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NHL Draft Coverage 2009

Jun 26, 2009 8:07 PM David M Singer

While I was hoping to go into some detail with previews this year, having no cable service has put a bit of a damper on that.

So here's a round-up of some draft coverage:

TSN: Draftcentre | 2009 NHL Draft Tracker
Sportsnet: Spector's NHL draft notebook | Sportsnet.ca live NHL Draft chat
ESPN: Draft | 2009 NHL Entry Draft Preview (video with Scott Burnside and Pierre LeBrun)
CBS Sports: Draft Tracker
NHL.com: Phil Coffey's Draft blog
CBC: NHL Entry Draft Live Blog
Yahoo!: Live Coverage: NHL Draft 2009 in Montreal

On Twitter:
Darren Dreger (TSN)
Greg Wyshynski (Yahoo!)
James Mirtle (Globe and Mail)

hockeyfights.com: 2009 NHL draft thread
hockeyfights.com: Twitter | Facebook

A couple of quick notes:
- The Islanders did draft John Tavares first overall, despite what seemed like a massive Canadian media conspiracy to persuade Garth Snow and the team not to.
- Chris Pronger was traded from the Ducks to the Flyers for Joffrey Lupul, Luca Sbisa and two first rounders. Has there ever been a player so highly-regarded who's played for so many teams?

If it's possible for me to update again, I will. If you're following the draft online somewhere not mentioned, feel free to leave a link in the comments.

Update 845pm: Ryan Dingle was included in the Pronger trade, going from the Ducks to the Flyers.

Media • 5 Comments • Permalink

Ferraro Suing Gomez, Laraque’s Safety Proposal

Jun 20, 2009 2:32 AM David M Singer

2 Comments

Robin Gomez found out there will be a part two to his sucker-punching trial. Chris Ferraro is now suing Gomez and RG Properties, the company that owns the Victoria Salmon Kings.

The criminal trial is on-going, and currently adjourned until June 29th.

Some recent updates from the Victoria News:

Judge admits hockey knowledge lacking in Gomez assault case

Judge Mike Hubbard has stopped testimony on numerous occasions to ask witnesses to explain such things as icing, off-side and penalty killing in the assault causing bodily harm trial of Gomez, 27.

Referee testifies Ferraro felt he was ‘untouchable’

The Crown questioned the 32-year-old referee of the game, Jason Nissen, who said he held Gomez in higher regard as a player than Ferraro, having referred both men numerous times before.

Watt asked Nissen if he felt Gomez was a “difficult” player to handle on the ice, to which Nissen said “no.”

Watt then asked Nissen if he thought Ferraro – who has previously played in the NHL – had an “attitude” and felt as if he was “untouchable” and “above the league”; to which Nissen agreed.

Laraque mocks proposed rule, focuses on safety

Scott Burnside and Pierre LeBrun update the status of the proposed “staged fight” misconduct. The players recommend to their competition committee members to vote against the rule.

Georges Laraque‘s been outspoken against the proposed rule from the first mention of it.

“It would turn into a mockery anyway because I would turn to a guy and say, ‘OK, we can’t fight right now because of the rule, so we’ll do six Mississippis and meet in the corner.’ It’s true, we would make a mockery out of it,” said Laraque.

Laraque said the players also discussed the mixed martial arts tactics that some fighters are bringing into the NHL; he singled out Brad Staubitz of the San Jose Sharks and his fight with Jordin Tootoo of the Nashville Predators where it appeared Staubitz was connecting with his forearm instead of his fist, like MMA fighters.

“That’s an elbowing major, attempt to injure,” said Laraque. “That should be an automatic suspension. We’re totally against it.”

Videos added

Craig Coxe vs John Kordic Dec 2, 1987
Dave Hoyda vs John Wensink Feb 28, 1978
Keith Tkachuk vs Neil Wilkinson Oct 8, 1992
Ian Laperriere vs Ryane Clowe Jan 15, 2007
Warren Rychel vs Chris LiPuma Feb 22, 1993
Matt Walker vs George Parros Jan 16, 2007
Jeff Cowan vs Aaron Downey Jan 16, 2007

Some reads

Bright future on a big stage
Modano still coming back after coaching change
A great game and good times for NHL
No question off limits with Kadri
Offer to Lappy a slap shot in the face
Tampa Bay Lightning considering Adam Oates to coach the power play
Glitzy NHL award show won’t keep hockey alive in desert
No. 1 in NHL hit parade
THN at the NHL Awards: Is Vegas a viable hockey market?

Video Updates • 2 Comments • Permalink

Pens Win Cup, Avenge 2008 Loss

Jun 13, 2009 1:30 AM David M Singer

9 Comments

The Pittsburgh Penguins are the 2008-09 Stanley Cup champions. It was a great playoff season overall.

Some quick local coverage

Michigan Live: Maxime Talbot scores both goals as Penguins capture Stanley Cup with 2-1 win vs. Red Wings
The Detroit News: Woetown: Pens take Cup
The Detroit News: Wings fall at home in bid for second straight championship
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: Penguins hold on for win despite Crosby injury
Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: Pass the Cup

Marian Hossa

Good.

Congrats to the Bears

The Hershey Bears beat the Manitoba Moose 4-1 tonight to win the AHL Calder Cup.

What’s next?

The NHL draft is the next big hockey event. We plan on covering that, as well as the first day of free agency, which is about a week later.

As for the site, we’ll be expanding our archives. WHL 2003-04 was just made live. As always, if you notice any errors, please report them. The NHL archives will expand quite a bit soon. Videos will be added throughout the summer. Some pages will be cleaned up, some more content added, etc. I’ll be sure to announce the changes and additions as we go.

Videos added

Bob Nystrom vs Ryan Walter Mar 9, 1980
Ryan Walter vs Mike Milbury Apr 2, 1981
Behn Wilson vs John Smrke Mar 31, 1979
Rick Lanz vs Craig MacTavish Apr 2, 1986
Robyn Regehr vs Jason Smith Jan 20, 2007
Bryan Smolinski vs Marek Zidlicky Jan 20, 2007
Jared Boll vs Stephane Veilleux Oct 6, 2007
Paul Holmgren vs Larry Playfair Feb 27, 1980
Alan May vs Shane Churla Feb 9, 1993
Rob Ramage vs Chris Kotsopoulos Apr 16, 1987
Doug Janik vs Chris Thorburn Dec 18, 2007
Riley Cote vs Andrew Peters Dec 21, 2007

Some reads

A look at hockey’s handshake tradition at the Stanley Cup final
Laperriere nixes offer, likely to leave Avs
Bettman praiseworthy?
Keepers make sure Stanley’s safe wherever it goes
Will Emery need a net?
Florida Panthers’ Bill Torrey has the reins in search for new general manager
Ducks: Pronger trade rumors are false
Burns slowly returning to his dizzying workout pace
Drafting first doesn’t always net a winner

Video Updates • 9 Comments • Permalink

One and Done on Friday

Jun 11, 2009 1:45 AM David M Singer

3 Comments

A best of seven is now a best of one, and unfortunately for the Penguins, the game will be played in Detroit. In a series where the home team has taken every game, it doesn’t bode well for the Pens.

Another thing that doesn’t help Pittsburgh is the timing. If it seems like the series started off with a bang and now seems stretched out, there’s a reason for that: after 4 games in 6 days, the final 3 will be played over 8 days.

As I’ve said from the start, I’ve been rooting for game 7 overtime. There is nothing in sports like Stanley Cup Final game 7 overtime. At least, so I think. The only time there’s been a game 7 overtime was when the Red Wings won the Cup against the Canadiens in 1954. Either way, if I get my wish, defibrillators and aspirin should be carted in to Joe Louis Arena.

Gomez trial about to begin

Robin Gomez is charged with assault causing bodily harm for an alleged sucker-punch on Chris Ferraro during an ECHL game on March 1, 2008.

Gomez has pleaded not guilty. Gomez played for the Victoria Salmon Kings. The team has not commented publicly about the incident.

The trial begins June 15th in Victoria.

Ferraro played for Las Vegas Wranglers at the time of the incident, and again this past season. Ferraro missed the rest of the 2007-08 regular season, but played in the playoffs.

Gomez played for the CHL‘s Oklahoma City Blazers in the 2008-09 season.

Videos added

Bob Probert vs Craig Coxe Nov 11, 1985
Joey Kocur vs Dave Lowry Nov 11, 1985
Joey Kocur vs Cam Neely Nov 11, 1985
Craig Coxe vs Bob Probert Nov 19, 1987
Craig Coxe vs Joey Kocur Nov 19, 1987
Todd Bertuzzi vs Craig Adams Mar 5, 2008
Ryan Callahan vs Tim Conboy Feb 28, 2008
James Wisniewski vs Corey Perry Feb 24, 2008
Ian Laperriere vs Mathieu Roy Feb 24, 2008
Cody McLeod vs Adam Burish Feb 17, 2008

Some read

Flyers opt for Emery over Biron
Doug Gilmour joins the Hamilton bandwagon
Players are traditionalists. Why doesn’t NHL listen?
Vinny talks trade
Summer of Georges
GMs shoot down ban on head hits
Penguins Sidney Crosby is a marketer’s dream
NHL Combine: Hockey’s annual science experiment
Free agency likely for Neil
Will Brashear Be Back?

Video Updates • 3 Comments • Permalink

2008-09 hockeyfights.com Awards

Jun 2, 2009 5:54 PM David M Singer

12 Comments

Darcy Hordichuk punches Andre Roy. AP Photo/Larry MacDougal

I present the 2008-09 hockeyfights.com Awards.

As has been the case for the past few years, the awards are a collaborative effort by the hockeyfights.com content team headed up by Jon Porus. Tons of thanks to all of them.

Below are all our categories this season. Cast your vote and have your say.