NHL REFORMATTING…IMHO…

If I had my way… Oh… if I had my way…

As an American citizen, I find myself in desperate need/desire to revamp a sport that really means (so much) more to our neighbors to the north, than it does to us here in the Continental 48 and Hawaii. Except for me. I love hockey. And while I know there are those in this country who love it more than myself, I just find myself wishing and daydreaming of a time (in the future) of revamping the current setup of the fastest (mainstream) sport on ice.

• The Teams That Should Go:

The biggest issue I have with the NHL today is the teams. There’s 30 of them and in this fan’s opinion, that’s a few too many. In at least 1/3 of the present league, there are cities that should never have been host to a professional ice hockey team. I get it, though. All professional sports are driven by money and a need for more of it. Certain markets are more profitable than others. And when money is on the line, well… all bets are off as to who can get a team. I’m realistic in knowing that there is a greater likelihood of an increase in teams, before we see a decrease of them.

That being said… I personally believe (cue Miss South Carolina) that 1/3 of the league should not exist. So, who would get the ax, and why?

1. Atlanta. It looks as though the Hockey Gods have heard me (and countless other true fans. Here’s hoping the sale to Winnipeg gets formally approved in 5 days.
2. San Jose. The name itself is Spanish for “no hockey belongs here.” Since their inception in 1991, even back before I was ten, I had one of my first “What the fuck?” moments. To hear that a team was going to be there just made me go nuts. That is my earliest memory of being pissed off about something, haha. Even at a young age I knew it didn’t make sense. And now, nearly 20 years later, it still doesn’t make sense to me. Get the puck out of San Jose.
3. Phoenix. “Yeah, but its a dry heat.” You hear Phoenix, and I’ll tell you what you don’t think: hockey. Look at it this way… people like me, look at Phoenix and view it as what Florida is to old people. Florida is commonly known as “where old folks go to die…” So, with that said… Phoenix is where hockey comes to die, if we allow that to continue.
4. Los Angeles. You get the feeling that I hate the entire Pacific Division of the Western Conference, eh? That’s right, my friends. “The Great One” is long gone. You know what else is long gone, LA? A recent division or conference championship. What’s it been? 18 years now? Since they fall into the ocean next year, anyway, its probably best that we evacuate all teams out of California, anyway, right? Bet those Ducks are shaking right now at my projections, right?
5. Anaheim. I don’t care that they won a Stanley Cup. I don’t care that they’ve had 6 straight winning seasons. I don’t care that they play in an arena called the Honda Center. Not gonna win me over. It’s being a team located in California that is robbing cities in Canada of their rightful place in the NHL. I just don’t think hockey belongs in California, period, much less, have three teams from there. The (formerly Mighty) Ducks were only good for one thing: The Oreo Line.
6. Dallas. Hockey also does not belong in Texas. To me, the three biggest culprits in keeping hockey from proliferating are California, Florida, and Texas. I look at those states, and I’m sorry, I don’t think they crave hockey. I think of blondes, beaches, botox, and barbecue. I’d rather dissolve this team and merge it with the existing Minnesota Wild. (More on that, and the original North Stars, later.)
7. St. Louis. Well how about that? I ran out of teams from the Pacific Division, so I had to move elsewhere. Next stop: Western Conference’s Central Division. You can relax Chicago and Detroit. You guys aren’t going anywhere. You’re two of the Original Six. But St. Louis… you need to go. Despite your strange popularity, the team has done jack shit in their existence. The team needs to go, and with it being up for sale, that should tell the hockey world something. Either completely disperse their talent amongst the remaining squads, or relocate them all to where they really belonged in 1983: Saskatoon.
8. Nashville. You ever been to a Predators game? Neither have I, but Bobby Ryan (ignore the fact that he’s a Duck) showed us all why hockey doesn’t belong in Nashville. Anaheim gifted to you the equivalent of a First Round Bye, but which subsequently you wasted by being fed to the Canucks. Chances are, it will take you about 105 people to ask that question to in the Nashville metro area if they’ve been to one of their home games, before you find someone who says “Yes.”
9. Carolina. This is probably just bitterness as a hockey fan who sympathizes with what Hartford had taken away from them. However, being on the same line as Nashville, this southern team has got to go.
10. Columbus. Haha, just kidding. Or am I? With all due respect, I do know that they have a pretty decent fan following, but is it enough? I’m hesitant in pulling a team out of Ohio, as they are a great base for young talent, but farm this state out and all its cities to the AHL. Frankly… an NHL team would fail in Cleveland, Cincinnati, Akron, Dayton, or Toledo, so frankly Columbus was the best bet. However, a bet is just a bet. It’s a gamble to think that a team would take off here. Then again… Columbus somewhat falls under the lines of one of those teams that should be swapped for a Canadian team, and Ohio should just be a market for minor league teams in those cities above mentioned.
11. Florida. All of it, not just the Panthers, but we’ll start with them. Hockey does not belong in this state. This is old folks country. The young folk are all busy on South Beach waiting for Lebron to ridicule them for their own personal lives and problems. In fact, the game is too fast for the elderly to keep up with, that if you were to keep hockey in this state, then the NHL would have to be investigated for “continual assisted suicide” as a result of all the heart attacks from the geriatric fans in the seats of those that.
12. Tampa Bay. Don’t get me started. If you wanted me to write three chapters as to why Tampa Bay should be nixed, I would. For reasons obvious and known, Tampa Bay is my most hated NHL team. Even more than Montreal, Calgary’s biggest rival. Since winning the Cup in 2004, they’ve flat-out sucked. And it shows in their attendance figures. The fans aren’t coming out to the games anymore and why should they? Tampa Bay is just one of those teams that should never have come to fruition. Now, Thunder Bay, that’s another story. (More on that, too, later.)
13. New York Islanders. Food for thought while the few fans of you left crank your necks longing for the days of yesteryear: Does the state of New York really need three teams? Considering what my “future” plans for the league would be, this Northeastern corner of the region would be getting pretty crowded. And following in the “What Have You Done For Me Lately” line of defense… really Islanders, what have you done lately? Ice Girls? Psssh. Sorry, Isles, you’re doing it wrong. Chicago’s got the victory on you, there.

So bam… I just “eliminated” 13 teams. All of them, American teams, lol. Christ, you’d think I was a terrorist or Maple Leaf-sympathizer based on this assessment. Any ideas for replacements? Oh, I’ve got plenty of thoughts, but I will only pick 7 for now. I’ll entertain your thoughts, if there are those of you who have comments.

• The Cities That Have A Case.

Right off the bat, this is going to be a predominant Canadian love fest. Frankly, because I think the NHL should be split evenly amongst Canadian and American teams. I honestly feel that with more of a Canadian influence, you’d see a very strong and consistent showing of fan support, as well as increased revenue, and no need for worry about having to find “new homes” for teams that falter. You have to remember that the NHL, like any other business, it’s principal purpose is to generate a profit. Get the butts in the seats and ad revenue, and player salaries, and employee salaries will all be compensated nicely. There are too many teams that are struggling right now to maintain that, and I would hate to see the entire system come crashing down, because of a few proverbial “bad apples.”

So who would I like to see get teams? Some thoughts come to mind.

1. Winnipeg, Manitoba – Come June 21st, a lot of people should be happy. The proverbial wheels are in motion. Bring back the Jets and that bangin‘ logo. Yeah, that one, not this one. Looks like the damn “t” is on fire.
2. Thunder Bay, Ontario – Move Tampa Bay here, period. Keep the damn Lightning moniker because it makes much more sense with this city. Granted, it’s a relatively small market, but I have faith that the local fan-base could fill the seats. With potential to grow. I just don’t see that happening in Tampa Bay.
3. Quebec, Quebec – Am I the only one who misses the Nordiques? Perhaps I long for those days when Owen Nolan, Mats Sundin, and Curtis Leschyshyn all played on the same team? Yeah, admittedly those were three of my favorite “names” in hockey at that time, ha. Oh, Nostalgia, how you never cease to amaze me. Think that was another guy who played, but back in the 1960’s.
4. Minnesota – Yes, I know they have a team. Frankly, since I’m obliterating Texas from “my NHL,” merge the existing talent on Dallas with the talent of the Wild, and farm out who’s left to the minors. Also, get rid of the Wild, and bring back the North Stars.
5. Hartford, Connecticut – Need I say more? Of course I need not, but those who know me well enough, know that I don’t shut up easily about things I feel passionate for. Clearly, our state misses The Whale. As a hockey fan, in general, I just appreciate the turn out and pride in those who still miss their former team when events surrounding the Whalers come about. Sure, we’ve had a Rangers Farm team in the Wolfpack/Whale, but it’s not the same. I think the guy that attacked Pucky the Whale was simply just frustrated at this “knock-off” or “tease” of a true NHL team coming back to Hartford. Like Winnipeg of Manitoba, Hartford of Connecticut is justified in wanting their team to come back. And since I offed Carolina, earlier, I think it’s rather fitting.
6. Halifax, Nova Scotia – Having been to this beautiful city and having giving it careful thought… I’ve re-thought my ideas of putting a team here. Many of the locals say that they doubt their own city could be able to support the budget of an NHL team here, which is understandable. My theory is this… if it doesn’t work, then try Hamilton, Ontario. Perhaps I was overzealous in putting Halifax on my initial list, but after some further thought, I’m humbly forfeiting the idea of a team here. Like many have said before: “Let Winnipeg and Quebec have their teams back, first, before any further thought of Canadian expansion.” I’m inclined to partially agree. Just keep hockey in Canada.
7. Saskatoon, Saskatchewan – To the late (okay, 9 years late) Bill Hunter, you tried. I tip my hat to you, Sir, in your efforts. I’m sorry the league denied you your plans from 1982. Dear NHL: Move St. Louis here, and honor a true influence in this great sport.

• The League, As I Dream It:

Now obviously, a whole bunch of restructuring would have to take place. Teams moved from division to division. New names for these divisions, too. Really no point in having a Southeast Division in the Eastern Conference anymore, now is there? I haven’t really gone that far, yet… but I’m considering it just for kicks. However, after eliminations and additions, this is what my dream NHL city list would be:

From Canada: 11 cities

• Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Winnipeg, Quebec, Thunder Bay, Halifax (or Hamilton), Saskatoon.

From the U.S.: 13 cities

• Boston, Chicago, Detroit, New York Rangers, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Edmonton, Buffalo, Colorado,  New Jersey, Washington DC, Minnesota,  Hartford.

The last time the league had 24 teams was the 1992-1993 season. It was also the last season where a Canadian team won the Stanley Cup. Unfortunately, during that time, the league had decided to expand to 84 games for some stupid reason. Personally, I feel that 84 games is too much. 82 is even too much, now. I say, if you’re gonna have less teams (in my league), play a little bit less games. I could settle for somewhere in the 68-72 range, but really… no more than that.

Another thing I really want to see changed in relation to that, is I’m sick of seeing hockey in June. And even in May, too, for that matter. Don’t get me wrong… I love the sport, through and through, but I have a hard time living as a New Englander, watching a game on TV or in the arena, and then having to sweat my nads off thanks to our early summer heat. Hockey should end in April, period. I’m okay with it starting in October, that’s fine. That makes sense to me.

Outside of shortening the regular season, and the number of teams, the only other idea I have is going to the following format for playoff series. In the 1992-93 season, 16 out of 24 teams made the playoffs. Seems like a bit much, but you know what, I’m all for parity, so I’d still be okay with 8 teams from each conference out of 12, making the playoffs. Make the first round a best-of-three series. If you’re a #1 seed and you can’t beat your first round opponent (an 8 seed) on consecutive occasions, then you probably don’t deserve to be in the playoffs in the first place. For the second round, a best-of-five series. Hopefully the competition from the first round, will have made for a more intriguing playoff run. Finally, for the Conference Finals, and Stanley Cup Finals, keep those at the current and classic best-of-seven format.

In closing, these are just some of the ideas I have for my “Dream NHL.” Call me the “Anti-Bettman” if you will, haha. Man, I loved the Vancouver fans booing him so loudly that no one could hear him. (By the way, if you click that link, chances are, NBC Universal will have probably taken the video down, but it’s worth seeing haha.)

I’m curious as to what your thoughts are on any or all of the above. I know its long-winded, but I’ve never been known to be otherwise. I’m sure I’ll have some disagreements, but that’s what this is all up for: Debate. I’m open to logical suggestions and ideas.

Just don’t “pull a Bettman” and say, “Yeah, we could use hockey in Cancun.”

Top 25 Cars I Wish To Own at Some Point (or have already)

 # 1)

Everyone knows I love my Prelude. My good buddy/mechanic knows it. My boss knows it. My girlfriend knows it. My ex knows it. My son knows it. Strangers on the street know it. (I’m assuming) and most of all… my car knows it.

I treat all of my cars (this being the 3rd Rhyno) like they are my own children. Why? Because I love cars, that’s why. Simple as that. I should remind viewers that I do love my son, Dominik, obviously as well. I love him so much more than my cars, but the cars understand that, lol. And they’re okay with that, haha.

Quite honestly, I think a lot of people take advantage of their cars and then don’t take the time and energy and investment needed to treat their vehicles with respect. To me, cars are much more than just a vehicle to get you from Point A to B. We rely on them so heavily, at odd times and frequent times in great and harsh weather conditions. To the point that, as a general population, I think its only natural that we forget about how to properly treat them. Not saying I agree with that, though. In fact, it saddens me to see or hear, or in some cases, smell a car that is dying. You know what those cars are. It’s a shame because while that car is probably destined for the junk lot soon, it probably didn’t have to be. I believe that with proper maintenance and care and attention, that a grand majority of cars can last a lot longer than the approximate “trade in shelf life” that “experts” like to calculate.

Okay, now that the rant is over, now onto the topic at hand. And that is my Top 25 vehicles that I wish to own some day. Some of them on the list, I’m pretty dead-to-rights certain that I will never own unless I change careers, lol. But nevertheless, the grand majority of them are cars that are capable of me owning them, or in a couple of cases, have already owned them.

That being said… the 1st car on this list, that I always wanted to own, and presently do, is my 1997 Honda Prelude. I’m not gonna rank these cars in any particular order, because it varies as to when I’ll want to own them, and, in some cases… if I’m able to, someday. Some of the cars are dream cars that are not very likely to ever be found in my possession. However, they are aspirations and hopes of mine to achieve in the future. After all, I am ambitious. 😉

You’ll come to find that of the next 25 cars mentioned… At least 15 of them will be Japanese, and at least 5 of them German. What can I say? I love my “Axis Powers” of cars, lol. With the exception of Italy, haha. I have loved their women, but like a Fiat, they are nothing but trouble. So you won’t ever see any Alfa Romeo’s or Lancia’s in my garage. Not to mention you won’t see any Lambo’s or Ferrari’s either. Don’t exactly have quarter of a million just lying around for me to blow on those sets of wheels. Although it would be nice.

So yeah… as this list grows in the coming weeks… be prepared for an onslaught of Japanese and German automotive history, with a few surprises mixed in, too.

Thank you, Coach Izzo.

I needn’t say anything more, outside of that. Thank you Coach, for alleviating the fears and concerns of this lifelong Michigan State fan as well as all the other ones from across the country. You are still truly a class act, and I look forward to you being a “lifer” in SpartanLand. As you could tell from all the support you got from your former players and staff… “Tom Izzo Is Michigan State.”

Give Jim Joyce A Break…

Seriously, I am sick and tired of seeing the threats (both direct and indirect) thrown towards veteran baseball umpire Jim Joyce. I’m not going to get into details, but having heard the post-game interview he gave, and having watched the reactions from all sides… I sympathize greatly with Jim, yet not-so-much for Armando, although he has handled this with class, which came as a surprise to me.

Yeah, you know, I agree that it sucks for the pitcher, but you know what… there are a lot more important things in life than a feat that’s been done before, and will be done again. And frankly… who really gives that much shit about baseball, anyway? Perfect games have happened before, and they will happen again. Assuming that Armando got his game of perfection, frankly, his name would have been lost in the “forgotten shuffle” in 5-10 years time, anyway, due to the feat being repeated. The game isn’t what it used to be, there’s no denying that, and that’s why I’m not a fan of it anymore. My main reasons for being so angry about the mistreatment Joyce has been getting pertains to the following:

1) You have an, at-best, mediocre and unheard-of-before-this-nonsense pitcher, who makes $435,000 per year with Detroit. $435K. I’m sorry, but all sports salaries for the four big sports are greatly over-inflated. Does a pitcher of Armando’s quality, really deserve to earn more than 22 times the amount of my salary?

2) Armando got a new ‘Vette out of this whole deal. Not that I like the new Corvette’s or anything, it’s just… he’s not really suffering, now is he?

3) Don’t get me wrong, I’m actually not pissed at Armando. He’s been a class-act in his reaction towards this whole mess. From what I’ve read and heard, he hasn’t bashed Jim, so in that respect… I’m not pissed at Armando.

4) I’m pissed at the people who say that Jim should be fired, fined, and in several extreme cases and social networking groups I’ve found, harmed or killed. For fucks sake, the man made a mistake. He owned up to it quite quickly, and he is human. The man’s a family man, so I can’t imagine the possible horror he and his family might be facing from threats from all this other bullshit. Frankly, due to his emotion displayed the following game, I’m concerned that he’s taking this a lot harder than he should be.

I’m on your side, here, Jim. We all make mistakes.

Oh The Times, They Are A Changin’

Old post, but I’m importing it from Facebook and moving it to here.

Oh The Times, They Are A Changin’

Time to rewind the clock… 10 years.

Saturday, October 23rd, 1999…

Sitting in a basement at a friends house, at the tender age of 15, I found myself amongst a set of peers who I no longer keep in contact with, but nevertheless, never can forget them because they were an integral part of my life.

Sure, we sat there and contemplated what to do with our time as the TV was on and we all chilled, but it wasn’t until a couple of us spoke up and came up with an idea of what to do.

It started off as a joke. Then as the thought melted into our heads some more, some of us realized… “why the hell not?”

The idea was forming our own wrestling federation. It sounded stupid, at first, because none of us were interested in being like the “up-and-coming” backyard wrestling groups that were being formed all over the country do to wrestling’s popularity surge. But the problem with that, was that we realized… in order to get what we wanted, we had to cater to the stereotype… temporarily.

So, that afternoon and evening… in the basement of Roberts Manor… The Connecticut Hardcore Federation was born, or declared. There were 6 of us in the room at the time that we all agreed to it… and by the end of it all, we had our federation of over 50 participants from all over the state. Guys and girls alike. Some of the greatest athletes and most fearless people I’ve ever known.

I was there from the very beginning, but NOT all the way to the dismal and sad end in December 2008. I left (several times, lol, as some friends can attest to) for the last time back in the summer of 2005. I had done all I wanted to. Achieved all I could have achieved. And frankly… I just got too old for it. I had grown up. Wrestling, for me, was that stepping stone I needed. That drug that I craved. That alcohol I ingested. Whereas I could have smoked weed with Darren, or shotgunned with Tim and Steve, or slutted myself out like Angela, I didn’t. My drug was wrestling, and for a time, it was very important to me. Now, at 25, I have more important and much more worthwhile priorities. But nevertheless… strange as it may sound… without wrestling, I wouldn’t have the confidence and pride that I have in myself, now.

It took a lot out of me, but it took equally as much out of a lot of us. However, it also gave us the forum and the venue to do what we wanted to do. To entertain, even if the audience was only 10 people. (And in the early days, it was, lol.) But nevertheless… we all had the priviledge to perform. To vent our frustrations. To settle our “beefs” with one another.

So here… ten years later… I know that I, and nearly 50 others are remembering what today means. Even the three who aren’t with us anymore, I know they remember.

Thank you CHF for giving me, and the rest of us… the spotlighted venue that we needed. For those Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday nights in which you housed us and our wish to perform or unleash ourselves. For those surprise moments, and yes, even for those predictable moments. For the broken bones, the concussions, the blood, the tears, the laughs, the surprises, the ambushes, the Everything.

So many memories… so many years… so many feuds… so many… you name it.

Thanks for the memories, CHF. I wouldn’t be where I am today without you and the rest of the “family” that helped create it… uphold it… and make it into what it became. As Paul Heyman once said about the federation that inspired us in the first place (ECW), “it was anti-establishment, it was counter-culture, and it was up in your face!” That’s what we aspired to be… and I do believe… we reached that.