Hockey Articles

Hockey Articles

 

 

 

NHL PLAYOFFS

 

 

As a lifelong hockey fan, I have always known hockey was one of the toughest sports (no disrespect to football.) I have also known that Playoff hockey is some of the most intense, crazy, over the top shows of will and desire.

 

Now, I think everyone else is catching on.

 

This past year the rise of hockey fandom has gone up ten fold. The large California market is seeing its second coming from the Gretzky Era, with an outdoor game, an Anaheim Ducks team that finished Second in the entire NHL and First in the West for a second year, and an underdog Kings cup. The San Jose Sharks have been doing their rounds like the Dun Uh sound from Jaws.

 

Young players, born in the social media era, are making their mark in the big leagues and bringing their Twitter followers with them and creating more fans than television can reach.

 

T.J. Oshie's Winter Olympics comment, "The American heroes are wearing camo, that's not me." after scoring the game winning goal against the tough Russian squad gained him over 45, 000 followers on Twitter overnight, but really, it gained 45, 000 followers for hockey.

 

Poor LeBron James is taking a beating in the Meme world, after Jonathan Toews won the cup he never used the word "I" in his speech. See below:

 

 

And then again when Peverly's heart stopped and demanded to go back in the game after regaining consciousness:

 

 



 

I have nothing against the NBA or LeBron, and I'm pretty sure LeBron is a tough guy and could beat a lot of people's asses, but I think what people are taking away from hockey is that hockey and its players, while violent and arrogant and aggressive, contain a lot of qualities that we wish to emulate in our own lives, mental toughness, team over individual, sacrifice. And with the speed of social media, hockey is speeding with it.

 

If you're on the fence about being a hockey fan, catch literally any playoff hockey game and you might see some stuff you enjoy. Literally any one, they are all battles.

 

-Johnny Guns

 

 

 

 

Are the Flyers Better Without Peter Laviolette?

 

 

 

 

 

For starters I know this picture is of Wayne and not Peter, but it was just so badass I couldn't pass it up haha.

 

This was a tough call for Philly. Peter Laviolette is no joke and the Philadelphia Organization knows this and must of been clawing their eyes out when trying to make this decision and here's why:

 

The Philadelphia Organization is an old one with a great history of winning teams and whether you love them or hate them you have to agree that they are a staple. The Flyers have an understanding that there is a very real obligation to the people of Philadelphia and financial owners to win. If you aren't winning, you're not going to be a coach much longer in Philly. Very simple fact. Minus One Laviolette.

 

Starting the seasons not winning every year is not a good way to build confidence. The last two seasons have started with multiple losses; can't have that. Minus One Laviolette.

 

The Flyers draft picks this year are just okay. Being somebody who played at a high level of hockey and whose father is a hockey coach, I realize there is a gradual climb to the NHL for new draft players. It is extremely difficult to jump off the draft page to the ice, I get that. But, NOT one of the draft choices this year will be influential NOW. This is both the Flyers and Laviolette's fault. PUSH.

 

Peter Laviolette is a good fucking coach. Lets get some STATS going boys huh? In 11 seasons as a coach (Asst. or Head), Laviolette has had 10 winning season and the one season he didn't was when he took over the job in Carolina. He has finished the season 5 times at 3rd place in the division, 3 times at 2nd in the division and 2 times at 1st in the division. He has been to the playoffs 6 times, twice to the Stanly Cup and won the cup Once (Fucking Blackhawks, I'm a Boston Fan so I can't really talk haha.) Plus One Laviolette.

 

The players love Laviolette. I have a friend who played for Carolina when they won the cup and he told me that Laviolette is really a players coach. I can totally see that considering Peter played many years mostly in the AHL and a little in the NHL. I mean did anybody watch the Flyers/Rangers HBO 24/7 Series, the guy's a complete badass. The pump up speech he gives is so good YouTube Cutters are using it for their Hockey Inspirational Videos. Plus One Laviolette.

 

So as you can see the decision that Philly had to make wasn't an easy one. Our final score card is a dead Zero.

 

BUUUUUUT, hockey is not a game for the weak hearted and only one thing REALLY matters: THE WIN.

 

Nice knowing ya Pete; see ya buddy!

 



 

True Fans Love...

 

 

 

 

 

If you're like me and hockey is pretty much the entire world, then you know that new equipment or cool Jersey ideas are pretty much like crack to you.  This Breaking Bad Jersey is fucking awesome.

 

For more cool Jersey Concepts you have to check out: www.geekyjerseys.com

 

I am consistently "searching the Net" for cool stuff and this website has everything from superhero jerseys to movie jerseys.  Here's another one:

 

 



 

NHL Outdoor Games Worthy?

 

 

 

This year we see an influx of 6 Outdoor games from the NHL and the big question right now seems to be is that a good idea?

ARE YOU FUCKING CRAZY? Of course it's a good idea. Going to hockey games is some of the most fun you can have when choosing a sport to actually go and watch. It's fast paced, high scoring, and extremely violent; all great things.

The sport of hockey is meant to be played outside. People who have made the sport their life, can tell you countless stories of playing on a pond near their house with the boys (always remember to sharpen those blades after a Pond Sesh though haha.) Watching a game outdoors makes you feel like your sacrificing with the team out in the cold. Have a few sodas to warm you up.

This year we have new games in Chicago, Los Angeles, Vancouver, New York, and Michigan. The spreading of these outdoor games can only help the sport of hockey spread and become more popular amongst people who haven't had the exposure.  The game between the Kings and Ducks is the one to watch. Los Angeles has been hockey friendly and is gaining popularity with the Underdog Cup Winning Kings season and the powerful seasons the Anaheim Ducks have been putting together. Another game to watch will be the Red Wings/Maple Leafs game. Both teams are Original Six with deep fan bases and lots of experience.

Note: College teams are now taking part in the outdoor fun like Norwich University facing Babson Jan 9.

Check out the venue for the outdoor game below in Croatia. So Legit!