HLOG Q&A Update with McPhizzle

Today's Q&A update is with McPhizzle. Her original Q&A can be found here.

1. What are you up to these days? Still blogging (provide your blog name and link)? Why or why not?
When I first filled this out, I was 23, working at a funeral home in the town I grew up in and had just retired from pageants. I am now job hunting in a new town, where I live with my boyfriend and have started coaching girls for pageants. I still blog from time to time on "Musings". Now it's mostly about my own life and every-day revelations instead of hockey. I tweet, so I guess I micro-blog, but that's mostly word vomit, frustrations and stuff I want to say, but don't post on my facebook so my Mr and my mom don't see.

(Ed note: you can follow McP on twitter @mcphizzle)

2. Have you changed team allegiances, or are you still in love with the team you represented on HLOG?
I'm still a shark fan! In fact, my partner introduced me to his Wing-loving co-worker as, "This is McP. The shark fan." He shook my hand and said, "Go Wings." My answer was, "I'll pray for you."

3. How do you feel about your team this year?
I'm not a fair-weather fan. They don't have the best record, but 4th in the West doesn't suck and I still support them!

4. Who is your favorite player now?
Still love me some Jumbo Joe Thornton! (However, it is now a professional love. The lust is gone haha)

5. Are we too old to use the term SQUEE?
Are you kidding me? I know women who still squee about the Beatles. Now I tend to use the term more for things than people...

6. Do you feel that the role of the female fan in keeping the game alive or picking heroes in the community has changed any since you were on HLOG?
I don't think the role of female fans has changed, but I do think the NHL and lower leagues have finally started to actually LISTEN to the female fans and include their opinions and suggestions in merchandise and marketing. Like I said in my very first HLOG Q&A, Merchandice, Marketing and Manmeat. We fill the seats, we bring our friends, we introduce our kids/bfs/husbands to the game. I'm also convinced that hockey moms make the world go 'round.

7. Hockey just isn’t the same without Jeremy Roenick dancing on the ice.

8. Favorite HLOG memory?
Finny calling me after the Ducks took the Sharks out of the 2009 playoffs. My mom had just been diagnosed with breast cancer, and the phone call (even though it was to gloat) made me feel like I wasn't alone when I needed it the most. I also QUITE enjoy the HLOG Christmas/Holiday card exchanges!

9. How do you feel the blog community has changed since our HLOG days?
Honestly, I'm so far removed from it, that I couldn't answer this question properly. I guess the introduction of twitter and that whole micro-blogging bit is a big change... Most of my tweets lately have been about.... well, read number 10

10. Have you reached any milestones in the last few years, personally, that you’re willing to share with us all? Do you have any upcoming milestones in the foreseeable future? (ahem, wedding? baby? book deal? etc?)
We are planning a wedding late next summer! My days are kept quite busy with planning that and taking care of our fur babies - Max (5 year-old boxer), Minnie (8 month-old lab/shepherd mix) and Edouard (2 year-old kitteh).

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HLOG Q&A Update with Leanne

Today's Q&A update is with Leanne, the HLOG Calgary Flames blogger. Her original Q&A is here.

1. What are you up to these days? Still blogging? Why or why not?
I seem to have (despite having started my HLOG days as a computer professional) become a career student. Ooops! Open Ice Hits  has largely been inactive but Dave (my co-blogger) and I are occasionally still active at @openicehits on Twitter. We've found the 140 character limit and quick posting times are ideal for the kind of ranting we do nowadays.

I haven't been blogging as much lately for a couple of reasons. The main one is I just spend too much time writing, now that I'm a grad student. The last thing I want to do when I have a break or once I get home is to crack open my computer and crank out more words, and it's hard to change my writing voice from the dry technical stuff I do through the day to being more passionate or emotional. I'm also finding I'm incapable of doing any technical analysis of the Flames' various statistics (and the trends aren't exactly cheerful either).

The second thing is that now that I'm back in Calgary, I'm much more connected to the Flames than I was when I was living in Ontario. I can watch Flames games on TV a couple of times a week rather than just a couple of times a month. My co-blogger Dave has also recently moved back from Ontario, so he also isn't feeling that disconnect which led us to band together and start ranting to begin with.

2. Have you changed team allegiances, or are you still in love with the team you represented on HLOG?
I'm not particularly in love with the Flames given the season we've had...but I am still loyal to them. I've also purchased season tickets for the WHL Calgary Hitmen...and that hasn't been so good a season either. But still fun.

3. How do you feel about your team this year?
I've been holding my breath and waiting for the rebuild since the middle of last season. I'm not optimistic.

4. Who is your favorite player now?
Still Iginla. Mark Giordano has been a revelation this season as well. Besides that... my favourite player is whichever guy has just netted me a huge night in fantasy hockey.

5. Are we too old to use the term SQUEE?
Gosh, no. If I'm not too old to be back in school...then...

6. Do you feel that the role of the female fan in keeping the game alive or picking heroes in the community has changed any since you were on HLOG?
I think I have a different view of it being one of the Canadian members of HLOG. Hockey is so engrained into everyday life here that naturally women are going to have a huge role in the game. I have been bemused by the Hayley Wickenheiser commercials for The Brick...that is not usually how you get females to advertise washer/dryer combos!

7. Hockey just isn’t the same without Minus-forty temperatures.

8. Favorite HLOG memory?
Probably from before I joined HLOG! I first met (our long-gone, well-missed) HG at an AHL game. She leaned over and handed me a piece of paper with the URLs for both HLOG and her own blog... and I had to admit... gosh, I was already reading them both!

9. How do you feel the blog community has changed since our HLOG days?
This has been reflected in larger online trends, but the blog community has largely become much more professional in tone. From slick meta-sits like SB Nation, the success of guys like James Mirtle, and the focus of many blogs on detailed statistics... it's harder to be all goofy and dorky on your blog these days.

10. Have you reached any milestones in the last few years, personally, that you’re willing to share with us all? Do you have any upcoming milestones in the foreseeable future? (ahem, wedding? baby? book deal? etc?)
I just got my Masters' degree in Computer Science. Also staring the 3-0 in the face. It'll be coming for me in a couple months. Wish me luck!

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HLOG Q&A Update with Elise

Today's Q&A Update is with Elise, the other HLOG Minnesota Wild fan. Her original Q&A is here and her update is below. Enjoy!

1. What are you up to these days? Still blogging? Why or why not?
I’m still blogging, but have changed sites. I kept my blog up until about a year ago when I discontinued 18,568 Reasons Why to join the team over at Hockey Wilderness of SBNation. I don’t write as frequently as I used to because of school and other commitments but I’m still blogging because I love the community and haven’t run out of things to say yet.

2. Have you changed team allegiances, or are you still in love with the team you represented on HLOG?
I’m still in love with the Wild. My Chicago Blackhawks fandom has grown significantly since moving down to Chicagoland for school but Minnesota will always come first.

3. How do you feel about your team this year?
The team is struggling this year, showing flashes of greatness within its sometimes incompetence. It’s the second year of the great re-build since the front office change over and while the team still isn’t very successful, there’s at least some promise in the system and some hope for improvement in the coming years.

4. Who is your favorite player now?
My favorite player doesn’t actually play for the Wild – it’s Jonathan Toews. I usually don’t go for the big name, superstar players but Toews amazes me. His work ethic, competitiveness, skills and leadership make me love to watch him play. I also find his weird relationship with Patrick Kane to be very amusing.

5. Are we too old to use the term SQUEE?
I’m only 19 so I get to say no on this one.

6. Do you feel that the role of the female fan in keeping the game alive or picking heroes in the community has changed any since you were on HLOG?
I think the role of the female fan has only continued to expand. While there are still issues regarding women in sports, a lot of strides have been taken and, from my experience, female fans are mostly respected. There are always going to be puck bunnies and disgruntled, dragged-along girlfriends at hockey games but I think less people are making assumptions about the sex as a whole.

7. Hockey just isn’t the same without Joe Sakic. Even though I’m a Wild fan, I respect Sakic immensely. Playing the Avalanche just isn’t the same without Sakic, even if he did manage to singlehandedly beat Minnesota on numerous occasions.

8. Favorite HLOG memory?
The best part of HLOG is the ladies involved with it. Through this site, I’ve met so many smart, amazing and creative hockey-loving women. I text, e-mail, tweet and Facebook many of them and I still text with Kirsten almost daily and see her every now and then when we’re both in Minnesota. I feel honored to have been part of something with so many successful hockey ladies.

9. How do you feel the blog community has changed since our HLOG days?
I could write pages on this question, but I’ll keep it limited to a few things I think are significant. 1) The blog world has really expanded the past few years, growing from smaller blogging communities to a few giants surrounded by countless blogs for every facet of the hockey world. 2) Blogs are gaining more access and attention from the MSM. Whether they’re in the press box or breaking stories, the issue of bloggers vs. MSM is never-ending. 3) Like many of the ladies have already mentioned, Twitter has become a big part of the blogging world. I personally love Twitter (you can find me @elisebutler). It’s great for interaction with people and a good way to keep up with what’s going on.

10. Have you reached any milestones in the last few years, personally, that you’re willing to share with us all? Do you have any upcoming milestones in the foreseeable future? (ahem, wedding? baby? book deal? etc?)
When I joined HLOG, I had just turned 17 and was a junior in high school. Now, I turn 20 in a few months and am a sophomore in college. As far as milestones, I was published on the Wild’s website and in the game program two years in a row for winning their High School Media Day contest and interned with the pro soccer team in Minnesota two summers ago. But one of my biggest achievements so far was getting accepted into Northwestern University, where I’m now studying Journalism with a concentration in Marketing Communications. I have no idea what’s ahead of me, but hopefully it only keeps getting better.

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HLOG Q&A Update with Christina

Today's Q&A update is with Christina, aka Lucky 13, one of HLOG's two NY Rangers bloggers.  You can read her original Q&A here.

1. What are you up to these days? Still blogging? Why or why not?
I’ve been in the workforce for a while, so here I still sit. Moved offices a couple of times, and now I’m nice and close to home. I’m still blogging, but it’s more like co-blogging. Originally, the blog (NYR Devotion - Some Like It Blue) started out with Kerri (the other HLOGger for the NYR), and over the last year or so two more women have joined us.

2. Have you changed team allegiances, or are you still in love with the team you represented on HLOG?
The Rangers are still my guys – true blue all the way. That’s not to say I haven’t followed other teams – see #4 below.

3. How do you feel about your team this year?
The jury is still out on this one. I mean I will always love them, but my feelings about how far they will go this year fluctuate. They are not consistent enough either way: they either have flashes of brilliance, or they don’t bother showing up for the game. As a long-time Ranger fan, I know it’s best to hope for the best, but prepare for the worst.

4. Who is your favorite player now?
I still love Jed Ortmeyer – hence my following other teams. I kept tabs on Nashville for 2 years, and San Jose last year, but for a while for this season, it was looking grim for my Orts. Luckily, thanks to Don Maloney (my other all-time favorite Ranger), Jed is playing for the Coyotes AHL affiliate, along with Petr Prucha and Ryan Hollweg. I’m still hopeful that he will make a return to New York (please oh please oh please).

5. Are we too old to use the term SQUEE?
Ack…it wasn’t really in my vocabulary anyway (in fact, never heard of it until I joined HLOG!), but I get the idea. I don’t think you ever get too old to use a term for that…situation. We just get less cryptic with the terms as we get older.

6. Do you feel that the role of the female fan in keeping the game alive or picking heroes in the community has changed any since you were on HLOG?
For me personally, it has. I see a lot more women’s hockey teams forming, more women latching onto the sport. But I don’t think we’re doing women’s advancement in sports any favors by continuing to have ice girls and cheerleaders (ugghh…so 1950s). That’s not my idea of building a female fan base. I love shocking guys by talking hockey bench trash with them. They never see it coming (cuz I'm just a girl!).

7. Hockey just isn’t the same without That stupid trapezoid!!! Dammit if the goalie’s going to leave the crease, he’s FAIR GAME!!! Man they are such divas: “You can’t touch me ‘cause I’m in my TRAPEZOID!” They have more padding than anyone else out there - let them get hit!

8. Favorite HLOG memory?
The online summit in July 2008.

9. How do you feel the blog community has changed since our HLOG days?
I think many people have switched to Facebook, Twitter and the like. But I’m old school and don’t care much for “social networks”. Hopefully, those will simply be an alternative to blogs, and not replacements for them.

10. Have you reached any milestones in the last few years, personally, that you’re willing to share with us all? Do you have any upcoming milestones in the foreseeable future? (ahem, wedding? baby? book deal? etc?)
Already married with kids, but I did finish my first ( and likely my last ) triathlon over the summer. Got three new kittens this summer, too. Didn’t lose my job (yet) – that’s an accomplishment these days.

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HLOG Q&A Update with Kirsten

Today's Q&A update is with Kirsten.  You can relive the past couple seasons of the Minnesota Wild on her blog Land of Lakes and Hockey. Kirsten's original Q&A is here.  You can also follow Kirsten on Twitter

1. What are you up to these days? Still blogging? Why or why not?
I am not still blogging, college in Oregon and nerve damage in my hands overwhelmed me...I just haven't been able to snap back into it. I do try to keep up with the blogosphere thanks to Google reader and Twitter, which I find very useful in keeping my fantasy hockey team up to date.

Now I'm working on a few credits I need for consideration as a grad student (B.A. does not equal a M.S.), and will probably get a job at some point depending on school. I've changed career trajectories, so I'm kind of at a crossroad in my life.

2. Have you changed team allegiances, or are you still in love with the team you represented on HLOG?
I have not changed team alliances, I'm still a Wild fan. What can I say? I'm Minnesotan, we're practically genetically programmed to cheer loyally for the home team, even when they stink.

3. How do you feel about your team this year?
As a season ticket holder I am very unhappy with the Wild. They continue to botch things and it's driving me nuts. The team is underperforming, not enough to get draft picks, and they're waaaay out of the reach of the playoffs at the moment. It was an unpleasant shock when I returned to MN. I find that I've really become more of a Gophers fan as time goes on and I get angrier with the Wild. Having a great personal disdain for the owner doesn't really help. I'm just hoping they can pull something together and stop being a typical Minnesota team... I can't quite put my finger on what's broken, but they don't seem to play together as a cohesive unit, and there seems to be a disconnect somewhere. I think the Wild are so used to having bunches of fans that they forgot what it's like to try hard. I just miss the good old days of yore where every game was magic. Maybe I'm just getting old? I've been told that's what marriage is like.

4. Who is your favorite player now?
Hmmm, that's tough. Toews, Gagner, Thornton, Brodziak and Koivu all hold special places in my heart.

5. Are we too old to use the term SQUEE?
I'm 22, so probably not, though maybe now that I'm out of undergrad.

6. Do you feel that the role of the female fan in keeping the game alive or picking heroes in the community has changed any since you were on HLOG?
I think it has changed in that teams market to women more than they did before, but I think fundamentally their role remains the same. We cheer for players for different reasons than men, and since it has a lot to do with psychological factors, that's unlikely to change. Hockey moms are just as important if not more so now, because in this time of recession, studies have shown that the role of women has become very important in the household, even more so than before.

7. Hockey just isn’t the same without Joe Sakic! It was a terrible day when he retired.

8. Favorite HLOG memory?
It's hard to choose, but definitely getting to meet several of you were highlights.

9. How do you feel the blog community has changed since our HLOG days?
It has expanded certainly, and it has gotten more attention and access than ever. Some bloggers who are very high profile get almost as much information as the mainstream media it seems. I'm not sure how I feel about that, to be honest. It's starting to remind me of the political blog scene. It's no longer just someone with a computer, the blogs have advanced greatly in fanciness and time commitment.

10.  Have you reached any milestones in the last few years, personally, that you’re willing to share with us all? Do you have any upcoming milestones in the foreseeable future? (ahem, wedding? baby? book deal?
etc?)
No baby, husband, or book deal in sight, but I did graduate from college. Does that count?

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HLOG Q&A Update with Cat

Today's update comes from Cat. She represented the Dallas Stars on HLOG and ran her own blog over at Untypical Girls. To read her original Q&A, click here.

1. What are you up to these days?  Still blogging (provide your blog name and link)?  Why or why not?

Lately, most of my time has been spent working. I'm unfortunately no longer blogging (although Untypical Girls still exists on the internet, just...You know, update-less), because I can't even watch all of the games. I work strange hours (4am-1pm most days), and having to go to bed at 7 or 8pm doesn't really lend itself to watching night games. I've made it out to about two of the games this season so far, though, and my devotion stands strong.
2. Have you changed team allegiances, or are you still in love with the team you represented on HLOG?

I don't see myself ever changing team allegiances, not even when our franchise player leaves (or gets booted out, depending on how you look at it) and starts playing for the Detroit Red Wings. That said, I've spent time becoming familiar with other teams, and I enjoy watching them play, but my heart still belongs to the Dallas Stars.
3. How do you feel about your team this year?

I'm very optimistic, actually! The Stars have won a good amount of games, and not always based purely on luck. The young players have become better, and I really do think, as much as it breaks my heart, that the departure of some veterans has allowed the "new" locker room leadership to shine and truly make it their team. I think that the addition of Adam Burish was a good move, even if it didn't look it at the time. I think that perhaps he brings something to the locker room that raises spirits and just makes them play better.
4. Who is your favorite player now?

I still adore little Matt Niskanen, but Adam Burish and Steve Ott hold places in my heart as well. As for other teams, I of course love Alex Ovechkin and his total ridiculousness, and Zach Parise never fails to make me really, really happy, particularly his game-tying goal at the Olympics.
5. Are we too old to use the term SQUEE?

NO! We are never too old to squee!
6. Do you feel that the role of the female fan in keeping the game alive or picking heroes in the community has changed any since you were on HLOG?

I think that female fans are still really important to the game, and not always given their fair due, but on the whole, positive changes have occurred in the past few years. Teams are catering more to everyone, rather than just male fans (although there are still pink jerseys out there, and Hooters ads in every game program). There's obviously more that could happen, but it's heading in a positive direction. And I just realized that doesn't really answer the question, but it's sort of similar at least.
7. Hockey just isn’t the same without _________.

As corny as it sounds, my HLOG girls. There's little fun to be had in watching an exciting game if you have no one to talk to about it!
8. Favorite HLOG memory?

This is a tie between meeting fellow HLOGgers and hanging out with them, and becoming really close to a couple of them, and the "I'm Not A Puckbunny" podcast. I was listening to some old episodes on my iPod the other day, and I missed those little debates and conversations and in-jokes between us all!
9. How do you feel the blog community has changed since our HLOG days?

This may just be because I'm not blogging anymore and therefore not paying as much attention, but it seems as the "average person" blog has given way to sponsorships and more professional blogs. This isn't necessarily a bad thing, but I do miss the average blog.
10. Have you reached any milestones in the last few years, personally, that you’re willing to share with us all?  Do you have any upcoming milestones in the foreseeable future?  (ahem, wedding? baby? book deal? etc?)

Well, I'm in my longest relationship I've ever been in, and we've been living together for almost two years. I haven't killed him yet, so I consider that a pretty big milestone. I'll be opening my own business soon, which is exciting, and I'm helping my dad open HIS own business. Past that, it's pretty much just work, video games, and writing music!

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HLOG Q&A Update with Tracy

Today's Q&A Update is with Tracy, who blogged about the Phoenix Coyotes at True Coyote Love.  You can read Tracy's original Q&A here.

1. What are you up to these days? Still blogging? Why or why not?
I still blog on occasion on my personal blog. Realistically, I am spending far too much time on school to do anything really pleasurable (just ask all the friends that never get to see me, they'll tell you all about it!) If you truly miss me, we can catch up on Here or Here

2. Have you changed team allegiances, or are you still in love with the team you represented on HLOG?
I have absolutely not changed allegiances. My loyalty still lies with the Coyotes and as far as I'm concerned, it always will... at least as long as we keep our team here. Which, by the way, we will be doing for a while thanks to the new owner. :)

3. How do you feel about your team this year?
I love my team. I think they are doing beautifully even though they've had the threat of sale looming over their heads for so long. I couldn't ask for a more determined team to call my own.

4. Who is your favorite player now?
I'm completely unoriginal... Doan and Morris are still my favorites and they have been for quite a few years. However, as far as new loves go, I adore Kyle Turris (and I think he's doing a brilliant job so far this season) and because he keeps me extremely entertained on a regular basis - Paul Bissonnette. His twitter @BizNasty2point0 makes me happy.

5. Are we too old to use the term SQUEE?
Absolutely not. As a matter of fact, I was watching The Tourist in the theatre the other night and when Johnny Depp and Angelina Jolie kiss for the first time (they are my all time favorites), I had the urge to squee and it was physically painful to have to keep it in.

6. Do you feel that the role of the female fan in keeping the game alive or picking heroes in the community has changed any since you were on HLOG?
Not even slightly. Females still play a huge role. As hockey moms they chauffeur their little minions to and from practices, buy their gear, and cheer their lungs out for that minion from the very first game all the way up. As hockey fans, they do the same thing. We drive to and from practices, games, you name it all because we love it. Say what you will but no one is as passionate as a woman for something she loves.

7. Hockey just isn’t the same without _________.
Is it cliche to say HLOG? Haha. Seriously, we filled a niche that was and probably still is needed. A large group of sports fans that were able to get past the rivalries and work together to share their love of the game.

8. Favorite HLOG memory?
Fly On the Wall. :D Realistically, my favorite memories are just us. A group of females that were there for each other... whether that was for simple moral support or for a good old-fashioned debate over whose team was better. I miss my girls because we are girls first and that gave us a bond... add to the mix that we are FANgirls and that pretty much made us unstoppable.

9. How do you feel the blog community has changed since our HLOG days?
To be perfectly honest, I don't keep up much with the bloggy world anymore. I do know, however, that a ton more Coyotes blogs have popped up (none compared to mine, of course! Haha!! I kid, I kid... I don't read them) so it makes me proud to say that I was part of a successful group of female hockey bloggers before the hockey blogger world (and female, to be exact) truly took off.

10. Have you reached any milestones in the last few years, personally, that you’re willing to share with us all? Do you have any upcoming milestones in the foreseeable future? (ahem, wedding? baby? book deal? etc?)
I am pretty much the lamest 20-something ever. All I can say for myself is that I am finally about to transfer to university (yes, I am late but you know... I do what I can) with a 4.0 gpa and as a member of the International Honor Society. All things aside, I couldn't really wish for a better or brighter future for myself. (Not to toot my own horn, of course.)

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HLOG Q&A Update with Ellie

Today's Q&A update is with Ellie, one of HLOG's Pens fan.  You can read Ellie's original Q&A here.  Enjoy!

1. What are you up to these days? Still blogging (provide your blog name and link)? Why or why not?
No longer blogging. I never wanted my own hockey blog since I knew I'd never keep up with it. But HLOG was a nice way to share of my thoughts/views on Pens hockey.

2. Have you changed team allegiances, or are you still in love with the team you represented on HLOG?
Wow no way!! Pens fan for life!!

3. How do you feel about your team this year?
Good. There were some bumps in the beginning, but things are really starting to come together especially after the win streak and Crosby's point streak. Lots of Winter Classic excitement lately, not to mention the HBO series (24/7 Penguins/Capitals: Road to the Winter Classic)   It will be interesting to see if we can keep the momentum going into the spring and playoffs.

4. Who is your favorite player now?
Crosby's point streak has been amazing. Say what you want about Sid, but he's always raising the bar. In fact, if you still think Sid is still a whiny crybaby, try to come around. This guy is playing some of the best hockey you'll ever see in your life. Enjoy!

Kris Letang has really come into his own this year and is leading the NHL All Star defensemen votes - all write in votes btw! As for other teams, how bout Philly's new goalie Bobrovsky? Flash in the pan maybe, but he's been fun to watch for sure.

5. Are we too old to use the term SQUEE?
Umm no!!

6. Do you feel that the role of the female fan in keeping the game alive or picking heroes in the community has changed any since you were on HLOG?
There was such a collective sigh of relief in Pittsburgh after the Pens won the Cup two years ago. I'd say between the Cup win and the new arena (Consol Energy Center), the public has become even more infatuated with their local hockey heroes. The challenge will be to rinse and repeat before the cap era takes it's toll and someone gets traded.

7. Hockey just isn’t the same without Mario?! There is going to be an "Old Timers" game here before the Winter Classic. It's amazing how much the Pittsburgh fan base is looking forward to it. Anything to see Le Magnifique make another return to the ice!

8. Favorite HLOG memory?
Gotta go with the Christmas cards :)

9. How do you feel the blog community has changed since our HLOG days?
Lots of hockey tweeting since the HLOG days! Which has been a very fun way to watch games and get reactions from fans instantly. Blogging is still very relevant however - I'm still reading all of my favs.

10. Have you reached any milestones in the last few years, personally, that you’re willing to share with us all? Do you have any upcoming milestones in the foreseeable future? (ahem, wedding? baby? book deal? etc?)
Three years out of college and still working - which I guess is somewhat of an accomplishment in this economy!

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HLOG Q&A Update with Sasky

Today's Q&A update comes from Sasky.  Despite being from Australia she was HLOG's general hockey correspondent.  You can read her original Q&A here.  She included the following note to inform readers of how now she's all grown up ;)

I was 17 when I first filled out this Q &A, just graduated High School (by mere days) and living in a small country town in central Queensland, Australia. A hell of a lot has changed since then. I'm now 21, the proud holder of a LLB (law degree) and ready to move to Sydney to take up work with Octagon. Something's haven't changed. My life still revolves around the game.

1. What are you up to these days? Still blogging? Why or why not?
These days I spend most of my days studying (recently graduated though!) or working! I was never the most consistent of bloggers but I still write on occasion at a variety of blogs (personal, hockey, fashion) when I get the chance. I spend a lot of time now working with the Australian Ice Hockey League as a Commissioner of the game here in Australia and helping grow and develop the sport and increase stability and profitability of our franchises.

2. Have you changed team allegiances, or are you still in love with the team you represented on HLOG?
I was never listed with a team on HLOG more General hockey and I still am that way! I've always been a fan of great play and captivating players more than anything and my allegiance is to the sport itself. I binge on teams really, going between the Sharks, to the Leafs, to the Hawks back to the Sharks over to the Pens or Bruins. Recently I've been watching a lot of Avalanche but it's always changing.

3. How do you feel about your team this year?
Well see above!

4. Who is your favorite player now?
When I first started here I was all about Patrice Bergeron. One nearly career ending injury later, I'm still all about the Patrice Bergeron but as I've spent more time watching the game my interests have expanded. Joe Pavelski is a player who's definitely one of my favourites and I love watching for his great playmaking, sniping and two way play. Recently, Matt Duchene's been another l love to watch. Not only does he have incredible
hands and skills but he plays the game with such passion for it, and such a sense of unbridled enthusiasm that is infectious and makes me want to keep on watching.

5. Are we too old to use the term SQUEE?
I'm not that old in the first place! I'm just 21 but I admit "Squee" is no longer really my style. I still do the same thing pretty much I just wouldn't tag that label onto it. Fangirl Flail maybe ;-)

6. Do you feel that the role of the female fan in keeping the game alive or picking heroes in the community has changed any since you were on HLOG?
I think it's changed a heap in the last few years. Since I started around here 4 years ago the female voice in hockey has become louder and louder and the wider community and the NHL itself are starting to sit up and take note.  We've got women going into the hall now and with the recent backlash against the female clothing options for fans it's clear that we're in a changing times and people are starting to listen to the calls of these fans. Female fans (and players) are starting to get more respect for their role within the game and that can only be a good thing.

7. Hockey just isn¹t the same without the old guard. (Stevie Y, Joe Sakic, JR).

8. Favorite HLOG memory?
When I was in Washington I got to catch up with Teka several times. I was having a horribly rough time one day (some family stuff had been going on back home in Australia) and Teka turned up to Kettler Ice with chocolate cake to cheer me up. It was one of those days when you're so incredibly appreciative of the friends hockey's helped you make that always have your back when you need it most.

9. How do you feel the blog community has changed since our HLOG days?
Most of the people I now know from the hockey blogging community I made the initial connection via Twitter. It allows you to make much greater and lasting connections between people, to converse in real time in a way that establishes greater friendship and connection. A lot of people's blogs have benefited enormously from that and the community as a whole has grown.

You can find me at @saskystewart

10. Have you reached any milestones in the last few years, personally, that you're willing to share with us all? Do you have any upcoming milestones in the foreseeable future? (ahem, wedding? baby? book deal? etc?)
Woah where do I start? When I first filled this out I was 17 and just finished HS. I've just completed Law School, got my first big girl job as a Graduate in Athlete and Personality Representation with Octagon (basically a Jr Agent and YES that Octagon of Allan Walsh and the like) in their Australian Office helping manage a range of talent including F1 drivers, pro surfers, soccer stars and more.

Hockey wise I interned with the Washington Capitals for an amazing month in Feb 2009, spent my last Australian summer as an intern with the Everett Silvertips of the WHL (Dec ­March 2010) and spend a lot of my time running around for AIHL, AWIHL or IIHF work here in Australia! Those are all pretty big achievements milestones to me!

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HLOG Q&A Update with kms2

The second Q&A update comes from kms2.  Her original Q&A is here.

1. What are you up to these days? Still blogging? Why or why not?
The blog Purple Crushed Velvet is still alive, but I've been blogging very sporadically. I don't think I did a single post during the recent off season and despite my excitement for this season I just can't seem to blog on a consistent basis. Before the start of the '10-'11 season I considered completely shutting down the blog, either deleting it entirely or making it private, but surprisingly my brother (or hermano as I call him, you know, from 'Arrested Development') contacted me and asked if he could do guests posts.

There are several reasons why my interest in blogging has waned over the past year. One is that I'm much busier at work. Another is that the Kings are finally doing well and, quite frankly, it's easier for me to write about things that piss me off and rant about Marc Crawford than it is to find new ways to say that I heart Drew Doughty or that I want Justin Williams's babies. Yes, it's easier for me to make fun of someone than it is to make a compliment....apparently I'm a horrible person. Also, there are so many more LA Kings blogs out there now than there was when I started and it's becoming more difficult to come up with unique points of view. I've thought about ways to find a niche for my blog, but it's proving more difficult than I had anticipated and I'm not quite sure I want to put in that much effort.

2. Have you changed team allegiances, or are you still in love with the team you represented on HLOG?
H-No! I've only loved the LA Kings and I will never betray them!

3. How do you feel about your team this year?
I've never felt better about them. We're finally contenders, well, maybe not for the Cup, but at least for a playoff berth and possibly a trip past the first round. It's an exciting year that is definitely stressing me out because the teams in the West are so darn close!

4. Who is your favorite player now?
Luc Robitaille is still my favorite player. However, I still do not have a favorite active player. Drew Doughty is probably leading the list of hopefuls, but I feel like he's such an easy pick and way too many people love Drew. And then I feel stoopid for thinking that I have to have a not so popular player be my favorite. I really liked Frolov, but now he's a Ranger, blue-balling Torts, making him think he'll easily be a 30-goal scorer and then trail off. Anze Kopitar is another easy pick....I don't know...it's probably Drew, but without the awful mustache.

5. Are we too old to use the term SQUEE?
I hope not! Although I do feel a little silly whenever I use it. I was talking to Finny the other day and she mentioned Penner and I immediately said "PENNERSQUEE!!!!" and then giggled uncontrollably.

6. Do you feel that the role of the female fan in keeping the game alive or picking heroes in the community has changed any since you were on HLOG?
Ehh, I don't know. I think it's about the same. Although, I think the hockey ice cheer/crew girls are bringing us down a couple notches, but whatever. One Kings personnel mentioned that it's cheaper for the Kings to have these girl shoveling snow because they're sponsored by one or more companies. Whether it's really a cost savings measure or a way to bring some sex appeal to the game really doesn't change my opinion that they're a superfluous addition to the in-game experience.

7. Hockey just isn’t the same without bench clearing brawls. Ok, so I'm sorta joking, but I love watching old videos of bench clearing brawls because they're so awesome and hilarious.

8. Favorite HLOG memory?
The holiday card swap was a great idea although I'm too lazy to participate in this year. It was really fun to receive cards from a bunch of HLOGgers.

9. How do you feel the blog community has changed since our HLOG days?
It's grown so much and it's kinda overwhelming. There are some things that I'm glad have been created and some others that I dislike. I think Twitter is a great place to follow some hockey analysts and read their opinions and almost feel like you're interacting with them. (You can follow me at Marie_Stiles but I'm usually only active during games). I think Puck Daddy on Yahoo! is also a good addition because it's like a one stop shop for a lot of good hockey stories throughout the day. I really dislike SB Nation and it's whole format. I completely agree with Jes Golbez who recently complained about SB Nation. It feels more like a forum than a blogging community. I still read some blogs that moved over there but I don't feel like the content is the same. I also really enjoy listening to a lot of hockey podcasts. When I have a tough time focusing at work the hockey podcasts usually save the day.

10. Have you reached any milestones in the last few years, personally, that you’re willing to share with us all? Do you have any upcoming milestones in the foreseeable future? (ahem, wedding? baby? book deal? etc?)
The 'boyfriend' that is mentioned in my HLOG 'About Me' section is now my husband :) And he's becoming a big Kings fan too! I wish had some sort of book deal...that would be pretty cool. Or be able to work for myself...that's probably the ultimate dream.

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HLOG Q&A Update with Rachel

We've decided to do an update Q&A with HLOG members to refresh our readers (and ourselves) on who we are and what we've been up to lately since most of us have been MIA the past year. We offered the ladies 10 questions and left it up to them if they wanted to answer all of them.  First up is Rachel. Her original Q&A is here and below is her updated Q&A. Enjoy!

1. What are you up to these days? Still blogging (provide your blog name and link)? Why or why not?
The answer to this question these days is pretty much always "working". Since work has kind of taken over my life here lately, I had to make the tough decision a few weeks ago to take a bigger step back when it came to blogging. Big, fat single tear. When I do find a chance to steal some precious, lovely, wonderful moments to REALLY pay attention to hockey, I write at What The Puck, which I started a few months after I joined the HLOG community. My plan is to get back to posting regularly once work settles down a bit. I just wish I knew what that time frame looks like exactly.

2. Have you changed team allegiances, or are you still in love with the team you represented on HLOG?
Absolutely, positively still 100% in love with the Nashville Predators. The good, the bad, the ugly, the exasperation, frustration, elation and most importantly, the resiliency of the pesky Preds will never be lost on me. I'm in for the long haul.

3. How do you feel about your team this year?
At the beginning of the season, it seemed as though Nashville was getting its act together. October was a good month but then November wasn't. However, December is treating the boys well so far. The guys have been plagued with a slew of injuries and that has thrown a wrench into any hope of consistency. My thoughts on the team this year are pretty much the same as any other year: they remain the underdogs of the NHL and will, as always, find a way to silence the critics. They will work hard, stay positive and make the most with what they have.

4. Who is your favorite player now?
Not to be all homer-ish but I really do love me some Colin Wilson. Though, to be fair, I followed him before the Predators ever drafted him. I was more than excited to see him play his first NHL game last season and have been really happy to watch him grow and mature as a player over the past season and a half. He always has a smile on his face and that smile is infectious. I love that he loves the game just as much now as he did when he was a little kid. That excitement is endearing. Also, I pretty much always want to pinch his cheeks.

5. Are we too old to use the term SQUEE?
Eh, you know what? I've never used that word anyway. But no matter how old we get, there will always be some equivalent of this word in our vocabulary.

6. Do you feel that the role of the female fan in keeping the game alive or picking heroes in the community has changed any since you were on HLOG?
I can definitely sense a difference in the female community of fans in Nashville for sure. Within the last year or so, girls have become more vocal in the fan base and they are not being ignored. In a lot of ways, I attribute this to the welcoming community of hockey fans in Nashville. I think we as women have it a little better off here than other places. The hockey community here is very accommodating and embraces the diversity.

7. Hockey just isn’t the same without Paul Kariya. There, I said it. I miss him a lot.

8. Favorite HLOG memory?
Hmmm, this is kind of difficult. I don't really think HLOG itself created any specific memories for me but it has been great cultivating relationships with some of the girls over the years.

9. How do you feel the blog community has changed since our HLOG days?
One word: Twitter. And while blogs are still very much a part of the way information is disseminated, Twitter is so rapid-fire and instantaneous that it takes away from what blogs set out to do. Twitter is word-vomit 24/7. You can start a thought on Twitter and have full-on conversations with the world in real time, without the need to type out more than 140 characters. I find myself not saying things on my blog at times because sometimes I am just repeating whatever I've already said on Twitter.

(Ed Note...Rachel didn't provide her Twitter name, but you can follow her at whatthepuck)

10. Have you reached any milestones in the last few years, personally, that you’re willing to share with us all? Do you have any upcoming milestones in the foreseeable future? (ahem, wedding? baby? book deal? etc?)
I recently got a big promotion at work, hence the lack of time to do anything else. As far as milestones in the foreseeable future, not so much. :)

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