Thursday, May 27, 2010

Inaugural: Fuzzy Feelings Friday
Thomas G. Barker
Conference Event Coordinator

Greetings Fellow Bloggies/Blogettes! I would like to begin by taking this opportunity to thank you for making the HHN Blogging such a success! With your dedication to the Blog, I hope to continue these "Magnum Opus" for as long as I can! With this said, I would like to propose a new Blogging Ritual called: "Fuzzy Feeling Friday" whereby we take time to put on our creative caps and share with the cyber world our soulful "Expression d'Art." In other words, have fun with Fridays through our own little poetry corner. I would like to encourage all of you to submit your poetry through the comments section of the Blog or via e-mail to:
hockeyheritagenorth@gmail.com.

If it is alright wil you, I would like to kick off our inaugural Friday one day early (because I am on the road tomorrow) with a little poem of my own.

To You The Unsung Hero of The Game
By Thomas G. Barker

Here's to you Jock and Jill
To your courageous fight
To your tireless will
A special jog where only you will suffice
No rest until you return from the ice!
To you unsung hero
I would like to declare
Between you and me
We make quite a pair!

Until next blog,

Cheer Loud, Cheer Long, Cheer Often!
The Word of The Day is: "Elimination!"
Thomas G. Barker
Conference Event Coordination

Greetings fellow Bloggies/Bloggettes! It is with a heavy heart that I report to you today that the Habitants de Montreal have been eliminated from the 2010 Playoffs. Let us take a minute to remember our favourite highlights from the Canadian 2010 Playoff run. Okay, I am done!

What an exciting series ahead: The Flyers of Philadelphia vs. The Blackhawks of Chicago! Both teams are quick on their feet and are hard hitting! Oh ya, and they both can score!!! Who will jump out on top first? Will it be a long drawn battle or a quick "one-two" combo, leaving the other team dazed and confused (although it may not take much with some of the players already willing their way through the residual from some heavy hits). Whatever the case, there will be a new Stanley Cup Champion crowned come June 2010!

I would like to wish the Flyers and the Blackhawks a safe and exciting Stanley Cup Fina. I would like to extend our sincerest congratulations to Claude Giroux for making it to the Stanley Cup Finals! We wish the best of success, health and well wishes!

Until the next blog,

Cheer Loud, Cheer Long, Cheer Often!

Tuesday, May 25, 2010

Women's Spa Day!

3rd Annual Women's Spa Day!

The 3rd Annual Women's Spa Day is quickly approaching! Treat yourself. Don't be disappointed make sure to book your treatments today! Appointments are booking up quickly!

When: Saturday May 29, 2010
Where: Hockey Heritage North
Time: 10am to 4pm
Admission: $15.00 includes luncheon, belly dancers, Zumba Fitness Class, Guest Speaker, Local Vendors and Candy Bar!!

Thursday, May 20, 2010

Toew-ing The Road To Success! OR Kane Is Able! - You Choose The Title


Greetings Fellow Bloggies/Blogettes! No matter how you put it, the Chicago Blackhawks are well on their way to claiming a Western Conference Championship. After perusing over the current Playoff statistics, it is no wonder the Blackhawks are where they are, with both Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane in the Top 3 Playoff Point Leaders. And if we expand the realm to the Top 10 Point Getters of the 2010 Playoffs, Patrick Sharp squeezes in at #9. I would like to point out that 2 of the 3 fantastic players mentioned above are proud to support the RED & WHITE! Yes, Canada, Jonathan Toews and Patrick Sharp are cut from Canadiana Cloth!

Upon further exploration of this highly sought after list, I have uncovered another "Precious Gem" hidden amongst the shimmer and glamour of the more prominent stones. Coming in at #13 is a battle horse with soft hands and the ability to capitalize on the smallest of chances. He can be often overlooked, but never outplayed!!! I am talking about Mr. Claude Giroux! Accompanied only by fellow teammates Danny Briere and Mike Richards, Claude Giroux is the third highest points getter for the Flyers in these Playoffs. He is currently ranked at #13 on the 2010 Playoffs Points List. Not only is 13 my favorite number, but it also happens to be filled with the sole HHN Honored Member left playing in the 2010 Playoffs. Hats off to you Mr. Claude Giroux! Continue the GREAT work and may this season finish with great success and in great health!

Until next blog,

Cheer Loud, Cheer Long, Cheer Often!

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

"Its Been One Week Since You Blogged For Me ..."


Greeting Fellow Bloggies/Blogettes! It has been way to long since my last blog! Please accept my sincerest apologies from the depths of my heart. How dare I make you, my adoring and ever-faithful followers, wait in agonizing anticipation for the next tidbit of rich & fertile Scholarly-esk "magnum opus." I am not sure what "magnum opus" means, but it sounds fancy! Now Back to the Blog!

It has been a week since I last provided you with some entertaining reading for I was on the road wearing one of my many hats. But along the way, there was a consistent theme present no matter where I wondered. Many individuals from all walks of life have come together, despite their allegiances, to cheer on our beloved Canadiens through the 2010 Playoffs. I have witnessed the Greatest of Leaf fans toss their differences aside to proudly cheer on their arch rival - as the last Canadian Franchise rallying for the Stanley Cup. Some have argued that many of the American Teams have stronger Canadiana Content, but I think it is quite fitting that the Canadiens, during their 100 years anniversary, have accomplished the impossible, yet again! So to you, our illustrious Canadiens de Montreal, I Salute!

I would also like to salute Claude Giroux - HHN's last Honored Member to be playing in this year's Playoffs!

Until Next Blog,

Cheer Loud, Cheer Long, Cheer Often!

Saturday, May 15, 2010

THIS DAY IN HOCKEY HISTORY!

TODAY IN HOCKEY HISTORY!

May 15, 1946
Former NHL defenseman Jim Mair born in Schumacher, Ont. Mair played in the NHL 1970-71 through 1974-75 with Philadelphia, the New York Islanders and Vancouver.

May 15, 1967
In one of hockey's biggest trades, Phil Esposito, Ken Hodge and Fred Stanfield were traded from Chicago to Boston in exchange for Gilles Marotte, Pit Martin and Jack Norris.

May 15, 1967
Toronto Maple Leafs traded Eddie Shack to the Boston Bruins, in exchange for center Murray Oliver.

Thursday, May 13, 2010

THIS DAY IN HOCKEY HISTORY!

THIS DAY IN HOCKEY HISTORY! 
MAY 13th



May 13th 1939
At the annual NHL Board of Governors meeting, Boston's Art Ross submitted for consideration a new type of hockey stick with a metal handle and replaceable wooden blade. This came nearly 50 years before the modern-era aluminum stick.
May 13, 1971
Goaltender Tony Esposito recorded his second career playoff shutout in the Black Hawks' 2-0 playoff win over Montreal at Chicago Stadium, in Game Five of the 1971 Stanley Cup Finals.

May 13, 1933

The NHL Board of Governors held their annual meeting, where it was decided to lower the league salary cap from $70,000 to $65,000 per team for the 1933-34 NHL season.


Tuesday, May 11, 2010

Betty White on SNL? Habs tie their Series? I Wonder If It’s All Related?

Betty White on SNL? Habs tie their Series? I Wonder If It's All Related?


Greetings Fellow Bloggies/Blogettes! There have been some strange anomalies occurring throughout North America as of late! I am not complaining, nor do I want to! I am attempting to make a conscious effort not get any closer to the gift horse for fear of the repercussions of accidentally seeing what is in its mouth. Most of these rare occurrences have been vital to the uplifting of the human spirit.

For those totally lost as to what I am talking about, there is no need to fear, I have yet to fall off my rocker, although I came close yesterday......but I digress! What I am attempting to uncover is the mystery regarding Betty White's hosting of Saturday Night Live this past Saturday and the Montreal Canadien's "Cinderella Story."

For those who missed Saturday's airing of Saturday Night Live, Betty White, at the very young and tender age of 88 and a 1/2 years, hosted the show (and did a fantastic job at that). Betty White accredited her hosting success to the support of "Facebook" members who helped "vote her in" as the Host with the Most! Holding nothing back, Betty White fearlessly attacked every skit with precision and skill, successfully executing her roles with fineness and style! - much like the story of the Montreal Canadiens!

Who would have thought that the last place team in the Eastern Conference would be on the brink of battling for the title of Eastern Conference Contender for the ultimate supremacy in the NHL? Is this a coincidence - you know, with the Montreal celebrating their 100th Anniversary and all? Or, could this phenomenon we are all witnessing be much more than just "destiny?" Who knows for sure? All I know is that I like it! In the great words of our beloved Canadian comedian, Jim Carey, "I like it a lot!"

So as I "Carey" on with my day, I am left to wonder: "What else will this Year bring me?" I wait in anticipation to see what will unfold before me!

Until the next blog,


Cheer Loud, Cheer Long, Cheer Often!

Friday, May 7, 2010

Could This Be The Final Curtain Call For Philly?!


Greetings Fellow Bloggies/Blogettes! I don't know about you, but it sure looks to me like Detroit has come to Life?! Are the Wings using the Classic "Rope-A-Dope" tactic used by Ali & other Great Boxing Legends? Who Knows!!!! All I know is that Detroit came ready to play & play they did! Congrats to HHN Honored Member - Todd Bertuzzi - racking up 5 Points in last night's affair!

As for the Pittsburgh/Montreal series, it looks as though the victory will depend on the depths of the benches and the gas left in the tanks of the players. The valiant display of tenacity and determination has lead to a jostled collection of crucial calculations, thus, the temporary stalemate. Will Montreal & Pittsburgh utilize the full 7 game schedule to determine a Victor? I guess we will have to wait and see!

Tonight's match up between the Hawks & the Canucks is a crucial game for the Vancouver crew. They can either tie things up or throw their backs to the wall for the remainder of the series. I know, I know, you are probably thinking: "Thank you Captain Obvious for pointing out yet another 'deeply insightful' point!", but it is a reality! This game can either make or break the Canucks.

Pardon me while I continue to state more "Obviousness!" Boston can close out their series tonight against the Flyers. Two teams plagued by injuries throughout the Playoffs, squaring off, as did the Titans in Greek Mythology, battling for ultimate supremacy and a chance to represent their Conference in Hockey's Ultimate Showdown! I must admit my bias, yet again, shines brightly on this series. With Claude Julien at the helm for the Bruins - an HHN Honored Member - I would like to see Boston move to the Conference Finals with the opportunity to play for Lord Stanley's Cup!

There you have it folks; yet another compilation of intellectually stimulating and soul reaching Internet Gobbledygook! Yes, I just used "Gobbledygook!"

Until the next Blog,

Cheer Loud, Cheer Long, Cheer Often!

Thursday, May 6, 2010

THIS DAY IN HOCKEY HISTORY!

Today in hockey history!



May 06, 1980 Bill Barber scored twice to lead the Flyers to a 3-2 win over the North Stars, in Game 4 of the Semi-Finals, at Minnesota

May 06, 1976 Montreal Canadiens started a streak of 11 consecutive playoff victories with a 5-2 win over the New York Islanders, in Game 5 of the Semi-Final Round. Montreal advanced to the Stanley Cup Finals vs Philadelphia.

Wednesday, May 5, 2010

Still Looking For my Mystical Bag Of Answers! Have You Seen It?


Greetings Fellow Bloggies/Blogettes! I have yet to discover the significance of the May Showers, but rest assured I will not give up on my quest for this knowledge.

On another note, has anyone seen my magic bag of answers? Mother's day is coming up and I need to know what I should do for my mother. She is a very unique individual! She does not care much for personal pampering. As for her horticultural connectivity, she is not one with the Greenery. The House Plants all know her as the Angel of Death; therefore, flowers are out of the question. As for olfactory stimulation through perfumes and scented oils, I think she rather smell of camp fire and cedar wood shavings. She is a great fan of the Outdoors and has recently developed a passion for Wood Working! Therefore, I ask this: "Is it wrong then to take my mother out to the Camp, make her a great BBQ meal and present her with a piece of wood as my Mother's Day gift to her?" I am running out of time & options!

But for those of you who's Mothers', Sisters', Aunts', lady friends', and so on, enjoy a Blissful Pampering and Holistic Rejuvenation, stop by Hockey Heritage North and pick up a ticket for Women's Spa Day - May 29th and treat them to a perfect afternoon of Paradise! For a list of Participating Spa's, activities, and all other inquiries, come on down and pick up a pamphlet Today!

Until Next Blog,

Cheer Load, Cheer Long, Cheer Often!

Tuesday, May 4, 2010

Did you know??

Just a couple interesting facts!

In 1970-71 Phil Esposito became the first NHL player to score 50 goals and 50 assists in the same season. He finished the year with 76 goals and 76 assists.

NHL veteran Eddie Shack scored 20+ goals in a season five times during his career -- with five different NHL teams. He scored 26 goals with Toronto, 23 with Boston, 22 with LA, 25 with Buffalo and 25 with Pittsburgh.

On Dec 15, 1982, Chicago's Tony Esposito became the first goaltender in franchise history to record 400 wins as a member of the Black Hawks.

THIS DAY IN HOCKEY HISTORY!

THIS DAY IN HOCKEY HISTORY!

May 04, 1971

Jim Pappin scored at 21:11 of overtime to give the Black Hawks a 2-1 playoff win over Montreal, in game one of the Stanley Cup Finals.

May 04, 1980

Bill Barber scored four goals as the Flyers beat the North Stars 5-3 in Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Semi-Finals at Minnesota. Philadelphia went on to win the Minnesota series 4 games to 1 and advanced to the Finals against the New York Islanders.

Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthay to Honoured Member Sean Whyte from Sudbury!

Sean has played Professional and Junior Ice Hockey for over 15 years, as well as 6 seasons of Professional Roller hockey. During his career, he has amassed over 1032 games, 339 goals, 530 assists, 869 points and 1442 minutes in penalties. He has won 4 League Championships and 1 World Championship Gold Medal for Team Canada.

Sean was drafted by the Los Angeles Kings in 1989 and played with them during the seasons of 1991-92 and 1992-93. While in their farm system with the Phoenix Roadrunners, he led his team in scoring one year and also made the IHL All-Star Team. When the Roadrunners folded in 1996, the fans voted Sean to the All-Time Roadrunner All-Star Team as top Right Winger. As well as playing for other teams across the continent, Sean finished his career back in Phoenix with the Mustangs for the last four seasons. During this time, he also had the responsibilities of Assistant Coach, and in 2000, his team won the WCHL League Championship.
For the past 16 years, Sean has been involved in instructing and coaching young hockey players. He has worked for well-known hockey schools such as Can/Am, Huron, and Hawkesbury. Sean owns and runs his own hockey school in Canada, called Northern Edge Hockey School. He has run many other schools, clinics, and private lessons throughout the US and Canada in both ice hockey and roller hockey.
Sean states, "I take great pride in developing young hockey players. The most important aspect to remember when playing hockey is to have fun. My philosophy is, and has always been, to work hard and have fun. People who enjoy what they do, will naturally work their hardest."

Monday, May 3, 2010

If April Showers Bring May Flowers, What Do May Showers Bring?


Greetings Fellow Bloggies/Blogettes! What a beautiful morning! The sun is shining, the birds are singing with hippos frolicking in the front garden amongst the red and yellow tulips, ever so nimbly I may add, and I now buckle down for yet another productive day here at Hockey Heritage North.

Today's creative Literary Work has been inspired by integral pieces of society's "Raison d'Etre": i) The Weather; and ii) Adages - AKA "Old Sayings!" As I pursued the weather network, attempting to gain insight into Mother Nature's Recipe for weather patterns, for future event planning, I noticed that for the next few days, Wonder Weather (not to be confused with Wonder Woman) has forecasted a dampening Soggy Symphony! Don't get me wrong, it is great if you are a duck, but for those lacking the luxury of plumage, these times can be somewhat trying. But I guess I cannot complain, it is May 3rd, and we are without snow!

As I sat and absorbed the new found forecast, it hit me like a sack of dirty socks: "If April Showers Bring May Flowers, What Do May Showers Bring?" Rest assured, I will leave no leaf unturned until I have an answer for you - my faithful followers!

Until Next Blog,

Cheer Loud, Cheer Long, Cheer Often!

Saturday, May 1, 2010

Happy Birthday!

Birthday wishes today go out to Dick Mattiussi from Smooth Rock Falls! Dick is 72 years young today! Dick is a retired professional ice hockey defenceman who played in the NHL! Mattiussi played 200 games for the Pittsburgh Penguins and Oakland/California Seals in the 1960s and 70s. He was known as a hard-nosed grinder in the corners and spent much of his career in the AHL. Following 200 NHL games Mattiussi had recorded 8 goals and 31 assists for 39 points. Upon retirement he went on to coach the Rochester Americans of the AHL in the 1975 and 76 seasons.