Steve Yzerman will be honored tonight at Joe Louis Arena, for his accomplishments, his work ethic that blended perfectly with the city he calls his home and the city that adopted him; and finally for just being someone who likes getting the job done. It seemed the first time when Red Wings fans read about Steve Yzerman in 1983 and saw the draft day picture of him shaking hands with Mike Ilitch and Yzerman wearing a red tie that Detroit Red Wings fans knew that Steve Yzerman would restore Red Wings back to Detroit. And that the jeers and name of "dead wings" would be erased. Here is list of how flight was restored to the Red Wings.
In 1983 it was plain to see that Steve Yzerman would be a great player in the NHL and that he would one day have a chance to win with the Red Wings. The Red Wings were back in the playoffs. For the first time in over 10 years the Red Wings were playing with inspiration and the jeers ended. The relentless pursuit of taking the puck to the opposition and scoring against any goalkeeper kept Steve Yzerman and the team on the road of winning and the team found itself in the NHL elites once again. Number 19 had restored pride, excitement for the fans and the goals accumulated for Steve Yzerman one of them was to win the Stanley Cup. There was one goal that he did not count on in Detroit.
In 1986 at the age of 21 he was named Captain of the team. He was the youngest player in NHL history to be given the honor and responsibility of wearing the "C". He wore it for 22 years and along the way made more history, his 22 years as captain is the longest that anyone wore the "C" with one team. His nickname in Detroit, is 'the Captain", fans respect the player who gave his all every night and played through every injury known to NHL physicians earned him that honor. He has said that Detroit Red Wings fans have a passion and beyond that a commitment to winning and that he has that as well because the fans and the organization want to win. Steve Yzerman is a proud citizen of Detroit, Michigan. And we are proud fans of the Captain.
Steve Yzerman battled through the early 90's and when Scotty Bowman was hired lived through the trade rumors and became a two way forward. He put aside personal success and when the sacrifice was made the Red Wings went on to win back-to-back Stanley Cups, in 1996-97 and 97-98. Then in 2002 he would go on to raise the Cup one more time. Steve Yzerman has proven that he can play the game at the highest level and that being rewarded for loyalty is one of the most glorious things in life and sport.
Since the celebration starts officially tonight at 6:30 p.m. at Joe Louis Arena before the game against the Anaheim Ducks, Steve Yzerman is starting his new career in the front office of the Red Wings, he calls the Detroit Red Wings, "the organization". Tonight the organization, fans and friends will probably cheer him for over five minutes and salute the Captain for over an hour. All he has to do is watch and enjoy. And cheer on the team that has the name Red Wings back since the erasing of a name that took place 24 years ago. Tonight the number 19 will be sixth in Red Wings history to go to the rafters, after that, next stop the Hockey Hall of Fame.
Other awards for the Captain include, Selke trophy, Conn Smythe trophy, and the Masterson trophy; which is awarded by the NHL to player who perseveres. Other highlights of Steve Yzerman's amazing NHL career are found at the hockey hall of fame website.
Toronto, Canada- children play hockey outside. Hot chocolate is served and the parents of the kids talk about happenings and community events. Adults play outside games on club teams. The Toronto Maple Leafs playing outside is a real fun idea, there is a real chance that most NHL teams will eventually consider the idea of an outside game during the regular season.
The proposed venue is a new outside soccer field near Toronto. It would be scheduled for January 8, 2008. It would be part of the season schedule and the seating capacity is 20,000. I would really like to go to this game. The air is cold, ears are red or covered with a hat with the team logo. There is a steam and fog hovering over the ice and the cheers of fans can be heard outside the stadium. It is not capturing the atmosphere of true fun it is also bringing the history of the sport to the minds of fans who have never had the pleasure of attending outside hockey game.
The Maple Leafs have not given written approval yet but they expect to announce support of this outside game soon. When it happens the Leafs should expect fans to be excited about the game. Excitement can be seen hanging in the cold over the ice and heads of fans in Toronto, Canada.
I would like to give thanks for the country, land and people of America. There are so many things that are taking place that should not be. And when we stop to think about the world are we thankful for it? For the people of the Armed Force serving us. Thank you for protecting our freedom.
The Detroit Tigers in the World Series, Jim Leyland manager of the year, and Justin Verlander AL Rookie of the year; thank you for being the team that did what no one expected you to do. The fans and the City of Detroit was so excited and jubilant we have no doubt about the success of the auto industry turning itself around and the same thing could be said of the Lions.
Family, thanksgiving in Michigan centers around the Turkey and food on the table, the people gathered in silent thanks, and the laughter and fellowship of the table. Then the television and the Detroit Lions. We have a few doubts about the Lions and what can be done to bring around the Lions to be winning team.
Finally, to the people of Michigan thanks for being the hardest working people and the friendlisest on the face of the earth. Yes I am not the governor of our peninsula state but I would have no problem serving you. The citizens of Michigan know how to build, create, innovate and relax afterwards all in this order and our loss jobs is just a transition. When I get up in the morning I know that millions of people are suffering economically like I am and yet the day begins for us whether we are at work or not. And we work hard to make the best of it.
Happy Thanksgiving everyone and be sure to watch the Lions today and the Red Wings next week.
Buying tickets for a team that is not finding ways to win is hard, when tickets are so readily available no one wants them. The Boston Bruins have a new coach, Zdeno Chara, and real loyal fans. I have watched some Bruins games on TV and the fans are in to it and they want wins. That is what any loyal fan would want. When the Bruins cannot there are going to be rumors being circulated and Peter Chiarelli, the General Manager will be on telephone looking for the best fit for his team via trade or farm system prospect; young player in the minor league affiliate of the Bruins who is waitng for the chance to prove that he can help the team win. The possible scenarios are not conjecture or fiction as we all know that anything is possible and it is with the best of intentions to see the Bruins win and the fans to remain loyal while the Bruins team and management find the right scenario to bring games to the standings in terms of the win and total points columns.
Winning recently against the Washington Captials during overtime is a good start. Le'ts look at what's brewin' in Boston before season's end. The possible scenarios are trading a player, like Glen Murray who has not found the way to be profductive after Joe Thornton was traded last year. Trading Glen Murray for a scoring winger like Daniel Briere would not happen probably but if it did Daniel Briere would be that player that the Bruins are looking for; to lead, score and pass the puck to others who can score and Marco Sturm on a line with Briere would be a great beginning, and help the team gain some momentum before the end of the season. The trade of Murray/Briere would not be very likely, but this type of scenario would be exactly what the Bruins need if Chiarelli were to pose a trade on the telephone, make it a good one.
Goalkeeping is the obvious answer to what's needed in Boston. Not saying that the keepers are not already in Boston they need to step it up and just play better. The other scenario would be to trade for a goalie and there are a few still on the market if the Bruins were to make an offer no one could refuse.
The other scenario, just stay patient and wait as the Bruins are in the middle of the rebuilding process. One mistake that is a carry over from last year is trading Joe Thornton. While the Bruins will keep playing this season and try to get in playoff seeding look for something to be brewin' Boston hockey fans.
Do you remember the movie "A Christmas Story"? Ralphie the main character would like a Red Rider bee-bee gun. And then when he visits Santa Claus he says I want a football --while I am not a Hollywood writer in the development process of a Holiday classic -- I wonder how difficult it is to shop for sports fans who do not have the same likes I have -- so I will develop a list of some sports memoribilia and do your best to tell Santa what you want, make you do not pout and that you have been good, hey I like Christmas do you? it is great with plates of food and bowls of football on the television -- snoring and sleeping are part of it, so sports fans how about those wish lists for your teams or for you. Have fun writing and see you around the blogs.
1) While the Michigan State University search committee will never ask me who I would like for a new head football coach, I would say that the names out there are good I think Ron English at UM would be a great choice since Michigan Wolverines usually look from within when it comes to hire a coach at UM let's take him and give him a chance to prove himself now instead of UM giving him that chance. For a big name coach Butch Davis or the return of Nick Saban. Mariucci has said to paraphrase here that he does not want the job. So give it to someone who wants to win and get the Spartans football program on track. Bubba Smith, Kirk Gibson and Mushin Muhammad are football greats from the Spartans let show Ann Arbor how to play basketball -- which we have done -- and how to play real football for a long time that they will not forget because of our dominance.
2) For the NHL to get a major fan base in the USA and doing that will take time, so sit down and talk it out and have a common sense marketing approach to match the money that is being spent. When that happens Americans will truly see how fun and exciting the sport is.
3) Sports memrobilia is the heart and soul of any collection whether it is baseball cards or an autographed puck from Wayne Gretzky, watching kids smile when they get a present that means something to dad and child is the best Christmas moment I think.
4) Keeping the weight loss going will not be a problem, with moderation it is possible to enjoy the cooking of relatives and friends.
Make list before it is to late.
Have a fun season of snow and holiday get togethers.
I would like to first say that is good to be back in the mix in FOX blogs and thank you to all for wishing me the best at school and-- so far the report is all A's. Now on to the post.
The weight probelm has nothing to do with to much stress and over eating from depression that the Tigers lost to the Cards. It was great to see the Tigers there when no one expected them to be there at the beginning of the season.
The weight problem has nothing to do with tailgating at Lions and Spartans this football season and to much beer expanding the belly. It was great to see them lose so maybe Millen and John L. will be fired.
The weight problem has nothing to do with waiting for the Red Wings to start clicking, they are now and are one of the best teams in the NHL. It is finally in action the season is getting under way for the NHL.
The weight problem has nothing to do with the Pistons losing Ben Wallace to the Bulls.. It will be good to see the Pistons win without him.
So what is the weight problem?
I like eating. I have lost ten pounds over two months.
I have not posted anything like this for sometime and maybe it is time for this post. The reason for blogging is sports and that is it. Hate and discord, religions and politics, and anything else should be used for the political blogs and religious websites. Sports and whether or not we cannot stand the Yankees should be the only hate on this website, and not standing the Yankees is what makes the world goes around. But empty accusation and remarks that hit at a persons life here on this site stinks. Worse than the waste water treatment plant in Dallas, Texas.
And being Christian is not attending this or that Christian University it is about a relationship with Jesus and living a life of compassion that he would with others. In otherwords that the matter of it all, being a Christian is a life of enjoying the company of others and reaching out to people and as an extension of God. "We seek to find"; that is a fundemental tenet of all the Christian denominations. That God is.....and we seek him everyday among our friends and acquaintances at work, sports, and church. That is the true meaning of community.
So how does this relate to sports and this site? Here is how, write about sports and leave the character attacks for the politicians and people in baptistic universities. Sports is the reason for it all especially watching the Lions lose on a Sunday afternoon after church.
Autumn, leaves that cannot hang on and cling to wood anymore change color and fall. The rains that come and pelt our heads are colder, and then the start of the winter. What do you do when it is cold and their is fun to be had outside in the snow and the ice?
Some start a snow man, others start a snowball fight, and then there are a few who start a hockey game on a frozen pond. It lasts until the hot chocolate runs out and the families have sat for three 10 minute periods. The cold look at sports is that the fun of sports is back and that the wait for hockey, football, and basketball is over.
Sports in the summer are fun but a baseball summer is to long. And when it is time for sports to be watched on television, let the snow fall and the puck drop because all of us cannot wait anymore.
When Terry Sawchuk was starting his career he played for the (AHL) team in Indianapolis, and Terry Sawchuk is in the Indianapolis Sports Hall of Fame. The hockey fans who live in Indiana are either Detroit Red Wings fans or Chicago Black Hawks fans. The city of Indianapolis is host to the Pacers, the motosports racing world, and the Colts of the NFL. When hockey was played there it was popular in the media during the 40's and 50's. If the city of Indianapois in general could have enough fan support then here are a few major issues that would need to addressed.
1) A new arena--or modern facility with seating for fans of the professional team.
2) Maintenance of ice conditions.
3) Local press coverage and television stations to bid for local coverage.
4) Could the Red Wings and Hawks fans make the switch?
That question would be interesting if they did then the franchise would be do very well in Indianapolis, economically. The most important issue is always coming down to the millages for the new arena and or renovating a facility already in existence to keep the ice at playable conditions, or looking at football or basketball stadium for the site of an NHL team. There are plenty of television stattions and newspapers, and sports fans that would follow a fast, intense, quick game like hockey in Indianapolis, after all the city is known for speed in sports.
The summer is hesitant in giving way to fall, everyone who anticipates the start of college and professional athletics in the fall writes about it while the summer lags and in humid repose is welcoming fall to change the scenery. So one day in September football and hockey pads will be worn and sports will resume for its players and avid fans. Here are last three players to watch, this series is ending before a leaf turns color.
The Philadelphia Flyers are one of the traditional big spenders and here in this picture are Simon Gagne and Peter Forsberg. Peter Forsberg is the force of Flyer hcokey. He is a player to watch for his natural ability to do play every game with a defensive and offensive prowess that is unequalled in the game today. When he is injured fan would that Forsberg was not. Every facet of the game that the Flyers draw up and strategize is to push Forsberg to the oppositions net and there he will elude and evade hit, pass to the blueline for a sniper shot, or take a shot sniper or not. The cause--score and the Flyers have many weapons and Forsberg is the commander in cheif.
The New York Islanders in the 1980's contended with the Edmonton Oilers for NHL supremacy. They won four Stanley Cup Championships. And now there is a vision to put a team on the ice. One of the players on the Islander roster who is not maligned by fans is Miroslav Satan. He is a player to watch for his stealthy game and skating, scoring and taking the goalkeeper out of position. Alexei Yashin is maligned by fans. Miroslav Satan is the reason to watch to hockey on the Island.
The Detroit Red Wings have signed Dominik Hasek, the roster is minus Steve Yzerman and Brendan Shanahan. The imminent trade for a goalie or scoring winger looms and there is one constant image fixed on the roster besides Nicklas Lidstrom and Chris Chelios. Henrik Zetterberg. He is a player to watch for his competitive spirit and inspiration to play to win. In six playoff games against the Oilers he had six goals, and he is ever present with Pavel Datsyuk. Pavel Datsyuk has taken his bit of heat for his lack of output in the playoffs look for him to be a better player and scorer this year. Henrik Zetterberg is a friend of Pavel and his leadership and mind for the NHL playoffs will help Datsyuk and the other Red Wings who will look to him for his ability move the game at a pace that few in the NHL can match, his feet are always moving and his puck handling skills are respected by other players and held in awe by children. He is my tenth player to watch. And the Wings gift of flight is Henrik Zetterberg.
Ted Lindsay a Red Wings legend and NHL great. His nickname "Terrible Ted" decribes his style of play and the respect of others in the league.
The player to watch for the Canadiens is a goalie, Cristobal Huet. He is from France, and is the first to star from nation in the NHL. His great stick saves and reflexes are what make his stature imposing. He took over the goalkeeping responsibilities last year and in the playoffs he showed why the Canadiens are still to be respected. He is my eighth player to watch.
Dany Heatley arrived in Ottawa last year and everyone knew how quick a skater he is and that he can put one past the keeper in amounts that will keep him in the top five of scoring. The Ottawa Senators will be among the teams that can score because of Heatley and the other players who can score 40+ goals. Watch him as he skates by you to the goal.
Marco Sturm is a Boston Bruin from the trade for Joe Thornton. Marco is a player to watch for his ability to have balanced scoring and the natural hockey sense to work when the puck is not getting past the opposition, and he will be a player to watch for Boston he is a leader and when he is doing his best is when he is focused on his balanced game, if his health and concentration permit for 82 games he will be a player to watch in Boston. Marco Sturm is not Joe Thornton so let him play his game and he will surprise and work hard while you watch. He is my ninth player to watch.
Hockey is a game of skill, concentration and balancing all of that for team wins and playoffs hopefully culminating in the Stanley Cup and a name etched on it. And the banner "2007 Stanley Cup Champions!" from the rafters.
Olli Jokinen of Florida Panthers has a reputation for being the player to count on for the team, he comes up with timely score and pass. During the 2006 Olympics held in Torino, Italy, on team Finland he was a player who could dominate on both sides of the action. For the Florida Panthers to win games this year they need a healthy Olli Jokinen and for the rest of the team to help in the crucial areas of scoring and defense. He is a player to watch for his quick decision making he knows what he wants to do before the defense can stop him and if he is traded to another team looking to make run in the post season then look for him to contribute immediately. He likes to win.
The Phoenix Coyotes have the player of all time to watch Wayne Gretzky, head coaches a roster that returns Jeremy Roenick to the team. The team will be better for that then there is the player who was drafted by the Winnipeg Jets in 1995, Shane Doan. The leader, go to guy, and all around complete game; the rest of the league takes notice when he skates and works hard for his goals. He is ready to win and take the Cup on a victory lap, he is my seventh player to watch, his skill demands it.
Another memeber of team Finland at the Torino Olympics, Teemu Selanne he has been a star since his rookie season when he set records that still stand for rookie scoring. Honored with the name "The Finnish Flash" for his quick feet and ability to shoot the puck past a goalkeeper in a quick second he is a player to watch as he was once again scoring and skating at peak level, he is a dangerous player that will be a player that is determined to pass and shoot and help the team win. He is a leader that excelled with the Ducks, he will this year barring injury. And with the addition of Chris Pronger the Ducks will not look odd on the frozen pond of Arrowhead. They will be serious about winning and getting to the playoffs.
No introduction today. A list and series of players to watch are not predictions but a guide to the players in this sport who like to win and live for the start of the hockey season. This writer eagerly awaits the ice and intensity at the computer.
The game of hockey is intense, it is a game that is not about finesse all the time. It is about second chances and detmerination and the fight to win welcome back DMAC #25!
NHL Rules
The Philadelphia Flyers are one of the traditional big spenders and here in this picture are Simon Gagne and Peter Forsberg. Peter Forsberg is the force of Flyer hcokey. He is a player to watch for his natural ability to do play every game with a defensive and offensive prowess that is unequalled in the game today. When he is injured fan would that Forsberg was not. Every facet of the game that the Flyers draw up and strategize is to push Forsberg to the oppositions net and there he will elude and evade hit, pass to the blueline for a sniper shot, or take a shot sniper or not. The cause--score and the Flyers have many weapons and Forsberg is the commander in cheif. 
The New York Islanders in the 1980's contended with the Edmonton Oilers for NHL supremacy. They won four Stanley Cup Championships. And now there is a vision to put a team on the ice. One of the players on the Islander roster who is not maligned by fans is Miroslav Satan. He is a player to watch for his stealthy game and skating, scoring and taking the goalkeeper out of position. Alexei Yashin is maligned by fans. Miroslav Satan is the reason to watch to hockey on the Island. 
The Detroit Red Wings have signed Dominik Hasek, the roster is minus Steve Yzerman and Brendan Shanahan. The imminent trade for a goalie or scoring winger looms and there is one constant image fixed on the roster besides Nicklas Lidstrom and Chris Chelios. Henrik Zetterberg. He is a player to watch for his competitive spirit and inspiration to play to win. In six playoff games against the Oilers he had six goals, and he is ever present with Pavel Datsyuk. Pavel Datsyuk has taken his bit of heat for his lack of output in the playoffs look for him to be a better player and scorer this year. Henrik Zetterberg is a friend of Pavel and his leadership and mind for the NHL playoffs will help Datsyuk and the other Red Wings who will look to him for his ability move the game at a pace that few in the NHL can match, his feet are always moving and his puck handling skills are respected by other players and held in awe by children. He is my tenth player to watch. And the Wings gift of flight is Henrik Zetterberg. 
Ted Lindsay a Red Wings legend and NHL great. His nickname "Terrible Ted" decribes his style of play and the respect of others in the league.
The player to watch for the Canadiens is a goalie, Cristobal Huet. He is from France, and is the first to star from nation in the NHL. His great stick saves and reflexes are what make his stature imposing. He took over the goalkeeping responsibilities last year and in the playoffs he showed why the Canadiens are still to be respected. He is my eighth player to watch.
Dany Heatley arrived in Ottawa last year and everyone knew how quick a skater he is and that he can put one past the keeper in amounts that will keep him in the top five of scoring. The Ottawa Senators will be among the teams that can score because of Heatley and the other players who can score 40+ goals. Watch him as he skates by you to the goal.
Marco Sturm is a Boston Bruin from the trade for Joe Thornton. Marco is a player to watch for his ability to have balanced scoring and the natural hockey sense to work when the puck is not getting past the opposition, and he will be a player to watch for Boston he is a leader and when he is doing his best is when he is focused on his balanced game, if his health and concentration permit for 82 games he will be a player to watch in Boston. Marco Sturm is not Joe Thornton so let him play his game and he will surprise and work hard while you watch. He is my ninth player to watch.
The Phoenix Coyotes have the player of all time to watch Wayne Gretzky, head coaches a roster that returns Jeremy Roenick to the team. The team will be better for that then there is the player who was drafted by the Winnipeg Jets in 1995, Shane Doan. The leader, go to guy, and all around complete game; the rest of the league takes notice when he skates and works hard for his goals. He is ready to win and take the Cup on a victory lap, he is my seventh player to watch, his skill demands it.
Another memeber of team Finland at the Torino Olympics, Teemu Selanne he has been a star since his rookie season when he set records that still stand for rookie scoring. Honored with the name "The Finnish Flash" for his quick feet and ability to shoot the puck past a goalkeeper in a quick second he is a player to watch as he was once again scoring and skating at peak level, he is a dangerous player that will be a player that is determined to pass and shoot and help the team win. He is a leader that excelled with the Ducks, he will this year barring injury. And with the addition of Chris Pronger the Ducks will not look odd on the frozen pond of Arrowhead. They will be serious about winning and getting to the playoffs.
