arena, the Detroit Tigers play at Comerica Park, the Detroit Lions play at Ford Field, and Joe Louis fist historical landmark. Every year the North American International Auto Show is at Cobo Hall. For the gamblers there are a few casinos: Greektown, Motorcity, and MGM. For a good cultural experience there are plays at Detroit Opera House, The Second City, and Fox Theatre. For country music fans in May there is the Downtown Hoedown at Hart Plaza, it’s a three day concert that is free to the public. If someone just wanted to take a nice walk there is the Belle Isle Nature Zoo and Detroit RiverFrontWalk. There are a ton of places to explore and now that its summer I plan to hit the town. They have some great bars too. They have yoga in the park on Saturdays, I might head down a few times. I will always support Detroit.

Sports are entertainment and it’s for people to watch not take so seriously. To burn down a police car, destroy property, or hurt other fans because your team lost is pathetic. It’s not the end of the world if a team loses. There is always next season they can get another chance to win the championship.

It’s terrible to compare Detroit to Vancouver, they are different in so many ways. I know Detroit has it’s problems it will get better!

2011 SCF

The last time a Canadian team won the Stanley Cup was 2003 (Montreal Canadiens won). This season Vancouver and Boston are facing off in the finals. Right now the Vancouver Canucks are leading the series 3-2 over the Boston Bruins. The Canucks are on the verge of winning the Stanley Cup. Vancouver has made it to the Stanley Cup finals before but have never won. Both teams have a Michigan born teammate: Ryan Kessler (VAN)from Livonia, MI and Tim Thomas (BOS) from Flint, MI. Ryan Kessler played collegiate hockey for The Ohio State University. Tim Thomas played for the University of Vermont during his collegiate years.

Game 1 and 2 went to Vancouver with a nail bitter ending. In Game 3, Rome did a dirty hit on Nathan Horton, he was taken off the ice by a stretcher. Horton will be out for the rest of the series, the NHL did suspend Rome for four games. This propelled the Bruins to an 8-1 win. Game 4 was 4-0 win and the Bruins tied the series 2-2. Game 5, the Canucks took the game 1-0.

Game 6 is on Monday June 13th at 8pm on NBC, CBC and RDS.

Stanley Cup Finals, History will be made!

After I finished finals I started putting in full time hours in again so I didn't have time to make a blog entry for Round 3. Vancouver beat San Jose 4-1 series. Boston and Tampa Bay will be playing Game 7 tonight at 8pm on versus. History will be made. Since the Red Wings are out of the playoffs I was hoping for Vancouver vs Tampa Bay Stanley Cup finals series. Vancouver beat San Jose so I can rest easier because the Sharks eliminated the Wings in Round 2. The last time a Canadian team won the Stanley Cup was 1993 Montreal Canadiens. I'm rooting for Tampa Bay Lightning since former Red Wings captain Steve Yzerman is the GM for them. I'm just happy the Sharks will not win Stanley this year since they ousted the Wings in game 7. This year has been a great set of series, Game 7's, amazing goals, and great plays.

Stanley Cup Finals Schedule

Hockey Hall of Fame

For my birthday this year my parents and I took a mini vacation to Toronto, Ontario. We realized we haven’t been on a family vacation since my senior year of high school. In elementary my parents and I went to Toronto to see “The Lion King” at the Princess of Wales theatre. The seats were phenomenal and I loved the show!
I started researching hotels in the area for a reasonable price. I found a good deal on Hockey Hall of Fame (HHOF) website, HHOF plan included four tickets to HHOF, hotel room at Westin, and valet spot for one car in the parking garage. When we got to Toronto the room had an lake view of the harbour. Once we got settled in we walked around the city. Instead of eating at the hotel for dinner there was a restaurant right next to the HHOF building, Oliver & Bonacini Café Grill. The dinner was delicious. After we got back to the hotel they had a bar there too. The next day we checked out and went to the HHOF. It is located in the ground floor of Brookfield Place. I wore my Red Wings shirt and winter classic jersey. The HHOF was amazing, any hockey fan’s fantasy. The HHOF is divided up in sections: trophy room with the Stanley Cup, hockey around the world, slap shot challenge, inducted players, historic hockey memorabilia, and replica of Montreal Canadiens locker room. The exit of HHOF led to Spirit of Hockey store. I bought a few souvenirs and of course I took a ton of photos! Before we left we walked to Air Canada Centre where the Toronto Maple Leafs play. It was an amazing trip and worth the drive!

I’ve included links to HHOF website and photos I took.

HHOF website promos

Photos of HHOF

History will be made!

For round 2 of the 2011 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs, Tampa Bay, Boston, Vancouver are advancing to the conference finals and one last series remains: Detroit vs. San Jose. The Red Wings got into a bind by going down 0-3 deficit in the series. My finals for spring semester were finally over and as a reward for myself I went to Game 4 with my dad where the Wings won 4-3 (Helm got the game winning goal). Game 5, the Wings came from behind and took another win from the Sharks. My father is amazing, he took me to Game 6 too where the Wings came from behind once again winning 3-1 (Filppula got the game winner and Helm secured the win with an empty netter).

The theme of the playoff is “History will be made”. Only a few teams have won a series being behind 0-3. Game 7 is all or nothing, win or go home. The Sharks will be home, the Wings do have a lot of playoff experience on their side. Either team could win. This year for all the series it has shown everyone the drama and excitement anyone could ask for. I know I’m biased, this playoff run tops any sport going on right now!

LET’S GO RED WINGS *CLAP *CLAP *CLAP *CLAP *CLAP

I hope the Wings win Game 7.

I made a sign for yesterday’s game that actually got on Fox Sports Detroit!!!

Round 2

Since I have finals next week, I have to make this short and sweet. My team swept the Phoenix Coyotes in Round 1 and got a well deserved rest. Franzen and Zetterberg should be back. I watched some of the other series games and were exciting. The San Jose Sharks beat the L.A. Kings and in the Eastern Conference Washington beat the New York Rangers. Chicago Blackhawks forced a Game 7, Vancouver Canucks prevailed. Tampa Bay Lightning came back to beat the Pittsburgh Penguins and forced a Game 7 (1-0 Lightning). Boston Bruins and Montreal Canadiens had a Game 7 and Bruins won. Buffalo Sabres and Philadelphia Flyers had a Game 7 and the Flyers eliminated the Sabres. Hopefully the rest of the Stanley Cup playoffs continues to excite the fans and get more people into hockey! I posted a link of the full schedule for the Conference semifinals at the bottom.

I have to add LET'S GO RED WINGS *clap *clap *clap *clap *clap!!!!

#2 San Jose vs. #3 Detroit
Friday, April 29 at San Jose, 10:00 p.m. VERSUS, TSN
Sunday, May 1 at San Jose, 3:00 p.m. NBC, TSN
Wednesday, May 4 at Detroit, 8:00 p.m. VERSUS (JIP), TSN
Friday, May 6 at Detroit, 7:00 p.m. VERSUS, TSN
*Sunday, May 8 at San Jose, 8:00 p.m. VERSUS, TSN
*Tuesday, May 10 at Detroit, TBD VERSUS, TSN
*Thursday, May 12 at San Jose, TBD VERSUS, TSN

*if necessary

2011 Stanley Cup Playoffs Conference Semifinals

NHL Playoffs!

The regular season for the NHL consists of 82 games. The regular season is important to get at least the 8th seed, but the important part of season is during the playoffs where it really matters. Each round a team has to be the first to win four games or they are out and most players go golfing or go home while the determined teams are still taking a shot at winning the infamous Stanley Cup!!! There are four rounds in the playoffs and so the magic number to win the Cup is 16 games. The 2010-2011 season just finished yesterday and NHL.com released the playoff schedule. I put a link at the bottom for anyone. I admit I'm biased and will always be rooting for the Detroit Red Wings, I have lived in Michigan almost all my life and was raised to love the team. I don't know who will win the cup and if the Wings are inconsistent they will be out early. Anything can happen, a top seed can be eliminated by a number 8 seed. As the playoffs progresses teams get ranked by whoever is the highest seed left and will play the lowest seed left.

I can say I have attended two playoff games in my life. It was expensive but worth the money! In 2008 I took my mom to the game, In 2009 I went with a friend and we had a letsgowings meetup during the warmups :)

I hope this year the games will be exciting and series worth watching. I have to end with LET'S GO RED WINGS *clap *clap *clap *clap *clap.

#3 Red Wings vs. #6 Coyotes
Wednesday, April 13 at Detroit, 7:00 p.m. CBC (HD), VERSUS
Saturday, April 16 at Detroit, 1:00 p.m. NBC (HD), CBC (HD)
Monday, April 18 at Phoenix, 10:30 p.m. CBC (HD), VERSUS
Wednesday, April 20 at Phoenix, 10:30 p.m. CBC (HD), VERSUS
*Friday, April 22 at Detroit, 7:00 p.m. CBC (HD), VERSUS
*Sunday, April 24 at Phoenix, TBD CBC (HD)
*Wednesday, April 27 at Detroit, TBD CBC (HD)
*if necessary

2011 Stanley Cup Playoffs Schedule

Hockey Hits

With the recent suspension of Matt Cooke for the dirty hit on Ryan McDonagh it's the perfect time to make an entry on hits in hockey. Youtube video of the hit on McDonagh

Years ago there was a huge rivalry between Detroit and Colorado and I'm sure everyone has heard of at least one of the infamous hockey fights between the goalies. March 26, 1997 Mike Vernon and Patrick Roy fought on center ice that game. That same game Darren McCarty fought Claude Lemieux for the dirty hit he did to McCarty's teammate Kris Draper. Draper got a concussion, broken jaw, broken nose, and broken cheekbone. He had to have reconstructive surgery and Lemieux only was suspended for two games. I felt it was justified for McCarty to send a message for seriously injuring Draper, the rest of the team will not put up with that and fight back! Lemieux was coined "the turtle" for covering his head from McCarty hitting him. McCarty & Lemieux will actually be meeting again this weekend

There is a huge difference between a clean hit and an intent to injure. When a player has the puck opponents are allowed to try to get the puck or push them out of the way. Blindside hits, hits after the play, elbowing in the face are just some examples of illegal hits. Unnecessary hits that can end a player's career or for a season is uncalled for and makes the sport look bad compared to baseball, basketball, soccer, and football.

Before Todd Bertuzzi was a Red Wing he was playing for the Vancouver Canucks. In 2004, he did a dirty hit on Steve Moore of the Colortado Avalanche. The NHL and IIHF suspended him. Steve Moore actually sued in both the U.S. and Canada. Sadly, it was a career ending injury for Moore. Recently, Bertuzzi did a hit on a Chicago Blackhawks player but did not receive a suspension.

Earlier this season Red Wing, Brad Stuart got a blindside hit by Calgary Flames forward Tom Kostopoulos. Stuart suffered a broken jaw and was out for weeks. The NHL did suspend him for 6 NHL games so there was some justice.

I know during a hockey game emotions are high and there is bad blood between teams, but players need to remember it is just a game and trying to hurt a player intentionally is not sportsmanship in any way and bad message to children watching their idols. Hockey players dream of playing in the NHL and its sad to see a player end a career from an illegal hit. When a player gets seriously injured the player that did the hit deserves a suspension because the other team is without that player that was hit for games. The NHL does has affiliate teams but that doesn't always make up for a star player being out because of a hit.

They have added a new rule to the NHL Rulebook
Rules
Rule 48 - Illegal Check to the Head

48.1 Illegal Check to the Head – A lateral or blind side hit to an opponent where the head is targeted and/or the principal point of contact is not permitted.

48.2 Minor Penalty - There is no provision for a minor penalty for this rule.

48.3 Major Penalty - For a violation of this rule, a major penalty shall be assessed (see 48.4).

48.4 Game Misconduct – An automatic game misconduct penalty shall be assessed whenever a major penalty is assessed under this rule.

48.5 Match Penalty - The Referee, at his discretion, may assess a match penalty if, in his judgment, the player attempted to or deliberately injured his opponent with an illegal check to the head.

48.6 Fines and Suspensions – Any player who incurs a total of two (2) game misconducts under this rule, in either regular League or playoff games, shall be suspended automatically for the next game his team plays. For each subsequent game misconduct penalty the automatic suspension shall be increased by one game.

If deemed appropriate, supplementary discipline can be applied by the Commissioner at his discretion (refer to Rule 28).
**FROM NHL.COM**

In the NFL they are working on changing some of the rules so hopefully concussions can be lessened. Former NHL star, Eric Lindros was known for suffering concussions for his style of play. He retired in 2007.

People make jokes that hockey is murder on ice and the dirty hits help refute their point of view. These are only a few examples of the dirty hits in the NHL. Hopefully contact to the head goes down. Pucks can fly 100mph or more so players have been hit or a stick flies and hits a player and that is accidental in contrast to the intentional hits I talked about.

Hockey quotes

Hockey is life the rest is just details

To whom much is given, much is expected

If your dating a hockey player, raise your glass.......if not, raise your standards!

We get nose jobs all the time in the NHL, and we don't even have to go to the hospital.
(Brad Park)

Half the game is mental; the other half is being mental." (Jim McKenny)

How would you like a job where, every time you make a mistake, a big red light goes on and 18,000 people boo? (Jacques Plante)

Beware the fury of a patient man (Scotty Bowman)

Miracle
Herb Brooks: You guys don't want to work during the game?
No problem. We'll work now.
Goal line.
That one!
Hustle!
Think you can win on talent alone?
Gentlemen, you don't have enough talent to win on talent alone.
Again.
If you think you can come here and play the Norwegian National team and tie them and then go to the Olympics and win...
You got another thing coming.
You better think about something else, each and every one of you.
When you pull on that jersey, you represent yourself and your teammates.
And the name on the front is a hell of a lot more important than the one on the back!
Get that through your head!
Again!
Win, lose, or tie, you're
gonna play like champions!

Herb Brooks: What the hell is wrong with you? Put your gear on!
[pause]
Herb Brooks: I said put your gear on!
Rob McClanahan: Doc told me I can't play.
Herb Brooks: Yeah, yeah, yeah I know. You got a bad bruise. You know what put youre street clothes on because I got no time for quitters!
Mike Eruzione: Come on Herb! No body is quitting here!
Herb Brooks: You worry about your own game. Plenty there to keep you busy.
Herb Brooks: A bruise on the leg is a hell of a long way from the heart, candy ass.
Rob McClanahan: What'd you call me?
Herb Brooks: You heard me!
Rob McClanahan: You want me to play huh? Is that what you want?
Herb Brooks: I want you to be a hockey player!
Rob McClanahan: I AM A HOCKEY PLAYER! YOU WANT ME TO PLAY ON ONE LEG? HUH? I'LL PLAY ON ONE LEG!
Herb Brooks: [walking out of the locker room with McClanahan still screaming] That'll get him going.
Craig Patrick: O yeah. I'll clean up!

Herb Brooks: Don't be common.

Herb Brooks: Great moments... are born from great opportunity. And that's what you have here, tonight, boys. That's what you've earned here tonight. One game. If we played 'em ten times, they might win nine. But not this game. Not tonight. Tonight, we skate with them. Tonight, we stay with them. And we shut them down because we can! Tonight, WE are the greatest hockey team in the world. You were born to be hockey players. Every one of you. And you were meant to be here tonight. This is your time. Their time is done. It's over. I'm sick and tired of hearing about what a great hockey team the Soviets have. Screw 'em. This is your time. Now go out there and take it.

Al Michaels: Five seconds left in the game. Do you believe in miracles? YES!

(Penguins vs Islanders, minus Pittsburgh I love they went to a hockey game)
She's Out of My League
Kirk: Come on, Averill, play the man, not the puck! I'm sorry, the player that I was screaming at is a forward, but for some reason he keeps hanging back at the blue line with all the defensemen. Molly: But you realize that they're hanging back 'cause they're trying to kill a power play.
Kirk: Ahh that is exactly what's happening
Molly: Damn it, Fox keep your stick down! That felt good.
Kirk: Yeah.
Stainer: She knows a strange amount about hockey.
Kirk: Yeah, man.
Stainer: Yeah.

NHL Trade Deadline

This is late post, the NHL trade deadline for this season ended February 28th, at 3pm. Since the NHL lockout the NHLPA and NHL Commissioner, Gary Bettman agreed on a salary cap. The salary cap restricts teams such as the Red Wings to pick up players right before the playoff push. Compared to the MLB, there is no "luxury tax" where they can go past the salary cap like the New York Yankees always do. This season the Red Wings didn't pick up any players during the trade deadline because they had no cap room. The Red Wings did re-sign Jimmy Howard for two years(he was going to be a free agent at the end of the season). There were only 16 trades on the NHL deadline. The big deal of the day was Dustin Penner was traded to the LA Kings. Jason Arnott was traded to the Washington Capitals from the Devils for David Steckel. A few key players were re-signed by their teams.

In the past there have been bigger moves with no cap restriction. The Red Wings have picked up some key players during the trade deadline in years past. In 1994-1995 season the Wings got Slava Fetisov from New Jersey. He was part of the Russian 5 for the Wings. Currently, the Wings have a group of Swedes on the team. In 1995-1996 season the Wings picked up Kirk Maltby in exchanged for Dan McGillis. In 1997-1997 season the Wings got Larry Murphy from Toronto for future considerations. In 2002-2003 season the Wings acquired Matthieu Schneider. In 2003-2004 season the Wings traded Tomas Fleischmann for Robert Lang who was playing for the Washington Capitals. In 2006-2007 the Wings got Todd Bertuzzi on the deadline. However, he only played a few games and didn't even suit up for the playoffs. He plays for the Red Wings now (re-signed) and he is a valuable part of this team this season. In 2007-2008 (The Wings won the Stanley Cup) picked up Brad Stuart. Now I'm not a huge fan of him, he has been an okay defensemen for the team. One of the most infamous trades was in 1993 where the Detroit Red Wings got Kris Draper for $1. He helped win Stanley Cups and won the Selke award in 2004 so the Wings got the better end of the deal.

An Ode to Malts!

My favorite hockey player of all time is Kirk Maltby #18. I know most people may be surprised because he is not a hall of famer or top scorer. He is famous for being a part of "The Grind Line." The Grind Line consisted of Joey Kocur, Kris Draper, Darren McCarty, and Kirk Maltby. The Grind Line did not have the most time on the ice, but they played as if every game was their last when they played a shift. I admire Maltby because of his hard work ethic. He played 17 seasons in the NHL and was on the Detroit Red Wings for 14 years. He was traded from the Edmonton Oilers to the Red Wings in 1995 for Dan McGillis. He helped the team win the Stanley Cup four times: 1997, 1998, 2002, and 2008. In 2005 he played for Team Canada in the World Championships with fellow teammate Kris Draper.

My first job I was a cashier at a 99 cent store. My last paycheck I bought my first hockey jersey and had Maltby’s name and number stitched on it. My junior year of high school I met Kirk Maltby at Hockeytown Authentics and it was the first time I ever met a Detroit Red Wing in person. I had him sign my jersey! He asked me how I was and I went speechless, it was so embarrassing, I’m sure my face was beat red. I was able to finally blurt out “good” so at least he knew I could talk. A few years later he had another autograph signing and I got more than one word out. In 2007 I made a trek up to Traverse City for training camp with my friend Jamie and got a photo with Maltby!

Maltby was known for scoring short-handed goals. I convinced my parents, my Aunt Gayle and Greg to go to Chicago for a Wings/ Blackhawks game, it was a great trip. I wore my Maltby jersey and that game he happened to score two goals in that game. My dad was worried for my safety so he came with me when I walked around the United Center during intermission. I was heckled by so many Chicago fans for wearing my Maltby jersey and being a Wings fan. The Wings won in OT and Shanahan got the game winning goal. Another season my parents got tickets for a Wings game on December 22nd which is his birthday, I made a sign for that game. A few years ago later my dad and I went to a Wings game against the Dallas Stars and Maltby scored his 1000th career NHL goal! I actually thought he would score the goal before the game I attended. I made a poster for him if he happened to score the goal. More recently, in February of 2009 Kirk Maltby played in his 1000th NHL career game; of course I had to go. I had just received my tax refund in the mail so the money went to good use. My friends Kate and Meaghan came with me and we bought tickets the day of the game. We got to the game early so we could go down and watch warm-ups. I made a sign “Congrats Kirk on your 1000th NHL game” he noticed and hit a puck at the glass by me.

Last summer Meijer did a special event, “Cooking with Kirk Maltby” at the Rochester store. My friend Kate lived nearby so I went with her. He showed us how to cook a healthy meal and then signed autographs. He did a Q & A and this little girl next to me asked if he liked to play hockey, it was so adorable! On the Detroit Red Wings website they had a short video clip and at one point it shows me with my camera, I look like a dork. I had him sign a “Sports Illustrated” magazine where he appeared on the cover in 1996. The team gave him the nickname “SI.”

In October of 2010 he announced his retirement because he was not offered a contract. The Red Wings offered him a contract with the Grand Rapids Griffins (farm team for Detroit) but his family and home is in Metro Detroit. It was a sad day for me. I was hoping they would have let him play one last season and then he could retire. The good news was the Red Wings offered him a pro scout position with the team.

In February, Owen Sound Platers retired Kirk Maltby’s number to the rafters. He played for them from 1989-1992. In the 1992 season with the team he scored 50 goals. Captain Kirk

Many people don’t like him as a player because he was known to draw penalties on the opposing team. They like to call him an instigator. Also, he got flack for wearing a face shield, however, most people don’t know he almost lost his sight from a hockey stick. He will always be one of my favorites! Thank you Mr. Maltby for staying with the Detroit Red Wings and all the great memories!

Outdoor Hockey Games

In honor of the 2011 Heritage Classic on February 20th on Versus channel I decided to have this be my first topic in my hockey blog :)

On October 6, 2001 the Cold War featured Michigan State University and the University of Michigan where they played at Spartan Stadium. It broke the record at 74,544 in attendance. I graduated with a bachelor degree of science at Michigan State so I bleed green and I will always root for them. The final score was a 3-3 tie. I wish I could have gone to the game, it was a memorable one that people will always remember. Many players on both teams now play for the National Hockey League. Ryan Miller (MSU) was the goalie and currently plays for the Buffalo Sabres. Another former Spartan was Jim Slater who plays for the Atlanta Thrashers. I will stop bringing up facts most hockey fans know. This game led to a trend of many outdoor hockey games for NHL, IIHL, and college teams.

In November of 2003, the Edmonton Oilers and Montreal Canadiens faced off in Alberta, Canada to play an NHL outdoor game. The final score was 4-3 Montreal.

Five years later the NHL decided to make a Winter Classic game every year on New Years Day. In 2008 in New York the Buffalo Sabres hosted the Pittsburgh Penguins where the attendance was 71,217 and the final score was from a shootout 2-1 Pittsburgh.

The 2009 Winter Classic I attended because my favorite team was going to play. It was at Wrigley Field in Chicago, IL. The Detroit Red Wings played the Chicago Blackhawks and won 6-4 with 40,818 fans in the stadium. I put my name in a raffle to be able to purchase tickets and I recall everyone saying I won't even have a chance to go. A few days before the game I did get an email with the option to purchase tickets at face value; however I refused to miss the game so my friend Brandon found tickets on a website and we paid over face value. In the long run it was worth it. Since it was outside, it was obviously cold out with the winter weather. I made two signs: Happy New Year! (with a GO WINGS of course). My second sign I had NBC because it was going to be on that channel and from experience I learned its one way to get your sign on TV. With the letters I put Red Wings players (kroNwall,leBda, Chelios). At the game a fan behind me knew the camera man so he did actually put my NBC sign on the jumbotron so that was sweet! I had enough layers with my Lebda jersey as my final layer and kept warm. Brett Lebda is originally from Buffalo Grove, IL so I thought it was fitting to wear his jersey for the Winter Classic. I considered buying a Winter Classic jersey but I thought I'd use the money I saved up for the trip instead. The atmosphere of the whole thing was surreal. I took pictures of the whole stadium as well as the players. Where our seats were located was actually the Chicago Blackhawks entrance to their locker room, I was just happy to be there. The other reason why this game was so special was the NHL started out with six teams, (known as the Original 6: Montreal, Detroit, Chicago, Toronto, New York, and Boston Bruins) so it was a historical game in additon to being outside. Both teams has custom jerseys for the game and after the game was over the jerseys were auctioned off for charity. Even the goalies had specialized helmets for the game. Yes seeing the Wings win did make the experience better, I wouldn't trade it for anything. A few months later I got a surprise. I knew some photographers took photos of Brandon and I with my signs. One day of facebook the NHL.com website made an online magazine called Impact. Well they did an article on the Winter Classic and a photo of me popped up in there. The Detroit Red Wings have an "Inside Hockeytown" magazine and a much larger photo appeared.

I was completely shocked and excited at the same time. Probably my only claim to fame. I called my dad while at work and he looked at it. We called to order more issues of the magazine and bought one for my friend Brandon. He was excited too! So besides my photos, ticket I framed, program guide, etc I had more proof I was there. What a great way to start the New Year with my Red Wings!

For 2010 another Original six team hosted the Winter Classic: Boston Bruins. They played against the Philadelphia Flyers (whom my one friend Leanne was living there at the time so I was actually rooting for Philly). Boston won in OT 2-1 with 38,112 fans.

Each Winter Classic the games are played in football or baseball stadiums so the attendance can vary with the number of seats available.

When I was a senior at Michigan State I heard rumors about another outdoor college hockey game with Michigan State and the University of Michigan. After a lot of planning they did make a second outdoor hockey game for the rival teams this time in Ann Arbor. I knew I was going to go to the game no matter what being one of the teams my alma mater. On December 11, 2009 the University of Michigan hosted The Big Chill at the Big House. I had never been inside that stadium so I was excited. The final score: U of M beat MSU 5-0. The actual attendance record was 104,173 fans which broke the Guinness Book of World Records so I can always remember I was a part of history. That game was so much colder than the Winter Classic I had attended. Our seats were in the lower level and good view of the whole game. It was a good experience despite my team losing.

This year the Winter Classic had the Pittsburgh Penguins play the Washington Capitals. Many people boycotted the game because the Penguins were playing in a second outdoor game before other teams got the chance. The Capitals have Alex Ovechkin which the NHL is marketing him too. Most recently they are coining the term Ovechtrick (9 goals) in a commercial. Every year NBC broadcasts at least one game with Pittsburgh vs. Washington because they know fans want to see those two faceoff. I understand why they picked those two teams in the Winter Classic, but they need to have other teams play to market all the NHL teams and get fans across the country interested. I almost missed the game, but decided to watch it. The game was originally scheduled to play in the afternoon, but with the rain (melt the ice) they had to push the game to 8pm. I was amused by that. A few years ago in 2004-2005 the NHL had a lockout because the commissioner Gary Bettman and NHLPA executive Bob Goodenow could not reach an agreement because of the salary cap. The NHL has suffered from the smaller fan base. Sidney Crosby because the poster boy for the NHL and being a Detroit fan I refuse to root for him. Even if I wasn't a Wings fan, they marketed him too soon. This year he finally had a good year being on top for many stats. It was a mistake to make him out as the best player in the NHL when he was only a rookie. All things aside it was a good hockey game. The Capitals beat the Penguins 3-1 with 68,111 fans at the game.

Hockey players love playing outside. The pond was a place where most of the players first started playing the game so it means so much to them. I'll be watching the 2011 Heritage Classic in February and hope they continue having outdoor games because the fans have a great time too! Minnesota and Colorado would be my next choices for 2012 and beyond. I would go just for the atmosphere and being out with other hockey fans!

H-E double hockey sticks!

So yesterday I went to a blogger meetup and it inspired me to create a hockey blog. Now anyone who knows me, knows I'm a little obsessed with the sport.

Die hard Red Wings fan
Grand Rapids Griffins
Michigan State Hockey
Saginaw Spirit
Port Huron Icehawks
Flint Generals
USA hockey just to name a few teams I would watch.

I try to be fairly unbiased when talking about teams. My next blog I'm going to dedicate to outdoor hockey games from previous years I attended.

Have to mention Wings beat the Bruins last night 6-1!!!

MI Blogger Meetup 2-11-11
Suze