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).
Friday, December 31, 2010
HLOG Q&A Update with McPhizzle
Saturday, December 13, 2008
"McP the Elf, What's your favorite color? "
Well, since there is a huge wind storm here and I can't sleep, I might as well be productive. Getting right down to business, my job today is to report to Santa and let him know who on the Sharkies (or around the league) has been naughty or nice and let him know what a few people need for Christmas.
Naughty list - as a perpetual optimist, I tend to look for the good in people, so this list is rather short.
*Rob Blake - Match penalty for spearing last night warrants a lump of coal in his stocking.
*Brett Festerling (ANA) - The potentially dangerous hit on JR last night. Two lumps of coal and a flaming bag of poo for a present.UPDATE: It was released this morning that JR will miss some action due to the shoulder injury sustained by Mr. Brett. Let's up the bad present-thon up to three lumps of coal a flaming bag of poo and some really ofensive gas. **Personal note: Brett, Brett, Brett... I'm really excited that you made it to the show (especially since you played in TRI for so long), but can you please refrain from breaking my favorite players? He's old enough to be your father - Respect your elders and don't hit them in the numbers.
Nice list -
*Devin Setoguchi, Joe Thornton and Patrick Marleau - whatever they want, they should get. fer reals.
*Jonathan Cheechoo - a new upper body so that injury will go away.
*Dan Boyle - See suggestion for Seto, Joe and Patty
*Nabby and Boucher - See suggestion for Dan Boyle
*JR - scoring stats reminicent of his days in Chicago
*Vlasic - a jar of pickles... and some more goals - kid's doing better than all last season already this year. Keep it up!
*Jody Shelley - another crack at Parros
*Coach McLellan - Players who keep buying into his systems
*Little Joe Pavelski - More wins at the ping pong table
*Torrey Mitchel - A new leg
*Cavanagh, Clowe, Goc, Grier, Michalek, Plihal, Erhoff, Lukowich, Murray and Semenov - 6 more months of exactly what they have been doing.
In other words, Santa, without jinxing anything, my reccomendation is that you bring these guys something that starts with an "S" and ends with a "tanley Cup" You can deliver it via Mr. Bettman in approximately 6 months.
Thursday, October 09, 2008
Team Preview: San Jose Sharks
There seem to be some Sharks circling! That's right, ladies and germs, the NHL Regular Season has begun for us fans of the finned and I'm ready to dive back in!Well, at least put my feet in the shallow end.
A lot has changed over the summer for the NoCal team - A new coach and lots of different faces in the dressing room.
08-09 Season... My quick thoughts as I'm watching the game:
New Coach - I wasn't down on RW, but shaking things up behind the bench might be what gets them past the second round of the playoffs - but they need to make the playoffs first. He's been described as a good bench-coach, I can roll with that, hopefully the players can, too.
Revamped D - Gone are Campbell (no surprise), Carle, Rivet and Brown. Shiny and new are Blake (Will take a while to get used to that one), Boyle and Lukowich. If the D meshes well together, they'll make things even easier for Nabby, who we all know I have a love/hate relationship with. If they can put up a few points, I'll be a very happy fishie fan (Plus, who wouldn't love a kid with a nickname like Pickles?!). Also, would like to send my best wishes to Kyle McLaren in the AHL - I've always been a big fan of his.
Forwards - Familiar faces Thornton, Marleau and Cheechoo need to put up consistant points. I have every faith in each of them that they can - and every hope that they will. Please? Pretty please? Setoguchi looks good - like he spent the summer waiting trying to impress a girl at the gym - and it worked! Pavelski, Plihal, Michalek, Clowe and Goc are sure to do their fair share and Jeremy Roenick is going into his 21st season - how stinkin' impressive is that!?!?! Ok, ok, I know not everyone is a JR fan, but I have been for as long as I can remember - and the fact that he's spent the last two years of his career (for real this time?) with my team pretty much thrills me to no end. He looks good, too and is super hungry for the cup... will that be enough? ...my pretty please just worked, 0-1 Cheechoo from Boyle (Welcome!) and Michalek... PS. Get well soon, Mitchell!
My prediction: I know it sounds cliche, but if this team gels in a speedy fashion, it's hard to imagine they wouldn't be back in the race for the Pacific Division title, but it wont be easy. The Ducks and the Stars are a perpetual poachers looking for some shark fin soup. 0-2 PP Goal - Cheechoo from Thornton and Blake - ok, it's getting easier to read that name in teal. Sorry, Finny! As for playoffs, ever the optimist, I'm dreaming of being able to watch the 3rd ground without a scowl on my face, wondering who to cheer for while the hostess calls for "Bitter, Party of One?"
If the first two periods of this game are any indication of how the rest of the season is going to go, this could be the season we've all been dreaming of.... I'm not saying, I'm just saying...
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Where has the season gone?!
Trade deadline already has come and gone? Wow. I'm a slacker.
SO. Everyone was speculating about a move of Sharks Captain, Pat Marleau. Didn't happen. I didn't think it would. I just had a feeling (Shut up.... the force is strong with me) he'd stay with the team despite his obvious clashing with the coach.
HOWEVER, they did make a trade. The Sharks acquired D-Brian Campbell and a 2008 7th round pick for F-Steve Bernier and a 2008 1st round pick.
I think this was a good move for the Sharks. The team has ample strength in the forward department and the defense and power play both have left a little to be desired. Campbell provides great skating speed and has the ability to help the sharks put up some numbers.
Campbell was really emotional about the trade at first, even tearing up a little as he talked to the press. After all, he did spend 10 seasons there. But he said he's excited to join the Sharks and is getting over the initial shock and sadness. He's played with both Mike Grier and Curtis Brown and told NHL.com that he played summer hockey with Joe Thornton when they were youngsters, growing up not too far from one another.
UPDATE:
WHAT THE TRUCK?! How did I miss THIS?! Apparently Brian Boucher is now a member of the Sharks. I watched him when he played for Tri-City of the WHL and have followed him loosely the past few years. Another great addition, in my opinion, especially with Bouche playing in the AHL this season - I'm sure he's ready to show everyone he still belongs in the show.
Monday, February 11, 2008
Prayers, Thoughts and Love...
As a sister of a hockey player, and a fan of the NHL, this is never something you want to see or have to even say:
My prayers and my thoughts are with Richard Zednik, his family, friends, teammates, the entire Florida Panthers Organization and their fans.
Full story about his injury on TSN.ca
Wednesday, February 06, 2008
Might as well...
Dear Sharkies,
Please keep winning at home.
And on the road.
Kthx,
McP
PS - Nabby, please don't let many soft goals in (I can forgive one if you win), I'm trying to give up rolling my eyes at you for Lent in hopes that it stays gone forever.
PSS - I wouldn't be opposed to Tyler Weiman getting back into the Avs lineup if anything should happen to Budaij.... Just saying.... *whistles*
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Chomp chomp... Sharks anyone?
(x-posted to Musings of a Radical Redhead)
Sunday, November 18, 2007
the PERFECT dinner
This weekend, McMan and I flew down to Vegas with a few of our buddies. Last night, we split off from the group and went to dinner at MESA Grill in Caesar's Palace - McMan's trip to Mecca, as Bobby Flay is his Grilling Deity. (Note: the restaurant is located directly across from the sports book) We're seated at our table, and I look up just as they're changing the 12"x15" screen directly in my view to the Anaheim San Jose game. Happy. Day!
So, not only was there great company and fantastic food, but I got to see my Sharkies waste a few man-advantages and ultimately lose in a shootout. hey, whatever, it was good times.
Wednesday, November 07, 2007
Jinx: thy name is McPhizzle
Well, sometimes.
We all know the rule about not saying those infamous two words before the final buzzer rings with your goalie having stopped all of the shots that night. I have a few other superstitions at my local rink - if I'm not singing the anthems that night, I find my buddy Scott and he tweaks my hair a little - this season it's moved to the 1st intermission. If we forget or can't find each other, he comes and finds me in my seat to give the team the mojo they need. I'm sure you're asking, "What if you ARE singing the anthem?" In that case, that's my superstition. I'm not going to say what happens every time I've sung (yes, every time) in not wanting to spoil the good juju I've got going on there.
Maple Leaf Mafia Member, Laces, isn't allowed to cheer for European players (they get hurt if she does) or wear her Team Canada Jersey (those nights are always BAD losses); When a certain couple in my parents' section leaves early, they take their bad karma with them and the team usually ends up winning despite the deficit they may be in.
But I bet you didn't know that if you sing a song with one of the opposing team's best players names replacing a lyric that you'll give him a hat trick.
The setting: Toyota Center a few weeks ago
The teams: The Chilli[wiggity]wack Bruins at the Tri-City Americans
Hammer and I are sitting in our seats, enjoying our team having the lead in the game, rabbling and laughing like we do every game. Swedish Center and Kings 2007 2nd round pick Oscar Moller skates in front of us and we bust into a rousing chorus of what we have now dubbed the "Oscar Moller Hat Trick" song.
"My bologna has a first name, it's O-s-c-a-r.
My bologna has a second name, it's M-o-l-l-e-r.
OH I love to eat it every day,
And if you ask me why I'll SAAAAYYYY,
That Oscar Moller has the way with b-o-l-o-g-n-a."
And with that, He got his 3rd goal of the night. And it was pretty. We hung our heads and apologized in the direction of goalie, Chet Pickard. Read More......
Friday, September 21, 2007
BWAHAHA!!! Nothing says getting your money's worth like a degree in Economics...
x-posted to Maple Leaf Mafia
I freakin LOVE Ebay! And I freakin love hockey fans even more...Yann Danis NHL Goalie in Need of a New Home - CHEAP!
Goalie of the future! All Yours for a low, low price!
Yann Danis:
Goaltender in Search of a Real Job & Career
Up for auction is the contract of Mr. Yann Danis, goaltender for the Montréal Canadiens and Calder Cup Champion Hamilton Bulldogs. In order to prevent him from reliving another season in the AHL, I have decided that the only way to do this is to raise enough money to buy out his contract and help him get a real chance to be the finest back up goalie the NHL has to offer.
At first glance, Yann Danis might be perceived as a small goalie but he comes bundled in a package of extraordinary value. After previously having been horribly robbed of his chances
to be a shining star of goalieness by both David Aebischer and Jaroslav Halak, now is your chance to assure that he gets the chance he deserves but sending him to another team more deserving of his phenomenal talent. He's king of the rookie shutout. I'll even throw in a crown! We don't need to talk stats here. Current Habs coach, Guy Carbonneau wouldn't call him up but now he's calling him the best goalie at camp and isn't that the best reason you can think of sticking it to that man and sending him somewhere that will appreciate him for at least a
couple of days a week, showering him with a defence capable of performing on cue?
As if being a superb little goaltender wasn't enough, he's a graduate of Brown University, home of the Annual Naked Donut Run and SexPowerGod party (no relation, you know, just in case there are any American police officers who might be reading this) and surely brings to the table a host of party skills that will keep your team entertained for hours in a non-debauchery
filled Ed Belfour manner because no one likes a jailbird. And hey, nothing says getting your money's worth like a degree in Economics.
Buy early. Buy often. Save this goaltender from a fate worth than death and by that I mean
St-Louis. And sorry, but no returns. He's untested but I'm sure he'll do a great job balancing your chequebook if it doesn't work out. Please email me at cedontonparle@gmail.com with any questions!
Who else would put their goalie up for auction on the internet's most famous auction site? With FREE SHIPPING, none the less. Current bid is $6.20... Something tells me Yann would require a bit more than that.
Wednesday, September 05, 2007
JR moves to the Bay Area
(x-posted to Musings of a Radical Redhead)
The Newest Fishie in the Bay
Doug Wilson (DW as I like to call him) called up his old buddy (and former teammate) Jeremy Roenick and got him to sign a $500,000, one-year deal with the San Jose Sharks.
"A lot of teams expected me to retire and thought I was retiring," Roenick said
Tuesday. "But it took the initiative of one person to make the phone call to
find out is that was really happening.
"This is not a financial thing for me," Roenick told reporters on a conference call. "I even asked for a bit less. My motivation is to win a Cup. My motivation is to try and gain my respectability as a hockey player back. ...
"The only reason that I would be playing this year is because of Doug Wilson and the opportunity that he's given me to play with, I think, the best team in the National Hockey League, and have a chance to win a Stanley Cup."
"We know Jeremy very well," said Wilson. "This is not a negative to where he's been in prior situations, but I think a player like this has to be in a situation where he perceives an ability to win and the ultimate winning being competing for a Cup."
I, Personally, love this. I've always been a big JR fan... (what can I say, I love loud mouths!) I think with the right linemates he could be a big contributer again. That's not saying I think he's going to have another 50-goal year or anything, but I don't see a down-side here. He's not taking up a lot of salary-cap room, and as long as he doesn't throw a water bottle at anyone, he's not a huge liability. (teehee... as inapropriate as that was, i loved it)
Welcome to my Sharkies, "Jer-my"!
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
Slow news day...
Since this involves two of my teams I figured I'd post it...
HOUSTON AEROS ANNOUNCE RICK BRONWELL DEPARTS FOR THE NHL'S SAN JOSE SHARKS
HOUSTON, Texas – The American Hockey League's (AHL) Houston Aeros today announced that Rick Bronwell has left the team and will join the National Hockey League's (NHL) San Jose Sharks as the assistant equipment manager. Bronwell spent the previous five seasons as head equipment manager for the Aeros.
“Houston has been an unbelievable place to work. Houston is the best place in the American Hockey League to prepare you for the NHL. I owe a lot to the Minnesota Wild, the Houston Aeros and to the greatest fans in the AHL”, Bronwell said. “It’s been a great time and I’ll miss everyone. I’ve been working 15 years to get to the NHL, and if it wasn’t for Houston, I wouldn’t be where I’m at today.”
He was responsible for all day-to-day duties of the team’s equipment maintenance, repair and inventory. A staff member of the Aeros’ 2003 Calder Cup Champion squad, Bronwell also served as the head equipment manger for the Canada All-Star team at the 2004 AHL All-Star Game.
Bronwell, who wrote a popular Blog for Aeros.com, was also the head equipment manager for the Atlantic City Boardwalk Bullies of the East Coast Hockey League for the 2001-02 season, prior to joining Houston.
From 1996-2001, Bronwell was the assistant equipment manager with the Kansas City Blades of the International Hockey League and served as a game night assistant on the staff from 1992-1996.
I'm gonna miss the Aero blogs, but what a great step in his career! He'll do great with my Sharkies :) Read More......
Thursday, July 05, 2007
Too hot to blog, but...
it's only 108*F (42*C) outside... *rolls eyes* ick. Good news is, it's supposed to cool down tomorrow - back down to 100*...
I was hoping the extreme heat had made me go into some sort of heat-induced halucination. Not so much. Turns out Bill Guerin is (for reals) an Islander after signing a 2-year deal.
Ok, Sharkies... When are you going to, oh, i dunno... sign someone other than Thornton? (who, btw, wasn't even a UFA!) How about some D? Maybe a Patty Marleau (or two)?
I can't get any more worked up. I feel like I'm coming down with the vapors... (either that or I'm turning Japanese....)
EDIT: And NOW... The Islanders announce the signing of Mike Comrie. Watch out, Ladies, Ted, Garth and Chuck mean Biz-nass and they're out to steal your players!
Tuesday, July 03, 2007
GLORIOUS!
(x-posted to Musings of a Radical Redhead & Maple Leaf Mafia)
My inner struggle is over! No reason for me to cheer for the Wings anymore!
Todd Bertuzzi says, "It's been real... Quack off, Detroit."
Teaming back up with former Vancouver GM, Brian Burke, Toddball inked a 2-year, $8 Million deal to head from Motor City to my Mecca, the land of Mickey, Anaheim.
Thursday, June 21, 2007
National Aboriginal Day in Canada
Take this day to celebrate some Canadian Aboriginal NHL Talent
(my 3 favorite are pictured in my photoshop fun below)
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
*dingdong* Candygram.
"Candygram my foot! You're that clever shark, aren't you?"
The past week of my life has been filled with working through the 5 steps of grief in reaction to the end of the NHL season.
Denial - There was no cup awarded, they're just taking a break before the series starts up again, this time between the Sens and Sharks, so either way, in my eyes, there's no bad feelings.
Anger - But it's PRONGER!
Bargaining - Ok, God, if we re-wind and let the Sens win, I will um... Well, I already go to church, so how about I'll start going to church with (my husband) Mike Fisher?
Depression - There was a reason I spent the weekend in the Emerald City, folks....
and finally, Acceptance - There's always next season.
With Acceptance comes a report on the status of my team and their UFA's.
I'm satisfied with the announcement that Ron Wilson will be back behind the bench. I think he needs to give his players a little more room on the leash to be more aggressive, but all-in-all, I'm ok with him getting another chance to lead the Sharks.
Sharks - Solitary hunters, ranging the oceans in search of food. Ferocious preditors of the sea capable of mass carnage.
San Jose Sharks in the playoffs - closely resembling "Bruce" from Disney and Pixar's Finding Nemo. Reserved and Reformed. "Wings are Friends, not food."
Not good, my dear fishies, not good.
Let's start with the UFA's before I slip backward in my grief progress.
Honestly, they have the money to sign all 4. Will they? Cheah.. right... an monkeys might fly out of my butt.
Mark Smith (C) - Small, speedy, irritating. Crazy hair. With 13 points this season, 41 games played and 43 PIM, would he really be that big of a loss? Probably not. Will he be back? All speculation points to no. Would I be disappointed to see him on the roster next year? No - then again, we all know how I feel about guys in rock bands...
Scott Tarz-Hannan (D) - The long-locked Kelowna, BC (my FAVOURITE city in all of BC) native has spent his entire career with the Sharks and has been one of the top physical defensemen. He feels like he's given his best to the team (has he? yeah.) and wants to be compen$ated for it. Offers were made througout the season to no avail. Whispers around the Shark Tank are that he'll be swinging on his vine to another team, leaving room on the roster for another top D man *coughDrurycough*.
Bill Guerin (RW) - Acquired at trade-deadline from the Lou for added umph for a run swim at the cup. Ok, so it didn't pay off, but at least the Sharks HAD a post-season. A veteran presence on and off the ice and what can I say? I heart the guy! All signs point to RW&DW doing what they can to keep him, but honestly, they probably wont offer him enough. Please stay, Billy! Please? I'll show you my.... *humph* might as well not even offer. I mean, they really are spectacular, but I'm really trying to not get my hopes up.
Craig Rivet (D) - If Hannan is gone, I'll keep Rivet. We got him from the Canadiens for a reason, right? Not just another 'rental' like Guerin? I think they'll sign him. Especially if Tarzhannan bolts.
Rumors Du'jour!
Drury.... It seems as if Lauren "Who's Laughing Now" Pronger has sparked some other NHL wives into relocating to the Golden State. And really? From Buffalo? Who could blame her? Especially the Bay Area. Not to hot, not too cold, all you need is a light jacket! We'll see if this one actually materializes, but it sure does have all us little Sharkies all a-buzz.
Then we have Mr. Mark Bell. After his DUI/Hit&Run party, he could be spending some time in the big house... Most likely he'll just be speaking at a lot of High Schools and community centers preaching the evils of drinking and driving, but then again, that Pretty boy could be asking his agent to find him a soap-on-a-roap sponsorship.
GoalieWatch 2007: Toskala Vs. Nabokov.
Here's the thing, with sharing the #1 position this year there was ample time to tell that both goalies could handle the job, however, Vesa being young, he still has yet to play a whole season as #1. Nabby's contract is worth a lot more and he's had more playoff experience, so there are your pros (and possibly a con) with trying to shop him out to other teams. I vote to keep Toskala. He leads the two with wins (26/38 to Nabokov's 25/50), has the most kick-a mask in the league and who doesn't love those chipmunk cheeks?! Plus, with Nabby gone, that gives room in the cap to sign the Rumored Drury, which let's face it, we'll probably need.
Monday, June 04, 2007
Impending doom
Getting out of my dad's truck at the ranch today, I realized that I couldn't go hole up in their family room and catch a game on their Center Ice like I have for the past nine months.
This brought to my attention that very soon, a team will hoist the Cup for the first tme in franchise history and the only hockey to watch will be a few DVR'd games I've saved.
So, what is it that keeps us from going insane over the off-season? Usually I fill my summer with a pageant, but since I've officially hung my tiara up, I'll have to find something else. Most likely it'll be road trips, a countdown until my sister comes to visit for my birthday and playing on the river, filling my hockey quota with draft buzz, trade news and all the "Shark Bytes" on Youtube I can watch.
Just to ease everyone into the impending off-season, I submit my very favorite Youtube video, that shows everything the HLOG'ers are not... Well, I guess we could play dumb... you know, for comedy's sake, right?
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
Affiliation news
For the second time, the Utah Grizzlies of the ECHL announce an affiliation with the New York Islanders
The Grizz and the Islanders teamed up way back in 1994-1998... The Grizz were pretty successful back then.
I can't say this doesn't come as a surprise to me. The Grizz sucked this year. Granted, I only saw two games, but their passing was sloppy, their D was non-existant and because they were plagued with injuries, G Rob McVicar had played something crazy like 17 games straight - with no one to relieve him unless he was injured. The weekend we went to Idaho to watch them play the Steelheads, they got beat, collectively, a nutterhausen 15-3. It was painful to watch, it really was (but we did get 2 free Sonic burgers out of the deal).
Hopefully the Islanders fill the team with some top prospects. (read my blog for why that's italicized...) The Grizz had all the talent, drive and ambition there to be a competitor, but with the injuries and frustration, lacked in the 'getting-it-done' department. Read More......
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
Introducitons and Salutations...
Hi, Ladies! I've been a lurker for quite a while, so I thought I'd introduce myself and throw my helmet on the rink to participate. Not gonna lie, I'm stoked to be here.
1. Where you're from, what you do - basic things.
I'm from the 'thriving metropolis' of Kennewick, Washington. Part of a community called the "Tri-Cities" that actually includes 4 cities (go fig) that have, over the years, grown together. Our big claim to fame (aside from 300+ days of sunshine a year) is that we're right next to the Hanford Nuclear Plant (WWII... Big bombs?... Anyone? Bueller?) SO to answer any questions about that beforehand, No, I don't glow in the dark at night (although that would be a neat party trick). Also, it's in the SE part of the state, which is mostly farm land and desert - pretty much the opposite of Seattle, 3.5 hours away.
Like I told Sherry, I've grown up loving the greatest sport in the known universe and it's players - ok, so mostly the sport - especially after smelling the players. Ick.
My hockey-love is spread quite generously on the toast of the WHL - a developmental Junior league in Western Canada and the Pacific NW. We've got a team here locally and I grew up being the team's Lil Sis (my parents still house at least one player from the team each season) and National Anthem(s) Singer. That very well could be why it's hard for me to pick just one NHL team to follow, there are so many guys I've watched grow up in the league who now have gone on to "The Show."
I used to do a lot of pageants, so I'm a girlie girl. I gave it up for cookies and orange soda. Never super athletic aside from dance - and that was mostly musical theatre and cheer teams. However, on the inside, I'm a goalie. My dad's family is all from Canada - mostly Saskatchewan, but my Aunt was a prof at the University of Manitoba for a while. I sing constantly. I've got a job that allows me to sit and play on the internet all day. I'm still a huge *NSYNC fan. I've got a 'broseph' who plays in the ECHL and a couple buddies in the AHL, so I follow a lot of teams. I've got the same birthday as Jared Padalecki of Gilmore Girls/Supernatural fame. My favourite colour is purple. (I like to spell things with extra vowels from time to time just to piss Americans off.) My favorite fast-food is a number 4 from Del Taco with a Cherry Coke and LOTS of extra mild sauce.
I also have a crazy roommate who is teaching me the ways of Baseball, but I must admit, I keep waiting for the the 2nd basemen to hip-check the runners... Hell, I would. Wow... that turned into a novel.... my bad.
2. Your team and why you like them.My teams are the Sharks, Islanders and the Sens.Why?
Sharks: Joe Thornton AND Patty Marleau? Yes please. Big guys, tons of depth and who wouldn't love a team that skates out of a ginormous shark mouth? They're also the closest team to me (in the States), so that's who we see the most of on TV (i'm way too cheap for center ice).
Islanders: It all started with a Goalie. I'll admit it, I let Ricky D into my heart on that fateful Draft day and haven't been able to pull myself away from that group of Long Island cuties since. With the addition of Mr. Ryan Smyth, I even got my dad (a die-hard Oilers fan) to watch a couple games with me after the trade.
Sens: I had to have at least one Canadian team to root for, so when shopping for a new one (after VAN, my former fav team, traded my Todd), I found Ottawa. Heatly-Spezza-Alfredson, Schaefer-Fisher-Comrie. What's not to love there? Plus, being a sunday school teacher, Fisher pretty much stole my Jesus-loving heart.
3. Your least favourite team and why?
The Wings. I don't know why, but I've hated them as long as I could remember. I think it started because I didn't like red - well, that and my big sister LURVES them, so of course there had to be rivalry. I also can't STAND Brett Hull, so when he was on the team it made them much easier to hate. I do admit, however, since they picked up my beloved Bertuzzi, it's hard to hate them with the flames of 10,000 toasted marshmallows like I used to.
4. Your favourite player of all time & now?
Of all time = Mark Messier
Now = That's a toss-up between Todd Bertuzzi and Joe Thornton.... Hmm... Do power forawards seem to be a pattern here?
Special awards go to Stu Barnes and Olaf Kolzig who were some of the first people I watched play hockey when their Jr team moved here in the late 80's. Couple years ago they bought the team and saved it from being moved to Canada.
5. If you had to punch one hockey player or member of the NHL organization, who and why?
Brett Hull. That's right. I'm still miffed about 1999. Your FOOT. was IN. the CREASE.
6 What you'll be looking forward in this group blog.
Intellegent, witty hockey observations. Women who know the game and love it as I do - as a non-bunny. Different perspectives.
7. What you don't like in general?
Snakes, disrespect, being used, anti-semitism, puck bunnies, and the phrase "and what-not."
8. What role do female fans play in keeping the game alive?
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.
9. What role do female fans play in picking heroes for the community?
There's a difference I've noticed in talking to my dude-friends about the game and the players. If a player is good-looking, nice to the little kiddies and takes the time to make himself accessable to the fans, we all swoon. A player who is full of himself and a jerk will be bad news for the team in about a hundred ways.
Most guys don't really give two squirts about a player's life off the ice. Women pick up on that kind of stuff. If a player is popular with the ladies, he's invaluble to the team's collective persona.
My friend Jason and I had a conversation last season about a cocky rookie on our local team, it went a little something like this:
J: That kid is awesome!
M: That kid has promising talent, but he's an asshat.
J: So? If he plays well, who cares?
M: Do you really want your team represented by a kid who talks about how all the fans are fat? [sarcasm] That'll keep the seats filled. [/sarcasm] I hope he rides the pine.
10. Hockey just isn't the same without...
Nachos and a beer? Oh, that's not what you meant. Since ESPN quit covering NHL, I'd have to say Barry Melrose's greasy 'do.
11. If you were on a deserted island, which player would you pick to stay with you?
Mike Fisher. He's tough, he fishes and hunts and HELLO! he's BEAUTIFUL!
12. Crosby, Ovechkin or Phaneuf (hey he tried!)?
Let's weigh the options, shall we?
Crosby - cute as a button, crazy good, willing to flush the toilet on a fan's husband to remind him the season has started.
Ovechkin - Also crazy good, not so much good looking, loves him some lays potato chips.
But the clear winner is:
Phaneuf - I have a soft spot for boys that I've actually seen play in person, no matter how young I/they were. Plus, he's a super physical player. I love me some good hard hitting and guys who fly under the radar of the American Media.
13. The player you'd like to take for a grand night out/a movie/a boring event?
Grand night out: The Dion. One of my ex-b/f's had the HUGEST mancrush on him - I'd hope there'd be some sort of press photos and I could see the look on his face when he saw me with 'his b/f'.
A movie: Mike Fisher. If the movie was boring I could look at his face.
A boring event: Shay Stephenson of the LA Kings system. Kid is freakin hilarious!
14. If you could make your own team, regardless of whatever players, what would it be called and where will it be/how would it be like?
Oooh... tough one. It'd be in my favorite city in the world, Seattle. They'd be a lot like the Sharks but with much better uniforms. No teal here, folks - I'd steal the colors from the current Seattle team, the Thunderbirds - navy and green. They'd be the Seattle Metropolitans- a throwback to the 1916-1917 Stanley Cup champions. They'd be Big, Skilled and Speedy. And since it is MY team, I'd throw a goon or two out there.
Anything else can be learned from my blog. :)
