Archive for April, 2009
2009 NHL Calendar Breakdown – How Time Flies!
We have 6 weeks left in the 2008/2009 NHL season. Here are the highlights left for the players, coaches, general managers, owners and future hockey hopefuls. I have broken down a few of the dates and explained what is going to happen and what to expect … and also, what to look for. I am anticipating July 1st and the RFA/UFA season – do you know where your favorite player is going? Many people talk about the off season being a slow NHL time … however, keep an eye on the RFA/UFA list (link below) and hang on for the ride! Beside the NHL Trade Deadline – July 1st and the Free Agency period are my 2nd most favorite non-game NHL time.
April 24-May 10 – IIHF World Championship, Switzerland
May 25-30 – NHL Combine, Toronto
You can view here the 2009 Combine Invite List
The NHL Combine is a downright vigorous and probably the most physical, medical and psychological test these kids have to endure while the try to get into the NHL. It’s an “Invite Only” party that will help the scouts, coaches and GM’s decide where they put their draft picks and with whom. This is the second year it is being held at the Bristol Palace hotel in Toronto. The players are going to have everything tested – agility, stamina, coordination, thinking ability, maturity, their mental state … the only thing they will not have to do is skate.
NHL Central Scouting Director E.J. McGuire told NHL.com there are a number of reasons for not putting the prospects on skates. First, for the top players, teams likely have seen them multiple times in person or on video already. Also, there’s the fact that some players, including many with U.S. colleges and high schools, haven’t been on the ice since February, while others will have played in the Under-18 World Championships or just finished at the Memorial Cup, which ends the same week as the Combine.
“Is it fair to the kid whose high school season ended in February to stand next to the kid who (just) played in a championship game?” McGuire asked. “It might be unfair to the Memorial Cup participant if the (high school) kid had just been doing the Combine tests, sprinting five times as week, and not having to practice. That Memorial Cup guy, did he block a shot to win a championship and his ankle is sore?”
Instead, the players are put through their paces in a three-hour crucible which includes events as simple as the sit and reach, push-ups and sit-ups, right through a pair of high-tech torture chambers — exercise bike tests that measure anaerobic fitness and an aerobic-max VO2 test. This is one test that these kids dread, yet anticipate their entire lives!
June 15 – Last possible day for Stanley Cup finals
Plain and simple … by June 15th we will have the 2008/2009 Champions!
June 18 – NHL awards show at Las Vegas
Are you going? 2009 NHL Awards
June 26-27 – NHL draft, Montreal
New York Islanders get the first pick, Tampa Bay Lightning picks second and Colorado Avalanche get the third pick. The NHL Entry Draft consists of seven rounds, with each team assigned one pick in each round. Draft picks can be traded at any time and as we all know, most of those picks have been traded or pawned for position or players. The 2009 NHL draft order has not completely been set (we’ll know by June 15th) – there is a running list on Wikipedia regarding the 2009 NHL Draft Order
How They Decide The Draft Order:
- The 14 teams that missed the playoffs during the previous NHL season hold the first 14 picks. They draft in order of fewest points to most points, subject to the results of the draft lottery (see below).
- The current Stanley Cup champion picks last (30th).
- The Stanley Cup runner-up picks 29th.
- The other two Conference Finalists pick 28th and 27th.
- Regular-season division winners hold the other lowest positions.
- Remaining teams draft in order of fewest points to most points from the previous regular season.
Why They Hold The Draft Lottery:
The selection order in the first round is subject to a lottery, held among the teams that hold the top 14 picks. There is only one winning team in the lottery. That team moves up a maximum of four places in the draft order. The lottery is weighted to favor the teams with the fewest points. It was introduced to prevent a weak team from deliberately losing to guarantee itself a high draft pick.
Who Are Eligible For The Draft:
Eligible Players are players who turn 18 by September 15 and are not older than 20 by December 31. Also, non-North American players over the age of 20 are eligible. Any North American player who is not drafted by the age of 20 is an unrestricted free agent and all non-North Americans must be drafted before being signed, regardless of age. Players can also Re-enter the Draft when they are not signed by an NHL team within two years of being drafted, as long as he is 20 years old or younger at the time of the subsequent draft. Players over 20 become unrestricted free agents. NCAA players are an exception: NHL teams retain the rights to a college player until 30 days after the player has left college. Any team that does not sign a first-round draft pick is awarded a compensatory pick in a future draft upon losing the rights to that player and a player who has been drafted a second time cannot re-enter.
July 1 – Free agency signing period begins
Here are the lists of 2009 NHL Free Agents (by team) from Sports City – Restricted Free Agents and Unrestricted Free Agents
Unrestricted NHL Free Agents – As of 2008, any player whose contract has expired can declare himself an unrestricted free agent if he is at least 27 years old or has at least seven years of service as an NHL player. Between 2005 and 2008, the age of unrestricted free agency declined from 31 to 27. An unrestricted free agent is free to negotiate and sign a contract with any NHL team. Teams losing unrestricted free agents do not receive any compensation. Under the old collective agreement, which expired in 2005, draft picks were awarded as compensation.
Restricted Free Agents are players who are no longer considered “entry-level” but do not qualify as unrestricted free agents become restricted free agents when their contracts expire. The current team must extend a “qualifying offer” to a restricted free agent to retain negotiating rights to that player. Players who earned less than $660,000 in the previous season must be offered 110 percent of last season’s salary. Players making up to $1 million must be offered 105 percent. Players making over $1 million must be offered 100 percent. If the qualifying offer is not made, the player becomes an unrestricted free agent. If the player rejects a qualifying offer, he remains a restricted free agent.
July 5 – Deadline for player-elected salary arbitration / July 6 – Deadline for club-elected salary arbitration
Original post by Clint back in July 2007 – You can read it HERE
Arbitration is a tool that teams and players can use to handle salary disputes. It is only available to restricted free agents with four years of NHL experience. However, this term can be reduced for players that signed their first contract after the age of 20. Teams also have the ability to take their players to arbitration but a team may only take a player to arbitration one time in their career. Furthermore, a team can request no more than an 85% decrease in the player’s salary. Players, on the other hand, can request an arbitration hearing as much as they’d like throughout their professional career.
In arbitration, the player (and their agent) and the team each propose a potential salary and then argue for why they believe that salary to be fair. They base their proposals on things such as the player’s previous statistics, their overall contributions to the team’s success or failure, and the salaries received by other players that are deemed comparable.
A decision is made within 48 hours and at that point the team has the right to accept the arbitrators decision and sign the player to the deal or walk away. If the team walks away, the player becomes an unrestricted free agent and can be signed by any team in the league.
July 10 – Deadline for eligible players to elect Group 5 free agency
Group 5 Free Agents are the rarest of all the groups. A Group V free agent is, in essence, a player with the option of electing Group II status* or unrestricted free agency. Historically, players have opted for unrestricted free agency. If a team makes a qualifying offer, the player has until Aug. 5 to elect unrestricted free agency. If the player chooses not to become an unrestricted free agent, the team which owns his rights will have the option of matching an offer from a new team or draft-pick compensation as it applies to Group II free agents. If a team does not make a qualifying offer, the player is moved to the unrestricted list.
Qualifying age/experience for Group V players – They must have completed 10 pro seasons or more (NHL or minors, excluding junior hockey), earned less than the league average and received a timely qualifying offer. These players have the right to elect once in their careers to become unrestricted free agents. If they elect unrestricted status, then fall under the qualifications of a Group V again, they will automatically be restricted.
*Group II Free Agents – The most restrictive of all groups. Should a Group II free agent sign an offer sheet from another team, the team that owns his rights has the option of matching the offer or receiving compensation in the form of draft picks from the new team. Draft choice compensation is based on the amount offered by the new club. Original clubs must tender a qualifying offer, a minimum amount based on the player’s previous salary, to qualify for matching rights and compensation.
July 20-Aug. 4 – Salary arbitration hearings held
Aug. 6 – Deadline for salary arbitration decisions to be rendered
2009 NHL Playoff – Round 1 Wrap Up
Since the regular season ended and the Sharks took home the Presidents Trophy … I have been so proud of the boys from San Jose and their passionate play and emotional ride for the fans this year. Every April my stomach is tied in knots knowing that 4 short (yet, always seeming longer than life) rounds and another champion will be crowned – another etching will be scheduled for those names to be engraved onto the Cup! This year my energy and enthusiasm was doused by a quick back to back loss on home ice by the Sharks. Fast forward to now – Round 2 starts tomorrow and I now have to gather my emotions, think clearly and make my predictions! But first … lets reflect.
Some Call It Sweeps Week! The Canadiens, Blue Jackets, and Blues.
Montreal was plagued with injuries and had to play a better team, I think Columbus making the playoffs was good for the team, community and morale, however they really didn’t stand a chance and the Blues – well, Vancouver and Luongo were just that good.I am quite Surprised the Rangers almost beat the Captials.
Bottom Line – Lundqvist was not the goalie the Rangers were hoping he would be. The lack of offense from the Rangers in the final three games allowed the Capitals to win the series 4-3. I have to admit I was excited to see NYR come out swinging and after going up 3-1 it appeared Torts and his merry band of misfits were going to pull something out to wrap it up, but Washington had different plans and ended up making it to the second round.
Hawks and Flames – hey, Chicago was feeling charitable and gave Calgary 2 … Its up to Vancouver to represent our neighbors to the North the rest of this playoff!
The Ducks beat the Sharks 4-2 – Not really news anymore … I am over it … really, let it go! *sigh*
I know the Sharks were the best team in the regular season again, but they started to show fatigue and some vulnerabilities after the All Star break and, to me, it looked like the started to fall apart. I am looking forward to see what they do with the leadership in San Jose now that the season is over for them. My $2 says Doug Wilson is dusting off his resume. The Ducks being one of the hottest teams going into the playoffs didnt help either … You can thank Hiller for that. However, He’ll have his catching glove full in the second round with the Wings, though.
Penguins were strong and the Flyers held their own for as long as they could.
I was kinda pulling for Pittsburgh only because I wanted to see the Crosby/Ovechkin matchup in Round 2. It good for the league, and for the fans … I am hoping this round will be entertaining, hard hitting and fast.
Shock of the first round! Canes best the Devils in 7.
This was low on my list of series to watch, I was pulling for the Hurricanes and would celebrate when the highlights would show a win in their column. I think game 7 was absolutley sick and incredible … to allow the other team two goals in the final 1:20 in game 7. INSANE!
I have to say I am very impressed and pleased to see how accepting and inviting the NHL is in their online communication through Mike DiLorenzo (@Umassdilo on Twitter) and Schuyler Baehman (@schuylerb on Twitter) … they have both been an awesome contributor to many cool things the league is doing to incorporate their passionate and loyal fan base.
NHLTweetUp anyone???
So here we are … Round 2 starts tomorrow and I hope my heart can keep up with me!
My Top 10 NHL TV Commercials
I have been saying for a long time that NHL commercials need to be more creative, more passionate and more edgy. There have been a few campaigns that stick in my memory … the Hockey Falls guys … the coach that screws up the lessons at hockey practice “If we are going to win as a team, we need 100% of you guys, giving 110%, 100% of the time!” Today I ran across a couple commericals for the Bruins and I watched them a few times, ok 5 times each! I laughed out loud … the creativity in these commercials is simple yet brilliant! Have a look for yourself … this got me thinking about my favorite Hockey commercials, I have put together my Top 10 List here … Enjoy!
I ran across Paul Benvin’s post today at The Hockey Writers Blog – Puke and Spitballs: Paul’s Top Ten Hockey Commercials – Man I did not know there were so many funny Hockey commercials out there.
Here is a rundown of my Top 10 NHL Hockey Commercials … If you would like to build this list leave a comment and lets make this a great collection of Hockey commercials.
Number 10: Joe Thornton making toast.
Number 9: Players concerned about their appearance now that there is High Def games broadcast
Number 8: Yo Mama fight between goalies (Ryan Miller)
Number 7: Coach explaining how to give 110%
Number 6: Do Not Ever Tuck In A Jersey
Number 5: Anyone Order Swedish Twins?
Number 4: The Sportscenter Office’s
Number 3: Hockey Locker Room Celebration
Number 2: Who Not To Date
Number 1: Hockey Falls Signature Jacket
Honorable Mention -
From Bill Highfield in Florida : Nobody Shaves During The Playoffs
The following 4 videos are from Brian @ SaucerPass.com -Thanks for the email Brian … these are good additions to our list.
Security @ The SportsCenter Studios:
You really do not want to mess with Canadians … EH??? Noo Doobt Aboot It! *smile*
Hockey … What A Feelin! (I dont remember this being played in the US … think it was mainly a Canadian ad)
Who else wants to be able to have more curve on their stick?
Central Florida, Fast Cars and the Make-A-Wish Foundation!
I know this is an NHL Hockey centric blog, however, this is something I believe deeply in and I would ask each and every one of my readers to please – help! Every year in April the Celebration Exotic Car Festival is held and in the past four years this group has helped raise over $500,000 to go towards granting wishes. Dawn and I have pitched in this year to help with the media and marketing of the event. We have been working over the past 3 months and it is finally here … this festival is all about raising money to grant wishes! The group putting this event on is an amazing bunch of guys, with a heart of GOLD and it shows when they hand over the check to the Make-A-Wish foundation every year. I am proud and honored to be helping these guys launch this event this year. I am hoping, with your help, we can raise more than we have ever raised before – all you have to do is send a Text Message!!!
This is the first year we are incorporating SMS Text Messaging donations. Over the next 4 days, everyone who texts the word “WISH” to 90999 will automatically donate $5. Our festival is one of the premier event / fundraisers for the Make-A-Wish Foundation and by adding the ability to donate through your cell phone … I do not see why we cant break the bank this year. I would LOVE to see this keyword raise over $100,000 for our chapter and I have all the faith that its possible!
If you are not familiar with the Make-A-Wish foundation this is from our local chapters website – www.wishcentral.org
Since 1980, the Make-A-Wish Foundation has given hope, strength and joy to children with life-threatening medical conditions. From their humble beginnings with one boy’s wish to be a police officer, the Make-A-Wish Foundation has evolved into an organization that grants a child’s wish in the United States and its territories every 40 minutes. The Make-A-Wish Foundation of Central and Northern Florida began in 1986 and has offices in Orlando, Tampa Bay and Sarasota.
Starting today and running through Sunday April 19th I am asking everyone who reads this blog to do two simple things …
1. Text “WISH” to 90999
2. Tell every one you know to send in their Text Message.
I will update this post next week when I find out the amount we were able to raise. Thank you all for reading … and giving to a great and worthy foundation.
Will Work For 2009 NHL Playoff Hockey!
Now I know that sounds a bit more negative than one would think – but its not, and I’ll explain! I love Hockey – its my life, I think you all know this by now. I am going to offer you all a special chance of a lifetime! I will be willing to become an ambassador of your business, product or service for the low price of trips to the 2009 NHL Playoff Games.
Here is how it works: I will wear your company shirt, uniform, or whatever you require employees to wear at your company and walk around talking to everyone I can about your product or service. I will then do everything I can to get on camera with your logo (I have ways, plus, I know what they look for.) Then, after all that “face to face” time is over I will blog about your company and my trip and experience working the 2009 NHL Playoffs for you.
My blog – www.dailydeke.com has a solid fan base and has been growing its readership over the past year. I also host a weekly podcast “The Weekly Deke” (or TWeekD as we so affectionately refer to it) where myself, Brian Schrembs from Saucerpass.com, Judy from BigWhinyDefenseman.com, Sandi Lincoln (our TWeekD Official Hockey Mom) from SandiLincoln.com and our fearless and genious-like producer Chris Roberts all chime in with our take on the NHL, Players and everything Hockey.
Its a win / win situation … I get to be part of the best game on earth played live and you get people who are at that game hearing about your company, seeing your company represented however you want it represented.
If you thinking about sending someone to an NHL Playoff game this year as a representative of your brand – who better than a die-hard NHL Hockey fan? Please drop me a line to discuss this amazing opportunity – bill.brister70 {at} Gmail {dot} com
2009 NHL Playoff Tweet Up
In less than 2 weeks we will be entering the 2009 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs. 16 teams will battle out “Best Of 7 Series” and will eliminate or be eliminated on their quest to hoist the most coveted trophy in any sport. The Stanley Cup! This year the NHL and the fans of this awesome sport are holding the first ever “NHL Playoff Tweet Up” – On April 15th, 2009 there will be 15 parties going on all around North America celebrating the first puck drop of the 2009 Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Here is a list of host cities -
Boston
Chicago
Columbus
Denver
Edmonton
Hartford
New York
Orlando
Philadelphia
Pittsburgh
Regina
San Jose
St John
Vancouver
Toronto
If you want to see what plans have been made, head over to www.nhltweetup.com or, you can also follow the conversation on Twitter for up to date info and new announcements – @NHLTweetUp – if you want to host a party, enter your city and post the details about the event. You can see my post about the party I am throwing here – NHL Tweet Up Orlando … We will be throwing this party at the Celebration Town Tavern on Wednesday April 15th, 2009 starting around 5:30pm! I look forward to seeing everyone there!