Toronto Maple Leafs Hockey Talk

Toronto Maple Leafs Mascot Asks To Be Traded

2015-03-16T21:32:00.000-05:00

TORONTO, ONTARIO - In an unprecedented move, Toronto Maple Leafs mascot, Carlton the Bear, has asked to be traded.

After another lack luster defeat on home ice, Carlton threw his jersey on the ice in frustration.

“Nobody will do the wave because there are so many suits in the crowd. Kids are crying cause the team is losing. The game isn’t even over and fans are streaming for the exits faster than Phil Kessel back checks, I’ve had enough, I want to be traded to a contender”.

The news set the hockey rumor mill ablaze as three franchises, the Rangers, Flyers and Oilers currently do not have a mascot. However, hockey insider, Darren Dreger, confirmed that Carlton the Bear would not waive his no-trade clause to go to Edmonton.”

“I’ll do anything to get outta here. I’ll take a dump at center ice and wipe my ass with Charmin Ultra if that’s what it takes.”

Dreger confirmed that Leafs GM, Dave Nonis has set the asking price for Carlton at 3 first round picks, but then quickly volunteered to fill the mascot vacancy when he gets fired any day now.

Phil Kessel still a Maple Leaf

2015-02-28T21:53:00.001-06:00

Phil Kessel is still a Toronto Maple Leaf two days before the March 2 2015 deadline. Although, it would not appear that he really cares very much either way based on his most recent interview.

Is it possible for Kessel to make it anymore clear that he no longer has a vested interest in the Maple Leafs. If he ever did in my opinion. I think it is long since past the time that we trade this arrogant, mediocre player. Sure he is a big league scorer but the few points he does put on the board are nothing compared to the bad impression he gives off onto other players. Instead of being a role model he appears to have done the exact opposite. Never back checking, never showing much effort and above all else never interested in talking to the media. To be a true leader especially in a large hockey market it is imperative that a player have at least some rapport with the media.

Franson and Santorelli Traded

2015-02-17T20:09:00.001-06:00

Cody Franson and Mike Santorelli have been traded to the Nashville Predators for a 2015 First round draft pick and forwards Ollie Jokinen and Brendan Leipsic.

Franson and Santorelli are both U.F.A.s at the end of this year. As such they are essentially rental players for the Predators which will be making an attempt to go deep into the playoffs. Franson and Santorelli will provided extra depth and strength from a defensive end as Nashville makes that punch.

It has long been rumoured that Franson and the Leafs were having trouble coming to an agreement on salary. This is unfortunate and as a result we see Franson moved. Both players had strong seasons with the Leafs this year and hopefully there will be a chance to sign either of them in the off season.

In return the Leafs receive a First Round draft pick in 2015. This is likely to be in the 25-30 spot but it is still a decent pick considering Franson and Santorelli may not even sign with Nashville when the season is over.

The Leafs also receive veteran centre man Ollie Jokinen. At 37 years of age Jokinen will provide a veteran presence for the Leafs down the road. He has had troubled scoring as of late but was at one time a very talented player. He still holds the record for the most points as a Florida Panther. I like this player and have watched him play for at least 5 or 6 different NHL teams over his career. I think he can still contribute in the NHL.

Brendan Leipsic is a prospect originally from Winnipeg. He will be immediately assigned to the Toronto Marlies. Considered to be a smaller forward it is said that he has some skill and the determination to make it in the big show. At 20 yrs of age it will be some time before we see the results of this acquisition.

Fire Stroumboulopoulos

2015-02-07T20:58:00.001-06:00

This year Canadian hockey fans have been thoroughly annoyed and tortured by the on-air antics of the new Hockey Night in Canada host George Stroumboulopoulos. Stroumbo who is a Canadian tv personality took over the show when it was purchased along with the rights to air all NHL games in Canada by Rogers Entertainment.

The decision to demote Ron MacLean has in my mind been an utter detriment to the hockey viewers experience. The move by Rogers to take over HNIC, the CBC's most popular show has been anything but impressive. A new post modern set and the addition of Sportsnet cast and commentators has destroyed what was once a Saturday night enjoyment for myself. Why Rogers would ruin what was my favourite show is beyond me.

By bringing in no -talent ass clowns like George Stroumboulopoulos and Dave Randorf some hockey games are completely unwatchable, save for watching them with the mute button on. Tonight for example Stroumbo displayed his typical immatureness and disdain for the classic HNIC by wearing bright red socks and giving Elliote Friedman a fist pump at the end of his segment to which Friedman appeared shocked stating something to the effect of, I now feel hip. Stroumbo responded; "Dude you own it with that suit." I don't what hockey so that I can listen to this stupid tom-foolery. I watch it because I enjoy the game. I watch it because I want to be informed between periods by intelligent commentators. I do not watch it to listen to Dave Randorf struggle through a play by play analysis and George Stroumboulopoulos trying to stay relevant by acting like a someone going to high school. Please Rogers, please do the world a favor and send these two clowns back to whatever backwater they came from. Please bring back the old HNIC crew and send the Sportsnet wannabes back to Sportsnet where all the other untalented sports casters are employed.

This is a quote I found on the City News website when it officially aired the story that Stroumbo would be taking over as host of HNIC. I agree with it wholeheartedly.

"How is George cool? A 41 year old dressing like he is 20? Greased up hair, earrings, questionable facial hair. How does this man-boy deserve one of the most respected chairs in Canada? Hockey is already insanely popular and yet Rogers deems it necessary to entice more young people? Is Rogers that naive? ... No one cares about George and hockey was better without him. Guess I’ll be watching other stations that aren’t HNIC. This wasn’t broken Rogers and therefore needed no fixing. Great job."

Lack Lustre Leafs

2015-01-31T01:28:00.000-06:00

The struggling woes of the Toronto Maple Leafs continued this week with more losses. The most recent was a lost to the under achieving Arizona Coyotes. Ranked third worst in the league the Leafs allowed the Coyotes to come from behind and win it in the third period. Leading the game into the third the Leafs looked to be in a good position. Bernier was on top of his game and even Kessel managed to rid himself of that awful scoring drought. However, off the opening face-off the puck was dished back to the Coyotes defenceman Oliver Ekman-Larson who promptly shot the puck down the ice from his own blue line. The shot was on net and managed to fool Bernier. My mind immediately took me back to images of Vesa Toskala a few years ago when he let a similar bouncer into the net. This fluke goal would soon be followed by another stinker less than four minutes later. While crouched against the right post Bernier allowed a shot from the goal line to squeak between him and into the net. The Leafs ultimately lost the game 3-1.

This epic collapse on this particular night is an almost too familiar one of late. Members of Leaf Nation have been experiencing this type of play for the past few years and must be getting sick of it. When all else fails burn it down and start again. Unfortunately I find myself coming to this point. I regret to say it but I honestly do not think that there is anything left from the current organization to save. Starting from the ownership, management, coaching staff and the players. I think it is even time for the stick boy to find a new calling. A major change needs to take place and that starts with the ownership. They have tainted this group to the point that I do not believe they are capable of winning anymore. The fact that Coach Horachek has set a new Leafs record for the worst coaching record for a starting coach is befitting of this sentiment. This proud and successful franchise has been reduced to a joke.

Start from the top and work down. Wholesale changes need to be made and they need to be made now. I have already given up hope for making the playoffs this year just like many recent past years and it is only halfway through the season. It is time for a change and not just the coach or a couple of star players. The entire system needs to be redefined. If I was Carlyle I would be laughing all the way to the bank right now.

William Nylander Assigned to Toronto Marlies

2015-01-14T23:56:00.000-06:00

William Nylander Toronto's 2014 First Round draft pick has been assigned to the Toronto Marlies. Nylander had been playing in his home country of Sweden with Team Modo in the Elite League. Nylander was almost a point per game player on the last place Modo and had a reasonably good performance in the World Juniors earlier this month. It appears that the Toronto Maple Leafs were dissatisfied with the situation in Sweden and have made a quick decision to have him brought into the North American hockey system earlier than expected. This in my opinion is going to be a challenge for Nylander. There is a huge amount of expectation that comes along with being a Leafs number one draft pick. The fact that Nylander is a skilled forward with goal scoring ability is not lost on members of Leaf Nation. Unfortunately I for-see problems with Nylander being able to develop on a smaller ice rink with more physical players. The Leafs have put their hopes in Phil Kessel who appears to be made of glass, unable to take or dish out a hit and only knows how to play in the offensive zone. Brining a similarly skilled player into the Leafs organization in mind is a big mistake. This appears to be another decision made by the Leafs brass that failed to look at the big picture and take everything into account. They needed scoring and made a rash decision to bring in a small European player. It makes no sense to me that the Leafs selected Nylander 8th overall when a player like Nick Ritchie was available and ultimately went 10th overall to the Anaheim Ducks.

Ritchie an Ontario native is a goal scoring power forward who plays in the OHL. But for whatever reason the Leafs passed on this player. It is decisions like this that have plagued the organization in recent history but, hopefully I am wrong about this one, and Nylander becomes a superstar leading the lovable loser Leafs to their first Stanley Cup in nearly half a century.

Zemgus Girgensons Voted to NHL All Star Game

2015-01-10T23:28:00.000-06:00

Zemus Girgensons received the most votes in the 2015 NHL All Star fan voting contest. That's right Zemus Girgensons the Latvian native playing in his second year with the Buffalo Sabres is apparently the most popular NHL player this year. Girgensons was the first overall draft pick in 2012 and is currently tied for 161st in league point getters. He has zero NHL playoff experience and has a total of 113 games played in the NHL. Why Girgensons was selected by fans as the most popular player in the NHL this year can only be described as an enigma. An enigma as defined by Dictionary.com is; "a person or thing that is mysterious, puzzling, or difficult to understand." I think that sums up my feeling on this subject exactly. Let us look at the facts. Girgensons is a little known European player playing in Buffalo. The Sabres, at least this year, can be described as a lack lustre basement dwelling team at best. Without the support of southern Ontario residents crossing the border for cheaper tickets I do not think that Buffalo would even be able to support a team. There is a reason O Canada is played at every Sabres game even when both teams are from the United States. To think that there are over a million and a half Buffalo Sabres fans that voted for Girgensons is simply moronic. I think it may be hard to find that many true Sabres fans in total never mind enough to actually go online and vote for someone most people have never even heard of. Take a look at the other five players as voted by fans. All five are from the Chicago Blackhawks. All five are popular well known players with Stanley Cup rings. All five come from a huge and successful hockey market. The fact that Girgenson came in first in fan voting can only be attributed to two scenarios.

Scenario One

The first scenario is that every resident in the country of Latvia went online and voted for their most successful NHL hockey player. The population of the entire country is just over 2 million. A recent internet search on Latvia shows that around 70% of the population has access to the internet with 60% of its people using the internet at least once a week. Girgensons received 1, 574, 896 votes in total. Simple mathematics would tell us that there are not enough people using the internet in Latvia to account for such a scenario. Unless voters are allowed to cast votes numerous times this does not seem like a viable solution to the enigma.

Scenario Two

The second more plausible conclusion I have come to is that society as a whole has decided to make a mockery of the NHL All Star fan voting process. It would appear to me that the only way Zemus Girgensons receives more than 300,000 more votes than the next closest player (Patrick Kane, a current Chicago Blackhawk and a Buffalo native) is that people have clearly played some sort of internet joke. By voting for someone that has no obvious reason to be in an All Star game the hockey watching public has done a great disservice to this great sport. I think this is the last time we will see the general public being used as a determiner for who plays in the NHL All Star game.

Players Officially Named to All-Star Game

2015-01-10T22:40:00.000-06:00

First Six NHL All-Stars (voted by fans)

TOTAL VOTES1,099,504

TOTAL VOTES1,198,173

TOTAL VOTES1,016,992

TOTAL VOTES1,574,896

TOTAL VOTES1,217,210

TOTAL VOTES1,232,201

Forwards

#93 RYANNUGENT-HOPKINS

#91 VLADIMIRTARASENKO

Defensemen

#23 OLIVEREKMAN-LARSSON

Goaltenders

Rookies (will participate in Honda NHL All-Star Skills Competition)

Clarkson Takes Out Ref

2015-01-10T22:30:00.000-06:00

This may arguably be David Clarkson's biggest impact on the ice since coming to the Leafs. Obviously I am being facetious but in reality lets take a look at Clarkson and his role on the Toronto Maple Leafs.

David Clarkson was signed as a Free Agent by Toronto in July 2013. He had previously played for the New Jersey Devils. After having an arguably one somewhat decent season and a good half season due to the lock out the Maple Leafs organization decided to reward Clarkson with a large multi -year contract. At 5.25 million for 7 years it would appear that Clarkson is a giant bust. In the 100 or so games he has played with the Maple Leafs he has 24 points. Just 14 goals. Last season he had a total of 11 points over 60 games and was a -14 to boot. I can't imagine a much worse deal made in recent history even by the Maple Leafs. Rick DiPietro and Alexi Yashin however due come to mind. If he is not going to put up big numbers at the very least we should expect Clarkson be some sort of catalyst for the team. A hard nosed grinder that you can rely on to make the big plays when the chips are down. Unfortunately it appears that Clarkson is doomed to continue playing the role he is currently in, that of a third line winger. Playing with the likes of Leo Komarov and Mike Santorelli, Clarkson seems to fit in nicely. But, at over 5 million dollars is that really the best bang for your buck? I think not. Dump Clarkson at the earliest possibility. I doubt he can be traded at that salary. Possibly the Leafs could use a compliance buy out to ride themselves of this terrible investment.

Phil Kessel Interview January 7 2015

2015-01-07T12:47:00.000-06:00

Phil Kessel has been known to be aloof and elusive when it comes to the media. At first it may have seemed like he was shy or possibly insecure in front of the cameras. After having watched him for several years now I have come to the conclusion that he just feels like he is better than everyone else. Watch this recent interview when Kessel is asked if he is a difficult player to coach. He immediately goes on the defensive stating; You think its my fault. Eventually he refers to the reporter as an idiot and terminates the interview.

http://www.tsn.ca/video/kessel-you-think-it-s-my-fault-1.176130

The Phil Kessel Question

2015-01-07T01:47:00.000-06:00

http://www.cbc.ca/player/News/Canada/Toronto/ID/2646248138/

Not since the likes of Mats Sundin have we seen such a dominate player in a Maple Leafs uniform. Also much like Sundin we see the questions regarding Kessel's commitment to his team. There are countless stories and news reports proving that Phil Kessel is simply an egotistical, undisciplined mamas boy, however, he is also possibly the most gifted scoring talent the Leafs have had in a long time. Does his talent offensively make up for his poor attitude? I would argue no. There was a play the other night in which Kessel as per usual failed to back check when the opposing team began moving towards the Leafs zone. Not only did he fail to back check he also decided to go to the bench. This resulted in a two on one which led to a goal. It was plain as day that the fault lie directly with Kessel's inability to play at both ends of the ice. This lack of commitment and disrespectful attitude must be brutal in the locker room. Can you imagine watching a teammate of yours with such God given talent waste it night in and night out. The lack lustre performance that Kessel is becoming known for however doesn't seem to affect him very much. He continues to press on without so much as a sigh. Maybe it is time we look for leadership in some other number one talent. I think it is time we trade Kessel for a bona fide leader before it gets to the point that nobody wants him.

Randy Carlyle Fired

2015-01-06T11:33:00.000-06:00

Randy Carlyle the Head Coach of the Toronto Maple Leafs was officially relieved of his duties today. Less than three years into his role as the Leafs bench boss Carlyle was let go. This begs the question. Who is running the show now? The Leafs management team has stated that Peter Horachek the current Assistant Coach will now take over for the interim. I don't believe that management is looking to keep Horachek as the permanent head coach. Yet I don't understand why Carlyle was pulled in the middle of the season. Yes the Leafs have hit a slump over recent weeks but as we have all come to expect from the Buds this is something that happens. We are still in a decent place in the standings, comparatively speaking. There is no reason to suggest that the season should be given up on. However by firing the Head Coach without an adequate replacement it someone how seems like management has done just that. Carlyle has recently spoke to the media about his concerns that his players were not buying in to what he was selling. This sounds eerily similar to other coaches and managers in the past. Is it possible that maybe what is needed here is an ownership change? Wouldn't it be nice if we could change the owners and put a group of individuals in with different ideas on how the team should be managed. It doesn't matter who you get to run the Leafs if the overall authority is the same. If you look at recent years I see the same scenario playing out. Experienced professionals are brought into the organization to turn it around but it always ends up in failure. Wilson, Burke, Maurice, Carlyle all come to mind. Wholesale changes with players year in and year out as well. What is the only thing that hasn't changed in this time period. The ownership. Is this just a coincidence, because I see no one left to blame. If everything else has failed then what is left. Is it possible that the people pulling the strings behind the curtain are the ones who are driving this franchise into the ground every year? They are good business people I will give you that. The Toronto Maple Leafs is one of the most successful franchises in history. But does being a good business minded person make you also a good hockey mind. I would argue not. So maybe it is time for ownership to stop pulling the strings and give someone like Shanahan the leverage to make this team as truly great as everyone in Leaf Nation knows they can be.

New Winnipeg Jets Logo Unveiled

2011-07-25T13:39:00.002-05:00

The new Winnipeg Jets emblem was revealed on Friday amid a hail of controversy. The new look was set to be released on Monday but a leak onto the Internet forced True North Sports and Entertainment to open its doors a few days early.

The logo is based on a simple design incorporating the city's long standing tradition with the Canadian Air Force. It consists of a white circle with two rings around it and in the center a CF-18 on top of a red maple leaf. The top of the circle has a notch which represents a compass pointing to "True North."
I personally like the idea behind it but find that is looks too military. When I first saw the new emblem on the front page of the Winnipeg Free Press I had assumed it was an article regarding the Canadian Armed Forces pulling out of Afghanistan. It was only after I got to the sports section that I realized what the cover story was actually about.

The second emblem I found to be much mpore entertainment worthy. A picture of two hockey sticks across a set of wings. Reminds me of the Houston Aeros logo of the American Hockey League.

Either way I am satisfied with the new logo and have already purchased my first t-shirt. Hey, if its good enough for Don Cherry, then its good enough for me.

http://www.torontosun.com/2011/07/24/cherry-loves-new-jets-logo

Brian Burke's Free Agency Hooplah A No Show

2011-07-03T15:21:00.001-05:00

Brian Burke signed a free agent on Saturday but he didn't pull the trigger on a top line centre. Instead Burke opted to signed Buffalo Sabres forward Tim Connolloy to a two year contract.

On Sunday Burke also made a trade to the Nashville Predators getting Mathew Lombardi, and Cody Franson in exchange for Brett Lebda, Robert Slaney and a conditional fourth round draft pick in 2013.

To be brutally honest I don't see the Leafs getting better with either of these moves. This is another prime example of what we have come to expect from Brian Burke. Simply put I am starting to think that Burke has a much bigger bark than a bite and am feeling a little disillusioned with his five year plan which keeps getting extended every year. I would really like to know what Lombardi, a 29 yr old player likely out of his prime whom missed all but two games last year due to a concussion is going to bring to the Leafs. Likewise, what has Burke accomplished by gaining Connolly another 30 yr old soon to be has-been and Franson a 23 yr old that will at best continue to be a mediocre AHL player? Burke allowed Tim Brent to sign somewhere else last week. A forward that showed much improvement last year and proved to be a real depth player for the Leafs and then acquired Connolly. He then ships of Lebda and Slaney for two players I would argue are not even equally worthy assets. At least Lebda played more than two games last year and has the experience of playing on a Stanley cup winning team like the Red Wings. Yes there was rumour that there was some personal issues with the organization, but my spidy instincts tell me that this sounds like a couple of egos getting the best of one another.

I just don't see any improvement with these moves. Much like the years gone past I see Burke making changes and creating a lot of smoke but in reality doing absolutely nothing to make this Leaf team any better. Frustration is the word of the day here when it really should be optimism. I like Burke a lot and respect what he has done in the past but I don't think I would be the first to say that sometimes things just don't work out. It's not necessarily anybodies fault but sometimes you just have to part ways and end a relationship, simple as that. Everyone knows what I mean. Like when you have that wonderful girlfriend but there is just no chemistry. She seems so great and has all the characteristics you want but you just don't have the feelings for her that you should. I get that feeling about Brian Burke and the Leafs. I would have to say the same for Ron Wilson. I think it may be time they go back to the United States which they love so much and try to relive past glory with another franchise.

Send me your comments. I'm interested to hear how the rest of Leafs nation feels on the subject.

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Winnipeg Jets Draft Scheifele, Leafs Draft Biggs and Percy

2011-06-25T10:52:00.000-05:00

The Winnipeg Jets selected Mark Scheifele (pronounced Shy-Flea) of the Barrie Colts (OHL) 7th overall in lat nights draft. Despite being ranked 16th by central scouting the 18 year old forward is exstatic to be in a Jets jersey. Obviously playing under Dale Hawerchuk with the Barrie Colts would have something to do with that. It sounds like the youngster definetley has the heart and the right attitude.

The Toronto Maple Leafs drafted Tyler Biggs and Stuart Percy. Burke stayed true to his name by picking an American as his first round choice.

http://video.mapleleafs.nhl.com/videocenter/console?catid=1195&id=116584
Check out Brian Burke's comments after friday's draft day.

Winnipeg Jets Name Offiicial

2011-06-25T10:39:00.000-05:00

Mark Chipman made it official last night. Manitoba's newest NHL franchise will be named the Winnipeg Jets. He said the decision was made after taking a long hard look at what he was seeing from the fans. There was so much support from the Winnipeg fans that he couldn't ignore it eventhough they had looked at incorporating Manitoba into the official team name.

Toronto Maple Leafs 2011/12 Season Schedule

2011-06-24T17:26:00.005-05:00

Maple Leafs land John-Michael Liles in trade from Avalanche

2011-06-24T17:15:00.002-05:00

Maple Leafs land John-Michael Liles in trade from Avalanche

The Leafs traded their second round draft pick for defenceman John-Michael Liles from the Colorodo Avalanche. You may remember that their was some talk about acguiring this player at the trade deadline this year but it never materialized. Obviously Liles has been on the radar for some time but I wonder, do we really need another high profile defenceman? It seems to me that we have a fairly strong defensive core, at least on paper. I realize that the loss of Kaberle leaves a bit of a whole but I have an idea, how about we fill that whole with Tomas Kaberle as he will be a free agent in a few days and likely will fetch not much more than Liles 4+ million. I personally think we should be exerting our efforts on finding a top line centre and another top six forward. But that is just my opinion.

"The pick was previously acquired by Toronto from the Boston Bruins as part of the Tomas Kaberle trade last February.
The 5-foot-10, 185-pound Liles is set to make US$4.55 million this season and could become an unrestricted free agent next summer.
He’s coming off a strong season where he registered six goals and a career-high 40 assists in 76 games.
The Indianapolis native, who has played his entire seven-year career in Colorado, led all Avalanche defencemen in scoring the past five seasons.
Liles has also played 36 playoff games in that span, notching four goals, seven assists for 11 points."
The Canadian Press

Council rejects call to support second NHL team | Toronto & GTA | News | Toronto Sun

2011-06-21T13:54:00.001-05:00

Council rejects call to support second NHL team Toronto & GTA News Toronto Sun

It appears that a second NHL franchise will not be coming to Toronto anytime in the near future. City council rejected the idea last week. Although I am a firm member of Leaf Nation, I do not think that another club in the vicinity would hurt the Leafs in the slightest. The Toronto Maple Leafs are one of the most successful franchises in North American sports entertainment. With a population of 5.6 million people in the G.T.A. alone, that would suggest the ability to support to teams. 5.6 only takes into account the Durham, York, Halton and Peel Regions and of course the city of Toronto. To the west of this you have Hamilton, Kitchener-Waterloo, Guelph and Cambridge. This is another 1+ million inhabitants just in these cities alone. To the north is Barrie and the East Cobourg. Having lived in Mississauga and Markham for 3+ years I feel that I am very well adapted to comment on the overall economic situation in this area. In my opinion this area of southern Ontario could support not only one more but likely a third NHL team.

Let's look at Hamilton for example. The first choice for billionaire R.I.M. Corporations owner Jim Balsille. Balsille made a pitch to the NHL to bring the Atlanta Thrashers or Nashville Predators to Hamilton. With a population of 500,000 plus within the city limits and 1+ million within a 20 min drive Hamilton definitely sounds like a viable option. Copps Coliseum is older but has the space to hold a large enough crowd with just minor upgrades. The city government is on board and even provided financial incentives to be included in the Balsille offer. Currently the Hamilton Bulldogs of the AHL (Montreal Canadiens affiliate) are located there. This AHL team could easily be relocated to London, Ontario for example or even Quebec City or another major center in La Belle Province. Halifax looks like it could support an AHL club. St. John's Newfoundland just got one back in the Manitoba Moose.

Why will Hamilton never get an NHL franchise? Because of the Buffalo Sabres. If you ever watch a Sabres home game in which they play another American NHL club you will notice something odd. They play both the Canadian and American National Anthems even when there is no Canadian team playing. This is not done in other American cities. The reason for this is simply because of the amount of Canadians crossing the border to watch NHL games in Buffalo. Being less than two hours from downtown Toronto, in traffic and including border check stop time, Buffalo is a much cheaper destination for southern Ontario residents to watch NHL. In comparison to ticket prices at the Air Canada Centre in Toronto which are astronomical at times the Buffalo Sabres offer a moderate family the opportunity to watch the big leagues. If there was a second NHL franchise in Hamilton or anywhere else within southern Ontario the Buffalo franchise would likely collapse. Would this necessarily be a bad thing? I know we have Free Trade and are so economically linked to the United States that we might as well be a state but, should Canadians be the vast supporter of an American club when it is possible to have a club in Canada. Maybe it is my nationalist sentiment or my disdain for American economic prowess. Or maybe its the fact that Americans seem to think of us Canadians as back water igloo dwellers that makes me feel this way. All I know is that if I was an Economic PhD student instead of a History major I think I could certainly write a thesis comparing the American economic puppet of Gary Bettman to a great many political puppets which have been installed around the globe by the United States the most recent being Hamid Kharzai in Afghanistan. Sorry for the long winded digression into economic foreign policy and such but if anything take a minute to think critically about NHL economics and expansion/relocation policy and I think you may just come up with some interesting points.

Kaberle reflects on time as Leaf | Hockey | Sports | Toronto Sun

2011-06-21T12:43:00.001-05:00

Kaberle reflects on time as Leaf Hockey Sports Toronto Sun

I have always been a fan of Kaberle. He is one stand up guy. I would love to see him come back to Toronto. Burke if you are reading this (which I highly doubt) send this guy an offer when he becomes a free agent this summer because I know there will be 29 other teams that will be doing the same.

Analyzing Kaberle's performance with the Bruins it is hard not to notice that he did not seem comfortable. Even in the playoffs he didn't seem to have the pizazz that you would normally associate with his play. I truly believe that he was interested in being a Maple Leaf for life. Now that he has won the Stanley Cup lets bring him home and build on his experience to make the Leafs the viable contender that we all know they can be.

Video of mad Canada riots: Vancouver fans run amok, set cars on fire

2011-06-18T23:59:00.001-05:00

By now everyone has seen ample footage of the recent Vancouver riot which occurred after the Canucks lost the Stanley Cup. Going through the copious amount of media from the past few days I find asking the same questions over and over. What effect is this going to have? What will be the long term effect on hockey, Vancouver, the Canucks and Canada? I am starting to notice a trend which is somewhat concerning. The G20 Summit in Toronto, Montreal hockey riots and Vancouver in 1994 and now. What is the reason some people are driven to such destruction?
The world over Canada is known as a peace keeping country. Canadians is considered to be liberal, economically stable and a place where people immigrate to in droves. We are leaders in environmentalism (minus Alberta), human rights, science and technology, health care and education, just to name a few. Canada has a role to play on the world stage and us as Canadians have responsibilities in that role as well. We should be ambassadors of the values which are nation stands for. We need to be positive role models for others that may have not had the luxury to live like we do. The disregard for societal norms and the rule of law which is depicted throughout these videos offends me as a Canadian. I am offended and embarrassed when I see my fellow citizens act in this nature. I only hope that the drunken back water cavemen and women that participated in this unfortunate incident are swiftly and harshly dealt with by our courts.
We as Canadian citizens are so lucky to have the rights and freedoms that we do. The freedom of demonstration, unreasonable search and seizure etc etc. Why violate the few rules of law that we do have in place which are there primarily for your own protection? Just imagine the amount of law enforcement man hours and resources that is going to go into investigating this riot. That is time and resources that is not being spent on serious crimes. That's a murderer that has a few more days to craft his skill. It's a drug dealer who has more time to push his product or a house burglar who can now break into a few more houses. Forgive me for the melo-drama but seriously, it is time for us to wake up. This is a great place to live and I am proud to say I am Canadian but unfortunately there are some out there who wish to insult my pride. You will not win. There are many more good, moral and decent Canadians than there are bad.
To all the international readers of my blog, last I looked it was around 30%, please do not judge Canada by the actions of a few.

Riot lovers kiss off New York media offers

2011-06-18T23:13:00.001-05:00

Riot lovers kiss off New York media offers

The Vancouver Riot Romeo as I have so cleaverley decided to name him has decided not to cash in on the kiss that made him and his girlfriend famous. Check out the article which is linked through the headline of this blog. It's nice to see that there still are some decent chivalrous men out there.

Boston Bruins Win the Stanley Cup in 2011

2011-06-15T22:22:00.000-05:00

The Boston Bruins went into Vancouver for Game #7 and are leaving with the Stanley Cup. This game like many in the series was a tale of the goaltenders, particularly Tim Thomas. Even if you are not a Bruins fan, it is impossible not to like this guy. 37 yrs old, almost lost his job as a starter two years ago after winning the Vezina. Didn't really play in the NHL until his thirties. When you here him speak in interviews he is down to earth and seems like just a really good guy. Without him I highly doubt the Bruins would be walking away with the cup tonight.
Other players of note during the series are Marchand, Recchi, Ryder, Chara and one of my favourites, Kaberle.

Vancouver Canucks win game #1 of the Stanley Cup Final

2011-06-01T22:37:00.000-05:00

Raffi Torres of the Vancouver Canucks scored the only goal of the game with just 19 seconds left in the third period. It was a dual between the two goaltenders Tim Thomas (Bruins) and Roberto Luongo (Canucks). Don Cherry spoke after the game and stated his opinion that the game was a dissapointment because of the way both teams played with the exception of the goaltenders. Running two lines for most of the third period Alain Vigneault the Canucks Head Coach decided to put Raffi Torres who is more of a depth player then a top liner. The gamble paid off as Torres received a pass from Ryan Kesler to slide it past Thomas and into the back of the net.
Game #2 of the Stanley Cup final will be held in Vancouver this saturday evening.

Back in the big leagues: NHL returns to Winnipeg

2011-05-31T14:27:00.001-05:00

Back in the big leagues: NHL returns to Winnipeg

It is official, the Atlanta Thrashers have been purchased by True North Entertainment and will be relocating to Winnipeg.

The party has begun at The Forks in Winnipeg. Traffic is backed up, people are partying and the NHL has come back home. Let the celebration begin.

Click on the link to read the most recent Winnipeg Free Press article.