NHL FanHouse

AHL Announces Outdoor Game

Kevin Schultz — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 14:15:00 EST

Following the success of the NHL's outdoor game the past two years, the AHL has decided that it will get in on the act this winter.

Today, the league announced that it will be holding its own version of the Winter Classic on February 20th. The Mirabito Outdoor Classic will pit the Syracuse Crunch against the Binghamton Senators on the New York State Fairgrounds in Syracuse, New York.
It's the AHL's version of a can't miss matchup with one of the league's veteran franchises -- the 16 year old Crunch -- against their local rival. Put it in Western New York, about as hockey mad a place as there is in America outside of Minnesota, and you've probably got a recipe for success.

According to WBNG in Binghamton, the game is projected to come close to the AHL's all-time attendance record of 20,672 set in Greensboro, North Carolina of all places. Empire State Devlopment, which "provides assistance and service to businesses in order to encourage economic investment and prosperity in the state," and is heading the development of the outdoor game, projects 20,000 fans and $1 million in local revenue from the game.

The Post-Standard out of Syracuse shows us how the bill for putting the event together breaks down:

The game could cost as much as $900,000. The Crunch is paying as much as $550,000, which includes about $400,000 for installation of the temporary rink. Sponsorship helps out with about $350,000, including $100,000 from Time Warner. Gov. David Paterson helped secure a $75,000 grant from the Empire State Development Corp., and also cleared the way for the Crunch to use the Fairgrounds without paying a user fee.

But more than just a game, the Crunch are planning to set this up as a celebration of hockey's roots in New York State. The team plans to have guest appearances from NHL players that grew up in New York, and a whole host of other attractions in the classic minor league promotion form of "VIP tents, parties, entertainment, cheerleaders, hot tubs, etc."

There's no word yet on what the going rate for a hot tub at the Outdoor Classic is going run but I, for one, can't wait to see how they're going to set this up.

AHL Announces Outdoor Game originally appeared on NHL FanHouse on Tue, 24 Nov 2009 14:15:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chelios Fights Father Time for Last Shot

Greg Couch — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 01:00:00 EST

Filed under: Red Wings, NHL Free Agency, Minor League Hockey

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill. -- You park your car, walk in the side door of the Hoffman Estates Community Center in suburban Chicago, and the first thing you see is some gray-haired, slightly hunched guy standing under a sign that says, "Senior Center. 50+ club."

Chris Chelios is not aging well.

What? Oh, wait, that wasn't Chelios. Chelios was around the corner, a mere 47 years old, still 26 months from 50+ eligibility, not playing checkers, but instead playing in a hockey scrimmage with the Chicago Wolves minor league hockey team.

That's Chelios' team now. Yes, a surefire Hall of Fame defenseman, mostly with the Detroit Red Wings and Chicago Blackhawks, is riding the bus from town to town with a bunch of NHL hopefuls.

He was finished in Detroit after last season.

He wants back in to the NHL.

He'll be 48 in January.

"I love playing the game," he said. "This seemed like a perfect fit for me. It's been a real long time since I've played 20, 25 minutes a game. It's been great."

How do you feel about seeing an all-time great doing this? Maybe it's a little sad watching a former star risking his legacy by staying too long and going back to square one. Or maybe you can respect that he wants to get every last drop from a career he has worked so hard for, and has loved.

For now, I'm going with the second one. He's doing it because he can, and because this is the life he knows.

In nine games, Chelios has multiple assists four times and has one goal. The Phoenix Coyotes have shown interest, and others surely will when the playoffs get closer, injuries pile up and teams realize he's an in-shape, experienced defenseman who can help kill penalties.

Still, last time I saw him was at the Final Four in Detroit, where he was sitting at a table in his own bar, chatting with Michael Jordan. Chelios is a year older than Jordan, and it wasn't fun watching Jordan play too long.

"Yeah, but I went to a game and he scored 45 points," Chelios said. "The biggest issue for me is enjoying myself. I'm not worried about my legacy.

"I'll know when to quit. I'm not going to embarrass myself."

The Wolves flew from Chicago to San Antonio on Friday, and played Friday night. After the game was an hour-long bus ride to Austin, where they played on Saturday night. Then, a 3-hour ride to Houston, sandwiches along the way, arriving at 2 in the morning for Sunday's 4 PM game.

Brett Sterling, a promising 25-year old teammate who has had a taste of the NHL, said they play cards, listen to music, watch movies, sleep on the bus.

"Yeah, he plays cards with us sometimes," Sterling said. "He pretends he doesn't know how to play."

Then, he cleans up.

A little advice to Chelios' young, green teammates: Don't play cards with a guy who has millions of dollars.

Sterling said he has been a fan of Chelios' since he was 3 years old, and I'm sure Chelios thinks it's just great hearing that kind of stuff. A song from the 1950s came over the locker room the other day, and the team started yelling, "Chelios. Is that your iPod?"

Very funny. Fourteen players on the Wolves' roster, including Sterling, weren't born when Chelios started in the NHL.

Now, he shares a hotel room on the road, unless an odd number of players go. Then he gets his own.

Chelios has played in the Olympics. He has won the Stanley Cup. He has earned millions.

He is living with his mom and dad, and his son, in Chicago while his wife and two daughters are back in Detroit.

You should have seen Chelios in practice Tuesday. The entire team was packed onto half of the ice at the same time, playing a game, having fun. The head coach was in Buffalo because he was about to become a grandpa.

He's eight years older than Chelios.

But too many kids were packed onto too small a spot, and everyone was laughing and high-fiving and hugging. At one point, they all tackled each other, wrestling around. Chelios, with a little gray mixed into his 5 o'clock shadow, just watched that part.

"They're keeping me young," he said. "It's fun to be around kids just breaking in."

Chelios is one of the faster guys on this team, according to Sterling, and among the best in shape. He has signed a 25-game contract in a league where players make mid five-figure salaries.

"You grow up on the South Side of Chicago like I did," he said, "and you don't have ego."

Guys tend to love these old-athlete stories. It makes us feel that if we put in the work, we could still find the old glory, whatever level that was.

Let me say this: I am apparently a hideous monster. Bent to the left, hobbling. People stare with horror or pity. This morning, my wife held onto my shoulders while my kid pushed my hips to the left, to break them free. Success.

"You grow up on the South Side of Chicago like I did and you don't have ego."
-- Chris Chelios The problem? Well, two, really:

1) I played tennis three weeks ago, and was the wind. The wind! On the drive home, I turned into a pretzel.

2) I am not much younger than Chelios.

"Ah, you just don't play every day," he said, brushing it off. Someone forgot to tell Chelios that bodies don't work the same after a certain point. In Andre Agassi's new book, he talks about dealing with his back in his mid-30s, when he was playing every day. He said it was like playing tennis with a steering-wheel locking device on.

Playing tennis with the Club.

Chelios said he tries to eat right and stay in shape. After practice Tuesday, he worked out, as usual, and then sat in the sauna.

For some reason, playing too long doesn't have the same meaning in hockey as in other sports. A baseball player hangs on too long, and it's sort of pathetic somehow. In hockey, it just seems that these guys are cherished for the fight, for the commitment.

But it's hard to know what more Chelios would hope to get from the game, other than the knowledge that he didn't leave anything behind. But from here, he puts off his personal life a little longer.

He says he still calls to check on the families of the former manager and chef of his restaurant, who were stabbed to death a few years ago. "They'll never be the same," he said.

He has one son playing for Michigan State and another playing for another pro team in Chicago. He felt it would be unfair to try to uproot his daughters in Detroit, especially the older one, who is a junior in high school. So he continues a life on the road.

Who knows how he'll take retirement, when that finally happens. But he said he isn't going to play professionally with either of his sons. By the time they reach the NHL, if they get there, he'll surely be in the 50+ club.

They'll call him kid there.

Email me at gregcouch09@aol.com

Chelios Fights Father Time for Last Shot originally appeared on NHL FanHouse on Wed, 18 Nov 2009 01:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Minor League Hockey Coach Protests Call By Littering Ice With Equipment

Adam Gretz — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 16:00:00 EST

Filed under: Minor League Hockey

For one week, the Louisiana IceGators of the Southern Professional Hockey League were in the news and it was all the result of a meltdown by interim head coach and general manager Brent Sapergia during a 5-4 loss to the Pensacola Ice Flyers on Nov. 6.

Late in the first period, with his team down a pair of goals, Sapergia was riled up over a penalty call against his team and decided the best way to protest would be to throw everything he could get his hands on behind the bench, on the ice.

Water bottles, water coolers, hockey sticks, tape ... it's all there. As you might expect, he was ejected (for the second straight game) for his outburst. Sapergia explained his actions to Greg Wyshynski at Yahoo! sports Puck Daddy blog:

Sapergia feels his actions were justified. The previous night against Pensacola, Sapergia said, he saw two players cut for 20 stitches without any penalties called. Last Friday, the penalties were already 7-2 in favor of the Floridian team in the first period when Sapergia said he saw one of his players take two crosschecks to the head -- one of them when he was without a helmet. The coach demanded a power play from the official, who instead issued a penalty to the IceGators. "At that point I felt our players weren't being protected. Something needed to be done," he said.

The league suspended Sapergia for an "indefinite period of time," and he has since found a new, full-time head coach by hiring John Gibson, who had previously worked for the Huntsville Havoc.

This, of course, brings back memories of former New Jersey Devils head coach, Robbie Ftorek, who threw a bench on the ice against the Detroit Red Wings back in January, 2000.

And as long as we're on the subject of minor league coaches losing their minds, you can never see enough of Phillip Wellman of the Mississippi Braves and his epic meltdown during the summer of 2007.

Minor League Hockey Coach Protests Call By Littering Ice With Equipment originally appeared on NHL FanHouse on Thu, 12 Nov 2009 16:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Knuckle Puck: Michael Jackson and the Skivvy Shootout Imitators

Kevin Schultz — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 12:00:00 EST

Filed under: Lightning, Maple Leafs, Minor League Hockey, Junior Hockey

Each and every Saturday this season I'll be taking a look at the random happenings and absurdities that occur in the world of hockey. Feel free to suggest stories, complain or otherwise babble at me via electronic mail.

You've got to love the spirit of minor league hockey. The promotional departments for the teams love to give fitting tributes to things that usually have a tenuous relation -- if any -- to their teams, sport and locales. I'm not criticizing, simply stating an observation. The latest team to host a promotional night chosen from their Wheel-O-Random Promotions (I hear all minor league teams keep one snugly in the back of the marketing office for when the mood strikes them) is the ECHL's Bakersfield Condors.

The team hosted King of Pop Tribute Night on Friday complete with Michael Jackson jerseys and players wearing one white glove. And don't worry, the media was naturally all over the clever puns.

This one is from the Condors' own press release:

Friday night is for all of those "Smooth Criminals" out there looking to honor the "King of Pop."

Nothing I loathe more than quotations to make sure that we all get the joke. Deadspin's entry was much better:

ECHL Team Should Stop Before We Get Enough

And the groaner from from local ABC affiliate KERO (sic):

Even the Condors players will all wear one white glove for the game. It should be a real thriller....you can't beat it!

Sigh. Glad to see the lame pun folks were out in full force for this one. The Condors came up short in the game losing 6-3 -- and the jerseys were as awful looking as they are in your nightmares -- but hey, the jerseys were auctioned off to raise money for the Children's Miracle Network so at least the kids were winners.

Knuckle Pucker of the Year Nominee

Each week, we'll nominate someone who deserves to be recognized for their outstanding service and commitment to giving me something to write about. By the end of the year I'll come up with some way to declare a winner. Today's nominee is...

... Maple Leaf fan Lee Kirby. Earlier this week the Ebay auction ended in which Kirby placed his Leafs loyalty for sale to the highest bidder. He was so fed up with the franchise -- apparently it was the 0-7-1 start that broke the proverbial camel's back -- that he created the auction, which ended last week at $25 CDN (~$23 USD). The money was donated to charity and by instruction of the winning bidder Kirby is now a Dallas Stars fan and is worshiping Mike Modano and Company. So thank you, Lee Kirby, for your efforts in giving me something to write about.

Joke Already Written for Me

"[The auction] hovered at around 9 cents for a while, before picking up steam near the end."

If only it had ended near 9 cents, that would have been much funnier. The demand for Leafs fans is clearly not high and their prices are clearly dropping. I blame the economy. I also imagine the charity angle inflated the price a bit, which is always good to see.

Idaho Does Not Endorse Stripper Shootouts

Last week, I wrote in this space about the Tampa Bay Lightning playing a shootout game in which players would take off an article of clothing each time they failed to score. Driven by the inspiring tale of the Lightning, a junior team from Idaho decided to try the same thing. However, they failed to adhere to Idaho's strict no naked hockey players laws. For their actions, they were banned from Idaho Ice World in Boise for four days. FOUR DAYS. WHATEVER WILL BECOME OF THEIR ICE HOCKEY TEAM NOW?!?

Ahem. Excuse me.

An adult whose young daughter was on an adjacent rink saw the 17- to 20-year-old Steelheads skating in their skivvies and complained to a city hotline.

A very vigilant parent, indeed. The way youth sports are nowadays I'm surprised they took such calm action and resisted any urges they had to jump over the boards and beat up the kids. But what really bothers me about this quote is that the city actually has a hotline set up for situations like these. The article doesn't say the person called 911. They called a hotline. That's different. That's specialized.

Rink employees who also noticed the scantily clad skaters urged them to cover up.

But those juvenile delinquents didn't listen did they? We tried to warn them! WE TRIED! But the kids are rebels who don't play by the rules!

The best part of this story is that no one is really sure if any laws, rules or regulations were actually broken.

Police who were alerted on Thursday are now looking into whether Boise's public decency laws were broken by the incident.

The city forbids people from showing their buttocks in public, largely to curb erotic dance parlors. Exemptions include dance, ballet, music or dramatic performances, or artistic displays; nudity during hockey practice isn't on the list.

That would have been one heck of a list if hockey practice was on it. Well, I'm sure it will be now after this incident.

John Oliver, the Idaho Junior Steelheads owner, wasn't at the practice where the players held the "strip shootout."

But an assistant told him the players were emulating a professional team, the Tampa Bay Lightning, whose members held a similar shootout last week where they discarded pieces of equipment after failing to score.

Oh heavens! They got their crazy ideas from TV! That's where it always starts. First it's strip shootouts then they're trying out for American Idol and going straight for hard drugs. It's a slippery slope!

Internet videos show a Lightning right winger, Martin St. Louis, stripping to his long, dark shorts and shirt;

Now the internet is involved in the blame process. It's always the internet. And TV. Video games too. And if it's not any of those then the school system is probably failing the kids.

the Junior Steelheads apparently went further,

OH... GOD... NOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!! They fast-forwarded through the American Idol tryouts and went straight for the hard drugs, didn't they? SAY IT AIN'T SO ASSOCIATED PRESS REPORT!!

with some disrobing down to their sports briefs. At least one 17-year-old player doffed his underwear completely, to "moon" another player.

*Writer passes out completely*

Knuckle Puck: Michael Jackson and the Skivvy Shootout Imitators originally appeared on NHL FanHouse on Sat, 31 Oct 2009 12:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Knuckle Puck: Don Cherry Jerseys, Naked Breakaways and Red Line Love

Kevin Schultz — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 12:30:00 EST

Filed under: NHL Fans, Minor League Hockey

Each and every Saturday this season I'll be taking a look at the random happenings and absurdities that occur in the world of hockey. Feel free to suggest stories, complain or otherwise babble at me via electronic mail.

This has been a banner week for Knuckle Puck, easily the wackiest and most interesting since I started this feature about a month ago. I have so much to write about that I don't even know where to start things off. Do I go with the Kingston Frontenacs wearing Don Cherry styled jerseys? Or what about the Lightning getting kinky at practice? Then there are the folks at UniWatch showing some love for the red line, and retailer River City Sports trying to trick Islanders fans into buying Rangers hats. What's a writer to do? Well, for starters, you can follow me through the jump.

It was hard to decide upon a winner, but this week's lead story is the Kingston Frontenacs of the OHL. If you thought it was tough enough for your eyes to watch Cherry's wardrobe every Saturday night on Hockey Night in Canada, you would have had an extra treat on Wednesday night. The Frontenacs hosted Don Cherry Military Appreciation Night, complete with their very own Don Cherry themed suit-jerseys.

But before you wonder why the Frontenacs tried to blind their fans with such jerseys -- albeit for a good cause -- that's actually what they were trying to do. Sort of. They were trying to one-up other minor/junior teams and create the ugliest jerseys they could. No, really. That's what they were thinking when they planned this.

"Last summer, we were looking at some really ugly sweaters worn in the AHL and ECHL," said Jeff Stilwell, director of marketing for the Frontenacs.

"We thought, 'Wouldn't it be cool (to do something like that)?

Yeah, the team went out of their way to design a hideous jersey. At least they're honest about it, I guess. And auctioning off signed jerseys for charity earns them a lot of cool points, so I'll let it slide. Now the question is: do I want one of these hanging on my wall?

Heck and yes.

YouTube of the Week

The Tampa Bay Lightning decided to have some fun after practice this week ... with a naked breakaway competition!

Each player would take a turn shooting on a breakaway, and if they missed, an article of clothing was to be removed. In the video below is Steven Stamkos, who scored after only a couple misses, and if you fast forward to the 2:30 mark, Martin St. Louis trying to score in sandals. This was after the coaches left so, no, Rick Tocchet was not taking bets on the players.

Giving the Red Line Some Love

The folks at Uniwatch are exceptional at what they do. And what they do is stay on top of the goings-on in the world of athletic aesthetics. That includes uniforms, on-field artwork and pretty much anything else you can think of. This week they've one-upped themselves and posted a comprehensive guide to red lines. Yes, red lines. Those things in the middle of the ice that were made more or less irrelevant after the lockout rule changes. I never noticed it until I read the article but a lot of teams get really, really creative with the designs out there. My personal favorite is the one in Miami, where the Cats have put paw prints across the ice.

Knuckle Pucker of the Year Nominee

Each week, we'll nominate someone who deserves to be recognized for their outstanding service and commitment to giving me something to write about. By the end of the year I'll come up with some way to declare a winner. Today's nominee is...

... Online hockey apparel retailer River City Sports! Now, it's tough to put them in this category since I have ordered from them numerous times over the years, and it's always been a good experience. But this week Loser Domi at Barry Melrose Rocks discovered that the folks at RCS are trying to sell Islanders fans Rangers merchandise! How dastardly! I'm sure it's a minor typo in the page's code, but it's funny to see a Ranger hat smack in the middle of the Islander page.

Jokes I Can't Resist Making

- Well, to be honest, it's a nice gesture. Now Islander fans can feel like their team has won more than a game.
- That hat would probably sell quite a bit to Islander fans with a little bit of marketing. Just label it "Firewood."
- It could be worse. They could have posted a fisherman jersey.
- That's what happens when you hire color blind, illiterate IT guys.

Knuckle Puck: Don Cherry Jerseys, Naked Breakaways and Red Line Love originally appeared on NHL FanHouse on Sat, 24 Oct 2009 12:30:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rangers Overcome Lundqvist's Blunder, Beat Capitals

Adam Gretz — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 09:00:00 EST

Filed under: NHL Free Agency, NHL Videos, Minor League Hockey

Newsmakers in the NHL: During the regular season it's our Weekday look at the previous night's action and some of the storylines taking place around the league. Have a tip or something you want linked? Send it in to nhlfanhouse@gmail.com.

Rangers 4, Capitals 3: Henrik Lundqvist is one of the best goaltenders in the NHL, and even the best are entitled to an occasional mishap. That's what happened to Lundqvist on Thursday night as an innocent looking wrist shot off the stick of Nicklas Backstrom, from the neutral zone, found its way behind the All-Star goaltender early in the third period.

Video after the jump.

Also: Chelios returns to Chicago (sort of), Corey Perry's fluke goal

Now there's something you don't see everyday. Backstrom followed it up with his second goal of the game four minutes later, giving the Capitals a 3-2 lead. Fortunately for the Rangers, forward Marian Gaborik turned into a one-man wrecking crew scoring a pair of goals in just two-and-a-half minutes to give the Rangers the 4-3 win.

Red Wings 3, Blackhawks 2: In a rematch of last year's Western Conference Final, the Detroit Red Wings avoided an 0-3 start thanks to their three goal second period. The Wings received goals from Nicklas Lidstrom, Johan Franzen and Kris Draper just seven minutes apart.

Chris Chelios Returns To Chicago: Well, technically it's true. Chris Chelios will be playing hockey in Chicago once again, it's just that he'll be doing so for the Chicago Wolves of the AHL as opposed to the team he spent parts of nine seasons with (the Blackhawks). The 47-year-old rearguard will skate with the team on Monday, and could sign with the team next week. From Ansar Khan of MLive:

"He has the skills to play. I think that's a good move for him,'' Wings coach Mike Babcock said. "If you're playing, you're a lot more attractive (for NHL teams). He wants to be in the NHL, but Chicago gives him an opportunity in a town he knows real well that gets him going and gets him playing, "So when someone gets an Injury, and they're going to happen -- it's an Olympic year, condensed schedule -- Cheli's a guy who knows how to play, knows how to help your locker room. To me he'll be a perfect fit for someone.''

Chelios played 28 gameas for the Red Wings in 2008-09, tallying zero points and 18 penalty minutes.

The Rest Of Thursday's Action

Travis Zajac ties the game with 0.2 seconds to play and the Devils win in a shootout. [Box Score, Recap]

The Thrashers are 2-0 after their 4-2 win against St. Louis. Ilya Kovalchuk also scores goal No. 300. [Box Score, Recap]

Patric Hornqvist scores a pair to lead Nashville over Colorado. [Box Score, Recap]

Anaheim dominates Boston. [Box Score, Recap]

Mike Fisher scores the winner in overtime for Ottawa. [Box Score, Recap]

Thomas Vanek scores the winner with less than four minutes to play. [Box Score, Recap]

Nikolai Khabibulin will never want to play Calgary again. [Box Score, Recap]

Columbus visits San Jose. [Box Score, Recap]

Los Angeles plays host to Minnesota [Box Score, Recap]

Loose Pucks

-- The San Jose Sharks were without forward Brad Staubitz on Thursday after he was issued a one-game suspension for hitting Davis Drewiskie after an icing call on Tuesday night. It costs him $2,950 in salary. [Sports Illustrated]

-- The Detroit Red Wings added some toughness to their lineup on Thursday by signing veteran Brad May to a one-year deal. To make room for the veteran forward on the roster the Wings sent youngster Justin Abdelkader to Grand Rapids of the American Hockey League. [Red Wings]

-- After his first career start, Jonas Gustavsson has been placed on IR with a groin pull, leading to the call up of goaltender Joey MacDonald. Obviously, the folks at Pension Plan Puppets are to blame. [Pension Plan Puppets]

-- Sean Leahy takes a look at the best line combinations in the NHL. [Puck Daddy]

Video Of The Day

Way to use your head, Corey Perry.

Friday's Key Games

Friday's only games, actually...

Panthers vs. Hurricanes: Florida plays its first game in North America this season as it travels to Carolina for some Southeastern Division action. The Hurricanes have been struggling offensively on the young season, scoring just four goals in three games. It's the front end of back-to-back games for the Panthers as they have their official home opener on Saturday against New Jersey.

Stars vs. Flames: Dallas continues its road trip through Western Canada with a contest in Calgary. The Stars are winless on the season, both losses coming by way of the shootout.

Rangers Overcome Lundqvist's Blunder, Beat Capitals originally appeared on NHL FanHouse on Fri, 09 Oct 2009 09:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Future Is Bright: West's Top Prospects

Bruce Ciskie — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 14:00:00 EST

Filed under: NHL Draft, College Hockey, International Hockey, Minor League Hockey, Junior Hockey

Thanks in part to the salary cap, player development is a huge key in today's NHL. With that in mind, FanHouse presents a handy team-by-team guide to the league's top prospects. None of the players listed have played a game in the NHL, and there are also no 2009 draft picks on the list. After the jump, check out the best prospects from the Western Conference.

Central Division

Chicago Blackhawks

Kyle Beach, LW
2008 1st round pick
Age: 19
2008-2009 team: Everett/Lethbridge (WHL)
54 games, 24-39-63

Beach isn't far away from the NHL, though he's likely to spend the season in Lethbridge after a cup of coffee with the Blackhawks during training camp. He has the physical maturity to play in the NHL, but there isn't room for him in the Blackhawks lineup. Since he still has major junior eligibility, he can't go to the AHL. It just seems to be unrealistic for Chicago to keep him on their roster, unless they really think he's ready now.

Columbus Blue Jackets

Ted Ruth, D
2007 2nd round pick (Washington, traded to Blue Jackets February 2008)
Age: 20
2008-2009 team: Notre Dame (CCHA)
36 games, 2-5-7

While he's never been known as a huge offensive contributor, Ruth has worked hard on that side of his game. In his first two years at Notre Dame, he's been used mainly as a stay-at-home guy, and that's clearly still his strength. Ruth has seen a lot of ice time in college, and he should see even more as he emerges as a big-time leader for the Fighting Irish this season.

Detroit Red Wings

Thomas McCollum, G
2008 1st round pick
Age: 19
2008-2009 team: Brampton (OHL)
54 games, 34-16-4, 2.11 GAA, .927 saves

For McCollum, last season was a mixed bag. Off being drafted in the first round in 2008 by Detroit, a strong season in the OHL was marred around the holidays. McCollum had an up-and-down World Junior Championships, playing in goal for Team USA. The tournament ended with McCollum and his teammates giving up 12 goals over two consecutive losses. McCollum is still a year or two away from being NHL-ready, and he's heading for Grand Rapids this season.

Nashville Predators

Colin Wilson, C
2008 1st round pick
Age: 19
2008-2009 team: Boston University (Hockey East)
43 games, 17-38-55

He did it all in college. Wilson was a major star at BU, and helped the Terriers to a national championship last spring. Now that he's in the pros, expect him to land in Nashville. There isn't much left for Wilson to prove. Not only that, but the Predators are so starved for offensive depth that it makes practically no sense to stash him in the AHL for any part of the season.

St. Louis Blues

Ian Cole, D
2007 1st round pick
Age: 20
2008-2009 team: Notre Dame (CCHA)
38 games, 6-20-26

Cole has "captain" written all over him. He's a tough player with offensive upside, and he brings the intensity to every shift. While Alex Pietrangelo -- a fellow first-round defenseman -- continues to struggle with his consistency, Cole may pass him on the prospect board. Another year at Notre Dame should leave Cole prepared for the transition to pro hockey in the fall of 2010.

Northwest Division

Calgary Flames

Greg Nemisz, C
2008 1st round pick
Age: 19
2008-2009 team: Windsor (OHL)
65 games, 36-41-77

Some taller players need to grow into their body. Nemisz is not one of them. He's a thick, skilled power forward who helped the Spitfires win the Memorial Cup, producing seven points in six games. Keep a close eye on Nemisz as he works to improve his skating. The Flames are dreadfully thin at center, and it might not be long before he gets a shot at making the team.

Colorado Avalanche

Ryan Stoa, LW
2005 2nd round pick
Age: 22
2008-2009 team: Minnesota (WCHA)
36 games, 24-22-36

After a knee injury wiped out his 2007-2008 season, Stoa returned and had a huge year for the Gophers. He showed signs of development into a big-time scorer, using great chemistry with freshman Jordan Schroeder to set career highs across the board. Stoa signed with Colorado a week after his junior season ended, but didn't get a chance to play in the pros. That will change this year.

Edmonton Oilers

Jordan Eberle, C
2008 1st round pick
Age: 19
2008-2009 team: Regina (WHL)
61 games, 35-39-74

Eberle is a confident, talented, fast pivot, and it's just a matter of time before he's dazzling the Alberta faithful. He's not the biggest player, but he has great hands, a nose for the net, and he feels he's ready for the NHL this year. Worst case, Eberle has to wait one more year. However, new coach Pat Quinn coached Eberle in the 2008 World Juniors, and it's not like the Oilers are full of centers who are locks to make the team.

Minnesota Wild

Tyler Cuma, D
2008 1st round pick
Age: 19
2008-2009 team: Ottawa (OHL)
21 games, 1-8-9

Odds are that Cuma will be returned to his junior team. That said, players beat the odds all the time, and no one should be betting against Cuma. He is off a serious knee injury, but his game fits new Wild coach Todd Richards. Cuma has quick feet and great passing ability. Richards wants defensemen who can move the puck and get up and down the rink in an up-tempo system.

Vancouver Canucks

Cody Hodgson, C
2008 1st round pick
Age: 19
2008-2009 team: Brampton (OHL)
53 games, 43-49-92

Perhaps the most prolific scorer in Canadian junior hockey last year, Hodgson is flat-out good. He's the kind of player who can be on the ice no matter the situation. His last year in junior hockey was perhaps his best, and now it's time for the Canucks to make a decision. They can try to leave him in the AHL for more seasoning, or they can find enough ice time to justify having him on the NHL roster. The latter is more likely, as Hodgson doesn't really much more to prove outside of the NHL.

Pacific Division

Anaheim Ducks

Jake Gardiner, D
2008 1st round pick
Age: 19
2008-2009 team: Wisconsin (WCHA)
39 games, 3-18-21

Gardiner is a former forward, so it should shock no one that a Wisconsin team struggling to score used him as a forward on the power play. He should be strictly a blue-liner this year, and if he can improve like he did in his freshman year, things are looking good for the future. His offensive instincts are undeniable, but he's adjusted to playing defense well. Another year or two of college are in order, but Gardiner definitely bears watching as the Ducks re-tool their roster with younger defensemen.

Dallas Stars

Jamie Benn, LW
2007 5th round pick
Age: 20
2008-2009 team: Kelowna (WHL)
56 games, 46-36-82

A bit of a late bloomer, Benn should be on a fast track to the NHL. The winger was a big part of Kelowna's Memorial Cup run, and the Stars could use a dynamic young forward on their NHL roster. What's more likely is that Benn will be sent to the AHL and closely watched as a potential in-season callup.

Los Angeles Kings

Thomas Hickey, D
2007 1st round pick
Age: 20
2008-2009 team: Seattle (WHL)
57 games, 16-35-51

You've probably heard this story before. The Los Angeles Kings are stuffed full of tantalizing young prospects, and Hickey is the latest in the line. He has plenty of physical and mental maturity, and he could end up helping the Kings on the power play immediately.

Phoenix Coyotes

Nick Ross, D
2007 1st round pick
Age: 20
2008-2009 team: Vancouver (WHL)
74 games, 11-32-43

There isn't much about Ross' game that stands out. He's more of a defensive defenseman, in that he just does his job and stays out of the spotlight. Don't be fooled by his production in major junior, because Ross won't be a big goal scorer when he hits the NHL in a couple years.

San Jose Sharks

Logan Couture, C
2007 1st round pick
Age: 20
2008-2009 team: Ottawa (OHL)
62 games, 39-48-87

Where Couture is impressive is his commitment level. He's a hard-nosed player who will stick his nose in things defensively, but he also can put the puck in the net, and he's a good passer who can set up teammates. The catch here is that Couture is practically blocked from getting to the NHL this year by a strong Sharks roster. That's fine, because he'll be part of one of the NHL's better farm systems (especially when it comes to goalies).

Future Is Bright: West's Top Prospects originally appeared on NHL FanHouse on Fri, 18 Sep 2009 14:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Future Is Bright: East's Top Prospects

Bruce Ciskie — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 13:00:00 EST

Filed under: NHL Draft, College Hockey, International Hockey, Minor League Hockey, Junior Hockey

Thanks in part to the salary cap, player development is a huge key in today's NHL. With that in mind, FanHouse presents a handy team-by-team guide to the league's top prospects. None of the players listed have played a game in the NHL, and there are also no 2009 draft picks on the list. After the jump, check out the best prospects from the Eastern Conference.

As mentioned above, there are just two rules that will apply to everyone you read about. No players drafted in 2009 are on this list, and we've also eliminated anyone who has played in the NHL -- even if it's just one game. All statistics are from the 2008-2009 season.

Atlantic Division

New Jersey Devils

Mattias Tedenby, LW
2008 1st round pick
Age: 19
2008-2009 team: HV-71 (Sweden)
32 games, 3-1-4

Tedenby lacks size, but has great speed and is a top playmaker. His regular season numbers don't impress, but he tallied six times in 18 playoff games. Tedenby's arrival in Jersey is expected to be put off one more season, and he should get some serious ice time in Sweden this winter.

New York Islanders

Travis Hamonic, D
2008 2nd round pick
Age: 19
2008-2009 team: Moose Jaw (Western Hockey League)
57 games, 13-27-40

The Islanders clearly like Hamonic's game and his character. He's the kind of player who can become a difference-maker on the blue line. He is projected as more of a stay-at-home player, but 13 goals in 57 games is nothing to sneeze at. Like fellow defenseman and 2008 second-rounder Aaron Ness (University of Minnesota), Hamonic is still a couple years away from the NHL.

New York Rangers

Ryan McDonagh, D
2008 1st round pick (Montreal, traded to Rangers June 2009)
Age: 20
2008-2009 team: Wisconsin (WCHA)
36 games, 5-11-16

McDonagh was caught in a glut of top defensemen at Wisconsin a year ago. Despite that, he emerged as one of the top players on a team that recovered from an 0-6-1 start to narrowly miss the NCAA Tournament. Now that Jamie McBain (Carolina) has moved on, expect McDonagh to get a lot of power play time this season.

Philadelphia Flyers

James van Riemsdyk, LW
2007 1st round pick
Age: 20
2008-2009 team: New Hampshire (Hockey East)
36 games, 17-23-40

The Flyers used a high pick (second overall) on van Riemsdyk, a big power forward from New Jersey. This is the year that Philadelphia expects to see some return on their investment. van Riemsdyk will spend a good chunk of this season in the AHL, but depending on how he adjusts to pro hockey, could be brought up if someone gets hurt. van Riemsdyk got two years of college hockey in, so he should be physically ready for the jump.

Pittsburgh Penguins

Eric Tangradi, LW
2007 2nd round pick (Anaheim, traded to Penguins February 2009)
Age: 20
2008-2009 team: Belleville (Ontario Hockey League)
55 games, 38-50-88

At some point, at least one Philadelphia guy will be quite popular in Pittsburgh. Tangradi, a native of Philly, had three big years in the OHL, producing over a point per game in 52 career playoff games. There's a nice story with Tangradi, too, as he's still recovering from severing a tendon in his left hand during an OHL playoff game last spring. The comeback is going well, and Tangradi is likely headed to the AHL for more seasoning.

Northeast Division

Boston Bruins

Joe Colborne, C
2008 1st round pick
Age: 19
2008-2009 team: Denver (WCHA)
40 games, 10-21-31

Give Denver coach George Gwozdecky credit. He brought Colborne along slowly, and the player people saw in March was different than the one that started his college career in October. The six-foot-six forward still has to grow horizontally and fill out a bit, but he'll play a key role this year on a Denver team expected to be No. 1 in most preseason polls.

Buffalo Sabres

Tyler Myers, D
2008 1st round pick
Age: 19
2008-2009 team: Kelowna (WHL)
58 games, 9-33-42

With one year of WHL eligibility available, Myers is under a lot of pressure in Sabres camp. He will be given every opportunity to make the roster, but the team won't hesitate to send him packing for Kelowna again if they don't think he's ready. They have up to ten regular-season games to make that call. Myers is a big skater who can pass and shoot. He has the size and skill set to be a major player in the NHL.

Montreal Canadiens

P.K. Subban, D
2007 2nd round pick
Age: 20
2008-2009 team: Belleville (OHL)
56 games, 14-62-76

While Subban won't wow anyone with his physical play, he's more than adequate as a defender, and his passing is superb. Despite having an impressive offseason, Subban is not likely to make the big club this season. He's eligible to play in the AHL, though, and is a good candidate to head to Hamilton.

Ottawa Senators

Patrick Wiercioch, D
2008 3rd-round pick
Age: 19
2008-2009 team: Denver (WCHA)
36 games, 12-23-35

By the end of the season, Wiercioch was running the Pioneers' power play, and running it well. Expect to see more of that in his sophomore season at Denver. He is still a tad thin for a defenseman, but he has long arms, great hands, and is coming into his own as a defensive player. He could make a big impact on Ottawa's blue line by 2010.

Toronto Maple Leafs

Tyler Bozak, C
Free agent, signed April 2009
Age: 23
2008-2009 team: Denver (WCHA)
19 games, 8-15-23

A knee injury basically ruined Bozak's sophomore season at Denver, but scouts had already seen enough by the time he went down. A cameo appearance in the NCAA Tournament was made at less than full health, but Bozak will be good to go this season. Given Toronto's absence of high-level prospects, expectations are high for a kid most hadn't even heard of before last fall.

Southeast Division

Atlanta Thrashers

Angelo Esposito, C
2007 1st round pick (Pittsburgh, traded to Thrashers February 2008)
Age: 20
2008-2009 team: Montreal (Quebec Major Junior Hockey League)
35 games, 24-18-42

Given that Esposito is coming off a major knee injury, it makes sense for him to start the season in the AHL. However, if he's recovered, he won't stay there long. Given the lack of quality forward depth at the NHL level, the Thrashers probably can't afford to keep Esposito stashed away in the minors for very long. The former first-rounder had a huge World Junior tournament playing for Team Canada.

Carolina Hurricanes

Jamie McBain, D
2006 3rd round pick
Age: 21
2008-2009 team: Wisconsin (WCHA)
40 games, 7-30-37

McBain was ready to leave college, but is he ready for the NHL? The puck-moving defenseman had his best season as a junior for Wisconsin, but the Badgers just missed the national tournament as their forwards struggled to score consistently. McBain has grown into his body, improved his skating, and should be a nice player for the Hurricanes' AHL team, with a possible jump to the NHL by the end of this season or 2010-2011 at the latest.

Florida Panthers

Colby Robak, D
2008 2nd round pick
Age: 19
2008-2009 team: Brandon (WHL)
65 games, 13-29-42

The Panthers are a bit lean on defense thanks to the loss of Jay Bouwmeester, but there is plenty of help on the way. Robak may not make an impact on the NHL roster until 2010, but he bears watching as he develops in the WHL this winter. He's got a thin body, but is tall and can really skate well. He's a classic two-way defenseman who will get time both on power play and penalty kill.

Tampa Bay Lightning

Dustin Tokarski, G
2008 5th round pick
Age: 20
2008-2009 team: Spokane (WHL)
54 games, 34-18-2, 1.97 GAA, .937 saves

The 2008 Memorial Cup MVP helped Canada to the 2008 World Junior Championships gold medal, and now he's looking like he is ready to jump to pro hockey. Tokarski has dominated the WHL, has good fundmentals, and is about to join an organization in dire need of a "goalie of the future."

Washington Capitals

John Carlson, D
2008 1st round pick
Age: 19
2008-2009 team: London (OHL)
59 games, 16-60-76

Carlson is a powerful skater who projects as a do-everything type in the NHL. He's capable of playing rough and tough, can move the puck, and has a strong shot. The Capitals may not have room for Carlson on the NHL roster when training camp breaks, but it's unlikely he'll stay away much longer. He's dominated major junior, and needs a bigger challenge for his game.

Future Is Bright: East's Top Prospects originally appeared on NHL FanHouse on Thu, 17 Sep 2009 13:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Bidding Farewell to the Iowa Chops

Bruce Ciskie — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 11:10:00 EST

Filed under: Ducks, Minor League Hockey

It barely lasted long enough to barbecue some good pork chops, and now they're all but gone.

Last summer, the Iowa Chops were formed. The American Hockey League franchise had been affiliated with (and named after) the Dallas Stars, but switched to the Anaheim Ducks and promptly changed the team nickname. After one season, and a futile attempt to recruit Brett Favre, the Chops are in serious trouble, and could cease to exist.

The AHL Board of Governors voted Tuesday to suspend the team's operations for the 2009-2010 season. According the a league statement, the team "has unfortunately been unable to remedy certain violations of the provisions of the league's Constitution and By-Laws."

There have been reports that ownership took out a loan and used the franchise as collateral. That move would be against AHL rules.

The league vote came after the Ducks ended their affiliation agreement with the Chops back in May. That decision was made, according to the Ducks, because Chops ownership owed Anaheim "significant money."

The owners of the Chops had previously tried to get out of a no-relocation agreement they had with Polk County, which runs Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines. Negotiations on a settlement fell through, basically preventing the owners from selling the team and allowing it to be moved.

On the Chops' website, there is a statement on the matter.

We'd like to remain patient as The County works through the options we've presented them with regard to the Iowa Chops. And while not getting too specific - as again, our intent is to remain patient while they evaluate the next steps - we've provided a few options that save professional hockey in Des Moines.

Our intent behind this is to maintain not only the important revenue streams during hockey season to Global Spectrum and Polk County, but to also ensure that downtown businesses, bars and restaurants benefit from a hockey team, their fans, and their corporate partners. Regarding the scenario where we bring in a local partner and Central Hockey League team at our cost, we would ensure that fans and businesses can rely on the stewardship and relationships that a Des Moines area partner brings to the region and the operation.

The team also says full refunds will be given to anyone who had already bought their season tickets.

As for the Ducks, their search for a new AHL affiliate will continue. While Dallas and Edmonton are among the NHL franchises who have gone without a designated AHL affiliate in past seasons, most NHL teams do have a feeder club in the AHL.

The future for the Chops is much murkier. While there is an agreement in place to put a team in Wells Fargo Arena, there doesn't appear to be a team available to play there. Ownership is claiming losses upwards of $4 million since Iowa first got an AHL franchise in 2005, and two NHL franchises have come and gone from the city. Unless current ownership finds a local buyer, or they are able to return to some sort of sound relationship with the AHL, Des Moines may be done with professional hockey.

There is reason to believe the AHL can be successful in Des Moines. The city hosts a United States Hockey League team -- the Buccaneers -- that has done well. After four seasons of pro hockey losing money in the city, the Buccaneers might become the only game in town again.

Bidding Farewell to the Iowa Chops originally appeared on NHL FanHouse on Wed, 08 Jul 2009 11:10:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Welcome to Chicago, Kyle Beach

Adam Gretz — Thu, 21 May 2009 12:05:00 EST

Filed under: Blackhawks, Minor League Hockey, Junior Hockey

While the present-day Chicago Blackhawks look to dig themselves out of a 2-0 hole in their Western Conference final with the Detroit Red Wings, they managed to lock up a piece of their future by signing 2008 first-round draft pick Kyle Beach on Wednesday afternoon.

In terms of pure talent, he has the potential to be a steal as the No. 11 overall pick, assuming he can keep his head on straight and refrain from pulling a Happy Gilmore and not attempt to stab somebody with his skate.

Entering the draft, Beach was regarded as one of the top talents available, but took somewhat of a fall due to concerns about his somewhat reckless style of play, perceived attitude problems, and injury concerns. After spending his junior career in the WHL with the Everett Silvertips and Lethbridge Hurricanes (scoring 82 goals and registering nearly 600 penalty minutes), Beach signed an amateur tryout contract with the Rockford IceHogs of the American Hockey League in April. In two regular season games with Rockford, the fiery forward tallied zero points and picked up 15 penalty minutes.

Following the first game of Rockford's playoff series with Milwaukee, Beach was disciplined by the IceHogs and sent home for violating team policy. According to ESPN Chicago's Al Cimaglia, Rockford general manager of minor league affiliation Mark Bernad said Beach -- along with 2007 draft pick Akim Aliu -- was disciplined because he "did not maintain the code of conduct expected of players affiliated with the Blackhawks."

With the news of Beach's signing in Chicago, Wrap Around Curl is asking folks to step up and guess how many games he will last with the Blackhawks (winner gets a free t-shirt).

Of course, we shouldn't lose sight of the fact that if the Blackhawks can keep him check, they could have quite a player on their hands. Hockey's Future currently has him as Chicago's top prospect and the No. 47 prospect in the entire NHL.

Welcome to Chicago, Kyle Beach originally appeared on NHL FanHouse on Thu, 21 May 2009 12:05:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nick Lindberg Talks Shootout Goals, YouTube Fame

Tom Mantzouranis — Sat, 11 Apr 2009 15:06:00 EST

Filed under: FanHouse Exclusive, Minor League Hockey

The life of a hockey player isn't the most glamorous in sports. And if you think NHL players toil in relative obscurity, try plugging away in the minor leagues. But the internet has proven capable of a few things; creating instant celebrities is chief among that list. With the pervasiveness of online video, it's easy to reach infamy.

Just ask Nick Lindberg. The 28-year-old forward for the Port Huron IceHawks was going about his business, helping to lead his team towards the IHL playoffs, when he scored a remarkable shootout goal against the Kalamazoo Wings on April 7 and found himself a web sensation, the subject of another YouTube video with six-figure views. We caught up with Lindberg to talk about the reaction to the goal, trash talk, and what it's like to see yourself on TSN. Read our interview after the jump.

I guess the first question that has to be asked: Are you aware of how popular the video of your goal has become online?

(Laughs) Yes. Our video guy must have put it out. At first I had no idea, I didn't see it. Then my mom and brother called to tell me it was on TV in Sweden and on a bunch of websites and in newspapers and stuff there too. I've heard from some newspapers and stuff here, too. It's pretty flattering. It's been fun. One day a few of us were at a casino playing poker and they showed it on TSN. My teammates started yelling, "Hey, look up!"

Have you gotten any response from the video that caught you by surprise?

I've had a bunch of people writing to me randomly on Facebook -- friends of friends, a bunch of people like that. I definitely wasn't expecting (this kind of response). It's just a move that I've been playing around with after practice and I figured I'd give it a shot. I never thought it'd get attention like this. I guess it worked out pretty good.

How much have you practiced that shot before deciding to try it in a game?

Not many times at all. Just a few times after practice, playing around during scoring drills and stuff. This season I've tried it (in practice) maybe five times. When I was younger I was playing around with it a little, but I hadn't done it in a while. About a month ago I did it in practice and our goalie got pissed. So I figured, "I forgot about this move. Maybe I should give it a try."

My favorite part of the video is that, after you score, you play it cool as you skate back to the bench. I'd have showboated on that one.

(Laughs) I really didn't know what to do after I scored. I was looking at a couple of buddies on the other team who were laughing and shaking their heads. I didn't want to show off, but I guess I did with the goal itself. After the game we watched it in the locker room and coach said, "You should have hopped or something." He was just laughing. I figured we were still going, the game wasn't over, so I didn't know what to do. The guys were going crazy (on the bench), though.

The game did continue after your goal, and you guys lost that game to Kalamazoo. You should have gotten the win on style points alone because of your work.

(Laughs) That's what our coach said, "We should have gotten the extra point (for the shootout win) for that one. I'm going to call the league and see if we can get the point anyway."

It seems like there are a lot of players across all of the leagues trying to one-up each other with these goals. There's been a few really great ones lately, yours included. Do players watch each other and try to pick up ideas? Who do you watch?

We've been fortunate, our owner has tickets to Red Wings games. I like to watch (Pavel) Datsyuk. He's unbelievable. He pulls off stuff that makes you ask, "What'd he just did do?" You have to watch the replay a few times to figure it out. There's lots of guys you watch where you pick up small stuff here and there. You see something and try to come up with something on your own, just mix it up.

Hockey fans are torn about the shootout. Some love the entertainment value, others don't feel it's a fair way to decide a game. What are your feelings about it?

I think it's fun. If I go to a game, I definitely want to see it go that far and end in shootout instead of (a tie). Hockey is entertainment. Some people say it might not be fair, but people come to watch, pay money to see the games. It's a fun way to end it. Much more fun than a tie.

You guys are gearing up for the playoffs. What's that been like?

We've had a good year. We've played real solid. Last year, the team lost (to the Fort Wayne Komets for the Turner Cup) in triple overtime. One goal short of winning the cup. So we're really excited to get back and get going.

Are you expecting to hear some trash talk from other guys about the goal?

(Laughs) Maybe, I don't know. A couple of guys so far have just said, "Nice goal," but I wouldn't be surprised to hear some trash talk through these playoffs.

Maybe you'll even create a couple more highlights along the way.

Yeah, I'll definitely try.

Nick Lindberg Talks Shootout Goals, YouTube Fame originally appeared on NHL FanHouse on Sat, 11 Apr 2009 15:06:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nick Lindberg's Amazing Shootout Goal

Tom Mantzouranis — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 13:30:00 EST

Filed under: NHL Videos, Minor League Hockey

The shootout is quite a divisive topic among hockey fans. When it comes to deciding a fair winner, it might not be the most virtuous solution. Then again, when such remarkable creativity, skill and, dare I say, hubris are on display, as they were when Nicklas Lindberg of the IHL's Port Huron Icehawks went all Harlem Globetrotters on Kalamazoo goalie Joel Martin Tuesday night, it can't be all bad.

HT: Puck Daddy

Nick Lindberg's Amazing Shootout Goal originally appeared on NHL FanHouse on Wed, 08 Apr 2009 13:30:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Walt Poddubny, 49, Passes Away

FanHouse Newswire — Sun, 22 Mar 2009 11:00:00 EST

Filed under: Avalanche, Devils, Maple Leafs, Oilers, Rangers, Minor League Hockey

THUNDER BAY, Ontario -- Former NHL player Walt Poddubny died Saturday, the Thunder Bay Chronicle-Journal reported. He was 49.

The cause of death wasn't known. The newspaper said a person close to the family said Poddubny collapsed at his sister's house, where he was living.

Drafted 90th overall by Edmonton in 1980, Poddubny played 11 NHL seasons for the Oilers, Toronto, the New York Rangers, Quebec and New Jersey. He had 184 goals and 238 assists in 468 games and topped the 30-goal mark three times.

After finishing his playing career in the American Hockey League with the Worcester IceCats, Poddubny coached the Anchorage Aces in the West Coast Hockey League.

He returned home in 2003 to spend time with his children and was involved in coaching and hockey celebrity appearances.

Information from the Associated Press was used in this report.

Walt Poddubny, 49, Passes Away originally appeared on NHL FanHouse on Sun, 22 Mar 2009 11:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tuukka Rask Flips Out After Shootout

Adam Gretz — Sat, 21 Mar 2009 15:00:00 EST

Filed under: Bruins, Minor League Hockey

One of the most controversial changes to the NHL in recent years has been the addition of the shootout. Is it fair to decide a game in which two teams play until their faces bleed for 65 minutes (including overtime) with a series of breakaways? I think we can put Boston Bruins prospect Tuukka Rask down for an emphatic "no."

Rask, currently playing for the Providence Bruins of the American Hockey League, lost his mind after a shootout loss to the Albany River Rats on Friday night with a temper tantrum that would have made Robbie Ftorek proud.

After playing to a scoreless tie through regulation and overtime, the two teams squared off in a shootout, which Albany ultimately won, 2-1. Both River Rats goals, however, were somewhat controversial, at least in the mind of Providence's 22-year-old netminder.

Jakub Petruzalek scored Albany's first goal after it appeared Rask had poke-checked the puck off his stick. In the following round, River Rats forward Harrison Reed scored the eventual game-winner, despite Rask's argument that the puck hit the post. What followed was a Lou Piniella-like meltdown, complete with stick tossing and a flying milk crate from the runway to the Providence locker room.

Video can be seen at the website for ABC channel 6 in Providence.

Rask is one of the Bruins' top prospects, and was acquired from the Toronto Maple Leafs in June 2006 for goaltender Andrew Raycroft. He's posted a .915 save percentage in 51 starts for Providence this season.

Tuukka Rask Flips Out After Shootout originally appeared on NHL FanHouse on Sat, 21 Mar 2009 15:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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