Meeting Chris Chelios

OK, ladies ... with the off-season upon us, sometimes its a little hard to come up with things to post (and some of us have things that prevent us from writing up our regular weekly posts like vacations, family visits, etc.), so I've come across some friends and blog readers who have recently had some interesting hockey experiences that I've asked them to write about for our enjoyment and over the upcoming weeks, I'll be featuring those stories in place of some of the regular features.

This week's story is from Melissa who was lucky enough to meet Chris Chelios recently!!  THANKS, Melissa, for being kind enough to write up your story and send pictures along!!

Hello there, fellow hockey lovers!! : ) Stephanie asked me to give you a little recap of meeting Chris Chelios! Those of you, who know me, know how big of a Red Wings fan I am—afterall, I’m from Michigan!

I received an alert on my facebook saying Chris Chelios would be signing autographs at a Verizon Wireless store a few towns from where I live. It worked out perfectly because I play soccer on Thursday nights in that same town so all I needed to do was show up a bit early, meet him, and then go play soccer!! None of my teammates who I usually carpool with were excited about meeting him, so I decided to go by myself! Sometimes doing things on your own is best!

I stood in line and met the people in front of and behind me. They are pretty much professional autograph collectors. Been down to the Superbowl dragging helmets all over the place for autograph’s kind of people! I asked them if they thought he would take a picture with me because I didn’t bring anything for him to sign! Pictures to me are more important because you can have those forever and you’re actually IN the picture! Just getting an autograph that’s not personalized doesn’t mean much to me! They had all met him before at previous signings and said he was such a nice guy and he’d be willing to do that. Before we were finally (after waiting outside in the heat for 30 mins—it wasn’t that bad) let in the building, the guy behind me gave me a Detroit Red Wings puck and told me I could have him sign it and keep it! I was shocked! People are really so nice! As you can see from the photos, I did get to meet Chris, who is really nice and very tan! And I got his autograph on the puck the gentleman behind me in line gave me! And I’m also wearing my soccer shorts…..

I asked him if we could get our picture taken and he said of course!—I was only shaking a little bit, but I’m pretty sure he couldn’t tell! I was totally playing it cool!! Haha! I asked Chris about his golf game because I’m a big golfer! He said that he doesn’t play golf and doesn’t like it! I have never met a hockey player who does not play golf! Anyway, I thanked him for his autograph and the picture and he smiled and said, “You’re welcome!” And it was a genuine smile! He seems like a really nice guy!

Crosby Pictures of the Week ("HCF Celebrity Classic Gala" Edition)

It really is annoying with it being "feast of famine" with Sid pics ... it really is!!! 

I made a joke on my FB status the other day that I've changed my profile pic more within the past week than I have since I joined because there's just been SO MANY good pics of him lately ... he's just so HOT!!!

Anyway, yesterday Teams Canada Champs were presented with their rings at the HCF Celebrity Classic Gala that was part of the Hockey Canada "Canada Celebrates" event in Edmonton  and these are just some of the pics from the event.  Let's just say its my little gift to you for being late with the post today (because I know you all look forward to these pics as much as I do!)!!!  ENJOY!!!

READ MORE HERE

Crosby Pictures of the Week

Sid and Shea Weber (Nashville Predators)

Now you KNOW that this weeks pics are all about Sid decked out in lavendar because ... I am all about him in that lavendar and I just can't seem to get enough of looking at him in it (HOT, HOT, HAAAWT!)!!  ; P 

And I know most of you have probably seen the majority of these, but I'M SORRY ... I just can't help myself with him in lavendar ... that is DEFINITELY his color!!!  A friend of mine mentioned that she's always thought that real men can pull off wearing shades of pink / purple ... and we all know Sid is a real man (at least I DO!)!! : D

So ENJOY ladies (better late than never!)!!

Pens #1 Draft Pick on NHL Live!!

The Penguins webpage recently announced that Beau Bennett will be on NHL Live! at 1:30 (NOW!)!!

CLICK HERE TO WATCH IT LIVE online!!

Eastern Conference Eye Candy: Patrice Bergeron (Boston)

HOCKEY FACTOR:
Bergeron came out of the QMJHL playing two seasons with he Acadie-Bathurst Titan before being selected by the Bruins in the 2nd round of the 2003 Entry Draft (45th overall); was named to the QAAA Second All-Star Team (2002).

He made a huge leap from juniors straight into the NHL making the roster the first year he was drafted playing only one year with Boston's AHL affiliate, Providence Bruins, during the 2004-05 which was simply due to the NHL lock-out and not based on talent / production (he returned to Boston the following season).  He had a pretty successful rookie season with the Bruins as the NHL's youngest player that year.  He was chosen to participate in the Young Stars game during the 2004 NHL All-Star weekend in Minnesota, ranked fifth among NHL rookies in both goals and points as well as ranked fourth in rookie assists.

Bergie avoided the sophomore slump his next season with the Bruins (2005-2006) playing in his 100th NHL game in December of that year and recording his 100th NHL point with an assist that following March  He was also the youngest player in Bruins history to record a 30-goal season (20 years, 262 days) scoring his 30th and 31st goals that April.

During his time in the NHL, Patrice participated in international play from the Olympics to World Championships (he's actually the first player to win a men's gold medal before winning at the junior level).  Most recently Bergie played from Team Canada in the 2010 Olympics helping them win Gold.  He also participated in several World Championships; in 2004 he played in Worlds helping them to earn Gold as well as in World Juniors in 2005 in which he was on a line with Sidney Crosby and also helped them earn Gold (also named MVP and to the All-Tournament Team) and again in 2006.  He was invited to participate in 2007, but decided not to so that he could recover from the injuries he suffered during the NHL season.  But overall, he won a total of three gold medal participating in international play (2004 World Championship, 2005 World Junior Championship, 2010 Olympics).

Speaking of injuries, Bergie has been plagued by a few concussions.  A huge hit on him by Philadelphia's Randy Jones played a really big part of his being absent for most of the 2007-2008 season because of the [grade-three] concussion he suffered.  After a few obstacles with recovery, Bergeron returned to the ice during the 2008-2009 pre-season and scored his first goal since returning during the regular season on October 23, 2008 against the Toronto Maple Leafs.  However, after playing only a few games, Patrice suffered what turned out to be another concussion after colliding with Carolina's defenseman, Dennis Seidenberg, after which he was placed on IR (injured reserve) after being released from the hospital a day after the incident, but only ended up missing a total of 18 games that season.

This past season, Bergie earned his first team scoring title and finished fifth with faceoff percentage in the league (with a 58%).

HOTNESS FACTOR:
Bergie has a long-time girlfriend, Stephanie Bertrand, with whom he spends his summers with living in Quebec.

He has become friends with Matt Brown of Norwood High School who injured his neck playing hockey for his HS team this past January.

Bergeron, who had previously sent Brown a signed Bruins jersey which bore the message, "Stay Positive!" sought to deliver the supportive missive verbally and in person, and visited Brown at the Shepherd Center on Monday.

"Well, obviously it started when I saw the hit on the news and I heard about him being injured like that," said Bergeron. "Especially playing hockey, it touched me right away and I wanted to send a note to him and send a jersey as well.

"So we did that through the Bruins and it got to him. After that, I just heard that he was sent to Atlanta to get better for rehab and stuff...[and] I figured it was a perfect day to come and meet him. Obviously, we asked and the Bruins have spoken to his parents to make sure that we could come meet him and not bother him in his rehab and he accepted it.

"So I was happy to have the chance to meet him, and we did and it was a wonderful experience."

Bergie also created the Patrice's Pals Program which brings patients from local hospitals and other children's organizations to the TD Garden to experience a Bruins home game where these deserving children are able to feel the excitement of a professional hockey game as VIP guests.

I'm sure some of you may already know, but Patrice is the Bruins own cover boy!!  He appeared on the December 2008 issue of "The Improper Bostonian" for which he got grief from his teammates, of course!!  BUT LOOK AT THAT COVER SHOT - NICE!!!

DON'T FORGET, LADIES, IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO SUBMIT A SUGGESTION, YOU CAN DO SO HERE at our "HftL Suggestion Box!" OR email HftL at thesteelcitysportsfan@gmail.com!!

Pens In the Process of Signing Another Hottie!!

Last night AFTER I decided to go to bed (ARG!), the Penguins acquired the rights to defenseman Dan Hamhuis from the Philadelphia Flyers in exchange for next year's (2011) third-round draft pick.

What is it with Pittsburgh, seriously?!!!  Look at this guy ... he's GORGEOUS!! ; )

I'm excited and hope they're able to sign him (Hamhuis was traded to Philly this week from the Nashville Predators where he's spent his entire NHL career ... Nashville drafted him in 2001 when Shero was their assistant GM!)!!

Unfortunately, for those of you who are SET ON Gonchar staying in black and vegas gold, I'm thinking this is just another thing leading towards his leaving but we'll have to wait and see!!

HOLY Beau!!!

Yes, Mr. Bennett will fit in quite nicely, but don't forget ladies ... he has a few years to get a little "seasoned" (he's set to attend college in the fall ...

I already posted a few of these on tumblr and they've been quite popular; however, my favorite are the captions (I'm amusing myself!)!! ; P

PEEK-A-BEAU!!!

Pittsburgh's First Round Draft Pick - Beau Bennett

“Beau has put together one of the best rookie seasons in BCHL history. His offensive instincts are in a class of their own.” -- Benticton Vees GM and head coach Fred Harbinson

Beau Bennett's Draft Prospect Card

I believe more and more that it's an unwritten rule that anyone the Penguins organization acquires through trade or draft must be attractive!!  This kid is gorgeous!!

WELCOME TO PITTSBURGH, BEAU (Bobo!)!!

2010 NHL Entry Draft (Round 1)

Just updating you on what's occurred so far with this year's draft  - the top 10 picks (I've linked the names with Maureen's posts if she wrote one up them).

1. Taylor Hall, LW (Edmonton Oilers)
2. Tyler Seguin, C (Boston Bruins)
3. Erik Gudbranson, D (Florida Panthers)
4. Ryan Johansen, C (Columbus Blue Jackets)
5. Nino Niederreiter, RW (New York Islanders)
6. Brett Connolly, RW (Tampa Bay Lightning)
7. Jeff Skinner, C (Carolina Hurricanes)
8. Alexander Burmistrov, C (Atlanta Thrashers)
9. Mikael Granlund, C/W (Minnesota Wild)
10. Dylan McIlrath, D (New York Rangers)

Oh, and did I mention that Sid is in attendance dressed in purple (O-M-G!!!  Making purple look Sax-yyy!)!!

REASON #75

He was the Recipient of this Year's
"Rocket" Richard and
Mark Messier Leadership Awards
(and looked pretty FINE "receiving" them!)!!!

[PS -- a little "backstory" - I forgot to tell you guys ... I didn't actually get to watch the Awards last night ... my power went out RIGHT BEFORE it started and didn't come back on until they announced / presented the Hart ... talk about SUCKING ASS!]

Sid didn't go home empty-handed at the Awards last night, per se, even though he didn't win any of the [NHL] ones he's was officially nominated for.  He did earn the Maurice "Rocket" Richard trophy tying with Steven Stamkos for most goals scored this season (a total of 51) as well as the Mark Messier Leadership Award.

We all know Sid was ROBBED last night (well his FANS know he was robbed last night!)!!  I have no problem with Henrik Sedin receiving the Hart (thats not my gripe - I don't watch him enough to argue the point between he and Sid); however, Sid's votes amounted to a third-place finish BEHIND OVI?!!  IDK ... I smell some bullshit here ... let me see ... what spectacular achievements did OVI have this season (aside from his not getting past the first round AGAIN because that doesn't count since votes are submitted prior to the post-season)???  I guess its pretty incredible that his team finished first in the Eastern Conference, but I really don't think that should count either because that's a TEAM effort so anything else OVI achieved on his own merit this season??  I'm sorry, but I can't think of anything (but I'm sure the Caps fans will remind me here soon enough!)!!

And what did Sid do?  Well, as always, he worked on his weaknesses and got better at them.  For instance, he was the co-recipient of the Rocket Richard trophy (along with Steven Stamkos) because his goal was to shoot more and be a better goal-scorer ... he achieved that goal with flying colors!  In that sense, he even beat out OVI at what OVI is best at ... scoring!!   In fact, every season Sid achieves all the goals he's ever set out to accomplish and if that doesn't take "Hart" then I don't know what does!!!! 

So my question is ... HOW THE HELL DOES OVI CONTINUE TO BEAT SID OUT OF EVERYTHING IN THIS LEAGUE???!!!!!!!!!  I just don't and won't understand it and it will continue to puzzle me forever (just another one of those Lemieux / Gretzy debates even though I truly believe that this debate is a little more obvious!)!!

So keep doing what you're doing, Sid, because I will always believe (and so will all of Pittsburgh Penguins nation) that you are the better player!!  Until OVI proves to me otherwise by being something other than a one-dimensional player, I will always believe that which earns Sid the "Hearts" of fans everywhere!!! ; )

Where My Ladies At?

THESE ARE OUR STORIES

(How I Became a [Female] Hockey Fan)!

My Tumultuous Love Affair with a Man Named Hockey (PART I)

this one's a little to long to do all in one post!! ; )

I was born in 1993 in Southern California and I grew/growing up a mere 30 minutes away (with LA traffic) from the Honda Center, which I still call The Pond. I may be young but I've had quite the love affair with hockey. As many children growing up in southern California, I did not instantly gravitate to hockey, but when I was in 3rd grade everything changed. Before 3rd grade the only hockey I knew was the one in the movies and TV, I had seen every Mighty Ducks movie and almost every episode of the animated series but I was far more interested in other things like dance and gymnastics. After 3rd grade was a completely different story.

The affair began when my elementary school had been getting low reading scores in standardized tests and coupled with the fact that our school librarian had some connections to the Anaheim Ducks, which I still call the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim, our school become sponsored by the Ducks to read more. The "sponsorship" subsequently led to our school to go on a field trip to the Pond to watch our Mighty Ducks practice. The year was 2002, right after the Winter Olympics where Canada had won their first gold medal in ice hockey in 50 years (but I don't need to tell you that), and my friend was more than excited to see his idol and Olympic champion, Paul Kariya. At the practice, we had a chance to talk to the players and my friend made a beeline for Paul Kariya, and dragged me along with him, and I'll never forget what happened next. It went a little something like this:

"P-Paul K-Kariya, hi, I'm Mitch and you're my idol, and I'm so happy you won your gold medal, after missing out at the last Olympics. Can you sign my folder?" My friend Mitch said, the folder he was referring to was his folder of the Ducks with all the players and their hometowns and appropriately had Paul Kariya on the cover.

Paul just smiled and ruffled my friend's red hair, "I don't think so, son, maybe later." And with that he left. Obviously, Mitch was heart broken and on the verge of tears, which lead to him sniffling on the entire bus ride back. Needless to say, even now, I do not like Paul Kariya (he made my friend almost cry!). But that incident, led me to watch all of the Ducks' games on TV so that I could see what was so great about Paul Kariya, and naturally I fell in love with the sport. I watched every game, living every moment with my team as we made our run for the Cup, but it wasn't in the cards for us to win. But it was at this time that my affair with hockey became public, before I would watch the games on the tiny television in my room, but during our run I would watch with my entire family, cheering and groaning with every play.

[TO BE CONT'D ... next Thursday!]

- Brianna G.

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 (they'll be posted in the order I received them, to be fair). 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!)!! AS A NOTE, I'm currently on stories I received back in December 2009 / January 2010!!!


thesteelcitysportsfan@gmail.com

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

Western Conference Hottie: Scott Parse (LA Kings)

IMPORTANT HOCKEY STUFF: Drafted 174th overall by the Kings in the 2004 NHL Entry Draft. He spent some quality time with the Reading Royals of the ECHL, before moving up through the Manchester Monarchs and finally on to the LAK, where he played his first NHL game on October 24, 2009 for the Kings against the Phoenix Coyotes. In the 3rd period his debut game, Parse recorded his first NHL point with an assist to forward Jarret Stoll who scored on Coyotes goalie Ilya Bryzgalov (and take it from someone who watches him quite a bit, Bryz ain't easy.) His first NHL goal was scored on October 29, 2009 in the 1st period against Andrew Raycroft of the Vancouver Canucks.

On March 29th, 2010 Parse scored both goals in a 2-3 loss by the Kings at the hands of the Minnesota Wild. It was Parse's first 2 goal game in the NHL. He scored the following night against the Nashville Predators, a goal which proved to be the game winner, making it 3 goals in 2 games for the Kings.

On May 26th, 2010 Parse re-signed with the Kings for 2 years with a cap hit of $900,000 per season.

THE REALLY IMPORTANT STUFF: 6'0, 197lbs he's beautifully sized for a "high performance" forward. Forward of what, well I'll leave that for you ladies to decide (or fantasize, or day dream, or how ever you chose to spend your free time, or you time at work for that matter... well, if you're like some of us.... oops, did I say that...) He's of the blond hair and blue eyes persuasion, that we all (well, me at least, and I'm writing, and looking...) love so much, and well, I'm really attached to the highlights.

There is truly not much on this guy's personal life. I don't know why, I would think with his looks, he'd have his own stalker alarm, guard dogs, etc. But I guess he's just an expert at going "under cover". (and yes, in case any of you were wondering, he can join me under my personal cover any time.

DON'T FORGET, LADIES, IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO SUBMIT A SUGGESTION, YOU CAN DO SO HERE at our "HftL Suggestion Box!" OR email HftL at thesteelcitysportsfan@gmail.com!!

Sid Schmoozin' with the Stars in Las Vegas!!

Our very own captain is in Las Vegas, as we speak, schmoozin' with the stars!!

First, Snoop Dogg who will be performing at the Awards posts a pic with him last night on Twitter (right) with the following caption ...

“Sidney Crosby #87 from Pittsburgh Penguins and Captain of Team Canada what ya know about gold medals”

Next up, Crosby with comedian Jamie Kennedy (below) ... watch you don't become the target of his next prank, Sid!!

I am LOVIN' me some Sid chest & arms right now [*drool*]

It's HERE ...

THE 2010-2011 PENGUINS SCHEDULE ... CLICK HERE!!!

And here are this hockey season's highlights (for the league) according to NHL.com

Crosby Picture of the Week

So the Penguins webpage has a few new wallpapers up (well, they've probably been up for a bit, but it's the first time I've noticed them) and this is one of them and I made it this week's picture!!

CLICK HERE TO VIEW ALL NEW WALLPAPER!!

DON'T FORGET ...

[UPDATE]
According to NHL.com, the schedules will be released at 12 noon!! (THANKS Lisa!!)!

2010-11 schedules will be released sometime today!!!  CHECK BACK!!

It's A Boy!

I've been getting quite a few emails on this one ... we've all be keeping an eye out, so thanks to everyone who helped me information they had found (especially "J" and "PensGrl872")!!!

Colby and Melissa Armstrong welcomed a baby boy into the world early last Friday morning (he was slightly overdue as I believe the due date was said to be the 14th).  Alot of this is still really unconfirmed even though I've read several things / received several emails on it ... alot of what I've read says they named him Cruise Samson Armstrong.

Just a few days late, but ...

CONGRATULATIONS TO COLBY AND MELISSA!!

Sid Tops TSN's "25 Under 25"

The Sporting News just announced their "25 Under 25: SN’s List of Best Young Athletes” which and Sid was voted #1.

The Sporting News panel considered 100 accomplished young athletes from seven different sports before trimming the list to 50 and then the final 25.

Athletes were judged on major stats; championships to which they’d made major contributions; buzz factor; and age.

Flyers' Briere and Young Son Involved in Car Accident

NBC Philadelphia is reporting that Danny Briere and his son, Cameron, were involved in a car accident with a tractor-trailer early this morning (about 12:30 AM).

Both Briere and his son survived and have been released after being taken to the hospital and treated for minor injuries.  According to police, Briere said he was "a little drowsy; he was ticketed for an unsafe lane change.

Briere issued a statement through the Flyers webpage expressing his appreciation for the concern but asks that the media respects his privacy:

“I was in a car accident in New York," said Briere. "I was driving home to visit family and friends back in Canada when I got into an accident [Wednesday] night. My youngest son (Cameron) and I are both okay. We are doing fine.”

Fisher's Agent Dismissing Rumors - Wedding Date was Always and is Still Set for July

According to today's Ottawa Citizen, Carrie Underwood and Mike Fisher are getting married in July.  The OC source spoke to Fisher's agent who said that it was set for July from the beginning and they never changed it late recent reports have speculated.

"There's no basis to those reports whatsoever," said Fisher's agent, Todd Reynolds, who posted a Twitter entry Wednesday countering the reports.

Reynolds said the couple's wedding date has not changed -- although he declined to reveal it out of respect for his client.

"There's no delay (in the wedding date), everything is going along according to plan. The date that they've chosen from the beginning is still the date," he said.

"You can imagine trying to move the date of something like that," he added. "It's like trying to make a U-turn in a 18-wheeler on a one-way street. It is what it always has been, there's no change in the wedding plans."

Underwood's social calendar is pretty "free and clear" after July 5th until she heads back out on the road on July 31st which should give them plenty of time to celebrate and have some alone-time together on their honeymoon ... GOOD FOR THEM!!! : )

Western Conference Hottie: Derick Brassard (Columbus Blue Jackets)

Since Kena has been a BUSY little bee lately clocking in some OT hours, she hasn't been able to work much on her posts (such a shame really ... I don't think she's been able to get in her "daily allowance" of hotness - it could become serious!), so this week Maureen has been kind enough to cover the WCH for us ... we're hoping Kena gets lots of rest soon so she can get back to what she does best and take the WCH reigns back!!!  THANKS Maureen and WE MISS YOU Kena!!

THE ICING
Columbus OH isn’t known as a hockey hotbed, but Blue Jackets hockey is a little hotter thanks to Derick Brassard. The 6’1”, 190 Centerman hails from Hull, Qubec, and is said to be a “great playmaker that can score as well”. He was selected 6th overall in the 2006 entry draft by the Blue Jackets. He tore up the ice while playing for the Jackets AHL affiliate, The Syracuse Crunch, even while a broken jaw had him on the bench for 7 weeks. January 10th 2008 saw Brassard’s first scene in The Big Show. After he logged 2 points, (1G, 1A) in 17 games, he slipped quietly back to Syracuse, but he wasn’t done in the NHL.

Brassard logged extra time in the offseason with the Jackets training staff, trying to get into peak shape for the start of the 2008-2009 season. [Oh to be a fly on the wall of that training facility…. hockey players, working out in the summer, sweating and shirtless because of the heat… GET A HOLD OF YOURSELF!] His dedication and extra paid off when he made the team out of training camp. [And when you look at that body… OOOOH YEA] He didn’t disappoint, he earned Rookie of the Month in October, 2008 for his play. Brassard says he can probably improve on his shooting most, maybe his physicality. [I’m sure I could help him on the physicality side… STOP MAUREEN…control yourself!] He also notes that he’s been slow to mature physically, always being on the smaller side and needing to do some extra work for his strength and size. [Not sure I agree, but okay… ]

At only 22 years old, Brassard’s game is still young. His coaches believe that he can become a steady playmaker, centering the second or third line. It’s undecided if he’ll develop into a powerplay figure, but his ability to make the right passes and communicate with his teammates is valuable in any game situation. He is especially good at anticipating both the movement of the puck and of his teammates, so he can make plays that take the opposition by surprise. Playing with guys like Rick Nash has already helped him step up his all around game. In September of 2009, the Jackets signed him to a 4 year extension, so Columbus hockey fans will have plenty of time to see him mature and grow into his game. And of course, 4 more years of watching this hottie melt ice and hearts in the Buckeye state isn’t a bad thing for hockey either.

Derick was born on September 22, 1987 in Ottawa. While growing up in Hull, Quebec, just across the Outaouais, he showed a penchant for hockey early in life. His father played for the Cornwell Royals and was drafted by the Canadiens in the 1970’s. He put a hockey stick in Derick’s hands at the age of 2. Derick says that his family is one of the biggest reasons that he developed into the quality of hockey player he did, and credits them with everything from making sure he always had the right equipment to getting him to every early morning practice and weekend game.

THE CAKE
His sense of community and giving back is already evident, even at such a young age. His group “Brassard’s Buddies” teams up with Big Brother/Big Sisters of Central Ohio, and has provided tickets for both kids and their mentors to Blue Jackets games.

Two things that you may not know about him:

He is still more comfortable speaking in French than English. When he was drafted in 2006, he had a hard time with English, but it’s gotten better the longer he’s been in Columbus.

He’s single! He’s only had one serious relationship, but it was his first year after being drafted, and it just didn’t work out. He says that dating isn’t his first priority, but he’s keeping his eyes open.