Dudes. I am alive. Very busy. I have much to share. Most of it non Goon related. I am going to the Lake to drink and fish this weekend, but I’ll be back Sunday. I will post some stuff then. I hope all is well. Hockey is almost here!
GoonSquad
Farewell to a Favorite
For all you Lowell Devils fans out there (Insert Cricket Sound Here) I implore you all to circle January 23, 2008 on your calendars right now. When checking the AHL site today at 10:50 because they told us yesterday the schedule was coming out at 11, what can I say, I’m impatient, I saw Mr. Dennis Bonvie has decided to hang up the blades, and retire the axe after this season. I am not sure if anyone else gets as fired up for AHL schedule day as I do. But for me the summer looks like this.
1. Stanley Cup Awarded.
2. Depression.
3. Free Agency Begins.
4. Depression because the Bruins do nothing. Although they did sign Shawn Thornton this year. Then did nothing else. So, elation, then depression.
5. NHL Schedules come out. Glimmer of hope.
6. Starting to watch old game tapes.
7. Really need to see a fight.
8. AHL Schedules come out.
9. Training Camp.
10. Opening Night. All is right with the world.
Usually I pour over the schedule to see about Opening Night, and any possible road trips. This year, I was only looking for if and when WB Scranton was in the house. So, mark your calendars. January 23.
For me, Bones is the type of guy I want at every position. Dennis stands up for anyone, and everyone on the ice that is wearing the same color as him. Whether it’s a fight to get the boys and the crowd going, or a big hit in the corner. He does what is needed. He’ll keep you honest, and a lot of the times, he’ll keep you in stitches too. The man’s mouth is always running. I guess its part of what he does best. From him barking like a dog at Craig MacDonald, to asking if Jan Vodrazka had ever fought before, to telling Eric Staal he’d have gotten a bigger contract if he’d been able to finish, he’s always going. I haven’t seen Bones since he’s been in WB Scranton, and I am glad he’ll be making a final swing through the Paul this season.
Bonvie is a fan favorite wherever he goes. I am sure the Penguins fans will be out in force all over the AHL barns to see old number 27 off proper. I know that they have several special nights planned for Dennis in the home arena throughout the season, and I am planning on a trip down there. He definitely represents the old guard here in the American League as he’s been playing pro hockey for quite a few years now. The man is a one of a kind type of guy, and a sure Goonblog first ballot hall of famer. The Goonsquad would like to wish Dennis Bonvie all the best on the upcoming season, and success in whatever he decides to do after retiring from hockey. Good luck Dennis. We’ll see you on the 23rd.
Shoot, Pass, Punch
Dennis Bonvie once asked a penalty box attendant in Lowell if Jan Vodrazka had ever fought before. The two had just had a little dust up, and Vodrazka lead with his head. Thankfully for Jan, it was quick. Bonvie isn’t a huge man, but he’s been in a fight or two. Had it gone on longer, he may have really hurt Vodrazka. Maybe if he had a fight camp like Derek Boogaard’s he might have been able to defend himself a bit.
A lot has been made about the camp. The Hockey News obviously didn’t like it, and most news outlets decry it. We here at Goonblog love it. I have been to several hockey camps. We learned positional play, shooting and passing, but never punching. I have been in a fight or two on the ice. I won some, and lost some. Had I been at the Boogeyman’s camp, I might have fared better. You see, Boogaard isn’t teaching kids how to fight, he’s teaching kids how to fight properly.
Fighting is part of hockey. Ask Todd Fedoruk what happens when a fight goes wrong. He’s a trained professional, and got smoked twice this year. The Boogaard camp is teaching kids how to defend themselves so they don’t get seriously hurt. Ask Derek how eating sandwiches through a straw was because he didn’t know how to defend himself.
I would think with the new rules in the NHL, anyone that might even have remote chances, or wants to play in the NHL should go to this camp. We are seeing a group of players that have to be able to play as well as fight. Let me ask you this, if you are a young rookie and someone like Billy Guerin, a pretty tough customer, comes after you, wouldn’t it be nice to know you have a Boogaard Fight Camp T-Shirt on? Boogeyman, if you are reading this, send me your address, I’ll send you a Goonblog T as a thank you for the camp. Keep up the good work, critics be damned.
And Now For Something Completely Different
Let’s take a break from the Bruins bashing, to talk about two things this off season that have me fired up for October. After all, this is supposed to be Goonblog, not, What the Hell is wrong with the Bruins Blog.
1. Trevor Gillies is going to be in Albany. It was very obvious this Goonblog favorite had fallen out of favor with Coach Dineen in Portland. He was barely playing, and anytime he did get on the ice, Coach tore him a new one on his way back to the bench. To be honest, I don’t even remember the last time I saw Trevor fight. He was a scratch in Worcester this year, and no one on Lowell’s roster wants any part of him. I think it’s a great move by Trevor getting back into Carolina’s fold, and more specifically, Tom Rowe’s fold. Tom always loved the kid and tried to resign him before he got the Ranger’s deal. Rowe will let him do his thing, and try to teach him to play a bit too. I will make the trip to Albany for sure this year, especially because.
2. Ryan Flinn signed with Edmonton. Meaning, there is a good chance he’ll be in Springfield. Flinner is one of the most intimidating people I have ever seen. Though he is often injured, he brings the kind of presence to the ice you want from an enforcer. I am not sure what his chances of playing in the NHL are as I haven’t seen him in two years, so I can’t speak to his skill level. LA gave him a lot of chances, and he was hurt in a fight in the NHL. Minnesota didn’t call him up last year, and he was in Houston for the season so again, I don’t know where his skill is at. What I can tell you is that he is a fan favorite wherever he goes, and can chuck em with the best of them.
As an aside, I won Sony Vaio at the Office, and it came with 2007 Pro Pre Loaded. The operating system is Vista Business, and to say this thing is bad ass is a gross understatement. If you are in the market for a notebook, I suggest it highly. Now, the Bruins suck.that’s better.
See if you can whip up a shocked Face
OK, what is more shocking? The coroner finding steroids in Chris Benoit’s body or the Bruins trading Shean Donovan, for Peter Schaefer? OK, trick question. How does that conversation even get started? I mean serious. Has there ever in the history of trades been a more meaningless trade? Who started the trade talks? Seriously, if the other team wasn’t Ottawa does this even happen? 30 GM’s were having lunch today when a fax came over saying Donovan was available. 29 of them continued ordering a tuna on rye, while one said, oh, we have Peter Schaefer. He’ll be good to deal. This Bruins club is maddening. But in Ottawa’s defense, does Shean Donovan make them better? Is this the piece that could have won them the cup? Didn’t think so.
Admitting it is the first Step
I was born in late October of 1974. My father was a life long hockey fan, and is the man that first turned me on to the game. I remember watching games on Saturday afternoon with him; in fact, I can still hear Fred Cusik, saying, Live, from Le Colisee in Quebec! It’s the Bruins and Nordiques next, on WSBK!
My memories are of Pete Peters, Cam Neely, and Randy Burridge. All the great battles they had when the Montreal rivalry meant something, and the wars they had with Quebec and Hartford. Is it just me and Taz, or did these guys have a zillion fights on Saturday afternoon? It was what Bruins fans loved, a Saturday afternoon game. Chances are excellent that I sat with my father as he fed me, or laid on the floor while the likes of Sanderson, Orr, and the end of the Big Bad Bruins played in the background. The point I am making is I have been a Bruins fan for almost 33 years, and what I am about to say is very, very hard. I can finally admit it out loud. The Bruins don’t want to be good.
Seriously. I LOVE the Shawn Thornton signing. I really do. He is a big tough sonofabitch, and for those of you that have never seen this kid play, I assure you, you’ll love him. A guy that really enjoys the role of enforcer, and I think could be the next PJ Stock from a fan perspective. He’s huge, and addressed a huge issue. Toughness. Done. Check.
Now, what is the other issues facing the Black and Gold? They can’t stop pucks. The jury is out on the Manny Fernandez deal. I don’t have any problem with what they gave up for him. A 4th rounder and a decent prospect aren’t bad if it pans out. However, he had his chance to take the reigns when Rollie the goalie was deemed expendable, and it didn’t exactly work out in Minny’s favor. Granted the guy was hurt, but he’s also 32, and may be in the twilight of his career. We got a guy like that already, his name is Tim Thomas. What does this do for the log jam in goal now? I heard Glenn Murray and Toivonen to Edmonton, but haven’t heard more on that. Personally, I think trading Toivonen is a mistake. I really think he’s a very good goalie, and once he’s 100% healed, and playing with confidence (which he should be this fall) he’ll surprise some naysayer’s around here. If I am wrong, which often happens, I will apologize.
The Bruins also can’t score any goals. This is a team that needs offense like I need a life coach. Why not, with six million dollars under the cap, go for Chris Drury. Daniel Briere would look good in a Bruins uniform, hell; even Scott Gomez would have been good. Drury is from New England for Christ sake. He may have wanted to play here. I am making my own point. They all want to go where it appears the organization is at least trying to try.
So, the big name forwards are all signed. Maybe it’d be a good time to go after Billy Guerin again, or Mike Comrie? Nope. These guys are standing pat with Shawn Thornton, and Manny Fernandez.
Another big hole for Boston is the defense. They have some glaring weakness there, and I’m not just talking about the big cone signing from last year. I think they have some very good prospects on the blue line, and signing Alberts was a good move. What isn’t a good move is not sending hookers, and guns and fire trucks to Sheldon Souray as incentive to get him to sign here. Could you imagine a Power Play unit with him and Chara on the point? Souray is an offensive defenseman with a cannon for a shot. He is also very tough and can fight. In my opinion, he’s been the best available free agent all along, and if the Bruins were interested in being a good team, they would have gone to his door with a hooker, a case of Molson, and six million dollars, and begged him to sign. Instead it looks like he will be an Islander.
Alas, the Bruins don’t want to be good. There is no way they can be this poorly managed. The directive to do nothing must be coming from somewhere. It has to be Jeremy Jacobs right? I mean seriously? Is there another logical explanation for why a team like Boston that needs to make improvements to be good, and has the money to do so would stand by and watch as the teams around them (some in their own division mind you) load up for bear? I really am at a crossroads here. Being a life long Bruins fan, this is hard to watch. It’s hard to comprehend how a team that used to be so vibrant in this City, is now less relevant than most of the college hockey teams in town.
Christmas in July
You think of July 1, and you think. Scott Gomez would be good.I’d take Daniel Briere. Hey, what about Chris Drury? He’d look good in the Black and Gold. Knowing the team wants to get grittier, and knowing who can provide that sort of grit is another thing. Plus knowing the Bruins have a penchant for saying one thing, and doing another, you never expect a signing as good as this! You know you hope and dream for it, but when it happens to you.there really are no words. This is easily my favorite Bruins signing in many moons. In Thornton they get a true heavyweight, and a guy that can play a little hockey to boot. Finally they do something right.
Oh, as an aside. I like the Fernandez move too. I am not all that wild about Manny as a player. I think he’s a bit over rated, but, I love the fact they didn’t give up much to improve a big hole. I am hearing Murray and Toivonen to Edmonton for Raffi Torres. I think giving up on Toivonen now is a huge mistake, but focus on the positives here people, Shawn Thornton is a Bruin! I am as excited as a little girl.
Call me Nick Brophy
I have been on what medical professionals might describe as a bit of a bender. I have been neglecting the site, and the 99 at the top of my hill has been reaping the rewards. I have been MEANING to write, if that’s any consolation. Problem is its end of quarter and as such, people at the office are stressed. Every night someone is looking to stop in for one or seven, and they know to stop at my cube first. Anyhow, I am tired, and my liver hurts.
Three things happened while I was (blacked) out. This should bring us up to speed.
1. Brian Burke is my hero. The Ducks, who are an early favorite for my West Coast Team on Center Ice come fall, won the cup. They did so by beating the Senators in every way possible. They beat them physically, mentally, and beat them on the scoreboard. They play a rough and tumble style, and I love it. Through the regular season, they will beat you the same way. This includes fighting. People say fighting is on its way out? Burkey says, well, I’ll have all the guns at the OK Corral then. My point? Well, shortly after they win it all, he signs Travis Moen, and George Parros. Moen was a huge part of the cup win and for those of you that follow the American league, will remember he made his way as a tough guys for a few seasons while a Chicago farm hand. Parros, who didn’t dress in the finals, is a tough guy pure and simple. Plus, he’s got a 70’s porn moustache that rivals no one. Message to the rest of the West, better break glass in case of emergency on your tough guys. This flock of Ducks will not be pushed around.
2. Jeremy Jacobs. When I saw that Mr. Jacobs was being named to the NHL board of directors, I was glad I have been hammered for the better part of two weeks. This move made me think the end was near, and had I been sober, I would have been terrified. Nowhere in the 10 ways to improve the NHL does it say install some cheap, money grubbing a hole that really only thinks about the bottom line to help improve the league. If you weren’t sure about the NHL being the most backward thinking old boy network in all of pro sports, here’s your proof. Our buddies at www.pleasesellthebruins.com must have shit themselves upon hearing this crap. I hope they’re OK! Does anyone else picture Gary Bettman laughing maniacally as David Stern looks on saying, We did it David! We’ve ruined the game forever! MUHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!
3. Who did Angelo Esposito sleep with that he shouldn’t have? I haven’t seen something drop that far and fast since Carrie dumped me in High School because she found out I was still banging Susan. I do find it VERY fishy the consensus number 1 a year ago winds up with Sid and the Kids in Pittsburgh though. A little too convenient no?
Free Agency opens Sunday. Why am I excited? The stupid Bruins don’t have any money because of stupid Chara’s stupid contractah crap, I was going to stop drinking today..
Paging Grapes
OK, so Boston fired Dave Lewis. Or reassigned him or whatever the hell. Oh yeah, one of the assistants too. Good riddance. I really can’t say exactly how many times I said on this very blog how poorly the Bruins were coached last season. They had zero heart, obviously weren’t held accountable for actions, and were undisciplined all over the ice. From the unbelievable amount of too many men on the ice penalties, several on the PP or PK, to the re god damn diculos amount of stupid game killing penalties they took, it was clear they were a poorly coached bunch from the get go. I am glad Lewis is gone. Good riddance.
Here’s the issue. Who the hell is taking this job? If you are a hockey guy, do you want to come to a town where no one really cares about the team (ownership included), and there should be a turnstile installed on the coaches office door? No, I didn’t think so. Can I ask this? What the hell was wrong with Sully? I think the players liked him, and I am quite sure they would not have taken nearly as many bad penalties with him behind the bench as they did with Lewis. I think Mr. Chrielli made a big mistake in going with Lewis last season. He made a lot of personnel changes, perhaps leaving the coach alone might have been a good idea.
Moving forward from here, who are the choices? I am hearing Mike Milbury, Claude Julien, and maybe Scott Gordon. There is a fourth candidate, and I have to think it’s probably Pat Quinn. Could Pat Quinn coach the Bruins? I think so. I’m not sure there are enough fans left that remember Quinn almost breaking Orr in half many moons ago, so that shouldn’t be an issue. He had some success with the Leaf, and is a task master. Something the Bruins really need. Whoever gets the job, I have two things I need you to do.
1. Take the C off of Chara’s jersey. He doesn’t deserve to be captain of this team. I’m not sure anyone really has enough leadership to be the Bruins captain right now, so how about three A’s?
2. Pull a Herb Brooks on these guys right from the get go. Whoever gets this gig needs to lay it on the line. No bullshit. If you can’t play it my way, you can’t play here.
It’s pretty simple. Give these guys an honest effort, and ice a team that at least appears like it’s trying to try and care. I for one, think the B’s aren’t that far away from being good. They have some of the right pieces in place. I think they just need some guidance. Is Don Cherry available?
Now What?
Sorry it’s been a while since my last post. I’ve been busy cleaning up my vomit from watching the Playoffs. So the 2006 / 2007 NHL Season is finally over. What did you think? Glad you asked.I am very and I mean very concerned with the NHL. The league is in shambles and on the brink of falling off the radar screen. Viewership for the Stanley Cup Playoffs was abysmal, the regular season wasn’t much better, fan attendance sucked at most stadiums and the players seem like they don’t even give a rat’s ass. As long as they get paid is there attitude. What does Bettman’s plan for improvement look like? What is the vision going forward? How will the NHL come out of this funk? The answer = no one has a clue including Bettman.
Corporate America is a wonderful place to be if you are the CEO of a company and revenue is up. Your pay is off the charts, your stock portfolio is longer than me and Chris’s rap sheets from the local 5-0 and your perks are unlimited. When was the last time Michael Dell paid for a meal in Austin, Texas (Dell’s world HQ)? Never. What about when things go bad? You are shown the door. How long do we as fans have to stand for Bettman running the NHL?
The NBA just concluded its season last night, thank god. I despise the NBA almost as much as I despise Ottawa but you gotta hand it to David Stern, the guy has that business humming along. He pushes the star players into the best markets, the brand NBA is thriving not only here in North America but also globally, he has negotiated tremendous TV contracts with the World Wide Leader, ABC & TNT and he rules with an iron fist. Sometimes that can come back to haunt him like the recent suspension of 2 players from Phoenix for leaving the bench in a playoff game. But hey, give the guy his duehe is consistent and very successful. You may not like him but the bottom line is he delivers. Can you say the same about Bettman? No fucking way.
The new Commissioner of the NFL has show solid leadership in his first year at the helm. He is expanding the brand globally with games in London and Mexico as well as future games in possibly China. He has also set the tone with off-field issues by players with the recent suspension of a full season for Pacman Jones and 8 games for Tank Johnson. What type of message is he sending? One that reads loud and clear: You are fortunate to play this game, don’t take it for granted because the NFL stands for Not For Long career wise. The NFL will be around a lot longer than Pacman Jones and the rest of those degenerates.
MLB is America’s pastime. My old graphic arts teacher Mr. McGuire could be the commissioner and not run it in the ground. The game has too much history and is played during the best weather months of the year. Bud Selig is no rocket scientist but he is leading MLB in the right direction.
Back in April, I wrote about the Top 10 ways to save the NHL. Two months have now passed and I can honestly say I don’t think it can be saved. Fans of the NHL, do you feel satisfied with the job performance by Bettman? Do you feel confident in the abilities of Bettman to lead the NHL out of this funk and into prosperity? Like our buddies who created pleasesellthebruins someone else has created firebettman. As I have said in the past, I love hockey. The game has changed over the years and I understand some of those changes are necessary. I just don’t want the game to go away. I need my fix.
Enjoy the off-season Goonbloggers and let’s hope things improve.