Hockey Superstar Dion Phaneuf who is know to be one of the leagues most feared hitters has a little brother, Dane, that is trying to follow in his footsteps… The only problem with that is that Dane caused quite the stir in Edmonton last week when, while playing the Canadian National hockey’s WOMENS team in a non-contact exhibition game, crushed 31 year old veteran Hayley Wickenheiser in the boards. Something that Hayley took exceptions too, she was ready to drop the gloves against “Little Bro” all while trying to choke him out. On a serious note, I’m all for intensity but C’mon Little Bro you can’t hit a girl…
A few nights ago the Habs shocked their fans by trading their beloved Guillaume Latendresse, even those who have been hating on him are questioning the move. If you look at the trade with and expert’s eye, you can see all the reasons why it was made… The Habs traded Guillaume for the Minnesota Wild’s Benoit Pouliot a player drafted with the 4th pick overall in 05, the same year Latendresse was drafted with the 45th pick by Montreal. Both players have not lived up to the hype but Latendresse has played much Much more games then Benoit because he skipped the minor league process, thus his stat sheet is a little bit better. With all that being said, both these under achievers are up for contracts next season, the only thing is that because of Guillaume’s stat sheet being better he can ask for much more money then Benoit… something The Habs cannot afford. Depict as a VERY slow skater and, to me, sketchy puck handleling skillz, the upside is that Guillaume can resurrect his career elsewhere because here it was going nowhere. As for Benoit, who has yet to prove his worthiness of a 4th overall pick, is a mush more skilled skater and has a lot of upside, let’s just hope that he can also resurrect his career with the Habs… Another good thing is that Guillaume was love in Montreal for many reasons but one of them being that he was a local kid who spoke French, now Benoit is not a local kid (from Saint-Isidore Ontario… 30 minutes away from MTL) s also a French speaking guy therefore the Habs fans will embrace him quickly. Benoit has a chance to go from Zero to Hero in a matter of weeks.
Also…
With Big bro Andrei Kostytin looking like he’s back on track, Little Bro, Bad boy Sergei is back with “Le Grand Club”, after being sent down to the farm team for disciplinary reasons. In last night’s game, he showed why we are still giving him chances, he’s a great player with an attitude problem, let’s hope that Coach Martin can keep him in check because we can certainly use his skillz on the ice…
The NHL AGAIN disappoints me in their inconsistent ways of handle their business… We all have been seeing the vicious hits to the head that have been going on this year most of them going unpunished. It seems like the NHL hand picks players whom receive suspensions and those that don’t. Montreal Canadiens enforcer George Laraque Just receive a 5 game suspension and nearly $39 000 for… a knee to knee hit against Niklas Kronwall of the Detroit Red Wings the other night. Now I’m NOT saying the play was undeserving of a suspension but the NHL just handed him the biggest suspension of the year so far… While other players such as superstar Mike Richards don’t even get a 2 minute penalty for chopping down an opposing player it just seems unfair and useless. If the NHL wants to make an exemplary exhibition of a player they really SHOULD look at a superstar level player that commits a boo boo because only then will other players react…
That’s all I got to say…
in this video you see what George did (5 game suspension) and what another dude did (no suspension) you be the Judge…
A few days ago, Ben Fanelli, a 16 year old hockey player in the OHL was viciously hit by Erie Otter a 2o year old opposing team player. Fanelli suffered a crown fracture and is in critical but stable position. Otter has just now been suspended for 1 YEAR by the league for the hit on Ben. Finally a league that puts it’s pants on a decides to do something… but then again, and I may get some negative comments for this… looking at the hit it seems like a pretty routine hit that had a devastating outcome. I’m not excusing the action made by Otter but had Fanelli simply taken the hit without any damage done, would we even be talking about it today? I believe Otter is a victim of circumstances because of the outcome of the hit, I would go even as far as saying that I disagree with the league on this one because, really, Otter didn’t do anything wrong according to the rules, so if the league doesn’t like the outcome of those types of hits then… CHANGE THE RULES! But don’t punish a guy based on the aftermath of a play. Unfortunately, a life is in danger here and there is obviously a problem in all hockey leagues when it comes to hits to the head, I hope the NHL takes notice of all these incidents that have occurred so far in the start of this young season and start protecting their players/assets more… SMH!
Hockey is a violent sport at times and it seems like every now and then there is an incident that happens that got people saying cheap shot or not… On Saturday, while I was watching the Habs beat the NY Rangers, a particular hit came up during the highlights of the other games. The incident involving Mike Richards hit of the Philly Flyers on David Booth of the Florida Panthers is a prime example of the thin line between a good solid clean hit and a dirty foul play hit. I personally, after reviewing the hit several times, think it was a clean hit. Unfortunately, it looks like Richards almost killed booth on the play, even when seeing it in slow motion, Booth had just delivered a pass when Richards, wanting to hit him before the pass went off, didn’t have the time to avoid the hit. When the hit first occurred, a buddy of mine (who was watching the game with me) thought because Richards dropped his shoulder a bit, that it was a dirty hit but in my opinion, the game is so fast and when your about to hit someone your natural reflexes are to protect yourself and that is the reason why he dropped his shoulder. Hockey players do at times cross the line when it comes to hitting other players on the ice but again to me that one was a clean hit. After reviewing the play, the league decided not to give any suspensions to Mike Richards but that makes me wonder if the league is a little prejudice when it comes to players that have no history of violence… What I mean is, if Donald Brashear hit Booth the exact same way Mike did, because Donald is considered as a brawler, I’m 99 % sure he would have been suspended as he was on a similar hit in last years playoffs.
I have 2 questions for you… 1: was Mike Richards hit legal? 2: is there a double standard for star players and brawler type players?
see for yourslef…
Now remember, Mike was not suspended but in this next video, Brachear was…
Since this is my first time doing it, I will explain how this will work. Every now and then I will tell you guys about a moment in sports history that imprinted my life. Feel free to comment and let me know your moment, your thought, and if you saw this how did it make you feel…
Moment #1
“LE” Clin D’oeil (the wink)
As a kid, growing up in the suburbs of Montreal, regardless of your gender, religion or skin color, you grew up playing hockey in the streets and a Habs fan! (except for 2 brothers on my street that were Boston Bruins fans… LOOSERS ) Usually the other kids never wanted to be the goaltender in our street hockey games because who ever was had to carry the goalie equipment ( back the the pads weighed a tone) as we went from street to street to find some challengers. I had no problems carrying the gear because in reality i didn’t have to carry the net and I ALWAYS was in the game. Naturally, Montreal had a star player, Patrick “LE” Roy, maaaaaaaan I idolized that guy, wanted to be him, wanted to have his confidence and arrogance all while backing it up. Well, One day I was watching the game against the L.A. Kings and Roy made this amazing save, looked up a the shooter and gave him a wink. After that moment he was a brick wall in front of the net. I mean… the ballz he had to do that, and back his stuff up too…. Geeeez Louize! For me, that was an inspiring moment in my life, it thought me to have confidence in my self and i would be able to achieve anything… or at least make people believe that that is true, either way you’ll get far in life.
With the Montreal Canadiens desperately needing a win, the Habs gave their “#1” goaltender a rest and started Jaroslav Halak against the Thrashers Tuesday night. Halak, not disappointing, came through allowing 1 goal on 23 shots sending both teams into shootouts, he continues his brilliant play by stopping both of Atlanta’s breakaway shots. Now let the debate begin… Should Carey keep his #1 status or should the Habs give Halak a shot at that title??? Here’s my dilemma, I truly believe that Price is a #1 goalie; the 22 year old has proven he can be but at times he looses focus and has minor breakdowns. Now that I cleared that… I can finally talk about HALAK! Last year I sent an email to 110% (a hockey analyst show on TV) about what I’m about to tell you; it was the subject of the day but they never got back to me… Anyways, this is basically what I said… Halak, whose scout report states that his downfall is his size because he wouldn’t last a full season as a starter. I say BULL S%*T! Again I don’t mean to cry “conspiracy” again but I think that’s all to protect Bob Gaines (Habs GM) “protégé” Carey Price. They say: “give Price a chance he’s only 22 years old”… Last time I checked Halak was only 24! This Controversy all started when, 3 years ago, Halak was called up from the minors to fill in for the injured, at the time, starter Cristobal Huet. What had happened was that the Canadiens were not suppose to make the playoffs that year but when Halak came in (near the end of the season) he goaled his ass of and single handily brought the Habs into the post season. Now, the Habs had a problem on their hands because in back of Bob Gainey’s head he knew that the following year he was going to have his rising star, Carey Price, on the team. So what did the Habs do? They benched Halak once the playoffs started and played a half injured Huet… SMH! That way, had Halak played and played well, they didn’t have a tough decision to make… Halak or Price?! The next year, without that controversy surrounding the team, Carey happily started the year along side Cristobal finishing first in their division, Bob Gainey is a genius right? The year after (last year) the team had a chance to trade Huet and they did, Halak was called up, splitting duties with Carey but always as his back-up. During the last season, Carey got injured or was not playing well (either way he was not there) Halak stepped in Won some many crucial games for the team (and I mean HE won those games) then comes along Carey on his white horse and cowboy hat and snatches the job away from Halak. Carey disappoints in the playoffs. So what I’m saying is that for some odd reason the Habs have never given the Czech Halak a fair chance at being #1. Again, I’m not saying that Carey is not a #1 goaltender, what I’m saying is that Halak needs his chance and if it’s not with the Canadiens, it should be with someone else. The Habs need to let him play a bit, make a decision and if that decision is to trade him at least they will get their moneys worth in a trade.
My suggestions to the Habs… Do it soon cuz his contract is up next year, you KNOW he CAN play so show him off a little; I’m tired of loosing players for a bag of peanuts and you know he’s not coming back if you don’t do as I say.
Btw, I really want to specify that Halak has not once complained about his situation, he’s professional and talented. Don’t slip up Habs…
Question of the day…
Who do you think the Canadiens will start against the Lonely Islanders Thursday night???
I was listening to CKAC sports radio on my way to work today and I was lucky enough to fall on an interview with a Hockey player’s father, Richard Riopel. Basically he talks about the route his son took to get drafted in the NHL. Nicolas Riopel, whom the piece was about, has really inspired me not to give up, keep working hard, be positive and your dreams will come true.
Perseverance is a virtue!
Press the link to hear the audio take of the interview, it’s worth the listen. Sorry it’s in French but if anyone wants me to translate let me know, I will be glad to translate it for you…
Habs finally win after a 5 game losing streak. With a 2-1 victory over the Atlanta Thrashes in shootouts, have the Canadiens answered the questions to their demise?
Not very known in the NHL yet, the 1st round choice of the St-Louis Blues Shawn Bell, whom because of not being so known, is often mistaken for George Laraque or PK Subban (because of their skin color) when on the ice for his new team, Montreal Canadiens. Shawn has been called up from the farm team for some much needed help on the blue line. Some may ask why hasn’t the newly acquired defensive veteran, Marc-André Bergeron, suited up for the Habs yet. Really it’s just because he needs to shed of the rust from sitting at home during the off and pre season and will need at least 2 more game in the minors to do so. But is it the offensive minded specialist, Bergeron, or the unknown, Bell, really the answer for the Canadiens? I feel that management might have found a quick patch for the loss of Markov and O’burn (who knows maybe they will both do well and stick with the club); but I’m calling out for PK! Many say Subban needs maturing, needs to learn a thing or two before coming up with “Le Grand Club”, but I feel as though he has the qualities and mental strengths to play NOW. The best way to learn is by playing against the best and by learning from your mistakes as did O’burn this year before getting injured. MTL stop trying to hide your Young Gunz from the Montreal media and fans short fused temperament. Let the man prove himself on the ice! Damn, I almost feel like if we drafted Crosby or Ovechkin, they would have passed 3 years in the minors before getting a chance.
SMH!
P.S.
The 24 year old, Shawn Bell, Impressed Coach Martin in the 3 pre-season games he participated in. Last year with the Farm team, Bell collected 13 points in 60 games with an impressive +19 differential. (+/- differential means you lose a point when your on the ice for an opponents goal and gain a point when on the ice for your team’s goal)
Good luck to Shawn bell, and I mean that sincerely!
*side bar: A conspiracy theory…
But is that the real issue here? I have a theory about this whoooooole situation. I may be wrong but hear me out; anyways this was my first impression once the season started…
I feel that two things are happening here, the first thing is that, as history has it, Habs rookie players must pay there dues in the minor leagues first even if for a game or 2, even the great Patrick Roy spent some time on the farm team. So because they are a team that values history, they don’t want to precipitate any players to fast to “Le Grand Club”. If they were to do so, the media would absolutely destroy these kids confidence by saying things like: “if Roy didn’t make the jump and this kid did, he must be AMAZING, the SAVIOR”, if the player in question didn’t come with the goods, its over for that guy; Mike Ribeiro style!
Now my second theory is that the Habs went on a crazy shopping spree this summer and bought 2 defenders are made in the same mould; Gill and Mara, defensive defencemen, slow, big and old. We paid a bundle for them, maybe even too much. When the young O’burn and PK Subban showed them up in camp, the Habs had a problem on their hands… How could the worst player on last years squad (Ryan O’burn) be better then these two? How could the young cat (PK Subban) show more leadership, skills and grit over these 2 veterans? Don’t forget the “up and coming” Weber, what would he think if PK was called up before him? Would his efforts have gone in vain? Would his ego and confidence gone out the window? Therefore is the reason why Subban is not with the Habs yet… A cover up!?!? A cover up for mistakes made on upper management’s part? Ohhhh, I see the conspiracy happening… No No, it’s just what automatically came to mind when he was sent down to he minors. I mean, so many of his classmates from the gold winning world junior squad are playing NOW and playing well. Guess what!? He was the leader of that pack with John Tavares who is burning the league right now.
Don’t get me wrong folks, Gill and Mara have their place on the team but in limited action not 20+ minutes per game (I know I know, their playing time is due to injuries) and Weber has a lot of up side I just think that between him and PK, PK Subban is miles ahead in their developments. Yannick Weber has been here longer so you can’t jump PK over him right!?
) Usually the other kids never wanted to be the goaltender in our street hockey games because who ever was had to carry the goalie equipment ( back the the pads weighed a tone) as we went from street to street to find some challengers. I had no problems carrying the gear because in reality i didn’t have to carry the net and I ALWAYS was in the game. Naturally, Montreal had a star player, Patrick “LE” Roy, maaaaaaaan I idolized that guy, wanted to be him, wanted to have his confidence and arrogance all while backing it up. Well, One day I was watching the game against the L.A. Kings and Roy made this amazing save, looked up a the shooter and gave him a wink. After that moment he was a brick wall in front of the net. I mean… the ballz he had to do that, and back his stuff up too…. Geeeez Louize! For me, that was an inspiring moment in my life, it thought me to have confidence in my self and i would be able to achieve anything… or at least make people believe that that is true, either way you’ll get far in life.
