Where My Ladies At?

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

I love hockey because my husband grew up playing and between the two of us we have managed to produce two pretty awesome players...our family is all about hockey, I am all about hockey, and I am not ashamed of it one bit.

I love that the women who have commented on here are not ashamed of it, either. Forget the haters ... and let's move on to the business at hand...the common interests we ALL share in the game of hockey and the men who play it.

Val

This one is also short and sweet, but some things don't need to be lengthy to get the point across and I hear this one loud and clear (WE LOVE HOCKEY AND THE MEN WHO PLAY IT, so what? There's no need to apologize, so get over it!)!!! THANKS, Val!!! It's awesome that your husband and sons are hockey players and that your family is ALL ABOUT hockey - very cool!!!

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).

FEEL FREE TO INCLUDE A PICTURE!!

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'm still 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

REASON #62
He's a Thorn in Ovechkin's Side
(Team Canada beats Team Russia!!)

Last night's win against Russia was unexpected ... not so much for the win itself, but more because of how Canada dominated them from the drop of the puck!!! The only thing that would've been better is if Geno AND Gonch didn't have to be part of the loss!!!

This really can't sit too well with Ovi, but it's SO SWEET for Sid (and ALL Ovi-haters!)!!!

HERE HAVE WE SEEN THIS BEFORE??!!

Western Conference Hottie: Greg Zanon (Minnesota Wild)

IMPORTANT HOCKEY STUFF: Greg Zanon was drafted in the 5th round, 156th overall, in the 2000 NHL Entry Draft by the Ottawa Senators. He played four seasons, from 1999 to 2003, for the University of Nebraska at Omaha in the NCAA and then played three seasons for the Milwaukee Admirals of the American Hockey League. It wasn't until the 2005–06 season that he finally broke into the NHL when he played four games for the Nashville Predators. Zanon has risen in the NHL as a top player in the "blocked shots" statistic. He had 189 blocked shot in the 2007–08 NHL season, ranking high among all players in the league.

On July 1, 2009, Zanon signed a three-year, $5.8 million deal with the Minnesota Wild. Well I'm not so sure how well that worked out. But the Wild aren't quite the pushover (easy to score on) as they were last season. Since at least for a while (I'm not sure it's not still) He leads the Wild in blocked shots (STUDLY!!!!) this year.



REALLY IMPORTANT STUFF: Born June 5, 1980, he's 29 years old. He's from Burnaby, BC, CAN. A squinch on the short side at 5'11, 201, he has red hair and blue eyes. There's of course, the blocked shot statistic, which just makes him smokin' hot. If THIS from the MN Wild webpage doesn't make you laugh, you're just cold-hearted (trying new things with facial hair, indeed)! Looks like someone had similar ideas around the same time as the Pens. In keeping with our theme of D-men who can't fight, he's another one who's not the biggest of fighters. In fact when I looked up his fight card, I only found one fight, and that includes his time with the Milwaukee Admirals. So while we can deduce the fact that he's a sweet guy, from his support of cancer charities, we really can't find much of anything else about him other than of course the reason he's included as a "victim" (yes this is a joke, we love ALL you boys!) of HftL. He's undeniably hot.

Crosby Pictures of the Week (Olympics Edition)

Lots of pictures again ... none of them really stand out as they are all pretty yummy (YES ... you caught me ... I'm trying to downplay the one of him undressing -- I can't hide anything from you guys!)!! ; P

Eastern Conference Eye Candy (Olympics Edition): Jamie Langenbrunner (NJ Devils / Team USA)

This guy has been on fire during the Olympics for Team USA, so I figured that I better get on the ball and "officially" make him "eye candy" because this hunky, seasoned veteran deserves the title (he's a two-time Stanley Cup winner and has made two appearances for Team USA at the winter Olympics), but don't let me decide whether he deserves this week's "Eye Candy" status ... see for yourself!!

HOCKEY FACTOR:
Jamie was drafted (out of high school) by the Dallas Stars in the 2nd round of the 1993 NHL Entry Draft (35th overall).

He began playing hockey for the Cloquet High School Lumberjacks in Minnesota and was named the state's "High School Player of the Year" in 1992-1993, but decided to skip his senior year to play in the OHL for the Peterborough Petes. He was named the team's Rookie of the Year. He made his NHL debut for the Stars during his second year for the Petes (1994-1995) and then moved on to play for the Michigan K-Wings of the IHL the next season (1995-1996) and earned the team's title of MVP and Rookie of the Year.

The 1996-1997 season was his rookie year with the Dallas Stars and he played with them for five seasons helping them win the Stanley Cup in 1998-1999, but was traded to his current team, the NJ Devils, on March 19, 2002 who he helped win the Stanley Cup the following season (2002-2003). He resigned with the Devils in July 2006 with a 5-year / $14 million contract and was named the team's captain in 2007. He plays on the "ZZ Pops" line named so because he shares it with Zach Parise and Travis Zajac who are 9-10 years his junior (the 'Pops'). But the two young players have nothing but respect for Langenbrunner ... Parise calling him a "calming influence" and saying, "He's the type of guy that when something needs to be said, it's said."

He was not only named to this year's winter Olympic hockey team, but was named the team's captain.

HOTNESS FACTOR:
Langenbrunner is married to his high school sweetheart, Elizabeth, with whom he has three children -- a daughter (Laine) and two sons (Landon and Mason). The couple's first child was actually due during Jamie's first appearance at the 1998 Olympics in Nagano (he was a replacement for Shawn McEachern who was injured); both he and his wife felt that " ... it was something we can't pass up" (READ MORE HERE).

The family resides in New Jersey during hockey season, but make their home in Cloquet, Minnesota along with the rest of their family and friends.

FUN FACTS

• when the Devils played on the road against the Minnesota Wild during the 2007-08 season, Jamie had close to 100 family and friends in attendance (he's definitely a well-liked guy!)!
• was also a pretty good baseball player; was selected for All-Conference selection while on his high school's baseball team
• hobbies: golf, tennis, baseball

FAVORITES:
Book: The DaVinci Code
Movie: The Usual Suspects
TV Show: Seinfeld

(Langenbrunner at center)

Another Hockey Stud "Off the Market!"

CONGRATULATIONS TO MIKE COMRIE AND HILARY DUFF!!

It's been confirmed by Gossip Cop that Edmonton Oiler, Mike Comrie, and longtime girlfriend (since 2007) Hilary Duff got engaged yesterday while vacationing in Hawaii!!

A rep for Hilary Duff confirms to Gossip Cop what we reported earlier today: She and Mike Comrie are engaged.“Hilary Duff & Mike Comrie were engaged this weekend while vacationing in Hawaii,” the rep tells us. “After having been together for over two years, they are very excited to share this happy news. They are thankful for all of your warm wishes.”

OFFICIAL PICS HERE!!!

Where My Ladies At?

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

Well, first of all, I'm a Pittsburgh girl born and raised. I attended my first Steeler game at about 1 month old and my dad would give me play by plays of the Pens games in utero. It drove my mother crazy. My father, a huge sports fan of Irish descent also got us started watching and playing soccer and hockey early in life. From the time I was a toddler, I was fascinated by hockey, and used to sit in front of the TV for hours during games and cry when someone turned off a game (any game, not just a Pens game). I attended my first game when I was 5, and as I watched Lemieux and Jagr fly up and down the ice, I knew I would always be a hockey fan. Through the years, I continued to follow the Penguins, even when they weren't having such great seasons. One year, I went to over 20 home games because tickets were so cheap. Even though they were awful, I still loved watching them.

My best hockey memory was going early to games with my dad and watching them practice. For my 7th birthday, I got hockey tickets (or course), and we went early to watch the Pens warm up. My dad worked security at the Igloo while in college and knew a lot of the ushers and security. He mentioned to an usher he knew that it was my birthday. After practice, Mario Lemieux skated over to the runway and before heading into the locker room, handed me his stick, and said "Happy birthday Maureen, enjoy the game". That sealed my fate as a die-hard Penguins fan. The Penguins are such class organizations that I can't help but love them on and off the ice. I learned to skate when I was young. I don’t get to play hockey as much as I used to, but I still love it. One of my best Christmas presents this year was a new pair of Bauer hockey skates.

As I've grown up and played hockey, I realize the skill and intensity it requires, and have mostly dodged the "puck bunny" label thanks to my knowledge of the sport. I know more than most guy friends of mine who consider themselves hockey fanatics. Amazingly, even though I still play on a semi-regular basis, some insist that I only like the sport because of the attractive guys. I have scrimped and saved to attend as many games as possible, and I keep a close eye not only on the Penguins news, but news around the league. I credit my dad with my intense interest in hockey, from the first game he took me to, I was hooked. This year, I got to surprise my dad with tickets to a game for the first time, and while we shared wings and beer; instead of M&M’s and pop, the conversation and the memory of the game is still just as meaningful. Hockey has given me a lot of quality time with my dad that I wouldn’t have had otherwise, and even though we don’t always see eye to eye, hockey gave us common ground even through my tough teenage years.

So yes, I’m a huge hockey fan, who happens to be female. I love the sport for all the things it has given me. I have amazing memories of time with my dad when I was little, and the love of my life. The Pens are really special to me because some of the best moments of my life happened around the Igloo. I’m so happy that I have such great memories of the Igloo and I’m glad that I was exposed to hockey so young, who knows where I would be otherwise?

Maureen (aBurghGirl)

This is a picture of Maureen and her dad at a game this past fall against the St. Louis Blues. She says, "It was the first time I got to take him to a game and it was an awesome experience."

Another great story about a girl and her dad - it's a special thing and can't get any better than that!! THANKS for sharing such a personal story, Maureen, and I'm so glad you were able to bond with your dad through the Pens ... how lucky can a girl get?!!!

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).

FEEL FREE TO INCLUDE A PICTURE!!

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'm still 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

REASON #61
His Ties to the Penguins are Stronger than Those Created by the Olympics

(which may make total sense, but it's awesome to see!!)

This picture has made it's way around the internet and I understand why ... it's AWESOME ... I LOVE it and I think alot of fans feel the same way. It's great to see the Penguins hanging out at the Olympics even though they're playing for different teams now.

I'm pretty certain that the strong ties they've created through everything the team has been through will last forever and carry them through all kinds of slumps (this pictures speaks volumes!)!!

Western Conference Hottie: Matt Greene (LA Kings)

Well, you can all laugh at me if you want...

... But seriously, when you look at him, who does he remind you of?

IMPORTANT HOCKEY STUFF: Greene was drafted in the 2nd round (44th overall) by the Edmonton Oilers in the 2002 NHL. Prior to his professional career, he played for three seasons with the University of North Dakota Fighting Sioux. In 04/05, Greene captained the Sioux to the NCAA Men's Ice Hockey Championship game, losing to the University of Denver Pioneers 4–1. Due to his talent, Greene was encouraged to leave college hockey after only three seasons to start a professional career. After a successful training camp with the Oilers prior to the 05/06 season, Greene signed a pro contract with Edmonton and was assigned to their AHL farm team in Des Moines, the Iowa Stars. He made his NHL debut with the Edmonton Oilers on December 30, 2005 versus the Nashville Predators, and scored his first NHL point on January 25, 2006 in Anaheim, assisting on an Ales Hemsky goal. Wearing sweater number 32 for the first 13 games of his NHL career, Greene changed to sweater number 2 on February 2, 2006 when the Oilers faced off against the Columbus Blue Jackets. Greene was part of the Edmonton Oiler team that made a run to the Stanley Cup Finals. However, the Oilers lost in game 7 of the finals to the Carolina Hurricanes. Greene had 0 goals and 1 assist in the 2006 Playoffs. Greene scored his first NHL goal on December 15, 2006 against Minnesota Wild netminder Manny Fernandez. The goal was scored in the third period of the game, bringing the score to 1–1. The Oilers would eventually score 2 more goals, winning 3–1. Local Edmonton broadcaster Gene Principe awarded Greene the game puck during an interview session following the game. Greene also received the second star of the game due to his effort. Greene and his Oiler teammate Jarret Stoll were traded to the Los Angeles Kings on June 29, 2008, in exchange for Kings defenseman Lubomir Visnovsky [previously on HftL]. On October 8, 2008 he was named as an Alternate Captain of the Kings. Nine days later, on October 17, Greene signed a five-year contract with the Kings.

REALLY IMPORTANT STUFF: Do I really need to write this part? No, I really don't think I do. Just go back and read most everything I've ever written about Jordan Staal, and you can pretty much skip this part. Well, I may chose to indulge myself just a bit. Blond hair, blue eyes, 6'3, 223... sigh, I'm losing my train of thought already. A picture is worth a thousand words, and I just can't stop looking. [Does this mean that a picture of him is worth a million words? I think it just might!!!] Well, here's something that IS worth a thousand words, but I'll just embed the video.



His nickname is "Greener", Off-season home: Los Angeles, Pet: bulldog (Mickey), Favorite movie…The Usual Suspects, Favorite TV show: Jeopardy, Favorite actress: Rachel McAdams, Favorite band: Bruce Springsteen and the E-Street Band, Favorite NHL city, other than Los Angeles: Chicago, Favorite book: The Alchemist, Favorite sport other than hockey: Frisbee, Favorite hockey moment: Stanley Cup run in 2006, Favorite pro athlete: Barry Sanders, Favorite hockey player growing up: Bob Rouse, Favorite road arena: Rexall Place, Favorite food: sushi, Favorite holiday: Halloween, Favorite website, other than LAKings.com: funnyordie.com, Favorite vacation spot: Houston, Superstitions: eating the same pre-game meal

Crosby Pictures of the Week (Olympics Edition)

STILL stands out among the crowd (even at the Olympics!)!! THAT'S our Sid!!!

Men's Olympic Hockey Coverage

Don't forget, I'll be covering the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics as much as I can (now that there's no Penguins hockey to look forward to!)!!

CLICK HERE for TSCSF Coverage: Men's Olympic Hockey!!

2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics

Last night, the 2010 Winter Olympics officially kicked off with the opening ceremony in Vancouver last night.

If you're interested in updates and exclusive information on Team USA (not just hockey, but all olympic events that Team USA will participate in), then be sure to visit "Olympic Team USA" - the official webpage of the US Olympic committee. You can sign up for their news updates that you'll get directly to your email.

I've visited the site on numerous occasions and it really is a pretty complete picture of anything Team USA, so if you have the time, check it out!!

Where My Ladies At?

THESE ARE OUR STORIES
(How I Became a [Female] Hockey Fan)! 
My mom and aunt are big hockey fans and they started taking me to Penguins games 2 months after I was born. I grew up being in love with Mario Lemieux and Jaromir Jagr and once I figured out how the game's played I couldn't be kept away.

Elizabeth

This one was short and sweet, but it still makes a point loud and clear ... born a fan, FOREVER a fan!! AWESOME, Elizabeth ... LOVE the picture (too cute!!) -- THANKS for sharing!!
Ladies, Elizabeth has a great idea ... FEEL FREE TO INCLUDE A PICTURE!!

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'm still 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

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Max Talbot!!

Today is Talbot's birthday ... he turns 26!!!

THANKS to Ms. Sara for reminding me (actually letting me know that I didn't actually "publish" this post!)!!!

REASON #60
He 'Fills Out' His Jersey Nicely
(no padding needed)!!

This week's reason is courtesy of "msd" who posted a comment in this past Tuesday's "Crosby Pictures of the Week."

I showed a friend at work the picture of all 5 Pens in their jerseys. She ask me why the jerseys were too big for them. I explained that they wear some protective padding. She didn't think Sid could fit any under his jersey "because he already filled it out nicely".

And I AGREE!! ; )

Crosby Pictures of the Week

LORD HELP ME there are some really good pics of Sid for this week, so needless to say I had a hard time choosing (so I didn't and decided just to include them all!)!!! If he wouldn't be so damn lucious ... I wouldn't have this problem!! ; P

Him in the red Team Canada jersey ... he definitely looks handsome in that color (although he could've smiled just a little!)!!! But I think my favorites are the ones of him and Malkin ... showing Malkin some love (too adorable!)!! That smile could seriously make me do some insanely crazy things, but we won't go there - I'm sure you get the idea!!!

Eastern Conference Eye Candy: Luke Schenn (Toronto Maple Leafs)

So when I started doing my "research" for this ECEC and looked through the pics, alot of what I found was him fighting ... this one's a little scrapper (and with a nickname like "the human eraser," he must be good at it) ... I LIKE IT!!! ; P

HOCKEY FACTOR:

For those of you who follow hockey outside of the NHL, Luke may already be somewhat familiar to you already. He had a pretty successful career in the WHL prior to being drafted #1 by the Leafs in 2008 (5th overall). He was part of Team Canada when they won gold in both the 2006 Under-18 World Championship and the 2008 World Junior Championships.

He's fairly new to the NHL with this being his sophomore season with the Leafs where he's been making a name for himself with them from the beginning. He actually made the team right out of his first training camp in 2008 - a story similar to that of Jordan Staal's. He recently played in his 100th career game last December 9th and registered two goals and three points with a plus-four (+4) rating (a career high) against Ottawa on February 6th.

He is currently ranked third among the team in hits (109).

Coming across so many pictures of him in the act of fighting, I got curious and looked Luke up on hockeyfights.com and it turns out Mr. Schenn is no "light-weight!" His fightcard spans across both his WHL and NHL careers (including the 2009-2010 pre-season!) and really isn't too shabby. My dilemma was whether or not I should write about it under "hockey" or "hotness" factor and decided to make it the last thing I write about in the "hockey factor" so that it's what transitions the reader into the "hotness factor." What's even more impressive is that he's taken on heavy-weights like Hartnell and Carcillo (anyone who throws-down with Philly scum is HOT in my book!)!

HOTNESS FACTOR:

He's a fairly large, heavy-hitting defenseman at 6'2, 215 pounds, so you just know he made all 109 of those hits count! But he started out playing hockey fairly early as most of them do; he started on his backyard rink at the age of four! For being so "manly" with his hard-nosed hockey skills, he more than makes up for it with his boyish good looks ... LOOK AT THOSE DIMPLES!!!

Well, not unlike our very own Sid, Schenn has graced the covers of a few magazines such as The Hockey News and "Canada's magazine of stylish living," SIR (LINK HERE, article starts on page 52).

And, of course, with his looks he has many admiring fans and some of them have even created fan pages for him (HERE, and HERE <-- I like this one's page description, "unofficial home of the human eraser" - COOL!). That nickname was actually bestowed upon him by the very bald Pierre McGuire (my mother always told me that if you can't say something nice then don't say anything at all ... the "very bald" is just FACT!)!!

He has a younger brother, Brayden, who was recently drafted by the LA Kings in similar fashion - 1st pick / 5th overall in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft (and a future WCH, no doubt ... especially with the Schenn blue eyes / blonde hair trait - Kena's favorite!).

For those of you who don't know him all that well, here are some of his FAVORITES:

• NHL Team: Calgary Flames
• NHL Player: Dion Phaneuf
• Video Game: NHL 2008
• Movie: Night at the Roxbury
• TV Show: Prison Break
• Actor/Actress: Will Ferrell and Jessica Alba
• Group: Rascal Flatts
• Pump-up song: “Don’t Stop the Music” by Rihanna
• Food to cook: Steak
• Sport (other than hockey): Golf
• Activity away from the rink: Xbox
• Place to visit: Hawaii
  
  

ECEC Sometime Today!!

OK ... I know I haven't been holding up my end of the bargain here when it comes to ECEC and I feel pretty bad about it. I started working on one last night and am trying to finish it today, so I wanted to let you guys know that even if its LATE tonight ... my goal is to have it posted today, so check back!!!

In the meantime, here's a hint ... "the Human Eraser!"

Another Sad Loss in the Hockey Community

[LATE edit] THANKS to Kat for posting details in the comments that give us a little glimpse into what Brendan meant to the Miami University hockey team (I felt that it was a wonderful tribute and deserved to be included in the post):

Brenden was a very beloved member of the Miami University Hockey Team. He was a student manager and so loved that when the school cut the funding for his position the Blue Line Club (which is a hockey supporting group of adults and of which my dad is a Board member) took it upon themselves to create funds to keep him with the team. He was truly fantastic at what he did. All of Miami is feeling this loss right now, the Miami Hockey family especially. We are all praying and sending as much love as we can.

The Toronto Maple Leafs released a statement last night regarding Brendan Burke, son of Leafs GM Brian Burke.

“On behalf of the entire Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment family, we extend our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Brian Burke,” the statement said. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the Burke family during this extremely difficult time.”

Brenden was involved in a car accident earlier in the day and passed away from injuries sustained from that accident. It was only a few months earlier in November 2009 that he had publically announced his sexuality in order to take on homophobia in the world of hockey (his hope was to have a career in hockey after college).

The passenger in Brenden's car, Mark Reedy, also died.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the Burke family at this difficult time.

Where My Ladies At?

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

I too have loved hockey a loooong time. When I was seven years old and saw the U.S beat Russia in the 1980 olympics I was totally hooked! I collected all the hockey cards I could get my grubby little paws on, I used to buy them at a little drug store in Jennerstown for 10 cents a pack. My most prized card was of course, Wayne Gretsky! (My house burned down when I was 10 so unfortunatley they are all gone). But I did pick some up 2 weeks ago at a flea market, I was practically giddy! My hubby thinks I'm a dork, but HE married me so what does that tell you? Anyway, I also have the Wheaties box with Mario, but alas, my Stanley Cup Coke can exploded right beside it and kind of ruined them both! (Boy was my mom pissed about all the sticky soda on the ceiling and walls!!) I can't win. Either way, we all have our reasons for the love of this truely unique game, good, bad or otherwise. Even though the players will change, and teams will live and die by their points come playoff time, women like us have just as much right to love this game as men. We have every right to know stats and standings, what PIM and SO stands for and be able to comprehend what the +/- is (even though we don't have to like that particular stat) No matter what age you are, were, or will be, Hockey IS the best game ever.

Christy

Christy, I totally agree with you!! You already know that I think we are very much alike in our thinking especially when it comes to hockey and it's just unbelieveable how similar our "how I became a fan" story is (right down to collecting hockey cards!)!! VERY COOL ... THANKS for sharing it with all of us, Christy!!

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'm still 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

REASON #59
He's SI's Cover Boy for their Olympics Edition
(in Canada)

[UPDATE] Just learned that the US cover features Lindsay Vonn and the picture of Sid on the cover is in the center (THANKS, Val!)!!!

Here's the cover and a story to go with it (I believe that this cover of SI is only available in Canada).

Destiny's Child

Western Conference Hotte: Mike Ribeiro (Dallas Stars)

There's a lot of difference of opinion on this one. Is he or isn't he? Hot that is. Well, once and for all the argument is going to get dissected and discussed.

IMPORTANT HOCKEY STUFF: A shootout wizard. If it's going to be a weird goal, it's probably going to have Ribero's name somewhere on the credits. He's magic, with Brenden Morrow [previously on HftL, and hush Stephanie, you know I had to link it.] When you see him you definately don't think "Hockey Player" but you probably do think "player".

Ribeiro, was drafted 45th overall by the Montreal Canadiens in the 2nd round of the 98 Draft. On September 30, 2006, the Canadiens traded Ribeiro and a 6th round draft pick in 2008 to the Dallas Stars in exchange for Janne Niinimaa and a 5th round draft pick in 2007. The Stars definitely got the better in that deal. In the 06/07 season, he led the Dallas Stars in points scoring with 59 points. On July 12, the Dallas Stars signed Ribeiro to a one year contract worth $2.8 million for the 07/08 season. I honestly don't think he'll be leaving Dallas any time soon. During the 07/08 season on January 7, 2008, Ribeiro and the Stars agreed to a new five-year contract extension worth $25 million. Ribeiro went on to establish career highs in goals (27), assists (56) and points (83) that season and earned his first NHL All-Star game appearance. Ribeiro is known for his creative style of play, with between-the-leg passes, patient puck-handling and his ability to set up other players. Although often critiqued for his lack of toughness, it's more his style, to let an affront slide, and then sting you with a sneaky goal.

REALLY IMPORTANT STUFF: Honestly, in some respect he bears resemblance to the Pens own Max Talbot. From the snappy way he dresses. And he's got a style all his own. He's been called the "hockey pimp" the "hockey gangsta" and the "hockey playa" all, by the younger fans in Dallas. He's got that bubbly outgoing personality, that Quebecois are so well known for.

His hometown is Montreal, Quebec... Lists his favorite sport (other than hockey) as basketball [ewwww]...His favorite actress is Angelina Jolie...Is a big fan of the movie The Shawshank Redemption...His most memorable hockey moment is his first NHL game...The funniest teammate he played with is Aaron Downey...His favorite thing about the city of Dallas is the malls...Mike and his wife, Tamara, reside in Frisco with their three children - Mikael, Noah and Viktoria.

AND last but not least we have the ever loin melting "Shhhhh....."



... and I bet you thought Max Talbot, was the only French Canadian "Shhhhh". SURPRISE!!!!

Crosby Pictures of the Week

Look at him all confident there thinking, "Yeah, that's right, I just got a hat trick and I AM the shit!" And in the other one, he's just SO intense - look at that face - which is one of the things that just drives me wild about him!!

God that's so SEXY!!!

I have to pick myself up off the floor and compose myself, so you guys just ENJOY!!! ; P