*Larry Brooks asked "are the Blueshirts better off with a combined $6M investment in Rozsival and projected third-pair defenseman (Josef) Melichar, or with a combined $6.5-7M investment in (Brooks) Orpik and, say, impending Montreal free agent Mark Streit"? I would say no, they aren't. Melichar didn't play in the U.S. this year, and didn't do so well when he did, often falling victim to a bum shoulder (more in his Wiki, which was clearly edited by a Pens fan). Rozy was a mess this year, no matter how Brooksie wants to justify it. Orpik is a hitter and Streit is a power play stud - both qualities needed by the Rangers that neither Rozy or Melichar would be able to provide. Although I think Streit and Orpik will end up costing at least a million more than Brooks estimated. *Jaromir Jagr wants to remain a Ranger. Should he return, he had better play like it ... for the entire season. If he doesn't come back, I said it before: I think Mats Sundin would be a fantastic replacement for around the same cost.
*The Rangers have yet to give out any information about season tickets for next year or even anything about their Eurotrip to open the year. The Tampa Bay Lightning, their opponents in Prague, have had a travel package available for weeks. What could the Blueshirts box office folks be doing? The Rangers have been out since the second round, the Knicks ... hahaha and the Liberty are already well underway.
*I went through some of my archives and noticed a lot of pictures were down. Sorry about that. When I first started I would just grab Yahoo! photos without realizing they dump their archives. I'm not about to go back through all of them (sorry) but have taken some steps to avoid that going forward.
*Its kinda funny: I lament the loss of the Jets, Puck Daddy memorializes the Whalers and this week's Hockey News brings up the Nordiques (no direct link, sorry). Do you think many people will fondly remember the days of the Thrashers and the Predators as fondly?
*And I love the Hockey News. I have read it on regularly for most of my life but they have to improve their production schedule. As a subscriber, I received the June 10th issue on June 7th and it talks about the upcoming Stanley Cup Final series, while the damn parade already made its way through Detroit on the 6th. Jason Kay and the crew have done a really good job trying to make THN not as time sensitive but for things like this, they need to do better and altering the production schedule by condensing it and improving the means they print will help keep them relevant. *For Wings fans, the Behind The Jersey blog is a must-read by a great young writer but this photo is a little bit unfortunate/perverted/leading for the poor girl, don't you think? Maybe I just have a dirty mind ...
*Pierre McGuire pointed out that the ice at the Igloo wasn't the greatest due to the heat and humidity in the building. As the NHL continues to stretch their schedule into June, don't you think they would prepare for this kind of thing by now? The ice was awful in Florida and Tampa Bay and, well, pretty much everywhere in the states during June hockey. Why wouldn't they have insisted the Pens bring in more dehumidifiers and air conditioning units?
*For everyone who is still salivating over the thought of the next Winter Classic, I just want to again voice my concerns. The Heritage Classic in Edmonton that got the outdoor thing started wasn't nearly as good as the Winter Classic but was so well received because it welcomed back some of the best players in history in an exhibition before the game. The NHL had better have one helluva gimmick up their sleeve for the next one because you just can't replicate what happened in Buffalo. *Those Winter Classic jerseys will be back as third jerseys next year. The NHL Tournament of Logos has been having a lot of fun pitching other prospective kits so check them out.
*Speaking of jerseys, if anyone hits a garage sale this summer and sees someone selling an Islanders fishsticks jersey in XL for 10 bucks or less, let me know. I want one of those, just for laughs. Maybe I'd get it personalized "HAHAHAHA 94" or something.
*The NHL Draft is again scattered across two days, so they can put the first round in primetime the night before the second through seventh rounds. Simply said, I think its terrible. Aside from a few geeks like me (and probably you), who is going to sit home on a Friday night to watch the draft? And aside from viewership, by splitting up the draft, it kills any kinds of draft parties team might/should hold. I remember going to MSG on the day of the 1999 draft for all sorts of festivities including tours of the locker room, player appearances and bubble hockey. Of course I left early when they traded Dan Cloutier and Marc Savard and drafted Pavel Brendl and Jamie Lundmark, but the party was still a good idea. *And no time-killing post would be good without some YouTubage so I turn it over to the Sharks fans over at We Bleed Teal for a look at the best NHL commercials.
Ok, that's it. I'm spent. Time to revel in some air conditioning.
"No Heat Wave Can Kill Hockey: The Chilly Resilience of the Sport"
As summer temperatures soar and people seek refuge from the scorching heat, it may seem counterintuitive to think about a sport played on ice. Yet, hockey, a game that thrives on frigid conditions, not only survives but continues to captivate fans and players alike, even in the midst of a heatwave. In this article, we'll explore the enduring appeal of hockey and why no heat wave can extinguish the passion for this chilly sport.
FAQ 1: Why is hockey played on ice, and how did it become so popular?
Hockey's origins can be traced back to the frozen ponds of Canada in the late 19th century. The game was initially played as a way to enjoy the outdoors during the long, cold winters. Over time, it evolved into an organized sport, with rules and equipment designed for play on ice. Its popularity grew as it spread to other cold-climate regions and eventually worldwide.
FAQ 2: How does hockey adapt to warmer climates and seasons?
Hockey's adaptability is one of its strengths. In regions where natural ice isn't readily available, rinks with artificial ice surfaces allow for year-round play. Moreover, professional leagues like the NHL have expanded into warmer climates, demonstrating the sport's willingness to embrace new markets.
The Resilience of Hockey Fandom
Hockey fans are a dedicated and passionate bunch. No matter how hot it gets outside, they'll find a way to watch their favorite teams and players. Whether it's crowding around a TV in an air-conditioned bar, streaming games online, or attending indoor games, hockey fans are known for their unwavering support.
FAQ 3: How do hockey fans beat the heat to enjoy the game?
Hockey fans have devised creative ways to enjoy the sport in warm weather:
1. Indoor Gatherings: Many fans organize watch parties at indoor venues with large screens and air conditioning.
2. Frozen Treats: Cold beverages, ice cream, and frozen cocktails help fans stay cool while watching games.
3. Streaming and Mobile Apps: With the advent of digital technology, fans can watch games on their smartphones or tablets from the comfort of their air-conditioned homes.
The Thrill of the Ice
One of the enduring attractions of hockey is the sensation of speed and skill on ice. The combination of players gliding effortlessly across the surface, the puck zipping around, and the physicality of the sport creates a unique and exhilarating viewing experience.
FAQ 4: What makes hockey different from other sports?
Hockey's distinct features include:
1. Speed: Hockey is one of the fastest team sports, with players reaching high speeds on skates.
2. Skill: The precise control of the puck, stickhandling, and passing are essential skills that set hockey apart.
3. Physicality: Hockey allows for body checking and physical play, adding an element of toughness.
4. Goal Scoring: The dynamic nature of the game can lead to sudden and dramatic changes in score, making it particularly exciting.
Inclusivity in Hockey
While hockey has traditionally been associated with cold climates, the sport has been making efforts to broaden its reach. Initiatives like "Hockey is for Everyone" aim to make the sport more inclusive, welcoming players and fans from diverse backgrounds and regions.
FAQ 5: How is hockey working to become more inclusive?
Efforts to promote inclusivity in hockey include:
1. Community Programs: Grassroots programs introduce hockey to underrepresented communities.
2. Scholarships: Programs offer financial support to young players, making the sport more accessible.
3. Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives: Teams and leagues are actively promoting diversity and inclusivity in their organizations.
: Hockey's Cool Staying Power
As the world faces rising temperatures and changing climates, hockey remains a symbol of resilience. Its ability to adapt and grow in popularity, even in regions where snow and ice are rare, speaks to the enduring appeal of the sport. Whether you're watching the game from the comfort of air conditioning or cheering on your team in an indoor arena, one thing is clear: no heat wave can kill the passion for hockey. It's a sport that continues to thrive, reminding us that sometimes, the coolest things in life can withstand the hottest challenges.
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