Wednesday, November 26, 2014

Canucks hit the right note in Quinn Tribute


The passing of former player, coach, GM, President and Vancouver icon Pat Quinn was recognized by the Vancouver Canucks on Tuesday evening, with the Canucks holding a moment of silence in honour of the man known as the Big Irishman.

And to reinforce that presence that Quinn carried with him from each and every stop on his NHL and International hockey travels, the Canucks called on Mark Donnelly to provide just the right commemoration of his passing.

A performance of Danny Boy that clearly had an impact on those in Rogers Arena and we imagine for a fair many miles far beyond those arena walls on Tuesday.



There were many tales told of the legend of Pat Quinn over the last forty eight hours, from Vancouver to Toronto, through Philly, LA and beyond, everyone had a story  or memory of one of Canada's most complete hockey men.

For Vancouver fans, perhaps his best moment and there were oh so many, came with his short, no nonsense takedown of a Don Cherry conspiracy theory of the Pavel Bure era, an epic Pat Quinn performance that highlighted flashes of not only his Irish temper but his ability to knock down some of the mightiest of hockey's personalities.




There are of course many, many more such moments, Stanley Cup runs, Olympic games, World Junior tournaments and a number of memories from his playing coaching and managing career.

Perhaps most famously remembered as the guy who nailed Bobby Orr, an incident that to this day can spur on a good discussion or speak a riot depending on where you are visiting at any given point in time.




Not an easy thing to do, and certainly not an easy thing to survive in the era of the Big Bad Bruins.

But, it remains as one of the most iconic of Quinn moments as there was through the ages.

His life beyond his playing days, moved him into the coaching and then the General Manager's office, his seminars both on ice and off, have carried many an NHL star and future executive through the years. 

Incredibly, Quinn had not yet been selected to the Hockey Hall of Fame, another glaring error from the selection committee of that place of honour and an oversight that should be remedied with the utmost of haste.

Many of those pupils had nothing but fond remembrances of their time with Pat Quinn, a man whole left an impression with anyone he would meet, whether in hockey or out.

A sample of some of the tributes of respect, admiration and affection for Quinn can be found below, though they truly just scratch the surface of the impact that Pat Quinn had not only on the Canucks but on hockey as well.


NHL.com-- Canucks remember Quinn with video "Danny Boy"
Vancouver Province-- Pat Quinn: A stubborn Irishman right up to his final days
Vancouver Province-- Big Irishman always had time for fans
Vancouver Province-- Always a calming influence: Pat Quinn was a coach who could really teach
Vancouver Province-- So much about Pat Quinn will live on
Vancouver Province-- The little boy in the photo: Death of Pat Quinn leaves longtime fan speechless, again
Vancouver Province-- Why it took me so long to like Pat Quinn, I'm not sure
Vancouver Sun-- Canucks icon Pat Quinn was hockey royalty in Vancouver
Vancouver Sun-- Pat Quinn was NHL's eloquently loyal leader, dignified statesman
Vancouver Sun-- Pat Quinn was a private person on a public stage
Vancouver Sun-- Some Good Words about a Good Man
Vancouver Sun-- Pat Quinn remembered as larger-than-life individual
Vancouver Sun-- Players and coaches mourn death of intimidating, personable Pat Quinn
Vancouver 24 Hours-- Pat Quinn: a Great Man remembered
Georgia Straight-- Former Canucks head coach Pat Quinn passes away in Vancouver
Georgia Straight-- Pat Quinn: I never knew ye (but my dad did for a little while)
National Post-- Pat Quinn, gone much too soon, was a man of his time and one of the best of them
National Post-- Pat Quinn, the cigar-loving, storytelling Irishman, was a hockey icon. He will be missed
National Post-- Pat Quinn remembered as a man with deep capacity for kindness and humour
National Post-- Pat Quinn saved the Vancouver Canucks, gave them credibility
National Post-- Pat Quinn mourned by hockey world: "We have lost a great man"
Globe and Mail-- Pat Quinn, a true giant of the game, left an impression everywhere he went
Globe and Mail-- Pat Quinn stayed in the game until the very end
Toronto Star-- Pat Quinn: teacher, winner, gentleman
Toronto Star-- Hockey community shares memories of Pat Quinn
Toronto Star-- Pat Quinn legacy built on respect
Toronto Sun-- Hockey World Mourns Pat Quinn
Toronto Sun-- Goodbye to Pat Quinn, a manly man
Toronto Sun-- Pat Quinn was a joy to cover
Toronto Sun-- Pat Quinn was  a larger than life figure
Philly.com-- Former Flyers coach Pat Quinn remembered fondly
Philly.com-- Former coach Quinn recalled fondly by Flyers
Philly.com-- Quinn mighty helpful to young reporter
TSN-- Legendary NHL and Hockey Canada coach Quinn passes away
NBC Sportsnet-- Pat Quinn 'one of hockey's most respected individuals' has died
ESPN-- Pat Quinn had undeniable impact
ESPN-- Reaction to Pat Quinn's death
Sportsnet-- The Pat Quinn I never knew, but wish I had
Sportnset-- Pat Quinn: A towering life in hockey
Sportnest-- Pat Quinn will be remembered as a gentle giant

Weekly Award Winners for Week ending November 23



Our archive of the players named to the NHL's weekly honour roll through the month of November

Week ending November 23

Jannik Hansen -- Vancouver Canucks
Thomas Tatar -- Detroit Red Wings
Jamie Benn  -- Anaheim Ducks

 Three stars item for November 24, from NHL.com

Sunday, November 23, 2014

Celebrating the Class of 2014: Hockey's Hall of Fame Inductees

This past week in Toronto, six more names were added to the listing for the Hockey Hall of Fame,  four players who thrilled hockey fans through spectacular careers. A coach who finally received some long overdue recognition and an on ice official who kept the game on its best behaviour during some of its most heated contests.

The Class of 2014 celebrated this week for skills across the board and over the boards shift in and shift out. A listing of six key figures of the modern era, names that few if any would quibble with and most celebrate this week for their achievements and the talents that they brought to the game.




Below we've found a number of items on each, providing a snap shot of their success in a storied NHL career.

Hockey Hall of Fame introduction for the 2014 Induction Celebration

NHL.com-- A Quick Look at the 2014 Hockey Hall of Famers
IIHF-- HHOF to induct six
National Post-- Here is the Hockey Hall of Fame Class of 2014
TSN-- TSN his home to Hockey Hall of Fame Induction weekend

The Players

Rob Blake (Hockey Hall of Fame bio)
Hall of Fame Induction Speech

NHL.com-- Hard work has its rewards
ESPN-- Rob Blake
LA King-- Rob Blake Hall of Fame Interview
LA Times-- Rob Blake's path to Hall of Fame started with the Kings
LA Daily News-- Hall of Fame bound Rob Blake of the Kings a star from the start
London Free Press-- HHOF inductee defence man Rob Blake was total package
The Beacon Herald-- Blake First Former Culliton in hall

Peter Forsberg (Hockey Hall of Fame bio)
Hall of Fame Induction Speech

NHL.com-- Forsberg credits brothers for competitive spirit
ESPN-- Passion made Forsberg great winner
Boston Herald-- Peter Forsberg Proud, humbled by Hall of Fame induction
The Local-- Sweden's Peter Forsberg enters NHL Hall of Fame
Denver Post-- Peter Forsberg: Swede Sensation
Denver Post-- Peter Forsberg enjoying life in retirement
Toronto Sun-- Hockey Hall of Fame set to induct Peter Forsberg

Dominik Hasek (Hockey Hall of Fame Bio)
Hall of Fame Induction Speech

NHL.com-- Hasek loved playing against the game's best
WIVB-- Hasek shows Buffalo plant of love in Hall of Fame Speech
Buffalo News-- Dominik Hasek takes his place in Hockey Hall of Fame
Buffalo News-- Ex-Sabre "Dominator" Hasek inducted into Hockey Hall of Fame
Yahoo Sports-- The legend of Dominik Hasey: From Hockey heretic to the Hall of Fame
Detroit Free Press-- No surprise Dominik Hasek entering Hall of Fame
Toronto Star-- The puck stopped with Dominik Hasek

Mike Modano (Hockey Hall of Fame Bio)
Hall of Fame Induction Speech

NHL.com-- Stars great Modano grateful for Gainey's influence
ESPN-- Mike Modano
Global News-- Mike Modano's career took off in Prince Albert, Sask.
Fox Sports-- Modano most proud of '99 Cup, growing game in Dallas
Fort Worth Star-Telegram-- Modano will receive hockey's ultimate honour
USA Today-- Mike Modano proud of Hall of Fame Career
Toronto Sun-- Mike Modano an American Idol

The Coach

Pat Burns (Hockey Hall of Fame Bio)
Hall of Fame Induction Speech

NHL.com-- Lamoriello says Burn made players accountable
National Post-- Joy, relief as Pat Burns finally gets his due with Hockey Hall of Fame induction
Globe and Mail-- Pat Burns finally gets his due with induction into Hockey Hall of Fame
New York Times-- A Former Police Office Will Get a Posthumous Honor
USA Today-- Emotional tribute to Pat Burns Highlights Hall of Fame Inductions
Hamilton Spectator-- Burns knew he'd make it to Hall of Fame eventually
TSN-- Pat Burns always felt he was the luckiest ex-cop in the world

The Ref

Bill McCreary (Hockey Hall of Fame Bio)
Hall of Fame Induction speech

NHL.com-- McCreary honored, humbled to enter Hall of Fame
TB Newswatch-- Longtime NHL referee Bill McCreary Built Hall of Fame career on consistency
Yahoo Sports-- Referee Bill McCreary: Hockey Hall of Famer
TSN-- McCreary was one of NHL's great officials
Hamilton Spectator-- Fair and Safe
Toronto Sun-- Referee Bill McCreary earned his stripes
Toronto Star-- Consistency propelled NHL referee Bill McCreary to the Hall of Fame

The Media Selections

Kevin Allen
USA Today

USA Today-- USA Today Sport's Kevin Allen gets Hall of Fame Honour
NHL.com-- Elmer Ferguson winner Allen first true hockey insider

Pat Foley
Chicago Blackhawks Broadcaster

NHL.com-- Voice of Blackhawks puts game before HHOF honour
Chicago Tribune-- Pat Foley on entering the Hockey Hall of Fame

Saturday, November 22, 2014

NHL Scouting Reports 2014-15





Listings and background items of those players that NHL scouts are keeping their eyes on, tracking where they place on the 2014 depth charts leading up to the June draft.


November

CSS November players to watch
College freshmen dot November players to watch list

Individual player watch

November 19-- Seattle top prospect Barzal sustains knee injury
November 17-- McDavid injured, Eichel extends point streak

September

CSS Preliminary players to watch

Friday, November 21, 2014

Weekly Award Winners for week ending November 16



Our archive of the players named to the NHL's weekly honour roll through the month of November

Week ending November 16

Jori Lehtera-- St. Louis Blues
Carey Price-- Montreal Canadiens
Filip Forsberg-- Nashville Predators

 Three stars item for November 17, from NHL.com

Tuesday, November 11, 2014

Weekly Award Winners for week ending November 9



Our archive of the players named to the NHL's weekly honour roll through the month of November

Week ending November 9

Mark Giordano-- Calgary Flames
Craig Anderson-- Ottawa Senators
Vladimir Tarasenko-- St. Louis Blues

 Three stars item for November 9, from NHL.com

Sunday, November 09, 2014

World Junior Tournament 2014 Preparations



An archive of notes on the lead up to the World Junior championships coming up in December.

A look at the preparations that the teams taking part in the tournament to be held in Toronto and Montreal from December 26 to January 5.

IIHF World Junior Championship website

Hockey Canada's World Junior Championship

General Notes

December 1-- World Junior Championship becoming a "big money event"

IIHF Info

November 14-- World Junior exhibition schedule announced


Canada

December 1-- Canada opts for older roster at World Junior camp
November 3-- Player evaluation entering key phase for Canadian team hopefuls




USA

November 12-- USA Hockey names roster for World Jr. Challenge

Rookie of the Month for October 2014



The NHL named their Rookie of the Month for October, with the first award for the 2014-15 season heading to the west coast.


Tanner Pearson-- Los Angeles Kings

7 goals and and nine points over 11 games in October provided the burst of offence that found Tanner Pearson picking up the accolades for the month.

The review of Pearson's month can be found here.

Our Archive of the Monthly and weekly awards winners can be found here.

NHL Stars of the Month for October



With one month knocked off the NHL calendar, the NHL named their three Stars of the Month for October.


Anaheim Duck's Corey Perry
The First Star for the month of October

First Star

Corey Perry-- Anaheim Ducks

Second Star

Sidney Crosby-- Pittsburgh Penguins

Third Star

Tyler Seguin-- Dallas Stars

Weekly Awards Winners for week ending November 2



Our archive of the players named to the NHL's weekly honour roll through the month of November

Week ending November 2

Vladimir Tarasenko-- St. Louis Blues
Pavel Datsyuk-- Detroit Red Wings
Marc Andre Fleury-- Pittsburgh Penguins

 Three stars item for November 2, from NHL.com

Sunday, November 02, 2014

Bruins get some High Profile support for the season ahead


The Boston Bruin's won Sunday and they didn't even take to the ice.

The Dalai Lama, visiting Boston for a speaking engagement on Sunday pulled on a Boston Bruins hat, pretty well ensuring that the faithful of Boston (both of the Dalai Lama and the Bruins) had yet one more reason to listen intently to the lessons to come.

His Holiness has been on a North American tour in recent weeks, though the only NHL city visited thus far was Vancouver, which perhaps finds itself wishing that someone had been a little quicker on the mark.

The Dali Lama is off to New York City next, though we imagine that his advisers will suggest he keep the Bruins hat in the suitcase for the next few days.

Denis Leary was the first to spread the word of the Dalai Lama's fashion selection for the day, taking to twitter (see left) quickly to make sure that all were informed.

Bob McKenzie of TSN was fairly quick to bring Mr. Leary back down to ice level, providing his own photo collection as evidence that the Dalai Lama plays no favourites when it comes to his North American travels, while at the same time McKenzie suggested that perhaps the Bruins were a little parsimonious in the memorabilia department.



Still, the Bruins success in the divine intervention front on Sunday, clearly sets the bar high for other NHL franchises and with only so many religious leaders out there to offer up a similar hint of team loyalty, we imagine some of the other NHL teams are already sending off their ambassadors.

Montreal will now have to expand their own roster of the divine, perhaps to seek out the Pope, while Toronto may be looking to the head of the Church of England, the Queen to pull on a Maple Leafs journey at some future event.

Then there's the leaders of Islam, Judaism, Hinduism, Sikhism, Buddhism (other than the Tibet version) and the Greek and Ukrainian Orthodox Churches to seek out to name a few, a fairly comprehensive list for the NHL teams to divvy up can be found here.

And while teams that are struggling out of the gate may need more immediate help, some teams perhaps may hold off on their approaches until the playoff push.

We're not sure where LA may fall into the whole quest for a boost, though we imagine a few of the fans in the stands will offer up Scientology as a natural fit. Particularly when you consider the number of celebrities that are members and make the occasional appearance at the Staples Centre.

Still, those who are first prosper the most, and Boston, can take to the ice with serene confidence this week, knowing that the His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama is ready to go into the corners with them.

Headlines of November 2014

Our Archive for the month of November

November 30-- Datsyuk nets two as Red Wings beat Canucks 5-3
November 29-- Buffalo Sabres beat Montreal Canadiens in shootout to sweep home-and-home series
November 28-- Ottawa Senators leave Anderson on his own, give away two points to Florida
November 27-- Oilers downed by Predators in OT
November 26-- St. Louis Blues invite Martin Brodeur to practice with the team
November 25-- Calgary Flames just the latest franchise to turn to the public for money to build new arena
November 24-- Pat Quinn, gone much too soon, was a man of his time and one of the best of them
November 23-- NY Rangers rout NHL's top team, Canadiens, 5-0
November 22-- Blackhawks Crush Oilers
November 21-- Toronto Maple Lefas throw gasoline on the fire with salute snub
November 20-- Columbus Blue Jackets' Jack Johnson is bankrupt: report
November 19-- Canucks hold on to defeat Oilers for fourth straight time
November 18-- Toronto Maple Leafs humiliated at home by Nashville Predators
November 17-- Hockey Hall of Fame Class of 2014: Where it ranks among the best
November 16-- Gordie Howe's health rapidly declining according to his son
November 15-- Hockey Hall of Fame inductees poke fun at Peter Forsberg: "Skilled, talented, nasty, dirty"
November 14-- Canucks take the night off in 5-0 loss to Coyotes
November 13-- Senators GM Bryan Murray faces reality of Stage 4 cancer diagnosis
November 12-- Ducks overcome bumps, mumps to beat Kings
November 11-- The Shame of Conner McDavid's injury
November 10-- NHL might be itching to place a bet on Vegas
November 9-- Canucks push back, close out California trip in style
November 8-- The Senators are trying to bring soccer atmosphere to a quiet arena
November 7-- ESPN's Keith Olbermann takes down the NHL's myth of the 'Original Six'
November 6-- Leafs’ Daniel Winnik leaves game on stretcher
November 5-- Fleury deal perfectly sensible
November 4-- Rangers giving Kaberle a chance after season away from NHL
November 3-- Oilers face challenge of winning without Hall, Ferrence
November 2-- Upstart, short handed Flames shock Canadiens 6-2 to kick off five game road trip
November 1-- Pavelec saves the day for Jets