Leafs To Honour Two From The "Glory Years"

1993 was a glorious year for Toronto sports. The Blue Jays won back to back World Series championships, the Raptors were only a year away from debuting in the NBA, and the Toronto Maple Leafs made it to the Eastern Conference Finals.

Yes it was good times for Leaf fans, as they were just getting out of the Harold Ballard era and this was their first taste of success. If by success you mean losing in the Conference Finals to Wayne Gretzky's LA Kings.

Leaf Nation talks about that fateful year even to this day. Never letting us Hab fans forget about how close we were to losing the Stanley Cup to the Leafs. We Hab fans just smile and nod because why crush the dreams of the mentally challenged?

If you live outside of Southern Ontario, or "Leaf Nation" as some - not me - refer to it, then it's hard to understand what that team led by Doug Gilmour, Wendel Clark and backstopped by Felix Potvin mean to fans of the Leafs. And that's because rarely ever do you see a fan base of any team so mercilessly honour a team that achieved nothing.

That trend will live on into 2008-2009 as early Monday, Maple Leafs Sports and Entertainment (MLSE) announced that they will be raising banners to honour both Doug Gilmour and Wendel Clark in two seperate ceremonies this season.

Now for most teams, raising banners means retiring numbers. Of course the Leafs manage to screw that up as well. Neither Clark's 17, nor Gilmour's 93 will be retired, but rather they will have a banner with their name and picture raised to the rafters of the ACC, honouring all of their "achievements."

Yes, honouring two players who never helped the Leafs win anything, who aren't even worthy enough to be inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame. God, are they ever a sad organization.



Source: MapleLeafs.com

Ray In Russia

Disgraced former Ottawa Senators goalie Ray Emery is making like Jaromir Jagr and heading to Russia.

This according to TSN who broke the news reporting that the former Sens netminder has agreed to a one year deal with Atlant Mytishchi of the new Russian Continental Hockey League.

Atlant Mytishchi, doesn't that just roll off your tongue...

"Unfortunately, it's only been a short time since the buyout and there isn't anybody willing to give (Emery) a second chance at this time," said Emery's agent J.P. Barry, "I think if people knew the things that he's done over the last little while to turn the corner, there might be more interest out there.".

The deal is reportedly worth in excess of $2 million plus bonuses. I bet you most of the bonuses' have to do with him actually showing up and not being a pain in the ass.

Avery The Fashion Critic

Unrestricted free agent and Men's Vogue summer intern Sean Avery, has written an article for Men's Vogue about the worst sports jerseys of all time.

It can be found at this link and I for the most part agree with his decisions. Which gives me an uneasy feeling in my stomach. I actually agree with Sean Avery about something? What's wrong with me?

In an additional article, Avery writes why he decided to intern at Men's Vogue.

Easily the funniest, and perhaps fruitiest, part of that article comes when Avery defends his decision by saying, "If you feel like teasing this hockey player about an obsession of his that you might think is a little unusual, go right ahead. Just know that you may get your ass kicked by a very expensive pair of shoes — and that they’ll probably match both my belt and my shirt.”

Tavares Joins Big Agency

Oshawa Generals star and 2009 NHL Draft 1st overall pick John Tavares has aligned himself with a big talent agency out of Los Angeles.

A little over a month after splitting ties with his former agent Bryan Teasley, Tavares has signed on with LA-based Creative Artists Agency.

"John has a bright future," said CAA agent Pat Brisson. "CAA Hockey is looking forward to working with him and his family and providing them with all of our resourses."

CAA currently represents other young players such as Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, Patrick Kane, and Jonathan Toews.

In related news, I've also just signed with an agent. He lives in a boarded up home in the bad part of town. He had me come in and do a photo shoot and everything. Though as I remember it, I don't even think it was a real camera. Do real cameras have a Fisher Price logo on them and blow bubbles out of the lens?

CTV Saves 'The Hockey Theme' Song

CTV Inc., together with Copyright Music & Visuals, have announced that CTV Inc. has acquired all rights to 'The Hockey Theme' in perpetuity [Ken says: big legal terms], preserving the song's legacy and ensuring it will be heard on national television for years to come.

'The Hockey Theme' song will now live on CTV Inc. properties TSN, RDS and across Canada on CTV during coverage of the upcoming Vancouver 2010 Olympics.

The deal between CTV and Copyright Music & Visuals was agreed to in principle after the CBC publicly announced last Friday at 5 p.m. ET that a deal could not be reached with the rights holders. The final details were worked out on Monday.

The song, which was created by Vancouver's Dolores Claman in 1968, will now be used in NHL broadcasts on TSN and RDS beginning this Fall. In addition, CTV will utilize the song as part of its hockey coverage during the upcoming Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games.

Interestingly enough this is the 3rd major acquisition CTV Inc. has taken from the CBC. First they got Chris Cuthbert, second up was Canadian Broadcasting legend Brian Williams, and now they save Canada's second national anthem. Which by the way may be even better than the actual national anthem because it has no words and is much catchier. Definitely easier to remember.

Source: CTV Release

Phaneuf Hits NHL 09 Cover

On Monday EA Sports named Calgary Flames D-man and Elisha Cuthbert's main man Dion Phaneuf to the cover of their highly anticipated NHL 09.

While Phaneuf will appear on most copies of the game, some stars will grace the cover in their home countries. Daniel Alfredsson of the Sens will be Sweden's cover boy, Alex Ovechkin will be on the front of the game in his homeland of Russia, and like last year, Habs defenseman Mark Streit will be on the cover of NHL 09 in Switzerland. Because what other Swiss player would you choose? David Aebischer? Does he even play anymore?

EA says the game will be released in September for the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 2, and the PC.

That Familiar Tune

The CBC's iconic Hockey Night in Canada theme song, known for decades as Canada's "second national anthem," will no longer be used in hockey broadcasts, according to the song's composer.

The tune is one of the longest running theme songs in broadcast history and was slated to celebrate its 40th anniversary next year.

But according to John R. Ciccone who represents the song's composer, Dolores Claman, they would love to keep the song on Hockey Night in Canada saying, "There's a lot more at stake here than just business. This is Canadian history, Canadian heritage."

"This is a very sad day, especially for Dolores. it's quite difficult," Ciccone added. "Dolores keeps saying, 'what about the fans?' It's a big big motivation to try and keep things going (with the CBC)."

Thursday night's Stanley Cup final game six was the last time "dunt- da-dunt- da-dunt," was played because CBC decided to move in a "new direction," according to Ciccone. He said the CBC advised Claman that it is not prepared to enter into a new license agreement with respect to the use of the song.

In a new direction? If the CBC wanted to go in a new direction why don't they get rid of that old wind bag Bob Cole? If I have to hear him say "Oh Baby!" one more time, and have him tell me the wrong score in a game between two teams who aren't even playing, I very well might lose my mind.

If you want the CBC to keep the iconic song for next season there is an online petition that you can sign here. Because you know, online petitions solve most problems in the world. Almost as much as charity car washes and school fundraisers do.

[Canwest News Service]

It's Back!

Just when you thought it was safe to leave your house, just when you thought it was safe to turn on your TV, comes the horrifying news that Versus will be bringing back the glowing puck.

*Cue high pitched horror movie scream*

Yes that's right. What used to be referred to as the Fox Trax Puck, or as I liked to refer to it, that dumb thing to help Americans watch hockey but made me not watch hockey on Fox, will be back on Versus next year in all it's annoying uglyness.

How hard is it to see a black puck on white ice people?

To remind you of the horrors, here is a video of that Fox Trax monstrosity. Be careful, it's not for the faint of heart.

Elisha Cuthbert: Professional Puck Bunny

Every time I hear a new story about Elisha Cuthbert hooking up with yet another hockey player it makes me smile. Not because she has become the world's biggest puck bunny, but because it gives me the chance to post a picture of Elisha Cuthbert. Which as Borat would always say, eeeeessss nice!

According to the ever reputable Perez Hilton, Elisha was spotted "frolicking" - his words not mine - on the beach in Hawaii with Norris trophy nominee and Calgary Flames defenceman Dion Phaneuf on Monday.

Before hooking up with Phaneuf, Cuthbert had been linked to the Rangers' Sean Avery and Mike Komisarek of the Habs.

However there is a wrinkle in this story as another gossip website WWTDD is claiming that Phaneuf is in Halifax with Team Canada for the 2008 IIHF World Championships so there's no way that this story could be true.

After reviewing Team Canada's roster, I found that Dion Phaneuf is definitely not on there and could very well be in Hawaii with Cuthbert.

I'm sure Team Canada would have loved to have Dion Phaneuf play for them. Though I of course can't blame Phaneuf for making the decision he made. If I were him I'd also rather be on a sunny beach in Hawaii with Elisha Cuthbert than in Halifax playing hockey against the likes of Slovenia and Latvia.

Part of me does wonder though when Elisha Cuthbert will make the obvious leap from hockey player to hockey blogger. Because I mean yeah Elisha I'm interested, but I can't wait around forever you know.

We're Goin' Streakin!

As per the Associated Press, it looks like Nathan Smith, the captain of the AHL's Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Pneguins, has been charged with indecent exposure after a police officer saw him running naked on a downtown street early Sunday.

Smith, a 26 year-old centre for Strathcona, Alberta, told the officer her acted on a bet.

His teammate, Pens forward Ryan Stone, a native of Calgary, was charged with public drunkenness.

Interestingly enough, not only is Scranton, PA home to the Baby Pens, but also Dunder Mifflin. The paper supply company featured in the hilarious must see show The Office airing Thursdays at 9/8 central on NBC. NBC, cookin somethin good in the neighbourhood! *cashing in NBC royalties cheques right now*

I wonder if the writers of The Office might be able to write this in to the show. I sure hope so.

Now I don't live anywhere near the Baby Pens so I'll never make it out to one of their games, but can the readers of this blog who might go make it their mission to give Nathan Smith the nickname "The Tank." This of course paying homage to Will Ferrell's character Frank The Tank in the comedy classic Old School. Who not on a bet, but rather on the power of some alcohol which is so powerful once it hits his lips, goes streaking through the city only to be discovered by his newlywed wife. Please Wilkes-Barre/Scrantonians, do this for me, do this for your children. Do this for the good of all of mankind.

Team Canada's New Threads

On Thursday, Hockey Canada introduced a new style of jersey that Team Canada will be wearing starting at this year's IIHF World Hockey Championships.

The new design is a combination of the tradition and heritage of Team Canada and the technically advanced materials found in the current Team Canada jersey that has been worn since 2005.

Reps from Hockey Canada are calling the new threads a "retro-futuristic" look, which makes no sense at all. Can't we just call it what it obviously is, a money grab. They come out with new styles of jerseys all the time. Like a fashion company releasing their new line for the fall season. I mean yeah, we as Canadians love our hockey and will probably shill out money to buy these new ones too, but come on, don't just blatantly insult our intelligence like this.

Madness in Montréal

Following Montreal's Game 7 victory, Hab fans took to the streets to celebrate. Though unfortunately those celebrations turned into riots.

A select few goons decided to use the opportunity to reek havoc, burning police cars, tipping them over, smashing store windows, and just generally laying the smackdown on downtown Montreal.

Earlier today Montreal police announced that 16 people had been arrested in connection with the riots. They also said that these knuckleheads weren't even at the game, but were just using the celebrations to launch an attack on the city that had been planned for weeks.

Down below is video of the craziness. It's in french so if you don't speak it you won't really know what's going on. For those of you in that position, just do what I do. Look at the visuals and imagine yourself immersed in the chaos. Using your imagination is fun!

Bringing In The Reinforcements

With the season officially over for the Hamilton Bulldogs, the AHL affiliate of the Habs, GM Bob Gainey has announced that some of the minor leaguers have been called up to hang with the big club for the playoffs.

The list of players called up include:

G Yann Dannis

D Pavel Valentenko

Forwards
Matt D'Agostini

Kyle Chipchura

Duncan Milroy

Corey Locke

Interestingly enough Locke was named April's AHL player of the month. Though it's highly unlikely that any of these kids will see playing time. Especially Locke. I don't know officially, but I think he's something like only 4'8" tall. He's tiny.

Battle Of Alberta Taken To The Streets

Back on the weekend when I went to the ACC to see the Habs take on the Leafs, I proudly donned my rouge, blanc, et bleu Canadiens jersey. A symbol to Leaf fans that I was there to infiltrate their arena, and cheer on the hated Habs. Though I did get some glances and some evil eyes, it paled in comparison to what happened to a fan in my similar situation out in Alberta.

Early Sunday morning, life long Oilers fan Andrew Parker and two of his friends were heading to a friend's home following the Oilers 2-1 victory over the Flames. Parker was proudly wearing his Oilers jersey, when five young men in a Mercedes, all wearing Flames sweaters pulled up near him and glared at him.

As any die hard fan would do, Parker answered their stares.

"I said 'how about those Flames' and that's all I said," recalled Parker, age 22.

That's when things got ugly, as according to Parker, two men got out of the car and attacked him. Three more men joined in, punching a male friend who tried to intervene and shoving aside his female roommate.

"I was swarmed ... they focused on me," he said.

Parker said the men kept kicking him even after he'd lost consciousness.

"I remember getting up -- I was covered in blood," he said.

His attackers were in their 20s or early 30s and looked "just like regular guys."

Parker was treated at hospital for a broken nose, three cheek fractures, a severe concussion and loosened teeth.

He'll require a CAT scan and a doctor told him to take a week off of his job as a chef at a city restaurant to recover.

Here's the thing, I could totally see this happening to me or any other Habs fan where I live. I live in what is unfortunately referred to as Leaf Nation. And these days Leaf fans are angry and would probably love to take out their frustrations of a crappy team on a Canadiens fan like me. Good thing my super human strength, and my many, many fans who follow me around almost religiously would prevent them from doing any damage and I would come out of it all unscathed. But I'm just saying, maybe I need to be more careful.

Don Cherry: The Movie?

Brace yourselves as according to the Toronto Star, a made for TV movie based on the life of Don Cherry may be on the way and appearing on the CBC. But who would be best to don those loud jackets, when the CBC starts casting its latest made-for-TV movie: the Don Cherry story?

"We're trying to find out if Brad Pitt can play the leading role," jokes the movie's protagonist. "Maybe George Clooney could play me in the later years."

I've got a better idea! As per the site Twinstuff.com, they believe that the person who looks most like the famous loud mouthed hockey commentator is James Leavelle, the Dallas detective who was escorting Lee Harvey Oswald when he was shot and killed by Jack Ruby (shortly after JFK's assassination.) Take a look for yourself...

Detective James Leavelle

Don Cherry...The resemblance is eerie.






The movie is still in the development stages, with Tim Cherry's, (the son of Don), script being massaged by award-winning writer Paul Quarrington. Once CBC gives it the green light, shooting is expected to start this summer with next spring's Stanley Cup playoffs the target launch date.

Tim Cherry says the movie has been in development for awhile.

"I've been bugging Dad for years to do this," he says. "I don't know why he caved this time."

There will apparently be a few ugly scenes in this retrospective of Cherry's life.

"After the head CBC guy read the story, he said, 'Gee, your Dad doesn't look very good here,' " the elder Cherry recalls. "Tim said, `I hate to say it, but that's the way it is.' "

That's an accurate assessment, Don Cherry said.

"I was very selfish with the family," he says. "That's the one thing that, after I read it all, I thought I was sort of a selfish guy. I don't know how Rose put up with me."

I don't know how any of us will put up with this movie. I can barely stand the actual guy, let alone some Canadian actor I've probably never heard of. Honestly, it's my least favourite part of Saturday night when Cherry is blabbering on and on. And Ron MacLean is sitting there beside him politely nodding along like when a homeless guy corners you on the street and starts rambling on about the end of the world.

I'm just looking forward to when the CBC makes a made for TV movie based on my life... "Ken Beckett: The Legend of Ken Beckett" starring Matt Damon as Ken Beckett, a heartthrob hockey blogger with a heart of gold. Just you wait and see...it's coming.

Like Father, Like Son

Both Patrick and Jonathan Roy will be taking some time off due to that vicious brawl on the weekend in a Quebec Remparts 10-1 playoff loss to the Chicoutimi Sagueneens.

Patrick Roy, the owner and coach of the Remparts, will receive a 5 game suspension due to what many believe as urging his team to brawl with the Chicoutimi players.

For his part, Roy has said he did nothing to encourage the melee and denied he made any gesture to his son to go after Nadeau.

Roy's son Jonathan has been served a 7 game suspension and a $500 fine for punching basically anything that moved, pounding on Sagueneens goalie Bobby Nadeau and giving the middle-fingered salute on both hands to Chicoutimi fans.

The melee erupted late in the second period with the Sagueneens leading 7-1 in the second game of their playoff series after losing the opener.

With 10 players already involved in the fisticuffs, Roy skated to centre ice and appeared to challenge Nadeau to a fight.

Officials intercepted Roy but eventually left him to deal with other fights. That's when Roy skated toward his counterpart, pushed Nadeau into the net and ripped off Nadeau's mask before starting a Chuck Norris like assault of lefts and rights.

The QMJHL also suspended other players over Saturday's melee involving players from the Remparts and Chicoutimi Sagueneens:

- Remparts defenceman Maxime Lacroix: a three-game suspension for hitting an opposing player while he was still down;
- Remparts winger Marc-Olivier Vallerand: two games;
- Sagueneens winger Antoine Roussel: one game for being an instigator;
- Sagueneens centre Charles-Antoine Messier: two games for assaulting a player;
- Sagueneens defenceman Sebastien Rioux: six games for leaving the penalty box to join the fight.
- Sagueneens head coach Richard Martel: two games

Martel's penalty was an automatic one because Rioux left the bench, the league said.

Fines were also imposed on the teams: $4,000 each.

The teams have had a history of confrontation. Last season, Patrick Roy was involved in an altercation with a member of the Chicoutimi organization when Sagueneens fans prevented the Remparts' bus from moving.

You can see the fights from the weekend here, and just for our own amusement, here is one of the classic fights of Patrick Roy's career, when he took on Chris Osgood back in 1997.

Roy's Son Ready To Rumble

Goaltending legend Patrick Roy is known for his fiery temper. And in his day, he got into a few goalie fights with the likes of Mike Vernon and Chris Osgood.

Well, it looks like his son Jonathan, the back-up 'tender for the Quebec Remparts, the QMJHL team that Patrick Roy both owns and coaches, shares the same character traits as his dear old dad.

The Remparts were losing badly in a playoff game on Saturday night with the Chicoutimi Sagueneens. The score was 7-1 late in the second period when a melee broke out in the Remparts' end. Jonathan Roy skated to centre ice and appeared to challenge Sagueneens goaltender Bobby Nadeau to a fight.

While officials initially restrained Roy, he went after Nadeau in the Sagueneens' end after the officials left him alone to go deal with other fights. Jonathan ripped Nadeau's mask off and pounded his opponent. Nadeau just took the blows and didn't defend himself.

As Roy skated away, he gave the middle-finger salute to the crowd at the Centre Georges-Vezina in Chicoutimi. He then got in a second fight with Chicoutimi defenceman Sebastien Rioux.

Jonathan Roy was given two fighting majors, a minor and two game misconducts. Nadeau wasn't penalized.

The Sagueneens went on to win 10-1.

Patrick Roy, who owns and coaches the Remparts, stands accused of encouraging the attack. He has denied the charge.

"I can't control the reactions of my players in the heat of action," Patrick Roy told reporters after the game. "That's part of the game."

Jonathan Roy said he wasn't following his father's orders.

"Patrick looked at me and told me to calm down," Jonathan Roy said. "I said to myself, 'He doesn't want me to go,' but when the line judge released me, I said to myself ... 'I'm going.' "

First of all, I find it high-larious that Jonathan Roy calls his dad Patrick. Not coach, not dad, but Patrick. Second, how can Patrick Roy not have control over his players? He's the coach for pete's sake!

I'm a big fan of goalie fights but this one really isn't that great. Because the key ingredient to a quality goalie fight is that both goalies should want to fight each other. Not one goalie just wildly attacking the other.

Hockey Night In Afghanistan

Some former NHL tough guys and a hall of famer have made the lengthy trip to war torn Afghanistan to show their support for the Canadian troops.

Goons Bob Probert and Chris Nilan, along with former NHL'er Mike Gartner are there with Defence Minister Peter MacKay, and Canadian country band Blue Rodeo, and will participate in a ball hockey tournament with the best the Canadian army has to offer on Thursday.

And while they won't be playing for it, the Stanley Cup was also on display for the troops.

This is Probert's second visit to Afghanistan. Asked if he thought the troops would be more impressed to see the Stanley Cup or Defence Minister Peter MacKay, Probert said, "Oh, I'd have to say the Cup."

I think it's great to see everyone over their supporting the troops. And though I disagree strongly with the war itself, I have so much respect for all the brave men and women over their fighting in Afghanistan. But here's an idea. Why don't we have Probert and Nilan over there full time? Imagine those two fighting the Taliban! The war would be over in two weeks, at the most.