http://www.fadoo.ca/ The Latest from The Home of Bob McCown en-ca info@fadoo.ca Copyright 2009 http://www.fadoo.ca/images/logo.png http://www.fadoo.ca/ http://www.fadoo.ca/blog/display/upon-further-review-841 http://www.fadoo.ca/blog/display/upon-further-review-841 u9yma5irpv http://www.fadoo.ca/comment/browse/841 http://www.fadoo.ca/comment/remote_add/841 (partingshot) MLB, Bud Selig, Jimmie Lee Solomon, Flat Earth Society (partingshot) — Contrary to popular belief, the Flat Earth Society is alive and kicking, as Major League Baseball general managers decided on Tuesday that the current system of instant replay is adequate. Cue the rolling of eyes and shaking of heads, let alone the angry masses with pitchforks and torches ready to descend on the New York offices of baseball.

Although the hue and cry for more video review was overwhelming in the wake of numerous blown calls by umpires during the postseason, the GM's felt it was too early to open the conversation and that maintaining the status quo was the best way forward. Instant replay will remain confined in 2010 to determining solely whether potential home runs are fair or foul or have cleared fences.

"I know there are some who have talked off line about the expansion of instant replay," said Jimmie Lee Solomon, executive vice president of baseball operations in the commissioner's office. "Right now, the commissioner doesn't see any reason to consider it."

Moreover, any changes to baseball's modus operandi would have to come from the commissioner's office, and Bud Selig has indicated time and again that he's against broadening the use of instant replay.

While there was discussion, Solomon said "it was all confined to the current instant replay system that we have."

With the decision by MLB to put off expanding instant replay for one season at the very least, this raises the question: which professional sport is the hardest to referee? What say you Fadoo?

1) Baseball

2) Basketball

3) Football

4) Hockey

5) Soccer

6) Tennis

GMs pass on expanding instant replay [The Associated Press]

]]> Wed, 11 Nov 2009 11:29:39 -0500 http://www.fadoo.ca/blog/display/kaberle-kruisin-840 http://www.fadoo.ca/blog/display/kaberle-kruisin-840 u9yma5irpv http://www.fadoo.ca/comment/browse/840 http://www.fadoo.ca/comment/remote_add/840 Randy Robles (randyrobles) Randy Robles (randyrobles) — Has anybody noticed that Tomas Kaberle has more points this season than Sidney Crosby? That's an amazing thing, isn't it? The Toronto blueliner reached the 20-point mark in the Leafs 16th game of the season. Only one Leafs d-men ever got to 20 points in fewer team games: the great Borje Salming in 1980 (14 games).

Kaberle has a mind-boggling 18 assists through Tuesday's game against the Wild. Prior to this season, he never had more than 9 assists through the first 16 games of a season. So the question is, how long can he keep up this offensive pace? If he stays healthy, can he score 80 points this season? How rare would that be? I can tell you that over the last 15 years, only one defensemen registered 80 points in a season - Nicklas Lidstrom in 2005-06. He had exactly 80 that season, en route to his fourth Norris Trophy. (He's won two more since then). And what about Leafs history? It's never been done. The closest a Toronto defenseman has come to scoring 80 points in a season? Ian Turnbull had 79 in 1976-77.

Kaberle has been a good soldier for the Leafs since he first stepped on the ice for the Blue and White in the fall of 1998. I remember during the 1999 playoffs thinking that someday the Leafs are going to win a Cup with this guy. That's not going to happen. But maybe we'll see him win the Norris. If he keeps up this offensive pace, he'll certainly be in the conversation.

]]> Wed, 11 Nov 2009 11:19:51 -0500 http://www.fadoo.ca/blog/display/coyotes-interested-in-chelios-839 http://www.fadoo.ca/blog/display/coyotes-interested-in-chelios-839 u9yma5irpv http://www.fadoo.ca/comment/browse/839 http://www.fadoo.ca/comment/remote_add/839 (rumours) NHL, Coyotes, AHL, Wolves, Chelios. (rumours) — Various sources yesterday reported Phoenix Coyotes general manager Don Maloney expressed interest in speaking with former Detroit Red Wings defenseman Chris Chelios, currently playing for the AHL's Chicago Wolves.

The Coyotes are short two defensemen with Ed Jovanovski and Zybnek Michalek currently sidelined by injuries. Maloney said he hadn't talked contract with Chelios yet.

SPECTOR'S TAKE: It's widely assumed Chelios will eventually make his way back onto an NHL roster at some point this season as injuries begin taking a toll upon some teams' respective defense corps. The question of course is if Chelios would be willing to play for Phoenix or would prefer a team closer to Chicago so he can remain near his family.

]]> Wed, 11 Nov 2009 11:17:22 -0500 http://www.fadoo.ca/blog/display/the-espn-story-838 http://www.fadoo.ca/blog/display/the-espn-story-838 u9yma5irpv http://www.fadoo.ca/comment/browse/838 http://www.fadoo.ca/comment/remote_add/838 (partingshot) ESPN, ESPN Myron Russell Real Sr., ESPN Montana Real Jr., LeaAnn Real (partingshot) — What's in a name, you might ask? Well, if you had some time to debate that point with the ol' British broadcaster, Shakespeare, he would certainly drop some pearls of wisdom on the topic. If, say, you were to ask Mississippi resident Myron Russell "Rusty" Real Sr., who happened to name his first-born son ESPN Montana, well he'd offer a much different explanation.

Right about now, there are three words running through most peoples' craniums "what," "the," and "hell," and typically in that order.

The world sometimes is a heartless place, apparently nowhere more so than in cyberspace, where some mean-spirited bloggers decided to have a field day with the Real's decision to name their bundle of joy, ESPN Montana. To offset the caustic comments and negative publicity, the Palace Casino bartender and part-time wrestler decided to change his name own to ESPN as well.

You might well be wondering, if this is a case of quick thinking on the proud papa's feet or years of careful scrutiny and contemplation when deciding on a name? Turns out his wife LeaAnn Real willingly deferred that honour to her husband.

"She shouldn't have left the door open," ESPN Real said. He had talked about doing it for years, but his wife didn't take him seriously.

"Whatever you say, honey," she'd tell him.

He was at a fantasy football draft when she called with the ultrasound results from her fifth pregnancy.

"There were 30 guys watching me cry," he said. "I got a boy."

For the curious in Fadoo Nation, Little ESPN Jr. will appear on the Today Show later this month in, you guessed it, a segment about weird and unusual names.

In a related bit of news, due to constant catcalls and bombardment of the Sportscenter theme song by classmates and peers during ESPN Jr.'s teenage years, prognosticators have pegged the odds at 5-2 that the Real progeny will change his name to one of Walmart, Versus or DirectTv.

ESPN -the toddler- to be featured on ‘Today' show [Sun Herald]

]]> Wed, 11 Nov 2009 09:28:04 -0500 http://www.fadoo.ca/blog/display/flames-shut-out-canadiens-837 http://www.fadoo.ca/blog/display/flames-shut-out-canadiens-837 u9yma5irpv http://www.fadoo.ca/comment/browse/837 http://www.fadoo.ca/comment/remote_add/837 Greg Hounslow (redmile) Montreal Canadiens, NHL, Hockey, Calgary Flames, Shutout Greg Hounslow (redmile) — The Calgary Flames had not won a game in Montreal in 9 years, but that changed tonight when Miikka Kiprusoff shut out the Habs for his first shutout and 10th win of the season. The Flames goaltender has been the team's best player for the past few games and made some spectacular saves to maintain the 1-0 win tonight.

Jarome Iginla scored the only goal of the game with 5:05 remaining in the first period. It was his 5th goal in 4 games, which gives him 9 on the season. Iginla, nicknamed "Mr. November" by some fans has a history of playing well in the second month of the season. He's leading the team on and off the ice and

The Canadiens have now lost 3 consecutive games on home ice and their fans are not too happy. They gave it a good effort tonight, so their fans have to recognize that much. It was also a very entertaining game to watch. In fact, tonight's game was one of the most exciting games I've seen between Calgary and Montreal since Game 6 of the 1989 Stanley Cup finals.

Sure that's setting the bar high, but this game was really that good. There were fights, hits and scoring chances galore. Both teams played with energy and tenacity, and never let up. The best 2 minutes of the game came while Brandon Prust and Maxime Lapierre were in the penalty box. The 2 minutes of 4-on-4 play that followed was unbelieveable! Both teams had 2 good scoring chances, including Scott Gomez who had a breakaway on Miikka Kiprusoff. Habs goalie Jaroslav Halak played awesome and kept his team in the game right to the end.

The notable player for the Flames tonight was Dion Phaneuf. He brought a physical presence to the game that is reminiscent of years past. He laid 2 solid hits on Habs players in the first and second periods and hit everything in green (yes, the Habs were wearing green!) pants.

The Flames look to extend their winning streak to 5 games when they visit Buffalo on Friday.

]]> Wed, 11 Nov 2009 01:29:50 -0500 http://www.fadoo.ca/blog/display/joe-mauer-is-moving-836 http://www.fadoo.ca/blog/display/joe-mauer-is-moving-836 u9yma5irpv http://www.fadoo.ca/comment/browse/836 http://www.fadoo.ca/comment/remote_add/836 (wtf) (wtf) — MOVING DAY: The Minnesota Twins are moving to their new ballpark next season, and like anything else packing up and moving takes a little coordination. Unless you throw out your back and make your pregnant wife do everything... not that that would ever REALLY happen! Anyways, the Twins are having a little fun with the move. Even going so far as to wrap Joe Mauer in bubble wrap. Maybe they should wrap him in a long-term deal?

CRAZY TRAIN-ING BRA?: Question, what happens when you cross Ozzy Osbourne with a self-obsessed, steroid-inducing wrestler? The answer, a guy who has trained his... ah, just watch the video.

AGASSI STANDS UP: Frankly, we are more than surprised at the attention Andre Agassi is getting for his admission to taking crystal meth in 1997. Former and current players have openly criticized Agassi for his, well, openness. But seriously, in an era where athletes are lying to Congress and the FBI about performance enhancers, why are we tearing down someone who stands up and admits a mistake? Either this is a commentary about the selfishness of professional tennis, or maybe there is just no compassion in sport anymore? Perhaps the Roger Clemens, Barry Bonds and Ben Johnson's of the world have used it up. Last weekend Agassi was interviewed on 60 Minutes and gave a stirring interview about his life and his struggles. Here is how he responded to the criticism from his peers.

And here is another dumbass comment from another tennis player, Marat Safin And here is the original comment by Martina Navratilova.

]]> Tue, 10 Nov 2009 20:32:06 -0500 http://www.fadoo.ca/blog/display/lest-we-forget-835 http://www.fadoo.ca/blog/display/lest-we-forget-835 u9yma5irpv http://www.fadoo.ca/comment/browse/835 http://www.fadoo.ca/comment/remote_add/835 Michael Szakszon (YukonSloMo) Canadian, Veterans, Canadian Armed Forces, Remembrance Day Michael Szakszon (YukonSloMo) — This isn't a platform by which we should stand on the pulpit and be preachy. That being said....it would be beneath me not to mention the efforts of our soldiers past and present. Having spent four years in the military in the 80's the experience was an indelible part of my life.

The folks that wear our uniform are the real heroes of this Country. Many of the soldiers during both World Wars sacrificed much and many paid the ultimate price for what we call freedom. They did what was right. Many generations since that time...have difficulty understanding that concept.

There are too many families in Canada that are affected by war. Even though our stength in numbers is not what it used to be...there are many that make the military a wonderful career. To those brave men and women I bow my head and thank you for your committment, dedication and loyality.So when you see a veteran, service man or service woman...walk up to them shake their hand and tell them thank you!

In this age of Pre-Madonna's and endless press conferences for meaningless things....shall we all take time to reflect...show our support and say thank you to those that have served and those that do today? After all, it is about doing what is right...isn't it?

]]> Tue, 10 Nov 2009 13:21:50 -0500 http://www.fadoo.ca/blog/display/are-columbus-blue-jackets-latest-nhl-cash-and-carry-team-834 http://www.fadoo.ca/blog/display/are-columbus-blue-jackets-latest-nhl-cash-and-carry-team-834 u9yma5irpv http://www.fadoo.ca/comment/browse/834 http://www.fadoo.ca/comment/remote_add/834 (partingshot) NHL, Gary Bettman, Columbus Blue Jackets, Phoenix Coyotes, James P. McConnell, Mike Priest (partingshot) — While Gary Bettman might feel vindicated by an Arizona Bankruptcy Court's decision to accept the NHL's offer to buy back the Phoenix Coyotes franchise, and despite his steadfast belief in the southern U.S. footprint, smoke signals of teams in financial trouble continue to billow out onto the horizon. The most recent and potentially distressing news suggests that the owner of the Columbus Blue Jackets, a franchise that is said to be losing upwards of $12 million a season, would consider selling the hockey club.

Allegedly, majority owner John P. McConnell is prepared to divest himself of the Blue Jackets if a solution to stem the clubs financial woes isn't identified. The Blue Jackets find themselves in a precarious position due to an onerous lease agreement with Nationwide Arena, a privately financed facility, and have been making noises about a public hand-out.

"I have full confidence that we have the support it takes in this town to find a solution," Blue Jackets President Mike Priest said. "The players who need to come together are going to come together to find a solution.

"But having said that there are no guarantees."

The Columbus Dispatch report also cites unnamed hockey sources that indicate a growing concern over the Midwest team and other NHL markets.

NHL sources say at least three clubs, and perhaps as many as six, are in worse financial shape than the Blue Jackets.

It would cost Jackets to leave [The Columbus Dispatch]

]]> Tue, 10 Nov 2009 12:44:52 -0500 http://www.fadoo.ca/blog/display/liner-notes-reveals-those-three-little-words-833 http://www.fadoo.ca/blog/display/liner-notes-reveals-those-three-little-words-833 u9yma5irpv http://www.fadoo.ca/comment/browse/833 http://www.fadoo.ca/comment/remote_add/833 (partingshot) NHL, Ottawa Senators, Mike Fisher, Carrie Underwood (partingshot) — With apologies to one Gordon Sumner, for the unacquainted Sting from The Police, country singer and songwriter Carrie Underwood has produced the music industry version of a love "Message in a Bottle." The former American Idol winner has revealed in her just-released CD Play On her affection for Ottawa Senators forward Mike Fisher.

"You are the most amazing addition to my life!" the notes carry on. "You are such a wonderful person and have had such an amazing hand in the building of this album and in the growth of me as a person. I love you so much. You make my life better in every way! I thank God for you every day ... xoxo, Carrie."

The gritty Sens centre and the charming chanteuse have been an item, albeit under wraps for some time, and have played down their relationship from prying eyes. Clearly, the Sens glue guy and fan favourite draws a big assist from Underwood for his part in the making of the record. Now if he can bottle his off-ice influence into a prolonged playoff run in Kanata, On he'll be well on his way to capturing a spot in the hearts of Senators fans.

XOXO: Carrie Underwood's musical message to Mike Fisher [Ottawa Citizen]

]]> Tue, 10 Nov 2009 09:35:13 -0500 http://www.fadoo.ca/blog/display/nylander-on-his-way-out-of-washington-832 http://www.fadoo.ca/blog/display/nylander-on-his-way-out-of-washington-832 u9yma5irpv http://www.fadoo.ca/comment/browse/832 http://www.fadoo.ca/comment/remote_add/832 (rumours) NHL, KHL, Nylander (rumours) — The Washington Post reported Monday evening two sources claimed Capitals center Michael Nylander is believed considering an offer from a KHL team, believed to be Dynamo Minsk.

Nylander hasn't played in a single game for the Capitals this season and cleared waivers at noon on Monday. General manager George McPhee said he hoped to have more comment on Nylander's status later today, leading to speculation the club might have a deal in place to possibly move him.

SPECTOR'S TAKE: Nylander's no-movement clause and $4.875 million per season salary makes him a tough sell. His best bet to continue playing might be to agree to be loaned to a European team. Hopefully McPhee will be able to shed more light on Nylander's situation later today.

]]> Tue, 10 Nov 2009 09:17:43 -0500 http://www.fadoo.ca/blog/display/old-guard-sens-still-driving-force-on-offence-831 http://www.fadoo.ca/blog/display/old-guard-sens-still-driving-force-on-offence-831 u9yma5irpv http://www.fadoo.ca/comment/browse/831 http://www.fadoo.ca/comment/remote_add/831 Ben Myers (sensarmy) Ben Myers (sensarmy) — When Dany Heatley left Ottawa, it seemed that we were trading one asset (or ass-hat, in this case) and getting two in return. Plus, the signing of Alex Kovalev was meant to add another aspect to the Sens game. Well we're now 14 games into the season and a couple aspects of the trade have turned out well, while others have gone to complete shit.

Milan Michalek is on pace for his best NHL season, scoring 40 goals and 58 points (I love TSN.ca's on-pace stat), but Jonathan Cheechoo have proven all of his doubters correct with only 2 points so far this season. Some nights, he barely sees the ice, and other nights, it seems like he can barely skate.

Kovalev has, so far, lived up to his billing as a streaky scorer. Undoubtedly, he has crazy moves--but little results to show for them. Despite some fancy playmaking with Jason Spezza, Kovalev has not, in my view, lived up to my optimistic expectations.

But the real question is: Are these elements adding up to wins?

It's difficult to make the argument that the Senators would be better off without Michalek and Kovalev, but it's the Senators' old guard that has been the major contributors to the Sens moderate success so far this season.

Daniel Alfredsson is having another outstanding season, and with Spezza, are again the driving force that wills the team towards wins. Unexpectedly, it's Mike Fisher that has been the x-factor in many games this season--he's already got half as many goals as _all of last year_.

The Sens just need a couple more players to have above-average seasons in order to ensure themselves a playoff spot. That means Nick Foligno contributing more offence on the third line, and Cheechoo at least hitting 15 goals this year.

It's no secret that it takes a whole-team effort to make the playoffs in the NHL, and if even two lines contribute the offence, the third still has to make its contribution.

PS: I saw my first instance of someone calling Pascal Leclaire 'inconsistent' today. Does that make him a good goalie that sometimes plays poorly, or a bad goalie that make the occasional incredible save? I hope it's the former.

For more Ottawa Senators stories, visit: Sens Army Blog ]]> Mon, 09 Nov 2009 19:18:47 -0500 http://www.fadoo.ca/blog/display/maple-leaf-history-oh-captain-my-captain-830 http://www.fadoo.ca/blog/display/maple-leaf-history-oh-captain-my-captain-830 u9yma5irpv http://www.fadoo.ca/comment/browse/830 http://www.fadoo.ca/comment/remote_add/830 Eric Prime (prime) Eric Prime (prime) — As the Leafs have shown over the pass two seasons, finding a captain is no easy matter.

Fade to NHL draft day, June 28th 1994: Cliff Fletcher stunned the city of Toronto by trading Wendel Clark to the Quebec Nordiques. The Leafs shipped Clark, along with Sylvain Lefebvre and prospect Landon Wilson to French Canada in exchange for Mats Sundin, defenseman Garth Butcher and forward Todd Warriner. The two teams also exchanged first-round draft choices; the Leafs received the 10th pick in return for the Nordiques 26th.

Reactions to the deal ranged from praise to laughter. Some roasted Fletcher for trading away the heart and soul of the Leaf team – Clark had just come off his best NHL season, scoring 46 goals. Others, such as Toronto Star writer Bob Mackenzie (then with a full head of hair) applauded Fletcher's move:

"[He] took a competitive Leaf roster, which was clearly living on borrowed time, and in one dramatic swoop overhauled it to make it much younger and infinitely more promising."

Hockey Night in Canada's Donald S. Cherry was at the other end of the spectrum.

"You're kidding me," said Cherry, when The Star broke the news to him. "This isn't April 1. This has got to be April 1. This is a joke. I hope somebody's kidding me that you would trade Clark for Mats Sundin."

Even Fletcher claimed he was unsure of himself until the last moment.

"I was very apprehensive," said Fletcher, following the draft. "There were a lot of sleepless nights. I didn't decide until 3 a.m. [yesterday], and I finally made the deal at 6:15 [p.m.]."

The Leaf players were emotional about losing their captain. When interviewed, personal relationships were brought to the fore.

"No way," said Peter Zezel, a close friend of Clark's, who was nearly speechless. "I'm shocked. He's a great friend of mine and I'm shocked. I'm sure that Wendel's going to be shocked."

"Wow. Unbelievable," said Bill Berg. "I'm really sort of numb right now. To lose two guys off your team like that. I'm a little upset because in the time I've been here Wendel and Sly have made me feel so at home. When you think of the Maple Leafs, you think of Wendel Clark."

Doug Gilmour, the next candidate to captain the blue and white, was on the fence in his reaction.

"I'm sure it's a shock to everybody because Wendel has been here so long," said Gilmour, while on the golf course the next day. "Obviously we're trying to improve our hockey club. Wendel has been a big part of that club and Sylvain Lefebvre, too. But they've made a trade they believe will be for the better."

The Leafs had just made it to the Conference Final for the second straight year. So why, asked Fletcher's doubters, would you trade away your captain?

The Leaf coach at the time, Pat Burns, shed some light on the matter.

"Hockey is hockey and you've got to try and make the team better," Burns said. "It's going to be tough at first. I know there'll be some negative reaction but there's going to be positive reaction, too.

"We've strengthened our club down the middle."

And finally, there was the opinion of the man who made the move.

"I admire and respect what Wendel Clark has done for the Leafs," said Fletcher. "But Mats Sundin is only 23 years old. It will be a great transition in three or four years when Doug Gilmour is not there anymore.

"Mats will be an impact player for the next 10 years."

Wrong on that one Cliff – Sundin played 14 years in Toronto following the deal (minus a lock-out or two) and was going strong until the end.

Just over a month after the draft when the initial emotions had subsided, Fletcher put a little more reasoning behind his move.

"Our club will take on somewhat of a different look in that we won't be relying on one person, Doug Gilmour, to carry almost 100 per cent of the offensive load on his shoulders.

"We were only a .500 team during the playoffs."

Oh, to have the opportunity to be "only a .500 team" in the playoffs…

Fast-forward 15 and a half years and Fletcher's back in the fold. Can they recreate the past and bring in a prospect that will one day wear the "C"? Only time will tell.

]]> Mon, 09 Nov 2009 17:51:14 -0500 http://www.fadoo.ca/blog/display/hippocratic-oaf-the-double-standards-of-hockeys-code-829 http://www.fadoo.ca/blog/display/hippocratic-oaf-the-double-standards-of-hockeys-code-829 u9yma5irpv http://www.fadoo.ca/comment/browse/829 http://www.fadoo.ca/comment/remote_add/829 Michael Fedor (fedor) Michael Fedor (fedor) — Last season, I ranted and raved to my "Washington Insiders" and anyone else who would listen when Alexander Ovechkin's antics on the ice were proven to be reckless. I believed myself justified when the highlights of Ovechkin's heavy hits on the rival Penguins in last year's playoffs and others should warrant a heavy suspension if not permanent pink slip from the privilege of a hockey career.

But instead of agreeing with me, Ovechkin's fans chose to put their collective heads in the sand as their response of dismissively supporting his behavior claiming, "He's an exuberant player";"He's high energy". That only infuriated me more. But it is all in the past now. Time to move on.

Last week, I dialed up the FAN 590 website when the featured article was about Mr. Fanelli's unfortunate accident while including the name of Fanelli's assailant. "Mike Liambas," I thought. "Where have I heard that name before? Oh, crud! He's an Erie Otter." Once again, the battle lines were drawn and the fans of hockey were again divided in support of team colors.

I go to Erie, Pennsylvania a lot and have supported the team from a fans perspective. Despite the economic hardships of the Northwestern Pennsylvania panhandle, I still see the hockey fans loyally showing up supporting the team. But as the regular season ticket holders toss up the plush Otter toys in the air, do they have a right to speak up for a player that has now been unfairly demonized by both the CHL suspension and hockey's rabble rousing anti-violence torchbearers?

Okay, so the gauntlet has been thrown down and I find myself on the opposite side of the argument where once I was so quick to judge Ovechkin's perceived lack of sportsmanship and morals for another player who wears a jersey that I like who by comparison plays a similar aggressive style.

How can the Otter fans show support for their player and not condone the hard hit? Should the fans turn their back to Liambas? Is there any loyalty owed to the player that the Otters fans cheered for during his young career? What if the Otter fans got together and tried to boost and repair Mike Liambas' damaged reputation? Can they do it without condoning his actions?

While I, too, am struggling to tiptoe the line of journalistic integrity with hot-button issues like this one, the FAN 590 panel of experts were quick to judge Mike Liambas making him a villainous poster boy for the bleeding hearts. They aren't stupid, they know their audience's bias leans towards that agenda. Yet, no criticism was heard from them at this similar enthusiasm when a similar styled hit was used by NHL superstar Alex Ovechkin.

The first step in fixing the issue of player safety comes not at legislation, suspension, or diligent enforcement of the rules, but at the recognition of the hypocrisies of being a hockey fan. The realization that dirty hits occur by anyone and that no one is immune to punishment will open up a true olive branch of negotiations for future player safety.

]]> Mon, 09 Nov 2009 16:35:49 -0500 http://www.fadoo.ca/blog/display/an-olympic-sized-doping-tale-828 http://www.fadoo.ca/blog/display/an-olympic-sized-doping-tale-828 u9yma5irpv http://www.fadoo.ca/comment/browse/828 http://www.fadoo.ca/comment/remote_add/828 (partingshot) IOC, Montreal, 1976 Summer Games, Nadia Comenci, East German police, Gary Bruce, St. Lawrence River (partingshot) — While the 1976 Montreal Olympics will best be remembered as the Games which launched a tiny, "perfect" Romanian gymnast Nadia Comaneci onto the world's stage, on Canadian soil the XXI Olympiad was judged to be a financial albatross and a minor athletic setback. Turns out there was more than just cost over-runs left behind, recently unearthed documents suggest East German officials discarded performance-enhancing drugs and drug paraphernalia in the St. Lawrence River.

A chance discovery in the Berlin archives of the notorious Stasi, the East German secret police, led University of Waterloo history professor Gary Bruce to a 95-page file on the spy service's operations at the Montreal Games.

A Stasi officer's final report on the Games contains an apparently none-too-subtle reference to the drug program under the subheading Destruction of the Rest of the Special Medicine, noting: "About 10 suitcases of medical packaging, needles, tubular instruments, etc. were sunk in the St. Lawrence River."

Quebecer's fishing the waterways of the St. Lawrence River can be excused if they're unable to land small, yet extremely powerful bass and muskies.

Stasi dumped syringes, serum in '76 Montreal Olympics [The Canadian Press]

]]> Mon, 09 Nov 2009 14:49:29 -0500 http://www.fadoo.ca/blog/display/saints-going-to-the-super-bowl-the-numbers-dont-lie-827 http://www.fadoo.ca/blog/display/saints-going-to-the-super-bowl-the-numbers-dont-lie-827 u9yma5irpv http://www.fadoo.ca/comment/browse/827 http://www.fadoo.ca/comment/remote_add/827 Randy Robles (randyrobles) Randy Robles (randyrobles) — I got a text from my old pal Lidro from St.Catharines last week. He said we should start making plans to go to New Orleans for the NFC Championship Game. Lidro loves the Saints and he loves New Orleans, so I chuckled to myself at his optimism. But maybe Lidro is smarter that he looks. I did a little investigating, and here's what I found:

* In the era of the 16-game NFL season, a total of ten teams have completed the first half of a season with a perfect record. Seven of those ten teams reached the Super Bowl (1984 Dolphins, 1985 Bears, 1990 Giants, 1991 Redskins, 1998 Broncos, 2006 Colts, and the 2007 Patriots).

Five of those teams went on to win the Super Bowl. The exceptions being Marino's Dolphins and the "18-1" Patriots of 2007.

So Lidro, start resting your liver and stock up on beads. Bourbon Street, here we come. Who Dat Say Dey Gonna Beat Dem Saints? Nooooooooooooooobody.

]]> Mon, 09 Nov 2009 11:14:30 -0500 http://www.fadoo.ca/blog/display/legace-to-the-hurricanes-826 http://www.fadoo.ca/blog/display/legace-to-the-hurricanes-826 u9yma5irpv http://www.fadoo.ca/comment/browse/826 http://www.fadoo.ca/comment/remote_add/826 (rumours) Hurricanes, Legace, Ward, NHL, AHL (rumours) — In the wake of the Carolina Hurricanes losing starting goalie Cam Ward for three-four weeks to injury Chip Alexander of the Raleigh News and Observers suggested the "best bet" for a short-term replacement could be former St. Louis Blues netminder Manny Legace, who's currently playing for the AHL's Chicago Wolves.

SPECTOR'S TAKE: Legace is about the best available option of those goalies remaining in the UFA market. Manny Fernandez is healing a back injury and believed considering retirement, Curtis Joseph is too old and Kevin Weekes appeared settled into his gig as a hockey analyst on TV. A trade is possible but there isn't much available for the Hurricanes in that regard. The Canadiens aren't going to move either Carey Price or Jaroslav Halak and the Islanders won't trade Martin Biron until Rick DiPietro is back in the lineup, which appears at least two weeks away.

]]> Mon, 09 Nov 2009 09:57:59 -0500 http://www.fadoo.ca/blog/display/hargrove-knows-the-score-resigns-from-nhlpa-825 http://www.fadoo.ca/blog/display/hargrove-knows-the-score-resigns-from-nhlpa-825 u9yma5irpv http://www.fadoo.ca/comment/browse/825 http://www.fadoo.ca/comment/remote_add/825 (partingshot) NHLPA, Buzz Hargrove (partingshot) — Like an episode of The X Files, the search for the truth has never come at such a price in the annals of professional hockey as another member of the NHLPA executive committee submitted their resignation. Buzz Hargrove has decided to walk away from the Players Association and his post as interim ombudsman before a conference call on Sunday to deliberate leadership issues and the growing void at the Bay Street Offices.

"After much reflection I have come to the conclusion that under the current circumstances at the NHLPA that I cannot perform the duties of ombudsman as outlined in the NHLPA constitution. Therefore I am resigning as interim ombudsman effective immediately," Hargrove said in a statement.

Another conference call, another victim.

Although, it should be noted that this announcement doesn't come as a great surprise, as Hargrove was a central figure in the Chicago coup orchestrated by Ian Penny, that led to the ouster of former Executive Director Paul Kelly on August 31.

The union is in tatters, the players are divided, and now with Hargrove's email resignation there is effectively no one is running the show.

The scorched earth philosophy to uncover the unvarnished truth has effectively paralysed the PA at a time when players need to rewrite their constitution and, all the while, searching for a new Executive Director. Like the vast majority of hockey fans, Parting Shots wants to believe there is a way out of this mess. Where are FBI agents Mulder and Scully when you really need them?

[Buzz Hargrove resignation email]

After much reflection I have come to the conclusion that under the current circumstances at the NHLPA that I can not perform the duties of Ombudsman as outlined in the NHLPA constitution. Therefore I am resigning as interim ombudsman effective immediately.

I served on the Advisory board for five months from Oct 1, 2008 to the end of Feb 2009. I accepted the role of interim ombudsman starting March 1, 2009 until today Nov 8, 2009. I enjoyed working with some of North America most distinguished people in their field during my time on the Advisory board.

They collectively represented over 100 years of labour experience and over 100 years of business experience, along with two very distinguished former hockey players who spent many years active in the NHLPA adding to the labour experience available to the leadership of the NHLPA through the advisory board. I found them to be men of great integrity and were committed to working on behalf of the membership of the NHLPA.

Serving as interim ombudsman allowed me the opportunity to work with the Divisional Player Representatives all former hockey players and long time NHLPA activists. They as well are totally committed to serving the membership of the NHLPA.

I found them to be men of integrity who took their opportunity and responsibilities to serve the members very seriously.

The many office staff that I have had the privilege of working with and getting to know are of the highest caliber of expertise I have come across in my years of experience working with international corporations and unions across North America. They are totally committed to the players and work long hours to ensure the players' interests are promoted and protected. Their hard work, courage and integrity are to be admired and respected.

Finally, I have enjoyed this short opportunity to meet and get to know at least some of the members of the executive. The nature of the role of the ombudsman means that at times some of the NHLPA leadership, staff, DPRS and executive board members will strongly disagree with some of the issues that the ombudsman will highlight in reports to the executive board. Some will even question the role of the ombudsman or the need to have an ombudsman. This is expected and I believe is healthy for the NHLPA. I believe the ombudsman role is critical to the building of a strong, collective united union lead by people of integrity and committed to representing the best interest of the executive board and membership of the NHLPA.

In spite of some disagreements on issues with some of the executive board as well as disagreements with some advisory board members and staff, I have worked to try and strengthen the NHLPA.

I have come to the conclusion that I cannot under the current situation be effective in the role of the ombudsman or assist the leadership in building unity and solidarity that is necessary to move the NHLPA into the future.

In spite of the fact I will no longer be with the NHLPA, I will cooperate fully with any review approved by the executive board of my conduct during my thirteen months with the NHLPA.

I thank you all for the opportunity to serve and wish you every success for the future.

In Solidarity,

Buzz Hargrove

Source: National Post

Hargrove quits NHLPA [The Globe and Mail]

Hargrove explains his reasons for NHLPA exit [National Post]

]]> Mon, 09 Nov 2009 08:56:48 -0500 http://www.fadoo.ca/blog/display/cherrys-shot-with-assist-by-maclean-823 http://www.fadoo.ca/blog/display/cherrys-shot-with-assist-by-maclean-823 u9yma5irpv http://www.fadoo.ca/comment/browse/823 http://www.fadoo.ca/comment/remote_add/823 William Houston (whouston) NHL, CBC, Hockey Night in Canada, Don Cherry, Ron MacLean William Houston (whouston) — Obviously, things have been kind of dull in Don Cherry's world, because he decided to light a firecracker — or was it a stink bomb? – on Hockey Night In Canada.

When host Ron MacLean asked him on Saturday why the New Jersey Devils were the only undefeated NHL team on the road this season, Cherry said, "Check how many Europeans are on the team."

Knowing how much Cherry admires Europeans, we went to the NHL Guide expecting to find 10 or 12 them playing for the Devils, hence Cherry's alluding to the positive European influence on the road warriors from New Jersey.

We're kidding, of course. There are only four or five Europeans on the Devils. This was Cherry's way of ridiculing them by saying the fewer number you have on your roster the better the team will do in the enemy territory of the other team's arena. It's a subtle way of saying Europeans lack courage and toughness, but, of course, we've heard that before from Cherry.

As for MacLean, he knew what Cherry was going to say, which is why he raised the subject – to hear Cherry put down Europeans and then be able to snicker about it, because it was Don doing the talking and sticking his neck out, and not him. It was silly and juvenile, but that's a big part of MacLean's stock and trade.

I don't know how European players feel about MacLean. I know many, perhaps most, dislike Cherry. They have no reason to feel differently about MacLean.

By the way, the Detroit Red Wings are loaded with Europeans. The Wings have about 10 right now, and they've done very well on the road. Remember, the Wings play outside their time zone in every Western Conference arena but two. They travel great distances, unlike the Devils, which play in a bus loop. In the past two years, the Wings have made two trips to the Stanley Cup final, winning one championship, and they had the best regular season record in 2007-08.

Shish Boom blah!

Two wins in a row is a mighty powerful tonic for what ails a homer in the Toronto media.

Nothing like two consecutive wins by the Toronto Maple Leafs to put a bounce in your step, get the juices flowing and give you all the ammunition you need to fire back at those dirty skeptics.

After all, this Leaf winning streak proves that GM Brian Burke's blueprint is golden. It also means the Leafs could — probably will — make the playoffs. And once they get to the playoffs, anything can happen, right? They could win the first round. That's not impossible. And, then they take it one game at a time. They get a few breaks, they the ride the Monster and count on Phil, who's a big part of The Blueprint, and before you can say, "Brian Knows Best," they're in the final and the other team's plane goes down, and, well, jeepers, it's a parade on Bay Street in June!

That said, Toronto Star columnist Damien Cox's excitement over the Leafs' progress is understandable. With Phil Kessel and the rookie goalie, Jonas Gustavsson, the Monster, in the lineup together, the team has greatly improved. If the two continue to perform at Saturday's level, the Leafs do have a shot at the playoffs. That, of course, is a significant if. The team still suffers from big defensive problems and, absent Kessel, the forwards are very average.

But Cox, in his Sunday column, was way too enthusiastic about the talent in the Leafs' development system. Nazem Kadri, who's back in junior hockey, played well at training camp and may be a star in the NHL someday. As for Viktor Stalberg, Tyler Bozak and Christian Hanson, they're not kids. They're 23, are not good enough to make the team, and, only one, Stalberg, looks to be a potential first line player.

For more blogs from William Houston, go to www.truthandrumours.net

]]> Mon, 09 Nov 2009 08:31:02 -0500 http://www.fadoo.ca/blog/display/nhl-must-get-off-head-shot-fence-822 http://www.fadoo.ca/blog/display/nhl-must-get-off-head-shot-fence-822 u9yma5irpv http://www.fadoo.ca/comment/browse/822 http://www.fadoo.ca/comment/remote_add/822 Ken Campbell (kcampbell) NHL Ken Campbell (kcampbell) — The NHL's public relations department has taken to hyping up next week's GMs meetings in a way they never have before, referring to the two-day clambake as a "Meeting of the Minds."

"The stewards of the NHL game come together Tuesday and Wednesday Nov. 10 and 11 at Toronto's Westin Harbour Castle," the release gushed, "to discuss the state of the game and perhaps plant the seeds for trade talks that might bear fruit later in the season."

Well then I, for one, can hardly wait for next Tuesday!

I'd probably be even more excited if I thought the GMs were going to seriously tackle some of the issues that so desperately need to be addressed, but if recent history is any indication, there doesn't seem to be much appetite for change among this group.

Let's take head shots for example. There simply is not a more pressing issue when it comes to the on-ice product than the alarming number of players who are getting hurt because of physical contact. The season-long suspension to Erie Otters forward Michael Liambas has highlighted the issue of reckless hits once again, but reaction from the hockey establishment has not exactly provided an endorsement for Ontario League commissioner David Branch's decision.

Every time these people meet, we hear there is absolutely no appetite to deal with this issue. Generally speaking, GMs feel that a head shot rule or any attempt to deal with reckless hits will take the physicality out of the game. But why does it have to be one or the other all the time with these guys?

To be sure, the issue deserves more attention than it has received because the Liambas hit on Ben Fanelli, which some would argue you see almost once a game, is not going anywhere. A season-long suspension to an overage player in a junior league isn't going to change that one bit, particularly at the NHL level where the stakes are enormously high and the difference between playing in the NHL and the minors will dictate whether or not a player can set himself up for life or have to continue working beyond his hockey-playing usefulness.

What I would like to see the GMs do is one of two things. Either declare unequivocally that the game is fine just as it is and that the hits we're seeing now are a necessary occupational hazard, or strike a committee consisting of a cross-section of GMs to seriously study the issue from every angle and be charged with reporting back to the GMs in the next six months with its recommendations.

If the league and those who run it want to keep things status quo and live with the consequences of players getting hurt, that's their prerogative and I have no doubt they'll act in what they think are the best interests of the game and players. But it's time for the most influential group of men in hockey to deal with this issue once and for all.

And while they're at it, they might want to discuss the ridiculous strategy of players having to fight every time they lay out their opponent with a clean hit. If you want to keep hitting in the game, then perhaps it would be wise to seriously penalize players who take umbrage with something that is part of the game.

Ken Campbell, author of the book Habs Heroes is a senior writer for The Hockey News and a regular contributor to THN.com. His blog appears Wednesdays and Fridays and his column, Campbell's Cuts, appears Mondays.

For more great profiles, news and views from the world of hockey, subscribe to The Hockey News magazine.

]]> Mon, 09 Nov 2009 00:07:30 -0500 http://www.fadoo.ca/blog/display/forsberg-not-a-risk-worth-taking-821 http://www.fadoo.ca/blog/display/forsberg-not-a-risk-worth-taking-821 u9yma5irpv http://www.fadoo.ca/comment/browse/821 http://www.fadoo.ca/comment/remote_add/821 Adam Proteau (aproteau) Peter Forsberg, NHL Adam Proteau (aproteau) — Remember that fantastic Dana Carvey character from Saturday Night Live? No, not ‘The Church Lady.' I'm talking about ‘The Grumpy Old Man,' who redefined the word "cantankerous" before John Tortorella provided the definitive redefinition a few years thereafter.

Carvey's character was satirizing the romanticizing of the past that, for many people, always accompanies the passage of time; indeed, for The Grumpy Old Man, no aspect of the modern world could ever compare to the glory days of his youth.

Why am I bringing this up?

Because Peter Forsberg's hockey career appears to be enjoying yet another fist-through-the-dirt episode a la the classic horror film Carrie.

Because, slowly but surely, the whispers of another NHL comeback from him are growing louder.

And mainly because I don't want any more NHL fan bases to suffer through another high-risk/low-reward saga that has been Forsberg's hallmark since 2006.

Prior to that, there was no doubt the Swede deserved to be recognized as one of the game's all-time greats. He was as fearless and fearsome as Eric Lindros, without the menacing physical frame (or the willingness to drive Bob Clarke to an early grave) of the man he once was traded for.

In terms of on-ice creativity and bred-in-the-bone determination, Forsberg had few peers. Anyone who watched him emerge as arguably the planet's most electrifying playmaker during his halcyon days in Colorado knows full well how much more dominant he would have been if he spent his 20s in today's more talent-friendly NHL.

Unfortunately, that kind of conjecture isn't worth the breath or brainwaves spent on it, because the reality is Forsberg's career arc peaked during a period where his opponents were permitted to do everything short of mace-ing and maiming him on the ice.

And his willingness to absorb huge amounts of punishment took a merciless toll on his 6-foot frame; if you check out his injury report – just since the turn of the century – you'd be forgiven for thinking you were looking at an entire expansion franchise's history of medical maladies.

I'm not contending he should be forced to retire once and for all. If Forsberg wants to continue to play in Sweden, or accept a king's ransom in Russian rubles by playing in the Kontinental League, he can do so for the next 10 years and I'd never utter a peep in protest.

However, any NHL franchise tempted to clear out cap space and a roster spot for him should be immediately audited for an outbreak of Mad ‘Now!' Disease – a virus many teams are infected with around trade deadline time, when GMs and owners become convinced they're just one key player away from a Stanley Cup championship run.

I don't know about you, but if I were a GM, I'd much rather see how a young player on my roster would perform in a highly-pressured post-season situation – and have him learn from it for subsequent Cup chases – than take a chance on a 36-year-old who has played only 144 NHL games since the 2004-05 lockout ended.

Ask the Nashville Predators if they still would trade away Ryan Parent, Scottie Upshall, a first round draft pick and a third-rounder for Forsberg, as they did in 2007. After they drop the standard platitudes about hindsight and 20/20, they'd have to admit the 22-game gamble wasn't worth it.

Forsberg's surname forever will be associated with on-ice brilliance. But only a Grumpy Old Man and his endless paeans to the past would assume there's a solid chance Forsberg's history will be repeated.

Adam Proteau, co-author of the book The Top 60 Since 1967 , is writer and columnist for The Hockey News and a regular contributor to THN.com.

His blog appears Mondays, his Ask Adam feature appears Fridays and his column, Screen Shots, appears Thursdays.

For more great profiles, news and views from the world of hockey, subscribe to The Hockey News magazine.

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