View This Poll

When is your main family gathering? Christmas Eve, Christmas Day or Both…or neither?

Just to clarify…

I have never said that I believe all girls are automatically puck bunnies.

I have recently come under fire for a tweet I sent out that said this:

“Sorry but if you deny being a puck bunny, and I say you should prove it and you say no…you’re a puck bunny. #canucks“

Here’s the link to the actual tweet so you can see it for proof.

Now I shouldn’t really have to clarify myself on this because I believe that statement is pretty all encompassing. While there was a bit of an original back story to it, it still applies. HOWEVER, it does not, at all, imply that I assume all girls to be puck bunnies unless they can prove it to me. I definitely do not think that.

In fact, I try very much to avoid puck bunnies as they are one breed of something I like to call a Bandwagoner.

Trust me, there are some MAJOR RED FLAGS that say you are a puckbunny. Me asking you to prove it if you show a bunch of signs is fair and you should just bone up and do it.

Read my piece on bandwagoners HERE! Go through all the female Canucks fans on my Twitter account and I promise you 95% of them aren’t bandwagoners. They’re like the plague to me.

So be calm, cool your fannies and know that things have been clarified.

Merry Christmas! Check out NWSportsBeat.com, my new home for blogging on the Canucks.

Please comment below.

Facepalm is right!

Facepalm is right!

3. Kevin Bieksa/Ryan Kesler

Let’s just get this out of the way; I know Juice had a goal and Kesler had an assist. Spare me! There is one sole reason why these two buffoons share the #3 spot in tonight 3 Non-Stars of the game. That being a series of plays that took place in the final 60 seconds.

The Canucks are desperately trying to exit the zone so they can pull Schneidz for the extra attacker. Bieksa, who has the puck and is heading towards his blue line and out instead circles back into his own zone because maybe he didn’t have the clearest of paths through the neutral zone. I don’t care if Zdeno Chara was standing in front of him, he has to get that puck out. What was a simple play turned into a near insurance marker for the Canes, not to mention about 20 more seconds taken off the clock for Carolina.

Ryan Kesler has a very similar play with about 8 seconds left where the puck has been dumped out of the ‘Canes zone and retrieved by the Canucks. As mentioned, with about 8 seconds left, Kesler has it on his stick and instead of trying for one final desperation chance up the ice, he circles back towards his own end. I and I hope many of you reading this were livid when these 2 plays occurred and frankly, these two idiots should get a verbal lashing from Coach Vee tonight and tomorrow during practice.

Advice Going Forward: Find your drive. Whatever happened to playing until the final whistle and actually trying to win the game until there is absolutely no chance. Folks, 7 seconds is plenty to have gone for one more attempt at net.

2. Alain Vigneault

Oh Coach Vee. Viggy. Alain Vigneault, your head coach with some rather questionable decisions of late. It all starts with the prescribed pre-game roster of Aaron Rome on the 2^nd line and Cody Hodgson on the 4^th. Obviously it didn’t end that way but really? That shouldn’t even be a pipe dream for Aaron Rome to play on the 3^rd line. Let’s not make this about Rome though, it’s about Alain. What are you doing with Mark Mancari out on the ice with 3 minutes to go, down a goal? For cryin’ out loud, play your star players. Those are the situations they get paid to play in. Coach Vee’s act is really starting to wear thin on me.

Advice Going Forward: Learn who to put on forward when you’re down a couple forwards.

1. Keith Ballard

Do I really need to explain why he the #1 Non Star of tonight’s game? Yeah sure, the Canucks were up 2-0 and the score never should have gotten the way it ended up, with Carolina leading but my god. Without a doubt, that will be the save of the year in the NHL come April. When Raymond got the puck to Ballard, it reminded me of that scene in Mighty Ducks where he is just standing there at the side of the net with the puck and Goldberg is down and out. He scrambles over and the douchebag opponent just flips it in. Seriously that net was more open than Neil Patrick Harris.

Advice Going Forward: Seriously….start with shooting pucks into a soccer net, and then work your way down. Maybe a storage locker next and then maybe, just maybe, you can score on an open net.

Wrapup: Don’t get me wrong; the Canucks were in tough to start the night…in a way. One twin in the lineup is never good, although Henrik didn’t look completely out of sorts minus his best friend in life. David Booth is still out and Aaron Rome was playing as a forward. To top that off, a guy who has played 36 NHL games since being drafted in 2004 was also on the 4th line, that being Mark Mancari. All that being said, the Canucks still were the better team on paper and they proved that through 35 minutes which is when they let up and gave the game away to Carolina. The rest of the way, it was just agonizing to watch as the names mentioned above shat the bed. Give it a week; Daniel will be back, Booth will almost be back and guys like Mancari and Rome will be back where they belong. Stay strong Canucks nation.

Competition: The act of competing, as for profit or a prize; rivalry; A test of skill or ability; a contest.

The opening drop of the puck and two players jostle to skillfully obtain the puck for their team. Who’s quicker to get their stick on the puck? Who has defter hands?

Play goes on as players glide across the ice at great speeds. Skating; a skill these men learned at such a young age and one that is essential to being a good hockey player at the NHL level.

A saucer pass over not one but two sticks; not only that, but it’s right on the tape, leaving the receiver of the pass with an open net. The saucer pass and passing in general is a skill very few players can say they are great at.

It’s mid-way through the 2^nd period now and a talented winger drifts down the right side boards, his skating sleek as silk. He’s got company; one defenseman. The winger cuts to the middle and undressed the d-man. He left all his finesse skills out on the ice with that dipsy doodle. It doesn’t end there though; no that winger put the puck on the toe of his blade and snipes it top shelf above the goalies glove hand. He was aiming right where he put it. Now tell me that is not pure skill.

The score is tied 2-2, both goalies having put on a clinic the entire night; a clinic of their skills that is. Stopping pucks, snagging point shots and hot dogging it once or twice are just a sample of what they managed to do this night.

The play is down in one team’s end for the final 60 seconds of regulation. The pressure being withheld like none other during that game. The puck finds its way to the right of the net, 15 feet out. The D turn to that man as he threads the needle to his teammate, unmanned, 20 feet away on the other side of the net. The goalie is down, but not out. The forward who took the pass takes a shot and somehow, someway, the goalie lunges back, stretches his stick out into the gaping void that is the open net. Some will call that luck. I call that a skill of strength and determination and never giving up on a play.

Regulation ends with the squads deadlocked at 2 goals apiece.

OT is played and chanced are traded back and forth, with both teams coming close to ending it on numerous occasions. It was a tremendous display of pure hockey skill.

Then comes the hated and loved shootout. It’s what many call the skills competition. “How ignorant,” I say to myself just about every time a colour commentator blurts out those two words upon the ending of OT. Were we not all just treated to a skills competition? Who can shoot the puck better? Who can make crisper passes? Who can maintain possession by constantly winning faceoffs? Even the act of throwing a hipcheck a la Ballard would be considered a skill.

Yet some of us are so quick to judge the shootout as something different, when really it’s just not.

The moral of the story is…Don’t judge a shootout by its cover!

Follow me on Twitter @vancan19

Original Post on VSBN

Photo courtesy of Canucks.com

By Josh Hall

A gap now suffices for thee

Whom a mouth was not enough.

Dense, United, Shiny, Elven.

Conference Finals History.

32 Teeth.

The Sneaky Shot King.

He Scored As They Watched.

Nay was it the man housing the tooth,

Hath made glory rain on the house of Roger,

But the tooth itself shining bright upon the fans,

And let out a burst of brilliance matched by only those wiser.

It did it the hard way.

Dodging vulcanized rubber hither and tither.

It did what any tooth would do for its Elven master.

Took one for the team.

It is on this day we remember Kevin Bieksa’s tooth. Glorious were its days as the d-man’s best friend. Kevin looked down on no one more fluoride…I mean fondly than his left front tooth. A mighty part of the mandible it was, providing Kevin with a safe environment for chewing other player’s fingers should he have ever chosen to follow the steps of team-mates Burr and Lappy. Dentist Recchi would be so proud (everyone knows dentists aren’t real doctors).

Word is that Todd Bertuzzi was in attendance and he said simply, “It is what it is.” And how filling…I mean, uh, fitting that is for him to be there on a night that Kevin Bieksa’s fine and fandangled tooth was attacked viciously by an elbow (and against Colorado). Ironically David Jones claims the tooth only fell out because of Bieksa clutching at his mouth with all his little fingers jamming away at it. Go figure.

Alas, the days of the tooth need not be over. Sometime when the Canucks ice team brushed…DAMMIT I mean shoveled the on ice snow, that poor, lost chomper was moved to his new residence, via said shovel. His new home now being a giant pile of ice and snow in the bowels of Rogers Arena. Reportedly the shovel used was none other than the one used by Marty McSorley to hit Donald Brashear in the skull…rest his career.

The attention at long last turns back to the Elven one, ears and all. Well he must not be forgotten for he must now live a life that forces him to try and fill a void everyday….with his tongue.

Rest in peace little Tooth and may you find friendship in the arms of Brendan Morrison’s lost bit.

#RIPKevinBieksasTooth

Part 1

Nov. 30, 2011 (Vancouver, BC) – Josh Hall interviewed Ryan Lucas of the Montreal Alouettes. In Part 1, Ryan talks about how he got his start in football and where he’s gone since then. Follow Josh on Twitter @vancan19 and Ryan on Twitter @RyLucas97. Stay tuned for parts 2 and 3.

Part 2

Nov. 30, 2011 (Vancouver, BC) – Josh Hall interviewed Ryan Lucas of the Montreal Alouettes. In part 2, Josh asks Ryan about his involvement with Game Ready Fitness, a company that runs fitness camps for youth. Ryan also talks about the 90 day challenge.

Part 3

Nov. 30, 2011 (Vancouver, BC) – Josh Hall interviewed Ryan Lucas of the Montreal Alouettes. In Part 3, they get trivial and fun it up a bit. The lighter side of a pro athlete is displayed.

Original Post on VSP

By Josh Hall

I’m sure everyone who’s reading this is tired of reading those three words in every title of every blog post I have done the last 3 weeks and a bit. Those three words being “Replace The KB” all merged into one to form the hashtag #ReplaceTheKB have dominated my own life in that same span.

Well it was announced this afternoon that I was not one of the four chosen. Here is a link to the results.

Replace The KB Results

If there is one thing I have learned over all the years I have been watching sports (basically since I was born 22 years ago), it’s that you need to be graceful in defeat. In other words, don’t be a sore loser. So congratulations to the four who were chosen…I’m sure you’ll do a great…*cough*…horrible…*cough*…job.

I thank everyone for their support throughout (followers, friends, plus 1′ers) the entire process. Please continue to to read my posts here and all the other great pieces and stories that are available on the VanCity Sports Blog Network.

You can find all of my Replace The KB Posts below.

**Author’s note: This post is ANOTHER in Josh Hall’s bid to Replace the KB as part of The Province Newspaper’s Hockey Blogger Competition. When sharing on twitter or facebook, please use the hashtags #ReplaceTheKB and #ProvNeedsVancan. Thank you for supporting Josh in his quest! For more info on the details of the contest and other bloggers, click HERE!**

By Josh Hall

Fan (noun): A person who has a strong interest in or admiration for a particular sport, art or entertainment form, or famous person.

By now, anyone who’s followed my journey through the twitterverse and/or blogosphere will know that I am an undying Canucks fan. By that I mean my love for them will never die, regardless of the outcome to a game or an entire season.

Going through this Replace The KB competition has been fun and it’s been a challenge. That being said, I’ve had the opportunity to share my stories and opinions with a much larger audience than usual. With that has come the chance to get to know more Canucks fans and find out exactly why it is that they love this team and also why they may love the game of hockey in general.

I have collected a few testimonials from followers, friends and fans alike to share with you, the beloved reader, on why they love the Vancouver Canucks. Without further ado, I thank you all for your support throughout this competition; I will continue blogging about the Canucks regardless of the outcome and Go Canucks Go.

Here are the responses (give these fans a follow on twitter [click their names]):

“@jrcaptain91 I’ve grown up watching hockey with my Dad and loved it since I was a baby. I’m a fan through thick and thin ‘til the end.”

JH: Arguably, there is no better reason than family.

“@tpoole00 It’s because they play hard most nights whistle to whistle. Also, it’s exciting watching the finesse of the Sedins and Salo/Edler/Bieksa/Rome blasting point shots. In my opinion Luongo is the best goalie in the league. Go Canucks go and bring home the cup!”

JH: I don’t know how much longer Rome’s luck is going to run but for sure, the depth we have on defense is on most nights a treat to watch. 

“@vancitybeerguy The Canucks represent courage and perseverance, guts and glory.  The excitement of a break-away, the exhilaration of a last minute goal is why I love our team. The magic that is generated through the Sedins alone is worth the price of admission. They are a brotherhood in Vancouver and I couldn’t turn my back on that. I love the Canucks because I feel like I am part of the team, just like the strangers high-fiving me after another brilliant goal or a huge save by Luongo.”

JH: I couldn’t agree more with the brotherhood comment…but let’s not forget the sister Canucks fans. Those high fives you reference too, totally awesome after the game as well.

 “@nuckiiee It’s impossible to describe the reasons why I love and support the Canucks. Being a Canucks fan and a hockey fan in general isn’t just a hobby; it’s a way of life. Supporting the Canucks has been like an emotional roller coaster for me these past couple years, but I know I’ll never give up on them. They’re more than a hockey team; they’re community heroes who we can all learn from.”

JH: Took the words right of my mouth; It’s a way of life. And hey, roller coasters are fun right? Scary and they make you panic, but at the same time, tons of fun…right?

 “@GB_Canuck I’m a long time football (soccer) fan but in the last couple of years my love of the game over here in England has started to dwindle. I’ve always had a ‘passing interest’ in the NHL and as I’ve been to Vancouver before, I’ve decided to follow the Canucks. It’s not particularly easy to do that over here because of the time difference but I’m determined to stay committed whether we’re winning or losing.” 

JH: Well here’s to hoping you stay ON the bandwagon. Good on ya for not becoming a fLames fan.

“@kenny_M_on_mars My family moved from N. Ontario to Kelowna in 1970 and I was a Leafs fan. It took a couple years but the Canucks won me over in 78/79. I loved the tough workman style hockey they played. Now we finally have ‘committed to winning’ ownership and it’s a great time for all true fans. Regardless I will pull for them win or lose but yes there are more important things, it is just a game after all. When that cup does come, Oh how amazing that day will be!?”

JH: I’ll forgive the “It’s just a game” remark because there’s something about the way you put it that makes me agree more than usual. But yes, how special and worth the wait that day will be when we finally lift the Cup.

So it’s clear; many things attribute to being a loyal fan, whether it’s of the Canucks, the Leafs, another team or just hockey in general. The most important thing to always remember as a fan is that as a true fan, you have that commitment to remaining as loyal as possible for as long as possible.

Once again, thank you and rock on Canucks fans.

Haters Be Learners!

**Author’s note: This post is ANOTHER in Josh Hall’s bid to Replace the KB as part of The Province Newspaper’s Hockey Blogger Competition. When sharing on twitter or facebook, please use the hashtags #ReplaceTheKB and #ProvNeedsVancan. Thank you for supporting Josh in his quest! For more info on the details of the contest and other bloggers, click HERE!**By Josh Hall

 “Illusion (noun):  Something that deceives by producing a false or misleading impression of reality.”

It’s literally every night the Canucks play a game that Canucks fans are baffled by a decision that Head Coach Alain Vigneault makes. Particularly on an evening the Canucks are trailing their opponent, one can count on at least one absurd juggling of the lines. Sometimes this works out and AV looks like a genius. The most recent example is Jannik Hansen playing on the first line with the twins. Hansen has scored four goals since joining the Sedins mid-road trip two weeks ago, but does that really mean anything?

Does Alain Vigneault (gawd I hate typing his name) really deserve any credit whatsoever? Of course we can’t forget he just led the team to its first Stanley Cup Final appearance since 1994. But what really has Coach Vee done to make this team better? What has he had to do?  Think about it; he stands on the bench behind back-to-back Art Ross Trophy winners, the reigning Selke winner and he has the Jennings Trophy champs to count on in net. Trust me folks, the answer to this is easier than when a doctor asks you, “What do you see?” in a Rorschach image.

It’s widely agreed upon that despite the Canucks not actually winning anything this past June, they are still suffering from what fans call a hangover. Patrick Kane knows what those are too. So the Canucks are dealing with injuries brought upon from the extra long playoff run and overall fatigue from just not having as long a summer break as usual. Alain Vigneault can’t really do anything about it. This slow start we have seen as fans was inevitable. But wait, I just said AV couldn’t really do anything about it…and he did. He had Luongo play only 4 of the first 7 games. He let Kesler return when he shouldn’t have. He’s demoted Cody Hodgson from the 2^nd, to the 3^rd and to the 4^th line…in one game. He should have left well enough alone and kept his fingers off the dreaded panic button because the ways the lines started (the way they ended in June) are the ways already been proven to have chemistry.

Burr has been tried with Kes before and yeah, they bring lots of grit. The 2^nd line isn’t supposed to be grit; it’s supposed to be scoring and just because Burrows is a 30 goal scorer along Kes, a 40 goal scorer, doesn’t mean they will necessarily score in tandem. Hansen is not a 1^st line guy and I don’t care how many goals he’s scored, Burrows is a proven commodity, not to mention triplet on that unit.

Let’s take a look back.  Alain Vigneault arrived in Vancouver in 2006/07 and he was known for coaching a defensive style. Many questioned his ability and willingness to make this team one which scores on a regular basis. The Canucks had the tools in the Sedins, Kesler and Burrows who had yet to break out but were ready to. Vigneault was going to hinder that but thankfully Mike Gillis came along just one year later to ensure that didn’t happen.  The Canucks missed the playoffs that first season with Gillis but the 4^th leading scorer on the team was Taylor Pyatt, so it wasn’t exactly a collection of career years for anyone.

Mike Gillis has been the true mastermind and AV has taken all the credit because he’s the one we all see behind the bench. Gillis has brought in great players consistently, the first being Mats Sundin. You can credit him for getting the twins and Kesler over the hump. Love him or hate him, Christian Ehrhoff is a damn good NHL defenseman and MG acquired him. Gillis also signed Dan Hamhuis and Keith Ballard. Hamhuis has been a solid addition and with Ballard, well it’s been another case of wrong decisions by AV. The entire fiasco during the playoffs putting Aaron Rome in over Keith Ballard was just a travesty if you ask me. On top of all that, he acquired arguably the two best trade deadline pickups in franchise history in Chris Higgins and Maxim Lapierre. Without them, a lot of offense and grit would have been nowhere to be found in the playoffs. Again, what did AV have to do? These players are already talented. Oh but AV has weaved his little web around our minds and we’ve taken the bait.

I’ll say it again; Alain Vigneault has had to do nothing more than LET the players he has play like they know how. The Sedins don’t need to do drills so they can improve their game; they do drills to stay fit and fresh. They could do that with any coach, which is the thing here; any coach could win with this team. The only reason Gillis doesn’t hire someone else is because he knows exactly what I just told you. Alain has us all under this illusion that he’s some Jack Adams worthy coach, when really the only award he deserves is for having to do jack squat.

According to an article posted on liveflashscore.com that you can read here, Gillis spent parts of 4 years playing with one Craig Mactavish in one city called Boston for one team called the Bruins. He even represented him as a player agent in the 90′s. Funny right?

The talk of the town is what’s going to happen with this team by the end of the season and if I have to make one bold prediction with the way things are going, it’s that we’ll have a guy who once pulled a tongue out of an opposing mascot’s mouth, pulling the strings here in Vancity.