Hockeyism

Defending the Undefendable

Grant — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 16:44:14 +0000

I can’t understand how so many people defend hits to the head as a part of the game of hockey. I’ve heard enough boneheaded arguments over the past couple of days that I feel I need to take a moment to refute the worst of them. First is the argument that hits to the head can’t [...]

Even Roller Derby Has a Rule About Hits to the Head

Grant — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 22:43:00 +0000

In the IIHF, a hit to the head will result in at least 12 minutes in penalties, and as much as a match penalty. But, you being the good hockey fans you are already knew that, right? In the NHL, no such rule exists. How is that possible when so many other full contact sports [...]

News and Notes from the Past Week or So

Grant — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 19:19:07 +0000

Ruslan Salei has played six games this season, and is out indefinitely once again thanks to a torso injury. To his credit, he’s tied with 7 other players in points, including Peter Budaj and David Koci. The Avalanche had a 199-game hat trick drought broken against St. Louis on Saturday thanks to Chris Stewart (on a [...]

Goodbye Center Ice, Hello GameCenter

Grant — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 23:31:53 +0000

There are two ways for fans to watch almost every game that happens in the NHL: through cable and satellite TV with Center Ice and through online streaming with GameCenter. I’ve been using both of them for the past month or so to try and figure out which is the best bang for your buck. [...]

Wolski Out, Yelle Returns at Trade Deadline

Grant — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 16:04:15 +0000

Two deals were made by the Avs at the deadline, and they’re big for completely different reasons. Wolski, a stats machine, but constantly in Sacco’s doghouse, leaves for Phoenix and Stephane Yelle returns to Colorado after the better part of a decade. The trading of Wolski should act as a wakeup call to the rest of [...]

A Friendly Wager for a Not-So-Friendly Rivalry

Grant — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 21:58:38 +0000

Fellow Twitter user @inhyung is visiting Denver tonight to watch her beloved Red Wings take on my beloved Colorado Avalanche at the Pepsi Center. Instead of trading the usual barbs that fans from each camp are wont to do, she’s come up with a much better idea for how to celebrate the outcome of the [...]

News and Notes from the Last Week or So

Grant — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 16:23:18 +0000

“Goalgate” is the term being thrown around for the major screwup/conspiracy by FSN Pittsburgh. A producer has been suspended over this, but I’ve heard a couple people say that Gagne should get his goal. Not going to happen. From Rule 78.1 – Goals and Assists: In case of an obvious error in awarding a goal or [...]

The NHL Network Drinking Game

Grant — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 20:58:57 +0000

Redundant is an understatement when it comes to describing the ad blocks on the NHL Network. Instead of just sitting there, why not utilize this time between the actual programming to have some fun with your friends. I present to you… Drinking is for Everyone! – The NHL Network Drinking Game 1. ASPCA or any other animal [...]

The Curse of the Third Jersey

Grant — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 18:22:01 +0000

Every time the Avalanche don their new alternate sweater, we are all instantly reminded of blueberries. As delicious as blueberries are in muffins and pancakes, the nickname is not an endearing one. I am among many that make it no secret how much we hate these jerseys. Not only are they unimaginative, but the swaths [...]

Hero Worship

Scott Thurston — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 23:07:24 +0000

I got the chance to meet my one true hockey hero this morning – Philadelphia Flyers (formerly Colorado Avalanche) forward Ian Laperriere. My daughter has a friend whose brother is a juvenile cancer survivor. Lappy is well known in our community for his work on behalf of children with serious illnesses, and that’s how [...]