The New Look NHL?

Welcome back to Sick Puppy after an extended hiatus. We're back in action, hopefully better than ever and hopefully with more posts in the future. My return was prompted by some breaking NHL news and I thought this would be an appropriate time to return to the blogisphere.

The NHL Board of Governors met on Monday to approve a realignment plan that would eliminate the two conferences, six division format and replace it with four conferences determined more by geographic location and time-zones. Of course, this radical move was precipitated by the Atlanta Thrashers relocation to Winnipeg and Detroit's constant whining about moving to the Eastern Conference so they didn't have to play so many games out of their time-zone. Two of the conferences will have eight teams, while the other two will consist of seven teams. This realignment will mean our Jets will be in a division with Chicago, Detroit, Nashville, Columbus, Dallas, Minnesota, and St. Louis. This will create a natural rivalry with the closest cities such as Minnesota and Chicago and if you recall during the last season (1995-96) of the original Jets, they also shared a division with Detroit, Chicago, St. Louis and Dallas.

The new alignment will mean a more balanced schedule in which all teams will play each other at least twice (one home, one away) with the remainder of the games within their own conference. The seven-team conferences will play each other six times (3 home, 3 away), while the eight-team conferences will see their conference rivals five or six times a season on a rotating basis.

The top four teams from each conference will qualify for the playoffs. The first-place team will play the fourth-place team in the conference and the second plays the third. The four conference champions will meet in the third round with the winners meeting in the Stanley Cup finals. Not sure yet how the seeding of the third round is determined or if it will still be a "West vs East" type format, as well the conferences have yet to be named.

My initial response is that this setup should satisfy fans that want to see all the teams visit in one season. Seemed kind of crazy playing the teams in their own division and conference so many times without seeing a quarter of the teams in the present unbalanced schedule. I love the Hawks and it would have been nice to see them this year, but the Jets played them only once and it was in Chicago. More Hawks, more Wings, more Wild, but less Pens, Caps and Flyers, enjoy them while you can! One complaint that you will hear over and over is the fact two of the conferences will have eight teams and two will have seven teams with the top four making the playoffs. Mathematically it might be more difficult to make the playoffs with more teams in your conference...
Anyways, let's hear what you think about this four conference alignment plan.

Conference A
Anaheim
Calgary
Colorado
Edmonton
Los Angeles
Phoenix
San Jose
Vancouver

Conference B
Chicago
Columbus
Dallas
Detroit
Minnesota
Nashville
St. Louis
Winnipeg

Conference C
Boston
Buffalo
Florida
Montreal
Ottawa
Tampa Bay
Toronto

Conference D
Carolina
New Jersey
NY Islanders
NY Rangers
Philadelphia
Pittsburgh
Washington

Are They Really Returning?

T-shirt from the campaign to bring an NHL team back to Winnipeg from about 10 years ago.

Yes! All indications point to a return to the NHL for Winnipeg after much publicized reports that the deal is done and will be announced on Tuesday. Before we get carried away and mortgage the house to buy seasons tickets, we need to await the official word from the league. This spring's playoff has been overshadowed (at least in Winnipeg) with the possible relocation of first, the Phoenix Coyotes, who may only have one more year left in their present location, then the talk of Atlanta selling it's team. I really do feel bad for the hockey fans in Atlanta and I'm sure there are actually thousands that are being treated with no respect from the organization, but the reality is the league's pip dream that the deep south US will embrace the game has backfired in the NHL's face.

I remember the rally to keep the Jets in Winnipeg and how many thousands of people came out offer up their support. It was so sad, images of kids bringing their piggy banks and fans pledging cash all for nothing. Anyone know what happened to that money? Times have changed since 1996, we have a new-ish downtown arena, the dollar is above par, the league has a salary cap and supposedly the economy is better in Winnipeg. Can we support another NHL team? I think in the short time, yes! There will be that honeymoon period during the first few years when I undoubtedly think the fan support will be good, but what happens if the team has losing seasons (beyond the first 3 years) and we can't afford to keep the players that are rising stars and will demand significant salary raises? The league has so many dead dog teams that I wouldn't pay top dollar to see, but if we want to keep our team, the building needs to be close to capacity every night. When I had season's tickets in the early/mid 80's (when I was in high school), there were some games that were a waste of time and boring and I must admit the Moose were just as or more entertaining that a majority of the Jets games I suffered though. The Moose had some major crowds in their first couple years at the MTS Centre, but attendance has dropped even though the team has been competitive. This city has many fair weather fans that are known to ride the bandwagon and then jump off when times are tough, the Bombers are a perfect example.

Is this the real deal? I've been skeptical all these years whenever there are rumours the NHL will return, so I have been proceeding with caution and not getting my hopes too high. This is definitely the closest we have come since the team left and according to many reliable sources the deal is all but done and that there are only a few loose ends before making their official announcement. I have to admit I'm excited, I've always felt Winnipeg lost some degree of cred when we lost our team and though the Moose have been very entertaining, competitive and affordable, nothing beats the caliber of the NHL. Whenever I travel to another city that has a NHL team, I make every effort I can to see a game. In the last few weeks I have had some mixed feelings because I know I won't be able to afford to go to many games. With the Moose, I have a mini-pack which entitles me to about 11 games a year (including the home opener), but with the higher level of play and higher salaries of the NHL, I'll be lucky to go to 2 or 3 games a year and instead of affordable entertainment, tickets to a NHL game will be a luxury item. My seats are currently the least expensive seats in the lower bowl, but with the NHL the whole lower bowl will be filled with season's tickets and at least 4 times the cost per game. I'm holding out hope my friends or family will offer to share games and possibly pony up for season's, but that's probably a long shot. I feel I'll be left out in the cold if we get the NHL with less hockey to watch and for purely selfish reasons I'm considering holding some kind of fundraiser for myself so I can purchase tickets...yes, that would be extremely selfish!

Hope the news is good on Tuesday! See you at Portage and Main!

Don't Forget To Vote!!

I'm not telling you who to vote for, this is just photo of the snow from yesterday.

I don't care who you vote for (actually I do, but don't let me influence you), but it's your democratic duty and right to voice your opinion through your vote. Forget the lame excuses like, "I'm too busy" or "I have to work"...Employees who are Canadian citizens and at least 18 years old must be allowed three consecutive hours in which to vote on election day. If an employee's hours of work do not allow three consecutive hours in which the polls are open, then the employer must allow the time.

It should be an interesting election night, will the Conservatives get their majority? Will the NDP overtake the Liberals or even the Conservatives? Will someone "break the law" and twitter the results from Eastern Canada? Will CBC show the hockey game instead of the election results? The only answer I know for sure right now is...No, CBC will not be showing the Flyers vs Bruins game, that will be on TSN.

In my area, there is going to be a close race between incumbent, Anita Neville of the Liberals and Conservative candidate Joyce Bateman. The Conservatives threw the first jab in this riding, but it was from a candidate in the St. Boniface riding, Shelly Glover. If you recall earlier in the campaign before the Con's announced Bateman as a candidate, Glover suggested that Neville was too old and that her time as a MP had expired. I think Glover should worry about her own riding instead of sticking her nose into another, because she is far from safe against the Liberal's, Raymond Simard.

Back to my area, I can't stand the thought of the area going Conservative, though it does include Tuxedo and Fort Garry which is often quite conservative. Joyce Bateman presently is one of my school trustee's and the times I've seen and heard her talk, I've been quite turned off. Maybe it's her condescending speaking voice or her phony "concerned" politician persona, but my first, second and third impressions is I don't like her. She has been worked with the Liberal's in the past and I heard she was itching to replace Neville as the South-Centre Liberal candidate, but when Neville decided to run again, Bateman jumps to the Conservatives. She claims she has been disillusioned with the Liberals and hasn't been a member for a while, so if she's so concerned with her "values", I guess if she wants the best chance for employment, it's logical to run for a party that may possibly form a majority government. She seems to try to distance herself from Harper, as her election pamphlet doesn't even mention their great leader. Instead she includes a photo of her with U of W President, Lloyd Axworthy...hmmm...does this mean Axworthy is a Conservative supporter? Did he approve this? I think if she truly has morals and doesn't agree or appear to want to be associated with Harper, then she should have run as an independent...but they hardly ever win.

Go out and VOTE!!!! Polls close at 8:30 pm.

Get Ready For Round Two!

Write down these dates, here's the schedule for round two. The action begins tonight with the Nashville/Vancouver series opening up in Vancouver. Can't say i'm too happy with the results in the first round, most of my predictions were off, but there was a record number of game 7's so it was very exciting. I'll give you my picks later when I have a chance to think...

2011 EASTERN CONFERENCE SEMIFINALS
SERIES I		#1 vs. #5	Network
Friday, April 29		at Washington, 7:00 p.m.	VERSUS, TSN
Sunday, May 1		at Washington, 7:00 p.m.	VERSUS, CBC
Tuesday, May 3		at Tampa Bay, TBD	VERSUS, TSN
Wednesday, May 4		at Tampa Bay, 7:00 p.m.	TSN
*Saturday, May 7		at Washington, 12:30 p.m.	NBC, TSN
*Monday, May 9		at Tampa Bay, TBD	VERSUS, TSN
*Wednesday, May 11		at Washington, TBD	VERSUS, TSN
SERIES J		#2 vs. #3	Network
Saturday, April 30		at Philadelphia, 3:00 p.m.	NBC, CBC
Monday, May 2		at Philadelphia, 7:30 p.m.	VERSUS, TSN
Wednesday, May 4		at Boston, 7:00 p.m.	VERSUS, CBC
Friday, May 6		at Boston, 8:00 p.m.	VERSUS (JIP), CBC
*Sunday, May 8		at Philadelphia, 3:00 p.m.	NBC, CBC
*Tuesday, May 10		at Boston, TBD	VERSUS, CBC
*Thursday, May 12		at Philadelphia, TBD	VERSUS, CBC
2011 WESTERN CONFERENCE SEMIFINALS
SERIES K		#1 vs. #5	Network
Thursday, April 28		at Vancouver, 9:00 p.m.	CBC, VERSUS
Saturday, April 30		at Vancouver, 9:00 p.m.	CBC, VERSUS
Tuesday, May 3		at Nashville, TBD	CBC, VERSUS
Thursday, May 5		at Nashville, TBD	CBC, VERSUS
*Saturday, May 7		at Vancouver, 8:00 p.m.	CBC, VERSUS
*Monday, May 9		at Nashville, TBD	CBC, VERSUS
*Wednesday, May 11		at Vancouver, TBD	CBC, VERSUS
SERIES L		#2 vs. #3	Network
Friday, April 29		at San Jose, 10:00 p.m.	VERSUS, TSN
Sunday, May 1		at San Jose, 3:00 p.m.	NBC, TSN
Wednesday, May 4		at Detroit, 8:00 p.m.	VERSUS (JIP), TSN
Friday, May 6		at Detroit, 7:00 p.m.	VERSUS, TSN
*Sunday, May 8		at San Jose, 8:00 p.m.	VERSUS, TSN
*Tuesday, May 10		at Detroit, TBD	VERSUS, TSN
*Thursday, May 12		at San Jose, TBD	VERSUS, TSN

- * denotes if necessary
(All times are EASTERN, an hour earlier in Manitoba!)

2011 NHL Playoff Picks (Round 1)

I don't have much time, it's 15 minutes before April 13 the first day of the playoffs and I want to make my predictions without the influence of seeing the results of the first game. The first round is my favourite round of the playoffs, guaranteed to see at least a couple of upsets!


EASTERN CONFERENCE
Washington (1) vs New York (8)
I have my doubts about the Caps, though they did finish first in the conference. They must have done something right despite Ovechkin having an unspectacular season. I still can't see the Rangers pulling an upset...seriously.
Washington in 6

Philadelphia (2) vs Buffalo (7)
The Flyers are ripe for being upset, Pronger probably won't be available and he's a big reason the Flyers made it to the finals last year. The Sabres are hot and with Ryan Miller back this could be the year of redemption the Buffalo fans have been waiting for. I would pick the Sabres, but I chose too many Flyers players in some hockey pools already...it will be close!
Philadelphia in 7

Boston (3) vs Montreal (6)
A classic battle, two long time rivals, with extra animosity carried over from a couple intense head to head clashes in the regular season. The Bruins have size and brawn while the Habs have speedier, but smaller forwards. Goaltending will be the key and both goalies had stellar seasons. Carey Price will have to be the best player on the ice if the Canadians have a chance... I have a hunch.
Montreal in 7

Pittsburgh (4) vs Tampa Bay (5)
No Crosby? Why would he practise with the team if they didn't think he will play this season? I think he'll be back, maybe not this series, but maybe the next if they make it that far. The Lightning seriously outmatch the Pens, at least offensively, but as we know in the playoffs defensive play and most importantly, goaltending makes the difference. Fleury has been good and has carried this team through their key injuries, while the Lightning's goalies have not been good. Even with a Crosby and Malkin-less team, the Penguins will score...enough to win the series.
Pittsburgh in 6

WESTERN CONFERENCE
Vancouver (1) vs Chicago (8)
Chicago barely made the playoffs and they have the Wild to thank for beating the Stars on the final day of the regular season. When these two teams met last year in the playoffs their rankings were almost reversed. This year the Canucks have been touted as the team to beat for the cup and wouldn't it be a major downer if they were eliminated in the first round. The Hawks aren't neared as deep as last year and the Canucks probably have the most solid team from front to back, but as you might have guessed...I love the Hawks! Sorry Vancouver, give Hodgson and Oreskovich back to the Moose for their playoff run!
Chicago in 7

San Jose (2) vs Los Angeles (7)
The Sharks quietly had a great year, despite modest stats from their stars, Thornton, Heatley and Marleau. The Kings will be missing their two best players, Kopitar and Williams, so they pretty much don't stand a chance no matter who they're playing. Short series.
San Jose in 5

Detroit (3) vs Phoenix (6)
The Coyotes should have beaten the Wings last year, but the Jets curse still haunt the Coyotes. This franchise hasn't won a playoff series since 1987, when they were still in Winnipeg and when Dale Hawerchuk was in his prime...pathetic! I think the Red Wings are in for a fight and if Zetterberg misses most of the first round, the curse might be broken.
Phoenix in 7

Anaheim (4) vs Nashville (5)
Big time scoring from the Ducks. Corey Perry is having a MVP season, Getzlaf is healthy, Bobby Ryan is maturing and Teemu Selanne is playing like he did with the Mighty Ducks 15 years ago! Despite being close in the rankings, this might be the most lopsided series of the playoffs. Speaking of droughts, the Predators have never won a playoff series and they won't in 2011 either.
Anaheim in 5

In Case You Had Any Doubt

The other thing on my mind nowadays is the federal election. Since the NHL playoffs haven't started yet, take the time to watch this educational little cartoon to help you decide who NOT to vote for!

My TV Schedule For April

This is my favorite time of year! It's gorgeous outside today and I really should take advantage and spend as much time as possible in the sun. Right now, I am writing this post on my deck outside with a long extension running from the basement, wearing my Hawk's cap trying to block the glare of the sun shining on the laptop screen (I apologize for any typos, it's hard to see!). I'm trying to take advantage now because starting Wednesday the NHL playoffs begin and I'll be sitting inside almost every night for the next couple of months watching the playoffs on TV. I will leave the house to go to work and also I have some committee commitments I have to fulfill and I might take in some Moose playoff games, but other than that, I'm booked!

Hold on tight, bring on the playoffs!!

2011 EASTERN CONFERENCE QUARTERFINALS
SERIES A		#1 vs. #8	Network
Wednesday, April 13		at Washington, 7:30 p.m.	TSN, VERSUS (JIP)
Friday, April 15		at Washington, 7:30 p.m.	TSN, VERSUS
Sunday, April 17		at New York, 3:00 p.m.	NBC (HD), TSN
Wednesday, April 20		at New York, 7:00 p.m.	TSN, VERSUS
*Saturday, April 23		at Washington, 3:00 p.m.	TSN, NBC (HD)
*Monday, April 25		at New York, TBD	TSN
*Wednesday, April 27		at Washington, TBD	TSN
SERIES B		#2 vs. #7	Network
Thursday, April 14		at Philadelphia, 7:30 p.m.	TSN, VERSUS-JIP
Saturday, April 16		at Philadelphia, 5:00 p.m.	TSN
Monday, April 18		at Buffalo, 7:00 p.m.	TSN, VERSUS
Wednesday, April 20		at Buffalo, 7:30 p.m.	TSN, VERSUS
*Friday, April 22		at Philadelphia, 7:30 p.m.	TSN, VERSUS (JIP)
*Sunday, April 24		at Buffalo, 3:00 p.m.	NBC (HD), TSN
*Tuesday, April 26		at Philadelphia, TBD	TSN
SERIES C		#3 vs. #6	Network
Thursday, April 14		at Boston, 7:00 p.m.	CBC (HD), RDS, VERSUS
Saturday, April 16		at Boston, 7:00 p.m.	CBC (HD), RDS, VERSUS
Monday, April 18		at Montreal, 7:30 p.m.	CBC (HD), RDS
Thursday, April 21		at Montreal, 7:00 p.m.	CBC (HD), RDS, VERSUS
*Saturday, April 23		at Boston, 7:00 p.m.	CBC (HD), RDS, VERSUS
*Tuesday, April 26		at Montreal, TBD	CBC (HD), RDS
*Wednesday, April 27		at Boston, TBD	CBC (HD), RDS
SERIES D		#4 vs. #5	Network
Wednesday, April 13		at Pittsburgh, 7:00 p.m.	CBC (HD)
Friday, April 15		at Pittsburgh, 7:00 p.m.	CBC (HD)
Monday, April 18		at Tampa Bay, 7:30 p.m.	CBC (HD), VERSUS (JIP)
Wednesday, April 20		at Tampa Bay, 7:30 p.m.	CBC (HD)
*Saturday, April 23		at Pittsburgh, TBD	CBC (HD), VERSUS (JIP)
*Monday, April 25		at Tampa Bay, TBD	CBC (HD)
*Wednesday, April 27		at Pittsburgh, TBD	CBC (HD)
2011 WESTERN CONFERENCE QUARTERFINALS
SERIES E		#1 vs. #8	Network
Wednesday, April 13		at Vancouver, 10:00 p.m.	CBC (HD), VERSUS
Friday, April 15		at Vancouver, 10:00 p.m.	CBC (HD), VERSUS
Sunday, April 17		at Chicago, 8:00 p.m.	CBC (HD), VERSUS
Tuesday, April 19		at Chicago, 8:00 p.m.	CBC (HD), VERSUS
*Thursday, April 21		at Vancouver, 10:00 p.m.	CBC (HD), VERSUS
*Sunday, April 24		at Chicago, 7:30 p.m.	CBC (HD)
*Tuesday, April 26		at Vancouver, TBD	CBC (HD)
SERIES F		#2 vs. #7	Network
Thursday, April 14		at San Jose, 10:00 p.m.	TSN, VERSUS
Saturday, April 16		at San Jose, 10:00 p.m.	TSN, VERSUS
Tuesday, April 19		at Los Angeles, 10:30 p.m.	TSN, VERSUS
Thursday, April 21		at Los Angeles, 10:30 p.m.	TSN
*Saturday, April 23		at San Jose, 10:30 p.m.	TSN, VERSUS
*Monday, April 25		at Los Angeles, TBD	TSN
*Wednesday, April 27		at San Jose, TBD	TSN
SERIES G		#3 vs. #6	Network
Wednesday, April 13		at Detroit, 7:00 p.m.	CBC (HD), VERSUS
Saturday, April 16		at Detroit, 1:00 p.m.	NBC (HD), CBC (HD)
Monday, April 18		at Phoenix, 10:30 p.m.	CBC (HD), VERSUS
Wednesday, April 20		at Phoenix, 10:30 p.m.	CBC (HD), VERSUS
*Friday, April 22		at Detroit, 7:00 p.m.	CBC (HD), VERSUS
*Sunday, April 24		at Phoenix, TBD	CBC (HD)
*Wednesday, April 27		at Detroit, TBD	CBC (HD)
SERIES H		#4 vs. #5	Network
Wednesday, April 13		at Anaheim, 10:30 p.m.	TSN
Friday, April 15		at Anaheim, 10:30 p.m.	TSN
Sunday, April 17		at Nashville, TBD	TSN
Wednesday, April 20		at Nashville, TBD	TSN
*Friday, April 22		at Anaheim, 10:00 p.m.	TSN
*Sunday, April 24		at Nashville, TBD	TSN
*Tuesday, April 26		at Anaheim, TBD	TSN

- * denotes if necessary
- All Times are Eastern (this is important, don't wanna miss anything! Subtract an hour if you're in Winnipeg)

Next: My first round picks.

Thank You Minnesota!!

Thanks to the Minnesota Wild's win over the Dallas Stars, the Chicago Black Hawks will make the playoffs and have an opportunity to defend last years Stanley Cup victory. The Hawks almost let the season slip through their fingers by losing to the Red Wings 4-3 earlier today and had to wait and see what happened in St. Paul, letting their playoff chances rest on the a Dallas lose.

The Hawks will face the Stanley Cup favoured Vancouver Canucks in the first round of the playoffs starting later this week (the NHL will announce the schedule soon), as the Canucks hope to avenge their eliminate the last two years at the hands of the Hawks. Here's hoping history repeats itself!

In the upcoming days, I'll post the post-season schedule and give you my picks for the first round. God, I love this time of year!!

Vote Compass

I've been having a difficult time keeping this blog updated, but with the announcement of the upcoming federal election, I suspect my posts will become more frequent. Sometimes I can't keep my mouth shut and my opinionated views need to be expressed somewhere.

An interesting tool to determine or at least find out which way you're leaning, is found at CBC.ca, the Vote Compass. On this survey, you will be asked 30 questions on various issues that the parties have taken a stand on. It will reveal not only which party you are closest matched to, but also which leader fits your viewpoints.

• Part 1- Each question gives you a statement such as, "Marriage should only be between a man and woman", then you are asked to strongly agree, somewhat agree, neither agree or disagree, somewhat disagree and strongly disagree.
• Part 2- You are asked about the leaders and rate them: 0-10 (0> not at all trustworthy or 10< very trustworthy) on how trustworthy, competent and how suitable for Prime Minister they are.
• Part 3- Rate the parties. Also 0-10 rating, higher for likeliness of voting for them.

The results will be displayed on a grid that places your position of social liberalism, social conservatism, economic left and economic right, as well as where the parties stand. If you click on the party's name, you can compare that parties position on every question with your own. this is also a useful tool to find out what stand the parties take on all these key issues. I took the quiz and I was tabbed as a Liberal (no surprise) and Jack Layton is my preference for PM, my wife is a Green. My co-worker was also a Green and his daughter was (to her surprise), a Liberal. I know what your thinking, why has Liberal and Green only come up so far? That's the same question the National Post posed as supposedly many feel this quiz is biased and leaning Liberal. I've been spreading the word to friends and family to take the quiz, so it will be interesting to see how accurate we think our political stand is with who we support. If they truly are my friends and family, I don't expect any of the results to point to the Conservative (PC) party!
Let me know your results!

Japan Fund Raiser

(Buy this poster at Signalnoise, proceeds go to earthquake victims)

I'm sure in the next few days because of the Japan disaster, you'll be hearing about ways you can contribute and donate money for relief efforts. I know in our community in Winnipeg, we have been telling people to donate directly to the Red Cross, but there are also other sites and organizations that would gladly take your $$ donations:

• The HUMANITARIAN COALITION is a network of Canadian NGOs determined to unite in cases of humanitarian crises. Four of Canada's leading aid organizations have founded the Humanitarian Coalition: CARE Canada, Oxfam Canada, Oxfam-Québec and Save the Children Canada.
• The Red Cross on Facebook
• Donate to R.C. through iTunes
• NHL.com- Yes, hockey fans you can donate through the NHL's website too.
• Lady Gaga "We Pray for Japan" bracelet- I can't believe I'm promoting anything Lady Gaga-related, but if she turns your crank or whatever, do it "in style" with something she allegedly designed. Minimum $5 donation.

On a local front, the Manitoba Japanese Canadian Citizen's Association in conjunction with the MJCCC (Cultural Centre) are sponsoring a Japan Earthquake and Tsunami Fund Raiser event at 2:00pm on Sunday, March 20, 2011 at the Manitoba Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre (180 McPhillips Ave.). There will be entertainment, refreshments, silent auction and donation tables. I'm sure the whole slew of political speakers will be there to offer their support as well, so come see who is represented. I expect a big crowd and probably some media to overcrowd our small parking lot, so come early.

Your Original Parents "New" Website!

Here's the newest YOP website, similar to the first one, but a little bit more slicker. Not a bad looking site, loaded with photos, music and even a comic about this 4 man comedy-improv troupe! The highlight is definitely the video sketches in the "Media" section.
Enjoy!

Don Cherry Guarantees Winnipeg's Return To The NHL!

Sorry for the lack of posts recently. I've been trying to develop a website for my work and maybe if that goes well, I might make another personal page...we'll see!

Anyways, one item that got my attention was Coach's Corner between the 1st and 2nd period of the NHL Heritage Classic between the Montreal Canadians and the Calgary Flames. The issue was the rumour that the Atlanta Thrashers might relocate and Don Cherry weighed in on the subject and boldly guaranteed that the NHL will return to Winnipeg. He acknowledged first that Quebec City would eventually get a team after they build a new arena, but Cherry feels Winnipeg is the next team to get a franchise and the size of the MTS Centre should not be an issue. Of course I'm skeptical, talk of an NHL team here is old news with the whole Phoenix Coyotes debacle, but there is renewed hope because of the unstable franchise in Atlanta. This must be a blow to to Atlanta since this is the second time around for this city (remember the Atlanta Flames!) and as much as the NHL would like to have a team in the heart of Georgia, it has failed miserably. Eventually the deep thinkers of the NHL will realize hockey is not the top attraction (or even in the top 5) in the south part of the U.S.

I would like to see an NHL team here as much as the next hockey fan in Winnipeg, but first a few things need to happen. Cherry feels we have enough seats, maybe add a few thousand more, but in reality what we lack is more corporate luxury boxes. I've been a some other rinks in the league and they have at least two levels of boxes while the MTS Centre only has one with only 48 suites. By comparison, the Bell Centre has 148 private boxes and Scotiabank Place has 147, there's a lot of guaranteed revenue in the boxes alone. Will Winnipeg have a large enough corporate support (or rich people) to sustain a NHL team and will fans be willing to put out at least 4x the money for a ticket than for the AHL? We need to fill the rink consistantly for more than games against the top drawing teams (Pens, Caps, Wings, Hawks, Habs etc.) compared to the lame duck attractions (Islanders, Panthers, Blue Jackets etc.).

As Don Cherry reminds us, he is never wrong!... judge for yourself. Watch the clip from Coach's Corner starting at 1:14, when he guarantees Winnipeg's return!

I've Been Living A Lie?

I don't know about you, but I actually check out my horoscope everyday in the paper. Some days I read up to 3 newspapers and since they seem to contradict each other, because they are written by different astrologists, I don't take their content very seriously. If you do believe and take horoscopes to heart, then you should rethink your whole life plan.

In an interview last Sunday in the Minneapolis Star Tribune, astronomy instructor, Parke Kundle explained the Earth's wobbly orbit means it's no longer oriented to the stars in the way it was when the signs of the zodiac were conceived. That means, Mr. Kunkle said, that when astrologers say the sun is in Pisces, it's really in Aquarius, and so on. “Astronomers have known about this since about 130 BC,” Mr. Kunkle said Friday in his office at the Minneapolis Community and Technical College, “This is not new news. Almost every astronomy class talks about it.”

Since then this "news" has gone viral and message boards and social networking sites have been the site for much concern. Astrology buffs should be using these dates, reflecting where the stars currently are aligned:
Read more here, what do you think?...I guess that makes me a Gemini!