Guys Giving Back... parting words

 It makes my heart melt. (and yes, I do in fact have a heart…)

So, November is now known as #Movember. Yes, you need the hashtag for it to be legit.  #Movember is for men’s health awareness, and in particular, prostate cancer.  And what says ‘men’s health’ more than a wickedly awesome mustache? Exactly, nothing else.  Prostate cancer, according to the American Cancer Society, is estimated to take the lives of approximately 33,000 men in 2011, and that approximately 240,000 new cases will be diagnosed.  Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in men, right behind lung cancer. As a soon-to-be oncology nurse, I’m always thrilled to read how athletes give back, especially when it comes to cancer and cancer research.  I’m sure many of us are following at least one NHL’er or athlete on Twitter who is growing one for men’s health. If you can, throw a dollar their way, make a small difference.  Check out http://us.movember.com/ and search for them. It’s easy really.  This prompted me to see who else is giving back, but not just in the month of #Movember.

And on the last day of #movember, I give unto thee…

The best and the worst #movember ‘staches. So, grab your cup o’coffee, sit back, and gawk at the photos.

Brent Burns: MN Wild.
Oddly enough, this could double as a mugshot.
It also creeps me out. His eyes follow you.......

Kyle Chipchura: ANA Ducks
All I can focus on is the oddly uneven eyebrows.

Kyle Clutterbuck: MN Wild
You could at least smile.
It might make it better....

Jamie McBain: CAR Hurricanes
Ok, I take it back...
smiling does not make it better... 

Dany Heatley: MN Wild
This... is week #3's photo.
Yes, continue laughing.
I still am.

Eric Nystrom: DAL Stars
Dude's got a badass handlebar thingamajig.

Johnny Oduya:WPG Jets
Volume. Luster. Sheen. It's got it all. And then some.

George Parros:ANA Ducks
Parros = Mustache
It's a proven fact.

Mark Stuart: WPG Jets
He grew this in 4 hours.
No joke.

Nate Thompson: TB Lightning
It rivals SidCro's stache.
It should also meet the same demise as SidCro's stache...

In all seriousness... give these guys props for looking somewhat ridiculously creepy for a good cause.  Let the series of razor burns begin tomorrow at midnight!  I hope no one goes on the IR with 'upper body' injuries from shaving off their staches!

Wintry AND Classic

Today was the unveiling of the Rangers' Winter Classic jerseys.

While I'm not completely sold on the design, I do love the colour combinations. I also am not sold on the solid cream colour, I think I'd like it better in the navy.  I love the knit caps too.  They're so... wintry.  I want one with a big pom-pom on the top though...

Here they are, in case you missed the gazillion posts about the jerseys.

Now, I'm kind of excited for the Winter Classic.  I'll be watching from the comfort of my couch.

Guys Giving Back: Worldwide Love

It makes my heart melt. (and yes, I do in fact have a heart…)

So, November is now known as #Movember. Yes, you need the hashtag for it to be legit.  #Movember is for men’s health awareness, and in particular, prostate cancer.  And what says ‘men’s health’ more than a wickedly awesome mustache? Exactly, nothing else.  Prostate cancer, according to the American Cancer Society, is estimated to take the lives of approximately 33,000 men in 2011, and that approximately 240,000 new cases will be diagnosed.  Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in men, right behind lung cancer. As a soon-to-be oncology nurse, I’m always thrilled to read how athletes give back, especially when it comes to cancer and cancer research.  I’m sure many of us are following at least one NHL’er or athlete on Twitter who is growing one for men’s health. If you can, throw a dollar their way, make a small difference.  Check out http://us.movember.com/ and search for them. It’s easy really.  This prompted me to see who else is giving back, but not just in the month of #Movember.

As #movember comes to an end, I wanted to do the last GGB on a special organization that began this season.  Love 4 Lokomotiv.

Over the off season, the hockey world lost 3 great players in Derek Boogaard, Rick Rypien and Wade Belak. On September 7, 2011, the hockey world was handed another tragic loss. The loss of the KHL club Lokomotiv Yaroslavl.  The loss of 44 players, coaches, and crew members was enormous. The list of the deceased is filled with ex-NHL players and coaches. Demitra, Karpovtsev, Korolev, McCrimmon, Marek, Rachunek, Salei…  those were just some of the players who perished in the crash.

Twitter was flooded with news, condolences, tears, shock, and disbelief from players and NHL fans.  As time went on and deaths were confirmed, people began to think about the families of these young players.  Many had wives, children, parents, siblings. There was much support shown in the social media, and thus Love 4 Lokomotiv was born.  Hockey wives and girlfriends across the country, and the world, are helping to raise money for the loved ones of those who perished on September 7^th.  100% of the proceeds of the bracelets go towards helping these families. 

You’ll see them selling them at AHL, NHL, KHL games and online. Go online and donate.  Wear your bracelet proudly. It’s a fantastic way to help those who have lost so much.

Take Notes NYR

This is a tribute.


RIP Boogaard

Thanksgiving is for Giving Thanks, Family, Turkey and Shotty Internet Connections

I did not intend to miss all 3 NY Rangers games this week, really, I swear. It just happened to work that way.  The Hubs and I spent the day of Turkey with my parents in North Carolina.  Knowing that I could potentially miss 3 games pained me. It was like a kidney shot to, well, the kidney. So I attempted to find a way to watch the games… Here is my story that I have lived to tell.

It all started Wednesday morning. We left the ATL at 10am, hoping that the 8 hour drive would go smoothly. The Hubs endured me singing Christina Perri and Paramore, loudly. Once we hit Raleigh, we got stuck in ‘traffic’ (I use that word loosely, as nothing compares to rush hour traffic in Manhattan or ATL), and the trip turned into a 10 hour drive. After realizing that people in Raleigh can’t merge and we bypassed the merge point that held us up for almost 2 hours, we finally rolled into my parent’s town on fumes. Literally, on fumes. The car had been on E and The Hubs loves to drive me nuts by pushing the limits on my poor car. We fueled up and got to my parents house.

I figured once we got to my parents house, I could sneak on my computer and watch the game online or on my phone. After a round of hellos and the like, we settled into the living room where I pulled out ye ol’ laptop and searched for their wireless router.  I asked my dad what it was, and he informed me that they no longer had a wireless router.  The look on my face was priceless.  So I found a wireless signal, that only lasted for seconds at a time thus rendering my attempt to watch the game online useless.

So I attempted to pull up the game on my GameCenter app on my iPhone. Yeah, no luck either. The game was not being streamed on my GameCenter app. Thank goodness it’s a free app. So I stuck with the updates on Twitter.  I didn't read one carefully and almost started fueling rumours that EC was sent to The Whale. Twit Faux Pas Numero Uno!

The thought of ordering CenterIce for my parents for 3 days did cross my mind. But I don’t think The Hubs would appreciate 2 CenterIce subscriptions.  I attempted to finagle my Comcast account to be able to set the DVR to record the games, but since I had no internet connection, that plan was thwarted as well. My parents really need to get a wireless router for the one time a year that we go to NC.

The ride home on Saturday went more smoothly than the ride down to NC. But we got home just as the game was ending. I have impeccable timing. Impeccable.

So I suffered through 4 long gameless days with shotty internet connections.  I made it through with updates on my twitter and GameCenter, turkey, pecan pie, and lots of coffee. Lots of coffee.

Guys Giving Back: The Turkey Day Edition. Complete With Pie.

It makes my heart melt. (and yes, I do in fact have a heart…)

So, November is now known as #Movember. Yes, you need the hashtag for it to be legit.  #Movember is for men’s health awareness, and in particular, prostate cancer.  And what says ‘men’s health’ more than a wickedly awesome mustache? Exactly, nothing else.  Prostate cancer, according to the American Cancer Society, is estimated to take the lives of approximately 33,000 men in 2011, and that approximately 240,000 new cases will be diagnosed.  Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in men, right behind lung cancer. As a soon-to-be oncology nurse, I’m always thrilled to read how athletes give back, especially when it comes to cancer and cancer research.  I’m sure many of us are following at least one NHL’er or athlete on Twitter who is growing one for men’s health. If you can, throw a dollar their way, make a small difference.  Check outhttp://us.movember.com/ and search for them. It’s easy really.  This prompted me to see who else is giving back, but not just in the month of #Movember.

So, being that today is Thanksgiving (gobble gobble) and everyone around me is sleeping off the turkey, I decided to write. I knew exactly which organization I was going to focus on from day one.  To me, this organization is a fantastic way of merging giving, hockey, and freedom.  This edition's focus in on DefendingTheBlueLine.  Now, I'm sure we've all seen their commercials on NHLNetwork and CenterIce, their banner/ads on NHL.com, etc. Now, while some of us have fast forwarded thru those commercials after seeing them for the second time and moved on, I decided to look into their organization.

Mission Statement: Defending the Blue Line is a 501 (c)(3) non profit organization created by soldiers with the spirit of keeping hockey alive for the children of our nations military heroes.

They provided free equipment, camps, special events and assist with the financials of various hockey fees to the children of our nation's military service men and women.  There are many players who endorse DTBL, many of whom we all know, but have not really seen them as the face of DBTL.  Here are some to name a few: Brent Burns, Zach Parise, George Parros, Derek Stepan, Sean Avery, Ryan Kesler....  One other player, who now has a  memorial page is Derek Boogaard.  He was super active in the DBTL effort.

So, how can you help, you ask? 

Donate.

Time. Money. Equipment. It's a good cause, bridging hockey and helping out those who sacrifice their lives everyday for us.

So, after you've changed into your elastic band stretch pants and snuggle down on the couch to sleep off the turkey you've ingested, take a moment to check out Defending the Blue Line show some love.

Oh BR... as much as I may like you...

This was painful to watch and write.

Abandon Ship!?

We’re sinking faster than the Titanic, folks…

Well, apparently to some people, the Rangers stopping a win streak at 7 games is a cause to throw on your life jackets and plummet into cold water.  Over dramatic? Maybe just a tad.

In the game of hockey, a team stands a 50-50 shot of losing or winning.  A game of chance perhaps? Possibly. But we can’t discount the fact that the Rangers have WON 7 games. In a row.  Sure, an 8^th would have been grand, but is it cause to throw up your arms and seek the comfort of another team? A winning team?  I'd like to think not.  All teams have their ups and downs. Winning streaks, losing streaks. Teams they play poorly against, ice they can’t seem to catch a win on.

It’s part of the excitement of the NHL, of being a loyal team fan.  You love them, you hate them, you want to hug them, or kick them in the shins.  I like to borrow some lyrics from Christina Perri. It sums up my being a Rangers’ fan.

If you could envision

The meaning of a tragedy

You might be surprised to hear it’s you and me

When it comes down to it

You never made the most of it

So I cry, cry, cried….

Yes, there are nights that I have cried tears of joy, and tears of utter pain.  I may have a permanent palm-mark on my forehead. I may have consoled myself in a large cup of coffee. I might have yelled obscenities at the TV... But it's part of the joy and the heartache of being a fan.  It wouldn't be all rainbows and kittens if your team won every game.  Well, maybe it would be all rainbows, but no kittens. But is there any emotion when a team consistently piles on win after win after win? Yeah, but losing makes those wins oh-so-much-sweeter.

The Rangers are only 17 games in. 17 out of 82. There’s no cause to panic quite yet.  So hold onto your life vests, take note of the emergency exits, which on the Titanic are easy to spot, anything over the rail, and enjoy the choppy waters. Just take ample amounts of dramamine.

photo courtesy of JenKrechelPhotography

Plus, Chris Porter of the St Louis Blues will guide us to safety in the event we do have to jump ship.

Guys Giving Back: Vinny Lecavalier

It makes my heart melt. (and yes, I do in fact have a heart…)

So, November is now known as #Movember. Yes, you need the hashtag for it to be legit.  #Movember is for men’s health awareness, and in particular, prostate cancer.  And what says ‘men’s health’ more than a wickedly awesome mustache? Exactly, nothing else.  Prostate cancer, according to the American Cancer Society, is estimated to take the lives of approximately 33,000 men in 2011, and that approximately 240,000 new cases will be diagnosed.  Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in men, right behind lung cancer. As a soon-to-be oncology nurse, I’m always thrilled to read how athletes give back, especially when it comes to cancer and cancer research.  I’m sure many of us are following at least one NHL’er or athlete on Twitter who is growing one for men’s health. If you can, throw a dollar their way, make a small difference.  Check out http://us.movember.com/ and search for them. It’s easy really.  This prompted me to see who else is giving back, but not just in the month of #Movember.

This time I hunted around a bit to find another player who gives back.  As soon as I came across his website for his foundation, I knew I had to choose him. I spent a good hour or so reading about his foundation, and all they do. Again, I’m impressed and astonished, just as I was with Liles and Richards.  These guys give their heart and their souls to their foundations, and it shows. 

This week’s Guys Giving Back guy is Vinny Lecavalier from the Tampa Bay Lightning, a name almost every hockey fan knows. Not only does Lecavalier excel on the ice, he also excels in the community.  

Founded in 2003, TheVincent Lecavalier Foundation focuses on the All Children’s Hospital and the families and children of the Tampa Bay Area.  His foundation’s mission statement is straight forward:

The Vinny Lecavalier Foundation works to build hope for children and families battling pediatric cancer and blood disorders and to fund medical research, programming and pediatric patient care through the new Vincent Lecavalier Pediatric Cancer and Blood Disorders Center at All Children’s Hospital in St. Petersburg, FL.

In 2007, he made a gracious donation to have constructed the Vincent Lecavalier Pediatric Cancer and Blood Disorders Center at the All Children’s Hospital.  This wing, which was completed around January 2010, boasts 28 rooms, all equipped with the technology, knowledgeable staff and touches of home that would be a welcome site to any family that has to endure the battle of cancer. If you browse his website, you’ll be amazed at what the Center has to offer. I looked at countless photos of him visiting the Center, and its amazing to see the smiles on these kids faces.  Working in healthcare, I know that sometimes one visit can mean the world to a patient.  It helps them forget for a moment all that is wrong, and relish the special moments. It’s something that you do for the patient, not for yourself. Sure, you can put a price on a wing in a hospital, new equipment, etc… But nothing is as priceless as a smile from a patient. 

Nothing.

I don’t think ‘admiration’ is quite enough to describe how I feel about writing these past few articles. I’m humbled by the giving that takes place by these truly amazing men. It makes me not only proud to be an NHL fan, but to also have chosen healthcare as my career. 

#voteforgirardi

I've maxed out my votes.

Have you?

#voteforgirardi

I Eat My Words...

... and to make matters worse, it's Sean Avery who is making me break out the plastic utensils.

Check out my latest on NYRNation.

And as always, follow me on the twit, in case the opportunity should arise again.

Don't Forget to Vote!

Do your American, or Canadian, heck, your Hockey Fan duty and VOTE!!!!

Monday, November 14th  at 12:00AM the NHL All-Star voting begins.

And remember, do your civic duty and write in Dan Girardi.

Because, while there is no "I" in team, there are TWO "I"'s in Girardi.

Rock the Girardi Vote

November 14th at 12:00AM the NHL All Star voting begins.

While the ballots were made up over the off-season, there are names deserving to be on the ballot.

One of them is Dan Girardi.

So, Rock the Girardi Vote on November 14th by writing him in.

Because, while there may not be an "I" in team, there are TWO "I"'s in Girardi.

Prepared to be Avenged?

Or something like that.

Zenon Konopka is pretty cranky.

What I gather from reading several interviews done with him, is that he misses his captain. He's upset about Wolski's hit on Alfredsson.  Okay. Understandable. But the dude needs to chill a bit.

I don't have a crystal ball or anything, but I forsee this Rangers vs Sens game is going to be pretty feisty. 

Guys Giving Back: Brad Richards

Since I decided to focus on Brad Richards, you can visit this article on NYRangerNation...

Rangers trade Kundratek for Bouchard

Rangers get who?

Yes, that's what I said too.

Bouchard is a forward from the Washington Capitals organization, but has been playing with the Hershey Bears of the AHL.  Prior to that, he killed it in the QMJHL.  In his 4 seasons in the QMJHL, he played 259 games, notching 125 goals. His numbers in the AHL however, not as impressive. 219 games and 49 goals.

What's in store for the Rangers and Bouchard?

Your guess is as good as mine...

The Emergence of Derek Stepan

Go to NYRNation and check out my latest....

Guys Giving Back

It makes my heart melt. (and yes, I do in fact have a heart…)

So, November is now known as #Movember. Yes, you need the hashtag for it to be legit.  #Movember is for men’s health awareness, and in particular, prostate cancer.  And what says ‘men’s health’ more than a wickedly awesome mustache? Exactly, nothing else.  Prostate cancer, according to the American Cancer Society, is estimated to take the lives of approximately 33,000 men in 2011, and that approximately 240,000 new cases will be diagnosed in 2011.  Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in men, right behind lung cancer. As a soon-to-be oncology nurse, I’m always thrilled to read how athletes give back, especially when it comes to cancer and cancer research. The fact that these men are willing to grow a ‘stache for the cure is simply awesome.  I’m in love with how many of them are documenting their growth, both on Twitter and on YouTube.  Hiller has a #Movember goalie mask, as does Tim Thomas. More proof that the NHL is awesome.  I’m sure many of us are following at least one NHL’er or athlete on Twitter who is growing one for men’s health. If not, search here and see who is participating using the #Movember.  If you can, throw a dollar their way, make a small difference.  Check out Movember and search for them. It’s easy really.

But what makes the NHL special, is that there are many guys who give back year round. So I figured, hey, why not take the time to shed light on these amazing guys and their amazing work. Let’s start with a favourite of mine, John-Michael Liles of the Toronto Maple Leafs.  Or as I like to call him, #JML.

Photo courtesy of Lisa Gansky Photography

I’ve been a fan of #JML since he broke into the NHL in 2003 with the Avalanche.  Aside from being a stellar defenseman, he’s also a stellar community presence.  He’s given back to the community, participating in countless Avalanche Charity Events, Kempe’s Child Abuse Super hero in April 2010 and most recently his efforts in his new town, Toronto.  No sooner did he arrive in the big TO, he was visiting at Sick Kids Hospital. It takes a classy guy to give back to a community mere minutes after signing with them.  A classy guy with a big heart.  He now also has, according to Mapleleafs.com, “Liles’ Buds”.  Liles’ Buds provides recognition to kids who do good deeds, random acts of kindness in school and in the community. Proving that no good deed goes unnoticed. Selected winners get to have a meet & greet with #JML, tickets to practice and a game.  Big props to #JML for not only raising awareness of the overwhelming accounts of bullying, but making it acceptable for kids to step in and say something when they see it happen, or prevent it from happening.


I'll spotlight another one on Wednesday...

In case you haven't heard...

Mr Avery is back in the N.Y.C.

and he'd like to help the team win.

I'm not quite sure how I feel about this yet...