Author: MarchHockey

Owner/Editor Sports. Music. Nursing. Life. Twitter: @MarchHockey

Wild Card Wednesday: Eric Lindros

lindros-cardOn the heels of not being selected into this year’s Hall Of Fame class, I figured this would be the perfect chance to post this card.

Upper Deck must have had it out for Lindros. I don’t know how anyone thought it would be flattering to feature a player who has a known history of concussions, falling down towards the ice. Hell it looks like he just got clocked by Scott Stevens. As much as I love the Big E, this card is just down right classless. Not his fault I know and I guess I should take up my complaint with Upper Deck but….it’s not 1998 anymore.

In case anyone has forgotten about the hit I referred to, here it is:

Keep your head up kids.

Melbourne Ice: The Ice Road To 3Peat

MelbourneIceTall small

After posting my article on the Melbourne Ice yesterday, I was contacted by Andrew Lamrock. Lamrock resides in Australia and obviously knows a lot more about the team then I do as he is the former President of the team. He directed me to the team’s documentary on winning their 3rd Goddall Cup in a row.

Folks, this is one of the best hockey trailers I’ve seen. It’s actually influenced me to buy the DVD. I can’t wait to see the action of the AIHL light up my living room.

Check it out for yourself and let me know what you think.

AIHL Team Profile: Perth Thunder

Next up we head to the far west coast of Australia with the Perth Thunder.

Perth_Thunder_LogoOne of the newer teams in the league, the Thunder were founded in 2010 and played their inaugural season in 2012. Managing two games under .500, they did not reach the finals. That didn’t halt their progress though as they currently sit in fourth place behind the Melbourne Ice in the season taking place as we speak.

Perth ices 5 Canadians, One American and the rest of the roster is made up of Australians and New Zealandsers. Both Aussies and Kiwis can play in each other’s leagues and are not considered import players allowing them for unlimited amounts. Captain Samuel Wilson won gold with Team Australia in the 2003 IIHF Division III Under 18 Championships in Mexico City.

The Perth Thunder play their next game Saturday July 13th against the Newcastle North Stars! Puck drops at 5pm local time.

Trash Talk Tuesday: Claude Giroux, Peter Laviolette And Steve Ott

372921_326576790701382_2071161426_nThis took place during the Flyers/Rangers 24/7 HBO special. Giroux and Ott are lined up for a faceoff when Ott takes it upon himself to tell everyone that he knows how to use the internet.

After the period is over, he has a fun little altercation with Philadelphia Flyers head coach Peter Laviolette. Lavy’s reaction afterwards is priceless.

WARNING: NSFW Language

Barrie Colts Defies The Odds And Drafts Slovakian Goaltender

The Barrie Colts should be proud.

mast-logoEarlier this year, Hockey Canada had placed a ban on Canadian junior teams from drafting European or non Canadian goaltenders. Their thinking was that at a national level, our goaltending is lacking. Therefore if the junior teams only draft Canadian goaltenders, they will be able to get more conditioned and improve their game.

MY thinking is…..how do you get better if you don’t play against better players?

Barrie decided to defy that logic and drafted 18 year old goaltender Daniel Gibl from Slovakia. He was the only goaltender selected and it is possible that he could be the last European goaltender to be drafted into the league. Gibl played in the U20 league and boasted a .902 save percentage. Dale Hawerchuk can’t complain about that.

Anyway, it was nice to see a Canadian decide to go above and beyond and pick a foreign goalie. Like I said, you only get better when you play against better players.

AIHL Team Profile: Melbourne Ice

Time for a look at the teams from down under. Australia has a semi-professional league which I’ve explained in a previous post. Without further ado, the Melbourne Ice.

MelbourneIceTall smallThe Melbourne Ice first came into the AIHL in 2002. Sponsored by Medibank they play their home games out of the originally named Medibank Icehouse. The Ice started their history on a low note, failing to reach the playoffs the first four years. As they grind and gritted through the low times, they eventually iced a competitive team and attracted many passionate fans.

Their fiercest rivalry comes from across town. Their roommates if you will, in the Medibank Icehouse are the Melbourne Mustangs whose fans bleed orange. One night in the Icehouse with these two teams rocking will leave you dazed and confused.

The Ice are currently playing for their fourth consecutive Goodall Cup at this very moment. The team is composed of veteran Australian players such as Thomas Powell, Todd Graham and Joseph Hughes. American and former member of the CHL’s San Antonio Rampage, Chris Frank is also apart of the Ice on defence. As for our home-country talent, Melbourne ices 3 Canadians.

The Melbourne are back in action on Sunday July 14th as they take on the Sydney Bears. Puck drop is at 3:30 local time.

Mediocre Monday: Patrick Stefan

149572_449839846145_6495374_nArguably the worst #1 Draft pick in NHL history, Patrick Stefan went first overall to the Atlanta Thrashers who also was in their first pick in franchise history. Pick 2 and 3 were Hendrik and Daniel Sedin. Despite knowing that Stefan had a history of concussions and was playing for the Long Beach Ice Dogs in the IHL, Stefan was touted to become one of their biggest players. Stefan played six seasons before being traded to the Dallas Stars for 2 guys and a draft pick and most likely a bag of hockey pucks. Stefan played one year with Dallas and they chose not to re-sign him. This is probably why:

 

Yeesh. His numbers were always terrible and he finished out his career with SC Bern in Switzerland. You can now find him as an agent in Laguna Beach.

The Teams Of The New Zealand Ice Hockey League

I’ve been very intrigued lately by the game of hockey being played in non traditional hockey markets. I’m sure you’ve noticed that by now. I love giving these teams and leagues more exposure on this side of the pond because lord knows their hard work deserves it. With that, let’s take a look at the 5 teams in the NZIHL.

Botany_Swarm_logo1. Botany Swarm – Auckland, New Zealand

The Botany Swarm were one of the first inaugaral teams in the NZIHL. First named the South Auckland Swarm, they made the switch to Botany to better reflect their origins. The Swarm are 4 time NZIHL champions and currently sit tied for second in this year’s standings.

ADMIRALS2. West Auckland Admirals – Auckland, New Zealand

Another team that was apart of the inguaral beginnings of the NZIHL, the West Auckland Admirals are also, you guessed it, based out of Auckland. The team has improved leaps and bounds over the years despite winning zero championships. They currently sit last place.

RED_DEVILS3. Canterbury Red Devils – Christchurch, New Zealand

The Red Devils are currently your NZIHL reigning champions hoping to make a repeat this year. Based out of Christchurch, they have 2 championships under their belt and are one of the stronger teams in the league. I’ve personally taking a liking to the Red Devils so be on the look out for game recaps. They currently sit tied for second.

Dunedin_Thunder_logo4. Dunedin Thunder – Dunedin, New Zealand

Found in 2008 the Dunedin Thunder are currently the first place holders in this year’s season. After struggling like most expansion teams do, the Thunder have bolted their way through the ranks and are stronger as ever. I have a feeling they will give the championship a good run this season. They currently are in the midst of a 4 game win streak.

STAMPEDE5. Southern Stampede – Queenstown, New Zealand

The Stampede are 2 time NZIHL champs and are a force to be reckoned with. A physical team, they bring a new style to the New Zealand game. Every year they also hold an exhibition game with the New Zeland Ice Blacks, the country’s national team. They currently sit tied for second.

The games in NZ get as tight as you can get making for great hockey. This league thoroughly excites me and I am glad to be vocal about the league in North America and my side of the globe.