What does this mean?
In my opinion, if a deal isn't inked and signed by the end of this week, I seriously doubt we'll see any NHL players on the ice this season, and I think that will hurt the league. Why do I believe that? Let's face some reality here. the economy isn't the best and many of us are struggling to make ends meet. Unless one is wealthy, it takes some planning in advance to save up money to afford to take a family to a game. The minor leagues are more attractive, with lower ticket prices (in many venues minimal or free parking), and rinks with less seats, which means even the cheap seats have a better view.
As an example, the most expensive ticket to a Las Vegas Wrangler game (on a Friday or Saturday, at the glass level) is $40.00. The Orleans Casino & Hotel has free parking. All seats are decent. because the rink is within the casino, the atmosphere is well kept. it is easy to show up early, have a meal, maybe even play some games before the hockey game.
The best part, not taking out a second mortgage to attend the event.
I can't say that about the last Sharks game I attended (thank goodness for working in Public Safety at a department chronically short-handed. Overtime paid for the tickets. say thank you, John Q. Public to that 911 dispatcher for being there 24/7.)
It's a shame. The NHL had made some headway with gaining fans since the last lock-out (will they never learn?). The Winter Classic, re-imagining of the All-Star Game, and the NHL Awards in Las Vegas have been a plus. The Classic has proved popular enough to warrant a second outdoor game. When the NBA lock-out left their own fans in limbo, many turned to hockey. We can kiss them good-bye.
I remember the last lost season. it was the year the Sharks were supposed to host the All-Star Game. The team had their weekend in the spotlight rescheduled, a very successful one for Sharks Finatics; Sharks Captain Owen Nolan pointing to the goal just before he scored his hat trick.
It's a shame we won't see another player miss out on that opportunity in January. If you get the NHL channel, the World Junior Championships are in play (see schedule below via NHL website). If not, there's always college hockey.
Stay safe out there.
| WJC '13: Who to Watch |
| There's plenty of draft-eligible talent on display at the 2013 IIHF World Under-20 Championships in Ufa, Russia, plus the usual top drafted prospects (and some NHLers too this time around). Here's a look at 15 intriguing players to watch heading into the tournament... |
| Date | Time (ET) | Teams | Replay (ET) |
| * Sun Dec. 30 | 4:30 AM | USA vs. CAN | 8:00 PM |
| Sun Dec. 30 | 9:00 AM | GER vs. SVK | 5:30 PM |
| * Mon Dec. 31 | 5:00 AM | USA vs. SVK | 8:00 PM |
| Mon Dec. 31 | 9:00 AM | CAN vs. RUS | 5:30 PM |
(Medal Round Replays To Be Announced)QUARTERFINALS:
| Wed Jan. 2 | 4:00 AM | TBD | 5:30 PM |
| Wed Jan. 2 | 8:00 AM | TBD | 8:00 PM |
| Thurs Jan. 3 | 4:00 AM | TBD | 5:30 PM |
| Thurs Jan. 3 | 8:00 AM | TBD | 8:00 PM |
BRONZE:
| Sat Jan. 5 | 4:00 AM | TBD | 5:30 PM |
| Sat Jan 5 | 8:00 AM | TBD | 8:00 PM |
| WJC '13: Who to Watch |
| There's plenty of draft-eligible talent on display at the 2013 IIHF World Under-20 Championships in Ufa, Russia, plus the usual top drafted prospects (and some NHLers too this time around). Here's a look at 15 intriguing players to watch heading into the tournament... |
It's rare for 16-year-olds to make an impact at this tournament, but those that actually play in it have something special to offer. Vrana is no exception, as he will be an intriguing winger for the Czechs this year. 14. Morgan Rielly, D, Canada (Toronto Maple Leafs) One of the fastest skaters in the tournament, Rielly should lead the Canadian attack from the back end. He's expected to play on the No. 1 pairing, as well. Toronto has a good one waiting in the wings in Rielly. 13. Sven Andrighetto, RW, Switzerland (un-drafted) Another Sven, Flames prospect Sven Baertschi made a lasting impression in the NHL late last season. Now, it might be Andrighetto's turn to keep Swiss hockey on the radar. He's a top scorer in the QMJHL this year. 12. Olli Maatta, D, Finland (Pittsburgh Penguins) The stabilizing defender will be a big ice-time muncher for the Finns at this year's tournament. He was limited to just one game at last year's tournament but will be a key performer this year. He can do a little of everything. 11. Andrei Vasilevski, G, Russia (Tampa Bay Lightning) There are a lot of question marks surrounding most countries' goaltending situations this year, including Russia. However, Vasilevski has grown up in the Ufa feeder system, so he should have a home-ice advantage. 10. Tomas Hertl, C, Czech Republic (San Jose Sharks) The Sharks' top prospect and 2012 first rounder, Hertl left his club team (HC Slavia Praha of the Czech Republic Extraliga) as their leader in goals (12) and points (22) in 29 games. He'll be a leader for the Czechs. 9. Nathan MacKinnon, C, Canada (2013 draft eligible) MacKinnon may center a scoring line for Canada, or he may be moved to the wing. Either way, most scouts will have their eyes squarely on him, since he is a candidate to be the first player chosen in the 2012 NHL draft. 8. Seth Jones, D, USA (2012 draft eligible) If MacKinnon doesn't go first overall next June, it's probably because Jones will. A complete package on defense, Jones has the type of all-round game that could lead to a gold medal at this year's tournament. 7. Aleksander Barkov, C, Finland (2013 draft eligible) Despite his youth, Barkov will be participating in his second WJC in Ufa. He should be Finland's best player this time around. While MacKinnon and Jones are rated higher, Barkov may cement the No. 3 overall draft position. 6. John Gaudreau, LW, USA (Calgary Flames) The diminutive Gaudreau has been a sensational sophomore at Boston College so far in 2012-13, and may be the leading candidate for the Hobey Baker award in the NCAA. He'll be a key offensive cog for the Americans. 5. Elias Lindholm, C, Sweden (2013 draft eligible) While he may not yet be in the same conversation as MacKinnon, Jones or Barkov, Lindholm has a golden opportunity to put his name squarely on the draft radar as a top-five pick. He may center Sweden's top line. 4. Jacob Trouba, D, USA (Winnipeg Jets) With apologies to Jones, Maatta, Rielly and others, Trouba could be the best defenseman toiling in this year's tournament. A complete defenseman with a mean streak, Trouba should be in Winnipeg (NHL) a year from now. 3. Nail Yakupov, RW, Russia (Edmonton Oilers) He was great for two seasons in the OHL (Sarnia), and is now putting up very good numbers in the KHL (22 GP, 10-8-18) for Neftekhimik Nizhnekamsk. Yakupov just needs a gold medal to complete his junior-age resume. 2. Alex Galchenyuk, C, USA (Montreal Canadiens) While he could have chosen to play for Russia or Belarus, Galchenyuk wants to be known as an American in hockey circles. Team USA is happy to hear that, since he might be the difference between silver and gold in '13. 1. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, C, Canada (Edmonton Oilers) The Oilers' No. 1 center will be by far the most accomplished player at this year's tournament. He's the favorite to lead the tournament in scoring and will try to upstage (among others) future Edmonton teammate Yakupov. |
| WJC '13: Who to Watch |
| There's plenty of draft-eligible talent on display at the 2013 IIHF World Under-20 Championships in Ufa, Russia, plus the usual top drafted prospects (and some NHLers too this time around). Here's a look at 15 intriguing players to watch heading into the tournament... |
It's rare for 16-year-olds to make an impact at this tournament, but those that actually play in it have something special to offer. Vrana is no exception, as he will be an intriguing winger for the Czechs this year. 14. Morgan Rielly, D, Canada (Toronto Maple Leafs) One of the fastest skaters in the tournament, Rielly should lead the Canadian attack from the back end. He's expected to play on the No. 1 pairing, as well. Toronto has a good one waiting in the wings in Rielly. 13. Sven Andrighetto, RW, Switzerland (un-drafted) Another Sven, Flames prospect Sven Baertschi made a lasting impression in the NHL late last season. Now, it might be Andrighetto's turn to keep Swiss hockey on the radar. He's a top scorer in the QMJHL this year. 12. Olli Maatta, D, Finland (Pittsburgh Penguins) The stabilizing defender will be a big ice-time muncher for the Finns at this year's tournament. He was limited to just one game at last year's tournament but will be a key performer this year. He can do a little of everything. 11. Andrei Vasilevski, G, Russia (Tampa Bay Lightning) There are a lot of question marks surrounding most countries' goaltending situations this year, including Russia. However, Vasilevski has grown up in the Ufa feeder system, so he should have a home-ice advantage. 10. Tomas Hertl, C, Czech Republic (San Jose Sharks) The Sharks' top prospect and 2012 first rounder, Hertl left his club team (HC Slavia Praha of the Czech Republic Extraliga) as their leader in goals (12) and points (22) in 29 games. He'll be a leader for the Czechs. 9. Nathan MacKinnon, C, Canada (2013 draft eligible) MacKinnon may center a scoring line for Canada, or he may be moved to the wing. Either way, most scouts will have their eyes squarely on him, since he is a candidate to be the first player chosen in the 2012 NHL draft. 8. Seth Jones, D, USA (2012 draft eligible) If MacKinnon doesn't go first overall next June, it's probably because Jones will. A complete package on defense, Jones has the type of all-round game that could lead to a gold medal at this year's tournament. 7. Aleksander Barkov, C, Finland (2013 draft eligible) Despite his youth, Barkov will be participating in his second WJC in Ufa. He should be Finland's best player this time around. While MacKinnon and Jones are rated higher, Barkov may cement the No. 3 overall draft position. 6. John Gaudreau, LW, USA (Calgary Flames) The diminutive Gaudreau has been a sensational sophomore at Boston College so far in 2012-13, and may be the leading candidate for the Hobey Baker award in the NCAA. He'll be a key offensive cog for the Americans. 5. Elias Lindholm, C, Sweden (2013 draft eligible) While he may not yet be in the same conversation as MacKinnon, Jones or Barkov, Lindholm has a golden opportunity to put his name squarely on the draft radar as a top-five pick. He may center Sweden's top line. 4. Jacob Trouba, D, USA (Winnipeg Jets) With apologies to Jones, Maatta, Rielly and others, Trouba could be the best defenseman toiling in this year's tournament. A complete defenseman with a mean streak, Trouba should be in Winnipeg (NHL) a year from now. 3. Nail Yakupov, RW, Russia (Edmonton Oilers) He was great for two seasons in the OHL (Sarnia), and is now putting up very good numbers in the KHL (22 GP, 10-8-18) for Neftekhimik Nizhnekamsk. Yakupov just needs a gold medal to complete his junior-age resume. 2. Alex Galchenyuk, C, USA (Montreal Canadiens) While he could have chosen to play for Russia or Belarus, Galchenyuk wants to be known as an American in hockey circles. Team USA is happy to hear that, since he might be the difference between silver and gold in '13. 1. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, C, Canada (Edmonton Oilers) The Oilers' No. 1 center will be by far the most accomplished player at this year's tournament. He's the favorite to lead the tournament in scoring and will try to upstage (among others) future Edmonton teammate Yakupov. |
| WJC '13: Who to Watch |
| There's plenty of draft-eligible talent on display at the 2013 IIHF World Under-20 Championships in Ufa, Russia, plus the usual top drafted prospects (and some NHLers too this time around). Here's a look at 15 intriguing players to watch heading into the tournament... |
It's rare for 16-year-olds to make an impact at this tournament, but those that actually play in it have something special to offer. Vrana is no exception, as he will be an intriguing winger for the Czechs this year. 14. Morgan Rielly, D, Canada (Toronto Maple Leafs) One of the fastest skaters in the tournament, Rielly should lead the Canadian attack from the back end. He's expected to play on the No. 1 pairing, as well. Toronto has a good one waiting in the wings in Rielly. 13. Sven Andrighetto, RW, Switzerland (un-drafted) Another Sven, Flames prospect Sven Baertschi made a lasting impression in the NHL late last season. Now, it might be Andrighetto's turn to keep Swiss hockey on the radar. He's a top scorer in the QMJHL this year. 12. Olli Maatta, D, Finland (Pittsburgh Penguins) The stabilizing defender will be a big ice-time muncher for the Finns at this year's tournament. He was limited to just one game at last year's tournament but will be a key performer this year. He can do a little of everything. 11. Andrei Vasilevski, G, Russia (Tampa Bay Lightning) There are a lot of question marks surrounding most countries' goaltending situations this year, including Russia. However, Vasilevski has grown up in the Ufa feeder system, so he should have a home-ice advantage. 10. Tomas Hertl, C, Czech Republic (San Jose Sharks) The Sharks' top prospect and 2012 first rounder, Hertl left his club team (HC Slavia Praha of the Czech Republic Extraliga) as their leader in goals (12) and points (22) in 29 games. He'll be a leader for the Czechs. 9. Nathan MacKinnon, C, Canada (2013 draft eligible) MacKinnon may center a scoring line for Canada, or he may be moved to the wing. Either way, most scouts will have their eyes squarely on him, since he is a candidate to be the first player chosen in the 2012 NHL draft. 8. Seth Jones, D, USA (2012 draft eligible) If MacKinnon doesn't go first overall next June, it's probably because Jones will. A complete package on defense, Jones has the type of all-round game that could lead to a gold medal at this year's tournament. 7. Aleksander Barkov, C, Finland (2013 draft eligible) Despite his youth, Barkov will be participating in his second WJC in Ufa. He should be Finland's best player this time around. While MacKinnon and Jones are rated higher, Barkov may cement the No. 3 overall draft position. 6. John Gaudreau, LW, USA (Calgary Flames) The diminutive Gaudreau has been a sensational sophomore at Boston College so far in 2012-13, and may be the leading candidate for the Hobey Baker award in the NCAA. He'll be a key offensive cog for the Americans. 5. Elias Lindholm, C, Sweden (2013 draft eligible) While he may not yet be in the same conversation as MacKinnon, Jones or Barkov, Lindholm has a golden opportunity to put his name squarely on the draft radar as a top-five pick. He may center Sweden's top line. 4. Jacob Trouba, D, USA (Winnipeg Jets) With apologies to Jones, Maatta, Rielly and others, Trouba could be the best defenseman toiling in this year's tournament. A complete defenseman with a mean streak, Trouba should be in Winnipeg (NHL) a year from now. 3. Nail Yakupov, RW, Russia (Edmonton Oilers) He was great for two seasons in the OHL (Sarnia), and is now putting up very good numbers in the KHL (22 GP, 10-8-18) for Neftekhimik Nizhnekamsk. Yakupov just needs a gold medal to complete his junior-age resume. 2. Alex Galchenyuk, C, USA (Montreal Canadiens) While he could have chosen to play for Russia or Belarus, Galchenyuk wants to be known as an American in hockey circles. Team USA is happy to hear that, since he might be the difference between silver and gold in '13. 1. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, C, Canada (Edmonton Oilers) The Oilers' No. 1 center will be by far the most accomplished player at this year's tournament. He's the favorite to lead the tournament in scoring and will try to upstage (among others) future Edmonton teammate Yakupov. |
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