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[hockeygod]

Ranger's Prospect Chris Kreider; What Would Bill Gates Do?

Joseph Browne, Bleacherreport.com, September 6, 2011

Heading into the 2011-'12 NHL season, the New York Rangers have, on paper, a roster that is sufficiently talented, hard-working and disciplined to compete consistently with the best teams.

Offseason acquisitions and the development/arrival of some of the team's in-house talent have positioned the team well. While they are not among the elite teams in the league, they will again, compete consistently. This has as much to do with the character of the team, their collective work-ethic and the relentless nature of their coach, John Tortorella, as it does with how fast they can skate and how hard they can shoot the puck.

When teams win championships, of course, it's the result of varying degrees of talent and character combined. Without question, though, every organization seeks talent first and hopes that the intangible qualities like character and work ethic are there as well. The New York Rangers, for several years now, have drafted some high-ceiling, high-character-type prospects and they've also made some nice trades to bring more of the same to the organization. Of these prospects, none is awaited with more anticipation than the 6' 2", lightning-fast winger Chris Kreider.

Kreider can skate with anyone and he's also that rare player that can create from the wing. His skills, actually, translate long term to the center position, although it remains to be seen where he is ultimately deployed. He would be poised to begin his professional career in just over a month from today if not for one nagging reality; Chris Kreider, you see, has not signed a contract with the New York Rangers.

As reported by Jim Cerney on Blueshirts United just this past week, Kreider has clearly reaffirmed his intention to finish his education at Boston College.

"You want to focus on professional hockey when that time comes," said Kreider. "I know my decision (to stay in school) was heavily scrutinized from the outside, but it's been hammered into me how important my education is and now is the time to take care of that. I don't want (finishing school) hanging over my head once I turn pro. I just want to focus on hockey at that point."

This is all really great stuff, postcard material, really, to promote the sublime experience and meaningful achievement that a college education represents. If you listen closely, you’ll likely be able to hear educators and university administrators all over academia leaping for joy right about now.

After all, without such glowing recommendations it would be that much more difficult for them to keep selling the idea that it's necessary to extend to four years what could be accomplished in two. That, though, is another discussion for another time.

Today, we'll be concentrating on Kreider's decision to stay in school and, quite possibly, find himself in jeopardy of looking from the outside on an NHL career needlessly derailed by injury. While there is no guarantee that a player can avoid injury at any level of play, regardless of the sport, signing a contract and having several million bonus dollars in the bank is a guarantee against having to wonder what might have been.

It's nice to want the degree that a formal education results in, but someone should have told Kreider by now that a degree in America is primarily designed to position one's self to earn more money over a career. For the sake of discussion, though, let's say that Kreider's decision to stay in school is based on some innate desire he has to amass knowledge and not on the more pedestrian motivation of securing his degree.

If that were the case, wouldn’t it follow logically that he would be enlightened enough to understand that you can always gather knowledge and expand your education? Read a book, browse the internet, go to the library, regardless of which option you choose you will always have access to information and knowledge.

Additionally, with several millions dollars in the bank, still supposing that the pursuit of supreme knowledge is what's truly driving Kreider's decision, could Kreider not continue his education during the offseason? We are in 2011, after all, and anyone with a computer and wireless connection can take a course from the beach if they wanted to. Heck, with several million in the bank Kreider could even hire a small army of tutors to follow him around wherever he goes.

Is this all a bit harsh? Is this viewpoint all a bit too cynical? Does it seem as if we're picking on a young kid who many would feel is making an admirable choice? Perhaps, but that is not the intent here. I’m sure Chris Kreider and his family believe his decision is the best decision he can make, and there is more than likely nothing else to it.

The intent, rather, is to attempt to counteract the endless drone from the vast majority of observers of sport, who for years have self-righteously bemoaned the decisions by young athletes to leave school early, pounding the "stay in school" mantra into our collective heads as if they’re on the payroll of the NCAA. The hypocrisy is so thick that it's almost a living, breathing thing.

Kreider, he of the Boston College Eagles hockey team as opposed to the New York Rangers hockey team, may not be the prime example of a young athlete who should take every penny thrown at them while sprinting for the hills. By all accounts he comes from a stable background and, with a degree, he would more than likely do just fine in the world should his hockey career not flourish.

What of the athlete that cannot claim such a background, though? Should he pursue a degree and forego the opportunity for what essentially amounts to multi-generational security? Should he delay payment for his skills, all while his family continues to suffer financially and/or remain in an environment that threatens their very lives?

For every sports journalist who has ever suggested to any athlete, whether in print or conversation, that they should choose school over signing a contract, here's a simple question: if while in college you were approached by a major newspaper or sports magazine and offered a full-time staff writer's position, at an extraordinary rate of pay, would you have dutifully returned to class the following semester? If the answer to that question is anything but no, you're lying.

More to the point, when is the last time anyone has come across an article suggesting to Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg or Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates that they should have stayed in school? These men are considered pioneers, brave firebrands who pursued their dreams, and they ironically had no guarantees of financial windfall when they decided to leave school.

In the end, the hope is that Chris Kreider truly gets it all, the education, the signing bonus and the great NHL career. The pursuit and ultimate acquisition of a rewarding and prosperous life is the essence of being American, really, and in times when that pursuit is as difficult as it is for many Americans we should all embrace the success stories as evidence that we're all still capable of such heights.

Going forward, though, let's look reality in the eye. Let's just recognize that there is a limited market out there for world-class talent, and very limited windows of opportunity for young athletes to attain the brass ring, so to speak.

A degree can be truly a wonderful thing, no doubt, and it truly can be the key to greater things in life. For certain people with certain skills, though, there are times when the pursuit of a degree can be put on hold. Chris Kreider is one of those certain people with those certain skills; let's hope his arrival in New York is merely delayed and not permanently postponed.

Dean
M.Ed (Coaching)
Ch.P.C. (Chartered Professional Coach)
Game Intelligence Training
"Great education depends on great teaching."

[hockeygod]

Henderson facing toughest battle: Part I

PERRY LEFKO Sportsnet.ca Sept.6 2011

In 1972, Paul Henderson scored a goal to defeat the Soviet Union and etch his name in the hockey history books. However, these days Henderson is facing a different kind of opponent: a silent one.

Thirty-nine years after scoring that series-winning goal for Team Canada, Henderson is trying to defeat cancer. In November 2009, he was diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukemia — for which there is no known cure — and it has advanced to Stage 4, the highest stage. He is fighting the disease with the help of an orthomolecular nutritionist, who has him on a strict diet that consists of chicken, fish, vegetables and fruit. It eliminates sugar, which cancer feeds off, along with dairy products, pork, bread and pasta.

Henderson is also on a strict daily fitness regimen that involves lifting weights and cardiovascular work. He purchased a $5,000 treadmill that uses vibrations. He also bought a dry sauna that his nutritionist recommended. It is powered by electricity and uses infrared lights and is designed to sweat out toxins.

"We're trying to beat cancer from the inside," the 68-year-old husband, father and grandfather told sportsnet.ca.

In advance of Team Canada's annual reunion, held Sept. 6-7 in Toronto, ON, and the historic goal scored on Sept. 28, 1972, Henderson spent some time with sportsnet.ca at his home talking about a variety of subjects, which will run in two installments.

SN: It's been almost two years since you were diagnosed with cancer. What is the status of your health?

PH: The blood work is a little worse and the tumour is a little bigger, but I'm still working out like crazy and maintaining my diet and exercise and that kind of stuff, so we're monitoring the situation. My biggest struggle is trying to keep my weight on. I'm down to 175. I like to stay around 180. I was 184 for 40 years. I've never been over 185. I carry that weight pretty good. Eating is one of my better gifts, but that's one of the things (battling) cancer. As long as I don't lose another 10 pounds, I'll probably be okay for a little while. It's a day to day thing. That's the way I live life. I take today. If tomorrow shows up, we'll take a shot at tomorrow.

SN: So that is your mindset?

PH: I've never once ever felt sorry for myself. The wonderful thing about cancer is you can differentiate the trivial from the important very quickly. At 68, it's pretty important that you're able to do that. I've tried to help other people go through tough times, encouraging people not to fear, that's something I used to do a lot of. Over the years, I've taught myself take today and live it the best you can.

SN: You talked about your legacy; haven't you already created a legacy with your hockey career, specifically what happened in the '72 series and helping others?

Sportsnet image

PH: You continue to make (your legacy). Every day you have choices and I want to finish well. I've always started off that way. Nobody knows (when they're going to die). I could take a heart attack tomorrow. Something else could take me out. I really believe it's doing the best you can today and enjoying it — enjoying your wife, your family, your grand kids. For a lot of years I didn't spend enough time with them. Like a lot of people you're trying to be successful. Now I've lived long enough to know that's important.

SN: Do you get excited this time of the year because of the reunion and the recollection of the series?

PH: You look forward to getting together with the guys obviously. There's usually things that happen. It's just the guys; we talk about the kids, their families, that kind of stuff. Some guys are still involved in hockey, like Dale Tallon (general manager of the Florida Panthers). Some people have some health issues. We're just a bunch of guys that have a lot of respect for one another. We went to war; it's nice catching up.

The thing about it is: people (who watched the series) don't let it go away. It doesn't matter where I am or what I'm doing, people still want to come up and talk about it and tell me where they were and what they were doing and it's amazing how many Canadians say to me, "You should be in the Hall of Fame." It's always in front of me because people bring it up all the time. It doesn't matter where I am, what I'm doing. But it's also satisfying, too. Now seeing my grandchildren come along and play hockey, I get pretty excited about it. There always seems to be neat things happening, different things.

SN: There have been some suggestions that maybe after the 40-year anniversary it will be time to stop rehashing the series with the team, that maybe it's time to move on?

PH: Everybody's got different opinions, so we'll see. Maybe we'll do a golf tournament, maybe we won't. We'll talk to the guys. If there's a reason to get together, maybe we will, maybe we won't. But I think they're talking about doing something big for the 40th, so we'll see what happens.

Part II of the Paul Henderson interview with sportsnet.ca will run Wednesday. Check back to read its conclusion.

Dean
M.Ed (Coaching)
Ch.P.C. (Chartered Professional Coach)
Game Intelligence Training
"Great education depends on great teaching."

[hockeygod]

Revisited: 25 ugliest jerseys in professional hockey history

The modern era of professional hockey expansion has produced some – but not all – of the ugliest uniforms ever seen in professional sports. The following are the 25 worst offenders, courtesy of Bleacher Report.

April 7, 2011

http:// www .calgaryherald.com /sports/Revisited+ugliest+jerseys+professional+hockey+history/5358394/story.html

Gallery: World's ugliest sport uniforms? University of Maryland's new threads mocked on Twitter

Odds are if you were a sports fan on Twitter Monday night you heard about the University of Maryland's garish football uniforms worn during their opening game against the Miami Hurricanes.

September 5, 2011

http:// www. calgaryherald.com /Gallery+World+ugliest+sport+uniforms+University+Maryland+threads+mocked/5358388/story.html

Dean
M.Ed (Coaching)
Ch.P.C. (Chartered Professional Coach)
Game Intelligence Training
"Great education depends on great teaching."

[hockeygod]

'Fear is a wonderful motivator'

PERRY LEFKO sportsnet.ca Sept. 7 2011

Proof of Paul Henderson's enduring fame from his role of scoring the game-winning goal that clinched the series for Team Canada against the Soviets in the '72 Summit Series is the traveling exhibit called the Henderson Homecoming Jersey Tour.

It is the result of a Toronto businessman, Mitch Goldhar, who paid more than $1.2 million US at an auction in June of 2010 for the sweater because he thought it deserved to be in Canada and for Canadians to enjoy it as a piece of history.

Goldhar, who owns the Smartcentres retail outlet, was only 11 years of age in 1972, but the Summit Series had such a profound effect on his life as a Canadian and someone who loved sports that he felt it important to repatriate the jersey. Following the '72 series, Henderson gave the sweater to Toronto Maple Leafs trainer Joe Sgro, who subsequently sold it. The sweater passed through several hands, but it was at the U.S. auction that its importance became relevant to Canada.

Several companies went public with the intention of buying the jersey, and it became a story unto itself. What Henderson didn't know at the time was that Goldhar, whom he didn't know, planned to buy the jersey and make it the cornerstone of a free exhibit that would travel throughout Canada so people could relive those glory days.

In the second installment of a two-part interview with sportsnet.ca, Henderson talks about the auction to buy the sweater, the travelling with it and other memorabilia, the goal in the final game that changed his life forever, living in Canada and a comment he made a few years ago about the slash of teammate Bobby Clarke that broke a Soviet player's ankle in the series.

SN: What was your impression of what happened at the auction, because there had been talk that someone or some store would buy it? I know you had talked to Vancouver businessman Jim Pattison, who wanted to buy it and involve you in some way with it after the purchase. So, what happened?

PH: I was at home doing a crossword puzzle. I wasn't even watching it online. My nine-year-old grandson and my wife were on the phone (talking about the bids). I did talk to Jim Pattison that night and I was really disappointed that he didn't get it because he said they were going to use it and involve me and eventually it would end up in Canada's Sports Hall of Fame. But like everything else in life, you never know and it's probably turned out just as well that Mitch got it. He's put this trailer together and it's fabulous. It wasn't my idea. This was a Canadian doing it. It was an iconic moment and (he felt) people needed to be educated about this. So I had nothing to do with it. He asked me if I would come and make some appearances, so I said sure. I'm going to do 16 or 17 appearances and some other players from the team will go out and interact with people.

SN: What was the impression you had when the tour started in your hometown?

PH: We just had a ball, my wife (Eleanor) and I. People come out and go through the trailer. It's incredible what's in there. Here's the kid from Lucknow, ON, who grew up poor as a churchmouse with probably less than a 1,000 and there were probably 500 there. It's pretty satisfying.

SN: Why do you think the goal was so important that almost 40 years later it is still a big deal?

PH: I would say we were probably never more Canadian as Canadians right across the country. It's something Canadians really took pride in. There's no downside to this series. We won. We proved that we could come back and win, so it was a win for the NHL, it was a win for hockey and certainly it's been a win for Paul Henderson and his family.

Somebody comes up and says, 'Man, Paul, I was in Grade 4 and I remember going crazy.' Well, how can you be blasé about that kind of stuff? So, there's no downside. That's the thing I love about it. Obviously it's awful encouraging when people come up and tell you, 'Man, that was such a great time.' It's mind-boggling. No one in a 100 years would have thought this goal would still be (as important) at this time. It's been very positive for me. It's fabulous. In terms of scoring the goal, yes it's wonderful and they (describe it) as the greatest sports moment of the last century. That blows you away.

SN: They talk about Canadian heart; did that play a role in Team Canada winning?

PH: We were so consumed in it. I said to my wife at the time, 'If we don't win this series we're going to be known as losers the rest of our lives.' Fear is a wonderful motivator sometimes. Fear of failure, I think, drove as much as anything. We had pride in ourselves.

SN: There was a comment you made a few years ago that you were disgusted with the slash by Bobby Clarke that broke Valeri Kharlamov's ankle. The comment created quite a controversy and Clarke wasn't happy when he heard about it and made some remarks about you. What was behind all that?

PH: This is what the press does to you. They take things out of context and just cause grief. This is an example of that. Somebody will say something and they just blow it up and make it a big thing. In that situation, I was talking about my grandson and playing hockey and the '72 series came up in the conversation. I thought it was fabulous. We wanted to win and everything was justified. I saw nothing wrong with it in '72, none of us did. You get a little older and you look back and you're a little more mature and you think, 'Man, if you can't beat them straight up, what difference is whacking the guy in the hallway than going out there and taking him out?" I said it in regards to now that I've got grandchildren, your perspective changes.

I finally got a hold of Bobby and I explained to him what happened and Bobby and I are fine today. But people still say, "You and Bobby Clarke hate each other." Bobby and I have dealt with it. It's all gone, but the press still brings it back up.

SN: You've had a chance to relive the series untold times and the game-winning goals in the final three games, why you?

PH: It never dawned on my mind that I might score the winning goal. Something within me — and it's hard to explain today — I just felt I had to get on the ice. We had to win this game. It still amazes me. It really, really does.

Dean
M.Ed (Coaching)
Ch.P.C. (Chartered Professional Coach)
Game Intelligence Training
"Great education depends on great teaching."

[hockeygod]

Ovechkin ready to take step forward

September 6, 2011 THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

ARLINGTON, Va. — The most important date on Alex Ovechkin's off-season calendar didn't come during his trips to Turkey, St. Tropez or Monaco, or on the days he was resting with friends and family at home in Moscow.

It was July 23, when he started a new workout regimen.

Coming off his worst statistical season as a pro — career lows of 32 goals and 85 points — Ovechkin is changing his approach yet again.

"I think right now I'm in better shape than I was last year — and year before," the two-time NHL MVP said Tuesday.

Capitals owner Ted Leonsis was even more to the point.

"He tried something different last year. He wanted to work his way into shape so that he was peaking during the playoffs," Leonsis said. "He's trying something different this year. The results will speak for themselves at the end of the season, but he looks great. And he's in great spirits, and when your captain and best player, highest-paid player, is confident and in shape, I think that sets the tone."

The tone Ovechkin set in 2010-11 was hardly to be emulated. He fought a nagging injury for months and finally had to take off a week in March. In April and May, the Capitals were a post-season wreck again, getting swept by Tampa Bay in the second round amid questions as to whether the talented superstar had the leadership skills necessary to command a locker room. Such disappointment has become a yearly ritual for Washington, which has four straight Southeast Division titles but has won only two playoff series during that span.

"I think, of course, last year and year before it was something new for me, being the captain," Ovechkin said. "Last year was a good year for me to learn what I have to do. … Right now I think everybody knows what we have to do, and I have to show, and I have to say, 'C'mon guys, we have to do this and that.' I have to show them. And, you know, I'm the one, the leader of the team. And outside the rink I'm the same person. But inside the rink, we are different."

To that end, the fun-loving Ovechkin expects the Capitals have a more serious mindset this season — but not too serious.

"You have to be serious some days. You have to be serious when you work out, but you can't be serious all the time," Ovechkin said. "I think when we said you have to be serious, it means like you have to be ready for every game. And it doesn't matter what position you are, if you're first or second or eighth, you have to be ready for everything.

"Because you can see when we go to the playoffs and we play against Tampa, sometimes it felt like, 'OK, now it's going to be easy for us to beat them,' and it was not that kind of serious. Everything can happen. But seriousness means, like, serious 60 minutes, every game."

Ovechkin is also setting an example by arriving early for training camp — it doesn't start until Sept. 16. He wouldn't go into details about his workout program, saying it's a "secret" he wants no one to steal. The reason for his news conference Tuesday was to announce an endorsement deal with Bauer, which he hopes will result in fewer broken sticks.

"Great to see Alex back and smiling, healthy and looking happy, and very, very confident in his new equipment," Leonsis said. "I think that's half the battle. It's like a golfer with new clubs. He's been trying his hardest to break his stick, and so far they seem to be indestructible, and that makes us all smile."

Dean
M.Ed (Coaching)
Ch.P.C. (Chartered Professional Coach)
Game Intelligence Training
"Great education depends on great teaching."

[hockeygod]

Quebec City’s dream of an arena a step closer

SEAN GORDON – Montreal Globe and Mail Sept. 06, 2011

There are pending lawsuits, there is political opposition, but still Quebec City Mayor Régis Labeaume makes inexorable progress toward breaking ground on a new NHL-ready arena for the city.

The latest development: the municipal and regional councils have approved the arena management contract and leases inked last week after secret last-minute haggling between Mr. Labeaume, city hall lawyers and the Quebecor media conglomerate.

When a draft agreement was reached last spring, Quebecor chief executive Pierre Karl Péladeau set Sept. 7 as the deadline to conclude the final pact – it is now in hand, subject to the National Assembly passing a controversial private member’s bill that insulates the arrangement from a legal challenge.

It’s expected the legislation will be passed this fall.

Clearly elated at making the complex 25-year lease agreement official, Mr. Labeaume said at a Quebec City news conference on Tuesday that “the dream is coming true … it was like jamming a square into a circle, but we reached all our objectives.”

The $400-million arena project is not without its critics, but Mr. Labeaume claimed the final contract is even more beneficial for taxpayers than the agreement-in-principle the parties hammered out last March.

It contains a provision that allows the city to scrutinize Quebecor’s financial receipts as they pertain to the building, and some beefed-up clauses to keep a future NHL team in the building for the duration of the lease.

“If Quebecor, and this is a hypothesis I don’t believe in, were to obtain a National Hockey League team and sell it or move it in 10 years, they will still have to pay rent for 15 years. And that’s important to retain the club. It’s an incentive not to leave,” Mr. Labeaume said. Quebecor also won a concession in the final negotiations: If the company is unsuccessful in obtaining an NHL franchise, it will pay a lower price for the naming rights – which could top out around $64-million – to the proposed 18,000-seat building,.

The lease also builds different rent schedules into the agreement, one if there is a hockey franchise, and another, lower rate scale if Quebecor doesn’t manage to attract a team.

Over the life of the deal, the media conglomerate will pay between $110-million and $200-million in rent, profit-sharing and naming rights.

In return, Quebecor will have exclusive rights to stage concert events and hockey, and to make its own arrangements for ancillary revenues like concessions and beer sales. The city reserves the right to cancel the arena project, which is to be financed jointly by the city and the province, should a detailed cost study make the price tag prohibitive.

Just because the contracts have been signed and ratified doesn’t mean everyone is pleased with Mr. Labeaume.

A trio of independent city councillors voted against the contract, and two angry suburban mayors denounced the secrecy surrounding the deal – although they hold a minority of seats on the regional council and couldn’t block its adoption.

There is opposition on other fronts, as well, so it’s no sure thing that the project will be completed by the projected September 2015 opening date.

Former city manager Denis de Belleval is spearheading a lawsuit that seeks to quash the deal because it allegedly violates provincial law and city tendering regulations.

“All of this looks like a firm contract, but in fact it is as soft as Jell-O,” Mr. De Belleval told The Canadian Press.

Dean
M.Ed (Coaching)
Ch.P.C. (Chartered Professional Coach)
Game Intelligence Training
"Great education depends on great teaching."

[hockeygod]

Leaders of men

RYAN DIXON SPORTSNET STAFF September 9, 2011

Ex-NHLer Marty McSorley opens up on what should go into the decison to name a team captain.

By all accounts, the St. Louis Blues made a fine choice on Friday when they tabbed David Backes to take the team captaincy that's been vacant since Eric Brewer was traded to the Tampa Bay Lightning in February.

Marty McSorley, however, recalls a much more dubious letter assignment.

When the former NHLer and Hockeycentral analyst was sent to the L.A. Kings from Edmonton with Wayne Gretzky in 1988, Dave Taylor was wearing the 'C' for Tinseltown's team and he retained that status, while 'The Great One' wore an 'A'.

The other assistant designation floated around the team, according to McSorley, on less-than-credible reasoning from coach Robbie Ftorek.

"He put velcro on everybody's shoulder and he was rotating the 'A' around like it was flavour of the month," McSorley recalled. "That was like he was treating us like kids. We know who our leaders are; don't reward somebody because they went and got you coffee."

In case you missed the King-sized point, McSorley believes the decision to stitch a letter on somebody's jersey requires a lot more consideration than who's sitting closest to trainer's needle and thread. Even the issue of who decides on the leaders is a critical one; will it come from above or will the players vote amongst themselves?

"If a coach picks the captain and the assistants, is he doing it so things he wants repeated in the locker room get repeated?" McSorley said. "The players sniff that out."

Another misstep teams need to be mindful of is giving a young guy a letter before he's due. In a lot of instances, especially with the ultra-prepared, well-rounded young athletes coming into the league now, players are ready to assume that leadership role early on. But when clubs stick a letter on a green guy with the hopes it instills something new instead of endorsing an existing trait, it has the potential to ruffle feathers.

"With some of the veterans, that doesn't necessarily fit very well," McSorley said.

McSorley noted players need a captain they can trust, a guy they know, when things are rough, has the quiet authority to slip into the coach's office, close the door behind him and express the players' point of view.

"A captain who's basically appointed to be a coach's repeater or a mimicker doesn't necessarily have all that in mind," McSorley said.

Near the end of his career, when he was with the Sharks, McSorley said he came into contact with the kind of bench boss who just seems unwilling to allow players the autonomy he believes they need to occasionally sort issues out amongst themselves.

"When I was in San Jose with Darryl Sutter, he left all the doors open in the coach's room and locker room so he could hear every word in the locker room," he said. "You've brought leaders into the locker room; let them be leaders. And if you don't have that leadership in the locker room, you better go get some."

Bringing it home to Backes, the Blues obviously believe the feisty American has the stones to say what needs to be said, whether that's to coach Davis Payne on behalf of the players or, just as significantly, to his teammates when Payne throws the ball in his court.

"You've got to allow leadership in the locker room, first and foremost," McSorley said. "There's times a real good coach will say, 'You guys have got to figure this out.' Throw it to them, give them the responsibility; these are good young men. These guys will figure it out and that's part of the whole growing process."

Dean
M.Ed (Coaching)
Ch.P.C. (Chartered Professional Coach)
Game Intelligence Training
"Great education depends on great teaching."

[hockeygod]

Against all odds

Mike Brophy Sportsnet.ca September 10, 2011

Even if a hockey player goes undrafted, that's no reason to give up on an NHL career.

For a major junior or college hockey player with aspirations of playing in the NHL to be passed over in the draft is an absolutely crushing experience.

For an instant those players think it is the end of the line – the dream is over.

The fact is for most that is true. But not for all of them.

NHL history is riddled with players that were not drafted, but went on to enjoy amazing NHL careers. In 2010 just one player was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame: Dino Ciccarelli. The Sarnia, Ont., native was never drafted yet he went on to score 606 goals and 1,200 points in 1,232 NHL games. Not bad, eh?

How about Martin St. Louis? He was never drafted despite putting up big numbers at the University of Vermont and yet he was the 2004 Hart Trophy winner as the NHL's most valuable player. Two teams (Ottawa and Calgary) gave up on him before he blossomed in Tampa Bay, but St. Louis never gave up on the dream.

"I was pretty naïve about the whole thing," St. Louis said. "I was young and I really thought they would keep whoever was playing the best. I thought I had a great camp, but I didn't get a contract. I was a roster filler, but I didn't know it at the time. If you are an undrafted and signed player, they will take a look at you. If you are an undrafted and unsigned player, I don't think you get the same chance. My hopes (back then) were to play in the NHL, but knowing what I know now, wow, the odds aren't good."

Mitchell Heard knows the pain of being passed over in the draft. The 6-foot-2, 180-pound centre scored 20 goals and 50 points in 66 games with Plymouth of the Ontario Hockey League last season, but when the 30 NHL team gathered in Minnesota for a couple of days to tend to the future, it was as though Heard's hockey career was history. There were 211 players picked and Heard was not one of them.

But unlike many others, he was extended an olive branch by the Toronto Maple Leafs. They invited the Bowmanville, Ont., native to their July prospects camp and with this unexpected gift, the kid did enough to impress the Leafs brass to invite him to their rookie camp in neighboring Oshawa.

Will Heard make the Maple Leafs this season? Not a chance. That doesn't matter. A door was opened for him and he intends to do everything in his power to take advantage of his golden – er, blue and white – opportunity.

"There's really no pressure on me," Heard said Saturday morning following Toronto's pre-game skate. The Maple Leafs rookies are in a four-day tournament against freshmen from the Pittsburgh Penguins, Ottawa Senators and Chicago Blackhawks.

"I'm just here to do my best and hopefully make an impression on the big man upstairs."

That would be Brian Burke; not God.

"I don't plan on doing anything different from what I normally do," the baby-faced Heard continued. "I'm big on faceoffs so I'll try to win as many as I can."

Heard's numbers were decent, but not overwhelming last season. Still, Maple Leaf scouts liked his tenacity. He plays with grit something that is very important in the eyes of the big man upstairs. It was Heard's aggressiveness that inspired the Leafs to invite him to their rookie camp. A year ago 6-foot-4, 208 pound defenceman Andrew Crescenzi of the Kitchener Rangers attended the Leafs rookie camp under similar circumstances as Heard, having been passed over in the draft, but played well enough to earn a contract. It can happen.

"Heard is in a similar position," said Jim Hughes, Toronto's director of player development. "He's got the same chance. He'll be watched; he'll be evaluated. If we sign him, then it's almost like our organization got an extra draft pick."

The odds of making it to the NHL as an undrafted player aren't great. For many that have the good fortune to be invited to a training camp, it will be the highlight of their careers. It doesn't have to be the end of the road, though.

Among those currently playing in the NHL, Sean Avery, Niklas Backstrom, Jason Blake, Dan Boyle, Mathieu Darche, Mark Giordano, Mike Green, Andy McDonald and Toronto's Tyler Bozak, among many others, made it to 'the show' as walk-ons. Many retired players did it too. Curtis Joseph, who had a wonderful NHL career in net, was not drafted. Neither was Joey Mullen who won three Stanley Cups.

For that matter, Wayne Gretzky was not drafted into the NHL, but that was a different set of circumstances. He played in the WHA at 17 years old and was a member of the Edmonton Oilers when they, along with three other teams, joined the rival NHL.

One of my favourites was Doug Evans who made the Peterborough Petes as a walk-on and became their all-time leading scorer. He wasn't drafted into the NHL, but at just 5-foot-9 and 185 pounds, scored 48 goals and 135 points with 502 penalty minutes in 355 games with St. Louis, Winnipeg and Philadelphia.

St. Louis beat all the odds. First of all he was never drafted. On top of that, he's small and we all know how NHL teams feel about those guys. St. Louis attended to training camp with the Ottawa Senators (boy, did they miss the boat!) after his university career ended and had great expectations.

Now the veteran has some advice for the likes of Heard and other undrafted players attending NHL training camps.

"Don't lose your confidence," he said. "For me, I felt I played along side of first round, second round, third round picks… whatever. Those guys were supposed to be better than me, but I didn't feel they were. Don't let your confidence go down because somebody was drafted and you weren't. Teams make mistakes. Some guys flourish early and they aren't in the league anymore. Some guys flourish later. I always had the attitude of, 'Screw you. I'm going to keep on banging on your door until you let me in.'"

Coming from a guy who has won the Hart Trophy, the Stanley Cup, the NHL scoring championship and an Olympic gold medal, those are solid words of advice.

Marlies coach Dallas Eakins, who will coach in the NHL one day soon, was a 10th round pick of the Washington Capitals (208th overall) in 1985 and was a long shot to make it to the NHL. Like St. Louis, he persisted and was lucky enough to play 120 games with the Winnipeg Jets, Florida Panthers, St. Louis Blues, New York Rangers and Islanders, and Calgary Flames.

Eakins acknowledged the fact some undrafted players really are roster fillers at rookie camp, but insisted that doesn't necessarily mean it's the end of the road. He said Heard was the most impressive player at the prospects camp in July and that's why he's still with the Leafs in September.

"Mitchell has a low panic level and he really thinks the game well," Eakins said. "He's a well rounded player; somebody who can play on the power play, the penalty kill and a regular shift.

"Besides, how short-sighted would we be as an organization if an undrafted player came to our camp, out-played our draft picks and yet we let him go? We'd never get better if we did that."

Heard was thrilled to hear Eakins evaluation of his play, but cautioned, "It's a confidence builder, for sure, but you can't let it go to your head. You still have top go out and do something to earn a contract."

That is the kind of attitude you'd think Brian Burke is looking for.

Dean
M.Ed (Coaching)
Ch.P.C. (Chartered Professional Coach)
Game Intelligence Training
"Great education depends on great teaching."

[hockeygod]

Report: Devils in financial trouble

QMI Agency, Sept 11 2011

The Devils are facing financial hardships entering the 2011-12 season, according to a report. (Veronica Henri/QMI Agency)

The New Jersey Devils have missed its Sept. 1 loan payment and could be forced into bankruptcy, according to a report.

The New York Post is reporting that the three-time Stanley Cup champions' financial hardships could also affect the Prudential Center, their home arena in Newark. Team-owned Devils Arena Entertainment operates the $375-million building and guarantees the Devils' loans and is in danger of also going bankrupt.

Principal owner Jeff Vanderbeek and co-owner Ray Chambers are on the outs, the paper says, which complicates matters. Chambers, through his Brick City Hockey unit, has been trying to sell his non-controlling stake in the franchise for a year. Both own 47% of the franchise.

Also, Vanderbeek's relationship with his lenders has deteriorated to the point that the team has told them to get lost.

"You have a bank group that wants nothing to do with Vanderbeek," said the source.

The team is on the hook for roughly $100 million while the Devils Arena Entertainment owes $180 million, the source said.

Dean
M.Ed (Coaching)
Ch.P.C. (Chartered Professional Coach)
Game Intelligence Training
"Great education depends on great teaching."

[hockeygod]

Welcome back, Mac

Mark Spector Sportsnet.ca September 12, 2011

Despite an ongoing battle with cancer, Craig MacTavish is back behind the bench .

PENTICTON – It's all about staying on the move for Craig MacTavish these days.

Biking, swimming, and running through a pair of triathlons this summer, and now hustling down a coaching track he was beginning to wonder if he would ever be allowed to run on again.

And, most importantly, distancing himself from the cancer.

"Like many, many other people who are living with cancer, I've got it, and everyone has a different timetable," MacTavish said here in Penticton, where – as the head coach of the American Hockey League's Chicago Wolves, Vancouver's top farm club – he is behind the bench of the Canucks rookies.

His "timetable" is unknown, as any cancer survivor knows. But it's in his rearview mirror now, and when you talk to this old centreman you get the feeling that he aims to just keep winning his draws and letting the rest of the game take care of itself.

MacTavish is 53 years old, tanned and muscular after a summer in the Okanagan, and looking anything like a cancer survivor. He is 14 lbs below his playing weight but looks strong, having trained for a half- and full-triathlon this summer.

"I feel good. I've always felt good. I guess, who ever is guaranteed tomorrow?" he reasoned. "I feel good. My prognosis is good…

"I've got it so far in the back of my mind, I couldn't even tell you exactly what I have (laughing). That might be a lie. It's been a couple of years now, and I feel great. So, what are you going to do?"

He was the last player ever to play in the NHL without a helmet, and of course, Canucks fans will remember MacTavish as the Rangers centre who took the last faceoff back in '94, winning that draw with 1.6 ticks left on the clock that sealed the Cup victory for New York.

Now, some will look at him as the guy in position to replace Canucks head coach Alain Vigneault, should the Canucks falter.

It's an inference MacTavish doesn't like very much.

"The goal for me is to really enjoy my year this year. You probably don't believe that; you probably think I'm more ambitious than that. But, I'm really not," he said. "I'm not looking forward to the next move. I'm just going to enjoy the year."

News of MacTavish's health battle slowly made its way through the hockey world, and who knows if the cancer's questions marks hurt his chances in a string of job interviews with Dallas, Minnesota and Winnipeg, among others. But after eight years as head coach of the Edmonton Oilers, he had a rude welcome back to the coaching fraternity Sunday night in a one-sided 7-2 loss to the Oilers rookies.

"It was about 30 minutes before I felt like my pants were down again," he laughed. "There's lots of heartache in this business, as we know. Tonight … was a welcome back."

The loss is meaningless in the big picture. Just being back – in health and in the game – is the main thing here.

"I was anxious to get back, (and) I was a little surprised I wasn't given the chance to get right back in at the NHL level. But, … sometimes you've got to take a step backwards to go forward," he said.

A decade ago the coaching carousel would have spun a veteran coach like MacTavish into his next NHL job within a few months. Now? Well, times have changed.

"The young guys like Dan Bylsma did such a tremendous job when he went on an interim basis into Pittsburgh. The perception out there is that these young guys are connecting at a higher level than the older, more experienced coaches.

"Ownership (says), 'Why can't we get the next Dan Bylsma. Or Guy Boucher?' The experience part of it has been deflated a little bit. Older guys haven't been the no-brainers they were."

Between job interviews, MacTavish went to Queens University and completed his Masters of Business Administration. He scouted NCAA colleges last season for the Edmonton Oilers, and also took his medicine as a TV analyst, a move he wasn't ecstatic about, even though he was very good on camera.

"I really wasn't too enthused about (the analyst job), but it really forced me to stay in touch with the game at a level that I'm not sure I that I would have done had I not been forced to prepare for a lot of those nights," MacTavish admitted.

He faked it well, but after 11 seasons behind NHL benches as an assistant and head coach – and another 1,286 regular season and playoff NHL games – MacTavish's heart wasn't really in it.

"At the end of the day I like to be on the inside, rather than on the outside like a lot of you (media) folks," he said. "I like to be in the trenches."

Dean
M.Ed (Coaching)
Ch.P.C. (Chartered Professional Coach)
Game Intelligence Training
"Great education depends on great teaching."

[hockeygod]

Honourable mention

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS September 12, 2011

BOLTON, Mass. — Boston Bruins forward Marc Savard will get his name on the Stanley Cup after all.

General manager Peter Chiarelli said Monday at the team's charity golf tournament that Savard's name will be inscribed on the trophy with his teammates.

Savard played in only 25 games last season because of post-concussion syndrome.

He missed the entire playoffs as the Bruins won their first Stanley Cup since 1972.

Dean
M.Ed (Coaching)
Ch.P.C. (Chartered Professional Coach)
Game Intelligence Training
"Great education depends on great teaching."

[hockeygod]

Campbell: Have an extra few hundred million bucks?
The Ilya Kovalchuk contract has helped put the Devils in financial trouble.

Ken Campbell, The Hockey News, 2011-09-12

So you’re a fan of the New Jersey Devils. You remember the days when John McMullen owned the team and treated all the players like he was their grandfather. You recall the times when Lou Lamoriello had unfettered control to run the franchise as he saw fit. You watched your team make wise decision after wise decision and you enjoyed the Stanley Cup parades every few years in the parking lot of an arena built on a swamp.

Then you wake up this morning to learn that, according to the New York Post, the club, now owned by Jeff Vanderbeek, might be pushed into bankruptcy (The Devils issued a statement Monday afternoon refuting the report). This is the same guy who reportedly engineered the signing of Ilya Kovalchuk to an outrageous and irresponsible contract.

The Devils have never been a glamorous team. You don’t need The Hockey News to tell you that. Just ask anyone who has watched them play over the years. But one thing you could never argue about was their success in building an organization and putting a winning team on the ice. They’ve never drawn particularly well, even during the glory years, and they’ve never exactly been flush with money.

But it has never been this bad. Despite having a brand new arena in downtown Newark, the Devils ranked 25th in attendance last season. Then there was the news that emerged today that the owners missed their Sept. 1 loan payment, which gives its lenders a chance to put the team into bankruptcy. Not only that, these guys apparently owe more on the team and the Prudential Center than they are actually worth at the moment.

It’s no secret that the Devils owners, principal stakeholder Vanderbeek and non-controlling co-owner Ray Chambers, aren’t on the same wavelength. Chambers’ 47-percent share in the team has been for sale for well over a year and the asking price has gone down from $250 million to $200 million.

The Devils are hardly the only team in financial straits these days. In a scenario that has basically become business as usual for NHL commissioner Gary Bettman, any one of about eight teams could be purchased by anyone willing to withstand the massive losses that come with them. The Phoenix Coyotes’ situation has been well documented, while ownership groups in Florida and Columbus would love to be able to sell. The Carolina Hurricanes have been looking for additional investors and are coming up empty.

Then there are the St. Louis Blues and Dallas Stars. There was a time when the Stars were looking for somewhere in the neighborhood of $300 million and now they’ll be lucky to get $180 million. The Blues, meanwhile, have a desperate seller and at the end of the day, if they get sold, it will be for something in the Tampa Bay Lightning range of $110 million.

You could certainly argue selling a franchise has never been more difficult than it is right now. Even the mighty Toronto Maple Leafs have yet to find a buyer for their sports empire, for which they want more than (use the Dr. Evil voice and put your baby finger up to your lips) $1 billion.

So if you have a few hundred million dollars and you don’t mind the thought of losing untold millions more, you too could join the annual croquet game at the Breakers Resort. Just take your pick.

Dean
M.Ed (Coaching)
Ch.P.C. (Chartered Professional Coach)
Game Intelligence Training
"Great education depends on great teaching."

[hockeygod]

Devils say they are close to refinancing, deny report they are facing bankruptcy

The Canadian Press, 2011-09-12

NEWARK, N.J. – The minority owners of the New Jersey Devils are finalizing a deal to sell their interest in the NHL team and give managing partner Jeff Vanderbeek some new partners.

The Devils disclosed the potential sale by Brick City LLC in a statement on Monday in which they said a report in the New York Post that the team was facing bankruptcy was inaccurate.

Brick City LLC is the legal name for the Devils share owned by Ray Chambers and Mike Gilfillan, his son-in-law.

Quoting a source, The Post said team missed its Sept. 1 loan payment, giving its lenders a breakaway chance to push the team into bankruptcy. The newspaper also said the team had a bad relationships with its banks.

"The notions that the Devils are facing bankruptcy or that 'the Devils have told their banks to get lost' are patently untrue," the team said in its statement. "The Devils value their relationship with their banks and are confident a refinancing will be completed shortly.

"As stated previously, ownership is close to finalizing an agreement that would lead to a buyout of Brick City's share of the company."

The Devils also disclosed that new season ticket sales are up 130 per cent over last year and last week's sale of single-game tickets were up 260 per cent compared with a year ago.

Team president and general manager Lou Lamoriello refused to discuss the organization's financial situation.

Devils veterans will report for training camp on Saturday.

Vanderbeek and his partners have been at odds since earlier this year, with Vanderbeek noting they have different visions for the franchise.

Brick City exercised its contractual rights under its partnership agreement with Vanderbeek to cause a sale of the entire team and arena rights to the Prudential Center, subject to certain terms and conditions.

It hired Moag&Co., a Baltimore-based investment bank, to assist in its attempt to sell its share of the team.

Vanderbeek, however, was adamant that he would keep his part of the team.

Dean
M.Ed (Coaching)
Ch.P.C. (Chartered Professional Coach)
Game Intelligence Training
"Great education depends on great teaching."

[hockeygod]

Stars to be sold in bankruptcy

TOM HALS, REUTERS, Sept 13 2011

The Dallas Stars could be sold quickly after filing for bankruptcy later this week. (REUTERS/Alex Gallardo)

The Dallas Stars plans to file for bankruptcy this week with a proposal for a quick sale to a Canadian businessman for about $230 million, according to sources close to the talks.

The proposed sale to Tom Gaglardi, whose Vancouver-based investment firm owns Moxie's Restaurants and Sandman Hotels, Inns & Suites, will be subject to higher bids.

However, other interested buyers for the team, which has been on the block for more than two years, are considered unlikely, and the team could be out of bankruptcy in less than 60 days, the sources said.

Gaglardi is expected to have the support of the National Hockey League and he will keep the team in Dallas, the sources said.

Gaglardi did not immediately return a request for comment.

The team declined to comment except to say that it was "currently working closely with the National Hockey League and the team's creditors toward getting a new owner for the hockey club. We are hopeful to have a new owner in place soon," according to a statement.

The league also declined to comment.

Paperwork was being finalized on Monday with a filing expected as soon as Wednesday, two sources told Reuters.

Hicks Sports Group, led by Texas billionaire Tom Hicks, owns the Stars. The group defaulted on $525 million in debt in 2009, which led to the bankruptcy of its other key sports holding, the Texas Rangers baseball team.

The Rangers were sold last year in a bankruptcy auction to a group that included Hall of Fame pitcher Nolan Ryan for $593 million.

A spokeswoman for Tom Hicks declined to comment.

"With the Stars, I don't think you'll see a bidding war," said Michael Cramer, who was president of the Stars holding company from 1998 to 2004. He said so long as the deal is considered fair by creditors, he doubted there would be any challenge to the proposed sale to Gaglardi.

Creditors have until Tuesday to vote, although they are expected to approve the plan.

If no other bids emerge, the team's lenders would suffer a loss, the two sources said. Gaglardi is assuming the team's unsecured liabilities, such money owed to suppliers and obligations for deferred pay, the sources said.

Hicks bought the Stars in 1995 and added the Rangers in 1998.

Under his ownership, both teams enjoyed initial success, with the Stars winning the Stanley Cup championship in 1999.

But an economic recession and financial crisis left Hicks unable to support the teams.

In recent years, the Phoenix Coyotes hockey team and Chicago Cubs and Los Angeles Dodgers baseball teams have also declared bankruptcy.

The New York Post reported on Monday that the New Jersey Devils hockey team may also seek bankruptcy.

Hockey has been harder hit than other sports. Not getting as much of its revenue from television deals as baseball and football, it suffers more when attendance rates fluctuate.

"You're just not dealing with a great number of consumers for hockey," said Cramer, who is currently the director of the sports and media program at the University of Texas in Austin. "It's not like baseball and it's not like football and neither of them have been immune from this (slow economy). So hockey is just further down the food chain,"

Dean
M.Ed (Coaching)
Ch.P.C. (Chartered Professional Coach)
Game Intelligence Training
"Great education depends on great teaching."

[hockeygod]

Don Cherry's 1st coach turns 90: Cherry says he learned a lot as a player and a coach from former mentor Murray Henderson

Tim Wharnsby, CBC Sports, September 12, 2011

The Boston Bruins summer of celebration is far from over. They still have a championship banner to hang next month and there is little doubt that when training camp opens later this week, plenty of stories will be traded from their title run last spring.

The Bruins were front and centre again at a North York restaurant on Monday. But instead of celebrating a Stanley Cup, more than 100 friends, family and former NHLers assembled for lunch to toast ex-Bruins defenceman Murray Henderson, who turned 90 on Sept. 5.

"A lot of people have asked me how it feels to be 90," Henderson said, sitting beside a cake decorated in Bruins black and gold. "Well, I feel pretty good. I move around little slower. But I don't feel that much different than I did a few years ago."

Henderson remarked the secret to his longevity has been to keep himself active.

"I like to stay on the go and keep busy, even if it's as simple as puttering around the house for the day," he said.

Dozens of former NHLers gather at this eatery the first non-holiday Monday of every month to trade stories and get updates on how former teammates and opponents have been coping. There wasn't a vacant chair for this special lunch.

"Hello, Dick. Thanks for coming," Henderson said, recognizing former Toronto Maple Leaf Dick Duff, who came over to wish Henderson well.

Henderson is still sharp. As Duff, Jim Morrison, Bob Nevin and other hockey friends came to bestow their personal best wishes to Henderson, the 90-year-old recognized them all.

The second most popular guy in the room was Hockey Night in Canada's Don Cherry. Henderson was Cherry's first coach with the 1954-55 Hershey Bears of the AHL.

"He was a player-coach, and the problem was he was a better player than any of the players we had," Cherry said. "He was a good coach and a good guy, just as he is now."

Henderson, who was named to the AHL all-star team in Cherry's first season, left an impression on Cherry. When it was his turn to step behind the bench 17 seasons later, Cherry felt it was best to be a players' coach.

"I could see how good he was with the players and that helped me," Cherry said. "All the players liked him. You don't have to be a bad guy with the players. We played hard for him and wanted to win for him because he was such a good guy. He taught me a lot."

Having played eight seasons with the Bruins before becoming the head coach in Hershey, Henderson felt that Cherry had enough talent to play in the NHL. But because he entered his rookie pro season coming off a summer in which he broke his ankle playing baseball, Cherry was "pigeon-holed as an American Leaguer."

"Don has been a good friend for a long time," Henderson said. "It was so nice for him to take the time to be here."

Another surprise attendee was Henderson's friend 88-year-old Jim McGovern. The two spent time together in the Royal Canadian Air Force.

Henderson patrolled the British Columbia coastline for RCAF before he received an early discharge because his father passed away late in 1944. Because World War II had depleted NHL rosters, the Bruins came calling a few months later on advice from scout Harold (Baldy) Cotton, who received a tip from Henderson's uncle, Charlie Conacher. Henderson's mother, Catherine, was the eldest of 10 Conacher children.

"It seems so long since I played and retired from my working days after hockey," said Henderson, who watches the occasional game on television but doesn't follow the NHL that closely. "I went into the liquor and wine business after hockey for 35-40 years, but I've been retired a long time now."

Former Bruins scout Bob Tindall was the master of ceremonies for Henderson's party. Among the many gifts presented and congratulatory letters read, Henderson was presented with a replica Bruins sweater with his No. 8 from his days in Boston that was accompanied along with a message from another famous No. 8 in Bruins history, Cam Neely.

Dean
M.Ed (Coaching)
Ch.P.C. (Chartered Professional Coach)
Game Intelligence Training
"Great education depends on great teaching."

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