All they had to do was read twenty-three names. That should take ... two minutes? Three? Nope, it took approximately forty-five minutes. Forty-five minutes to read the names of the twenty-three players that will be on Canada's men's hockey team in the 2010 Olympics.
Only in Canada.
Such a simple thing as reading out the roster turned into an hour long media circus that was broadcast on every network in the country short of the Weather Channel (although I could be wrong, I wasn't checking the weather at the time), that no doubt caused the entire country to stop what they were doing just to catch the names of the twenty-three players. Even as an avid hockey fan, as I sat and watched, I wondered 'is this really necessary? do i need instant analysis from every hockey mind from every sports network seconds after the names of the defense are called?'.
The answer of course is no. But this event serves as another reminder of the euphoria that hockey incites across our great country every time an international event is even hinted at; when another opportunity presents itself for Canada to prove as it does time and time again that we are the best hockey country in the world.
Like the tall kid in gym class who stinks at every other sport, but relishes the chance to dominate the basketball court because of his height, we Canadians lick our chops every time the word 'hockey' is even mentioned in an international context because, like that tall kid who is no good at anything else, it is our time to show everyone just how good we are.
To anyone surprised and/or disappointed Mike Green isn't on the team: he didn't make the team because even after four NHL seasons of searching, he still hasn't found the defensive zone. That's kind of a key ingredient for a defenseman.
-matt
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Saturday, December 26, 2009
Holiday Tradition
First, I would like to wish my faithful readers (of which I know there is at least one) a very happy Boxing Day. May you find all the incredible deals you always wanted.
As all of the holiday traditions have gone forward, another is set to start today. That being the World Junior Hockey Championship. As sad as it is for me to say, I think this tradition is one I look forward to most. It's pretty amazing hockey. Canada starts it's quest for a sixth consecutive gold medal in the tournament in a little over five hours from now.
Ken Campbell recently wrote in the Hockey News that Canada has been so dominant that the tournament has almost become a joke. While it is true that Canada has owned this tournament during those five years, it hasn't been without drama. It seems that every year during this run there has been a grim moment met with another moment when one of these young men rises to the challenge and puts Canada over the top.
The performances of goaltenders Jeff Glass and Justin Pogge in the gold medal games in 2005 and 2006 respectively are certainly worthy of mention. Or the unforgettable goals scored on three consecutive shots in the shootout by Jonathan Toews in the 2007 semi-final against the US. How about Jordan Eberle tying the game wth seconds left and then scoring the overtime winner to eliminate the Russians in the semi-final last year? And Dustin Tokarski robbing an American forward who was alone all day in front of the net last year wasn't too shabby either.
Ken has a point. For the most part, the games in this tournament involving Canada are a joke. Canada is in a class of its own in this tournament and has been for more than a decade. But in a tournament like this, it's not about the 15-1 wins over Latvia or Kazakhstan; it's about the moments when it looks like Canada might actually fall and someone steps up to put Canada over the top. For me, that's what the World Junior Hockey Championship is all about.
I wonder who the hero will be this year.
-matt
As all of the holiday traditions have gone forward, another is set to start today. That being the World Junior Hockey Championship. As sad as it is for me to say, I think this tradition is one I look forward to most. It's pretty amazing hockey. Canada starts it's quest for a sixth consecutive gold medal in the tournament in a little over five hours from now.
Ken Campbell recently wrote in the Hockey News that Canada has been so dominant that the tournament has almost become a joke. While it is true that Canada has owned this tournament during those five years, it hasn't been without drama. It seems that every year during this run there has been a grim moment met with another moment when one of these young men rises to the challenge and puts Canada over the top.
The performances of goaltenders Jeff Glass and Justin Pogge in the gold medal games in 2005 and 2006 respectively are certainly worthy of mention. Or the unforgettable goals scored on three consecutive shots in the shootout by Jonathan Toews in the 2007 semi-final against the US. How about Jordan Eberle tying the game wth seconds left and then scoring the overtime winner to eliminate the Russians in the semi-final last year? And Dustin Tokarski robbing an American forward who was alone all day in front of the net last year wasn't too shabby either.
Ken has a point. For the most part, the games in this tournament involving Canada are a joke. Canada is in a class of its own in this tournament and has been for more than a decade. But in a tournament like this, it's not about the 15-1 wins over Latvia or Kazakhstan; it's about the moments when it looks like Canada might actually fall and someone steps up to put Canada over the top. For me, that's what the World Junior Hockey Championship is all about.
I wonder who the hero will be this year.
-matt
Monday, December 21, 2009
Some Things Never Change ...
Read this in The Hockey News. It made me laugh.
"Still Spirited
Out of hockey for more than a year because of two hip surgeries, goalie Dan Cloutier, 33, signed a tryout deal with the Rockfort Ice Hogs. He made his debut Dec. 6 versus Manitoba and - after stopping eight of nine shots - received a match penalty (and one-game suspension) for punching with his blocker when a teammate shoved an opponent into him."
Oh Dan, it never gets old.
-matt
"Still Spirited
Out of hockey for more than a year because of two hip surgeries, goalie Dan Cloutier, 33, signed a tryout deal with the Rockfort Ice Hogs. He made his debut Dec. 6 versus Manitoba and - after stopping eight of nine shots - received a match penalty (and one-game suspension) for punching with his blocker when a teammate shoved an opponent into him."
Oh Dan, it never gets old.
-matt
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Done Deal
So the deal is done. Doc Halladay is off to Philadelphia.
It had to happen. As soon as Halladay indicated that he was not interested in re-signing with the Jays, this trade had to happen. You don’t let the best pitcher in baseball just walk away when you have no chance of making the postseason whether you keep him or not.
I’m glad to see he’s going to the Phillies rather than a division rival, as it was originally feared. The Phillies have a great team that will undoubtedly challenge for a World Series or two over the next four seasons Doc will be with the team. Good for him. Part of me will be behind the Phillies for the next four years.
This is yet another reminder of the reality of playing in the American League East division. Over the course of Doc’s career with the Jays, they have put together teams that probably could have made the postseason if they didn’t play in a division with the Yankees and Red Sox. Instead, numerous third place finishes are all the Jays have to show for it. And that’s the sole reason this deal had to be made. The Jays will never be able to compete in this division, barring a miraculous Tampa Bay Ray-esque season, one I do not foresee for a long time.
In Other News ...
Team Canada made the final cuts to the World junior team. I was fairly surprised to see both Olivier Roy and Matt Hackett didn’t make that team. I don’t really follow junior hockey as much as I used to, but by all accounts I figured those two would be fighting for the backup job since it was all but assured that Jake Allen of the Montreal Juniors would be the number one guy in goal. I guess I was wrong as it’ll be the Calgary Hitmen’s Martin Jones as the backup goalie. No matter, goaltending hasn’t been an issue for Canada at this tournament for a long time.
For as long as I can remember, I haven’t missed this tournament. Ever. I have watched at least part of the World Junior Championship every single year, and most years I haven’t missed any of Canada’s games. It’s some of the best hockey you will see all year.
I especially remember the 2005 tournament in Grand Forks, North Dakota, when Canada won gold with what I argue was their best team ever in the World Junior Tournament. This team isn’t shaping up to be quite as good as that entry, but I still can’t wait to see Canada go for a sixth straight gold medal. Good luck boys.
-matt
It had to happen. As soon as Halladay indicated that he was not interested in re-signing with the Jays, this trade had to happen. You don’t let the best pitcher in baseball just walk away when you have no chance of making the postseason whether you keep him or not.
I’m glad to see he’s going to the Phillies rather than a division rival, as it was originally feared. The Phillies have a great team that will undoubtedly challenge for a World Series or two over the next four seasons Doc will be with the team. Good for him. Part of me will be behind the Phillies for the next four years.
This is yet another reminder of the reality of playing in the American League East division. Over the course of Doc’s career with the Jays, they have put together teams that probably could have made the postseason if they didn’t play in a division with the Yankees and Red Sox. Instead, numerous third place finishes are all the Jays have to show for it. And that’s the sole reason this deal had to be made. The Jays will never be able to compete in this division, barring a miraculous Tampa Bay Ray-esque season, one I do not foresee for a long time.
In Other News ...
Team Canada made the final cuts to the World junior team. I was fairly surprised to see both Olivier Roy and Matt Hackett didn’t make that team. I don’t really follow junior hockey as much as I used to, but by all accounts I figured those two would be fighting for the backup job since it was all but assured that Jake Allen of the Montreal Juniors would be the number one guy in goal. I guess I was wrong as it’ll be the Calgary Hitmen’s Martin Jones as the backup goalie. No matter, goaltending hasn’t been an issue for Canada at this tournament for a long time.
For as long as I can remember, I haven’t missed this tournament. Ever. I have watched at least part of the World Junior Championship every single year, and most years I haven’t missed any of Canada’s games. It’s some of the best hockey you will see all year.
I especially remember the 2005 tournament in Grand Forks, North Dakota, when Canada won gold with what I argue was their best team ever in the World Junior Tournament. This team isn’t shaping up to be quite as good as that entry, but I still can’t wait to see Canada go for a sixth straight gold medal. Good luck boys.
-matt
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
NHL Debut
On an otherwise normal Sunday night, I got a call around 8:45pm. It was from my friend Mark who frantically informed me that his goalie was not around, and therefore needed one for his team's NHL game. It wasn't until I hung up the phone and starting getting my gear ready that it hit me: I'm making my NHL debut tonight.
The NHL I'm talking about of course is the Nipissing Hockey League, the intermural league at my school. In my second year I had tried unsuccessfully to get into the league and ever since then I was slightly bitter about it. At the time I preferred play shinny a few times a week anyway as I re-learned and honed my skills as a goaltender. In the back of my head though I always wanted a chance to play to see how well I stacked up.
As I continued to go through my gear, the nerves started going. I hadn't felt this nervous for a hockey game in a long time.
When I got to the rink, I noticed a few of my friends playing in the game ahead of us. I watched while I waited for Mark and the rest of the team to arrive, trying to keep my mind off my impending doom. The team arrived and we went to the room to get dressed.
I didn't say much, I just went about my routine. The typical dressing room jokes were spread around but I just stayed quiet and tried to focus on what was about to happen.
As soon as I hit the ice, the nerves were gone. I did my usual lap around our end and stopped in front of the penalty box to go through the same sequence of stretches I've done before every game of shinny I've played over the last four years. I did my usual skating and sliding drills and then headed for the net. I did my best to stop as many of the shots as I could to instill some confiedence, but at the same time I wanted to save some energy for the game. Finally the refs asked us to pick up the pucks and get ready to start.
It was almost three minutes into the game when I faced the first shot. It was a short handed chance which ended with a hard wrist shot to the glove side. I pushed off with my right skate and slid to my left, watching the puck all the way into my glove. It seemed like a routine save for me, but I got a tap on the pads from a defenseman, impressed with the save.
It was in that moment that I finally felt comfortable. A good scoring chance early in the game and I was able to make the save. There were a few others through the first period; a goalmouth scramble that I was able to smother and a few other chances, but nothing got by me. When the first period buzzer sounded we were up 3-0.
The first goal got past me early in the second. Another goal mouth scramble to my left that resulted in 3 or 4 whacks at the puck found the puck in the back of the net. For a split second I thought I was actually able to get my glove on the fourth chance, but when I heard the forward mutter "Yes, finally" I knew where the puck was. I calmly dug the puck out of the net, drank some water and readied myself for the faceoff. No anger, no flipping out, just calm indifference.
I've gotta give credit where credit is due, the guys played well in front of me. I conservatively estimate that I faced between 15 and 18 shots, and most were from the outside. We played a lot of the game in their end, drawing penalties and maintaining a solid attack. While the guys were impressed with my play, I would say that I didn't really feel like I was that busy. The game ended in a 7-1 win in what I would say was a great team effort.
I got lucky. Twice. about midway through the second, I was down and out as the puck came loose to my blocker side to an opposing forward. I will probably never know whether I got a piece of the shot as I came sprawling across in desparation or whether the shot simply went over the net. The bottom line is that the puck ended up in the corner rather than the back of the net. Another shot plain beat me glove side and I knew it. But alas, I heard every goaltender's favourite sound, that of vulcanized rubber on steel. It hit the post and came right back to me, allowing me to cover up for a whistle.
Who knows whether this will lead to another game or not, but I must say, I do feel very good about my NHL debut. Hopefully, I'll get more than a cup of coffee in the NHL.
-matt
The NHL I'm talking about of course is the Nipissing Hockey League, the intermural league at my school. In my second year I had tried unsuccessfully to get into the league and ever since then I was slightly bitter about it. At the time I preferred play shinny a few times a week anyway as I re-learned and honed my skills as a goaltender. In the back of my head though I always wanted a chance to play to see how well I stacked up.
As I continued to go through my gear, the nerves started going. I hadn't felt this nervous for a hockey game in a long time.
When I got to the rink, I noticed a few of my friends playing in the game ahead of us. I watched while I waited for Mark and the rest of the team to arrive, trying to keep my mind off my impending doom. The team arrived and we went to the room to get dressed.
I didn't say much, I just went about my routine. The typical dressing room jokes were spread around but I just stayed quiet and tried to focus on what was about to happen.
As soon as I hit the ice, the nerves were gone. I did my usual lap around our end and stopped in front of the penalty box to go through the same sequence of stretches I've done before every game of shinny I've played over the last four years. I did my usual skating and sliding drills and then headed for the net. I did my best to stop as many of the shots as I could to instill some confiedence, but at the same time I wanted to save some energy for the game. Finally the refs asked us to pick up the pucks and get ready to start.
It was almost three minutes into the game when I faced the first shot. It was a short handed chance which ended with a hard wrist shot to the glove side. I pushed off with my right skate and slid to my left, watching the puck all the way into my glove. It seemed like a routine save for me, but I got a tap on the pads from a defenseman, impressed with the save.
It was in that moment that I finally felt comfortable. A good scoring chance early in the game and I was able to make the save. There were a few others through the first period; a goalmouth scramble that I was able to smother and a few other chances, but nothing got by me. When the first period buzzer sounded we were up 3-0.
The first goal got past me early in the second. Another goal mouth scramble to my left that resulted in 3 or 4 whacks at the puck found the puck in the back of the net. For a split second I thought I was actually able to get my glove on the fourth chance, but when I heard the forward mutter "Yes, finally" I knew where the puck was. I calmly dug the puck out of the net, drank some water and readied myself for the faceoff. No anger, no flipping out, just calm indifference.
I've gotta give credit where credit is due, the guys played well in front of me. I conservatively estimate that I faced between 15 and 18 shots, and most were from the outside. We played a lot of the game in their end, drawing penalties and maintaining a solid attack. While the guys were impressed with my play, I would say that I didn't really feel like I was that busy. The game ended in a 7-1 win in what I would say was a great team effort.
I got lucky. Twice. about midway through the second, I was down and out as the puck came loose to my blocker side to an opposing forward. I will probably never know whether I got a piece of the shot as I came sprawling across in desparation or whether the shot simply went over the net. The bottom line is that the puck ended up in the corner rather than the back of the net. Another shot plain beat me glove side and I knew it. But alas, I heard every goaltender's favourite sound, that of vulcanized rubber on steel. It hit the post and came right back to me, allowing me to cover up for a whistle.
Who knows whether this will lead to another game or not, but I must say, I do feel very good about my NHL debut. Hopefully, I'll get more than a cup of coffee in the NHL.
-matt
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)