Editorial # 6 - Holy Crap, Holy Cross?

The "vaunted" Minnesota Golden Gophers are out of the NCAA tournament in the first round with a loss to Holy Cross, 4-3 in overtime. The tiny school from Worcester, MA (go chowderheads!)beat the most arrogant team in college hockey (or is that North Dakota-?) 53 seconds into the extra period as Tyler McGregor (nice hockey name) beat goalie Kellen Briggs (Colorado Springs, CO) and his ear-decorated helmet.

This was the first time in tournament history that a # 4 seed has beaten a # 1 seed. In typical gopher fashion they hardly mention the biggest upset in college hockey history on their website: http://www.gophersports.com/

Like with the Canada Olympic loss, I say "Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha...................."

Rules in life - # 2

Goalies are crazy!

The John Buccigross Column

Many of you may remember the show NHL tonight when it was on ESPN. A great hockey highlights show hosted by John Buccigross. It has ended since the NHL lockout and OLN getting the NHL coverage contract.

Nevertheless, Bucci still writes a hockey column on espn.com. It is by far one of the best hockey reads you can find anywhere. He is a true fan of the sport (and music) and his new columns are something I look forward to every week.

The link I included (click the title) is to a recent article where he has a brief interview with my all-time favorite AVS player Adam Deadmarsh, and some words of wisdom about hockey and life from one of Chub's all-time favorite AVS - Shjon Podein.

The other picture is of Bucci with Travis Roy. You can read all about Travis Roy below. Enjoy - Joey13

Travis Roy Foundation

Here is a picture of Chris Drury (BU), Ted Drury (Harvard), Tom Poti (BU) and Travis Roy (BU). Chris Drury runs a golf tournament every year for the Travis Roy Foundation which raises money for research of spinal cord injuries.

For those unaware of the story, Travis Roy was a freshman left wing at Boston University. In his first game, on his first shift, on Chris Drury's line he chased a puck into the corner, was involved in a collision, and went head-first into the boards. In just eleven seconds he broke a bone in his back and has since been paralyzed from the neck down. Allegedly as he went off the ice on a stretcher he told coaches and teammates that "he had made it" as a college hockey player.

Needless to say, this is a great story of courage and a fantastic organization. Click on the title for the link to read more about the Travis Roy Foundation.

Editorial # 5 - Winning gold medals....

...is a lot easier when your powerplay unit includes Nicklas Lidstrom, Fredrik Modin, Mats Sundin, Peter Forsberg, and Daniel Alfredsson.

Player Profile - # 4 - Reegan Moen

Name: Reegan Moen
Position: Defense
#: 4
Why? I don't know. That was the number another player had requested who ended up not playing with us (the Sleestack) so it was left over - but he never asked to switch numbers.
Nickname: The Big Norwegian; Naked Guy; The Mesmerizer.
How we know him: He went through Hockey 101 with several players on the team.
One scout said: Extremely physical defenseman who punishes players who come to the front of the net, and blocks a ton of shots. Absolute rock-solid D-Man who is a very good skater with a booming slap shot.
Game reminds you of: Sami Salo - D - Vancouver Canucks.
Best line on the ice: "I must break you" - in his best Ivan Drago voice.
You may not have known: Reegan played linebacker at a Division-3 college in Minnesota. He also got hurt the first season (sprained ankle, torn cartilage, and broken fibula) and was back in 8 weeks - which was quite impressive.
Thanks for: Joining Steamer and sticking with us. Despite playing on another team at the time he joined our team and has stayed on board despite our struggles.

Rules in life - # 1

Do not fight Chris Simon!

Player Profile - # 81 - Bill Samudio

Name: Bill Samudio

Position: Defense

#: 81

Why?: I think because it was a derivative of 9, the number he wanted that Adam had, or his son Joey might wear that number.

Nickname: ??? Smooty-O (oh wait, that's from work). The guy Frank pushed over in the locker room???

How we know him: Works with Joe W.

One Scout Said: Another very willing player who will play anywhere he is asked. Good versatility and can play a physical game in front of the net. Plays sound positionally and is a good outlet passer.

Game reminds you of: Ken Klee - D - Atlanta.

Best line on the ice: "I heard you guys yell 'center' so I jumped on the ice." After taking a too many men on the ice penalty. We were yelling for the guy on the ice to center the puck and Bill thought we meant line change.

You may not have known: Bill was an all-conference running back in High School and tried to make CSU's football team as a walk-on.

Thanks for: Your willingness to play wherever we ask you to and setting up so many of the practices.