SSHHH! I agree it was useless too, a sham, but you get crucified when you say it!

- rpeters01

A good crucifixion on Halloween how appropriate

Long article in the Athletic about Kurashev playing in his home country of Switzerland while being loaned out. Here's an excerpt.

Kurashev’s goal is to utilize his time in Switzerland to further develop his game and be more than ready whenever the Blackhawks open training camp. Kurashev is coming off a promising first pro season. If he hadn’t missed nearly two months because of a concussion, he was likely playing toward his first NHL call-up.

IceHogs coach Derek King didn’t hold back in his praise of Kurashev after the season.

“The one kid, it’s too bad he got hurt, I think you maybe would have seen him earlier or you would have seen him higher in our points is Philipp Kurashev,” King said in May. “Kurashev, I believe, is going to be an NHL hockey player. Whether it’s one or two seasons from now, that’s going to be up to him. I really liked the way he performed.”

Kurashev practiced with the Blackhawks in the return-to-play training camp and joined the team in the bubble in Edmonton for the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Kurashev didn’t get in any games, but he thought the experience was valuable.

“I think for me it was actually really good, to get to practice and be around all those guys who won the Cup before and see how they handled the playoffs, how they are like in practice and the meals and everything,” Kurashev said. “I think I learned a lot and I think it can help me a lot for the future.”

Kurashev has been pleased with his own development the last few seasons from the QMJHL to the AHL. He’s seen himself get stronger and faster. He believes he’s capable of more, though.

“I think for me, for sure, is the consistency,” Kurashev said. “I think before I had a lot of like good games and then I was just kind of up and down a lot. So, I think for me the biggest thing is to be like always good. I don’t know how to say it, but, you know, be kind of reliable and be good in every game. For me, too, is the defensive part. I think if I can improve on that and I’m working on it here and hopefully I can get better in that.”

Domenichelli had no doubt Kurashev was going to be just fine playing in Switzerland.

“He is a good young player,” Domenichelli said. “He has good balance on his skates. His edges are good. He plays well in tight places. It is going to take some time for him (in Switzerland). I think the difference between the big ice and Switzerland compared to the NHL on the small rink is this time and space and small area. Yeah, everybody knows Philipp’s talent and what he’s going to have the opportunity to do here in this league is have a big role and play against other players that are some are former NHL players. And in his play all over the rink, I think will improve, and hopefully, it’s a win-win for everybody.

"I don’t think it’s going to be a problem for him to adjust to the Swiss league. He’s already played in World Championships with the Swiss national team. I think he’s going to do real well in our league. The big question, I think, is and nobody can answer this is his time in Switzerland going to help him become a Chicago Blackhawk sooner rather than later?”

Kurashev doesn’t know the answer to that either. He just knows he’ll be ready whenever the Blackhawks come calling.

“I try not to think about it,” Kurashev said of the uncertainty of when the next NHL is going to start. So, I think it’s just for me, just try to take it a day at a time, don’t look too much in front and just try to make the most from this opportunity that Lugano is giving me.”

Not the biggest Bond fan, but I always was very entertained by Sean Connery. If bored and looking for a movie to watch try Finding Forrester.
- 6628

I Second that. I stumbled across Finding Forrester about a year ago and was surprised to find such a good well acted movie I hadn’t even heard about.

I Second that. I stumbled across Finding Forrester about a year ago and was surprised to find such a good well acted movie I hadn’t even heard about.
- paulr

Kinda boring(depending on your taste) but still a solid movie. Definitely very well acted.

I Second that. I stumbled across Finding Forrester about a year ago and was surprised to find such a good well acted movie I hadn’t even heard about.
- paulr

Sounds about right.

The Rock has to be my favorite Sean Connery movie. I totally realize how flawed it is. But it’s still super fun to watch. Lots of goofy ass/corny lines from Cage and Connery. A script that’s easy to laugh at and ends up being much funnier than it ever intended to be. Classic bad guy Ed Harris. Ridiculous action sequences. Gotta love it.

When I first started as a very young hockey player, I was just given "a jersey" as most are. I think my first number was #2, even though I wasn't a defenseman. After that I was given a #12 as a peewee and that number stayed with me for a few seasons through my bantam years. When I got to high school, I was again just "given a number" and I got #89...Alex Mogilny fans anyone?

During my high school years though I was always a really big Eric Daze fan as I was tall like him and had a really hard shot playing left wing so I always wanted (wished to have #55. Later, I became a huge JP Dumont fan in my late teen years and was so pissed when the Hawks traded him, so I started wearing #17 (he also wore #12).

Once I started captaining my men's league team comprised of all Downers Grove North alumni, I stuck with #17 and still wear it to this day. Hard to believe it's been 20 years running the team now.

All I know is Stanbo can’t have any of those complete whiff drafts going forward...not that he has. Only true first round whiff was McNeil.

Makes you wonder if their was a different coach in RFD at the time would it have turned out differently.
- HawkintheD

Cade McNown
Mitch Trubisky
Tyrus Thomas
Marcus Pfizer
Kevin White
Adam Shaheen

I think Stan is safe.

Not the biggest Bond fan, but I always was very entertained by Sean Connery. If bored and looking for a movie to watch try Finding Forrester.
- 6628

A favorite of mine. There are quite a few Sean Connery movies I liked. The Hunt for Red October is another one. Sad to hear of his passing. He lived till 90 though - not bad.

The Rock has to be my favorite Sean Connery movie. I totally realize how flawed it is. But it’s still super fun to watch. Lots of goofy ass/corny lines from Cage and Connery. A script that’s easy to laugh at and ends up being much funnier than it ever intended to be. Classic bad guy Ed Harris. Ridiculous action sequences. Gotta love it.
- SimpleJack

From Russia with love. The hunt for red October and untouchables Indiana jones last crusade are my favorite movies by Connery.

When I first started as a very young hockey player, I was just given "a jersey" as most are. I think my first number was #2, even though I wasn't a defenseman. After that I was given a #12 as a peewee and that number stayed with me for a few seasons through my bantam years. When I got to high school, I was again just "given a number" and I got #89...Alex Mogilny fans anyone?

During my high school years though I was always a really big Eric Daze fan as I was tall like him and had a really hard shot playing left wing so I always wanted (wished to have #55. Later, I became a huge JP Dumont fan in my late teen years and was so pissed when the Hawks traded him, so I started wearing #17 (he also wore #12).

Once I started captaining my men's league team comprised of all Downers Grove North alumni, I stuck with #17 and still wear it to this day. Hard to believe it's been 20 years running the team now.
- Budi1782

Good stories, Budi. I had high hopes for Dumont, too.

That's pretty awesome you still have the same rec league team for 20 years strong.

Rec league is that much more fun when you have a team that stays intact season after season, at least a "core" group then fill in with free agents when people move on.

I've lived in two other cities other than my home in Chicago and many rec leagues in these cities like to mix up teams every season. Not a fan of that format.

Parish, McHale, Bird - not a bad front line. Three championships, two other finals losses to the Lakers....

They could do showtime, they could pound - great multi-year rivalry with Magic, Kareem, et.al.

Pro ball’s best era, IMO.
- StLBravesFan

As much as I hate the lakers, this years lakers might be even better with Lebron, Anthony Davis and Kuzma/Dwight Howard....whatever combo....back to hockey

The headlines should read James Bond passed away today at the age of 90.
- boilermaker100

Not sure about that....he’s had himself a pretty damn good career as an actor, some good roles other than James Bond

Not the biggest Bond fan, but I always was very entertained by Sean Connery. If bored and looking for a movie to watch try Finding Forrester.
- 6628

FF great choice

Long article in the Athletic about Kurashev playing in his home country of Switzerland while being loaned out. Here's an excerpt.

Kurashev’s goal is to utilize his time in Switzerland to further develop his game and be more than ready whenever the Blackhawks open training camp. Kurashev is coming off a promising first pro season. If he hadn’t missed nearly two months because of a concussion, he was likely playing toward his first NHL call-up.

IceHogs coach Derek King didn’t hold back in his praise of Kurashev after the season.

“The one kid, it’s too bad he got hurt, I think you maybe would have seen him earlier or you would have seen him higher in our points is Philipp Kurashev,” King said in May. “Kurashev, I believe, is going to be an NHL hockey player. Whether it’s one or two seasons from now, that’s going to be up to him. I really liked the way he performed.”

Kurashev practiced with the Blackhawks in the return-to-play training camp and joined the team in the bubble in Edmonton for the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Kurashev didn’t get in any games, but he thought the experience was valuable.

“I think for me it was actually really good, to get to practice and be around all those guys who won the Cup before and see how they handled the playoffs, how they are like in practice and the meals and everything,” Kurashev said. “I think I learned a lot and I think it can help me a lot for the future.”

Kurashev has been pleased with his own development the last few seasons from the QMJHL to the AHL. He’s seen himself get stronger and faster. He believes he’s capable of more, though.

“I think for me, for sure, is the consistency,” Kurashev said. “I think before I had a lot of like good games and then I was just kind of up and down a lot. So, I think for me the biggest thing is to be like always good. I don’t know how to say it, but, you know, be kind of reliable and be good in every game. For me, too, is the defensive part. I think if I can improve on that and I’m working on it here and hopefully I can get better in that.”

Domenichelli had no doubt Kurashev was going to be just fine playing in Switzerland.

“He is a good young player,” Domenichelli said. “He has good balance on his skates. His edges are good. He plays well in tight places. It is going to take some time for him (in Switzerland). I think the difference between the big ice and Switzerland compared to the NHL on the small rink is this time and space and small area. Yeah, everybody knows Philipp’s talent and what he’s going to have the opportunity to do here in this league is have a big role and play against other players that are some are former NHL players. And in his play all over the rink, I think will improve, and hopefully, it’s a win-win for everybody.

"I don’t think it’s going to be a problem for him to adjust to the Swiss league. He’s already played in World Championships with the Swiss national team. I think he’s going to do real well in our league. The big question, I think, is and nobody can answer this is his time in Switzerland going to help him become a Chicago Blackhawk sooner rather than later?”

Kurashev doesn’t know the answer to that either. He just knows he’ll be ready whenever the Blackhawks come calling.

“I try not to think about it,” Kurashev said of the uncertainty of when the next NHL is going to start. So, I think it’s just for me, just try to take it a day at a time, don’t look too much in front and just try to make the most from this opportunity that Lugano is giving me.”
- boilermaker100

I will say it again: very few players afraid of the rough going last long in the NHl.
Unless the Swiss league has a numerous trio of Hansen brothers playing for each team, I dont see how this improves what I think is the weakest part of this kid. He is a chicken poop.

I always tried for 28 as a kid due to Steve Larmer. When I moved to defense, I briefly wore 4 because I used to watch home games with my dad at the same tavern as Moose Vasko and he was good to me. Later I usually took 8 if 28 was not available; a perk of being captain in college was picking my number - ensuring 28.

Cade McNown
Mitch Trubisky
Tyrus Thomas
Marcus Pfizer
Kevin White
Adam Shaheen

I think Stan is safe.
- rpeters01

You could have just kept it to Bears first rounders

Shea McClellin
Gabe Carimi
Rex Grossman
Michael Haynes
Marc Colombo
David Terrell
Curtis Enis
Rashaan Salaam
John Thierry
Alonzo Spellman
Stan Thomas

From Russia with love. The hunt for red October and untouchables Indiana jones last crusade are my favorite movies by Connery.
- Scott1977

He was great in that. Other than the first movie, that was the only one of the series that was worth a watch.

Interesting 3 part series in the Herald from yesterday with Barry Rozner interviewing Jeremy Colliton. Here's an excerpt...

"It was a good test for us and a great opportunity for our guys to see what the level is like against a team like Vegas. For some guys, it was too much. A couple of our young players, they didn't have the playoff they wanted.

"On the outside maybe you view that as a negative thing. I don't see it like that at all. It's a learning experience for them. When they go to their (off-season) training and get prepared for next season, it's like, 'OK, this is the level.'

"We have all season to work at reaching that level. We want to have a better regular season and have a chance again to test ourselves in the playoffs. All those experiences are good for our young players, whether they succeed right away or not."

The Mitchell Miller situation is a tough one or me. While I find his actions abhorrent, I also don't think that an act of bullying in middle school shoul ruin your life (FTR, I was in the receiving end of bullying before I hit a growth spurt in 10th grade). He was open about what happened before the draft according to the Athletic:
Before the draft, Miller wrote a letter of apology to all 31 NHL organizations in which he expressed “extreme regret” for what happened. He assured teams that he had changed. He provided character references from different hockey coaches along with his USHL billet family. And he detailed how he attended counseling, cultural diversity classes and also volunteered with physically disabled youth.

Noreen said Miller was “honest about what happened” from the moment he was traded, saying Miller knew “he had two strikes against him” and that he was seeking a chance for a fresh start. Noreen, who said repeatedly he does not condone what Miller did, wanted to help someone who was trying to show he was a different person.

Now it seems to come down to a he said, she said about his apology. I believe he claims he apologized, while the mother of the kid he bullied says that he didn't. Miller is in a tough spot right now because anything he does at this point will just seem insincere. I just hope that IF he did have a change of heart, he can move forward with his ultimate goal of playing in the NHL. If he didn't have a change of heart, he can go pound sand.

The Mitchell Miller situation is a tough one or me. While I find his actions abhorrent, I also don't think that an act of bullying in middle school shoul ruin your life (FTR, I was in the receiving end of bullying before I hit a growth spurt in 10th grade). He was open about what happened before the draft according to the Athletic:
Before the draft, Miller wrote a letter of apology to all 31 NHL organizations in which he expressed “extreme regret” for what happened. He assured teams that he had changed. He provided character references from different hockey coaches along with his USHL billet family. And he detailed how he attended counseling, cultural diversity classes and also volunteered with physically disabled youth.

Noreen said Miller was “honest about what happened” from the moment he was traded, saying Miller knew “he had two strikes against him” and that he was seeking a chance for a fresh start. Noreen, who said repeatedly he does not condone what Miller did, wanted to help someone who was trying to show he was a different person.

Now it seems to come down to a he said, she said about his apology. I believe he claims he apologized, while the mother of the kid he bullied says that he didn't. Miller is in a tough spot right now because anything he does at this point will just seem insincere. I just hope that IF he did have a change of heart, he can move forward with his ultimate goal of playing in the NHL. If he didn't have a change of heart, he can go pound sand.
- tvetter

It apparently wasn’t “an act” - it was a continuous series of acts over a period of time - several years of taunts and racial slurs - for which he never directly apologized to the family or the young man subjected to his abuse, other than in a court ordered statement.

Yes - the lack of a direct apology comes from the mother of Isiah Meyer-Carothers. Should we believe her over the recent letters from Mitchell, who had a stake in showing NHL teams that he was remorseful? Your choice.

The Mitchell Miller situation is a tough one or me. While I find his actions abhorrent, I also don't think that an act of bullying in middle school shoul ruin your life (FTR, I was in the receiving end of bullying before I hit a growth spurt in 10th grade). He was open about what happened before the draft according to the Athletic:
Before the draft, Miller wrote a letter of apology to all 31 NHL organizations in which he expressed “extreme regret” for what happened. He assured teams that he had changed. He provided character references from different hockey coaches along with his USHL billet family. And he detailed how he attended counseling, cultural diversity classes and also volunteered with physically disabled youth.

Noreen said Miller was “honest about what happened” from the moment he was traded, saying Miller knew “he had two strikes against him” and that he was seeking a chance for a fresh start. Noreen, who said repeatedly he does not condone what Miller did, wanted to help someone who was trying to show he was a different person.

Now it seems to come down to a he said, she said about his apology. I believe he claims he apologized, while the mother of the kid he bullied says that he didn't. Miller is in a tough spot right now because anything he does at this point will just seem insincere. I just hope that IF he did have a change of heart, he can move forward with his ultimate goal of playing in the NHL. If he didn't have a change of heart, he can go pound sand.
- tvetter

Maybe it's like the ginsu knives commercial, but wait there's more and the team isn't saying what it is but worried it will come out eventually. Or just don't want to deal with, if there's more.

Sounds like North Dakota kicked him to the curb as well.

It apparently wasn’t “an act” - it was a continuous series of acts over a period of time - several years of taunts and racial slurs - for which he never directly apologized to the family or the young man subjected to his abuse, other than in a court ordered statement.

Yes - the lack of a direct apology comes from the mother of Isiah Meyer-Carothers. Should we believe her over the recent letters from Mitchell, who had a stake in showing NHL teams that he was remorseful? Your choice.
- StLBravesFan

I understand how bullying works, I was on the receiving end for about 4 years. Then I shot up to 6'4", and wasn't bullied anymore. I also understand that 14 year olds do some really stupid poop, and I don't think their lives should be ruined because of it. Lastly, I would like to reiterate my final sentence, if he didn't have a change of heart, then he can go pound sand

I understand how bullying works, I was on the receiving end for about 4 years. Then I shot up to 6'4", and wasn't bullied anymore. I also understand that 14 year olds do some really stupid poop, and I don't think their lives should be ruined because of it. Lastly, I would like to reiterate my final sentence, if he didn't have a change of heart, then he can go pound sand
- tvetter

I can appreciate your POV, however, I think for me where I was less inclined to extend Miller a 2nd chance, was when I learned the person he was targeting was developmentally disabled.

Obviously, bullying is bad on it’s own and we’ve probably all done something we’d like a do over on from high school; but I think you’ve got to be pretty (frank)ed in the head to target a kid with these issues.

From things I’ve read, his time spent with a therapist seemed to indicate there was no learning, growth or remorse on the part of Miller.

It also seemed like the things he did were done merely for damage control to protect his opportunity to get a shot at playing college/pro.

Idk, ordinarily I would probably agree that decisions made as a HS’er shouldn’t effect your future to make a living; but in the case of Miller I disagree.

I can appreciate your POV, however, I think for me where I was less inclined to extend Miller a 2nd chance, was when I learned the person he was targeting was developmentally disabled.

Obviously, bullying is bad on it’s own and we’ve probably all done something we’d like a do over on from high school; but I think you’ve got to be pretty (frank)ed in the head to target a kid with these issues.

From things I’ve read, his time spent with a therapist seemed to indicate there was no learning, growth or remorse on the part of Miller.

It also seemed like the things he did were done merely for damage control to protect his opportunity to get a shot at playing college/pro.

Idk, ordinarily I would probably agree that decisions made as a HS’er shouldn’t effect your future to make a living; but in the case of Miller I disagree.
- HawkintheD

My issue is that this wasn’t only the candy issue issue - that’s the one he got caught for - this was bullying and racial taunts that had continued for a period of time leading up to the candy incident (and even after).