Dollar Hotdog Power Hour Podcast Episode 10

     Wow, our 10th episode of the Dollar Hotdog Power Hour already. We have a special St. Paddy's Day episode for you, in which Kevin, Mike and I are joined (eventually) by our very own drunk Peter who's in Ireland and was celebrating the festivities by getting drunk, standing us up for half the podcast; then making a valiant effort to put together coherent thoughts and sentences. Don't worry Peter, we still love you... Maybe. Hey, I didn't even make a Riley Sheahan "super drunk" teletubbies joke. I'm pretty proud of myself for that.

     We discuss the recent Red Wings games, expectations of the team and how we feel now, the amazing, awe-inspiring, spine tingling, thrilling, Pavel Datsyuk and what would it be like if were a goalie. The return of Valtteri Filppula, the Euro Twins re-emergence, line juggling, Howard and Filppula contract discussions, who deserves to score goals, and so much more.

You can check out Kevin and Mike's blogs for some great Hockey reading, and Peter's work can be found at the Octopus Thrower.

Hope you enjoy the podcast, and as always, feeback is appreciated.

Nyquist up, Tatar down, Flip back, and injury updates.

 It started with a tweet.

The Red Wings have recalled Gustav Nyquist from Grand Rapids and reassigned Tomas Tatar to the Griffins, GM Ken Holland said.
— Ansar Khan (@AnsarKhanMLive) March 12, 2013

  The reaction in Wings nation seemed to range from "Yeah Goose! Poor Tatar!" to "This is bull shit I want them Both now, what the hell is Babcock/Holland doing?!" It's true, you can never please everyone, and I'm darn glad the Wings organization doesn't try. What a heap of doodoo we'd be in if they listened to us fans. 

Filppula is coming off IR (either playing tomorrow or Saturday) so we do need to send someone down in order to bring Goose up.

In regards to sending Tatar down to Grand Rapids, Babcock said:

I think Filppula’s back in so suddenly there’s no power-play time for Tatar. We’ll give Gus an opportunity. I thought (Tatar) played good. I thought he played good and he did good things. If suddenly you’re not on the power play, where’s (Tatar) getting his touches? We don’t perceive him as ahead of Fil.

In practice today, Babcock had the following lines:

24-40-51
93-13-14
8-63-11
17/20-25-22

With Flip coming back it appears that Babcock is going back to looking for offense from the 2nd line (instead of using it as a shut down/defensive line).

     There was a Holland quote today where he said that he hadn’t wanted to bring Nyquist up unless he was going to get play in the top 6, and with so many of our top 6 injured, and Babcock using the 2nd line as a defensive/shutdown line, Nyquist wasn’t going to be playing in the top 6, so he stayed in Grand Rapids. Tatar can play the bottom 6, more grinder/physical style if he needs to, Nyquist isn’t as effective at that roll.
These lineup changes make both the 2nd line and Andersson’s lines better when you look at the whole picture. It sucks that Tatar was sent back down, but in return we get Flip back, Nyquist up and on Datsyuk’s wing and Abby and cleary back where they belong. It’s just logistics and what can be done to serve the greatest good for the team as a whole. Dare I say I like the looks of those lines?

     I think Goose will probably stay in the top 6 while he’s up here (I hope). Abby and Cleary were on the 2nd line because we only had 4 top 6 players healthy. Knowing that we couldn’t put together 2 true top 2 lines with only 4 top 6 players, Babcock chose to use the 2nd line not as a true “2nd line” in it’s function, that’s why Abby and Cleary were put with Datsyuk. He knew our “2nd” line wasn’t going to be able to be successfully offensive against the other team’s 2nd lines, so he use it as a defensive shut down line. With Flip coming back, and Nyquist coming up, we now have an actual 2nd line again, that can be a scoring line. Since that is now its purpose again, I doubt Babcock would compromise it by putting Abby or Cleary back up, even if Goose starts off slowly.

     Also, Holland not wanting to call Goose up unless he was going to be on the top lines tells me that he’s discussed this with Babcock, and if the plan wasn’t to keep Goose in the top 6, then Holland probably wouldn’t have called him up in the first place.


Also on the players returning from IR front Khan said

Filppula looks like he’ll be back Wed. Helm at least a week away. Bertuzzi and Colaiacovo not coming back anytime soon.

I asked Khan about new on Samuelsson and he said

@slapshotg0al @wingsfan5 Samuelsson not on Western Canada trip. They hope he returns during West Coast trip (March 22-28) or shortly after.
— Ansar Khan (@AnsarKhanMLive) March 12, 2013

The only news of Todd Bertuzzi I could find was a quote from Holland that said

“We were optimistic a few weeks ago, but then [Bertuzzi]s back wasn’t feeling so good,” Holland said. “On Friday there was optimism again. We’re going to give it another week to 10 days and then decide where he’s at.”

And word from Chuck Pleiness that Bertuzzi is able to do workouts right now, which is progress.

Colaiacovo is a bit mysterious because last I heard it was a shoulder injury, and a I think it was last week we heard he was "almost ready to go" and then suddenly no news at all. I have no idea what's going on with him. 

Helm is closer to a couple weeks away, but he’s making progress and that’s encouraging.
Dana Wakiji tweeted that Helm said he’s aiming at returning around March 20 and tweeted some quotes from Helm.
Helm said:

There are still a few things I want to overcome, strengthening it, I really don’t want to feel any pain after skates. I did take a big step after last week. I started skating Monday, little twirls around the rink, nothing really too hard. Thursday, Friday I pushed a little harder. Today was the first day I’ve been on with the team in five or six weeks. I felt that I could push myself pretty hard out there. I was getting a little tired there since I’ve been out so long. A couple weeks ago we kind of said (March) 20 against Minny, not positive how close we were going to be to that. I want to be as healthy as I can before I get back out there and not a thought in my mind about it. We’ve come so far to have a little setback here. We’re definitely taking it slow and smart and making sure we do this right. Conditioning still I’m pretty far away, strengthening I’m still pretty far away, probably a good wk or a wk and a bit away. I don’t think my legs will take as long, but timing will. It’ll take a while for me to get back to where I want to be at.

We're finally starting to get some good news on the injury front, we have 2 top 2 lines again, I'm going to remain realistically optimistic.

Deep breathe, 
Let's Go Red Wings!
 

Dollar Hotdog Power Hour Podcast Episode 9

This week, Kevin, Mike and I are joined by none other than the great, the magnificent, the powerful, the one, the only... Josh Howard.

This episode we discuss where the Red Wings are in relation to our expectations,what kind of a taste Saturday's crap game against the Blue Jackets left in our mouths and what we expected from the Wings yesterday, the state of Red Wings nation (hint: there's insanity and panic running wild in some circles) and what to make of Gustavsson's performance so far. We also have a very interesting discussion about NHL officials, what role they play in a game, what role they should play, and how much can you really blame the referees for the outcome of a game (hint: Mike is outnumbered and wrong). 


You can check out Kevin and Mike's blogs for some great Hockey reading, and some of Josh's work can be found at Winging it in Motown and Nightmare on Helm Street

Hope you enjoy the podcast, and as always, feeback is appreciated.



If you'd like to download the podcast, here's the link. 

Dollar Hotdog Power Hour Podcast Episode 8

Mike, Kevin and I talk more Red Wings Hockey to seduce your ears. We discuss the back to back wins, the ridiculousness of some fans, trade hogwash, some players who have impressed, and a few who haven't, I tell everyone why Pavel Datsyuk should never, ever, ever, EVER be traded or go anywhere else, and a plethora of other topics.

As always, you can check out Kevin and Mike's blogs for some great Hockey reading.

Hope you enjoy the podcast, and as always, feeback is appreciated.

Dollar Hotdog Power Hour Podcast Episode 7.

We're back with more Hockey and Red Wings talk. The season has been a wild ride so far with ups, downs, side to sides and a few times it looked like we were going to crash so hard future generations wold feel it. There's a lot to be excited about though, and positive things to focus on. We address some of those things as well as a few things that we're not to excited about. Give it a listen and I hope you enjoy it.

Note- Please don't blast me for not talking about Mrazek more, I did in fact talk more about him but Mike cut some of it out because he's *turrible

*or possibly because my mic was cutting in and out and the quality would have done Mrazek an injustice


As always, you can check out Kevin and Mike's blogs for some great Hockey reading.

Hope you enjoy the podcast, and as always, feeback is appreciated.

Petr Mrazek- Fast track to the NHL?

My excitement over Red Wings goalie prospect and current Grand Rapids Griffins Petr Mrazek is no secret.When we heard Sunday night that Mrazek (and Tatar) had been called up I got tweets and text messages from people expressing excitement for me and feeling sure that I was freaking out with excitement. I'm proud that when people think Mrazek, they think of me. I'm really excited for Mrazek, but I also feel sorry for McCollum.

     The best I can see for McCollum is for him to be a mediocre backup for a team that's not the Wings. I hate to say that because I like the kid and his only NHL experience was such a dumpster fire, fuster cluck that I won't even bring it up in detail. McCollum has ok skills but he's not great by any stretch of the imagination, but his weakest point is his mental game. For a first round pick I'm a bit disappointed, and I doubtful that his career will be with the Red Wings organization much longer. I don't think the Wings sending him back down is the last straw for him, although it's clear the organization has lost some faith in him and isn't comfortable starting him.  Bringing Mrazek up is a great opportunity to the Wings to play him in a game and sort of gauge what they have. Mrazek played 3 years in the OHL for the Ottawa 67's and started this season off in Toledo for Walleye (ECHL) he played a grand total of 3 games there (2-1) before being called up to Grand Rapids because both McCollum and Pearce left much to be desired. Mrazek has played 25 of the Griffins 44 games and has a 2.24 GAA, .916 SV% and 1 shutout (That I was in attendance for on Saturday!) .

Mrazek warming up right in front of me. I call this "Mrazeking". He also looks darn good in the Wings Red and White.

 
     I think the Red Wings are taking a serious look at what they have in Mrazek, not only because of how good he is, but because Jimmy is the only healthy NHL goaltender we currently have, and also because we only signed Gustavsson to a two year contract and Jimmy is a UFA at the end of this season and there are going to have to be some serious decision made in the goaltending department. I never thought I'd see Mrazek even get a sniff at the NHL for at least a couple years, so his being called up caught me completely by surprise. That surprise quickly turned to excitement, glee and an indescribable urge to run around the room screaming and fist pumping.  Of course there's no guarantee that Mrazek will get to play, but it sounds like Gustavsson is more than a few games removed from being ready to play, and Jimmy needs a rest. If Gustavsson isn't ready to play by this weekend, we will see Mrazek start a game, probably Sunday against the Kings.

     Should I be concerned about throwing Mrazek into an NHL game so soon? What if he gets the McCollum treatment for his first game and yet another goalie is ruined? Just hold on to your panic panties I say. Mrazek's mental game is rock solid, that's a big part of what makes him the complete package. Even if Mrazek has been in McCollum's skates and gotten hung out to dry and absolutely shellacked , he wouldn't have let it get to him like McCollum did. I'm not worried about treating Mrazek like he's fragile, because he most certainly isn't. He's incredibly talented, skilled, and works his butt off, he's also rock solid mentally and that's essential for a goalie. Mrazek has been on the fast track to the NHL and he deserves to be. OHL -->ECHL-->AHL-->NHL in only a few months? That would be an accelerated pace for any goalie or team, but it must be unheard of in the Red Wings organization. I know he hasn't started a game yet, and if Gustavsson heals and is ready to play by this weekend, I may cry bitter bitter tears of disappointment.

If you want a little Mrazek porn to get you in the mood, may I refer you to some Goalie Porn I posted earlier.  

Dollar Hotdog Power Hour: Episode 6

Wait, what is this wizardry? We actually have real, current, honest to goodness, Red Wings Hockey to talk about? Huzzah!

I'm a little behind the 8 ball getting this out, but I've had the flu and consequently am behind on a lot of things right now. Guess what though? WE HAVE HOCKEY! Wooo! We answer some tough questions, pay tribute to the Demolition Man, discuss what we're looking forward to this season, some Captain Zetterberg discussion and oh so much more.

As always, you can check out Kevin and Mike's blogs for some great Hockey reading.

Hope you enjoy the podcast, and as always, feeback is appreciated.

Dollar Hotdog Power Hour Episode 5

If you've come here to listen to our latest episode, then I thank you heartily. However, I must warn you that this was the toughest episode for me, and a couple times I didn't know if I could go on and finish. This episode focuses on the most improved Griffins player, whether or not Mike, Kevin and I expected there to be NHL Hockey and what our plan was either way, as well as an in depth discussion about who the Wings would or should buy out if given an amnesty option. Those of you who know me very well, know that I love Todd Bertuzzi, I've defended him numerous times and will do so as long as it's needed. Mike is a twisted individual and knowing this about me, took this podcast down a road I never wanted to be on. I was actually shaking just trying to get the words out, it was terrible and I'm so sorry about what I said Todd, I truly didn't mean it.

For more great Red Wings and Hockey discussion and information, check out Mike and Kevin's blogs.



I hope you enjoy the latest episode of the DHDPH, and I think I can speak for all of us when I say that we look forward to having new Red Wings and NHL Hockey to talk about in the future.

Dollar Hotdog Power Hour Podcast Episode 4

     Weeee're Baaack! After taking some time off for Thanksgiving and to allow Mike some time to relocate, Mike, Kevin and I are back for another edition of the podcast; and this time we're joined by the one, the only, the amazing... Josh Howard!

     On this episode we discuss the Griffins, Jurco, Riley Sheahan and his super drunk, super stupid behavior, vent about the current status of the NHL and the (lack of ) CBA, The Podium, Hebrew National Hotdogs, Pillow Pets and a whole host of other topics. You never know what nuggets of treasure you'll get on the Dollar Hotdog Power Hour until you listen.

     For continued Hockey related enjoyment and venting to help get you through the lockout, you can read Kevin's blog here and Mike's blog here. Josh does amazing work all over the place, but is particularly active with Winging It In Motown and Nightmare On Helm Street.






Or you can click this link to download it.

Downloadable Link

Thanks for listening and as always we welcome feedback.

Dollar Hotdog Power Hour Episode 3

Welcome back for the third episode of the Dollar Hotdog Power Hour. Mike, Kevin and I are back as usual and this week we're joined by Peter to discuss some of our favorite Wings memories and some not so favorite ones; as well as favorite and most hated Wings players. Hockey Hall of Fame talk, where will the Wings stack up in the Central Division when (if) we ever have NHL Hockey again and so much more. Find out which player to wear the Winged Wheel is my most hated and why (and a shocking revelation about his true identity).

You can download and listen to the podcast here




Each of these fine gentlemen also run great blogs and you should check them out.

Mike- Third Round Draft Pick
Kevin- Pucking Wings
Peter- Octopus Throwner

The Anger Is fading.

     This will be a quick, short, depressing post  that I’m writing because I need to get it off my chest. I asked a question this morning that the pre-lockout me would have kicked my ass for even thinking.   

     One week ago today I was having a conversation about how pissed I still got when I thought about the lockout and the NHL. That anger was something that I held on to because it was still a feeling, it meant I still cared; I still cared enough to be angry and want to punch babies, drown kittens and burn puppies. The rage that burned inside was hot and fierce, but it was a feeling, it kept my Hockey soul alive. Feeling anger and rage is better than the emptiness of feeling nothing, it’s better than the hopeless void that exists when apathy takes over; when the void exists but you can’t feel it anymore. Today I proposed that perhaps it was actually better if the Winter Classic is cancelled this year, regardless of if we have a season (news flash, I don’t think we will). I've gone through the stages of shock and denial. The stages of anger and despair took a long time, but now the anger is fading and I don’t give enough fucks anymore to get irate and rant and rage.   

     The despair is giving way to the apathy and the rationalization and bargaining has begun. The NHL has fucked the non-existent season so badly that maybe they should cancel the Winter Classic. At this point if the season started with the WC (or even a few weeks before) the lockout has tainted the spirit of the WC so badly that for me there wouldn’t be a pure, unadulterated enjoyment of the WC like there should be.  The Winter Classic to me is supposed to represent the love of the game, creating an outdoor rink, playing the game in a location that’s at close to its origins as you’ll see an NHL game played. This one was going to be extra special, not only were the Wings going to be in it, but the Leafs as well. Two original 6 teams who have a history of great rivalry.. the teams, the fans, the atmosphere, the record attendance.. it was going to be epic. But right now, even if the NHL hadn’t cancelled the Winter Classic, I probably still would have watched it, but it would have been with bitterness, anger and conflicted thoughts and emotions. The WC would have been tainted, violated and what it’s supposed to represent would have been replaced with something else that was more bitter than sweet. pre-lockout me would be kicking my butt right now for even speaking such words. Maybe it’s just part of my coping process, if I rationalize the inevitable and convince myself that maybe it’s for the better, than maybe it won’t hurt so much. 

     The NHL has taken something beautiful, something I love and shit all over it and a part of me is dying; the anger is fading and I'm going numb. I guess when something you love so much rejects you, the pain and anger get to be too much and you have to make yourself not care as much to try to get over the heartbreak. You feel like it will never happen, you’ll never be able to let go and the pain and anger feel like they will consume you forever, you think surely they will never go away and you’ll suffer forever. Then one day something happens, you hear news about it and it doesn’t hit you as hard as it always did. It doesn’t hurt quite as much and you don’t get so angry that the rage monkeys burst from your chest and lay waste to everything in sight. I guess that means you’re getting over it. The NHL has no idea what it has done, it’s not just losing casual fans who may catch a game once in a while and it’s not just losing new fans who haven’t yet become raging addicts, it’s losing the very heart and soul of its livelihood. I can’t even get angry enough right now launch into a tirade about all the repercussions and how utterly stupid the NHL is being. It doesn’t matter, no one cares and I’m caring less and less. What’s the point? There’s nothing I can do about it. I don’t know what will happen when/if we have Hockey again. I’m sure a whole new coping process will start and I don’t know what it will entail, but the fact that I, and other Hockey fans that have been dedicated for far longer than I, have come to this point is sad, unnecessary and depressing. 

Congratulations NHL I hope you’re proud of yourselves.

I hate what the NHL has done to me.

     I hate that when I sit down to write about Hockey it leaves a bitter taste in my mouth. I hate that sometimes when I compose a comment, post, tweet etc... I get so frustrated and angry that I simply walk away so I don't spew bitterness all over everyone else. I hate that I'm writing this post instead of something exciting about the Red Wings. I wish I were writing a post about how Jonas Gustavsson was proving to be a great acquisition from Toronto, or how Brendan Smith was showing great improvement from last year, or how having Gustav Nyquist on the first line with Datsyuk gave me a warm tingle feeling every game (hey I can dream). I wish I were writing a post outlining all the reasons why Henrik Zetterberg was the perfect choice for Captain, or even bidding a bittersweet farewell to Tomas Holmstrom, who served this team so diligently and selflessly for 16 years. I wish I were writing a post welcoming back Patrick Eaves and saying how wonderful it was to see his smiling face back on the ice and seeing how excited he gets when his team scores. I'm not writing about any of those things that would make me happy, and every day that goes by and the situation doesn't change, I get a little more apathetic towards it all. I still care, the fact that I'm writing about how much I hate the situation is proof that I still care. But if this drags on and on, and we lose the season, the Winter Classic and a year of watching the players and game we love, will I reach the point where I don't care about the NHL anymore? I've talked quite a bit about this topic with different people over the last few weeks and the more I talk about it and express my frustration and sadness, the more I realize just how much I've cared and invested of myself into Hockey, the NHL and the Wings.

This is what it feels like I've been doing.

     When something that means so much to you is suddenly withheld and you can't do anything to get it back, you're forced to re-evaluate things. I want to make it clear that my love of Hockey hasn't changed, my love of Hockey continues to grow, despite the NHL's attempt to kill our Hockey loving souls one bull shit filled statement at a time. I started playing Hockey in April and playing the game I love so much has allowed me to grow to love the game on a deeper, more intimate level than only watching on TV ever could. A friend asked me teasingly if I was cheating on the Wings because I was watching the Griffins, my response surprised me a little bit.

"No. The Wings walked away from me, they decided we weren't going to spend any time together and they were gong to look for fulfillment elsewhere. If that's the way they want to be, then I'm not going to spend any more time sitting around feeling sorry for myself and wishing they'd come back. If/when they decide to come back, then we'll evaluate our relationship and see where we stand. As for right now, I'm going to spend my time and energy on people and things that are more important and who value me more."

     Really? That's it? "We'll re evaluate our relationship and see where we stand"? There was no groveling, no air of desperation, just a somewhat apathetic evaluation. Even as I write this there are reports that then NHL is expected to announce the cancellation of the Winter Classic on Thursday. Do you know what my reaction was? Eh, it was just a matter of time. I'm an optimistic realist and I'm usually the one encouraging people to look on the bright side and not give up. Maybe it's the realist in me, or maybe it's my self defense systems raising shields to mitigate damages, but I don't care as much as I used to... or at least I don't think I do right now.

Does this image really need any further explanation?

     As much as my give a damn level is sinking, I still know that when we eventually have NHL Hockey again, and I have the opportunity to watch my beloved Red Wings, I'll be right there glued to my TV drooling and overdosing on the Hockey I've been craving and missing for far too long. I suspect however, that when once the NHL does come back, it will be bittersweet. Sure I'll be right there watching the Hockey I've been yearning for, but there will still be that twinge of pain and betrayal where the knife was. I'll probably eventually get over, but I'll never forget this. I suspect it will be one of those things that you hide under rug in the closet and don't think about; until one day when you need the box of glass eyes you keep in said closet (hey I don't judge you by what you keep in YOUR closet). Then all of a sudden it jumps up at you and makes you scream like a little girl (I'm talking pig tails here) and you remember for a horrifying moment what the lockout was like.

I'm never going in that closet again, guess it's time to get the patch back out.

     I'm getting pretty tired of writing posts like these instead of the happy kind I mentioned above, and I'd bet my pet space monkey that you're getting pretty tired of reading them as well. Sometimes I read through the articles and thoughts of the day and am disappointed that most of them are negative, bad news, or the same regurgitated  news we've been hearing and talking about since the Playoffs ended (D'oh). But then I remember that there isn't a whole lot of other Hockey things to talk about and most of our options are pretty depressing at this point. But there's something therapeutic about venting, about letting out the anger, frustration, sarcasm, snark and hurt; especially among friends who understand exactly what you're going through because they're in the same boat as you are. Sure the life boat it a bit crowded, and someone's feet somehow end up in your face when you wake up in the morning, and you have to fight back the reflex to gag everyone someone gets seasick.

The Lochout Monster is no laughing matter.

     I think the venting helps up cope, so I think until the lockout ends, we have NHL Hockey again and the sting fades a little, I'm going to embrace this new form of venting and I encourage you to do the same. Go ahead if you haven't already, it can feel oh so good.This lockout won't crush our Hockey spirits, most of us won't emerge unscathed, and sadly many who love Hockey and the NHL will leave and never return, and that truly makes me sad. But the love of Hockey will live on in us, no matter how badly the NHL screws up. We'll continue to play Hockey, love the game, watch at other levels, and for those people who posses enough knowledge and experience, maybe even help others appreciate, love and learn the game that means so much to us. Please don't lose heart Hockey fans, Hockey doesn't live and die with the NHL. Hockey lives on in each of us. We will take it with us wherever we go and spread the passion and Hockey culture.

     Most days are an emotional Hockey roller coaster. I go from disappointed, to frustrated, to angry, to apathetic, to hopeful, to thinking about all the great people I've met because of Hockey and the meaningful friendships that have come from it. When I think about those things, I'm reminded that there are more important things in life and I achieve a sort of zen about the whole thing. I know that this place I'm at in my life is exactly where I'm supposed to be. Regardless of what the NHL does or doesn't do, life will go on and all the great things and people in my life that I have because of Hockey will still be there and I will continue to hold them dear and enjoy them.

Long live Hockey!

Who Doesn't Love Some Goalie Hockey Porn?

     I've been sick for the last few days and have barely managed to get out of bed, and with my first Hockey game of the season tomorrow night I'm trying desperately to will myself to get well enough to play. There's plenty of sad Hockey news everywhere we look and I consequently I think we could all use some cheering up. What could cheer us all up right now? How about Hockey Porn! I've a little something special planned for today, it's not just Hockey Porn, it's Hockey Goalie Porn, and not just any Hockey Goalie Porn, but Prospect Hockey Goalie Porn... Specifically Petr Mrazek Prospect Hockey Goalie Porn. (Whew, try saying that ten times fast).

     I have a confession to make... being a goalie myself I have a special place in my Hockey Porn collection for goalies; I love watching their style, their moves, their positions and their attitudes. I first saw video clips of Mrazek on YouTube and I was intrigued; he was dynamic, engaging and had a passion and swagger that kept me watching him even when the puck wasn't near him.

He raised quite a stir for his celebration at the 2012 World Juniors for his celebratory display and I loved him even more for it.Just look at his passion and enthusiasm, that's what Hockey is about!

He also almost scored an empty net goal. 

 

Think you'll get a penalty shot past him? Think again.I know there are a lot of people who think that players celebrating a goal or save is gloating or disrespectful or may hurt the other players' feelings... But come one, this is Hockey and I LOVE seeing passion and celebration from the players.

 

I had the pleasure of watching Mrazek in person at the Development Camp back in July and he's mesmerizing. From the interviews I've read, he also has a great attitude and a strong, dedicated work ethic. I'm planning to attend a few Grand Rapids Griffins games this season and I'm greatly looking forward to seeing him in action and I can't wait to see him suit up in the Winged Wheel. 

I'll leave you with one final video... Just look at him flash that glove.

  

Happy Petr Mrazek Prospect Hockey Goalie Porn day!

It’s worse than I thought

     Welcome to Octopi the Ice! 

I know what you’re thinking… What a cheery uplifting title right? Believe me, it’s not what I had envisioned for my first post on my very own blog. I’m excited about this new blogging adventure and look forward to seeing where it goes. Writing is therapy for me, it’s how I organize my thoughts, analyze decisions and also how I vent and cope with life. Usually I keep my writings to myself, but in this difficult time to be a Hockey fan, I’m hoping that maybe my therapy can also be someone else’s. So make yourself at home, the furniture’s comfortable, the fridge is stocked, and it’s always an adventure.