St. Louis Game Time

Ice Chips with Coach Oshie

2009-11-20T17:01:08Z

[The second in an on-going series with Timothy Oshie, father of Blues forward T.J. Oshie. Send your questions to the Coach at the address listed below and have them answered here.]

Today, a letter about Gus Kyle and Dan Kelly (above) takes the Coach down Memory Lane.

I received a fantastic message over the weekend from a gentleman by the name of Bill Nash, a Blues fan living on the outskirts of Washington, D.C. I'd like to share his story:

"A Blues fan since 1969, growing up watching them in the St. Louis Arena. My father worked for a construction company at 1319 Mackland Avenue and upon occasion would run across the street to a little coffee shop / diner to grab a bite to eat.

"On a regular basis my Dad would see Gus Kyle and Dan Kelly, both of whom were new broadcasters for the Blues. They brought excitement to the ‘new' game that not too many people in St. Louis understood (except for the great fights). Gus seemed to know everyone in the diner and in short order gave my father some tickets to the Blues vs. Montreal Canadians game. My father phoned me and asked me to come into St. Louis from Rolla where I was going to college. We were in the rafters and in between periods, Dad and I went up to the press box as I was introduced to Mr. Kyle.

"The Canadians went up 2-0 quickly in the second period but the Blues battled back to eventually win, 3-2, on a long slapshot by Jimmy Roberts off the right wing. Everyone in the building was on their feet as well as the broadcasters and public address announcer."

Bill went on to say that he was a volunteer at the Scottrade Center when St. Louis hosted the 2007 NCAA Frozen Four.

I bring this story to your attention for the sole fact that it brought me back to my childhood days in Anoka, Minnesota, where I attended elementary and junior high school. I played hockey from Mites through Bantams for the Anoka Tornado Youth Hockey program. I spent countless hours listening to Al Shaver, the radio voice (830-AM WCCO) of the Minnesota North Stars, at the Metropolitan Sports Center in Bloomington, MN. I was fortunate to have two cousins, Henry Boucha and Gary Sargent, both of whom played for the North Stars back in the 70's.

It's a gift to have the talents of men like Dan Kelly and Al Shaver, who could absolutely paint a perfect picture for the fans listening to them on the radio. As a young hockey player, I would actually watch the North Stars on television while listening to Al Shaver on a radio.

Now, with the advancement of technology, we watch the NHL Center Ice package to view almost every game, every night in the NHL. It's my belief that technology has certainly enhanced multi-media, but hearing those crisp adjectives and screams of joy over the airwaves ... I'd take that forever.

So, to my new friend from Washington, D.C., thank you for taken us down memory lane.

Ask Coach Oshie:

What irregular duties do you carry as the father of a hockey player (and a good one at that)? Also have you ever covered your son or will you ever? How would that experience be for you?

-Gabe Simonds

Thanks for your question Gabe.

First, this is a good question. Irregular duties would include making sure all the family/friends arrangements are made as far in advance as possible. Once a family member (stretching across North America) has made a commitment to come watch the Blues play in person at St. Louis or their hometown area, they usually call, text or e-mail me. I then work with T.J. to make sure all the particulars are met (tickets, family passes to see him after the game, hotel info, etc). Once this has been confirmed, I usually stay in contact with that party the day of the game and go over any potential last minute additions.

The St. Louis Blues are so accommodating for the families.

The second part of your question, is also a strong yes. I've had the distinct opportunity via my sports journalism, both print and broadcast, to cover him in Warroad, MN, as I was the Sports Editor of the Warroad Pioneer newspaper from 2004-08. I also provided color commentary and worked as an analyst for Border Broadcasting (KQ-92 FM) in the greater upper northwest region of Minnesota. I was also a ‘guest' color analyst for the University of North Dakota Fighting Sioux Broadcasting Network for Clear Channel in Grand Forks, ND (96.1 FM - The Fox).

I truly enjoy the broadcasting side of things. Guess I've been told by many I have the "gift of gab," so why not use it?

So to conclude your question Gabe, I'd say I have done several things in my life that would be classified as ‘irregular' duties. Let's also include perhaps the few hundreds of thousands of miles I put on my vehicles from 1991-2002 during T.J.'s minor hockey career at Seattle Jr. Hockey playing in the Pacific Coast League in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Oh yeah, and the thousands of miles I spent on a Warroad School District #690 Blue Bird school bus in Minnesota making those long, brutal trips on the buses while coaching at Warroad HS as the assistant coach of the Warriors. And lastly, those life-changing UND Fighting Sioux excursions that went from coast-to-coast while he wore that very proud, Fighting Sioux jersey from 2005-08.

Long live the pride of North Dakota... the University of North Dakota Fighting Sioux!

Timothy Oshie

Oshie Sports & Media

oshiesports@gmail.com

Beserker

2009-11-20T15:49:27Z

Well after the Swingers Boyes Fanpost he picked up his game a little. So lets try one for for Iceberg. Rutherford says the Techoviking is playing too safe? Maybe some clerks and metal will loosen him up. That and this exchange between Olaf and Jay seems like something Oshie and Bergie would actually do to a girl...

				Oshie
		He's moving to the big city next
		week. He wants to be a metal singer.

				GIRL 1
		No way!

				Oshie
		Swear.
			(to Bergie)
		Bergie, metal!

	Iceberg makes a metal face.

				Oshie
		That's his fucking metal face.
			(to Bergie)
		Bergie, girls nice?

	Iceberg looks the girls up and down.

				Bergie
		Skrelnick.

				Oshie
			(laughs)
		That's fucked up.

									
				GIRL 1
		What did he say?

				Oshie
		I don't know, man. He's a fucking
		character.

				GIRL 2
		He really wants to play metal?

				Oshie
		He's got his own band in Vasteras.
		It's called "Fuck Your Yankee Blue
		Jeans" or something like that.

				GIRL 1
		That doesn't sound metal.

				Oshie
		You gotta hear him sing.
			(to Berglund)
		Bergie, "Berserker!"

	Techoviking laughs and shakes his head.

				OSHIE
		Come on, man, "Berserker!"

				GIRL 2
		Does he sing in English or Swedish?

				Oshie
		English.
			(to Berglund)
		Come on, "Berserker!" Girls think
		sexy.

				Berglund
			(relents)
		Da. Da.

				Oshie
		He's gonna sing it. This is too
		funny.

				Berglund
			(in broken English)
		MY LOVE FOR YOU IS LIKE A TRUCK
		BERSERKER! WOULD YOU LIKE SOME
		MAKING FUCK? BERSERKER!

				Oshie
			(laughing)
		That's fucking funny, man!

									
				GIRL 1
		Did he say "making fuck?"

				Oshie
		Wait, there's more.
			(to Berglund)
		Begie: sing...		

				Berglund
		MY LOVE FOR YOU IS TICKING CLOCK
		BERSERKER!WOULD YOU LIKE TO SUCK MY
		COCK? BERSERKER!
 Iceberg busts a crimson metal sneer and cackles deeply.

Friday links: Going home early edition

2009-11-20T11:00:15Z

So I have to jet home tonight after work so as I'm typing this sentence, it's 2-2 in the third period. So the links are a little ... early. Let's hope they pull this together and get a dubya. (Update: Blues win!)

Blues news

This page should have the Blues results. How? Magic. [Yahoo! Sports]
This is from before the 'Yotes game, but the Blues are feeling the crunch of the slow start. [Belleville News-Democrat]
Andy Murray says Mike Weaver is one of the best d-men. So, of course, he was a healthy scratch last night. [STLtoday.com]
Former Blue Red Berensen makes the St. Louis Hall of Fame (Stick tap to LuvHockey). [University of Michigan]
The Blues assistant GM Doug Armstrong is helping pick out members of Team Canada. Kinda makes you wonder why Happy Meal Andy McDonald was the only Blue to go camp. [The Canadian Press]

Hockey news

How the league fared last night. [Yahoo! Sports]
Tonight's games. [Yahoo! Sports]
The KHL is going to Sweden. The Blues immediately petition to join the KHL and join the Swedish team's division. [ESPN]
The Canucks cut in line. Not cool, says everyone in first grade. [ESPN]
The Carolina Hurricanes have put Cam Ward on long-term IR and Eric Staal on IR. They also announced they probably won't be needed playoff tickets this year. [TSN]
Alexei Kovalev is heading to Russia, but not for the KHL. He's mother-in-law has passed away and he's going to the funeral. [TSN]
The Oilers blog takes a look at a famous Gretzky quote, 26 years later. Pretty cool stuff. [The Copper and Blue]
Things getting hot in Calgary. [Puck Daddy]

Other links

Going sailing? Find out if the sea is fit. [Is the Sea angry?]
From NatetheGreat., you can get things really cheap in Detroit. Is this going to be a new homeless shelter? [CNN]
Clients be bitchy. [Clients From Hell]
Just your average video game about Nazi dinosaurs. [Topless Robot]

Video

This is my favorite thing ever.

Poor College Student has the weekend shift. Send him stuff. Gametimelinks(at)gmail.com. Holla.

Coyotes at Blues GDT

2009-11-20T00:45:11Z

by Gerry Broome - AP

Patrick Berglund takes his playing "too safe" style too far as he refuses to touch a teammate for a congratulatory hug because he was afraid he would hurt David Perron. (AP Photo/Gerry Broome)

View full size photo »

Howdy friends. Is tonight the night the Blues get, you know, good? Will the Silent Jay McClement and B.J. Crombeen line get Patrik Berglund going? Who knows. All I know is that I’m tired of all the questions surrounding the team.

After a summer of discontent, the ~~Hamilton Blackberrys~~ Phoenix Coyotes make the trip to St. Louis tonight. In case you missed it, these guys are actually pretty good. After dumping the Great One, the Desert Dogs got themselves a real coach and can actually play. They have plenty of young talent and we all know about Ilya Bryzgalov. Now that the NHL owns them ala MLB owning the Expos a few years back, expect the foil hat people to cry conspiracy if the Yotes get a call.

Radio feed for the television/stream impaired can be found here.

For the other side, Five for Howling is full of good people. Like OdinMercer. And ... that other guy.

But enough from me. You guys don't read this. It's game time on Game Time. Do what you do.

Thursday links: Time to stop playing 'too safe' edition

2009-11-19T11:00:23Z

Cats are fighting outside my apartment. They need to shut the hell up so I can watch T.V. Reason No. 1452345 why I love dogs more.

Blues news

Blues vs. Coyotes tonight at the Scottrade Center. Here's a preview. [Blues]
Good news Blues fans, now you can text the DrinkScotch personnel to complain about the escalators not working. [Blues]
Patrik Berglund is playing "too safe." Huh, I thought he was playing "too shitty." [St. Louis Post-Dispatch]
Bruins fans take a look at the Brad Boyes/Dennis Wideman deal and pose the question: Would the teams do the trade today? [Stanley Cup of Chowder]
Silent Jay McClement is the designated party starter. [STLtoday.com]
David Backes and Paul Kariya are struggling to score/be useful. [Belleville News-Democrat]
Jeremy Rutherford will be chatting today at 1 p.m. It's like Ask Coach Osh, but without Bermuda Cup jokes. [STLtoday.com]
Windsor Spitfires defenceman Mark Cundari, one of the Blues prospects, is playing well as a shutdown d-man. [Windsor Star]

Hockey news

Last night's results can be found here. [Yahoo! Sports]
Game-splosion tonight. [Yahoo! Sports]
ESPN hands out some award-winners at the quarter mark. [ESPN]
Sidney Crosby carried the Olympci torch yesterday. [CTV Olympics]
Ryan Smyth will miss up to a month with an injury to his lower body. [TSN]
As posted on here, Fragile Jay McKee is hurt. [TSN]
The Blackhawks are still trying to sign Jonathan Toews, Patrick Kane and Duncan Keith. [ESPN]
It's safe to say Alex Ovechkin doesn't like being hurt. [Japers' Rink]

Other links

Was the video game Contra supposed to Arnold and Stallone vs. Alien? [The Daily What]
Because of this site, I am now Czar Joelax the Savage. Fuck and yes. [Make Me Mighty]
Some people have some kick ass Holiday cards. [My Amazing Holiday Card]
Famous last Facebook status updates. [College Humor]

Video

Remember that 80s dating video PCS linked to a few weeks back? (And then I did a day later because I'm a moron.) Well, there is a part two. Enjoy.

gametimelinks(at)gmail.com. See you all later.

Wednesday links: Eight is too much edition

2009-11-18T11:15:16Z

Do the Blues still play hockey? I sure do miss them.

Blues news

You know those big books your parents used to use to look up "home" phone numbers? The Blues are on the cover of one. [Blues]
The Blues have eight healthy d-men. Don't think for one second that the team won't stay that way for a few games. [St. Louis Post-Dispatch]
Kelly Chase talks about playing with Brendan Shanahan. I'm just going to go ahead and say it, the fans love for Shanny lasted way, way too long for how little time he spent here. People still wax nostalgic about a man who played just four out of 21 years wearing the 'Note. [NHL.com]
Alex Pietrangelo should stay, but the Blues are being tight-lipped about what will happen with the youngster. [Belleville News-Democrat]

Hockey news

Here is your schedule for tonight. [Yahoo! Sports]
Last night's results. [Yahoo! Sports]
Bob McKenzie on TSN is reporting on potential deals for Patrick Kane, Jon Toews and Duncan Keith. Second City weighs in. [Second City Hockey]
Things are not going good for our friends, the Leafs fans. [Pension Plan Puppets]
Everyone is hurting, which may cause some salary cap issues. [From The Rink]
Talented Blue Jackets forward Nikita Filatov is leaving the NHL for the KHL. [ESPN]
Filatov says hes leaving because the Jackets are not letting him play his style of game. [Puck Daddy]
Alex Ovechkin scores in his return from injury. [ESPN]
With the way the Blues are playing, let's look at the NHL draft! [TSN]
Caps goalie Jose Theodore has left the team for personal reasons. [TSN]
Markus Naslund will team up with Peter Forsberg — for free. [TSN]

Other links

I'm really kind of glad I haven't met this girl. She seems like a total bitch. [Craig's List]
Some people invent the weirdest things. [Totally Absurd]
Get to know some famous Captains, Eric Brewer not included. [Pixlmonster]

Video

So this video is going around the intertubes and I thought I'd share it with you. Seth MacFarlane has a formula.

Tuesdays With Hildy: Stay, or do we Pet him go?

2009-11-17T21:10:46Z

More photos » by Bill Boyce - AP

Is the Petro-dactyl in danger of becoming extinct for the rest of the season in St. Louis?

Browse more photos »

I'm horribly sorry for the pun in today's title. I am currently running on about four hours of sleep, had to talk about fascism *all day long*, and now I get to sit here until 5 (4 Central) listening to 7 high school boys yell at each other about policy debate. I know that's not a viable excuse for bad pun-age, but it is seriously the best that I can manage right now.

Anywho, for those of you who are not as sleep deprived as some of us, the title is in reference to our youngest defenseman, Alex Pietrangelo. The article in this morning's Post Dispatch raises a question for the Blues, the ownership, and the fans hanging in the balance - do we let half of our 2nd coming of MacInnis and Pronger go back to juniors?

The Blues are carrying eight defensemen right now: Brewer, Jackman, Polak, Colaiacovo, Johnson, Weaver, Sydor, and Pietroangelo. Steen is going to have to return here eventually, probably sooner than later, which means that someone on our roster is going to have to be moved. That, and the next game that he is on the ice for is the magic 9th game, after which the team needs to decide to keep him up here, or send him to his OHL team, the Ice Dogs (he is too young per AHL rules to be sent to the Rivermen). Despite being a scratch for the past three games, no one has had a negative thing to say, but would anyone say something bad about a 19 year old first rounder who is trying his hardest to stay in the league?

Let Him Go

You can make a valid argument for sending him back to Juniors, albiet it is focused more on the team and less on him as a player - we already have seven defensemen. Yes, one of them is the constant talk of 100111001 and whatnot, and the other is yelled at for every atrocious play on the ice regardless of if it's fault or not. But they're both serviceable and they have both paid their league dues. There is nowhere for them to go but a trade, but that trade'll get us probably a few forwards, and then we'll be having this discussion about one of our young kids.

If we can't move Brewer or Jackman, that leaves either Weaver or Pietroangelo to be moved. Weaver could be moved to the Rivermen, but has shown enough competency at the NHL level to warrant him staying put. Petro, if sent down, doesn't lose a year of contract eligibility, gets to hone his skills, and develop a little more for next year. That, and if all else fails and we need to call someone up, we could always call up Junland, though that would deprive Peoria of one of their top scorers.

One other thing is that Petro gets no ice time with his butt in the pressbox. How does he get better without practice?

Keep Him Here

Petro might still be learning the ropes and is prone to rookie mistakes, but would we rather see that from a rookie with room for improvement, or a vet who should just flat out know better? Petro has a tremendous skill set that can only improve with ice time if put out there. He has chemistry with Johnson, and quite frankly he's too good for the OHL.

Look at that. How do you justify a defenseman who can net 40 assists with his eyes blindfolded going back to someplace where he's going to stagnate? Very few people in that league have the skills to challenge him to raise his game - he gets that at the NHL level every night. Even when he's on the bench, he can still watch and learn. He's never going to get any better at the OHL level. Unfortunately, with his age, he can't go to the AHL, which is a skill set that could do him some good. His choices are either stagnate or work up to a new level, and Petro seems like he's a quick study.

Wrapping Up The NHL Premiere in Stockholm, Part 1

2009-11-17T20:00:13Z

More photos » by NIKLAS LARSSON - AP

Former NHL veteran Mats Sundin makes a celebrity face-off before the game Detroit Red Wings v. St. Louis Blues, an NHL hockey game Saturday, Oct. 3, 2009 in Stockholm. Blues Alexander Steen, left, and Red Wings Niclas Lidstrom.

Browse more photos »

[With Sweden already a month behind us, here's a final look back by our own DanGNR who attended the event and provided us all with great pictures and video during the trip.]

I was lucky enough to go to Stockholm Sweden for the NHL Premiere Stockholm, between the St. Louis Blues and the .... the... fan ta detroit. I took LOTS of photos and several videos during our trip, both of the Blues-related activities and the city itself. I tried to make as many fanposts and fanshots to help show what was going on that other media outlets weren't covering. But due to time constraints and the fact I didn't want to spend time indoors reading and typing away instead of sight seeing... well I hope you understand.

By the way, this is the picture I took of the celebrity face off:

After the jump, the story of what we experienced as well as details that will likely make every one of you jealous (and envious) of those that can now no longer afford to make their mortgage payments for the next year....

Starting with a quick introduction, I am known as DanGNR on this site. Long story short: Back in 1997 I attended my 1st hockey game, a Washington Capitals game out in the old USAir arena on the outskirts of our nation's capital. Fell in love with the game, and soon moved back to my home state of Missouri in 1998 and immediately bought Blues season tickets (much to my wife's chagrin).

Jump forward to the recent past, when the Blues finally made the announcement that they were going to Sweden last spring, I immediately mentioned it to my wife. She isn't much of a hockey fan, but she was all for the idea, pending details of the trip, cost, dates, etc, etc. I constantly called my season ticket sales rep asking when the travel package was going to be finalized and what the cost would be. After calling and emailing her every day for two months straight, they finally came out with the details. I looked it up and I simply said WOW. You want HOW much for only four days? What do you get for the arm and two legs they wanted for this trip?

Four night accommodations at the Nordic Light Hotel Stockholm
Check in Wednesday, September 30th and check out Sunday, October 4th
Roundtrip airfare from St. Louis to Stockholm (Flight departs Tuesday, September 29th)
Reserved lower level, between the blue lines ticket to the Blues vs. Red Wings games at Stockholm Globe Arena on Friday and Saturday
Exclusive VIP access to Blues practice
Exclusive Blues player meet and greet following practice
Drottningholm Palace tour with lake cruise, lunch, and local guide
Roundtrip deluxe motorcoach transportation to practice, palace tour, and both games
Roundtrip airport transfers & luggage handling
Official St. Louis Blues Souvenir
Daily breakfast at the hotel
Experienced staff on-site to assist
Lanyard and ticket holder
All taxes paid

Actually, that sounds pretty cool.

But I didn't think the wife would be interested in spending a lot of the time doing Blues-related activities such as the practice and both games. I usually can only get her to four or five games a season, and those are usually when my seatmate can't make the game for one reason or another. But I emailed her nonetheless. Her reply? "BOOK-IT!"

No questions on cost or itinerary. She wanted to go to Stockholm.

Being the good husband that I am, I did what I was told. I called Premiere Sports Travel and booked the package. I then ran around my office telling everyone (whether they wanted to hear it or not) that we were going to Stockholm to see the Blues play hockey. I was as giddy as a ~~schoolgirl~~ .... well... a 10 year old at Christmas.

After booking the trip, we then anxiously awaited the detailed itinerary. They said it was supposed to ship two weeks before departure. Skipping the boring details, it arrived just one week before our departure date. We opened it up and went over it like it was a our 1st NHL contract (it cost almost that much I tell ya).

The 1st thing we said after looking it over was "holy shit, when are we going to have time to site-see?" The schedule was packed full of activities. Most of the activities were Blues related obviously, but the Palace tour was also on the agenda.

Here is a brief rundown of the schedule.

Tuesday: Depart St. Louis the morning of Sept. 29th.
Arrive in Stockholm, Sweden at 7am Wednesday morning.

Wednesday: After arrival, there were no scheduled activities. You could site-see all day long (or sleep).

Thursday: VIP access to Blues practice at the Globen. After practice was the meet and greet.
The rest of Thursday was free of scheduled activities. You could site-see all day long (or sleep).

Friday: Tour of Drottningholm Palace, lunch cruise, and then the Blues game Friday night.

Saturday: No scheduled activities until Blues game Saturday night.

Sunday: Are you kidding me? 6am departure to go back home? Fuck.

Note: there were two flights that were available (but we didn't have a choice) to those that booked the air package. Our flight was on a 757 and arrived at 7am Wednesday, and the other was on a much nicer and bigger 777. While the other flight was on the better aircraft, it didn't arrive in Stockholm until well after 4pm Wednesday. I think we got the better deal there. We had almost a full day of sight-seeing that the others didn't have.

After looking over the paperwork and other materials regarding the trip, I thought it strange that their instructions told us to go to the United ticket counter to check in for our Continental flight. Strike one for the Premiere Sports Travel folks regarding "attention" to details. After calling to double check, we were all good to go (i.e. we check in with Continental, not United).

We then arrived at the airport in plenty of time to check in. Check in was as easy as I have ever had. We showed up at the ~~United~~ Continental area and there were two Premiere agents with signs for us to check in with them. They took our passports and checked us in with the Continental folks. There were approximately 30 other Blues fans going on the same flight. The Premiere agents came back in about 5 minutes with our passports, boarding passes, and custom made luggage tags.

We received four of them. Awesome. (We are using two and keeping two as souvenirs.)

The flights were fine. Little over two hours to Newark, NJ. Then a little over 8 hours to Stockholm, Sweden.

We landed in Stockholm pretty much exactly at sunrise on Wednesday.
What a great way to start our trip. Seeing the sunrise as we arrive.

This may likely be the worst of the many parts I am going to write... but I felt it was important to set the stage for the rest of the trip. I plan to write one part for each day of the trip detailing what we saw and did while on this once in a life-time adventure. I apologize that my writing quality and style aren't up to the GT standards of Juan, Brad or Hildy, but I hope the content and pics make it a worthy read.

Ask Coach Oshie

2009-11-17T15:00:23Z

[The first in our series of "Ask Coach Oshie" articles featuring Timothy Oshie, father of Blues forward T.J. Oshie. Feel free to send him your questions at the email listed below and look for them to be answered here.]

Hello Mr. Oshie! Your son T.J. is my favorite player right now (I think pretty much every Blues fans favorite). How humbling of an experience was it to hear the entire ‘Scott' crowd chanting "Oshie!"?

-Jimmy B.

It was perhaps one of the greatest feelings our entire Oshie family could ever imagine hearing. So many passionate St. Louis Blues fans chanting our name in unison was memorable and very special.

I could hear the chant while watching the NHL Center Ice package from my residence in Grand Forks, ND, after his NHL Goal of the Year vs. Vancouver, then again with his huge hit on Rick Nash Part 1. But I first witnessed it in person on Friday, April 10, 2009, in front of a sold-out Scottrade Center crowd. It was the night the Blues clinched a berth in the 2009 Stanley Cup Playoffs in defeating the Columbus Blue Jackets, 3-1. It goes without saying I was filled with emotions knowing how hard T.J. had worked throughout his young life and the sacrifices and adversities he had endured on his hockey journey.

The message I pass on to all the young athletes is to always be a good, solid person (solid hockey person = solid hockey player); one who your friends and teammates can always trust and rely on; to be the greatest teammate you can; to be humble and compassionate in your successes; to have dignity in defeat.

Thank you Jimmy for your question today. You are the first Blues fan to ask a question on "Ask Coach Oshie."

Coach Oshie, How does the curve (and shape) of a stick affect the puck handling and shots by players? Does the players position determine the curve and shape? I know defensemen use a longer stick than forwards, but what about the blade? I have noticed that some goalies have ‘flat' blades while some have quite a curve to it. Is that simply a personal preference than actual performance?

-DanGNR

Thanks for the question Dan.

Here are my beliefs, then I'll give you some more scientific conclusions: Everyone is completely different when it comes to the likes of the curve (on the blade) and the shape of it. Personally, I preferred the rounded blade rather than the square style. For me, it's much easier to toe and drag the puck, meaning showing it to a defenseman then bringing it back tight inside your body to get him/her to commit first so you can go by the defender if they try to poke check it off your stick. Also, the stick has more feeling with the rounded curve on the top of blade.

Forwards will use shorter sticks to keep the puck in tight for play in close areas while defensemen will usually prefer a longer stick to give them that extra edge to deflect or poke the puck off your stick.

On the goalie side of things, again, total feel and performance of the goalie stick is important. If a goaltender has a flat blade chances are it could be easier to control the puck when it comes to deflecting it to the corners on a save. But, I will put the disclaimer in right now, I've never taken instructions from a professional goaltender or coach. Closest thing would have been my fellow coach at Warroad High School, Coach Dennis Fermoyle. What he did teach me is that the more complex you get with the puck stoppers, the better. A more curved blade for a goaltender will allow them to get the puck up, off the ice and will increase the velocity of the pass to the teammate. A great puck-playing goaltender will always keep the opposing coaching staff on its toes to be careful on dump-ins while the opposing team makes a line change (non-NHL goalies can play the puck anywhere on the ice). So again, it truly comes down the personal feel and preference.

Now, here is some more scientific reasoning: Sticks today come in a number of materials that in themselves can be overwhelming. These range from wooden, fiberglass to full Kevlar. Sticks have come a long way from the days when Christian Brothers Hockey Plant (Warroad, MN, had to put the plug in as that's our family's hometown) introduced a fiberglass sock on a wooden stick to make it stronger. Younger kids (age 11-12 under) will also find little or no benefit from the more expensive one-piece and two-piece sticks. Parents, you can save your money for something better than your child's bragging rights at practice because unless a child is regularly breaking sticks in normal play, they should be using a wooden stick.

The pattern, or curve, of a stick or blade is the most personalized part of buying a stick. Patterns used to be labeled by their descriptors: curve, loft and lie. Today, all but a couple brands have completely done away with this system in the age of corporate sponsorship, using player names instead to differentiate patterns. The most important factor in the selection is the lie (the angle of the blade to the shaft). If this angle is wrong, the blade will not sit flat on the ice and will cause undue difficulty in stick handling and shooting. If possible, look for a stick with skates on. Many shops will also have a box to stand on that simulates the height of skates. Make sure that your stick is flat when you are at skate level and in a playing stance. If you have a stick or blade that you are confident is the proper lie, it is always a good idea to bring it for comparison when you are looking for a new one.

The loft is just like a golf club. The more open the face of the blade, the easier it should be to get your shot airborne. If you find your shots going six feet over the goalie's head, it's time to look for a blade with less loft.

The curve is described as one of three types: heel, mid and toe. This is the place that most of the curve in a blade is concentrated. Which of these you chose will be as much personal preference as anything you buy in hockey. Changing curves will affect your shot and is something to experiment with before settling in on that expensive one-piece stick.

Very young children will be best suited with a straight blade stick. Most youth sticks come with a minimal curve at most, but I would stay away from even these. Often children this young haven't even determined if they will play left or right-handed. A curve will only impair this decision. It offers no assistance to players this young regardless.

Thanks again Dan.

Timothy Oshie

Oshie Sports & Media

oshiesports@gmail.com

Tuesday links: Ninja Turtles and Red Berenson: A match made in Heaven edition

2009-11-17T11:00:36Z

Well, I think it is safe to say that my laptop is dead. We had some good times together.

Blues news

Norm Sanders takes a look at the putrid offense. UPDATED with working link. [Belleville News-Democrat ]
Know your history: Before there was the Red Berenson Cowboy, there was the actual Red Berenson, one of the most exciting players in franchise history. [St. Louis Post-Dispatch]
Alex Pietrangelo is in limbo. With the Blues carrying 8 defensemen, a decision is forthcoming on where he finish out the season. [STLtoday]

Hockey news

Here are your Monday winners. [Yahoo Sports!]
A look at what is going on tonight. [Yahoo! Sports]
Our old friend Brandon at Defending Big D, you know the guys who love Steve Ott, is going to be in charge of the hockey coverage at SB Nation. I for one welcome our new blogger overlord. [Defending Big D]
Old hockey head James Mirtle weighs in on the goings on in Phoenix. The Coyotes are still bankrupt, in case you forgot. [From the Rink]
A Murray on the hot seat? Now where have I heard that? Anaheim Calling debates if the Ducks should fire GM Bob Murray. [Anaheim Calling]
The Leafs are still trying to figure out who is the No. 1 goalie: Jonas Gustavsson and Vesa Toskala. [TSN]
Peter Forsberg is staying in Sweden. For now. Until he decides otherwise in two-to-three weeks. [ESPN]
Cha-cha-changes in Florida Panthers. New owners for the franchise. [ESPN]
Alex Ovechkin should be back tonight. [TSN]
Nikita Filatov might be heading back to Russia. He's struggling with his confidence and declining ice time. Patrik Berglund could not be reached for comment. [The Columbus Dispatch]

Other links

Reminder: Vote for Atlanta and Carolina. [ESPN America]
I found out this weekend that a friend of mine had a rat tail in high school. I can only hope it looked like this. [The Daily What]
The only thing I hate more than children? Old people. Senile old people. [This is why we love them]
Holy shit, this is the best way to get out of late fees. [Blockbuster Employee of the Month]

Video

Ever wondered what would happen if Quentin Tarantino made the Ninja Turtle movies?

gametimelinks(at)gmail.com

Monday links: Come sail away with me edition

2009-11-16T11:00:37Z

Good news: I thought we were going to have to have a moment of silence for Mr. Dell Laptop. On Sunday afternoon, my laptop just decided to shut off and not turn back on. I had to switch to the work laptop I use to report from the road. Back, by some miracle, the old p.o.s. turned back on at 11:30. He's resting now, but it looks like I won't be out a laptop. Anyway ... let's get to the links.

Blues news

David Perron is a hard-working kid who seems to finally get "it." [Belleville News-Democrat]
With a little break in the schedule, the Blues are reflecting on their less than stellar play. [St. Louis Post-Dispatch]

Hockey news

Every game Sunday was decided by just one goal. [Yahoo! Sports]
Monday's games. [Yahoo Sports!]
Here are your Monday standings. [NHL]
Washington Capitals right wing Mike Knuble will be out nearly amonth with a broken finger. [TSN]
If the Coyotes keep winning but the Phoenix fans don't care, do they actually win? Yes. Yes they do. But, they might not stay in Glendale if the seats don't get filled. [TSN]
Andrew MacDonald has been called up by the Islanders. I'm thankful that he doesn't go by Andy. [Lighthouse Hockey]
The Boston Globe is reporting that Marc Savard will re-up with the Bruins. [Stanley Cup of Chowder]
The Anaheim Ducks are a struggling bunch. [ESPN]
Joe Sakic will be going to the Hall of Fame. The Colorado Sports Hall of Fame. [ESPN]

Other links

This guy responds to classifieds. As is often the case, hilarity ensues. [Ned Wingfield]
Google's autcomplete is both awesome and scary. [Autocomplete Me]
Cross Check Raise has a Project Mayhem idea. I'll let him explain: "Watching a web feed this weekend, it was broadcast by ESPN America, which is the overseas face of ESPN. They were running a poll for which game to broadcast on Thanksgiving weekend 11/27: CGY vs DET or CAR vs ATL. I figure we can screw DET and help Hildymac's Thrashers by stuffing the ballot box here. Let's keep Fuck Detroit from their Euro-Phruit fans. The UK face (hence, English) of ESPN America is here. The poll is towards the bottom of the far-right column. When I voted, it was 78/22 in favor of DET." [ESPN America]

Video

This is what happens when I watch South Park and do the links. You get videos like this. Enjoy.

Gametimelinks(at)gmail.com

Sunday Links: "Taking All Suggestions On How To Put Together Back-to-Back Wins" Edition

2009-11-15T12:00:25Z

What's the formula? Sacrifice a live chicken? More Brad Winchester lap dances? Shave a rookie or a sophomore? Let us know what you'd do in the comments.

Blues News:

Blues lose. Fuckin...fuck!
Splodeybones gets the Steve Ott flu out of his system, TECHNOVIKING is admitted to being in a funk, and Eller needs minutes in Peoria. Read all about it.
There's an opportunity to meet former Blues D-man Jeff Brown on Thursday, the 19th.
Hildymac knows "Whose Responsible This" cold streak: Top 6 forwards.
You might have heard John Davidson is in the Hall of Fame now. The Blues honored him before Saturday's game.

NHL News:

Spectr17 has the video down in the FanShots. Here's Puck Daddy's take on the goal review in the Hawks/Leafs game on Friday.
10 year old gets to play with the Great One and Hayley Wickenheiser (Doug's cousin) of Canada's Women's Hockey Team. I played with Gretzky once. It was on the SNES, but...
Scores.
Only 3 games scheduled for Sunday
An article about Jacques Lemaire that makes no specific mention of the trap? I don't believe you.

Other Stuff:

Be sure to mouse over the photo. I had a flashback to the times when I was Poor Elementary School Student.
Wanted: Fried chicken and menstruation.
This is my kind of Thanksgiving turkey.

Video:

Holy ~~jumpin'~~ schnike!

And that's all I've got. Maybe AverageJoe has some wins in him. We can only hope so.

Gametimelinks (at) gmail.com

Sharks at Blues; GDT

2009-11-15T00:00:42Z

San Jose and their high powered offense, great defense and terriffic goaltending visit the struggling Blues. If that's not some hometown motivation for the game, I don't know what is. This is your Game Day Thread. This is the link for the watering hole where we are meeting up after the game www.tincantavern.com

Welcome Carlo Colaiacovo back to the Blues lineup, while Darryl Sydor gets the night off.

The Blues have allowed two goals or less in five of their last seven, but have only won twice in that span. Hopefully good defense (even by Eric Brewer and Barret Jackman), and good goaltending by Chris Mason will get some consistant offense to go with it.

This is your Game Day Thread

Saturday Links: Saturday Night's Alright for Fighting (and/or GT Get-Togethers) Edition

2009-11-14T12:00:40Z

Blues News:

Too lazy to scroll down to read about tonight's Game Time Get Together? I know I am.
Bernie Miklasz agrees with the Checketts remarks.
Dany Fuckin' Heatley and the Sharks come to town tonight. Here's a preview.

NHL News:

Scores from Friday
Tonight's action
College Hockey Traditions over at Puck Daddy: They don't know shit about the Bermuda Cup, either.
Keep an eye on Niedermayer (the good one) and Brunnstrom for potential trades this year.
Guess who sneaks in at #11 for save percentage since the lockout. HINT: Not Manny (sorry, Carnie)
Take solace, Blues fans, in the fact that we have not lost 14 in a row.

Other Stuff:

Collegehumor's Drunk-O-Vision: A personal favorite.
The ghosts of Muppets past.
Star Wars love letter. It's a massive failure, as you might expect. If only he'd have had the smooth charm of Lando Calrissian.
When Kramer hears about this, the shit's really gonna hit the ~~fan~~ generator

Video:

Does this video have anything to do with hockey? Nope. But it does have Christopher Walken. And Christopher Walken impressions. That's more than enough for me.

Come back for the Game Thread. Or go to Tin Can. Or both.

Gametimelinks (at) gmail.com

We don't know about you, but we could sure use a cold one, or five, Saturday Night- UPDATED

2009-11-14T05:09:20Z

That's what it looks like during daylight. Probably won't be as bright when you get there tonight.

View full size photo »

Here's the updated part first: There is usually a $5 cover. Tell the door that you're with Chris Gift (Tin Can's idea to have my name be the magic words, not mine) and that $5 cover becomes a $0 cover.

Now back to our original posting...

So there's been a rumor floating around that ~~the Blues are looking to trade TJ Oshie~~ some of us Game Time types will be congregating at the Tin Can on Locust after the game on Saturday.

Believe the hype. We will be descending on Tin Can shortly after the conclusion of the Sharks/Blues game on Saturday. We will also have a few of our friends from our sister site ("sister site" sounds a little "fancy" doesn't it) Fear the Fin who are in town from San Jose for the game. Plus maybe a writer or two to be named later.

While we'd love to be the bearer of really good news and say that we're picking up the tab for everybody, we can at least say that "the Can" is a hell of a lot of fun, and has beer in cans starting at about two bucks a piece. That's like half of the price of the print issue of Game Time.

If you have a ticket to the game and don't want to park twice, take their shuttle to and from the game.

There is usually a $5 cover. Tell the door that you're with Chris Gift (Tin Can's idea to have my name be the magic words, not mine) and that $5 cover becomes a $0 cover.

Don't have a ticket to the game? Don't sweat it, show up early, watch the game and enjoy a can or two of your favorite refreshment.

Oh yeah, the food kicks ass too. The Tin Can Ten is great, if you're game enough. Try it with Mac and Cheese, it can't be beat.

Okay enough blabbering, here are the particulars

As seen in the picture above, the address is 1909 Locust. Just across the street from that goofy restaurant Jim Edmonds owns, F-15 or something like that.

They card pretty hard, so 21 and up only, please.

There is usually a $5 cover. Tell the door that you're with Chris Gift (Tin Can's idea to have my name be the magic words, not mine) and that $5 cover becomes a $0 cover.

The place tends to get pretty crowded, especially the night before Rams games. We usually congregate just to the left of the hanging bicycle, and if it is either too crowded, or too loud because of the band, there's a room in the back past the bathrooms that we will be in. Either way, look for a bunch of hockey fans hopefully the ones in blue will be happy and the ones in aquamarine will be not as happy.

See you there, and just a reminder...

There is usually a $5 cover. Tell the door that you're with Chris Gift (Tin Can's idea to have my name be the magic words, not mine) and that $5 cover becomes a $0 cover.

Four times is enough, don't you think?

Checketts addresses the media

2009-11-13T20:31:19Z

and basically says the waiting is over. It's time to win. The effort in last night's game was not good enough...their results on home ice are not good enough. The players are there. The coaches are there. But it's not getting done and it's not good enough.

He said he's frustrated like everyone else, fans have been patient, they've been patient and now there is no reason for the kind of effort we saw last night. Now is the time to win. The full 6.55min video is on the Blues website:

Checketts answers the media

Ice Chips with Timothy Oshie

2009-11-13T20:19:28Z

[Editor's Note: While I know we have a history of making up items like this as satire, I assure you this is true and this article was penned by the father of T.J. Oshie. He welcomes your questions and feedback via his email, listed below. This article originally appeared in the Nov. 12 edition of St. Louis Game Time.]

THE BIG TIME ... on St. Louis Game Time!

Whoa Nelly (as long-time ABC Sports broadcaster Keith Jackson would say) and a big thanks to Sean Gallagher and the entire staff of St. Louis Game Time for allowing me the distinct opportunity to express my views, beliefs and visions regarding the fastest game on Earth.

My name is Timothy Oshie, and I'm the father of the St. Louis Blues No. 74, T.J. Oshie. I'm a free-lance writer from the State of Hockey (Minnesota) and currently in my 31st year of sports and broadcast journalism.

My focal points will be to discuss issues surrounding the game and tidbits featuring the world of hockey. I will also welcome, "Ask Coach Oshie," a wide array of questions surrounding the hockey world from the fans of Game Time. This section will be open to any hockey question, within reason, surrounding the game. Direct your questions to me at oshiesports@gmail.com via the world wide web with each week I'll pick two-to-four to feature in the upcoming issues.

So that's me. Now sit back and enjoy Ice Chips while you watch the 2009-10 version of the St. Louis Blues.

THE IMMINENT?

The question is, are you T.J. Oshie's dad?

It goes without saying the last name of Oshie is very different and rare. Oshie is a derivative of a longer Ojibwe Indian name which dates back to the mid-1800's. So, yes, I'm the father of No. 74.

It almost goes without saying but this wasn't my first trip to the shores of the Mississippi River and the Gateway to the West. My initial visit to the city of St. Louis was in 2007 (although my family did drive by in 2004 en route to the 2004 USA Hockey In-Line National Championships in Alpharetta, GA). We came to follow and to witness the 2007 NCAA Men's Ice Hockey Frozen Four / National Championships. It was my initial time entering the Scottrade Center as a hockey fan. The University of North Dakota Fighting Sioux Men's hockey team was playing Boston College in the semi-final nightcap. I was thoroughly impressed by the droves of college hockey fans as the "Scott" was filled to capacity in early April (Easter Sunday weekend).

My journey was by vehicle. But the bigger story was that Grand Forks, ND / East Grand Forks, MN, from where I reside, was fighting through the flood waters upon my departure from the Grand Cities. Once on the outskirts of Fargo, ND, which is 77 miles south of Grand Forks, the flood waters were up to the bottom of the cars on the famous I-29 freeway. Just south of Fargo the weather turned. We encountered a vicious blizzard halting us at times to single digits on the speedometer due to "white-out snow" circumstances.

So it's easy to say the journey to St. Louis was filled with stories of similar trips for the Oshie family which extends to the West Coast of Washington state and British Columbia, Canada. Although, the weather of North Dakota / Minnesota gets to as far as minus-50 wind chill at times, it simply doesn't compare to the blizzards of the mountainous regions of the Cascades which extend from Oregon to British Columbia.

Like every hockey parent, I've had the unique opportunity spend thousands of hours on the open road with my children (T.J., Taylor, Tawni and Aleah). It was the cornerstone of our family time which extended from Seattle, WA to Warroad, MN to Grand Forks, ND to St. Louis, MO. The trips that bonded a family.

So there is the start of our story, the word is out. Send me your questions and check back here for further editions of Ice Chips with Timothy Oshie.

Timothy Oshie

Oshie Sports & Media

oshiesports@gmail.com

A Blues fan from afar

2009-11-13T15:15:22Z

So Mr. Gallagher and Mr. Lee asked me to write something for Thursday's paper-version of this Game Time. I, of course, jumped at the chance. This article originally appeared in the Nov. 12 edition of St. Louis Game Time. Enjoy.

•••

It never was supposed to be a fashion statement. In fact, it was mostly just due to laziness. I just didn’t want to shower and mash down my untamed-bed head of hair.

It’s not an outrageous hat, it’s just navy with a Blue note on it. If you could have seen the looks I got, you would have thought I had a deer carcass on my head — well that probably wouldn’t have drawn much attention at the local Walmart, but the point remains: People didn’t know what to make of my hat. I guess people in this part of the country just have never seen Blues apparel. And when I say this part of the country, I’m referring to Northeast Missouri.

I grew up in a small town outside of St. Louis near Cam Janssen-land. Growing up, the winter was time for the Blues. After the Cardinals season ended with a championship, everyone turned their attention to the Blues. St. Louis didn’t have a football team when I was young lad so hockey was it. And it was good. Then, of course, I had to grow up, get a job, and then move away.

Currently, I find myself a 90 mile trip on Northbound Hwy 61 in Hannibal, Mo. Well, currently I find myself at work trying to type this while looking like I’m doing actual work, but anyway, I live about two hours from St. Louis. I had just assumed that since everyone in Missouri rooted for the Cardinals, outside of a few misguided Royals fans, that the rest of the state would be Blues fans. Wrong.

My Blues hat is one-in-a-million in town. If Jon Hamm and his hat of lies (15 years ago the logo had red trim and a St. Louis letter-mark, sir. Still, I love your show.) moved to town, there would be two of us. I have lived here for 11 months and have yet to see another Blues fan. I see Cards hats, NASCAR hats, hats for beer, hats for skoal and hats for tractors. Eleven months in, and no sign of Blues gear.

The funny thing is, despite being seemingly a world away from the Blues, I am as big of a fan of the team as I have ever been. Thanks to things like the Internet and cable TV, I can keep up with the team just like I did when I lived in St. Louis. Of course, this year it’s been a little tough to actually watch the games since I get college football instead of Blues’ games thanks to this lovely Mediacom/Dish Network dispute. Thanks, assholes. Way to alienate your fan base over a few bucks that you could easily recoup with some ludicrous fee on my monthly bill. But I digress.

If I had been born two decades earlier, I’m not sure if I’d be a Blues fan right now or even writing for this lovely publication. The local paper in town, the one that gives me money twice a month, doesn’t cover the Blues. Instead they focus on high school sports — as well they/we should. People around here don’t know sticks and pucks, but do know football. I don’t watch local TV news because I would rather Cam Janssen punch me in the face than listen to the forced banter and awkwardly-delivered highlights, but I assume the content is heavily geared toward prep sports. If this were 1989 and not 2009, I have no idea how I would keep in touch with the Blues.

It’s actually kind of fun to be a Blues fan from afar. In some ways, it increases my validation as a fan. It’s easy to keep tabs on the Blues when you can’t get away from the news. I have to seek out the news. I have to pay attention to the schedule to figure out when games are on. I have to put in the effort to keep track of the team. You think it’s easy finding out that T.J. Oshie’s appendix went boom when no one else in town is talking about it? I feel like I put in more effort to watch and enjoy this team, and that’s kinda fun. Now, if only they would start living up to their potential and games like Tuesday would be the norm and not "Holy shit!" blips on the radar.

Even with the funny looks and double takes at my choice of head gear — and I assure you, that it was my hat and not my stunning good looks — I still wear the Blues hat whenever I’m out about town. And even though I’ve had more people tell me "Go Blues!" in Chicago than in Hannibal when I’m wearing the lid, I don’t really care. I don’t care if my neighbors and coworkers don’t know about David Perron or Ian Cole or even Mayor Oshie. For some reason, I’m a fan of this team, and that won’t change no matter where my life takes me.

Friday links: If bad things happen on Friday the 13th, why did the Blues lose last night edition?

2009-11-13T11:00:46Z

Happy Friday the 13th. I'll be spending the day off work (Yay!) cleaning my apartment (Boo!).

Blues news

The Blues will be honoring John Davidson on Saturday. [Blues]
AP wrap up of the Blues frustrating lose to the Predators. [Associated Press]
Paul Kariya: Still not living up to his contract. [St. Louis Post-Dispatch]
Seriously, the $6 million man is being dropped in fantasy leagues. [Puck Daddy]
You may have already heard, but Darcy Hordichuk was suspended for one game for instigating a fight with Cam Janssen. [All Headline News]

Hockey news

Results for Thursday. Enjoy. [Yahoo! Sports]
Six games on the schedule for tonight. [Yahoo! Sports]
When we play the Blackhawks, I damn well expect this to be used as fodder to make fun of them. [Second City Hockey]
Ilya Kovalchuck returns with 3 points. He's good. [ESPN]
Donald Fehr, one of the men responsible for the 1994 baseball strike, is helping pick the NHLPA's new leader. [ESPN]
The NHL is going to meet in Glendale to discuss its issues. [ESPN]
Brooks Orpik will be out two-weeks with a lower body injury. [TSN]
Henry Samueli, owner of the Ducks, is returning from suspension. [ESPN]

Other links

From Andy, soccer fans are weird. [Y! Sports Blog]
You've heard of sites like fuck my life, well here's fuck my sex life. Might be NSFW. [FMSL]
Parents, by being "good" parents, can fuck up their children. [Cracked]

Video

Stick figures are bad, bad dudes.

That's it for me today ... or is it. Come back around 9 ish if you want to see my writing without a lot of blue text. After that, Poor College Student has the weekend shift. gametimelinks(at)gmail.com

Predators @ Blues GDT

2009-11-13T00:45:22Z

by Tom Gannam - AP

9 days ago: St. Louis Blues' David Perron, left, and T.J. Oshie, right, celebrate with goalie Chris Mason after the Blues beat the Vancouver Canucks 6-1 in an NHL hockey game Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2009, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Tom Gannam)

View full size photo »

Looks like our fearless leaders have left home without leaving a light on for the kids. Well, I guess I’ll throw up a GDT. I’m gonna take the Brad Lee route and assume that none of you read this and are just waiting to comment — less is more.

With that said, it’s Blues vs. Nashville tonight. The Preds have been not very good this year — almost as bad as the ~~Leafs~~ Hurricanes. They struggle with scoring and are riding have the second fewest points in the West. Sure, that’s just one fewer than what the Blues have, but … six goals, baby. Six goals. Can the Note do it again? We shall see.

Reports say the Blues lineup will be the same as Tuesday, so that means no Brad Winchester (healthy), Alex Pietrangelo (delaying a decision) and Carlo Colaiacovo (Steve Ott flu).

This is your Game Day Thread. Do work.