Eleven years from now, when a father's dreams come true, the first person Colin should thank after being taken in the first round of the 2019 NHL Entry Draft better be his Mama.
Should this dream come true, it will be because of, more than anyone else, her. She's the one who gets him to skating lessons. She's the one who sits through public skates. She's the one who tightens the laces of his skates. She's his hockey mom.
I must admit, too, to being a bit jealous. My work schedule has meant that I've missed most of the skating lessons. She's missed just one week since December. Only when I've used a vacation or personal day have I been able to pitch in. Still, though, in this economy, I won't complain. Too much, that is.
Colin's skating instructor tells us he's ready to move ahead to Hockey 101 lessons. There, in the weeks ahead, he'll learn more skating related specifically to the game -- backwards, crossovers and quick cuts, while working, of course, on his developing one-timer from the right faceoff circle.
And while I can teach him the nuances of the game -- snapshots over slapshots, clearing a crease and delivering devastating hip checks -- it's going to be his Mama who will nurture his growth. That's what Mamas do best.
Hockeytown? I don't think so
For a city that professes itself as Hockeytown, I'll add my considerable weight to the growing question of just what the heck is up with the hometown fans. Empty seats at a Western Conference championship game in Joe Louis Arena? That's sacrilegious.
As much as I hate to admit it, I don't see a team that can beat the Red Wings. I'm already rethinking my Stars-in-seven pick. Pittsburgh, while hugely talented, would only earn a lesson from Detroit. Sorry, but it'll be Titletown, once again, along the banks of the Detroit River.
So, for Detroit fans to not sell out the Joe during the Red Wings' run can mean only one of two things:
~ The economy is so bad in Detroit (and, by all accounts, the city's hemorrhaging auto industry is pretty darn ugly) that no one has any disposable income left; or
~ Red Wings fans have become complacent, even though it's been six years since Detroit last won the Cup.
Showing posts with label Sunday morning homilies. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Sunday morning homilies. Show all posts
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Sunday, May 4, 2008
Sunday morning homily XXVIII
In the end, perhaps, it was unfair to compare Montreal's rookie netminder Carey Price to Canadiens legends Ken Dryden and Patrick Roy.
Sure, Price showed glimpses of greatness, leading many of us to think that hockey magic, once again, had been captured in a bottle. Early on, his play and poise started the whispers of his following in those famous footsteps. As the playoffs wore on, however, it became apparent that those comparisons were off-base.
More than anything else, I suppose, it was a weak glove hand that did in the young goalie. A noticeably horrendous effort in Game 3 against Philadelphia was easily exposed and exploited. I found it interesting, too, that Price used a newer catching glove, to no avail, in the series-ending loss last night.
Please know that I'm not piling onto Price at this point. Personally, I believe the kid is going to have a solid career in the NHL. I'm sure, too, that he'll take the Canadiens back to the playoffs many, many times. He is, in my humble estimation, that good.
The lesson I'll take away from his playoff run was the pressure of potential, especially when the spotlight shines on one of hockey's grandest stages. It's not just the comparison to two of hockey's greatest goalies, but to play for and in Montreal, where the game is religion, could easily test the most seasoned of goalies.
Let the kid learn from this experience. He'll have all summer to replay each and every shot that eluded him. It's all part of the learning process. Someday, maybe his name will be mentioned, positively, in the same sentence as Dryden and Roy.
Some things, Montreal fans need to believe, are worth waiting for.
I can hardly wait
Yes, I know I have months to wait before I can resume my hockey-hounding adventures. That didn't keep me, however, from getting ready for next year.
Even though I've yet to file away last year's bounty, I've already added to the stockpile for the 2008-09 season, snagging some AHL team pucks (Norfolk Admirals, Rochester Americans and Springfield Falcons) and prospects card sets.
Other than that, though, I'm going to try to work down my existing inventory. And, yes, get some stuff put away.
Sure, Price showed glimpses of greatness, leading many of us to think that hockey magic, once again, had been captured in a bottle. Early on, his play and poise started the whispers of his following in those famous footsteps. As the playoffs wore on, however, it became apparent that those comparisons were off-base.
More than anything else, I suppose, it was a weak glove hand that did in the young goalie. A noticeably horrendous effort in Game 3 against Philadelphia was easily exposed and exploited. I found it interesting, too, that Price used a newer catching glove, to no avail, in the series-ending loss last night.
Please know that I'm not piling onto Price at this point. Personally, I believe the kid is going to have a solid career in the NHL. I'm sure, too, that he'll take the Canadiens back to the playoffs many, many times. He is, in my humble estimation, that good.
The lesson I'll take away from his playoff run was the pressure of potential, especially when the spotlight shines on one of hockey's grandest stages. It's not just the comparison to two of hockey's greatest goalies, but to play for and in Montreal, where the game is religion, could easily test the most seasoned of goalies.
Let the kid learn from this experience. He'll have all summer to replay each and every shot that eluded him. It's all part of the learning process. Someday, maybe his name will be mentioned, positively, in the same sentence as Dryden and Roy.
Some things, Montreal fans need to believe, are worth waiting for.
I can hardly wait
Yes, I know I have months to wait before I can resume my hockey-hounding adventures. That didn't keep me, however, from getting ready for next year.
Even though I've yet to file away last year's bounty, I've already added to the stockpile for the 2008-09 season, snagging some AHL team pucks (Norfolk Admirals, Rochester Americans and Springfield Falcons) and prospects card sets.
Other than that, though, I'm going to try to work down my existing inventory. And, yes, get some stuff put away.
Sunday, April 13, 2008
Sunday morning homily XXVII
There's just something about waking up early on a Sunday morning.
To sit on the back porch, a freshly brewed cup of coffee in hand, and watch the sun's rays peek through the branches of black walnut and oak trees. To watch worker honeybees flit from flower to flower, performing their missions. It's relatively quiet, too, with only the songs from birds filling the backyard.
With Florida's warm weather gaining steam, I know the months ahead will limit these opportunities. It's just too darn hot most days to enjoy the best of what the balmy Sunshine State has to offer.
Still, though, we're likely getting our last reprieve of cool, dry air over the next few days. Now that we've been down here a few years, I'm thankful I know enough to enjoy it.
Even if it means waking up early.
Football, in an arena?
As much as I'd like to take in our first Tampa Bay Rays game of the season, we're heading over to Tampa later today to check out the Tampa Bay Storm in our first-ever Arena Football League game.
From what I hear, the game's pretty exciting and the talent level improves each year. Sure, it's not the NFL, but the sports does produce lots of scoring and, as a result, excitement.
Given the lack of both during Lightning home games this season, I'm hoping that holds true.
Crowned
Hound Central 3.0 extends its congratulations to Boston College for winning the NCAA men's hockey championship last night. For the Eagles, who beat Notre Dame, 4-1, to claim the title, it is their third national championship.
To sit on the back porch, a freshly brewed cup of coffee in hand, and watch the sun's rays peek through the branches of black walnut and oak trees. To watch worker honeybees flit from flower to flower, performing their missions. It's relatively quiet, too, with only the songs from birds filling the backyard.
With Florida's warm weather gaining steam, I know the months ahead will limit these opportunities. It's just too darn hot most days to enjoy the best of what the balmy Sunshine State has to offer.
Still, though, we're likely getting our last reprieve of cool, dry air over the next few days. Now that we've been down here a few years, I'm thankful I know enough to enjoy it.
Even if it means waking up early.
Football, in an arena?
As much as I'd like to take in our first Tampa Bay Rays game of the season, we're heading over to Tampa later today to check out the Tampa Bay Storm in our first-ever Arena Football League game.
From what I hear, the game's pretty exciting and the talent level improves each year. Sure, it's not the NFL, but the sports does produce lots of scoring and, as a result, excitement.
Given the lack of both during Lightning home games this season, I'm hoping that holds true.
Crowned
Hound Central 3.0 extends its congratulations to Boston College for winning the NCAA men's hockey championship last night. For the Eagles, who beat Notre Dame, 4-1, to claim the title, it is their third national championship.
Sunday, April 6, 2008
Sunday morning homily XXVI
Now that the hockey season has mercifully concluded down here in Tampa Bay, one might think that the withdrawal symptoms would be kicking into overdrive by now. Thankfully, that isn't the case.
I suppose taking the past week off from work, a move that coincided with Colin's spring break vacation from school, played a major role. And while we didn't cross everything off of our to-do list, we kept ourselves busy, and out of trouble, by hanging out together.
Sure, we did the hockey thing on Monday, hounding the Atlanta Thrashers and the Tampa Bay Lightning and taking in two periods (A brewing head cold meant I couldn't tolerate the Lightning's lackluster play and the incessant scoreboard-driven cheering any longer) of Tampa Bay's final home game of the 2007-08 season.
As the lights of the St. Pete Times Forum diminished in my rear-view mirror that night, I knew the activities and lessons of the days ahead (some planned, others impromptu) would help with the transition:
~ Helping to teach the Goofy Dude that learning to tie one's shoes is the last official test of successfully making the leap to Big Boyhood;
~ Getting our Indy Car fix at the Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg;
~ Teaching him right from wrong, namely that one returns a purse found in an empty shopping cart outside a Wal-Mart;
~ Keeping a promise to fly a kite, even if it was a bit too windy;
~ Giving Colin a personal tour of his father's first tour of duty in Florida;
~ Going to a movie theater and watching Horton Hears a Who!;
~ And, yes, we went ice skating a couple of times.
Now, had finances allowed us to travel to visit family or attend some of Florida's big-name theme parks, I'm sure we would have created a different set of memories. Still, though, I believe we had a pretty fun week of vacation. At least that's what Colin keeps telling me.
Classy Calgary
A nice touch by the Calgary Flames to line up and shake the hand of Vancouver's Trevor Linden following last night's game. Though it hadn't been announced officially, there were few people inside the GM Place last night who didn't know that the contest would be Linden's last in the NHL.
Once the final buzzer sounded, ending the Canucks' season, there were the Flames players, including 50-goal scorer Jarome Iginla, lining up to congratulate the player who many Vancouver fans believe defines the Canucks.
I may be wrong, but I don't recall that act of respect ever happening in other sports.
Looking ahead
After a couple days of getting back to work, my plans for hockey over the next few months will focus on cataloging the past few weeks of hounding and reorganizing all things related to hounding.
I doubt I'll revisit Baseball Mondays, last summer's project that focused on baseball hounding efforts. Simply put, it's just too blasted hot from mid-April to September to stand outside and try to collect autographs.
Instead, I hope to get in more ice skating, especially with Colin, and some fishing. Hounding is only a hobby, not a business. Life is far too short to not have fun.
I suppose taking the past week off from work, a move that coincided with Colin's spring break vacation from school, played a major role. And while we didn't cross everything off of our to-do list, we kept ourselves busy, and out of trouble, by hanging out together.
Sure, we did the hockey thing on Monday, hounding the Atlanta Thrashers and the Tampa Bay Lightning and taking in two periods (A brewing head cold meant I couldn't tolerate the Lightning's lackluster play and the incessant scoreboard-driven cheering any longer) of Tampa Bay's final home game of the 2007-08 season.
As the lights of the St. Pete Times Forum diminished in my rear-view mirror that night, I knew the activities and lessons of the days ahead (some planned, others impromptu) would help with the transition:
~ Helping to teach the Goofy Dude that learning to tie one's shoes is the last official test of successfully making the leap to Big Boyhood;
~ Getting our Indy Car fix at the Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg;
~ Teaching him right from wrong, namely that one returns a purse found in an empty shopping cart outside a Wal-Mart;
~ Keeping a promise to fly a kite, even if it was a bit too windy;
~ Giving Colin a personal tour of his father's first tour of duty in Florida;
~ Going to a movie theater and watching Horton Hears a Who!;
~ And, yes, we went ice skating a couple of times.
Now, had finances allowed us to travel to visit family or attend some of Florida's big-name theme parks, I'm sure we would have created a different set of memories. Still, though, I believe we had a pretty fun week of vacation. At least that's what Colin keeps telling me.
Classy Calgary
A nice touch by the Calgary Flames to line up and shake the hand of Vancouver's Trevor Linden following last night's game. Though it hadn't been announced officially, there were few people inside the GM Place last night who didn't know that the contest would be Linden's last in the NHL.
Once the final buzzer sounded, ending the Canucks' season, there were the Flames players, including 50-goal scorer Jarome Iginla, lining up to congratulate the player who many Vancouver fans believe defines the Canucks.
I may be wrong, but I don't recall that act of respect ever happening in other sports.
Looking ahead
After a couple days of getting back to work, my plans for hockey over the next few months will focus on cataloging the past few weeks of hounding and reorganizing all things related to hounding.
I doubt I'll revisit Baseball Mondays, last summer's project that focused on baseball hounding efforts. Simply put, it's just too blasted hot from mid-April to September to stand outside and try to collect autographs.
Instead, I hope to get in more ice skating, especially with Colin, and some fishing. Hounding is only a hobby, not a business. Life is far too short to not have fun.
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Sunday morning homily XXV
Just how quickly time flies by struck me hard yesterday as we hounded the Carolina Hurricanes. It seems like only a couple weeks ago that the Lightning were at training camp and a full season of hounding awaited.
I've been told that time does, indeed, pass in an instant with each year, as we're able to place it in context with the accumulation of years in our lives. If I didn't subscribe to that theory last September, any doubts were erased by March.
I know I've taken extended breaks from hounding this season, keeping a promise I made to myself before the season. I wanted to have fun this year, rather than repeat the frustrations that dotted the tail end of the 2006-07 season. I believe I kept that commitment.
I'll save an in-depth look at the 2007-08 season for another day, but I certainly can't complain about this season's efforts. Thanks to Boston's Tim Thomas, the puck collection hit 1,500. Future Hall of Famer Joey Sakic signed four pucks. Scoring 50 autographs in a single session was pretty cool, too.
That's not to say, though, that there wasn't some frustration. Health issues kept me away from two Western Conference teams, Vancouver and Minnesota, leaving me with a stockpile of those pucks. It's one thing to miss a divisional foe, but to pass on opportunities at such players as Marian Gaborik, Roberto Luongo and Markus Naslund was disappointing.
Looking at the big picture, however, I suppose it's easy to understand how the past seven months went by like seven weeks. Time flies when you're having fun.
On spring break
In my first tour of duty in Florida, back in 1979, one of my favorite times of the year was when northern colleges cut loose their students for two weeks of intoxicating fun in the sun of southern climates.
Living near Clearwater Beach back then, it was easy to get a front-row seat to the festivities. As I joined buddies parked along Mandalay Avenue, our cover (which seldom worked, by the way) was that we were students at either Florida or Syracuse. Our tans, however, gave us away.
Twenty-plus years later, I'm looking forward to this spring break. Colin has a week off from school and, through the good graces of my boss and a colleague, we're going to spend it together.
Now, I promise to steer clear of Clearwater Beach over the next week. Instead, we'll be skating, camping out and watching Horton Hears A Who! And, yes, we'll hound the Thrashers and Lightning tomorrow.
5 Big Sigs
In what will be this season's final installment of this weekly feature, we're hoping to add these to the collection:
~ Atlanta goalie Kari Lehtonen on the Thrashers team helmet;
~ Tampa Bay's Vinny Lecavalier on a 2008 NHL All Star Game puck;
~ Tampa Bay's Junior Lessard, winner of the 2004 Hobey Baker Award, on a Lightning puck;
~ Tampa Bay rookie defenseman Matt Smaby on a University of North Dakota puck; and
~ New Lightning goalie Mike Smith on Tampa Bay and Dallas pucks.
I've been told that time does, indeed, pass in an instant with each year, as we're able to place it in context with the accumulation of years in our lives. If I didn't subscribe to that theory last September, any doubts were erased by March.
I know I've taken extended breaks from hounding this season, keeping a promise I made to myself before the season. I wanted to have fun this year, rather than repeat the frustrations that dotted the tail end of the 2006-07 season. I believe I kept that commitment.
I'll save an in-depth look at the 2007-08 season for another day, but I certainly can't complain about this season's efforts. Thanks to Boston's Tim Thomas, the puck collection hit 1,500. Future Hall of Famer Joey Sakic signed four pucks. Scoring 50 autographs in a single session was pretty cool, too.
That's not to say, though, that there wasn't some frustration. Health issues kept me away from two Western Conference teams, Vancouver and Minnesota, leaving me with a stockpile of those pucks. It's one thing to miss a divisional foe, but to pass on opportunities at such players as Marian Gaborik, Roberto Luongo and Markus Naslund was disappointing.
Looking at the big picture, however, I suppose it's easy to understand how the past seven months went by like seven weeks. Time flies when you're having fun.
On spring break
In my first tour of duty in Florida, back in 1979, one of my favorite times of the year was when northern colleges cut loose their students for two weeks of intoxicating fun in the sun of southern climates.
Living near Clearwater Beach back then, it was easy to get a front-row seat to the festivities. As I joined buddies parked along Mandalay Avenue, our cover (which seldom worked, by the way) was that we were students at either Florida or Syracuse. Our tans, however, gave us away.
Twenty-plus years later, I'm looking forward to this spring break. Colin has a week off from school and, through the good graces of my boss and a colleague, we're going to spend it together.
Now, I promise to steer clear of Clearwater Beach over the next week. Instead, we'll be skating, camping out and watching Horton Hears A Who! And, yes, we'll hound the Thrashers and Lightning tomorrow.
5 Big Sigs
In what will be this season's final installment of this weekly feature, we're hoping to add these to the collection:
~ Atlanta goalie Kari Lehtonen on the Thrashers team helmet;
~ Tampa Bay's Vinny Lecavalier on a 2008 NHL All Star Game puck;
~ Tampa Bay's Junior Lessard, winner of the 2004 Hobey Baker Award, on a Lightning puck;
~ Tampa Bay rookie defenseman Matt Smaby on a University of North Dakota puck; and
~ New Lightning goalie Mike Smith on Tampa Bay and Dallas pucks.
Sunday, March 23, 2008
Sunday morning homily XXIV
In less than a week, I get to enjoy yet another spring break here in Florida. With Colin off from school and an early vacation request approved at work, we're looking forward to some fun in the sun.
We're planning on getting in a little hounding, watching some hockey, going camping (in the backyard, though), exploring Florida's wildlife, practicing our skating and, basically, hanging out. And, we might even check out the St. Petersburg Grand Prix.
More than anything else, our vacation together will provide yet another opportunity to strengthen a bond between father and son. As Colin grows older, I know these instances may prove more difficult to arrange. Schedules, from work to school to play, will likely see to that.
That's why hockey will play a big part of our time off together. Not just in the weeks ahead, but hopefully through our shared lifetimes. Now that Colin asks pretty good questions about the game, wanting to know about penalties, arenas and certain players on other teams, I know the seed has taken sprout.
Now, it's time to watch it grow.
What do you think?
Now that the hockey world, or at least our little speck of it, knows the Tampa Bay Lightning won't be making the NHL playoffs, I'm wondering why the team isn't shutting down stars Vincent Lecavalier and Marty St. Louis for the season.
With a season as frustrating as this, and nagging bumps and bruises starting to chip away at productivity, I believe it makes more sense to start their summers early, giving them a chance to heal -- physically, mentally and emotionally.
I doubt it will happen, though. No one wants to be accused of tanking a season, even if it means a No. 1 overall pick.
5 Big Sigs
In what will be the final full week of hockey hounding for the 2007-08 season in Tampa Bay, I can begin to close out the campaign by adding these cherry-picked items to the collection:
~ Florida's Tomas Vokoun on Panthers cards;
~ Washington's Olaf Kolzig on new and old school Capitals pucks;
~ Washington's Sergei Fedorov on anything;
~ Carolina's Eric Staal on a 2008 NHL All-Star Game puck; and
~ Carolina's Tuomo Ruutu and Sergei Samsonov on Hurricanes pucks.
We're planning on getting in a little hounding, watching some hockey, going camping (in the backyard, though), exploring Florida's wildlife, practicing our skating and, basically, hanging out. And, we might even check out the St. Petersburg Grand Prix.
More than anything else, our vacation together will provide yet another opportunity to strengthen a bond between father and son. As Colin grows older, I know these instances may prove more difficult to arrange. Schedules, from work to school to play, will likely see to that.
That's why hockey will play a big part of our time off together. Not just in the weeks ahead, but hopefully through our shared lifetimes. Now that Colin asks pretty good questions about the game, wanting to know about penalties, arenas and certain players on other teams, I know the seed has taken sprout.
Now, it's time to watch it grow.
What do you think?
Now that the hockey world, or at least our little speck of it, knows the Tampa Bay Lightning won't be making the NHL playoffs, I'm wondering why the team isn't shutting down stars Vincent Lecavalier and Marty St. Louis for the season.
With a season as frustrating as this, and nagging bumps and bruises starting to chip away at productivity, I believe it makes more sense to start their summers early, giving them a chance to heal -- physically, mentally and emotionally.
I doubt it will happen, though. No one wants to be accused of tanking a season, even if it means a No. 1 overall pick.
5 Big Sigs
In what will be the final full week of hockey hounding for the 2007-08 season in Tampa Bay, I can begin to close out the campaign by adding these cherry-picked items to the collection:
~ Florida's Tomas Vokoun on Panthers cards;
~ Washington's Olaf Kolzig on new and old school Capitals pucks;
~ Washington's Sergei Fedorov on anything;
~ Carolina's Eric Staal on a 2008 NHL All-Star Game puck; and
~ Carolina's Tuomo Ruutu and Sergei Samsonov on Hurricanes pucks.
Monday, March 17, 2008
Busy day on Sunday
Between a baseball clinic, hockey practice (Colin needs more skating lessons) and a celebrity fundraising baseball game, the fact that I forgot to write a Sunday morning homily yesterday was the result of my own absentmindedness.
I will say, though, that we did get in a little hounding at the baseball game, snagging baseball Hall of Famers Bob Feller and Ferguson Jenkins on an official MLB baseball. Also, Colin scored a foul ball during the game.
With the Lightning on a road trip, there will be little hockey hounding activity in Tampa this week. After that, there will be four teams (Florida, Washington, Carolina and Atlanta) visiting within seven days. And with the Lightning out of the playoffs, that will bring the 2007-08 hockey hounding season to a close.
P.S. Don't forget to wear your green today. Everyone, including Washington's Alexander O'Ovechkin, is Irish today.
I will say, though, that we did get in a little hounding at the baseball game, snagging baseball Hall of Famers Bob Feller and Ferguson Jenkins on an official MLB baseball. Also, Colin scored a foul ball during the game.
With the Lightning on a road trip, there will be little hockey hounding activity in Tampa this week. After that, there will be four teams (Florida, Washington, Carolina and Atlanta) visiting within seven days. And with the Lightning out of the playoffs, that will bring the 2007-08 hockey hounding season to a close.
P.S. Don't forget to wear your green today. Everyone, including Washington's Alexander O'Ovechkin, is Irish today.
Sunday, March 9, 2008
Sunday morning homily XXIII
Technically, this is a few minutes late. It's Sunday afternoon already, not morning. It's like time, an hour in this case, has slipped away. In a sense, today typifies this season here in the Tampa Bay area.
Last September, during training camp, ambition and hopes ran high. Preparations had been made. Lofty goals were set. Confidence, as it usually is during that time of the season, was secure.
As the season wore on, though, so did the incumbent trials. There were peaks. There were valleys. Highlights and low-water marks. Rays of sunshine blocked by clouds. Like a slow-moving stream, this season has meandered, creating hockey's version of an oxbow lake.
And, now, as we enter the homestretch, there is the realization that yet another campaign is nearing an end. Setbacks, I'm afraid, maintain a slight edge over any steps forward. The aches and pains are getting a little too hard to ignore. Sadly, too, the motivation level seems to have taken a precipitous dip.
Before you start forming an opinion that I'm talking about the Tampa Bay Lightning's frustrating 2007-08 season, I'll have to let you in on a little secret. Though it would be easy to draw a parallel from the previous passages (something that truly was my intent), I was relating what this season of hounding has been like.
There were great days, like having the Boston Bruins and Ottawa Senators all to myself. Loading up on autographs from the Calgary Flames and Edmonton Oilers. Getting 50 autographs from a single session with the Montreal Canadiens.
There have been down days as well. Realizing that a serious concussion would keep Patrice Bergeron in Boston all season. My own health issues sending me to the sidelines for the Vancouver Canucks and Minnesota Wild. And I still haven't gotten Sidney Crosby to sign Colin's Penguins jersey.
Three weeks and a day from today, the Lightning will play Atlanta in their final home game of the 2007-08 campaign. Between now and then, with another five teams coming to town, there's an opportunity to end the season on a strong note, setting the stage for the 2008-09 campaign.
Disappointments, I hope, will be few.
5 Big Sigs
Trust me, I can appreciate your doubts that any of these will be fulfilled. Given the past few attempts at this feature, I haven't had the best track record over the past few weeks. But with the New York Islanders and Rangers headed south (in a geographical sense), I'm hoping to add these to the collection:
~ The Isles' Bill Guerin on Blues and Devils pucks;
~ Former Lightning winger Ruslan Fedotenko on an Islanders puck;
~ The Isles' Miroslav Satan on the Slovakian team jersey;
~ The Rangers' Jaromir Jagr, Brendan Shanahan and Martin Straka on the 1999 NHL All Star Game helmet; and
~ Goalie Henrik Lundqvist on a Rangers puck and a McFarlane base.
Last September, during training camp, ambition and hopes ran high. Preparations had been made. Lofty goals were set. Confidence, as it usually is during that time of the season, was secure.
As the season wore on, though, so did the incumbent trials. There were peaks. There were valleys. Highlights and low-water marks. Rays of sunshine blocked by clouds. Like a slow-moving stream, this season has meandered, creating hockey's version of an oxbow lake.
And, now, as we enter the homestretch, there is the realization that yet another campaign is nearing an end. Setbacks, I'm afraid, maintain a slight edge over any steps forward. The aches and pains are getting a little too hard to ignore. Sadly, too, the motivation level seems to have taken a precipitous dip.
Before you start forming an opinion that I'm talking about the Tampa Bay Lightning's frustrating 2007-08 season, I'll have to let you in on a little secret. Though it would be easy to draw a parallel from the previous passages (something that truly was my intent), I was relating what this season of hounding has been like.
There were great days, like having the Boston Bruins and Ottawa Senators all to myself. Loading up on autographs from the Calgary Flames and Edmonton Oilers. Getting 50 autographs from a single session with the Montreal Canadiens.
There have been down days as well. Realizing that a serious concussion would keep Patrice Bergeron in Boston all season. My own health issues sending me to the sidelines for the Vancouver Canucks and Minnesota Wild. And I still haven't gotten Sidney Crosby to sign Colin's Penguins jersey.
Three weeks and a day from today, the Lightning will play Atlanta in their final home game of the 2007-08 campaign. Between now and then, with another five teams coming to town, there's an opportunity to end the season on a strong note, setting the stage for the 2008-09 campaign.
Disappointments, I hope, will be few.
5 Big Sigs
Trust me, I can appreciate your doubts that any of these will be fulfilled. Given the past few attempts at this feature, I haven't had the best track record over the past few weeks. But with the New York Islanders and Rangers headed south (in a geographical sense), I'm hoping to add these to the collection:
~ The Isles' Bill Guerin on Blues and Devils pucks;
~ Former Lightning winger Ruslan Fedotenko on an Islanders puck;
~ The Isles' Miroslav Satan on the Slovakian team jersey;
~ The Rangers' Jaromir Jagr, Brendan Shanahan and Martin Straka on the 1999 NHL All Star Game helmet; and
~ Goalie Henrik Lundqvist on a Rangers puck and a McFarlane base.
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Sunday morning homily XXII
Having taken the past month off from hounding, I've had plenty of time to think during missed hounding opportunities about what the future holds for this hobby of mine. It's been a long 12 straight years of pounding the pavement, dealing with the weather and, yes, occasionally exchanging pleasantries with NHL players.
After getting the 1,500th autographed puck to the collection yesterday, I'm beginning to wonder whether it's time to try something new next season. Though I'll continue adding to the pucks, I'm looking forward to taking a more project-based approach -- working team jerseys, helmets and the random stick or two.
For the most part, finances will play a major role in the effort. Like most everyone else, the economic downturn is becoming hard to ignore. A gallon of gas spiked 16 cents within eight hours earlier this week. One station, in Tampa, was asking $3.399 a gallon. we're hearing, too, that prices will peak around $3.75 this summer.
Knowing that what little disposable income we have left will likely head toward bills next year (provided I'm not a victim of the associated downturn within the journalism industry), I'm thankful I have a host of hockey memorabilia that's suitable for signing.
The biggest reason why I'll be taking a more team-based approach next season is I'll be spending more time serving as a consultant, so to speak, for my little hound-in-training, Colin. At nearly 7 years old, he's not shy about asking, but his approach, which often includes cutting in front of adults, could use a little work.
Either way, I plan to keep pursuing this hobby in the years ahead. Some habits, I believe, are too much fun to break.
Trade junkie
Hopefully, I'm not alone in my thinking, but I look forward to the NHL trade deadline every season. I love watching the moves that teams make in their bids to, first, make the playoffs and, secondly, play deep into June.
Here, in Tampa Bay, the buzz is around shipping Brad "Dime-on-a-dollar" Richards some place, as long as he's willing to ignore his no-trade clause. If he doesn't move, there's talk that Dan Boyle, coming back from a freak accident earlier this season that sliced three tendons in his left wrist (is he damaged goods?) might get traded.
More than anything else, though, deadline-day trades create future hounding opportunities -- either for your hometown team as well as conference rivals that dominate the last quarter of the season.
5 Big Sigs
~ goalie Niklas Backstrom on a couple different Wild pucks;
~ Pavol Demitra, Marian Gaborik and Branko Radivojevic on the Slovakian team jersey;
~ coach Jacques Lemaire on the Montreal Canadiens legends jersey;
~ winger Brian Rolston on Wild, Bruins and Devils pucks; and
~ captain of the month Nick Schultz on a couple different Wild pucks.
After getting the 1,500th autographed puck to the collection yesterday, I'm beginning to wonder whether it's time to try something new next season. Though I'll continue adding to the pucks, I'm looking forward to taking a more project-based approach -- working team jerseys, helmets and the random stick or two.
For the most part, finances will play a major role in the effort. Like most everyone else, the economic downturn is becoming hard to ignore. A gallon of gas spiked 16 cents within eight hours earlier this week. One station, in Tampa, was asking $3.399 a gallon. we're hearing, too, that prices will peak around $3.75 this summer.
Knowing that what little disposable income we have left will likely head toward bills next year (provided I'm not a victim of the associated downturn within the journalism industry), I'm thankful I have a host of hockey memorabilia that's suitable for signing.
The biggest reason why I'll be taking a more team-based approach next season is I'll be spending more time serving as a consultant, so to speak, for my little hound-in-training, Colin. At nearly 7 years old, he's not shy about asking, but his approach, which often includes cutting in front of adults, could use a little work.
Either way, I plan to keep pursuing this hobby in the years ahead. Some habits, I believe, are too much fun to break.
Trade junkie
Hopefully, I'm not alone in my thinking, but I look forward to the NHL trade deadline every season. I love watching the moves that teams make in their bids to, first, make the playoffs and, secondly, play deep into June.
Here, in Tampa Bay, the buzz is around shipping Brad "Dime-on-a-dollar" Richards some place, as long as he's willing to ignore his no-trade clause. If he doesn't move, there's talk that Dan Boyle, coming back from a freak accident earlier this season that sliced three tendons in his left wrist (is he damaged goods?) might get traded.
More than anything else, though, deadline-day trades create future hounding opportunities -- either for your hometown team as well as conference rivals that dominate the last quarter of the season.
5 Big Sigs
~ goalie Niklas Backstrom on a couple different Wild pucks;
~ Pavol Demitra, Marian Gaborik and Branko Radivojevic on the Slovakian team jersey;
~ coach Jacques Lemaire on the Montreal Canadiens legends jersey;
~ winger Brian Rolston on Wild, Bruins and Devils pucks; and
~ captain of the month Nick Schultz on a couple different Wild pucks.
Sunday, February 17, 2008
Sunday morning homily XXI
When it comes right down to it, it's no surprise that 30-plus years of playing and watching hockey has taken a bit of the thrill out of attending games. It's possible, I suppose, that I'm used to the ebb and flow, the body-crunching hits and music that's way too loud for my liking.
For someone attending their first NHL game, though, it's a new experience. The sights, the sounds and, yes, even the taste of a pretzel filled with sweet cream cheese are fresh. To the newbie, and I say that in a positive manner, it's a brave and brash new world.
Last night, I witnessed a new fan's first few steps toward hockey. Gus, a buddy from the newspaper, joined us, as well as his fiancee, Jackie, who was attending just her second NHL game, to watch the Lightning play, and lose, to the Washington Capitals.
I'd spent the past two days talking about Washington's Alexander Ovechkin. Given that he was parked at 48 goals, I was hoping that he'd hit 50 against the Bolts, giving all of us something to remember. Unfortunately, the Lightning held Ovie in check.
You know what? It didn't matter.
What drew Gus into the game was its speed and the action. Like most fans, he got into the physicality, to the point of giggling and groaning when players collided heavily along the boards. He asked good questions, ranging from rules to delayed penalties to even about the thickness of a goalie's chest protector. He says, too, that he wants to catch a puck.
His most telling question, though, was about rivalries. He wanted to know what teams didn't like each other and would play a physical game. I suggested the Lightning vs. Flyers, Sabres vs. Leafs, Bruins vs. Canadiens, Red Wings vs. Avalanche. On Tuesday, when we get back to the copy desk, I'll add Rangers vs. Islanders.
How do I know he'll be interested? That's simple.
"Definitely," he offered, without a prompt, "I could do this again."
Get your motor running
Down here in Florida, today's big sporting event is the granddaddy of all stock car races, the 50th running of the Daytona 500. As much as I'd like to be there to witness it, I'll have to settle for chilling out and watching from my well-worn recliner.
What does racing have to do with hockey? Well, if you've been watching the recent exploits between top-tier drivers Tony Stewart and Kurt Busch, a couple of gearheads with an intense dislike of one another, there's a solid chance that a hockey scrum might break out should these two tangle during the race.
Hopefully, the two teams will be far apart on pit road. If not, any dust-up could spark a pit-clearing brawl that, in my opinion, might restore some energy into the increasingly moribund sport that's NASCAR.
For the record, we'll be rooting for Dale Earnhardt Jr.
5 Big Sigs
Sooner or later, I'm going to get back out there hounding. Between health issues and weather, I've missed more hounding opportunities in the past month than I've actually participated in. With the Boston Bruins, and hopefully Patrice Bergeron, coming to Tampa later this week, it will be a good time to get back into the groove.
With that in mind, we're hoping to add these to the collection:
~ goalie Alex Auld on Bruins, Canucks and Panthers pucks;
~ an updated picture of Colin and his pal, Patrice;
~ defenseman Andrew Ference on a practice puck he gave to Colin after pregame warm-ups last season;
~ forward Phil Kessel on a Team USA puck; and
~ goalie Tim Thomas on a 2008 NHL All Star Game puck.
For someone attending their first NHL game, though, it's a new experience. The sights, the sounds and, yes, even the taste of a pretzel filled with sweet cream cheese are fresh. To the newbie, and I say that in a positive manner, it's a brave and brash new world.
Last night, I witnessed a new fan's first few steps toward hockey. Gus, a buddy from the newspaper, joined us, as well as his fiancee, Jackie, who was attending just her second NHL game, to watch the Lightning play, and lose, to the Washington Capitals.
I'd spent the past two days talking about Washington's Alexander Ovechkin. Given that he was parked at 48 goals, I was hoping that he'd hit 50 against the Bolts, giving all of us something to remember. Unfortunately, the Lightning held Ovie in check.
You know what? It didn't matter.
What drew Gus into the game was its speed and the action. Like most fans, he got into the physicality, to the point of giggling and groaning when players collided heavily along the boards. He asked good questions, ranging from rules to delayed penalties to even about the thickness of a goalie's chest protector. He says, too, that he wants to catch a puck.
His most telling question, though, was about rivalries. He wanted to know what teams didn't like each other and would play a physical game. I suggested the Lightning vs. Flyers, Sabres vs. Leafs, Bruins vs. Canadiens, Red Wings vs. Avalanche. On Tuesday, when we get back to the copy desk, I'll add Rangers vs. Islanders.
How do I know he'll be interested? That's simple.
"Definitely," he offered, without a prompt, "I could do this again."
Get your motor running
Down here in Florida, today's big sporting event is the granddaddy of all stock car races, the 50th running of the Daytona 500. As much as I'd like to be there to witness it, I'll have to settle for chilling out and watching from my well-worn recliner.
What does racing have to do with hockey? Well, if you've been watching the recent exploits between top-tier drivers Tony Stewart and Kurt Busch, a couple of gearheads with an intense dislike of one another, there's a solid chance that a hockey scrum might break out should these two tangle during the race.
Hopefully, the two teams will be far apart on pit road. If not, any dust-up could spark a pit-clearing brawl that, in my opinion, might restore some energy into the increasingly moribund sport that's NASCAR.
For the record, we'll be rooting for Dale Earnhardt Jr.
5 Big Sigs
Sooner or later, I'm going to get back out there hounding. Between health issues and weather, I've missed more hounding opportunities in the past month than I've actually participated in. With the Boston Bruins, and hopefully Patrice Bergeron, coming to Tampa later this week, it will be a good time to get back into the groove.
With that in mind, we're hoping to add these to the collection:
~ goalie Alex Auld on Bruins, Canucks and Panthers pucks;
~ an updated picture of Colin and his pal, Patrice;
~ defenseman Andrew Ference on a practice puck he gave to Colin after pregame warm-ups last season;
~ forward Phil Kessel on a Team USA puck; and
~ goalie Tim Thomas on a 2008 NHL All Star Game puck.
Sunday, February 10, 2008
Sunday morning homily XX
Like most hockey fans, I certainly enjoyed yesterday's Hockey Day in Canada presentation. To have a day celebrating hockey's heritage from British Columbia to the Maritimes, from snow-covered driveways to big-city arenas, is just one example of why the game is so important to its fans.
Here in the states, though, the day passed with little fanfare. And, to me, that's a shame.
While loud and convincing arguments can be made that baseball, football, basketball and, ahem, even soccer, hold greater importance in the United States, I can only wonder what the response would be if the American hockey landscape were to stage its own day of dedication.
From youth leagues right on up to Original Six matchups (Detroit vs. Chicago and Boston vs. New York), as well as strong regional rivalries across the nation's professional leagues, I believe it would be a wonderful, and hopefully well-received, idea to have such a day.
With all due respect to the game's Canadian roots, hockey in America has grown far beyond the Miracle on Ice. With such living legends as Dallas' Mike Modano, Detroit's Chris Chelios and San Jose's Jeremy Roenick still playing, as well as a growing pipeline of young prospects (Chicago's Patrick Kane and Flyers pick James vanRiemsdyk come to mind), the profile of U.S.-born players raises with each generation.
The time has come, I believe, for a Hockey Day in America.
This doesn't bode well
With a purported sale of the Tampa Bay Lightning to Hollywood goremeister Oren Koules sidetracked by financing problems, I'm beginning to wonder whether this deal will happen at all.
It seems that Societe Generale, the scandalized French bank that apparently was to provide financing for the deal shuttering its sports-lending unit, I can't imagine too many other banks, especially given the credit crunch within our economy, willing to step up with a silver platter of cash for the stagnant franchise.
Perhaps Koules, the producer of the bloody Saw movie franchise, will rush out Saw V this year to help pay for the transaction. Until then, the Lightning will only, in a best-case scenario, tread water.
5 Big Sigs
Amended Feb. 12: Even though two teams will be visiting Tampa Bay this weekend, I thought I'd likely limit my hounding to just the Montreal Canadiens on Tuesday. Too bad, though, that forecasts for thunderstorms scrubbed the trip. The Capitals, in town on Saturday, will come back later in the season.
Here in the states, though, the day passed with little fanfare. And, to me, that's a shame.
While loud and convincing arguments can be made that baseball, football, basketball and, ahem, even soccer, hold greater importance in the United States, I can only wonder what the response would be if the American hockey landscape were to stage its own day of dedication.
From youth leagues right on up to Original Six matchups (Detroit vs. Chicago and Boston vs. New York), as well as strong regional rivalries across the nation's professional leagues, I believe it would be a wonderful, and hopefully well-received, idea to have such a day.
With all due respect to the game's Canadian roots, hockey in America has grown far beyond the Miracle on Ice. With such living legends as Dallas' Mike Modano, Detroit's Chris Chelios and San Jose's Jeremy Roenick still playing, as well as a growing pipeline of young prospects (Chicago's Patrick Kane and Flyers pick James vanRiemsdyk come to mind), the profile of U.S.-born players raises with each generation.
The time has come, I believe, for a Hockey Day in America.
This doesn't bode well
With a purported sale of the Tampa Bay Lightning to Hollywood goremeister Oren Koules sidetracked by financing problems, I'm beginning to wonder whether this deal will happen at all.
It seems that Societe Generale, the scandalized French bank that apparently was to provide financing for the deal shuttering its sports-lending unit, I can't imagine too many other banks, especially given the credit crunch within our economy, willing to step up with a silver platter of cash for the stagnant franchise.
Perhaps Koules, the producer of the bloody Saw movie franchise, will rush out Saw V this year to help pay for the transaction. Until then, the Lightning will only, in a best-case scenario, tread water.
5 Big Sigs
Amended Feb. 12: Even though two teams will be visiting Tampa Bay this weekend, I thought I'd likely limit my hounding to just the Montreal Canadiens on Tuesday. Too bad, though, that forecasts for thunderstorms scrubbed the trip. The Capitals, in town on Saturday, will come back later in the season.
Sunday, February 3, 2008
Sunday morning homily XIX
Not that I'm a cowboy or anything, but I've heard that it's best, once you've been bucked off the horse, to jump right back into the saddle. I suppose, then, that's why I allowed myself to get talked into hounding the Florida Panthers yesterday.
After putting in a longer-than-normal day at the paper, I was fully content to just attend the game. Thanks to my wife, though, who brought along my pre-packed hounding bag, and her observation that we had the time and the access, it was nice to ease back into the routine.
But rather than run around like a madman, trying to score another 30-40 autographs in an hour, I adopted more of a consultant's role, helping Colin score a pretty sweet autograph from one of his favorite players. I did, however, embark on a new project.
I suppose, too, that seeing some of my hounding buddies helped, even despite some gentle ribbing over my absences last week for the Buffalo Sabres and Vancouver Canucks. Half the fun of hounding, I believe, is the camaraderie -- busted chops and all.
As I've said before, I'm going to take a more measured approach to hounding through the end of this season. Rather than hounding for the sake of hounding, any trip I'll take will have a defined purpose. In most cases, it'll be to add players to the collection or to work on a project piece.
After all, quality is better than quantity.
Helping grow the game
Though I've watched the Washington Capitals play numerous times, I'm really looking forward to the team's game against the Lightning on Feb. 16.
Sure, there's the chance that scoring machine Alex Ovechkin could light his 50th lamp of the season. My anticipation, however, goes beyond that. My big thrill of the day will be taking a buddy to his first-ever NHL game.
In a way, I believe every hockey fan has an obligation to spread the word of our sport. This is my little contribution.
My Super Bowl XLII prediction
As much as I love to see underdogs pull off upsets, common sense tells me that the New York Giants won't be able to spoil the New England Patriots' season of perfection.
Here's my best guess: Patriots 37, Giants 17.
Addendum: At least I had the Giants' points correct.
After putting in a longer-than-normal day at the paper, I was fully content to just attend the game. Thanks to my wife, though, who brought along my pre-packed hounding bag, and her observation that we had the time and the access, it was nice to ease back into the routine.
But rather than run around like a madman, trying to score another 30-40 autographs in an hour, I adopted more of a consultant's role, helping Colin score a pretty sweet autograph from one of his favorite players. I did, however, embark on a new project.
I suppose, too, that seeing some of my hounding buddies helped, even despite some gentle ribbing over my absences last week for the Buffalo Sabres and Vancouver Canucks. Half the fun of hounding, I believe, is the camaraderie -- busted chops and all.
As I've said before, I'm going to take a more measured approach to hounding through the end of this season. Rather than hounding for the sake of hounding, any trip I'll take will have a defined purpose. In most cases, it'll be to add players to the collection or to work on a project piece.
After all, quality is better than quantity.
Helping grow the game
Though I've watched the Washington Capitals play numerous times, I'm really looking forward to the team's game against the Lightning on Feb. 16.
Sure, there's the chance that scoring machine Alex Ovechkin could light his 50th lamp of the season. My anticipation, however, goes beyond that. My big thrill of the day will be taking a buddy to his first-ever NHL game.
In a way, I believe every hockey fan has an obligation to spread the word of our sport. This is my little contribution.
My Super Bowl XLII prediction
As much as I love to see underdogs pull off upsets, common sense tells me that the New York Giants won't be able to spoil the New England Patriots' season of perfection.
Here's my best guess: Patriots 37, Giants 17.
Addendum: At least I had the Giants' points correct.
Sunday, January 27, 2008
Sunday morning homily XVIII
Once the NHL drops the curtain on tonight's All Star Game in Atlanta, we'll be at the unofficial halfway mark of the season. It also marks when hockey starts to get fun.
Beginning Tuesday, teams start ramping up for the playoffs. Some will make it. Some won't. Every point, from here on out, is precious.
Here in Tampa, though, it won't be as intense. Sure, the Lightning will make every effort to make a run for their only shot at the playoffs -- winning the Southeast Conference. No. What I'm talking about is holding myself to a promise I made last year.
Rather than hound every team that comes to Tampa, it's time to add a few breaks into the schedule, especially with those we see fairly often. In a sense, it's pure cherrypicking. Teams like Vancouver and Minnesota deserve undivided attention. Others, such as the Leafs and Hurricanes, can wait until next year.
Heading into this season, I pledged to have more fun hounding this year. To a degree, that's been attained. Colorado was fantastic. So was Calgary. Edmonton, too.
Going forward, where less will be more, I'll remember that.
Goalies are nuts
This is just an observation, but any human being willing to stand in front of a slapshot by Boston's Zdeno Chara needs to have their head examined. At 103-plus miles per hour, there's no amount of equipment (I'll talk, though, about money) that could keep me in the net while he was winding up.
There is a difference between brave and foolish.
5 Big Sigs
With as many as three opportunities this week, I'd probably run myself back into the ground. That's why I'll probably pass on the Sabres (Tuesday) and Panthers (Saturday), and focus on the Canucks. I see those other teams all the time. The Canucks? They're a different story.
I'll keep it pretty simple, too:
~ Roberto Luongo on a new Canucks puck;
~ The Sedin twins on new Canucks pucks;
~ Markus Naslund on new Canucks and Penguins pucks;
~ Ryan Kesler on a 2005 AHL All-Stars card; and
~ Alex Edler and Nathan McIver on their Rookie Class cards.
Beginning Tuesday, teams start ramping up for the playoffs. Some will make it. Some won't. Every point, from here on out, is precious.
Here in Tampa, though, it won't be as intense. Sure, the Lightning will make every effort to make a run for their only shot at the playoffs -- winning the Southeast Conference. No. What I'm talking about is holding myself to a promise I made last year.
Rather than hound every team that comes to Tampa, it's time to add a few breaks into the schedule, especially with those we see fairly often. In a sense, it's pure cherrypicking. Teams like Vancouver and Minnesota deserve undivided attention. Others, such as the Leafs and Hurricanes, can wait until next year.
Heading into this season, I pledged to have more fun hounding this year. To a degree, that's been attained. Colorado was fantastic. So was Calgary. Edmonton, too.
Going forward, where less will be more, I'll remember that.
Goalies are nuts
This is just an observation, but any human being willing to stand in front of a slapshot by Boston's Zdeno Chara needs to have their head examined. At 103-plus miles per hour, there's no amount of equipment (I'll talk, though, about money) that could keep me in the net while he was winding up.
There is a difference between brave and foolish.
5 Big Sigs
With as many as three opportunities this week, I'd probably run myself back into the ground. That's why I'll probably pass on the Sabres (Tuesday) and Panthers (Saturday), and focus on the Canucks. I see those other teams all the time. The Canucks? They're a different story.
I'll keep it pretty simple, too:
~ Roberto Luongo on a new Canucks puck;
~ The Sedin twins on new Canucks pucks;
~ Markus Naslund on new Canucks and Penguins pucks;
~ Ryan Kesler on a 2005 AHL All-Stars card; and
~ Alex Edler and Nathan McIver on their Rookie Class cards.
Sunday, January 20, 2008
Sunday morning homily XVII
For those of you who have followed my hounding adventures this season, it's safe to say that recent weeks have proved rather productive. Fifty autographs in one day from the Montreal Canadiens. Four pucks signed by Colorado's Joe Sakic. Three pucks from Calgary's Miikka Kiprusoff. Heck, even the Maple Leafs, a team I associated with grumpiness, proved to be willing signers.
Not too long before that, though, I was experiencing the flip side of hounding, running into virtual brick walls and repeatedly testing my mantra that one autograph is better than none.
From time to time, readers comment about the luck I seem to have when it comes to hounding. With all due respect, though, luck has very little to do with it. Preparation and perseverance are my keys.
I won't apologize for my preparation efforts. Because my work schedule provides idle hours early in the day, I put that time to good use by compiling exhaustive puck lists and stacks of team sets that number more than 75 cards. I memorize players faces, making little flash cards of those I don't initially recognize.
Perseverance comes easily, too. If I'm going to make the effort to be prepared for teams, then putting myself in the right position at the right time is the easy part. In my book, anything less than that is a waste of time and effort.
Over the past 10-plus years of hounding -- from the early days of asking "Who's that?" in Greensboro, N.C., to too many freezing February mornings in downtown Boston -- I've had my fair share of more good days than bad. And, for that, I'm thankful.
Luck, I'm afraid, had nothing to do with it. We all make our own opportunities. Effort is usually rewarded. Laziness, I'm afraid, is not.
Something to think about
Down here in Florida, we've started to notice that players who not only sign for us, but also interact in a positive fashion, seem to enjoy a bit of good luck in their games against the Lightning.
The most recent example was Colorado defenseman Jeff Finger. Though he's not exactly a household name, one of my hounding buddies, Gary the Swedish Big Dog, made a point of sharing their mutual connections to Michigan's Upper Peninsula before last Tuesday's game. Finger's recognition that someone knew his hometown brought a giant smile to his face.
Later, during warm-ups, Finger noticed a sign of encouragement (Yooper Power!) that Gary had made for him. We weren't surprised then, when Finger scored Colorado's first goal against the Lightning. It was just his third of the season.
Now, I'm not suggesting that autograph hounds serve as conduits of good fortune for NHL players. Still, though, I guess it shows that good things happen to nice people.
5 Big Sigs
With Western Conference teams continuing to make stops in Tampa, one might think that I'd focus my efforts entirely on the Edmonton Oilers this week. While I will devote a considerable amount of attention to the Oilers, I can't forget that Ottawa is coming to town, too.
With a little hustle and good timing, here's what I hope we add to the collection this week:
~ Edmonton general manager Kevin Lowe on Oilers (old school) and Rangers pucks;
~ Winger Ales Hemsky on an Oilers official game puck and a wallpaper image;
~ Defenseman Denis Grebeshkov on one of his game-used sticks from his days with the AHL's Manchester Monarchs;
~ Goalie Dwayne Roloson on Oilers, Sabres and University of Massachusetts-Lowell pucks; and
~ Ottawa's Jason Spezza on the Young Guns stick.
Not too long before that, though, I was experiencing the flip side of hounding, running into virtual brick walls and repeatedly testing my mantra that one autograph is better than none.
From time to time, readers comment about the luck I seem to have when it comes to hounding. With all due respect, though, luck has very little to do with it. Preparation and perseverance are my keys.
I won't apologize for my preparation efforts. Because my work schedule provides idle hours early in the day, I put that time to good use by compiling exhaustive puck lists and stacks of team sets that number more than 75 cards. I memorize players faces, making little flash cards of those I don't initially recognize.
Perseverance comes easily, too. If I'm going to make the effort to be prepared for teams, then putting myself in the right position at the right time is the easy part. In my book, anything less than that is a waste of time and effort.
Over the past 10-plus years of hounding -- from the early days of asking "Who's that?" in Greensboro, N.C., to too many freezing February mornings in downtown Boston -- I've had my fair share of more good days than bad. And, for that, I'm thankful.
Luck, I'm afraid, had nothing to do with it. We all make our own opportunities. Effort is usually rewarded. Laziness, I'm afraid, is not.
Something to think about
Down here in Florida, we've started to notice that players who not only sign for us, but also interact in a positive fashion, seem to enjoy a bit of good luck in their games against the Lightning.
The most recent example was Colorado defenseman Jeff Finger. Though he's not exactly a household name, one of my hounding buddies, Gary the Swedish Big Dog, made a point of sharing their mutual connections to Michigan's Upper Peninsula before last Tuesday's game. Finger's recognition that someone knew his hometown brought a giant smile to his face.
Later, during warm-ups, Finger noticed a sign of encouragement (Yooper Power!) that Gary had made for him. We weren't surprised then, when Finger scored Colorado's first goal against the Lightning. It was just his third of the season.
Now, I'm not suggesting that autograph hounds serve as conduits of good fortune for NHL players. Still, though, I guess it shows that good things happen to nice people.
5 Big Sigs
With Western Conference teams continuing to make stops in Tampa, one might think that I'd focus my efforts entirely on the Edmonton Oilers this week. While I will devote a considerable amount of attention to the Oilers, I can't forget that Ottawa is coming to town, too.
With a little hustle and good timing, here's what I hope we add to the collection this week:
~ Edmonton general manager Kevin Lowe on Oilers (old school) and Rangers pucks;
~ Winger Ales Hemsky on an Oilers official game puck and a wallpaper image;
~ Defenseman Denis Grebeshkov on one of his game-used sticks from his days with the AHL's Manchester Monarchs;
~ Goalie Dwayne Roloson on Oilers, Sabres and University of Massachusetts-Lowell pucks; and
~ Ottawa's Jason Spezza on the Young Guns stick.
Sunday, January 13, 2008
Sunday morning homily XVI
Well, I did it. I finally broke down and bought a pair of skates. Bauer Vapor XXII's, too. Just like Colin's. Only bigger. A lot bigger.
All kidding aside, they represent more than a return to skating. They'll represent, for as long as my back and hips are willing, another bond between Colin and myself. As he progresses in his skating lessons, and he's getting ready to graduate to his hockey skates, we'll soon be able to take to the ice.
Though I played organized street hockey for years, I didn't start skating until I was 15, learning to stride and glide on a frozen swamp. It wasn't until I moved to Florida for the first time, back in the late 1970s, that I improved my skating skills. As a father, I'm making sure Colin, at age 6, gets a much earlier start.
Where will it take him? I couldn't tell you. Sure, I'd love for him to someday play in the NHL. What hockey dad wouldn't, right? I'd settle, too, for some scholarship opportunities, even at a Division II school, when that time comes. Still, though, his lessons, and the exercise I'll get from making the ice cry, tender a greater reward.
In the years ahead, I know that Colin will find it less "cool" to hang out with his old man. I'm OK with that. It's all part of growing up (For both of us, probably). As I've said before, I'm hoping, though, that hockey is a common bond that'll keep us close.
Skating together is another step in that direction.
Just the right time
One would think that after attending six straight Saturday night Lightning games, I'd be suffering withdrawal symptoms over the past three weeks. Thankfully, that hasn't been the case.
The break, interrupted only by a couple of hounding trips (Montreal and Pittsburgh), has been nice. It allowed for some R&R, back-office work (basically, a puck order and card collating) and a recharging of the hockey batteries.
It'll be nice, too, that some Western Conference teams (Colorado, Edmonton and Vancouver) are coming our way. So are Buffalo and Ottawa, two hound-friendly teams.
5 Big Sigs
I've been looking forward to this week, when the Avalanche, my Western Conference favorite, visits Tampa. I'm a bit disappointed, though, that Joe Sakic, who had hernia surgery less than a month ago, is unlikely to be with the team.
Still, these could erase the sting:
~ winger Milan Hejduk on an Avalanche puck and a wallpaper;
~ center Paul Stastny, the team's top scorer, on an Avalanche puck and a wallpaper;
~ goalie Jose Theodore on a Quebec Citadelles puck and, if I'm lucky, the Team Canada goalie mask;
~ winger Wojtek Wolski on Avalanche and Brampton Battalion pucks; and
~ TV color guy Peter McNab, a former player, on a Sabres puck.
Now, should Joey, by the grace of God and his hockey-based counterparts, travel with the team (I'm not holding my breath, though), I'll have this assortment of pucks of which I'd be ecstatic, but forever humbled, if he'd sign any two of these:
~ Colorado Avalanche;
~ Quebec Nordiques;
~ 2004 NHL All Star Game (he was the MVP);
~ Swift Current Broncos; and
~ 2004 World Cup of Hockey-Team Canada
All kidding aside, they represent more than a return to skating. They'll represent, for as long as my back and hips are willing, another bond between Colin and myself. As he progresses in his skating lessons, and he's getting ready to graduate to his hockey skates, we'll soon be able to take to the ice.
Though I played organized street hockey for years, I didn't start skating until I was 15, learning to stride and glide on a frozen swamp. It wasn't until I moved to Florida for the first time, back in the late 1970s, that I improved my skating skills. As a father, I'm making sure Colin, at age 6, gets a much earlier start.
Where will it take him? I couldn't tell you. Sure, I'd love for him to someday play in the NHL. What hockey dad wouldn't, right? I'd settle, too, for some scholarship opportunities, even at a Division II school, when that time comes. Still, though, his lessons, and the exercise I'll get from making the ice cry, tender a greater reward.
In the years ahead, I know that Colin will find it less "cool" to hang out with his old man. I'm OK with that. It's all part of growing up (For both of us, probably). As I've said before, I'm hoping, though, that hockey is a common bond that'll keep us close.
Skating together is another step in that direction.
Just the right time
One would think that after attending six straight Saturday night Lightning games, I'd be suffering withdrawal symptoms over the past three weeks. Thankfully, that hasn't been the case.
The break, interrupted only by a couple of hounding trips (Montreal and Pittsburgh), has been nice. It allowed for some R&R, back-office work (basically, a puck order and card collating) and a recharging of the hockey batteries.
It'll be nice, too, that some Western Conference teams (Colorado, Edmonton and Vancouver) are coming our way. So are Buffalo and Ottawa, two hound-friendly teams.
5 Big Sigs
I've been looking forward to this week, when the Avalanche, my Western Conference favorite, visits Tampa. I'm a bit disappointed, though, that Joe Sakic, who had hernia surgery less than a month ago, is unlikely to be with the team.
Still, these could erase the sting:
~ winger Milan Hejduk on an Avalanche puck and a wallpaper;
~ center Paul Stastny, the team's top scorer, on an Avalanche puck and a wallpaper;
~ goalie Jose Theodore on a Quebec Citadelles puck and, if I'm lucky, the Team Canada goalie mask;
~ winger Wojtek Wolski on Avalanche and Brampton Battalion pucks; and
~ TV color guy Peter McNab, a former player, on a Sabres puck.
Now, should Joey, by the grace of God and his hockey-based counterparts, travel with the team (I'm not holding my breath, though), I'll have this assortment of pucks of which I'd be ecstatic, but forever humbled, if he'd sign any two of these:
~ Colorado Avalanche;
~ Quebec Nordiques;
~ 2004 NHL All Star Game (he was the MVP);
~ Swift Current Broncos; and
~ 2004 World Cup of Hockey-Team Canada
Sunday, January 6, 2008
Sunday morning homily XV
Here at Hound Central 3.0's headquarters, we've been operating at a level just slightly below DefCon 4 over the past 24 hours. With the holidays over, we begin our busiest season of the year. Nope, it's not baseball. Spring training's about six weeks away.
Our double-timing, 18-plus-hour days are focused on one objective: family visits. While we welcome the chance to spend time with loved ones from back home, it always seems to catch us by surprise how quickly it happens after the holidays. That, and the wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling cleaning that comes with it.
The late start to this morning's homily, still being written past the lunchtime hour, was brought about by an old lesson: do your chores before you play. That's why I spent the past three hours taking down and putting away most of our Christmas decorations, sweeping porches and tightening up rocking chairs.
It was only after completing those chores could I find the time for my weekly obligation. It just wouldn't seem right.
Our company starts arriving this afternoon. Colin's Nana and Babop fly down Wednesday. I'll soon have back-to-back four-day weekends. I wouldn't have it any other way. Now that the chores are done, it's time to kick back and play.
Boys will be boys
It seems that the University of Maine mens hockey team has a wicked-good sense of humor. The Black Bears, in Florida for a holiday tournament down in Estero, stopped by the Ice Sports Forum in Brandon on New Year's Eve day to practice before heading home.
According to the story, and I can only verify its ending, a freshman won a "raffle" at the end of a team meal/meeting and was "awarded" the opportunity to skate with the Tampa Bay Lightning later that morning. While everyone else wore their warm-ups, he was told to get into his gear.
When we walked into the Ice Sports Forum in Brandon, recognizing we were surrounded by Black Bears, I thought it was strange that only one player was dressed. Soon enough, he realized, much to his red-faced dismay as his teammates roared with laughter, that it was a prank.
A good one, too, if you ask me.
To his credit, he took a couple laps around the rink -- by himself. It's the price he paid to be part of a team.
5 Big Sigs
Though Pittsburgh's Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin and this season's poster boy for sophomore slumps, Jordan Staal, sit atop my Penguins' wish list, I'll be happy to add these to the collection:
~ Winter Classic game-winning goalie Ty Conklin, a former Sabre, on the American-born goalie stick and a University of New Hampshire puck;
~ defenseman Sergei Gonchar on a Penguins mini pennant;
~ defenseman Kris Letang on Penguins and Val-d'Or pucks.
~ winger Petr Sykora on Penguins and Devils pucks; and
~ defenseman Ryan Whitney on a 2002 NHL Draft Class photo.
Our double-timing, 18-plus-hour days are focused on one objective: family visits. While we welcome the chance to spend time with loved ones from back home, it always seems to catch us by surprise how quickly it happens after the holidays. That, and the wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling cleaning that comes with it.
The late start to this morning's homily, still being written past the lunchtime hour, was brought about by an old lesson: do your chores before you play. That's why I spent the past three hours taking down and putting away most of our Christmas decorations, sweeping porches and tightening up rocking chairs.
It was only after completing those chores could I find the time for my weekly obligation. It just wouldn't seem right.
Our company starts arriving this afternoon. Colin's Nana and Babop fly down Wednesday. I'll soon have back-to-back four-day weekends. I wouldn't have it any other way. Now that the chores are done, it's time to kick back and play.
Boys will be boys
It seems that the University of Maine mens hockey team has a wicked-good sense of humor. The Black Bears, in Florida for a holiday tournament down in Estero, stopped by the Ice Sports Forum in Brandon on New Year's Eve day to practice before heading home.
According to the story, and I can only verify its ending, a freshman won a "raffle" at the end of a team meal/meeting and was "awarded" the opportunity to skate with the Tampa Bay Lightning later that morning. While everyone else wore their warm-ups, he was told to get into his gear.
When we walked into the Ice Sports Forum in Brandon, recognizing we were surrounded by Black Bears, I thought it was strange that only one player was dressed. Soon enough, he realized, much to his red-faced dismay as his teammates roared with laughter, that it was a prank.
A good one, too, if you ask me.
To his credit, he took a couple laps around the rink -- by himself. It's the price he paid to be part of a team.
5 Big Sigs
Though Pittsburgh's Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin and this season's poster boy for sophomore slumps, Jordan Staal, sit atop my Penguins' wish list, I'll be happy to add these to the collection:
~ Winter Classic game-winning goalie Ty Conklin, a former Sabre, on the American-born goalie stick and a University of New Hampshire puck;
~ defenseman Sergei Gonchar on a Penguins mini pennant;
~ defenseman Kris Letang on Penguins and Val-d'Or pucks.
~ winger Petr Sykora on Penguins and Devils pucks; and
~ defenseman Ryan Whitney on a 2002 NHL Draft Class photo.
Sunday, December 30, 2007
Sunday morning homily XIV
If every other columnist/blogger -- from the small-town sage to the big-city blowhard -- can offer up resolutions and/or predictions for 2008, it's probably acceptable, within some circles, to tender these for your hockey-hounding consideration:
2008 resolutions
1.) Continue to remember that hounding is a hobby. A fun one, too. My work is within journalism, especially making the jump to multimedia efforts. Who knows? Maybe I'll do a video report on hounding for the paper. That's a good objective, isn't it?
2.) Continue to improve upon the breadth and quality of the collection. It's been a real hoot putting together signed sticks, especially the American-born goalie stick; team helmets, including the 1999 All Star Game helmet; and jerseys. Diversity is important.
3.) After skating for the first time in 14 years, and suffering no indignity or injury greater than a wet butt (I was using dull rental skates), I'll make it a more regular occurrence (twice a month, perhaps?). It was, and will be, a joy to skate with Colin.
2008 predictions
1.) We'll finish the 2007-08 season with more than 1,525 pucks. With a little effort, and some more cooperation from the Washington Capitals (and it's not just Ovie, either), closing out with 1,550 is within the realm of possibility.
2.) The 1,500th puck of the collection will be signed by a Vancouver Canucks player. Roberto Luongo, Markus Naslund or either of the Sedins would be nice, wouldn't it?
3.) The Lightning are toast. They won't even contend for the playoffs. So are Jay Feaster and John Tortorella. But I first said that in April. Tampa Bay thanks them, though, for the Cup.
300-plus pucks in a year
In researching Hound Central 3.0's review of 2007's hounding efforts, preliminary calculations show that 307 autographed pucks were added to the collection. I guess it was a good year. You can read more about it tomorrow.
5 Big Sigs
With the Dolts on the road until Jan. 10, when Sid and the Penguins come to Tampa, I'll be enjoying a little break from hounding.
It'll be a time to put away some pucks, update the files and get ready for Pittsburgh. And Colorado. And Edmonton.
Please know, too, that I'll start linking to any, and all, successes within this feature. In time, past installments, where applicable, will be linked.
2008 resolutions
1.) Continue to remember that hounding is a hobby. A fun one, too. My work is within journalism, especially making the jump to multimedia efforts. Who knows? Maybe I'll do a video report on hounding for the paper. That's a good objective, isn't it?
2.) Continue to improve upon the breadth and quality of the collection. It's been a real hoot putting together signed sticks, especially the American-born goalie stick; team helmets, including the 1999 All Star Game helmet; and jerseys. Diversity is important.
3.) After skating for the first time in 14 years, and suffering no indignity or injury greater than a wet butt (I was using dull rental skates), I'll make it a more regular occurrence (twice a month, perhaps?). It was, and will be, a joy to skate with Colin.
2008 predictions
1.) We'll finish the 2007-08 season with more than 1,525 pucks. With a little effort, and some more cooperation from the Washington Capitals (and it's not just Ovie, either), closing out with 1,550 is within the realm of possibility.
2.) The 1,500th puck of the collection will be signed by a Vancouver Canucks player. Roberto Luongo, Markus Naslund or either of the Sedins would be nice, wouldn't it?
3.) The Lightning are toast. They won't even contend for the playoffs. So are Jay Feaster and John Tortorella. But I first said that in April. Tampa Bay thanks them, though, for the Cup.
300-plus pucks in a year
In researching Hound Central 3.0's review of 2007's hounding efforts, preliminary calculations show that 307 autographed pucks were added to the collection. I guess it was a good year. You can read more about it tomorrow.
5 Big Sigs
With the Dolts on the road until Jan. 10, when Sid and the Penguins come to Tampa, I'll be enjoying a little break from hounding.
It'll be a time to put away some pucks, update the files and get ready for Pittsburgh. And Colorado. And Edmonton.
Please know, too, that I'll start linking to any, and all, successes within this feature. In time, past installments, where applicable, will be linked.
Sunday, December 23, 2007
Sunday morning homily XIII
Instead of worrying about Wiis, out-of-town in-laws and whether a puppy is a good idea for a Christmas present, we should all take time to remember the best presents we'll ever get: family.
Like the rest of you, the holidays are an easy time to get together. Some of us, like me, eat way too much. Some of us might over imbibe in holiday festivities. No problem, just as long as they don't drive. The bottom line? We have a great time.
Living in Florida, we tend to have more visitors. Our annual flow began earlier this week. Today, once Colin's auntie drives up from Naples, we'll check out the Florida Aquarium. Later this week, we'll take a cousin to the airport. A few days later, a great aunt arrives. Then, about 10 days later, my in-laws arrive.
Rather than view each of these visits as an errand, I like to think of each as extending the holiday season.
While it's nice getting presents and all, I've always believed those presents, no matter how good the intentions, eventually break, wear out or, for some reason beyond my comprehension, shrink a size or two. The memories that evolve from these get-togethers? Well, they last a lifetime.
And those, my friends, are the best presents.
Line of the year, so far
Carolina's Andrew Ladd, who signed the 1,400th puck of the collection, spent a few days back in the American Hockey League earlier this month.
Given this exchange as he signed a couple of cards before the 'Canes 4-1 victory over the Dolts last night, I believe suiting up with the Albany River Rats made an impression:
Puckhound: It's good to see you back up here.
Ladd: Thanks. It's good to be back.
Puckhound: Not that Albany isn't a nice city, and all.
Ladd: Grrrr-grumble-mumble-rrr (or something to that effect).
As a side note, Ladd scored Carolina's first goal, swatting in a rebound as he dove across the front of the net. Maybe, some of Albany's grit rubbed off on Ladd.
5 Big Sigs
Did you really think that I'd let something like Christmas week keep me from hounding the Montreal Canadiens later this week? C'mon, you should know me better than that.
Either way, and I really do mean that, here's what I'll try to add to the collection:
~ Any living Montreal Canadiens legend traveling with the team (any of the official ambassadors would be nice) on a replica jersey;
~ rookie Kyle Chipchura, a No. 1 pick, on a Canadiens puck;
~ Captain Saku Koivu on a wallpaper from the team's Web site
~ Assistant coach Kirk Muller on one of those New York Islanders' fish stick logo pucks; and
~ Rookie goalie Carey Price on Canadiens and Tri-City Americans pucks.
Like the rest of you, the holidays are an easy time to get together. Some of us, like me, eat way too much. Some of us might over imbibe in holiday festivities. No problem, just as long as they don't drive. The bottom line? We have a great time.
Living in Florida, we tend to have more visitors. Our annual flow began earlier this week. Today, once Colin's auntie drives up from Naples, we'll check out the Florida Aquarium. Later this week, we'll take a cousin to the airport. A few days later, a great aunt arrives. Then, about 10 days later, my in-laws arrive.
Rather than view each of these visits as an errand, I like to think of each as extending the holiday season.
While it's nice getting presents and all, I've always believed those presents, no matter how good the intentions, eventually break, wear out or, for some reason beyond my comprehension, shrink a size or two. The memories that evolve from these get-togethers? Well, they last a lifetime.
And those, my friends, are the best presents.
Line of the year, so far
Carolina's Andrew Ladd, who signed the 1,400th puck of the collection, spent a few days back in the American Hockey League earlier this month.Given this exchange as he signed a couple of cards before the 'Canes 4-1 victory over the Dolts last night, I believe suiting up with the Albany River Rats made an impression:
Puckhound: It's good to see you back up here.
Ladd: Thanks. It's good to be back.
Puckhound: Not that Albany isn't a nice city, and all.
Ladd: Grrrr-grumble-mumble-rrr (or something to that effect).
As a side note, Ladd scored Carolina's first goal, swatting in a rebound as he dove across the front of the net. Maybe, some of Albany's grit rubbed off on Ladd.
5 Big Sigs
Did you really think that I'd let something like Christmas week keep me from hounding the Montreal Canadiens later this week? C'mon, you should know me better than that.
Either way, and I really do mean that, here's what I'll try to add to the collection:
~ Any living Montreal Canadiens legend traveling with the team (any of the official ambassadors would be nice) on a replica jersey;
~ rookie Kyle Chipchura, a No. 1 pick, on a Canadiens puck;
~ Captain Saku Koivu on a wallpaper from the team's Web site
~ Assistant coach Kirk Muller on one of those New York Islanders' fish stick logo pucks; and
~ Rookie goalie Carey Price on Canadiens and Tri-City Americans pucks.
Sunday, December 16, 2007
Sunday morning homily XII
I've reached that point in the season where, from the standpoint of attending Lightning games, a short break will be welcomed. More than anything else, it's been four-straight super-long Saturdays (really, they start at 8 a.m. Fridays and end about 1 a.m. Sundays) that have me feeling drained. I'm sure, too, that nine hounding trips in that time have something to do with it as well.
Lately, though, I'm getting tired of watching the Lightning lose. Or, to be even more specific, not even try, like they did last night in their lackluster effort against the Capitals.
In the interest of full disclosure, and this shouldn't be a shock to most Hound Central 3.0 readers, the Lightning are my "hometown" team, but not my favorite team. On several occasions, I'll root for other teams -- first and foremost, my true hometown team, the Buffalo Sabres. Our Bruins gear gets used twice a season, too, but that's only because of Colin's allegiance to the team.
I can't imagine what it's like to be a true Lightning fan these days. For a team to have such talented players as Vinny Lecavalier and Martin St. Louis, and, to some extent, Brad "Dime on a Dollar" Richards, it's hard to fathom how the Lightning couldn't muster more than 13 shots over the second and third periods.
But, wait, there's more.
So far this season, we've seen the Bolts blow three-goal leads, get blown out and, at best, play catch-up until getting gassed in the third. Even as a casual Lightning fan, it's far beyond frustrating. And, again, what I saw last night was the most uninspired hockey I've seen in years.
Earlier this month, Lightning GM Jay Feaster threatened to shake up the team if it didn't turn around its season. And while some believe that an impending sale (show me a real deal, please) will keep the team from making moves, the organization does that at its own peril. The Lightning must try to correct its offseason mistakes (Michel Wallet, Jan Hlavac and fragile Chris Gratton) and take nearly full advantage of its commodities -- only Vinny is untouchable.
If the Lightning doesn't make this effort, I'm sure diehard fans will question their commitment, in terms of dollars, to the team. Empty seats, I imagine, will fetch far fewer dollars.
There's no opera in hockey
Anyone who has attended a hockey game, from high school on up to the NHL, knows that the national anthem(s) is part of the pregame drill. It's a time to show, no matter how bad your pipes, a bit of patriotism.
Just this past Thursday, Colin and I were among the loudest singers of the Canadian and American national anthems (two of the first songs I taught him).
For the most part, though, I rarely extend my comments beyond that. I can't help myself, however, from commenting on last night's anthem singer at the Capitals-Lightning debacle. To me, she sang the song like a soloist in an opera. Though she had a wonderful, classically trained voice, it seemed so out of place.
While I can't pinpoint what would be the best approach to singing it (wholesomeness and not ear-splitting high notes leap to mind), the sport, despite the white shirts' best efforts, should never forget its blue-collar roots. Gimme someone with a decent voice and, most likely, an understanding of the game.
If I want to listen to opera, I'll watch PBS.
5 Big Sigs
With the Toronto Maple Leafs (as a dedicated hound, I won't let my disdain for the Loafs keep me away) and Carolina Hurricanes coming to town this week, perhaps we'll add these to the collection:
~ Toronto's Mats Sundin on the 1999 NHL All-Star Game helmet;
~ Toronto's Tomas Kaberle on a Czech Republic wallpaper picture;
~ Toronto's Matt Stajan, Alexander Steen and Kyle Wellwood on a Maple Leafs' Young Guns wallpaper collage;
~ Carolina's Cam Ward on a 2004-05 Choice Lowell Lock Monsters team set card; and
~ two full Carolina Hurricanes team sheets by Colin.
Lately, though, I'm getting tired of watching the Lightning lose. Or, to be even more specific, not even try, like they did last night in their lackluster effort against the Capitals.
In the interest of full disclosure, and this shouldn't be a shock to most Hound Central 3.0 readers, the Lightning are my "hometown" team, but not my favorite team. On several occasions, I'll root for other teams -- first and foremost, my true hometown team, the Buffalo Sabres. Our Bruins gear gets used twice a season, too, but that's only because of Colin's allegiance to the team.
I can't imagine what it's like to be a true Lightning fan these days. For a team to have such talented players as Vinny Lecavalier and Martin St. Louis, and, to some extent, Brad "Dime on a Dollar" Richards, it's hard to fathom how the Lightning couldn't muster more than 13 shots over the second and third periods.
But, wait, there's more.
So far this season, we've seen the Bolts blow three-goal leads, get blown out and, at best, play catch-up until getting gassed in the third. Even as a casual Lightning fan, it's far beyond frustrating. And, again, what I saw last night was the most uninspired hockey I've seen in years.
Earlier this month, Lightning GM Jay Feaster threatened to shake up the team if it didn't turn around its season. And while some believe that an impending sale (show me a real deal, please) will keep the team from making moves, the organization does that at its own peril. The Lightning must try to correct its offseason mistakes (Michel Wallet, Jan Hlavac and fragile Chris Gratton) and take nearly full advantage of its commodities -- only Vinny is untouchable.
If the Lightning doesn't make this effort, I'm sure diehard fans will question their commitment, in terms of dollars, to the team. Empty seats, I imagine, will fetch far fewer dollars.
There's no opera in hockey
Anyone who has attended a hockey game, from high school on up to the NHL, knows that the national anthem(s) is part of the pregame drill. It's a time to show, no matter how bad your pipes, a bit of patriotism.
Just this past Thursday, Colin and I were among the loudest singers of the Canadian and American national anthems (two of the first songs I taught him).
For the most part, though, I rarely extend my comments beyond that. I can't help myself, however, from commenting on last night's anthem singer at the Capitals-Lightning debacle. To me, she sang the song like a soloist in an opera. Though she had a wonderful, classically trained voice, it seemed so out of place.
While I can't pinpoint what would be the best approach to singing it (wholesomeness and not ear-splitting high notes leap to mind), the sport, despite the white shirts' best efforts, should never forget its blue-collar roots. Gimme someone with a decent voice and, most likely, an understanding of the game.
If I want to listen to opera, I'll watch PBS.
5 Big Sigs
With the Toronto Maple Leafs (as a dedicated hound, I won't let my disdain for the Loafs keep me away) and Carolina Hurricanes coming to town this week, perhaps we'll add these to the collection:
~ Toronto's Mats Sundin on the 1999 NHL All-Star Game helmet;
~ Toronto's Tomas Kaberle on a Czech Republic wallpaper picture;
~ Toronto's Matt Stajan, Alexander Steen and Kyle Wellwood on a Maple Leafs' Young Guns wallpaper collage;
~ Carolina's Cam Ward on a 2004-05 Choice Lowell Lock Monsters team set card; and
~ two full Carolina Hurricanes team sheets by Colin.
Sunday, December 9, 2007
Sunday morning homily XI
Within each Sunday morning homily, I try to make a valid point, one that goes beyond hockey hounding and should prove useful within life itself. You know, things like being prepared, not being afraid to make an effort and using every opportunity that presents itself to learn something.
It's good advice, I hope.
This week's lesson is simple: enjoying the fruits of one's labor.
Over the past week, when schedules (both the NHL and mine) allowed for five hounding opportunities, another 122 autographs joined the collection. Between the Ottawa Senators (twice), Tampa Bay Lightning, Carolina Hurricanes and the New York Islanders, I'm having a hard time remembering a better week of hounding.
Here's a list, too, of some of the bigger-name players who signed: Ottawa's Dany Heatley, Wade Redden and Jason Spezza, Tampa Bay's Vinny Lecavalier, Carolina's Rod Brind'Amour and the Islanders' Rick DiPietro and Billy Guerin.
And, let's not forget that I added the 1,400th puck to the collection.
To be honest, I'd be happy to get those players over the course of a month, maybe even a season. To get them in a week, though, is pretty remarkable to me.
See what preparation, hard work and dedication can do?
Thanks for stopping by
Just a quick note to thank everyone for stopping by Hound Central 3.0 this season. As you can see, the site has passed 5,000 page views and has had nearly 2,500 visitors since mid-August.
It's especially rewarding, as this blog focuses on such a tiny niche as hockey hounding. I know there are more popular hockey blogs out there, but I like to think that Hound Central 3.0 is holding its own.
Remember, too, that the season still has a long ways to go. I'm not even close to being done.
5 Big Sigs
With the Calgary Flames and Washington Capitals coming to town this week, a heaping dose of wishful thinking dominates the items I'm hoping we add to the collection:
~ Calgary's Jarome Iginla on one sweet hat trick of Flames, Dallas Stars and Team Canada pucks;
~ Calgary's Dion Phaneuf on Flames and Red Deer Rebels pucks;
~ Calgary's Miikka Kiprusoff on Flames and Cleveland Barons pucks;
~ Washington's Olaf Kolzig on Capitals (actually, I have a couple different ones) and Tri-City Americans pucks; and
~ Washington's Brent Johnson on the American-born goalies stick.
It's good advice, I hope.
This week's lesson is simple: enjoying the fruits of one's labor.
Over the past week, when schedules (both the NHL and mine) allowed for five hounding opportunities, another 122 autographs joined the collection. Between the Ottawa Senators (twice), Tampa Bay Lightning, Carolina Hurricanes and the New York Islanders, I'm having a hard time remembering a better week of hounding.
Here's a list, too, of some of the bigger-name players who signed: Ottawa's Dany Heatley, Wade Redden and Jason Spezza, Tampa Bay's Vinny Lecavalier, Carolina's Rod Brind'Amour and the Islanders' Rick DiPietro and Billy Guerin.
And, let's not forget that I added the 1,400th puck to the collection.
To be honest, I'd be happy to get those players over the course of a month, maybe even a season. To get them in a week, though, is pretty remarkable to me.
See what preparation, hard work and dedication can do?
Thanks for stopping by
Just a quick note to thank everyone for stopping by Hound Central 3.0 this season. As you can see, the site has passed 5,000 page views and has had nearly 2,500 visitors since mid-August.
It's especially rewarding, as this blog focuses on such a tiny niche as hockey hounding. I know there are more popular hockey blogs out there, but I like to think that Hound Central 3.0 is holding its own.
Remember, too, that the season still has a long ways to go. I'm not even close to being done.
5 Big Sigs
With the Calgary Flames and Washington Capitals coming to town this week, a heaping dose of wishful thinking dominates the items I'm hoping we add to the collection:
~ Calgary's Jarome Iginla on one sweet hat trick of Flames, Dallas Stars and Team Canada pucks;
~ Calgary's Dion Phaneuf on Flames and Red Deer Rebels pucks;
~ Calgary's Miikka Kiprusoff on Flames and Cleveland Barons pucks;
~ Washington's Olaf Kolzig on Capitals (actually, I have a couple different ones) and Tri-City Americans pucks; and
~ Washington's Brent Johnson on the American-born goalies stick.
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