(photo: USA Today/CBS Sports)
Vladimir Sabotka is making his return from a left leg injury tonight against the Edmonton Oilers. Sabotka has been sidelined for the past 12 games after sustaining the injury, which also kept him out of the Olympics in Sochi where he was to represent the Czech Republic . Doug Armstrong, the President of Hockey Operations and General Manager for the Blues, made the announcement earlier today activating Sabotka from injured reserved.
Sabotka leads the NHL in face off success rate at 60.9 percent. This is Sabotka’s fourth season with the Blues and he has a total of 33 goals, 82 assists (115 points) and 256 penalty minutes in 366 career regular seasons games.
Here at the Pink Puck, we cover hockey at all different levels. Just like there’s a difference with the ins and outs between an NHL and AHL game, there’s a difference in the way you dress in the different press boxes. While in the NHL, you have a whole level devoted to the media, scouts, and other team personnel, in the AHL you’re usually dealing with a press box. Things are a little more casual and you have more leeway with your clothing choice. Of course, it’s still a bad idea to wear colors supporting the opposing team.
For me, my AHL press-box must have clothing item is something bright. It ends up being pink a lot because (not surprisingly to anyone that knows me) that’s what I own the most of. With the more laid back atmosphere, it’s the perfect place to make a statement with bold colors.
The breakdown:
Pink sweater – Express (2 years ago), $30
White scoop neck shirt – Target, $8
Black polka-dot pants – Old Navy, $25
Black knee high boots – Aldo (they were a present)
AHL media tip: Always be aware of who’s around you. There are usually drastically fewer people in the press box at an AHL game, which gives you a chance to talk to other media or visiting scouts. You never know who you’ll meet and what you’ll learn!
During the Olympic break, I went on an Olympic shopping spree… not really, but I did buy a few new blouses because they rang in at a steal. Animal print is always a slippery slope, wearing it while keeping a classy look is a key life component. No one wants to look like they belong on the Vegas strip.
I’ve always been hesitant with animal prints, but fell in love with a subdued green leopard print blouse and never looked back. Of course, the thought of wearing it to the Bruins St. Patrick’s Day game against Minnesota was at the forefront of my thoughts, then the idea that I may get chirped for wearing animal print to a Wild game popped into my mind. With Phoenix in town and their colors not in the green family, I decided to give my new blouse a go.
Breakdown:
Green leopard print blouse, DEB, clearance, $6.99
Black skinny leg dress pants, TJMaxx, $16.99
Brown peter pan boots, Marshalls, clearance, $14.99
Media Tip: Always double check that you’ve grabbed all your electronic cords before departing. I’ve encountered multiple members of the media who have forgotten their laptop cords or iPad chargers on any given night. In the rush of packing up and heading to post-game, it happens more than you’d think.
The dream of seeing it hoisted high above your captain’s head lies dormant for the majority of the season. But the moment your team of choice makes it to the playoff run, the inert animal, becomes a shark, a bear, a hawk and the ferocity you may have lacked during regular season envelopes you.
A select few win it, while a larger fan base lives vicariously through the triumphant team each season; relishing in the photographs and stories that follow hockey’s holy grail throughout the off-season. The name alone evokes an avalanche of emotions to any lover of the game. The act of winning it, ceremoniously bonds players to a piece of hardware, compiled of rings, that marries you to the history of the game.
Stanley.
The Stanley Cup
The Stanley Cup is arguably the most impressive trophy in all of sports. It has probably kissed more babies than every U.S. President combined and seen more of the world than many of us will see in ten lifetimes. It is a symbol synonymous with the game itself. With a busy social calendar, the cup and it’s keeper attend a vast array of events throughout the year. If you’re lucky, you’ll glimpse it, take a photo with it, travel to Toronto to visit it at the Hockey Hall of Fame, or see it hoisted through the crowd at a parade. You can never get enough Stanley.
Some of us will never get to see the Stanley Cup in person, that fact remains true. And for those of us lucky enough to encounter it more than once, the excitement never ebbs, the memory never fades and each encounter is just as impressive as the last.
Spoiler alert; I’m essentially in a relationship with Stanley, six dates over the course of ten years is pretty serious. Especially since I hear he only commits to one player per day throughout the summer. Talk about a serial dater, eh? Stanley has ultimately been good to me, we’ve met up in a lot of places and seen a lot of faces. Because it’s the Cup, I’ve ultimately forgiven him for breaking my heart last season, but we’ll get to that later. Somehow throughout my time in the hockey world, Stanley always seems to find me and I wouldn’t want it any other way.
Date 1: Boston Bruins Wives Carnival, the Cup and my parents car
Long before I was a hockey journalist, I was simply a hockey fan. A Massachusetts native, the Bruins have always been my home team. When I was younger, the team hosted a wives carnival to benefit the Bruins Foundation. For multiple years, my entire family would volunteer at the carnival. Each of us divided up and assigned to different booths, different players, different games.
The Cup being packed up for transport to the hotel!
Each year the excitement was unbearable as I awaited my location for the day. Photo booth with the clowns, video games with Milan Jurcina, Rock Band with Mark Stuart, shooting on the goalie with Tuukka Rask, Jordan Sigalet and the Moulson Canadian goalies. The experience and ability to give back was priceless.
The final year that I volunteered brought my greatest memory of all. Assigned to assist with autographs, I was placed with Ray Bourque, Cam Neely and Bobby Orr. But it was the fourth member of the group that had me falling in love at first sight, Stanley. It was on that day I had my first date, that I didn’t play by the rules, that I kissed the cup, and I liked it.
But that wasn’t the only encounter that Stanley had in store for me that day. As most of you know, Stanley has a friend, they rarely leave each other’s sides — I’m talking about his keeper. When you’re paired up for an entire day at a charity event, talking is inevitable and hearing countless stories from Mike Bolt was a once in a lifetime experience. As the day wound down, it was brought to my attention that the Cup’s original ride back to the hotel would be tied up with foundation events for the remainder of the evening, leaving both Mike and Stanley without transportation. You better believe I offered up my parents’ car and chauffeuring services faster than Steven Stamkos could score on a breakaway. That night, the Keeper of the Cup and Lord Stanley himself piled into the back of my parents station wagon for a ride back to their hotel. Stanley, the people’s trophy.
Date 2: A June Affair, the Stanley Cup Champion Boston Bruins and the 2011 NHL Awards
Bruins rolling rally
Fast forward a few years. Stanley didn’t call, and he didn’t write and he never even came close to visiting Boston. But my second date with Lord Stanley was one for the record books, literally, as Zdeno Chara hoisted the Cup over his head in a Game 7 win over Vancouver. It was in that moment, I knew that Stanley would be heading back to Boston as the Bruins became the 2011 Stanley Cup Champions. Those few days after the win, Stanley was seen everywhere, by everyone, myself included. The city of Boston, as a whole, rejoiced in the excitement and glory that only the Cup can bring. In June of 2011, Stanley was a staple in Boston.
But as the local celebrations ended, and players dispersed, the Stanley sightings did as well. But everyone knows he can’t miss a party, heck it’s reported that their ‘ain’t no party like a Cup party’ and we met up again in Vegas for the NHL Awards in mid June. Stanley made an appearance with Zdeno Chara and Tim Thomas, then kindly shared his presence with a multitude of NHL fans as he was set on display for all to see.
Our second date, Stanley didn’t disappoint.
Date 3: 2012 NHL All Star Game and the Cup squared
Giant Stanley
In 2012, the NHL All Star Game faced off in beautiful, sub-arctic and snowy, Ottawa, Ontario. It was here that I unknowingly encountered Stanley for the third time. That is, at NHL Fan Fest, my excitement and recognition automatically fell to the enormous replica of Stanley that consumed the stage. Rudely, my eyes passed over my favorite piece of hardware, as I stood gaping at his much larger brother. Bigger isn’t always better and as I crashed the stage in an attempt to photograph the impostor, I was face to face with the original in all his glory. For the third time, I was enamored with the beauty and poise of the Stanley Cup.
Date 4: 2012 NHL Awards and the Red Carpet fit for a Lord and a King
Dustin Brown and Stanley
In retrospect, our fourth date should have been expected. I was primed and ready to see Stanley yet again, as I touched down in Vegas. Having been in the presence of greatness three times prior, I knew that strolling into the hotel and catching a glimpse of Stanley would be a piece of cake. It had been at the awards prior. Walking into the player media availability, camera ready, I was greeted with a table full of hockey’s greatest trophies. The Vezina and Conn Smythe shined bright before my eyes, glancing at the table there was one notable absence, Stanley. Feeling as though I had just been stood up, I shuffled away, reassured by the fact that tomorrow would be another day…
The red carpet at the NHL Awards is hectic, players filter in and out speaking with the media before walking the carpet into the theater. Oilers Eberle on the right, Bruins Bergeron to the left, Erin Andrews strolling past the both of them, there’s a lot to take in. When you look left, look right and glance back to your left and see not only a King in Dustin Brown, but a Lord grasped between his fingers, it’s an impressive moment.
Stanley and I in Vegas
If the red carpet date wasn’t exciting enough, I got to spend some quality time with Stanley later that night when he hosted an after party. Our fourth date skated in the right direction, and held an appearance from my NHL Network idol Kathryn Tappen; Stanley knows impressive people.
Date 5: Hockey Hall of Fame, and the bucket list
Stanley HHOF
In a long distance relationship, sharing the travel time is necessary. If you’re keeping tabs, Stanley had now met me twice in Boston, twice in Vegas (although once was an extension of his Boston trip) and once in Ottawa. It was time for me to make an effort and visit Stanley’s home, the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto. Last spring, the Bruins faced off against the Maple Leafs in a well fought first round run and I headed across the boarder.
Listen, if you haven’t been to the Hockey Hall of Fame, put it on your bucket list. Stanley’s home is impressive, the history, the magic, it’s breathtaking. Taking in everything that not only the HHOF, but the city of Toronto has to offer is a must. Visiting Stanley on his home ice was even more impressive than I had expected.
Our fifth date was magical and awe inspiring.
Date 6: Stanley Cup Final, the Blackhawks and a realization
All good things come to an end and my last date with Stanley was bittersweet. Trying to remain unbiased is hard, especially when Stanley is involved. As the seconds wound down, my heart grew heavy with trepidation. The sound of the final buzzer, the gasps from the crowd and the sight of the Blackhawks spilling over the boards were a painful end to a series laced with sweat, tears and blood.
Toews and Stanley
Unable to contain my emotions, my face lined with misery, I waited, I waited for the inevitable. And as all inevitable moments do, it came and I finally remembered to breathe. Gazing upon the ice from atop the Garden, I watched as Jonathan Toews raised Stanley high above his head, beginning his journey around the ice, from player to player, foe to foe.
Stanley, the cheater, the heart-breaker, no longer my love.
Following procedure, I shuffled to the elevator and waited in a sea of media, awaited my turn to walk onto the marred, ruined ice and watch as the wrong team celebrated their victory.
Stanley Cup Final
And then I saw him, floating across the ice on a wave of hands, basking in the arena lights and echoing the cheers of fans, family, friends. It was in that moment that my heartbreak washed away and the magnitude of the situation took center ice. How many times can you say you’ve been on the ice when a team won the Cup?
While my heart ached for Boston, a city that had overcome so much in the shortened season, win or loss, they remained united. I realized that I had been lucky enough to encounter on numerous occasions, the one thing that unites all hockey fans, the one thing we cheer for every season, the one thing that every player dreams of. In that moment, I fully appreciated what one trophy can truly encompass and the respect that it garners, that it commands, that it receives. I welcomed the Blackhawks and their accomplishment, the right they secured to call Stanley their own.
On my sixth date, I gave my heart to Stanley.
Perhaps on date seven, he will find a way to return the sentiment.
(Photo: sbnation.com)
It’s been rough going for the Dallas Stars.
The team suffered a set back last Saturday, when starter goalie Kari Letohnen left a game against the Minnesota Wild with a concussion.
Then, on Tuesday night, roughly six minutes into their game against the Columbus Blue Jackets—forward Rich Peverley collapsed on the Stars bench.
What followed was tense enough for me, watching from the comfort of my own home. I can only imagine what it must’ve been like for the Stars, to see their friend and teammate carried down the tunnel, unconscious.
Both teams eventually left the ice, and the call came in from Toronto that the game was officially postponed. The NHL made the right call, there. Tyler Seguin, when asked the next day about the suspended game, said he took off his pads the minute he hit the locker room. “I wouldn’t have been able to play,” he said.
The Stars traveled to St. Louis without Peverley, who was under observation at UT South Western St. Paul Hospital. The team was also minus forward Alex Chiasson, who was being treated for a panic attack he suffered in the wake of witnessing Peverley’s collapse.
The Stars rallied in St. Louis and defeated the Blues in overtime—collecting a vital two points towards their play off race.
Before the game Stars Captain Jamie Benn told reporters, “I guess tonight we play for Rich.”
The Stars medical team discovered the condition that caused Peverley’s collapse—atrial fibrillation— when he reported to Stars training camp. Peverley was given the option to surgically correct the condition or undergo a less invasive form of treatment that would get him on the ice sooner, rather than later. Peverley chose the less invasive option, citing a need to prove himself as a new player with a new team as the motivator behind that decision.
Doctors treating Peverley say he’s been closely monitored all season, on the proper amount of medication—and that it was always the plan for Peverley to receive the more invasive treatment for his condition after the season was over.
Unfortunately this past Tuesday’s event moved up that timeline. Peverley will travel to Columbus as soon as possible, where a specialist will treat his atrial fibrillation.
Officially, Rich Peverley’s hockey season is over.
During the press conference, medical staff stressed that the treatment Peverley would be receiving in Columbus has a track record of delivering positive long-term results to patients. Doctors refused to speculate as to whether Peverley’s hockey career was over, and called what happened to Peverley “a very unique situation.”
Stars Coach Lindy Ruff didn’t mince words, and said what happened to Peverley was a “Tough emotional event for the whole team.”
It’s not hard to believe. Peverley is a respected veteran of the game. You could tell that much in the wave of concern that followed the incident on Tuesday. Peverley’s former teammates on the Bruins kept in constant contact with Tyler Seguin in order to stay updated. And when it was clear that the Dallas Stars were in no mood to play a game on Tuesday night, the Columbus Blue Jackets were right behind them in skating off the ice.
After the game’s postponement, Columbus general manager Jarmo Kekalainen said, “Some things are bigger than hockey.”
*Editors Note: This “Writings on the Rink” post was originally written back in October of 2012. In an attempt to better serve our readers, I’ve been re-categorizing, organizing and re-reading all of the articles published on the site. It’s a tedious job and many can attest to the fact that I’ve been complaining about it non-stop. But often even frustrating tasks can deliver a smile to your face. Once I’ve written something and it goes into the archives, I generally don’t retrace my strides… But this small little piece was special to me at one point and as it turns out, it still is.
Feminism is a movement that most women align themselves with, in one form or another. Many women won’t be preaching their beliefs from the rooftop, it’s these women that I relate with closely.
Of course, believing in equal rights and standing up for them is a necessary action even in this day and age. It’s the most inept individual that is incapable of believing in equality. While this is a subject that can launch debates, change societies and turn the most meager, quiet personality into a monster, I find myself quietly watching conversations unfold. Never do I chime in, never do I voice an opinion regarding the feminist movement; because quite frankly and in all honesty, I have never cared. Unless, it pertained to hockey.
Lead by example, that’s the most sound advice my parents have ever given me. Set an example by never fearing your ability to learn. Learn to use power tools, change a tire, mow the lawn and yes, play hockey.
When every little girl I knew was twirling, swirling and spinning across the ice, I was stick handling, shooting and sliding across it. For me, Grace was a girl that sat three kids over in art class; it was never a quality that I possessed. My heart was never drawn to the classical music and tutus, it always sided with the gloves, helmets and hard rock that blasted through the arena speakers. When your heart is tied to the ice rink, you possess no grace and your feet only skate to the sounds of a goal horn and the screams from your coach; a hockey lover you’ve become.
Hockey is something that I’ve known my entire life, the ice calls to me. I crave the cool air that envelops the night; the air that turns ponds into playgrounds. I’ve kissed the moon good morning before a practice, hit hundreds of pucks, driven thousands of miles and watched what seems like a million periods of play, all in the name of hockey.
That being said, the only time where I’m quick to drop the gloves and give my “female opinion” is when someone questions my knowledge and ultimately my passion for the game. It’s unfair to think that because I’m female, I know anything less than a man, h-e-double hockey sticks, I probably know more.
I can tape a stick, sew a jersey and make my equipment smell like a fresh batch of cookies. I can shoot a puck, take a hit and light the lamp. I can draft a fantasy team, talk box scores and recite a roster. I play the game, watch it and appreciate it. What I don’t appreciate is the average judgmental person making assumptions about my love of the game or place in it. Take a page from the playbook of life, lead by example and don’t expect that either gender is less knowledgeable or inferior. It goes both ways, girls can do guy things, guys can do girl things.
The beautiful thing about hockey, if you love it, it knows no gender.
(photo: Jasen Vinlove-USA Today Sports)
An overtime loss to the Dallas Stars snapped St. Louis’ five game winning streak. The Stars traveled to St. Louis just a day after Rich Peverley’s cardiac incident, which postponed the Stars game against the Columbus Blue Jackets to a future date to be determined.
Ryan Miller was back in net for the Blues, after a one game break, stopping 27 of 30 shots. While Tim Thomas was in net for Dallas stopping 28 of 30. Both goaltenders appear to be making themselves at home between the pipes after their respective trade deadline deals sent them packing to a new zip code.
The Blues took an early lead in the first period when Alex Pietrangelo scored at 13:01 into the frame. The Stars would answer before the first period expired to tie the game up at one on a power play goal by Colton Sceviour. The tie could not be broken during the second period which led to an even more physical third period as emotions began to rise for both teams.
The Stars took over the lead at 2:19 into the third period when Antoine Roussel’s wrist shot trickled by Miller. Roman Polak would answer with a huge slap shot from the point that Thomas had no chance of stopping. At which point overtime became necessary to decide the game.
The Blues were unable to hold off the Stars in overtime when Jamie Benn beat goaltender Ryan Miller to win the game. The Stars were playing this game for Peverley and their emotions carried them through the physical third period and the tense overtime. The Blues still hold their spot on the top of the Western Conference, leading Anaheim by two points. The Blues are now firmly entrenched in the race for the President’s Cup, which is the trophy that is awarded to the team with the most points in the regular season.
The Blues look to continue their hunt for first place when they take on the Oilers, Thursday March 13th, at 7:00PM (CST).
March 11, 2014 – ANN ARBOR, Michigan – USA Hockey announced the roster of 52 of the top American hockey players who were born in 1998 that have been invited to participate in USA Hockey’s National Team Development Program Evaluation Camp. The camp will help select the 2014-15 U.S. National Under-17 Team and will take place March 21-25, at the Ann Arbor Ice Cube.
“We’re excited to welcome another talented crop of players to our tryout camp,” said Peter Ward, director of player personnel for the NTDP. “The entire scouting staff puts in days, months and years of hard work to identify what we believe are the nation’s top players in this age group.”
The group of 52 players consists of 19 defensemen, 27 forwards and six golatenders who will be divided into three teams: Red, White and Blue. Participating in both on- and off-ice training as well as practice sessions, the three teams will also play two full games.
This year’s coaches are NTDP alumni Blake Geoffrion (Brentwood, Tenn./2004-06), Kyle Lawson (New Hudson, Mich./2004-05) and David Tanabe (White Bear Lake, Minn./1997-98). In addition two NTDP intern assistant coaches, Josh Brown and Dan Naurato, will also work behind the bench.
The players invited to the NTDP Evaluation Camp, representing 17 different states, will be fortunate to be coached by three impressive alumni. The 2010 Hobey Baker Memorial Award winner Geoffrion, who was forced to retire from playing as a result of a horrific accident, now serves as a scout for the Columbus Blue Jackets. Geoffrion represented the United States three times. Lawson, who played four seasons for the University of Notre Dame and now serves as College Hockey, Inc.’s Director of Education Recruitment, represented the USA twice. Tanabe was in the inaugral group of athletes trained at the NTDP during 1997-98 and became the first NTDP alumnus to play in the NHL; ultimately playing 449 NHL games with Carolina, Phoenix and Boston.
For a full list of the roster and the Evaluation Camp game schedule, click here.
Many of these top players will go on to impressive hockey careers both in college and even professionally. And many of the things they learn while at the National Training Development Program will assist them in those endeavors.
The powers that be in the social fashion realm all have their own spin on the list of clothing items that every woman needs for a well-rounded wardrobe.
A tan trench coat. A tailored pencil skirt. A good pair of pumps. You get the idea.
There are several black basics that virtually every list of ‘Wardrobe Must-haves’ has on them; these versatile items are also quite useful for transitioning from the press box to post-game cocktail time.
And on Tuesday when the Sharks closed out their four-game homestand hosting the Leafs, I was in a particularly edgy mood and decided to throw together a black-on-black-black ensemble.
Here’s each piece, what they play well with, and how not to look too funereal if you yourself choose to incorporate a similar outfit into your week:
THE BLACK BLAZER: I live in San Francisco, which is a major jacket city. You really don’t ever know when the fog is going to roll in and cause the temps to plummet a good 10-15 degrees.
I have many blazers, but my black H&M blazer–which I picked out in a larger size so it has more of an “I-stole-this-from-my-dude” feel–gets the most wear. It can be paired with a tee and jeans, a nice pair of slacks, even cut-offs and a fedora if you’re feeling extra fly. For game nights, the blazer plays very well with dresses and stockings.
*tip: Try on your blazer before you buy it! It doesn’t have to be expensive, but make sure it fits your shoulders and arms properly, and that you can move in it comfortably. When in doubt, take a shopping buddy to help you make your jacket purchase.
THE LBD: Truth, I own more little black dresses than most people. Like, way more than I should.
But this one, which I call my Breakfast At Tiffany’s dress, is one of my favorites. I snagged it from a little chicky store in my neighborhood for $18. It’s made well and looks flattering even on days when my “skinny” jeans don’t fit.
It also has a flirty keyhole in the back, so it’s party-ready when I take my jacket off after leaving the arena.
THE BALLET FLAT: Everyone needs at least one good pair of flats. These are not only cute, but perfect for running down several flights of stairs to get to the dressing room after final buzzer.
THE BIG BLACK BAG: Seriously, even the anti-fashion femmes have a good black purse.
And reporters have to carry all sorts of crazy things with them, so I say: The bigger the purse, the better.
I got lucky and snagged this Guess purse at a Buffalo Exchange from the city several years ago. It’s still in great shape, and carries everything from my recorder to my phone charger to my unnecessarily large makeup bag and beyond.
TO AVOID LOOKING LIKE WEDNESDAY ADAMS…: Add some spunky all-black accessories.
Instead of an opague black stocking, contrast your dress and shoes with fun-print tights. (I’m super obsessed with this geo-patterned pair.)
You can even rock black jewelry. I’m a huge fan of this big bow ring and its girly twist on black mesh.
Have more Back In Black outfit ideas? Share them with me @ChelenaGoldman. I would love to hear from you.
Cheers!
The Girl In The Black Tights
(photo: ontariohockeyleague.com)
The Ontario Hockey League released a statement today confirming the death of Saginaw Spirit forward Terry Trafford, who went missing on March 3, 2014. David Branch, commissioner of the OHL, thanked investigators and offered condolences to Trafford’s friends and family.
Trafford had been with the Spirit since the 2010-2011 season, where he played center. Craig Goslin, team President and Managing Partner, told the media that Trafford was “a good kid that seems to make some bad decisions at times,” after confirming that Trafford had been suspended due to a violation of team rules shortly before his disappearance. In other words, he was just like every other 20-year-old. He would have been eligible for the draft this June.
It’s easy to get caught up in points and percentages during the hockey season, but tragedies like this remind us that teams are made up of players. Terry Trafford was a person and he leaves behind people — friends, a family, a girlfriend, and a team. His death is a tragedy, and our condolences go out to those that knew and loved him.
“Terry played on our team and was a member of the Spirit family for the last four years,” read a statement from the Saginaw Spirit released today. “He will be missed.”
Prev1...268269270...412Next 
Page 269 of 412
