Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Rupp on 96.1 KISS FM Tomorrow

According to the Penguins webpage, Mike Rupp will be on 96.1 KISS FM radio tomorrow morning at 8:30 AM.

HftL Reader's Account of Meeting Pascal Dupuis at the Altoona Curve Baseball Game

Hello, Hockey for the Ladies Readers! I was lucky enough to attend the Pascal Dupuis autograph session at the Altoona Curve game on Thursday night, and Stephanie asked if I’d be willing to write something for the blog. A chance to write about the Pens, how could I turn down that offer?

At the beginning of the game, Duper “threw” out the first pitch by hitting a hockey puck to a goalie from an area hockey team. Quite different than what you’d normally see at a baseball game.

Immediately after, he began signing autographs. I was lucky enough to be near the front of the line, so I didn’t have to wait long. Duper was extremely polite and friendly to everyone that was in line. He treated each person like they were the first person he had met that night. Because of the length of the line, he agreed to sign until the line was complete. This took him a little over 2 hours, even though he was originally scheduled to sign for only 90 minutes. I was very impressed by this- he very easily could have declined to sign anything after the 90 minutes was up. Even though my interaction with him was brief, I walked away with an even better impression of him than I already had!

Hopefully, the Curve is able to continue bringing Penguin players to the central PA region!



















THANKS for sharing your experience at the Dupuis autograph session with all of us, Laura!!  I appreciate your taking the time to send along a little story with the pictures you took which are pretty cool!!

I included a video from the Penguins webpage below as well as a link to their article, "Dupuis A Huge-Hit At Minor-League Baseball Game In Altoona."



Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Western Conference Hottie: Jonathan Ericsson (Detroit Red Wings)

This is another of those awesome requests. It come to us from a reader who's screen name I'm not sure of. So I'll refer to him / her as "Loyal Reader" (Yes, I'm corny. [PS, If you'd like, you can drop me a comment, and correct me if I missed your screen name in your correspondence some where.]) who in proffering him for Hottie of the WC honors, had this to say: I know neither of you girls like the Detroit Redwings, but based on your non discrimination towards them I would like to nominate newcomer Jonathan Ericsson as WC Hottie of the week. Jonathan is 25 years old and in his last season of AHL affiliate, the Grand Rappid Griffins.

My cognisance of the Red Wings is very limited, I'll be honest about it (for those of you who might not be in the know, I happen to strongly dislike... Oh what the heck. I DESPISE them). So it will surely come as no surprise, that I missed this guy. I was probably looking for Lidstrom anyway if I was watching anything Wings related at all.

IMPORTANT HOCKEY STUFF: From "Loyal Reader" With defensemen Andreas Lilja on LTIR, Ericsson has been filling in on the blue line for a little over the last month. Ericsson is bound to be a full time player next year for the Wings as defensemen Chris Chelios will be parting ways, hoping a team that isn't as defensively deep will be willing to sign him. I'll just take my medicine, and admit that I "borrowed" this (below) strait from NHL.com but I found it impressive. So none the less plagiarism aside. Here it is:
Note Worthy
  • -Tallied first NHL goal at EDM 2/26.
  • -In 1st NHL game, played 22:39 and was "even" at CGY 2/22. (I was REALLY impressed with this)
  • -Registered a 100.1 MPH slap shot in AHL All-Star Game skills competition (um, SWOON!!!)
  • -The final pick (291) of the 2002 NHL Entry Draft. (I just love it when "under dogs" acheve!)
  • -Recalled to Detroit from Grand Rapids 4/12/08 and was a Black Ace during the 2008 playoffs.
Pretty impressive, huh? A little known fact, he's done some playing as a center in Sweden. So I'm thinking the Wings are thinking. "Offensive Defenseman".

THE REALLY IMPORTANT STUFF: Ah, the Defenseman, so very tasty. DET has a good share of really hot ones, too. (see above)

From "Loyal Reader" Jonathan could also be considered a bad boy as he breaks the mold of "European players who do not fight" (I don't think I have to remind everyone here, what I think of guys who stand up for their teammates) At 6'5, ( 207lbs. of the "golden Sidney Crosby eyes" and wavy dark chocolate hair. YUMMY!! I'm such a sucker for guys with wavy hair!!!!) he is not afraid to defend his teammates or fight when he is angry enough. Here is a link to his fight against the one of the Buffalo Sabres players from last month. Jonathan Ericsson fight (He's # 52 BTW, that's important to know when you watch that video. ESPECIALLY the part about 27 sec. in. Just FYI, he's the one "on top"!!). He's just a DOLL. I'm a little annoyed that all I can find on his personal, is in Swedish. Oh well. He's still really, REALLY sexy. and we couldn't drool on his sweetly sexy accent if he wasn't Swedish. So I'll take what I get (and I LOVE the accent).

In summation, it would seem that the infamous Detroit Redwings have added another Swedish "dish" to their already well populated contingency of delicious Swedes.

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

Western Conference Hottie: Matt Stajan (Calgary Flames)

IMPORTANT HOCKEY STUFF: Traded on the spur of the moment to take the Center spot on Jarome Iginla’s line which had pretty much been a revolving door this past season. He’s pretty much a passer, and not a shooter. Sporting 87 goals and 136 assists in 445 NHL games, Stajan is known as a puck-dealing centre. The big question was whether or not his dishing would mesh with Iginla, largely known as a shooter. And just how long might it take to develop that often-mentioned chemistry? "I think," surmised Stajan, showing wisdom beyond his 26 years, "you have to be yourself. We are all hockey players and we have been around the game and teammates for our whole lives. It's a new group but all I can do is be myself, get to know the guys and let things take care of themselves. We'll get more comfortable as we go."


At the age of 20, Stajan was able to make the Maple Leafs' roster. In his first full NHL regular-season, he was selected to the NHL All-Star Young Stars team as a forward after Atlanta Thrasher's Garnet Exelby had to step out of the game due to an injury. Stajan had two points (1 goal, 1 assist) in the game.
While the 04–05 season was canceled due to the lockout, Stajan played for the St. John's Maple Leafs, the AHL affiliate of the Toronto Maple Leafs.

During the 05–06 season, Stajan tied Marián Hossa for first place with eight shorthanded points (four goals, four assists). On September 13, 2006, the Leafs signed Stajan to a two-year deal worth $1.75 million.

On July 7, 2008, Stajan re-signed with the Leafs inking a two-year, $3.5 million deal.  During the 08–09 season, Stajan passed a career high on an assist with his 40th point of the season in a game against the Columbus Blue Jackets on February 19, 2009.


REALLY IMPORTANT STUFF: Brought to Calgary as the result of a rather “tag your it” type of trade last year, he should really appeal to those ladies who prefer the “tough guy” type of man. "It all happened so fast," he said of the lightning fast trade that brought him to Calgary. "The one thing is hockey and that's what we are focusing on right now. The family stuff...will take care of itself."  Beyond that he’s 6’1, 200, blond blue eyed (at this point I’m not even going to say anything, you’ve all got me figured out anyway). In addition to being a tough guy Stajan proves he has a softer, sentimental side. He wears the uniform #14 which he selected in honour of his uncle Robert. Robert wore #14 during his basketball career before dying of cancer at the age of 22. Leafs legend Dave Keon, who played for the Leafs during their last Stanley Cup victory in the 66–67 season, also wore #14. Keon distanced himself from the franchise during the Harold Ballard era, and held a grudge because his number was never retired. Stajan stated that if the Leafs wanted to retire the number, he would immediately surrender it. (toss a little class in the mix as well).

And last but not least, for some of those personal tidbits, the video below...



and some dirt is dished about everyone involved in that trade.

Tuesday, August 17, 2010

Crosby Pictures of the Week

Being that I was lucky enough to be able to visit the CONSOL Energy Center already, I decided that it would only be appropriate to make this week's pictures relevant to some of the Sid-related things you'll see there!!

First of all, the new arena is amazing just like everyone before me has said ... so BEAUTIFUL and i can't wait to go to a hockey game there (won't be too long now ... pre-season game on September 22nd)!!

The pictures I'm feature here this week are of HUGE photos, an illuminated shadow box and an even LARGER mural of Sid that are some of the tributes of him throughout the CONSOL.  I include a paragraph to explain what you're seeing here (which is part of an article I'm working on about the CONSOL as a newly-appointed second Penguins writer for The Hockey Writers ... once I'm finished and have it posted, I will be sure to include a link to it!)!!

Most of the items that are pictured here are part of the "PNC LegendsLevel Suites" (the floor between the first and second sections which is ultimately where alot of the CONSOL's character comes alive with numerous pieces of "larger-than-life" artwork and photos of the players and the team hanging on the corridor walls and hallways lined with carpeted floors throughout the entire level, but the crowning jewels are the illuminated Legendary Moments shadow boxes paying tribute to a few of the more memorable moments in the organization's history including that very faithful day that most Pens fans are familiar with as "The Lottery" earning us the right to select Sidney Crosby as our #1 draft pick (which includes the actual #12 lottery ball as well as the envelope -- it may be hard to see, but I highlighted those things with a darker blue circles).

The huge mural of Sid - pictured below (with the windows which is actually part of their conference rooms) makes up one entire wall of the arena which is off to the right behind the escalators as you walk into the CONSOL through the Trib Total Media entrance.  It's huge and gorgeous and I fell in love with it the minute I saw it, but most of the pictures don't do this building nearly enough justice -- you'll definitely be blown away when you get to see it in person for yourself!!!

Letang Spends the Off-Season as a Runway Model!!

JT from 25stanley.com comes through yet AGAIN!!!

There's no doubt that Kris Letang is a pretty stylish fella (not to mention the model-esque good looks!) and he's been known to have an association with KASUAL and the Diesel clothing line, so it's only fitting that he would actually participate in the fashion show held this past Sunday evening to celebrate KASUAL's 10th anniversary.  JT luckily has a few connections and was able to obtain the photos through Dominic Gouin via Facebook.  SO AWESOME!!

Is it me or does that one chick in the pic of him surrounded by all the lovely ladies (to his right) look like the young lady who accompanied him to Talbot's street hockey tournament ... you know, the one on the cell phone??!!  And I'm not-gonna-lie ... Letang is slowing creeping into my heart with his boyish good looks (showing of his chest like that - COME ON!)!!! ; P

















Sunday, August 15, 2010

Oilers Stud Mike Comrie Weds Hilary Duff Yesterday

CONGRATUALTIONS to Mike Comrie and newly wedded wife Hilary Duff who tied the knot yesterday in Santa Barbara, California with 100 of their closest family and friends in attendance.  Comrie had "popped the question" back in February while they were on vacation in Hawaii.

In an OK! Magazine exclusive, the article reports that the ceremoney was held outside in front of a "breathtaking" sunset at San Ysidro Ranch in Montecito, California and she walked down the aisle with her mother, Susan (dressed in Badgley Mischka), and her sister, Haylie, serving as maid of honor along with four other bridesmaids.

Hilary wore a "mermaid gown" by Vera Wang.
The issue of OK! Magazine featuring exclusive photos and inside information on the wedding and reception hit newstands this come Thursday.

"After having been together for over two years, they are very excited to share this happy news," her rep said. "They are thankful for all of your warm wishes."

Friday, August 13, 2010

Brotherly LOVE ... MORE 'Free Candy' for Pittsburgh!!!!

The Pens just announced that they signed Andrew Orpik (Brooks' little brother) to an AHL contract to play with their affiliate in WBS!!!!

AWESOME!!!!!!!

Here's a short post I did on him a year or so ago ... CLICK HERE!!!

PLEASE ... Say It Ain't So, Mo!!

Everyone who regularly reads this blog knows that Mike Modano is a staple here (CLICK HERE FOR HIS WCH POST). As a matter of fact, he's probably THE hockey player that Stephanie and I agree on the MOST. [surprising, I KNOW!]

So needless to say if one of us doesn't notice something that changes involving him, the other one will (at which point the fibers of the internet are scorched by the email passing between us).

Well as the resident Stars fan representing this blog, I consider it my duty to inform our loyal readership of the TRAVESTY that has befallen your dedicated editors.

Mike Modano is a (gasp, I can barely type this) Red (gag, it won't come out) Wing (also know on this blog, at least in my writings as "the Spawn of Satan / Devils spawn").

WHY????????









The list of possible reasons is really too long to post here (yes, even for one of my long-winded posts), but I'm going to toss in my personal opinions anyway.
  1. It's a matter of coaching/front office shuffling about. It's a known fact that the ever-classy Modano actually went so far as to publicly admit to not being happy having "he who shall not be named" (Sean Avery) as a team mate. Nor was he happy with the switch to Mark Crawford as coach, and add in the fact that Stars owner Tom Hicks' company is strapped for cash ... well, you get where I'm going with that line of thought.
  2. The "Spawn of Satan" (Red Wings) have been wooing him on the last several trips the Stars have made to Detroit (Modano is a Michigan native, growing up not too far from Detroit) so I'm sure the temptation there was strong and the "Spawn" topped it off on the final Stars/Wings game of the 09/10 season with a pretty extravagant ceremony honoring him as the Highest scoring/points earning American Born player.
So while Stephanie and I try to settle our quivering lower lips and not weep genuine salt-filled tears, please lament with us (or celebrate, since I know that a few Wings fans read this blog. You lucky, lucky ladies -enjoy him)!  AND BE SURE TO TAKE REALLY GOOD CARE OF HIM (or call us and we'll be more than happy to take care of that for you!)!!!

BLACKHAWKS: The Cup and Hockey Girlfriends / Wives

OK ... so they're not just any random hockey girlfriends ... these are girlfriends of a couple of the Blackhawks players.  Since they're the SC Champs, photos have been floating around the internet of the players' days with the Cups which obviously would include their lovely ladies as well.

I just figured I'd post some of them to share with all of you (they're actually pretty cool pics) since a few of you have brought them to my attention ... so ENJOY!!! : )

ANDREW LADD - these are some HOT-ASS SEXY pics!!(supposedly they got engaged sometime after his day with the Cup ... I can see why : p)



















NIKLAS HJALMARSSEN

Thursday, August 12, 2010

Where My Ladies At?

THESE ARE OUR STORIES
(How I Became a [Female] Hockey Fan)!
I am from Michigan and the first time I remember watching hockey, the Red Wings were hot. And by hot I mean around 1997 when the Wings won their first of their back-to-back cups. Now, I was only seven years old and I didn't know anything about any other team in the NHL. I didn't know I was allowed to like a team other than a Detroit team. I watched the Wings because that's what my family and everyone we knew did. I can remember drawing signs that said “raise the roof” or “sweep, sweep, sweep” and holding them up in my living room while watching the playoff games. My older brother had made a homemade Stanley Cup and we would take turns running it around the room as if we had just won the finals. I would sprinkle baby powder on my signs thinking it was “good luck dust” that would bring good fortune to my beloved Red Wings. I never really knew what exactly was happening in the games, I just knew the Wings were good.

I can remember watching the rivalry with the Colorado Avalanche and absolutely hating them. I remember every fight Patrick Roy picked with all of the Wings' goalies. I'll never forget game 7 of the 2002 WCF when the Wings slaughtered the Avs 7-0. At that time I was obsessed with Luc Robitaille simply because every time he touched the puck the crowd would yell “Luuuuuuuuuc!” I loved it. I was twelve years old at the time. The years following, I started to lose interest in hockey, and started high school two years after the '02 cup win. As like so many others, I was wrapped up in high school and pushed hockey aside.  Then the lockout happened and after a year without hockey, my family and I couldn't get back into it. Then came the 2008 playoffs.   
ESPN news became a permanent channel on the TV at my house. I remember watching the recap of the previous games played so far in the playoffs. I kept hearing the name “Sid the Kid” and I remember thinking “who is this guy?” The Pittsburgh Penguins would meet the Wings in the '08 Stanley Cup finals, but I really paid no attention to this “Sid the Kid.” I was happy the Wings won the cup since I always used to watch them and they were all I ever knew. It was more of a “oh nothing new, Wings won” type of attitude.

Soon enough it was time for the 2009 playoffs. Again, on ESPN “Sid the Kid” kept coming up, so I decided to tune into the Pens games and really find out who this guy was. I found myself cheering for the Pens, and by the time the finals came along, it was again, the Pens vs Wings. I was aboard the Pens train this time. My facebook was slammed with hate by Wings fans, I was boo'ed during game 7, had a pack of gum thrown at me, and a “Crosby sucks” chant directed towards me. (I was at a local sports bar and grill watching the game). Thankfully, the Pens came through and won the cup. Never in my life have I felt prouder of a hockey team than on that day. Ever since, I have been hooked on Pens hockey. I don't remember having as much fun watching the Wings back in the day than I do now watching the Pens. Every day that there's a Pens game to be played, by day is a little better knowing I have that game to look forward to. Go Pens!
- Lo
This is definitely a first (in my experience) ... a Wings fan who grew to love the Pens.  Thats quite admirable (and pretty brave), Lo.  And a story involving some of "the biggies" like Roy and Robitaille!! THANKS for sharing, Lo!!

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 January 2010!!!


thesteelcitysportsfan@gmail.com

Wednesday, August 11, 2010

August Has Never Looked SO GOOD!!!

This is what I get to look at everyday at work (at least until September)!! ; )  NICE, huh?!!!!!

Western Conference Hottie: Alex Edler (Vancouver Canucks)


IMPORTANT HOCKEY STUFF: Alexander Edler was a virtual unknown during his draft year – unranked by the NHL Central Scouting Bureau the entire year. He was brought to the attention of the Vancouver Canucks by the team's head scout in Sweden, Thomas Gradin, who saw Edler playing in Sweden's third-tier league with now-defunct Jamtland. Although Gradin would refer to the team's level of play as little more than beer-league-calibre, he was impressed with Edler and encouraged Canucks management to draft him (Edler's number 23 with the Canucks would be chosen by team trainers in honour of Gradin). The Canucks traded up in the 2004 NHL Entry Draft to acquire the Dallas Stars' third-round draft pick in exchange for their own third-round pick in 2005 and selected Edler 91st overall. The deal was made with the Stars in lieu of speculation that the Detroit Red Wings had a high interest in Edler and wanted to draft him in the third round, having also discovered Edler in Sweden through their European scout Håkan Andersson, responsible for the Red Wings' previous late-round steals Henrik Zetterberg and Pavel Datsyuk.

After being selected by the Canucks, Thomas Gradin brokered a move for Edler to play with Modo's elite junior team of the J20 SuperElit in 2004, who produced future Canucks teammates Markus Naslund, Henrik and Daniel Sedin. Early in the season, he was called up by the Canucks on November 3, 2006, after an injury to defenseman Sami Salo and made his NHL debut on November 4 against the Colorado Avalanche. Edler was called up on several more occasions throughout the length of his professional rookie season and appeared in 22 games total for the Canucks. Back in the AHL, he scored 5 goals and 26 points in 49 games and was named Manitoba's Rookie of the Year. Playing in his rookie season with the Canucks in 07–08, Edler was chosen to compete in the 2008 NHL Young Stars Game for the Western Conference. Noted for his offensive skills, he showcased his powerful slap shot at the Canucks 2008 Super Skills event, beating reigning hardest shooter Sami Salo with a 99.3 mile per hour shot. And again, in 2010. [VIDEO]

OMG ... LOOK AT THOSE ARMS!! *drool*

REALLY IMPORTANT STUFF: How does anyone ever go wrong, with a “hard shot?" [Or anything hard really... Oops, did I just say that?] For that matter, how do you go wrong with a Swedish hockey stud? There’s a reason men lust after the “Swedish model” and thanks to hockey, the tables have been turned and all of us ladies can lust after our own version of the “Swedish model, the “Swedish hockey stud” well, in this case the object of our lust is this gem from the land of Ingrid Bergman.



At 6’3 and a deliciously buffet (or just plain buff... and oh how I’d like to “buff” his “hockey stick”... [good grief, I think that puddle on the floor is my drool]) sized 215lbs. With those soft looking, gently curling golden locks and sky blue eyes, he’d melt the big screen if they decided to put him in a feature film. Too much screen time, those pixels couldn’t take it. But I’m going to give you this last video and I think we’ll all chance it.



and once you’ve tempted fate (aka exploding pixels) how can you not try it one more time? Do it, it’s worth it (you get to drool on him some more).

PICS: Talbot, Letang, and Fleury in FINE Summer Shape!!!

THANKS to my buddy JT from the amazing blog, 25stanley.com, for these INCREDIBLE pics of some of my Pens boys - Talbot, Tangers, and Fleury!!!

JT had the opportunity to be at a recent street hockey tournament that Max organized last weekend with Tangers and Fleury in attendance ... THANKS again, JT, for sending the link along and sharing these pics!!

The pics really are amazing, so ENJOY, LADIES!!! ; D

Fleury can "play" hockey and not just perform magic in front of the net ... I would like to point out (not that I really have to - most of you are quite observant) the AMAZING calf muscles - WOAH, NICE, huh?!!!!

Sorry "Future Mrs. Letang" ladies, it looks like Tangers has collected more arm candy (but it appears that she's more interested in the person on the other end of that cell phone - WTF?!)!



GOOD LORD, ladies, Tangers and [Talbot] tongue ... I don't think I can take much more!!! ; D

A little note of courtesy ... if you save these pics and are planning to post them elsewhere, please be kind enough to leave the SMALL 25stanley.com icon on the pic and / or link to the blog and give credit to JT who was kind enough to share these GREAT pics!!!  The kindness of others is what allows blogs like mine to share uncommon pics and stories with all of you (so making a little effort to credit things you "take" is only right / polite!)!!  THANK YOU : )