Official Hockey Thread

[JFC]

It's too bad more hockey fights don't end the way this one does.



And for anyone wondering what the LNAH is: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ligue_Nord-Am%C3%A9ricaine_de_Hockey

[JFC]

And I'm guessing that it'd be a bit of a pain for the on-ice officials if more hockey fights were like this one.





EDIT: Assuming the skills don't suddenly disappear, this kid could be turning heads in a few years.

[Masa]

GJ Team Finland!

[JFC]

Posting this here because it's more about the man as a whole than it is about what he's specifically done in the NHL. And of course, because Teemu is teh awesome.

From the blog of a local Winnipegger:

Saint Selänne of Helsinki
By: derick

As I write this, Teemu Selanne is playing one of the final games of a long and stellar career. He is a shoe-in for a place in the Hockey Hall of Fame, but I will argue here that perhaps a greater honour should be bestowed upon him when the time comes.

Earlier today, two former popes were introduced into sainthood. In the Roman Catholic tradition, the canonization process involves scouring records around the world for two miracles that can be attributed to the individual that is to be declared a saint. It is a somewhat farcical process where fortunate coincidences involving the individual are deemed to be miracles and subsequently used to justify a decision to canonize that has already been made. These incidences usually involve gravely ill people making an unexplained recovery after praying to or being blessed by the individual in question. Given the number of gravely ill people who look to high profile religious figures for help, it would be a statistical anomaly if at least two so-called miracles did not occur.

If you ask me, the canonization process should be more like the process of appointing a judge to the Supreme Court. The appointment should be proposed by the Pope, then vetted by a council of wise Bishops before becoming official. The whole “miracle” facade should be dispensed with. There is little chance that it will be however, so if this is the standard that we’re setting, I think Teemu should be considered a future candidate.

Observe: miracle number one…

A 10 year old boy — a Ducks fan — with stage 4 terminal cancer. “We were both out of hope, out of energy” explained the father. “And when Teemu and the other people came in the room it was like a fresh breeze, fresh air. It was like a prophet entered the room, an angel.”

Teemu made a promise to young Faryan that if he recovered from his illness, he would be a special guest of Teemu’s at a Duck’s game.

The boy, inspired by Teemu’s promise, did recover against all odds, and Selanne kept his promise. “All these little things makes the kid hopeful” said Faryan’s mother. “Athletes have lots of responsibilities on their shoulders, and for someone like him to go out of their way and provide this for society, it’s really fantastic.”

It is nothing new for Teemu Selanne though. The Finnish Flash has spent a great deal of time visiting and encouraging sick kids, both here in North America and back home in Finland where he has established a foundation to help sick children.  No doubt many other kids have been touched by the aura of Saint Teemu.

And if, by chance, a second miracle cannot be found in the records of the children’s hospitals, how is this for a miracle: the 43 year old hockey player has assisted on the first two Anaheim Ducks goals in a feisty playoff game against the Dallas Stars tonight … almost 22 years after scoring two assists in his very first NHL game.

If that isn’t enough, here is even more evidence of his unique impact on people: after playing only 3 1/2 years in Winnipeg, Selanne has made such an impression upon the city that crusty and bitter Winnipeggers perk up at the very mention of his name, die-hard Jets fans don’t know who to cheer for when he comes to town … and at least one fan in Winnipeg has even gone so far as to suggest that Teemu should be inducted into Sainthood.

LINKS
- http://aroundthistown.ca/2014/04/27/saint-selanne-of-helsinki/
- http://articles.latimes.com/2013/apr/18/sports/la-sp-elliott-20130419

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With the 2014 IIHF World Championships currently going on, this was a nice little tidbit to find out about.

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Dammit Finland, you'd better take it all the way to the finals.

[Stryfe]

Gotta say I had no faith in our chances against Canada. Goalies made all the difference, poor Scrivens. In any case...

[JFC]

Goalies made all the difference,

That, and bad giveaways in your own endzone that lead to goals (like that last one that proved to be the game winner).

Anyway, turns out I startled a couple of kids who were out in the hallway when they suddenly heard "NO!!!!!!" coming out of the classroom I'm in. 

[JFC]

Could be interesting to see how this kid develops.

11-year-old Japanese boy could be next hockey prodigy

The next great hockey talent could very well come from Japan. Not the most traditional location, but a highlight reel showcasing 11-year-old Aito Iguchi that's circulating on the internet looks pretty convincing.

The native of Saitama has moves that suggest he could have a future in NHL, or at the very least rival the young talent in North America.

- http://www.msn.com/en-ca/sports/nhl/11-year-old-japanese-boy-could-be-next-hockey-prodigy/ar-BBdlr5U

[JFC]

After seeing this new video, yeah...this kid is showing major potential.

11-year-old hockey sensation continues to amaze

Remember the 11-year-old hockey prodigy Aito Iguchi? It's hard to forget the young player's unbelievable stick-handling skill.

In case you weren't already convinced, the potential future hockey star has a part two to his wildly popular highlight reel.

The kid has undeniable talent, but take another look and decide for yourself.

- http://www.msn.com/en-ca/sports/other/11-year-old-hockey-sensation-continues-to-amaze/ar-BBf7mGL




Only thing needed now is for the narrator/agent guy to be able to pronounce "Aito" properly.

[JFC]

Sad day in hockey today...

Legendary Soviet coach Tikhonov dies at 84
Monday, 11.24.2014 / 9:32 AM

Viktor Tikhonov, the legendary coach of the Soviet Union national team powerhouses, died Monday after a long illness. He was 84.

Tikhonov won three Olympic gold medals and eight World Championships as the coach of the Soviet Union national team, later the Russian national team, between 1979 and 1992. He also led his team to the title at the 1981 Canada Cup, a competition which pitted the professional players from the top hockey-playing countries.

He also won an Olympic silver medal, a World Championships silver medal and two bronze medals at the World Championships. In many circles, Tikhonov gained the most notice for the Olympic silver medal, which came in 1980 at Lake Placid when his powerhouse team was upset by the United States in the medal round in a contest that simply became known as the "Miracle on Ice."

In that game, Tikhonov replaced Viacheslav Tretiak, considered by many to be the best goalie in the world, with Vladimir Mishkyn after Tretiak allowed two first-period goals. The Americans shocked the hockey world by winning the game 4-3. It was a that would haunt Tikhonov for the rest of an otherwise amazing coaching career.

Domestically, Tikhonov coached CSKA Moscow, the country's biggest and most popular club, to 13 league titles from 1977 to 1989 and 13 straight European Cup titles from 1978-1990.

Tikhonov was born in Moscow in 1930 and played defense in Russia's top professional league, winning four championships. He also coached Dinamo Riga before landing the job with CSKA Moscow.

The honors for the impact he had on both Russian hockey and the internatIonal game are legendary. He is in the International Ice Hockey Federation Hall of Fame as a builder and is also a member of the Russian Hall of Fame. He is also an Hounoured Master of Sport.

Tikhonov is survived by his wife, Tatyana, and his grandchildren. His son, Vasili, died in 2013.

His grandson, Viktor, plays for SKA St. Petersburg in the Kontinetal Hockey League and was a member of the Russian Olympic Team at the 2014 Sochi Olympics. He also played in the NHL, dressing for 61 games for the Phoenix Coyotes in 2008-09.

FULL ARTICLE LINK - http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=740649

R.I.P. Mr. Tikhonov.



EDIT:

Pat Quinn, legendary coach, dies at 71
Monday, 11.24.2014 / 11:00 AM

Pat Quinn, the former NHL coach, died Sunday after a lengthy illness. He was 71.

Quinn coached for several NHL teams, reaching the Stanley Cup Finals with the Philadelphia Flyers in 1980 and with the Vancouver Canucks in 1994. He lost each time. Quinn also coached the Edmonton Oilers, the Los Angeles Kings and the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Internationally, Quinn coached Canada to several gold medals, including an Olympic gold in 2002 and a International Ice Hockey Federation World Junior Championship gold medal in 2009.

As a player, Quinn played nine seasons as a defenseman in the NHL, playing for the Atlanta Flames, Maple Leafs and Canucks.

Most recently, he was serving as the chairman of the Hockey Hall of Fame

"We are deeply saddened by the passing of Pat Quinn”, said Jim Gregory, Vice-Chairman of the Hockey Hall of Fame.  "Pat is one of hockey's most respected individuals whose lifetime involvement as a player, coach and executive has made an indelible mark on the game, and our thoughts and prayers are with Sandra and all of Pat's family and friends at this extremely difficult time."

FULL ARTICLE LINK - http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=740721

R.I.P. Mr. Quinn.

[JFC]

Julius Hudacek of HC Orebro in the Swedish League knows that it's okay to have fun when you're playing the game.


The team's official YouTube channel has more of his post-game celebrations:
https://www.youtube.com/user/HockeyOrebro/search?query=+%23HudaShow

[JFC]

More Teemu because Teemu is bloody awesome.

Sel8nne - movie trailer
Published on Sep 24, 2013

Selänne is a documentary about Teemu Selänne—the best Finnish ice hockey player of all time. It's directed by JP Siili, whose previous films include such hits as Härmä and Ganes.

We've followed the heroic tales of Selänne for over two decades. His exploits are famous, but now we get to know Selänne the man. In this documentary Teemu lets the viewer get close and under his skin. The film follows Selänne's journey from childhood to the latest NHL season. We see the life story of an exceptional athlete inside and out, not only through Teemu's words, but through the views of his loved ones and colleagues. Selänne is charismatic, social, irritating, charming, happy and always late. Welcome to the life of Teemu Selänne!

www.facebook.com/leffat

[JFC]

BACKUP -

[JFC]

TheHockeyNews.com - National Women’s Hockey League set to begin in 2015-16, will pay players
- http://www.thehockeynews.com/blog/national-womens-hockey-league-set-to-begin-in-2015-16-will-pay-players/

[JFC]

RantSports.com - 15 Things You’ll Hear Non-Hockey Fans Say During A Game
- http://www.rantsports.com/nhl/2015/03/26/15-things-youll-hear-non-hockey-fans-say-during-a-game/

[JFC]

So, starting next season (2015-16), the American Hockey League (aka the top-tier pro hockey minor league here in North America) will have a new Pacific Division as 5 teams are moving west. For anyone not in the know, the majority of the AHL's teams are located on the eastern half of North America, and as such, there can be (and have been) logistical issues when a western-based NHL team needs to re-call/send down players to it's AHL affiliate team when said affiliate is located on the other side of the continent because it's an eastern-based team. It also makes sense for affiliates to be located somewhat close to their NHL affiliate club as it then makes it easier for the NHL club to monitor the progress and development of the players it has sent there to strengthen and develop their game/skill set.  So basically, 5 NHL teams have taken literal ownership of their AHL affiliates (meaning that both the NHL and AHL teams have the same owners) and are moving their teams "closer to home" so to speak.

Icethetics.co - Five AHL teams relocating to California cities in 2015
- http://www.icethetics.co/blog/2015/1/29/five-ahl-teams-relocating-to-california-cities-for-2015-16


Thing is, some of the cities that are becoming home to new AHL teams already have teams of their own in the East Coast Hockey League (aka the ECHL), which is North America's second-tier pro hockey minor league. As such, many of those ECHL teams are also going to be moving. In some cases, the ECHL team and AHL team will just swap cities (and in certain cases, they'll even be swapping team names/logos), so at least not all of the fans in the affected cities will have to lose the presence of a local sports team.

Meanwhilte, two other AHL teams will also be moving, though for them the moves won't be quite as far, nor will they be permanent (at most, a season or two). The Winnipeg Jets will be moving their AHL affiliate from St. John's, Newfoundland, back to Winnipeg. However, once they've arranged a deal with a nearby city that has a suitable arena for it, the AHL team will be moved from Winnipeg to that new city. Right now it looks like it'll most likely be the city of Thunder Bay, Ontario, which is only a 60 minute flight away. Meanwhile, the Montreal Canadiens will be moving their AHL team from Hamilton to St. John's, however they already have plans to eventually move the AHL team to Laval, Quebec, which is basically a suburb of Montreal (basically 30 minutes by car or subway). Both AHL teams will eventually be moved to their planned future home cities once new arenas have been built.

Icethetics.co - Two more AHL teams to relocate in fall 2015
- http://www.icethetics.co/blog/2015/3/13/two-more-ahl-teams-to-relocate-in-fall-2015


Here's an infographic outlining all of the AHL & ECHL teams that are going to be moving for next year, the data (i.e. "who's going where" and "what will they be called") is current as of 2015.04.02, when the new AHL affiliates for the San Jose Sharks and Edmonton Oilers unveiled the logos that they'll be using next season:

- http://www.icethetics.co/blog/2015/4/2/new-ahl-logos-unveiled-in-san-jose-and-bakersfield

[JFC]

Well, after playing the proverbial game of "musical chairs", NHL-AHL affiliations for the 2015-16 season have been finalized. The infographic detailing the old and new affiliations comes courtesy of the guys at icethetics.


- http://www.icethetics.co/blog/2015/4/22/ahl-affiliation-swaps-announced-for-2015-16



On another note, tomorrow True North will be having a press conference where they are supposed to be making a formal announcement on the Jets' new AHL affiliate (most people here are thinking that it's going to be about the identity/branding of said affiliate). As a bit of a follow-up to my previous post in this thread, speculation now has been going around about using the 2015-16 season as a test to see if it could be practical to keep both the Jets and the AHL affiliate here in Peg Sheety, playing out of MTS Centre.  Apparently the deal that had been in the works to eventually have the team move to Thunder Bay once a new arena had been completed has fallen through. Whether or not tomorrow's announcement actually deals with/discusses that obviously remains to be seen, and there would definitely be a lot of questions regarding whether or not the people here are able/would be able/would be willing to financially support 2 professional hockey teams for the long-term.

Speaking personally, I'm hoping that they officially resurrect them as the Manitoba Moose. It's a brand/identity that is familiar and known to both local fans and to fans of the AHL in particular. Also, if the team is only going to be here for one season or even two, I don't really see it being practical or worth all of the effort and investment that it would take to establish a new identity and get new merchandise made with it. On the other hand, if they do decide to keep the AHL affiliate here long-term, then coming up with a new team identity isn't that bad of an idea, though it would mean that I'd have to shell out some more money to buy the new jerseys. 

[JFC]

Well, it's official...they're BAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAACK! 

Jets.NHL.com - TNSE Unveils Manitoba Moose as AHL Franchise & Announces Ticket Details
- http://jets.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=766417
- http://www.moosehockey.com/

TNSE AHL PRESS CONFERENCE FOOTAGE - http://video.jets.nhl.com/videocenter/console?id=819127
OFFICIAL BRAND UNVEILING VIDEO - http://video.jets.nhl.com/videocenter/console?id=819082



Nice to see that they're bringing back the familiar Moose logo (instead of doing a redesign). The only real change is that the logo has been re-coloured at bit so that the team's overall look will tie in better with the Jets' colours.

On the plus side, it's nice that they're bringing back a familiar brand and that there's going to be another, more affordable option for hockey fans here in Peg Sheety.

On the downside, now I'm going to have to buy new jerseys.

You win some, you lose some.


EDIT: And the guys at icethetics have already updated the team affiliations infographic.

Our @TheAHL 2015-16 affiliation changes infographic is almost complete now!

- https://twitter.com/icethetics/status/595268494247141376/photo/1

[JFC]

For anyone wanting to follow this year's IIHF World Hockey Championships, highlight videos are available on the IIHF's Official YouTube channel. Be warned though, the play-by-play guys that they have on these videos are terrible.
- https://www.youtube.com/user/icehockey/videos



Secondly, what the hell, they're playing hockey in India? Seriously?!?!?! 

Yeah, seriously.



And thirdly...many a hockey fan knows and remembers Matt Wuest, the founder of the CapGeek.com website that lost his battle with cancer just less than two months ago. Since then, it's been hard to find any website/resource anywhere online that was as organized and that had the depth of independently-collected information that CapGeek had.

A couple of days ago, it appears that a new site has popped up in an attempt to pick up the torch, GeneralFanager.com. Much like CapGeek, GeneralFanager contains data outlining individual player salaries, cap hits, who's a UFA and who's an RFA, team stats, general information about the NHL's CBA (Collective Bargaining Agreement) etc.  With any luck, it will prove to be a worthy successor to the work Matt Wuest started with CapGeek.
- http://www.generalfanager.com/