Not much hockey to talk about these days???

I’ll do my best to keep focused on hockey but my blogs are starting to be very un-hockey related.

Funny how none of the Leafs wanted to move at the trade deadline and now Tucker is gone, McCabe is on his way out and God only knows what’s up with Meatball Sundin.

Jose Theodore a Washington Capital, that just doesn’t sound right.

Do you remember when Don Cherry snapped on coaches corner and told Jagr to go back home and eat an onion, damn I still find that funny.

I’m finding my morning Tim Horton’s coffee just isn’t doing it anymore, it just tastes different and I’m not happy.

Watch out for the Phoenix Coyotes, they are about 2 years away from being one hell of a team.

Breakfast question, when you order your eggs and toast and hashbrowns what meat do you get? I’m thinking most get bacon but the odd time the sausage is good and the ham comes in 3rd place for me.

Bacon, sausage and ham mmmmmmmmmmmmmm I’m loving the pig, greatest animal ever.

So I’m watching the Olympics and all these little people are kicking ass in gymnastics and diving. The Chinese syncro diving girls are 4 foot 6, just insane.

Poor Bob Luongo, he goes from one crap team that can’t score to another team that can’t score. The fans of Vancouver will not be happy.

Do you know who Blake Comeau is? You will and Islanders fans will be very happy about it.

Speaking of the Olympics, that Great Wall of China is awesome, I’ve never seen it in person but I’d love to.

I think my Phillies have quit on each other, I’m not sure anything bothers me more.

Quick trivia, don’t look it up. Who had more career points Lindros or Forsberg.

I hear that these hybrid cars are great for obvious reasons but nobody knows how to fix them yet? That worries me.

Just picked up Ben Sheets in a fantasy baseball trade. I was thinking a good team name in fantasy baseball would be………….Ben Folds 5 Sheets. Thanks I’ll be here all week.

I hate cutting the lawn.

Trivia answer Forsberg 885 Lindros 865. Closer then you thought I bet.

Last weekend 3 beers 0 chicken wings! What a loser. I will make up for it this weekend, mark my words.

I had some readers curious about the pie iron I mentioned last week. Here you go http://www.pieiron.com/

No blog next week as I will be in Detroit for a Stanley Cup party. It’s not all fun and games kids, I will be writing a blog on the event with pictures etc. Look for it Sept 30/2008. I promise you it will be top notch.

Less then 2 months to opening night, have a great weekend.

Philadelphia, PA (Sports Network) - The Philadelphia Flyers reached an agreement with head coach John Stevens on a two-year contract extension on Thursday.

Per club policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.

“I am very excited,” Stevens said. “This is something that we talked about in the early part of the summer. We knew that it was just a matter of time before we got it done. I love being a part of this organization and the direction that the team is heading.”

Stevens, who had agreed to a one-year contract extension worth a reported $650,000 in December, finished his first full season behind the bench with a 42-29-11 record, good enough for fourth place in the Atlantic Division and a sixth-seed in the postseason.

However, the 42-year-old led his club to a surprise berth the Eastern Conference finals, one season removed from having the worst record in the NHL.

“John is very deserving of this contract,” said Flyers general manager Paul Holmgren. “He is a very energetic coach who brings a lot of enthusiasm and passion to the game, and we look forward to working together over the next few years.”

Since his hiring on October 22, 2006, Stevens has compiled a 63-71-22 mark in 156 games, his first foray into the NHL coaching ranks after a successful tenure in the American Hockey League.

Prior to his elevation with the big club, Stevens was the head coach for the Flyers’ AHL affiliate — the Philadelphia Phantoms — for six seasons (2000-06), compiling a 230-181-33-25 record to go along with 29 playoff wins and a Calder Cup championship in 2005.

Content Copyright 2007, The Sports Network. Distributed by XML Team Solutions.

Happy Saturday Morning hooligans.

Funny how the hockey world works. 10 years ago everybody was a monster like Lindros now the little guys like Kane, Giroux and Gagner are popping up all over the place.

Very weird by I’m not a big fan of Corona, just don’t like putting lime in my beer I guess.

Now a lime in my rye and ginger, now your talking.

Since we are on the topic of booze, you know the old saying the early bird catches the worm. I’m thinking the walking home at 5am from a night of drinking bird has a pretty good shot at the worm as well.

Rumour has it the Canucks offered Ryder the same 3 year $12 million offer, wow is potential goal scoring really that hard to find?

Do you remember when I said Brett Favre would be the starting QB of the Packers this year? I meant the Jets, sorry for the typo. It happens, I was alwasy bad in spelling.

FYI I spelled always wrong on purpose, I thought that would be funny.

So you grab a dandy lion when you are a kid and you sing “mama had a baby and her head popped off” as you flick the yellow head of the dandy lion off it’s stem with your thumb! Who the hell came up with that saying, holy crap.

Is it me or is Joe Thornton starting to wear out his welcome in SJ? The shine just seems to be coming off a bit.

Morgan Freeman should have stuck to driving Miss Daisy.

This is the dog days of summer as far as hockey goes, man is it ever boring right now.

Does everybody know what a pie iron is? Last weekend we had some tasty treats around the fire made by the worlds greatest invention “the pie iron” Please do yourself a favour and give it a try.

Sean Avery will be a huge bust in Dallas, They say everything is bigger in Dallas except Avery.

This Sundin thing is really dragging on too long, he really is a Swedish meatball.

Manny Ramirez is wearing #99 in LA, why do I bring this up? Because somebody else started to wear #99 in LA 20 years ago. Wayne Gretzky became a LA King 20 years ago.

Only 3 comments last week? BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

Have a great weekend.

Philadelphia, PA (Sports Network) - The Philadelphia Flyers announced Thursday that Craig Berube has been named an assistant coach.

“Craig will bring new energy to the Flyers’ coaching staff,” said general manager Paul Holmgren. “His knowledge of, and experience with many of our young players will be invaluable.”

Berube, who spent part of the 2006-07 season as an assistant with Philadelphia, put together a 46-27-4-3 mark with the Philadelphia Phantoms of the American Hockey League a season ago.

The 42-year-old Alberta native carved out a niche as an enforcer over a 17- year NHL career with five teams, including the Flyers. He enjoyed two stints with Philly (1986-91; 1998-2000), recording 20 goals and 54 points along with 1,138 penalty minutes in 323 games.

In 1,054 total contests, the burly winger nicknamed “Chief” racked up 61 goals, 159 points and 3,149 minutes in penalties.

Berube’s hiring fills the vacancy created when Terry Murray was hired as Los Angeles Kings head coach. He joins Joe Mullen, Jack McIlhargey and Reggie Lemelin as assistants to head coach John Stevens.

“I’m very happy to get a chance to return to the NHL with the Flyers,” said Berube. “A year ago, going back down to the Phantoms was a good opportunity for me to get experience and to show that I could be a head coach.”

In addition, the club announced that John Paddock will be the new head coach of the Phantoms, replacing Berube.

The 54-year-old Paddock enjoyed a brief NHL career with the Capitals, Nordiques and Flyers.

However, he is better known as a head coach and general manager in the AHL and NHL. He won two Calder Cup titles in 1988 and 1999 with Hershey and Hartford, and spent four seasons as head coach of the Winnipeg Jets from 1991-95.

Last year, Paddock went 36-23-6 as head coach of the Ottawa Senators before his firing late in the regular season.

Content Copyright 2007, The Sports Network. Distributed by XML Team Solutions.

So Mats is going to sign this week they say, blah blah these damn Swede’s are a pain in the ass.

Looks like I’m going to Vegas in October, it’s my first trip to Vegas, God help me.

A vodka and seven made with grey goose is a tasty little drink, add a lime.

I’ve decided Jeff Carter needs a nickname and I’m not talking Carts or something boring like that. Let’s hear what you got, so far I like Jeff “The Iron Pig” Carter.

Speaking of the Flyers, young Claude Giroux looks ready to make the leap and become an everyday NHL player. He has been compared to many player so far but I think the best comparison would be George Costanza. They both have beautiful hands. Seinfeld fans will appreciate that little joke.

I read earlier this week a 16 year old invented a water powered jet pack. That amazes me. When I was 16 I was lucky if my socks matched.

So I was walking into the bar Thursday night after hockey and some cougar asks me if my name is Ralph. I’m thinking what the crap, no I’m not Ralph and she pouts like only a super cougar could. So I guess she was waiting for a blind date named Ralph? Anyway the point of the story is the boys have started calling me Ralph, damn crazy nicknames.

Is there a worse sports city right now then Toronto? No Toronto professional team has a shot at winning anything. It’s so bad with the Leafs the fans want them to lose, what a mess.

Scotty Bowman now a Blackhawk. Wow the Hawks are serious. Great to see.

The Red Wings signed Filppula to a 5 year $15 million contract. He is Zetterburg lite, once again a great signing by the Red Wings.

WNBA brawl, that is great.

Quick off the top off your head, if I was a NHL player who do you think I would most likely be?

Is there any good sitcoms to watch? With out sports and shows like Dexter, Californication and Entourage I would have nothing to watch anymore.

They say Briere and Gagne are training this off season with an insanely strong trainer who has a 66 inch chest. I hope to God it’s not Dolly Parton.

Why do players like Doug Weight and Mark Recchi hang on? They won a Cup, I think it’s time to pack it in boys.

Little bit of fun before I head out, ask me any question and I’ll try to answer. Ask about hockey pool advice, how to deal with a cranky co-worker, what type of wine to serve with chicken wings. Feel free ask away and I’ll answer the following week. I think we could have some fun with this.

It’s a long weekend up here in Canada so it’s a quick one this week, have a good one with lots of beer sun and fun, take care hooligans.

FLYERS FANS REJOICE!!!

that is, if you don’t end up crying at the game…

Believe it or not, the Flyers are going to be returning to their roots.  The beloved, yet essentially doomed Wachovia Spectrum will be the setting for a preseason game on Saturday, September 27th agaiinst the Carolina Hurricanes, club officials announced today.

http://flyers.nhl.com/team/app?articleid=379223&page=NewsPage&service=page

Obviously, this is going to be one of the most anticipated, emotional games for the Flyers and their fans in a long, long time.  It’s a shame though, that the anticipated demolition of the Spectrum had to be the catalyst for the Flyers return to the place where they won their first Stanley Cup back in 1974.  Many Flyers fans had wanted to see the Flyers back in the arena they graced for parts of 4 decades well before this as part of a retro night or something similar that would bring back memories of yesteryear.  But at least it’s happened now, before Philly is forced to bid adiou to the Spectrum once and for all as it will be torn down to make way for the planned “Philly Live” entertainment complex.

One can’t help but wonder…will the retro night at the Spectrum turn out to be the first appearance of the Flyers’ new 3rd jerseys?  With the throwback feel to the jerseys that have been leaked to the public in recent weeks, I’d be willing to bet that the answer is yes.

For a look at the rumored throwbacks, CLICK HERE.

oh…and by the way…here’s the rest of the Flyers preseason schedule as announced today. 

Monday, Sep. 22 vs. New Jersey (Wachovia Center)
Wednesday, Sep. 24 at Ottawa Senators (Scotiabank Place)
Thursday, Sep. 25 vs. NY Islanders (John Labatt Centre)
Saturday, Sep. 27 vs. Carolina Hurricanes (Wachovia Spectrum)
Sunday, Sep. 28 at Carolina Hurricanes (RBC Center)
Wednesday, Oct. 1 vs. Washington Capitals (Wachovia Center)
Friday, Oct. 3 at Washington Capitals (Verizon Center)
Saturday, Oct .4 at NJ Devils (Prudential Center)

Happy Saturday Morning Hooligans.

If the Panthers trade J-Bow they better get a ton, the Panthers are a disgrace when it comes to making trades IMO.

Whatever happened to Andrew Dice Clay?

Are all Swedes this dramatic? First you have the Forsberg ankle drama, now the Mats Sundin will he or won’t he drama. If the martian twins in VCR ever hold out we may have a reality show.

I hope Michel Ouellet of the Tampa Bay Lightning didn’t buy a house yet because he will be traded with in the next 60 days, mark that down.

Very weird but true. I drink Coors Light in Canada and Bud Light in the States. I hate the taste of Coors Light in the States. Told you it was weird.

Did you notice that whoever finishes about 3rd in American idol usually becomes more famous then the winner, it’s weird. Carrie Underwood doesn’t count in that, it’s my blog I make the rules. FYI I don’t watch Idol.

Flyers lock up Lupul and my favorite Palindrome is very happy, good stuff.

If you use right guard on your left armpit does it work?

Dave “Tiger” Williams says Mike Bossy was a p****, holy crap that made me laugh.

Mike “Nacho Libre” York has signed in Columbus, I hope the have a Taco Bell there or Mike might loose it.

Crazy, I’m starting to come around on this Ryder signing, he’ll play big minutes on Savard’s line and bang in 25-30 goals, kind of Knublish I think.

I comment about nobody watching the WNBA and they have a fight Tueday night, cat fights always bring the viewers.

I bought new skates this week, the problem is I need new hands!

Another very underrated player that could be had cheap from the Lightning is Jussi Jokinen the shoot out wizard, some smart GM is going to get him cheap.

Do you ever wake up 30 minutes before your alarm is going to go off, that happened to me Thursday morning, it was horrible.

Hi I’m Brett Favre and I’m going to be the starting QB of the GB Packers this year, mark that down.

The Leafs are going to start the season with two 3rd lines and two 4th lines, what a fiasco. Can you say lottery and Johnny “Cash” Taveras, I know the Leafs can.

If Las Vegas ever gets a NHL team I think Rick Tocchet would make the perfect coach.

I leave you my readers with the greatest shirt of all time, have a fabulous weekend.

Well everyone, it has been some time since I last gave you some blog material. I am sorry for this. I started a new job and the hours forced me to adjust my regular sleep and exercise routines and I just havent been at my computer that much. But, I was lucky enough to skate with two NHL players last night so I thought it would be a good place to pick up my blogging.

First, how this opportunity came to be. Every Sunday night at 9 pm at Ice Works Quad Rinks in Aston, PA (most poorly run business in Delco) there is a private open hockey session for an hour and a half. I have been going for a month now and Ive met some pretty cool dudes while playing.

Two weeks back I met this guy Bill who wanted me to join up with his men’s league team for the remainder of their season, citing the need for a puck moving defenseman (sound like any team we might be familiar with). So, eager for all the ice time I could get my skates on, I happily accepted, unaware of the caliber of players on this team.

The first forward line for the team consisted of former NHLer Jordan Grant (Florida Panthers) and centering that line was current Calgary Flame and former first round selection of the New York Rangers, Jamie Lundmark.

Needless to say I was awestruck. I had only met one other NHLer (Alex Ovechkin), but never skated with a pro. He was a very chill guy and in a locker room full of players no where near his talent level, he was just another one of the guys shootin the shit and drinkin beers.

On the ice, I caught myself just watching him handle the puck and skate at times. Each stride was as fluid as the last and each pass as crisp as you will ever see. In the game, Jamie tended to make a few moves and look to pass rather than shoot on a goaltender he could easily shred with little effort. He was talking on the bench with the other guys about how he ended up in our area (married a girl from Coatesvile) and how he is preparing for camp with the Flames.

All in all, it was a night on the ice I will never forget, and it was a meaningless men’s league game. I had to work a 13 hr day today, and any other night i probably wouldnt have played hockey til 1 am, but this was an opportunity I couldnt pass up, and Im glad I didnt.