While teams around the league faced off last evening in the first round of preseason contests, the Bruins and Canadiens take center ice in Monday night hockey.
An off day for Group A at the Bruins practice facility in Wilmington, MA, Group B hit the ice for about an hour before making the trek across the border for the game this evening.
Newest off-season addition Jarome Iginla showcased his excitement to get the season going and to experience the rivalry firsthand.
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A name that many fans have seen adorning the back of a Canadiens jersey is Subban, but tonight it will also grace the jersey of young Bruins’ goaltender Malcom Subban, younger brother of Habs P.K. Subban. Hitting the NHL pipes for the first time in his career, Subban will play half of the preseason contest, while Chad Johnson will take up goal for the other.
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Hockey season is upon us, fans who’ve been missing the sport will have a week packed with action. The Bruins will be back at it in Washington tomorrow evening, before heading back to Boston to face Detroit on Thursday.
The Pittsburgh-Columbus exhibition game at Nationwide Arena last night was a surprising nail-biter, going into overtime with a score of 4-4 at the end of the third period. Columbus Prospect Ryan Murray scored the game-winner off an assist from R.J. Umberger with just 21.2 seconds left before going to shootout. Murray missed most of last season with a shoulder injury, but his minutes in last night’s game prove he’s ready to earn his spot on the Blue Jackets’ roster.
Both teams played a particularly physical game, drawing penalties and trading power plays throughout the game. Forward Evgeni Malkin, playing on a line with James Neal and Beau Bennett, seemed to spend half the game fidgeting in the penalty box. Joe Vitale and James Wisniewski threw down late in the game; Wisniewski landed a few big hits that will likely have the Penguins keeping an eye on Vitale over the next few days. Newcomer defenseman Ilari Melart also traded fists with Adam Payerl.
For the Penguins, Neal opened the game with an early goal, followed shortly by a power play for the Blue Jackets that ended in a tie-maker for Artem Anisimov. Chris Kobasew –hungry for a spot on the roster — scored twice for Pittsburgh, once in the first period and once to tie it up again in the third after two power-play goals from Columbus.
Cam Atkinson skated well on a line with Marian Gaborik and Anisimov, trying out the left wing. Clearly the position suited him, if his beautiful goal in the third period is any indication. The Bennett-Malkin-Neal line looked good as well. Bennett has repeatedly proven himself worthy of playing top-line, and despite a few shaky moments, he lived up to that reputation last night.
Preseason games are typically used by coaches to try new lineups and give rookies or newbies a chance to stretch their legs, so although the Blue Jackets certainly earned the win, last night’s score shouldn’t necessarily be used as a barometer for the season. Both team’s rosters lacked many of their biggest names (most notably Sidney Crosby).
Columbus surprised just about everybody last year by coming devastatingly close to making the playoffs, so all eyes will be on the team to see if they can keep the forward momentum going this season.
Here are the complete rosters for both teams:
Columbus
Forwards: Anisimov, Atkinson, Bass, Comeau, Dubinsky, Gaborik, Letestu, Little, Skille, Smith, Umberger, Vogelhuber
Defensemen: Goloubef, Murray, Melart, Nikitin, Savard, Wisniewski
Goalies: Dansk, McElhinney
Pittsburgh:
Forwards: Flass, Hobasew, Jeffrey, Neal, Bennett, Ebbett, Letourneau-Leblond, Sill, Farnham, Payerl, Vitale, Kuhnkachi, Malkin
Defensemen: Niskanen, Scuderi, Harrington, Dumoulin, Mikkelson, Samuelsson, Pouliot
Goalies: Fleury, Zatkoff
Re-post:
Every team has a rivalry and almost every fan of the game loves one team and hates another. It’s the age old equation that makes any sport so popular. While you might find yourself loving or hating specific guys on the ice; their is no denying that it’s hard not to like them when they’re taking part in events around the community. Almost every NHL team has a foundation that focuses on raising money to better the communities that support them every season.
It’s no secret that athletes have a range of reputations; but with the occasional bad comes the exceptionally good. In no specific order, here’s a few NHL’ers who take the term “giving back” to a Stanley Cup level.
10. Scott Hartnell (Philadelphia Flyers)
You’d think to play in the big show, you’d have to have a lot of balance. For Hartnell he’s chosen to put his occasional slip ups to good use with the #HartnellDown campaign. Selling t-shirts and hats on the website with all proceeds going towards the Hartnell Down Foundation. Hartnell estimates #HartnellDown has raised about $30,000 already with the numbers sure to grow. A hockey player with a sense of humour putting his name to good use. Perhaps the term should be HartnellUp; thumbs up for this Flyer.
http://hartnelldown.com/
9. Marian Gaborik (Columbus Blue Jackets)
Many people think NHL and the words Canada or North American aren’t far behind. Occasionally an afterthought, many players hail from overseas. Gaborik who hails from Trencin, Slovakia; in 2005 he opened an ice rink in his native city. Arena Mariána Gáboríka was opened at a personal cost to Gaborik of approximately 50 million Slovak crowns. The rink hosts programs to better the youth hockey community, a fitness center and overnight accommodations for those players participating in the programs. Gaborik is a hands on member of the rink and it’s programs during the off season. In addition, he also is the founder of the Marian Gaborik Foundation, which supports his dream of expanding youth hockey in Slovakia
http://www.mariangaborik.sk/index_en.php
8. Claude Giroux (Philadelphia Flyers)
Another player who is partnering up to help out his childhood community. A native of Hearst, Ontario; Giroux is aiming to help raise money for the Centre Claude-Giroux Centre. The centre focuses on rehabilitation and physiotherapy. With the closest rehabilitation facility over 300 kilometers away, it’s necessary for Hearst to have a place to rely on. With Giroux’s efforts it will hopefully be possible to make this addition to the community that helped foster an NHL superstar.
http://www.claudegiroux28.com/charities.html
7. Mike Modano (Former Dallas Star)
After playing for 21 NHL seasons, Modano retired on September 21, 2011. With that many seasons under his pads, it’s no wonder Modano has become one of the most charitably active players. Modano is the founder and current Vice President of the Mike Modano Foundation, Inc. A foundation which raises awareness and funds for organizations offering education and assistance to children and families affected by child abuse. In addition, Modano is also an active participant in the Texan community and many of it’s charities.
http://www.mikemodano.com/foundation_home.php
6. Vincent Lecavalier (Formerly of Tampa Bay Lightning, currently Philadelphia Flyers)
They say that Lighting never strikes the same place twice. In the instance of Lecavalier it’s safe to say that this lightning strikes all over the community. Receiving the NHL Foundation award in 2008, after his foundation committed $3 million to building efforts in 2007. Lecavalier saw his efforts come to fruition in January 2010 with the opening of the Vincent Lecavalier Pediatric Center and Blood Disorders Center at All Children’s Hospital in St. Petersburg, Florida. The Vinny Lecavalier Foundation helps to build hope for children battling pediatric cancer and blood disorders; as well as to help fund medical research. According to the foundation website, the center expected to perform 50 bone marrow transplants, see 125 new patients and treat 4,000 kids on an outpatient basis in 2011 alone.
http://www.vinny4.com/
5. Ryan Miller (Buffalo Sabres)
As goaltender for the Sabres, Miller is known for making saves on the ice. But it’s his off ice tactics that earned him the NHL Foundation award during the 2009-10 season. Along with his father Dean, Miller started the Steadfast Foundation which supports cancer patients and their families. The foundation is aimed at helping garner support and funding for children and their families during all phases of treatment. Events, fundraisers and auctions are held throughout the season and the year.
http://www.thesteadfastfoundation.com/
4. Alexei Kovalev (Former NHL’er currently with the KHL)
Spending 18 seasons in the NHL and playing for various teams gave Kovalev the chance to bring his charity work around North America and now internationally. The Kovalev and friends for kids Foundation’s mission is to ensure and promote the physical and emotional health of young cardiac patients. The foundation looks for ways to better the lives of young patients through sport, educational, artistic and most importantly fun activities. Hosting and participating as a sometimes counselor, Kovalev’s foundation has a summer camp in Quebec for patients and a guest. With activities such as fencing, swimming, field trips to the Belle Center and of course hockey.
http://www.kovalevfoundation.org/home.html
3. Trevor Linden (Former Vancouver Canucks)
For many the name Linden is most notable on the back of a Canucks jersey. After playing 19 NHL seasons with 4 different teams, Linden retired in 2008. Although he’s not on an active roster anymore, Linden is still active with The Trevor Linden Foundation. Established in 1997, the foundation looks to lend support to children with special needs . It also serves to improve the lives of young Canadians through educational initiatives. If his own foundation wasn’t enough, Linden lends his name and time to other charitable causes year round. To top it all off, in conjunction with the Vancouver Canucks, Linden launched the Trevor Linden Community Spirit Scholarship. The scholarship awards 4 scholarships to British Columbia students with not only good academic standing; but also exceptional contributions to their communities.
http://canucks.nhl.com/club/page.htm?bcid=172
http://www.trevorlinden.com/foundation
2. Max Pacioretty (Montreal Canadiens)
Even if you aren’t a Canadiens fan the name Pacioretty probably sticks out in your hockey data bank. During the 2010-11 season, Pacioretty sustained a fairly traumatic hit during a game against the Boston Bruins. Fast forward to this season where Pacioretty is thankfully healthy and back in the game. However, he hasn’t forgotten The Montreal General Hospital that gave him and his family support throughout the ordeal. In partnership with The Montreal General Hospital Pacioretty launched The Max Pacioretty Foundation at the start of this season. The foundation is hoping to raise upwards of $3.5 million to go towards the establishment of a new MRI facility at the hospital. For now Pacioretty is already helping on a smaller scale with the donation of an advanced functional MRI machine for the Traumatic Brain Injury Centre.
http://www.mghfoundation.com/en/max-pacioretty-foundation/
1. Cam Neely (Retired Boston Bruin and current Boston Bruin President)
The name Neely is synonymous with the NHL. After playing 3 seasons with the Vancouver Canucks, Neely played the rest of his career with the Boston Bruins. The name Neely goes hand and hand with the Boston community. The Cam Neely Foundation for Cancer Care was launched in 1995 by the Neely family after the passing of both parents to cancer. In addition to the foundation, The Neely Cancer Fund and The Neely House are also part of the charitable network that bears the Neely name. To date the foundation has raised close to $18 million dollars, with the sole purpose of helping cancer patients and their families during treatment. A breakdown as stated on The Cam Neely Foundation website
“The Cam Neely Foundation makes it all financially possible. The special relationship with Tuft’s Medical Center’s Cancer Center ensures easy access to Boston’s world-renowned medical facilities and unmatched compassionate care. Together, we recognize that everyone’s needs are unique, and therefore we strive to provide whatever care, emotional supports, and hope possible to facilitate the healing process.
The Neely House provides a convenient, comfortable place to live, relax and talk to others. The Neely Cancer Fund supports treatment and research efforts.”
Neely has certainly taken his charitable efforts above and beyond and continues to do so every year.
http://www.camneelyfoundation.org/
0. National Hockey League
The NHL is dedicated to giving back. With countless initiatives, it’s not just the teams or players themselves but the NHL as a whole. http://www.nhl.com/nhlhq/community/index.html
The league urges it’s players to give back and while many do without recognition; a few go above and beyond every season and that’s where the NHL Foundation Player Award comes in. Awarded annually to the NHL player “who applies the core values of ice hockey—commitment, perseverance and teamwork—to enrich the lives of people in his community”. The winner is given a grant of$25,000 to help a cause(s) that they support. The recipient of the NHL Foundation Player Award is decided by a panel that consists of NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman and NHL executives Pat Flatley, Bernadette Mansur and Kenneth Martin, Jr.
It’s important to keep in mind that it isn’t just NHL players who are using their names for the common good. Athletes in all sports are constantly participating in charity events. http://www.athlebrities.com/ is a neat site to check out for charity events and news regarding your favorite athletes from around the leagues.
Many players also set up programs through their teams every season. For example this season the Boston Bruins Patrice Bergeron has Patrice’s Pals. The program brings children from local hospitals to a game at TD Garden in a special luxury suite, recognition on the jumbo-tron and of course a little one of one time with Bergeron himself.
Brad Marchand has Brad’s Brigade which gives pediatric cancer patients and their families a chance to enjoy the magic at a Bruins home game, a gift card to be redeemed in the pro shop and of course a chance to meet Marchand as well.
Although not skating this season due to the long term effects from a concussion Marc Savard donated a suite at the TD Garden for use through the 2014 season. Patients suffering from the effects of head trauma from both a medical and psychological standpoint will have a small reprieve at a game with thanks to Savard.
For more information about player specific charities, foundations and events local to your community it’s best to check out team websites:
Anaheim Ducks: http://ducks.nhl.com/club/microhome.htm?location=/foundation
Boston Bruins: http://bruins.nhl.com/club/microhome.htm?location=/foundation
Buffalo Sabres: http://sabres.nhl.com/club/page.htm?id=36587
Calgary Flames: http://flames.nhl.com/club/microhome.htm?location=/flames_foundation
Carolina Hurricanes: http://hurricanes.nhl.com/club/microhome.htm?location=/foundation
Chicago Blackhawks: http://blackhawks.nhl.com/club/microhome.htm?location=/charities
Colorado Avalanche: http://avalanche.nhl.com/club/page.htm?id=32582
Columbus Blue Jackets: http://www.bluejacketsfoundation.org/
Dallas Stars: http://stars.nhl.com/club/page.htm?id=39286
Detroit Red Wings: http://redwings.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=590418#
Edmonton Oilers: http://oilers.nhl.com/club/microhome.htm?location=/eocf/microsite
Florida Panthers: http://panthers.nhl.com/club/microhome.htm?location=/PanthersFoundation
Los Angeles Kings: http://kings.nhl.com/club/page.htm?id=63366
Minnesota Wild: http://wild.nhl.com/club/page.htm?id=59017
Montreal Canadiens: http://foundation.canadiens.com/en/
Nashville Predators: http://predators.nhl.com/club/page.htm?id=37108
New Jersey Devils: http://devils.nhl.com/club/page.htm?id=42011
New York Islanders: http://islanders.nhl.com/club/page.htm?id=75382
New York Rangers: http://rangers.nhl.com/club/page.htm?id=53850
Ottawa Senators: http://www.sensfoundation.com/en/
Philadelphia Flyers: http://www.esyhf.org/
Phoenix Coyotes: http://coyotes.nhl.com/club/page.htm?id=32664
Pittsburgh Penguins: http://pittsburghpenguinsfoundation.org/
St. Louis Blues: http://blues.nhl.com/v2/ext/14fund/index.html
San Jose Sharks: http://www.thesharksfoundation.com/
Tampa Bay Lightning: http://lightning.nhl.com/club/page.htm?id=50496
Toronto Maple Leafs: http://mapleleafs.nhl.com/club/page.htm?id=42205
Vancouver Canucks: http://canucks.nhl.com/club/page.htm?id=40129
Washington Capitals: http://capitals.nhl.com/club/page.htm?id=42563
Winnipeg Jets: http://jets.nhl.com/club/microhome.htm?location=/winnipeg_jets_true_north_foundation
Last week, Chicago Blackhawks General Manager Stan Bowman essentially got down on one knee and gave fans the shiny promise they’ve been wanting to hear.
The glistening beauties he said Chicago could have “forever” didn’t come from Tiffany’s, they came from Buffalo and Winnipeg. And while they’ll cost much more than engagement rings should run, who can put a price tag on what they’ve done for this franchise?
While plenty of women from all over would like to wed Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews, it’s the pledge to keep them, (and honor and love them, for better or for worse), on the team that has Windy City fans’ hearts-aflutter.
… And, possibly, hearts breaking throughout the rest of the NHL.
With a Conn Smythe trophy each, and both within the top seven contenders for the Hart Memorial Trophy last season, the duo is part of a core Bowman plans to protect.
“When Toews and Kane came on the scene together … our franchise hasn’t been the same from that moment,” Bowman told the team Web site. “They put us back on the map and gave us instant credibility.”
It’s true. Before the Toews and Kane era (and before the William Rockwell “Rocky” Wirtz era), the Blackhawks weren’t quite the talk of the town. They were passionately loved by a select few. Now they sell out every game at the United Center’s Madhouse on Madison.
Fans can’t get enough.
Who wouldn’t want hands like these on their roster indefinitely?
What teams wouldn’t be eager for the leadership of Captain Serious, who has skated the mighty Blackhawks to two Stanley Cup victories in three years? But, can it be so? Both players’ contracts extend through 2014-15, and would be up for negotiation starting next summer. Can the team afford to keep them?
Hearts broke after the post-Cup salary cap team purging in 2010, but fans have since learned to have a little faith in team management.
Bowman said he’ll continue to make it happen. This comes just after extending contracts for clinch playoff performer Bryan Bickell to $16 million (four years), Niklaus Hjalmarsson to $20.5 million (five years), and Corey Crawford to $36 million (six years.)
“I can’t predict what the salary cap will be in the near future, but I can tell you that Jonathan and Patrick will be on this team,” he said. “Those two players put the Blackhawks back on the map. They’re up in a couple years, and whatever the numbers are, we’ll figure out the details. The notion that the money we’re spending now will affect our ability to keep Jonathan and Kane … it’s a non-issue. They will be here no matter what.”
Fresh off the Lord Stanley buzz, the players seem to hold an allegiance to this team as well. Toews shared perhaps a more steadfast loyalty.
“It meant a lot to hear that, and sitting here with two other (core) guys as well, we understand how special it is to play in Chicago,” Toews told media, with Patrick Sharp and Duncan Keith by his side. “Amazing things have happened since I’ve been a Blackhawk, and not a lot of young players can count themselves that lucky. If that’s my potential to spend a lot of time like that in Chicago, so be it.
“I’m just enjoying every season as it comes. Right now, it would be tough to find a reason to play somewhere else. There’s no place better to play hockey.”
Fans could lean a little more toward cautiously optimistic for Kane, who seemed less inclined to commit.
“It’d be ideal to stay here, but we’ll cross that path when we get to it,” he said. “That’s the ultimate goal, to win championships like this…”
But? There’s a but.
“But I’m still a young kid. To say what’s going to happen for the rest of my career, I don’t know.”
Chicago should be able to hold onto them for at least the next contract, which carries a maximum of eight years—taking the players into their early thirties. That’s plenty of time for the city to continue wooing.
All my life I have loved to travel. Usually it’s an annual summer road trip up to see family in Buffalo, all the way from my hometown in South Florida. The Florida Panthers’ BB&T Center is my home arena and the next closest, the Lightning’s Tampa Bay Times Forum, is over 3 hours away. Like many NHL fans, I dream of seeing a game in every arena one day, but during summer road trips like this I like to visit as many rinks as I can.
This year, while staying in Long Island, my boyfriend and I headed over to the home of the New York Islanders: Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum. By sheer dumb luck the team store was open (it wasn’t the last time we visited over 2 years ago), so we got to wander and pick up souvenirs.
If you’ve never been, this is the view on the way in to the shop. Towering figures of anonymous skaters clad in Islanders gear greet you from behind panels of game used plexiglass. It is an impressive sight and I can picture posing with these guys during intermissions for a great photo op.
They had a huge sale on playoff merchandise that, unfortunately for me, did not extend to hockey pucks. But I got one anyway! It’s my traditional souvenir of choice so I couldn’t resist.
Visiting Nassau Coliseum was awesome! Sadly we couldn’t convince anyone to give us a tour (puppy-dog eyes and our 1,000+ mile drive weren’t enough), but it was a fun experience and a great way to spend a summer afternoon.
Next stop: NHL Store, NYC
The third day of San Jose Sharks training camp saw a packed house at Sharks Ice for the team scrimmage. A full breakdown of the training camp roster and groups can be found here . The morning began with Group A drilling with Coach McLellan and Larry Davidson. It was a fast paced set of drills that got the players’ feet moving and breaking out at speed. Even though these were drills, players like Raffi Torres and Matt Tennyson weren’t shy about getting the body involved.
The scrimmage consisted of two 30 minute periods followed by a shootout. The A Group started out a little slow, having just come off the ice from drills. Group B’s Taylor Doherty put the first puck in net, getting it past Alex Stalock. Doherty’s 6’7” frame was a standout on the ice and he made the most of his size along the boards. Brent Burns showed his skill as a forward, building on his transition from defence last year. He has the speed, skill and the body as a two way forward and paired well with both Thornton and Tyler Kennedy. It didn’t take long for a for a feed from Thornton found Burns’ tape and the puck scooted past Stalock to put Group B up by 2 heading into the break.
The second half began with Group B’s Boyle off for interference on Adam Burish. Raffi Torres was quick to score on the power play with a little feed from Couture to get Group A on the board 2-1. Daniil Tarasov, who impressed earlier this summer during the Prospects camp, put Group B up another goal as he capitalized on a turnover in the offensive zone, put it to the net and scored off his own rebound. Group A would come back with a shorthanded goal by Scott Hannan followed by a nice tip-in by Rylan Schwartz from Logan Couture, tying the game up 3-3 Group B would put the pressure on for the final minute of the game, with a scrum ensuing in front of Group A’s Sateri and no more goals scored.
In the shootout, it was Group A that found the back of the net for the win, with Matt Nieto, Jason Demers and Raffi Torres all potting goals. Group B’s Boyle had a nice backhanded shot in on Harri Sateri and Tarasov flashed another one past the netminder.
Those absent from the scrimmage were Marek Viedensky, Mirco Mueller, Kyle Bigos, Jimmy Bonneau, Marty Havlat, Sebastian Stalberg, Chris Crane, Riley Brace and goaltender Troy Groesnick. All were on the ice for a skills development session with Development coach Mike Ricci following Group B’s skill session.
Skills Development session with Coach Mike Ricci
Following the scrimmage defenceman Matt Irwin gave his thoughts on the third day of training camp and what his focus has been this year at camp. Irwin started the 2012-2013 year with Worcester and following the lockout played with San Jose for the rest of the season with Dan Boyle. He wants to continue to demonstrate that he has what it takes to be one of those top 6 Dmen for San Jose and he’s learned a lot playing with Boyle at his side.
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Daniil Tarasov is hoping to make an impact during the preseason games with San Jose and if his Summer Prospects scrimmage and training camp performance are any indicator, he is well on his way to becoming a San Jose Shark. He’s spent the last two months studying the playbooks of both Patrick Marleau and Brent Burns and his development as a player has accelerated since first hitting the ice with the Sharks’ ECHL affiliate San Francisco Bulls last year.
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The San Jose Sharks have their first pre-season game against the Vancouver Canucks on Monday September 16th 7:00 pm at Rogers Arena in Vancouver.
The San Jose Sharks regular season kicks off at home on Oct 3rd when the San Jose Sharks take on Vancouver Canucks at SAP Center at 7:00pm.
By Jake Shoemaker
St. Louis Blues’ announced Friday that they have signed 23-year-old star defenseman Alex Pietrangelo to a 7-year, $45.5 million contract, featuring a no-trade clause over the final three years.
The five year veteran has emerged over the past few years as both a premiere shutdown defender and an elite scoring defenseman. After being drafted 4th overall in the 2008 NHL entry draft, Pietrangelo played his first full season in 2010. The Blues have since qualified for the playoffs in each of the past two seasons, bowing out to the Los Angeles Kings both times.
Blues executives hope the steady defender can help St. Louis continue to build its pursuit of the Stanley Cup. In the past four seasons, Pietrangelo’s plus-minus ranks 15th among all NHL blue-liners and he has built a reputation for his clutch scoring touch.
In addition to his work for the Blues, Pietrangelo hopes to qualify for the Canadian Olympic team in 2014. He has competed for his country at the Junior and Senior levels, earning a Gold Medal at the World Junior Championship in 2009.
Despite having a full year left on his contract before unrestricted free agency, 27-year-old right winger Jared Boll signed a three-year contract with the Columbus Blue Jackets. Columbus drafted Boll in 2005, making the Blue Jackets the only NHL team he’s ever played for.
In an interview with The Columbus Dispatch, Boll stated that he was eager to extend his contract regardless of approaching free agency. “I didn’t even want to think about playing somewhere else,” he said. “The way this team is moving … the way we finished the season. The people we have in charge at the top. Just everything is headed in the right direction right now, and there’s nothing I want more than to be a part of it.”
Management seems to agree. GM Jarmo Kekalainen spoke highly of Boll in the organization’s press release about the extension, complimenting Boll’s dedication to the team and the Columbus community. “He brings toughness, determination and a great work ethic to our team and has become an important leader for us both on and off the ice,” Kekalainen said.
Boll is one of the Blue Jackets’ most physical players, with 963 penalty minutes in 388 games. He also leads the current roster in games played.
Before getting the call, Boll played for the United States Hockey League and then the Ontario Hockey League where he helped lead the Plymouth Whalers to the OHL championship.
New Vancouver Canucks Head Coach John Tortorella does not want his players to get too social on Twitter. In a statement Thursday, he warns the Vancouver players to limit their use, however will not impose a complete ban.
“I’m not going to handcuff them and treat them like little kids,’ he said. “There better be no information coming out the locker-room with that damn Twitter. It’s nothing but trouble.”
Several players on the team regularly tweet, including goaltender Roberto Luongo (@strombone1). A number of other Canucks, including wingers David Booth (@D_Booth7) and Alex Burrows (@aburr14), also use it.
Ironically, Torts, a dog lover, has his own Twitter page (@JohnTortorella2), which he uses for charitable initiatives related to canines. “I think it’s tremendous for charity work,” he said. “It helped me tremendously in our dog walk out in New York, and we raised a ton of money. It’s not for (posting): ‘Here I am. I’m having a roast beef sandwich. I’m saying hello to my fans.’
Tortorella is well-known for clashing with media during his days as a coach of the New York Rangers. He has been trying to get along better with reporters and improve his image since touching down on the Westcoast, but said, “some of the stuff needs to stay in the room too”.
Other Vancouver Canucks to follow, or now maybe not so much:
We’ve all seen some extensive nail artwork in our day, with teeny tiny team logos and designs adorning one or all nails. Sure, here at the Pink Puck we’re artsy and creative, but our skill-set is limited when the canvas is literally a thumbnail.
If you want your nails to have a hockey flair heading into the season, give our tutorial a try.
DIY: Goalie Mask Nails
Supplies
Black Nail Polish
White Nail Polish
1 bottle Nail Polish in your favorite teams color
1 toothpick
Butt end of makeup brush or a pencil eraser
Directions
1. Paint your thumbnail(s) white. You’ll probably need 2-3 coats here so it’s completely white and not splotchy. Allow the nail to completely dry, you don’t want it to be tacky either, but completely dry!
2. Lightly dip the butt end of a makeup brush or pencil eraser, whichever tool you’re using into the black nail polish. Make two eye circles 1/4 way down from the tip of your nail.
3. Grab your toothpick and dab it into the black polish, so you have a tiny glob on the end, place two tiny dots above each eye circle – you’ll have four dots in total.
4. Next, make 3 tiny dots in a line underneath each eye circle.
5. Finally, on the outside of each 3 dot line, you’ll need to make a small triangle of dots in a 2, then one pattern.
6. Paint your remaining nails a team color of your choice or if you’re feeling crazy paint the whole set hockey mask style!
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