The reports from Florida indicate that the kids are alright. Last night’s rookie game between the baby Preds and the baby Cats. These Predator babies had bite as they stormed Florida 5-0. Goal Scorers were Ryan Ellis, Blake Geoffrion, Michael Latta and two from Taylor Beck .

Controversy in the game as Pred rookie Linus Klasen was knocked out an a rather nasty headshot from Chris Clackson… video on You Tube makes the hit look really bad…

The two teams play again today at 11am Central Time.

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I always find it fascinating when the mainstream media take on bloggers. Bruce Dowbiggin, ironically in the Toronto Globe and Mail’s “Usual Suspects” blog, takes bloggers to task with some rather tired clichés on who and what they are.

He makes some solid points about some who publish wildly crazy stuff as supposed “news,” however, as long as a blog promotes itself honestly, for example, the main blog on the site you are reading right now. Ek takes a boatload of crap for supposedly lying or making things up when he is very clear about who and what he is. Rumors are just that... The fact that a lot of folks don’t accept that is their problem.

Dowbiggin also makes a kind of Swiftian modest proposal about bloggers being “bonded” to the tune of $10,000 in order to secure credentials and, as he puts it,

obliging bloggers to face their subjects from time to time. Taking shots at public figures from the grassy knoll and then sneaking away promotes a Dutch courage among many bloggers. It’s a point of honour for most MSM to show up after a tough column and let the subject have his say in person. Having to look Roberto Luongo or Dion Phaneuf in the eye after a critical column about them might produce some sober second thought amongst the bloggos.

Ummmm… OK.

I like Bruce's work, heck, we're efforting to get him on slapShot Radio this year, but I wouldn’t expect a member of the Canadian media to get it... Those of us in the lower 48 don’t get the extensive coverage of our favorite sport that is provided in Toronto. That lack of coverage is the reason us little “gypsy cabs” exist. I appreciate Bruce’s point as I appreciate his comment about “the failures of some bloggers need not condemn the entire process,” but blogs are here until the next upgrade or iteration of it appears...

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Random Notes

- Kinda funny that the Florida media is making a big deal of Blake Geoffrion being a Plantation native, hey guys… he’s ours! :-)

- Veterans report to camp tomorrow, first on ice session is Saturday, first scrimmage is Sunday.

- 23 days till Opening Night.

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You are invited to follow me on Twitter. Search for PredPAPaul… Not only will I be updating when I get news or updates… I’ll also be updating with starting lineups and scratches during Pred home games, also I’ll be supplying information and explanations from the PA box.

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COMING UP ON THE NEXT SLAPSHOT RADIO…

SlapShot Radio is on hiatus until our NHL Preview show on October 6th… however, pre-season advertising specials are available. Join our returning advertisers who already know, advertising on SlapShot Radio is a cost-effective way to reach out to hockey fans all over North America. Send me an email at [email protected] and I’ll get you information on joining the SlapShot Radio family.

The show has also put together a road trip for Pred Nation… watch out Carolina, we’re headed your way this year. We’ve set up a bus trip to go see the Preds and Canes tangle on November 20th. We got the bus, the tickets and hotels available… check it out at SlapShot Radio’s Facebook page. We’ve already filled one bus and are efforting another… stay tuned.

For the most updated guest information go to the SlapShot Radio website.

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