Eastern Conferemce Eye Candy: Simon Gagné (Philadelphia Flyers)

I feel the need to include a little "disclaimer" to begin this post since I'm a Penguins fan (and reside in southwestern PA) which means it's in my DNA to have a strong-seeded hatred for the Philadelphia Flyers; however, this is where I push childish ideations aside and try hard to be neutral so that I can provide all of you with the widest variety of hotness throughout the league and allow you to make up your own minds. It's a hard job, but someone has to do it!!
; P

HOCKEY FACTOR:
Simon Gagné is currently the "longest serving player" on the Philadelphia Flyers roster. He was invited to play with the team after attending his first training camp with the Flyers following the 1998 Entry Draft when he was chosen as the organization's first round pick (22nd overall). That same year, he was named to the NHL All-Rookie team and eventually earned a spot on the top line. During his career with Philadelphia, he's appeared in two NHL All-Star games and earned two Bobby Clarke trophies (team MVP). He's currently one of Philly's alternate captains and his contract was extended this past off-season making him worth $25 million through 5 years; however, he's been out of the lineup since the beginning of November after having surgery to repair tears in his abdominal wall along with a small hernia and is expected to be out for 3-5 weeks.

He represented Canada and helped them win silver medals at the 1999 World Junior Championship and 2005 World Championships, and gold at the 2002 Winter Olympics (being the youngest member on the team at age 22) and 2004 World Cup Championships.

HOTNESS FACTOR:
Gagné is a husband and father. He was married in 2004 and his wife, Karine, gave birth to the couple's first child this past July; a boy they named Matthew.

"It feels like a dream," Gagne said. "I don't know if I really realize it yet. I got home with my wife and the baby on Tuesday morning. So I got to spend like 1 day with them at the house."This is where you start to realize that you are going to have a family, and you are going to be a father when the baby comes back to the house."

Simon chooses to raise money for charity through the "Simon Gagné Golf Tournament" which is held in Ste. Foy, Quebec and has raised over $200,000 for the past eight years benefiting kids with Leukemia.

He's really into sports cars and owns a really sweet yellow Lamborghini Gallardo.

Nicknames: Gags, 'The Kid,' Sim

FAVORITES:

• video game - Guitar Hero for Playstation 3
• restaurant - Capital Grille and Buddakan (in Philly)
• TV shows - Entourage and Lost
• band / music - Metallica
• movie - "Old School"
  
  

A Little Behind

SORRY, ladies -- I'm not talking about HP behind either!!!

It's me - I'm running a little behind (as you can tell) -- unfortunately during the holidays something always has to be set aside and as much as I tried yesterday, I had to forego the blogs and visit with family / friends for a SECOND Thanksgiving meal!! I enjoyed it immensely, but now I'm behind in my blogging which is the only negative with the situation.

As you realize, I didn't make good on my "promise" to make yesterday a "clean-up" day to post things that I've been putting on the back-burner because I didn't have as much time as I had originally thought, so I apologize!!!

I WILL GET THE STUFF UP SOMETIME TODAY even if it's later this evening - I will try to have it up (even the EC Eye Candy!)!!! I will also try to get pictures up of the calendar as well because I'm sure you're all anxiously waiting for those (SO CUTE!)!!

SO PLEASE BEAR WITH ME RIGHT NOW - sometimes it's hard for me to juggle everything at once and I drop a ball or two in the process (please be patient)!!!

THANKS - I appreciate your understanding!!! : )

[In the meantime, for your patience and never-ending loyalty, here's something to get you through until I get a chance to post (some "beef-cake" calendar pics I haven't had a chance to pic since readers have sent them -- I don't have time to post them all since I'm at work, but I will get to the rest of those soon too!! ENJOY!!!!]

Sunday Driving HftL Style!

[UPDATE]
I forgot to mention that I got my "Penguins & Paws" calendar at last night's game (it was a delightful surprise because I didn't think they were suppose to start selling them until the December games) and I'm hoping to take some pictures to post here -- GOOD STUFF!! DEFINITELY worth the $20 for charity!!!

I'm going to use today as sort of a "potpourri" of things to try and cover stuff I haven't had a chance to post until now (from email items, pics, etc.) - I'll be covering a little bit of everything, so stay tuned (I'm still working on it -- I had a late night because I was lucky enough to be at last night's game!! I KNOW!!)!!!!!

STAY TUNED!!!

Where My Ladies At?!

THESE ARE OUR STORIES
(How I Became a [Female] Hockey Fan)!

[UPDATE]
I have only seen her a few times since we graduated in 2000. She moved out to colorado and the last time I saw her was when my son was still a baby and a mutual friend ran into her when she was in town and brought her over to my house. She recently added me on facebook so I am hoping we reconnect because we were really close all through high school. Another funny story related to this is that her brother use to love to torture me with his smelly hockey bag. When I would stay over I would usually fall asleep on the couch in the living room. He would come home after games and purposely leave his bag open sitting by my head. The smell was so bad that it would wake me up and he thought it was hilarious until one night I got so mad that I took the whole bag and chucked it out into the snow in the middle of the night. He woke up and found all of his equipment frozen to the ground. He wasn't happy but he never did it again.

I'm from Wisconsin and have been a pens fan for years. It came about when I met a girl that ended up becoming one of my best friends my freshman year of high school. Her older brother who was eighteen played goalie for our local club team. In order to spend any time with her in the winter I had to go to his games and after the first couple I decided it was time that I learned about what was going on. Her dad introduced me to the pens when he dug out a big box of old vhs tapes and showed me game six of the finals against the north stars. It was the most amazing thing that I had ever seen and I was totally hooked after that. I will fully admit with no shame that I look at the cute guys. It's no different than the guys who ogle the icegirls that some teams have and no one gives them crap for it.

- wispensfan

A big THANK YOU to "wispensfan" for sharing her story of becoming a fan!! I love the fact that most of these stories has a "hook" that draws them in and becomes the catalyst for a love of hockey.

Don't forget, if you wish to submit your story, I kindly ask that you email them directly to me so they don't end up being repetitive for some of the readers. Also, if you don't want me to include your name, please let me know that as well (what I'll normally do is put your first name and last initial if I have it OR just your screen name).

I also want to let you know I LOVE these stories (and so do alot of our readers) - I've always found it interesting no matter who the fan, so I'm enjoying ALL OF THIS IMMENSELY!! KEEP THEM COMING, but I ask that you email them please - THANKS!!!

Also, I ask that you please BE PATIENT as I've been receiving TONS of stories in addition to the ones that are already posted in some of the "comments" sections here that I'm hoping to re-post. If you sent in a story, it will eventually be on the blog - I promise!! ; ) JUST BE SURE TO KEEP THEM COMING (the more the better!)!!

thesteelcitysportsfan@gmail.com

FUNNY Stuff!!

Even Sid thinks so!!

This video is from Crosby's press conference prior to his carrying the Olympic torch in Halifax. The guy "addressing" him is Shaun Majumder from "This Hour Has 22 Minutes," a weekly Canadian comedy that features satirical sketches of the weekly news and Canadian political events -- Canada's equivalent of SNL!

Majumder builds on different mathematical equations occurring in Sid's "journey" that eventually leads to Canada winning the gold in Vancouver 2010. It is pretty comical (and he has Sid's attention - you can tell he knows "what's coming").

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

I want to wish you all a very Happy Thanksgiving and hope that you enjoy your day with family and friends and take the time to reflect on everything in your life you're truly grateful for!

I also want to take this time to let all of you know just how much I appreciate you as readers and fellow fans - without you guys, keeping this blog wouldn't be half as much fun - you guys are the BEST!! For that, I am extremely thankful!

Here's last year's Thanksgiving Day wishes from the Pens!!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!

REASON #52
He likes "Two and a Half Men"

(that's such a "GUY" show!)

OH-EM-GEE!!!!! Penguins & Paws

THIS JUST IN (because I just came across it on the Penguins webpage!)!!

Announcing the 2010 Penguins & Paws Charity Pet calendar!!!! What better marketing ploy than the Penguins and PETS - I have a feeling these are gonna sell like HOTCAKES!!!!! But it's for charity (so don't feel too exploited, ladies!)!! ; )

This 12-month calendar features a casual look at the Penguins players, coaches and management away from the rink with their family pets or adoptable animals from Animal Friends and the Animal Rescue League of Western Pennsylvania. Also included are pet safety tips provided by the veterinarians from Met Vet.

The calendars will be sold starting in December at the Mellon Arena and Ross Park Mall, but can also be ordered online!! Proceeds from calendar sales will directly benefit Animal Friends and the Animal Rescue League of Western Pennsylvania (it's $23.00 - includes shipping within Canada / US if ordering online).

To satisfy a little of your curiousity, HERE'S SOME BEHIND-THE-SCENE PICS from the Penguins webpage!!

ORDER YOURS NOW (pre-order)!!!

Western Conference Hottie: Brad May (Detroit Redwings)

[UPDATE]

I can't believe what a ditz I am sometimes. He has his own website, http://bradmay.ca/ but be forewarned, make sure the sound is turned down on your computer, because there's a really neat "May day" call on there. It's worth the click, to read (and hear) it.

I just simply feel like being a bad girl this week. So we're going to go with a very, VERY bad boy for our Western Conference hottie this week.

IMPORTANT HOCKEY STUFF: Well, what actually made him blip my radar again here recently was "this little incident," where his goal wasn't a goal. I'll be the first to admit that he really should have been able to keep that goal. It was in, and I didn't hear any whistle. And just for the record, "intent to blow" means something entirely different in my vocabulary than it does for the NHL officials. May is important to the sport of hockey in an entirely different way than a lot of people want to admit. He's spent 18 years in the league as an enforcer, and he's got 127 goals. Wake up NHL, there's more to hockey than Alex Obitchkin [yes, I miss-spelled that on purpose]. He's one of the bread and butter players that makes up the real meat of the NHL with a career that spans several teams. Drafted by the Sabers, he's had a stint with the Canucks, Coyotes, back to the Canucks, Aves, Ducks, Leafs and finally the Wings, where he is now.

Of interest in the 09/10 season - Recorded his first point as a Red Wing 11/11 at CBJ (assist)...Has six fighting majors this season - 10/8 vs CHI (Smolenak), 10/17 vs COL(McLeod), 10/27 at VAN (Glass), 11/11 at CBJ (Boll), 11/12 vs VAN (Rypien), 11/18 vs DAL (Barch).

He was a crowd favorite in Anaheim, and Detroit sure seems to like him. He's played in over 1,000 NHL games. He really and truly is a Bad Ass, (er... boy??) as he is famous, or infamous for several vicious incidents. I can especially recommend looking up his fights on YouTube, it's well worth the time.

REALLY IMPORTANT STUFF: I realize that while looking at this guy the hormonal fluctuations cloud my brain and I find it easy to forget that he has played for (Satan's spawn) the Duck(lings) and he currently plays for (the land of evil) Red Wings. And still does play for the (I'm trying not to gag, as I write this) Wings. I know he does lots of children's charities (or did in his Duckling days), but I wasn't able to find particulars.

6'1 213lbs. Oddly titillating facial hair is currently being worn. What else is there to say? He does the "bad boy" look to a "T"!!! Curly hair, sexy grin. You can just see the devil dancing in his eyes and who doesn't fall for that? This is also one of the COOLEST things I've ever seen. (and OH, to have a husband like this, I want to kiss him for her!!!)

I e-mailed you last year following the Dallas Stars Game when Brad went toe to toe with Barch 1/15/08. My wife loves Brad so much and he was such a bad a-- in that fight that I walked down to the team store and bought his game worn sweater between periods for $600 and gave it to my wife. He was on fire that night. See the sweater now once I told him when we got it, he personalized it for Susan.

The photo of the aforementioned "personalized" jersey is on THIS LINK, along with some other stories that will just make you swoon. I'm making it REQUIRED reading ladies, so I expect reports [just kidding]. The fight is required watching too. It. Is. Epic.

Malkin Prefers Blondes

Yesterday, the Penguins new radio show, "NXL Na Russkom" (NHL in Russian) premiered on it's HD2 radio station and their first guest to kick it all off was none other than Evgeni Malkin who was as entertaining and adorable as ever! They talked to him about a lot of things, but the one thing I think HftL readers would be particularly interested in is this:

ALYONKA: We'll make sure to invite you back 100 times over but I want to ask you a couple quick questions for our female listeners who want to…
MALKIN: Who want me?
ALYONKA: Yes. Blonde or Brunette?
MALKIN: Blonde
ALYONKA: Why?
MALKIN: It's hard to say. When I look at a blonde I get more emotions inside of me. I don't know why. I've had a brunette girlfriend before but blondes are No. 1 for me.

If you'd like to read a transcript of the entire interview, VISIT THE PENGUINS WEBPAGE. The shows airs LIVE every Tuesday at 8:30 AM (4:30 in Moscow) then again at 10:00 PM and throughout the week (see the site for more details)!

Crosby Pictures of the Week

These pics are all from last night's game (for whatever reason, he looked particularly scrumptious PLUS he won the game for the Pens - that's my Sid!)!!

CONGRATULATIONS to Colby and Melissa Armstrong!!

An HftL reader gave me a "tip" about this a week or so ago, but I didn't want to post anything until I had sound information.

During last night's game, Dan Potash confirmed that Colby and Melissa are expecting their first child - due sometime in June.

CONGRATUALTIONS to Colby and Melissa!!

Pascal is Super Duper!!!

I want to thank HftL reader Maureen for sharing her story about meeting Pascal Dupuis and including pics of the autograph she got from him. This is just an example of ONE of the MANY reasons I LOVE THE PENS!!!!

Just wanted to share my story of meeting Pascal Dupuis yesterday. I'm a Starbucks barista, and was covering a shift at another store yesterday. Anyway, we weren't too busy, so the other barista and I were just getting some stuff cleaned and then he walked in... and I swear I had to blink 20 times to make sure it wasn't a mirage. He stepped up to the counter and I managed to choke out the words to ask him what he wanted to drink. He got himself a plain coffee (black) and ordered a vanilla latte for his wife.

I slid over to bar to start making his wife's drink, and he came over to the hand off area and I guess he noticed the Penguin's Pin on my hat (I wear it b/c our uniform code is so strict). Anyway, he asked me if I was a fan, and of course, I told him how I've been watching hockey since I can remember. I told him how I scrimp and save to get to as many games as possible, and watch the games that I can't make on TV. He was sweet and thanked me for being such a devoted fan. I worked up the nerve to ask him for an autograph, and he was more than happy to sign my Starbuck's Apron. Needless to say, I won't be wearing that apron ever again!

Anyway, I didn't want him to think I was crazy, so I shut up about hockey and thanked him for coming in. He gave me a high five and thanked me for being a fan. After he left, the barista on register handed me a 5 that he had left for me, instead of just dropping it in the tip jar. She said he gave her one too.

So I got to meet Dupuis and not only is he cool, but he's generous to us lowly baristas!

AWESOME, Maureen - such a cool story (THANKS for sharing!)!

If any of you have stories of meeting the Pens (or ANY Pens/HP-related story) and you'd like to share with us, please feel free to email me -- if I get a good response for this, maybe this will be another frequest post (who knows?!)!
thesteelcitysportsfan@gmail.com

Where My Ladies At?!

THESE ARE OUR STORIES
(How I Became a [Female] Hockey Fan)!

I would like to say that I am not a puck bunny but a hockey fan, although I'm sure I have my moment.

I became a pens fan just before the lock out, when I was watching World Juniors and noticed Fleury. I thought he was pretty awesome so when he got drafted to the Pens I started paying attention to them more then just the Leafs.

When I was younger, a friend of my family who worked at the Toronto Star (sponsor of the Toronto Maple Leafs) would always get me a program to one of the games for free. I would memorize all the players with their numbers so that when I watched the games I could announce along with them!

It's not just the NHL that I follow, I can remember going along to my sister and brother's hockey games. I may not know any more then the basics about hockey like icing and when to clear, but I still have a basic understanding. I still go to my sister's games and my brothers ball hockey games.

A more recent memory was this year when the Pens were playing game 7 of the Stanley cup final. I had music banquet that night so I wasn't able to watch the game. Instead I had my friend send me texts throughout the night of the score etc. When she texted me that they won I honestly ran around telling everyone and jumping and screaming!

I have always recognized that the Pens have really good looking player - I'M NOT BLIND after all! But it's there personalities that keep me coming back for more.

I think I was born to be a Pens fan, since they won the cup for the first time the year I was born (I just showed my age but w/e).

I think my first love is the game, I always watch World Juniors and consider it my favourite form of hockey! I also love international play like the Olympics but world juniors is my favourite and just makes the christmas time of year all the better!

I think that all the girls on here are far more then "puck bunnies" and the stories everyone has shared has just reaffirmed that.

- EHisCDN

THANKS "EHisCDN" for sharing your amazing story!! I agree that the readers (as well as the bloggers ; )) are far more than "puck bunnies" too -- I've always felt that way and you're right in stating that these stories are part of illustrating that.

Don't forget, if you wish to submit your story, I kindly ask that you email them directly to me so they don't end up being repetitive for some of the readers. Also, if you don't want me to include your name, please let me know that as well (what I'll normally do is put your first name and last initial if I have it).

I also want to let you know I LOVE these stories (and so do alot of our readers) - I've always found it interesting no matter who the fan, so I'm enjoying ALL OF THIS IMMENSELY!! KEEP THEM COMING, but I ask that you email them please - THANKS!!!

Also, I ask that you please BE PATIENT as I've been receiving TONS of stories in addition to the ones that are already posted in some of the "comments" sections here that I'm hoping to re-post. If you sent in a story, it will eventually be on the blog - I promise!! ; ) JUST BE SURE TO KEEP THEM COMING (the more the better!)!!

thesteelcitysportsfan@gmail.com

PENGUINS PLAYLIST -- Kris Letang

(these playlists also appear as a widget on the left-hand side of this blog)!!

Tangers enjoys pretty heavy music for seemingly such a soft-spoken guy!
SONG / ARTIST:

• Wherever I May Roam -- Metallica
• Sad But True -- Metallica
• Around the World -- Red Hot Chili Peppers
• For Whom the Bell Tolls -- Metallica
• Welcome Home (Sanitarium) -- Metallica
• Freak On a Leash -- Korn
• Falling Away from Me -- Korn

What I'm hoping to do eventually is find a widget that I can just load the songs of each player on my blog, so check back soon (I remember seeing / using one before, it's just a matter of finding it again!)!!

I compiled these lists by listening to the "Penguins Playlists" on Penguins HD2 radio station.

REASON #49
He's not too proper to use the 'F' word!
(on the ice, that is; although, I'm sure he uses it off the ice too!)

During one of the games (I think it was the Boston game that I only got to catch a few minutes of the third), I caught a glimpse of Crosby while he was in the penalty box along with Matt Cooke who was talking to him and Crosby ended the conversation by "mouthing" a subtle little "F" bomb! It was so "matter-of-fact" the way he did it, but being as "polished" as the kid is, I LOVE to see him do vulgar things like that -- IDK why - it's probably the fact I love to see him be HUMAN / BAD. Who knows, who cares? -- Sid's the shit!!! : P

****************************************************
REASON #50
He LOVES kids
(this reason may have been discussed already, but who cares? I love this story and wanted to share and it's MY list, so I'll list it 50 more times if I want!!!)!!! ; P

This story comes from one of our HftL readers - THANKS BUNCHES, Maureen!!!

Just wanted to share this little story, another reason to love Sidney!

I went to the game a few weeks ago against the Montreal Canadiens, and it was a great game, Sid got a Hat Trick, and the Pens did well. The best part came after the game though. When they announced the 3 stars of the game, of course Sid was one of them. When they called him as "Number One Star", he came out for his customary crowd wave. Leaning over the rail on the runway of section A21 (where the players come out from) was a young kid, probably about 6 or 7, he was leaning over the bar in hopes of getting a high 5 from Sid, but of course our capitan did one better. As he went to the runway, he lifted his stick into the young boys hands, for the coolest game souvenir. The look of joy on that little kids face was so cool, and Sid just played it cool, high fived him and went back to the locker room.

I have to say, it made me smile! I know that it was probably "nothing much" for Sid, but he made that kids night! What a great example, respecting and appreciating the fan base.

Anyway... just thought I'd share that!

WE'RE VERY GLAD YOU DID, Maureen!!! : )

****************************************************
REASON #51
He carried the Olympic torch

I couldn't let this week go by without including this on the list - HOW COULD I?!!! This is such an honor and Sid accepted it / carried it out graciously, as always!!

WATCH THE VIDEO (from the Penguins webpage)

REASONS OVERVIEW
(#1 - #51)

I'd say HftL has definitely reached a milestone here today making it to the 50th reason to LOVE Sid!!! I was just going to let it go by without a fuss, but then I thought I'd just do a simple little overview that lists all the reasons up to this point (let's see how many I repeated)!!! I also decided to make each item link to the actual post in case you'd like to go back and see the original.

Also notice (when you look back at the posts), just how far this blog has come!!! It took us a little over a year to get through 50 reasons to love Sid (October 30, 2008) - some serious, a few comical, some general while others were specific but they're all truly Sid and I can't wait to see what comes up in this next year!! One thing I'll actually hint at for you to look forward to is possibly a NEW "How do I love thee" graphic banner (or maybe two!)!! So I hope you ladies enjoy!!!

1. HE'S A HUMBLE LEADER
2. HE'S A CLASS ACT*
3. HE'S BEAUTIFUL
4. HE'S GREAT WITH KIDS**
5. HE'S A PRACTICAL THINKER
6. HE'S A FRANCHISE PLAYER
7. HIS PASSION
8. HIS TENDER SIDE
9. HIS SWEET MOVES
10. HE PROVIDES OPPORTUNITIES TO OTHERS
11. HIS MILK-CHOCOLATY EYES
12. THOSE BEAUTIFUL LIPS
13. HE'S A SELFLESS PLAYER
14. HIS USE OF WORD "PER SE"
15. HIS PHYSICAL SIDE
16. HE LEADS THE WAY
17. HE "COMES THROUGH" FOR HIS TEAM
18. HE NEVER QUITS
19. HE'S SEXY [ON THE ICE] WITHOUT A HELMET
20. HE DOES HIS TALKING ON THE ICE
21. HE'S NOT OVI
22. HIS LOVE FOR THE GAME
23. THE WAY HE HANDLED THAT [Prince of Wales] TROPHY
24. THE WAY HE HANDLED KIRK MALTBY
25. HE'S CONFIDENT WITHOUT BEING COCKY
26. HE'S THE YOUNGEST CAPTAIN TO HAVE WON THE STANLEY CUP
27. HIS RESPECT FOR PITTSBURGH AND THE FANS
28. HE TAKES TIME OUT OF HIS PERSONAL LIFE [for fans]
29. HE'S STILL A KID AT HEART
30. HE NEVER FORGETS WHERE HE CAME FROM
31. HE'S SEXY NO MATTER WHAT HE'S WEARING
32. HE'S PURE CLASS*
33. HE WAS 'HANDS-ON' WITH HIS STANLEY CUP CELEBRATION
34. HE SEES / APPRECIATES THINGS FOR WHAT THEY ARE
35. HE LOOKS [REALLY] GOOD IN RED
36. HE GETS ALONG WELL WITH IGINLA
37. HE'S HONEST (AND DIPLOMATIC)
38. HIS CANADIAN ACCENT
39. HE'S ALL FOR THE OLYMPICS
40. HIS HANDS
41. HE'S UNAWARE OF HOW ATTRACTIVE HE IS
42. HIS FEISTY-NESS
43. HIS STICK
44. HIS DRIVE / PERSISTENCE TO BE THE BEST HE CAN BE
45. THIS INTERVIEW
46. HIS THIRD HT
47. HE'S THE ULTIMATE ENDORSER
48. HE DOESN'T CRACK UNDER PRESSURE
49. HE'S NOT TOO PROPER TO USE THE 'F' WORD
50. HE LOVES KIDS**
51. HE CARRIED THE OLYMPIC TORCH

VIDEO: Sid Carrying the Olympic Torch

For those of you who missed it (or those of you who just want to watch it again), here are two videos of yesterday's trek.

Sid discussing carrying the torch beforehand

Sid with the Torch

Honestly, that was AMAZING!!! I seriously felt proud as he carried that torch (although you could barely see his 5'10 frame!)!!

I did try to get some screen caps for you to enjoy (too much going on - my brain is fried!)!! They're not great, but they're something (I'm going to look for the more "professional" pics now!)!! ; P

I hope you guys got to see the LIVE stream and enjoyed it as much as I did!!

Crosby to Carry Torch Tonight in Nova Scotia (VIEW LIVE FEED!)!!

Today is Day 20 of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Torch Relay and the torch will be travelling from Truro, Nova Scotia to Halifax, Nova Scotia. Sidney Crosby will be carrying it for about 300 meters at around 6:30 PM this evening (another news article is reporting the time to be around 5:30 PM, est).

And beginning today in Halifax, you can actually view live feed of the entire relay route all the way to Vancouver with the unprecedented "Olympic Torch Cam!" DON'T MISS IT - it begins with Sidney (read more below!)!!

CTV (LIVE torch cam)

On Wednesday at around 5:30 p.m. ET, the technology will capture a 22-year-old man from Cole Harbour, whose ferocious athleticism has made him an icon of the modern NHL -- Sidney Crosby.

As he jogs a few hundred metres with the Torch in Halifax, hundreds are expected to line the streets. But thanks to the Torch Cam video, the cutting-edge technology will allow thousands of fans across the country to cheer him on.

No 'Superstar Treatment' for Car Dealership

It seems that the Penguins organization isn't a fan of the latest A&L Motor Sales commercial featuring Max Talbot.

According to WTAE-TV news, the organization made the dealership pull the TV ad. A&L apparently didn't get permission to use the official Penguins logo in the commercial which features several people wearing Talbot's jersey (and depicts the logo).

"Obviously, they have a little bit more stake in it than we do. So, you know, we have a good relationship with the Penguins and we want to do what we could to keep that relationship going with the Penguins and the organization," said Alex de Francisco, of A&L Motor Sales.

They plan to reshoot the commercial minus the Penguins logo this time.

EASTERN Conference Hottie: Mark Stuart (Boston Bruins)

IMPORTANT HOCKEY STUFF: Stuart attended Colorado College in Colorado Springs for three years prior to going pro. He likely would have left a year earlier but the NHL was involved in that silly lockout. [Which by the way, I always support the players, and believe that the players are the ones who make the sport, so they should be able to get whatever someone is willing to pay them, to play.] During his junior year, Stuart was the captain of the Tigers and led them to the NCAA Frozen Four, where they lost to eventual champion and in-state rival, the University of Denver.

On November 7, 2006, after undergoing off-season knee surgery, Stuart was sent down to the Boston Bruins' American Hockey League affiliate, the Providence Bruins for conditioning purposes until he was recalled by Boston on November 20, 2006.

After the conclusion of the 07/08 Boston Bruins season, Mark Stuart was also selected to play in the 2008 IIHF World Ice Hockey Championships as a member of Team USA. Also, as of April 26, 2008 Stuart was named to be one of the alternate captains for Team USA in the 2008 international event.

REALLY IMPORTANT STUFF: Reat the "Getting to Know Bruins # 45" and you'll be sold. I won't even have to write one more sentence in the "really important" category. But never fear, I wouldn't let you all down they'll be more. But go, take a moment and read. As it says "stat(istics) makes Stuart the team’s current “iron man” and the 6’2, 213-pound defenseman clearly embodies that moniker." Um, YUM!!! One of his nick-names is "Stewey" and although he bears no resemblance to the "Family Guy" character, the "cute" quotient kicks up a notch with the way that word just rolls off the tongue. He loves his mom, calling her "an incredible lady" [Link Here] while not being one of those infernal "mamas-boys".

And now, it's time for brutal, Bruin (excuse the silliness, I couldn't resist.) honesty. I ask you, could ANY one of us repeat anything he said in this interview... until watching it at least three times? I know I couldn't. (Thank god for giving men the idea to wear baseball caps!!!! They're so sexy. And he wears his better than most.)



And last but not least, to top it all off, we've got his Seats for Soldiers program. So of course, he's now in full possession of my heart. Since he's a generous supporter of our Military men and women.

This Year's Project Bundle-Up

It's that time of year again!!

Yesterday afternoon, the Penguins players paired up with middle-school children selected by the Carnegie Salvation Army for the annual "Penguins Personal Shopping Day." Each year, the Penguins organization along with Dick's Sporting Goods and the Salvation Army join together to make this a successful event and memorable occasion for every child involved!

But what makes this such a special day (and one the kids will never forget) is the extra effort the players put in with the child they're paired with. Read for yourself!!

Malkin bent down to help his shopping partner try on some new boots, while Marc-Andre Fleury used a long pole to help a child reach a jacket she had picked out.

Max Talbot accompanied young Nicholas Grimes on his shopping day.

“He was funny,” Grimes said. “He was so nice to hang out with.”

“When you have a chance to keep the kids warm and it’s something the kids can’t really afford, all this clothing, it’s nice for them to have a chance to keep warm,” Talbot said.

In addition to clothing, Talbot couldn’t resist getting Grimes a special souvenir of the occasion.

“I got him a little Talbot bobble head with the Stanley Cup and I signed it,” Talbot said. “I told him it was the only one signed in the world, so it’s pretty precious.”

“I’m probably going to keep it on my dresser,” said Grimes.

As the event wound down a group photo of players, children and coordinators was snapped, and Sidney Crosby made sure to shake each child’s hand on his way out.

“I think it’s fun,” Crosby said. “We’ve done this for a few years now. I think it’s something we all look forward to. It’s a lot of laughs and all the kids are so excited.”

“We all get a kick out of it.”

VIDEO

Crosby Picture of the Week

This one includes our beloved Geno too because he's just too cute (and because we're all very happy to have him return to the lineup!)!!

Sidney looks intently as Mike Yeo draws up a plan and Geno looks on at the action on the ice.

The two-headed monster -- the heart and soul of the Pittsburgh Penguins!!

Is it just me or does Geno look a little tired?

PenPics of the Week