The games: Portland Winterhawks vs. Spokane Chiefs (WHL) and Pittsburgh vs. Montreal.
Why I chose them: Because I have nothing better to do on a Saturday night than watch hockey, chat with fellow fans over at oregonlive and reheat leftovers. And if that's not sad enough:
The math: Pittsburgh went down to Montreal in the waning seconds of the game 3-2. Ummmm....I thought the new season and new venue meant new luck?
Meanwhile back here in the Pacific Northwest: The Winterhawks' newest Euro draft pick is tearing it up. Sven Bartschi was chosen in this year's draft, after a trade that earlier this year brought fellow countryman Luca Sbisa to town to boost our playoff run. Sven is 18, grew up in a small town in Switzerland and likes burritos. And oh yeah, he scored two goals in last night's game and was very nearly headed for the hat trick. During the pre-season he scored 4 goals in a 6-2 win over Kootenay. When I met him around that same time, he said his only goal for the season was "I hope I get to play a lot this season." Really. Get ready NHL fans, this name will be at the top of your mock draft lists in the not-so-distant future.
And dudes, don't be high sticking my favorite LA player: Anze Kopitar took a nasty gash to the upper lip in last night's game against Vancouver. In the pre-game clip on CBC today, he was right back at it and looked like he was ready to go for tonight's game. Mini bummer alert, though. His brother was with the Winterhawks all of last season and our pre-season and earlier this week was reassigned back to the Des Moines Buccaneers of the USHL. We all wish Gasper the best in the end, and I truly do hope it means more ice time and more notice for him. He never got quality ice time here for whatever reason, so in the end it was for the best. But dudes, how am I supposed to have another quality Anze Kopitar sighting at the Memorial Coliseum now that you've sent his bro away? Mini bummer, indeed.
The rule: Article 11, Rules and Procedures Governing Standard Player's Contract.
So, don't even try to get yourself a better deal, then?: 11.1 Standard Player's Contract. The standard form SPC annexed hereto as Exhibit 1 will be the sole form of employment contract used for all Player signings after the execution of this Agreement. The standard form SPC may not be amended or modified in any manner whatsoever. Filed form 1995 SPCs will be considered valid and effective until their expiration, as deemed modified by this Agreement and the Compliance Rules attached as Exhibit 16 hereto, provided, however, that notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, any previously, and still outstanding, rejected SPC shall not be deemed to be registered or approved pursuant to this provision or otherwise, and such rejected SPC shall be grieved in accordance with Article 17 of this agreement.
And I guess they don't pay players by meeting in a deserted parking lot with a briefcase full of cash: 11.16, Sale of SPCs. There shall be no cash transactions in connection with the Assignment of Players. Nor shall any Club be permitted to retain an obligation to pay or to reimburse another Club for a portion of any Player's Player Salary or Bonuses in connection with the Assignment of such Player, other than as set forth in Section 50.8 (b)(ii) of this Agreement.
Morals of the story:
The game: So.....no bribery, no changing the deal, no nothing. Well, at least the business of hockey is clean, 'cause darn sure the sport isn't. Nor would we want it to be. But still, it makes you wonder how teams like New Jersey get away with the things they do. This agreement has so many rules, caveats, arbitrations and grievance procedures, it's a wonder any business gets done at all.
Life: This made me wonder, can we do anything in life that doesn't come with a rule, contract, penalty or fee if you break said rules and contracts? Think about it, you need a contract for your cell phone, a mortgage and insurance for your house, a lease or loan for your car, a contract with the cable company to watch Center Ice and have high-speed Internet, a license to own your dog and go hunting on the weekend. And that's just a few. So here's a little food for thought: name a few things in your life that are rule, contract and/or law-free. It's a pretty small list, isn't it? Add our own gas to the fire in the form all the things we say we can't do, and it's toxic.
Here's the deal: This rule is proof that not even NHL superstars are truly free. It may come with restrictions and rules, but they don't allow that to stop them from living their dreams. Nor should we. One of my favorite inspirational stories comes from right here in Oregon, home of Rachel Scdoris, the first legally blind woman to complete the Iditarod race. If she can, there is no excuse for the rest of us. Enough said.
Next up: Collective Bargaining Agreement, Article 11, 11.5. Filing and Approval Process.
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Saturday, October 9, 2010
Today, It's All About Nino
The game: Today at 4 pm Pacific time, Portland Winterhawk Nino Niederreiter will make his official NHL debut with the New York Islanders. He has signed an entry level contract, which won't kick in until he plays 9 games. He has not yet been assured a permanent place on their roster, but he did well enough in camp to earn an opening night spot.
Why I chose it: DUH. Nino was drafted 5th in the 2010 Entry Draft, right after team and linemate Ryan Johansen, who went 4th to Columbus. Nino is the only of our 10 draftees who is still with his NHL team. By being chosen in that prime spot, he became the highest drafted Swiss player in the League's history. And even though this is about all him, let's not forget that by being picked 4th, Ryan (according to NHL.com) sent every mock draft out there crashing in flames. I met Ryan about five months before the draft, and I still don't think he any idea back then how loud his frequency was about to get. While the draft clearly instilled confidence in all of Portland's draftees, we are proud to say none of them have allowed it to go to their heads.
And if you are out there in New York preparing for game day, just a note for y'all. oregonlive readers have seen me do this before, in the form of a mock letter to the Islanders asking for Nino's return to us. But since the Islanders have decided to keep him for now....New York fans, this one's for you. And Portland fans, yes on occasion I do warm and fuzzy. For Nino, I'm sure you'll agree the exception is worth it.
Dear New York Islanders Fans,
I hope you will enjoy tonight's game, notably because you will have the pleasure of watching Nino Niederreiter make his professional NHL debut. Even if he only plays for one period or a few minutes, you'll see what I mean. There is nothing like our Nino and we expect that you will welcome him just the same as Portland did this time last year.
For a whole, magical season, Portland had the privilege of watching while Nino's star got brighter with every game. The only thing louder than the Staples Center on draft day was a bar in downtown Portland where we watched while the NHL had the good sense to snatch up two of our best players. Tonight, you will be treated to what I know will be a stunning debut by one of them. I hope that you will show Nino the same love, respect and care that we have, tonight and always.
While we still hold out hope that you will return him to us, if you must keep him, do take great care with our gift to you. He is only 18 after all, and his primary experience in the United States was a big-but-not-too-big city in the Pacific Northwest. He doesn't know yet what a New York minute is, or that when they say "the city that never sleeps" they mean it. I hope you will show him the very best of your city and the very best of yourselves.
The very best and most exciting thing about Nino and all of Portland's draftees is that the best is yet to come. You have the privilege of being the home of his future. Take great care with our prize, New York. There is only one Nino and his NHL debut only comes once. Self-respecting hockey fans in Portland will be watching from afar on couches, in bars, or online. But New York, the honor of making Nino's debut everything he dreamed about falls to you. I ask only that you show him what it's like to dream while he's awake.
Yours truly,
Samantha
Why I chose it: DUH. Nino was drafted 5th in the 2010 Entry Draft, right after team and linemate Ryan Johansen, who went 4th to Columbus. Nino is the only of our 10 draftees who is still with his NHL team. By being chosen in that prime spot, he became the highest drafted Swiss player in the League's history. And even though this is about all him, let's not forget that by being picked 4th, Ryan (according to NHL.com) sent every mock draft out there crashing in flames. I met Ryan about five months before the draft, and I still don't think he any idea back then how loud his frequency was about to get. While the draft clearly instilled confidence in all of Portland's draftees, we are proud to say none of them have allowed it to go to their heads.
And if you are out there in New York preparing for game day, just a note for y'all. oregonlive readers have seen me do this before, in the form of a mock letter to the Islanders asking for Nino's return to us. But since the Islanders have decided to keep him for now....New York fans, this one's for you. And Portland fans, yes on occasion I do warm and fuzzy. For Nino, I'm sure you'll agree the exception is worth it.
Dear New York Islanders Fans,
I hope you will enjoy tonight's game, notably because you will have the pleasure of watching Nino Niederreiter make his professional NHL debut. Even if he only plays for one period or a few minutes, you'll see what I mean. There is nothing like our Nino and we expect that you will welcome him just the same as Portland did this time last year.
For a whole, magical season, Portland had the privilege of watching while Nino's star got brighter with every game. The only thing louder than the Staples Center on draft day was a bar in downtown Portland where we watched while the NHL had the good sense to snatch up two of our best players. Tonight, you will be treated to what I know will be a stunning debut by one of them. I hope that you will show Nino the same love, respect and care that we have, tonight and always.
While we still hold out hope that you will return him to us, if you must keep him, do take great care with our gift to you. He is only 18 after all, and his primary experience in the United States was a big-but-not-too-big city in the Pacific Northwest. He doesn't know yet what a New York minute is, or that when they say "the city that never sleeps" they mean it. I hope you will show him the very best of your city and the very best of yourselves.
The very best and most exciting thing about Nino and all of Portland's draftees is that the best is yet to come. You have the privilege of being the home of his future. Take great care with our prize, New York. There is only one Nino and his NHL debut only comes once. Self-respecting hockey fans in Portland will be watching from afar on couches, in bars, or online. But New York, the honor of making Nino's debut everything he dreamed about falls to you. I ask only that you show him what it's like to dream while he's awake.
Yours truly,
Samantha
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Refresh Me, Why Would People NOT Want to Watch Hockey?
The games: Pittsburgh vs. Philadelphia, Toronto vs. Montreal, Chicago vs. Colorado, Edmonton vs. Calgary.
Why I chose them: Duh. Hockey is back. Why would anyone be doing anything else on this most momentous of evenings?
The local angle: Former Portland Winterhawk Braydon Coburn just got into it with Sidney Crosby at the end of the second period. Trivia tidbit: Coburn kept his Oregon phone number on the cell phone he carries around to this day.
Maybe they should prepare for the next game by looking up comeback in the dictionary: The Pens are trailing by 1 with 3:31 to go. Max Talbot needs to start punching somebody like, right now, and save what's left of this game.
Never mind: And down they go, 3 -2 Philadelphia. Well, at least they opened in Consol the way they closed in Mellon.
And win or lose: When I go out to Google News and put Sidney Crosby in the search bar, there will be soundbites a plenty. No replays. No photo opps with Roger Federer. Real live cliches from the real grownup wonder boy. Game and RSS Feeds on.
I love the Habs, but: I must start training now for the day I will be pro-Toronto all the time. And that will be the day when Portland Winterhawk Brad Ross makes the roster and puts on a jersey for real. Brad was drafted 43rd by the leafs in this year's draft. He's back in Portland, and has already been named WHL player of the week and has scored six goals in five games thus far. Most notably, he put us over the winning edge in last night's game against Everett.
And if that doesn't do it for 'ya: Tonight marks Taylor Hall's professional, regular season debut with Edmonton. Ditto for my personal fave Jordan Eberle. Kicking it off with the battle of Alberta. Interstate rivalry in Pennsylvania to christen Consol Energy Center. Three cheers for the scheduling geniuses at the NHL.
Background music: Carmina Burana is playing in the background at the Edmonton vs. Calgary game.
Why I chose them: Duh. Hockey is back. Why would anyone be doing anything else on this most momentous of evenings?
The local angle: Former Portland Winterhawk Braydon Coburn just got into it with Sidney Crosby at the end of the second period. Trivia tidbit: Coburn kept his Oregon phone number on the cell phone he carries around to this day.
Maybe they should prepare for the next game by looking up comeback in the dictionary: The Pens are trailing by 1 with 3:31 to go. Max Talbot needs to start punching somebody like, right now, and save what's left of this game.
Never mind: And down they go, 3 -2 Philadelphia. Well, at least they opened in Consol the way they closed in Mellon.
And win or lose: When I go out to Google News and put Sidney Crosby in the search bar, there will be soundbites a plenty. No replays. No photo opps with Roger Federer. Real live cliches from the real grownup wonder boy. Game and RSS Feeds on.
I love the Habs, but: I must start training now for the day I will be pro-Toronto all the time. And that will be the day when Portland Winterhawk Brad Ross makes the roster and puts on a jersey for real. Brad was drafted 43rd by the leafs in this year's draft. He's back in Portland, and has already been named WHL player of the week and has scored six goals in five games thus far. Most notably, he put us over the winning edge in last night's game against Everett.
And if that doesn't do it for 'ya: Tonight marks Taylor Hall's professional, regular season debut with Edmonton. Ditto for my personal fave Jordan Eberle. Kicking it off with the battle of Alberta. Interstate rivalry in Pennsylvania to christen Consol Energy Center. Three cheers for the scheduling geniuses at the NHL.
Background music: Carmina Burana is playing in the background at the Edmonton vs. Calgary game.
Oh alright, I guess I'll cover another rule I don't understand: Article 10, Free Agency. 10.4 Draft Choice Compensation for Restricted Free Agents. Group 2 Compensation Chart. It goes like this:
Any club that is entitled to but does not exercise its Right of First Refusal pursuant to Section 10.3 shall be entitled to obtain Draft Choice Compensation from the New Club. The number and quality of draft choices due to the Prior Club shall be based on the average annual value of the compensation contained in the Principal Terms of the New Club's offer sheet (determined by dividing such compensation by the lesser of the number of years of the Offer Sheet by five), based on the following scale:
Offer Sheet Compensation
$660,000 or below None
Over $660,000 to $1 million 3rd Round
Over $1 million to $2 million 2nd Round
Over $2 million to $3 million 1st Round and 3rd Round
Over $3 million to $4 million 1st Round, 2nd Round and 3rd Round
Over $4 million to $5 million Two First Rounds, 2nd Round and 3rd Round
Over $5 million Four 1st Rounds
Morals of the story:
The game: Well at least they tell you how to do the math in this one. And now I understand all that wheeling and dealing that goes on at the draft, the off season and the trade deadline. And you superstar players, I hate to tell you this, but this rule is proof you are a commodity. If you're lucky, you're changing the game and all that. But never forget that you are also a line item on a spreadsheet. Speaking of which:
Life: How like hockey life is. We're all line items on a spreadsheet. We can all be traded, put on waivers and downsized at any time. Only in life, we don't get choice draft picks or millions of dollars in trade. But we should. Anyone whose company decides to downsize, realign or re-whatever should be entitled to compensation equal to ten times what they were paid while putting forth their blood, sweat and tears for said employer without so much as a thank you before being shown the door or downgraded to a smaller cube, salary and job title.
Next up: Article 11, Rules and Procedures Governing Standard Player's Contract.
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Hockey Is Back. Period. End of Off Season.
The game: Portland Winterhawks vs. Everett Silvertips (WHL). Everett is up 3 - 2 as the begin the third period. It's "how many penalties can the Winterhawks pull in one night" night here in the Pacific Northwest. On the other hand, Spencer Bennett just scored his fourth goal of the season, and Ryan Johansen scored the game tying goal and set up Spencer for his go-ahead goal (just after coming out of the box).
In case you're wondering what they eat for breakfast: No clue, but I do know what Spencer eats for lunch. He's turned our new Swiss import Sven Bartschi on to burritos. I must make note to ask Spencer which "Mexican Grill" Sven was referring to the other night when I talked to him. There's about half a dozen with that name attached to them.
Major bummer alert: Thanks to lengthy technical difficulties, we just missed Brad Ross' game winning goal that sealed the deal to beat Everett 5-3. It's his 6th goal in five games. Ryan Johansen walks away with a goal and two assists, a mere 72 hours after arriving back in Portland.
But that is a mere warm up for this: Tomorrow night is NHL Face-Off in Toronto. In less than 24 hours, hockey returns. And mark your calendars for the Islanders vs. Stars game on Saturday. It marks the official NHL debut of the highest drafted Swiss player in the League's history, Nino Niederreiter, who has earned a spot on the Islanders opening night roster.
And this: Article 10, Free Agency. (b) Group 4 Free Agents. Definition of a "defected player." For purposes of this Agreement, a "Defected Player" means any Player not unconditionally released:
(A) who, having had an SPC with a Club, the provisions of which, including the option clauses in a 1995 SPC, have not been completely fulfilled, contracts for a period including any part of the unfulfilled portion of his SPC, with a club in a league not affiliated with the NHL or with any such league (both of which are hereinafter referred to as an "unaffiliated club") or with any other professional hockey club to the exclusion of the said Club or its assignee or:
(B) who, never having been under contract to any Club, but as to who the NHL negotiation rights now or at any time hereafter shall reside in any Club, has contracted or shall contract with such an unaffiliated club.
(C) A Player who plays out his final season, or option season pursuant to a 1995 SPC, as the case may be, and enters into a contract for a period including the following season with an unaffiliated club or with any other professional hockey club shall not be deemed to be a "Defected Player"; provided, however that nothing contained in this Section shall be construed to affect the rights of said Club to compensation, if applicable, pursuant to this Article 10 in the event that said Player should subsequently enter into an SPC for his services as a professional hockey player with another Club of the NHL.
Morals of the story:
The game: "Gotta keep it simple" is my new peeve/cliche. There's nothing simple about this game. Unless you went to Harvard law school. Then I'm sure it's a piece of cake.
Life: Ok, I got the not unconditionally released part, but you lost me after that. Like this rule, we complicate life entirely too much. We get tangled up, caught up and we give up. Sliding downhill in life is far too easy to start and too hard to stop. The trick to climbing life's peaks is to stop at the plateau every now and again to survey the landscape. Look around, appreciate where you are, adjust for previous mistakes and move forward. And whatever you do, don't let the other climbers drag you down. Yes, I just used mountain climbing and hockey as metaphors for life. What can I say? It's late on a Wednesday and my other options were way cheesier.
Next up: Article 10, Free Agency. Group 2 Compensation Chart.
In case you're wondering what they eat for breakfast: No clue, but I do know what Spencer eats for lunch. He's turned our new Swiss import Sven Bartschi on to burritos. I must make note to ask Spencer which "Mexican Grill" Sven was referring to the other night when I talked to him. There's about half a dozen with that name attached to them.
Major bummer alert: Thanks to lengthy technical difficulties, we just missed Brad Ross' game winning goal that sealed the deal to beat Everett 5-3. It's his 6th goal in five games. Ryan Johansen walks away with a goal and two assists, a mere 72 hours after arriving back in Portland.
But that is a mere warm up for this: Tomorrow night is NHL Face-Off in Toronto. In less than 24 hours, hockey returns. And mark your calendars for the Islanders vs. Stars game on Saturday. It marks the official NHL debut of the highest drafted Swiss player in the League's history, Nino Niederreiter, who has earned a spot on the Islanders opening night roster.
And this: Article 10, Free Agency. (b) Group 4 Free Agents. Definition of a "defected player." For purposes of this Agreement, a "Defected Player" means any Player not unconditionally released:
(A) who, having had an SPC with a Club, the provisions of which, including the option clauses in a 1995 SPC, have not been completely fulfilled, contracts for a period including any part of the unfulfilled portion of his SPC, with a club in a league not affiliated with the NHL or with any such league (both of which are hereinafter referred to as an "unaffiliated club") or with any other professional hockey club to the exclusion of the said Club or its assignee or:
(B) who, never having been under contract to any Club, but as to who the NHL negotiation rights now or at any time hereafter shall reside in any Club, has contracted or shall contract with such an unaffiliated club.
(C) A Player who plays out his final season, or option season pursuant to a 1995 SPC, as the case may be, and enters into a contract for a period including the following season with an unaffiliated club or with any other professional hockey club shall not be deemed to be a "Defected Player"; provided, however that nothing contained in this Section shall be construed to affect the rights of said Club to compensation, if applicable, pursuant to this Article 10 in the event that said Player should subsequently enter into an SPC for his services as a professional hockey player with another Club of the NHL.
Morals of the story:
The game: "Gotta keep it simple" is my new peeve/cliche. There's nothing simple about this game. Unless you went to Harvard law school. Then I'm sure it's a piece of cake.
Life: Ok, I got the not unconditionally released part, but you lost me after that. Like this rule, we complicate life entirely too much. We get tangled up, caught up and we give up. Sliding downhill in life is far too easy to start and too hard to stop. The trick to climbing life's peaks is to stop at the plateau every now and again to survey the landscape. Look around, appreciate where you are, adjust for previous mistakes and move forward. And whatever you do, don't let the other climbers drag you down. Yes, I just used mountain climbing and hockey as metaphors for life. What can I say? It's late on a Wednesday and my other options were way cheesier.
Next up: Article 10, Free Agency. Group 2 Compensation Chart.
Monday, October 4, 2010
And That's What You Get for Slashing the Winterhawk Who's Still Out There.
The news: Mike Cammalleri has been suspended one game for slashing Nino Niederreiter in a game against the Islanders. That means he'll be missing the Canadiens' season opener. Here in Portland broadcaster Andy Kemper is known for saying "you don't mess with the Johan" whenever Nino's linemate and fellow top NHL draft pick Ryan Johansen makes a sick move out there. And you don't mess with the Nino either.
A fitting opportunity to skip ahead to this rule: 18.3, Procedures for Standard On-Ice Discipline. Notwithstanding anything stated in Article 17 (Grievances) hereof, all disputes involving a suspension imposed upon a Player by the commissioner (or his designee) for conduct on the ice will be processed exclusively as follows unless the procedures of Article 18.4 are applicable.
(b) For the purpose of calculating salary lost due to suspension, the following formula will apply:
(i) For first offenders (first incident requiring supplementary discipline in the form of game suspension) Player to forfeit one day's Paragraph 1 Salary and Bonuses, but not including Performance Bonuses, for each Regular Season lost (1/total number of days in the Regular Season measured from the date of the League's first Regular Season Game to the last, irrespective of the Player's team schedule).
In addition to his suspension, Mike Cammalleri will forfeit $32,258.06. Which means that's what he makes in a day. Oh, and also: there is a Rule in the CBA specifically titled "No Circumvention." (Article 26).
Morals of the story:
The game: Dude, don't mess with Portland's prized draft possessions.
Life: It took me several years of hard work straight out of college to make that much money in a year. Where did I go wrong? I think somewhere between honor society in junior high and dropping out during a semester of my junior year in college, the truth lies. 20 years out of college, I am very privileged to be among Portland's small but mighty media that covers the Winterhawks. It may have taken a while, but one way or another I got here. I didn't go wrong, really, the path was just a little more crooked than the one NHL superstars take to the top. But if I had tried to do any of this when I was in my twenties, it would have flopped. So everything does happen for a reason, and at the time it's supposed to happen. I'm sure the young Winterhawks players I interview for my oregonlive blog see me at practice or in the locker room and are no doubt like, "who is that and what is she doing down here?" But the very coolest thing ever happened the other night when a few of the players just walked by me and said "hey Sam" or said hello while I was interviewing our new Nino -- 18-year-old- get-ready-NHL-he's-coming-your-way -- Sven Bartschi, about where to find good burritos in Portland. It's a long way to the top, and sometimes the top is the basement of the Rose Garden on a Sunday night. But I found it, one way or another. And it's easier than you think. I'm a humble hockey fan from Portland. If I can, anyone can.
Next up: Oh right, back to topic with the definition of a "defected player."
A fitting opportunity to skip ahead to this rule: 18.3, Procedures for Standard On-Ice Discipline. Notwithstanding anything stated in Article 17 (Grievances) hereof, all disputes involving a suspension imposed upon a Player by the commissioner (or his designee) for conduct on the ice will be processed exclusively as follows unless the procedures of Article 18.4 are applicable.
(b) For the purpose of calculating salary lost due to suspension, the following formula will apply:
(i) For first offenders (first incident requiring supplementary discipline in the form of game suspension) Player to forfeit one day's Paragraph 1 Salary and Bonuses, but not including Performance Bonuses, for each Regular Season lost (1/total number of days in the Regular Season measured from the date of the League's first Regular Season Game to the last, irrespective of the Player's team schedule).
In addition to his suspension, Mike Cammalleri will forfeit $32,258.06. Which means that's what he makes in a day. Oh, and also: there is a Rule in the CBA specifically titled "No Circumvention." (Article 26).
Morals of the story:
The game: Dude, don't mess with Portland's prized draft possessions.
Life: It took me several years of hard work straight out of college to make that much money in a year. Where did I go wrong? I think somewhere between honor society in junior high and dropping out during a semester of my junior year in college, the truth lies. 20 years out of college, I am very privileged to be among Portland's small but mighty media that covers the Winterhawks. It may have taken a while, but one way or another I got here. I didn't go wrong, really, the path was just a little more crooked than the one NHL superstars take to the top. But if I had tried to do any of this when I was in my twenties, it would have flopped. So everything does happen for a reason, and at the time it's supposed to happen. I'm sure the young Winterhawks players I interview for my oregonlive blog see me at practice or in the locker room and are no doubt like, "who is that and what is she doing down here?" But the very coolest thing ever happened the other night when a few of the players just walked by me and said "hey Sam" or said hello while I was interviewing our new Nino -- 18-year-old- get-ready-NHL-he's-coming-your-way -- Sven Bartschi, about where to find good burritos in Portland. It's a long way to the top, and sometimes the top is the basement of the Rose Garden on a Sunday night. But I found it, one way or another. And it's easier than you think. I'm a humble hockey fan from Portland. If I can, anyone can.
Next up: Oh right, back to topic with the definition of a "defected player."
Saturday, October 2, 2010
Portland Winterhawks' NHL Draftees: Seven Back, One to Go.
Good for us/maybe not so much for him: The Columbus Blue Jackets have returned Ryan Johansen to Portland. We are awaiting word as to when we'll see him back on our ice. He had made it clear he wanted to stay with them, as any draftee would. And I have no doubt he put 150% effort into doing so. But timing is everything, and Ryan's turn will come. Try telling him that this weekend, though. On the upside, Portland is ecstatic, which hopefully will take the sting out of it for him when we welcome him back.
That just leaves one: Nino Niederreiter is still with the Islanders and by all expert accounts is expected to remain there for at least the nine games it will take for his contract to kick in. Alas, tonight we will have to settle for his wobbly likeness in the form of a Nino bobblehead. It's not the real thing, but we will think of him whilst standing in line waiting for our turn to pick one up. And I for one will think nothing but good things for him wherever he is tonight.
Now that I've decrypted most of it, on with the CBA: Article 10, Free Agency. 10.2, Restricted Free Agents. (ii) Hey look, I finally get this one: In order to receive a Right of First Refusal or Draft Choice Compensation (at the Prior Club's option) with respect to a Restricted Free Agent, the Prior Club of a Restricted Free Agent must tender to the Player, no later than 5:00 p.m. New York time on the later of June 25 or the first Monday after the Entry Draft of the final year of the Player's SPC, a "Qualifying Offer" which shall be an offer of an SPC, for one League Year, which is subject to salary arbitration if such Player is otherwise eligible for salary arbitration in accordance with Section 12.1, on at least the following terms and conditions: to paraphrase, you basically get to make more with you new team, but it is limited. And nowhere does the limit allow $100 million over several decades.
Morals of the story:
The game: So, since it is New York time and there is such a thing as a New York minute, what happens if you tender the deal to the player at 5:01 New York time? No deal? This also makes you wonder how they could even attempt the Kovaluchuk deal. Or any similar long term deal, but they did and it's allowed. But darned if I'm smart enough to figure out why. Somewhere between Ryan and Nino's entry level deals, and the ridiculous long-term deals floating around the NHL, the truth lies. But maybe we can find it here:
Life: What if there was a life version of a "Qualifying Offer" and it required us to only take the very best deal in which we followed our bliss, got paid what we're worth and forbid us under pain of death from giving in, giving up and only taking what we're given instead of asking for what we want? Would it force us not to take the middle of the road? Or would we just give up altogether if things didn't turn out the way we wanted? In sports there is no in between and there shouldn't be in life either. Maybe that's why we get so tweaked at athletes and the game...because we expect them to do what we did not in life...be perfect, be a superstar and never make a mistake. When really, we should be spending all that energy and time being the superstars of our own lives. Let's try it, shall we?
Next up: the CBA's definition of a "Defected Player" and what it means for said players.
That just leaves one: Nino Niederreiter is still with the Islanders and by all expert accounts is expected to remain there for at least the nine games it will take for his contract to kick in. Alas, tonight we will have to settle for his wobbly likeness in the form of a Nino bobblehead. It's not the real thing, but we will think of him whilst standing in line waiting for our turn to pick one up. And I for one will think nothing but good things for him wherever he is tonight.
Now that I've decrypted most of it, on with the CBA: Article 10, Free Agency. 10.2, Restricted Free Agents. (ii) Hey look, I finally get this one: In order to receive a Right of First Refusal or Draft Choice Compensation (at the Prior Club's option) with respect to a Restricted Free Agent, the Prior Club of a Restricted Free Agent must tender to the Player, no later than 5:00 p.m. New York time on the later of June 25 or the first Monday after the Entry Draft of the final year of the Player's SPC, a "Qualifying Offer" which shall be an offer of an SPC, for one League Year, which is subject to salary arbitration if such Player is otherwise eligible for salary arbitration in accordance with Section 12.1, on at least the following terms and conditions: to paraphrase, you basically get to make more with you new team, but it is limited. And nowhere does the limit allow $100 million over several decades.
Morals of the story:
The game: So, since it is New York time and there is such a thing as a New York minute, what happens if you tender the deal to the player at 5:01 New York time? No deal? This also makes you wonder how they could even attempt the Kovaluchuk deal. Or any similar long term deal, but they did and it's allowed. But darned if I'm smart enough to figure out why. Somewhere between Ryan and Nino's entry level deals, and the ridiculous long-term deals floating around the NHL, the truth lies. But maybe we can find it here:
Life: What if there was a life version of a "Qualifying Offer" and it required us to only take the very best deal in which we followed our bliss, got paid what we're worth and forbid us under pain of death from giving in, giving up and only taking what we're given instead of asking for what we want? Would it force us not to take the middle of the road? Or would we just give up altogether if things didn't turn out the way we wanted? In sports there is no in between and there shouldn't be in life either. Maybe that's why we get so tweaked at athletes and the game...because we expect them to do what we did not in life...be perfect, be a superstar and never make a mistake. When really, we should be spending all that energy and time being the superstars of our own lives. Let's try it, shall we?
Next up: the CBA's definition of a "Defected Player" and what it means for said players.
Friday, October 1, 2010
Welcome to Portland, Home of Bobblehead Geeks.
The game: Getting psyched for the Portland Winterhawks vs. Seattle Thunderbirds game on Oct. 2nd.
And how might one get psyched up for such a momentous occasion?: By meeting the players, of course. You can find the results here under "I'm all about bobbleheads": www.oregonlive.com/hawks.
What could be better than Nino bobblehead night?: Nino himself, who is still with the Islanders. But still, I am so excited I've accorded a special spot in my very small handbag for it. Now mind, I have recently downsized my handbag because I was slowly but surely turning into the oversize handbag lady, and I simply refuse to be one of those chicks who goes looking for her car keys and finds a baloney sandwich from 1972 hiding underneath them. Nor am I ever buying a cat. Period. End of story. I'm a single woman in my 40s. I buy one cat, I'll buy 10 and that's enough said about that. Besides:
I was a guy in a former life: The only thing I love talking about more than hockey is my car. My favorite hobby is figuring out how many times they say "what the fuck?" in "The Hangover" and I hate shopping. So when I said that Luke Walker's story warms my heart, it was not easy. Because I certainly don't say things like that, and I rarely think them. But his story is one that is worth reading up on. And he is a player worth paying attention to. As are all the Portland Winterhawks.
Morals of the story: For tonight's juicy bit on life and what not, I will refer back to my oregonlive feature on the three Taylors who are just back from NHL training camp. I have now actually met a handful of the Winterhawks in person. All are under 20 and living in a strange town with strange people like me wandering amok all around them. And in the audience above them on game night are guys like the one next to me who kept calling Brendan Leipsic "Scrappy" and "Scrappy-Do" all night long. Brendan has some growing to do physically, but he's one tough kid and one hell of a goal scorer. But it made me think: who are we as grown ups/fans to judge them, anyway? If we tried to make it through their 90 minute practice, we'd last about 90 seconds. If we had to make a split second decision on the ice instead of while watching it above the glass, I'm sure we'd do more than a few stupid things too. And if we had to straighten up and fly right and talk to bloggers, journalists and other hangers-on in between school, games, practice and long bus rides, I doubt we'd display the same respect, kindness, smarts and courtesy that I saw in the three Taylors.
After all, we were their age once and if I recall my own adolescence, it involved a hair dryer, a shopping mall and a pathological need to own designer jeans which had gone out of style by the time I'd saved enough babysitting money to buy them. So I for one have no intention of judging them. Other than to say this: yes, if they want to get to the NHL, they will need to straigthen up and fly right. But at least for the boys here in Portland, they already have. Game on and carry on, boys.
Next up: Onward with the collective bargaining agreement. Why is it taking so long to get through it, you might ask? Because it takes at least 48 hours to figure out what edition of Webster's dictionary they used in writing it. But I should have the next section decrypted by tomorrow around lunchtime.
And how might one get psyched up for such a momentous occasion?: By meeting the players, of course. You can find the results here under "I'm all about bobbleheads": www.oregonlive.com/hawks.
What could be better than Nino bobblehead night?: Nino himself, who is still with the Islanders. But still, I am so excited I've accorded a special spot in my very small handbag for it. Now mind, I have recently downsized my handbag because I was slowly but surely turning into the oversize handbag lady, and I simply refuse to be one of those chicks who goes looking for her car keys and finds a baloney sandwich from 1972 hiding underneath them. Nor am I ever buying a cat. Period. End of story. I'm a single woman in my 40s. I buy one cat, I'll buy 10 and that's enough said about that. Besides:
I was a guy in a former life: The only thing I love talking about more than hockey is my car. My favorite hobby is figuring out how many times they say "what the fuck?" in "The Hangover" and I hate shopping. So when I said that Luke Walker's story warms my heart, it was not easy. Because I certainly don't say things like that, and I rarely think them. But his story is one that is worth reading up on. And he is a player worth paying attention to. As are all the Portland Winterhawks.
Morals of the story: For tonight's juicy bit on life and what not, I will refer back to my oregonlive feature on the three Taylors who are just back from NHL training camp. I have now actually met a handful of the Winterhawks in person. All are under 20 and living in a strange town with strange people like me wandering amok all around them. And in the audience above them on game night are guys like the one next to me who kept calling Brendan Leipsic "Scrappy" and "Scrappy-Do" all night long. Brendan has some growing to do physically, but he's one tough kid and one hell of a goal scorer. But it made me think: who are we as grown ups/fans to judge them, anyway? If we tried to make it through their 90 minute practice, we'd last about 90 seconds. If we had to make a split second decision on the ice instead of while watching it above the glass, I'm sure we'd do more than a few stupid things too. And if we had to straighten up and fly right and talk to bloggers, journalists and other hangers-on in between school, games, practice and long bus rides, I doubt we'd display the same respect, kindness, smarts and courtesy that I saw in the three Taylors.
After all, we were their age once and if I recall my own adolescence, it involved a hair dryer, a shopping mall and a pathological need to own designer jeans which had gone out of style by the time I'd saved enough babysitting money to buy them. So I for one have no intention of judging them. Other than to say this: yes, if they want to get to the NHL, they will need to straigthen up and fly right. But at least for the boys here in Portland, they already have. Game on and carry on, boys.
Next up: Onward with the collective bargaining agreement. Why is it taking so long to get through it, you might ask? Because it takes at least 48 hours to figure out what edition of Webster's dictionary they used in writing it. But I should have the next section decrypted by tomorrow around lunchtime.
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