Archive for the ‘NHL Supplies’ Category
NHL Breaks for Olympics
The last few weeks, hockey fans from around the globe have shifted their attention from the NHL season to Olympic competition. Unlike baseball (where professional players don’t compete in the Olympics) and basketball (which doesn’t interrupt the NBA season), the NHL goes on hiatus for the Winter Games. This makes Olympic hockey one of the most competitive—and entertaining—winter sports to watch.
The NHL is one of the most diverse professional sports organizations, with many of the top players coming from outside of the United States. This breadth of talent means that many countries have legitimate hopes of reaching the medal podium. So until the Olympics are over, trade in your NHL gear for some hockey merchandise from your native land.
The Collecting Bug
Collecting is an ageless hobby that transcends cultures and generations. While the goods that are collected will vary, there is something undeniably compelling in amassing a trove of souvenirs or mementos. Although my collection hasn’t been added to in quite some time, like many American males my collecting is centered on sports memorabilia.
One of my favorite items to collect is autographs; there is something surreal in knowing that a legend of the game actually held the item that is now a part of your collection. Some people go for autographed pictures or playing cards, but I prefer the authentic uniform from the sport—it’s even better if it is actually game worn. My selection of autographed NHL jerseys is hands down the crown jewel of my cache.NHL
Leafs Win As Phaneuf Makes Debut
The Toronto Maple Leafs had something to cheer about last night at the Air Canada Center. The Leafs ended a six game losing streak to beat the New Jerseys Devils 3-0. The Leafs new defenseman, Dion Phaneuf, helped the leafs take a very needed win.
Phaneuf arrived in Toronto from Calgary as part of a seven player deal made on Sunday. Arriving from Calgary with Phaneuf is forward Fredrik Sjostrom. Sjostrom said that the Toronto Maple Leafs and their fans can expect more of the same results. Sjostrom had an assist during his first game last night while Phaneuf failed to earn a point. Phaneuf, however, did prove himself as a force to be reckoned with. Sjostrom said; ”He plays with heart and soul out there, tough, tough hockey. You’re going to see that every night from him.”
Toronto coach Ron Wilson said; “Dion got a couple of good hits in early and just the fact that he’s on the ice, the other team is looking before they ever attempt anything, so that’s nice. Any puck that gets in his wheelhouse he’s going to pound it in the general direction of the net. He moves the puck really well. He’s an excellent skater. It really wasn’t anything I didn’t know about him.”
Being a Leaf fan myself I will be watching the Leafs with a new sense of hope and perhaps even be able to toast the Leafs with one of my Toronto Maple Leafs Glasses.
Building an NHL Shrine
Ever since I was little I have been an avid Toronto Maple Leafs fan, so when I finally got my own place, I decided to dedicate my game room to my favorite squad. The centerpiece of the room was an antique billiards table, so I looked for some paraphernalia to complement it. I was able to find a variety of Maple Leafs pool accessories, including a cue rack and dartboard to adorn the wall.
As I expanded my collection, I even invested in billiard lights and bar stools from my favorite team. After finding a specialty site that carried a vast range of products, I added a couple of authentic NHL clocks. Now whenever I check out the time I’m reminded of my favorite team, and I never forget to watch a game.
Bobby Orr’s “Moment In Time”
Today I would like to put the spotlight on Bobby Orr, one of the greatest hockey players in the history of the game, if not the greatest player of all time.
I am lucky enough to own a piece of Orr’s history in the NHL with the Boston Bruins with a framed copy of Bobby Orr’s “Moment In Time”. Having a hand signed copy of this amazing picture is a fantastic thing.
Bobby Orr’s first season with the NHL, playing for the Boston Bruins, showed the fans just how talented the young man was at only 18 years old. He got his first point in that game with an assist. Orr had a great first season winning the Calder Trophy as the best rookie and also made the NHL’s Second All-Star Team. He was second in the league in scoring by defensemen and was a plus-30. Orr won his first Stanley Cup in 1970. The Boston Bruins hadn’t won the Stanley Cup in 29 years.
Bobby Orr’s “Moment In Time” occurred on May 10, 1970 in game 4 of the Stanley Cup finals between the Boston Bruins and the Saint Louis Blues. Boston led the series 3 games to none. With Orr coming in from the blue line to keep the puck in the St. Louis zone, he shot the puck into the corner where Derek Sanderson took control. Orr raced toward the net and Sanderson passed the puck to him. After Orr scored, Blues defenseman Noel Picard hooked Orr’s skate with his stick and catapulted Orr through the air to create one of the most famous sports pictures of all time.
At :40 in overtime of game 4, #4 Bobby Orr scored Boston’s 4th goal as the Bruins go 4 straight to win their first Stanley Cup in 29 years.
Thrashers Take a Beating From The Capitals
The Atlanta Trashers were destroyed last night by the Washington Capitals 8-1 at the Philips Arena in Atlanta. Atlanta’s record now 19-19-6 gives them 44 points for the season. Last night’s game certainly didn’t give their fans anything to cheer about.
Maxim Afinogenov scored the only goal for the Thrashers. The goal was assisted by Pavel Kubina and Tobias Enstrom. The assist gave Kubina his 20th for the season. While Enstrom now has the team high for the season at 32 and has 35 points. He is tied 8th overall for the NHL in assists and is ranked 4th among defensemen for points and is tied for 3rd for assists.
The Thrashers went through two goalies. Johan Hedberg took the loss for his team. He made five saves on nine shots. He was replaced in the second period by Ondrej Pavelec. Pavelec didn’t have much luck either making 24 saves on 28 shots. Both goalies let in 4 goals. Washington’s goalie Michal Neuvirth faced 39 shots only letting in one goal.
The Thrashers will face the Ottawa Sentors at the Philips Arena for the first time this season on Tuesday, January 12th at 7p.m. Hopefully they will give their fans something to cheer about on Tuesday and maybe they could raise a glass or two for their team. It might help if they have some NHL Atlanta Thrashers glasses to toast them with.
Ovechkin Adds a “C” to His Jersey
Alex Ovechkin made his debut as captain of the Washington Capitals last night in a game against the Montreal Canadiens. Ovechkin, 24, of Moscow is the 6th Russian native to be a captain in the NHL. He is the Capitals 14th captain and the second youngest captain in the team’s history. The youngest captain at the age of 21 was Ryan Walter in the 1979-80 season. Ovechkin takes over from Chris Clark who was traded to the Columbus Blue Jackets on December 28th.
Washington general manager George McPhee and coach Bruce Boudreau made the decision to name Ovechkin as the new captain. Ovechkin told them to talk to his teammates first before he would accept the position.
“Our team has adopted Alex’s personality and the energy, passion and drive to win that are his hallmarks have become our team’s as well,” GM George McPhee said in a press release. “He sets the tone on the ice as well as off. He’s respectful to everyone and a great ambassador for our team and our sport. We look forward to him leading the Washington Capitals for a long time.”
With Ovechkin’s new position, I’m sure that the Ovechkin jerseys will be selling like hot cakes!
The Feel of a Franchise
Let’s face it—despite the fact that we are constantly preached the old adage of “don’t judge a book by its cover,” we are all influenced by appearances. One place where this is most evident is in professional sports. Although the players on a team largely create a squad’s character, the logo and uniform color scheme also plays a role in how we view the franchise.
In the NHL, for example, the NHL team logo, name and colors of the New Jersey Devils conjures up images of aggressive play and ruthless defense—although this was also the case during their glory days in around the turn of the millennium. Teams such as the St. Louis Blues, on the other hand, I always associate with finesse and somewhat timid play. This is in large part due to their team name and colors I am sure.
Holiday Gifts for Dad
Though shopping for dad often isn’t a challenging task, in case you need some help here are a few ideas which are sure to please the old man.
~NHL merchandise; every dad has their favorite team or player—get him a jersey, a t-shirt, or other autographed hockey memorabilia and he’ll love it.
~Gadgetry; whatever kind of obscure gizmos you can find, if they have a blade, a flashlight, or a compass attached to them he’ll probably love it.
~Sausage and Sauces; common to mall pavilions during the holidays, these savory treats are sure to be a hit from Christmas all the way until New Years.
~Tools; if your dad is a mister fix-it, or just enjoys keeping a hoard of seldom used tools and crafting appliances, these are a sure pleaser.
Fourth From The Bottom Toronto Maple Leafs To Send Players To The Olympics
Although the Toronto Maple Leafs are near the bottom of the NHL standings, they will be able to send a few players to the Olympics. Surprising as it may seem, the Leafs do have a handful of decent players who will be beneficial to the Olympic line up.
Tomas Kaberle will be in his third Olympics playing for the Czech team who won a bronze medal in the 2006 Olympics. Although Jason Blake is a long shot for the US team, Phil Kessel and Mike Komisarek will be heading to Vancouver in February.
Sweden’s team will be getting Jonas Gustavsson and Niklas Hagman who made up part of Finland’s team when they won the silver in the 2006 games will also go to the Olympics. And last but not least center Mikhail Grabovski will play for Belarus.
With all of this talent heading off to the Olympics, it makes you wonder why the Toronto Maple Leafs are so near the bottom of the standings. It would be nice for the Leafs fans to be able to wear their Toronto Maple Leafs Jerseys with pride instead of just wondering whether their team will ever get back to the way they were in the good old days.