Will There Be Cake??
By: Thomas G Barker
Conference Event Coordinator

Greetings Fellow Bloggies/Blogettes! As I look out my window this morning, I see a dull and gloomy grey sky with intermittent rain interrupting what little moments of sunbursts we have. Looking for ways to fight off the foreboding effect that I am experiencing, like the first blast of cold water from the shower head in every morning shower, I am quickly reminded to "snap out of it" the boss is in and you have work to do! I am also reminded that tomorrow will bring Sunshine. I am no meteorologist, nor do I want to be! Trying to predict the weather is like trying to predict the winning horse! You have all the options in front of you, but how will things play out? The Sunshine I am referring to is the National Pride I share with fellow Canadians, for tomorrow is our Nations Birthday!

As my childhood innocence slowly dissipates with my introduction into the "real world" I am reminded that not everyone is able to take the day off and participate in Canada Festivities. I would like to take this time to salute those that have to work tomorrow! I wish you a pleasant day and may you find time to celebrate in your own special way!

As for my plans, my slate is clean at the moment. I tend to play more things by ear than Beethoven did by sight! I may mosey on down to the Civic Service Stadium to check out some of the concerts that are going on. Or maybe I will try my luck down at the ol' fishing hole. Whatever the case may be, I will be proudly celebrating our great Canadian Heritage the best that I can! Oh, and I will be sure to find a cake somewhere to help me celebrate!

To everyone: I wish you:

Until the next blog,

Cheer Loud, Cheer Long, Cheer Often!

Another Case of the Mondays? Take in One Blog and Call Me in The Morning!
By Thomas G. Barker
Conference Event Coordinator

Greetings Fellow Bloggies/Blogettes! I would like to start this morning with a little stretching session.  My reasoning, it's something different (for me at least) and I can use all the help in the world jump starting my noodle mass (aka brain). The coffee regimen seems to be losing effectiveness on the Alertness Battlefront, and I am weary of increasing the amount of Coffee I take in due to the diuretic nature of the illustriously and highly sought after bean! So here we go ... Please feel free to follow along as I vividly depict the actions I am undergoing!

I am standing up now, I have cleared all debris and obstacles that will limit my range of motion or inflict injury. Oh, wait a moment, gotta tuck in my shirt, I want to keep this office friendly. I am taking a deep breath through the nose, holding it for a count of five and slowly releasing the air through my mouth. Mmmm, that feels nice. I am going to do that again. Breath in, hold... and breath out. Now I am going to attempt to bend over and touch my toes. Wish me luck! Slowly dropping forward... Oh oh! Did you hear that? I think I just split my pants! One second... Yep I did. Looks like the stretching will have to be continued at a later date (for me anyways). As I leave to go change pants, I would like to wish all of you a Happy Monday!

A gentle reminder, Thursday is Canada Day! Woohoo! Friday, stop on by for Beach Party festivities here at HHN. And to cap off this shortened work week Saturday we have our very own Q & A and Autograph session with legendary goaltender: Daren Puppa! Hope to see you out!

Until the next blog,

Cheer Loud, Cheer Long, Cheer Often!

F to the Power of 3 Yoopie!
By: Thomas G Barker
Conference Events Coordinator

Greetings Fellow Bloggies/Blogettes! It goes without saying that today's Blog is more than just an average blog! Why? Because its Fuzzy Feeling Friday - Poetry Corner [and the crowd goes wild...]. This Friday's title is brought to you by pocket protectors and adding machines everywhere! I dove deep into my mathematical being and pulled out the fanciest equation I could that would prove intellectually stimulating yet mildly entertaining. So without further ado I bring you the much anticipated Poetic Pleasantries:

The Fairest of Them All

How I long for you my Lady Byng
You make me smile, you make me sing
On the ice I dare not pout
I dare not fight, I dare not shout
For you are the fairest lady of them all
And only true gentlemen can hear your call
Your shine warms my heart as I watch you glisten
While to your rules I adhere, I listen
Oh, how I long for you to call my name
To have you come and watch my game
But as I sit here my chances fade
With this little mistake that I have made
For I know now what not to do
When a referee blows a call or two!

I Hart'ly Knew You

Helping teams achieve full potential
Always willing to lead by example
Rarely makes mistakes
That's why I will never win this trophy!

I Fancy "The Clancy"

Old King Clancy was never fancy
But ethics and hard work he knew
He hoped to inspire the League in its entire
To go out and do the best it can do
Some players carry on, with King Clancy now gone
The ethics and hard work he once knew
So as a Great Token for the Bond Never broken
This award is now passed on to you!

Until the next blog,

Cheer Loud, Cheer Long, Cheer Often!

And the Winner Is...
By Thomas G. Barker

Greetings Fellow Bloggies/Blogettes! I would like to begin by noting the plethora of blogging sustenance that currently blankets the Hockey World. Where do I begin? As I look around the room for an appropriate setting to set the proverbial anchor (to stop my illusive ship of imagination from sailing beyond the point of no return), I realize why not just start writing! I can then skillfully dissect the literary dissertation through the process known as "editing" with the end result being a more jumbled piece than what was originally created! Satisfied with my great reasoning, I commence!

The Hockey Hall of Fame has announced its 2010 inductees which include some long awaited selections. From the builder's category: Jim Devellano and D.C. "Doc" Seaman are to be inducted in November 2010. From the player's category: all-star Dino Ciccarelli has been selected along with Angela James and Cammi Granato. What makes the later two inductees so special is they are the first ever women inductees into the Hockey Hall of Fame! I would like to congratulate all the 2010 inductees on behalf of myself and Hockey Heritage North!

Tonight is also a special night from the NHL's perspective! Tonight is the 2009-2010 NHL Awards Night whereby the League honors its top players, coaches, officials and teams in great style and fashion. There will be super shiny trophies, music, and more! With such a developed and skilled class of players to choose from, there will be some difficult choices to be made in the selection of some of the award recipients. I wish everyone good luck and look forward to seeing who lands what tonight! Oh ya, and I also look forward to the snacks I will be having as I watch the awards night! I may also award my roomie (aka my mom) with an inaugural (and long overdue) award - The "Tiny Tommy" Trophy - for the Consistently Loudest Live (and televised) Sports Mother of the Year! Congratulations mom - You Are The Best!

Well, I must continue on with my daily scheduled workload! I bid you adieu!

Until the next blog,

Cheer Loud, Cheer Long, Cheer Often!

Psst. I think the League is on Energizer - They Keep Going and Going...
By Thomas G Barker
Conference Event Coordinator

Greetings Fellow Bloggies/Blogettes! If this is down time for the League (NHL), I would have burnt out long ago! With the Stanley Cup Victory still vividly playing in the minds of the players and fans, the League continues its quest for victory with the 2010-2011 season in mind. What a busy weekend for NHL. I am ready to call it a day just looking through all the transactions that have happened since Friday. Here is just a taste of what has happened for those unaware:

1. Rob Blake retiring after a 20 year career; - I hate to see him go, he's a great Canadian and a great defense man;
2. Habs trade Halak for two prospects; - Confused here: did he not just lead his team deep into the playoffs knocking off two First Place Teams?
3. Arnott traded back to the New Jersey Devils; - Rejoining his old club, this should be some good hockey;
4. Parent traded for Hamhuis; - With Hamhuis to be an unrestricted free agent come July 1st, will he stay or will he go? I guess time will tell;

And Big News from the Hockey Heritage North's Honored Members File: Claude Noel, a former Kirkland Lake resident, is headed to Manitoba to be Head Coach of the Manitoba Moose. He was interim Head Coach of the Columbus Bluejackets for the end of the 2009-2010 season. Mr Noel, we here at HHN wish you a very positive and prosperous future with the Moose!

These are just some of the transactions happening around the NHL leading up to the July 1st, 2010 Free-Agency "feeding frenzy." After reporting all this, I need a break...

Until the next blog,

Cheer Loud, Cheer Long, Cheer Often!

Hooray! It's Fuzzy Feeling Friday!
By: Thomas G. Barker
Conference Events Coordinator

Greetings Fellow Bloggies/Blogettes! I am here to congratulate you for making it through yet another work week! May I suggest taking a moment, getting your favourite work-time beverage and snack, putting your feet up and reading this week's Fuzzy Feeling Friday -- Poetry Corner! Don't worry, I will wait until you are ready and settled in. Are you ready? Yes? Here we go!

Frosty Fear

Blades a Blazzin', she rockets down the ice
One thought on her mind, a hat trick would be nice.
She deeks one, two, three players, the goalie now stands alone
Like the dog from ol' Mother Hubbard, the goalie awaits her bone
She winds up, the goalie is set
The puck is fired, now in the net
The fans erupt, the skater leaps
The coaches cheer, the goalie weeps
The alarm rings, she jumps out of bed
Panic leaves, it was all in her head
Relief is felt with subtle confusion
All of this from a Ping Pong Contusion

We have a special treat today an anonymous Poet has provided us with some Hockey inspired poetry. Mystery Poet, take it away:

All-Star game starts
Begins with the face off
Charging down the ice
Defence men following closely
Everyone silent in anticipation
Fighting to get the goal
Goalie blocks the net
Head tricks are played
In to the net?
Just missed
Keep your eyes on the puck now
Linesmen call penalty
Minutes left in the game
Net is in view
Open ice ahead
Pass to closest team mate
Quickly
Ragging the puck
She shoots, she scores!!
Triumph
Utterly amazing
Very exciting
Whistle blows
Xylophone music plays
Your team won
Zamboni cleans the ice

Hockey

Teams, Excitement

Skating, Passing, Scoring

A game for everyone.

Ice

Until the next blog,

Cheer Loud, Cheer Long, Cheer Often!

How Does One Lose a Day?
By: Thomas G. Barker
Conference Events Coordinator

Greetings Fellow Bloggies/Blogettes! Please be on the lookout for a "Lost Day." If found please return it to me, Tom at Hockey Heritage North. I am unsure where I lost it, but i is clearly gone. I woke up this morning and could have sworn that it was Wednesday, but according to the Calender on my desktop (and my Boss) it is Thursday, June 17th, 2010 all day! Wow, where has time gone? Did I sleepwalk into a wormhole? Couldn't have, I made it to work the past three days (according to the log books). I got it! Maybe I am a sleep "worker," mentally sleeping as my body carries out the daily work routine that I have become so accustomed to! When all else fails, I blame things on the Leprechauns! There are clever, tiny beings always up to mischief and shenanigans!

But what is not hard to believe is the fun that is had when strolling through Hockey Heritage North. Don't believe me? Swing on by and see for yourself! Anytime is a great time to swing by, but if you are looking for a special guest appearance make your way down on Saturday, July 3rd, at 12:00pm and you may just bump into Daren Puppa! Yes folks, KL's Own Daren Puppa will be in from 12:00pm - 1:30pm to answer questions and sign autographs! So don't miss out on this fantastic opportunity to mingle with KL NHL Great!!


Until the next blog,

Cheer Loud, Cheer Long, Cheer Often!

I Can See The Horizon ...


Greetings Fellow Bloggies/Blogettes! For all the non-hockey fans out there, you can almost see the Hockey-Free Horizon off in the distance. With the taste of sweet victory now caressing the lips of the 2009-2010 NHL Champions, all that remains of the 2009-2010 Official Season is the NHL Awards Night taking place Thursday, June 17th, 2010, all the way From L.A. But do not get too excited yet, the 2010 Entry Draft is lurking just around the corner. After June 26th, the world of NHL Hockey will lie dormant, at least to the untrained eye.

For those with keen hockey senses, we know that summer can be an exciting time! General Managers have a busy time with the Free-Agent and Trade Markets Grand Opening! It is like Boxing Days for GM's, with players becoming free-agents and available for purchase (contact wise of course). It will be interesting to see how things will shape up for the 2010 - 2011 NHL Season! I know that I will be watching my Leafs diligently, noting all changes to the roster. With the Leafs now holding the longest Stanley Cup Drought record, I am eagerly awaiting the Triumphant Victory!

In the mean time, I will continue my quest as the Hockey Heritage North Conference Event Coordinator bringing forth events for all to enjoy; such as the HHN Beach Party on July 2nd. It will be great and glorious times with Music, Food, A Side-walk Sale, and a Giant Inflatable Slide! There will also be some Live Entertainment! Stay tuned for more information ... and maybe a fancy poster!

Until the next blog,

Cheer Loud, Cheer Long, Cheer Often!

Fuzzy Feeling Friday: Haiku ... Bless You!


Greetings Fellow Bloggies/Blogettes! Today's Poetry Corner has been inspired by two Poetic Stylings often overlooked and under utilized: i) The Haiku; and ii) The Limerick! Please Enjoy!

Haiku #1: Reflection (of Me)

Skate Shoot Pass All Game
Take Bench for much needed break
Out of Shape am I!

Haiku #2: Choices

Cold, Frigid, Numbing
Frozen Pond the place to be
Please pick another sport!

Haiku #3: Discontent

Smelly, Sweaty, Soaked
Dumped again in duffle bag
Hey, Febreeze me please!

Limerick #1:

When I was young I could skate fast
All Other players I would outlast
But as of last year
For reasons unclear
After one shift I am gassed

Limerick #2:

There once was a man from the city
Who liked to play hockey all pretty
Until late in a game
In a moment of shame
He was taken out by an 80 year ol' bitty!

Until Next Blog,

Cheer Loud, Cheer Long, Cheer Often!

Black Hawks Win!!! The Children Are Going Wild!!!
By, Thomas G. Barker
Conference Event Coordinator

Greetings Fellow Bloggies/Blogettes! It's official... The Chicago Blackhawks are the 2009-2010 Stanley Cup Champions!!! I would like to take this time to send out our Congratulations to the Chicago Blackhawks for this great accomplishment. I would also like to send out our best wishes to Claude Giroux for a valiant effort with his Philadelphia Flyers. Claude you did a fantastic job! Hockey Heritage North is proud of your efforts!

I would also like to discuss another anomaly occurring today at Hockey Heritage North. As I entered the facility this afternoon, I was greeted by hoards of young children. The had taken over the building -- or so it seemed. As I made my way through the excitement and the chaos I was reminded of the Rental going on. As hairy scary as it seemed at that moment, I was reminded I was not in Oz  and I did not rudely stumble upon a Munchkin Convention; rather, it was a huge hit for parents and children alike. Kirkland Lake and area will also benefit immensely from the fair, providing parents and parents-to-be with the necessary awareness o the support programs available to them.

Surrounded by the sound of children's songs playing through Hockey Heritage North's sound system I am slowly gaining comfort and regaining focus regarding my tasks at hand. It is so hard to concentrate with the addictive aroma of freshly popped popcorn gently swirling throughout the facility, and knowing that there are games and face painting happening just around the corner! It is taking every ounce of strength to stay on task, but so far so good! I must continue on with my daily duties -- wish me luck.

Until the next blog,

Cheer Loud, Cheer Long, Cheer Often!

Flyers on the Brink... What do You Think?
By Thomas G. Barker
Conference Event Coordinator

Greetings Fellow Bloggies/Blogettes! If the 2010 Playoffs have proven anything it is that you cannot count anyone out until the Buzzer goes at the end of Game 7! And I can only imagine that the Flyers are banking on the 2010 Playoff trends to hold true, down 3 games to 2 in the Stanley Cup Finals. The "Rally Caps" are on, the trinkets are out; I guess it is up to the teams (and the officiating) to determine whether or not Philly stays to play another day! But enough with the "do or die" dialogue; there is another topic very dear to my heart that I would like to discus today .... PARTIES!

Yes, you read that right, I would like to discuss parties, in particular a party that will be happening Friday, July 2nd, 2010, here at Hockey Heritage North. For those that may be outside the circle of knowledge, the Kirkland Lake Festivals Committee will be hosting Homecoming from June 28th to July 4th. During the celebrations, HHN will be hosting a Beach Party. "Why a Beach Party?" you may be asking. It's simple, everyone likes a party and we have an incredible amount of some of the softest beach sand ever to have graced HHN grounds! There will be food, music, live entertainment, games, a giant inflatable slide and for the first time ever at Hockey Heritage North we will be unveiling the New HHN jersey available to the public with the option of having it personalized! "Tres Cool," is it not? I will provide further details as we approach THE DATE! It is going to be totally AWESOME! So please stay tuned! That is it from me now!

Until the next blog,

Cheer Loud, Cheer Long, Cheer Often!

Fuzzy Feeling Friday: Soul Melting Poetry!
By Thomas G. Barker
Conference Even Coordinator

Greetings Fellow Bloggies/Blogettes! We have made it to our second "Fuzzy Feeling Friday!" YEAH!!!!! Today, I would like to dedicate this Pot-Pori Poetry to the Game three Hero: Claude Giroux.

He Shoots... He Scores!

With the Crowd on their feet he take the pass

He struggles down the ice, but does so with class

He wobbles, he weaves, as his skates clench the ice

Shedding blood, sweat and tears he has paid his fair price

He slips, he falls, but he gets straight back up

With the vision of him and the Great Stanley Cup

He continues to skate with the puck on his stick

His fundamentals are shaky, he knows no big trick

The defence men part ways so he would no get caught

With the lane now wide open, he sets up for the shot

The puck is hit with maximum strength

As the puck slowly trickles for what seems like great length.

The Buzzer sounds and he leaps with great joy

Just a shot on net was enough for this boy!

He will never forget how he felt that day

When his coach gave him a shift-- when he was able to play!

He hung up his skates never netting a goal

But was the happiest kid -- for being given a role!

The Sherwood Lament

You cut me down and strip me bare

My limbs chopped off without a care

Through buzzing teeth, I am coaxed and shoved

Cold and Jaded, I don't feel loved

Wrapped in fibreglass and touched up with paint

A Converted Being -- From Sinner to Saint

My future uncertain, where will I go?

To the arms of a Child? The hands of a Pro?

Left to weather the wear and tear

Behind the Bench I am left to stare

Whatever the case I must stand tall

For I am a Hockey Stick after all

Until the next blog,

Cheer Loud, Cheer Long, Cheer Often!

"Hot & Dry" by Mother Nature
By Thomas G Barker
Conference Event Coordinator

Greetings Fellow Bloggies/Blogettes! It looks like Mother Nature has an answer to Katy Perry's "Hot & Cold" song--"Hot & Dry!" What a fantastic Spring we have been experiencing here in Northeastern Ontario! Although looking out my window at the moment, it looks as though the "Hot & Dry" may temporarily be replaced with some Soggy Bottom Blue! But I welcome it with open arm. The bush is dryer than my grandmother's muffins! Now that's dry!!!!! But I digress.

We all have our own ways of keeping cool! One way I like to keep cool is by sitting in front of the television with a fan on watching...you guessed it, Penguins sliding on their bellies! But when that is not on I settle with some good ol' fashion Playoff hockey. And what a series we have going. Chicago may be up two games, but it is still anyone's series! Just last year, the Pittsburg Penguins had lost their first two games to Detroit and managed to come back and take the cup! I think it is safe to say that we have some good watchin' coming up with these next few games.

In the meantime, stay cool mommy/daddy-os!

Until the next blog,

Cheer Loud, Cheer Long, Cheer Often!