I don't think Anyone Guessed this is what the team needed

Mustaches. Yes, mustaches are going to be what brings this team from the bottom straight to the top.

According to TSN's Ice Chips, the team will grow mustaches in an effort to stave off a sixth straight loss.

Crazy, you say? Yeah, it's crazy. Crazy enough to work.

When you can't get good solid defense, extended offensive pressure, or consistent effort for a full 60 minutes, what is left but to grow facial hair?

Of course, we will all have to wait a few games to see how this new strategy pans out, but I, for one, am optimistic.

And just to make sure you are entirely onboard with the idea, here's a picture of what Mike Fisher is working on for the team:

Sens fall to the (Frickin') Islanders.

I thought the Sens had turned over a new leaf, at least that's what we are supposed to believe. I mean, Alfie smashed his stick, Heatley and Kelly fought a bloody verbal battle, Neil said they were doing all the little things and Coach Hartsburg said that we have a system in place.

... So... We are left with this:

Saying the right things [... the grey middle part... ] Putting those words into action

Something is happening that is preventing the Sens from actually making good on all the good they spew in their pre, between period and post game interviews. I just don't know what that grey middle is, and I don't think the Sens do either.

It's going to be rough this season. That's really the only thing anyone knows for certain.

Return of the Fish

I am going to be frank and honest. Fisher is my favourite Ottawa Senator. I know I am not alone, but in the last while, it kind of felt that way. Fisher went from perennial fan favourite to the number one whipping boy. If something went wrong on the ice, it was probably Fishers fault. Heatley missed a wide open net, he's been hanging around with Fisher too much. Spezza coughed up the puck, it's probably Fisher wearing Spezza's jersey.

I will admit to being short with Fisher this season to start, because in his first few games back, he was nothing like himself. He wasn't hitting. He wasn't fighting for the puck, he was coughing it up. He wasn't fiesty, he wasn't speedy, he was barely there. But in his last few games, he's returned. He's been fighting, hitting, skating, shooting, he's been everywhere on the ice. But since he wasn't lighting the lamp, he was trade bait. I only hope people can realize how lucky we are as a fanbase to have a player like him on our roster.

It's only two points, and we don't really know if the man is truly back in full form, but here's to hoping he keeps playing like he did last night.

Congratulations to him for finally breaking the goose egg that has plagued him for far too long.

Cheers!

PS - Did anyone else notice how happy the whole team was when he scored? I am sure it was partially because, heck, they just won on home ice, but did you see how they swarmed Fisher, patting him on the back and head for a few minutes?

Defining Hockey Jargon

After going to my first game in 2000, I was a casual hockey fan for a long while. I put little effort into really learning the game. I was more caught up in the crowd and didn't put too much thought into the specifics of what was going on in the game. There were fights and hits, and that's about all I would pay attention to during games. I didn't know why there were whistles and stoppages in play or why players were going to the box. I had really no clue what was happening, I just knew it was hockey and I was having fun.

Once I began learning the rules, the penalties and their corresponding ref hand gestures, the zones, etc, I began paying more attention to the games. I began making sense of what was happening. I am much more knowledgeable now, but to be honest, there are still little things that I haven't been able to work out, certain questions that perhaps I am just too chicken to ask someone face to face for fear of being labelled a hockey moron.

It's hard being a new fan. There's only so much you can learn from books and people can be quite snobbish towards those that don't fully understand the game, or to those who are just getting into it. They've long forgotten what it's like to just begin learning this sport and its intricacies.

I began this blog with the intent of using it to make sense of what I see on the ice, as a new hockey fan. This is the first blog where I will reach out and ask the experienced hockey fans to help me define some hockey slang/terms/phrases that I commonly hear during games, interviews, expert panel analyses and broadcasts.

These are my guesses, my rationales, for what these terms might mean, so feel free to correct and/or mock me if I am way, way off on any of them.

So, let the schooling begin:

"He's a North South player" or "He's a East West player"

I can only imagine this does not refer to what hemisphere a player was born in. My theory with this descriptor is that it refers to the way a player attempts to enter the offensive zone. North/South being a player more willing to just rush up the centre of the ice and crash the net, an East/West being someone that tries to wheel up the sides of the ice or zig zags into the offensive zone.

"He's a two way player"

I believe this refers to a player that is competent at both ends of the ice, offensively and defensively.

"Natural Hat trick"

I've heard a few definitions of this one. I have heard that it refers to a player who has scored three consecutive goals in a game. I have also heard that it refers to someone who scores three goals: one on the PP, one on the PK, and one even strength. And the Gordie Howe Hattrick, if I am not mistaken, is a fight, a goal and an assist in a game.

"He could stickhandle in a phone booth"

I would imagine this is a good thing to be able to do. The player is so good with the puck, he needs very little room to maneuver.

"Boy, can he dangle"

This never ceases to make me giggle like a schoolgirl for some reason, but I believe it is in the same vein as the above term, it means the player has great control with the puck.

Forecheck and Backcheck

Are these not essentially the same thing? Forecheck being when you pressure the opponent into coughing up the puck, the backcheck being pressuring the opponent into coughing up the puck in the neutral or defensive zones. Is the only difference here where you are pressuring them to cough up the puck on the ice?

The Slot

I believe this is the area in front of the net, between the face off circles. I am not sure how big the slot is considered to be, is it just directly in front of the net or is it from the goal lines outwards to the faceoff circles?

The Trap

I know what the trap is, but how many different names and forms of the trap are there?

Transition Game

I believe this refers to when a team manages to gain possession of the puck in their own end and transition from a defensive game to an offensive game, so how easily they can go from playing defensively to playing offensively.

Faceoff Win

I have never quite gotten a hold of how exactly you win the faceoff. Do you or one of your teammates have to end up with possession of the puck? Can you win a faceoff but not end up with the puck?

Headmanning the puck

I've only heard this one once, but I am not sure what it was referring to exactly, is it passing related or is it in the same vein as the phonebooth term, where a player is just good with the puck?


I hope that anyone reading this can help me become a more well rounded knowledgeable fan. I also hope that it helps any new fans that might be reading.

I also hope more people join in!

Cheers!

Post Game: Tampa Bay 3 Senators 2 (Shootout loss)

I listened to as much of the game tonight on the Team 1200 as I could stomach. I really don't like listening to someone elses interpretation of the game, when I am not able to watch the plays myself and come up with my own ideas.

But I am a little antsy right now, so I figured I would jot down a couple quick thoughts

-I know the Team 1200 is an Ottawa station, but man, did they really heap on the Sens love tonight. It seemed like every call against the Sens was doubtful or marginal, the goal cameras were turned off in some grand conspiracy, etc. I like the Sens too and am obviously bias towards them, but wow, this was a full on love affair.

-Mike Fisher named Hardest Working Sens player tonight, by the Team. Too bad his hard work for stalled by Smith, who apparently had a crazy good night in net for Tampa. I am sure he'll come around. He's just fighting against the changing expectations fans and the organization alike have for him. I hope he loosens up and just works at getting the garbage goals. It seemed like Wincester, Fisher and Alfie were quite dangerous tonight for us, so maybe that will help his production.

-The shootout selections - well, they were interesting, to say the least.

-Seriously, this was apparently not the game to miss if you are a Sens fan. Well, at least we could all listen to others watching the game, a thrilling Saturday night.

Anyways, I am done for the night.

Cheers!

Happy Hallowe'en

I didn't end up updating last night, as I said I would, but I had a legit reason. My internet went down on me and I couldn't get online.

...But if I am being honest, and I always am, I didn't have anything to write anyways. I am dedicated to getting more updates, hockey related ones, but I just am still not coming up with anything. I think the problem is I am trying to come up with some epic world changing entry. I am thinking too big.

So, it's time to simplify.

To get the pen flying, or keys typing, I am just going to try what some other blogs do, live updates during the game. I think this will be helpful for me, and others in my situation. I know the basic rules of the game. I am now trying to learn systems and positioning, what players should be doing in certain situations and the like. I think a live blog during the game would help me explicitly ask my questions and hopefully get some answers.

Anyways, not much else to say at this point. I am looking foward to the next game and hopefully a bright and shiny new hockey blog entry.

Happy Hallowe'en.

Cheers!

EDIT:

I have just been informed the Sens game tommorow will not be broadcast on CBC or Centre Ice. It seems neither the CBC here in Canada, nor the Tampa Networks have picked up the game. That is quite poor timing, given that the last two games were only on the NHL Network, and I don't subscribe. Some Sens fans, myself included, now will have missed three games in a row.

I just assumed that CBC had picked up the game, but they are giving their viewers the choice between the Habs versus the Isles, and of course, the Leafs versus the Rangers.

We Sens fans always get the short end of the stick, it seems.

Anyways, with this new information, I suppose my live hockey blog will have to be postponed to whenever the next Sens game is televised.

Enjoy your free Saturday night Sens fans!!

A Quick Note

I have no excuses for my absense from this new blog I have started. At first, I was kept from it because of life and work. But then, I just ignored it purposefully.

I had nothing to write.

Me, I'm the type of person that can say something, even when I have nothing to say. But there I sat in front of a blank computer screen a number of times, waiting for an interesting and informed blog entry to pour out of me, but it never did. It seemed like there was nothing that I could write, that some other blogger hadn't already written in a more entertaining, informative and engaging way.

The blog had begun to mock me with its emptiness and I soon began ignoring it, taking comfort in the fact that I was probably doing everyone on the great big interweb a favour by putting this blog out of its misery.

But, today is the dawning of a new blog, one with entries and updates.

I am learning to get over my blogger insecurity and venture into this unknown world yet again, sharing my thoughts and foibles as a new(-ish) hockey fan.

All this, of course, starts tommorow, because it's getting late. It's past 1am, honestly, that's too late to blog, right?

Cheers!

Pre-Season

I am going to be honest here for a moment. I totally forgot about this blog. Life (read: work) took over and I became a hermit, locked in my office, fervishly attempting to finish all my work so that I can keep this wretched job that I hate so very much. Ah, such is life.

Anyways, the pre-season Frolunda game occurred today and (not really surprisingly) the Sens pulled out a win. Also, not surprisingly, my favourite player Mike Fisher left the game after aggravating his groin. I love Mike Fisher, but my patience is wearing thin. I recall him being interviewed at the end of last season, talking about how he was going to use the summer to relax and recooperate. I remember him being interviewed part of the way through the summer, talking about how he felt like he was almost fully healed and the summer workout program he had adopted was working well. I remember him being interviewed just prior to training camp, talking about how the groin was healed and he was back on the ice. So... what's going on? I realize injuries are a mysterious bitch and you never quite know when one is going to creep up on you, but this is like a two year old injury and it seems like he can't sniff the ice without re-aggravating it. It worries me.

That's all I got rambling around in my brain right now. So I will leave it at that for now, though the Sens regular season starts this weekend, I am pumped and hopefully will have some interesting things to say then!


Cheers!

A lil Update

I am pretty busy this week with lifes little distractions, ya know, work and family and such. I am working on getting my first "real" hockey post up soon, hopefully by the beginning of next week. I am nervous, excited and anxious about it. I may take pics of me writing it to commemorate the moment.

But in the meantime, how about some random questions to ponder on a lazy afternoon...

• Has TSN taken the reigns for unparralled hockey coverage from CBC? TSN is hiring new blood as analysts/correspondents for the season, making new contacts, building their reputation for quality programming and gaining more games for broadcast. CBC has lost their HNIC Anthem (coincidentally TSN gained it) and they have little new or fresh talent working the cameras. There is something to be said for tradition, certainly, that's why I liked the old anthem, but they really need to freshen it up and clean out the old people smell. They are just decaying on national television for all to see. It's sad, really. I like seeing the Canadian teams get their dues on National TV.
• I read on another site that there was a Vancouver Radio station that was trying to answer when the hockey season started. Not the actual start date, but when, as a fan, does the season begin for you? It's an interesting question. Is there really a hockey offseason? I know that I am excited for next season, pretty much immediately following the end of the previous season. So, is the hockey offseason merely a fable?
• Most hockey fans will ardently claim to be a diehard fan of a particular team in the NHL, a fan that will follow their team of choice til their dying day, but is there anything that might make you cheer for another team instead? Is there anything that would make you cast off your NHL logo'd slippies and matching thong to cheer for another team? If your team acquired a player that you hated or signed a GM that you didn't respect, etc, would you give up your seasons tickets? Is your fandom truly an unconditional love?

So, let those questions distract you from the wait for the season opener...

Cheers and til next time...

The Basics

Yesterdays first post of the blog was a little dramatic, a little over the top, maybe a little much, but I wanted to convey the idea that I really love the sport and the team. I am a fan that really gets into it. My moods are based on how well the Sens played, or whether they win or lose a game, what trades have gone down, which players are injured, etc. I really follow every detail of the game and the team. I think this blog will reflect that.

I know everyone and their dog has a blog nowadays, and I have been very reluctant to start a blog for that reason, but truthfully, I just wanted a place where I could write my thoughts on the Sens and goings on around the league. But, I also wanted a place where I could pick peoples brains.

I noted in the first post that I started liking hockey in 2001. So, I am but a novice when compared to some others, who have followed the sport since birth. I would like this blog to be a learning experience for me and others who might just be learning the game and all its little intricacies. It's tough to be a new fan, because sometimes people get judgemental or they don't want to answer your questions. I know I have annoyed many people trying to ask them questions during a game. So, I thought this would be a good way to pick peoples brains without ruining the experience for them. Perhaps it is that angle that will set this blog apart from others....

Anyways,

A few points of note, for those still reading...

• I am new to the game, as I said, so if I write something that is wrong, or you feel I haven't quite grasped the point, then please tell me. I want to learn more about the sport, so it would be nice if the experts could share some of their wisdom and experience with me.
• I enjoy writing but am, by no means, the greatest at it. I welcome criticism/feedback of any kind. I want to try and write some different kinds of posts, like the first post here, so if you think something works or doesn't work, let me know. Spelling errors, poor sentence structure, grammar issues, etc., please point them out. If you have feedback, I want it.
• I am a Sens fan, but welcome any hockey fans to post/comment here. Having said that, I don't want it to generate a "whose fanbase is better?" pissing match. Every fanbase has a few bad apples, so let's just talk hockey and leave all that crap for the children on the messageboards, shall we?
• On the above note, I am pretty laidback and not really into censoring comments, but if people are just being insulting towards other posters, then I will probably delete that. You can insult me, I don't care, but don't insult those who are willing to come here and comment.
• This blog will be about hockey, but occasionally, I will post other OT tidbits that I think might be of interest to people, or at the very least, me. Life isn't all about hockey... Well, it is, but there's other stuff going on too. It's tough to remember that sometimes.
• I tend to ramble on and on. I write a lot. People tend to skip large paragraphs, so I do my best to break them up. But, sometimes they get away from me. Consider yourself warned.

I want this blog to be fun and lighthearted and open. So, please feel free to read, comment and enjoy!

Cheers!

My Confession

Hello.

My name is Wilson and I am a Sens addict.

I never thought it would get so crazy, so wild. I never thought it would happen to me, but one game, one night, one moment of weakness, would change everything...

It was the year 2001. People were still trying to collect themselves from the Y2K scare. Perhaps I was too. Perhaps that's why I got on the bus that day. Who knows really? Who knows how the mind works in times of confusion, ya know, like Y2K.

My friends had gotten wind that some team from Edmonton and some team from Ottawa were going to meet head to head at the Corel Centre. I didn't want to go, but it was either the game or spending the night alone in Glengary House, leafing through pages and pages about every minutia of Canadian civil law.

So, I got on the bus.

I was feeling nervous and frightened, as I hopped on the bus and made my way through the gaunlet of Sens fans. Hoards of men and women alike with faces painted and bright red jerseys, thrusting flags and homemade posters in my face, as I breathlessly tried to find a seat.

Suddenly I felt a jolt. I assumed it was the butterflies in my stomach, desperately trying to escape, but soon realized it was actually the bus revving up and moving out.

I was on my way.

My nervousness grew when I looked out the window and saw nothing but night skies. No buildings, no lights. Nothing I recognized. Were we being driven to some secluded location, only to be left to fend for ourselves, fighting to the death to survive? Turns out I was only partially right. After some time, a lone building shone through the darkness. It was the arena.

It was intimidatingly large. I didn't know where to go, but luckily, the crowds lurched forward, carrying me forward with them. After walking through the concourse jungle, I found my seat. Quickly, I sat down and closed my eyes. I had to collect myself after my journey in darkness.

But when I opened my eyes, I saw only light.

A breathtaking sight really, one that has not and cannot be matched to this day.

The ice.

The ice lay before me, gleaming. It was singing to me, songs of battles past. It told of a ballet of strength and courage, of violence and wonder, of honour and blood.

The rest is a blurr of white noise.

I left that game, forever changed. How could I go back to a mediocre existence of a life without hockey?

How, I ask, how?

I couldn't. One game wasn't enough. One jersey, one autograph, one Alfie t-shirt; it's not enough. It's just not enough.

My name is Wilson and I am a Sens addict.

But I don't want to be cured.

I want to infect.

I want you to be a Sens addict too.

Stay tuned...