Puck Worlds: FanPosts

NHL Lockout 2012 Day 3: Demotions, Layoffs, Kickbacks and Overseas Flights Aplenty

2012-09-19T02:12:13Z

It has been just three days since they NHL owners officially locked out their players for the first time since 2004 and already the winds of change are blasting through cities all across the league. A number of teams have sent handfuls of their players down to the American Hockey League while older veterans are packing their bags and heading for Switzerland, Germany, Russia and the like in search of a paycheck. The speculation is that preseason NHL games could be canceled as early as the end of this week and it seems that the owners and players are going to be in a bit of a stalemate for at least a little while and that some regular-season games will probably be erased from the schedule this year. There is always so much that I as a fan can complain about all of this and say that the players and owners should get their heads out of their butts and get a deal done, so let’s just go over today’s lockout news:

Minnesota Wild Fans Get Added Incentive For Holding On To Season Tickets

The Minnesota Wild organization probably has probably had the most loyal fan base in the NHL since professional hockey was re-introduced to Minnesota back in the year 2000. Their commitment to their fans first became evident when they retired the jersey #1 with the word "Fans" written on the back at their inaugural home game. This past off-season, the Wild landed the two biggest unrestricted free agents on the open market in defenseman Ryan Suter and homegrown forward Zach Parise and although the lockout could not have come at a worse time, fans who stick it out through the lockout will get 10% interest on their season tickets as long as they do not ask the club for a refund. It’s good to see that at least one franchises keeping their fans at the top of the priority list in some way.

Florida Panthers Become Second Team To Lay Off Staff

If you work in sports and just happen to live in the state of Florida there is a small chance that you have been laid off not once but twice and in two different sports leagues because the Florida Panthers announced today that they are laying off an undisclosed number of employees. This comes just two years after the Miami Heat of the NBA laid off all of their sales staff after the team signed three of the world’s biggest basketball stars. The Panthers organization now joins the Ottawa Senators as the first two teams to ask employees because of the lockout.

Players Move To The AHL and Abroad

Mark Streit (New York Islanders) and Yannick Weber (Montreal Canadiens) are returning to Switzerland to play for Geneva-Servette while it looks like Joe Thornton of the San Jose Sharks and Rick Nash of the New York Rangers may be teammates again with HC Davos by this time next week… Buffalo Sabres defenseman Christian Ehrhoff of the Buffalo Sabres is off to Germany.

As for the American Hockey League, the Buffalo Sabres have sent 20 players to their affiliate club in Rochester and the Philadelphia Flyers have sent 26 players to Adirondak and many more teams are following suit. Although I think most hockey fans would agree that they would rather see their favorite players on their favorite teams in the NHL, NHL players do give the American hockey league a boost in terms of the on ice product and I am sure that there are young stars out there who could really use the development as opposed to potentially giving up the year of their careers sitting around.

Ever means to be seen how long the lockout will actually last blood until that time players will have to do everything they can to capitalize on the limited window they have to make big money. Certainly as the days go on players will be less likely to stay loyal to their union mates and start to divide the terms of their own opinions and surely the lockout will come to an end. Hopefully that sooner rather than later and the players have learned from what happened in 2004.

If you would like to follow more of the sports stuff that I have been doing, you can follow me on twitter @jackchoros.

Minnesota Wild Fans Get Added Incentive For Holding On To Season Tickets

Florida Panthers Become Second Team To Lay Off Staff

Players Move To The AHL and Abroad

If you would like to follow more of the sports stuff that I have been doing, you can follow me on twitter @jackchoros.

Denmark - Italy, 4 - 2

2012-05-02T20:52:11Z

On May 1st 2012 Denmark faced Italy in a prelimenary warm-up game. It was a match made all the more important by the fact that both teams would later face each other at the group stage of the World Championships. It was the strongest line-up ever assembled by a Danish team. The game was played in Rødovre, Denmark in front of 3500 enthusiastic fans and I was happy to be among them

Among the players in the Danish line-up were New York Islander Frans Nielsen, Montreal Canadadien Lars Eller, Dallas Star Philip Larsen, Vancouver Canuck Jannik Hansen and Carolina Hurricanes prospect Frederik Andersen. The team was captained by veteran centre Morten Green

Frans Nielsen and Philip Larsen were the best players for the Danes with Nielsen dominating the game along with his Nichlas hardt and Lars Eller on the first line and Larsen showcasing a large amount of his technical skill. The Italians were unable to match the pace and skill of the Danes initially and fell behind 2-0 in the first 5 minutes of the game. Unfortunately, the early lead lead the Danes to slow down their play significantly.This resulted in a number of defensive lapses and mistakes, which netted a goal for the Italians. The goal was scored by Giulio Scandella on a rush. Scandella proved to be a consistent threat throughout the game through the use of his speed. Five minutes later Denmark was up 3-1 and the Nielsen line heavily controlled the play for the rest of the period.

The second period had greater parity between the teams with Denmark markedly slowing down their play once again, which let the Italians back into the game with another goal on a lucky bounce. Denmark struggled to recover their play but managed to do so by the time the third period rolled around. They extended their lead to 4-2 and closed out the game easily. Once again the most formidable weapon in the arsenal of the Danes proved to be their power play, which was at a remarkable 100% and 3 for 3 on the night. Frans Nielsen was named the Danish and MVP and Giulio Scandella was named the MVP for Italy. All in all, it was a great night of hockey. Unfortunately, it was also tinged with a hint of sadness as veteran blueliner 44-year old Jesper Duus, who played 15 World Championships in red and white, finalised his retirement and was given a standing ovation and commendations by the Danish Ice Hockey Federation. Furthermore, Danish forward Mads Christensen was forced to cancel his appearance at the World Championships as he suffered a massive head trauma Sunday night. The cause is still unknown, though it is believed to have been a heavy migraine spell.

On a happier note, however, the Danish women's national hockey team also made a stop during the first intermission to receive flowers and an ovation as an appreciation for winning gold in their international division and qualifying for the next tier of the tournament.

I managed to snap a few photos throughout the evening and have posted them below. I hope you enjoy.

Danish goaltender and Carolina Hurricanes prospect Frederik Andersen at the warm-up

Danish forward and former Columbus Blue Jackets prospect Kiril Starkov at the warm-up

Danish Captain Morten Green, second on the right, helps to direct the practice at the warm-up.

Danish forward and Vancouver Canuck Jannik Hansen at the warm-up

The Swedish coach for the Danish national hockey team Per Bäckman surveys his team and the game.

The Danes showed great hustle throughout most of the first period.

Danish defenseman and Dallas Star Philip Larsen reads the play

Danish forward Julian Jakobsen working his stick

Danish forward and New York Islander Frans Nielsen hustles for the puck

The Danish women's national hockey team are presented with flowers and a standing ovation during the first intermission

Danish forward and New York Islander Frans Nielsen skates across the ice after being presented with his MVP award.

The two teams shake hands after the game.

Backstage at the arena where player interviews are conducted. Near the locker rooms.

The net result of waiting for over an hour outside the players' locker room. A national team jersey signed by the players including the coach. It is now among my most prized possesions. Thank you so much guys!

Watching European league playoffs from North America

2012-04-01T19:08:09Z

via en.khl.ru

Every year around this time, the top leagues in Europe are nearing their playoff finals. I always want to watch, but I never find a legitimate way to do it. In my experience, all I've found are very low-quality illegal streams.

Can anyone here provide suggestions for watching the KHL, Elitserien, or SM-liiga playoffs from North America? I know ESPN3 has streamed the KHL playoffs in the past, but I'm not sure they are this year. I'd even be interested in watching the smaller leagues if I could--the Czech Extraliga, Slovak Extraliga, National League A, and DEL.

via en.khl.ru

KHL to Prague, MHL to Karlovy Vary

2012-03-30T18:41:23Z

http://www.iihf.com/en/home-of-hockey/news/news-singleview/recap/6557.html?tx_ttnews%5BbackPid%5D=187&cHash=033f9d887d

KHL is moving to Prague for next season and bringing an MHL team to Karlovy Vary. I think both are positives for the Czech Republic. The MHL could be fantastic for development and keep more of the Czechs at home a little longer. The KHL can give so many Czechs playing in Europe a team to play for. I do wonder how 3 pro teams in Prague will work out though? Surprised it was allowed to happen to be honest. Still, I like the move.

http://www.iihf.com/en/home-of-hockey/news/news-singleview/recap/6557.html?tx_ttnews%5BbackPid%5D=187&cHash=033f9d887d

Letang Out with Possible Concussion

2012-03-05T14:39:12Z

By: Michelle

a contributing writer with Gold Star Games, your tailgating games company.

It seems as if Pittsburgh defenseman, Kris Letang, will be joining the ranks of Sidney Crosby, but not in a good way. Letang has been sidelined with a possible concussion. With his second possible concussion of the season, Letang is no stranger to rejoining Crosby on the sidelines.

Penguins’ head coach, Dan Bylsma has indicated that Letang has symptoms and will not be in the line-up on Saturday when the Pens take on Colorado. When the team returns from their road trip, Letang will be evaluated by concussion specialists in Pittsburgh.

This is the second time the Penguins may be losing Letang to a concussion this year. He was out with a concussion from November 26 to January 19th. Losing Letang again could be a major set-back for the Penguins, who have already played much of the year injury-stricken.

Earlier this week, Letang was checked into the end boards by Stars’ forward Vernon Fiddler has he went to play the puck behind the Penguin net half way through the first period. While turning to play the puck, Letang was clipped hard in the head by Stars’ forward, Eric Nystrom’s right arm.

Letang fell to the ice in visible discomfort and was helped to the locker room by his teammates and members of the Pittsburgh Penguins’ training staff.

Concussions seem to be a huge problem for the Pittsburgh Penguins this year. With game after game lost due to concussions, what do you think can be done about it?

By: Michelle

a contributing writer with Gold Star Games, your tailgating games company.

Letang fell to the ice in visible discomfort and was helped to the locker room by his teammates and members of the Pittsburgh Penguins’ training staff.

Concussions seem to be a huge problem for the Pittsburgh Penguins this year. With game after game lost due to concussions, what do you think can be done about it?

Exploring a Promotion and Relegation System for the NHL

2011-08-16T19:12:33Z

I originally posted this at Silver Seven, the Ottawa Senators blog on SB Nation. I re-posted this here since this is the blog for world hockey, and it may be interesting for some readers here. Enjoy.

Tanking. The worst thing to ever happen to the NHL since Alexandre Daigle. It actually brought Alex Daigle into the Ottawa Senators history books. The mere art of tanking makes me shiver. It's a form of losing, and losing, and more losing, e.g. Edmonton Oilers. Since the NHL introduced the lottery system rule of having the five-worst teams in the NHL made into "magic balls" and have a chance at grabbing the first overall pick in the Entry Draft, an possibly the next superstar.

I will admit, I at times was advocating the Sens to purposely lose games so they can get a better lottery position. When I think about it, it was totally wrong. The goal of an organization is to be successful, not to fail in professional games. Even if it will mean to lose a chance to get a Taylor Hall or a Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, creating a losing culture around your team only increases your chances of getting "second-hand losing", like the Florida Panthers and New York Islanders (sorry to any Isles and Cats fans out there). And since I'm also a huge soccer fan (EPL and La Liga, screw MLS), it got me thinking whether or not the National Hockey League could ever endure a promotion and relegation system like in Europe.

My first example will be the English Premier League. Now I know, and do know that everyone reading up to this point is saying "YOU CAN'T COMPARE THE EPL TO THE NHL, YOU DIMWIT.". I know, I know people. Two different specimens. But as a mad scientist, why not experiment and compare the results? So, the EPL has a system where its worst three teams are booted off to the lower league, the NPower Championship. The two best teams from the NPower Championship get promoted to the English Premier League, and teams ranked 3-6 that season participate in a playoff to decide the 3rd entrant into the EPL next season. Last season, Blackpool, Birmingham, and West Ham United all finished in the bottom three of the EPL, therefore relegated. They sucked during the season, so they should feel shame and should not participate in the best soccer league in the world next season. As you see, in Europe they are rewarding the best teams, not like in North America where we are in sense rewarding the worst teams because they get a shot at the 1st overall pick. In the NPower Championship last season, Queen's Park Rangers and Norwich City finished 1-2, while Swansea City won the promotion playoff to get the third spot. All three will play in the EPL this coming season. Great, right? The best teams in the "second division" of English soccer get rewarded for their hard work and determination, and get to play one level up next season. To mirror that, the Binghamton Senators won the Calder Cup this past season. Although it was great and all, what happened after? They still remain in the AHL, a league that still has work to do to attract the regular hockey nut.

Now, let's get away from soccer. Did you know the Swedish Elite League also has a P and R system, albeit quite different? There's the SEL of course, on top of Swedish hockey. Below it is the Allsvenkan. What happens is that ever year the two worst teams from the SEL, and the four best teams of the Allsvenkan play each other in a 10-round-robin called the Kvalserien in March and April. For example, Sodertajle SK and Modo Hockey were the two worst teams in the SEL in the last season, while Vaxjo Lakers HC, Rogle BK, Orebro HK, and Mora IK where the four best teams in the Allsvenkan in the past season. After, the best two teams out of the Kvalserien are promoted to the SEL for the next season, while the last four teams are relegated to the Allsvenkan for the next season. Vaxjo Lakers HC and Modo Hockey were the best two in the 2011 Kvalserien, therefore they were promoted while the rest were relegated. Confused already? Join the club.

But from what you can see in the examples, there are major difference between the NHL and the SEL or EPL. First off, the league that serves as the "second divison" of hockey in North America, the AHL, is mostly used as a development league. Each NHL team is affiliated with each AHL team. If we had promotion and relegation, we would have to change those affiliations every single season, therefore prospects and players on two-way contracts would have to move every season. Secondly, the huge major difference between the EPL and the NHL is that we have a draft, they don't. They get their players by buying them, most of the players that play on a team were drafted. So if we had promotion or relegation, how would the Draft Board go? Who would get the 1st pick? Those are questions too complicated, but I think I may be able to solve them.

To implement and promotion and relegation system, I would first off change the landscape of the hockey pyramid in North America. The NHL stays 1st, obviously. After, I combine the AHL and the ECHL into one, keeping it as the AHL. If we want teams after one season being promoted to the NHL, I would want markets that can support an NHL team. So teams like the Bingo Senators, although great, would be contracted under this plan. The teams that would be injected in the AHL would be markets that want a hockey team and can afford one, keeping teams like the Toronto Marlies, Hamilton Bulldogs, Oklahoma City Thunder, Connecticut Whale, Lake Erie Monsters, Charlotte Checkers, Chicago Wolves, Milwaukee Admirals, Houston Aeros, and the San Antonio Rampage. Add teams in Seattle, Portland (Oregon), Quebec City, Las Vegas, Kansas City, Brooklyn, Saskatoon, Indianapolis, Halifax, and a second team in Montreal. A 20-team league, perfect. What I would do after is create the NDHL, or the National Development Hockey League. This league would serve purposely to prospects and players who NHL teams look to develop. This would be the "third division" of North American Hockey. This is where teams like in Binghamton that were contracted from the AHL and ECHL would go. 30 teams would be in the NDHL. Teams with prospects in the NHL and the AHL make deals with the teams in the NDHL for prospects. As an example, the Sens decide David Rundblad needs conditioning in the NDHL. They send a memo to all 30 NDHL teams saying Rundblad is available for a some of money, a transfer if you may until Ottawa calls him up. The Hershey Bears come calling, and offer Bryan Murray $500,000 for Rundblad. Untill he is called up by the Sens, he plays with the Bears in the NDHL.

What happens every season if that the three worst teams in the NHL are relegated to the AHL, while the Calder Cup winners, the runner-up, and the winner of a tiebraker playoff between the two semi-finalists in the AHL are promoted to the NHL, and so on every season. So, this past season if a system like this were in place, the Edmonton Oilers, Colorado Avalanche, and the Florida Panthers would play in the AHL next season. This would suck, right? Not as much revenue as in the NHL, likely fact that attendance will drop, and fan interest will as well. So this would be a deterrent, an incentive if you may to make these clubs competitive so not only will they win a promotion spot to the NHL, but make sure they never go down to the AHL again, and eventually challenge for Lord Stanley.

What would happen with the Draft, you say? Well, it's simple. Involve the "new AHL" teams in the Draft now, and make it to 14 rounds. The first three overall picks go to the promoted sides. The next three picks go to the relegated sides. After those six, the 27 other teams in the NHL that did not get relegated go from worst to best. So the first round would have 33 picks, the second round 27 picks, all made from the other teams in the new AHL, and so on until the end of Round 14.

Now that may be all fantasy, and it will likely not happen in my lifetime. It's just a thing that if it can be implemented, league parity and overall competitiveness would be much, much stronger. It's very radical, and lots of hurdles need to be passed. When reading this all over again, I think this would also solve another issue, expansion and viability of hockey markets. Now all cities that "could" handle a professional hockey team get one, whether in the NHL or AHL. If they remain competitive and successful as an overall franchise and entity, then they could move up. Fans clamouring for a franchise in Quebec City get one in the new AHL, and now they are tested to see whether or not they can actually belong in the NHL. This kind of system benefits those who try, and throws a fist at those who don't. I'd love to see the day when the Florida Panthers challenge the Detroit Red Wings for organizational depth and success. It makes everyone battle, and the competition even that much fiercer. And at the end of the day, we say to tanking, the Tank it For Daigle, or the Tank it For Tavares, never again.

DO SPORT COMMENTATORS HAVE A BRAIN OR BACKBONE?

2011-05-27T03:10:46Z

Just finished watching the Memorial Cup game with the West (Kootenai Ice) defeating the (East) Owen Sound Attack.

First... all teams in this junior hockey national championship deserve a huge applaud for pretty much killing themselves for the past 7 or 8 months of serious banging, crashing, travelling by bus in frigid weather etc.

THE PROBLEM IS ... the crazy sports commentators who for some reason respond with "how they THINK local markets" may want them to respond. (HOMERS)

Doug McLean (finally got around to it) was the most factual of the panel of three... Kypryous. shame on you, and I don't even know the other guy... unbelievable post game comments!!

How do you guys spend the first 5 minutes or more after the game explaining "what a great job and team the Owen Sound guys are" when they lose 7-3!

I would suspect first you compliment the winning team and spend a few minutes immediately stating what they did to win, then spend a few minutes explaining your views on why the other team lost and then finish with facts about how hard the tournament and games are to win.

This week there seemed to be few comments about the back to back games Kootenai had after travelling the longest distance just to get to MIssissauga.

The players on these two teams know what happened and I bet they don't start whining to each other when they lose. There are no excuses in playoff sports. You win or you lose. Period. Any whining is done privately over a bunch of beer, lots of young ladies and... maybe a couple of fights or crazy antics.

The panel needs to revisit why they are earning good money to comment on games. I lost a lot of respect for Kypryous (yes, I probably spelled your name wrong... but I'm too lazy to check it and fix it). Honesty and Integrity boys! That's all people will remember you for.

OldBallz

Just finished watching the Memorial Cup game with the West (Kootenai Ice) defeating the (East) Owen Sound Attack.

THE PROBLEM IS ... the crazy sports commentators who for some reason respond with "how they THINK local markets" may want them to respond. (HOMERS)

Doug McLean (finally got around to it) was the most factual of the panel of three... Kypryous. shame on you, and I don't even know the other guy... unbelievable post game comments!!

How do you guys spend the first 5 minutes or more after the game explaining "what a great job and team the Owen Sound guys are" when they lose 7-3!

This week there seemed to be few comments about the back to back games Kootenai had after travelling the longest distance just to get to MIssissauga.

OldBallz

Viktor Fasth, is he the true Cinderella story?

2011-05-10T03:11:41Z

Maybe not, but this is a guy who has had a long and different journey.

Viktor Fasth, who is he? That was probably the words you were told by the common man on the streets of any random Swedish town if you mentioned the name before the spring of 2010. Those of us who follow the SEL closely and has an eye on the lower divisions probably answered, "He's that new goalie talent in Växjö Lakers who is said to be pretty good. The few who really knew ...Yeah, those smiles are probably really big today.

Maybe not, but this is a guy who has had a long and different journey.

The truth is that not many, even very few of those truly interested in hockey did know much about Viktor less than four years ago. I, and many of us who follow Swedish hockey thoroughly knew the fall of 2007 nothing more than that the second division team Lakers (Promoted to play in SEL 2011 / 12) had acquired a 25 year old goalkeeper who had done well in the third division.
At the season of 07/08 Viktor Fasth showed that the Lakers had not wasted their money with the statistics 2:25 GAA, SVS 92.6% in 30 games.

But, just as we previously did not know who Fasth was, we also didn´t know that he erlier on had problems with injuries. Problems that once again showed up and he was out more than a season before they found out what was wrong and could fix it. The result of that was that he played only nine games 08/09 and came back late in the season of 09/10 which was why he, now as 27 years old, was relatively unknown to most.

Then, all of a sudden, people started talking about Växjö's incredibly talented goalkeeper, where did he come from? I had not seen him play at that time, but when it happened, he would show that the talk about his exellence was in no way exaggerated. It was the last game of 09/10 season, AIK (Stockholm)- Växjö Lakers. If AIK won, they would be promoted to the SEL. The Lakers had already lost the chanse of promotion and were to continue play in the second division, it was a game of very little importance to them. The game became a fight between AIK and Viktor Fasth were the Stockholm-team ran over Växjö totally, they were playing in one zone throughout the whole game and hammered the poor Lakers-goalie, but Fasth turned them down every time. Until the last minute, when AIK finally was able to score and become a SEL team. The fans of AIK went crazy of joy and celebrated the win of course, but what I applauded and the thing that truelly impressed me was the tremendous performance of Viktor Fasth. It would later turn out that I was not alone in being impressed. Not long after that the GM of AIK signed Fasth and mentioned just that game as what finally made him decide to sign Viktor.

The season 2010/11 is about to start, Victor is now 28 years old and rookie in the SEL. Anyone who knows anything about hockey believes his new team AIK will end up last in the series because they have a weak squad, mainly in defense.They would have been absolutely right about that, if it were not for ... that's right, Viktor Fasth! He gave his team a chance to win every time he played. Not only did AIK reach the playoffs mainly because of him, he was also the single largest reason AIK knocked out reigning champions HV71 with 4-0 in the quarter finals.Unfortunately AIK lost 0-4 in the semifinals to the soon to be champions Färjestad, but still, Fasth played GAA 1.78, SVS 94.5% in the playoffs.

No wonder he won "Honken trophy." Best goalie of the Year and "The Golden Puck" MVP of the Year.
Soon to Be 29 y.o. He make his debut in Team Sweden and the journey continues

HIFK is your Finnish Champion!!

2011-04-18T19:07:17Z

After and exciting playoffs, HIFK swept the Espoo Blues today to take home their first championship since 1998. Each team had their hardships to reach the finals, but heading in HIFK was clearly the better team.

HIFK beat Jokerit in 7 games in a very exciting series before beating Lukko in 5 games.

Blues had a much harder time getting to the championship. They had to beat Karpat in a best of 3 series requiring overtime in their two wins. They then had to face the second best team in the league Assat, winning the series in 6 games. Their next series proved that the best team in the regular season may not always be the best team int he playoffs, as the 7 seed Blues shocked the number 1 seed JYP in 5 games.

It was a very exciting season for HIFK that saw Ville Peltonen return to his home team, the first outdoor Finnish ice hockey game, and Mikael Granlund not miss a beat after suffering a massive concussion in December. I just got this email from HIFK too (translated):

CHAMPIONSHIP IS OURS!

13 years of waiting has been rewarded!

Ville & frisky group of thieves to thank the fans throughout the season!
The atmosphere was incredible home in the hall!

Welcome to tomorrow 04/19/2011 at 18
Stadium championship party!

Can't wait to break out my HIFK Granlund gamer to celebrate!!!

HIFK beat Jokerit in 7 games in a very exciting series before beating Lukko in 5 games.

CHAMPIONSHIP IS OURS!

13 years of waiting has been rewarded!

Ville & frisky group of thieves to thank the fans throughout the season!
The atmosphere was incredible home in the hall!

Welcome to tomorrow 04/19/2011 at 18
Stadium championship party!

Can't wait to break out my HIFK Granlund gamer to celebrate!!!

New York Islanders withhold Frans Nielsen from 2011 IIHF World Championship

2011-04-08T20:12:38Z

New York Islanders GM Garth Snow has announced that center Frans Nielsen will not be given permission to participate for the Danish national ice hockey team in the 2011 World Championships due to the lingering effects he sustained from a check against the boards by New York Rangers winger Marian Gaborik. Nielsen's injury is the latest in a slew of injuries, which has plagued the Danish team and include other important players such as Ottawa Senators winger Peter Regin, Dallas Stars defenseman Philip Larsen, as well as local defensemen such as Mads Bech, Jesper Duus and retired captain Jesper Damgaard.

After the jump will be a description and translation of Nielsen's statements to the Danish press.

Nielsen's primary reaction was one of heavy disappointment. The Danish national hockey team is a very closely knit group, which has fought very hard to gain recognition and respect in the world of international ice hockey, an endeavour in which Nielsen has played a key role. As a result, he could not help but feel as he was letting down the team with his absence, especially since he has missed tournaments in the past.

It kind of feels like I am letting down the guys. We would all like to play for country. So, you feel a bit like you are letting them down when you do not go there, given that we are not in the playoffs over here

He went on to point out that there is little love or respect for the tournament in North America, and that the Islanders are primarily concerned with looking out for their own agenda.

You just have to accept that that is the way it is. Unfortunately, I have missed a couple of World Championships. They do not really like the tournament over here. The Islanders, as an organisation, do not really think they get anything out of it.

I explained the situation with Denmark to them. That we are not as big of a hockey nation as the USA or Canada, where you can just bring in a new star if someone gets injured. We do not have a lot of players to choose from. As I feared, that is all they think about over here as well as what is best for the Islanders in the long term.

The Islanders are my employer and I respect that they want to protect their interests. Garth Snow does what is best for the club.That is his job. However, I am not going to hide the fhat it is a great disappointment to me not to be permitted go to the World Championships.

I expected it. I had seen it coming and expected that I would not be given permission. It does not come as a shock

Nielsen went on to elaborate how he is currently still suffering from the symptoms of his concussion..

Presently I am unable to play. I have been on the bike a few times and gotten my pulse up and I have gotten disease and headaches every time. As I have spoken with our General Manager and physician, concussions are not a matter to be trifled with, so obviously I will accept the decision

However, Nielsen further pointed out that Denmark does not play a game at the tournament until April 30th, at which point he expects to be fully recovered. Per Bäckman, the coach of the ream, refused to comment on the validity of the Islanders' decision and stressed that Nielsen's recovery was the most important issue.

The loss of Nielsen comes as a great loss to an already depleted Danish team, which has struggled in its last few games. As a result, the team will likely have to look to its goaltending heroes of the 2010 run Patrick Galbraith and Frederik Andersen to carry them through the tournament.

Jesper Damgaard Retires

2011-03-29T23:14:43Z

Danish defenseman and national team captain Jesper Damgaard has finally decided to hang up his skates prior to the 2011 World Championships. At 35 years of age, Damgaard played 256 games for the national team and took part in no less than 17 World Championship tournaments. He scored 45 goals and 69 assists and was a steady, veteran presence on the blueline. His 256 games for the national team and 17 World Championship tournaments are monikers that have earned him the affectionate nickname “The Record Man” in Denmark. The 17 World Championship tournaments are a tied world record and Damgaard was looking to claim it for himself in 2011 with his 18th tournament.

The following is a minor look at the career one of the great unsung heroes of international ice hockey and a major cog in the growth of Danish ice hockey. The quotes are taken from press releases as well as the Associated Press.

While Jesper Damgaard's career has won him much praise, it regrettably has also taken a heavy toll on his body. He suffered no less than 5 concussions, the latest of which was in October of last year, that has since kept him out for the season with the Malmö Red Hawks. Continued symptoms and the advice of several physicians finally convinced him it was time to go.

“It has been one of the toughest decisions I have ever had to make. There are still symptoms when I train really hard. And you have just got to make the call that it has got to stop. My retirement is definitive. I would have liked to play for another year but when you have been out for this long, it is the body’s way of saying it is at an end.

-Jesper Daamgaard

Damgaard’s career took him to Sweden, Germany and Switzerland, before he came back to enjoy a brief stint with Rødovre in his native country. After only a year, however, he went back to Malmö, the club that first traded for him from Herning back in 1993. Since then, he has always had strong ties to the country. It is there he now fittingly ends his career and looks to begin a new one.

I have had a career I did not dare to dream of when I went to Sweden 18 years ago. But there comes a time after hockey, and I have just started as an apprentice carpenter.

More than anyone else, Damgaard bore witness to the growth of Danish hockey and to the growth of the Danish national team to its current level. It was the development of a small closely knit group who would stay at low price motels, spend days in cheap bus coaches on their way to and from games and play in cheap tournaments, into the national team which now plays in the A-group at the IIHF World Championships and has beaten such ice hockey powers as Canada, the USA, Russia, Slovakia and Finland. For all its ups and downs, the national team could always rely on him and his consistency. Damgaard himself looked back at some of the ups and downs the team has been through throughout the last 2 decades.

I was there when things looked the worst. When we lost all eight games at the B-World Championships. And I was there when we moved up to the A-group and beat the US 5-3. The culmination of my career was probably last year where we met Sweden in the quarter finals at the World Championships. Especially since I have played there for 12-13 years.

The coach of the Danish national team, Per Bäckman offered these words for the veteran captain.

Jesper can be extremely proud of the great career he has had. He is a fantastic role model, not only on the ince, but also as a leader outside of it. He has helped lift Danish ice hockey to the level where it has at today, and he has made other player better. There are a few like him in the world of sports.

In recognition of his service and career, the Danish Ice Hockey Union has decided to formally retire Jesper Damgaard’s jersey number of 7. He will be sorely missed.

Thank you, Jesper, from all of us Danish hockey fans, few that we are, for all your years of service Even when things were tough and there seemed to be no end in sight, you never hesitated to lace up the skates and put on that red and white jersey. Even while there were those who laughed at you for doing so. Your perseverance, pride in representing your country and joy of playing will always remain an inspiration. May you enjoy your new career and good health.

Career statistics from Elite Prospects.

Interesting implications for the final 2 days of the Asian Winter Games

2011-02-03T00:16:26Z

Having just discovered this site, it is nice to see other international hockey nerds! The Asian Winter Games is a great way for Asian National teams to show themselves in a respectable manner before the IIHF World Championships, as the level of play across Asia varies vastly. Kazakhstan and Japan are the two favorites in the Mens Championship division (though I feel Kazakhstan should have an easy time being the only team to play in the premier World Championship pool in the last 5 years), though South Korea does benefit from playing Japan and Kazakhstan. The weakest teams do get some benefit from playing teams, but the talent level drops out considerably after the first three of five teams.

While that level of the tournament is easily watchable, I could care less about it. The Premier Division is where it is at. Created this year to prevent (bolded because this point will be revisited stay tuned!) lopsided scores such as Kazakhstan's 52-1 thrashing of Thailand 4 years ago, the event features Ice Hockey powerhouses such as The United Arab Emirates, Thailand, Malaysia, Kuwait (with recent IOC suspensions!), Mongolia, and two entirely new national teams of Bahrain and Kyrgyzstan. I know you are wondering how the UAE and Bahrain have Ice Hockey teams when they are in the desert, but let me remind you oil money can provide anything. Even Qatar was supposed to debut at this tournament, but they could not attend, like India.

The reason this tournament is "where it is at" because it gives young, emerging hockey nations a chance to play at a fair level, and could even have some nice rewards for some teams back home. Like Malaysia for example:

The probably biggest motivation to perform well was given to the Malaysian team, in a letter from the country’s highest sports authority.

“Bring back a medal and we will build an Olympic-sized ice hockey arena,” Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek, the Youth and Sports Minister of the country, issued in a statement published by state-run agency Bernama. “We are ready to help the sport and the ministry will do its part to help promote and develop the sport. It is not impossible to see the sport become a favourite among Malaysians one day.”

-Taken from The IIHF Website

Malaysia headed into the tournament as the favorite to take the Bronze Medal behind UAE and Thailand, but after 5 days of play Malaysia is tied for fourth with Mongolia. Kyrgyzstan has taken this tournament by surprise and ruthlessly dominated everyone they faced so far! Through five games they have scored 80 goals (an amazing 16 goals per game, wasn't this division created to prevent these types of scoring feats from happening?) and given up 19. Their Goals Against should be much lower, but Bahrain (who had scored 1 goal through four games) exploded for 10 goals in their match against the mighty Kyrgyz (who managed to score 15, in a highly defensive affair)! Thailand and UAE are currently tied for second with two games to play, and all four teams (Thailand, UAE, Malaysia, and Mongolia) all have an opportunity for a medal. What does this mean for each team, we'll find out after the jump.

The probably biggest motivation to perform well was given to the Malaysian team, in a letter from the country’s highest sports authority.

“Bring back a medal and we will build an Olympic-sized ice hockey arena,” Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek, the Youth and Sports Minister of the country, issued in a statement published by state-run agency Bernama. “We are ready to help the sport and the ministry will do its part to help promote and develop the sport. It is not impossible to see the sport become a favourite among Malaysians one day.”

-Taken from The IIHF Website

Thailand (currently in second after 4 games by goal differential) has games against Mongolia and UAE left. Mongolia has wins again Bahrain (so does everyone else except Kuwait) and Kuwait (Who doesn't have a win, but barely lost to Mongolia 3-2), so that looks like it will be an easy win for Thailand. That will give them 4 wins with a match with UAE to end the tournament. We'll see the implications of that match, when we get to UAE.

Mongolia (currently in 4th after 4 games based on goal differential) has games against Thailand and more importantly Malaysia. Mongolia needs to win both of these games if they want to win a medal, as UAE is strong, and so is Thailand. Mongolia looks to be out of the medal position, but winning one of these games will be a HUGE advancement for this country, because no one expected Kyrgyzstan to be this strong.

Malaysia (currently in 5th after 4 games based on goal differential) has games against United Arab Emirates and Mongolia to finish out their tournament. Now the game against UAE is possibly the biggest game of the tournament in terms of implications. Malaysia needs a medal to get their Olympic size rink (which just happens to be a component for a country to begin participating the IIHF World Championships, and with the next Challenge Cup of Asia in doubt) as well as more support from their government for Ice Hockey. If they don't beat UAE, then they can only end up with 3 wins (by beating Mongolia) tops, while both UAE and and Thailand will have 4 wins causing Malaysia to miss out on a medal. Which leads us to...

United Arab Emirates (currently in 3rd after 4 games based on goal differential) has games against Malaysia and Thailand. I just discussed how important the game against Malaysia is for both teams, but if UAE loses that game, they will be died with Malaysia with 3 wins with a game to play. This makes the game with Thailand that important, as Malaysia will have an easier game against Mongolia. Obviously, Mongolia can throw a wrench into everything, but having their own "miracle on ice" against Thailand, but we're assuming that, it won't happen. UAE can finish anywhere from second (Thailand loses their next two games) to fifth (they lose both their games, Mongolia beats Thailand, and the UAE loses both games by large amounts.)

Pretty much any spot from 2nd to 5th is up for grabs (as Kyrgyzstan has only lowly Kuwait left), and it will have big implications for each nation. UAE's program debuted at the 2009 Challenge cup of Asia and looks strong, Thailand is having a great tournament, Mongolia could be a dark horse, and Malaysia wants a new rink! For those of you who cannot locate any of these countries on a map, don't worry! I'm confident a Junior "C" Canadian team could beat them, but that's not the point. The point is to enjoy the future, now, and these budding hockey nations just show how our favorite sport has spread to every corner of the globe. Now we get to watch it grow. Should be a helluva two days starting February 4th!

EDIT: After the results of today, Kyrgyzstan clinched goal with a win over Kuwait, and Thailand and UAE beat Mongolia and Malaysia respectively 7-1. Thus tomorrows game of UAE-Thailand is for the silver and bronze medals, and the Malaysia-Mongolia match is for 4th place. Looks like Malaysia will not be getting and indoor Olympic sized rink. It a shame. What a strange tournament!

Boston Bruins vs Belfast Giants - a personal recap

2010-10-04T17:34:39Z

Well, that was an evening I don't think I'll ever forget. To have an NHL team, the team I watch online, the team with the most history in the NHL, that's certainly not something that comes to Ireland too often. But there I was, 20 rows from Milan Lucic, fan-favourite Zdeno Chara, Tyler Seguin, right within what was almost touching distance. Being a New Jersey Devils fan was put to one side, for just a game. Seeing an NHL team was a novelty that I am blessed to have just had, and an Eastern Conference rival could have my attention for just one night.

Right from the off, a very noisy Odyssey welcomed the stars of today's hockey world and soon realised that their very own Belfast Giants (with a few extras) were not far off the pace.

Much to even my own surprise, It was nice to see our goalie, Stevie Murphy make some timely saves and not give up any bad rebounds. He was inspired, and at only 5'9", from Dundee saving shots from the household names, brought that joyful smile to every Irishman's face.

However, don't let the sources you read think that the Bruins totally dominated this game; it's most definitely not the case. Belfast were more than able to keep up, more than able to dish a hit. Ok, the Bruins had more shots, and maybe more (power-play) chances but on the overall, it was only a lapse in concentration that led to goals. The same can be said for both teams.

From the start, it took the Bruins a few minutes to get used to the size of the ice, and it must be said, Mr. Chara doesn't look all that effective on a bigger rink.

The first 20 minutes was a period of attrition. The Bruins had the upper hand as it took the star-struck Belfast team time to get up to the pace of the game, and to actually get the lines and flow in order. You must remember that the team they were up against was a Belfast Select, so there was some teething issues for the first ten minutes. On an aside, there was one hilarious sequence where Belfast had 6 men on the ice for a good 30 seconds, and got away with it...

The shots that Tuukka Rask faced for the first period were few and far between, and none of the shots really had much venom on them, but of course the usual ooohhh's and ahhhhh's came from the Elite League dominated crowd.

During the first intermission, I looked over at my Dad and he gave me the look he usually gives when he has something prophetic to say, stating that he felt the Belfast team would be first on the board. Like all knowledgeable Dads, he was right. A total lack of concentration from, I think, Dennis Sidenburg, missed a puck at the point which led to a break down ice. Jade Galbraithe skated hard down the left, and with a right-handed shot, sniped Tuukka two inches under the crossbar. Take it from me, it was the pick of the goals of the night.

1-0 Belfast. The crowd, the noise, the semi state of shock around the arena; unforgettable. But there was my Dad again, letting me know that we've just awoken an NHL team.

Again, he was right.

The Belfastmen were on a high for the following 2 shifts(and who would deny them that), but unfortunately, they were unable to keep it together and took a pretty poor penalty, I think I recall it being a trip. Boston scored a scrappy goal, and the rookie Seguin(who looks a very handy player) got it, with the help of some bodies in front of net.

Just had I sat down in my seat and Boston had a second goal, this time Chara scores on a messy play around the net. From what I could see, the puck just about crept over the line. Then, a third goal before the end of the second period pretty much killed the game as a contest. Brad Marchand (who looked pretty good tonight) wristed a beautiful shot right over Murphy's shoulder making it 3-1 at the end of 2. Of course it had been scored due to a poor clearance out of the zone.

The Giants had their chances that period, with a few goal-mouth scrambles in front of the net but were unlucky not to convert. The beginning of the third they were on top and looking to get a goal back. Boston however weathered the storm, and had different ideas.

Milan Lucic picked up the puck in a very fortunate position in front of the net, and scored, beating a hung-out-to-dry Murphy to make it 4-1.

Late on, a dubious penalty shot was given to the Bruins, after Tyler Seguin (who was Boston's best player) broke from a turnover. To me, I didn't think he deserved a penalty shot, but the NHL referee had no qualms and pointed to the centre circle.

The first deke froze Murphy as Seguin faked forehand and slid the puck just inside the left post on his backhand; a silky penalty shot.

The last two minutes played out as though the Giants were the victors on the night. The capacity crowd were amazing.

To be fair, everybody won.

A big thank you must go to the NHL, Todd Kelman, and my Dad. Without any of them, tonight would not have been one of the most memorable of my life.

Thanks very much.

Vote for hockey in Belgium

2010-08-26T22:59:34Z

No, this isn't about politics, its' about hockey...

My club is involved in a contest where the big prize is a countrywide publicity campaign. We participate because if we win this thing, it will create good exposure and visibility for our favourite sports in Belgium. It's a bit a tough job to promote hockey over here, so that would be a great happening for us Belgian hockeyfans and a good push into the right direction. We have a rather small competition but we do work hard to get hockey in the picture, and to offer as much as possible practice & opportunities to our youngsters. Some of them are getting at really good international level. And it's big fun anyway.

We're backed by our federation and by some press, and I've sent out emails calling for support around the globe, I think to almost every club in Québec, France, Germany, the UK, FInland, Czech Republic, put messages on many forums all around Europe and indeed we get a lot of support. I've registered myself on message boards of almost every NHL team, & put my call on it. But still this doesn't seem to be enough to win this game.

To cut a long story short: the contest is a purely commercial thing but we have to go through it to achieve our goals.

The objective is that as many people as possible vote for us. Over 4,000 already did so, from almost everwhere in the world but I guess we need some 1,000 more doing the same. The contest stops on Aug 31, 16pm local time. Here's in brief how to proceed to vote correctly, it's a Dutch language website: first go to ours www.ihcl.be then click on the blue/white shower gel & deo brand logo on the start page, this leads directly to our picture. Then click "stem voor deze ploeg" (= "vote for this team") & fill out female (V) / male (M), email address & security code, & confirm with "stemmen" (= "vote"). If after that you just exit no spam follows (at least I didn't get any).

Feel free to post your comment at "reacties" just above our picture. It's always nice to know where our friends are from!

I would be very grateful to all of you who can help me boost this thing up.

PS nice to reads :

support from HockeyHebdo (French): http://www.hockeyhebdo.com/news-lecteurs--les-belges-ont-besoin-de-vous,8288.html and http://www.hockeyhebdo.com/interview-on-vote-pour-leuven,436.html

IIHF news on Belgian Championship outcome: http://www.iihf.com/home-of-hockey/news/news-singleview/article/golden-devils-and-chiefs.html?tx_ttnews%5BbackPid%5D=199&cHash=cdf88df4c7

Regards,

Bart De Keyser

Vice President, Public Relations

Ice Hockey Club Leuven Chiefs, Belgium

http://www.ihcl.be