In case you haven’t heard, there was a huge line brawl in last night’s Toronto Maple Leafs and Buffalo Sabres match up. Complete with Phil Kessel doing his best “Hacksaw” Jim Duggan impression and everyone’s favourite: a goalie fight.
For your viewing pleasure:
Of course, this got me to thinking. Why not honour the greatness that is a goalie fight. Here are some scrums that stick out in my mind.
First off the bat is Philadelphia’s favourite hot headed goaltender, Ron Hextall. While Hexy is most remembered for being insane and slashing the hell out of players, there’s one incident that pretty much shuts him up in the years following. His opponent? None other then another Leafs, Felix “The Cat” Potvin.
Hextall gets his ass handed to him by Potvin. One of the best goalie fights of all time.
Most of my writing on March Hockey has covered the EIHL. However, I thought I’d make a quick remark about the new NHL rule surrounding the removing of your helmet before or during a fight. Under the new rules removing your helmet now comes with a coincidental 2 minute penalty on top of the standard 5 minute major for the fight itself. Although this doesn’t seem like much a penalty, its presence seems merely a formality as we have seen in a latest round of preseason games there is always a way around it:
Note that Barch and Gallant are both communicating pre-fight “hey no leave it on just undo it, and ill take it off.” To me it all sounds so very chivalrous and a fantastically typical response between two respected tough guys before they go.
Why bother then with the rule might you ask?
Well it’s a bit of a paradoxical situation. The NHL is trying to avoid being sued by players families as a result of head injuries sustained in fights, very similar to the situation the NFL is facing at the moment. However by having players leave their helmets on during a fight, it also causes a different injury problem: hand injuries. Now this may not seem too bad and I would say I would rather have a broken hand or finger than a concussion but it’s still an injury that will cause players to miss games.
If we look back to when helmets were made mandatory in the NHL, players were trying to get the helmet off the other combatant. Sure this causes more damage when you hit them, but it also prevents broken fingers, knuckles, wrists and hands through striking a helmet. Speaking from my limited experience, punching a helmet hurts; I have broken a few fingers and split knuckles during a fight because of this. Now fortunately at the level I played I didn’t really have to worry about missing practise or missing a game but in an NHL where the enforcer role is changing, and these guys are literally fighting for their ice time. Not only does adding an extra 2 minute eat into the limited time they have already but I question how effective it will be?
The OHL fighting rule that requires the helmets stay on and mandatory visors doesn’t seem to have deterred hockey’s future throwing the fists (although this is something Ashley will know more about). (March’s note: OHL only allows 10 fights a year per player.)
The EIHL has not adopted this rule, although there is legislation regarding jersey tie downs. IF you don’t have your jersey tied down before a fight you can get thrown out of the game for illegal equipment. This is to protect guys who get lost when their jersey is pulled over their head leaving them pretty vulnerable. Now in theory again this is a great idea, however it is flawed. Firstly I haven’t seen a lot of enforcing of this rule. Secondly a lot of guys I have spoken to have had their tie down break during the fight, (its essentially a Velcro strap) making it difficult to judge if it was tied down in the first place. Thirdly I know how restricting they can feel and although a regular fighter might sacrifice this for extra movement fights, well, just happen and being caught unawares can lead to a fairly irritating ejection.
Don’t get me wrong, I want to see fighting stay in hockey but first and foremost players do need to be protected. Derek Boogaards death came as an indirect result of blows to the head he had sustained in a fight, something we don’t want to see happen again. However there needs to be another way around this problem.
On Saturday night, a mere three hours west from where I sat watching on television, a National Hockey League preseason game was taking place in the Yardmen Arena in the city of Belleville, Ontario. The community of Sterling-Rawdon won the Kraft Hockeyville challenge and was presented a National Hockey League game in their community.
While the teams of the Washington Capitals and Winnipeg Jets took to the ice that is the home of the Belleville Bulls, only one name stood out to me. No, not Evander Kane or Dustin Byfuglien. Hell, not even Alexander Ovechkin.
That name was Nathan Walker.
Nathan Walker made history Saturday night becoming the first Australian to compete in a preseason NHL game as he skated with the Washington Capitals. He even helped out in the 4-3 shootout win, earning an assist on Washington’s first goal.
Walker was actually born in Wales, United Kingdom but grew up in Australia and found his love for the game. In 2007, he moved to the Czech Republic to help his play, suiting up for both under 18 and under 20 squads. Along the way he made stops in the Australia Ice Hockey League with the Sydney Ice Dogs.
Photo: capsinpictures.com
Scouts saw something in this young kid as he signed a contract with the Youngstown Phantoms of the USHL for 2013. It was here in North America that the NHL started to really pay attention. After failing to be drafted in the 2013 Entry Draft in New Jersey, the Washington Capitals handed him a spot in their training camp leading to his debut Saturday night.
The sky is the limit for Walker. Given his talent and age, there is no doubt to see him in an NHL jersey sooner rather then later. Australia should be proud of the hockey talent they are producing.
Soon enough, and hopefully the world will take notice, the NHL might have a Aussie invasion.
Of course, who didn’t see this coming? Jason Spezza has been named the 8th captain in Ottawa Senators franchise history. He is more then fit to be able to handle the job. He was over a point a game player for the Brampton Battalion, Mississauga Ice Dogs, Windsor Spitfires and Belleville Bulls of the Ontario Hockey League before making the jump to the AHL and as history shows, the NHL.
What will Spezza have to live up too? There’s only been 7 captains before him and only one of which who has set the precedent. You can’t count the first 4 who did absolutely nothing. Laurie Boschman, Brad Shaw, Mark Lamb, and Gord Dineen who were given a brand new franchise with little tools and players to work with trying to make the team thrive.
Randy Cunneyworth, who is a major step up, lead the team for 4 seasons without breaking 50 points a season. Of course, he had more points then the past 4 captains combined but the mid-90’s were a strange time for hockey and the Ottawa Senators in general.
And then comes Alexi Yashin, who was marketed to take the Senators to the promised land. Well, as history shows, that didn’t happen. After being stripped of his captaincy for refusing to honor his contract, the Senators brass named Daniel Alfredsson captain for the 1999-2000 season.
Now this is where Spezza is going to have big shoes to fill. Alfredsson was the longest serving Senators captain at 13 years. He set a precedent of notching over 50 points a season consecutively. Yashin was the only one former who came close. Alfredsson was not only a leader on the ice but off the ice as well. He was the one players came too.
I have no doubt that Spezza has the ability to perform on the ice but he may need to step it up a little. With the addition of Bobby Ryan to the team, this will give the Senators a bit more fire power and maybe more for Spezza to work with. Becoming a leader is something he has already has been. With him, Chris Neil, and Chris Phillips, there is no shortage of veteran players who the younger ones can turn too.
This may be a learning experience year but there’s no doubt that you should keep a close eye on those Pesky Sens.
A few former NHLers will be invading the Best Western in Cornwall, Ontario for a dinner and roast to help support the Children’s Treatment Centre.
The annual dinner and roast benefits the Children’s Treatment Centre in the form of donations and past guests of honor have ranged from prominent Canadian figures to members of parliament. This year will also feature an auction of various hockey items, some donated from Wensink himself.
Of course most of these guys need no introduction. Wensink who is from the Cornwall area, grew up in Maxville, Ontario and spent his junior years with the Cornwall Royals before making the big jump to the show. He also one of the toughest players of his time.
John Wensink, Gerry Cheevers, Terry O’Reilly and Brad Park all took their turns playing with the big bad Boston Bruins of the 1970’s. There will be plenty of reminiscing on hand as this year’s roast will turn to the topic of hockey. Kelly Chase, Rick Middleton and Bob Player are all also slated to attend. Each will be giving a 15 minute speech.
The Children’s Treatment Centre roast will take place next Friday, September 13th.
After going undrafted and not hearing his name be called in this year’s National Hockey League draft, Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds superstar Sergey Tolchinsky has been locked up by the Carolina Hurricanes.
The Canes announced today that they agreed to terms with the star caliber forward for a three year entry level contract. Tolchinsky impressed the Canes brass so much that the terms of the deal are as follows. According to NHL.com, the deal will pay Tolchinsky $550,000 at the NHL level or $55,000 at the American Hockey League level in the first year, $550,000 in the NHL or $67,500 in the AHL in the second year, and $575,000 in the NHL or $67,500 in the AHL in the third year. He will also receive a signing bonus of $150,000.
The Hurricanes weren’t the only team on Tolchinsky’s radar. Tolchinsky attended both Carolina and the New York Rangers’ prospect development camp back in July. It was Jim Rutherford who saw the spark on the ice and cemented the deal.
Rod Brind’Amour lifts the Stanley Cup for Carolina’s first win.
Last season the 5’8” Russia native notched 51 points in 62 games and was an integral part of the Greyhounds playoff run. Sault Ste. Marie will be sad to see such a powerhouse go but at the same time they should be proud of what they developed.
Whether Tolchinsky starts this season off with the Charlotte Checkers of the AHL or with the big club of the NHL is yet to be seen but one thing is for certain: Tolchinsky is a storm brewing in Carolina.
The Brampton Beast are the newest addition to the Central Hockey League and today was monumental in the team’s newly constructed history. The city of Brampton is now affiliated with an American Hockey League and National Hockey League team.
The Beast announced that they signed a one year contract and will be the feeder team to the Syracuse Crunch of the AHL and the Tampa Bay Lightning of the NHL. Lightning GM Steve Yzerman expressed his excitement in partnering with the Brampton Beast and knows the talent that will be developed will be extraordinary. A strong developmental system in place is the key to success.
The Central Hockey League is venturing into Canada for the first time this year. The city of Brampton is excited for the opportunity to showcase their hockey talent to one of the best leagues in North America. The Beast are now the fourth CHL team to be associated with an NHL team. The Allen American are affiliated with the Dallas Stars, the Arizona Sundogs are affiliated with the Phoenix Coyotes, and the Denver Cutthroats are with the Colorado Avalanche.
(Photo: bramptonbeast.com)
After Brampton’s OHL team, the Battalion took leave to North Bay earlier this year, the Powerade Centre was left empty. The Beast are looking to fill that arena with passionate fans across the GTA. This is another great opportunity for Canadian hockey fans to see the future of the NHL right in front of their very own eyes.
The Brampton Beast started off their inaugural CHL season October 18th where they host the Arizona Sundogs.
Connor Murphy is one blue line defender you do not want to come across. At 6’3″ he is a towering addition to any blue line he’s on. While suiting up for the OHL’s Sarnia Sting for the past two seasons, he’s notched up 44 points in 68 games. He previously played for the USA Hockey National Team Development Program and in that same year was selected 20th overall by the Phoenix Coyotes. This past winter he scored the overtime game winner of the gold medal match up at the 2013World Juniors in Ufa, Russia.
You may even recall his father, Gord Murphy, a bruising defenceman who spent 14 seasons in the National Hockey League between the Philadelphia Flyers, Boston Bruins, Florida Panthers and Atlanta Thrashers. He is currently assistant coach to Kevin Dineen of the Florida Panthers.
I jumped at the chance at this opportunity to go into the mind of a first round drafted player.
March Hockey: You were drafted by the Phoenix Coyotes in the first round of the 2011 Entry Draft, how did you mentally prepare to go into an event of that stature?
(Photo: sarniasting.com)
Connor Murphy:The preparation was all in the NHL Combine off the ice, in games during the season, and in the interviews with each team. So once the draft came, it was all about enjoying the experience and soaking it all in. I always watched the draft growing up, so it was pretty surreal being there with my family and around teammates of mine.Continue reading “One on One with Phoenix Coyotes 2011 First Round Draft Pick, Connor Murphy”
Just checking in after a very uneventful day at the American Embassy. However The LA Kings made California’s Highlight reel in a tourism video of “must see” things to do….not all bad right?!
I was looking at things to complain about.
So I thought I’d touch on the subject of Jaromir Jagr.
As much as I don’t really have any sort of personal or hockey bias toward the man at all, intact I’m quite fond of him, I can’t help but dislike what may be transpiring in his new deal with the New Jersey Devils.
I’m not debating that Jags doesn’t have playoff hockey in him anymore (others may do..I personally think he’s got something left in the tank) but I just feel like this isn’t a situation where a player has been loyal to his team and without a cup, looking for winning opportunities at the end of his career. Skirting very much on rent a player hockey? Possibly yes.
Are players in the future going to sign one year deals a with a struggling team, play a some-what easy regular season and then be traded to a cup contender without having to really work to get into the playoffs? Some might not like that thesis, but I feel it maybe a reality that’s slowly coming into the back door of the hockey world.
New Jerseys Standpoint
I’m head scratching right now as to what to write. Of course Jagr will be a great addition to young team that need support and guidance but I’m not sure about the financial cost of the contract for a already cash strapped organization.
My prediction is he will be traded at the trade deadline for the highest pick they can get.
Grab a pen folks and circle these dates on your calender.
The National Hockey League released its regular season schedule last Friday complete with new division names, realignments, stadiums games and everything in between.
The new divisions, Atlantic, Central, Metropolitan (Um….what.) and Pacific will feature some unlikely match ups but that was to be expected. Without mentioning the obvious games like the Winter Classic and any of the Stadium games, here’s what I think you should be tuning into.
1. Tuesday, October 1st, 2013 – Toronto Maple Leafs at Montreal Canadiens
(Photo credit: gbalogh. flickr.)
Well of course, this is the first game of our first full season in two years and what better way to ring it in with an Original 6 classic. Both teams always play hard and very rarely does the game not come out with some kind of controversy. Also, on the same night, the Blackhawks will raise their Stanley Cup banner.
2. Saturday, October 5th, 2013 – The Battle Of Ontario. Ottawa Senators at Toronto Maple Leafs
The first installment of the fight for Ontario begins. The Senators are fully charged with newest addition Bobby Ryan. Although lacking long time captain Daniel Alfredsson, don’t count the Sens out. Don’t count out Toronto either. They’ve improved with offseason additions such as David Clarkson. This game isn’t going to end well.
3. Sunday, December 1st, 2013 – Welcomed Homecoming? Detroit Red Wings at Ottawa Senators
Speaking of Daniel Alfredsson. In one of the biggest heal turns in hockey history that proves loyalty is a thing of the past, Alfredsson makes his return to Scotiabank Place. (I refuse to call it the Canadian Tire Centre. They missed out on not naming it the Canadian Tire Coliseum.) Will the fans still chant Alfie at the 11th minute of every period? Or will he be graced with a chorus of boos?
4. Wednesday, November 27, 2013 – Philadelphia Flyers at Tampa Bay Lightning
Vinny Lecavalier will be back in the St. Pete Times Forum but this time in the black and orange. Another one to surely keep fans on their feet, not just because the return of Lecavalier. I’m sure the crowd will roar.
5. Saturday, January 25th, 2014 – Anaheim Ducks vs Los Angeles Kings at Dodger Stadium
(Photo credit: BuckeyHermit. flickr.)
Ok, I lied. I’m only mentioning this one because it’s the first of the Coors Light Stadium series. It’s not the first time these to meet this season but by then there might be a bit of a rivalry brewing as Dustin Penner was acquired by the Ducks from the Kings in the offseason. It’ll be interesting to watch. What could go wrong with hockey being played on a ball diamond?
The Rangers, Senators and Ducks all start their seasons on the road with 8 or 9 game stretches. Terrible for them, but good for us to watch.
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