There's lots to catch up on so I'm just going to dig in...
First, if you're not following me on twitter...you should be! You can
check it out here.
Second, the NCAA Frozen Four is NEXT weekend in Washington, DC and will be televised. The semi-finals are Thursday night at 5pm ET (Bemidji State and Miami) and 8:30pm ET (BU and Vermont). Both are on ESPN2 and both are available in HD. Friday night, you can tune into the awards show for the Hobey Baker on ESPNU at 7pm ET with the Championship Game being shown on ESPN at 7pm on Saturday available in HD. I will have my preview of the Frozen Four and some thoughts on the Hobey Hat Trick (final three players in contention), which will be announced tomorrow. As an aside to that - this has the potential to be the most unorthodox Hat Trick that I've seen in awhile, but more on that tomorrow!
Third, Columbus loves their hockey. The economy is such that many can't afford to attend, but those that do are loud and proud. There were many empty seats at last night's game (part of which can be blamed on the day of the week), but if you closed your eyes, you'd never know the place wasn't packed and for a team that has never made the playoffs, they sure like to talk smack!! Every now and then the video board would highlight ways to know if you're a Nashville fan (think Jeff Foxworthy). Now, I'm not sure if this was a Nashville specific thing or if they make fun of all the other teams, but I found it rather amusing. I also like that BlueJackets fans are developing their own traditions - shouting "LEO!" (the anthem singer's name) before he starts to sing - the firing of the cannon (which is way cool but literally scared the heck out of me even though I knew it was coming and was warned that it would scare me). The folks in Columbus are doing what they can to make attending hockey games more affordable and run various promotions including some for the 60,000 in attendance at nearby Ohio State. What's even better is they reserve 250 tickets that are distributed on first come, first serve basis at a severely reduced rate for every game and will continue through the playoffs. Good things are happening in Columbus and I can only imagine what a strong playoff run could do for the franchise and bars and restaurants in the Arena District.
Fourth, there have been some NCAA signings. Here's the list of who's made the jump so far:
Richard Bachman, sophomore goalie from Colorado College and national Rookie of the Year in 2008 signed with the Dallas Stars who drafted him in the 4th round in 2006.
Brian Connolly, a junior defenseman from Colorado College signed with Chicago and was immediately assigned to the Rockford Icehogs - their AHL affiliate.
Eric Walsky, a senior forward from Colorado College signed with Vancouver as a free agent
Nick Petercki, a sophomore defenseman from Boston College signed with San Jose who selected him in the first round (28th overall) in 2007.
Andrew Kozak, a senior forward from North Dakota signed an amateur tryout contract with the Chicago Wolves - AHL affiliate of Atlanta who drafted him in the second round (53rd overall) in 2005.
Ryan Stoa, a senior forward from Minnesota signed with Colorado who drafted him 34th overall in the second round in 2005 (Colorado is expected to make a few more signings in the not too distant future as they have four draft picks in the Frozen Four including two seniors...more on this later!)
Mark Mitera, a senior defenseman from Michigan signed with Anaheim who drafted him 19th overall in 2006 and will report directly to the Iowa Chops - their AHL affiliate.
MacGregor Sharp, a center from Minnesota-Duluth signed a two-year deal as a free agent with Anaheim and has been assigned to Iowa.
Christian Hanson, a senior from Notre Dame signed as a free agent with Toronto.
Jamie McBain, a junior defenseman from Wisconsin signed with Carolina, who drafted him in the second round in 2006, and has been assigned to Albany - their AHL affiliate.
James vanRiemsdyk, a sophomore forward from New Hampshire signed with Philadelphia who selected him 2nd overall in 2007.
I think that's it....I'm sure if I've forgotten anyone, you'll be sure to tell me ;)
If you have questions about any of these players, just let me know and I'll do my best to answer them!
Talk soon!
Julie
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Below are links to various interview clips from podcasts and soon I'll be adding some actual videos - be sure to check the Shows link for more...
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