Life at the Rink

The Zamboni.

Invented by an American, but altogether Canadian.

For many who live in the Great White North, it is an icon. The Zamboni mesmerizes kids who grow up in Canada when those gates open wide and it rolls out onto the ice.

These young hopefuls, with NHL dreams in their eyes, wait patiently along the glass for the ten minutes it takes to clean the ice. All in hopes the driver will wave or honk his horn at them.

As those same players grow older, NHL dreams faded, the fascination with the Zamboni does not waver. Rather, it just transfers its energy to another detail.

No longer do these players stare in awe at the immense machine driving up and down the ice, but rather what that machine is doing to their playing surface.

The attraction is now with the clean sheet just waiting for them to dig their skates into.

So, no matter where a player is in his hockey career, the Zamboni always will play an important part in bringing the games emotion out in us.

The Zamboni may have been an American creation, but it is the adopted Canadian symbol of the rink.

World Juniors: Two Chicago Blackhawks Players Look To Make Canadian Team

Phillip Danault, courtesy Photi Sotiropoulos

The World Junior Championships is always a big deal, especially if you are a player looking to make the Canadian team. 

Although it means being away from family and friends over the holiday season, it is a sacrifice all players would be willing to make in order to represent their country in a national tradition.

The 2013 edition of this event is going to take on an even bigger meaning, not just to Canadians but also to any hockey fan throughout the world.

Of course there have been European leagues, the AHL, NCAA and other leagues to follow but there is still no NHL hockey being played. Many fans of the game have been talking about the World Junior’s since the beginning of the hockey season.

After all, with the ongoing lockout we are experiencing, this tournament has been the one constant fans could look forward to. It also helps that many NHL-caliber players will be suiting up for their countries.

Even though these talented players will make the hockey better, it also makes it tougher on players who are on the fringe of making their respective teams.

NHL Lockout: A Simple Way To Say Thanks

The UTSC boys celebrating a 'duck hunt' win. 

     With no NHL to cheer for, and it seems to be staying that way for the unforeseeable future, playing hockey has took on a whole new meaning for me.

And for that NHL, I thank you.

Before, when the NHL was on basically every night and I could immerse myself in highlights every morning, hockey was all around me. Now, it is nowhere to be seen.

Heading to the rink with my bag slung over my back and two sticks in hand brings a whole new sense of excitement.

I always knew that hockey needed to be a part of my life. I never quite realized however, just how big of a part it actually plays in it.

Pavel Bure: The Rocket Has Landed

I got to see him play once, my childhood idol.

Pavel Bure was playing with the Florida Panthers at the time and they were visiting the Air Canada Center in Toronto. This is the only game I remember going to that did not involve the Leafs playing the Chicago Blackhawks. 

Bure was the reason why.

No other player in the league has ever excited me the same way Bure did. Every time I stepped out on my backyard rink I suddenly transformed myself into "The Russian Rocket". Constantly practicing his toe-to stick-to the back of the net deke (see video). 

Brandon Saad: A Second Round Steal

Yahoo! Sports Canada

Taken by the Chicago Blackhawks in the 2011 draft, Brandon Saad has become a dominating offensive force and a true top prospect.

That offensive skill was shown in his first season with the Saginaw Spirit of the Ontario Hockey League where he finished with 55 points in 59 games. Totals good enough for the 'Hawks to select the dynamic winger in the second round (43rd overall).

Last season with the Spirit however, Saad took his game to another level. After making the 'Hawks roster out of training camp, Saad was sent back down to junior.

He did not let the decision bother him though.

He ramped up his play and ended with 76 points in only 44 games.

Blackhawks coach Joel Quenneville recognizes Saad is a special talent, he tells Dan Rosen of NHL.com.

"He's a good hockey player. The puck just follows him around. He's the key (to our prospects)."

The Blackhawks Blog

 The whole Balckhawks organization seems to be very excited about Saad, and so to do many fans. He is a player who could contribute as soon as he steps into the lineup and that will be expected of him.

Saad will look to continue to impress this season with Rockford in the AHL. And when the NHL gets going again, be it sometime this year or next season, expect Saad to be a lock in the lineup.

NHL Lockout Ramble: Barack Obama, the Winter Classic and a Solution?

(Christinne Muschi/Reuters/Files)

Are we all not a little tired that there is still no hockey to tune into on a Saturday night, or any day of the week for that matter?

This lockout business has gone on for way to long, especially considering this is not the first time it has happened.

If it happened to be a one time deal, where the players and owners had to sit out a season to make sure everything was in place for the next 50 years, then maybe I would not be complaining as much.

But, this is the third lockout in less than 20 years.

That is pushing it a little bit.

Chicago Blackhawks: Central Division Title Is This Seasons Goal

Photo by Bill Smith/NHL via Getty Images

     The Central Division may the toughest of any in the NHL.

Last season, all but one team (the Columbus Blue Jackets) were able to make it to the playoffs.

The Chicago Blackhawks, even being a team outfitted with all-star talent, finished in fourth spot and sixth in the Western Conference.

Next season, they do not want to be in that position. The goal is to win the division and gain crucial home ice advantage.

Chicago Blackhawks: 3 Reasons They Will Take the Central Division Crown

 

With a lockout still ongoing, we may never get to see if the team can accomplish that feat. However, good news seems to be in the future after the NHL offered the NHLPA a 50/50 split. Although it does not solve all the problems, it does present a solid starting point.

Hockey may be back sooner then we think and when it does return, expect the Blackhawks to give the Central Division teams a strong run for the title.

Calgary Flames: Prospect Sven Baertschi Is the Real Deal

Getty Images via National Hockey League

     After excelling in the five games he played last season with the Calgary Flames, prospect Sven Baertschi would probably have been a regular in the lineup this season—had a NHL lockout not occurred.

For now, Baertschi will have to make due dominating the AHL for the Abbotsford Heat. So far, through two games, the dynamic Swiss forward has been able to put up four points—two goals, two assists.

With the skill that he possesses in the offensive zone, do not be surprised if his play stays pretty consistent all year. After all, a young player like himself is still trying to impress Flames personal at the AHL level—in case the lockout is lifted and a NHL season resumes.

Last season, Baertschi split time between the Portland Winterhawks of the Western Hockey League (WHL) and the Calgary Flames.

NHL Lockout: Are Hockey Players One Dimensional?

(valorfaerie/Flickr)

After Usain Bolt wowed the world for another time at the 2012 London Olympic Games, he was invited to tryout for Manchester United, the famed English soccer club.

What a spectacle it would have been had Bolt actually made the team and became a soccer star, during his "offseason".

Realistically Bolt would not have given up sprinting, after all, that is where he belongs. After kicking the ball around the pitch he undoubtedly would have returned to the track to win more gold medals.

So, I wonder, why have other teams from other sports not looked into the superstars of the NHL in the same way?

Edmonton Oilers: Farm Team Becomes AHL Dream Team

(Vincent Muzik/Icon SMI)

Many NHL teams recently announced which
players would be sent down to the AHL for next season.

As we all know, at this time anyways, there will be no NHL season due to the lockout. That could potentially change at any moment but the way things are looking it will be lasting a long time. 

So, in that case, why not take a look at what is sure to be one of the best teams during the 2012/13 AHL season?

NHL Lockout: Does it Benefit Teams at All?

With an NHL lockout on the horizon here is a list of benefits a shortened season could bring to teams, in particular the Chicago Blackhawks.

NHL Lockout: The Chicago Blackhawks Would Benefit from Short Season

Realistically, however, this list could be applied to almost every team in the NHL.

As much as the fans are hoping there will be an NHL season, it is not looking to well. It seems, at best, we can only hope a deal can be made before the entire season goes down the drain.

Any word on the happenings surrounding the potential lockout will be relayed through our Twitter feed @Hit_The_Ice.

So make sure to give us a follow.

Detroit Red Wings: Reportedly Sign Carlo Colaiacovo

 According to Andy Strickland, the Detroit Red Wings have agreed to terms with Carlo Colaiacova. The terms of the deal are outlined below, in a tweet obtained from Strickland's Twitter feed.

"@andystrickland: Detroit #Redwings sign Carlo Colaiacovo to a two year contract totaling $5 mil...$2.15 in yr one $2.85 in second yr #NHL"

(Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images)

Colaiacova played last season for the St. Louis Blues. He was able to play in 64 games and put up a total of 17 points (two goals, 15 assists).

After legendary Red Wings defenceman Nicklas Lidstrom announced his retirement it was widely speculated the team would go after free agent Ryan Suter.

Although the team did offer the defenceman a contract, he ultimately ended up in Minnesota with the Wild. This left the Red Wings with the same holes they started with.

Colaiacova will not be able to replace Lidstrom completely but if he can stay healthy it will prove to be a very good signing for the team.

Tyler Seguin: Boston Bruins Lock Up Young Forward

Courtesy: NHL Snipers

The Boston Bruins have locked up young centre Tyler Seguin to a six-year deal today.

Although there has been discussion that teams should wait until a new CBA is set before signing any of their players long term, the Bruins were not going to take any chances with Seguin.

Seguin is a former second overall pick and has proved he is worth the money. The deal will pay him an average of 5.75 million each season.

Welcome!

Courtesy: NHL Snipers

Hello all,

In the very near future we will be up and running. In the mean time, check out our poll of the week and make sure to give us a follow on Blogger and Twitter.

Remember, Time to Get Chilly is your weekly spot to gain an insightful look into the world of hockey.

Here's to a great week,

T.