As expected, it’s been a busy Friday in the NHL. TSN boasts a great transaction tracker – but some of the more notable transactions on the day are:
Boston Bruins sign Jarome Iginla to a one-year contract $1.8M
Columbus Blue Jackets sign Nathan Horton to a seven-year contract $37.1M
Toronto Maple Leafs sign David Clarkson to a seven-year contract $36.75M
New Jersey Devils sign Ryan Clowe to a five-year contract $24.25M
Detroit Red Wings sign Daniel Alfredsson to a one-year contract $5.5M
Boston Bruins Press Release: “Boston, MA – Boston Bruins General Manager Peter Chiarelli announced today, July 4, that the club has acquired forwards Loui Eriksson, Matt Fraser, Reilly Smith and defenseman Joe Morrow from the Dallas Stars in exchange for forwards Rich Peverley Tyler Seguin and defenseman Ryan Button.”
With speculation that Bruins forward Tyler Seguin could be on the trade block hitting the social media world earlier this week – the Bruins made it official on Thursday afternoon. Seguin paired with occasional line-mate Rich Peverley will be heading to Dallas come the fall. While Boston will see the talents of Loui Eriksson take the ice.
In an early evening conference call, Bruins GM Peter Chiarelli noted that despite reports of Seguin’s off-ice behavior it was ultimately a business decision. Calling Seguin a “good kid, with good heart”, Chiarelli will look forward to rebuilding his team’s lacking right wing slot. Better suited for center, a position that fans should expect to see Seguin excelling at within the Dallas system, Eriksson is a natural winger with a good shot and perfect release. Hopefully Eriksson will bring that perfection to a position that Boston has been lacking.
In addition to the top name swaps, the Stars will see the talents of young defensemen Ryan Button who spent a majority of the season on the Providence Bruins scratch list. Boston will have Matt Fraser a player noted for his terrific release challenging for a roster spot at development camp. Joe Morrow and Reilly Smith will likely see ice time with the Bruins AHL affiliate in Providence.
While this is the first major trade to happen during the off-season, it certainly won’t be the last. Free agency begins tomorrow and the market is ridden with talent – let the frenzy begin.
Photo: Sharks
Getting in the game early is often the first stride toward NHL success. Of course you need to skate before you can play, but those two skills were glove and glove for San Jose Sharks center Logan Couture.
“I first started skating when I was 3,” said Couture. “My parents put me in right away, I just loved the game early and carried on from there. I played a lot of road hockey growing up, but the first time I skated, I was 3.”
While he may have loved the game early, it wasn’t love at first sight for the Ontario native.
“The first time my parents put me on the ice, I started crying and refused to stay out there,” said Couture. “I got off right away and hated it the very first time. They sent me out there the next week and my second time out, I stayed out and enjoyed it. But my very first time out, I just cried and hated it.”
Like many that have skated before him and many that skate beside him, Couture credits his parents for their support throughout his career. They are now, and will always remain his biggest off-ice inspiration. While off-ice support is the greatest tool a player can have, it’s often the players you grew up on that fuel the biggest on-ice dreams. For a young Couture, following the “Great One” helped spark his dream to succeed in the NHL.
“Wayne Gretzky, because he’s the best player to ever play,” said Couture. “To see him or ever skate with him would be pretty cool.”
The road to success is a long one, with triumphs and difficulties lining the rink of dreams, it’s a positive mindset that gets you through.
“With hockey, it’s probably just never get too high, never get too low,” said Couture. “It’s a tough game so it can be frustrating, there can be a lot of good times, but a lot of bad times. So, try and stay even keeled, don’t get too excited and don’t get too frustrated or down on yourself.”
Photo: OHL
Harvesting his talents within the Ontario Hockey League’s [OHL] Ottawa 67’s put Couture even further on the map within the hockey community. Playing junior hockey with the 67’s was a huge factor in Couture’s growth as a player on the ice. However, it was his Head Coach Brian Kilrea that played an even larger part in Couture’s on and off ice development.
“I’d rate the Coach Brian Kilrea as a big reason why I’m in the NHL right now,” said Couture. “The four years I spent with Kilrea was huge, he taught me a lot. Not just as a player, but as a person, I really grew up in those four years that I spent around him.”
Four years in the OHL helped bring Couture’s game to the next level. In 2007 San Jose decided to make him part of the Sharks family when they took him ninth overall in the NHL Entry Draft. The 2009-10 season proved to be a beneficial one, when Couture joined the Sharks American Hockey League affiliate in Worcester, Massachusetts. In 42 games, he tallied 20 goals and 33 assists earning him a spot on the AHL all-rookie team. Couture’s talents transitioned to NHL ice during the 2010-11 season, where he debuted nicely as a rookie, notching 32 goals and earning him a Calder Memorial Trophy nomination. The achievements continued to come for Couture. In 2011-12, Couture traveled back to where his junior career began, this time as a member of the NHL All-Star team that faced off in Ottawa for the NHL’s annual All-Star Game.
With accomplishments and experiences a plenty at just 24-years-old, some memories stand above the rest.
Photo: NBC Sports
“There’s been a lot of good memories, the best so far, I scored in Game 7 a couple years ago against the Red Wings and we ended up winning that in the playoffs, so that’s up there,” said Couture. “Getting picked to play in the All-Star game and then the overtime winner I scored this year against the Kings. The three of those are probably the best moments.”
Eventually playing in the big show at any capacity is the dream above all dreams for a hockey player. While the dream is now a reality for Couture, a component often lost in the dream is the possibility to become beloved by the fans you play for.
“It’s been great, the fans out in San Jose definitely love their team and they appreciate players who work hard and bring it night in and night out and that’s something that I try and do. I think that’s one of the reasons that I guess I’ve become one of the fan favorites.”
Despite being seen as a non-traditional hockey market, the undeniable support of the fans doesn’t go unnoticed by players within the organization.While the fans may peg the team as the best thing in the Bay Area, Couture has a different view on what makes San Jose, in his eyes, the best in the league.
“The fans, I think we’ve sold out over 160 straight home games out there,” said Couture. “Then the atmosphere, it’s one of the loudest buildings in the NHL. I don’t think a lot of people realize that because it’s out in California and it’s the pacific time zone, so people don’t stay up and watch those games. But it’s an awesome place to play. For me personally, I love going to the rink everyday in shorts and sandals and a t-shirt and playing in front of 17-18,000 people.”
Photo: NHL
Playing for 17-18,000 people every evening can be exhausting, but it’s the in-season grind that players truly enjoy. Preparing players for another season and a chance at glory, the off-season brings a slightly slower paced schedule.
“Wake up, eat some breakfast, go to the gym,” said Couture. “Then try to go to the golf course.”
In a world where athletes are constantly in the news for crazy antics, hockey players are often deemed the tamer, down to earth and more relateable of the group. Couture’s off-ice personality mixes nicely with that definition.
“Most of the time, pretty quiet, laid back, I’m a homebody,” said Couture. “I don’t really do too much. I like to relax during my time off.”
The changeover from off ice to on can leave fans with a skewed perception of ones personality. A players character can easily be misinterpreted at times, Couture has wrongly fallen into that category.
“Maybe being cocky?,” said Couture. “People might think that about me, but you have to be confident to be an NHL player, confident in your abilities.”
The confidence that Couture exudes on the ice has proven beneficial to the Sharks franchise, despite making an impact in the playoffs, the cup has yet to be hoisted during Couture’s time. A frustrating fact, yes, but that only makes the drive to succeed stronger. Opening night brings another chance for 30 teams to enter Lord Stanley’s season long gauntlet.
“It’s a brand new year, just another opportunity to win the Stanley Cup,” said Couture. “Once this Finals end and the trophy’s up for grabs again, I’m looking for the opportunity to win it.”
Sharks love feeding frenzies, but not free agency frenzies, slated to become a restricted free agent at the conclusion of the 2013-14 season, management had a different idea. According to reports, fans can look forward to #39 bringing his determination and abilities to the ice for another 5-years. Couture will reportedly be given a lengthy and well deserved extension.
With the extension comes a reassurance that he’s exactly where he belongs. A young Canadian hockey player has seen his dreams come true. Happily ensconced in the San Jose community and Sharks system, Couture will look to add continued excitement for seasons to come.
BOSTON BRUINS SEVENTH ANNUAL DEVELOPMENT CAMP ROSTER AS OF JULY 3, 2013
Forwards: Casey Bailey*, Anton Blidh, Anthony Camara, Ryan Carpenter*, Peter Cehlarik, Mitchell
Dempsey, Brian Ferlin, Ryan Fitzgerald, Seth Griffith, Colton Hargrove, Garnet Hathaway*, Matthew
Lindblad.
Defensemen: Linus Arnesson, Matt Benning, Chris Casto, Alex Cord*, Derek Docken*, Matthew
Grzelcyk, Robbie O’Gara, Wiley Sherman.
Goaltenders: Zane Gothberg, Adam Morisson, Malcolm Subban.
*Indicates attendance to Development Camp is on an invite basis.
BOSTON BRUINS SEVENTH ANNUAL DEVELOPMENT CAMP SCHEDULE:
Development camp is open to the public and will be held at the Bruins practice facility.
Ristuccia Arena
190 Main St.
Wilmington, MA 01887
Wednesday, July 10 (Wilmington, MA):
-Development Camp opens
-On-ice practice, Ristuccia Arena, 10:30 a.m.
Thursday, July 11 (Wilmington, MA):
-On-ice practice, Ristuccia Arena, 11:00 a.m.
-On-ice practice #2, Ristuccia Arena, 12:45 p.m.
Friday, July 12 (Wilmington, MA):
-On-ice practice, Ristuccia Arena, 10:30 a.m.
-On-ice practice #2, Ristuccia Arena, 11:45 a.m.
Saturday, July 13 (Wilmington, MA):
-On-ice practice, Ristuccia Arena, 11:00 a.m.
Sunday, July 14 (Wilmington, MA):
-On-ice practice, Ristuccia Arena, 10:00 a.m.
-On-ice practice #2, Ristuccia Arena, 10:45 a.m.
Monday, July 15
-Team building exercises, closing of camp.
-While Monday marks the final day of camp, it’s important to note that it is closed to the public.
Happy Fourth of July to our American Pink Puck family. With the draft behind us and new signings popping up all over the place, take a moment to celebrate!
This American Flag pallet is a patriotic addition to your garden, porch, lake house and beyond. So grab some paint and pallet and show your true red, white and blue colors.
You’ll need:
1 pallet
1 can red paint or spray paint
1 can blue paint or spray paint
1 can white paint or spray paint
*We used rustic red and blue for a more country look – pick shades based on your personal taste
Scissors
Contact paper, any color, we used scraps from other projects
Step 4.
1. Clean off your pallet, we used the kitchen broom to sweep off any excess dirt.
2. In a well ventilated, preferably outdoor area, spray paint your pallet white. Let it dry about 20 minutes.
3. While you’re waiting for your pallet to dry, on your contact paper, trace and cutout 15 stars, we used this star template.
4. Leaving the top 3 boards, to the left of your center strip on your pallet white, starting with red, alternate painting every other board red.
5. Peeling off the backing of your contact paper, evenly spaced, place 5 stars across the white on each of your 3 top left hand boards. Make sure each star is securely on the board. We suggest taking a quarter or something similar and smoothing the edges of each star down, making sure they are secure.
6. Spray your top 3 left hand boards blue. Let air dry about 20 minutes.
7. Once your blue paint is dry to the touch, peel off each star.
8. Place your new flag pallet in a place of honor, you’re done!
By Jaclyn Matisak
Now as a Devils fan I know I should despise anything and everything that is even remotely related and/or associated with the New York Rangers, but I like what GM Glen Sather has done by hiring Vigneault. Vigneault who signed a five-year $10 million contract seems to be the perfect fit for New York.
Alain Vigneault is the complete opposite of Tortorella, so with Vigneault you can expect to see some big changes.
First thing we’ll see a change on is the Rangers power play. The Rangers must be able to capitalize on this. The Rangers have an all star line up, players that teams would die for, and yet they could never produce on the advantage. Vigneault had the Canucks PP ranked 1st in the NHL in 2010-11 and 4th 2011-12. Although the Rangers PP won’t reach that of the Canucks, within a year, it still needs to improve one way or another if they ever want to see the Stanley Cup back at Madison Square Garden.
Another change that will most likely come is how the defense plays. Vigneault will give McDonagh, Moore, and Del Zotto more movement on the offensive attack. And based on his coaching style, giving the players more freedom, this will only benefit Nash, Kreider, Hagelin, Stepan, and Brassard.
One definite thing that won’t change is Lundqvist in goal for obvious reasons, although he is no Marty, Lundqvist is in his prime.
“It’s an Original Six team. It’s got a chance to win. It’s one of the elite teams in my opinion in the NHL, and I want to win,” A.V. stated. He believes that with Lundqvist in goal and the talent that he has on his roster this can be accomplished. He’s bringing an optimistic view of the game to New York, giving the players a fresh start and putting some faith back into the fans.
Vigneault coached the Canucks for seven seasons, leading them to back-to-back Presidents’ Trophies in 2010-2011 and 2011-2012, and six Northwest Division titles.
The Rangers are close to being Stanley Cup contenders. With this upcoming season, it’ll be 20 years since the Rangers have won the Stanley Cup; maybe A.V. has what it takes to bring The Cup back to New York.
By Jaclyn Matisak
The Pittsburgh Penguins have locked up their young, top defenseman Kris Letang with an eight-year $58 million contract. His contract begins with the 2014-2015 season and runs through to 2021-2022, averaging $7.25 million a year, making him the third highest paying defensemen behind Shea Weber ($7.86 million) and Ryan Suter ($7.54 million).
Yes, Krig Letang is talented; his stats speak for himself (209 points in 385 games) offensively and he does benefit by having two of the best players in the world out with him on the ice, but his defensive ability has raised a lot of question, especially after his performance against the Boston Bruins in the Eastern Conference Finals.
A finalist for the Norris Trophy, an award given to the best overall defenseman throughout a season, Letang was silenced in the series against the Bruins and their aggressive forecheck. Letang had a team worst -5 rating in the series and for the first two games he was on the ice for six of the nine Bruins’ goals.
Offensively he has contributed to the team, but when he’s jumping into the play and not on defense this is allowing the opposing team time and space to set up on the offense. He has got to be smart about when he wants to join the rush in the attacking zone.
$7.25 million for a blue-liner who has one Norris nomination and has never reached 60 points in a season. His style of play seems to be a double-edged sword, especially with the amount of giveaways he racks up.
Although he is still young and has time to develop, is Letang really worth his long-term contract? If he doesn’t begin to play defense his new contract should raise concerns for the Penguins.
By Kristen Brunsdon
Recently there has been this huge buzz on a new product called Tonica Kombucha. I did some research on it myself and it is said to be a raw organic tonic with a spin from an ancient healing beverage. It is made from 100 percent raw digestive enzymes and natural all organic ingredients! Kombucha is said to boost your metabolism and heighten your energy naturally with only 45 calories a bottle. There is minimal sugar content and high amounts of beneficial bacteria.
Some ingredients that Kombucha contains are:
-probiotics
-polyphenols
-organic enzymes
-vital animo acids
-gluconic and gluroconic acids(which rejuvenate your liver.
Some benefits of Kombucha are:
-increase of metabolism
-decrease of body fat
-balancing of sugar levels
-increase of energy
-improved PH balance which results in mental clarity.
Tonica Kombucha offers six different flavours – ginger rapture, green tea revival, nude brew, peach revolution, mango passion and vibrant blueberry. There are also many recipes on how to make Kombucha cocktails at home. This is perfect for someone who is looking to shed a few pounds but refuse to give up the occasional sweet drink!
The vibrant blueberry sounds very appealing in my books. With the right diet and exercise this drink can help keep you in shape and looking good over the off season!
For more information on Kombucha visit the website at:
tonicakombucha.com
We’ve all been there, the hour before you’re supposed to be somewhere and oh shoot, you were slated to bring a dessert. The Pink Puck has got you covered with our 30 minutes from start to table shortbread bars. Our favorite part about these little treats, the minimal ingredients and cleanup, so you have something to bring and no mess to come home to. Did we mention you can make them work for any occasion? Mix in the colored sprinkle of your choice for any occasion or team event – some red, white and blue for the Fourth of July or blue and white for the Leafs, get creative.
Ingredients, makes approximately 18-20 bars
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
6 tablespoons sugar
2 sticks butter, cold, cut into pieces
1-2 tablespoons colored sprinkles (pick the color according to the holiday or team you’re representing)
Directions, prep time 10 minutes
1.Preheat oven to 325 degrees F
2.With a fork blend sugar and flour
Batter and sprinkles
3.With a hand-mixer on the lowest speed, begin to mix in the slices of butter 3-5 at a time until all your butter slices are well blended with your dry ingredients.
4.With a spoon mix in your sprinkles
5. In standard 11×7 or 13×9 depending on the thickness you prefer, place a sheet of parchment paper along the bottom.
Press loose batter into pan with back of spoon until compact
6. Pour mixture into baking dish and using the back of your spoon press the mixture until tightly compact in the pan.
7. Bake for 10-15 minutes at 325 degrees or until bars are a very light golden brown. **Important – check regularly, we’ve made multiple batches in the same oven and the baking time has varied.
8. Let bars cool for 5 minutes and cut into individual squares. The bars will be soft at this step, but will harden into shortbread consistency as they cool. Easier to cut at the start of cooling process.
By Kristen Brunsdon
Unfortunately, now that off season has finally begun, some of us may be finding it quite hard to get in some daily exercise. I know that I for one, am one of these people.
I love junk food, I have to admit. I eat it like it’s going out of style and then feel completely guilty about it, because I know it’s going straight to my bottom! So I figured I should come up with some ideas for a weekly workout that is simple and easy to follow. I also included some healthy diet suggestions with these exercises as well!
Day 1 will begin on Monday and you want to start today off with a big but healthy breakfast. The workout for today will include:
-A thirty minute evening walk
-50 crunches
-50 squats
-50 jumping jacks.
Personally, I find the best time to do these exercises is before I jump into the shower at night!
Tuesday, day 2 is a simple and fun day that will consist of a soup and salad dinner along with the following exercises:
-30 minute morning walk
-30 minutes of wild dancing
-25 squats
-25 sit ups
For Wednesday, Day 3 you may give yourself a small treat! The exercises for this day includes:
-30 minutes of deep breathing
-30 minutes of cardio, your choice (this could be a walk, run, hitting the treadmill, wild dancing etc.) personally I enjoy looking up Zumba videos on YouTube!
-25 left leg lunges
-25 right leg lunges
-30 pelvic lifts
Thursday morning, day 4 enjoy a healthy hot breakfast and prepare yourself to do this following workout:
-30 minute morning walk
-10 minutes up and down stairs
-25 left leg raises
-25 right leg raises
Friday day 5 make yourself a wholesome salad dinner then go on a 30 minute evening walk. As soon as you return continue with these following exercises:
-40 squats
-40 sit-ups
-10 push ups
Finish out the day with 30 minutes of you time, this is important because mental health is just as important as physical health!!
Saturday day 6 is your day off! Wahoo make sure you get at least 8 hours of sleep!
Finally, Sunday day 7 the last day of the week take a one hour afternoon walk, maybe to your local grocery store to buy yourself some fresh food for the week and end your day with the following exercises:
-30 minutes of cardio your choice
-25 left leg lunges
-25 right leg lunges
-50 sit ups
-20 minutes of stretching
I myself, will be starting this workout during this upcoming week to see how I like it and whether or not I will want to continue doing it on a weekly basis. Also remember to drink and eat healthy foods throughout the day!
They say it takes 4 weeks to notice a change within yourself and 6 weeks for your friends to notice. So don’t give up and stay motivated to reach your goal!! Hard work pays off, never give up!
Good luck,
Kristen
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