Tag Archives: hockey

Preseason Dramatics

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Just when everyone thought the preseason was boring…the players decided to make this a very interesting one. There is still a week before the NHL season officially opens YET as the preseason has progressed, we have already seen a ridiculous amount of drama.

Dramatic Incidents & the suspensions handed out through September 23rd:

Sept.15th. LA Kings vs. Phoenix Coyotes.

Incident: LA rookie Jordan Nolan hit Phoenix defenceman Rostislav Klesla with an open ice hit which resulted in Klesla being knocked unconscious. Klesla was taken off the ice on a stretcher and taken to hospital.

Result: Jordan Nolan was assessed 4 minutes of penalties immediately following the hit. As soon as he returned to the ice he was a target of all the Coyotes. Bissonnette left the bench in order to fight Nolan resulting in an automatic 10-game suspension. He will be eligible to return to the Coyotes lineup October 24th. As a result of his fight with Bissonnette, Nolan was given a 2-minute minor for embellishment and a 10-minute misconduct. Even though Nolan’s hit on Klesla resulted in a dangerous injury, according to Shannahan he did not break any NHL rules and would not be suspended. Best of luck to Klesla as he recovers!

September 21st Vancouver Canucks vs. Edmonton Oilers

Incident: Dale Weise guilty as charged with making an illegal check to the head of Taylor Hall. Hall was not injured on the play BUT it is an extremely dangerous play to make in ANY game. An collision between Zack Kassian and Sam Gagner resulted in an accidental high stick to the face of Gagner. Not only did it result in the loss of a few teeth but also a broken jaw. I do not think Kassian had any intention to hurt Gagner but that doesn’t change the fact that it resulted in an injury. Best of luck to Gagner on a speedy recovery!(I may not be a fan of the Oilers, but you never want to see a player injured.)

Result: Dale Weise suspended the remainder of the preseason. Zack Kassian received a 4-minute double minor penalty on the play and suspended the remainder of the preseason and the first 5 games of the regular season. They will serve their respective suspensions and move on.

September 22nd Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Buffalo Sabres

Incident: Where to begin with the melee that ensued in this game?! A fight broke out between Toronto’s Jamie Devane and Buffalo’s Corey Tropp broke out that was quickly followed the incident between Buffalo’s John Scott and Toronto’s Phil Kessel. Rather than fight with Scott, Kessel took two chops at Scott with his stick and soon there was an all out brawl between the two teams. Even the goalies joined in the punching.

Result: David Clarkson was handed the automatic 10-game suspension for leaving the team bench on an illegal line change and joining the on-ice brawl. Kessel received a 3 game suspension through the rest of the preseason, and will eligible to play again opening night. Buffalo’s head coach Ron Rolston was fined for player selection and team conduct as result of the events that transpired in the third period. A total of 211 penalty minutes were divided between all the players involved.

I reiterate that it is PRESEASON and seems ridiculous to have had so many incidents take place BEFORE the regular season begins. That being said, the incidents have taken place and the punishments have been given whether fans agree with the decisions made by the league or vehemently disagree with the decisions that were made. It is safe to say that once again the NHL will once again be consistently inconsistent with suspensions handed out. It is also safe to say that whatever decisions are made throughout the year that not everyone will agree when suspensions are handed out. There will always be those who ask for harsher punishment and those who think the punishment given was too harsh. At the end of the day, whether we as fans agree with the decisions made doesn’t matter, what matters is how each team responds to that decision.

There are still a few days of preseason left, and with the way this preseason is going, anything could happen between now and next week’s regular season puck drop! We will have to wait see how these incidents affect these teams when they meet again in the regular season.

As always, until next time, nuck said.

Sarah E.L.

Toast to Torts

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“One of my dreams … was hoping some day I could coach in Canada. To be with this team where it’s at … I couldn’t be more excited.” – Torts at his 1st official Canuck Press Conference

I know I am more than a little late to the party BUT I wanted to wait until closer to the season to post this. I believe it is fair to say that following a Q&A from the fans and his introduction to Vancouver media, John Tortorella had turned a lot of people from their preconceived notions regarding his demeanor. Everyone seemed to be expecting to see the man who hates losing and has put himself into hot water with his words but that was not the man who presented himself to the fans and this city [except of course, he still hates losing as do we all!]. Does he have a past and has he made mistakes? YES, hasn’t everyone?! Tortorella acknowledged from the get go of both interviews that he’s working to change that perception of himself and noted that he doesn’t want to put himself or the Canucks organization in a sticky situation.

Every SINGLE time he has addressed the media, EVERYTHING he has said is OVER analyzed. He recently made comments in regards to his dislike for twitter and that he does not want his players to use it too much or leak what’s happening within the locker room. Is it wrong of him to want to keep team dynamics private? I don’t think so. Shortly following what the media dubber his twitter tirade, during another media press conference a cameraman’s cell phone went off interrupting the conference causing Torts to threaten to walk if it happened again. Perhaps a little rash to walk out BUT recently the local media have had little or NO respect for the team.

For the first two pre-season games, Torts was not behind the Canucks bench but rather watching from above. Many commentators and fans alike disagreed with this decision. I liked the decision. By watching from above he could get a real sense of this team, the prospects and see what areas need to be addressed before the regular season begins come October 3rd.

Things are not going to be the same with Torts at the helm of this team and whatever perspective you had of him before is likely to change. He’s going to run a tight ship and the team will have to work hard BUT perhaps his style is what they need to get that extra push throughout the season and down the stretch drive.

Success can be hard to come by in any career but looking at the history of John Tortorella, one can see that he has achieved many success at every level of his coaching career. He has coached the AHL’s Rochester Americans to the Calder Cup victory in 1996, coached the Tampa Bay Lightning to Stanley Cup Victory in 2004 [also won the Jack Adams award in 2004], and helped to coach the US Olympic team to a Silver medal in the 2010 Olympics.

NHL coaching record: In the 854 NHL games he has coached, Torts has amassed a record of 410 WINS-340 LOSSES-37 TIES-67 OVERTIME LOSSES. This year with the Canucks, he will surpass the 900 games coached milestone. Let’s hope it’s a big year for Torts and the team!

He might not have been the coach that many desired or expected to land in Vancouver BUT he is the coach that chosen for the job. He might possibly stir up the media with a comment or two that they over analyze as they do everything. He might do things that make you question his motives BUT everything he does in regards to the team will be to push them to give their best every game. Will they win every game? Probably not, BUT hopefully each loss[may they be few!] will teach them something and be another push to make them better individually and as a team.

I’ll leave you with this last quote from Torts:

“It’s a pretty unique situation coming to a team that’s winning, that has done a lot of great things along the way [like] almost winning a Stanley Cup [in 2011],” he said. “It’s the next level the [Canucks] organization is looking for. I know how I’m going to approach it. It’s going to be asking the players that are here, hopefully some younger players coming through to our organization, for more out of them.”

Welcome to Vancouver, Torts! I look forward to the ups and downs and all the in between as this new chapter with the team begins!

As always, until next time, nuck said.

Sarah E.L.

Prospect Profile: #48 Hunter Shinkaruk

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Who is Hunter anyway? Hunter Shinkaruk was selected 24th overall in the 2013 NHL Draft by the Vancouver Canucks.

Prior to being drafted by the Canucks, Shinkaruk has spent the last three seasons playing the WHL for the Medicine Hat Tigers. Does that team sound familiar Canuck fans? The answer is YES or that it should be yes because once upon a time that is the very team where former Canuck Captain, Trevor LINDEN began his hockey career and went on to have A LOT of success with Vancouver.

Hunter has played in 193 WHL games with the Medicine Hat Tigers and amassed a total of 219 points [100 goals, 119 assists]. His first year his total hit the respectable 42 point mark but was more than double in the next two seasons with totals of 91 points and 86 points respectively.

There is SOOOOO much potential with Shinkaruk and I look forward to seeing him represent the blue and green!

Hunter’s first [pre-season] NHL is extremely highlight reel worthy! Hopefully we get to see him in the line up scoring many more spectacular goals over the next few years!

Shinkaruk has looked good in both the Young Stars Tournament and the pre-season games that he has appeared in for the Canucks. Should he crack the lineup this year…it will be very exciting to watch! Shinkaruk has a very bright future and potentially a big career a head of him and we are lucky enough to witness the beginning.

Best of luck this year Shinkaruk, hopefully we see you sporting the blue and green this year!

As always until next time, nuck said.

Sarah E.L.

Player Profile: #5 Jason Garrison

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Jason Garrison’s NHL journey began down the undrafted route. He worked his way up from the minors to the BCHL and eventually earning an athletic scholarship to the University of Duluth where he played at the NCAA level for 3 years. Prior to his senior year he was offered an entry level NHL contract by the Florida Panthers. Garrison played his first entire NHL season in the 2010-2011 season but really came into his own during the 2011-2012 season when he scored 16 goals.

As a result of his successful year, there was a lot of hype when Garrison became a free agent in the 2012 off season and multiple offers came. He stated prior to free agency beginning he stated that he was interested in playing for his hometown team, the Vancouver Canucks. It became official July 1, 2012 that Garrison became a long-term Canuck, signing a 6-year contract with his childhood team.

His first year with the Canucks had its ups and downs from being taken off the first powerplay unit and the shortened lockout season. Going into this season, the key will be consistent in his defensive and offensive plays throughout the 82 game schedule.

In 237 NHL games, Garrison has amassed 75 points [31 goals, 44 assists]. It should be noted that 49 of those points have come in the last two seasons.

Garrison’s point shot brings the team within one:

Faceoff win, GARRISON SCORES….

I don’t think the Avs meant to pass the puck to Garrison:

It will be interesting to see how Torts pairs up the defensemen this year and if he takes advantage of Garrison’s slapshot on the powerplay. Hopefully this season Garrison will be able to find that offensive magic that was in his defensive arsenal in the 2011-2012 season. Best of luck @GarrisonFive! Canuck fans look forward to you having a BIG year ahead as you help the team be successful.

As always, until next time, nuck said.

Sarah E.L.

Player Profile: #2 Dan Hamhuis

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HOME TOWN hero! Dan Hamhuis’ NHL career began when he was drafted 12th overall in the 2001 NHL draft by the Nashville Predators. He made his NHL debut during the 2003-2004 season and spent 6 seasons playing for the Predators.

Following the 2009-2010 season, Hamhuis and the Nashville Predators could not come to a new contract agreement leading Nashville to trade his negotiating rights to the Philadelphia Flyers and then the Pittsburgh Penguins. He was unsuccessful in coming to terms with Pittsburgh and became a free agent July 1, 2010 and after multiple offers he decided to sign with his hometown team, the Vancouver Canucks.

Hamhuis was a vital part of the Canucks 2011 playoff run; Dan and Kevin Bieksa formed a formidable shutdown defensive pair keeping the opponents top lines up until Dan was injured early in the Stanley Cup Final series versus Boston.

In 676 NHL games, Hamhuis has amassed a total of 245 points [46 goals, 199 assists]. Going into this season he will more than likely surpass 200 assists and 50 goals!

Hamhuis drew a lot of international attention when he joined Team Canada in the 2013 World Championship and earned himself an invitation to the 2014 Olympic Orientation camp for Canada [he was also invited to the 2010 Olympic Orientation camp but did not make the final roster]. Dan will have to keep to his strong defensive style of the game in tact as he hopes to crack the Olympic line up. Good luck Hammer, hope to see you represent the red and white in Sochi!

Here’s a few #hammertime highlights to keep you going until puck drop October 3rd!

OT winners are always awesome:

It’s always nice when the defense chip in with the offense:

34 SECONDS…:

It will be interesting to see Torts keeps Hamhuis paired with Bieksa as one of the top defensive pairs. Going into the new season as with most players on the roster, the main key will be to remain healthy for the majority of the 82 game schedule and always maintain consistency.

Best of luck this season Hammer! #hamhuis #hammertime

As always, until next time, nuck said.

Sarah E.L.

Player Profile: #9 Zack Kassian

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Zack Kassian’s NHL career began when he was drafted 13th overall by the Buffalo Sabres in the 2009 NHL draft.  He made his NHL debut with Bufflalo in November 2011 and played a total of 27 games with Buffalo throughout the 2011-2012 season before being traded to the Vancouver Canucks. Zack was acquired in a trade to Buffalo with Marc-Andre Gragnani in exchange for Cody Hodgson and Alexander Sulzer.

His initial arrival in Vancouver was not well received by the fans as many were livid that COHO was traded. Kassian was put in an impossible position as everyone [media and fans alike] decided that since he didn’t play the same style as Hodgson that acquiring him was a mistake. It is not quite fair to have the expectation that they should replace one another on a roster when they play different styles. I admit, I was not completely sold on Kassian when he first arrived BUT he has shown flashes of what could be if given an opportunity. It is important that people STOP comparing him and Hodgson because they are clearly not the same BUT both bring some great elements to their respective teams.

Kassian brings size and grit to the game and when on a roll can score a clutch goal. Last season he spent a few game playing top minutes with the Sedin twins…and like many other players he was the beneficiary of some incredible plays. Perhaps this year we will get to see him play MORE with the twins OR in the very least with consistent line mates.

It is important to remember that Zack Kassian has yet to play a FULL NHL season and his full potential has yet to be seen. Going into the new season it will be interesting to see how he develops under new Head Coach, John Tortorella.

In 81 NHL games, Kassian has amassed 21 points [11 goals, 10 assists]. This year hopefully he will build upon that with a full NHL season and put up some big numbers.

Here are a few highlights from Kassian’s 2012-2013 season to remind you of how much potential he has going into this season:

Shootout…!

Powerplay…Hammer to Kassian, SCORES!

Sedins & #zackattack combine against the Blackhawks:

The key for Zack this season will be consistency and making the most the minutes of ice time he’s given. Kassian has a lot of potential that has yet to be unlocked but hopefully will be developed under Torts and with consistent line mates. Here’s to Kassian having a great season in 2013-2014 & pre-season starting in ONE week!

#zackattack #gocanucks #nearlyOctober

As always, until next time, nuck said.

Sarah E.L.

Player Profile: #36 Jannik Hansen

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Jannik Hansen’s NHL career began when he was drafted 287th overall by the Vancouver Canucks in theh 2004 NHL draft. Following his NHL draft, Hansen opted to play one more year in Denmark. He transitioned to playing North American style of play playing first in the WHL for the Portland Winter Hawks which was followed by his time with the Canucks AHL affiliate [the Manitoba Moose] before earning a full season roster spot with the team at the start of the 2008-2009 season.

In 318 NHL games, Hansen has amassed 131 points [50 goals, 81 assists]. Let’s hope to see #honeybadger add to those totals with a breakout season this year!

Here are a few #greatdane highlights to keep you going until the season gets here!

Like I said in previous profiles, everyone did something awesome in this 7 game series!:

& Hansen strikes the hawks AGAIN! Good things happen to those who play with the Sedins…!

Canucks and Leafs always make for interesting games:

Hansen has established himself as a solid third line forward with the capabilities to jump on to the 1st and 2nd lines when called upon. One of his biggest strengths is his skill on the penalty kill unit. He will be looking to build on the successful season he had in the 2011-2012 season with a career high 39 points [16 goals, 23 assists]. Going into the new season, Hansen will be playing in the final year of his current contract and hopefully put up some strong numbers that will result in a contract extension before next off-season! Let’s see what you’ve got #honeybadger!

#honeybadger #thegreatdane #gocanucks

Can you feel it? Hockey season is nearly upon us! We’re getting closer #canuckleheads! Next week is training camp, followed by a six game pre-season, which will be followed by the long awaited regular season.

As always, until next time, nuck said.

Sarah E.L.

Player Profile: #23 Alex Edler

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Alex Edler’s NHL career began when he was drafted 91st overall by the Vancouver Canucks in the 2004 NHL draft. He made his NHL debut in the 2006-2007 season before earning a permanent roster spot the following season, and the rest as they say is history. Edler was the benefactor of being mentored by longtime Canuck, Sami Salo.

In 431 NHL games, Alex Edler has amassed a total of 206 points [51 goals, 155 assists]. Edler has developed a defensive edge to his game and knack for scoring some big goals.

Prior to the start of the shortened lockout season, the Canucks signed Edler to a 6-year contract extension [$30 million]. If the they had not signed him before the end of the season, easily he could have test the free agency waters as he would have been an unrestricted free agent. [I don’t know about you BUT, I think it would have been a mistake to let Edler go!]

Going into this season, Edler will be looking to rebound from a season that saw him earn his first ever major penalty and his first ever suspension. The key for Eddy will be to tighten his defensive game while still putting up strong offensive numbers and as is with all players to stay healthy through the majority of the 82 game schedule.

Here are a few highlights of Alex ‘the eagle’ Edler to keep you entertained until October 3rd:

A drop pass leads to a goal? Yes, I think so.

It seems as thought there is a highlight for just about every player in this 7 game series:

Kesler breaks his stick & Edler is quick to keep the puck in play:

#23 #eagle #edler

Edler will be looking to have a strong year in order to secure a spot on Sweden’s Olympic roster along with the Sedins. [**If named to the Swedish Olympic team, he will have to sit out the first two games as the remainder of his suspension from the World championship will carry over].

Here’s hoping Alex Edler’s game reaches a new level this season…perhaps a Norris worthy season if he combines offensive numbers with a defensive edge. Hopefully we see that Edler tailored slapshot! Best of luck Eddy! #gocanucks

#31moredays until most nights will be #hockeynights!

As always, until next time, nuck said.

Sarah E.L.

Player Profile: #20 Chris Higgins

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Chris Higgins NHL career began when he was drafted 14th overall by the Montreal Canadiens in the 2002 NHL draft. Before he made his NHL debut, Higgins was an Ivy League collegiate hockey player as part of the YALE Bulldogs for two seasons before opting to go pro.

His professional hockey career with the Montreal Canadiens began when he played for their AHL affiliate before gaining a roster spot for the start of the 2005-2006 regular season.  He played with the Habs until the end of the 2008-2009 season. He spent the 2009-2010 season split between the New York Rangers and the Calgary Flames. He debuted the 2010-2011 season with the Florida Panthers and finished the season with the Vancouver Canucks.

Higgins was acquired by Vancouver at the 2011 trade deadline in the hopes that he would help give the team an edge down the stretch drive to the playoffs. Higgins quickly became a fan favourite as he scored some timely goals during the team’s extended playoff run in 2011.

Higgins was rewarded for his hard work with being signed to 2-year contract in the 2011 off-season. In the last two seasons he had to battle back from injury and a crazy staph infection BUT when he was healthy, Higgins was a game changer.  Heading into this season, Higgins will be aiming to make an impact each and every game and the key [as is with most players!] will be to stay healthy for the majority of the 82 game schedule.

Prior to last season ending, Chris Higgins signed a 4-year contract extension with the Canucks.

Here are a few #higgywithit highlights to hold you over until October 3rd rolls around!

First game that followed the epic 7 game series with Chicago….& HIGGY strikes first in round 2!

Round 3:

Ties the game & HIGGY WINS it in OT!

#higgins #higgywithit #isitoctoberyet #gocanucksgo

Christopher Higgins is the only member of the current roster who has previously been coached by Torts[during his time with the NY Rangers] and can help his teammates adjust the coaching change. Higgins will also be looking to build on the strengths of his game while putting up strong numbers and help the team go deep next spring.

Are you ready for October yet? Can you feel how close the season is?!

Clearly I am ready for this crazy game called hockey to return already…! Here’s to see Higgins return to the team with a vengeance when they hit the ice in San Jose on October 3rd.

As always, until next time, nuck said.

Sarah E.L.

Player Profile: #22 Daniel Sedin & #33 Henrik Sedin

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Yes, today’s profile features not ONE but TWO players and the answer to that is simple…you cannot talk about one Sedin without mentioning his brother. The two are nearly inseparable on and off the ice. Their chemistry is so seamless that at times they make a play that looks to be harmless into a sensational showcase of #sedinery.

Daniel and Henrik Sedin were drafted 2nd and 3rd overall in the 1999 NHL draft by the Vancouver Canucks. The opted to delay their NHL debut by signing to play with the Swedish Elite League for one more year following the 1999 draft.

There was a lot of hype about these brothers when they finally did make their debut with the Canucks and they faced a lot of critics [and still do]. The first few years of their careers began with a slow scoring pace that caused much concern for their critics. They did not fully showcase their superstar potential until they returned from MODO following the 2004-2005 lockout for the 2005-2006 season posting a combined 146 points [42 goals, 104 assists].

Fans were given a glimpse of their incredible play making abilities with the placement of winger Anson Carter on their line in the 2005-2006 season. It seemed over the next few years that the coach could place almost any winger on a line with the twins and benefit greatly.

The year to year winger experiment was beneficial to the lucky player placed on their line BUT the Sedins needed a true line mate that could not only benefit from playing with the twins but also benefit the twins.

One day in February 2009, an unlikely experiment was attempted amidst one of the longest losing streaks in franchise history, when the coach placed a pesky winger named Alex Burrows with the twins. A funny thing happened…he fit in even better with the twins than any other player. Did he benefit from his big minutes on the top line? Yes…but he also opened up ice and created space which benefited the twins. It was not long before fans and media alike began calling them the #triplets. Burrows and Sedins together quickly became one of the top offensive lines in the NHL and continue to capture their opponents off guard with their seamless passing and timely goals.

In 906 NHL games Daniel has amassed 758 points [291 goals, 467 assists]. ***Out of his 758 points, 607 of those have come in the 591 games he has played following the 2004-2005 lockout.

In 940 NHL games Henrik has amassed 792 points [182 goals, 610 assists]. ***Out of his 792 points, 646 of those have come in the 622 games that he has played following the 2004-2005 lockout. ***FUN FACT: BOTH brothers achieve their milestone 757th points [to surpass Markus Naslund’s 756 points record!] in their 905th games.

It is hard to imagine them playing apart when they have played together their entire careers [as far back as when they first began to play the sport in Sweden] and have a chemistry playing together that some players never develop. Together they have accomplished many feats: winning gold for Sweden at the 2006 Winter Olympics, back to back ART ROSS trophies[2010, 2011], Henrik won the Hart trophy in 2010, Daniel won the Ted Lindsay award in 2011, together they led the team to the 2011 Stanley Cup Final and helped team Sweden win gold at the 2013 World Championship.

Here are just a few classic #sedinery moments to prepare for next season[because there’s 2 of them, you get a few extra highlights!]:

Remember this beauty when Hank & Danny stole the show?

Can we please sign Hank up for the shootout already?!

This tic tac toe goal features the #triplets getting away with some #sedinery magic

Daniel Sedin scores a highlight reel vs. Minnesota:

Daniel scores late to force OT:

Going into this season, the Sedins will be looking to have a bounce back year putting up big numbers and taking their game to a whole new level as they prepare to earn a spot on the Swedish Olympic team and help the team go on a long playoff run. The keys for the Sedins success will be to not let the opponents distract them from their game and to remain healthy for the majority of the 82 game schedule. When the Canucks open the season October 3rd, look out for the twins to start the year with a new determination as they look to lead the team deep in the spring.

Lastly the Sedins will be looking to extend their contracts before the season’s end as their current ones expire at the end of the year. The twins have made it known that they WANT to STAY & WIN with Vancouver.

#isitOctoberyet #sedinery #hankanddanny #33 #22

As always, until next time, nuck said.

Sarah E.L.