Another View

Here's another view of the 2009 Crosby Hallmark Ornament from The Ornament Shop. THANKS to one of my readers for sending this information along!

REASON #19
He's Even Sexier on the Ice WITHOUT a Helmet

Yes, this week's reason is one of the more "fun" ones, but when I was watching the game last night, his helmet came off and I was just in awe of how sexy he was - his hair all messy and sweaty!! The picture below is actually from the Capitals game back on February 22nd, but it illustrates my point!!!

THANKS to Pensgirl87 for another illustration of my point (she snapped this shot of Crosby after a "tussle" during a game she attended back in March):

It's A Girl!

Craig Adams and his wife, Anne, are the proud parents of a new baby girl named Francesca Alice (7 pounds, 8 ounces) who was born yesterday. This is the second child for them; their first born is son Rhys who is 20-months old.

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE ADAMS!!

Western Conference Hottie: Bobby Ryan (Anaheim Ducks)

Well, today I'm writing more of a sentimental than "fluff" piece. Here we have a guy who's over come a lot. Especially a really messed up family situation. [Link Here ]. In fact, Bobby Ryan, isn't even his real name. (I'm telling you, read the link, it's so worth it." But all of that aside, what initially caught my eye, is the fact that he's full of determination and has his mind set on nothing stopping him from being the very best hockey player he can be. and well, that's hotter than hell in my book.

IMPORTANT HOCKEY STUFF: 2008/09 Top scoring rookie. After winning national championships with his minor hockey team, the Los Angeles Junior Kings, he initially committed to playing for the U.S. National U-18 Program. Despite telling Ontario Hockey League (OHL) teams he would not play major junior, Ryan was selected by the Owen Sound Attack 7th overall in the 2003 OHL Selection Draft. He was convinced to play for the team and immediately began his major junior career with a 39-point rookie campaign in 03–04. After improving to 89 points the following season, Ryan was drafted second overall by the Anaheim Ducks in the '05 Draft behind Sidney Crosby (PIT). He ended his OHL career in 06–07. When he joined the the Portland Pirates of the AHL for the final 8 games of the season. Then he started the 07–08 season with the Ducks, scoring his first NHL goal in his debut against the Los Angeles Kings. He was, however, sent back to the AHL (Portland) after 4 games. He was recalled on March 7, '08, when Corey [DON'T get me started on, him, he goes in the same pot w/ Hossa] Perry's leg injury sidelined him for the remainder of the regular season. In 08–09, Ryan once again made the reg. roster, but was sent down to the Ducks' new AHL affiliate, the Iowa Chops [thank you salary cap]. He was called up during the season and recorded a natural hat trick [yes, I had to look it up too], on January 8, 2009, against the Los Angeles Kings. He became the first rookie in Ducks history to record a hat trick, and it was the fastest hat trick by any player in the 15-year history of the franchise. On March 22, 2009, he broke the franchise rookie point record, tallying 2 assists for 46th point of the year in a win against the Phoenix Coyotes. This year, he was named a finalist for the Calder Trophy, along with Steve Mason from the Columbus Blue Jackets and Kris Versteeg from the Chicago Blackhawks. [Pretty good for a kid with a past, huh??]

REALLY IMPORTANT STUFF: As you are all aware Stephanie and I have a few of the same weaknesses when it comes to hockey and/or hockey players. One of these weaknesses is AMERICAN hockey players!!!!! and we both have a very severe soft spot for one American hockey player in particular who Bobby Ryan also idolizes. His idol is none other than Mike Modano [previously on HftL...]. and according to the announcers on the Stars v Ducks game where I noticed him, he recently changed his number, to 9. In honor of his hero. Sweet, huh. We have a very subtly blended type of looking guy here. Lovely "chocolate-blond" hair, and very pretty mellow blue eyes. One of those very strong jaws, and a creamy smooth completion. He stands 6'2 and weighs in at a healthy 208lbs. Once you look at him, you'll be hooked. I was. His teammates refer to him as a "good kid" and something he says he rarely gets the opportunity to do but is very important to him. Is to spend time with his dad. Just a sweetheart. The quote that ultimately made me fall in love with him is this. "This is who I am, I'm not running, I'm not hiding," he says. I don't think I need to say anymore. He sells himself.

This Sounds Like Many of Us!!

Two Caps Fans Go Puck Hunting
Women Become Fast Friends As They Follow Their Team

Crosby Pictures of the Week

I LOVE this pic and THIS ONE STANDS ALONE because the Kid has been on fire this post-season (a one-man wrecking crew!)!!! As much as I don't want to be a downer (how can't you be after these last two games?!!), I'm afraid if Sid's teammates - even a few of them - don't step up and help him soon, they won't be seeing past this round. Come on, guys -- IT'S IN YOU -- DO IT!!!!

They should actually post this picture (poster-size even!) in the locker room for everyone to see and get motivated by it -- I even get inspired by it everytime I look at it -- how can you not?!!! Look at him!!

Eastern Conference Eye Candy: Andrew Ference (Boston Bruins)

This week's eye candy is a former Pittsburgh Penguin!! His FULL NAME is Andrew James Stewart Ference. He was drafted by Pittsburgh in the 1997 draft as their 8th pick (208th overall); he continued to play in the minors through his NHL debut in 1999 and was with the Penguins organization until he was traded to Calgary in February 2003. He currently plays for the Boston Bruins where he serves as one of the alternate captains where Calgary traded him to in February 2007. Another Pittsburgh connection (not as pleasant) -- he was the opponent in Sidney's first NHL fight on December 20, 2007.

HOCKEY FACTOR:

• defenseman
• shoots left
• played for the Portland Winter Hawks (WHL)
• named to 1998 WHL West First All-Star Team
• named to 1999 WHL West Second All-Star Team
• represented Canada in the 1999 Ice Hockey World Championships
• missed a majority of the 2002-2003 recovering from a groin and ankle injuries
• during the 2004-2005 NHL lock-out, he played in the Czech Republic for the HC Ceske Budejovice

HOTNESS FACTOR:
Ference married his wife, Krista, in 2002 and has two daughters, Ava and Stella who was born this past March (Stella Haliday James Ference) on the same day as fellow Bruin, Aaron Ward's daughter. He has a tribute to his daughter Ava tattooed on his back of her name in flowering letters; he left room to honor Stella as well, but has to wait until the end of the season to get one due to "issues with in-season healing."

“Having a child and coming home to your kid puts everything in perspective. You won’t get too high after a win or too low from a loss, but it’s a good relief either way from the daily grind of the game. When you come home to your child, nothing else really matters. It’s good. Makes you grow up.

Andrew is involved in many charities involving kids and the environment. He's actively involved in the NHLPA Carbon Neutral Challenge and is a strong advocate for green living. "He walks or bikes to work every day, encourages the use of public transit and eats organic food for pre and post-game meals." It was recently reported by the Boston Herald that Ference will be donating half of his NHL playoff bonus to the New England Grass Roots Environment Fund's Boston Grant Initiative (and the further they go into the playoffs, the more he'll donate!). Another charity close to Andrew's heart is "Right to Play" which creates a healthier and safer world for children through the power of sport and play.