The game: Portland Winterhawks vs. Spokane Chiefs (WHL playoff series) Game 6. The Hawks led the series 3 -2 going in and we had the chance to take the series on home ice. Plus, it was Chris Francis' 21st birthday. And it's his final season in the WHL. How cool would victory be just for him? It had all the makings of a perfect game.
But as in life, the best laid plans usually go awry: Despite several comebacks to cut it to a one goal lead, and a standing room only in the final minutes of the game, we fell 4-3. It's back to Spokane for Game 7. Anyone who knows their personal stories knows that nothing has come easy for the Winterhawks, either as individuals or as a team. It is only fitting that we are going to Game 7.
The quirk: Spokane has won all three of their games on our ice, and we've all three of our games on theirs.
Which means: There is still hope.
Plus, think about it this way: The only thing better than winning at home will be showing them up in their own arena.
Which is why I had a backup plan: Game 7 Shootout.
And since the refs in Portland couldn't be bothered with the rules last night, neither will I. Instead, I will take it upon myself to refresh them on a few:
1. When Brett Ponich smack talks a player who got up in his face with an almost high-stick, that's not holding. That's hockey. He's the Captain. He's taller than a Christmas tree and he could eat you for breakfast if his billets ran out of Wheaties. Get over it.
2. As one of our resident European players, Nino has too much class and dignity to get into a fight and draw a stupid penalty. So just tell the Spokane players at the beginning of the game to get a better hobby.
3. There needs to be a special rule for this: There is nothing I would love more than to see Ryan Johansen throw a punch. Or two. Or three. It would be even more fun than watching Nino learn to parallel park, better than Brett barbecuing a linesman and even better than watching Luke Walker (while still in full post-injury face gear) head butt an opponent when the refs broke up an almost fight. Any fight Ryan gets into, because of its unique and rare quality, should automatically be counted as a clean hit and let the game proceed onward, thank you very much.
And what is up with Kyle Beach grabbing someone else's second star last night?: I hate him more than those girls with the sign, so here's what I propose boys: Go home, take a nap. Take two. Eat some protein (or a ref), do whatever it is teenage boys do to get amped up and then go to Spokane, lay it down and annihilate that first class twit in his own house.
Moral of the story: Nobody panic. We came this far. If you can see the finish line, you can cross it. Here's the thing: If you have a huge "could have" moment when you're young, like say... not kicking the crap out of Spokane just because you were tired and frustrated...it will haunt you the rest of your life. Hockey is a lot like life. And the biggest rule of all is the same for both: Come out swinging and play to the buzzer. It's the only way to live and it's the only way to play.
And if that cheesy little tidbit that sounds like a line out of "We Are Marshall" doesn't do it, think about it this way: If our season ends on Wednesday, I will go into immediate and serious physical withdrawal that will require medical attention. If you win, not only will you be advancing in the playoffs, you'll be saving a season ticket holder's life.
Next up on 4/1: Back to whatever rule I promised before. Oh, and popping open a bottle of champagne to toast our victory over Spokane.
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Six is the Magic Number
The game: Game 5, Portland Winterhawks vs. Spokane Chiefs (WHL). Pittsburgh vs. Toronto.
Why I chose them: Game 5 - Duh. We're on for Game 6 tomrrow back on home turf. We're up by 3 games in the series, and in an odd coincidence, all three were won on the road. That's why I have a backup plan in case we lose at home again tomorrow: Game 7 shootout. NHL: Pittsburgh's clinched a playoff berth, so it will be interesting to see how they play between now and then. Giguere is kicking it and asking later between the pipes. Games on.
The final scores: Portland 4, Spokane 3. Pittsburgh 5, Toronto 4 (SO).
Monday updates:
Good news from the WHL afterlife: Kurtis Mucha has signed with the ECHL's Stockton Thunder, the AA team for Edmonton Oilers prospects, many of whom go on to the NHL. He's already got his first win under his belt, in a game against Vegas over the weekend. Yes, Virginia, there is hockey in the desert. Get over it.
Could be a sign of things to come: Game 6 tonight, 7 pm, Rose Garden. We are up by 3 in the series and a win tonight advances us to the next round. It's our own version of the Canada vs. US gold medal game. The winner will either tie it or take it. Here's the deal: I'm no good with numbers, I don't like the word can't and I don't care about the odds. I vote for Spokane = TOAST. With butter.
The rules: Section 4, Playing Rules. Rule 400, Players on the Ice. Rule 402, Start of Game and Periods. Rule 410, Change of Players and Goalkeepers.
Highlights:
Rule 400, Players on the Ice. Teams shall not have more than six players on the ice at any time while the game is in progress. Bench minor penalty for too many men on the ice. Quirk: Not only do they list out the six players, they show the words in a configuration that mimics their position on the ice.
Rule 402, Start of Game and Periods. The teams shall start the game defending the goal nearest to their player bench.
Rule 410, Change of Players and Goalkeepers. a) Under the conditions set out in this section, the players and goalkeepers may be changed at any time during the play or during a stoppage of play. b) If, during a substitution, the player entering the game plays the puck or makes any physical contact with an opponent while the retiring player is actually on the ice, there shall be a penalty. Bench minor penalty for Too Many Players on the Ice.
Morals of the story:
The game: These rules are like the 9 to 5 rule for corporate America. It's the hockey version of where to be, the rules you have to follow while there, and when you can work-share with another colleague. And if you don't, there's a penalty, just like an office. Except in this case you get to sit on the bench instead of getting your pay docked for being five minutes late.
Life: I need the too many men on the ice rule for fighting my way off the bus, train or other mass transit en route to work. If people getting on the Max train make contact with me or impede me while I'm trying to exit instead of waiting for me to get off and make room, they shall not be allowed to get on the train and instead serve a bench minor in the form of waiting two to five more minutes for the next train.
Next up on 3/30: Section 4, Playing Rules. Rule 411, Change of Players and Goalkeepers from the Player's Bench During Play.
Why I chose them: Game 5 - Duh. We're on for Game 6 tomrrow back on home turf. We're up by 3 games in the series, and in an odd coincidence, all three were won on the road. That's why I have a backup plan in case we lose at home again tomorrow: Game 7 shootout. NHL: Pittsburgh's clinched a playoff berth, so it will be interesting to see how they play between now and then. Giguere is kicking it and asking later between the pipes. Games on.
The final scores: Portland 4, Spokane 3. Pittsburgh 5, Toronto 4 (SO).
Monday updates:
Good news from the WHL afterlife: Kurtis Mucha has signed with the ECHL's Stockton Thunder, the AA team for Edmonton Oilers prospects, many of whom go on to the NHL. He's already got his first win under his belt, in a game against Vegas over the weekend. Yes, Virginia, there is hockey in the desert. Get over it.
Could be a sign of things to come: Game 6 tonight, 7 pm, Rose Garden. We are up by 3 in the series and a win tonight advances us to the next round. It's our own version of the Canada vs. US gold medal game. The winner will either tie it or take it. Here's the deal: I'm no good with numbers, I don't like the word can't and I don't care about the odds. I vote for Spokane = TOAST. With butter.
The rules: Section 4, Playing Rules. Rule 400, Players on the Ice. Rule 402, Start of Game and Periods. Rule 410, Change of Players and Goalkeepers.
Highlights:
Rule 400, Players on the Ice. Teams shall not have more than six players on the ice at any time while the game is in progress. Bench minor penalty for too many men on the ice. Quirk: Not only do they list out the six players, they show the words in a configuration that mimics their position on the ice.
Rule 402, Start of Game and Periods. The teams shall start the game defending the goal nearest to their player bench.
Rule 410, Change of Players and Goalkeepers. a) Under the conditions set out in this section, the players and goalkeepers may be changed at any time during the play or during a stoppage of play. b) If, during a substitution, the player entering the game plays the puck or makes any physical contact with an opponent while the retiring player is actually on the ice, there shall be a penalty. Bench minor penalty for Too Many Players on the Ice.
Morals of the story:
The game: These rules are like the 9 to 5 rule for corporate America. It's the hockey version of where to be, the rules you have to follow while there, and when you can work-share with another colleague. And if you don't, there's a penalty, just like an office. Except in this case you get to sit on the bench instead of getting your pay docked for being five minutes late.
Life: I need the too many men on the ice rule for fighting my way off the bus, train or other mass transit en route to work. If people getting on the Max train make contact with me or impede me while I'm trying to exit instead of waiting for me to get off and make room, they shall not be allowed to get on the train and instead serve a bench minor in the form of waiting two to five more minutes for the next train.
Next up on 3/30: Section 4, Playing Rules. Rule 411, Change of Players and Goalkeepers from the Player's Bench During Play.
Friday, March 26, 2010
A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to Spokane
The game: Portland Winterhawks vs. Spokane Chiefs Game 3 (WHL). Tampa Bay vs. Boston Bruins.
Why I chose the NHL game: Honkin' tall French Captain and Honkin' tall defenseman Zdeno Chara together in one game. Men who meet the minimum height requirement of 6'4" meet each other on the ice. I'm in.
The final score: My boy getting it done - Tampa 5, Boston 3.
The final score on the WHL game: Portland beat the odds-makers and won 2-1, on the road, as they have done against this team all season.
Why I chose it: Because I knew they would.
On a more somber note: Former Portland goaltender Kurtis Mucha, traded in a high profile move to Kamloops last fall that still has some Portlanders, including me, in a bunch, ended his WHL career on the bench. He was replaced in an attempt to turn around the team's series with Vancouver, but to no avail. The Giants swept the series and so ends the career of one of Portland's most loyal and memorable players. I sincerely hope a team somewhere, NHL, minor league or whatever, gives him another chance. He deserves it.
This is how crazy I am about tonight's Portland vs. Spokane Game 4: I'm listening to it on 95.5 and I'm following the live chat on the Winterhawks web site. Oh, and I'm watching the Ottawa vs. Buffalo game because hey, I have to have at least three hockey-related things going at all times or I will require medical assistance.
Oohhhh, I smell a victory and a forcing of Game 6 on home turf: Spokane just pulled their goalie in the first period after he let in two goals on four shots. According to the broadcasters, Spokane is looking visibly worried.
And way to go: Chris Francis, who is playing in his final WHL season, scored an assist on the first goal and scored the second goal. And, he's from Vegas. I'm a fan of any player who also grew up in a desert and either plays or loves hockey. Especially if he's going out with a bang.
I'm thinking hat trick: Chris just scored a second goal.
Six is the magic number: No hat trick for Chris, but we forced a Game 6 with the victory in this one, Portland 4, Spokane 2. And I'm updating at the end of the first period, Game 5. We're up 2-0. Oh yeah, I smell victory on home turf.
Now, the rules: Annex 4, Duties of the Officials. A4.24, Timekeeper's Duties, A4.25, Announcer's Duties, A4.26, Penalty Bench Attendant's Duties.
My favorite highlights:
A4.24, The timekeeper records everything from the game countdown before the game, start and end of the periods, the 15 minute intermissions, actual playing time, penalty minutes and start and finish of time-outs. Also, A4.24 d) In the event of any dispute regarding time, the Referee's decision shall be final.
A4.25, Announcer's Duties. The announcer shall announce by means of a public address system: awarding of goals and assists, penalties, end of penalties, when one minute remains in the end of the first and second period, when two minutes remain in the third period. The Annex 3 also spells out the required wording of announcements. It doesn't include what our guy does here in Portland, where the WHL requires that a penalty must be announced twice. Our announcer has a unique way of noting that "Two minutes to Ross for hooking at 10:12. That's Ross with the hook at 10:12."
A4.26, Penalty Bench Attendant's Duties. The Penalty Bench Attendant shall be responsible for:
1) Providing a penalized player, upon request, with the correct information as to the unexpired time of they penalty. In other words, he has to answer if a whiny player asks "how many more minutes do I have to sit in this stupid ass box?"
2) Allowing the penalized player to return to the ice at the appropriate time upon the completion of the penalty.
3) Notifying the Scorekeeper if a player leaves the penalty bench before the end of the penalty. So who stops the twit who does this and tells him to sit his ass back down?
Morals of the story:
The game: Scorekeeper's and attendants are like middle managers in corporate America. They have a lot of important responsibilities, but they don't really have any power. I say they upgrade the Penalty Bench Attendant's responsbilities to include grabbing the little sucker who gets up before a penalty ends and dragging his weenie ass back to the bench. And yes, I would put "weenie ass" in the wording.
Life: Crap! I am a middle manager by day. I need a better day gig. Maybe I'll trade it up for one of these jobs. Only I could never be the announcer. I'd be too tempted to go "off script" now and again. For example, "That's Todd Kennedy with a major and game misconduct for the hit on Doyle. That's Todd Kennedy, coward and immature child with no sense of personal morals, with a major and game misconduct for knocking Doyle unconscious and possibly ending his season." Or, "That's Brad Ross, stellar player and NHL prospect, in the box again. That's Ross, spending too much time in the penalty box for someone so talented."
Next up on 3/28: Section 4, Playing Rules. Rule 400, Players on the Ice, Rule 402, Start of Game and Periods, Rule 410, Change of Players and Goalkeepers.
Why I chose the NHL game: Honkin' tall French Captain and Honkin' tall defenseman Zdeno Chara together in one game. Men who meet the minimum height requirement of 6'4" meet each other on the ice. I'm in.
The final score: My boy getting it done - Tampa 5, Boston 3.
The final score on the WHL game: Portland beat the odds-makers and won 2-1, on the road, as they have done against this team all season.
Why I chose it: Because I knew they would.
On a more somber note: Former Portland goaltender Kurtis Mucha, traded in a high profile move to Kamloops last fall that still has some Portlanders, including me, in a bunch, ended his WHL career on the bench. He was replaced in an attempt to turn around the team's series with Vancouver, but to no avail. The Giants swept the series and so ends the career of one of Portland's most loyal and memorable players. I sincerely hope a team somewhere, NHL, minor league or whatever, gives him another chance. He deserves it.
This is how crazy I am about tonight's Portland vs. Spokane Game 4: I'm listening to it on 95.5 and I'm following the live chat on the Winterhawks web site. Oh, and I'm watching the Ottawa vs. Buffalo game because hey, I have to have at least three hockey-related things going at all times or I will require medical assistance.
Oohhhh, I smell a victory and a forcing of Game 6 on home turf: Spokane just pulled their goalie in the first period after he let in two goals on four shots. According to the broadcasters, Spokane is looking visibly worried.
And way to go: Chris Francis, who is playing in his final WHL season, scored an assist on the first goal and scored the second goal. And, he's from Vegas. I'm a fan of any player who also grew up in a desert and either plays or loves hockey. Especially if he's going out with a bang.
I'm thinking hat trick: Chris just scored a second goal.
Six is the magic number: No hat trick for Chris, but we forced a Game 6 with the victory in this one, Portland 4, Spokane 2. And I'm updating at the end of the first period, Game 5. We're up 2-0. Oh yeah, I smell victory on home turf.
Now, the rules: Annex 4, Duties of the Officials. A4.24, Timekeeper's Duties, A4.25, Announcer's Duties, A4.26, Penalty Bench Attendant's Duties.
My favorite highlights:
A4.24, The timekeeper records everything from the game countdown before the game, start and end of the periods, the 15 minute intermissions, actual playing time, penalty minutes and start and finish of time-outs. Also, A4.24 d) In the event of any dispute regarding time, the Referee's decision shall be final.
A4.25, Announcer's Duties. The announcer shall announce by means of a public address system: awarding of goals and assists, penalties, end of penalties, when one minute remains in the end of the first and second period, when two minutes remain in the third period. The Annex 3 also spells out the required wording of announcements. It doesn't include what our guy does here in Portland, where the WHL requires that a penalty must be announced twice. Our announcer has a unique way of noting that "Two minutes to Ross for hooking at 10:12. That's Ross with the hook at 10:12."
A4.26, Penalty Bench Attendant's Duties. The Penalty Bench Attendant shall be responsible for:
1) Providing a penalized player, upon request, with the correct information as to the unexpired time of they penalty. In other words, he has to answer if a whiny player asks "how many more minutes do I have to sit in this stupid ass box?"
2) Allowing the penalized player to return to the ice at the appropriate time upon the completion of the penalty.
3) Notifying the Scorekeeper if a player leaves the penalty bench before the end of the penalty. So who stops the twit who does this and tells him to sit his ass back down?
Morals of the story:
The game: Scorekeeper's and attendants are like middle managers in corporate America. They have a lot of important responsibilities, but they don't really have any power. I say they upgrade the Penalty Bench Attendant's responsbilities to include grabbing the little sucker who gets up before a penalty ends and dragging his weenie ass back to the bench. And yes, I would put "weenie ass" in the wording.
Life: Crap! I am a middle manager by day. I need a better day gig. Maybe I'll trade it up for one of these jobs. Only I could never be the announcer. I'd be too tempted to go "off script" now and again. For example, "That's Todd Kennedy with a major and game misconduct for the hit on Doyle. That's Todd Kennedy, coward and immature child with no sense of personal morals, with a major and game misconduct for knocking Doyle unconscious and possibly ending his season." Or, "That's Brad Ross, stellar player and NHL prospect, in the box again. That's Ross, spending too much time in the penalty box for someone so talented."
Next up on 3/28: Section 4, Playing Rules. Rule 400, Players on the Ice, Rule 402, Start of Game and Periods, Rule 410, Change of Players and Goalkeepers.
Monday, March 22, 2010
We Now Return You to Your Regularly Scheduled Hockey Rules
The game: Portland Winterhawks vs. Spokane Chiefs in games 1 and 2 of the WHL Playoffs.
Final scores: Game 1, Spokane 5, Portland 4. Game 2, Spokane 4, Portland 2.
Ok, so the Spokane Chiefs are toast with a small t: But still, the Hawks fought them right to the buzzer and never gave up, even when they goofed. We've learned our lesson and we're better against them on the road, anyway. I'm picturing a Game 7 shootout myself.
Best play: Captain Brett Ponich scoring in the late part of the third period to cut the lead. It was too little too late, but it was the sign of a good leader stepping up and flat-out cool because as a d-man he doesn't get on the scoreboard every day.
The rule: Section 2, Officials and Their Duties. Rule A4.20 Off-Ice Officials.
My favorite highlights: A4.21 Scorekeeper's Duties Before the Game. The Scorekeeper shall obtain from the Manager or Coach of both teams the list of all eligible players. He shall complete the Official Game Sheet with the following information:
1. Name, position and number of each player, indicating the Captain and Alternate Captains by placing the letters C and A in front of their names.
2. All data concerning the game, such as location, date, names of the home and visiting team and names of the officials.
The scorekeeper records on the official game sheet the goals, number of the scorers and players to whom assists shall be awarded, players on the ice at the time the goal was scored, all penalties imposed, penalty shots awarded, and time of entry of any substitute goalkeeper. Lastly, no request for changes in any award of points shall be considered unless they are made by the Captain of each team before the conclusion of actual play in the game or before the Referee has signed the Official Game Sheet.
Morals of the story:
The game: The Scorekeeper is like the big brother of hockey. Every minute of every play, every goal, every assist and every goalkeeper substitution is observed and reported. And it's on paper, signed and permanent. No matter how good, perfect, awful or imperfect a game is, it's recorded permanently for future IIHF reference. Thank god they don't have a scorekeeper for real life, or I'd be in a special prison for smart people who make stupid choices about fashion, their hair, their boyfriends, their majors in college and moving to New York City without a plan, without money and without backup.
Life: I want the job of Scorekeeper for corporate meetings at my company. Only in the office version, I will write down the name of all attendants, indicating the idiots and time-waster-off-topic-detractors by placing an I or T next to his or her name. No request for changes shall be made unless requested by the time waster types before the official end of the meeting, and ONLY if they sign an affadavit promising never to take the meeting off topic again under pain of death.
Next up on 3/24: Section 2, Officials and Their Duties, A24 Timekeeper's Duties, A4.25 Announcer's Duties, A4.26 Penalty Bench Attendant's Duties.
Final scores: Game 1, Spokane 5, Portland 4. Game 2, Spokane 4, Portland 2.
Ok, so the Spokane Chiefs are toast with a small t: But still, the Hawks fought them right to the buzzer and never gave up, even when they goofed. We've learned our lesson and we're better against them on the road, anyway. I'm picturing a Game 7 shootout myself.
Best play: Captain Brett Ponich scoring in the late part of the third period to cut the lead. It was too little too late, but it was the sign of a good leader stepping up and flat-out cool because as a d-man he doesn't get on the scoreboard every day.
The rule: Section 2, Officials and Their Duties. Rule A4.20 Off-Ice Officials.
My favorite highlights: A4.21 Scorekeeper's Duties Before the Game. The Scorekeeper shall obtain from the Manager or Coach of both teams the list of all eligible players. He shall complete the Official Game Sheet with the following information:
1. Name, position and number of each player, indicating the Captain and Alternate Captains by placing the letters C and A in front of their names.
2. All data concerning the game, such as location, date, names of the home and visiting team and names of the officials.
The scorekeeper records on the official game sheet the goals, number of the scorers and players to whom assists shall be awarded, players on the ice at the time the goal was scored, all penalties imposed, penalty shots awarded, and time of entry of any substitute goalkeeper. Lastly, no request for changes in any award of points shall be considered unless they are made by the Captain of each team before the conclusion of actual play in the game or before the Referee has signed the Official Game Sheet.
Morals of the story:
The game: The Scorekeeper is like the big brother of hockey. Every minute of every play, every goal, every assist and every goalkeeper substitution is observed and reported. And it's on paper, signed and permanent. No matter how good, perfect, awful or imperfect a game is, it's recorded permanently for future IIHF reference. Thank god they don't have a scorekeeper for real life, or I'd be in a special prison for smart people who make stupid choices about fashion, their hair, their boyfriends, their majors in college and moving to New York City without a plan, without money and without backup.
Life: I want the job of Scorekeeper for corporate meetings at my company. Only in the office version, I will write down the name of all attendants, indicating the idiots and time-waster-off-topic-detractors by placing an I or T next to his or her name. No request for changes shall be made unless requested by the time waster types before the official end of the meeting, and ONLY if they sign an affadavit promising never to take the meeting off topic again under pain of death.
Next up on 3/24: Section 2, Officials and Their Duties, A24 Timekeeper's Duties, A4.25 Announcer's Duties, A4.26 Penalty Bench Attendant's Duties.
Friday, March 19, 2010
They Will Join Us or Die, Master
Ok, so I'm not really gonna' kill anyone, but: You really should join us if you can. Tomorrow, March 20, 7 pm, Rose Garden. It's the first time the Portland Wintherhawks are in the playoffs in four years. It's Saturday and the weather is phenomenal. Why would you want to be anywhere else?
And if you are going to be there: Repeat after me. Spokane Chiefs are T.O.A.S.T. With extra-crunchy peanut butter. Period. End of story.
As I warned, this is a full-on, WHL/Portland Winterhawks pre-playoff hype-o-rama: I don't know what will happen tomorrow, but I have a pretty good idea and it involves cooking Spokane to a crisp. And I also know where we've been. It was only 7 months ago we met Seattle in the pre-season, in a nearly dead arena on a Saturday night. Here's the rewind, in case you missed it (aka top 10 great moments this season):
10. Going to the first pre-season game. And knowing something big was coming.
9. Trekking to Seattle on the Booster Club bus trip to Seattle to lay siege to the Thunderbirds from the rafters.
8. The victory over Tri-Cities on Feb. 10 that put us in the playoffs.
7. Being in the audience at the Rose Garden on Jan. 30 for a 10,000+ sellout against Seattle.
6. Meeting the future of the NHL in Ryan Johansen at the Booster Club pizzy thingy.
5. Ian Curtis backstopping us to a long-awaited victory over the Vancouver Giants on January 24.
4. Brett Ponich pounding Andy Blanke on Dec. 18, complete with a salute to us afterwards. Vintage Winterhawks for years to come. You can check it out on hockeyfights.com. Just search Brett and Andy. You'll see what I mean.
3. Ian Curtis shutting out Seattle on New Year's Eve. I've been to Times Square, London and Montreal on New Year's Eve. But nothing rivals a good shutout and skating afterwards with the future of the NHL.
2. Spencer Bennett scoring the first goal to send bears flying at the 2009 Teddy Bear Toss. I forget who it was, maybe Ryan?, who hit one of the bears that got stuck in the netting and the announcer followed it with "correction, six-thousand, one-hundred twenty-ONE bears." I might be off a little on the number, but I'll never forget that little bear coming loose from the netting, and thinking about where it might end up when it got distributed to the community.
1. Chris Francis scoring the game tying goal against Seattle in a face-off at the Dash for Cash, with 2 seconds left, after Mike Johnston got the referee to put an extra second or so back on the clock. I think that will officially be the last time people leave a game thinking it's over AND lost. That was a hat trick for Chris and he also went on to score the game-winning goal in a shootout. Bonus moment: Nino Niederreiter pulling a Chris Francis of his own with the game-tying and game winning goals for Switzerland against Russia in the world juniors, the first time they had ever beaten Russia.
So, even if you aren't coming tomorrow: Know this...tomorrow night, a gaggle of 16 - 20 year old boys who gave up a normal adolescence (if there is such a thing), their hometown friends, their families and pretty much everything else will begin the path to the Memorial Cup. Backing them in the audience will be everyone from elementary school children in the Junior Hawks program, to families, to retired couples to the player's parents and 40-something bloggers who have faith that they will show us why.
As for me: I haven't been this excited about a sporting event since the night I saw the Rangers raise the banner for their 1994 Stanley Cup. And, I have prime Grade A seats about midway up above the player's benches. Maybe we don't have experience, and it will take more than wanting it or youthful exuberence to make it to the Memorial Cup. But we are here, right now, and we are in. And the most exciting part about tomorrow night? As good as it's going to be, the best is yet to come. Game on.
And if you are going to be there: Repeat after me. Spokane Chiefs are T.O.A.S.T. With extra-crunchy peanut butter. Period. End of story.
As I warned, this is a full-on, WHL/Portland Winterhawks pre-playoff hype-o-rama: I don't know what will happen tomorrow, but I have a pretty good idea and it involves cooking Spokane to a crisp. And I also know where we've been. It was only 7 months ago we met Seattle in the pre-season, in a nearly dead arena on a Saturday night. Here's the rewind, in case you missed it (aka top 10 great moments this season):
10. Going to the first pre-season game. And knowing something big was coming.
9. Trekking to Seattle on the Booster Club bus trip to Seattle to lay siege to the Thunderbirds from the rafters.
8. The victory over Tri-Cities on Feb. 10 that put us in the playoffs.
7. Being in the audience at the Rose Garden on Jan. 30 for a 10,000+ sellout against Seattle.
6. Meeting the future of the NHL in Ryan Johansen at the Booster Club pizzy thingy.
5. Ian Curtis backstopping us to a long-awaited victory over the Vancouver Giants on January 24.
4. Brett Ponich pounding Andy Blanke on Dec. 18, complete with a salute to us afterwards. Vintage Winterhawks for years to come. You can check it out on hockeyfights.com. Just search Brett and Andy. You'll see what I mean.
3. Ian Curtis shutting out Seattle on New Year's Eve. I've been to Times Square, London and Montreal on New Year's Eve. But nothing rivals a good shutout and skating afterwards with the future of the NHL.
2. Spencer Bennett scoring the first goal to send bears flying at the 2009 Teddy Bear Toss. I forget who it was, maybe Ryan?, who hit one of the bears that got stuck in the netting and the announcer followed it with "correction, six-thousand, one-hundred twenty-ONE bears." I might be off a little on the number, but I'll never forget that little bear coming loose from the netting, and thinking about where it might end up when it got distributed to the community.
1. Chris Francis scoring the game tying goal against Seattle in a face-off at the Dash for Cash, with 2 seconds left, after Mike Johnston got the referee to put an extra second or so back on the clock. I think that will officially be the last time people leave a game thinking it's over AND lost. That was a hat trick for Chris and he also went on to score the game-winning goal in a shootout. Bonus moment: Nino Niederreiter pulling a Chris Francis of his own with the game-tying and game winning goals for Switzerland against Russia in the world juniors, the first time they had ever beaten Russia.
So, even if you aren't coming tomorrow: Know this...tomorrow night, a gaggle of 16 - 20 year old boys who gave up a normal adolescence (if there is such a thing), their hometown friends, their families and pretty much everything else will begin the path to the Memorial Cup. Backing them in the audience will be everyone from elementary school children in the Junior Hawks program, to families, to retired couples to the player's parents and 40-something bloggers who have faith that they will show us why.
As for me: I haven't been this excited about a sporting event since the night I saw the Rangers raise the banner for their 1994 Stanley Cup. And, I have prime Grade A seats about midway up above the player's benches. Maybe we don't have experience, and it will take more than wanting it or youthful exuberence to make it to the Memorial Cup. But we are here, right now, and we are in. And the most exciting part about tomorrow night? As good as it's going to be, the best is yet to come. Game on.
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Ladies and Gentlemen, Presenting the Linesman's Version of the Game
The games: Pittsburgh vs. Boston, Tampa Bay vs. Buffalo.
Why I chose them: I would not want to be the team that plays Pittsburgh after a brutal loss like the one last night in Jersey. And I was right. Pittsburgh blanked the Bruins 3 - 0. Oh double crap! Tampa just ate it against Buffalo: final score Sabres 5, Lightning 2.
Favorite play: One night after being pulled from Devils game, goalkeeper Marc-Andre Fleury got his first shutout of the season.
Back on the home front: In exactly 48 hours, Portland Winterhawks fans will be knee-deep in the team's first playoff game in four years, on our home ice. Spokane Chiefs are up first in a best of 7 series that begins Saturday at 7 pm in the Rose Garden. Now, what to say about this one...oh right...the Chiefs are TOOOAASSSTT! Look for a full-on pre-playoff extravaganza in tomorrow's entry, complete with my top ten super cool things about this season.
The rule: Section 2, Officials and Their Duties. Rule 4.7 Linesman Duties, A 4.10, Two Official System, Referees Duties During the Game.
Highlights: The linesman appear to have more duties than the Referees, at least on paper. Plus, they have to present their version of an infraction or offense if requested by the Ref to do so. Among the Linesman's duties are blowing the whistle for any infraction of the rules concerning:
-- Offsides.
-- Icing.
-- Puck out of bounds, unplayable or interfered by an ineligible person.
-- Encroachments occurring during a face-off.
-- Injured players.
-- High sticking the puck.
Also: The Linesman shall only blow the whistle and report to the Referees penalties concerning:
1. Too many players on the ice.
2. Sticks or anything thrown on the ice from the vicinity of the players' or penalty benches.
And finally: When requested to report to the Referee, the Linesman shall immediately give his version of the circumstances with respect to deliberately displacing the goal from its normal position.
He shall immediately give his version in case of:
1. Bench minor penalties.
2. Major penalties.
3. Misconduct penalties.
4. Game misconduct penalties.
5. Match penalties.
Morals of the story:
The game: The Linesmen get all of the work and none of the glory. They're not really in charge of the game and decisions and rulings about penalties, goals or any other activity. Plus, they have to tell the Ref right to his face "no, dude you were wrong, it wasn't boarding, the player being hit put himself in a vulnerable position." Kind of like being asked to rat out your co-workers in the office with your version of who's really responsible for that screw up on a press release.
Life: I want my own personal Linesman, who will escort me everywhere during normal business hours for the purpose of giving his version of penalties involving my life, which of course will always put me in the right and expose other people's wrongdoing. These will include:
-- Explaining to the authorities why I had to get out of my car and stop traffic to have words with the driver behind me to let him know that in fact, tailgating me and turning on your brights periodically will not make me go faster and get a speeding ticket on my impeccable driving record just because you didn't set your alarm this morning.
-- Apologizing on my behalf to the fashion police for my lack of fashion sense, my even greater lack of interest in makeup, nail polish or hair curlers and promising to them that I will never again leave the house with wet hair and unfiled nails.
-- Pointing out to any man I even consider dating that the following criteria will apply: no second date if you ask me how tall I am and tell me I would look better in flat shoes instead of the four inch heels that put me pretty near 6 feet tall; no further dates whatsoever if you think because I choose to be single and childless that it means I'm totally casual and non-committal too and I won't mind if you sleep with me for sport or cheat on me and finally; of course, anyone who is not himself his own personal 24/7 hockey channel -- for him, no dates at all, no second chances, no nothing. Into the circular life file with you dude.
Next up on 3/19: Excuse me in advance while I digress into an all-Portland Winterhawks entry of positively giddy and thoroughly unbridled pre-playoff hysteria.
Why I chose them: I would not want to be the team that plays Pittsburgh after a brutal loss like the one last night in Jersey. And I was right. Pittsburgh blanked the Bruins 3 - 0. Oh double crap! Tampa just ate it against Buffalo: final score Sabres 5, Lightning 2.
Favorite play: One night after being pulled from Devils game, goalkeeper Marc-Andre Fleury got his first shutout of the season.
Back on the home front: In exactly 48 hours, Portland Winterhawks fans will be knee-deep in the team's first playoff game in four years, on our home ice. Spokane Chiefs are up first in a best of 7 series that begins Saturday at 7 pm in the Rose Garden. Now, what to say about this one...oh right...the Chiefs are TOOOAASSSTT! Look for a full-on pre-playoff extravaganza in tomorrow's entry, complete with my top ten super cool things about this season.
The rule: Section 2, Officials and Their Duties. Rule 4.7 Linesman Duties, A 4.10, Two Official System, Referees Duties During the Game.
Highlights: The linesman appear to have more duties than the Referees, at least on paper. Plus, they have to present their version of an infraction or offense if requested by the Ref to do so. Among the Linesman's duties are blowing the whistle for any infraction of the rules concerning:
-- Offsides.
-- Icing.
-- Puck out of bounds, unplayable or interfered by an ineligible person.
-- Encroachments occurring during a face-off.
-- Injured players.
-- High sticking the puck.
Also: The Linesman shall only blow the whistle and report to the Referees penalties concerning:
1. Too many players on the ice.
2. Sticks or anything thrown on the ice from the vicinity of the players' or penalty benches.
And finally: When requested to report to the Referee, the Linesman shall immediately give his version of the circumstances with respect to deliberately displacing the goal from its normal position.
He shall immediately give his version in case of:
1. Bench minor penalties.
2. Major penalties.
3. Misconduct penalties.
4. Game misconduct penalties.
5. Match penalties.
Morals of the story:
The game: The Linesmen get all of the work and none of the glory. They're not really in charge of the game and decisions and rulings about penalties, goals or any other activity. Plus, they have to tell the Ref right to his face "no, dude you were wrong, it wasn't boarding, the player being hit put himself in a vulnerable position." Kind of like being asked to rat out your co-workers in the office with your version of who's really responsible for that screw up on a press release.
Life: I want my own personal Linesman, who will escort me everywhere during normal business hours for the purpose of giving his version of penalties involving my life, which of course will always put me in the right and expose other people's wrongdoing. These will include:
-- Explaining to the authorities why I had to get out of my car and stop traffic to have words with the driver behind me to let him know that in fact, tailgating me and turning on your brights periodically will not make me go faster and get a speeding ticket on my impeccable driving record just because you didn't set your alarm this morning.
-- Apologizing on my behalf to the fashion police for my lack of fashion sense, my even greater lack of interest in makeup, nail polish or hair curlers and promising to them that I will never again leave the house with wet hair and unfiled nails.
-- Pointing out to any man I even consider dating that the following criteria will apply: no second date if you ask me how tall I am and tell me I would look better in flat shoes instead of the four inch heels that put me pretty near 6 feet tall; no further dates whatsoever if you think because I choose to be single and childless that it means I'm totally casual and non-committal too and I won't mind if you sleep with me for sport or cheat on me and finally; of course, anyone who is not himself his own personal 24/7 hockey channel -- for him, no dates at all, no second chances, no nothing. Into the circular life file with you dude.
Next up on 3/19: Excuse me in advance while I digress into an all-Portland Winterhawks entry of positively giddy and thoroughly unbridled pre-playoff hysteria.
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Don We Now Our Festive Video Goal Judging Apparel
The game: Vancouver vs. New York Islanders. Phoenix vs. Tampa Bay.
Why I chose it: Because there are some very strange people in green bodysuits banging the glass. Because I've never seen John Tavares in action. #1 draft pick and the Green Hornets in the audience. Required viewing, if you ask me. As for the other, see previous entry. Same reason, just substitute Phoenix on the comeback for Pittsburgh.
The rule: I was going to cover further duties of the linesmen and refs, but the IIHF Rulebook is broken up in weird ways, and I came across this one instead:
Rule 321, Goal Judges. 1. The goal judges shall wear officials' sweaters. In the visual aid photo labeled "referee discussing with video goal judge" the judges are wearing argyle sweaters, windbreakers and ID cards on lanyards. 2. If, after the start of the game, it becomes apparent that a Goal Judge is guilty of giving unjust decisions, the Referee shall appoint another Goal Judge.
But that doesn't mean you can't rock an argyle sweater: Just be careful about how old you are, what color it is and how you accessorize. For example, Portland Winterhawks Ryan Johansen and Gasper Kopitar are quite capable of totally rocking argyle sweaters because they are very tall junior hockey players with lots of potential and famous relatives.
Oohh did I say that out loud?: Now, if for example, I wanted to tell Ryan and Gasper that "it's bad enough that golf is your primary hobby ... you really should dispense with the preppy sweater and wear rock concert t-shirts and piercings like every other young person your age"...I wouldn't. Because they are not your average teens and they are expected to be way more grown up than I was at that age, so they can wear ugly sweaters and participate in grown up sports if they want to. Golf, after all, is just a sanctioned excuse to wear ugly clothing in public anyway. Plus, as we all know, my idea of fashion at 17 involved white pantyhose and a hairdo that made me look like an overpoofed poodle, so I am really in no position to judge.
The final score: New York Islanders are up by one at the end of the second, after Vancouver just cut the lead to 3-2. Oh crap, the Islanders just scored again! Scratch that: 4-2 in the second.
The game: Ok, this is hockey, so I want to know how it becomes apparent that an unjust decision has been made. Emphasis on "apparent." Because this is hockey, after all, so as long as it's invisible and not readily obvious, it's ok. Like cheating on taxes or fudging your health history a little to get health insurance. Which all works fine until you're caught. Look at this way...even Tiger Woods got busted eventually. I hope he enjoyed the ride, 'cause that is OVER. Speaking of unjust decisions, what about unjust fashion choices? If I had to wear the same ugly sweater to work everyday, I'd make a lot of bad judgment calls just to get back at the color blind twits/executives who made me wear it in the first place.
Life: I want this rule for people who impede my success at work, loud tenants in my apartment building, bad drivers, people who talk loudly on cell phones in inappropriate locations and public nose pickers who think the rest of us collect boogers too and that we won't mind while they violate culturally accepted social norms at an 8 am all-team meeting. If, after the start of my average weekday, it becomes apparent that other people are impeding my career goals, cutting me off in traffic, grossing me out and generally annoying me, I shall appoint other, more dignified, non-booger loving and polite people in their places.
Next up on 3/18: Recovering from St. Patrick's Day and Section 3, Officials and their Duties. Back to additional duties of Referees and Linesmen.
Why I chose it: Because there are some very strange people in green bodysuits banging the glass. Because I've never seen John Tavares in action. #1 draft pick and the Green Hornets in the audience. Required viewing, if you ask me. As for the other, see previous entry. Same reason, just substitute Phoenix on the comeback for Pittsburgh.
The rule: I was going to cover further duties of the linesmen and refs, but the IIHF Rulebook is broken up in weird ways, and I came across this one instead:
Rule 321, Goal Judges. 1. The goal judges shall wear officials' sweaters. In the visual aid photo labeled "referee discussing with video goal judge" the judges are wearing argyle sweaters, windbreakers and ID cards on lanyards. 2. If, after the start of the game, it becomes apparent that a Goal Judge is guilty of giving unjust decisions, the Referee shall appoint another Goal Judge.
But that doesn't mean you can't rock an argyle sweater: Just be careful about how old you are, what color it is and how you accessorize. For example, Portland Winterhawks Ryan Johansen and Gasper Kopitar are quite capable of totally rocking argyle sweaters because they are very tall junior hockey players with lots of potential and famous relatives.
Oohh did I say that out loud?: Now, if for example, I wanted to tell Ryan and Gasper that "it's bad enough that golf is your primary hobby ... you really should dispense with the preppy sweater and wear rock concert t-shirts and piercings like every other young person your age"...I wouldn't. Because they are not your average teens and they are expected to be way more grown up than I was at that age, so they can wear ugly sweaters and participate in grown up sports if they want to. Golf, after all, is just a sanctioned excuse to wear ugly clothing in public anyway. Plus, as we all know, my idea of fashion at 17 involved white pantyhose and a hairdo that made me look like an overpoofed poodle, so I am really in no position to judge.
The final score: New York Islanders are up by one at the end of the second, after Vancouver just cut the lead to 3-2. Oh crap, the Islanders just scored again! Scratch that: 4-2 in the second.
The game: Ok, this is hockey, so I want to know how it becomes apparent that an unjust decision has been made. Emphasis on "apparent." Because this is hockey, after all, so as long as it's invisible and not readily obvious, it's ok. Like cheating on taxes or fudging your health history a little to get health insurance. Which all works fine until you're caught. Look at this way...even Tiger Woods got busted eventually. I hope he enjoyed the ride, 'cause that is OVER. Speaking of unjust decisions, what about unjust fashion choices? If I had to wear the same ugly sweater to work everyday, I'd make a lot of bad judgment calls just to get back at the color blind twits/executives who made me wear it in the first place.
Life: I want this rule for people who impede my success at work, loud tenants in my apartment building, bad drivers, people who talk loudly on cell phones in inappropriate locations and public nose pickers who think the rest of us collect boogers too and that we won't mind while they violate culturally accepted social norms at an 8 am all-team meeting. If, after the start of my average weekday, it becomes apparent that other people are impeding my career goals, cutting me off in traffic, grossing me out and generally annoying me, I shall appoint other, more dignified, non-booger loving and polite people in their places.
Next up on 3/18: Recovering from St. Patrick's Day and Section 3, Officials and their Duties. Back to additional duties of Referees and Linesmen.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
