Begun by the family of former Boston College baseball player Pete Frates, who at the age of 29 is battling Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease, this challenge is intended to get the word out about this debilitating disease. And the Ice Bucket Challenge has gone viral through social media and includes celebrities, sports figures and people like you and I.
As each individual accepts the challenge, he or she mentions who challenged them and then issues their own challenges to others. And in the world of hockey, where ice is a way of life, the players are more familiar with skating on it than dumping it on themselves. But hockey players are also community-oriented people who recognize how fortunate they are to do something they love and who cannot turn down a challenge. As a result, they are embracing the Ice Bucket Challenge at all levels of the sport and issuing multiple challenges to make sure that awareness of this horrible disease continues to spread.
Visit Twitter, Instagram or FaceBook and you will find short videos of many people accepting and issuing the Ice Bucket Challenge. Among those playing hockey for teams in and around Boston, the Boston Bruins, Boston College Eagles and Boston University are among those who have accepted challenges, posting their videos and including the hash tags #StrikeOutALS and #IceBucketChallenge.
Among the Boston Bruins who have accepted the challenge include Greg Campbell, who then issued the challenge to Brad Marchand. Brad has now posted his video and issued challenges to Torey Krug and Chris Kelly, who have 24 hours to respond.
Ryan Fitzgerald – Ice Bucket Challenge
In the colleges, Boston College has seen coach Jerry York accept the challenge. Most recently Bruins prospect and returning BC Eagle sophomore Ryan Fitzgerald accepted the challenge and posted his video on Instagram issuing his challenges to fellow teammate Evan Richardson (who has already answered and called out additional teammates) as well as Commonwealth Avenue rival, and Boston Bruins prospect teammate, Matt Grzelcyk who will be in his junior year at Boston University this season.
Wall Street Journal’s Brian M. Carney, who recently wrote the article “Throwing a Little Cold Water on the Ice Bucket Challenge,” has perhaps overanalyzed the purpose of the Ice Bucket Challenge. He questions whether this challenge is actually doing any good in the fight against ALS. He encourages people to donate to ALS to assist in finding a cure, but suggests that this craze is perhaps not the best way to call attention to the disease.
However, given the number of individuals who are accepting and issuing challenges and the number of people on social media sites who follow these individuals, it would appear that it is indeed calling attention to the plight of those who suffer from ALS. In the end it is hoped that everyone who has been introduced to this disease through the Ice Bucket Challenge will donate, volunteer in some way to help the ALS Association, or expand the knowledge of their family and friends about Lou Gehrig’s Disease.
And please be sure to visit the Pete Frates #3 Fund web site to learn more about Pete Frates, the disease, how you can help, and about other institutions and organizations that are working hard to put an end to ALS.
If you are issued the challenge, remember that it is to keep awareness of ALS in the forefront.
“What in the name of Bobby Hull’s $1 million WHA contract is HYDRIVE Energy Water?” you ask. “Why does Hilary Knight love it? If I drink HYDRIVE Energy Water, will I suddenly transform into an Olympic athlete and superstar like Hilary Knight?”
Well, I’ll say this: nobody can prove that HYDRIVE Energy Water won’t suddenly transform you into an Olympic athlete and superstar like Hilary Knight. HYDRIVE, a “refreshing energy beverage brand with seven unique flavors that are only 30 calories each,” has the same amount of caffeine as leading energy drinks but without the chemical aftertaste or sugar crash found in other energy options. Also, nutrients and vitamins!
“What nutrients and vitamins?”
Shhh. Ones for athletes. Why are you being so difficult about this? Look at Hilary Knight enjoying HYDRIVE:
Admit it, you kind of want one of those energy drinks now, don’t you? Do it. Hilary Knight probably wants you to.
Don’t disappoint Hilary Knight.
Photo Credits: Charles Krupa, AP
After an arbitration hearing on Friday between P.K. Subban and the Montreal Canadiens, a deal has been reached by the two parties. The deal is reportedly worth $72 million for 8 years. A contract that will keep Subban with them until he is 33.
This was the longest that they could sign Subban on for right now. But it is a much longer deal than what would be given if the arbitration deal had been needed. This contract will have Subban earning $9 million per year, and that does not include any endorsements or deals. This deal makes him the highest payed defenseman in the entire league. Not only that, but for the 2014-2015 season he is the third highest played player based on salary caps.
This deal is one that they needed to make, seeing as Subban is a great asset to the Hab’s. Fans were scared Friday after Don Meehan (Subban’s agent) announced that they were not going to go any further into negotiations. But both sides make out with a great deal.
In a statement released by the team, GM Marc Bergevin said
“We are very pleased to have reached a long term agreement with P.K. Subban. This agreement helps consolidate the future of our team. A key element of our group of young veterans, P.K. plays with a high level of intensity every time he steps onto the ice. Despite his young age, he carries a great deal of experience and brings contagious energy to the team. Defensemen of his level are a rare commodity in the NHL.”
The Canadiens have their star player (who had 14 points in the postseason this year), and P.K. has the contract that he wanted. So all is right for Hab’s fans; and some dreams are crushed for others, who hoped their team might have the chance of snagging the skilled d-man.
Photo Credit: Bob Fina/Inside Hockey
The Philadelphia Flyers need someone to step up to fill the first line, left-wing position since the team traded Scott Hartnell to the Columbus Blue Jackets this offseason in exchange for R.J. Umberger.
The Flyers had very little cap space to play with this summer so the replacement will have to come from someone already in the organization or on the current roster. Craig Berube has several options including Michael Raffl, Vincent Lecavalier, Brayden Schenn, R.J. Umberger and newcomer Pierre-Edouard Bellemare.
Bellemare would be the longshot to play on the top line because first he has to make the team with a good training camp and preseason. He would then have to develop chemistry with Claude Giroux and Jake Voracek in a short period of time. The forward is a hardworking player that the Flyers would need on the top line and he can find open space well. Bellemare has speed, but he would still have to have an amazing preseason to even be considered for the top line spot.
R.J. Umberger can play all three forward positions, which is a big plus for him. The problem with Umberger is that he was on the verge of being bought out by the Blue Jackets before the Flyers acquired him. He had a disappointing season last year scoring only 18 goals and 34 points. He started to lose his playing time after the Olympic Break to the younger players that started to step up for the Blue Jackets. Umberger has the speed, but he’s never played with Giroux or Voracek before in his career.
He doesn’t use his size to his advantage and doesn’t play consistent hockey, which is something Hartnell used to do at times while he was with the Flyers. The Flyers need a gritty guy that can do the dirty work in front of opposing goalies on the first line.
The third option would be to move Brayden Schenn, a natural center, to the wing position. He has the size, plays physical, can score and has the potential to be a gritty, power forward. He is a natural center and that’s where he belongs. The Flyers have tried him on the wing a few times and he just has not looked comfortable there. Schenn did play a few shift with the first line last season but there was no chemistry.
Schenn needs to improve on his faceoffs for the upcoming season if he wants to be the second line center. He only won 43.2 percent of his faceoffs last season. The Flyers will need him to step up because they were not able to resign Adam Hall, who led the team in faceoff percentage last season. Schenn also doesn’t do too well against opposing team’s better defensive players and that’s who he would be facing every night on the top line.
Vinny Lecavalier would have to be considered as a replacement for Hartnell. He would have to move from his natural center ice position to the wing, where he wasn’t too comfortable playing last season. Lecavalier would be an option if he’s even on the roster next season because the Flyers have given him permission to talk to other teams about a possible trade. The center could be the top line, left-wing because he could either set up his linemates or be the finisher on the line. He has the big body that could stand in the crease to get some goals.
Lecavalier doesn’t have much speed and it may be hard for him to play top line minutes plus power play minutes every night since he is getting older. He also had back problems last season that slowed him down.
The final option would be second year forward, Michael Raffl. He’s not as seasoned as the other options, but he seemed to have developed chemistry with Giroux and Voracek when he played on the top line last season. He has speed, doesn’t back down from the physical play, and he puts himself in the right position to score in the offensive zone. He is also a decent defensive playerand was one of four regular forwards that played on the penalty kill for the Flyers last season. He’s not going to be the big body in front of the net, but he’ll find the open spot and get scoring chances.
The obvious option as the new left winger on the top line to most fans would be Wayne Simmonds. He could fill the role of power forward and jump right into Hartnell’s spot. He played on the first unit power play with Giroux and Voracek last season so the chemistry is there, but if Berube did that than most of his offense would be on one line making it easier for teams to shut down the Flyers offense. Simmonds and Brayden Schenn have developed chemistry while playing on the second line together for the past few seasons. Schenn is a better player when at his natural position and Lecavalier tried playing the wing last season but it didn’t work out.
If Simmonds is left on the second line then Schenn stays at center and plays an all around better game. There is also more scoring depth throughout the lineup and it wouldn’t be on just one line.
There could a young player that dazzles in camp, but the preseason play of all the players will likely determine the next top line left winger for the Flyers.
(photo:bluejackets.nhl.com)
Dana Tyrell has signed a one-year, two way contract for the 2014-2015 season with the Columbus Blue Jackets.
Tyrell played 63 games in the American Hockey League in the 2013-2014 season, splitting time between the Springfield Falcons and the Syracuse Crunch. He was selected 47th overall in the 2007 NHL draft by the Tampa Bay Lightning. In 132 career NHL games he has recorded 7-17-24 and 119 penalty minutes.
With the Crunch, Tyrell garnered nine goals and 12 assists, as well as 20 penalty minutes. After joining the Falcons, Tyrell registered 1-2-3 in five Calder Cup Playoff games. In 181 AH games, he has tallied 34-58-92, winning the Calder Cup with the Norfolk Admirals in 2012.
Tyrell came to Columbus via a four-prospect trade between the club and Tampa Bay in 2014.
(photo:bluejackets.nhl.com)
The Columbus Blue Jackets have re-signed defenseman Tim Erixon to a one year contract extension, following a season in which he recorded 33 assists, 38 points and 16 penalty minutes in 40 games with the American Hockey League’s Springfield Falcons.
Erixon was selected 23rd overall in the 2009 NHL Draft by the Calgary Flames, and was acquired by Columbus in a trade with the Rangers in 2012. He played for Skelleftea in the Swedish Elite League from 2008-2011, where he recorded 14-30-44 and 96 PIM in 140 games.
Erixon also competed for Team Sweden in the IIHF World Championships in 2011 and 2014. He was named a post-tournament All-Star at the 2008 IIHF World U18 Championships.
Patterned Pants, Plain Pants // Shoes // Shirt // Sports Bra // Bag // Headband
During the offseason, it is the perfect time to get in tip-top shape! Of course, one of the best things (and maybe even the only good thing) about working out is cute workout clothes! Some good advice is to wear dark colors! Dark is slimming, so if you are insecure about wearing tight clothes, I could recommend wearing black. If you really want to add a splash of color, you can do it with your accessories and shoes.
Patterns are funky and fun to wear, and it gives you a little bit of an edge. It livens your look, and adds the fun factor. Plus, all eyes will be on you when you strut into the gym.
Working out is the perfect time to rep your fave team, when you might not be able to during the work week (or day). So take advantage of this opportunity!
Workout Tips:
1. Since it is summer, make sure to stay hydrated. This is essential not only for your health, but for so many other reasons. It helps with your metabolism, and because of that, it helps in weight and fat loss.
2. For the first 15 minutes of a workout, your body is burning sugars and carbs. Once you hit 30 minutes, your body begins to burn fat.
3. Make sure you stretch before and after a workout!
4. Don’t push yourself too much, but still make sure you are challenged. You know what your body is capable of, and pushing it too far does not do you any good.
5. If you aren’t a fan of working out, try something as simple as going for a hike (or long walk) or dancing for 30 minutes! Stay active!
6. Just because you are working out, does not mean that you can eat whatever you want. You might burn some calories, but the fat is going to stay with you! Try to eat clean, but don’t deprive yourself. Just remember that eating in moderation is key!
Now that you know how to look cute and stay determined, there is no reason that your offseason shouldn’t be spent in the gym!
This slideshow requires JavaScript.
(Photo: NHL)
The Winnipeg Jets announced early on Friday that they have agreed to terms with defenseman Keaton Ellerby for the upcoming 2014-15 NHL season. Ellerby, 25, entered the offseason as an unrestricted free agent after Winnipeg initially did not send him a qualifying offer; however, he has now signed to a one-year, 2-way contract for $700,000 to remain with the Jets.
After being drafted 10th overall by the Florida Panthers in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft, Ellerby spent two seasons with the Rochester Americans, where he recorded 47 points (11 goals and 36 assists) and 86 penalty minutes in 150 AHL games. In his NHL career, Ellerby has played in 211 games for Florida, Los Angeles, and Winnipeg, and he has registered a total of 26 points (4 goals and 22 assists) and 88 penalty minutes on NHL ice. He played in 51 games with Winnipeg last season and tallied two goals, four assists, and two penalty minutes.
The Jets are looking to bounce back from a 37-35-10 record in the 2013-14 NHL season. They will begin preseason play on September 22, at home against the Minnesota Wild.
During the season, every day is a great day for hockey. But when the hockey comes in the form of a charity game in July, it’s even better. Hockey players are no strangers to supporting local and national charities. Perhaps marked some of the best professional athletes in sports, it is well documented during the season when hockey players do good within the community. But what happens when the season ends and summer sets in? Players don’t stop giving back to the communities while they’re “off”, instead, they take a break from training to lend a glove and have some fun while doing it.
Bruins Krug
The sixth annual Big Assist charity hockey game faced off in Stamford, Connecticut on Wednesday evening. While the event drew big names to the ice, it drew even bigger crowds off of it and all for the benefit of the Obie Harrington – Howes Foundation. This year, the event sold out.
“Obie was my youth hockey coach, he shared the passion for sports and was a significant part of my upbringing, he had an injury at Jones Beach that left him in a wheelchair. This foundation started from that injury,” said Ryan Shannon, Big Assist founder. “From there, I was fortunate enough to win the Stanley Cup with Anaheim in 2007. With the cup comes a lot of attention and the opportunity to do something charitable. One of the ideas that we came up with was to put all the proceeds of people seeing the Stanley Cup to the Obie Harrington-Howes foundation.”
While winning the cup spurred the initial game, the event has skated onto something far bigger, attracting new faces in the locker room looking to participate. 2014 marked the sixth year that local hockey players or players training in the area, from the NHL , AHL, overseas and college, have taken the ice in support of the charity. Some of this years participants included, Torey Krug (Boston Bruins), Matt Moulson (Buffalo Sabres), Martin St. Louis and Ryan Haggerty (New York Rangers), James Van Riemsdyk and Colton Orr (Toronto Maple Leafs), Cam Atkinson (Columbus Blue Jackets), Kevin Shattenkirk (St. Louis Blues) and Nathan Gerbe (Carolina Hurricanes).
The game is a must attend event for any fan in the New England area. Supporting a great cause, keeping cool and watching hockey, you can’t go wrong.
[tubepress video=”rUsYI9RskVA”]
Prev1...226227228...412Next 
Page 227 of 412
