This week Tie Domi visits the leafnation!(709 that is)

Interview with Tie Domi on retirement, politics and relationships.

Q: So Tie...how's retirement traeting you?

Tie:Oh, it's great. I don't have to get up for practices, and people still love me even though I no longer perform on the ice.

Q:So it's just like your last couple of seasons in Toronto, then?

Tie: Hey, don't be a smart guy with me!I was the team's tough guy!! That can't be measured in goals and assists,Alright?

Q: but didn't Bryan MacCabe have more PIM then you did last season?

Tie:Shut up!

Q:okay...moving on.You recently split with your wife, how are you coping with such a traumatic event?

Tie: I'm doing great! I've moved on. Hell...I'M DATING THE PRIME MINISTER OF CANADA!!

Q: You're dating Stephen Harper????

Tie:Oh ####...I forgot that Belinda didn't win this year. I just assumed that she was a shoo-in for it when I started working on her campaign. After all, me and success go hand in hand.

Q:Yeah..unless you're playing hockey, Tie. Back to Belinda Stronach, have you found that your life has changed since you started dating a prominent Canadian politician.

Tie: Oh yeah, things are totally different. Belinda has got some wild connections. I remember that we went to this party in NY and  What a time! There was nothin but  women and booze around, followed by this gigantic orgy, and then we all smoked some pot....it was excellent!!!

Q:Well...I didn't know that those NYC clubs are that wild......

Tie:What are you talking about? We went to Bill Clinton's house! That Bill is a really cool fella, I told him that he should think about running for president some time.

Q:I'm sure he'll keep that in mind...So do you find yourself bored, now that you don't have to play pro hockey anymore.

Tie: Well, to be honest...I kinda got clobbered with the divorce, so I've decided to continue working in another field.

Q:Oh yes..I heard about your job with TSN as a hockey commentator, how's that working out for you?

Tie: The stiffs at TSN just didn't get the Tie Domi Experience! So I had to move on.

Q: So who is currently GETTING the Tie Domi Experience?

Tie: I've found a great oppurtunity with a local restaurant.

Q: Cool, are you a part-owner or a celebrity endorser?

Tie: I deliver pizzas for them. Speaking of which, that'll be $19.86!

Q: Oh yeah, sorry about that, here's a twenty and keep the change buddy!

Tie:Cheap ####!

Hey fellow bloggers, after a much too long hiatus, I'm finally back! Looking forward to lot's more blogging and I'm realy impressed with all the new bloggers in the community.

 

What team or player do you hate the most? I don't mean just hate, I mean hate them to such a point that the failure of that team or player brings joy to your day. The mere mention of such teams or players gets your blood boiling causing you to fantasize of their demise.

Every sports fan has such teams, myself personally there's more than one...

As a Leafs fan I despise the Ottawa Senators. As if I didn't dislike Ottawa enough for being home to Canada's politicians, but know it is also the home to a hated division and provincial rival. While the Leafs have other rivalries(Habs, Wings,etc.) at least I have a measure of respect for such teams. None for the Senators however.

Another example? OK

Prior to the Raptors entrance to the NBA, I used to root for the NY Knicks. As a result, while everyone else spent the 90's cheering for the Bulls and praising one Michael Jordan, I was rooting for a well timed plane crash that would eliminate such a problem (Hey! Hate's a powerful thing).

Beyond that, nothing beats seeing the Cowboys scalped by the Washington Redskins, and the joy felt in believing that Terrell Owens will never SEE a Superbowl game again!

Then again, seeing the Yankees fail in the first round...AGAIN, or seeing the Red Sox not only miss the playoffs, but also drop to 3rd in the AL East, was pretty darn teriffic too!

As long as the NJ Nets have Vince Carter, I've been making silent prayers that they never have any success. If Toronto couldn't have success with VC, why should anyone else.

While I'm pretty sure that none of these teams or players have done anything to personally offend me to the point of justifying such curses on my behalf, I can get away with it because it's hate. So I guess that hate isn't all bad after all 

 

In an article on tsn.ca, it has been reported that Canada's sole remaining AAA baseball team, the Ottawa Lynx has been sold to an ownership group that intends to move the team to Pennsylvania in time for the 2008 season. 

Ten years ago, Canada was home to 4 AAA baseball teams and 2 MLB teams, now there is only one MLB team and soon to be no teams from baseball's top developmental level. In the case of most of the departed franchises, lack of local interest was cited as the reason for the relocations. Which brings up an interesting qusetion

Is baseball dying in Canada?

No baseball is not dying in Canada, it has been around this country for quite some time and amateur baseball organizations are still keeping their heads above water. While baseball is nowhere near as prominent as hockey or even soccer on the amateur level it still has a following that remains intensely loyal to their sport. However, a better question to ask would be....Is pro baseball dying in Canada?

The answer... without a doubt!  Canada will no longer possess any teams above the AA level, the Expos disasterous final decade in Montreal will scare MLB from coming up north again, and the Blue Jays have declined from a team that averaged 50,000 fans a game, to a team competes with second tier pro leagues (CFL,NLL) for attention in Toronto. Which leads to another question....Does pro baseball have a future outside the United States?

Let's take a look at other regions where baseball is prominent . Which sport is more popular in Asia, the Carribean, or South America? Baseball or Soccer? Nowadays the answer is most likely a resounding SOCCER.

As a baseball fan, I am relieved to see that the game of baseball hasn't completely collapsed. However, I am also distressed that the game is in a state of decline taht could lead to a very slow and painful death.

A number of months ago I wrote a post on the NHL's possible expansion into Canada...again. By expansion of course, I mean the relocation of struggling U.S franchises. What I neglected to mention were a number of U.S cities that also have potential. Some cities that have been mentioned in the news and on this site are Kansas City, Hartford, and Oklahoma City. Also I will be adding Seattle and Houston. As in the last post I will be examining fan support, arena issues, and will add any other thoughts in the form of a reality check. So without further ado...Here we go!

Kansas City: Made the news earlier in the season when the Penguins were first rumoured to be making a move.

Fan Support: The Cheifs have great support, and the fact that anyone shows up at a Royals game is a testament to how loyal the fans are.

Arena: Relatively new NHL calibre arena is available

Reality Check: Kansas City does not even have an AHL team yet(however this may be due to teh fact that the AHL was a regional league up until a few years ago). The Chiefs and the Royals also have a long standing relationship with the community, and a newcomer should not expect that support to be transferred to an NHL franchise.

Hartford: Hey, didn't they have an NHL team once?

Fan Support: The Hartford Whalers received pretty good support considering that they were a pretty mediocre team(and a pretty lousy team in their last couple of years in Hartford).The AHL's Hartford Wolf Pack are keeping there heads above water.

Arena: Hartford has the exact same arena that the Whalers were complaining about when they left. By the way, there is absolutely NO desire on the part of local government to build one either.

Reality Check: No arena, and a fan base that likely dosen't miss them much at all (who could blame them?). Also the fact that Hartford has no other major professional sports franchise isn't a great selling point either.

 Oklahoma City:Home of the New Orleans Hornets

Fan Support: Just basing this on the phoenomenel support the NBA's Hornets received from there temporary home is enough to convince me that they are good enough for a pro sports franchise. Amateur hockey in Oklahoma appears to be successful as well.

Arena: Like KC, a relatively new NHL calibre arena is available and has already proved its capable of hosting major professional sports.

Reality Check: There is no major pro franchise based in OK City at this point. In other words, we cannot be sure that the support for the Hornets was more than a novelty. Beyond that, it cannot be assumed that such support would transfer to an NHL team.

Seattle: Why don't they have a team already???

Fan Support: Just ask the Seahawks, Mariners, and Supersonics. Also being in the Pacific Northwest, they are a more natural fit for the NHL.

Arena:Key Arena isn't  good enough for the Sonics, but it would be a fine interim facility for an NHL team. Local government may be more open to modifying or replacing it for a franchise that's coming into town.

Reality Check: While Key Arena may be a fine temporary facility for the NHL, something has to be done about it to ensure long term stability in Seattle. Resistance to the Sonics pleas for government assistance for the arena raise concern.

Houston: They need a team so Dallas fans will have someone to hate.

Fan Support: The Rockets, Astros, and Texans aren't complaining. Also a second NHL team in Texas has the potential to become a lengendary rivallry

Arena: The Rockets have an excellent arena that should be also able to accomodate hockey.

Reality Check:Texas isn't exactly a hockey hotbed in the U.S, a second team may just be too many for this state(for now, at least)

 

I am not going to guess at timelines for any of these potential relocations, I imagine the NHL is still shell shocked from their last attempt at U.S expansion.However, here's my estimates on each cities chances

Kansas City: Pretty good, all the pieces are in place for the NHL to move in and be successful.

Hartford: hahahahaha...Not a chance. Too bad, it was a pretty good hockey town.

Oklahoma City: This will happen a few years after the NBA permanently sets up shop in this city.

Seattle: Dear Gary Bettman, if the Supersonics are dumb enough to leave this city, get an NHL team in there ASAP!!

Houston: This is most likely in the NHL's long term plans, and will be contigent on how well the game regains and expands in popularity (if it ever does).

The good news for most of these cities is that there are still many U.S based teams on the NHL's  bubble of sustainability and well they can't all move to Canada.  

I know its still quite a ways off, but I've got  a serious bone to pick with the NFL about the Superbowl. What is it you ask, well I'm sick and tired of watching Superbowl games that only occur in warm weather locations or indoor facilities, It's leading the the degeneration of the game. Football players are supposed to be rough and tough fellas(just like their fans!) who don't give a #### about the weather, only caring about pummeling the poor sap who has the misfortune of playing for the other team. While it may hamper the level of play;playing in extreme weather is what makes the NFL a unique sport. The obssession the NFL has with playing in optimal conditions has lead stadiums that are forced to be domed or fitted with insanely expensive retractable roofs, as well as having to use artificial turf. As well, some franchises who have had the integrity to build proper open air football stadiums at a great cost(with public financing,granted) face the prospect of never being able to host the ultimate NFL game. I don't know about anyone else but I think that if Miami can host multiple Superbowls in the past few years, then markets such as Green Bay, Washington, Philadelphia, NYC,and New England are definately worthy of hosting at least one game.[1] 

Perhaps I'm just accustomed to the CFL game where the Grey Cup championship is played in November, and all but two CFL stadiums are open air and in northern climates. This year the game will be in Winnipeg, where I will get the pleasure of watching some great football in some freezing conditions.

So, if the game goes outdoors in say Green Bay...."How will we cope with the cold"?, one may ask.Simple.....

Break out the booze...

Nothing provides the illusion of warmth more than a little alcohol, and as an added bonus it may make for some additional entertainment come game day.Picture it:

Imagine how vicous Warren Sapp would be after a couple of Orange Gatorade screwdrivers.

Once John Gruden gets a couple into him he may just wear that stupid visor of his sideways and bust a few ryhmes into his headset

We know that Superbowl refs suck when they're sober, let's try them out when they have a half decent buzz on the go

As for the halftime show...did someone say wardrobe malfunction? Sure, if by wardrobe malfunction you mean Janet Jackson throwing her shirt into the 10th row and proceeeding to give Justin a lap dance

If booze isn't your thing, with all that fresh air and natural grass, Ricky Williams can plant some his own "natural grass" in the end zone as an alternative.

Heck...all this abuse of substances may even relax some of the people in the stands who had to get second mortages on their house to buy game tickets...

Fun for all!

While the excessive use of alcohol may irritate some broacasters and effectively eliminate the NFL as a family event, the league really needs to shake things up anyway.

Cross your fingers people.

[1]Note: While I'm fully aware that there are more northern cities worthy of hosting the Suprbowl, Ifelt that just using the few I mentioned was sufficient to get the general point accross. 

The American Hockey League(AHL) has now made it mandatory for all of its players to wear protective face shields while playing. This policy will apply to all AHL players regardless of  experience or whether or not they wore a visor prior to the policy change.

I say, good for them, when's the NHL follow suit. The NHLPA says that it remains supportive of players having the choice of whether or not to wear a visor. I suppose they wouldn't really care considering that they are not the ones who have to pay for these multi million dollar players, but what would the owners think of this. If only I had a solution....wait a minute...I DO!!!!

Clasues will be placed in all player contracts stating that if they do not wear a visor while playing for an NHL club that player will not be entitled to receive any of his salary if he were to receive an injury that could hypothetically be prevented by visor use. Players who choose to use visors would still be entitled to the same injury benefits that all NHL players receive now. An example of this would be that if Eric Lindros were to suffer an eye injury(he's had every other possible injury) as the result of a high stick, and was not wearing a visor, he would not get a dime for any time spent away from the team due to this injury. The principle behind this idea is that while the visor would not remove the possibility of an eye injury, the player is penalized for not taking all reasonable measures to protect himself.

If any other did not provide and insist on the use of available safety equipment as the NHL currently does, those employers would most likely be punished by a local labour board.

Owners invest millions of dollars in their players, while fans invest their time, energy, money, and passion in the teams that rely on these players. To see a player go down to a preventable injury is gut wrenching and should never have to be seen again

Had so much fun doing my last rant that I just had to do another one. With all the talk about Barry Bonds, an MLB rant just seemed to be a natural fit. Speaking of Barry......

He's at 714 now, nothing can be done about that. On the juice or not, 714 is still a pretty impressive number .Maybe if Bonds had a better attitude we could all be a little bit more understanding.Speking of better attitudes.....

I was just thinking that if it were not for all of his injuries, that Ken Griffey Jr would be chasing Ruth and Aaron for the career home run record. The speed in which he acheived 400 HRs would certainly suggest that 755 would be easily acheivable. Come on folks, just picture it, Griffey talking to reporters with that typical "aw...shucks" demeanour of his, talking about how honoured he is about even being mentioned with the likes of Ruth and Aaron. Sounds nice...dosen't it? Maybe then,we would all be able to celebrate such a feat ,as opposed to being cynical of it. Speaking of cynicism.....

Not to sound too much like a Bonds apologist, but until we see a positive steroid  test from Barry, no one has any choice but to believe his story regarding his past encounters with roids. The heresay evidence that is presented against Barry is not concrete enough to accuse him of cheating. Its credibility is placed further in doubt by the fact that some of it was presented in an effort to make money(ex:Game of Shadows). While most people, including myself believe in our gut that Barry did cheat, gut feelings can be wrong. Speaking of being wrong.....

In a post by The Dan comparing Ruth to Bonds, in which I countered that Ruth did not have to contend with as many intentional walks as Bonds has had to in recent years. I was unsure of the facts when I made that comment, and I was called on it by fellow blogger Banfongu. Thanks for the enlightenment (Ruth had actually held the intentional walks record prior to Bonds). I don't know if being thrown at counts toward one's intentional walk total. Speaking of being thrown at.....

The manner in which pitchers throw at MLB hitters is a JOKE. To combat this I propose a change to the way umpires warn pitchers after they throw behind a hitter, here's an example:

Ump:You just threw behind Barry, give it up or...

Pitcher:You'll toss me?

Ump:Yep...however I'm also going to tell Barry that if you throw at him, he can run up here and beat the snot out of you with no repercussions from me.

Pitcher:Wha?

Ump: Yeah...You think Barry's intimidating from 60 feet 6 inches away, imagine how scary he will be when he's up here on the mound trying to ram his bat up yer ####! So, SMARTEN UP!!

Pitcher:But.....

Ump(walking away): HEY BARRY! i GOT SOMETHING TO TELL YA!!

If you thought watching Barry hit homeruns was exciting, imagine how entertaining Bonds hitting pitchers would be, however...it's just a thought.

Happy Victoria Day weekend to all the Canadian Bloggers and a happy Memorial Day (next weekend) to all the U.S Bloggers.

June 30, 2006, the day before free agent season begins in the NHL. The following is a conversation between Ed Belfour and Maple Leafs GM John Ferguson Jr. held in John's office in Toronto.

Eddie: Hello???

John: Eddie! Come on in..how's it goin?

Eddie: Not bad I guess...you said you wanted to see me?

John: Yeah, I got some bad news for you. I have decided not to pick up the option on your contract.

Eddie: I kinda expected that. But why did you need me here?

John To give you this cheque for 1.5 million for not playing next season.

Eddie:(standing up) WHAT??? YOU EXPECT ME TO SIT OUT NEXT SEASON FOR A LOUSY $1.5 MILLION? wHY YOU LITTLE%$^&$^%!!!!

John: HEY! Don't go getting crazy on me! The cops are down in the lobbey and they already know that you ain't got a billion dollars to give them...So sit back down!

Eddie: Fine. Way to rub it in.

John: Besides, the 1.5 million is for you to not play with us next season.

Eddie: So you're saying that I can keep this money and play for and get paid by whoever I want?

John:Yep

Eddie: What kinda #### came up with a deal like that?

John: I did

Eddie: Oh yeahhh(snickering). So, not that I care, but how'll this affect the salary cap for you?

John:Cap?? What do I need to worry about a cap for? Look at this hair!!! It's not even grey yet and I don't have to worry about it moving in the wind! So I don't need a regular cap, much less this "salary" cap you're talking about.

Eddie: Okay, moving on...Who you gonna get to replace me? Telqvist? Aubin? Nabokov?

John: Nope. We're getting Marty Turco to replace you.

Eddie: Oh man! Not again...

John: hahahaha...I'm just yanking yer chain Eddie! When I called Marty's agent, he just laughed and said something about Marty not being old enough to play for the Leafs yet. So now we're going for Jacques Plante!

Eddie: But isn't he.........

John: Dead? Yep! I got Paul Maurice and Tie Domi sent out to dig him up. Since he's got the handicap of being dead and not having played hockey in so long I figure we'll get a sweet deal on him. 3 to 4 million a season. Tops!

Eddie:So has anyone with MLSE talked about your future with the club?

John: They sure have. I've been told I'll have a place here for a long time. They even sent over this cool shirt, that they say I could use in the future. I think there's writing on the back of this thing. Can you read it?

Eddie  It says"COLD BEER $5.25"

John: Weird shirt to give an executive....Those silly fellas!

Eddie: Well I better leave..

John: Yes I suppose you want to speak to your agent about landing with a new team

Eddie: F*%# THAT!! I'm in Canada! I'm going to go file for employment insurance benefits!

John: Well good luck with that Eddie, I've gotta go and sign Chris Chelios. I got him to agree to a deal for the next 5 years.

Eddie: I'll save you a place in line.

My thoughts on all sports that I deem relevant, with the exception of the Toronto Maple Leafs,for which I have enough frustrationswith to write a book. Heeere we go!

NHL
-shootouts are great, but sudden death OT is better. Regular season games should be decided by sudden death 4-on-4 hockey for as long as necessary, no ties and no shootouts, also scrap the consolation point.

-Get rid of that zone behind the net that the goalie is allowed to play the puck in. From now on, i####oalie steps behind the goal line, he will be FAIR GAME!

-I####ame starts to beacome dull, they should send the zamboni out while play is ongoing which will add needed excitement/hazard to liven up a game

NBA
-Lebron James will have such a great career, that in ten years we'll all be wondering who the BLEEP Michael Jordon is and what all the fuss was about him.

-Lebron James will deliver an NBA championship to Cleveland, thus preventing a mass suicide of Cleveland sports fans.

-Shaquille O'Neal will soon start such a feud with Dwayne Wade that it will make us reminise of the good ol' Shaq and Kobe days.

-Kobe will win a championship on his own. No I don't mean without Shaq, I mean by himself on the court playing against 5 other chumps. The other Laker players will be there just for looks, and Phil Jackson will claim at least partial credit for it.

MLB
-Barry Bonds will quit baseball after passing Babe Ruth on the HR list and getting very close to Hank Aaron so that in the future, people won't make as much of a fuss over the fact that he may have used steroids. There isn't as much scrutiny of 2nd place.

-The Toronto Blue Jays will win the World Series for the 3rd time in 2018, which will be their first year in the playoffs since 1993, leaving us current Blue Jay fans to explain to younger fans why exactly it took so long to get back into the playoffs

-I love old style ball parks as much as anyone else, however Minute Maid Field in Houston has officially gone to hell with the theme. MLB is looking like a bush league for not intervening into this matter.

FOOTBALL
-All Superbowls should be played in outdoor stadiums in northern regions, the only issue is who is most worthy of the next big game.hmmmm.Denver,Pittsburgh,New England, Green Bay,etc.

-To avoid losing the next Army/Navy game, Army will subsitute their offensive line with a platoon of battle tanks. Navy ships however will remain in the harbour.

WORLD CUP 2006
-England is a lock to win the World Cup this year...that is if the team planes of Brazil, Germany and France happen to collide into one another prior to the tournament.

ONE FINAL NOTE...
Any sports commentators who insist on making playoff predictions should have to wear long robes, a long white beard and a cone shaped hat emblazzed with stars and lightning bolts. As well, prior to making a prediction they must wave a magic wand and yell SHA-ZAAM!!! just before announcing their prediction.

Well, its all over folks. Despite an inspiring late season run by my beloved Maple Leafs, they came up short in making the playoffs. Despite the stellar goaltending of J.S Aubin, Mats Sundin's return to from, strong consistent play, and my own hasty attempts at Voodoo magic ( anyone who feels a burning sensation, please let me know)...It was not to be.

At this point, I am conflicted. I am very encouraged by the recent play of the Leafs younger prospects and the fact that they at least made the playoff race in the East interesting. On the other hand, I'm disgusted by the fact that this team didn't show up until they were all but counted out of the playoff race altogether. I am also conflicted as to who should I blame...

Is it Quinn's fault for not properly motivating his team? or is it John Ferguson's fault for providing a team that could not easily be motivated??? Or is there too much interfernce from the executive at MLSE to let either man do his job? Since Pat Quinn has already had to sacrifice his job because of this season and the fact that he has actually had results from behind the Leafs bench, I'll leave him be. As for Ferguson...how can you fire someone who has only had one season as GM under a salary cap system that severely handicapped Toronto's one big advantage?

The point trying to be made here, is that its difficult to find out what's broken with the Leafs, much less try to fix it. It appears it will take a lot of time and work before the Leafs can challenge for a Cup again. Man, this is depressing, I'd better end this with a joke...

Q:What do Billy Graham and the Toronto Maple Leafs have in common?

A:Both can make 19,000 people scream "JESUS,JESUS,JESUS"!!!

Here are the best moments from expansion teams since 1991. I'm only including those teams who joined after 1991 because there is too many moments for the other teams who joined, and that these teams lead to a league expansion of almost 50%, which had a signifigant impact on how the NHL is today.

1.1993-94 San Jose Sharks

In their first year of playoff contention, the Sharks were only expected to show up and get clobbered by the Western Conference leading Red Wings. Instead, they rode on the stelar play of Arturs Irbe, and took the momentum o####ame 1 victory all the way to game 7 where they advanced to the second round. Not finished there, they defeated the Maple Leafs in game 1 of that series and very close to advancing to the conference finals before losing in the seventh game of that series.

2.Ottawa Senators

For the first 4 seasons of their existence, this team was the laughing stock of the league, however after that point they made the playoffs for the first time in 1997 and haven't missed the post season since. Utilizing their own prospects and making key acquisitions made the Senators a team that always punched above its weight despite a lower payroll and in recent years has been regularly mentioned as a Stanley Cup contender.

3.1995-96 Florida Panthers

This team advanced straight through to the Stanley Cup finals in their first year of playoff contention before being swept by the Avalanche. During this playoff run, John Vanbiesbrook earned a new reputation for being a big time NHL starter instead of as a steady back-up. As well the ritual of Florida fans throwing toy rats on the ice after a Panthers goal inspired the NHL to institute a minor penalty against the home team if debris is thrown on the ice. Now that's pretty memorable.

4.2002-2003 playoffs

First the Anaheim Mighty Ducks sweep the Red Wings and beat the Dallas Stars, but then the Minnesota Wild come back from 3 games to one deficets against both the Avalanche and the Canucks. Then both teams meet in the Conference finals. While the series wasn't that memorable with the Ducks sweeping the Wild in four, it was still one hell of a run for the Wild. The Ducks then proceeded to take the New Jersey Devils to seven games in the Cup final before finally bowing out. J.S Giguere outshined everyone and took the Conn Smythe trophy despite not being on the cup winning team(first time since 1987).

5.2003-04 Tampa Bay Lightning

This team quietly went from being a regular basement dweller to Stanley Cup contender in such a short time, it was astonishing. We were introduced to players like Richards,St.Louis, Lacavlier, and learned that Dave Anderchyuk still was a potent player. Also learned during this run was that Khabibulin could play well when the pressure was on. At this point, they are the only expansion team from this era to win a Cup.

HONORABLE MENTIONS

San Jose, Columbus, and Minnesota have recieved a strong level of support from their regions proving that they were worthy of NHL franchises.

Nashville is having one of the strongest seasons that any of these teams has ever had.Can't put them on the big list though...This story hasn't completely unfolded yet.

NOTE:Teams that were created as a result of relocation Colorado,Carolina,Dallas,Phoenix,) during this period were not included in this post as all such franchises were able to retain teh NHL rosters of the previous club and were not forced to acquire the bulk of their NHL players through the expansion draft,as expansion teams are required to do.

Soon to come......The biggest disapointments in NHL expansion history(91-present)

 

 

The singing of our national anthem(O Canada of the Star Spangled Banner). Nothing gets a fan pumped up more than hearing those words before a sporting event. Maybe its the electricity from the crowd, while the anthem is being sung, or maybe its the fact that most fans already have a couple of pre game drinks into them, but you are just revved up after it is sung.
I recall when I first started watching hockey. Being from eastern Canada, I was usually only able to watch Canadiens games on Hockey Night in Canada. One of my most enduring memories from this, was hearing a gentleman named Andre Oullet, or at least I think that was his name(years of excessive alcohol use can cloud one's memory). Either way this particular person would do a rendition of the billugual version of O Canada that would shake the rafters at the old Montreal Forum, and give me a new found appreciation for my fellow citizens from Quebec.
Anyone who has watched a Senators game, may have had the pleasure of watching an Ontario Provincial Police officer(In full uniform) belt out O Canada to such a point that it could be heard in Toronto.
Proving that people in uniform can do more than salute and hold up flags.

However, not all anthem moments are good memories:

Rosanne Barr's redition of the Star ####led Banner was so horrendous that U.S prosecutors were probably trying to look up a treason law that she could have been charged with.

During the 1992 World Series the Marines on flag detail, ended up putting the Canadian flag upside down. Fortunatly for Tom Cochrane, this drew attention away from his version of O Canada in which he forgot to sing half of bloody song!!!(I can understand a flag being mistakenly placed on a flagpole incorrectly, but a professional mucisian screwing up on a song as short of O Canada,c'mon).

I know that there are other examples of anthem singing, but I just can't think of them. Any suggestions?(Also, feel free to give good examples as well).

While I write a lot about hockey, I love baseball.Its my second favorite sport, which is a pretty amazing feat considering I live in an area where baseball rarely garners any serious interest(exception of the Jays in 92 and 93). However, even when you love something you can find flaws or things that can be improved.In this case, I think the MLB playoffs can be improved even further.

The introduction of the 3 division/wildcard playoff format in 1994 brought new life to the MLB, however I noticed one problem. There are still too many good teams left out.
What I propose is similar to the NFL's playoff system, 6 teams in per league with the top two qualifiers receiving a bye however with a twist. First off...goodbye to 3 divisions, back to east and west divsions for each league with the division champions automatically advancing to the DLS. Four wilcard teams per league playing best of three mini-series to advance. All games will be played at the park of the top two wildcard seeds in each league,eliminating an unnecessary travel day. The two wilcard winners in each league will advance to take on the division champions in each league with the divsion champions being guarenteed home-field advantage. At this point, the playoffs continue exactly as they would in the current format.
For the purpose of record keeping, this wilcard mini series would be considered a qualifying round and the teams that do not advance will not be acknowledged as making the playoffs. Though these games will occur in the post season and have a playoff atmosphere, the playoffs will officially start at the division series level. This format allows for MLB to have extra playoff teams,and have 2 strong divisions per league as opposed to the one weaker divsion that seems to pop up every season. The alignment for these hypothetical divsion would look like this.

AL EAST AL WEST NL EAST NL WEST
New York Anaheim Atlanta San Diego
Boston Oakland Florida San Francisco
Toronto Kansas City New York Los Angeles
Baltimore Chicago Sox Washington Arizona
Tampa Bay Minnesota Philadelphia Colorado
Detroit Texas Chicago St.Louis
Clevland Seattle Pittsburgh Cinncinati
Milwaukee Houston

This alignment may require some tinkering, but since its not being considered yet,who cares? An example of how this would work, is as follows:
Sunday:Regular season ends
Monday:of####ay
Tuesday,Wednesday, and Thursday:Qualifying round
Friday:of####ay
Saturday:League Division Series begin.

In order for this to work and still complete a 162 game schedule, the season would have to begin 3-4 days earlier(last week of March). It is also important that these qualifying games be unable to affect playoff or regular season stats/records as some players will have an unfair advantage in individual categories.

In closing, this should make the final stretch more exciting for fans, as did the current format when it was introduced. Also....MLB should come up with a rule banning a team from proclaiming itself wilcard champions and raising a banner for it. It's like chanting "We're #2!!!". Hopefully this will be eliminated when there are four teams in the same position.

Inspired by Dr.Crab's post on possible relocations of NHL teams and some of the circumstances surrounding such potential relocations. The three contenders listed were Winnipeg, Quebec City, and Hamilton.I'm also adding Toronto as my own suggestion,so let's take a look.

1.Winnipeg-The obvious front runner for relocation.

Fan Support:Solid. The Jets always played to a large crowd, and really became a community team. Support for Winnipeg's AA baseball and CFL teams is consistently among the highest in their respective leagues. Ditto for support of the current AHL club(the Moose).

Arena:MTS Centre was opened in 2004 and has all the required amenities for an NHL club.No problems here.

Reality Check:MTS Centre only holds 15,000 people,which would make it the smallest arena in the NHL.Concerns have also been raised by the city's chamber of commerce of whether Winnipeg has the economic base to support an NHL team in today's market. It's likely however that we will find out in the next 5 years.

2.Quebec City-No serious chance.

Fan Support:Quebec's junior team is receiving phenomenal support. Concerns are raised however,by the fact that both the IHL and AHL failed to last more than a couple of seasons.

Arena:Part of the reasons the Nordiques left, Le Colisee is still the prominent venue in this area.With the provincial government, cutting social programs to resolve a budget deficet, don't expect any government assistance on a new arena. For a team to be relocated, a new facilty will have to be built and operating prior to any relocation.

Reality Check:The most optimistic appraisal, sees the NHL returning to the capital of La Belle Province as a longshot at best.

3.Hamilton-Used to be mentioned at least once a year

Fan Support:Hamilton's AHL team receives adequate support, and its CFL franchise recives strong support despite a recent lack of performance.

Arena:Copps Coliseum is the perfect NHL arena...for 1987. Either a new building or extensive renovation will be required. Due to the potential market, this can probably wait until an NHL team sets up in the city, though an agreement will be required first.

Reality Check:The AHL's Bulldogs have been having trouble in Hamilton since Day 1. Only in recent years has the team become more stable. Is this because Hamilton feels that they are a big league city? Whatever it is, it will be a stumbling block to a team deciding to relocate there.

4.Toronto-NBA,NFL,and MLB have 2 teams in one city, why not the NHL(NYC excluded)

Fan Support:Is Toronto a Leaf town or a hockey town? While the Leafs enjoy unbelievable support, fan response to Major Jr and AHL in the city has been lukewarm. However, a counterbalance to the Leafs may be just what Toronto needs and wants.

Arena:The ACC is there, however it is also owned by the MapleLeafs. Also as home of the Raptors, the Rock, and being the primary venue for concerts and trade shows in Toronto, this would be a short term solution at best. That is, if the Leafs allow it.

Reality Check:Playing second fiddle to another team is not a good way to build fan or corporate support. Also, a problem arises with the Tornoto Maple Leafs who still hold considerable sway at the Commisioner's office, and may use that to obstruct any such relocation in order to protect their monopoly.

So after examining the potential sites. Here's my guesses:

Quebec City:Not a chance (Sorry, you may deserve, but that's not enough)
Winnipeg:Next five years. It'll be an experiment with the owners ready to jump ship whenever things are looking down.
Hamilton or Toronto(not both):Next ten years.The NHL needs more strong franchises, and both these areas represent the oppurtunity to build them

In writing this, I want to first declare that I have not given up on the Leafs chances of making it to the playoffs. No matter what the odds, you still gotta believe! However, even if the Buds sqeak into the playoffs, things are going have to change.Deprived of their ability to outspend competitors, new ways of thinking in every area of the organization will be required. Here are a few suggestions:

1.SPEND, SPEND, SPEND
Before anyone says that this sounds familiar, please be aware that I am not talking about paying out in more salaries. It was mentioned in another blog that the Leafs should use their spending advantage in other areas of the organization. Expanding on this notion, I would suggest:
-More scouts, and make sure they're the best. The Leafs should have a scout in every NHL city
and attending every single NHL game. This not only provides info on potential player acquisitions
but also provides info on the tactics of other teams and how these tactics evolve over the course
of the season. By being in every city, the team is also supplied with a critical "ear to the ground"
to provide info on these above mentioned subjects. A lot can be learned about a team and its
players away from the rink as well. Additional resources should also be allocated to scouting
minor league and amateur players. Leafs scouts should be better informed of another teams
prospects/potential stars than that team itself.

-The Leafs can afford the best of everything, so more resources should be funneled towards
physical conditioning and wellness. Southern Ontario in well endowed with universities that have
exceptional Physical Education and Kinesiology faculties. Such sources, are also excellent sources
of innovation. Most schools should be cooperative if it results in an infusion of Maple Leaf money.
The benefit of the Leafs AHL team being in TO means that Leaf prospects should also benefit from
such advantages.
The MapleLeafs saved almost 20 million in payroll from 03-04, time to invest.

2.DON'T PANIC!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I'll admit that I proposed some radical changes when the Leafs started their slide during the 2nd half of the season. Thankfully, sober second thought made me realize that you cannot get a ship back on course by throwing out the lifeboats and abandoning, but by calmly steadying it and making only necessary adjustments until you are out of rough water. To elaborate, John Ferguson and his team have only had one season under the cap, after having a blank check in the past.One must allow time to adapt to new situations.

3.COPY,COPY,COPY.
Find teams that are successfull in the new cap system and try doing the same thing. Even better, find unhappy members of the scouting or management of these teams and STEAL them. No spending limits on executives (hey Muckler...give you a solid gold house if you move to Toronto). This policy should apply to any such staff members(ex:athletic directors, trainers, assistant coaches, hell even stick boys if need be).

4.MAKE SMARTER ACQUISITIONS
Hear the rumor of the Leafs trying to get Luongo? It better stay a rumor if the Leafs want to survive in the new NHL. Leafs management has a nasty habit of overcompensating for defficiencies(real or perceived) in the club. It's either too much grit and not enough talent or vice versa. The teams obssession with big name players, reminds you someone who drools over sports cars, when they should be focusing on a pick-up truck. While the sports car may look pretty and create a buzz, it is not necessarily appropriate for lugging cargo. Part of the blame can be laid upon the proud members of Leafs Nation who go insane if a free agent is signed by someone other than the Leafs. It's time to relax and let Maple Leafs staff do their job, if they fail...then we can call for their heads!

These suggestions may not lead to a Stanley Cup in 06-07, but may create an organization that can consistently be a contender for the Cup while playing in the more balanced league that is today's NHL.
In the mean time


GO LEAFS GO!