Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Hello Everyone!
By now you must have realized that there has been no new posts from our Event Coordinator Tom Barker.
Alas, are wonderful prosaic author of so many of our blogs had his last day working at HHN on Friday, August 27, 2010. For the past year Tom has held the Event Coordinator Intern position with HHN, which was funded by the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation. After the goodbye party of delicious cupcakes, we tearfully waved good bye as the big guy went out the door into a future that is full of excitement and adventure. He is going to be concentrating on his company Wormsplint and he is also planning to run for council. We will miss him at HHN, but he has promised to send us an occasional blog just to keep his hand in.


From all of us at HHN, Good luck, good bye, cheer loud, cheer long and don't forget to go fishing Tom!!

Friday, August 27, 2010

Fuzzy Feeling Friday - Poetry Corner: Falling Into Place!!
By Thomas G Barker
Conference Event Coordinator

Greetings Fellow Bloggies/Blogettes! You will not believe what I have seen travelling back from the Muskokas. Keep in mind that we are still in August, but I have seen some of the trees and ferns changing colours!! It blew my mind to see the Authentic Autumn Auburn's already! So with this in mind, I have been inspired to create an Autumn themed Fuzzy Feeling Friday - Poetry Corner!

Autumn Sun Always Awakens

As you gaze outside through the window of life
Many things have come to pass
As with the Seasons, we all change
Leaving only reflections in the glass
But t'is the Season of the Autumn Sun
That brings with it Life anew
The brief slumber through Winter's darkness
Springs forth new growth for me and you
Sweet Autumn Sun Caress my skin
Cleans me Soulful Soap
Despite the struggles I may endure
Instill in me new hope!

                                                         Go Leafs Go!
 
The Fall brings with it lots of colours
But the two colors I eagerly await
Are those of a corporate Franchise
The Leaf's that shoot and skate!

White & Blue shine on through
Stand tall as you prepare
To battle through the season
In Stanley's Cup we shall share!






Let The Sun Shine Through

Let the Sun shine through the darkest of days
And take comfort in Its rays
For a hug from the Sun is never done
If cherished in all Its ways!

Until the next blog,

Cheer Loud, Cheer Long, Cheer Often!

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

"Grey Skies Are Gonna Clear Up..." I Say Put On Your Rain Coat, as well as, A Happy Face!
By Thomas G Barker
Conference Events Coordinator

Greetings Fellow Bloggies/Blogettes! I am debating whether or not to start building an Ark with all this rain. The problem is we are so close to the, dare I say the nasty 6 letter word: "winter," that I may have to make some altercations to it so that it is capable of handling water in all its forms! But really we cannot complain.  The Berries are bountiful; the forest fires are few and far between (at least here in Northeastern Ontario); and the Greenscapes have never been greener. As the world's most famous amphibian once put it: "It's not easy being green!" But with all this rain, I say it can't be any easier!!!!

On a side note: I went to the doctors the other day to have my stomach examined. I explained to him that I have been experiencing some severe pains in my stomach, but it seems most aggravated in the mornings. The doctor, after minutes of intense beard stroking, asks me what my main diet consists of. I told him that, lately I have been dabbling and experimenting in a variety of new cuisines, including Frog Legs. Without hesitation, he looked up over the rims of his glasses and says: "After your next meal of Frog Legs, when you feel the stomach pains coming on, take ten minutes and Rub it... Rub it! If that doesn't work take these pills!"

Back to hockey! The world Hockey Summit is underway in Toronto. Next on the agenda is to discuss injuries; with the main focus being placed on the concussion pandemic. It will be interesting to see what will come of these discussions. I will be sure to keep you posted!

There have been a few more signings and trades around the league. Things seem to be settling in prior to the start of hockey camps. There is one retirement to mention: Aaron Ward is retiring after 13 years in the League! We wish you a happy retirement Mr. Ward! I am anxiously awaiting the start of the 2010-2011 Season with the new "reformed" Leafs. Could this be the season to remember? Only time will tell!

Fresh from the Rumour Mill: Is Luongo giving up his "C" (Team Captain Position) to Henrik Sedin? The teammates are both stellar players on and off the ice, and are great team leaders. However things work out for the Canucks, all I know is that they will be a force to be reckoned with in the Western Conference.

That is all I have to report from the NHL front. Here at HHN, things are going swimmingly; nothing new to report. Don't forget to take advantage of these hazy, lazy, rainy days of summer and stop on by! There is always something to do at HHN!

Until the next blog,

Cheer Loud, Cheer Long, Cheer Often!

Monday, August 23, 2010

The Fog Has Escaped My Mind and is Now Engulfing Kirkland Lake!



Greetings Fellow Bloggies/Blogettes!  Top of the Mornin' to ya!  Looks like we are in the thick of things!!!!  We go from experiencing Kansas-like weather last week (with tornado warnings) to Jolly Ol' English Fog!  It seems as though the fog that usually caresses the grey matter the scientists have identified as my brain has temporarily exited my cranium and is out enjoying a cool KL morning.  I see it is dissipating as I write, maybe we will even see the sun!   It has been so long since I last saw the sun, will I recognize it if I do see it?!?!  Like meeting an old friend for the first time in years, I am all nervous and sweaty!  Pardon me a moment while I stand under the hand dryer!

As for news from the Hockey front, the NHL is looking into restructuring its regular-season tiebreaking system for the 2010-2011 Season.  It appears that the League will be looking at using regular time and overtime victories only - as the deciding factor for tiebreakers.  Shootout wins will be excluded from the tiebreaking process (at least for the time being - so it seems).  I will give you a better breakdown of the rule when more information becomes available.

Hockey Canada has announced the addition of six new VP's to the organization; one of which is a Sudbury, ON, native and a graduate from Laurentian University.  Paul Delparte graduated with a Bachelor's of Commerce Degree specializing in Sport Administration.  He has been named as Vice President Finance and Administration.  Congratulations Mr. Delparte!  Northeastern Ontario strikes again!  It just goes to show that we all have potential: "If we but put our mind to the grind than we shall find success of some kind!" - A Voice In My Head.

As for HHN, nothing new to report!  I will keep you posted on any Celeb Stop By's!

Until the next blog,

Cheer Loud, Cheer Long, Cheer Often!

Thomas G. Barker
Conference Event Coordinator

Friday, August 20, 2010

Fuzzy Feeling Friday - Poetry Corner: Country Flavor: Chuck'm a Puck'm

Greetings Fellow Bloggies/Blogettes! Let me declare our "F" to the power of three session Officially Started! Yeah! Today's Fuzzy Feeling Friday - Poerty Corner is inspired by a song I did not know exsisted until about one month ago. This song seems to be quite a hit and I must admit that I, too, find it quite catchy. The Zac Brown Band did a fantastic job putting together this highly heartwarming hit: " Sic'em On a Chicken." For those that have not yet heard this toe tapping treat, I strongly encourage you go out and buy it! It will change your life !!! Or at least your perception of the farmer and chicken relationship! Without furthur delay, I bring you: Chuck'm a Puck'm Poetry!

A Puck's Lament

I am a Puck and I declare
I am one solid piece, no room for air
I hit the ice with the goal in mind
And when I stop, the Goal I find
But the life of a puck is not all that great
As I am tossed around while the players skate
Slapped around and shot into boards
Like marionette without its chords
I am manipulated in so many ways
But maintain the focus of all the plays
All I ask of you is to think twice
Of little old me when you hit the ice!

PUCK
P iece of rubber
U npleasant to be hit by
C onstantly moving
K nown also as - "The Dentist"

Cheeky Monkey

There once was a man from New York
Who would eat his pucks with a fork
When ask why
He started to cry
Saying: "My wife told me it was pork!"

Orgin of the Puck

The orgin of the puck is a story to be told
For it stems from the great days of old
Where on the frozen ponds, lakes, and streams was the birthplace of dreams
Where the Stars began to unfold!

Back in the day, when the children would play
And a puck could not be found.
Being light-hearted, after the horse farted
They would collect what was left on the ground!

With the help of the cold, it would take on the mould
And along the ice it would glide
Throughout the game, without any shame
They handled the puck with great pride!

Now as for today, with the rubber pucks they now play
An indoor arena - their course
But if ever stuck without a black puck
You can always go visit a horse!

Until the next blog,

Cheer Loud, Cheer Long, Cheer Often!

Thomas G. Barker
Conference Event Coordinator

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

"Cabbage is A Word I Use To Describe... The Type of Weather System That We Are Experiencing Outside"
By Thomas G Barker
Conference Event Coordinator

Greetings Fellow Bloggies/Blogettes! If there is one word to sum up how I feel based solely on the effects the weather is having on me, it would be: Cabbage! I feel like a cabbage, wishing the rain would just leaf me alone! I apologize for such a terrible pun this early in the morning. I solemnly swear to never inflict such carnage on you ever again! Or at least for the remainder of this blog! Now back to business!

News from the NHL, well, it is kind of slow at the moment. The players are beginning to take the ice in preparation for training camps that will be starting within the next few weeks. Some players are still finding themselves being shuffled around - like Romo (from Tampa Bay Lightning) and Desjardins (Montreal Canadian Club) who have been swapped for one another. But it seems for now all major transactions have halted.

If I may, I would like to attempt to jump from the Ice to Diamonds for a moment. Our Beloved Toronto Blue Jays are only 10 games back from playoff spot! This is something deserving of acknowledgement seeing as how the Jays have undergone some serious injury challenges and are still winning more games than they are losing! Not to mention the fact that they are a Young club pulling together and putting up some impressive numbers in a short period of time - including leading the majors in Home runs as a Team! They are putting forth a valiant effort and need to be commended on this! Go Jays Go!!!

Yet another Blog has come and gone, leaving us to sigh and yawn. But all will change in two days, you'll see, with a serving of Fuzzy Feeling Friday for you and me!

Until the next blog,

Cheer Loud, Cheer Long, Cheer Often!

Tuesday, August 17, 2010

Welcome to Kansas, Ontario!
By Thomas G Barker
Conference Events Coordinator

Greetings Fellow Bloggies/Blogettes! Can I get a show of hands from those who knew that most of Northeastern Ontario and South to Toronto was under a Tornado watch Sunday, please? I thought it was odd when I saw my grandma come flying on by in her rocking chair and did not stop for a chat. After a quick consultation with Grandma's travel agent and a visit to the Weather Network's website, the obvious then became clear, Grandma was not going to let the tornado tell her what to do and rode it out!  Yet another wacky weather weekend to be added to the 2010 summer calender!

In other unrelated news, Mike Comrie (from the Edmonton Oilers) married pop icon Hilary Duff (the girl from all your "little sister's" posters) this past weekend. I would like to wish the newly Wed's congratulations and wish them a very happy marriage!

Keeping on happy hockey news, the "Kaberle Conundrum" is over with his "No Trade Claus" back into effect. Tomas Kaberle is still officially sporting the White and Blue! Between this news and the Hilary Duff news, I am all worked up! I will need a moment to compose myself before I can continue... there we go, thank you!

As for Hockey Heritage North, the Celebrity Watch is still on! I will keep you posted on any new developments. With the way the 2010 Summer of Surprise has been going, you never know what lurks around the proverbial corner!

Until the next blog,

Cheer Loud, Cheer Long, Cheer Often!