Western Conference Hottie: Brent Seabrook (Chicago Blackhawks)

I spent some time watching the ANA v CHI game the other day (last Wed, to be specific) and I have to admit, Chicago is growing on me (this is in spite of their unfortunate habit of injuring Brenden Morrow). This new found affection does not include one Marion Hossa [whom is an obvious douche-bag, and can bite me (although exactly where he would choose to do so is entirely up to him... [please don't kill me Stephanie, he's SO pretty, I can't help myself......])]. Anyway, long story made short, Mr. Seabrook caught my eye so now he's gracing the pages of HftL...

IMPORTANT HOCKEY STUFF: He has gold medals at 3 different levels U18, Jrs, and the Olympics. But since he's a defenseman, I'll bet most folks don't even know his name.

After a 42-point season in 02/03 with the Lethbridge Hurricanes, Seabrook was drafted 14th overall by the Chicago Blackhawks in the 2003 Draft. Seabrook made his professional debut after completing his fourth and final WHL season, being assigned to the Norfolk Admirals, the Blackhawks' AHL team, for the final three games of the regular season and six post-season games. Seabrook cracked the Blackhawks' lineup his first year out of junior in 05/06 and recorded 5 goals and 32 points as a rookie. In his third NHL season, in 07/08, Seabrook matched his rookie total with 32 points while tallying a personal best nine goals. He began the season on the top-defensive pairing with Duncan Keith. The following season, he became an integral part of a young and rejuvenated Blackhawks team that made the playoffs for the first time in seven years the following season in 09. Seabrook scored 11 points in 17 post-season games as the Blackhawks made it to the Western Conference Finals, where they were defeated by the (Spawn of Satan) Detroit Red Wings.

REALLY IMPORTANT STUFF: Well, when I was watching the game, my thoughts were "wow, he looks a little like Crosby" well, at least he did at the time. He'd just gotten flattened by a duckling (previously on HftL) James Wisniewski a former Blackhawk. (Which Wisniewski got an 8 game suspension for WATCH IT HERE -



You get to really see why Seabrook makes a feature on this blog if you watch the whole video. He. Is. Stunning. And you also get to see why Wisniewski was already posted, he can hit like a train (Although the author views this particular hit as questionable. There is a certain understanding, that if you hit one of mine hard, I hit one of yours harder.) and looks good doing it. Now I better pull my thoughts back to the present and the stunning Mr. Seabrook before Stephanie considers it necessary to edit me. [laughs]

We'll start with the soft-looking wavy hair, and the soft-looking dark-chocolaty eyes. and move on to... Well, I don't exactly know where wherever your imagination takes you, I guess, because where my imagination is headed, well, you better hide the children... We have dim lighting, we have soft music, we have a fire in the fireplace, the sofa cushions pulled off the sofa, and down on the floor. Wine and cheese. AND I better stop right here. Although I think most of you can probably finish that little daydream on your own...

And well, I know there are at least a few Blackhawk fans who regularly read this site... and did I forget to mention he's stunning??? Since I just might have gotten the tiniest bit subtracted... er... I mean distracted.

Crosby Picture(s) of the Week

This week's pics are from my very own personal library (which I single-handled created in ONE DAY at that game last Saturday!)!!! ; P These are two of my FAVS and there's really no story to go along with them unless you want me to make one up which I could most likely do!! : D

This is really how close our seats were (and it was AH-MAZING - BEST TIME EVER!)!!!

ENJOY!!!

Penguins Sign Letang!

Tanger lovers can rest easy today!!! The Penguins just announced this morning that they've extended his contract for four more years (beginning in the 2010-2011 season).

Four more years of watching that lovely, flowing "sex-hair!" YAHOOOOOO!!

STILL Recovering

Yes, that's right ... I'm "still recovering!!"

"From what?" You may be asking.

Well, a really good friend of mine had seats in Section A (the FIRST ROW, BEHIND THE GLASS, "bench-side," as she called it) for the game on Saturday and knowing how much we both love hockey / the Pens, she was kind enough to ask me to go and enjoy the game with her!!

NO - I'm NOT kidding!!! And I honestly STILL can't believe it!!! It was SO EXCITING and I plan to do an appropriate post on it SOON, but I just don't have the time right now with being at work and only having so long for lunch break.

Of course you know I took TONS of pictures, but don't have much to go along with them because, well ... let me just say I wasn't paying much attention to the game due to several distractions (being that close to the action ... it's like HEAVEN!)!!! ; )

So, yes, this is me being a tease and making you wait until I have time to write a good post ALL ABOUT IT!!! I'm hoping that'll be sometime tonight or tomorrow, so HANG IN THERE, ladies ... it's on it's way (which means I'll be foregoing the ECEC today)!!!

Where My Ladies At?

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

The first time I remember watching hockey was when I was 5 or 6. My father and I had been watching the winter Olympics on and off all day. The only time that I would really pay attention was during the hockey games. My dad noticed this so he started talking about the Penguins who were his favorite team living in Michigan we could not go see the penguins. So, we would go to ourlocal hockey teams games every time they played. This is where I feel in love with the game!

As I got older my schedule got busy and I did not have time to go to the games. Fast forward to the draft that Crosby was in I was 16 or 17 at that time. My father had the 91' and 92' group photos up on one of our walls so during the draft I watched for the Penguins. When I saw Crosby I was amazed at how young this player looked. So I started watching them just to see how well he handled everything at such a young age. As I was watching all the old memories of watching with my dad came back. This is when I feel in love with the Penguins!

Now fast forward to two years ago. Living in Michigan I have a lot of friends that are Detroit fans. They just called me a penguins fan because of my love for crosby (I mean come on how could you not love him!) As we started talking they were shocked at how much I knew. So when it was Detroit and Penguins in the playoffs we all decided to go. This was my first NHL game to ever go to and it was the second game of the Stanly Cup finals!!! Talk about exciting. I had the best time of my life. This is where I feel in love with the Penguins players as a whole.

Now fast forward to last year. I was now a Crazy Penguins Fan. I watched everything from preseason till the very end of the season. When the Pens played the Redwings (and won 7 to 6 in OT) I was there. I would go on and read all the articles that I could on the Penguins site. I would watch all the FSN extra things they havd on the Penguins. I would tell everyone that I knew about them even random strangers sometimes! My uncle use to live in Pittsburgh so when he was going to the playoff game vs. the Hurricanes I beg him to take me and I took all my money out of savings to go see them. So we drove to Pittusburgh and went with his family to the game. Talk about amazing. Too see all of those people outside to watch a game and then too acutally sit in the area (that will soon be gone forever!) right behind the net. This was when I feel in love with the city of Pittsburgh!

From: A loyal Reader!!!!
Jamie P.
-Michigan

A Penguins fan FROM MICHIGAN ... that is quite interesting!!! We won't hold that against you though, Jamie!! ; ) I'd say you're definitely a fan living in Michigan and proudly claiming Pittsburgh as your team!! THANKS for the story, Jamie!!

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

If you haven't, you can READ MY STORY HERE
(how "yours truly" became a [female] hockey fan!)!!

REASON #65
He has the SEXIEST Sweaty Head of Hair
(when he's on the ice!)!!

I AM aware that this is the second week I've used these posts to "elaborate" on the pictures of the week ... (and so what if it's just an excuse to focus on something I enjoyed about Sid so much earlier in the week?!)!! I have a MAJOR crush on the guy, what can I say?!!! ; P

Basically the only time you catch this is one of two ways ... after a game / practice when he's addressing the media, but that's usually only a few curls coming out from under his sweaty, dirty cap or (if you're really lucky) his helmet gets jostled off when he's being physical during a game (ugh, the THOUGHT makes my knees buckle!)!!

We've been lucky since he's had this happen on the ice twice in ONE WEEK (once during each game this week) - GAH!! Did you happen to catch it last night?? SWEET Jesus, I KNOW!!! Unfortunately, I couldn't get any pictures of last night's sweaty mane, so I just used ones I could find (but I'm sure you get the idea!)!! ; )

Western Conference Hottie: Aleš Hemský (Edmonton Oilers)

When I actually put him on "the list" he wasn't out for the season with a shoulder injury. But still, we can drool on him till he comes back.

IMPORTANT HOCKEY STUFF: Well, #1 he plays for the Oilers. That instantly means, that there's lots of information out there about him. He went in for surgery on his left shoulder, following a check from behind by LA Kings forward Michal Handzuš after playing in 22 games this season recording seven goals and 15 assists. Scored his 100th career NHL goal on Nov. 23 vs. PHX.

2006 Winter Olympics:
Hemský was selected to represent the Czech Republic in the 2006 Winter Olympic Ice Hockey tournament mid-season. Czech hockey icon Jaromír Jágr had a large influence on Hemský's selection, to the point where he insisted that Hemský skate on his line. The two had previously played together on the Czech team that won the 2005 IIHF World Ice Hockey Championships during the NHL's 04–05 lockout season. Hemský scored twice in the Olympic tournament, and the Czech Republic defeated Russia in the bronze-medal game. He missed the 2010 Olympics due to his injury.

The 2007/08 campaign was a short one as the Oilers were eliminated from playoff contention. Hemský finished first on the team overall in points scoring with 71, and was first in assists with 51. He sat in third place for goals with 20, which was a career high. 08/09 campaign was another that saw injuries for Hemský, who played 72 out of the 82 regular season games and finished first on the team with 23 goals and 43 assists for 66 points.

REALLY IMPORTANT STUFF: I'm such a bad girl, I'm chasing blonds again. But look at those eyes. WOW!!! 6'0 192lbs. So he meets all the requirements for both this blog, and my personal list of "what to watch in the NHL".

I didn't have the usual fare that the Oilers provide, but never fear. I went looking on my own, and found some pretty interesting tidbits.

That pretty scar you see, in the picture. I'll bet you think that's from a skate gone awry, well, nope, it's from something a whole lot less mundane than that. Hemský returned to the Czech Republic to play 47 games for HC Moeller Pardubice during the 2004 NHL Lockout. During that time, he scored 13 goals and 31 points, fifth on the club. Pardubice won the Extraleague championship for the first time in 16 years, and Hemský was named playoff MVP for his efforts.[yea, I know this is in the wrong spot, but I felt the need to explain.] While in the Czech Republic, Hemský was slashed on the left side of his neck with a broken beer bottle by an unidentified assailant in a Czech bar. He still has the scar you can see [must have been a heck of a beer bottle]. I'm sorry ... I've been keeping quiet here for awhile now (allowing Kena to have her well-deserved "spotlight" and all), but I just HAVE to say something before I EXPLODE ... this kid is CRAZY, SEXY, HOT!!! And that scar ... uh - even sexier!!! This is probably the first time that Kena and I have agreed on a player which isn't that surprising because we have two totally different [HP] types!! OK ... I'll stay quiet now - SORRY!! ; P

A list of his favorite things from the Oilers "favorite things" auction (see pic below). After reading that, do you think he's a health nut? That's sexy in it's own respect. Nothing hotter than a guy who takes care of himself.

I'll end with this, because I LOVE these, and I wish all teams did them for every player.

WELCOME, Little Charlie!!

CONGRATULATIONS to Paul and Gill!!

THIS is Charlie. Isn't he precious? He was born last Friday, March 19th to long-time, LOYAL HftL / TSCSF follower, Gill, who lives in the UK!!

I'm glad to report that baby and mommy are doing well, but she has yet to tell me if he'll be raised as a Pens or Flames fan (Gill is a Pens fan while daddy, Paul, is a Flames fan!)!!

What a little cutie ... THANKS to Gill and Paul for sharing the picture and allowing me to share it with all of you!!

Crosby Picture of the Week

I'm sure you can understand why my favorite part of last night's game was when Sid decided to get scrappy with Zetterberg at the very end of the game (too little, too late) then had to fend off Detroit's rookie goalie after Zetterberg couldn't take care of business for himself ...

WHICH IS WHY this week's photo is of Sid mouthing off to 'Baby Howie' with his helmet off ... talk about TOE-CURLING!!! ; D

I love seeing Sid get fired up, but Sid fired up with his helmet off displaying that sweaty matte of hair under there is just ... AGH ... mind-blowing!!!

So ENJOY (I know I am!)!!! ; )

Eastern Conference Eye Candy: Alexei Ponikarovsky (Pittsburgh Penguins)

This guy is quickly becoming another one of my favorites, so I thought other Pens fans would enjoy learning more about him!! Look at him ... he's GORGEOUS!!! I swear a secret prerequisite for acquiring players for the Pens organization is that they be good-looking!!! Kena is just happy that they're recruiting more blondes (LMAO!)!!! ; P

HOCKEY FACTOR
Alexei is a left-winger that shoots left.

His hockey career began long before the NHL in the Russian Superleague (RSL). It began for Dynamo's farm teams, Dynamo 2 and Dynamo Jr. (1995-1999) then continued for the main club when they won the Russian Superleague Championship in the 1999-2000 season. He was drafted in the fourth round of the 1998 NHL Entry Draft by the Toronto Maple Leafs (87th overall).

He made his NHL debut with the Leafs during the 2000-2001 season and would split the next two seasons with them and their AHL affiliate until he remained with them in the 2003-2004 season.

During the NHL lock-out, he signed as a free agent with the Khimik Moscow Oblast (RSL).

At the end of the 2006-2007, the Leafs signed Poni to a 3-year extension worth $6.315 million then evetually traded him to the Pittsburgh Penguins for Luca Caputi and Martin Skoula back on
March 6, 2010. He scored his first goal as a Penguin during his first game with them against the Dallas Stars and has since recorded six points (2 G, 4 A) in nine games.

Other noteable stats: recorded his first multi-point game (two assists) with the Penguins on March 20th; reached the 20-goal plateau for the fourth time in his career and ranked second on the Leafs with 19 goals and tied with 41 points (19 G, 22 A).

HOTNESS FACTOR
Alexei has a few nicknames that he goes by ... "Poni," "the Ukraine Train," "Poni Express," are among them. He's a perfect fit to be on a line with Geno since he's built similarly to him with a large frame at 6'4 and 220 pounds (a pretty big boy!)!!

Back in 2007 (June 7th), Poni became a Canadian citizen by pledging an oath of allegiance at a ceremony that took place in Etobicoke, Ontario. His wife, Inna, his daughter (Jessica), and two sons (Alex and Max) are already Canadian citizens. Prior to signing with Pittsburgh, they resided in Toronto.

He wears the number 23 because two of his grandparents as well as his wife were all born on the 23rd.

He has his own webpage at poni23.com.

Where My Ladies At?

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

My story! Well I am a bit of a newbie to ice hockey in all its forms as I am British and live in England where it is no where near as big as it is on your side of the pond. Until I met my husband at University 5 years ago, all I knew about hockey was from America T.V. but my husband was a big fan of one of the British Elite League Ice Hockey teams, the Sheffield Steelers. Ice Hockey is a very small sport over here, most games only have an audience of 2-3000 and our arenas are tiny compared to yours. My husband asked if I wanted to come along to a game after a couple of months of us going out, and being a new girlfriend, I grudgingly said yes, well I was almost instantly hooked. I am a fan of some of the other British sports, football/soccer, rugby, cricket, all of which have some fairly complicated rules so it was nice to watch a sport that you could so easily follow.

My husband is also a bit of a fan of the St Lois Blues (I know, how shameful!) and his best mate is a Calgary fan so I decided to choose my own NHL team to support. Now this is the bit that I am slightly ashamed to admit but I chose the Penguins because of the shirt!! In my defence, I don’t have any affiliations to any American or Canadian cities (no family over there or anything) so I figured it was as good a place to start as any. Initially I would only see what they were up to now and again, and watch the very occasional game that was available to us over here (there is one quite expensive channel that shows American sports including the NHL). That is until last Easter when my husband and I had our first major holiday, a three week trip to New York, Toronto, Montreal, Boston and a road trip round New Hampshire. We had a really amazing time and loved all of it, but in particular, the amount of Hockey that we were able to watch! We managed to get tickets to see Rangers v Devils in Madison Square Gardens which was just amazing, we also took in the Hockey Hall of Fame and watched loads of hockey everywhere and anywhere we could. All of this was right at the end of the regular season last year which was a fairly exciting time and since then I have been completely hooked, all of the playoff games were shown over here which was really great, I even stayed up to watch some of them (most games start at 1am over here) and if not I would try to watch them before work the following morning. I have to say my new found love of hockey was also helped by my realisation that there are some particularly good looking guys (my personal favourite is Kris Letang) and there is just something about the kit….

This season I have been able to watch all of the games after finding out about online coverage of the NHL, which is also cheaper than the tv channel so I am loving it at the moment (although not the last few games, damn those injuries)! I am now beginning to fully understand the game and can really recognise the skill and tactics which adds so much to the game. I think my husband is a fan of my new found love (well hockey anyway, maybe not Tanger!) even if I seem to have become more obsessed than he is! I was also adamant that we would try and holiday in America next year and see a Penguins game, however it looks like that may now have to be postponed as I am now expecting the arrival of a brand new Penguins fan!!

I love your blog, it is the only blog I read (full stop, not just sports related), it is that nice mix of hockey but light hearted and often just so good to look at, I have to say that it often takes me quite a while to read the posts, especially the eye candy ones as my eyes just keep straying to the pictures!! So thank you very much, and all the best from rainy England!

Mez C

As unconventional as the way you became a hockey fan is, Mez, I don't think there's any need to feel ashamed of it because ... well, that was quite a choice you made I must say (and everyone else will probably agree)!!! I mean ... aside from their being MY favorite team and being comprised of a majority of the most attractive men in the NHL, they DID win the Stanley Cup and become Champions, right?!! I'd say thats as good as any other way to choose something to become a fan of especially when you don't have any type of affiliation you can make with any of the franchise cities making up the NHL!!

THANKS for sharing this incredible story and CONGRATULATIONS to you and your husband for the newest little Penguins fan you'll be bringing into this world!!! You'll have to keep us posted (pictures, PLEASE!)!! ; )

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

Keeping You INFORMED: Today's Cover of the Boston Herald

[UPDATE]
For more on this, head over to TSCSF and read my update that includes what some of the Pens have to say about the 'hype' about tonight's game against Boston!!

Seriously ... this is the cover!!


What do you think ... is Boston concerned about winning tonight or revenge?? My bet is if they're looking for revenge, it'll happen within the first minute of the game (to send a message quickly)!! READ MORE ON IT IN THE ARTICLES BELOW:

Boston Herald Article, "All eyes on Matt Cooke tonight"

PPG Article, "Penguins Cooke a 'Wanted Man' in Boston"

LET THE HOOPLA BEGIN (I can guarantee that the Pens are more focused on a win then the revenge angle that the fans / media have started!)!!! I'm feeling a win tonight (THIS paired with Fleury having piss and vinegar running through his veins to "redeem" himself after last night's silliness against NJ).

REASON #64
Pics Like THIS ONE
(below!)!!

YES, ladies ... I'm STILL hung up on / recovering from this picture (can you blame me?!)!!! And if I have to be "tortured" by it, then so do you guys!!! ; P

Even after going through my LARGE "library" of Crosby photos, this one is still my favorite (for right now, of course, as I'm quite certain he'll outdo himself next time too and take my breath away once again!)!!!

Let me just explain to all of you what stands out for me in this photo (aside from the obvious absence of one of his greatest "ass"ets!) ... HIS CHEST ... I love it and I have visions of taking my finger and running it from the collar of his shirt to ...

Uh ... OK, someone please be kind enough to pick me up off the floor!!! SEE -- TORTURE!!!

; D

[BTW ... this pic immediately became my computer background at work! A girl has to find motivation SOMEWHERE! ; )]

It's A Boy!!

On Sunday just before 9:00 PM, Martin Skoula and his wife, Pavlina, welcomed their second son, Vojtech, into the world! Skoula practiced with the Devils on Sunday then flew back to Pittsburgh afterward.

"I left right after practice. He was born Sunday night and I flew back the next morning," Skoula said. "Perfect timing."

Vojtech's older brother, Matej, is 2 years old.

CONGRATULATIONS TO MARTIN AND PAVLINA SKOULA!!

Crosby Picture(s) of the Week

My dear, SWEET Sidney ...

Please, please, PLEASE stop being so damn sexy or else I'm literally going to explode!!

GOOD CHRIST IN HEAVEN ... HELP ME (I can't breathe!)!! ; P

Crosby Picture of the Week

Do I have to explain this picture (in the "sin bin?")??!!!!! I didn't think so!!!!!!! PLUS he's laughing at the ref's call!!

ENJOY!!! ; )

Eastern Conference Eye Candy: Mike Lundin (Tampa Bay Lightning)

This week's ECEC was one of the many readers' suggestions we've received (THANKS, J!).

HOCKEY FACTOR:
Lundin began playing hockey in high school for Apple Valley where he was a finalist for 2003 Minnesota Mr. Hockey, was 2003 Minneapolis Star Tribune Metro Hockey Player of the Year, received the 2003 Associated Press Minnesota Hockey Player of the Year Award, and earned all-conference honors in hockey (as well as baseball). He went on to play at the collegiate level for the University of Maine (2003-2007) as a business major where he continued his accomplishments being named several times as a "Maine Scholar-Athlete / Rising Star," and "Hockey East Academic Honor Roll;" earning a few "Hockey East All-Academic Team Honors."

He was drafted by the Tampa Bay Lightning in the 4th round of the 2004 NHL Entry Draft (102nd overall), but continued playing for the Maine BlackBears through his senior year. After which, he played for TB's AHL affiliate the Norfolk Admirals (leading defensemen in goals, assists, and points) and has been playing consistently with the Bolts since being recalled back in December (2009) even after being placed on waivers in 2008 (and playing in the 2008 "Young Stars" game). He scored his first NHL goal against the Atlanta Thrashers on 12/26/2009, ranks 3rd among Lightning defensemen in TOI (20:50), 5th on the team with 67 blocked shots, and is 1st among TB's defensemen in S% (9.1). He recently signed a one-year, two-way contract with TB at the beginning of this season.

HOTNESS FACTOR:
Lundin is a gritty defenseman at 6'2 who was born and bred in USA (Burnsville, Minnesota). American-born players are their own brand of sexy!!!

He has one brother (that I've read of) who also played hockey for the University of Maine.

I wasn't able to find much "personal" information on him, so a few extra pics will have to do (but I'm sure you ladies won't mind that!)! ; P

THANKS, Ladies!!!

I'm trying very hard to get back into writing, but even just that seems to be a chore these days and I'm certain all of my lovely ladies can understand that. Yesterday was my first day back at work which proved to be a slight struggle especially with training scheduled for this week ... needless to say my butt was kicked by the end of the day and I was glad to be able to hop into my truck and head home!!

I want to start off today by extending my ENORMOUS GRATITUDE to all of you that sent expressions of sympathy in whatever form you chose to do it (whether it was through email, posting a comment, or just keeping me / my gram / my family in your thoughts and prayers) ... I can't tell you how much it means to me and how grateful I am to "know" and interact with such kind people!! You are a wonderful group who continually brightens my day and I THANK YOU for that from the bottom of my heart!!!

I thought I'd ease back into this with fan stories since it's an easier post for me to write. I still ask for your continued support and patience as it may prove to be a little bit of a struggle to get back into it for a time, but I'm certain that we can get through it together!! ; )

THANKS, LADIES ... YOU ROCK!!! : )

Where My Ladies At?

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

It all started with the Flyers. No, I know they suck and we all hate them. But the first game of my obsession was truly the ECF 2008. My friend had taken me to a few games before, where we got to meet a few of the players that weren't quite as popular then. I met Jordan Staal, though. Really, all I wanted to do was see Sidney. I never got to. Being born in 1995 (A week before Fleury's birthday, though many years after) I was a little past the Pens' glory days: Jagr, Mario, Stanley Cups 1 and 2.

But, my friend's dad is from Canada, so they taught me a little bit. One night, my dad, who is a truly fairweathered fan, turned on the Stanley Cup Playoffs, Pens vs. Flyers. I could tell right away, seeing Tyler Kennedy fight some stupid Flyer. It was love. Not with TK, but the game. So, until the last 10 games of the 2009 regular season, I completely forgot (still being crushed by the loss of Bugsy, Hossa's betrayal, and us losing the Cup) about the season. Then, I was channel surfing at my friend's house (who thinks Ovechkin is hot *gag* and doesn't watch hockey *gasp*)The next game I watched was vs. the Canes, who became my 2nd favorite team, with Staal and Ron Francis. I watched every game following that, and quickly decided Malkin was hot. Who wouldn't?

Then, I started loving every player, even the ones I hated, like Hal Gill. I always felt a connection with the Pens, because my aunt had been a huge Jagr fan and my dad occasionally pretended to care. I'm pretty sure he cares more now, because I force him to watch at least 2 games a week. My "Talbot sister" and I told pretty much everyone we knew that Max Talbot would score a goal, contrary to our coach saying that he wouldn't score anything but an empty- netter. It was fun proving him wrong.

Soon, I discovered Letang's gorgeousness, courtesy of my Talbot sister's actual sister. Now we all sit around and complain about when Max will be back and why Tanger got his haircut. I hope I'm obsessed with hockey for the rest of my life and I hope someday they rename the arena "Mario Lemieux Center" or something along the lines of that. Let's Go Pens!

-M. Kennedy (Yes really)

Most of us can relate to wanting to "see Sidney," realizing you love the game (or love it even more) because a certain fight got your blood pumping, and of course, the infamous HATRED towards the Flyers and Ovechkin; but not all of us can say we have a "Talbot sister," or even make claim to the last name "Kennedy," so I'd say you're fan story is still pretty unique, M., and we appreciate your sharing it with us ... THANKS SO MUCH!!!

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

I Ask for Your Patience!

I just want to give you a little update and let you know that I may not be online for a few days. I apologize for the lack of updates, but I haven't been on my computer recently because my grandmother passed away last week. Today is her viewing and tomorrow is the funeral.

This has been a very trying and exhausting time even prior to her death, so I'm not sure how long of a break this will be (I'm hoping not more than the next couple of days!), so I'm asking for your patience - please bear with me.

THANKS!!

My gram's obituary

REASON #63
He Won the Gold
(and Came Through for Team Canada with the GWG!!)

Yes, I know, I AM American and very proud of that fact, but the Olympics put me (and I'm sure alot of other American hockey fans) in quite an awkward position!!!

Who do I root for ... Crosby, Malkin, Team Canada, Team Russia, Brooksy and Team USA??? UGH, but I'm American and the Penguins are playing for different teams!!

Regardless, I am also a hockey fan and I think I can say that I appreciate what ALL our boys did which means that I can look beyond the fact that Crosby scored the GWG for Team Canada which ultimately led to Team USA's loss inching them out for the Gold and realize that what Crosby did was something special ... magical even ... it couldn't be a more fitting end to the Olympics for Crosby than that (I found myself saying after he scored, "that's our Sid!")!!

YES, blood is thicker than GOLD (which is something awesome I heard someone say today ... I think it was Gene Collier on KDKA's Nightly Sports Call), but that Crosby kid - he's something special and I can appreciate that no matter where my loyalties lie!!

This is the new cover for SI's March 8th issue that came out yesterday!!

UGH ... Life!

You know ... sometimes life just happens at the most inconvenient times!! ; P

Sometimes I get in these little moods and I'm just so overwhelmed and mentally drained that I don't even feel like doing fun things like keeping up-to-date with this blog (which SUCKS big time for me!)!!!

If you've been following for any length of time (since I'm usually pretty open and honest about alot of things), you may have realized that I do have these "ruts" which sadly interfere with the blogs much to my dismay (nonetheless, this isn't the first time). It's something that's actually completely out of my control no matter how good my intentions are. I mean, I CAN'T EVEN FIND THE STRENGTH TO FIND / POST CROSBY PICTURES!!!!!! : (

Anyway, I feel the need to explain because many of you are quite loyal followers and look forward to reading the blog (as much as I enjoy working on it), so I just feel compelled to let you know why I haven't posted and that it may take me a little bit to get back in the swing of things (I just wish I could get into a rhythm and keep with that, but we all know that life doesn't work that easily!)!! But NEVER FEAR ... I'm NOT going anywhere and I'm not so distraught that I'm considering moving away from my laptop to allow my hormones to evaporate, so to speak ... I haven't reached that point yet (and hope it will never come to that ... Kena and I joke all the time about being roommates in our 90's at some retirement community keeping all the ladies informed and interested in the "nice young men of hockey" with HftL!)!!! I DO still have my sense of humor, so that's a good thing!! ; P

So I KINDLY ASK that you all hang in there with me and I promise to be back up and working shortly!!! In the meantime if you have any suggestions, questions, or comments (or just want to tell me off), please feel free to post or email me. I do enjoy hearing from you ladies!!!

THANKS!!!!!

PS -- I am going to the game tonight, so I'm hoping to be able to find some inspiration there to get me moving as well (I'm pretty confident that could do the trick, but you never know!)!!!

Crosby Pictures of the Week (Olympic Gold Edition)

A BOATLOAD of pictures for this week