Colton Orr patrols the ice for the New York Rangers.

According to hockeyfights.com, he's tied with three other players for 7th place for fighting majors with a total of 13 fights.

He's thrown down with our very own Eric Godard (even though I'm happy to say Godard got the best of him). On February 9, 2009, he dropped the gloves with Michael Rupp of the New Jersey Devils which was one of his better fights. Orr hit Rupp with one shot right on the button and knocked him right on his ass (and notice how Orr continues to look back and try to skate back as the ref escorts him to the locker room - good stuff!!

Interestingly enough, Burish is an American which brings a very special kind of hot to the table.

Burish also comes to us via a suggestion from Meli, who mentioned in the comments on THIS POST [Patrick Sharp (CHI)], that "Now I'm totally crushing on Burish now that I've watched those videos over and over again! Stephanie, you can't have Sharpe without Burish--so now you need to do a hottie for him!!"

Well, since I simply can not resist Hot Hockey Players (In any type, form, or team affiliation.), here's your Burish post Meli...

IMPORTANT HOCKEY STUFF: Well, there is that NCAA men's championship. Oh, and did I mention he's an American born player? (from Madison, WI). Always special, that. Skated in his 100th NHL game on Oct. 31, 2008. (Happy Halloween, sweetheart. Even if it is a bit late, you'll have to stop by for a little um, trick-or-treat.) [OH, you're GOOOOD! That would be a great pick-up line!] He's played 3 seasons in the NHL, all 3 for the Blackhawks.

Last year, was his first full season in the NHL. He ranked third in the NHL with a team-high 214 penalty minutes (naughty). When he also became the first Blackhawks player since Bob Probert in 1998-99 to rack up more than 200 penalty minutes in a single season. Named the Blackhawks Man of the Year by AHAI (Amateur Hockey Association of Illinois) in 07/08. He's probably on his way to similar honors again this year .

This is one of those players that you can find out more off ice stuff than on ice. He has quite the personality (and his teammates agree [you have to watch till the very end, it's worth it though, it's funny]).

REALLY IMPORTANT STUFF: He has pretty sandy brown hair (I'd have to stretch to call it blond but blond would work in a pinch [hysterical laughter]), and lovely light blue eyes. 6'1" 200lbs. And more personality than a pen of monkeys over a hot stove. Just watch the ever infamous "prankster" videos (one, two & three). You just can't not love him or Sharpie, you just can't do it. Also of keen interest is the McDonald's visit [VIDEO ] it's definitely worth a look-see, too (I have to admit, Kane's looking pretty manly in it as well). [you and blondes, Kena - what is it?!!]

Once worked as a security guard on "Jerry Springer" (No stop laughing, I'm SERIOUS here. Still don't believe me [Read Here] it has pictures. You can't argue with pictures, right?) About which experience Mr. Burish had this to say "I did gain some respect for the refs in our games, and realized how hard it is to break up a fight. I will tell you though the hardest fights to break up were not the guys but the girls. Not only did I try and be careful where I put my hands while separating them, but what are you supposed to do when the girls start pulling each others hair? (To this day, I haven't figured this one out myself.) I have to admit I was a bit lost when that happened". Oh and we must not forget to mention he's an American (oh sorry, did I mention that before? Silly me.)

He's also well trained in the art of dealing with females, most especially hockey females, thanks to his sister. Who centered the top line herself, in college and went on to win an NCAA title herself only a few short weeks before Burish went on to win one of his own with the rest of the Michigan boys. [Read Here ]. In fact, she said to him "I let him know he had to finish it off or I’d hold that over his head the rest of his life.” Ah, sisterly love. Nothing like it in the world. Oh, and did I ever mention, he's an AMERICAN ; )...

You Are Cordially Invited!

"An entertaining evening unlike any other, the Skates & Plates Charity Gala presented by Trib Total Media offers a fine dining experience, live and silent auctions, and a chance to meet the Pittsburgh Penguins players and staff all in the historically elegant setting of The Pennsylvanian."

Pittsburgh Penguins Skates & Plates

Monday, March 30th

at the Pennsylvanian

6:30 - 9:30

Cocktail Attire

VIEW the invitation HERE

Tickets for this event are now on sale (VIP sponsorship - $10,000; Table of 10 - $7,500) and will benefit the Western PA Chapter of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and the Mario Lemieux Foundation.

To reserve a table or to receive additional information, please call the Penguins Community Relations Office at (412) 642-1982 or (412) 642-1903.

For more information, visit the Penguins webpage.

THIS PIC IS ESPECIALLy FOR KENA (AND ALL YOU OTHER STAALSY LOVERS OUT THERE!)!!

Crosby Picture of the Week

THERE IT IS!! There's that passion we've been missing for the last few games (gotta love it!)!!

Penguins at Dick's Sporting Goods

Loyal HftL reader, Kylie (KD), was lucky enough to get a wristband for one of the three autograph sessions yesterday at the Dick's Sporting Goods in the Mall at Robinson. The signing was held from 6 PM - 9 PM and were split up into 3 sessions lasting one hour (and 3 Penguins players at each session).

Kylie went to the session with Petr Sykora, Max Talbot, and Pascal Dupuis. She was also able to get a few pictures of another session and was generous enough to share the photos, so enjoy ladies (THANKS, KYLIE!)!!!

If any other readers were lucky enough to be there yesterday and would like to share his / her story and any pictures, please feel free to e-mail me, thesteelcitysportsfan@gmail.com (we'd appreciate it)!!

Eastern Conference Eye Candy: Boyd Gordon (Washington Capitals)

So I was watching the Pens / Caps game yesterday and this guy caught my eye (after he received a tripping penalty in the first period and was escorted to the box). He's what Kena would call my "type." You know, dark hair / dark eyes (the Sid-type!)!! Yes - he's definitely "my type" and that's probably why he caught my eye in the first place.




HOCKEY FACTOR:

• born in Unity, SK, Canada
• plays right wing, shoots right
• named to 2003 WHL East First All-Star Team
• represented Canada in the 2003 World Junior Championship (earning a silver medal)
• has spent all six years of his professional career with Washington since he was their first-round pick in 2002 (17th overall); rookie season 2003-2004, re-signed with the Capitals in 2006
• made his first SCF appearance last season, but the Caps fell to Philadelphia in the first round
  
• leads the Capitals in face-off wins this season (seventh in the NHL) - 57.1%

HOTNESS FACTOR:

Well, Gordon is simply yummy - just look at him!! He's 6'0 - 6'1 depending on where you research on the internet and weighs a healthy 201 pounds making him a pretty solid hockey player. You won't see him scrap though -- I looked him up on hockeyfights.com (because that always interests me about a player not to mention adds to the hotness factor), and he's not even listed which I find quite interesting!!

His favorite sports aside from hockey are baseball and soccer; his favorite athlete is Wayne Rooney (English football / soccer player) and his favorite movie is “Gladiator” (a pretty manly selection).

Oh, and ladies, his nickname is "muffins" (which I can interpret in all sorts of ways, but decided to leave it up to your own discretion - have fun!)!!

Hockey 101 with HftL: More Minor Penalties

Continuing with more minor penalties and their signals covering hooking, interference, and tripping.



HOOKING (MINOR)
When a player tries to block the progress of an opponent by "hooking" his stick around him / her. The ref's official signal for this is pictured to the right (a tugging motion with both arms, as if pulling something toward the stomach).





INTERFERENCE (MINOR)
Illegal body contact with an opponent who is not in possession of the puck, or knocking an opponent's fallen stick out of his reach. The ref's official signal for this is pictured to the left (crossed arms stationary in front of chest with fists closed).




TRIPPING (MINOR)
When a player uses his / her stick, knee, foot, arm, hand, or elbow to cause an opponent to trip or fall. The ref's official signal for this is pictured to the right (striking the side of the knee of the non-whistle side and follow through once, keeping the head up and both skates on the ice).

Positively Dan Bylsma

I'm doing this partially because I'm finding myself resenting our new [interim] head coach just a smidgen (when I know full-well that none of this is his fault) and partially because we should all learn a little something about him while he's here (or in case he becomes a permanent fixture in the Penguins organization). Besides, the Pens are winning, and isn't that what's important?!!!

I must admit that, at the moment, I haven't taken too kindly to Dan and everytime I see him during an interview or pre- / post-game conference, I find myself telling my husband that I think he looks smarmy and somewhat of a smartass (why? I have no idea!)!! My husband continues to tell me that he doesn't look like either of those things and chuckles at me.

So I've been trying to focus on the positive things about him. The first BIGGIE is that he's American-born!!! Hails from Grand Haven, Michigan (and I've decided to look past that fact to cut him a break for my own sake or else I'll never end up liking our IHC and that could be a really bad thing!).

The next good thing is that the guy is SHARP -- LOVE the suits so far (though I realize that he's married and has a wife with discerning taste who we all know full well takes care of him in that department, but I have to start somewhere, ladies, right?!!)!! And when I put all this other BS aside, he's actually kind of an attractive man (who wears glasses, no less -- now we all know how much I LOVE those!)!!

So, yeah, I guess ol' Danny Boy isn't that bad after all and how could I possibly resent a guy that looks like an innocent, playful little puppy dog (as in the above pic)?!!

Here are some more interesting tidbits I found out about Bylsma:

• Bylsma is pronounced "BILES-mah"
• is 38 years old and is currently the youngest coach in the NHL
• wife, Mary Beth, is a certified personal trainer (an All-Conference gymnist for Bowling Green)
• has one son, Bryan Thomas
• has his own webpage, http://www.danbylsma.com/
• played collegiate hockey for four years at Bowling Green State University - 1988-1992 (so he's intelligent too!)
• was drafted by the Winnipeg Jets in the 6th round (109th overall) during his freshman year of college in the 1989 draft, but never played a game for the team
• signed with the LA Kings in 1994 and played parts and most of the entire seasons in 1995-1996 through 1997-1998, and again in 1999-2000
• signed as a free agent by the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim in 2000; was named an alternate captain in his second season with the team and played with them through 2003-2004 (Petr Sykora was his teammate from 2002-2004!)
• retired following the 2003-2004 season
• wrote several books with his father, Jay - "So Your Son Wants to Play In the NHL," "So You Want to Play in the NHL," "Pitcher's Hands is OUT!" and "SLAM DUNKS Not ALLOWED!"
• became the assistant coach for the WB / S Baby Pens for the 2006-2007 season and was promoted to head coach this season (2008-2009) when HC Richards was hired as the assistant coach for the San Jose Sharks

RYAN SUTER
Nashville Predators

(son of Bob Suter, part of USA's 1980 Olympic gold-medal winning team)

BIRTHPLACE: Madison, Wisconsin
COLLEGE: University of Wisonsin
POSITION: Defenseman

DRAFTED: in first round by Nashville in 2003 (7th overall)

HOTTIE [CAREER] HIGHLIGHTS:
WCHA All-Rookie Team (2004); served as captain for Team USA at the 2005 World Junior Championships, and became one of 16 American players to compete in three World Junior tournaments; named to the All-Tournament Team after leading 2005 WJC tournament defensemen in scoring (1 goal, 7 assist, 8 points), tying for second on Team USA in points and tying for third in the entire tournament in assists; appeared in one contest with Team USA at the 2005 World Championships in Austria; scored one goal and had 15 assists in 71 games during his rookie season (2005-2006).

Season Highlights (2008-2009)

• one point shy of his career high reached last season (31)
• reached a career high for assists (100) with his 25th of the season on February 12th vs. St. Louis
• has seven multi-assist games this season after posting six in his first three NHL seasons combined
• second on the team in assists and is second among Nashville defensemen in points (4 goals, 26 assists, 30 points)
• leads the team in average ice time and has logged 20 or more minutes in all but one game this season
• tied a career high for power play points (11) with his 10th man-advantage assist on January 28th at Vancouver
• scored his first career overtime goal on November 28th at Atlanta, becoming the third defenseman to score an OT goal for the Predators this season
  

BAD BOY of Winter: Darcy Hordichuk (Vancouver Canucks)

One of the baddest of Bad Boys. He's almost too gorgeous [no, really he is] to post as a "bad boy." I'm explaining myself, so if you want, skip ahead to the good stuff, go ahead; but none the less, here he is.

He's got brains too. Just check out this post on his blog [from the Canucks website [READ HERE]. It's really intelligent and gives some neat insight into the job of the "enforcer" in hockey because, come on, do that many of the fans really want them to take the fighting out of hockey? I think not (at least the fans I know certainly don't!!).

I just said it a few sentences ago, but I'll say it again. He's gorgeous. He says in the above article that he's been fighting since juniors and I know he's got some of the best AHL fights ever.

I know that the readers of this site are primarily Penguins fans and I know what their view is on most things Red Wing (it matches mine BTW), so I'm posting one of my favorite fights below. Wherein he whups the stuffing's out of Darren McCarty.



If all the above wasn't enough for you, you should check out some of the stuff, here. This is just one year's worth. [sigh] Yummy!!!

Those beautiful milk-chocolaty eyes (with a glittery golden sparkle)!

I don't even think I need to elaborate on this - the pictures speak for themselves (and I'm sure the rest of you ladies are already well aware of them!)!!

Western Conference Hottie: Shane Doan (Phoenix Coyotes)

This particular post comes at the suggestion of none other than the leading lady of HftL (Hockey for the Ladies), Stephanie herself. Who says "It just got my hormones in a rage every time he'd skate back to his daughter (during the All Star Elimination Shoot Out [LINK HERE ]) with a smile and she'd be hanging all over him." Well, Stephanie's not the only one!!! To have that reaction, I must admit, it put the thaw on my cold, cynical heart as well. [Oh, come on Kena! You have anything BUT a cold, cynical - maybe a little bit - heart, little missy!] Just watch THIS VIDEO (yes, you have to watch till the end. The first part is rather bland; then YAWZA, I dare you to keep control of your estrogen. I can't.).

IMPORTANT HOCKEY STUFF: He's the Captain of the Coyotes. Don't worry, it's one of the most deserved Captaincy's in the league as he had no qualms about signing a contract that will probably keep him in AZ, playing for the Coyotes, until his retirement. [shows commitment which is overwhelmingly sexy in a man!]

He suffers from the same affliction as "our" Petr Sykora once did seeing as Doan now leads the all time list of 2-goal games with no hat tricks (32 as of this writing, 5 so far this year). And Sykora has managed to slay that dragon putting poor Doan in the "position" of being the number 1 "2 goal goat" (whatever caused this idea to form in my head I have no idea, but it sounded good). [I like it!] He just reached 600 total career points and is the Coyotes leading scorer of game-winning goals (TOTAL clutch player = SEXY!!!!!). [SUPER SEXY!!] And lest we forget to mention, Doan has played in 54 games this year, has 50 points, 21 goals, and 29 assists with a +5 which is just your average day at the office, huh? [hysterical laughter]

Doan captained the 2007 Canadian IIHF World Championship team that went undefeated to win 4-2 against Finland in the final and clinch gold in Moscow.

REALLY IMPORTANT STUFF: A very sexy, dark brown haired, brown eyed, 6'1" 224lbs. of a sweetheart, darling hockey stud. If you don't believe me watch THIS (although I'm putting out notice, 60 seconds with Shane Doan is DEFINITELY not enough time for me). [Not laughing, it's totally true.] I am also totally enamored with his hard hitting style of hockey. The guys who deliver bone crunching hits just do it for me EVERY TIME. [I really don't think you're alone in your feeling that way, Kena! Is she, ladies?!! ; )]

There are some guys who are hot simply because of character and that description just totally fits Doan. If he were ugly as a dog, he'd still manage to reach the top of the hotness meter just because of the way he conducts himself. The love he shows his family and the way he's earned and keeps the respect of his teammates. Says he'd like to stay in AZ forever. [Read Here] "I’ve got four kids that love it here. My wife loves it here,” he said. “I wanted to stay here. I don’t want to move. I felt that it was important to know that for the next five years this is their home. They don’t know any place else.” (How SWEET!)

Despite a bit of controversy [Read Here] which after a little research I found to be quite the "hyper-sensitive" crock of BS, I have to admit - it adds some spice to the pie.

In summation of this post, I'm going to offer THIS VIDEO Because a picture (especially a "moving" one) really is worth a thousand words.

ANOTHER GREAT POST, KENA -- THANK YOU!! ; )

Crosby Picture of the Week

Just look at him with his tongue sticking out yet again!! What concentration. I'm sure he knows he does it, but I'm not sure he's aware of when he does it. Do you think he cares (and he probably has no idea how adorable he looks doing it!)?

Eastern Conference Eye Candy: Patrick Lalime (Buffalo Sabres)

I'm thinking that I'm starting to acquire a thing for goalies seeing as how this is the second straight goalie I've chosen for the Eastern Conference Eye Candy!!

Anyway - here's an "oldie but goodie," ladies!!

Patrick Lalime is currently the back-up goalie for the Buffalo Sabres, but he's had a long career in the NHL beginning with being drafted in 1993 by the Pittsburgh Penguins - 6th round, 156th overall (that's reason enough for me to have a soft spot for him!)!!

And here's another reason -- he's recorded two NHL fights (2001-2002, 2003-2004) earning a leaving the crease and game misconduct penalties for both and even though, from what I've read, he's not the winner in either, you gotta give the guy props for fighting in the first place -- he's a goalie!!

So I had to see for myself and did some searching on YouTube. It seems to me that it was a pretty even fight for this one (decide for yourself; it's about 1:00 minute in, but by all means - watch the whole video - it's one of hockey's greatest displays of fights since practically all of both teams are involved!!):


But all of this aside, he's a great goalie and a great back-up to Ryan Miller for the Sabres since signing with them this past July. CLICK HERE to see a spectacular save of Lalime's yesterday against Ray Whitney of the Carolina Hurricanes!

Did I mention he's good-looking?!! ; )

Hockey 101 with HftL: More Penalties

Continuing with more minor penalties and their signals covering high-sticking and holding.

HIGH-STICKING (MINOR PENALTY)
When a player strikes his opponent while carrying the stick above shoulder-level. The ref's official signal for this is pictured to the left (holding both fists, clenched, one immediately above the other, at the side of the head).




HOLDING (MINOR PENALTY)
When a player holds an opponent from moving with hands or stick or any other way. The ref's official signal for this is pictured to the right (clasping the wrist of the whistle hand well in front of the chest).

BILL THOMAS
Pittsburgh Penguins

HftL is lucky enough to have two loyal readers with first-hand knowledge of this American Hottie who say he's one of the sweetest (THANKS for the suggestion and pics, Lexie & Elizabeth!)!!

BIRTHPLACE: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (another hometown boy!!)

COLLEGE: University of Nebraska - Omaha (2 years); began his professional career in the NHL straight out of college after his sophomore year.

POSITION: Forward (Right Wing)

SIGNED: as a free agent by the Phoenix Coyotes on March 27, 2006 then with Pittsburgh (also as a free agent) on July 15, 2008.

First NHL Game: March 28, 2006 (playing for the Coyotes against Nashville)
First NHL Goal: April 8, 2006 (playing for the Coyotes against Dallas; lost 3-2)

HOTTIE [CAREER] HIGHLIGHTS:
named to the Central Collegiate Hockey Association (CCHA) All-Rookie Team (2005), was the CCHA Rookie of the Year (2005), CCHA Second All-Star Team (2005), CCHA First All-Star Team (2006); ranked sixth on the University of Nebraska's all-time scoring list with 95 points (46 goals, 49 assists) in 80 games.

Season Highlights (2008-2009)

• recorded his first goal of the season (and in black and vegas gold) on February 11th against the San Jose Sharks
• skated in a season-high 19:23 minutes and won five faceoffs also on February 11 against the SJS
• appeared in ten consecutive games from January 16th - February 11th
• recorded his first assist of the season on February 3rd at Montreal
• recalled by the Penguins on January 26th (his third call-up for the Penguins this season)
• recorded 14 points (5 goals, 9 assists) in 33 games at the time of his recall and is in his second stint with the Penguins this season.

Today's BAD BOY plays for the top team in the Eastern Conference, Boston Bruins. Shawn Thornton has 14 fighting majors so far this season which places him in third place among the FM leaders (even with that smile, he still looks like one tough customer!). His high for fighting majors throughout his entire hockey career (AHL, NHL) is 29 during the 2003-2004 season (3 in the AHL and 26 in the NHL).

Not only is Thornton a fighter, he's not a bad hockey player either. Current season highlights include having single goal games in two of the last eight (game-winning score on February 1st in Montreal) and matched his career-high for points (2) in a game with 1 goal and 1 assist on November 13th against Montreal (which also happens to be his first goal of the season). It appears that Montreal is his favorite team to play against!

His best fight this season was on December 18, 2008 against Andre Deveaux of the Toronto Maple Leafs. It's honestly one of the better hockey fights I've seen and according to the hockeyfights.com poll, Thornton is the winner with 85.9% of the votes.

The opportunity he so willingly gives to others (while giving a little bit of himself as well)

Last Saturday, Sidney surprised a group of 33 Little Penguins enrolled in his "Learn to Play Hockey" program by showing up and joining them on the ice.

Crosby along with the Penguins organization, Dick's Sporting Goods, and Reebok contributed to the program by providing "head-to-toe" Reebok Crosby SC87 hockey equipment for each child (600 total) ages 4-8. The program was designed to give kids a chance to play hockey who would otherwise be unable to afford to do so.