Friday, April 30, 2010

FORGIVE ME for Enjoying the Enemy!!!

This is the picture you'll see when you go to the Montreal Canadiens webpage and I feel absolutely guilty about it, but GOOD LORD Hal Gill looks GOOD in this picture!!!!!!  OK ... I just had to get that out there (so FORGIVE ME!)!!

Any thoughts, ladies???!!!!!!  ; D

Where My Ladies At?

THESE ARE OUR STORIES
(How I Became a [Female] Hockey Fan)!
I have been around hockey since I was 2 years old. I hated it growing up and would frequently fight with my parents about having to go watch my brothers play. It was not until I was around 18 that I really started to enjoy it. I guess part of me realized that there would come a day when neither of my brothers would be playing hockey and that really bothered me.

Growing up my parents always told my bothers and me that we could either take a few nice family vacations a year or we could play sports all year round. Of course we picked sports. Because of this hockey tournaments served as our “vacations.” My family and I traveled all over the place and although I hated it at the time, I now would give anything to spend hours in the car driving to hockey tournaments like we use to. Hockey was a huge part of my childhood and I love the sport not only because it is exciting and fun to watch but also because it has brought my family close together.

A few years ago I was reading one of my little brothers hockey magazines. To be perfectly honest I only read it because of the cute guy on the cover. That cute guy happened to be Sidney Crosby. After reading the article I was amazed with how humble he was, his love for the sport and how he wanted kids to be able to enjoy the sport just as much as he did when he was growing up. Because of Sid, I started watching professional hockey more and I ended up becoming a Penguins fan.

Maybe it’s weird that I only started watching professional hockey because of a silly little article. Some people may classify me as a puck bunny but I honestly do not consider myself one. I like the whole team and I enjoy watching them all play. I went to my first Pens game last week when they played in Boston and it was AMAZING. I enjoyed it so much that I spent $300 on tickets for when they come in March. I’m a 21 year old college student and I really should not be spending that amount of money on a hockey game but I think I would be miserable if I had to watch the game at home knowing that they are only 45 minutes away from my house.

Being a Penguins fan isn’t easy. I’m constantly surrounded by Bruins fans and I although I was REALLY excited when they won the Stanley Cup, it was a little depressing to celebrate the victory on my own. I constantly have to defend myself when I tell people I’m a Penguins fan but I honestly do not care. I love watching them and I am proud to be a Penguins fan :)

- Anonymous fan from NH
Thats a really cool way to have family time together (and it incredible of your mom and dad to give you the option of vacations or sports because either way they knew that it was going to mean family involvement) - AWESOME!!!  I can imagine it isn't something that you'd appreciate when you were younger but can as you get older and, don't worry, it's something we all go through (missing the days back when you were a kid, lived at home with mom and dad and did things with them as a family)!!  THANKS for sharing such a great story, "Anon!"

Don't forget, if you wish to submit your story, I kindly ask that you
email them directly to me so they don't end up being repetitive for some of the readers. Also, if you don't want me to include your name, please let me know that as well (what I'll normally do is put your first name and last initial if I have it OR just your screen name).

FEEL FREE TO INCLUDE A PICTURE!!

I also want to let you know I LOVE these stories (and so do alot of our readers) - I've always found it interesting no matter who the fan, so I'm enjoying ALL OF THIS IMMENSELY!! KEEP THEM COMING, but I ask that you
email them please - THANKS!!!

Also, I ask that you please BE PATIENT as I'm still receiving TONS of stories (they'll be posted in the order I received them, to be fair). If you sent in a story, it will eventually be on the blog - I promise!! ; ) JUST BE SURE TO KEEP THEM COMING (the more the better!)!! AS A NOTE, I'm currently on stories I received back in November 2009!!!


thesteelcitysportsfan@gmail.com

Thursday, April 29, 2010

REASON #69
He Didn't [Doesn't] CHOKE and is Playing in Round 2
(UNLIKE Ovechkin & Company!)!!!


I'm sorry (and I apologize to all you Caps fans who read the blog), but when you're a Pens fan, it just comes naturally to hate Ovi and the Caps (I think it has to do something with all the comparison everyone makes when it's like comparing apples and oranges!); I'm sure Caps fans can relate with the same feelings toward Sid!!

The only thing sweeter than Sid and the Pens moving onto Round 2 and the Caps out of the Playoffs in Round 1 is the Penguins winning the Stanley Cup back-to-back!!

Speaking of Round 2, here is the schedule for Penguins VS Montreal (corrected; the schedule they had up last night on the Penguins webpage must have been wrong - which is where I got the original schedule from):

Friday, April 30th @ 7:00 PM, Pittsburgh (Versus)
Sunday, May 2nd @ 2:00 PM, Pittsburgh (NBC)
Tuesday, May 4th @ 7:00 PM, Montreal (FSN Pittsburgh)
Thursday, May 6th @ 7:00 PM, Montreal (Versus)
Saturday, May 8th @ 7:00 PM, Pittsburgh (Versus)*
Monday, May 10th @ 7:00 PM, Montreal (FSN Pittsburgh)*
Wednesday, May 12th @TBD, Pittsburgh (FSN Pittsburgh)*

* if necessary

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Western Conference Hottie: Shea Weber (Nashville Predators)

IMPORTANT HOCKEY STUFF: On September 10, 2004, Weber signed a three-year, $1.425–million contract with his draft team, the Nashville Predators. A year and a half later, Weber made his NHL debut on January 6, 2006 versus the Detroit Red Wings, recording three shots on goal in 11:08 of icetime. Three months later, on April 6, 2006, Weber scored his first NHL goal against Reinhard Divis of the St. Louis Blues in a 3–0 Nashville victory. Weber would go on to play in 28 games in his rookie season, finishing with two goals and ten assists. He then added an addition two goals in four playoff games with the Predators before the team was eliminated in the first round by the San Jose Sharks. With Nashville's AHL affiliate, the Milwaukee Admirals, still in playoff action, Weber was reassigned to the Admirals roster for the remainder of the AHL playoffs. There he compiled six goals and five assists in fourteen games as the Admirals nearly clinched the Calder Cup, losing to the Hershey Bears in six games in the Calder Cup Finals. In his sophomore season, Weber evolved into one of Nashville's most important players. At the midway point of the season, Weber had already compiled 26 points. His play was rewarded on January 14, 2007 when he was named to the Western Conference roster for the 2007 NHL YoungStars Game in Dallas, Texas. Weber went on to finish the season with forty points, finishing eighth on the Predators roster in total points. Weber added an additional three assists in five playoff games before the Predators were eliminated by the San Jose Sharks for the second consecutive season. Weber's third season with the Predators began with a rash of injuries. After playing only 2:19 of the first period in Nashville's season opening game versus the Colorado Avalanche, Weber fell awkwardly and dislocated his kneecap. As a result, Weber missed the next six weeks of games before returning to the Nashville lineup versus the St. Louis Blues on November 17, 2007. Shortly thereafter, Weber suffered another injury, this time injuring his leg and missing eleven games before he returned to the Predators lineup for a January 15, 2008 game versus the Calgary Flames. On June 23, 2008, Weber signed a three-year, $13.5 million contract extension with the Predators.

REALLY IMPORTANT STUFF: Weber was born on August 14, 1985 in Sicamous, British Columbia to parents Tracy, a hairdresser, and James Weber, a sawmill worker. (A blue collar guy) Growing up in the Sicamous and District Minor Hockey Association of the BCAHA, Weber often switched between forward and defenceman. (woo hoo, he's multi-talented, and I for one can't help but speculate on his other "talents"...) He credits his father for convincing him to make the switch to defence because he thought Weber would "have a better shot at a pro career as a defenceman". (He was quite right.) Shea has a younger brother named Brandon who also plays hockey. (always a delicious thought...) At 6'4 and 235, he's a solid chunk of a man, enough to stimulate, the um... thoughts?.... of any woman.

Oh yea, and he's one of those Gold Medal winning team Canada guys. I mean, do you even believe this goal was real?


oh, and the mouth-guard is pretty nice too.

Tuesday, April 27, 2010

Crosby Pictures of the Week (Playoffs Edition - Round 1)

These pictures are from Round 1 of the Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Ottawa Senators and captures alot of Sid's emotions through the hard-fought battle!!!

ENJOY!!











Monday, April 26, 2010

Eastern Conference Eye Candy: Jochen Hecht (Buffalo Sabres)

I don't know why, but this week's choice makes me think he has "Kena" written all over him -- "dirty" blonde, German ... (although he probably could afford a few more inches of height for him to be JUST RIGHT!)!! You know I love you, Kena, which is why I tease!!!

HOCKEY FACTOR:
Hecht's professional hockey career started in his birthplace, Germany, back in 1994 playing for the Adler Mannheim (Mannheim Eagles) which is part of the DEL - Deutsche Eishockey Liga (the highest ice hockey league in that country).  He continued to play with the Eagles in the DEL even after being drafted by the St. Louis Blues in the 2nd round of the 1995 NHL Entry Draft (49th overall) until the 1998-1999 season when he began playing for the Blues AHL affiliate, Worchester Ice Cats.

After a season with the Ice Cats, Hecht played two full seasons with the Blues before being traded to the Edmonton Oilers in July 2001 along with Marty Reasoner and Jan Horáček in exchange for Doug Weight and Michel Riesen.  He spent one season with the Oilers (2001-2002) and was traded to his current team, the Buffalo Sabres, in June 2002 in exchange for the Sabres' 31st and 36th picks of the 2002 NHL Entry Draft (which was Atlanta's 2nd round choice that Buffalo previously acquired; Edmonton selected Jeff Deslauriers and Nashville's 2nd round choice previously acquired by Buffalo; Edmonton selected Jarret Stoll).

During the NHL lockout (2004-2005 season), Hecht returned to Germany to once again play for the Mannheim Eagles.

Being his most successful with the Buffalo organization, Hecht has stayed with them the longest.  He took a turn at captaincy in October 2007 and February 2008 during the season the Sabres decided to rotate the responsibility each month which made him the second German-born player to captain an NHL team.  Back in October 2007, Hecht signed a 4-year / $14.1 million contract extention that enables him to play for Buffalo through the 2011-2012 season and this past season (2009-2010), he recorded his 400th career NHL point and played in his 600th career NHL game.

While playing professionally in the NHL, Hecht has been chosen to play for his country in the 2002 and 2006 Winter Olympics (and was ommitted in 2010 which had alot of surprising omissions for men's ice hockey).

HOTNESS FACTOR:
Hecht is a decent-sized forward (center) at 6'1, 191-199 pounds, but for whatever reason he looks HUGE (must be the skates!)!! ; P

He's a family man ... married with two kids (Philip, 6, and Victoria, 4).  HERE'S an interesting article that mentions his taking them to an island off the coast of Spain last summer where he taught his kids how to snorkel (too CUTE!), but the article was mainly about something even more attractive about him ... he was having a shit season the year prior (having been demoted to the fourth line) and he decided to do something about it:
"I was not in a good mood last year," Hecht said Wednesday morning. "I was miserable and down on myself, hard on myself. I wanted to change that. I knew that I had to change it to play better. Even at home, away from hockey, I was still in a bad mood. So I had to learn to separate those two things."
He definitely turned it around by having a really great season including one of the hotter streaks he's had in two years according to the article ending this season with 21 G, 21 A (42 points)!  AWESOME!!

Friday, April 23, 2010

Where My Ladies At?

THESE ARE OUR STORIES
(How I Became a [Female] Hockey Fan)!
I'm so glad that you posted this topic for everyone. I know that it seems that the PuckSluts are taking over the world these days, but some of us actually know a cross check from a poke check.

Which brings me to where I am now. You see, up here in Northern Canada, there's not much to do in the winter other than go out on skidoo or play hockey. I moved up here to Labrador when I was six, and pretty much haven't left. Being originally from the city, I had never had a pair of skates on my feet - so my parents enrolled me in figure skating just to learn the basics. I first thought that I'd love figure skating - but I quit when the teacher wouldn't pass me up to the next level :P

So the years passed and I discovered my dad's obcession with the Leafs. And I fell in love with them too. The Playoffs of '99 was the time that I realized that I fell in love with the game...and a certain hockey player. Tomas Kaberle is my man - always was, always will be. I remember looking at my dad and telling him that I wanted to play hockey. He said no at first, but said that if there was a female team in town, he'd have no problem with it.

Sure enough, my dad started the first female hockey team in Churchill Falls that following fall. When he asked me what number I wanted and what position I wanted to play, he knew the answer. I wanted to play defense and wear the number 15. This girls team had never won a game at the regional level, but when we went to provincials, we dominated. I scored my first goal, which also happened to be the game winner, in the Bronze Medal game.

So, I owe all of my hockey devotion to Tomas Kaberle! I'm going to the Leafs - Pens game on the 9th of January, to see him and my other lovers, Max Talbot and Jordan Staal

Cheers
Charli
I love the fact that girls play hockey and I'm also a little jealous since when / where I grew up there wasn't even a boys hockey team let alone one for girls (thats changed now, but it's still relatively new to our area; football is "king" here - UGH) and I'm certain if it was a more popular sport when I was growing up that I would've definitely had skates and a stick permanently attached to my body!!! ; P  I think it's just SO COOL that your dad started the first female hockey team and its the reason why you got to play - how awesome (what a great dad!)!!! ... THANKS for your amazing story, Charli!!  Be sure to let us know how your team is doing as you continu to play (I'd love to hear about that as I'm sure the rest of the readers would too!)!

Don't forget, if you wish to submit your story, I kindly ask that you
email them directly to me so they don't end up being repetitive for some of the readers. Also, if you don't want me to include your name, please let me know that as well (what I'll normally do is put your first name and last initial if I have it OR just your screen name).

FEEL FREE TO INCLUDE A PICTURE!!

I also want to let you know I LOVE these stories (and so do alot of our readers) - I've always found it interesting no matter who the fan, so I'm enjoying ALL OF THIS IMMENSELY!! KEEP THEM COMING, but I ask that you
email them please - THANKS!!!

Also, I ask that you please BE PATIENT as I'm still receiving TONS of stories (they'll be posted in the order I received them, to be fair). If you sent in a story, it will eventually be on the blog - I promise!! ; ) JUST BE SURE TO KEEP THEM COMING (the more the better!)!! AS A NOTE, I'm currently on stories I received back in November 2009!!!  

thesteelcitysportsfan@gmail.com

Thursday, April 22, 2010

REASON #68
He Can Dance with the Puck
(and it's FUN to watch!)!!

I'm talking about that fancy footwork of his in Game 2 of this Round against the Ottawa Senators.  I mean, look at him ... he makes Jason Spezza look like marionette and literally skates circles around him!!!  It also distracted the goalie enough for Tangers to shoot the puck into the net!!

How can you NOT love Sid (or at least appreciate his incredible hockey skills?!!)???!!!!!!!!

Tanger Has New Kick-Ass Tattoo

This video has been making it's rounds, but I first saw it a few days ago on Facebook.  It's obviously of Letang having a casual conversation with a good friend (unfortunately in French), but it shows a very large tattoo on his arm which he got over the Olympic break.



FORTUNATELY, I also came across some translation of part of the conversation at PSAMP that explains the tattoo is a tribute to his grandmother and his best friend, Luc Bourdon, who you may remember passed away close to two years ago in a motorcycle accident.
Top portion of the tattoo is dedicated to his grandmother. Kris says that she always has been there for him.

Bottom portion of the tattoo and the guitar part is obviously dedicated to Letang’s best friend and former roommate Luc Bourdon who used to play for Vancouver Canucks and tragically died in a motorcycle accident on May 29, 2008. During the 2008 NHL Draft, the Canucks’ management wore guitar pins to remember Bourdon, because he was an avid guitarist.

Underwood Talks Wedding on Ellen


Yesterday, Carrie Underwood made an appearance on the Ellen DeGeneres show and the talk was about her upcoming wedding to Ottawa Senators' Mike Fisher.

Although Ellen asked, Underwood wouldn't disclose the wedding date as she and Fisher have chosen to keep that among them and the guests.  However, reports are that it will be sometime this summer and it will take place in Nashville; other plans include a "girly" and "glamorous" dress, IveyCake Bakery cupcakes, and her dog, Ace (and the couple will reside in Ottawa where construction on a 5,000-square foot is in the planning stages):
The Citizen has learned that a brick-stone house believed to be about 5,000 square feet will be built for the couple in West Carleton, only minutes from Scotiabank Place. The house will sit on a large parcel of land in the vicinity of Spruce Ridge Road and McGee Side Road.

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

Western Conference Hottie: Fredrik Modin (LA Kings)

Hey, when you work the hours I do, you have to resort to watching strange and unusual things, for your entertainment. Like for instance, the Kings in the Stanley Cup playoffs. Where I found this little (well actually not so little) jewel ...

IMPORTANT HOCKEY STUFF: Well, in a certain arena in Sweden, he's almost as famous as (gag) Zetterberg (who's hotness is still under debate, in my own inner struggle) as the arena where they both played youth hockey is now renamed "Modin and Zetterberg hallen" (Modin and Zetterberg Hall).

Modin was drafted 64th overall by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the 1994 Draft. He was traded to the Tampa Bay Lightning on October 1, 1999, and won the Stanley Cup with the Lightning in the 03-04 season. He has played three seasons with Toronto and his last five with Tampa. For the 2004–05 season, Fredrik Modin returned to Sweden to play for Timrå IK because of the NHL lockout. He scored 12 goals, 24 assists and had a total of 36 points. On June 30, 2006, he was traded to the Columbus Blue Jackets along with Fredrik Norrena for Marc Denis.

He is a member of the Triple Gold Club having won the 1998 World Championships, the 2004 Stanley Cup with Tampa Bay Lightning and Olympic Gold Medal in 2006.

Modin served as an alternate captain for the Blue Jackets. He has begun to decline in production, due to injuries, but remained a significant part of the Blue Jackets line-up. He scored a goal in Game 4 of the Blue Jackets' opening round playoff series against the Detroit Red Wings, the Blue Jackets' first-ever playoff appearance.

On March 3, 2010 Modin was traded to the Los Angeles Kings for future considerations. (Which I still don't think we know what are.)

REALLY IMPORTANT STUFF: Swedish, 6'4, 218, that's a whole lot to drool on right there. (and you can bet I'm drooling on every inch.) Dark blond hair, blue eyes. Yup, another one of those "golden boys" that I always fall for.

Has a "studly countenance" look at the pictures for yourself. He's got one of those sexy Olympic medals (why this always makes my thighs sweat, I don't know, but I always go with it, life's too short...).



I don't know if this really fits here, but hey, I'm writing this so I'm taking editorial "privileges" (relax ladies, it's nowhere near the "privileges" I extend to Mr. Modin, so no worries. I behave part of the time, just don't tell anyone.)



I mean really a game-winning goal over Satan's Spawn er... the Detroit Red Wings. (yes, I still hold a grudge.)

My personal fantasies involving this one, are nowhere near the soft and romantic. Just the hot and sweaty. I just can't picture him as anything other than a pillaging Viking warrior. Opinions...

Tuesday, April 20, 2010

Crosby Pictures of the Week

This week there's a few ... no surprise (its probably a bigger surprise when I don't have more than one in a week, but then again, those weeks are for special pictures that just deserve to STAND ALONE!)!!!

I'm going to try something new this week just because it popped into my head and I think I like the idea (and I'm thinking it's not going to be every week, but something I do just when the mood hits me ... however, suggestions are always welcome, so ... see what you think!).

**************
Where have all good men gone
And where are all the gods?
Where’s the street-wise Hercules
To fight the rising odds?

Isn’t there a white knight upon a fiery steed?
Late at night I toss and turn and dream of what I need

I need a hero
I’m holding out for a hero ‘til the end of the night
He’s gotta be strong
And he’s gotta be fast
And he’s gotta be fresh from the fight
I need a hero
I’m holding out for a hero ‘til the morning light
He’s gotta be sure
And it’s gotta be soonAnd he’s gotta be larger than life

Somewhere after midnight
In my wildest fantasy
Somewhere just beyond my reach
There’s someone reaching back for me

Racing on the thunder and rising with the heat
It’s gonna take a superman to sweep me off my feet

I need a hero
I’m holding out for a hero ‘til the end of the night
He’s gotta be strong
And he’s gotta be fast
And he’s gotta be fresh from the fight
I need a hero
I’m holding out for a hero ‘til the morning light
He’s gotta be sure
And it’s gotta be soon
And he’s gotta be larger than life

Up Where the mountains meet the heavens above
Out where the lightning splits the sea
I would swear that there’s someone somewhere
Watching me
Through the wind and the chill and the rain
And the storm and the flood
I can feel his approach
Like a fire in my blood

I need a hero
I’m holding out for a hero ‘til the end of the night
He’s gotta be strong
And he’s gotta be fast
And he’s gotta be fresh from the fight
I need a hero
I’m holding out for a hero ‘til the morning light
He’s gotta be sure
And it’s gotta be soon
And he’s gotta be larger than life

Monday, April 19, 2010

It's A Boy!

THANKS to "Kristyyy" for the tip that she posted in the comments this past Saturday!!

The Malone's welcomed their second son, Cooper James, on April 12, 2010 (their first son, William Ryan, is now a "BIG brother!").  The "stats" of baby Cooper are 8 lbs 6 oz and 21 inches long (via Twitter).

CONGRATULATIONS TO RYAN AND ABBY MALONE!!

Saturday, April 17, 2010

Penguins Recall Lovejoy

I think its pretty safe to say that Leopold is not likely to be in the lineup, at least not for tomorrow's game.

The Penguins recently announced that they recalled defenseman Ben Lovejoy from WB / S today.

Friday, April 16, 2010

Where My Ladies At?

THESE ARE OUR STORIES
(How I Became a [Female] Hockey Fan)!
I'm not exactly what many may consider a "normal" Pens fan. I'm what you would call an "obsessive" Pens fan. My side of my shared dorm room is little less than a Pens shrine. Posters, pictures, season schedules, a Pens pillow I painted, my rally towel on the window, and a stuffed penguin named Max. But I can't say it's always been like this as much as I'd like to.

I first got into hockey when I was about 6. My friend who lived across the street played on a youth team and my best friend and I would see him playing while we were playing in our front yards. It was one day while we were sitting in my driveway drawing with chalk that he called us over. He wanted to shoot on someone, but didn't have a goalie or teammates. So we thought, "Why not?" and went to play with him. I'd never touched a hockey stick before. I'd heard Mario Lemieux's name from the '92 cup run 3 years earlier and I knew about the Penguins, but I really didn't know hockey. That afternoon proved to be a starter in my love of the game.

We played for hours. Jamie and I took our turns as Justin's linemate and goalie until we all got called home from various front porches. From that night on, I was hooked. When my mom asked if I wanted to play any sports, I said hockey. But she wouldn't let me because she couldn't find a girls' league and didn't want the "boys beating on me". So I played soccer instead, the closest variation I could find. I was still a little bruiser, getting yellow cards and the occasional red cards. I tried to throw my first punch after having my nose broken in a playoff game. (My mom now says she wishes she would have just let me play hockey.)

I loved hockey week in gym class. I loved playing in my guy friends' driveways. I just didn't have enough patience to watch a game on tv and my dad didn't like hockey enough to take me to games. I followed what I could until we moved to NW PA when I was in 7th grade. Hockey was a myth up there. In the triangle of Browns, Steelers, and Bills territory, football was all that mattered. I watched football with my dad, but I missed hockey.

When I started hearing about Sidney Crosby and the buzz that the Pens might leave the Burgh, I started following the Pens more online. Then we got Sid in the draft and there was hope again. But the local paper started carrying less and less about hockey. So I lost contact with the Pens for way too long.

I moved back to the Pittsburgh area for college last fall and I was able to follow the Pens all last season. I got back into hockey in full force, driving my friends and family insane. I went to as many rush games as time and money would permit. I went to the big screen for game 4 of the final. And I went to the parade and nearly passed out. It was all worth it for the hugs and high fives I received from Max, Jordan, TK, Hal Gill...and the blown kiss from Marc-Andre Fleury for the sign I had for him.

I love hockey more than anything now and I'm looking into playing for a rec league ASAP. And the best part of those soccer years? I had the same number and position as my favorite player. I was my teams best goalie and I wore #29. I <3 Marc-Andre Fleury.
---Kiley
I'm not sure I wouldn't call you a "normal" fan, but then again ... what IS "normal?"  I love the fact that you got into hockey because the boy next door wanted to shoot with someone in the net and that you and your friend were willing to do it ... that's pretty cool!!  It's awesome that you have those kinds of memories and I'm really glad you decided to share your story with us ... THANKS, Kiley!!

Don't forget, if you wish to submit your story, I kindly ask that you
email them directly to me so they don't end up being repetitive for some of the readers. Also, if you don't want me to include your name, please let me know that as well (what I'll normally do is put your first name and last initial if I have it OR just your screen name).

FEEL FREE TO INCLUDE A PICTURE!!

I also want to let you know I LOVE these stories (and so do alot of our readers) - I've always found it interesting no matter who the fan, so I'm enjoying ALL OF THIS IMMENSELY!! KEEP THEM COMING, but I ask that you
email them please - THANKS!!!

Also, I ask that you please BE PATIENT as I'm still receiving TONS of stories (they'll be posted in the order I received them, to be fair). If you sent in a story, it will eventually be on the blog - I promise!! ; ) JUST BE SURE TO KEEP THEM COMING (the more the better!)!! 

thesteelcitysportsfan@gmail.com

Thursday, April 15, 2010

REASON #67
He WON the "Rocket" Richard Trophy
(well, he's the co-winner, but still!)!!

WAY TO GO, Sid!!!  And did you know that he is the first Penguins player to win it since the trophy's inception in 1998-99?  It's true!!  Kinda makes it more special, doesn't it?!!!

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

Western Conference Hottie: Brandon Segal (Dallas Stars)

Well, I'm sure you all know that I wouldn't be neglecting the Stars trade deadline acquisition forever, right?

IMPORTANT HOCKEY STUFF: He was accuired from the Kings, who unlike the Stars, made they playoffs. (I doubt he's very happy about that.) However, I'm not overly surprised, as Stars coach Mark Crawford, was previously the (loosing, non playoff making) LAK coach, and now he's the (losing, non playoff making) Stars coach. Hey old habits die hard, huh. [end bitter rant...]

Segal was originally drafted in the fourth round (102nd overall) by the Nashville Predators in the 2002 NHL Entry Draft from the Calgary Hitmen, and spent four seasons with their AHL affiliate, the Milwaukee Admirals.

On June 25, 2007, Segal was traded to the Anaheim Ducks for future considerations. He was then asssigned to affiliate, the Portland Pirates to begin the 2007-08 season. After 54 games with the Pirates, Segal was traded by the Ducks along with a 7th round draft pick in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft to the Tampa Bay Lightning for Jay Leach on February 26, 2008. Segal continued in the AHL, playing for the Lightning's affiliate, the Norfolk Admirals.

In the 2008-09 season, Segal spent the majority of the season with the Pirates. In the late end of the season, Brandon made his NHL debut with the Lightning in a 3-1 defeat to the Pittsburgh Penguins on March 3, 2009.


On July 13, 2009, Segal signed a 2-year contract with the Los Angeles Kings. After starting the 2009-10 season with the Manchester Monarchs of the AHL, he was recalled by the Kings and scored his first NHL goal on January 9, 2010 against Chris Mason of the St. Louis Blues.

On February 11, 2010, Segal was claimed off waivers by the Dallas Stars. Segal made an immediate impact with the Stars, scoring the game winning goal and an assist in his debut against the Phoenix Coyotes on February 13, 2010.

REALLY IMPORTANT STUFF: Well, he's 6'2 and 214. He's got just the size that I... er... the Stars need. Well, that and the fact that I was struck rather dumb at the sight of him, at the Stars v Pens game last month. Because well, just because. (and the humiliating part, was I had to answer Stephanie's "who is he" question with "I don't know". Well, I'm sure you can all feel for my humiliated embarrassment. Now, moving on.

I'm honestly not sure how the Stars, as a whole, could get much hotter. Seriously. I don't know if it's just rabid fandom, or the fact that they're all just gorgeous. But hey. Who really cares. As you can see from the pictures, he once had his hair frosted blond. (and yes I know what kind of debate that stirs up, but hey, blond is still blond, even if it's chemically induced.) However, he's one that it really doesn't matter. He's gorgeous blond or brunette. The curls and waves aren't going to go away just because his hair's a different color. Nor are the pretty carmel brown eyes.

If this video doesn't make you fall in love/become a Stars fan, well then. Nothing is going to... (Yes, my brain was numbed by the beautiful Brenden Morrow smile, in the video [did you think I'd miss that??]so just start laughing and get it out of your system, Stephanie.)

Now, I'm going to embarrass myself. While I will admit to watching this video multiple times, I still have to ask "who's Dan Cook"? Although the comment has to be added. If he looks like Brandon Segal, he's obviously respiratory function stealingly hot....

OK ... this is ANOTHER ONE I CANNOT PASS UP WITHOUT GETTING SOMETHING OUT ... WHERE THE F*** HAS THIS ONE BEEN HIDING (O-M-G, HE'S GORGEOUS!)?!!!  Is this like the second or third one we agree on, Kena???  This is getting quite scary!! ; P

And it's DANE Cook, Kena ... he's a HILLL-ARIOUS comedian who I had always found surprisingly attractive too which NOW MAKES TOTAL SENSE!! ; P He also looks a little like that actor, Stephen Dorff (right) whom I also find quite sexy - interesting.

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

The Playoff "Push"

Players and the Penguins organization is getting out for "media appearances" during this exciting time of the season!!!

Below is a list of today's appearances (some of which have already taken place, but if there's a podcast, etc., that I could find I've included a link to them):

3:00 PM - Brent Johnson (93.7 The Fan)
3:10 PM - Dan Bylsma (105.9 The X); Pascal Dupuis and Jay Caufield (not actually announced on the Pens webpage, but came upon when I was searching for Bylsma)
4:40 PM - Mark Eaton (ESPN radio)
6:00 PM (within the hour) - Ray Shero (TEAM 1200 in Ottawa)

NEWSFLASH: Staalsy Cuts Hockey Hair

Sorry, ladies ... I dropped the ball with this one as I had these pics earlier in the day, but got home from work and just crashed (the good news is ... I'm posting them now AND its not as bad as I had thought - Staalsy is still "sexalicious" ... that word just came to me - I need to do more work right after a GOOD NAP more often - LOL).

Decide for yourself and let me know what ya think and post your comments - ENJOY!!! ; )  Almost forgot ... a VERY IMPORTANT "THANK YOU" to Maureen who was "on the scene" reporting to me today (as well as Molly!)!!!





















One witness "at the scene" calls it "crazy short!" 

Check back later for MORE including pics!!! ; )

Bye-bye BEAUTIFUL, long hockey hair!! : (