As much as I dislike pre-season polls in college football, I dislike on a much larger scale the talk of end-of-season awards twenty-five percent of the way through said season. There's a reason why the NHL (@NHL) awards their players at the END of the season. As much as Toronto would appreciate their own Phil Kessel winning the scoring title in November, I'm sure the likes of Ovechkin (@ovi8), Crosby and Corey Perry will possibly score more than sixteen goals by the time April comes around.
With that said, I would like to go ahead and just have the award for GM of the year shipped down to the Lone Star State now. Honestly, who has done as much with as little as he's had than Hall of Famer, Joe Nieuwendyk? Granted, he started his GM duties by letting the identity of the organization leave and sign a one year deal with the Red Wings, his starting goal tender to leave for Chicago and one of the best two-way forwards to ever lace up the skates to retire. Then, several attempts to move the high-priced, Brad Richards (@brichards_1991) failed and in July of 2011, Richards left in free agency to the "Blueshirts" in New York.
With the money saved, Nieuwendyk went out and signed Michael Ryder, fresh off a Stanley Cup run with Boston, gritty vets like Radek Dvorak and Vernon Fiddler. There's also a defenseman who according to the so-called experts who reside in Edmonton, was done playing in the league in Sheldon Souray (@SSouray). How great these signings were, there's one signing that will go relatively unnoticed in the grand scheme of things, no matter how well the team fares in the end.
In mid-October, the biggest spare of them all, Sean Avery (@imseanavery) was sent down to the AHL by the NY Rangers. This normally would have very little to do with the Dallas Stars (@dallasstars), however, because half of Avery's contract is being paid by Dallas through the end of this season, it took on greater importance. Because of his half of his salary going down to the AHL with him, though he was still being paid, the amount no longer counted against the salary cap (or floor in this case). With his salary no longer hitting the Star's books, the Stars fell below the salary floor and were "required to go pick someone up and spend money to get above the floor." So, Nieuwendyk went out and signed Eric Nystrom (@enystrom23). You talk about a change of scenery being key for a player, Nystrom has found something magical here in Dallas. Previously, his career high in scoring came in 2009-10 when he was with Calgary (team who drafted him 10th) when he netted 11 goals, 8 assists while playing all 82 games. This year, through 19 games, he's three goals and nine total points behind his best season. Let me rephrase that to make sure this is expressed properly: through a full season, 82 games, Nystrom scored 11 goals. Through 19 games, he has 8. In 2009-10, he scored a total of 19 points. He currently has 10 points, and he just played 25% of the season thus far.
Toss in the fact that he interacts with the fans through his twitter and even re-tweeted this spare's hockey blog, and you've got the making of a player who is destined to not only do great things for this organization, but to do them for a long time (I didn't realize he's just a kid at 28). They always say you have to do what you love. Of course these guys love what they do...and their contracts help their love as well, but you put someone in an area that they enjoy geographically in a system that suits their game and it seems to elevate their game. I know I have a tendency to ramble...A LOT, and today's entry is no different. I started with the GM resume of Joe Nieuwendyk, but today, the important thing I wanted to stress is that Eric Nystrom is just a bad ass. Never mind the fact that he'll drop some knuckles on a division foe as well. Number 24 (I think Wandell should give up his 23 to Nystrom...or get a twitter handle with 23, cause right now, it just makes more sense for Nys to have it) is just a great guy, and what I would do to have the opportunity to do an actual interview as opposed to just rambling my opinion. We, as an organization and a city are lucky to have him. ***Sigh*** I guess a small thanks should go to Sean Avery for being a moron is in order too.
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Reality (Cross) Check
Make no doubt about it, the Stars (@dallasstars) are taking way too many penalties. In what turned out to be an amazing night for the team and new owner Tom Gaglardi, a very dis concerning habit is starting to arise. When reviewing the players who are leading the team in minor penalties: Morrow, Souray (@SSouray) and Benn, along with someone you would think would be near the top of the penalty list, Steve Ott (@otter2nine) there are 59 penalties between the four. Of the 59, I focused on what I consider "out of position" penalties (hooking, interference, holding and tripping). The aforementioned players have taken a total of 26 "out of position" penalties. That's 44.1% of the 59 total. I'll give Sheldon Souray the benefit of the doubt being a defenseman...where it's more common to take those kinds of penalties, but out of his 16 counted penalties, seven of them were out of position, for a 45% clip. Otter...the aggressor has a total of 9 penalties, of which TWO are out of position sins. A minuscule 22.2% for Steve...now granted, he's got a fighting major and two misconducts...but it's Otter and that's why we love him.
The area that is most concerning is the captain and the one whom most would peg as his potential "C" replacement, Jamie Benn. Brenden leads the team with 20 penalties, of which I counted nine "out of position," for a percentage of 43.8%. THREE of them came during last night's victory against Edmonton and of the three, the second penalty, a hooking call, negated a Stars power play 10 seconds in. The future leader of the team, Benn has committed eight "out of position" penalties out of his total of 14, accounting for 57.1%!! Again, I am taking it easy on Benn because he's young, he's a fireball when he's on the ice which has a tendency to cause for a loss of emotions and position. Morrow, however, I'm not so easy on. Wearing the "C" is an incredible honor given to a singular person on the team...he's to set the tone...lead by example and be there to be the team's voice with the officials. Well, if you're voicing your concern to the refs from the penalty box, it's considered bitching. NHL (@NHL) referees don't like that. At. All. You can't lead by example when out of your 19-22 minutes of ice time, four to eight of those minutes are spent in solitary confinement.
I suppose one could make the case that with the new coach comes the new system to learn. But, I can't say I buy into that. Most of Morrow's "out of positions" have come since the five-game skid began against Pittsburgh. Besides, we're twenty games into the season. Almost 25% of the games have been played (sad way to think of it). I've watched this team practice with a fire and determination that was sorely missing late in the season last year. Gaglardi mentioned a plaque that hangs in his father's office that perhaps should make it's way to The Room: Excuses are for those who make them. Great win last night, boys. But we need to clean things up.
The area that is most concerning is the captain and the one whom most would peg as his potential "C" replacement, Jamie Benn. Brenden leads the team with 20 penalties, of which I counted nine "out of position," for a percentage of 43.8%. THREE of them came during last night's victory against Edmonton and of the three, the second penalty, a hooking call, negated a Stars power play 10 seconds in. The future leader of the team, Benn has committed eight "out of position" penalties out of his total of 14, accounting for 57.1%!! Again, I am taking it easy on Benn because he's young, he's a fireball when he's on the ice which has a tendency to cause for a loss of emotions and position. Morrow, however, I'm not so easy on. Wearing the "C" is an incredible honor given to a singular person on the team...he's to set the tone...lead by example and be there to be the team's voice with the officials. Well, if you're voicing your concern to the refs from the penalty box, it's considered bitching. NHL (@NHL) referees don't like that. At. All. You can't lead by example when out of your 19-22 minutes of ice time, four to eight of those minutes are spent in solitary confinement.
I suppose one could make the case that with the new coach comes the new system to learn. But, I can't say I buy into that. Most of Morrow's "out of positions" have come since the five-game skid began against Pittsburgh. Besides, we're twenty games into the season. Almost 25% of the games have been played (sad way to think of it). I've watched this team practice with a fire and determination that was sorely missing late in the season last year. Gaglardi mentioned a plaque that hangs in his father's office that perhaps should make it's way to The Room: Excuses are for those who make them. Great win last night, boys. But we need to clean things up.
Monday, November 21, 2011
New Era in Big D
Today marked the offical begining of the Tom Gaglardi (guh-LAR-dee) reign in Dallas as the Stars (@dallasstars) owner. It was a very moving press conference which saw the NHL (@NHL) commissioner, Gary Bettman in attendance. First, Gaglardi thanked the commissioner, the Dallas Stars staff and media for showing up to what he said was, "one of the best days of my life."
Many alumni from teams past which included Mike Modano (@9Modano), Brett Hull (@2ndBestHull) and Jere Lehtonen, who were acknowledged by Stars GM, Joe Nieuwendyk as "people who care about the organization," were present...perhaps eluding some kind of involvement with the team in some capacity. Mr. Gaglardi proceeded to say he couldn't believe the day has finally arrived in which he can finally get involved with the team and the community, as he acknowledged the patience of his wife, Brittney and the board of governors as the process took "longer than he thought." He also thanked the fans of Dallas, as he proudly proclaimed the "time of uncertainty is over."
He shared his philosophy that has made him a very successful business owner in Canada as "hire the best, support them and empower them." This is evident in his confidence in Joe Nieuwendyk as general manager and then (re)adding Jim Lites as the CEO and President of the team, referring to Lites as "an owner's dream." He said returning to the glory days will take some time, but it will happen, then referenced a plaque his father has hanging in his office that reads, "Excuses are for people who make them."
Tom's background stems from playing the sport since he was five years old, despite his mother hailing from Longview, TX. He continues to play the game two to three times a week and has been able to spend time with Norm Green and Tom Hicks over the past few months to learn from "their shortcomings." As a current owner of a WHL team, where there is no payroll for the players, he's dedicated to the concept of building from within and successful drafts. "You can't buy a winner," he stated.
Bottom line, he's here to win. He hopes to promote the sport, especially among the youth of the area with the help of the Stars Centers throughout the area. Jim Lites commented on reaching out to the community and he said it "felt like '93, only it's less daunting. In 1993, they didn't know if there were hockey fans to be found." Now, there is a fan base and a greater understanding of the sport, however, they are committed to reaching out to everyone...re-engage the old fans and reach out to potential new ones.
Tom Gaglardi is committed to winning. That's not just a cliche. That was evident in his voice that came close to breaking on several occasions. Nieuwendyk says it's terrific to have a passionate guy at the helm. It's been a while since this team has had passion at the top. Today, passion was personified.
Many alumni from teams past which included Mike Modano (@9Modano), Brett Hull (@2ndBestHull) and Jere Lehtonen, who were acknowledged by Stars GM, Joe Nieuwendyk as "people who care about the organization," were present...perhaps eluding some kind of involvement with the team in some capacity. Mr. Gaglardi proceeded to say he couldn't believe the day has finally arrived in which he can finally get involved with the team and the community, as he acknowledged the patience of his wife, Brittney and the board of governors as the process took "longer than he thought." He also thanked the fans of Dallas, as he proudly proclaimed the "time of uncertainty is over."
He shared his philosophy that has made him a very successful business owner in Canada as "hire the best, support them and empower them." This is evident in his confidence in Joe Nieuwendyk as general manager and then (re)adding Jim Lites as the CEO and President of the team, referring to Lites as "an owner's dream." He said returning to the glory days will take some time, but it will happen, then referenced a plaque his father has hanging in his office that reads, "Excuses are for people who make them."
Tom's background stems from playing the sport since he was five years old, despite his mother hailing from Longview, TX. He continues to play the game two to three times a week and has been able to spend time with Norm Green and Tom Hicks over the past few months to learn from "their shortcomings." As a current owner of a WHL team, where there is no payroll for the players, he's dedicated to the concept of building from within and successful drafts. "You can't buy a winner," he stated.
Bottom line, he's here to win. He hopes to promote the sport, especially among the youth of the area with the help of the Stars Centers throughout the area. Jim Lites commented on reaching out to the community and he said it "felt like '93, only it's less daunting. In 1993, they didn't know if there were hockey fans to be found." Now, there is a fan base and a greater understanding of the sport, however, they are committed to reaching out to everyone...re-engage the old fans and reach out to potential new ones.
Tom Gaglardi is committed to winning. That's not just a cliche. That was evident in his voice that came close to breaking on several occasions. Nieuwendyk says it's terrific to have a passionate guy at the helm. It's been a while since this team has had passion at the top. Today, passion was personified.
New and Old Faces Ignite NHL Tonight
Tonight, will see the return of the NHL's poster boy, Sidney Crosby and the introduction of the new owner for the Dallas Stars (@dallasstars), Tom Gaglardi (pronounced: guh-LAR-dee). Absent since January due to effects of a severe concussion that potentially threatened his return, Crosby returns to the Penguins lineup that finds themselves in a virtual tie with the Flyers for the lead in the Eastern Conference (they both have 25 points, 11 wins, but Flyers only have 5 loses to Pens 6). Reports from notable hockey coverage guys from TSN, CBC, etc. state that it's a "Stanley Cup Finals-type atmosphere." Apparently, James Neil who lockers next to Crosby was unable to access his locker before their warm-up skate.
With the surprise move of the day, considering NHL's "Superman" is returning, NHL Commisioner Gary Bettman will be in Dallas today to present the new owner of the Dallas Stars. After what seems like forever, the exhausting, and sometimes suffocating strangle hold of Tom Hicks is gone from the Stars and a true "hockey guy," Gaglardi (he actually plays in a men's competitive league back home in Vancouver) is ready to put his mark on this team. First item of business was to name former Dallas Stars CEO and President, Jim Lites, the new...CEO and President. Gaglardi has said he is confident in "Lite's knowledge of the team and the area," and will prove critical in terms of marketing and bringing fans back into the seats. He has also said, though he has yet to meet him, he is confident in Joe Nieuwendyk's leadership and has "done a great job" so far. Tonight, Mr. Gaglardi will be dropping the ceremonial first puck to begin the game between the Stars and Edmonton Oilers.
The NHL (@NHL) is smiling tonight.
With the surprise move of the day, considering NHL's "Superman" is returning, NHL Commisioner Gary Bettman will be in Dallas today to present the new owner of the Dallas Stars. After what seems like forever, the exhausting, and sometimes suffocating strangle hold of Tom Hicks is gone from the Stars and a true "hockey guy," Gaglardi (he actually plays in a men's competitive league back home in Vancouver) is ready to put his mark on this team. First item of business was to name former Dallas Stars CEO and President, Jim Lites, the new...CEO and President. Gaglardi has said he is confident in "Lite's knowledge of the team and the area," and will prove critical in terms of marketing and bringing fans back into the seats. He has also said, though he has yet to meet him, he is confident in Joe Nieuwendyk's leadership and has "done a great job" so far. Tonight, Mr. Gaglardi will be dropping the ceremonial first puck to begin the game between the Stars and Edmonton Oilers.
The NHL (@NHL) is smiling tonight.
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Shake Shake Shake
Today's practice has caused quite the stir with people who cover this team for a living and people like me who wish they did. With the injury to Adam Burish (broken hand), Dallas Stars (@DallasStars) head coach, Glen Gulutzan has done the "unthinkable." He has split up his "top" line of Loui Eriksson-Jamie Benn-Michael Ryder. Today those in attendance were treated to Jamie Benn working with Steve Ott (@otter2nine) and Eriksson joining the Brenden Morrow-Mike Ribeiro line. The instant Ott-Benn were on the ice, you could just tell they met this change with open arms. Ott on two separate occassions had PERFECT saucer passes that just stuck to the tape of Benn's stick, but not for long as Benn would, with one motion as fluid as a stream pouring into an ocean, bury the puck in the top of the net...once, knocking the water bottle belonging to Andrew Raycroft up off the net.
Eriksson with Morrow and Ribeiro will take a little while longer to gel as it was evident with the passes just out of Eriksson's reach that #10 and #63 are less accustomed to playing with a winger with such breakout speed. There were even times where Brenden seemed lost and wasn't sure of the drill, at one point, motioning assistant coach, Stu Barnes over for an explanation.
I'm going to swallow my pride and just admit this now and get it out of the way. Apparently my disdain with Trevor Daley stemmed from the evidently wrong system brought in by former head coach, Marc Crawford. Daley's numbers are very strong this year and it seems that he's getting caught up ice less often than last year. I'm not saying I fully trust him just yet, as he's made several Daley-esque mistakes this year, but I like that he's able to adapt to Gully's system and at a rapid pace.
Kari, Kari, Kari. What are we gonna do with you? People start throwing around the word "Vezina" and you just don't seem "right." I even felt compelled to send a question to Mark Stepneski (@andrewsdsp) who covers the Stars for ESPNDallas.com asking if he thought Kari may be dealing with an injury. I can see having a lackluster practice the day after the Florida Panthers game, but he seemed VERY dejected today. He was very slow to get off the ice when going down for a save and in the not-so-often times he actually stopped the puck, he paused for a few seconds, as if he were unconfident as to where the puck was and what it was about to do in terms of a rebound.
I love seeing new faces at the practice facility in Frisco. I realize that makes it sound like a hangout, but I mean it. I enjoy seeing people taking advantage of watching this team when possible. Most important is that it's FREE to attend! It allows an opportunity to literately stand up against the glass (there are bleachers if standing isn't your gig) and literately have Sheldon Souray (@SSouray) stand in front of you (we're talking the thickness of the glass) and wind up that "wonderbomb" shot of his. Or, if speed is your thing, then to be able to practically feel Eric Nystrom (@enystrom) fly by you will no doubt leave an impression in your mind the rest of the day.
Don't forget, we're going to have a live game thread on Saturday during the Stars vs. San Jose Sharks game that starts at 7:00PM. Details to come on how to take part via http://www.paranoidfan.com/ and you'll be enterened in a chance to win a pair of tickets to the Stars game against the New York Islanders on Saturday, 12/3. You will be able to purchase your tickets for $25 if you're interested in attending, just DM me on twitter @TonyJar34 if you're interested by Monday the 21st.
Eriksson with Morrow and Ribeiro will take a little while longer to gel as it was evident with the passes just out of Eriksson's reach that #10 and #63 are less accustomed to playing with a winger with such breakout speed. There were even times where Brenden seemed lost and wasn't sure of the drill, at one point, motioning assistant coach, Stu Barnes over for an explanation.
I'm going to swallow my pride and just admit this now and get it out of the way. Apparently my disdain with Trevor Daley stemmed from the evidently wrong system brought in by former head coach, Marc Crawford. Daley's numbers are very strong this year and it seems that he's getting caught up ice less often than last year. I'm not saying I fully trust him just yet, as he's made several Daley-esque mistakes this year, but I like that he's able to adapt to Gully's system and at a rapid pace.
Kari, Kari, Kari. What are we gonna do with you? People start throwing around the word "Vezina" and you just don't seem "right." I even felt compelled to send a question to Mark Stepneski (@andrewsdsp) who covers the Stars for ESPNDallas.com asking if he thought Kari may be dealing with an injury. I can see having a lackluster practice the day after the Florida Panthers game, but he seemed VERY dejected today. He was very slow to get off the ice when going down for a save and in the not-so-often times he actually stopped the puck, he paused for a few seconds, as if he were unconfident as to where the puck was and what it was about to do in terms of a rebound.
I love seeing new faces at the practice facility in Frisco. I realize that makes it sound like a hangout, but I mean it. I enjoy seeing people taking advantage of watching this team when possible. Most important is that it's FREE to attend! It allows an opportunity to literately stand up against the glass (there are bleachers if standing isn't your gig) and literately have Sheldon Souray (@SSouray) stand in front of you (we're talking the thickness of the glass) and wind up that "wonderbomb" shot of his. Or, if speed is your thing, then to be able to practically feel Eric Nystrom (@enystrom) fly by you will no doubt leave an impression in your mind the rest of the day.
Don't forget, we're going to have a live game thread on Saturday during the Stars vs. San Jose Sharks game that starts at 7:00PM. Details to come on how to take part via http://www.paranoidfan.com/ and you'll be enterened in a chance to win a pair of tickets to the Stars game against the New York Islanders on Saturday, 12/3. You will be able to purchase your tickets for $25 if you're interested in attending, just DM me on twitter @TonyJar34 if you're interested by Monday the 21st.
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Observations From Practice
So, last night when I saw the score against Florida (looks like I picked the right weekend to move and be without TV), my first thought was, "I need to go to practice tomorrow." I wanted to see how the team would be after their worst showing this young season. The most important key that I noticed was Glen Gulutzan was as clam and even keel as every other time I've observed him. This is vital to the success of this team now and in the future, as there's a time and place to rip your team for a poor showing. Hell, even after the loss in Pittsburgh, he was quick to shoulder the blame saying there was "more that he could have done to have them prepared."
The other thing I noticed was the players themselves were more business-like. There were a few smiles, especially from Jamie Benn. It's obvious this kid KNOWS how good he is...and that is confident...not cocky. But it appeared as if the guys knew that was not the Dallas Stars (@dallasstars) brand of hockey they're capable of playing. This team went into a good Carolina arena and completely dominated them, then went into one of the toughest and arguably the hands-on favorite to win the Stanley Cup venues in Washington DC and played their most complete game of the season.
I am concerned that Kari Lehtonen seemed to be very much inside his own head. During the first drills of the afternoon, Eric Nystrom (@enystrom) went high blocker side and Kari slammed his stick to the ice. When he and Andrew Raycroft switch ends, Kari was visibly upset as he pounded the water bottle on top of the net and just stood with his arms on the cross bar, back to the ice as the forwards and defense men were receiving instruction. Kari is proving himself to be among the elite in the league, but he's going to have stinker nights. Just don't let it carry over into practice because if your practice is effected, your games will suffer too.
Steve Ott (@otter2nine) was back on the ice and was obviously happy to be getting back to his routine. His hip that kept him out of 6 games didn't show signs of giving him any issues as he was able to cut back and forth during one-on-one drills. Also, as much speculation has been floating around as to what Gully would do with his top two lines upon Otter's return, Ott was working with Morrow and Ribeiro as it remained Ryder-Benn-Eriksson.
The injury bug that plagued the team last season has shown up early in 2011. Of course Ott is returning from missing six games with his hip pointer and Alex Goligoski (@gollygoose33) was placed on IR retroactive November 11th with a broken thumb after taking a puck off his hand. Well, now add Adam Burish to that list as he is expected to miss four to six weeks with a broken hand of his own. The great Bruce LeVine (@brucelevine22) tweeted a great point today: This and Goligoski's injury are a reminder why depth was more important than Brad Richards.
And the biggest news of all will be coming in a few days, but speculation is running rampant as it appears as if the Tom Hicks stranglehold will be released on Friday and the Tom Gaglardi era will soon begin. First item of business is being reported that former Stars president, Jim Lites will be returning to his old position that he held during the team's glory days in the late 90's. Hold on folks! These next few days are about to be magical!
The other thing I noticed was the players themselves were more business-like. There were a few smiles, especially from Jamie Benn. It's obvious this kid KNOWS how good he is...and that is confident...not cocky. But it appeared as if the guys knew that was not the Dallas Stars (@dallasstars) brand of hockey they're capable of playing. This team went into a good Carolina arena and completely dominated them, then went into one of the toughest and arguably the hands-on favorite to win the Stanley Cup venues in Washington DC and played their most complete game of the season.
I am concerned that Kari Lehtonen seemed to be very much inside his own head. During the first drills of the afternoon, Eric Nystrom (@enystrom) went high blocker side and Kari slammed his stick to the ice. When he and Andrew Raycroft switch ends, Kari was visibly upset as he pounded the water bottle on top of the net and just stood with his arms on the cross bar, back to the ice as the forwards and defense men were receiving instruction. Kari is proving himself to be among the elite in the league, but he's going to have stinker nights. Just don't let it carry over into practice because if your practice is effected, your games will suffer too.
Steve Ott (@otter2nine) was back on the ice and was obviously happy to be getting back to his routine. His hip that kept him out of 6 games didn't show signs of giving him any issues as he was able to cut back and forth during one-on-one drills. Also, as much speculation has been floating around as to what Gully would do with his top two lines upon Otter's return, Ott was working with Morrow and Ribeiro as it remained Ryder-Benn-Eriksson.
The injury bug that plagued the team last season has shown up early in 2011. Of course Ott is returning from missing six games with his hip pointer and Alex Goligoski (@gollygoose33) was placed on IR retroactive November 11th with a broken thumb after taking a puck off his hand. Well, now add Adam Burish to that list as he is expected to miss four to six weeks with a broken hand of his own. The great Bruce LeVine (@brucelevine22) tweeted a great point today: This and Goligoski's injury are a reminder why depth was more important than Brad Richards.
And the biggest news of all will be coming in a few days, but speculation is running rampant as it appears as if the Tom Hicks stranglehold will be released on Friday and the Tom Gaglardi era will soon begin. First item of business is being reported that former Stars president, Jim Lites will be returning to his old position that he held during the team's glory days in the late 90's. Hold on folks! These next few days are about to be magical!
Monday, November 14, 2011
The2300 Hockey Night In Dallas
Canada's version of Monday Night Football is affectionately known as Hockey Night in Canada. Well, with the news today of the NBA (@NBA) season flat lining, it's time hockey takes center (or as our brethren up north would say centre) stage. With that said, I'd like to announce, with the help of @zeegirly and @trentstaggs the First Ever The2300 Hockey Night in Dallas.
Mark your calendars for Saturday, December 3rd when the Dallas Stars (@DallasStars) take on the hated New York Islanders at 7:30. Tickets will be $25 per for priority terrace. Please let me know if you plan on attending NO LATER THAN Monday, November 21st. From there, I will contact the sales rep and have a block of tickets set aside. From there, anyone interested in attending will contact said representative directly (on a specified day to make it easier on them) and purchase your tickets so there's no one person having to collect money.
This is a great opportunity to get together and enjoy a little stick and puck. So, let's make this happen and have the loudest section in the AAC on December 3rd.
Mark your calendars for Saturday, December 3rd when the Dallas Stars (@DallasStars) take on the hated New York Islanders at 7:30. Tickets will be $25 per for priority terrace. Please let me know if you plan on attending NO LATER THAN Monday, November 21st. From there, I will contact the sales rep and have a block of tickets set aside. From there, anyone interested in attending will contact said representative directly (on a specified day to make it easier on them) and purchase your tickets so there's no one person having to collect money.
This is a great opportunity to get together and enjoy a little stick and puck. So, let's make this happen and have the loudest section in the AAC on December 3rd.
Friday, November 4, 2011
No Respect
It pains me to say that I've lost any respect for Sportsradio 1310, The Ticket. Don't get me wrong, I love the yucks and the fact that some of the guys aren't "too big" to interact with us little guys, but c'mon...it's the "radio home" for the Dallas Stars. Is there ANYONE on that station (other than Matt McClearin [@mcmatt] and Bruce LeVine [@brucelevine22]) know how to have a hockey converstation? I mean, sure, Bob Sturm (@sportssturm) will throw some stats and opinions at you, but he can't carry on an actual conversation without that ass-clown, Dan McDowell (@bracketdan) having to spout some crap that he thinks is funny when in reality, he's being an ass.
I mean, what needs to happen for the Stars to get the respect they deserve? Everyone's response to their lack of coverage is, "Well, they haven't been that good lately." REALLY??? When in God's good name was the last time the Cowboys accomplished anything? Now, before you start, I get it...it's football vs. hockey. Apples and oranges. No matter, the argument that they haven't been good is stupid when there are still 80,000 going to Cowboy games. And what do you mean haven't been "that good?" They missed the playoffs last year with just 13 minutes left to go in the very last game of the regular season. They tied a record for most number of points at the end of the season without making the playoffs.
I admit, the reception in my office is horrible, so by the time 9:00 AM rolls around, TuneIn Radio is choppy at best on my phone, so I don't get to listen to the station all that much anyways. But, judging from the belly-aching from basketball fans that their precious sport is on hiatus, tells me that I'm not missing much from the airwaves. So, instead of focusing on the positive coming from the Stars, these "experts" continue to focus on a sport that just completely whips my ass. Yes, that's right...I dislike basketball. If the NBA (@NBA) folded tomorrow, I wouldn't blink an eye, unless the cork on the champagne bottle came close to my face. So, yes, I admit...I'm very biased to the sport of hockey and against basketball. But the main point from today's rant (thank goodness the boys take to the ice...it's been a long 6 days) is how the "radio home" of the Dallas Stars, can hardly give them a second look? I know the station is being paid A LOT of money to carry them, yet come the middle of the 2nd period, good luck getting a signal north of Northwest Hwy. Every other station out there that carries a team is able to at least do a weekly show with someone associated with that team for more than a segment. Do it at night after regular programming if you have to. I can assure you, the die hard fans would make it worth it. Instead, we're treated to the Top 10. Cause that's what I want to listen to...a failed bit from Corby from 23 minutes ago...again. Shame on you, The Ticket. You should be embarrassed with your Stars coverage. I, for one, am.
I mean, what needs to happen for the Stars to get the respect they deserve? Everyone's response to their lack of coverage is, "Well, they haven't been that good lately." REALLY??? When in God's good name was the last time the Cowboys accomplished anything? Now, before you start, I get it...it's football vs. hockey. Apples and oranges. No matter, the argument that they haven't been good is stupid when there are still 80,000 going to Cowboy games. And what do you mean haven't been "that good?" They missed the playoffs last year with just 13 minutes left to go in the very last game of the regular season. They tied a record for most number of points at the end of the season without making the playoffs.
I admit, the reception in my office is horrible, so by the time 9:00 AM rolls around, TuneIn Radio is choppy at best on my phone, so I don't get to listen to the station all that much anyways. But, judging from the belly-aching from basketball fans that their precious sport is on hiatus, tells me that I'm not missing much from the airwaves. So, instead of focusing on the positive coming from the Stars, these "experts" continue to focus on a sport that just completely whips my ass. Yes, that's right...I dislike basketball. If the NBA (@NBA) folded tomorrow, I wouldn't blink an eye, unless the cork on the champagne bottle came close to my face. So, yes, I admit...I'm very biased to the sport of hockey and against basketball. But the main point from today's rant (thank goodness the boys take to the ice...it's been a long 6 days) is how the "radio home" of the Dallas Stars, can hardly give them a second look? I know the station is being paid A LOT of money to carry them, yet come the middle of the 2nd period, good luck getting a signal north of Northwest Hwy. Every other station out there that carries a team is able to at least do a weekly show with someone associated with that team for more than a segment. Do it at night after regular programming if you have to. I can assure you, the die hard fans would make it worth it. Instead, we're treated to the Top 10. Cause that's what I want to listen to...a failed bit from Corby from 23 minutes ago...again. Shame on you, The Ticket. You should be embarrassed with your Stars coverage. I, for one, am.
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Naked
Now that I have your attention.
So, today is November 1st, and that means one thing: clean shaved men from all walks of life. Just as the weather starts to get cooler/cold, men this morning woke up and, if like me, immediately began to shave their face blankets all in the name of male cancer awareness...in particularly prostate cancer. November is quickly becoming known as "Movember," with "Mo" being short for moustache. Together, "MoBros" and "MoSistas" celebrate the men in their lives by raising money to help battle the cancers that commonly affect men. The "MoBros" start the month off with a freshly shaved face and throughout the month, track the progress (or in this writer's case, lack of) of their moustaches.
This year, I was particularly inspired by several factors. One, is my Godson. He's had a rough go in his early life and recently I found out he was being tested for leukemia as he just has not been gaining weight the way he should. Another inspriation came from a buddy off twitter that in the last few months has been given a clean bill of health as one who's taken cancer and beat it into submission. It's so awesome to read his updates and to hear that he continues to remain healthy. In all, 33,000 men will lose the battle to prostate cancer and 8,300 will pass away from testicular cancer. Gentlemen, this is way to high! And until a cure can be found, our only defense is a good offense...GET. TESTED.
The Dallas Stars have taken part in Movember for several years now. The great Eric Nystrom (@enystrom23) is detailing his upper-lip's journey via YouTube and others such as Steve Ott, Mark Fistric and Krys Barch (@krysbarch) can be found on the team's page: http://us.movember.com/mospace/808736/. I'd like to see the Stars Fan's page be just as successful (and perhaps out earn the pros). If you're interested in donating or joining the team, you can link to it directly from my Movember page: http://mobro.co/TonyJar34
So, today is November 1st, and that means one thing: clean shaved men from all walks of life. Just as the weather starts to get cooler/cold, men this morning woke up and, if like me, immediately began to shave their face blankets all in the name of male cancer awareness...in particularly prostate cancer. November is quickly becoming known as "Movember," with "Mo" being short for moustache. Together, "MoBros" and "MoSistas" celebrate the men in their lives by raising money to help battle the cancers that commonly affect men. The "MoBros" start the month off with a freshly shaved face and throughout the month, track the progress (or in this writer's case, lack of) of their moustaches.
This year, I was particularly inspired by several factors. One, is my Godson. He's had a rough go in his early life and recently I found out he was being tested for leukemia as he just has not been gaining weight the way he should. Another inspriation came from a buddy off twitter that in the last few months has been given a clean bill of health as one who's taken cancer and beat it into submission. It's so awesome to read his updates and to hear that he continues to remain healthy. In all, 33,000 men will lose the battle to prostate cancer and 8,300 will pass away from testicular cancer. Gentlemen, this is way to high! And until a cure can be found, our only defense is a good offense...GET. TESTED.
The Dallas Stars have taken part in Movember for several years now. The great Eric Nystrom (@enystrom23) is detailing his upper-lip's journey via YouTube and others such as Steve Ott, Mark Fistric and Krys Barch (@krysbarch) can be found on the team's page: http://us.movember.com/mospace/808736/. I'd like to see the Stars Fan's page be just as successful (and perhaps out earn the pros). If you're interested in donating or joining the team, you can link to it directly from my Movember page: http://mobro.co/TonyJar34
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