The game: US. vs. Canada gold medal game.
Final score: Canada 3, US 2, in overtime.
Why I chose it: Oh please. Even non-hockey fans were watching this one.
Best play/mais oui: Once and future wonder boy Sidney Crosby, after being famously spurned from the 2006 Olympic team, scoring the game winning goal in overtime. With a nice little assist from Jarome Iginla, who passed the puck as he was falling down.
Second best plays: Zach Parise with the game-tying goal and pretty much anything Ryan Miller did throughout this game and this whole Olympics.
Silver is not losing: 30 years after the still legendary US. vs. Russia game, the country could smell gold again. But let's not forget that Canada was the favorite here. And Slovakia wasn't expected to get anywhere near the medal round. But they showed us all that it was anyone's game, right until the final goal. To those who think the United States "lost" today, talk to the hand. In a better late than never act of generosity, NBC broadcast the game live, we got a medal and we got a nail-biting, don't answer the phone, stop whatever you are doing, stone cold awesome hockey game. Be happy fellow fans...it's a good day for hockey, no matter what team you rooted for.
As for the whole will they or won't they let the NHL go to Sochi in 2014: Note to Gary Bettman: 1) True hockey fans will get up or stay up until unholy hours of the morning to watch live hockey. If they are playing and we can keep our eyelids open, we're in. 2) Today's game was a rare live broadcast and was a matter of national pride for both teams. It's very likely that thanks to the Olympics, the NHL just picked up at least a few thousand new fans.
Speaking of fans: Right here in Portland, we are awaiting word on the return of our own little piece of Olympic history, Luca Sbisa. And we couldn't care less if he won a medal. We have a real Olympian and NHL player on our ice who went, played and did so honorably. And tonight, our ceremonial puck in the Prince George game is being dropped by former Winterhawk Cam Neely. Ooohh, and we're in the playoffs, we have a US World Junior Champion in our lineup (who scored the game winner last night in Seattle, thank you very much), a WHL player of the month, a two-time CHL goaltender of the week, four NHL prospects, two players already drafted into the NHL and a break out star from Switzerland. GAME ON.
But wait, the Portland Winterhawks didn't go home empty handed: Former Winterhawk Brenden Morrow played for Canada and Memorial Cup champions Marcel and Marian Hossa came pretty darn close.
If you don't live in a town with NHL, AHL, college or junior league hockey: Move to one. Today, if possible.
Never mind the rule, I'll get to that tomorrow: For now, wherever you are, remember this: just five years after emerging from the NHL lockout, hockey is back. With a capital B. Enjoy the ride.
Next up: I'll get back on track tomorrow as the NHL resumes play and I take a look at the rule that explains why all those boys in the World Juniors were wearing full face gear. Stay tuned.
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Put the Infraction-Related Uniform Down and Walk Away
The games: Slovakia vs. Finland and Portland Winterhawks vs. Seattle Thunderbirds.
Major peeve alert: I have to interrupt my viewing of the US-Canada gold medal game tomorrow to take my mom to the train station. Alert to the authorities: if you catch a British Racing Green Mini Cooper doing 90 down Cornell tomorrow, just make note of my license plate and mail me the ticket. I don't care if I mow down trees, bicyclists and small dogs that would fit in my handbag. I'm not stopping.
The rules: Section 2, Teams, Players and Equipment. Rule 210, Equipment. Rule 220 Player's Equipment (includes 221, Players' Skates and 222, Player's Stick).
This is so much easier than the NHL Rulebook: Rule 201, Equipment, has three sections, totalling three sentences. All equipment except helmets, gloves and goalkeeper's pads shall be worn under the uniform. Infractions related to the wearing of equipment shall be penalized under Rule 555 (Illegal or Dangerous Equipment, player is ruled off ice and team is given a warning).
Hey, at least it doesn't require an imaginary line: Rule 222, Player's Stick. The player's stick blade may be curved, and the curvature shall be restricted in such a way that the distance of a perpendicular line, measured from a straight line drawn from the heel to the end of the blade, shall not exceed 1.5 cm.
The scores: Finland 5, Slovakia 3. Portland 3, Seattle 2 (in a shootout, thank you Luke Walker for the game winner).
Morals of the story:
The game: This is a lot like the NHL Rulebook, in that it assumes you know how to get dressed and keep your crap together under the uniform and if you don't, off you go to fix it. It's like a grown up version of learning to tie your shoes. You don't get in trouble, your mom just makes you stop running around the playground so you can tie them.
Life: At 42, there are certain items of clothing that I myself have self-censored from my closet, my own warning for failure to wear the uniform correctly, if you will. These include: thong underwear (never wore them anyway, too T for Tacky), mini-anything (shorts, skirts, etc.), concert t-shirts, and stripper heels (never wore them, at 5'9" my center of gravity is already wobbly, five-inch heels are trouble waiting to happen). On the professional front, I also have some "I won't even do that no matter how old I get" attire choices: a super-short haircut that might look professional but which has the tendency to prompt male colleagues to make politically incorrect remarks about your sexuality around the water cooler, worn with orthopedically correct heels that are practical but screamin' ugly and a boxy suit that hides any shred of my figure. Oh, and gray hair. I'm trying it now while I grow it out and let me just say, it might possibly be the worst hair choice since the senior year perm debacle. Come summer, it's outta' here.
Next up on 2/28: Section 2, Teams, Players and Equipment. Rule 223, Player's Helmet. Rule 224, Player's Face Mask and Visor.
Major peeve alert: I have to interrupt my viewing of the US-Canada gold medal game tomorrow to take my mom to the train station. Alert to the authorities: if you catch a British Racing Green Mini Cooper doing 90 down Cornell tomorrow, just make note of my license plate and mail me the ticket. I don't care if I mow down trees, bicyclists and small dogs that would fit in my handbag. I'm not stopping.
The rules: Section 2, Teams, Players and Equipment. Rule 210, Equipment. Rule 220 Player's Equipment (includes 221, Players' Skates and 222, Player's Stick).
This is so much easier than the NHL Rulebook: Rule 201, Equipment, has three sections, totalling three sentences. All equipment except helmets, gloves and goalkeeper's pads shall be worn under the uniform. Infractions related to the wearing of equipment shall be penalized under Rule 555 (Illegal or Dangerous Equipment, player is ruled off ice and team is given a warning).
Hey, at least it doesn't require an imaginary line: Rule 222, Player's Stick. The player's stick blade may be curved, and the curvature shall be restricted in such a way that the distance of a perpendicular line, measured from a straight line drawn from the heel to the end of the blade, shall not exceed 1.5 cm.
The scores: Finland 5, Slovakia 3. Portland 3, Seattle 2 (in a shootout, thank you Luke Walker for the game winner).
Morals of the story:
The game: This is a lot like the NHL Rulebook, in that it assumes you know how to get dressed and keep your crap together under the uniform and if you don't, off you go to fix it. It's like a grown up version of learning to tie your shoes. You don't get in trouble, your mom just makes you stop running around the playground so you can tie them.
Life: At 42, there are certain items of clothing that I myself have self-censored from my closet, my own warning for failure to wear the uniform correctly, if you will. These include: thong underwear (never wore them anyway, too T for Tacky), mini-anything (shorts, skirts, etc.), concert t-shirts, and stripper heels (never wore them, at 5'9" my center of gravity is already wobbly, five-inch heels are trouble waiting to happen). On the professional front, I also have some "I won't even do that no matter how old I get" attire choices: a super-short haircut that might look professional but which has the tendency to prompt male colleagues to make politically incorrect remarks about your sexuality around the water cooler, worn with orthopedically correct heels that are practical but screamin' ugly and a boxy suit that hides any shred of my figure. Oh, and gray hair. I'm trying it now while I grow it out and let me just say, it might possibly be the worst hair choice since the senior year perm debacle. Come summer, it's outta' here.
Next up on 2/28: Section 2, Teams, Players and Equipment. Rule 223, Player's Helmet. Rule 224, Player's Face Mask and Visor.
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Give Me a C! Give Me an A! Give me the Privilege of Conversation!
The game: IIHF 2010 World Junior Championship gold medal game replay.
Why I chose it: The women's Olympic gold medal game is already over and Portland Winterhawk Luke Walker was on the gold medal-winning US World Junior Team. Local talent in a world-class gold medal game never gets old.
The rules: Section 2, Teams, Players and Equipment. Rule 200, Players in Uniform. Rule 201, Captain of Team.
How's this for the Queen's English?: Only the Captain and Alternate Captains have the privilege of conversing with the referee. Specifically, 201.C, Captain of Team: On the ice, only those designated players, if they are not penalized, shall have the privilege to discuss with the Referee any questions relating to the interpretation of rules that may arise during the course of the game. Mais oui:
Important: A complaint concerning a penalty is not a matter relating to the interpretation of the rules and shall be penalized. The penalty for this offense is misconduct.
But this is the best: The official playing rules specify the use of protective equipment out of concern for the orderly playing of the game, and for the safety, health and welfare of participants. However, such rules do not imply a guarantee by the IIHF that the use of such equipment will provide protection from injury. It is the responsibility of the player to ensure that the equipment used conforms, where specified, with the official playing rules and is worn and maintained in good condition in accordance with the manufacturer's warranties.
Morals of the story:
The game: Orderly playing of the game? Safety, health and welfare? Privilege of conversing? No wonder hockey's not popular in Europe. Who wants to watch an orderly, safe game where players are mindful of others' health and welfare? Booorrrinnng.
Life: Corporate America needs a few of these rules. For example, I want a job where I have the privilege of discussing with my boss any questions relating to a corner office, a promotion and a raise. Of course, I would have to take note that complaining about NOT having such things does not constitute a matter relating to my questions and is punishable by firing, so maybe I'll suggest this instead... a rule where we agree BEFORE a three-hour, stale doughnut, day-old bran muffin, bad coffee conference call that we will be sure to use our equipment (cell phones, Blackberrys) wisely to ensure that the call proceeds in an orderly fashion and we only interrupt it 10 or 15 times to take a call from imaginary colleagues and friends to prove how important we think we are and get out of presenting our portion of the 150 death-by-Powerpoint slides.
Next up on 2/27: Section 2, Teams, Players and Equipment. Rule 210, Equipment. Rule 220, Player's Equipment.
Why I chose it: The women's Olympic gold medal game is already over and Portland Winterhawk Luke Walker was on the gold medal-winning US World Junior Team. Local talent in a world-class gold medal game never gets old.
The rules: Section 2, Teams, Players and Equipment. Rule 200, Players in Uniform. Rule 201, Captain of Team.
How's this for the Queen's English?: Only the Captain and Alternate Captains have the privilege of conversing with the referee. Specifically, 201.C, Captain of Team: On the ice, only those designated players, if they are not penalized, shall have the privilege to discuss with the Referee any questions relating to the interpretation of rules that may arise during the course of the game. Mais oui:
Important: A complaint concerning a penalty is not a matter relating to the interpretation of the rules and shall be penalized. The penalty for this offense is misconduct.
But this is the best: The official playing rules specify the use of protective equipment out of concern for the orderly playing of the game, and for the safety, health and welfare of participants. However, such rules do not imply a guarantee by the IIHF that the use of such equipment will provide protection from injury. It is the responsibility of the player to ensure that the equipment used conforms, where specified, with the official playing rules and is worn and maintained in good condition in accordance with the manufacturer's warranties.
Morals of the story:
The game: Orderly playing of the game? Safety, health and welfare? Privilege of conversing? No wonder hockey's not popular in Europe. Who wants to watch an orderly, safe game where players are mindful of others' health and welfare? Booorrrinnng.
Life: Corporate America needs a few of these rules. For example, I want a job where I have the privilege of discussing with my boss any questions relating to a corner office, a promotion and a raise. Of course, I would have to take note that complaining about NOT having such things does not constitute a matter relating to my questions and is punishable by firing, so maybe I'll suggest this instead... a rule where we agree BEFORE a three-hour, stale doughnut, day-old bran muffin, bad coffee conference call that we will be sure to use our equipment (cell phones, Blackberrys) wisely to ensure that the call proceeds in an orderly fashion and we only interrupt it 10 or 15 times to take a call from imaginary colleagues and friends to prove how important we think we are and get out of presenting our portion of the 150 death-by-Powerpoint slides.
Next up on 2/27: Section 2, Teams, Players and Equipment. Rule 210, Equipment. Rule 220, Player's Equipment.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
It's a Long Way To The Top, But At Least We Can See It From Here
The games: Canada vs. Germany. Portland Winterhawks vs. Tri-City Americans.
Why I chose them: Ok, Canada's back. No need to panic. Yet. It's full-on pre-playoff mania as Portland faces off against the Tri-City Americans. Every game and every point counts, in the Olympics and here in the Pacific Northwest.
Ok, maybe it is time to panic with a small p: With Mac Carruth starting in goal, Tri-City just scored on us three times, only 52 seconds into the game. Letting three goals in early in a Tri-City game must be a right of passage for Portland Winterhawks goalies. Ian Curtis had a similar experience the last time we faced Tri-Cities on their home ice...it just took a smidge longer before he got pulled. That being said: I think it might be safe to say goal-letting-in-lightning has struck twice, therefore defying the odds and therefore guaranteeing it will never happen again, ever.
On the other hand...Woohoo!: The Swiss team advances to the next Olympic round, cutie pie goalie Jonas Hiller and Winterhawk Luca Sbisa in tow.
The rules: 160 - 172, Dressing Rooms, Rink Lighting, Smoking in the Arena and Music in the Arena.
How's this for motivation?: The dressing rooms for the linesmen/referees and players are required to be separate. But what if you made them share it? Players might be less prone to talk smack about what they're going to do to the other team, or to do it, if they knew the officials were in the locker room with them to keep watch and remind them not to. Oh wait...what am I thinking?....perhaps it's better to keep them separated.
In between these rules, there's this: It is not permitted to appoint a goalkeeper, Playing Coach or Manager as a Captain or Alternate Captain. The NHL allows goalkeepers to serve as captains but they don't allow coaches to play. If, during the game a team cannot place the correct number of players on the ice because of penalties or injuries, the Referee shall declare the game a forfeit.
Ooohh, did I say that out loud? I kind of want to see the game where there's so much carnage it can't continue. It's free stress relief. Forget that yoga class. Don't bother with the "Soothing Sounds" ocean sound effects CD. Skip the expensive glass of wine. Just give me a full scale, emergency room-inducing line brawl with mitts flying and jerseys being ripped off. I love those fights where you can't even see what happened until mitts go flying in the air and helmets hit the ice and several other guys decide they want a piece of it. If you're ever in Portland and wonder who instigates all the cheering when Luke Walker head-butted that guy while still wearing full-on face protection because the refs broke up an almost fight that (I think, well, let's face it I hope) he started, or when Brett Ponich saluted us after pounding Andy Blanke to a pulp... it was me. I admit it and I'll do it again.
Morals of the story:
Tonight it seems more appropriate that the morals be about the games and not the rules, so here it is:
Life/game: Every goalie can be pulled. Every player can be benched. And even the hometown favorite can fall back momentarily. Trying is not enough. Wanting it is not enough. Ultimately, there are some things even the best players cannot control. So, here's the lesson, which, like the red and green lights, is backwards: Sometimes the best way to hang on to what you want is to let go. Forget about points and playoff berths and seeds in playoffs and medals and NHL scouts. Like life, it's easy to get caught up and totally forget why you did this in the first place. It's easy to forget the first time you wobbled onto a frozen pond in December. That's why sometimes the best thing to do is to play like you never left it. I don't mean play without caring or get sloppy or slack or any of that crap. I have found in life that if you play like there's nothing to lose, chances are you won't. Try it sometime. You'll see what I mean.
Next up on 2/25: Section 2, Teams, Players and Equipment. Rule 200, Players in Uniform. Rule 201, Captain of Team.
Why I chose them: Ok, Canada's back. No need to panic. Yet. It's full-on pre-playoff mania as Portland faces off against the Tri-City Americans. Every game and every point counts, in the Olympics and here in the Pacific Northwest.
Ok, maybe it is time to panic with a small p: With Mac Carruth starting in goal, Tri-City just scored on us three times, only 52 seconds into the game. Letting three goals in early in a Tri-City game must be a right of passage for Portland Winterhawks goalies. Ian Curtis had a similar experience the last time we faced Tri-Cities on their home ice...it just took a smidge longer before he got pulled. That being said: I think it might be safe to say goal-letting-in-lightning has struck twice, therefore defying the odds and therefore guaranteeing it will never happen again, ever.
On the other hand...Woohoo!: The Swiss team advances to the next Olympic round, cutie pie goalie Jonas Hiller and Winterhawk Luca Sbisa in tow.
The rules: 160 - 172, Dressing Rooms, Rink Lighting, Smoking in the Arena and Music in the Arena.
How's this for motivation?: The dressing rooms for the linesmen/referees and players are required to be separate. But what if you made them share it? Players might be less prone to talk smack about what they're going to do to the other team, or to do it, if they knew the officials were in the locker room with them to keep watch and remind them not to. Oh wait...what am I thinking?....perhaps it's better to keep them separated.
In between these rules, there's this: It is not permitted to appoint a goalkeeper, Playing Coach or Manager as a Captain or Alternate Captain. The NHL allows goalkeepers to serve as captains but they don't allow coaches to play. If, during the game a team cannot place the correct number of players on the ice because of penalties or injuries, the Referee shall declare the game a forfeit.
Ooohh, did I say that out loud? I kind of want to see the game where there's so much carnage it can't continue. It's free stress relief. Forget that yoga class. Don't bother with the "Soothing Sounds" ocean sound effects CD. Skip the expensive glass of wine. Just give me a full scale, emergency room-inducing line brawl with mitts flying and jerseys being ripped off. I love those fights where you can't even see what happened until mitts go flying in the air and helmets hit the ice and several other guys decide they want a piece of it. If you're ever in Portland and wonder who instigates all the cheering when Luke Walker head-butted that guy while still wearing full-on face protection because the refs broke up an almost fight that (I think, well, let's face it I hope) he started, or when Brett Ponich saluted us after pounding Andy Blanke to a pulp... it was me. I admit it and I'll do it again.
Morals of the story:
Tonight it seems more appropriate that the morals be about the games and not the rules, so here it is:
Life/game: Every goalie can be pulled. Every player can be benched. And even the hometown favorite can fall back momentarily. Trying is not enough. Wanting it is not enough. Ultimately, there are some things even the best players cannot control. So, here's the lesson, which, like the red and green lights, is backwards: Sometimes the best way to hang on to what you want is to let go. Forget about points and playoff berths and seeds in playoffs and medals and NHL scouts. Like life, it's easy to get caught up and totally forget why you did this in the first place. It's easy to forget the first time you wobbled onto a frozen pond in December. That's why sometimes the best thing to do is to play like you never left it. I don't mean play without caring or get sloppy or slack or any of that crap. I have found in life that if you play like there's nothing to lose, chances are you won't. Try it sometime. You'll see what I mean.
Next up on 2/25: Section 2, Teams, Players and Equipment. Rule 200, Players in Uniform. Rule 201, Captain of Team.
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Today, It's About More than the Rules
The game: USA vs. Canada.
Why today is special: Tomorrow is the 30th anniversary of the USA vs. Russia "Miracle on Ice" game. Thus, tomorrow is also the 30th anniversary of the day I discovered ice hockey.
Peeve alert: Why am I here and not in Vancouver? Oh right, I just escaped from grad school, there were no tickets online unless you wanted to scalp a few from the scammers who bought them all out, and I didn't pay attention to a calendar until just now.
So, it's about much more than the rules today: It's about why we watch the game. It's about what has changed, and what we have done in the past 30 years. And, just like then, it's about the hope that the best is yet to come. In hockey and in life.
And I can prove the best is yet to come: Part of hockey's future lives and plays here in Portland. Last night, after being in danger of going down for a third game, the Winterhawks rallied back to beat the Kelowna Rockets 3 - 2. The future names to watch for: Nino Niederreiter, Luke Walker, Troy Rutkowski and Mac Carruth. Best play: Luke Walker not giving up on multiple attempts to score. Not once. Not ever. And it worked: he scored the first goal and put Portland back in the game.
That being said, here's the rule: Section 1, Ice Rink. Rule 150, Signal and Timing Devices (encompasses Rule 151, Siren, Rule 152, Clock and Rule 153, Red and Green Lights).
What's the same/not too much is different: It's still backwards. Red still means goal and green still means stop (stoppage of play or end of game). But at least they explain why: "The purpose of the green light is to enable the Referee and Linesman to observe the goal and light in the same sight line and know exactly when the period ends."
The clock rule still doesn't include coaches, only spectators, players and officials. But it does include the names of the teams, time played in a period, penalty time remaining, score, time-outs, and intermission time.
Hey look, this actually happened once in the New Jersey vs. Tampa Bay game about a month ago: If, in the opinion of the Referee, there is not sufficient light to continue the game, he shall have the authority to postpone the remainder of the game or take a time-out, pending improvement of the lighting situation.
The puck just dropped and we're off: Ryan Suter, son of Miracle on Ice player Bob Suter, is the starting center. Team USA just scored at 19:19. Canada answered to tie at 1, and we just answered 22 seconds later. Ooohhhh, yeah... except for the fact it's Canada and not Russia, it's the same game all over again.
Morals of the story:
The future's so bright, we gotta' wear shades/the game: Ok, who really cares about this rule on a day like today? The son of a legendary player is in the lineup, we're kicking butt and asking later and it's the closest thing in 30 years to THAT day. Hockey's future is brighter than it has ever been, and I think it's safe to say there is indeed hope.
Life: I was a tad regretful that I didn't get my ass to Vancouver at all costs. but I have wine, I have chocolate, I have a sunset out my window and I have hockey. What else do I need? Well, maybe a few of the past 30 years back. But then again, there are so many I wouldn't trade if you paid me with free tickets to this game. #1) living in New York and seeing the world just like I wanted to, which included: Wednesday nights with the Niagaras at Mondo Cane; the first day I commuted in to New York for my first job; the first time I saw the Rangers in Madison Square Garden; Paris, Florence under a full moon, sunrise in Barcelona, surfing in Tofino, moonlight snowshoeing at Lake Louise, sunrise in Tahiti, our tour guide singing "Volare" to us on the bus when a rainstorm flooded Venice and we couldn't watch the jazz he had planned for us; my 34th birthday in London; breakfast at Bewley's in Dublin; watching the balloons get blown up for the Macy's parade every year; and New Year's Eve 1999 in Times Square (the only time I ever did it), the last good year before it all started to go awry.
In short, even if you didn't discover hockey that day, think about where you've been in the past 30 years (provided of course, you are old enough to do so). Did you do everything you wanted? Did you sell out or live it the way you wanted? If the answer is no: If you are here and you are reading this, then there's still time. Do it. Say it. Try it. Live it. In another 30 years, many of us who were there that day may not be here. Today's the day for much more than this game.
Next up on 2/23: Section 1, The Rink. Rules 160 - 172, covering Rink Lighting, Music in the Arena and Player's Dressing Rooms.
Why today is special: Tomorrow is the 30th anniversary of the USA vs. Russia "Miracle on Ice" game. Thus, tomorrow is also the 30th anniversary of the day I discovered ice hockey.
Peeve alert: Why am I here and not in Vancouver? Oh right, I just escaped from grad school, there were no tickets online unless you wanted to scalp a few from the scammers who bought them all out, and I didn't pay attention to a calendar until just now.
So, it's about much more than the rules today: It's about why we watch the game. It's about what has changed, and what we have done in the past 30 years. And, just like then, it's about the hope that the best is yet to come. In hockey and in life.
And I can prove the best is yet to come: Part of hockey's future lives and plays here in Portland. Last night, after being in danger of going down for a third game, the Winterhawks rallied back to beat the Kelowna Rockets 3 - 2. The future names to watch for: Nino Niederreiter, Luke Walker, Troy Rutkowski and Mac Carruth. Best play: Luke Walker not giving up on multiple attempts to score. Not once. Not ever. And it worked: he scored the first goal and put Portland back in the game.
That being said, here's the rule: Section 1, Ice Rink. Rule 150, Signal and Timing Devices (encompasses Rule 151, Siren, Rule 152, Clock and Rule 153, Red and Green Lights).
What's the same/not too much is different: It's still backwards. Red still means goal and green still means stop (stoppage of play or end of game). But at least they explain why: "The purpose of the green light is to enable the Referee and Linesman to observe the goal and light in the same sight line and know exactly when the period ends."
The clock rule still doesn't include coaches, only spectators, players and officials. But it does include the names of the teams, time played in a period, penalty time remaining, score, time-outs, and intermission time.
Hey look, this actually happened once in the New Jersey vs. Tampa Bay game about a month ago: If, in the opinion of the Referee, there is not sufficient light to continue the game, he shall have the authority to postpone the remainder of the game or take a time-out, pending improvement of the lighting situation.
The puck just dropped and we're off: Ryan Suter, son of Miracle on Ice player Bob Suter, is the starting center. Team USA just scored at 19:19. Canada answered to tie at 1, and we just answered 22 seconds later. Ooohhhh, yeah... except for the fact it's Canada and not Russia, it's the same game all over again.
Morals of the story:
The future's so bright, we gotta' wear shades/the game: Ok, who really cares about this rule on a day like today? The son of a legendary player is in the lineup, we're kicking butt and asking later and it's the closest thing in 30 years to THAT day. Hockey's future is brighter than it has ever been, and I think it's safe to say there is indeed hope.
Life: I was a tad regretful that I didn't get my ass to Vancouver at all costs. but I have wine, I have chocolate, I have a sunset out my window and I have hockey. What else do I need? Well, maybe a few of the past 30 years back. But then again, there are so many I wouldn't trade if you paid me with free tickets to this game. #1) living in New York and seeing the world just like I wanted to, which included: Wednesday nights with the Niagaras at Mondo Cane; the first day I commuted in to New York for my first job; the first time I saw the Rangers in Madison Square Garden; Paris, Florence under a full moon, sunrise in Barcelona, surfing in Tofino, moonlight snowshoeing at Lake Louise, sunrise in Tahiti, our tour guide singing "Volare" to us on the bus when a rainstorm flooded Venice and we couldn't watch the jazz he had planned for us; my 34th birthday in London; breakfast at Bewley's in Dublin; watching the balloons get blown up for the Macy's parade every year; and New Year's Eve 1999 in Times Square (the only time I ever did it), the last good year before it all started to go awry.
In short, even if you didn't discover hockey that day, think about where you've been in the past 30 years (provided of course, you are old enough to do so). Did you do everything you wanted? Did you sell out or live it the way you wanted? If the answer is no: If you are here and you are reading this, then there's still time. Do it. Say it. Try it. Live it. In another 30 years, many of us who were there that day may not be here. Today's the day for much more than this game.
Next up on 2/23: Section 1, The Rink. Rules 160 - 172, covering Rink Lighting, Music in the Arena and Player's Dressing Rooms.
Thursday, February 18, 2010
European Rules, European Style
The game: Switzerland vs. Canada.
Major peeve alert #1: I tried to get tickets to this game, and they were alreay sold out by the time tickets went on sale to U.S. citizens. Note to self: Apply for the next job/career move in Vancouver.
Major peeve alert #2: NBC's broadcast schedule for hockey. We get no respect. It's hiding on CNBC at non-prime time hours and doesn't include pre and post-game hype, which is half the fun. If you can't figure the ticket crap out, at least give us a nibble of the real thing with some "do you believe in miracles?!" hype.
Final score: Canada 3, Switzerland 2 in a shootout.
Favorite move: My fave cutie pie goalie proving that his team can give the home country favorites a long and hard-fought run for their money. Caught the tail end of the third, overtime and the shootout. Friends, if Canada thought they were going to sail to a gold medal, I think it's safe to say they can forget it. Oh, and newly acquired Portland Winterhawk Luca Sbisa giving Rich Nash some smack talk at the end of regulation.
Advance preview of the IIHF rule on shootouts: Teams can start over with the same shooters after the initial three shooters have gone. Thus, Sidney Crosby got a second chance and took advantage of it to score the winning goal.
The rules: Section 1, Ice Rink. Rule 130, Goal Frame, Posts and Netting. Rules 140 - 143, Players, Penalty, Goal Judges and Scorekeeper's Bench.
What's the same as the NHL, sort of:
Rule 130.d. Goal, Frame, Posts and Netting. A netting of white nylon cord shall be draped over to enclose the back of the goal frame in such a manner as to prevent the puck from coming to rest on the outside of it, yet strung in a manner that shall keep the puck inside the goal net. But there are no requirements for a tensile strength of 700 pounds, no approved design, no No. 21 white nylon cord.
140.b, Players' Benches. The benches shall be on the same side of the rink, immediately along the ice, but opposite to the penalty benches, separated by a substantial distance or by other facilities, and convenient to the dressing rooms. The NHL Rulebook also requires that the players' benches by a substantial distance, if possible.
141.a, Penalty Benches. Each rink shall be provided with two benches to be known as the penalty benches for a minimum of five players each.
What's different: This rule has all the same basic requirements as noted above, but it does it with way fewer words and far less detail. It assumes players and officials who design the rinks, built the nets and goal posts, etc. are going to follow the rules. The NHL rules are written like the League knows players are going to violate them whenever possible, and thus there are a lot of restrictions, requirements and verbiage.
Morals of the story:
The game: These rules are a lot like Europeans themselves, at least from what I've seen on my global travels: straightforward, stylish, verbally adept, not overly complicated and thankfully not ingrained with the mentality that people are not to be trusted.
Life: I love my country, but I think we need to take a cue from the IIHF and do less with more, be happy with less and lose the "everyone is the enemy" mentality. We don't need the latest iPhone, cell phone/coffeemaker, whatever to be happy. We don't need to talk more on said cell phone to be heard. Style isn't about putting all your self-important technology in a $700 handbag and it isn't about owning more than your neighbor. It's right here in this rulebook: simple, honest, trustworthy and uncomplicated. In short: it's not what you wear, it's how you wear it.
Next up on 2/27: Section 1, Ice Rink. Rule 150, Signal and Timing Devices.
Major peeve alert #1: I tried to get tickets to this game, and they were alreay sold out by the time tickets went on sale to U.S. citizens. Note to self: Apply for the next job/career move in Vancouver.
Major peeve alert #2: NBC's broadcast schedule for hockey. We get no respect. It's hiding on CNBC at non-prime time hours and doesn't include pre and post-game hype, which is half the fun. If you can't figure the ticket crap out, at least give us a nibble of the real thing with some "do you believe in miracles?!" hype.
Final score: Canada 3, Switzerland 2 in a shootout.
Favorite move: My fave cutie pie goalie proving that his team can give the home country favorites a long and hard-fought run for their money. Caught the tail end of the third, overtime and the shootout. Friends, if Canada thought they were going to sail to a gold medal, I think it's safe to say they can forget it. Oh, and newly acquired Portland Winterhawk Luca Sbisa giving Rich Nash some smack talk at the end of regulation.
Advance preview of the IIHF rule on shootouts: Teams can start over with the same shooters after the initial three shooters have gone. Thus, Sidney Crosby got a second chance and took advantage of it to score the winning goal.
The rules: Section 1, Ice Rink. Rule 130, Goal Frame, Posts and Netting. Rules 140 - 143, Players, Penalty, Goal Judges and Scorekeeper's Bench.
What's the same as the NHL, sort of:
Rule 130.d. Goal, Frame, Posts and Netting. A netting of white nylon cord shall be draped over to enclose the back of the goal frame in such a manner as to prevent the puck from coming to rest on the outside of it, yet strung in a manner that shall keep the puck inside the goal net. But there are no requirements for a tensile strength of 700 pounds, no approved design, no No. 21 white nylon cord.
140.b, Players' Benches. The benches shall be on the same side of the rink, immediately along the ice, but opposite to the penalty benches, separated by a substantial distance or by other facilities, and convenient to the dressing rooms. The NHL Rulebook also requires that the players' benches by a substantial distance, if possible.
141.a, Penalty Benches. Each rink shall be provided with two benches to be known as the penalty benches for a minimum of five players each.
What's different: This rule has all the same basic requirements as noted above, but it does it with way fewer words and far less detail. It assumes players and officials who design the rinks, built the nets and goal posts, etc. are going to follow the rules. The NHL rules are written like the League knows players are going to violate them whenever possible, and thus there are a lot of restrictions, requirements and verbiage.
Morals of the story:
The game: These rules are a lot like Europeans themselves, at least from what I've seen on my global travels: straightforward, stylish, verbally adept, not overly complicated and thankfully not ingrained with the mentality that people are not to be trusted.
Life: I love my country, but I think we need to take a cue from the IIHF and do less with more, be happy with less and lose the "everyone is the enemy" mentality. We don't need the latest iPhone, cell phone/coffeemaker, whatever to be happy. We don't need to talk more on said cell phone to be heard. Style isn't about putting all your self-important technology in a $700 handbag and it isn't about owning more than your neighbor. It's right here in this rulebook: simple, honest, trustworthy and uncomplicated. In short: it's not what you wear, it's how you wear it.
Next up on 2/27: Section 1, Ice Rink. Rule 150, Signal and Timing Devices.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Look Out World, Here I Come
The game: Men's hockey is underway at the Olympics. First up: Russia vs. Latvia.
Why I chose it: It's the only game that I'm able to watch live. Plus, Alex Ovechkin and Evgeni Malkin on the same line? How insane is that going to be?
Oohh, did I say that out loud?: I kind of wanted Switzerland to win, because they are a bit of an underdog and Portland Winterhawk Luca Sbisa and my favorite cutie pie goalie Jonas Hiller are playing for the Swiss team. There. I said it. Now I feel better.
I'm already confused:
The rules in the International Ice Hockey Federation Rulebook are outlined much as they are in the NHL Rulebook: Rink, Uniforms, Players, Pucks, Playing Rules and so forth.
But here's the thing: The first section, which defines the layout of the Rink, states that a regulation rink is 61 meters long. That's just over 200 feet, which is the length of an NHL Rink. But everything I've read says an international rink is 210 feet. Proof that either a) The rulebook hasn't been updated in a while. b) I need to learn the metric system and not rely on answers.com to do the math for me.
The rules: Section One, Ice Rink. Rules 100, Definition of the Rink - 119, Goal Crease.
Biggest difference from the NHL Rulebook: Everything is in the metric system. Duh. The length (supposedly) is longer. The red and blue that define the center line and bluelines are not required to be a certain PMS Pantone color. There is also a rule for open air rinks, which is not defined in the NHL Rulebook at all. The rules start at 100 and go up from there. Like when you order checks from the bank and they tell you to start a higher number, so businesses will think you've had an account for a while and it therefore looks like you are a trustworthy citizen whose check won't bounce. The rules are much shorter and do not involve nearly as much detail. Instead, they include a lot more visual aids like photos and drawings.
Take this for example: 100, Definition of the Rink. The game of ice hockey shall be played on a white surface known as a "Rink."
Biggest similarities: There is still an attacking zone, a neutral zone, a defending zone, yellow on the bottom of the kickplate, five dividing lines on the ice (center, bluelines and goal lines), and protective glass and netting, goal crease, referee's crease and clearly defined lengths for the benches.
Favorite highlight: 119.d, Goal Crease. The goal crease shall be laid out as follows: A semi-circle 180 cm in radius and 5 cm in width shall be drawn using the center of the goal as the center point. In addition an "L" shaped marking of 15 cm in length and 5 cm in width (both lines) at each front corner shall be painted on the ice. The location of the "L" marking is measured by drawing an imaginary line 122 cm from the goal line to the edge of the semi-circle. At that point, the "L" marking shall be drawn.
Morals of the story:
The game: What is with hockey and the imaginary lines? Dude, if you're gonna draw an L, why not go the distance and draw an actual line. It looks different on paper, and the rules may indeed be different, but I love what Jonas Hiller once said about the differences between playing for the Swiss national team and the NHL. He said it wasn't really that different, because his job was the same: to stop the puck. That's true of the rest of the game as well: if you're the goalie, it's to stop the puck. If you're a forward, it's to score goals and set up plays. If you're a defenseman, it's to knock some other guy right down to the ice or the boards whenever possible. Ten extra feet or not, the game's the same.
Life: I want an imaginary line drawn between my current, successful life in which I have a master's degree, a steady job, an apartment with a view and I hang out on Monday nights with future NHL stars, and the one I lived in New York where, in the last year I lived there, I rented an apartment with a view of a brick wall, sporadic hot water, no couch and inside of three months, I lost one boyfriend to his ex-girlfriend, two jobs and my $1800 deposit on my apartment when I left before the lease was up. The imaginary line will be there to remind me never to step back over it into New York City for anything other than a vacation, and that one try for 10 years was enough. I tried, I failed, I came back. The good news is that you can go home again and sometimes it turns out better than you think it will.
Next up on 2/18: The Canada vs. Switzerland game and Rule 130, Goal Frame, Posts and Netting and Rules 140 - 143, which govern the size and location of benches.
Why I chose it: It's the only game that I'm able to watch live. Plus, Alex Ovechkin and Evgeni Malkin on the same line? How insane is that going to be?
Oohh, did I say that out loud?: I kind of wanted Switzerland to win, because they are a bit of an underdog and Portland Winterhawk Luca Sbisa and my favorite cutie pie goalie Jonas Hiller are playing for the Swiss team. There. I said it. Now I feel better.
I'm already confused:
The rules in the International Ice Hockey Federation Rulebook are outlined much as they are in the NHL Rulebook: Rink, Uniforms, Players, Pucks, Playing Rules and so forth.
But here's the thing: The first section, which defines the layout of the Rink, states that a regulation rink is 61 meters long. That's just over 200 feet, which is the length of an NHL Rink. But everything I've read says an international rink is 210 feet. Proof that either a) The rulebook hasn't been updated in a while. b) I need to learn the metric system and not rely on answers.com to do the math for me.
The rules: Section One, Ice Rink. Rules 100, Definition of the Rink - 119, Goal Crease.
Biggest difference from the NHL Rulebook: Everything is in the metric system. Duh. The length (supposedly) is longer. The red and blue that define the center line and bluelines are not required to be a certain PMS Pantone color. There is also a rule for open air rinks, which is not defined in the NHL Rulebook at all. The rules start at 100 and go up from there. Like when you order checks from the bank and they tell you to start a higher number, so businesses will think you've had an account for a while and it therefore looks like you are a trustworthy citizen whose check won't bounce. The rules are much shorter and do not involve nearly as much detail. Instead, they include a lot more visual aids like photos and drawings.
Take this for example: 100, Definition of the Rink. The game of ice hockey shall be played on a white surface known as a "Rink."
Biggest similarities: There is still an attacking zone, a neutral zone, a defending zone, yellow on the bottom of the kickplate, five dividing lines on the ice (center, bluelines and goal lines), and protective glass and netting, goal crease, referee's crease and clearly defined lengths for the benches.
Favorite highlight: 119.d, Goal Crease. The goal crease shall be laid out as follows: A semi-circle 180 cm in radius and 5 cm in width shall be drawn using the center of the goal as the center point. In addition an "L" shaped marking of 15 cm in length and 5 cm in width (both lines) at each front corner shall be painted on the ice. The location of the "L" marking is measured by drawing an imaginary line 122 cm from the goal line to the edge of the semi-circle. At that point, the "L" marking shall be drawn.
Morals of the story:
The game: What is with hockey and the imaginary lines? Dude, if you're gonna draw an L, why not go the distance and draw an actual line. It looks different on paper, and the rules may indeed be different, but I love what Jonas Hiller once said about the differences between playing for the Swiss national team and the NHL. He said it wasn't really that different, because his job was the same: to stop the puck. That's true of the rest of the game as well: if you're the goalie, it's to stop the puck. If you're a forward, it's to score goals and set up plays. If you're a defenseman, it's to knock some other guy right down to the ice or the boards whenever possible. Ten extra feet or not, the game's the same.
Life: I want an imaginary line drawn between my current, successful life in which I have a master's degree, a steady job, an apartment with a view and I hang out on Monday nights with future NHL stars, and the one I lived in New York where, in the last year I lived there, I rented an apartment with a view of a brick wall, sporadic hot water, no couch and inside of three months, I lost one boyfriend to his ex-girlfriend, two jobs and my $1800 deposit on my apartment when I left before the lease was up. The imaginary line will be there to remind me never to step back over it into New York City for anything other than a vacation, and that one try for 10 years was enough. I tried, I failed, I came back. The good news is that you can go home again and sometimes it turns out better than you think it will.
Next up on 2/18: The Canada vs. Switzerland game and Rule 130, Goal Frame, Posts and Netting and Rules 140 - 143, which govern the size and location of benches.
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