Honda Center – Anaheim, Ca – Duck Pond
Detroit VS. Anaheim in the Second Round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs … Again, with my buddy Brian! This trip was hatched in a 10 day period. Dawn happened to be out of town again on business, and the first round of the playoffs ended. The schedule was set and Brian bought the tickets, I landed a miles flight from Orlando to Santa Anna and that was all she wrote! It was a quick trip, game Tuesday night, fly in Monday leave Wednesday morning. Brian took the day off of work on Tuesday and during our bee boppin around I “jokingly” said “You got tickets for the correct game didn’t you?” After looking at our tickets and doing a quick math check – it turns out he bought tickets for Tuesday’s game … however, the ticket broker he used listed Tuesday’s game as Round 2 / Home game 2 (which was NOT the Tuesday game, but the Thursday game). The game we were going to was Round 2 / Home Game 1! After spending 2+ hours on the phone with the ticket broker “customer service” we were left “stuck” with the tickets. Brian was right, they were wrong, but they would NOT admit it! Soooooo – we did what any other sports fan would do 3 hours before a playoff game. We went to Hooters looking for extra tickets!
After 2 hours at Hooters and an unsuccessful run at “extra” tickets … we decided to try to grab some from someone in front of the Duck Pond. We walked across the street and looked for anyone selling … no such luck! I told Brian I was going to go to the ticket window to see if they released, or will release tickets anytime soon – it was a long shot, but we were desperate! I walked up to the window that had No Line and asked in my most pleasant and pitiful voice, “would you by chance have any tickets to this event, I need 2” … To which the guy inside tells me “Standing Room ONLY – $88 per!” SOLD … I grabbed two and headed out into the swarm to find Brian. Once inside we locate our section of the wall and are amazed that we are standing at the top of a lower bowl section – by far a section that sold tickets for $250+ … and here we were, rubbin elbows with them! Just for the record, when they said “Standing Room Only” they were NOT joking!
We stood on our wall and watched an amazingly painful game … Detroit shut down the Ducks 5 – 0 that night! The other people in the Standing Room Only section happened to be Detroit fans, and true to form, were loud, boisterous, and ignorant to the fact that the playoff format is best of 7 games! Evidently these guys thought that with Detroit winning it meant they were better. I think the Ducks embarrassed Detroit that year and ended up taking the cup! Brian ended up going back to the Pond on Thursday to see the game with the tickets he bought for us that turned out to be wrong … and the best part of that, the ticket broker refunded him for one of the tickets!
Staples Center – Los Angeles, Ca
I am doing a series on the 30 NHL arenas and my quest to see a game in each venue. I am going to grandfather a few spots in since I have been to games in these cities. Do not take that to mean I will pass up future games – I am just putting these on the list since I have seen games here.
My buddy Brian and I decided to catch the Kings play the Avalanche in 2001 maybe 2002. It was my first live Colorado game and as an Avalanche fan I was very excited about seeing them play. Our seats were up high (300’s section @ the Staples Center) and it was hard to see who was on the ice, but I was with my best friend and we were watching the Avs play! Not much to say about the Staples Center other than it SUCKS for watching hockey in the upper upper bowl.
HP Pavillion – San Jose, Ca – Shark Tank!
I am doing a series on the 30 NHL arenas and my quest to see a game in each venue. I am going to grandfather a few spots in since I have been to games in these cities. Do not take that to mean I will pass up future games – I am just putting these on the list since I have seen games here.
In the 2003/04 season I landed the dream job. I was hired to work for an NHL franchise, being paid by the San Jose Sharks! One regret I have is I never framed my first paycheck … I planned on having it mounted and framed and by the time I got around to getting it done, I lost the check! Anyway – I have witnessed many battles @ my beloved Shark Tank, which is why I am launching this quest with this team. I have been a Sharks fan since 2001 when I moved to San Jose, it was a tough decision to make since I fell in love with the sport by watching the Colorado Avalanche open in Denver and go on to win the Stanley Cup that year. The Shark Tank holds many wonderful memories – running into Joe Sakic in the halls, being within 5 feet of the Great One – Wayne Gretzky, shaking hands with Phil Esposito, quick conversations with Kyle McClarren, Scott Hannan, Vinny Dampouse, Patty Marleau, Drew Remenda, and who can forget the adorable SJ Sharkie? I will always be grateful to the group that decided to give me a spot on the Nob Hill Foods Tank Patrol – I will never stop saying “Thank You Jaime” … for granting me one of my life dreams … you probably didn’t know it at the time, but stepping out onto the San Jose Ice with Danny Miller introducing the new Tank Patrol members and hearing my name being announced will be one of the best memories of my life, and for that, I will be a San Jose Shark for life!
Jarkko Ruutu – Is There Biting In Hockey?
File this under “Are You [expletive deleted] Kidding Me?” Last night during a Senators / Sabers game, Jarkko Ruutu and Andrew Peters got in a bit of a tussle. Next thing you know Peters is waving his thumb around, visibly upset arguing to the ref that Ruutu bit him. Do we bite in hockey?
This is yet another feather in the cap for the NHL and not in a good way. I am hoping its a fad, or just a fluke even, but to think that this is part of the evolution of hockey scares me. Biting? Really?
My opinion – these shenannigans will go on for a little bit until the players are tired of putting up with them. These incidents are akin to the annoying little gnat that flies around your head just long enough to annoy you and then *SPLAT* you kill it.
Players around the league are not going to put up with idiotic antics like biting, dirty fighting like we have seen Crosby dish out lately, dirty hits like the one from Ovechkin. Its all going to balance itself out because that is what happens when an entire league self polices itself like the NHL does. One person steps out of line – there are 3 or 4 standing up to inform them they need to change or be changed.
As always – Ruutu denies the bite, says Peters was using the “bite” as a way to draw a penalty after the play was whistled dead. The NHL will investigate and hand down their decision.
Here is the incident – what are your thoughts?
Mario Lemieux Does It 5 Ways
20 years ago today a record was set that seems impossible and probably IS impossible! Mario Lemieux defied the impossibility and made the impossible, possible by scoring 5 goals – 5 different ways (well the only 5 ways to make a goal – Even strength, Shorthanded, Power-play, Penalty shot and Empty net). Playing against the Devils on New Years Eve in 1988. Lets take a moment today to remember an amazing and talented player that had he been healthy throughout his career – he would have given The Great One a run for that title.
When you look at the record books most of the top 10 slots are occupied by either Gretzky or Lemieux. On top of Mario being the only NHL player to score 5 goals / 5 ways the rest of his “best of” reads like this:
NHL single-season record for shorthanded goals (13 in 1988-89)
NHL record for most goals in one period (4, 26 January 1997, shares record)
NHL record only player in history who scored over 30 Power-Play-Goals in two different seasons
NHL record only player in history who scored over 10 Short-Handed-Goals in two different seasons
NHL record scored or assisted on 57.3% of team’s goals in 1988-1989, the highest percentage in NHL history
NHL record only player in history to record three eight point games
NHL record four career five goal games (shares record)
NHL All-Star Game record for career goals (13, shares record)
NHL All-Star Game record for goals in a single-game (4 in 1990, shares record)
NHL All-Star Game record for points in a single-game (6 in 1988)
NHL All-Star Game record for most MVP-Awards (3, shares record)
NHL playoff record for goals in a single period (4, shares record)
NHL playoff record for goals in a single game (5, shares record)
NHL playoff record for points in a single period (4, shares record)
NHL playoff record for points in a single game (8, shares record)
Pittsburgh Penguins team record for career games played (915)
Pittsburgh Penguins team record for career goals (690)
Pittsburgh Penguins team record for career assists (1033)
Pittsburgh Penguins team record for career points (1723)
Pittsburgh Penguins record for longest goal-scoring streak (12 games)
Pittsburgh Penguins single-season record for goals (85 in 1988-89)
Pittsburgh Penguins single-season record for assists (114 in 1988-89)
Pittsburgh Penguins single-season record for points (199 in 1988-89)
Pittsburgh Penguins single-game record for goals (5, four occasions including playoffs)
Pittsburgh Penguins single-game record for assists (6, three occasions, shares record)
Pittsburgh Penguins single-game record for points (8, three occasions including playoffs)
If you have not seen it, here are Mario’s 5 goals / 5 ways … Enjoy!!!
The Reluctant Mercenary
So after months of rumor, speculation, misleading information and what can only be described as partially insanity, Mats Sundin has made his decision and the result defies all the statements he made previously. Mats had claimed all along that it wasn’t about money, that is was all about winning. Following years of being Toronto’s golden boy he didn’t want to be a part of a media circus either. So after refusing to waive his no-trade clause at the deadline last season claiming he didn’t want to be a rental player and that he needed to be there from the beginning for a Stanley Cup to matter, he waits until almost half of the season is over to sign with a team that doesn’t have a great shot at the cup that just happened to have offered him the most money from the beginning.
When Mats first became available Vancouver shocked the hockey world, somewhat, with their offer of $10 million per season for two years. Vancouver, a team who’s GM even stated that they aren’t ready to compete for the cup, was desperate for some offensive talent to kick start their partial rebuild and who better than a guy who has consistently put up around 80 points over his career of more than 15 seasons. Mats has always been known as a leader, a goal scorer and a steady influence on younger players but he’s only scored more than 85 points twice, with the last time coming more than a decade ago, and more than 40 goals 3 times. These are impressive numbers especially considering the consistency but $10 million would have made him the highest paid player in the league so is he more valuable than Alexander Ovechkin, Sidney Crosby or Evgeni Malkin all of whom make $9 million a season? I suppose it depends on what you’re looking for and to a team desperate for leadership and presence, perhaps it’s money well spent. Regardless, Vancouver had to wait months to get their answer and it seemed for awhile that they would find only disappointment.
The New York Rangers seemed to be the front runners, despite Mats’ claims regarding the media circus, but the Rangers had cap issues to contend with before they could get him on the roster. At some point it seemed like every team in the NHL was rumored to be interested, but the Rangers never left the top position in the rumors. Once Mats decided to return, he gave the Rangers the first shot and it almost seemed like a lock despite the Rangers struggles over their last 10 games. The Rangers desperately tried to clear the space necessary for Mats and it was rumored that they promised him a $5 million deal. To pay him that much a trade would have to be made but the Rangers seemed confident that they could get it done. However, if reports are accurate, that wasn’t enough for Mats and when it got dangerously close to the trade freeze and the Rangers trying to get more time, Mats walked away and signed with the Canucks. To me, it seems like he was reluctant to go to Vancouver. The Rangers certainly feel like his first choice but he didn’t want to accept that little of money and time ran out. After waiting all of this time, if he felt like the Rangers gave him the best shot at winning why wouldn’t he wait a little longer? I’d like to think that it wasn’t about money and that he saw a lot of the issues we’ve been seeing with the Blue shirts and realized that they didn’t actually give him the best chance to win. We’ll never get the answers to all of these questions, unfortunately, but it seems strange that a player who didn’t want to play in a media circus, who didn’t want to be a rental, who didn’t care about the money and only wanted to win would sit out half a season then take the biggest paycheck, $9 million for one season, to go to an area with intense media pressure to play for a team that should make the playoffs but would be a surprise contender for the cup. Had he really wanted all of those things why not go the San Jose Sharks or the Detroit Red Wings and sign for $2 million? Perhaps Mats knows something we don’t and when Luongo returns from injury, whenever that is, the Canucks will be dominant. As of now, it seems like Mats defied his own words and became the mercenary he didn’t want to be in the type of area he was trying to avoid.
Regardless, I like Sundin and I enjoy watching him play so I’m glad he’s back and I’m looking forward to seeing him in his new uniform in the new year. For Vancouver fans, it’s a huge win since it gives them more offensive depth than they’ve had in awhile and with the Canucks only 1 point behind the Flames for the Northwest division lead, maybe Sundin is all they need to take the division, get a solid seed for the playoffs and use the momentum to surprise everyone in the post season. Nothing would make me happier, or produce bigger headlines, than if Sundin came back this way and won the cup and Playoff MVP.
Hockey Weekend Across America – Feb 13-15, 2009
Last night, when I walked into the Ice Facotry in Kissimmee, Fl (where I play hockey) I noticed a small poster hanging on the wall and what caught my attention were the hockey players (kids) in the photo and the dates Feb 13-15, 2009. I continued reading the poster and started saw that there is a national hockey event going on and its sponsored by the NHL and Reebok! Now, the first question that came to mind was – How long has this been planned? Next question was – Why on earth have I not heard about this yet? So I started my investigation this morning. This initiative is exactly what we have been talking about on TWeekD (The Weekly Deke), starting at the fan level, getting one hockey player/fan to bring ONE FRIEND! This is what I called two weeks ago on TWeekD as the “Bring One” campaign! Here are the deets.
www.hockeyweekendacrossamerica.com … as the URL explains, its a weekend, across America, where we all celebrate this awesome sport called HOCKEY! There are two major objectives, both for the local and national level to promote hockey. To celebrate our game and all involved in the sport throughout the nation using all means possible. Provide opportunities for those who haven’t played hockey to try it, resulting ultimately in more people playing our game at all levels. Not only is this weekend for the fans and the friends they bring, its also for the arenas that host hockey. USA Hockey will have a contest for the Best Hockey Weekend Across America Programming. This contest is for the Arenas, Teams or Organizations at a local level.
Prizes will be awarded for the top six entries.
- First Place - 25 sets of OneGoal starter hockey equipment ($4,000 value), plus $2,000 cash
- Five Runner-Up Prizes – $1,000 cash each
This is the press release I found on their website -
The second annual Hockey Weekend Across America, presented by Reebok — a three-day nationwide celebration of the sport of hockey — will take place Feb. 13-15, 2009. The announcement came today from USA Hockey, the national governing body for the sport of ice hockey in the United States.
Each of the three days associated with Hockey Weekend Across America has a theme, including Wear Your Favorite Hockey Jersey on Friday, Bring a Friend to the Rink on Saturday and Celebrate Local Hockey Heroes on Sunday.
“We look to build on the success of last year’s inaugural Hockey Weekend Across America,” said Dave Ogrean, executive director of USA Hockey. “It’s important to engage the entire hockey community in this effort and, with the momentum built last year, we believe year two will only be better.”
HockeyWeekendAcrossAmerica.com will serve as the information hub for the event. It features material for download, including the event logo and poster. Additional information will continue to be added, including highlights of activities planned in conjunction with Hockey Weekend Across America from around the country.
“We’re delighted to be involved with Hockey Weekend Across America,” said Gary Bettman, commissioner of the National Hockey League. “This special initiative helps the hockey community honor local legends, make new friends and enjoy a three-day celebration of the best sport in the world.”
This event is being touted as a Hockey celebration at all levels, well, I would like to extend an offer to the NHL and ask them to please, start talking about it now! Yes, the Winter Classic is on every one’s mind and the All Star game is right after that … it would be very ineffective if the NHL’s attempt at messaging begins the first week of February! That will be to late … WE need to start NOW!
This is what it takes, grass roots campaigning, building the fan base from the bottom up. It is up to us, the Hockey purists, the fans passionate about this sport to make this event a success! If you are on Facebook, they have a group – come join Hockey Weekend Across Americaon Facebook! Lets send requests into USA Hockey and the NHL corporate offices and ask them to get more involved with this drive to increase the fan base. Michael DiLorenzo, NHL Director of Corporate Communication, is on Twitter … if you are on, send him a message @umassdilo and let him know you are in support of this!
Bottom line – we need to stand up and be heard!
Sharks’ Nabokov Hand Ducks Golden Egg
Last nights match-up between San Jose and Anaheim was one of the more exciting and invigorating games I have watched in a while. There was no lack of passion coming from either bench and when the plays sped up, and push came to shove … San Jose stood tall and said “Not Tonight – Not This Game!” The 1st Star of the game went to the great goaltending of Evgeni Nabokov, who stopped 31 shots from the Ducks for his first shut out of the season and 41st of his career.
This game had many great aspects to it … fast break aways, unstoppable two on one’s, amazing saves at both ends of the ice (Nabby with his toe in the final minute and Hiller earlier in the game), passionate scuffles scattered throughout the game and a few major penalties handed down – including one game misconduct to Rob Blake for spearing.
“We’re playing each other a lot, and I guess we don’t like each other too much,” said Nabokov, who earned his 41st career shutout. “It’s kind of a rivalry. We obviously want what they had, and that’s the Stanley Cup. That’s why it’s such a great rivalry. Our guys care about each other, and that’s great to see.”
San Jose is leading the NHL with 48 points in 28 games - they are 6 points in front of Detroit and a 13 point advantage over the Pacific Division 2nd place Ducks. Last nights win was their 17th win in 20 games, its looking like Todd McLellan has the midas touch for our boys in teal.
“They compete for every inch, and I thought we competed for our ice,” Sharks coach Todd McLellan said. “It was a bit of an emotional game near the end, but it wasn’t quite the kind of games we’ve been playing, a free-flowing one. It was a little uglier, a little more muck-and-grind along the boards, and I was happy with the way we competed in those areas.”
The fighting started early when Jody Shelley and George Parros tied up after the puck dropped. Jody Shelley landed more punches but Parros was able to rip Shelly’s jersey off the shoulder. The calmness only subsided for a few minutes until Milan Michalek knocked Corey Perry to the ice in response to an attempted open-ice check with five minutes left in the period. Chris Pronger, Chris Kunitz and San Jose’s Joe Pavelski all got involved, but only Michalek and Perry got penalties. The last-minute shoving match included many of the same combatants along with Blake and Niedermayer, the recipient of the spear. Michalek, who has until recently, stayed clear of many altercations also got a misconduct penalty for his contribution.
Overall – one of the better Sharks games I have watched this season. Great power, Amazing positioning, Forward thinking through the neutral zone, Crisp passing … there was never one time I found myself thinking that the Sharks were not playing 100%.
Great Game Boys!!!
A Wedding Proposal – On Ice
This past weekend I received an email from Kristi in Colorado telling me about her engagement. This was in response to my post regarding Hockey themed weddings. I love the story and the best part of this was the wicked twist in the planning … read on, you’ll see! Congrats Kristi and Danny … good luck and thanks for sending in your story! Here is the story I received from Kristi -
Danny and I were engaged Thursday October 16th 2008 at the Denver Pepsi Center. This is where our Ice Hockey team the Colorado Avalanche play, and they played my favorite childhood team the Philadelphia Flyers that evening. As you can expect, its my favorite game of the year to go see here in Colorado, as I am an undying Ice Hockey fan.
Prior to the game Danny had set up a tour of the Pepsi center with my friend Ryan that works there. Keep in mind I was speaking with Ryan and thought I was setting up the tour… sneaky! After looking around at all the things you wonder about what goes on behind the scenes Ryan led us out onto the Ice where our hockey team plays. It was a childhood dream come true! Just to be there on the ice where all of my heroes played. I asked if Ryan could take a picture, because who wouldnt want a picture of that! and he had Danny and I head out to center ice to take a picture together. Glowing in the overhead lights, so excited just to be there, Danny got down on one knee… He told me I was everything he had ever wanted and dreamed of (and much more), and asked me if I would be his wife. I began to cry tears of joy! My ring sparkled like nothing I have ever seen before under these bright stadium lights, and all at once all of my dreams came true! My Prince, the love of my life, asked for my hand in the most perfect way possible for me in my world.
I am honored and thrilled to announce this engagement.
Love and Light~*
Kristi Castle and Danny Rhodehamel
My Wedding Surprise – A Tasty NHL Treat!
So I am starting a new category here on The Deke … its going to be used to showcase those very cool and very hip “significant others” who go out of their way to show their appreciation of the people they share their lives with. Today – I start with my wife! Story goes like this … Our wedding was on October 14th, 2006 – Dawn and I were married in the Florida Keys at an amazing beach side sunset wedding. The night before we held the rehersal dinner … everything went as planned and before I knew it we were enjoying our poolside BBQ for our “Cheeseburger In Paradise” themed pre-wedding party! As the evening rolled along, and as fun was being had by all … I hear my name being called and my presence was requested on the other side of the gathering crowd. THIS is what awaited me … and this is why MY WIFE is the Best!!!
As you can see, Dawn went behind my back and for 3 months worked with our wedding cake designer on this masterpiece. To say I was shocked would be an understatement – it was so cool to see my passion and my love of Hockey portrayed in a yummy frosting covered lump of cakey goodness!!! Dawn spent quite some time with our cake decorator, going back and forth trying to get the right look and she really wanted it to be “perfect!” I’ll tell ya, there is NOTHING more perfect than being surprised with a San Jose Sharks Puck cake! I cant believe she was able to keep this a secret for so long – in my eyes, it was absolutely pure perfection.
If you have a story like this, or if you have ever had a cake of Hockey … Lemme know, shoot me an email and tell me your story – Send some pictures and I’ll post them up here on this new thread!