Champions Hockey League update

The CHL has decided that it will indeed come back after taking a years absence next season. This is the official release from the IIHF.

CHL to re-start in 2010-2011
Economic recession causes calling off 2009-2010 Champions Hockey League.

by IIHF.com

ZURICH – The Champions Hockey League will not be played during the 2009-2010 season. However due to the huge success and positive response of the first season from all parties, the league is set to re-start for the 2010-2011 season, possibly with the National Hockey League as a stakeholder.

"After months of negotiations we came to the conclusion that it is better to postpone the Champions Hockey League re-start to 2010-2011 and to come back with a solid fundament one year from now," said IIHF President René Fasel.

As the original investors unexpectedly withdrew from their three-year agreement after the inaugural season as a direct result of the worldwide economic recession, and given the current economic environment we believe it is better to take the necessary time and ensure conditions are right for the continuation of the league in 2010-2011.

"Despite the global financial situation, several new potential investors stepped up and with them we have had constructive and extensive negotiations over the course of the last months. But as time was running out and we approached the extended deadline of June 15, we decided to postpone the upcoming season and concentrate all our efforts on a successful re-launch in 2010-2011."

"We announce this with deep regret especially towards the fans and in particular the clubs who had qualified for CHL participation for the upcoming season."

"Although we had to take this difficult decision, we are committed to come back stronger than ever and we will immediately resume our negotiations with the National Hockey League who has expressed interest to join forces with the IIHF to re-launch the Champions Hockey League in 2010-2011."

NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman:

"The format and infrastructure of the Champions Hockey League provide a good foundation for the growth of international hockey," said Gary Bettman. “We have advised the IIHF of our willingness to offer resources and strategic contributions toward the pursuit of that objective."

The 2009 Hockey Champions

A list of 2009 Hockey Champions

NHL Stanley Cup

Pittsburgh Penguins
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AHL Calder Cup

Hershey Bears
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CHL Memorial Cup

Windsor Spitfires
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IIHF World Hockey Champions

Russia
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IIHF World Junior Champions

Canada
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NCAA Div I Frozen Four

Boston University
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KHL Gagarin Cup

Ak Bars Kazan
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Elitserien Le Mat Trophy

Färjestads BK
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ECHL Kelly Cup

South Carolina Stingrays
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IHL Turner Cup

Fort Wayne Komets
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CHL Ray Miron President Cup

Texas Brahmas
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SPHL President Cup

Knoxville Ice Bears
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DEL Champions

Eisbären Berlin
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NCAA Div I Women

Wisconsin Lady Badgers
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Congratulations to all the Champions of this past hockey season. What a wonderful year of hockey it was. Certainly a lot of great memories to take with us from this point forward through the off-season.

Thanks to all of the men and women who put their bodies on the line just so we can enjoy this wonderful game of hockey!

USA Inline team captures Silver Medal

As a player and member under USA Inline hockey I'm proud to say the US National team is bringing home the Silver Medal from the 2009 IIHF World Championship. They fell short in the Gold Medal game to Sweden 7-6. Also nice to see a local guy in my area CJ Yoder from Hershey, PA was named player of the Gold Medal game for USA.

If you ever have a chance to see a professional inline hockey game sanctioned by USA Inline Hockey, I definitely say go for it. It's a wide open game played 4 on 4, with no-icings and no-offsides. It's fast, and exciting.

Here is the official press release and box score from usahockey.com

Inline team claims silver medal

INGOLSTADT, Germany –Troy Redmann (Brea, Calif.) stopped 40 shots, but the U.S. National InLine Team came up just short, falling to Sweden, 7-6, here tonight in the gold-medal game at the 2009 International Ice Hockey Federation InLine Hockey World Championship. Team USA played in the gold-medal game for the eighth time in the tournament's 14-year history and claimed a medal for the first time since 2006.June 13, 2009

"This outcome stings a little right now, but I am very proud of the way we played throughout the tournament," said Rob Chornomud, head coach of Team USA. "This marks a new horizon for Team USA and we're now on the verge of becoming a powerhouse for years to come."

After Sweden took the lead just :45 into the opening period, Brian Yingling (Harrisburg, Pa.) put the U.S. on the board at 3:49. Sweden re-gained the lead at 8:46, before Lee Sweatt (Colorado Springs, Colo.) blasted home a slapshot :55 later to tie the game.

Sweden scored the only two goals of the second frame to hold a 4-2 advantage after 24:00 of play.

CJ Yoder (Hershey, Pa.) wrapped around the net and tucked the puck inside the post for a power-play goal at 5:39 of the third stanza, before Ernie Hartlieb (Warren, Mich.) fired a wrist shot to tie the game just 1:21 later. After Sweatt sent a shot into the top corner of the net to give the U.S. its first lead of the game at 8:14, Pontus Sjogren replaced Dennis Karlsson in the Swedish net.

Sweden tied the game at 4:59 of the fourth frame. Yingling tapped in a great feed from Yoder to regain the lead for Team USA at 7:21. Sweden used a screen in front of Redmann to even the game at 8:51 and scored the game-winner just :30 later.

NOTES: CJ Yoder was named Team USA's Player of the Game ... Ernie Hartlieb was selected by the directorate as the tournament's best defenseman ... James Beilsten (St. Charles, Mo.) led all defensemen in the tournament with 17 points (6-11) in six games. Beilsten was Team USA's top point-getter in the tournament, while Brian Yingling ranked second with 12 points (7-5) ...The U.S. roster can be found here... In the 14-year history of the IIHF InLine Hockey World Championship, the United States has earned gold medals in 1996, 1997, 1999, 2004, and 2006; silver medals in 1998, 2001 and 2009; and bronze medals at the 2000, 2003 and 2005 tournaments ...Oliver David served as the assistant coach for Team USA.

GAME SUMMARY

Scoring By Period

USA	2	0	3	1 --	6
SWE	2	2	0	3 --	7

First Period - Scoring: 1, SWE, Wessner (Axelsson), :45; 2, USA, Yingling (Yoder, Beilsten), 3:49; 3, SWE, Axelsson (Wessner), 8:46; 4, USA, Sweatt (Rodriguez), 9:41. Penalties: SWE, Thelander (interference), 6:26.

Second Period - Scoring: 5, SWE, Svensson (Klasen), 2:44; 6, SWE, Andersson (Axelsson, Wessner), 7:00. Penalties: USA, Yoder (slashing), 7:14.

Third Period - Scoring: 7, USA, Yoder (Beilsten), 5:39 (pp); 8, USA, Hartlieb (Gawrys, Oleksy), 7:00; 9, USA, Sweatt (Sigmund), 8:14. Penalties: SWE, Luukkonen (body-checking), 4:16; SWE, Bergman (interference), 10:13.

Fourth Period - Scoring: 10, SWE, Axelsson (Klasen), 4:59; 11, USA, Yingling (Yoder, Osterkamp), 7:21; 12, SWE, Thelander (Wessner, Axelsson), 8:51; 13, SWE, Klasen (Brolin, Svensson), 9:21. Penalties: None.

Shots by Period	1	2	3	4	Total
USA	11	3	13	11	38
SWE	14	17	7	9	47
Goaltenders (SH/SV)	1	2	3	4	Total
USA, Redmann, 48:00	14-12	17-15	7-7	9-6	47-40
SWE, Karlsson, 32:14	11-9	3-3	13-10	x	27-22
SWE, Sjogren, 15:46	x	x	0-0	11-10	11-10

Power Play: USA 1-3; SWE 0-1
Penalties: USA 1-1.5; SWE 3-4.5
Officials: Radim Prchal (CZE), Jeffrey Scott (AUS)

Flyers name Hatcher to front office

Hatcher Retires, Joins Front Office
Defenseman is named as new player development coach

The Philadelphia Flyers announced that Derian Hatcher has been named as the new player development coach, according to Flyers general manager Paul Holmgren. The former Flyers defenseman and captain also announced that he is retiring from the National Hockey League after 17 seasons.

“We are pleased to add Derian to our coaching staff in this very important capacity,” said Holmgren in making the announcement. “Derian will spend valuable time with the young players throughout our organization, working on their on-ice game as well as helping these young players deal with the issues playing and/or preparing to play professional hockey.”

“I am very excited. I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do when Paul offered me this position. It sounded like the perfect way to stay in the game and see if I like it,” said Hatcher. “I will be watching the younger players and making sure everything runs smoothly for them. I will be involved with running the rookie camp this summer, where I will get to work closely with some of our younger players.”

Full Story here

from NHL.com

Lidstrom Surgery

If Nick Lidstrom didn't seem to be his normal self during the Stanley Cup Playoffs there is a great reason why.

Lidstrom told the Detroit Free Press today that he had testicular surgery after Chicago forward Patrick Sharp speared him late in Game 4 of the Western Conference finals on May 22nd.

The surgery was May 24th and kept the six time Norris Trophy winner out of the final two games of that series.

American TV Ratings

Gary Bettman must be just over joyed with himself these days after what was one of the most watched hockey games in American history. With an average of 7.51 million viewers ages 18-49 they raised the cup to the #1 spot Friday night for NBC. These numbers are huge for the US.

Here is the breakdown for the game 7 ratings.

NBC reigned supreme on this second Friday in June, with the seventh (and final) game of The Stanley Cup Finals at an above-average 7.51 million viewers and a 3.0 rating/11 share from 8-11 p.m. in primetime. Personally, I have no recollection of a hockey game ever rating this high. Take a look at the half-hour breakdown:

The Stanley Cup Finals, Game 7 (NBC)
8:00 p.m.: Viewers: 5.78 million (#1), A18-49: 2.2/ 9 (#1)
8:30 p.m.: Viewers: 6.37 million (#1), A18-49: 2.5/10 (#1)
9:00 p.m.: Viewers: 7.27 million (#1), A18-49: 2.9/11 (#1)
9:30 p.m.: Viewers: 7.55 million (#1), A18-49: 3.1/10 (#1)
10:00 p.m.: Viewers: 9.01 million (#1), A18-49: 3.7/12 (#1)
10:30 p.m.: Viewers: 9.07 million (#1), A18-49: 3.7/12 (#1)

Pennsylvania is the home for the Cups

Last night the state of Pennsylvania saw two professional hockey teams win in their respective leagues. Neither of the teams actually did it at home. Obviously the Pittsburgh Penguins won Game 7 in Detroit last night 2-1 to win the Stanley Cup. Word is, it was the most watched NHL game in the past decade (USA). Malkin picked up the Conn Smythe, for MVP of the playoffs.

Also last night in Winnipeg Manitoba the Hershey Bears brought home the American Hockey League's Calder Cup for a record 10th time in their history. The most ever by one team. They won the game 4-1 after taking a commanding 3-0 lead in the first period. Michal Neuvirth took home MVP honors after going 16-6 with a 1.92 GAA, .932 SV % and 4 shutouts in the post-season.

Game 7 Officiating

Well tonight is going to be a very exciting night. It's all on the line between two highly skilled and determined teams. The 15th game 7 for the Cup in NHL History.

Now lets hope, the officials don't get in the way. If there is one thing that can overshadow a great game, series, and season is a blown call that leads to a team winning or losing the game.

Tonight the officials are Paul Devorski and Bill McCreary wearing the orange arm bands. Jean Morin and Pierre Racicot are working the lines.

So that's a very experienced crew. Hopefully this post and the announcement of the officials at the beginning of the game is the last time you will really notice them all that much.

I don't wanna see a lot of calls, I don't wanna see them throw away the whistle. I just wanna see an evenly called, consistent game out of two of the best NHL referees. The league is under a lot of criticism for the lack of consistency when it comes to officiating. Game 7 tonight could go a long way in getting their reputation back on track.

Like mentioned above this is the 15th all time Game 7 in Stanley Cup finals history. Home teams are 12-2 all time in game 7. The only two teams to win on the road were Toronto in 1945 over Detroit, and Montreal in 1971 over Chicago.

In the six times that a Game 7 has been needed when the home team won every game leading up to it, the home team is 6-0.

One key player to look out for tonight. Pittsburgh's Ruslan Fedetenko. He scored both goals for the Tampa Bay Lightning in a 2-1 Game 7 victory over the Calgary Flames to win the Cup in 2004.

Game 7 tonight June 12th at Joe Louis Arena. 8pm EST. On NBC,CBC,RDS
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AHL note for the Calder Cup Finals

Game 6 and 7 if necessary between Hershey and Manitoba will both be televised locally in Winnipeg and in Central Pennsylvania. The Bears lead the series 3-2. Game 6 is tonight at 8:30 EST. Check your local listings if you are in that area. No word if the NHL network will pick up either one or both these games.

Ray Emery : Disaster or Savior

A controversial helmet, punching a teammate, being late for practice, fighting with a trainer.

Yes the rap is long on Ray Emery, but then again, it is on the Philadelphia Flyers too.

Perfect match? Well maybe.

So far he's said all the right things. He understands this is his second and more than likely final shot at being a long-term NHL netminder.

But someone can claim they've changed all they want, when in reality Emery's past is what it is. And in a high pressure, intense sport that is the NHL on and off the ice, things can go bad in a hurry. Especially in a place like Philadelphia.

While there are fans who felt that some of the Flyers of this past season might have spent too much time thinking about partying and not enough time thinking about hockey. How will the addition of a guy with a colorful past help? I'm sure he will fit in just fine with the "Old City crew" but is that what the Flyers really want? Or do they want a solid cup winning goaltender?

That brings me to the other side of Ray Emery. The solid goaltender. His numbers have been solid throughout his short career. In 134 NHL games Emery is 71-40-14, with 8 shutouts a 2.71 goals against average, and .907 save percentage.

If he lives up to those numbers and keeps a level head, he and the Philadelphia Flyers will do just fine this season, and should be able to walk their way right into the playoffs.

Then comes the playoffs. Emery is 18-12 all time with a 2.46 GAA, .904 SA% and 3 shutouts. Those shutouts came in 06-07 when he led the Ottawa Senators within 3 wins of the Stanley Cup.

So the guy certainly seems to have the skills, and the experience. How long has it been since the Flyers have had a goaltender that actually has taken a team to the Cup finals? He also has those skeletons in his closet, that for the sake of all Flyers fans, we hope they stay right where they are.

The best American player.........

to never win the cup,

and its not for lack of determination or skill

and if there is one player I would give up seeing my favorite team winning a cup so he could win it

it would be

Jeremy Roenick



Born Jan. 17 1970 in Boston, MA the 39 year old hockey warrior and fan favorite wherever he plays, has enjoyed a great NHL career. Only one thing is missing. Lord Stanley.

Drafted #8 overall in 1988 by the Chicago Blackhawks, Roenick has seen 20 seasons of NHL hockey. He has spent time with Chicago, Phoenix, Philadelphia, Los Angeles and now with San Jose. So far in those 20 years he has played in 1363 games, scoring 513 goals and 703 assist for 1216 points.

Maybe even more impressive than his regular season numbers are his playoff numbers. Roenick has played 154 NHL playoff games, scoring 53 goals and 69 assist for 122 all-time playoff points.

It doesn't matter what NHL sweater JR plays in, he is always well received by the fans. The guy is one of the most vocal players in a league that is dominated by a lot of dull, boring profesional athletes. The guy is also known for his Disco moves.



For Roenick, his 500th goal was only fitting to a player with the one of the most colorful personalities in all of sports. Check it out



The man is a unrestricted free agent, and it's up in the air if he will come back for another season. Personally I hope he does, either with the Sharks or another team that has a very legit shot at winning the Cup next season. Just one more season JR....call me selfish, but we will miss you every day after you hang up those skates.

South Carolina wins the Kelly Cup

The Washington Capitals ECHL (AA) affiliate the South Carolina Stingrays won the Kelly Cup last night in Anchorage, beating the Alaska Aces in seven games.

Anchorage, Alaska — The third time, indeed, was the charm for the South Carolina Stingrays and head coach Jared Bednar.

James Reimer stopped 26 shots and Pierre-Luc O’Brien had a goal and added an assist to lead South Carolina past Alaska, 4-2, in Game 7 of the Kelly Cup finals Friday night before a standing-room-only crowd of 6,610 at Sullivan Arena.

The Stingrays, who won league titles in 1997 and 2001, captured their ECHL record third Kelly Cup title with the victory beating the Aces, 4-3, in the best-of-seven series. Only Hampton Roads has as many ECHL championships as the Stingrays.

Bednar becomes the first person with his name on the Kelly Cup three times.

This was the Stingrays' third attempt in less than a week to eliminate the Aces and win the franchise’s third Kelly Cup. Leading the series, 3-1, after a blowout victory in Game 4 a week ago, the Stingrays lost Game 5 in overtime, 3-2, and Game 6, also, 3-2, Thursday night.

Click here for entire article from The Post and Courier

Congratulations to the Stingrays. The Capitals AHL (AAA) affiliate the Hershey Bears play game 3 of the Calder Cup finals tonight at home against the Manitoba Moose. That series is tied at one game a piece.

Phil Esposito

I thought my first hockey post should be dedicated to one of my all-time favorite players. Now I know I'm 27 years old, I never got to see the guy play. But I've watched enough video footage and heard a lot of his stories on XM Home Ice, and from reading his book Thunder and Lightning: A No B.S. Hockey Memoir, to understand what a player and personality the guy was and still is to this day.

I wear #7 whenever I play hockey. He's not the reason I picked the number, but he's sure as hell the reason I will always wear it from this day forward.

Check out this short 9 minute biography on Espo, it's certainly worth any hockey fans time!

Welcome Hockey Fans!

Welcome everyone to my hockey blog!

Hopefully I can bring discussions forward that are meaningful, important, and sometimes even controversial. I welcome all hockey fans and non hockey fans a like, as I would also like to give interest to sports fans who otherwise haven't yet fallen in love with this beautiful game.

So again welcome, and I appreciate any interest you have in my blogging!

Cory