tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-56072594423465134752024-03-14T08:50:51.797+01:00...over the Pond!Enter thee who loves hockey. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07718400125395211712noreply@blogger.comBlogger14125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5607259442346513475.post-12563561020608302702013-02-26T21:55:00.000+01:002013-02-26T22:54:30.058+01:00Pierre Page was a good coach<h2>
no one said ever. </h2>
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You know those guys that were coaching when your parents we young? Those guys that know everyone, have been everywhere, yet have not done anything at all? </div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://files.eliteprospects.com/layout/staff/pierre_page.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://files.eliteprospects.com/layout/staff/pierre_page.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pierre Pagé</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Pierre Page who is currently a coach of Red Bull Salzburg, director of hockey operations, and a guy who works on team's hiring policy, is one of those people. Given the chance this guy can talk for hours. I've heard his players comparing his speeches to those of Fidel Castro on Cuba.</div>
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When my local team cancelled post game press conferences in favor of press statements done in passing by players and coaches one of the things I started to miss were his speeches on these. Previous years, regardless of winning or losing, Pagé just started to talk, and talked for quite some time. </div>
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My first encounter with Pagé as after winning a game over a team crippled by injuries and overcoming a 2 goal deficit in last two minutes followed by a win in OT, "my" local team playing with two D-men in 3rd line as forwards. Pierre promptly recalled some SC run with one of his teams sometime between '80ies and mid '90ies and proceeded to talk about it for good 15 minutes.<br />
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<h2>
And then there were playoffs</h2>
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This time he has outplayed even himself. After barely qualifying for the playoffs Pagé team lost in the opening game. He didn't congratulate the opponents, or commented the game. This was a playoff game. </div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/482395_486602471401329_1410390876_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/482395_486602471401329_1410390876_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pierre Pagé, EC RBS player, Marty Raymond, Curtis Fraser</td></tr>
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<b>Pagé said (quote)</b>: "<i>I've been in this league for 6 years now. And just last week I heard a comment by Swiss ref saying that this league has no speed and no skill. These are not my words but words by Swiss refs, Swiss GMs and Swiss coaches.</i>"<br />
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Well too bad mr. Pagé, but is this not a league in which you with almost unlimited budget can't compete? A league where you wouldn't qualify for PO if there hadn't been a system that favored you rotating a thousands of players? In few months of regular league Pagé has dressed 28 different import players and had overall of 57 players on his 22 men roster at some point.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/p206x206/524739_486600934734816_1321100734_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/p206x206/524739_486600934734816_1321100734_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dont blame the players, blame the bad coach</td></tr>
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I'm not sure here but it sounds to me like he didn't get a single player with speed or skills that mattered to him this season. Note at this point that Salzburg acquired several LOCKOUT players (most in league) this season like Johnny "The Rocket" Boychuk, Clarkson, Dorsett, Brassard, Tobias Enstrom. These guys weren't good enough I guess.</div>
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I wonder what they would say. Or Nick Ross, Ryan Kinasewich, Tyler Maxwell, Justin Keller, Shawn Hunwick and many more from previous seasons. The team is a joke. Hopefully it'll become something as it has means and facilities to be big. Without Pierre Pagé.<br />
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<h3>
The issue with dropping a bomb in closed quarters full of people</h3>
<br />
was never a problem with Pierre Pagé as he managed to say the following:<br />
<br />
"<i><b>NHL has become a league with lack of skill and speed recently and is not looked upon anymore." </b></i></div>
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Erm... what? Best players, best coaches and best venues in the world, but the league lacks skill and speed to be the best in world? </div>
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<h2>
It's not over till Pierre sings</h2>
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Playoffs are a series of games between two clubs. They are played until last man standing and many things are done that wouldn't be done otherwise in a regular season game.<br />
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Now, Pierre Pagé is a master in those games. Not playoff games but in dirty games. 2007/08 Red Bull Salzburg was losing to Olimpija. One of the reasons was a superb goalie Alex Westlund between the pipes of Olimpija.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/859939_10151435197834886_1646621319_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="277" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/859939_10151435197834886_1646621319_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Player in crease holding a goalie and its a good goal. </td></tr>
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Tactics? Easy, ram the goalie. Didn't work then.<br />
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It worked today. When faced against a superb goaltending its best to brew a old recipe - have a sucky player ram the goalie and lets take the game home. Daniell Welser, a mediocre austrian player rammed and injured an Olympic Slovenian goaltender just so his team can win. Shoulder to the head works. Usually.<br />
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Also this is a good goal apparently:<br />
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This won't work as Medvescak has two excellent goalies and hopefully Pierre Pagé dirty moves will be penalised soon enough with a plane ticket to a nursery home. <b>So long old man, we'll miss you</b>...<br />
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That one you will never hear. Beat it.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/528196_486601564734753_704584845_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/528196_486601564734753_704584845_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ha - Ha (Nathan Perkovich) </td></tr>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07718400125395211712noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5607259442346513475.post-82162351100305918522013-02-13T00:47:00.003+01:002013-02-13T00:49:08.273+01:00Olympics, playoffs, Russians, hockey<h3>
What do Croatia, Germany and Denmark hockey players all have in common?</h3>
<i>They're all going to watch Olympic games on TV. </i><br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b154/spyboy1/TSG%20Blog%202013/Slovenia2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b154/spyboy1/TSG%20Blog%202013/Slovenia2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Robert Kristan standing firm for Slovenia against Denmark</td></tr>
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Austria and Slovenia made an uproar and qualified to the Olympic hockey tournament in Socchi 2014! Beating "hockey" countries like Belarus, Ukraine and Denmark Slovenia qualified for the first time (since 1984 and OG in Sarajevo where they played as part of Yugoslavia), while Austria took a point from Germany with a goal in last minute to tie the score.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.iihf.com/typo3temp/pics/5eecef5e43.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://www.iihf.com/typo3temp/pics/5eecef5e43.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Slovenian team trying to hug their goalie all at once for stellar performance <br />
at OGQ tournament. Photo by iihf.com</td></tr>
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What do Austria and Slovenia have in common? Well, its a similarity at least. Almost all players from Austria play in the local/regional EBEL league, but almost all players from Slovenia play abroad. And they're mostly out of a single, and world-known, hockey school. A school where Anže Kopitar was made, on a sunny side of Alps in Jesenice.<br />
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So, in a league where Vanek stayed with his folks in a village in Austria (Graz) and scored like 15 points in 11 games. A bit less then he managed to do in his dozen or so games of a shortened NHL season. Yikes, EBEL is better league than NHL!<br />
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Btw. three countries with teams playing in EBEL are going to Olympic games. Only two countries with teams playing in NHL are going to Olympic games. Do the math! I know I did.<br />
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So, Sammy Gagner said congrats to his Austrian Eskimo brothers:<br />
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Big Congratulations to Austria on qualifying for Sochi 2014. Really enjoyed my time there and wish them all the best. Except vs Canada :)<br />
— Sam Gagner (@89SGagner) <a href="https://twitter.com/89SGagner/status/300669159010861056">February 10, 2013</a></blockquote>
Also, Andy Chiodo, his former teammate and two times draftee commented the same. He discovered twitter as well recently. Coincidence? I think not.<br />
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
<br />
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Congrats to the KAC boys and all of Austrian National Team on qualifying for 2014 Olympics . Great job !<br />
— Andy chiodo (@ChicoChiodo31) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChicoChiodo31/status/300672128561336320">February 10, 2013</a></blockquote>
Though, somehow I think Gagner's tweet went to a broader audience. But we're all praying that finally this is the year Oilers and Sammy go to playoffs. If not, he'll always have the Alps.<br />
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Anže Kopitar was also proud on his baby bro and his papy who pulled Slovenia to the first Olympic Games tournament in history. No one understood what he wrote though. Well, his teammates in Slo did. Maybe. Not sure.<br />
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Iskrene cestitke vsem fantom! Pise se zgodovina! <a href="https://twitter.com/search/%23strupjevmejhnihfla%C5%A1kah">#strupjevmejhnihflaškah</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/search/%23ifeelslovenia">#ifeelslovenia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/search/%23risi">#risi</a><br />
— Anze Kopitar (@AnzeKopitar) <a href="https://twitter.com/AnzeKopitar/status/300005636664594432">February 8, 2013</a></blockquote>
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
He did say though that he's playing in Socchi 2014. Take that NHL.<br />
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"This is a miracle," Slovenia head coach <b>Matjaz Kopitar</b>, father of the Los Angeles Kings <b>Anze Kopitar</b>, was quoted as saying afterwards. "A great success, not only for our sport, but for our <b>nation</b>."<br />
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http://instagram.com/p/VmrMGWrOc1/ This picture sums it all up.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/tw9zqWYTHd0" width="640"></iframe>
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What else? Oh yeah, they have to brothers actually named Rodman. Cool right? And their brightest stars is a young trio that emerged from Jesenice school Sabolič - Tičar - Jeglič, twenty something kids playing in DEL and Allsvenskan. Going to Olympic games. Good luck boys!<br />
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Dustin Jeffrey is doing some graveyard shifts in NHL. And he was a star in Europe. Just like Muršak. Hope Jan gets better though and starts playing again like he knows he can.<br />
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<h2>
Russians are coming</h2>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/74/GdanskSopot_ErgoArena_20110603.jpg/300px-GdanskSopot_ErgoArena_20110603.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/74/GdanskSopot_ErgoArena_20110603.jpg/300px-GdanskSopot_ErgoArena_20110603.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ergo Arena in Gdansk</td></tr>
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Or are they? Poland nominated <a href="http://www.eurohockey.com/article/2268-gdansk-is-ready-to-land-in-khl.html" target="_blank">Gdansk for KHL team</a>. Their idea of a KHL team is a road show that'll be based in Gdansk but will tour around Poland in order to promote hockey. </div>
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Seriously? Who comes up with ideas like those? </div>
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In other news: Russians plan to have Milano in for 13/14 and by 14/15 another Swiss based team. That would sum up to 28 teams, with one spot open for either a Croatian team and Polish team, or someone else with money. </div>
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<h2>
Two cups one league </h2>
But there's still playoffs to be played in EBEL league before Russians arrive (if?). EBEL has a really silly intermission round system worked in a way to give bottom teams a chance to qualify for playoffs while doing jack shit all season. Also gives chance to Red Bull Salzburg to dress a 28th foreign (transfer card) player this season. A frenchie. Yikes, seriously guys?<br />
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Vienna continues to dominate, and are now a team most would bet to win championship. Two cups one league? Yes, thats EBEL. Vienna will miss their star D-man, Dan Bjornlie who's out with a season ending concussion.<br />
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Trade deadline doesn't end by 15th so we'll see if they'll bring a substitute by then.<br />
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Bears from Zagreb, who are declining in this intermission round, got a new goal scorer, Roman Tomas from Slovakian team Poprad is supposed to arrive to Zagreb tomorrow and join the team for the away game in Vienna. Live video will be at www.medvescakizbliza.com under STREAM. Hopefully we'll have a good game to watch. Its about time.<br />
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Geoff Waugh might return to roster after a month long absence due to concussion.<br />
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Clayton Stoner still didn't reply to a few questions, but its okay, he's busy in NHL. Hopefully he'll do it soon and we'll have something to read about.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07718400125395211712noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5607259442346513475.post-56716135028686193562013-01-17T21:55:00.000+01:002013-01-17T21:55:56.867+01:00Mike Danton and Ned Lukacevic talk about...<br />
<h2>
A new / second part of season, both in Europe and North America. Some life, and some emotion. Read all about it:</h2>
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NHL is starting on 19th while most of European leagues are getting really close to Playoffs. Somehow I feel like we're in early September with all the fantasy drafts, trade rumors and talks about first, last seeds and possible underdogs. While NHL starts soon, Europe is nearing trade deadline (Feb 15th). What will it bring remains to be seen. Hopefully it will be fun couple of weeks!<br />
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In Zagreb there's just one difference. There's like 60 cm of snow so far. And its fun. Except for guys. After a loss (and not important at all for 2nd seeded team in EBEL) in "big" Arena on Sunday to last (and worst) team of league they were sent shoveling:<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/150956_465874300140813_592724067_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="476" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/150956_465874300140813_592724067_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Everyday I'm shoveling</b>: Brandon Buck, Arena employee, Dennis Bozic, Ivan Šijan and Gal Koren. Working hard. </td></tr>
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Sam Gagner and Andy Chiodo (Edmonton / EC KAC) both rediscovered twitter. It's something of a "get a room you two" conversation. Oh boy.<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-in-reply-to="291927748816031744">
@<a href="https://twitter.com/gerrydee">gerrydee</a> @<a href="https://twitter.com/89sgagner">89sgagner</a> @<a href="https://twitter.com/mcammalleri13">mcammalleri13</a> wow, just went through and read all the messages I sent today <a href="https://twitter.com/search/%23reallyembarrased">#reallyembarrased</a><br />
— Andy chiodo (@ChicoChiodo31) <a data-datetime="2013-01-17T15:24:03+00:00" href="https://twitter.com/ChicoChiodo31/status/291928880737034240">January 17, 2013</a></blockquote>
<script async="async" charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
Then I stumbled upon an interview by NHL network with Dustin Jeffrey.<br />
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<br />
<br />
I guess he really liked playing here. Good thing we're all basically literate and can speak English to some degree. Just like any proper country. Right guys?<br />
<h2>
I've talked to Mike Danton and Ned Lukačević. </h2>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
These two guys were extremly nice, and happy to respond to few of my questions. Danton, 5th round draft pick for NJ Devils in 2000, and Lukačević, a 4th round pick for LA Kings in 2004 have something in common. Both are currently playing in Banska Bystrica of Slovakian Elite league. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: justify;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://img.cas.sk/img/4/article/1512315_hokej-mike-danton-banska-bystrica.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="235" src="http://img.cas.sk/img/4/article/1512315_hokej-mike-danton-banska-bystrica.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mike Danton in a practice jersey of HC '05 (Banska Bystrica, Slovakia)</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Q: Mike, from making to the big league, NHL, to Canadian CIS league. From Sweden to Czech (Austrian EBEL) and back, and now in Slovakia. Quite a trip so far. What are your expectation of this season?</b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b style="font-weight: bold;">Mike: </b>My expectations for this season are simple: be successful. This year was a little different for me because I became a father in the off-season. So, my priorities for the season were centered around my son. We felt it important to be in a similar culture to Canada for the upbringing of our son. That is why I intended on playing for the Coventry Blaze this season in the UK. However, my criminal background interjected once again and the UK border agency denied me access after two attempts. At that point, I just wanted to play hockey in a country that I was familiar with. So, I signed in Sweden. I played well there and got an opportunity to play here in Banska and it has been great so far. Hopefully, with the talent and speed that we have, we can make a strong push in the home stretch and go as far as possible.</div>
<b>
</b><a href="http://img.sport.sk/stories/2005/Sport/Hokej/Slovenska_liga/article/dnanton_michael_banska_bystrica_jan13_2_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: justify;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://img.sport.sk/stories/2005/Sport/Hokej/Slovenska_liga/article/dnanton_michael_banska_bystrica_jan13_2_2.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<b></b><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><b>Q: As player vast life and hockey experience, you are regarded by your teammates as a natural leader and something of a "life coach" in every team you play in. Do you consider yourself a changed man?</b></b></div>
<b>
</b>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Mike:</b> Yes, I consider myself changed, but not entirely. I am the same charismatic and entertaining guy that I have always been. That will never change. However, I have matured in life and mentality. I have been through so much in my life that I have a wealth of knowledge in so many areas. I hav eben up and down so much in my life that I have learned from all of those scenarios and can help guide younger players when I recognize similar situations they are going through. That is also a new aspect of my life that I enjoy. I do not mind it at all.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<a href="http://www.thenownews.com/6455435.bin" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.thenownews.com/6455435.bin" width="213" /></a><b></b><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>I've talked to Ned as well about Mike, and about having many lockout players this season on team. He talked quite a bit. Ned just loves to talk.</i> </div>
<b style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></b>
<b style="text-align: justify;"><b>Q: Your team (Banska Bystrica) had quite a few lockout players on roster. Now that they're gone, how does the team feel?</b></b><br />
<b>
</b>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Ned:</b> Having the NHL lock out players here was great for our club, and also great for the city. The city had a lot of buzz and it was really nice playing along side <a href="http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=8683" target="_blank">Micheal Handzu</a>s in particular for myself, he helped me really establish my game in the Extraliga. We have been struggling as of late to string together some wins, but the great thing is we're still in a playoff spot, and we feel good about the team we have in front of us.<br />
<br /></div>
<b></b><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><b>Q: Your newest teammate is Mike Danton, a guy with huge history and obviously skill. Do you think you can learn a lot by playing with guys like Mike and Handzuš?</b></b></div>
<b>
</b>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: justify;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://img.cas.sk/img/4/gallery/1462571_sport-hokej-slovenska-hokejova-extraliga-20-kolo-michal-handzus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="285" src="http://img.cas.sk/img/4/gallery/1462571_sport-hokej-slovenska-hokejova-extraliga-20-kolo-michal-handzus.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mike Handzus and Ned Lukačević during a game for Banska Bystrica</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b style="font-weight: bold;">Ned</b><b>: </b>Meeting Mike (Danton) for the first time, was a great experience for me and something I'll always remember. Mike has always been judged on his past, and the mistake he made... But just like anyone he deserves a second chance, I'm glad to say he is getting it, in life and in hockey. He (Mike) is a good person with a good heart. On the hockey side of things, he can still play- it's really interesting that someone who was locked up for 7 years is still as good as he is. It just shows why he was where he once was.</div>
<b>
</b>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><b>Q: You're a student of criminology. Does the understanding of human nature and psychology help you in hockey games?</b></b></div>
<b>
</b>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><b>Mike</b>: </b>Actually, I am a student in Psychology and Criminology with my focus being in sports psychology. In saying that, my education definitely plays a positive role in my hockey career. It is amazing to learn how significant the mind is when it comes to playing sports. I wish I was schooled in this field when I was playing in the NHL. One of the main concepts that I have really focused on the last two years in confidence and self-motivation. It is true: without belief, you really have nothing. Proper self-motivation and confidence can become your best friend or worst enemy in sports.</div>
<b>
</b>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://img.cas.sk/img/4/full/1512313_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: justify;"><img border="0" height="268" src="http://img.cas.sk/img/4/full/1512313_.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><b>Q: You played a good season in Czech, and your former colleague at Saint Mary's Univ Kyle Wharton came to the club this season. Why didn't you stay? Can you compare the league to other top leagues you played in?</b></b></div>
<b>
</b>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Mike</b>: Znojmo was a great experience for me. I played well, and the fans were absolutely amazing. However, hockey is business and most of the time emotions do not make the best judgements for contractual agreements. Like I said earlier, we found it important to play in a similar culture to Canada this season because of the birth of our son. Playing in a country where English was not spoken too often would have hindered our situation if something were to happen to our son and daily errands that would have needed to be completed. The EBEL is a very good league. It is fast, skilled and tough like North America. There are many North Americans playing in that league which bring an element of physical hockey to their teams.</div>
<b></b><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><b>Q: What are your plans for this season and future? Do you see yourself working in hockey after you end your player career one day?</b></b></div>
<b>
</b>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><b>Mike</b>: </b>My plans for this season are simple: be as successful as possible. I want to perform as well as I can and help the team win as many games as possible. In the future, I want to play hockey for as long as I can, but I realize that might not be able to happen. Whenever children enter the picture, priorities seem to change. Whatever is best for my son and family is what I will decide to do. I would love to stay in hockey to some degree after my career whether that be coaching or in some type of psychological setting. I guess we will see.</div>
<b>
</b>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>Big thanks to Mike Danton for this great opportunity to talk to him. After I've finished with Mike, I went back head to head with Ned. While he loves to talk (did I mention that?) his second passion is hockey, and third probably poker. For next interview I might call him to play some heads up. </i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><b>Q: So Ned, you're in Slovakia for a while now. This is your second stint in Europe. How do you like it so far? Have you been to any of the great cities?</b></b></div>
<b>
</b>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><b>Ned</b>: </b>It's been a great start to my European career. Obviously with my brief stint in the Allsvenskan (Swedish 2nd league) last year, this is my first real taste at European hockey fully. It's a great pace, great life style, and hockey has become fun again. My favorite city I have visited so far has definitely got to be Vienna. </div>
<b>
</b>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><b>Q: You played a few games in Sweeden (Allsvenskan) and some in Slovakia now. How do you compare those leagues? How do they compare to AHL and ECHL?</b></b></div>
<b>
</b>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><b>Ned</b>: </b>I think the difference between Allsvenskan and Slovakia is a few things. The conditions are a lot more modern in Sweden, rinks wise. Facilities are a little newer, but the fans in Slovakia are real passionate about hockey and are very loyal. Both leagues were up pace and real up tempo. On paper Allsvenskan is probably touted by general managers as better but I think the top teams here would be good teams in Allsvenskan as well. </div>
<b>
</b>
<div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: justify;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhl24gkVU4VwpvY3gLRh6-4rmb0LiQRhRwSpGniwsbSAl-uMF0g2P3OwjgnDRE1UTlKarUheh9yDbRmA_bnbdPbqlzXQIrlxaWEyhlymgwwziY396rkSAimXFlQmmW_7WKhXbOyEVpGmk/s1600/nedluka.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhl24gkVU4VwpvY3gLRh6-4rmb0LiQRhRwSpGniwsbSAl-uMF0g2P3OwjgnDRE1UTlKarUheh9yDbRmA_bnbdPbqlzXQIrlxaWEyhlymgwwziY396rkSAimXFlQmmW_7WKhXbOyEVpGmk/s400/nedluka.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ned Lukačević during 2008. Flyer's camp sporting a jailhouse jersey</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><b>Q: You've been regarded in past as top prospect by LA King's organisation and you eventually decided to play in Europe. Was it a hard decision? What do you miss the most?</b></b></div>
<b>
</b>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: justify;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/553748_10150963583251848_1815560584_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="372" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/553748_10150963583251848_1815560584_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ned Lukačević while playing with Adam Miller (Medveščak Zagreb)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b></b><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><b>Ned</b>: </b>Obviously everyone's goal playing pro is to play in the NHL some day. At some point you either have to realize you may not make it, for whatever reason. It may be politics, luck, or just not being good enough. You just have to do what's best for your career at that moment, and at the same time enjoy the game of life because at the end of the day hockey is just a game. </div>
</div>
<div>
<b></b><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><b>Q: Being born in Podgorica, MON, and you speak fluently the language. Did you find it hard to adapt to Slovakian? </b></b></div>
<b>
</b></div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><b>Ned:</b> </b>Being originally from (and born in) Montenegro , I can pick up bits and pieces of the Slovak language. It is still much different and hard though. It's nice to be close to my heritage as well, and hopefully even closer next year with a possibility of joining the bears (in Zagreb).</div>
<b>
</b></div>
<div>
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<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
<i><br /></i>
<i>Thanks to both Mike Danton and Ned Lukačević for this opportunity. I wish you guys all the best in upcoming games this weekend and hopefully playoffs.</i> </div>
<div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07718400125395211712noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5607259442346513475.post-82572535836758358162013-01-12T23:46:00.001+01:002013-01-12T23:56:33.198+01:00And we're off!We got ourselves a season. Europe is feeling better, KHL is still crying over Ovi, Malkin and not sure about Kovi. But hey, its not first time best and brightest are running out of USSR<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWmzejLg9BtCnnmAs4b8r4ztStPArJ94W_QnPIx5lJkN0RGoY_oxRSEr1kbLxi5Nmt3JBPP0I_4jB3g5QPhiBQmpWVXyfDnTVTdhyphenhyphenGT-Oqrix8BZlU7DbTruWVEMwzutsfTUD6O3svqGw/s1600/nhl_lockout.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWmzejLg9BtCnnmAs4b8r4ztStPArJ94W_QnPIx5lJkN0RGoY_oxRSEr1kbLxi5Nmt3JBPP0I_4jB3g5QPhiBQmpWVXyfDnTVTdhyphenhyphenGT-Oqrix8BZlU7DbTruWVEMwzutsfTUD6O3svqGw/s320/nhl_lockout.jpg" width="317" /></a></div>
<br />
<a href="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/A_s0FQkCAAA8WTa.jpg:large" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/A_s0FQkCAAA8WTa.jpg:large" width="207" /></a>Also, USA beat Canada. Then Canada got mad. And Don Cherry almost got a heart attack. Poor man, getting so excited over nothing. Lets pretend we cared and lets go on.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
So, as we wait for hockey for another week or so, lets preview what happened so far in #Europe<br />
<br />
1. Erste Bank Eishockey Liga (EBEL in Austria and surrounding countries) had its share of linking and popularity thanks to a nice guy playing for Olimpija Ljubljana, <a href="http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=9323" target="_blank">Mike Ratchuk</a>. Over a million views total, not bad man, and nice goal. Feel poor for the kid goalie.<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/ixgEy7I1I7w" width="640"></iframe>
2. Then Patrick Kane went to dangle a bit around Corey Schneider in Swiss. Showoff mostly, and a battle of nerves. Kane won. Woooot.<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/a7bSuDvlsuc" width="640"></iframe>
3. And finally it was time for good old Pavel Datsyuk to teach these kids a lesson. In a KHL game shootout he decided to add a new move. Check out this:<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/9My_jtXUhwM" width="640"></iframe>
4. But nothing can top Ilya Kovalchuk. I'm sure there are lots of guys on Devils' team that are sweating and swearing just watching this pure art. Спасибо Илье<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/6lX2eXrW45I" width="640"></iframe>
What can you say? I'm sure lots of these Locked-out guys had fun in Europe. In USA and Canada its all just work. Most of these guys have had first Xmas off since way before they were even drafted. Most of them worked out, enjoyed the Europe for first time.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw5JbOEKJzvPoemMG0IeZZCH42o5al5ibi4EnR9wUkEnpgyXulnt-Ik7L_BfHnTS_-SsRkKt3bWs9iGS04stQ7Sw2f2jm0YCOO0TB6qf2tWkEs0SjbnV6zCnm7uH_BrCveGlc_fqv2XfU/s1600/IMG_6480.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw5JbOEKJzvPoemMG0IeZZCH42o5al5ibi4EnR9wUkEnpgyXulnt-Ik7L_BfHnTS_-SsRkKt3bWs9iGS04stQ7Sw2f2jm0YCOO0TB6qf2tWkEs0SjbnV6zCnm7uH_BrCveGlc_fqv2XfU/s400/IMG_6480.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dustin Jeffrey selling Xmas cards for Medvescak partner UNICEF</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Just think of guys like Dustin Jeffrey, who worked hard to get into a star filled Pens roster. And had first Christmas off. He decided to spend it with his family and friends in Canada.<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/gCNOw6D9POY" width="640"></iframe>
Michael Grabner got a chance to play for his childhood team, EC VSV in same league as Jeffrey. Guys made him such a sweet video, wonder if he got a mix tape as well? Villach is so cute I just cuddle them all together. Also you can see how awesome Grabner's beard got over time.<br />
<br />
Rumours are Grabner's beard got sentient and he had to remove it upon landing on US soil. Or something like that.<br />
<br />
Tyler Myers as a farewell gift got a pounding by Nathan Perkovich. 203cm vs 196cm and 10s fight. But was nice. Notice the screams in the arena. Hi Becky.<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/Iup4GVs1Pnw" width="640"></iframe>
<br />
And another POV with a camera guy having a great feeling of the game: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=80LNkJ6o-50<br />
<br />
Damn he must be proud.<br />
<br />
Anyways, thats it guys. Lockout is over, tears over new fan favorites have been shed, and we're off to see another, very short, NHL season. Go draft your fantasy teams, set up your leagues and we're off to go.<br />
<br />
And Gagner's team is doing great since he left. They might even get to playoffs now. Which is unlikely for Edmonton Oilers.<br />
<br />
Burke who?<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07718400125395211712noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5607259442346513475.post-77185864567548137242012-12-22T00:25:00.001+01:002012-12-22T14:38:21.128+01:00You can't take the game from us<br />
<h2>
Although you've tried hard!</h2>
Hockey is a game of passion. Brotherly love and hate. Of curses, swearwords and great plays. Six men with bats, knives on feet and armor go out on the ice hitting each other in battle for the small rubber band. How can we not love it? Well.. when the top league isn't being played, that's how. Give us our game back guys. Think we deserve it.<br />
<br />
And it looks like we're going in that way. NHLPA has taken a vote and its a loud "YES". So these guys are going to court to file a dispute against the league. This will be fun.<br />
<h2>
Whats going on with the game we love?</h2>
<br />
What Ovi, Stammer, PK and everyone round the world has been asking the same question. And these guys replied - Hockey is ours. The game is on, regardless of what few billionaire owners say about it. And another multi - billion company just found a way to use it to generate revenue. Because NHL doesn't want to generate it, better not to make any money than to give away some of it.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/mQ4JTjFcU7Q" width="640"></iframe>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<h2>
NHL is cancelled until mid January</h2>
<div>
And fans are outraged. Hell, we want our guys to play, stop bitching about peanuts. NHL cancelled the games, NHLPA player's vote ended with a loud "YES" and we're going to court now. Man the fuck up and get the game where it belongs. Back on ice.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h2>
Meanwhile in Europe</h2>
<div>
There's hockey. Russia is busy voting on their ALL STAR game rosters, many other leagues are shuffling NHL lockout players, washed up AHL players and just trying to bring fans on the rink to spend a dime or two. <b>Support your local hockey club guys! </b>Or local rich guy owning your club.</div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="http://files.eliteprospects.com/layout/staff/pierre_page.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://files.eliteprospects.com/layout/staff/pierre_page.jpg" /></a>EBEL league in Austria is particularly funny this week. Actually, not the whole league, but one special part ran by mr. <a href="http://www.eliteprospects.com/staff.php?staff=518" target="_blank">Pierre "I turn the" Page</a>. What do guys like: Alex Auld, <a href="http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=594">Tobias Enström</a>, David Clarkson, Derrick Brassard, Derek Dorsett have in common with Johnny Boychuk, Mike Duco, Rob Schremp and Mark Cullen?<br />
<br />
They were all teammates at one point in Salzburg in last couple of weeks. Yeah, all these guys passed through Salzburg in last two months or so.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.redbull.com/cs/RedBull/RBImages/000/000/430/372/photo610x343a/121130%20brassard%20vs%20vsv.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://www.redbull.com/cs/RedBull/RBImages/000/000/430/372/photo610x343a/121130%20brassard%20vs%20vsv.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Derick Brassard in days of glory for Red Bull Salzburg</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<a href="http://pmd.fan590.com/audio_on_demand-2/Donald-Fehr-with-Jeff-Blair-jb-20121219-Interview.mp3">Aaron Portzline via twitter</a>: Derick Brassard left his Austrian team without their permission, agent Allan Walsh had this to say: <i>”Derick Brassard is the 5th NHL player to sign with Red Bull this season and the <a href="https://twitter.com/Aportzline/statuses/281496127554088960">5th player to leave</a> within 3 weeks of arrival. Talk to Tobias Enstrom, David Clarkson, Derek Dorsett or any of Red Bull’s current players. There is <a href="https://twitter.com/Aportzline/statuses/281496296286728192">no more unprofessional</a> organization in all of Europe. The club is misrepresenting the facts <a href="https://twitter.com/Aportzline/statuses/281496410120134656">in an attempt to justify</a> to their fans and media why NHL players keep leaving.</i>”</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Wow. Guys with unlimited money managed to turn away PRO players from it? No idea, no tactics, no hope for future as they are sitting on a 9th place and train to Playoffs is going further and further away. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h2>
And then there is... Switzerland! (and Austria and Croatia)</h2>
<div>
Congrats to Sam Gagner of EC KAC (Austria) on his first invitation to play for Team Canada in <a href="http://www.spenglercup.ch/" target="_blank">Spengler Cup</a> next week! He'll be joining John Tavares, <a href="http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=9117" target="_blank">Carlo Coloaiacovo</a> and many others who are yet to be named. </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.kac.at/ec-kac/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/KAC_SBG_13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="226" src="http://www.kac.at/ec-kac/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/KAC_SBG_13.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sam Gagner in KAC doing a "victory chicken dance" native to a farm he plays at</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
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<a class="account-group js-account-group js-action-profile js-user-profile-link js-nav" data-user-id="904085304" href="https://twitter.com/89SGagner" style="color: #999999; text-decoration: initial;"><strong class="fullname js-action-profile-name show-popup-with-id" style="color: #0084b4; text-decoration: underline;">Sam Gagner</strong> <span class="username js-action-profile-name" style="direction: ltr; font-size: 12px; unicode-bidi: embed;"><s style="color: #bbbbbb; text-decoration: initial;">@</s><b style="font-weight: normal;">89SGagner</b></span></a></div>
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Very excited to get the invite to play for <a class="twitter-atreply pretty-link" dir="ltr" href="https://twitter.com/HockeyCanada" style="color: #0084b4; text-decoration: initial;"><s style="color: #66b5d2; text-decoration: initial;">@</s><b style="font-weight: normal;">HockeyCanada</b></a> in the Spengler Cup. Always a tremendous honour to play for your country.<a class="twitter-hashtag pretty-link js-nav" data-query-source="hashtag_click" dir="ltr" href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Canada&src=hash" style="color: #0084b4; text-decoration: initial;"><s style="color: #66b5d2; text-decoration: initial;">#</s><b style="color: #0084b4; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: initial;">Canada</b></a></div>
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His new line mate in KAC is Tom Zanoski who ran away from a bad bad coach in Zagreb and went to big league rivals in the most uprising story of the last week. No one outside Zagreb cares about it so we'll leave it at that.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/471466_452942068100703_1058056308_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/471466_452942068100703_1058056308_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Francois Bouchard in Zagreb, decent on ice, 82kg, rly?</td></tr>
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Zagreb went on and tried to sign Bouchard. They couldn't get the actual NHL hockey player so they signed his baby brother<a href="http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=9341" target="_blank"> Francois Bouchard</a>. Frankie got to town couple days ago and then hopped on buy, went to Czech hooker town of Znojmo and scored a nice goal after a pass of a face off draw. Not bad kid. Now get your cousin PA over here and we can talk some more. Right? Okay thanks.<br />
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And don't forget to check out whats Dustin Jeffrey been doing when he's not playing hockey for Penguins.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/vsb46l2IARY" width="640"></iframe>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://sharkcircle.files.wordpress.com/2011/09/michal-handzus-long-hair.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://sharkcircle.files.wordpress.com/2011/09/michal-handzus-long-hair.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Michal Handzus, epic hair guy</td></tr>
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Stupid Dornbirn also went in line to break Zagreb's record of biggest defeat in season (11:2 against EV VSV Villach). These chaps sitting on 11th (out of 12) place managed to lose by 12:3 in Salzburg. By a team marginally better then theirs and around thousand times more costly.<br />
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Good job guys scoring three goals on these boys.<br />
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We're on pretty soon again, hopefully some guys (shoutout to Ned Lukacevic and Mike Handzus) will finish up their interviews. Will you guys? Thanks!<br />
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p.s. Ned go work out and get out of that slump. We need you back on scoring track buddy!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07718400125395211712noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5607259442346513475.post-41211100758043567092012-12-10T23:48:00.001+01:002012-12-10T23:50:44.939+01:00We have hockey here<h2>
and you don't. Say thanks to Bettman</h2>
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NHL got cancelled until 30th of December. Is it the last milestone until cancellation of the whole season? Could be, previous were October games, then Winter Classic, then All Star game, and is this the last step before NHLPA and NHL refuse to kiss and make up?</div>
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Please do, or we're going to have many more players come overseas and face the cultural shock when they do come. </div>
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<h3>
There and back again</h3>
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There are few traditional migrations of players between Europe and North America. One happens with young talent that goes from Europe to try in various junior leagues all over NA and in case of older boys to collegiate hockey, where mostly they stick to studying and play some hockey until their talent gets recognized or more often, until they finish school and return home. </div>
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The other "natural" migration is of talented hockey players moving to top European leagues in search of their dream, and seasoned vets and players to less prominent leagues and clubs looking for jobs. "Kids" often find it strange when they come over from big hockey towns with newer facilities, different ownership status and different lifestyle to a more traditional, sedentary way of life.</div>
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Most of these countries have lots of "history" as they put it, and lots of, behind the scenes work, issues players just don't understand at first glance. From mostly English (or French) speaking countries, players venture to Swedish, Finnish, German, Czech, Slovakian, in some cases Italian and in best of those to English (UK) and French speaking countries. Lots of languages, players from all over world and from dozens of different cultural styles often meet. And then you start talking about hockey. If they're lucky they land in a place where there are a few NA players already or at least a coach to help them sort it out. </div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://de.academic.ru/pictures/dewiki/83/Sahnpark.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://de.academic.ru/pictures/dewiki/83/Sahnpark.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crimmitschau ice hall - open to the side and woods on the right</td></tr>
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Now, imagine to land in a small city (eg. Crimmitschau - signed Simmonds, Stewart and MacArthur), some 250 km south of Berlin on border with Czech republic. Folks are mostly German with some Czech mixed in between, players are almost all German, with few imports from East. And you're a Canadian guy that doesn't speak German. Your coach knows some words but that's it. And in between facility is 3 parts closed and one part open towards the woods. And You haven't played outdoors since you were a kid. </div>
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Its kind of hard to get there and into the game isn't it? Now instead of German town put in a Czech city, a Hungarian metalworking town, or any other place. If you're lucky you end up in bigger cities or, in places where many people know your language. Otherwise you adapt, start learning the local language or in some, you just don't bother.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.goironpigs.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/MG_2019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://www.goironpigs.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/MG_2019.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wayne Simmonds in Europe during NHL lockout</td></tr>
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<div>
Now imagine that with all those cultural and language barriers you head into a bunch of provocative and drunk fans that start throwing racial slurs. Wayne Simmonds is a hell of a player and he felt that. Lots of ink has been spilled over chants calling him a monkey in Czech republic so I wont cover it all again. It was just a really ugly game, that shed some really bad light on European hockey and its great and loud fans. Hope it won't happen ever again. Good luck back home practicing with great guys at "<a href="http://www.beyondthenextlevel.com/" target="_blank">Beyond the next level</a>" facility in Toronto by @DeejBTNL </div>
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Players that head into bigger cities like Vienna, Berlin, great organisations like Red Bull Salzburg (just added Boychuck, Dorsett, Mike Duco etc.), Milano get it easy as they can feel the spirit of Europe just by poking their heads out. </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/182301_448694681858775_246594839_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="268" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/182301_448694681858775_246594839_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dustin Jeffrey (Medvescak Zagreb) - photo by Igor Šoban</td></tr>
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<div>
Dustin Jeffrey (Pittsburgh Penguins) went to Venice on his first day off, then went to Budapest. All in a driving distance from Zagreb, Croatia, where he currently plays and makes fans love him with his every move day in and out. He will get to visit one of the great cities of the world, Dubrovnik, and many more just by having an NHL lockout. </div>
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Many others, including guys in Swiss, Germany and other countries like Briere, Giroux, Tavares, Ty Seguin and many more have great time playing abroad. Of course they mostly play for pocket money and insurance, but they do what they love. They play hockey. They give their best each day, each practice and aren't spared on the ice. </div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/148135_439787832749460_511111039_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="227" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/148135_439787832749460_511111039_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sam Gagner happily chewing on a mouthpiece. He's the one<br />
in white red jersey. #97 in case you missed it. (P: Igor Šoban)</td></tr>
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EBEL league has its stars too. Sam Gagner just can't believe how beautiful the Austria (and 4 other countries he plays in while on the roster for EC KAC). </div>
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<a class="account-group js-account-group js-action-profile js-user-profile-link js-nav" data-user-id="190361651" href="https://twitter.com/grabs40" style="color: #999999; text-decoration: initial;"><span class="username js-action-profile-name" style="direction: ltr; font-size: 12px; unicode-bidi: embed;"><s style="color: #bbbbbb; text-decoration: initial;">@</s><b style="font-weight: normal;">grabs40</b></span></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: #f6f6f6; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">Beautiful Austria“</span><a class="twitter-atreply pretty-link" dir="ltr" href="https://twitter.com/89SGagner" style="color: #0084b4; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px; text-decoration: initial;"><s style="color: #66b5d2; text-decoration: initial;">@</s><b style="font-weight: normal;">89SGagner</b></a><span style="background-color: #f6f6f6; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">: On the way to Innsbruck earlier today </span><a class="twitter-hashtag pretty-link js-nav" data-query-source="hashtag_click" dir="ltr" href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23scenery&src=hash" style="color: #0084b4; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px; text-decoration: initial;"><s style="color: #66b5d2; text-decoration: initial;">#</s><b style="font-weight: normal;">scenery</b></a><span style="background-color: #f6f6f6; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"> </span><a class="twitter-timeline-link" data-pre-embedded="true" dir="ltr" href="http://t.co/UN6ND0zX" style="color: #0084b4; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px; text-decoration: initial;">pic.twitter.com/UN6ND0zX</a><span style="background-color: #f6f6f6; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">”</span></div>
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And then he proceeded to demolish Innsbruck with a few goals justl like his teammates Alex Cogilano and Tyler Myers (currently on IR list with a knee injury but expected to be on roster by weekend). Or was it an ankle injury? I'm sure someone cares about it, but its not me. </div>
<h3>
Free summer with additional free fall?</h3>
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And it looks like the NHL season is in indeed a free fall. Another batch of games up to Dec. 30th have been cancelled. Xmas is right on the corner and owners (and players according to HRR) are going to lose bunch of money by not selling games and merch during the games. All that TV coverage, and overall hockey related revenue is basically as good as gone. </div>
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Season 2004. - 2005. is likely going to be repeated, and no one is going to profit from that. Well mostly no one, Europe will love it. Some guys will come over, enjoy the opportunity, possibly for the first time ever in their schedule driven life to enjoy hockey and play abroad. From midget, to AAA to collegiate/pro hockey most of them never had a "free" summer followed by a free fall/winter. Without having to worry about getting through the camps, being sent up/down or traded on a whim of the owners and coaches, players have a chance to do what they're best. Enjoy hockey without a capitalistic driven North American society. </div>
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Enjoy it while you can, soon you'll be flying franchise jets, living a fake dream and enjoying bloated contracts that block negotiations more firmly than any other points Bettman and Fehr are trying to battle around. </div>
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<i><b>Embrace the LOCKOUT, see the World, play hockey. </b></i></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07718400125395211712noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5607259442346513475.post-37232213035886440712012-12-01T00:56:00.000+01:002012-12-01T00:56:06.719+01:00Locked-out!<h3>
<br /><i>And there is nothing we can do.</i></h3>
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Third month of 2012/13 NHL owner imposed player lockout is looming. Both parties have presented proposals, counter proposals, withdrew proposals and refused to move from their positions. Both parties wish to bring the public and fans on their side. But fans, media and public do have a single standpoint in common: they want to see the game played at the highest level.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://l.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/NwY1ORj4wXChioYuyzrNJg--/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3M7cT04NTt3PTMxMA--/http://media.zenfs.com/en/blogs/sptusnhlexperts/DasdasdassdCout.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://l.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/NwY1ORj4wXChioYuyzrNJg--/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3M7cT04NTt3PTMxMA--/http://media.zenfs.com/en/blogs/sptusnhlexperts/DasdasdassdCout.jpg" width="147" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">RIP David Courtney</td></tr>
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But with all these big players, team owners, managers and agents either arguing or looking for job for their clients overseas, fans pay the ultimate price. Without fans the League is nothing. Just like Phoenix. But these guys are not the only ones at loss now.<br />
<br />
Recently deceased 22 season long LA Kings PA announcer David Courtney had a job regardless of Lockout. He was the voice of LA Clippers, Angels and Kings so he still had a job when NHL decided they won't play any games yet.<br />
<br />
Many other arena and facility workers are now without work. No games, no announcements, no facility maintenance, some places don't even have ice on. Garry Bettman, you didn't just lockout players, you lost a lot of people their livelihood. Get it rolling and take some cuts, be a man in this sport. Its a game of men and honour. Tge greatest game on planet.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/ncDkanSBFLQ?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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While Gary, Don, mediators or not, stop playing. We want to watch hockey, not lawyers and managers fighting over money fans and sponsors throw at your face. For a reason. To watch hockey.<br />
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<h3>
And here is the Class of 12/13 NHL Lockout:</h3>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/A8z3c9MCYAIwtc-.jpg:large" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/A8z3c9MCYAIwtc-.jpg:large" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; text-align: center;">Phil Kessel (@BTNL) doing interview for Sportsnet</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
Hiding in a world class gym and ice rink the Class of 12/13 Lockout spends their days working out, getting ready and pleasing the not-so-small crowd that gathers at every practice. <a href="http://www.beyondthenextlevel.com/" target="_blank">Beyond the next level</a> training facility is run by a guy living the dream. With big players working hard in the great facility under professional care Mr. BTNL (Dan Ninkovich @DeejBTNL) is doing a real work during the days of Lockout.</div>
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It all started with a few players reporting in at the start of lockout for a regular gym sessions, some skating time and dangling the puck while the few days the lockout was supposed to last pass. </div>
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These days you can see running around the gym PK Subban, Kessel, Kaberle, Clarkson, Mason, Winnick, </div>
many other younger prospects, and many, many fans enjoying a beer while watching their stars skate, play a dummy game or just work out.<br />
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Dan, you're doing the job NHL can't. You're making the players stay fit and ready for fans. Keep up the work and lets see you play some shiny with the boys! We're watching.<br />
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<h3>
What else to do when there's no games?</h3>
<div>
Many players have headed over the seas. Some are in Europe, some in Russia, some are still at home working out. Over the past weeks I've written about numerous players in my "home" league, and since last update there were a few more additions. After Boychuk in Red Bull, the bulls signed <a href="http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=8876" target="_blank">Rob Schremp</a>. Why you ask? </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/c0.0.403.403/p403x403/958_442215342504671_1615423360_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/c0.0.403.403/p403x403/958_442215342504671_1615423360_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=8876" target="_blank">Rob Schremp</a> signed for Red Bull Salzburg</td></tr>
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I think this is a good enough answer. Then they signed an NHL duo Derick Brassard and Derek Dorsett. And in their first game, they won! Atta boys! Schrimp boy added 4 assists, Brassard scored and assisted, while Boy-chuk was there too. So happy.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/30376_378056558946085_1005171586_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="220" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/30376_378056558946085_1005171586_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From left to right three guys making a living in Salzburg after Gary fucked up NHL season<br />(Brassard, Schremp, Dorsett)</td></tr>
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Rest of the guys aren't noteworthy so far. Gagner is skating in Klagenfurt, Myers is there for company and with roughly 35 TOI, while Bickell can't get his team on a winning track in Znojmo, Czech. Muršak scored tonight a decisive penalty for his team to finally take two points from another away team except Zagreb.<br />
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<a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/46240_10151262665817118_797726541_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/46240_10151262665817118_797726541_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Grabner is skating around, and Nodl is enjoying sweet alpine air. His team did take 5 points in three games but who cares anyways.<br />
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The guy who I like in Vienna (one of few) is this guy:<br />
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Philip Pinter. Nice guy, nice mustache and great twitter feed. Follow him @85fipo. And he owns twitter feed of Caps. A real spirit of the team.<br />
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What else? Ljubljana did a Teddy bear toss. Barely scored a goal. Did throw roughly 7,5k stuffed animals on the ice, almost two per person at the game.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/485008_10151245532724886_945709429_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/485008_10151245532724886_945709429_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dustin Jeffrey (Pittsburgh Penguins/Medvescak) scored a goal and started a Toss in Zagreb</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Two days laters Bears did the Teddy bear toss. Barely scored a late game goal. 5 thousand something stuffed animals hit the ice, which means less than one per peson in the hall that day. Maybe it'll get better. Or the guys will do some more original activities. But it looked cool though. Really cool.<br />
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<br />
<h3>
And now... the conclusion</h3>
<div>
I've started this post with a thought about players I've been wanting to see on ice in Zagreb for past four years. There are few I've had luck of seeing, and some a luck of calling friends and working with them for a while. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The list would become a standalone club if all the guys came over. Few of them are "wet dream" of every Zagreb fan, yet, we've seen a few of them ending careers instead of coming over. One of these guys is Victor Oreskovic. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.ohlalumnicentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/victor-oreskovich-vancouver-canucks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="257" src="http://www.ohlalumnicentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/victor-oreskovich-vancouver-canucks.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Victor Oreskovich during glroy days</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
Vic already had a break in 05/06 and 06/07 after not reporting to AHL camp. This fall he considered going to KHL, hoped of playing a role other than checker and gritty boy in NHL, thought about big money and finally decided to sell insurance. Wow Vic, thats a promising career. From an NHL player (even though you're a 4th liner) to a insurance guy. Hope you like it, but the world is really big and I'm sure a step across the pond (you see what I did there?) would be the right one. Good luck.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://cdn.c.photoshelter.com/img-get/I0000qYltLg0BLPI/s/750/750/magicpbk-20101210-hoc-0149-xl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://cdn.c.photoshelter.com/img-get/I0000qYltLg0BLPI/s/750/750/magicpbk-20101210-hoc-0149-xl.jpg" width="133" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Daniel Vukovic</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
Then there are many other players who fans would like to see over. Phil Oreskovic (without H) is playing in East Coast this season. He would be an okay addition but D part of the club is really strong this season. Also, Mark Popovic is the guy to look out for in Langnau (NLA), Mark Katic (Berlin), Travis Hamonic (NYI - a real wet dream of a few guys I know), Daniel Vukovic, all on D. With these guys Medvescak could take a shot on KHL though. That would be a fun team to watch. And listen to curse. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Maybe its time to get some lottery money and start a team. Should work like a charm. Or does anyone got a rich uncle? </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Until next time, stay fit, watch hockey, keep your feet moving and head up high.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
P.S. Anyone seen Stewart or Simmonds lately? </div>
<br />
<h3>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07718400125395211712noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5607259442346513475.post-83768064460031444362012-11-21T00:39:00.001+01:002012-11-21T14:41:11.132+01:00Is it time yet?<i><br /></i>
<i>Around this time of year in many of the leagues serious contenders for playoffs are profiled. First third is already down, most teams know their ups and downs and first changes are being made. Weakest links and all that business.</i><br />
<br />
<b>EC KAC</b> is a team with tradition, history and passionate fans. They do lean towards the right a bit too much, but as long as there is beer and food there is no problem in Klagenfurt. However... the title keeps eluding their grasps for a few years now despite big names and players coming to play in Corinthian club. Four seasons without the title makes KAC a place with lot of pressure both on players and management. Last year's "shock" therapy with removing Manny Viveiros from the head coach bench has proven to be a "minor improvement" and then managed to get to the finals for the second year in a row just to get demolished by EHC Black Wings Linz. Now they tried to shock the team back on track again.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.kac.at/ec-kac/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/20121120_vs_Zagreb4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="205" src="http://www.kac.at/ec-kac/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/20121120_vs_Zagreb4.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Andy Chiodo (EC KAC) doing a crazy dance in front of Adam Miller (Medveščak)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
On Sunday KAC lost to <b>Vienna </b>with 1:0, and then a change happened. Weber took some time off to be with his wife, and Manny Viveiros managed to hustle his way back on the bench. 11 injured players and a new import <b>Andrew Cogliano</b>. Cogliano is friend of an NHL Lockout player on a stint in Klagenfurt, <b>Sam Gagner</b>. While KAC is steering towards utter fail, signing of Gagner and Cogliano isn't helping. Two "good" players have between them a total of zero pro seasons when they played in playoffs. Is time for them to try the taste of it finally? Only time and Bettman will tell.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizTAg7EmLPRwdBKpLvQ23MA4D5ilisGAaKOuWGm6DmFaVtp0QWceRAnoiQoXqKnTCFFQWw163QeFoUz2T0GjfHa3ZB0CMWl5ldr1OQAaXtCU6IW5eplK8XwE8-i3tapBSBA1h3xrv9UPk/s1600/Mdv_Kac+(8+of+30).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="284" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizTAg7EmLPRwdBKpLvQ23MA4D5ilisGAaKOuWGm6DmFaVtp0QWceRAnoiQoXqKnTCFFQWw163QeFoUz2T0GjfHa3ZB0CMWl5ldr1OQAaXtCU6IW5eplK8XwE8-i3tapBSBA1h3xrv9UPk/s400/Mdv_Kac+(8+of+30).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sam Gagner chewing his moutpiece while Bears own his a$$ (photo: Igor Šoban)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.kac.at/ec-kac/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/20121120_vs_Zagreb1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="226" src="http://www.kac.at/ec-kac/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/20121120_vs_Zagreb1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sam Gagner fires a shot from a blue line. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Sam Gagner appeared (sorry for the pun) in 11 games so far for EC KAC and got 14 points on his sheet. Not bad though, but he's also +- 1. KAC is still looking for a home win in November, and Head coach change wont help with it. On the road they're terrible, five losses in a row.<br />
<br />
Sammy said he's all alone there and he needs a friend from americas. So the management went to ask Cogliano whether he's bored over there. Lucky for them he came over and in one game added a single assists so far. Oh boy. So good.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/542949_373659279385813_1502620095_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="284" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/542949_373659279385813_1502620095_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another Bull in Salzburg - Johnny Boychuk</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Red Bull Salzburg</b> on the other hand is slightly worse than Klagenfurt. With 20 points in 23 games RBS is firmly holding 10th place. Bernd Bruckler is injured, terrible Alex Auld holds one win for the team, while Gračnar, a terrific young goalie is out for next one to two weeks. Clarkson and Enstrom left the team few weeks ago, while the Bulls added Johnny Boychuck to the roster.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj02ulbSTX8FFU0VnbgcXfZse6y5nTrU6IqLCdJ39J2K7N2obohHwX7qDVeADJifVcxfdxOIBxknFdAZfXjZoMmqgbnS-4hIJD2URnJH5GR4dIUKLLbZFS6nqNjWSZRYVbDQV1lRSoMZp0/s1600/Mdv-Red+Bull-27.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><b><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj02ulbSTX8FFU0VnbgcXfZse6y5nTrU6IqLCdJ39J2K7N2obohHwX7qDVeADJifVcxfdxOIBxknFdAZfXjZoMmqgbnS-4hIJD2URnJH5GR4dIUKLLbZFS6nqNjWSZRYVbDQV1lRSoMZp0/s640/Mdv-Red+Bull-27.jpg" width="640" /></b></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>PAN Arena Ice Fever (photo: Igor Šoban)</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After suffering a defeat in front of 15.200 fans in Arena Zagreb, with brave youngster Gračnar between the pipes, Bulls had no choice but to have Auld in goal on Tuesday. NHL veteran goalie had a stunning 83% SVS% and they managed to lose against their arch nemesis Szekesfehervar devils with 4:5.<br />
<br />
Also check out this gnarly interview that an NHL player gave. He did lose but still, that's one poor loser. You can hear everything under the dub that Croatian commentator did live. Good job Tyler Myers, you're a complete twat.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/6p8t-Df967I?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
<br />
Are NHL players really worth it regardless of teams they play in? Vanek certainly wasn't. Ever since he left <b>Graz 99ers </b>are on the roll, last five games they won clearly. VSV is slowly dropping and now they're third with 4 points behind leaders, <b>while Andreas Nodl is not to be mentioned ever again</b>. Clearly one of the best additions to the league currently is Jan Muršak in <b>Olimpija </b>who in 18 games has sky high 33 points (12 goals).<br />
<br />
Medveščak just finished their first series of Arena games with two wins and one loss in 5 days. Rougly 40 000 fans saw Medveščak playing against <b>Olimpija</b>, Salzburg and Klagenfurt and quite few NHL players: Sam Gagner, Tyler Myers, Alex Auld, Dustin Jeffrey and Jan Muršak. A game on Sunday, 18th of November, had a special meaning to all Croatians, as it was the day when 21 years ago Vukovar fell. In honor of that heroic city there was a minute of silence for all victims of the war horrors. And it was quite the picture.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/61389_10151140669027321_1515580124_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="193" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/61389_10151140669027321_1515580124_n.jpg" title="Star sky for Vukovar" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">18.11.2012. PAN Arena Ice Fever KHL Medveščak Zagreb - EC KAC 4:1 (photo: Mirko Janković)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Three home games in a row meant that its time for Bears to hit the road. First stop was again a game against Klagenfurt, just this time Red-White had Cogliano to back up their battered roster. It wasn't enough once again regardless of 3 point game by Sammy Gagner.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.kac.at/ec-kac/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/20121120_vs_Zagreb5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="282" src="http://www.kac.at/ec-kac/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/20121120_vs_Zagreb5.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dustin Jeffrey (Pittsburgh Penguins) scores a decisive penalty shot for the victory.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.kac.at/ec-kac/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/20121120_vs_Zagreb6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="280" src="http://www.kac.at/ec-kac/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/20121120_vs_Zagreb6.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yeah, no chance for Andy Chiodo there...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Last week I also met some guys, so shutout to Barbara Kavčič, Matej Grošelj from Ljubljana and Hannes Biederman from Vienna. You all owe me beers now. Officially. Only Rok Županc gets a free pass but he's EBYSL Team Manager now. Lucky guy!<br />
<br />
Hopefully next update will be soon, so spread the love, we're back!<br />
<br />
P.S. Simmonds and Stewart broke up and Stewart ran back to East Germany to cry manly tears. Simmonds decided not to return to Germany, had a family issue and returned to Toronto area. Hopefully guys will get back together in NA or somewhere else if Lockout lasts. I would hate to miss all this love and energy.<br />
<br />
P.P.S. A friend of mine, Ned Lukacevic also left Crimmitschau but went to Slovakia and Banska Bystrica. So far in 4 games Neddie has 2 goals and 4 assist. Not bad buddy, by Xmas I want atleast 2ppg or we're not going to Adriatic this summer.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg14es2Mm7O298sVPAkOKSz8sv_oRx7EuUOY63e_kwsxNfBpeA6xbcD0HTquN7fnqsVNoEsS-PjIRFQRaCZNPLKubaKJQkQNliHzxhT_HLZoK91A7NGsUCh5495PnSUV_94Sgz_mI68JYc/s1600/429520_10151262474130720_698715719_22618026_872241671_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg14es2Mm7O298sVPAkOKSz8sv_oRx7EuUOY63e_kwsxNfBpeA6xbcD0HTquN7fnqsVNoEsS-PjIRFQRaCZNPLKubaKJQkQNliHzxhT_HLZoK91A7NGsUCh5495PnSUV_94Sgz_mI68JYc/s320/429520_10151262474130720_698715719_22618026_872241671_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ned Lukacevic and Dennis Bozic with a friend</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07718400125395211712noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5607259442346513475.post-32100663799117876092012-11-06T01:03:00.000+01:002012-11-06T02:43:50.021+01:00Fight for your right<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">
...to party!</span></h2>
<div>
Hockey brawls are common. They're a reason why we love hockey as well. An occasional one on one can turn the tide, change a loss to a victory, energize players and fans. But when does the game of hockey turn into a massive brawl? Are fights inevitable when the refs show their incompetence and annoy the players and fans alike?<br />
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Tensions rise, one bad foul leads to another bad call, and then all hell breaks loose. This is a story of such a game. </div>
<div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY_j7N5VQUjJtDkKjXRQFQlHzM0B6UQPOlkT63Lw2C48jF0kUgMf3PmxwjKbG5cEeWZcwLtHBwFSJMF86brUQ42XyDxww7f2zPh-ypaizK6pPFomYhWKnc5bBGeNPXyCfAXYL-pQQCofg/s1600/naglich_moderer2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="255" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY_j7N5VQUjJtDkKjXRQFQlHzM0B6UQPOlkT63Lw2C48jF0kUgMf3PmxwjKbG5cEeWZcwLtHBwFSJMF86brUQ42XyDxww7f2zPh-ypaizK6pPFomYhWKnc5bBGeNPXyCfAXYL-pQQCofg/s400/naglich_moderer2.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Adam Naglich (Medvescak) vs Kevin Moderer (Graz 99ers)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Have you ever seen a game with <a href="http://www.laola1.tv/de/at/eishockey/erste-bank-ehl/moser-medical-graz-99ers-khl-medvescak-zagreb/video/428-2585-101922.html" target="_blank">295 PIM</a>? If not go to the official <a href="http://www.laola1.tv/de/at/eishockey/erste-bank-ehl/moser-medical-graz-99ers-khl-medvescak-zagreb/video/428-2585-101922.html" target="_blank">highlights </a>and check it out. There is big rivalry between the teams of KHL Medvescak Zagreb and Medical Moser Graz99ers dating to season 09/10. Back then the last seeded underdog Medvescak kicked Graz 99ers in the nuts and made a miracle on ice. G99ers were first seeded team before playoffs. </div>
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<div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi08_VWr4CMFbI6eBcAWbndj2eFiYzLDJbygBoqvacQFNlAAFg-Rk7umBnkUjre0LvY1aut7Jy7dI9FkIIWJSlnCin4-rlRzd55KJ1Q_boMC396DyEB8QUacaqICSjfx_iZQ0_PCWuoUUc/s1600/naglich_moderer3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="370" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi08_VWr4CMFbI6eBcAWbndj2eFiYzLDJbygBoqvacQFNlAAFg-Rk7umBnkUjre0LvY1aut7Jy7dI9FkIIWJSlnCin4-rlRzd55KJ1Q_boMC396DyEB8QUacaqICSjfx_iZQ0_PCWuoUUc/s400/naglich_moderer3.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Naglich and Moderer flashing the fists</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/525470_4364189555981_706460698_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Mile is our hero" border="0" height="320" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/525470_4364189555981_706460698_n.jpg" title="" width="224" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dennis Bozic (Photo: Sanja Berend)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Sundays' game started with lots of penalties and a dance<br />
between Croatian/Swedish youngster Dennis Bozic and G99ers' tough guy Gill <a href="http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=12252" target="_blank">Lefebvre</a>. Former Flyers prospect proceeded to teach Dennis a lesson. He learned later its not nice to pick on younger guys. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
38 PIM in first period and no goals led to an even wilder second period. Curtis Fraser took on himself to dance with Lefebvre but was knocked down in the process. However Lefebvre recieved a GM and was sent off. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Three goals later, at 2:1 for Graz, Dario Kostovic used his extensive knowledge of swearing in Croatian and translated it to German while trying to say to refs what they've done wrong and where should they stick it. He was awarded with a complementary shower. </div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/2009_4364187275924_905290394_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Kosta Kosta!" border="0" height="286" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/2009_4364187275924_905290394_n.jpg" title="" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dario Kostovic scored 4 goals in 4 victories. So far when he scores his team wins (Photo: Sanja Berend)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
Vanek tallied his first goal of the night and probably thought he will leave Graz with a nice win to seal the one month vacation in Austria. But refs and Van Ballegooie decided otherwise. Ganahl decided it was time to settle the score with MacAulay and Van B. jumped in to help his buddy. Meanwhile Naglich went on to beat Moderer into a pulp. Few minutes later and 130PIM later (Match penalty for VanB) refs returned Greentree who was sent of instead of MacAulay and sent Kenny to shower early. </div>
<div>
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<div>
You can see the video of the brawl below:<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/PwX-ZfeDQc8" width="640"></iframe>
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And here:<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/GDq-7NWHcug" width="640"></iframe><br /></div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
Second period ended with 3 PP goals by the Bears. Brandon Buck, David Brine and Tomislav Zanoski decided to score and turn the game around.<br />
<br />
Halfway through the third period Ouzas got injured in the net (upper leg muscle, up to two weeks off the ice) and refused to get out of the net. Vanek took it really nice and awarded Ouzie's dedication to the team with a wrap-around for the tie. He left the crease and got changed by Robert Kristan in the net.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWKfTjCJz9_1Qx7AbP9Hzf_QOTNh9OoYnB7s0T7qUewzI5DaqPb2yIz-fZ8mUO2k8OrzrgheNXV5z9-SSK2bGSEb9yop3cXKmnfZovJPqqsTDxaYxEPMV61O2GgaKrvxCh5yxKfhsf6U8/s1600/Vanek_medvescak_g99.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWKfTjCJz9_1Qx7AbP9Hzf_QOTNh9OoYnB7s0T7qUewzI5DaqPb2yIz-fZ8mUO2k8OrzrgheNXV5z9-SSK2bGSEb9yop3cXKmnfZovJPqqsTDxaYxEPMV61O2GgaKrvxCh5yxKfhsf6U8/s400/Vanek_medvescak_g99.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vanek scored a brace in his last game of Euro trip</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
However, 99ers didnt laugh for long. After apparently a big mistake by former Flyers and Medvescak defensman <a href="https://twitter.com/dellylama5" target="_blank">Andy Delmore</a> (my dear friend, hi Peter!), Nathan Perkovich scored for the lead. Two minutes later, Andy Sertich added a 6th goal of the night for the Bears. With two minutes to go Coleman Rodney Jarrett scored for 99ers, who pulled their goalie for another attacker but the Bears held firm. 92% of PK in 18 games for Bears and excellent defense (best SV/SA ratio in league) were enough for them to take a 9th win in a row and continue a streak of wins since Jeffrey joined the team.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaQKywKy_K9JMUqB4v2OPX5ceLQVcFMxo4B5j5wdHmL6Q4dJ79Y8jPIyuFbodqY_s2GfNl8EfHqkjjs9L9pXEmVS96HeGtPYeSU9Fv5tBiNtnCKxOxJKhgtCNROjADfvvN-e0JPbjFbrE/s1600/vanek.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="237" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaQKywKy_K9JMUqB4v2OPX5ceLQVcFMxo4B5j5wdHmL6Q4dJ79Y8jPIyuFbodqY_s2GfNl8EfHqkjjs9L9pXEmVS96HeGtPYeSU9Fv5tBiNtnCKxOxJKhgtCNROjADfvvN-e0JPbjFbrE/s400/vanek.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vanek and Brady bunch didn't laugh at the end of the game, <br />
and David returns to Buffalo with a memory he'd soon like to forget. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<h4>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">
In other news</span></h4>
</div>
Grabner decided to puncture young Red Bull goalie Luka Gračnar, Slovenian prospect and a GK with future with yet another trademark shorthander.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeJsI-mC_iERuod5LkbLl_t62vt_vkuJAtcFrwxY01GwzSZLEX-F2Xd3l8oGXaQv2Gt00t5qMXgYSttRdayQGPubHM7VIWvJchrD47rWwSuNgvzqiTSc-9z2fC6UbUVYFRafZuA5rgJFo/s1600/grabner.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeJsI-mC_iERuod5LkbLl_t62vt_vkuJAtcFrwxY01GwzSZLEX-F2Xd3l8oGXaQv2Gt00t5qMXgYSttRdayQGPubHM7VIWvJchrD47rWwSuNgvzqiTSc-9z2fC6UbUVYFRafZuA5rgJFo/s400/grabner.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grabner grew a lockout beard. Will it last until playoffs? Whats he implying with his hand gesture?</td></tr>
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Gračnar didn't manage to get a 3rd win in a row and took 4 pucks out of his goal but still keeps team best 92.4% SVS and 2.34GAA. Not bad for a 1993. born kid.<br />
<br />
Sammy Gagner is on fire. 5 goals and 3 assists in 7 games are kinda okay I guess. His team is so good it wins even with him sitting out.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbhsW7dyaakHXDQ56XIXrsDX2I_aaV5VCeddMl_pJiDSzG5X_gJ31x4ZeYa_G7AwRTvrXPxD8UbIn4TL-3D873f4I-SaHE5Y-tXB0Awj4_m3CypTmmXr_UQRKIaG9JJY0MOyNvMkhil7I/s1600/gagner_kac.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbhsW7dyaakHXDQ56XIXrsDX2I_aaV5VCeddMl_pJiDSzG5X_gJ31x4ZeYa_G7AwRTvrXPxD8UbIn4TL-3D873f4I-SaHE5Y-tXB0Awj4_m3CypTmmXr_UQRKIaG9JJY0MOyNvMkhil7I/s400/gagner_kac.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sam Gagner resting during the game against HDD Telemach Olimpija (1G 1A)</td></tr>
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So far, with 16 points in 9 games for Medvescak, Dustin Jeffrey (or Justin) is the best NHL lockout player in the league. 9 games, 9 wins and 6 goals. Nice signing by the team. Sutter, be scared. Be really really scared.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/68333_434547569940153_1743190273_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="341" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/68333_434547569940153_1743190273_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo bombing Jeffrey's moment by the Author (photo: Igor Šoban)</td></tr>
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The league goes to a break now, some of the players will be joining their National teams for a take on last 3 spots for 2014 Olympic games in Sochi, including Grabner, Nodl, Vanek (?), Kopitar, Muršak and few other "normal" players of EBEL.<br />
<div>
<br />
League resumes in 10 days with and Medvescak is going for another venue change, 3rd of the season. Games on 14th, 16th and 18th of November are being played in 15,200 seat Arena Zagreb. HDD Telemach Olimpija, EC KAC and EC Red Bull Salzburg will be playing once again in the "big Arena" during a 3 game streak "PAN Arena Ice Fever".<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/403128_283093911752187_774336510_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/403128_283093911752187_774336510_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Arena Ice Fever 2012 (Photo: Igor Šoban)</td></tr>
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7 NHL lockout players will be playing during those 3 games, three (or four if Alex Auld stays) for RBS, two for EC KAC and one for Olimpija and Medvescak. It could be a record high fan attendance for all of them this season if the talks don't conclude something soon.<br />
<br />
NHLPA and NHL had some talks on Sunday, and NHLPA continued this with a conf call earlier on Monday. This might be progress. But who cares, we got to see real class players in Europe this season so I hope Lockout lasts for a while more.<br />
<br />
Biggest losers so far are NHL and hockey fans in North America and all over the world. Last punch they got was a confirmation that Winter Classic is cancelled.<br />
<br />
<h4>
Lost boys</h4>
</div>
<div>
are still talking about the incident when fans yelled "Opice, opice, opice" (Opice=monkey in Czech) to Simmonds. Looks like a day later he still didn't know what happened, and he found out next morning from the Internets. You can read a <a href="http://ca.sports.yahoo.com/news/nhl--wayne-simmonds-refuses-to-let-racist-incident-define-his-european-experience.html" target="_blank">full article on it here on Puck Daddy.</a> </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
As we wrote earlier, Simmonds and Stewart started their bromance road trip in Crimmitschau and here's a story from the road (also by <a href="http://ca.sports.yahoo.com/news/nhl--wayne-simmonds-refuses-to-let-racist-incident-define-his-european-experience.html" target="_blank">Puck Daddy</a> author <a href="http://ca.sports.yahoo.com/author/nicholas-j-cotsonika/" target="_blank">Nicholas J. Cotsonika</a>):<br />
<blockquote>
<i>They ended up in Crimmitschau, Germany, a town of only 20,000 people with a team in the German league's second division. They signed one-month contracts, hoping to find a higher level of competition later. They made no money. Though the team covered hotel rooms, hotel meals and cars, their salaries covered only the insurance on their NHL contracts.<br />Off the ice, it was quiet. Everything closed at 8 p.m. and stayed closed on the weekends, so they bought a TV and an Xbox to entertain themselves. On the ice, it was an adjustment. The NHL is so structured that Simmonds said "it's almost like you're programmed a certain way." This league was so unstructured that Simmonds didn't know where to be. He'd go to check his point man, and all five guys would be down low.<br />"I had to completely change my game," Simmonds said. "You can't do that, or else you're not going to be a good player in European hockey. You've kind of got to go with the flow of things."<br />But some of those things, they'll never forget. One end of their home arena was open to the air. You could see the woods. It could be cold. "If it was warm outside, you'd have the fog roll in," Simmonds said. It was packed with about 6,000 fans, who would go nuts and throw things on the ice, like cups and a chicken.<br />Yes, a chicken. Ready to cook.<br />"A [bleeping] chicken?" Stewart said with a laugh. "I was like, 'Whoa. Don't piss these fans off, man. They're throwing a chicken on the ice in Crimmitschau, they're no joke.' "<br />One game, Stewart scored two goals, and Simmonds assisted on both. In the NHL, they announce the three stars, and the guys take a little twirl, raise their sticks and disappear. In Crimmitschau, the fans would chant the players' names. The players would come out and dance.<br />Yes, dance. On the ice.<br />"They called him out first," Simmonds said. "The whole team is in a semicircle. He goes and does a dance, and then I had to go do a dance in front of the fans."<br />"Then literally you skate around the ice," Stewart said. "It's like a Stanley Cup party. I'm like, 'Is this every game?' "<br />That is the stuff Simmonds will remember most.<br />"The fan situation in Germany," he said, "that was probably the best part I think of my trip so far."</i></blockquote>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.hcbilitygri.cz/foto_lib/2013_16_CEB/15bweb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Wayne's happy face" border="0" height="242" src="http://www.hcbilitygri.cz/foto_lib/2013_16_CEB/15bweb.jpg" title="" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wayne Simmonds plays with his bro Chris Stewart for White Tigers of Liberec</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Lockout lasts, and great stories are written all over Europe. I do hope it lasts a while longer. It could get pretty cool soon when even more players come over for insurance and allowance money.<br />
<br />
Until next time, K.</div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.450000762939453px;">P.S. for all of you who wonder what happened to Andy Nodl in this post.. well nothing. Just like his scoring, there's nothing to report on. He did get some flu or something in Innsbruck though. Get better Andy <3 </span></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07718400125395211712noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5607259442346513475.post-5881243865111032902012-10-29T20:16:00.001+01:002012-10-30T01:57:50.373+01:00Five by five<h2 style="text-align: left;">
Five by five!</h2>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Two game days have passed since last post in EBEL league, numerous games were played in other leagues. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://stateofred.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/obama%20illitch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="234" src="http://stateofred.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/obama%20illitch.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nope, never again going to look at Detroit the same</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
None were played in "best pro league". NHL even cancelled their schedule for November. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Even Obama commented on the lockout, he wasn't too happy about it and made a point in telling both to NHL and NHLPA that they're here because of the fans. And that they should find a way to work it out as soon as possible. American guy telling NHL how to make it work. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Atleast they didn't have him play a hockey game and score a GWG <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S-8ogZOLiWU" target="_blank">just like Putin did some time ago.</a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<h3>
Someone told NHL players there here to play hockey...</h3>
<div>
so they came this weekend to EBEL and did some work (chart below is blatantly stolen from a poster on a Medvescak fan and supporters group on FB). </div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Olimpija Ljubljana: Jan Mursak - 10/21 (2,10)</div>
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<div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Medvescak Zagreb: Dustin Jeffrey - 6/9 (1,50)</div>
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Orli Znojmo: Bryan Bickell - 6/9 (1,50)</div>
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HC Innsbruck: Andreas NÖDL - 8/11 (1,37)</div>
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Graz 99ers: Thomas Vanek - 8/10 (1,25)</div>
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Villacher SV: Michael Grabner - 7/8 (1,14)</div>
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Klagenfurter AC: Sam Gagner - 4/4 (1,00)</div>
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Vienna Capitals: Corey Potter - 7/2 (0,28)</div>
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EC Salzburg: Tobias Enström - 2/1 (0,50)</div>
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Klagenfurter AC: Tyler Myers 4/1 (0,25)</div>
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<div>
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<div>
Obviously some players upped their performance, some just started to play but thats quite a nice number of NHLers playing in the league so far. Andy Noodles managed to score a couple of goals this weekend. I'm assuming he got acclimatized to nice Alpine air.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://relevant.at/system/galleries/upload/7/5/7/739311/news_21041.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://relevant.at/system/galleries/upload/7/5/7/739311/news_21041.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Andreas Nödl's happy face</td></tr>
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Or he just forgot what they mage him to in Carolina and started playing some hockey. He even managed to help his team win a second game of the season. Yay Noodles! Good job buddy!</div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.eissportarena.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/salzburg-linz-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://www.eissportarena.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/salzburg-linz-1.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Auld got outmatched by a rookie 18 year old goalie<a href="http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=41381" target="_blank"> Luka Gračnar</a> </td></tr>
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Salzburg sacked another player. After letting go of <a href="http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=11099" target="_blank">Nick Ross</a> they decided to part ways with <a href="http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=14701" target="_blank">Ryan Kinasewich</a>, an East coaster with brief AHL stints. Apparently they've parted friendly, but there are always rumorus. Anyways, Salzburg recently brought up three new guys. After signing a NHL goalie this summer, <a href="http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=9070" target="_blank">Alex Auld</a> of Senators who had 3,73 GAA and only .885 SVS% they decided to bring another Austrian powerhouse back home. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div>
<a href="http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=7395" target="_blank">Bernd Brückler</a> returns home from KHL team Sibir to a star team EC Red Bull Salzburg. </div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://files.eliteprospects.com/layout/players/bernd_bruckler.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://files.eliteprospects.com/layout/players/bernd_bruckler.jpg" style="cursor: move;" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Berndy's angry face inside a mask. He wears #26 these days</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After Bernd came back home (he's still <i><strike>hated</strike> not liked </i>by OEHV, Austrian federation, though why it remains a mistery) RBS decided to hire more NHL lockout players. First it came on <a href="http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=594" target="_blank">Tobias Enström</a><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"> </span>to sign and manage the defense of the team. Just two days later they brought a Devil to the game, <a href="http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=11018" target="_blank">David Clarkson</a> came to play and is supposedly here to stay regardless of lockout issues ending or not. Still wasn't enough to win games. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Sammy Gagner upped his game with two goals against Salzburg and is coming into shape. Wonder if he'll be fit for playoffs or he'll watch them again on TV?</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h4>
Medveščak is on fire so far. </h4>
<div>
Six games, six victories in a row and two home back to back games coming up should be enough to tie in a franchise record and possibly set a new one. Current record is 7 games in a row and Raymond's team set it up last year starting with a win in Graz. New one can be set up by a win in Graz again, in a last game before IIHF break, on 4th of November. Vanek, boys are ready for payback.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Out of these few victories in a row, last 4 were won with 5 goals scored each game. 5:0 against Innsbruck (on road), 5:2 against Sapa Fehervar AV19, 5:1 against Linz (on road, reigning champions) and last night 5:1 against EC VSV from Villach who were current leaders. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The Bears haven't lost a home game since outdoor games in Pula were played, almost two months ago. </div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
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</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="281" mozallowfullscreen="mozallowfullscreen" src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/49591164?badge=0" webkitallowfullscreen="webkitallowfullscreen" width="500"></iframe> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://vimeo.com/49591164">Arena Ice Fever Pula MMXII</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/khlmedvescakzagreb">medvescakzagreb</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Team is on fire now, each game a different line stands up and goes "crazy". Yesterday it was time for a 4th line start the show with a SH1 goal that was set up by <a href="http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=12641" target="_blank">Kostović</a>, a player with over 400 NLA games. A few minutes later hi tallied his second goal of the season which proved to be a GWG goal as well. Dustin Jeffrey (Pittsburgh Penguins) a player Carslberg Croatia, and their brand PAN, helped bring over is slowly getting more and more points, so far he's on 1.6ppg and 9 points out of 6 games played.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/374043_432427693485474_1200555184_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="548" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/374043_432427693485474_1200555184_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dario Kostović scoring a GWG goal against EC VSV (Photo: Igor Šoban)</td></tr>
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Whats next, we'll see tomorrow, the team is hot now, but coming 4th of November up to three players will need to be let go. Too many points and rosters are getting fixed. Who will stay, who will go is a big question that everyone is asking. Only time will tell...<br />
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Anyone wondered where Stewart and Simmonds are?</h3>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/c0.0.403.403/p403x403/149876_441199489270712_68609589_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/c0.0.403.403/p403x403/149876_441199489270712_68609589_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stewart and Simmonds in an "on ice bromance" in Czech Republic</td></tr>
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Well we found them! After driving off into sunset and ditching the team in Crimmitschau, and setting it up for their Leaf believer buddy Clarke MacArthur, Simmonds and Stewart drove to Czech republic to have some good time. Later that night someone steered them towards Liberec where they got signed. Looks like the boys were having time for only two games until the racist slur started. </div>
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<a href="http://www.sport.cz/hokej/extraliga/clanek/437269-video-chomutovsti-fanousci-rasisticky-urazeli-libereckeho-utocnika-cerne-pleti-simmondse.html" target="_blank">Click on link</a> to watch Czech fans yelling "Opice, opice" meaning "monkeys, monkeys" after a scram on the ice involving Simmonds. That's not nice. Shame on you bad Czech hockey fans!</div>
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We just hope that Simmonds and Steweart will hop on soon to a new destination in Europe as this is a perfect time for them to see the world. And play some hockey while fooling around. Oh you bad boys!</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/32384_10151467673956102_876150330_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/32384_10151467673956102_876150330_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">BTNL jerseys and a young <a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151467673956102&set=a.10151467672271102.584602.42994271101&type=1&theater" target="_blank">RB Crashed ice champ in Netherlands</a></td></tr>
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Plus - can't let this slide by. Another wave of qualifications for Red Bull Crashed Ice has passed. And imagine what, my friend's best workout place in Canada got sported by this young athlete. Good job Dan, apparently the quality of your work spreads far and beyond! Check out this great video done by Beyond the next level team!<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/WvZn6lszWJw?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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Tomorrow is an another game day in EBEL league, so expect another update on the league pretty soon. And pretend you like it, means a world to me. Until then, best regards and keep your sticks on the ice, head up and feet moving.</div>
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K.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07718400125395211712noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5607259442346513475.post-2903534156119934942012-10-23T16:18:00.002+02:002012-10-23T18:12:19.653+02:00Men who wear pink<h2 style="text-align: center;">
Men who wear pink!</h2>
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Athletes, sports functionaries and fans often actively support good causes. October is usually reserved for support and fight against breast cancer. Therefor pink was the color of choice and a weapon against the dreaded illness. </h3>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/65479_10151191337563592_1416286571_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="291" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/65479_10151191337563592_1416286571_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Giroux and Briere in pink</td></tr>
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Claude Giroux and Danny Briere decided to go along with their team's effort and after getting pink Warrior gloves, they donned pink jerseys of their Lockout team Eisbaren Berlin. Pink Bears, sounds... nice. </div>
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Good job guys! </div>
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Another team that supported this cause were Zagreb Bears, Croatian national champions playing in EBEL league. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">KHL Medvescak Zagreb's laces against breast cancer (Photo: Igor Šoban)</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/577064_426055780789332_1697414390_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/577064_426055780789332_1697414390_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pregame warmup in pink (Photo: Igor Šoban)</td></tr>
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Bears decided to support the cause by changing all the laces during October into pink ones. And boy do those look cool. </div>
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And now, something completely different! </h3>
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<a href="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/A54vJBsCMAAA3s6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/A54vJBsCMAAA3s6.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="400" /></a>Niclas Backstrom is another player that moved overseas and joined a KHL team during NHL lockout. 20 or so years after Cold War ended, Backstrom moves from Washington to Moscow and joins his former / current / future teammate Ovechkin in UHC Dynamo Moscow. 2006. first round draft pick decided to spice up the lockout talks by taking a jersey with #99 to play with in KHL. </div>
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We all know #99 is retired NHL-wide in honor of the Great One, Wayne Gretzky. Backstrom is certainly a great player, but does he deserve this jersey? Time will tell. Is it a great public relations pull? Certainly.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl-lockout/2012/10/22/backstrom_640_640.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl-lockout/2012/10/22/backstrom_640_640.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #7f8b93; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-style: italic; line-height: 18px; text-align: start;">Nicklas Backstrom made his KHL debut Monday wearing jersey No. 99 for Dynamo Moscow. (Photo: @plysenkov)</span></td></tr>
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<h3>
Lost boys found... in Czech republic!</h3>
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<a href="http://img.hokej.cz/files/clanky/2012/zahranici/10/simmonds_stewart_crimmitschau.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://img.hokej.cz/files/clanky/2012/zahranici/10/simmonds_stewart_crimmitschau.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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On <a href="http://hockeyoverthepond.blogspot.com/2012/10/time-to-process-our-feelings.html" target="_blank">Sunday </a>we reported Simmonds and Stewart driving somewhere towards Czech and into sunset after they decided to ditch Eispiraten Crimmitschau. The crazy boys decided to continue their Euro Trip playing for White Tigers of Liberec in Czech Extraliga. </div>
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The Pirates from Crimmistchau didn't wait too long for their substitutions. On monday they signed a promising and hard working player Ned Lukacevic for a tryout period and then today they bombed us by signing Toronto Maple Leaf forward Clarke MacArthur for a month. Not bad. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.eispiraten-crimmitschau.de/site/Bilder/upload/spieler_und_personen/clarke_macarthur_in_aktion_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="427" src="http://www.eispiraten-crimmitschau.de/site/Bilder/upload/spieler_und_personen/clarke_macarthur_in_aktion_2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clarke MacArthur of Maple Leafs throwing hands in the air like he believes</td></tr>
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Hopefully MacArthur, just like Sam Gagner, will help his team in securing a playoff spot. If lucky they might even play in them. For the first time. In like.. thousand years. </div>
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Game night tonight!</h3>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://files.eliteprospects.com/layout/players/tobias_entrom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://files.eliteprospects.com/layout/players/tobias_entrom.jpg" width="215" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From Winnipeg to Salzburg for Toby!</td></tr>
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EBEL has two games going on tonight, HDD Telemach Olimpija (with Mursak) welcomes a really bad team with Andy Nodl, HC Innsbruck. KHL Medveščak Zagreb (with Dustin Jeffrey of Pittsburgh Penguins) are hosts to Hungarian team Sapa Fehervar AV19 tonight at 19:15 (GMT +1) <a href="http://www.sportska-tv.com/" target="_blank">LIVE</a>. </div>
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In meantime, EC Red Bull Salzbrug decided to throw even more money around. After signing Austrian goalie <a href="http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=7395" target="_blank">Bernd Brückler</a> (@brucks30), who will wear #26 and probably push former NHL goalie Alex Auld out of the crease. </div>
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With relatively bad Auld in goal getting a better substitution, Red Bull decided to sign Tobias Enström. Maybe they'll finally manage to get some fans to their games now. Probably wont, but who cares, they're Red Bull. </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Go Jets go! I mean, go Bears go!</i></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07718400125395211712noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5607259442346513475.post-73514498424167320022012-10-22T01:15:00.001+02:002012-10-22T23:57:41.868+02:00Time to process our feelings<h2>
<br />Another hockey weekend is over, and after a whole storm and war on hockey going on both sides of Atlantic "<i>it's perfect time to process our feelings."</i></h2>
After hearing NHL proposal, seeing it rejected and watching three counter-proposals by NHLPA getting counter rejected by NHL in return, Ovechkin decided to go <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BtazdXh03aU" target="_blank">headfirst into the boards</a>. All he did get was some nice photos and some rep.<br />
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<a href="http://www.russianmachineneverbreaks.com/wp-content/uploads/alex-ovechkin-breaks-glass.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://www.russianmachineneverbreaks.com/wp-content/uploads/alex-ovechkin-breaks-glass.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">No players or fans were harmed during this incident.</span></div>
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Byfuglien was already unwrapping his p90x, but luckily, no door frames were harmed in process.</div>
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Wayne Simmonds and Chris Stewart decided that they had enough playing second league hockey so they finished up nicely their campaign in East Germany, and decided to take some days off. They were last seen driving in a white unidentified car somewhere in vicinity of Czech border. </div>
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<a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/193645_528506493831889_756294852_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/193645_528506493831889_756294852_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Wayne and Chris with their sweet ride</span></div>
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Somewhere south... Sam Gagner played his first EBEL games this weekend and his guys almost lost to the last team, and lost against Hungarian team Sapa Fehervar AV 19. He got a point which was nice. Almost losing to a team which deserves to be last had left Sammy with no points in the game, but hey, it was his <strike>first </strike>second (Friday-Sunday) game since <strike>playoffs</strike> regular season ended. Should take some time to adjust to the bigger ice and new team. </div>
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Meanwhile, Thomas Vanek decided it was time to score so he did it three times in a row. Sadly, at the end, someone changed goalscorers, so he only got away with two goals. Didn't save all those hats on the ice though. They were decent hats.</div>
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Vienna saw another clash with Olimpija Ljubljana earlier today, this time neither of NHL players scored, but Mursak assisted on another two goals. 8 games, 12 assists and 5 goals. Not bad for a Detroit boy. </div>
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<i>There's an wild idea for EBEL league* as they have a crazy point system in place of salary cap/foreign count. Each domestic player is worth 0-4 points, while import (TC) players are 4 points. Until 4th of November and IIHF break each team can dress up to 22 players worth total max of 60 points. After 11th of November, each team applies a roster which can be changed a maximum of 3 times is the point count would exceed 60. Let's say that the team has 58 points and wishes to put in a 4 point (TC) player they would need to either move any number of players worth 2 or more points off the roster to make room for the new guy. You can add up to 3 players this way. So, any new players coming in for a few weeks during Lockout would have it hard in the league. Any players staying, well.. we'll see how it goes, so far a few team have shown will to waste these changes except when really needed. </i></div>
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<i>*don't read unless you really care. I wouldn't. </i></div>
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Germany's first league, DEL, saw a huge goal fiesta in Berlin. The fans did have to wait for over 40 minutes though, but then it all started just nicely. 8 goals, 7 by Giroux's Eisbaren Berlin and 1 by Iserlohn in just under 17 minutes are, well, really cool. Fiesta started with Giroux's yet another goal, and afterwards the crowd just went wild. The team and fans didn't stop on going till the ref stepped in and stopped the mob by blowing the whistled and signaling the end of the game. 8:1 total in less than 17 minutes, not bad. Unless you're on Iserlohn's side that is. </div>
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Looks like Davos' troubles are over in Switzerland. Both Nash and Thorton got points yesterday in 3:2 win over Rapperswill, and Nash managed to score. Its all going good for Ty Seguin in Biel as well, he might not be getting... well he is apparently in the best city in world, isn't he?</div>
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<a href="http://www.gagbay.com/images/2012/10/tyler_seguin_got_a_new_fan_poster_at_ehc_biel_switzerland-157127.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.gagbay.com/images/2012/10/tyler_seguin_got_a_new_fan_poster_at_ehc_biel_switzerland-157127.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Tyler Seguin hopefully likes it in Biel, 10 pts in 9 games (3G, 7A)</span></div>
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And we're back to KHL/NHL</h4>
All this might be fun but here's a bomb from KHL's PR we've stumbled on vast internet of Twitterverse:<br />
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<div class="stream-item-header" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">
<a class="account-group js-account-group js-action-profile js-user-profile-link js-nav" data-user-id="18435784" href="https://twitter.com/SlavaMalamud" style="color: #999999; text-decoration: none;"><span class="username js-action-profile-name" style="direction: ltr; font-size: 12px; unicode-bidi: embed;"><s style="color: #bbbbbb; text-decoration: none;">@</s><b style="font-weight: normal;">SlavaMalamud</b></span></a></div>
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Evgeni Kuznetsov, KHL PR Dept's biggest headache. "When NHLers leave, the arenas will be empty" <a class="twitter-hashtag pretty-link js-nav" data-query-source="hashtag_click" dir="ltr" href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Caps&src=hash" style="color: #0084b4; text-decoration: none;"><s style="color: #66b5d2; text-decoration: none;">#</s><b style="color: inherit; font-weight: normal;">Caps</b></a><a class="twitter-hashtag pretty-link js-nav" data-query-source="hashtag_click" dir="ltr" href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23SuspensionForFlagrantTruth&src=hash" style="color: #0084b4; text-decoration: none;"><s style="color: #66b5d2; text-decoration: none;">#</s><b style="color: inherit; font-weight: normal;">SuspensionForFlagrantTruth</b></a> (Sportbox)*</div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>*unless you want your eyes to bleed just jump to conclusion. Yes its about KHL again. </i></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"> </span></span></span></div>
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Looking at these two leagues, all we see is huge $$ floating in the air. It's not as big as other leagues, but its a substantial amount of money. As mentioned before, lockout isn't going nowhere so the focus shifted towards KHL and europe.<br />
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KHL was mostly ignored for past few years by North American public, Europe coped with its occasional reach into their teams, but this year it somehow made it huge. First KHL came to middle Europe and big hockey cities of Bratislava and Prague. Then a few bombs were thrown about Zagreb and Milano joining, but it got prolonged (hopefuly?) for another season.<br />
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Last bomb was "migration" to KHL after NHL imposed lockout on players. Chara, Voracek, Visnovsky moving to newly relocated/created teams, Ovechkin, Malkin, Semin and many more coming "home" or just in search for work, with ESPN covering it made it.. well watchable.<br />
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Is it enough? Will the arenas, and rinks of leagues be full after NHL players leave? What is the impact on European/World's hockey that they will leave behind?<br />
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Arenas in KHL aren't full. And it's not enough. Temporary boost and artificial revenue increase by signing NHL players for "pocket money" and an occasional star shining in it just won't do.<br />
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KHL and their boss dream is a big 64 team pan-European league featuring dozen or so divisions created geographically. But that's a story for another time. And another post entirely.<br />
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NHL lockout isn't good for anyone, third time in 18 years the ecosystem is getting crushed, minor leagues are full of players that don't want to be in that hell any more, for most there is no space, no work and especially overseas, they're getting ridiculous deals while crushing the market. There's no NHLPA there to tend for them and care for them.<br />
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Will NHL and NHLPA come to senses soon? Doubt it, meanwhile we're stuck with our good old hockey game and bunch of players looking for work. Lets put them to some good use then. <br />
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What we saw this week?</h4>
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Some good hockey, some bad moves by pencil pushers, some great moves by the best players, and lots of use of "best" players as the voice of said pencil pushers. </div>
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And we've learned one thing, guys don't like it when owners sign the deal then want to get out of it. Everyone has pressure building up but there's just no need for 10 year long, over $100m. But now when you have to pay. Lets cry and twist it around. </div>
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Sad truth is, I still didn't pick my fantasy team. Not sure if I'll do it this year, either out of protest, or out of spite. Man up and start talking.</div>
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Yours,</div>
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...over the Pond! team</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07718400125395211712noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5607259442346513475.post-73905228837680696152012-10-17T02:03:00.000+02:002012-10-17T02:18:29.264+02:00And now, the conclusion!<i>Hey guys, I would like to start this text with a thank you to all my readers and friends. Only a few days have passed since my last and first post and I've received great feedback. So thanks for reading.</i><br />
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In hockey world so much has happened in last few day that I don't even know where to start. It's always good to start from a beginning so lets go:<br />
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Alex Semin got himself a third club of the season, and he's going to play (or practice) on his third continent. Maybe he'll be more interested in playing this time. One can only hope though.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Alex Semin pretending to be interested in hockey for the camera</span></div>
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Danny Briere scored 3 goals and added 4 assists playing for Eisbaren Berlin for the best start ever in German DEL league. Claude Giroux and former NY Islanders draft pick <a href="http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=11395">Mark Katic</a> certainly helped him achieve that.</div>
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Max Pacioretty supposedly injured his elbow and went back to North America from Switzerland earlier on tuesday. Rumours are his coach is pretty happy about that after an alleged fight they had this weekend. </div>
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Meanwhile EBEL league has gone nuts over NHL "cracks" as Austrians call it. First on 13/10 EC KAC from Klagenfurt added top Saber's D-man and prospect to their roster <a href="http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=17521">Tyler Myers</a>.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Tyler Myers swapped Saber's white jersey for a red EC KAC one in Austria</span></div>
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On Monday, 15/10, then EC KAC managed to beat themselves and be the first team in EBEL to sign a second NHL player. <a href="http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=10425" target="_blank">Sam Gagner</a> will be joining the team for the game on Friday, and hop into the team bus to Hungary. Maybe he'll even get a chance to break a record in total points scored on one game. </div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Sam Gagner (middle) in a nice chat with teammates not during the playoffs</span></div>
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Sam Gagner hasn't played in a pro playoffs, so hopefully NHL won't break lockout just yet so he can enjoy the ride and experience it for the first time in over 5 years. Atleast we know who isn't praying for NHL and NHLPA to continue their talks anytime soon.</div>
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In meantime, Vanek-o-Mania is hard in Graz, Nodl is as ineffective as he ever was, Bickell helped Znojmo secure a win over Potter's Vienna. Potter also played in Vienna Capitals' European Trophy game on Tuesday against Sparta Prague and noted a goal in a roller coaster game that finished 7:6 (0:1, 5:0, 2:5) for UPC Vienna Capitals.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Dustin Jeffrey (KHL Medvescak / Pittsburgh Penguins) - apparently he really likes his beer</span></div>
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Dustin Jeffrey (<a href="http://www.medvescak.com/" target="_blank">KHL Medveščak Zagreb</a> / Pittsburgh Penguins) went on a long road trip from Zagreb to Dornbirn after noting two assists in his first game and victory on Friday. Dustin had over 11 hours on the bus to meet his new friends, discover various new card games and bond with team mates. Which looks like he did pretty good as he went to score another goal on Sunday and then proceeded to toss in a GWG in OT and getting 4 points in just 2 games. </div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Anže Kopitar #11 (right)</span></div>
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The guy that spent lots of hours on the bus this weekend was Slovenian forward Anže Kopitar (LA Kings), who playes with his baby brother in Swedish second league club Mora. Kopitar brothers enjoyed a 10 hour bus ride together. Anze has 10 points in 8 games, while his brother <a href="http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=32799" target="_blank">Gašper </a>(20 y/o) has 5 in 10 games. </div>
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And while everyone thought <a href="http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=11419" target="_blank">Eric Condra</a>'s signing for a German 3rd league club EV Fussen was top story of the day NHL brought a new offer to the bargaining table. 50:50 HRR and a ball in NHLPA's court.</div>
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I can only say that European fans are praying that NHLPA doesn't take this one. Its just getting fun getting the guys over the Pond.</div>
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Brought to you by ...over the Pond! crew.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07718400125395211712noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5607259442346513475.post-1440835515759383182012-10-13T22:28:00.001+02:002012-10-17T10:51:59.117+02:00Welcome to ..over the PondWelcome all to a new blog - <i>Hockey over the Pond!</i><br />
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Here, at this place on internet we will be covering a wide area of hockey related topics. Our primary focus will be however middle European league "<a href="http://www.erstebankliga.at/">Erste Bank Eishockey Liga"</a> - <i>EBEL </i>and Croatian club participating in it <a href="http://www.medvescak.com/">KHL Medveščak Zagreb</a>. The idea is to regularly touch basis and report on topics concerning the league, clubs and players all over the world that played, are playing and could possibly help into developing this league into an even bigger asset of European ice hockey.<br />
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12 clubs from five countries, Czech Republic, Austria, Hungary, Croatia and Slovenia, compete in this league with a single idea in mind: winning an EBEL Championship. Players from all over world playing and competing for a spot on ice in clubs from as West as Dornbirn and as East as Szekesfehervar, from Znojmo in North to Zagreb in South. Eight Austrian clubs, one Czech, one Hungarian, one Slovenian and one Croatian.<br />
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The league has grown this year to 12 clubs, from last year's 11, with newest additions being Dorbirner EC and HC Innsbruck while HK Acroni Jesenice dropped out. But that is not the story of this season. The main story is a lockout in <a href="http://www.nhl.com/">NHL</a>. Players are not able to compete in NHL due to a problem with NHLPA - player's association and club owners, the collective bargaining agreement has run out on 15th of September and until a new one is signed, no one can play in NHL.<br />
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How does this problem relate to EBEL league and overall - non american hockey? Well, many of the players, who wish to play, are going overseas, to Europe and Russia. EBEL is not immune to the charms of these players and so far seven have joined clubs in the league. Biggest name to play this season surely is <a href="http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=8493">Thomas Vanek</a>, a prodigal son, returning to Graz, his hometown.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Thomas Vanek</span></div>
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Vanek, a star in Buffalo Sabers was the first NHL star player to sign in EBEL. With his star status came the fans, and hockey histeria in Austria and especially in Graz. With his first home game played on 5th of October as much as over 400 jerseys have been sold in "Bunker" ice rink in Graz. With attendance just over 4 000 that means that every 10th fan bought a "Vanek #20" jersey. </div>
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However, first player to join EBEL was a young Slovenian forward playing for Detroit Red Wings Jan Muršak. Muršak joined HDD Olimpija Ljubljana and has so far proven as a noticeable addition to the team with 5 games and 12 points, two of which are goals (one shorthanded). </div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Jan Muršak</span></div>
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Just a day later on 2nd of October, another big news! Another Austrian forward playing in NHL signed with an EBEL club. This time it was Innsbruck's turn to get into the spotlight and introduce their newest addition to the team - <a href="http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=11448">Andrea</a><a href="http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=11448">s</a><a href="http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=11448"> </a><a href="http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=11448">Nödl</a>.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Andreas Nödl</span></div>
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The 3rd NHL player to join the EBEL was <a href="http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=8494">Michael Grabner</a>. NHL All Star Rookie team member decided to return home to his youth team and play EC VSV from Villach. A big forward, 34 and 20 goal scorer in NHL for NY Islanders is so far a tremendous addition for the Eagles from Villach - in his two games he scored twice, and posting an assist. Most noticeable was his first goal. He scored a shorthanded goal which has become his trademark in Islanders alongside his skating skills.</div>
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Orli Znojmo, a Czech team, signed Chicago Blackhawks' winger<a href="http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=11346"> Bryan Bickell</a>, UPC Vienna Capitals added a defensman to their roster <a href="http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=9404">Correy Potter</a> while the latest addition to the league signed for Klagenfurt. <a href="http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=17521">Tyler Myers</a> will strengthen the defense of EC KAC. </div>
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KHL Medveščak Zagreb opted for a player on a position they need, a center player. Pittsburgh Penguins' 2007 6th round pick <a href="http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=11115">Dustin Jeffrey </a>joined the team on Wednesday and just two days later was a MVP of the game against decimated Orli Znojmo assisting on both Medvescak goals that night and providing a skill set much needed to Zagreb's team. </div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Dennis Bozic, Kenny MacAulay, Kyle Greentree, Adam Naglich and Dustin Jeffrey</span></div>
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In a first month of NHL Lockout seven players have opted to play in EBEL. Will there be more? Probably, especially if the lockout lasts and it looks like it just might. </div>
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Next game day is already tomorrow, and the only NHLer who might miss it is Bickell, but looks like that will be a game day decision. Medveščak is traveling to far West and Dornbirn, and the bus was without some of injured or ill players. Slovenian trio Gal Koren, Andrej Hebar and star goaltender Robert Kristan will all miss the Sunday's game, just like forward Alex Leavitt who still has not produced as much as was expected of him. Nothing but two points is expected from a two-day road trip, and the first line Kyle Greentree - Dustin Jeffrey - Adam Naglich is expected to start producing especially on powerplay which is league 2nd worst. </div>
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Servus TV and Red Bull Media House will be broadcasting the game Klagenfurt, a derby between EC KAC and EC VSV at 17:45 <a href="http://www.servustv.com/ebel">www.ServusTV.com/ebel</a> or <a href="http://www.laola1.tv/">www.laola1.tv</a>. A game between SAPA Fehervar AV19 and Moser Medical Graz99ers is live on Hungarian sports TV, Sportklub. </div>
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Rest of the games will be updated LIVE via EBEL live ticket at <a href="http://www.erstebankliga.at/">http://www.erstebankliga.at</a>. </div>
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Until the next post, </div>
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brought to you by ...over the Pond!</div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07718400125395211712noreply@blogger.com1