TIM GLEASON
Carolina Hurricanes

BIRTHPLACE: Clawson, Michigan
POSITION: Defenseman
DRAFTED: first round (23rd overall) by Ottawa Senators in 2001
ACQUIRED: by Carolina Hurricanes from the LA Kings with Eric Belanger in exchange for Oleg Tverdovsky and Jack Johnson on September 29, 2006.
SIGNED: 4-year contract with the Canes on 06/19/2008.



First NHL Game: October 9, 2003 (playing for the Kings against Detroit; lost 3-2)
First NHL Point: October 12, 2003 (playing for the Kings against Chicago; won 4-2)
First NHL Goal: February 8, 2006 (playing for the Kings against Columbus; lost 7-4)

HOTTIE [CAREER] HIGHLIGHTS:
Represented the United States at the 2008 IIHF World Championships in Canada; played for the United States at the 2003 World Junior Championship (limited to one game because of a foot injury) and the 2001 World Junior Championship (7 games played, 1 assist).

Season Highlights (2008-2009)

• is first on the team with 41 penalty minutes
• HIGHS: 3 assists, 3 points, 5 PIM, 29:25 TOI, +3, 3 SOG, 6 hits, and 5 blocked shots
  
• ranks first among Hurricanes defensemen with 102 hits; was 16th among NHL defensemen in that category through 01/29/2009.
  
• 01/20/2009 - played his 300th NHL game against Pittsburgh
• 01/29/2009 - assisted on Staal's game-winning goal and blocked four shots vs. Tampa Bay

BAD BOY of Winter: David Clarkson (New Jersey Devils)

David Clarkson is the New Jersey Devils' team enforcer. He's one of the top players with the number of fighting majors totaling 12 tying him with three other players for fourth place (as of 01/29/2009). His high for fighting majors throughout his entire hockey career (OHL, AHL, NHL) is 21 during the regular 2007-2008 NHL season. He's currently on track to surpass that high.

According to hockeyfights.com, he has won six of those fights with two others ending in draws and only four losses.

His best fight by far was on January 2, 2009 against Tom Kostopoulos of the Montreal Canadiens. Both players received 5-minute fighting majors, but it's apparent that Clarkson got the better of Kostopoulos here (it's a little slow-starting, but Clarkson gets some solid shots in within the minute the fight lasts).

Did Any of You Catch This?

I have never seen Sidney laugh this hard ever and I just find it so intriguing (yes - I am a goofball, but I was just really curious as to what he finds so amusing)!!

I caught a really quick glimpse of it on Savran on Sportsbeat on Wednesday, but didn't catch what went on, so I went searching for it on PensTV (and found it - YEA!)!!

Of course I had to study it to figure out what went on. I'm not sure if it's just my computer or not, but I had to turn the volume up and press my ear against the speaker to hear all that transpired.

It starts off normal enough and Sid is just addressing the media and answering their questions and then a reporter (who sounds like a woman) asks, "can you put a percentage on it" [referring to how his knee feels] -- you can already tell he's ready to laugh, but he politely holds it back and answers "80%" And then another reporter chimes in something like, "are you sure it's not 87%?" and whoever is next to Sid out of screen (I've "studied" pictures I have from the locker room tour and am pretty sure it's Talbot, but I could be wrong) says, "AHHAHAH - that's a good one!" and Sid just loses it!! In fact, after it appears he's done laughing, he continues to look over at Talbot [I think that's who it is] and starts to really laugh again with a huge grin -- I just think this is one of the cutest things, so I had to share it with all of you. I honestly think that he should let loose like this more often -- he's much cuter (if that's possible) and it may help his game - it's worth a try)!!!

ENJOY, ladies!!

Oh - and BTW - I thought it was SO ADORABLE, I had to take some screen shots!!


 

Sidney's Sweet Moves!!



What more needs to be said?!!!

Hotties of the Western Conference: Valtteri Filppula (Detroit Redwings)

This post comes as the result of a request by HftL reader, KD. Stephanie and I have covered the fact that on this blog, we do not discriminate against a players hotness based on team affiliations. [READ HERE]. This blog is for hockey related eye candy. Because we're still ladies and no matter how fun, exciting and well played a game might be. We still get those "oh my, he looks good" flashes through our brains when we see various players regardless of what team they might play for.

IMPORTANT HOCKEY STUFF: Actually, I really got nothin'. I try to avoid watching the Wings in all honesty. Lest I be seduced into admiration of the teams skill at the game of hockey, and forget I dislike them for various reasons... So I'm just giving you some "bare bones" facts for this post. In 2006-07 he Appeared in 73 games in his rookie season when he led Detroit rookies in time on ice per game, averaging 11:15 per game He scored his first NHL goal on 10/28 against the St. Louis Blues. Scored his first goal at home at the Joe Louis Arena on 12/31 vs. the Los Angeles Kings He appeared in all 18 of Detroit’s postseason games. Three goals and two assists leads all Detroit rookies.

Other Facts Include.
-Currently in his third season in the National Hockey League, all with Detroit.
-Won his first Stanley Cup championship in 2008.
-Signed a new five-year deal with Detroit on July 30, 2008.
2008-09 Regular Season:
-Has recorded four points (1-3--4) over the last five games.
-Has three multi-point games this season.

REALLY IMPORTANT STUFF: What KD, has to say about him - "I hope what I am about to do does not anger the hockey gods. As a tried-and-true, black-and-Vegas-gold-bleeding Pens fan, I feel as though I am participating in some sort of sacrilege with this thought. As much as the Detroit Red Wings make my blood boil, *deep breath* I must nominate Valterri Fippula for a Hottie of the Western Conference honor.

Even though blond-haired, blue-eyed guys normally aren't my cup of tea (Sorry, Kena) [don't worry no offense is taken, that just leaves more for me (hysterical laughter)] (I've made exceptions for Jordan Staal and Taylor Pyatt ) [How can I possibly disagree with you on those 2?!?], I can't help but find Val drool-worthy. His platinum blond hair and electric blue eyes can only be described as stunning. Also, he does have one trait that always looks good on any man: a strong jaw (see: Staal, Jodran). I've attached a few of my favorite Val pics, including the one that initially made me temporarily lose respiratory function.

The first time I saw his picture, I was surfing the web with one of my best friends (and fellow hockey fanatic) for Wings stats (puke) [amen to your "puke" and I'll raise you a gag, ugh! But seriously, how can I find fault with you, KD? When I'm in the same boat myself, in regards to 1. Nik Lidstrom [READ HERE ] 2. Hank Zetterberg and 3. Chris Osgood (laugh all you want ladies, my hormones are not changing their minds. I've TRIED to talk them out of that one!)] during the Stanley Cup Finals last year. When his picture came up in one of the articles we had found, I could do nothing but let my mouth hang open in awe and point to the screen. [I've been in the same boat on more than one occasion myself.] Once I gained some composure, I was able to inquire about his identity, and here we are today. So, dear hockey gods, please do not smite me for my love of hockey eye candy, but appreciate the fact that I am still able acknowledge his beauty, even if he does play for the evil empire. [The term "evil empire" made me giggle uncontrollably, however, I can't agree more with this description.]

I must say that I'm very glad to have a request now and then. Because I simply can't find every player in the entire WC that's worthy of our, um, "attentions". There also remains the fact, that what's hot to me may be luke-warm to others and the whole point of this blog, and very specifically this feature. Is to broaden out view of what all's out there.

Crosby Photos of the Week

These pictures are from the All-Star game this past weekend. Sharp and classy as ever!!

ENJOY, ladies!!!

A Small Change-Up, Ladies (Eastern Conference Eye Candy)

Now I know that the Penguins are my team and that I haven't yet gone through all of them for "Eye Candy" or "Unsung Hottie;" however, I've been learning that there are alot of fish out there in the hockey world and I should be broadening my horizons as far as hockey hotties are concerned. Don't get me wrong, the Pens are definitely still (and will always be) my guys, but if I just focus on them, I'll be ignoring alot of hotties deserving of some HftL love!!

So with that being said and keeping in mind that Kena is responsible for the Western Conference, I am changing my usual Monday posts from "Eye Candy of the Week" and "Unsung Hottie" to "Eastern Conference Eye Candy" so I can give myself a bigger ice rink to skate on.

The first player I'm focusing on for this post is NY Rangers back-up goalie, Stephen Valiquette (THANKS, Lexie)!!

Be sure to let me know what you think and leave some comments or feel free to e-mail me!!

ENJOY!

Eastern Conference Eye Candy: Stephen Valiquette (New York Rangers)

This choice comes thanks to HftL reader, Lexie H., who was nice enough to send me a picture along with a story from a game she attended the last time the Penguins played the NY Rangers.

Okay so this guy is supper sweet and HOT! he is #40 of the rangers and his name is Stephen Valiquette! He was sooo hot but i could never get a really good picture! then a guy came up beside him and was looking around so i got his attention and pointed to the goalie but he just looked away....then the second period was over going into third...so in the third period the guy came out again...so i pointed to the goalie again...THIS TIME he started talking to him for about a minute then HE LOOKED OVER!!! He was very sweet and smiled! Then when i got a good picture i gave him a thumbs up to tell him i got a picture! Then he winked at me! ahh like i said soooo hot! It was an interesting game but anytime they werent playing i was looking at him!

And then I opened the picture attached to the e-mail -- she wasn't lyin' -- the guy is H-O-T - HOT!!! He could sell ice to an Eskimo with that smile; got me right away!!


In my research, I found he has his own official webpage and he wears a Spider Man goalies mask (how cool is that?!)!!

He's described on his site as a "late bloomer" as far as goaltending goes and didn't make the "A" team until after he attended his first 2-week goaltending school which is why he has organized his own goaltending school; even provides private lessons which I could seriously be interested in ; ) !! However, I'm sorry to say I hear he's married, ladies.

But, THANKS Lexie, for the inspiration / motivation for this "eye candy" post!! He's definitely a hottie!!

HftL Rates All-Star "Skills"

All week HftL covered the starters of today's All-Star game and yesterday the skills competition was held, so now HftL is going to "kiss and tell" by going through the winners and rating their skill (by a hotness factor scale of 1 - 10; 10 being SUPER FLAMING HOT)!

Then, taking all of the winners of the skills competition into consideration and ranking them based on various factors of skill, hotness and ratings that we plugged into a specially designed equation to calculate an "ultimate" of all six of these skilled all-stars, HftL has come up with a the first ever (and hopefully annual) "HftL's 2009 ULTIMATE SUPER SEXY ALL-STAR MVP."

EVENT 1 - Fastest Skater
All-Star: Andrew Cogliano (Edmonton Oilers)
How He Rates (8; speed is super sexy) - Cogliano was the sixth and final skater to take part and topped the other five skaters with a time of 14.31 seconds (not to mention Cogliano is a sophomore player beating out players who have been in the business longer).

EVENT 2 - NHL Fan Fav Breakaway Challenge
All-Star: Alexander Ovechkin (Washington Capitals)
How He Rates (N/A) - I'm sorry -- I have to skip this one simply because I think he's an ass and I wouldn't even think twice about touching that with a 10-foot pole let alone rating it (besides the fact that taking advantage of our humble, shy-sexy Star Malkin is beyond unforgiveable)!!! And over confidence and a desire to make yourself the center of attention just bores a lady to death -- NOTHING sexy about that (KILLS the mood quickly)!!

EVENT 3 - YoungStars Game
All-Star: Rookies
How They Rate (9; dominating someone more experienced is always HOT) - the game consisted of three periods of six minutes each and the rookies dominated through all three periods winning the game 9-5 (sophomore goalie Carey Price was pretty much a non-factor in the game); Rookie Blake Wheeler of the Boston Bruins was named MVP for having a hat trick and two assists in the game.

EVENT 4 - Accuracy Shooting
All-Star: Evgeni Malkin (Pittsburgh Penguins)
How He Rates (9.5; because Malkin is HOT no matter what, but 10 appears to be too unfair and biased!) - during the first round, Malkin was initially credited with getting 4 hits in 5 shots; however, he actually hit all four targets on his first try (he just narrowly sliced one of the targets) and they eventually credited him 4 hits in 4 shots; he beat out Dany Heatley of the Ottawa Senators in the second round after hitting 3 hits in 4 shots when Heatley only hit 2 of the targets; the only other players that were just as skilled hitting 4 in 4 shots are Ray Bourque (1992, 1993), Mark Messier (1996), and Jeremy Roenick (2004).

EVENT 5 - Hardest Shot
All-Star: Zdeno Chara (Boston Bruins)
How He Rates (8; strength is manly and charity is plain adorable, but Chara is an overgrown dork) - 105.3 mph shot (what else needs said?!); although it is worth mentioning that Chara decided to "up the ante" when he challenged the other five players in this competition to raise money for a selected charity by putting $1,000 each in the "pot;" their respective teams added to it by also donating $1,000 as well as the NHL and NHLPA matching the players pot with $6,000 each bringing the grand total of $24,000 which was ultimately donated to Chara's charity, Right to Play.

EVENT 6 - NHL Elimination Shoot Out
All-Star: Shane Doan (Phoenix Coyotes)
How He Rates (10; outlasting the competition always puts a man on top, but seeing him interact with his young daughter deserves a 10 no matter what in any lady's book!) - Doan won the challenge by hitting the net on five out of seven attempts beating out Marc Savard and scoring on three of the four goalies - Henrik Lundqvist, Niklas Backstrom, and Jean-Sebastien Giguere. And did you catch him with his daughter and how BOTH of their eyes lit up with a smile everytime he'd skate back to the bench [*swoon*]?!!

And HftL's ULTIMATE SUPER SEXY ALL-STAR for 2009 is (no contest, ladies!) ....

SHANE DOAN

Malkin All-Star Interviews

Morning Skate (01/24/2009)



Post-Skills Competition (01/24/2009)

HftL Does the All-Stars (Eastern Conference): SIDNEY CROSBY of the Pittsburgh Penguins

Sidney Crosby was a very gifted hockey player from a very early age and has been handling the media with poise, grace, and maturity for almost as long. He was given the name “The Next One” (a reference to Wayne Gretzky who is called “The Great One”) by the age of 11 and Gretzky, himself, has admitted that Crosby is the player who is most likely to break various records that he continues to hold today (the only one ever close was Mario Lemieux).

The NHL lockout was the year prior to Crosby being drafted which cancelled the 2004-2005 season, so the 2005 draft order was determined by lottery that was conducted on July 22, 2005. Each NHL team was assigned one to three lottery balls based on their playoff appearances and first overall draft picks from the previous three years. In the end, the stars were aligned once more for the Pittsburgh Penguins who won the lottery allowing them to choose Crosby as their first round draft pick of 2005 in what is now affectionately known by some as “The Sidney Crosby Sweepstakes / Lottery.”

What’s Hot – is it really necessary to elaborate? This entire site is practically dedicated to Sid's hotness!! But, if I must, I must. Well, let's start with the obvious - he's simply gorgeous; milk-chocolaty brown eyes accented with eyelashes that are the envy of any girl, dark curly locks that frame his beautiful face; a firm chiseled upper body with enormously manly thighs that leads to a deriere that can fill out the dullest of jeans; but the crown-jewel has to be that smile (OH - that smile!)!

And his work ethic is second to none - he's a hard worker and leads by example. What girl doesn't love a hard-working man? The way he handles himself with the media and fans is so refreshing; he's all business on the ice, but he doesn't take crap and when I see him mouthing off on the ice -- gosh, it curls my toes; I find that so manly!!

What’s Hockey (it’s a LONG story and he’s only 21!) – Trophy in the Memorial Cup Tournament for being the leading scorer (2005); named to the NHL All-Rookie Team (2006), was the youngest player ever in the NHL to be named Captain of a team (Pittsburgh Penguins) on May 31, 2007; NHL First All-Star Team (2007); earned the Art Ross Trophy (2007), Lester B. Pearson Award (2007), and Hart Memorial Trophy (2007); played in NHL All-Star Game (2007); recorded his 100 named to the QMJHL All-Rookie Team (2004), QMJHL First All-Star Team (2004, 2005); was the QMJHL Player of the Year (2004, 2005); named to the Canadian Major Junior First All-Star Team (2004, 2005); was the Canadian Major Junior Rookie of the Year (2004), Canadian Major Junior Player of the Year (2004, 2005); named to the Memorial Cup All-Star Team (2005); won the Ed Chynowethth career goal, 200th career assist, and 300th career point in the same game (219th career NHL game) on October 18th against the Toronto Maple Leafs; had a career high 19 face-off wins on October 10th in a game against Montreal Canadiens; has 344 points (114 goals, 230 assists) in his first 250 games which ranks him sixth all-time in NHL history; broke Jaromir Jagr's record set in 2000 along with fellow teammate Evgeni Malkin for most votes received by a player to play in the NHL All-Star game (2009).

HftL Does the All-Stars (Western Conference): PAT KANE of the Chicago Blackhawks

The leading vote getter in the All Star balloting for the Western Conference and arguably one of the very best young players in the League, we have Patrick Kane. His first game-winning goal, was against the Red Wings (yes... sweet...)

What's Hot - Well, he's got the cutest zits on the planet (Crosby excluded). He plays on my weakness (hopefully I don't need to explain my obsession by this point) blond hair & blue eyes. The grin is priceless. He's AMERICAN (I for one share that attraction with Stephanie; READ HERE) born in Buffalo, NY. The very hottest thing I've seen is that Winter Classic billboard (ah, snowflakes & eyelashes...)

What's Hockey - OHL All-Rookie Team (2007), OHL First All-Star Team (2007), OHL Rookie of the Year (2007), Canadian Major Junior Rookie of the Year (2007), NHL All-Rookie Team (2008), and Calder Memorial Trophy (2008). How do you argue with all of that?? First player taken in the first round in the 2007 draft. Kane played in his first international tournament for the United States in the Under-18 in 2006 where he helped the team win a gold medal.

All-Star Interviews

In case you missed them, here are videos of interviews conducted yesterday during media day for the 2009 NHL All-Star game featuring Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin (too adorable)!!!

Sidney Crosby All-Star Post

A few of you may be wondering whether or not I will follow through with the Crosby ASG post seeing as how he decided not to participate in the game this weekend. I talked it over with Kena who brought up a pretty valid point: we planned on "doing" the All-Star starters that were voted on by the fans (not replacements that the NHL decided were suitable), so the Sidney Crosby post will be up as scheduled tomorrow - bright and early!!

Any of you fine ladies have any objections? I didn't think you would!! For those of you who may have an objection or two (or would like to voice your opinion), you can post them in the comments.

HftL Does the All-Stars (Western Conference): JONATHAN TOEWS of the Chicago Blackhawks

One of my favorite names in hockey, "Toews." You should pronounce it like the body part (toes); instead, it's "TAYVZ." I don't know what's up with that but it's really, awfully cute.

What's Hot - At 6'2" and 205, he's playing on my weakness for tall guys. He has one of those adorable little smirks. The Blackhawks fans call him "Tayzer" which in no way fits his looks, but who cares? There are some types of adorable that you just can't explain. He's still a cutie. He's got fun dark hair, and pretty chocolate eyes, but most importantly, this - once, when he was ten years old, he put on his skates and headed to an outdoor rink in the middle of the night. He had heard that Guy Lafleur had done the same. WOW, dedication (really, how do you say no to a guy who want's it that bad?). Now that's what I call sexy...

What's Hockey - Blackhawks’ first choice (third overall) in the 2006 NHL Entry Draft. When he was named the 34th captain in Blackhawks history on July 17, 2008, making him the third-youngest player to earn that distinction in the history of the National Hockey League, Sidney Crosby sent him a text message congratulating him on this accomplishment. Nominated for the Calder Trophy as the NHL's top rookie in 07/08. Recorded the first fighting major of his professional career on Nov. 18 against Phoenix (Martin Hanzal). [authors note: the proceeding sentence also goes in the above "What's Hot" category above, as well].

HftL Does the All-Stars (Eastern Conference): EVGENI MALKIN of the Pittsburgh Penguins

I can still remember the excitement that my husband, John, had when Malkin finally fled from Russia so he could come to the US and play for the Penguins. He explained how “this kid may be even better than Sidney!” No way, I didn’t believe it – someone better than Sidney? Well, it’s been a few years since then and he’s definitely made a believer out of me – there is someone just as good, if not better, than Crosby (as much as it pains me to say it, I'm all for giving credit where it’s due); however, I suppose it can be like comparing apples and oranges since they’re two totally different types of players – they can both be categorized as elite!!

What’s Hot – come on, what’s NOT hot about a skilled hockey player that’s good at his craft?!! He’s a natural player (even my husband will tell you that!) and makes everything he does on the ice look effortless – now THAT’S SEXY!!! Oh, and of course we cannot forgot about those beautiful manly hands of his!! He’s not unlike Modano in the fact that he’s “shy sexy” to borrow a term from my good friend, Kena!! He single-handedly saved the Pens season last year after Sidney went down with a high-ankle sprain injury by carrying the entire team on his back encouraging the rest of them to step up and play at another level – he takes the reigns when he needs to and knows exactly when that is! He’s also very humble and credits his teammates before accepting credit himself. Recently, Malkin has more willingly been learning the English language which is something that intrigues the female fans, myself included!! How cute is his thick accent and his eagerness to "please" the media with proper English?!! Too damn adorable!!

What’s Hockey – represented Russia at the 2006 Olympics as well as in two World Under-18 Championships (2003, 2004), three World Junior Championships (2004, 2005, 2006), and two World Championships (2006, 2007); named to All-Tournament team at 2007 World Championships and tied for Russian team scoring lead at 2006 Worlds with nine points in seven games; named top forward and tournament MVP at 2006 World Junior Championship where he scored 10 points in six games; played three seasons with hometown team Metallurg Magnitogorsk in Russian Super League (2003 - 2006) leading the team to a regular season title (2005-2006) and ranked third in league scoring as 19-year-old with 47 points in 46 games; won Calder Trophy as NHL Rookie of the Year (2006-2007) and named to NHL All-Rookie Team being the first Penguins played to be named Rookie of the Year since Mario Lemieux in 1984-1985; led all NHL rookies in goals - 33, assists - 52, points - 85, power-play goals - 16, and power-play points - 40; scored his first NHL goal in first NHL game on October 18, 2006 against New Jersey Devils' goalie Martin Brodeur; became the first NHL player in 89 years to score a goal in each of his first six games.

BIG THANKS to "71crush" for all the AWESOME Malkin pictures featured in this post (I just regret I couldn't use more)!!

HftL Does the All-Stars (Western Conference): RYAN GETZLAF of the Anaheim Ducks

Ryan Getzlaf spent his day with the Stanley Cup in the summer of 2007 in his childhood hometown of Regina, Saskatchewan, where he hosted a street hockey tournament for kids in which competing teams played for the actual Stanley Cup.

What's Hot - Well, look at him... he's easily got the Duckling market cornered as far as looks. Although he does suffer from the atrocious facial hair standards that afflicts the rest of the team on occasion, I will admit that this vicious malady is not as pronounced for him. He's 6'4" 220lbs. which is tasty any way you look at it. His older brother Chris is a wide receiver in the CFL (Canadian Football League) [Why is this hot, you ask me? My answer, "I was a football fan before I became a hockey fan(atic). What can I say, you never forget your first love]. He has 3 dogs. Says the Cannery is his favorite restaurant in the OC (Orange County) area [Ha, Canned Duck, OK, maybe it's not that funny, yea, I give, not that funny.] Says he enjoys cooking [All I can say is "So Awesome! A guy who can actually cook."], with most of his meals centered around chicken [Again, awesome].

What's Hockey - Honestly, a lot! He currently ranks in the top 10 (I think 4th, at this very moment) in goals scored. During the Ducks Stanley Cup Run 2 years ago, he centered the second line with teammates Corey Perry (do not talk to me about Corey Perry) and Dustin Penner (who now plays for EDM, by the way), the trio was dubbed the "Kid Line" (Getzlaf and Perry were both 21, while Penner was 22) and combined for 147 points. He led the Duck's roster in scoring in the 2007 playoffs with 17 points in 21 games.His draft year of 2003 is considered one of the deepest drafts ever. In the first round alone Eric Staal (be gentle with me Stephanie), Dion Phaneuf, Marc-Andre Fleury (your area of expertise, Stephanie), Zach Parise, Nikolai Zherdev, Thomas Vanek, Mike Richards, Corey Perry (No Comment), Nathan Horton, Jeff Carter and Ryan Getzlaf were all taken.

Some players he admires -

Joe Sakic [COL Avalanche] "I like him a lot. I've had the chance to hang out with him at All-Star Games, and that's big for me. The numbers he's put up, and the leadership he has provided, it's incredible."

Teemu Selanne [ANA Ducks] "He has helped me a lot. We don't play similar games, but we have similar attitudes and have developed a good friendship here. He shows us how to have fun at the rink."