Muckhead's Chronicle

Go Chiefs Go !

Bear and I took in game seven of the Chilliwack Chief's first round series against the Coquitlam Express . We also have been to a few other games in the series, but tonight’s was awesome. They played a disciplined game, and despite the Express’s ability to get goals to tie it up entering the third period, they stuck to their game and pulled it off wonderfully.

On a side note, Kurt Russell's son plays as the backup goalie for the Express; He was in the line up a few in front of us, when I was getting popcorn. My first thought was:

"Gee he looks smaller than in the movies".

I mentioned that to a lady behind me and she said:

"Doesn’t matter, it's Kurt Russell"

So I said to her:

"I don’t quite get that?"

She then says:

"If it was Goldie Hawn would it matter to you if she was a little shorter than in the movies?"

You know, she has a point there.

Any way...

Go Chiefs Go

Xmas Hockey

Last night I took the kids to watch the Chilliwack Chiefs play. We have been going lately because of the lack of NHL Hockey. It was a special night as they had Santa at the front door (hence the picture of Marlee on Santa's knee), and although it took a bit of coaxing, we got a picture of Marlee on his knee.

It was also Teddy Bear night, a thing the Chiefs do at Xmas, or at least this year. Everyone was encouraged to bring a Teddy Bear to the game. Once the Chiefs score their first goal you were to through your Teddy onto the ice to be collected for needy children. Note the picture here of them cleaning the ice, apparently there was 700+ Teddy Bears thrown into the ice. Of course we brought ours (the bag I am holding in the first picture), I just had to lift Marlee up high enough for her to get it over the glass.

There was one thing that disturbed me though. There was this big scary guy who brought a little girl with him (thought it was his daughter), to the game, and sat in front of us before the game. He buggered off and left the little girl, ALONE. I couldn't do that. So here we are with popcorn and Cotton Candy and Drinks. Well the kids and I got talking with the girl, turns out it was her Uncle that brought her, and we ended up buying her some cotton candy. I felt sorry for her; I mean you don't leave a little girl by herself in public. I got her to find her uncle before allowing her to have the cotton candy though, didn't want to get in shit.

The funny thing is though, she got a prize! They drop gift certificates from a miniture blimp in Prospera Centre . When one was dropped near us into a crowd of kids she came out of the pile and sat down in front of us. She then looked back at us and said "pssst, looky here", and proceeded to pull the gift certificate out of her sleeve. She had gotten it, and was smart enough to hide it and move away. The kids were still dog piled looking for it when she was showing us her prize. RIGHT ON!

NHL a No-Go

As much as I hate the NHL Commissioner, and think of him as a weasel ( among other things), and think he is crooked and I could go on forever, I think the players have to realize that the league cannot continue to support the wages that are being paid. There is no way Canadian teams will be able to stay in Canada, and from the looks of things in places like Carolina, some US teams cannot afford it either.

I mean shit, how many million dollars does one need? I know it is easy for me to say and all, but most players in the league now will live a very comfortable life long after hockey, and some will live on that will be luxurious for generations to come.

I hate agreeing with the weasel, but I think they have a point.

Oh well the World Cup Hockey was a great tease.

It all comes down to one game

This is it, for all the marbles, and I just want to say that no matter what happens I think The Flames are winners. They, unlike some of the higher paid teams (that have wimpy Swedes that whine and complain), they did it with heart.

Way to Go Flames! ! ! !

Of course it would be nice to have the cup in Canada, and I am not predicting a loss, but they are a real hockey team.

Do or Die; but not Quite

It has been a few years, and being a true Canadian, I do not easily forget how long but do not utter the number due to its burning effect on the pallet. It cannot be denied though, it was just a matter of time that it became a reality, I think it all started when the Great One, Wayne Gretzky made the big move to the LA Kings. He started the migration of big talent to go south and Lord Stanley's Cup was not too far to follow. Yes I am talking about the fact that it has been a long time since a Canadian Team has held the cup above their heads in victory.

The Flames have two chances to do tonight, the first of which is tonight in Calgary, it would be so glorious to see the cup won on Canadian soil, and kept here. Sure I would have loved to see Vancouver be the team to win it, and eventually this may be a reality. I won’t go into that as I am still bitter with the half ass Swede that wears the "C" on his jersey for the lame comments he made about "not having the team to do it?.

Calgary is doing the country proud, win or loose they are playing with the heart and soul that make this Canadian Game. Do us proud Flames, job well done.

The Flames are Hot

If I had to describe that hockey game I would simply say " WOW ".

Talk about wide open , flat out ever shift !

Now that's Hockey ! !

Way to Go Calgary !

YES ! !

Talk about total Domination!

I am sooo hoping that Calgary makes it past San Jose and goes to the finals; it will be so good to see a Canadian team in the Stanley Cup.

On a side note: I am disgusted that Todd Bertuzzi was overlooked by Team Canada for the upcoming World Cup next year !

GOLD !

With only one Canadian team left in the hunt for Lord Stanley's Cup, it was extra especially sweet to see us capture the World Championship for the second straight season yesterday! Team Canada beat Peter Forsberg and the Swedish elite 5-3 in Prague yesterday in classic Canadian fashion!

Well Done Team Canada ! ! !

Incidentally, Matt Cooke and Brendan Morrison played a very big role in this year’s tournament. I think these guys are the true Vancouver Canucks talent.

Pitifull

I am really upset; smoking mad would be a better description though. I have been a fan for I don’t know how many years of the West Coast team. I have stood by and watched many different flavours of Canucks play though, and that is what hurts the most.

It is hard to cheer for a team when you don’t know which one shows up to play. Naslund was perfectly capable of racing down the ice and going to the net for almost 3 periods but it wasn't until the last minute that he thought he would give it a go. But that is just one example, I think there needs to be a big shake up in the organization. I think Linden should be given back the captaincy because Naslund is no leader. I think that some of the players need to be moved out of the organization.

I would rather see a team play their hearts out and loose than see them lolly-gag around the ice and only try when it is on their terms.

I think it is time to start cheering for a real hockey club.

For Sale - Cheap

• Used White 3XL Vancouver Jersey ( no name)


• Used Canucks Car Flag

GO Habs GO ! ! !

Moore and the NHL

Well I am still sticking to my guns, I think that Moore (injured by the so called "Bertuzzi Incident"), is still in better shape than he is letting on. Even if he isn't I think that the NHL has to review its policies on incidents such as this. Like I had originally said Bertuzzi or Bust , I think incidents such as Rob Blake using his elbow pad to throw punches, and recently Turco's and Messier's ability to use their stick (which I regard as a weapon when used to hit someone with intent to injure), to either spear, or in Turco's case slash a player across the face, is far worse an offense. I mean most that have seen what really happened realize it was the piling on that caused Moore’s injuries.

Both of the players that used a weapon, received only a few games in suspensions, how can using an open fist be compared? Shit you can even hit your children with an open hand and not get charged ( ok for all those who could jump on this I don’t beat my kids).

Apparently so are the Canucks

Losers that is. With all that has happened, the Bertuzzi incident and all I think I might be wise to withdraw my season opening prediction that the Canucks will make it to the finals. They are not playing with the heart that they did earlier in the season, but then again who am I to judge, neither am I lately.

Media Fiasco

This whole Bertuzzi thing is a good damn Media Fiasco!

First off Moore apparently is not only going to recover from what was initially report ed as a "Broken Neck", and might even make the playoffs. Excuse Me ? I think the NHL committee that reviewed this case must have been paying more attention to the Media and not enough attention to the facts. I mean shit, if you want to believe "The Enquirer" or "The Star" magazine then why not convict Dan Cloutier for being an alien? You know his mother was not from earth you know!

Realistically I think it is totally unfair that a guy gets kicked out of the league and has to reapply to ever play again and the person he was supposed to have maimed for life is already up on his feet and planning to skate next week and should make the playoffs.

Apparently from what I heard the Colorado Avalanche knew that Moore was going to make a complete recovery but held off releasing this information until after the hearing. Now which team was it that got the fine for being unsportsmanlike? ?

Bertuzzi or Bust?

I watched the game, I even have it taped, and I thought I would sit back before opening my mouth, something I am learning to do, after all we do have two ears and only one mouth.

As I type this I can hear my neighbors outside discussing the issue, of which if you haven't hear is the cheap shot that Bertuzzi of the Vancouver Canucks took on Moore of the Colorado Avalanche.

My Take :
I think that cheap shots have always been a part of the game, a lot of players get emotional on the ice. I don't forgive Bertuzzi's actions, and I think a suspension is in order. I do however have a few points to make here:

1. Bertuzzi followed Moore all over the ice, where the hell were the refs and linesmen, they were well warned about a possible incident between these teams
2. I think the game got out of hand, out of the coaches hands and the officials
3. If you rewind to the fight between Rob Blake and Ruutu you will see Rob Blake using his elbow pads as brass knuckles, today’s elbow pads will break bones and I think this is more of an intent to injure
4. The real serious injury came from the fact that so many players jumped on Bertuzzi and Moore, causing Moore’s neck to break
5. This wouldn't happen 20 years ago because the original hit against Naslund( the reason for Bertuzzi wanting a piece of Moore) would have been dealt with in that game, no grudges would exist
6. I really don't think that Bertuzzi had breaking Moore's neck on his mind when he hit him, there was not intent to end a career in his mind

So, I think Bertuzzi should be kicked out for the rest of the season, but I don’t think this incident can be put into the same classification as the Mcsorley incident. I think he should be punished, but why ruin a guys career. Believe it or not, we deal with real criminals, people that murder, steal, rape, and genuinely break the law with nothing but a slap on the hand. We release on parole, the sickest of individuals that prey on our children, come on now, where the heck are our priorities? Suspend and fine the guy and let him apologize, or at least allow him to. I think the estimates were over a million in lost wages to Bertuzzi for this incident, when have we ever given the victims of real crimes a penny?

WTF?

When is the owner of the Canucks going to realize that in order to win the big prize they are going to have to spend some money. I mean sure Jovo, Nazzy, and you could even include Arvedson, are out, and Matt Cooke is just starting to get mean again, but we are really lacking another superstar.

I heard rumor that they were talking with Leech, so who knows. It just seems like they are not playing with the same heart. I am in no way withdrawing my claim to fame for them this year

Friends

Last night I had the honor of attending a Canucks game, and I would like let everyone know that it was awesome. For those of you who are now saying “they lost against Calgary, what was so awesome"? The awesome thing was that I was given the ticket (lower bowl 17 rows up from ice level), and got to go with a very good friend. Thank you Bear, it was an awesome game despite the loss because you enabled me to be there to see it. I am grateful, and feel for a certain individual that had to miss the game, thanks again to the both of you!

Boo Hiss

OK, maybe I spoke to hastily about the Canucks resent surge of success. They have blown two games in a row on stupid defensive moves my offensive players. But you know what? It doesn't hurt the scheme of things at this point, Arvedson got injured and the Sedin twins are still playing awesome, they will still come out on top in the long run.. "You just gots at Believe”!

Wow,They Strike Again

What an awesome game, the Sedins Strike again, this time with a break away goal. I am impressed, not to mention what they are contributing with their feeds to Magnus Arvedson .

Way to go Twins!

Bobsy Twins No More

I would like to take back all that I have said in the past about the Sedin Twins . Yes I have been quite harsh on them in the past, criticizing them and calling them everything under the sun, but what they are doing now is playing hockey. I think the breaking point was when they put Trevor Linden out there with them; this was the point where they came off the boards and started going to the net.

This year we have seen end to end rushes leading to highlight reel goals, and some breakaway and a penalty shot. This is HOCKEY, and they are now playing it very well, they are developing into the superstars that they were supposed to when the Canucks drafted them. I also think that the time along the boards has helped their puck control skills, making them better players.

A Hockey First

I just witnessed a first in hockey history, I think. The identical Sedin twins just got a 2 on nothing breakaway, AND SCORED! Then not 5 minutes later they both hit the post, one the left, the other the right, on two consecutive shots. Talk about lucky, what are the odds of two shots, one after the other, both hitting the post, let alone both posts being hit?

Ok, maybe it wasn't a big deal, but it impressed the hell out of me.

Latest Hockey Watched

First off I would like to say that I don’t mind USA winning the gold medal at the , World Juniors , at least most of the players on the team are Canadian Trained, and are very close to home. I hated when Russia used to win. And that in itself is kind of ironic, because the man who robbed us of a gold once I think it was 1999 by scoring the game winner, Artem Chubarov, plays for the Canucks.

I do feel sorry for Marc-Andre Fleury, Team Canada’s goalie that ended up scoring on his own net to GIVE the USA their gold. Shit happens; he will never try to clear the puck up the center through on rushing players ever again you can be sure of that, he is such an awesome goalie.

Secondly I witnessed what I think is a first, and I hope to be the last time Trevor Linden (the Canucks), ever gives up the puck to an opponent. It cost them the game, shit happens Trev, no biggie, just try not to do that again, “that would be Great” .

I think you have to make mistakes to be successful, and no matter how big of a mistake you make, as long as you learn form it, and grow as a person then you have done all you can, and you are on the right track.

Yay Canucks!

Now That's What I'm Talking About ! I am impressed with the Canuck's ability to continue where they left off last year. An A-typical Bertuzzi goal along with some pretty impressive play by the Sedin line and the new Linden line was the highlight of this game!

Still to early I guess to be saying "Told you so", but I think even teams that are trying to, buy their way to a Stanley Cup are going to have their hands full with this years nucks!

Only Two More Sleeps

Yes it is only two more sleeps until opening night for the Vancouver Canucks , and it is that time of year for us to wipe the slate clean, and look towards the playoffs. I think they made some correct moves with the roster and also some boners. We will soon see, but my pre-season prediction is that they make it to the finals.

How is that for believing?

NHL 2004 Rocks

Took a peek at NHL2004 the other day at Bear's place and got it for my birthday yesterday ( it's release date one day after my birthday).

It Rocks Enough Said !

NHL in Trouble

Sorry no accrual link to back this up but I thought I would add that I read an article in the paper that indicated the NHL playoffs presently has a TV rating that is being beaten by re-runs of "Little House on the Prairie". Looks like more people are upset with the way things are playing out than I.

I Miss the NHL

Warning large "Hockey" entry

I have been thinking, and when it comes down to it I am still very bitter over this playoffs for the Canucks. The more I think about it the more it bothers me, and I am not alone. Many of my friends and acquaintances range from slightly disappointed, to very bitter on this subject. Oh sure you get many "generalized hockey fans" who follow the Canucks as far as they go and then say "better luck next year", and for them, this might not be a good read.

You see, I have been on this plane of existence for 30+ years, and ever since I was about 2 years old I was interested in Hockey. Back then, in Ontario as a kid I learned to skate on a rink that my Dad made in the back yard(yes it was damn cold there!). All the kids in the neighborhood had them, it was part of the culture, Canada, Hockey, and Learn to skate early. I can remember the thrill of actually watching a western NHL game on the tube, since they started at 7:00pm pacific it was 10:00pm eastern.. and I would end up falling asleep on the floor in front of the TV with my Dad.

When we moved out west I can remember ball hockey filling in for the backyard rink atmosphere, and I remember it was the thing to do (or at least one of the options), all year round. I would always be Yvan Cournoyer or the "Road Runner" as he was called, or Ken Dryden if I was playing goal. As you could tell I was a Montreal Canadiens fan back then, they were on a roll back then, but that is a story in itself. Everyone played as their hockey hero and played out dream plays of break away plays that won the cup.

Then we moved into town directly across the street from the Rink, and I lived there, I never missed a home game for the local team, and often would just go over and watch any game that happened to be playing. (Side note: the good thing about really knowing the rink is you know where to get pucks, when the family went to see the old timers game a few years ago we got one in the warm up and I caught one out if mid-air during play.)

The point I am trying o make here is that I LOVE Hockey, and know a little bit about the sport, and I don't want to get into a conspiracy theory here or anything but I think it is kinda coincidental how in game 7 of the series that knocked out the Canucks, the other team didn't receive one penalty. I think it is even less coincidental that a team that seemed to blow away the Canucks looked like they were all on drugs in the next series against Disney( er.. the Ducks).

I blame it on Gary Bettman (the present NHL weasel, er ehm... commissioner). Ok here is were I might be crossing the line, but what seemed to be shaping up to an all Canadian final, is now looking like something that you see on Saturday morning cartoons "The Ducks vs. the Devils". Oh I have full confidence in the Senators, but does Bettman have a plan for them too? There have been so many comments from so many people I know, TV sports casters, and hockey critics alike, that have mentioned the questionable plays this year. Even Colorado's Patrick Roy's seemingly give up goal to let the Wild go through to eventually defeat us, has been pointed out as an almost too obvious mistake.

Officiating... now this is something that should require some investigation. There are so may unwritten rules in the NHL that seem to be ignored by the modern referee. You just don't call penalties that decide playoff games unless they are blatant enough to do so. In my opinion Bettman's puppets are ignoring this. The two orange bands on the arms of the referee unfortunately can determine a teams fate, and it shouldn't.

OK, here is where I drop the bomb.. I really think ( and I know I am not alone on this) that since the introduction of Bettman there has been a push to close out the Canadian teams and move them all down south.

I could go on forever on this, there is so much that could be said. Bitter? You bet, I only want to see fair play, and have not seen it this playoffs. I am sure a lot of people are going to disagree with me as well, but this is how I feel. Even if the Canucks are out I have always followed one team or the other to the cup. This year I have even been hesitant to watch the Sens, as the games almost look orchestrated.

I miss the NHL!