Pathshot. Hockey Online.

Where were you in 1972?

Michael — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 08:42:41 +0000

To finish the rhyme, I hadn’t been born at the time.

I just put in my order for the In The Game 1972 product, and I’m really jazzed. I feel like I missed out on products like Original 6 and Franchises, hitting on the various NHL pre- and post-expansion eras. For a hockey product with such a laser focus as 1972, I absolutely didn’t want to miss the boat.

The product has a street date of 9/9/09, so just under 3 weeks until it hits the market. Damn, I’m excited.

-Michael

The 2009 NHL Entry Draft Results

Michael — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 00:17:06 +0000

2009 NHL Entry Draft Results

Round 1

John Tavares, C – New York Islanders. London Knights, Ontario Hockey League
Victor Hedman, D – Tampa Bay Lightning. Modo Hockey, Elitserien
Matt Duchene, C – Colorado Avalanche. Brampton Battalion, Ontario Hockey League
Evander Kane, C – Atlanta Thrashers. Vancouver Giants, Western Hockey League
Brayden Schenn, C – Los Angeles Kings. Brandon Wheat Kings, Western Hockey League
Oliver Ekman-Larsson, D – Phoenix Coyotes. Leksands IF, HockeyAllsvenskan
Nazem Kadri, C – Toronto Maple Leafs. London Knights, Ontario Hockey League
Scott Glennie, RW – Dallas Stars. Brandon Wheat Kings, Western Hockey League
Jared Cowen, D – Ottawa Senators. Spokane Chiefs, Western Hockey League
Magnus Pääjärvi-Svensson, LW – Edmonton Oilers. Timrå IK, Elitserien
Ryan Ellis, D – Nashville Predators. Windsor Spitfires, Ontario Hockey League
Calvin de Haan, D – New York Islanders. Oshawa Generals, Ontario Hockey League
Zack Kassian, RW – Buffalo Sabres. Peterborough Petes, Ontario Hockey League
Dmitri Kulikov, D – Florida Panthers. Drummondville Voltigeurs, Quebec Major Junior Hockey League
Peter Holland, C – Anaheim Ducks. Guelph Storm, Ontario Hockey League
Nick Leddy, D – Minnesota Wild. Eden Prairie High School, United States High School
David Rundblad, D – St. Louis Blues. Skellefteå AIK, Elitserien
Louis Leblanc, C – Montreal Canadiens. Omaha Lancers, United States Hockey League
Chris Kreider, C – New York Rangers. Phillips Andover Academy, United States High School
Jacob Josefson, C – New Jersey Devils. Djurgårdens IF, Elitserien
John Moore, D – Columbus Blue Jackets. Chicago Steel, United States Hockey League
Jordan Schroeder, C – Vancouver Canucks. Minnesota Golden Gophers, Western Collegiate Hockey Association
Tim Erixon, D – Calgary Flames. Skellefteå AIK, Elitserien
Marcus Johansson, C – Washington Capitals. Färjestads BK, Elitserien
Jordan Caron, RW – Boston Bruins. Rimouski Océanic, Quebec Major Junior Hockey League
Kyle Palmieri, C/RW – Anaheim Ducks. U.S. National U18 Team, National Team Development Program
Philippe Paradis, C – Carolina Hurricanes. Shawinigan Cataractes, Quebec Major Junior Hockey League
Dylan Olsen, D – Chicago Blackhawks. Camrose Kodiaks, Alberta Junior Hockey League
Carter Ashton, RW – Tampa Bay Lightning. Lethbridge Hurricanes, Western Hockey League
Simon Despres, D – Pittsburgh Penguins. Saint John Sea Dogs, Quebec Major Junior Hockey League

Round 2

Mikko Koskinen, G – New York Islanders. Blues, SM-Liiga
Landon Ferraro, C – Detroit Red Wings. Red Deer Rebels, Western Hockey League
Ryan O’Reilly, C – Colorado Avalanche. Erie Otters, Ontario Hockey League
Carl Klingberg, F – Atlanta Thrashers. Frölunda HC, J20 SuperElit
Kyle Clifford, LW – Los Angeles Kings. Barrie Colts, Ontario Hockey League
Chris Brown, C – Phoenix Coyotes. U.S. National U18 Team, National Team Development Program
Matthew Clark, D – Anaheim Ducks. Brampton Battalion, Ontario Hockey League
Alex Chiasson, RW – Dallas Stars. Des Moines Buccaneers, United States Hockey League
Jakob Silfverberg, RW/LW – Ottawa Senators. Brynäs IF, J20 SuperElit
Anton Lander, C – Edmonton Oilers. Timrå IK, Elitserien
Zach Budish, RW – Nashville Predators. Team South West, United States High School
Charles-Olivier Roussel, D – Nashville Predators. Shawinigan Cataractes, Quebec Major Junior Hockey League
William Wrenn, D – San Jose Sharks. U.S. National U18 Team, National Team Development Program
Drew Shore, C – Florida Panthers. U.S. National U18 Team, National Team Development Program
Jeremy Morin, LW – Atlanta Thrashers. U.S. National U18 Team, National Team Development Program
Robin Lehner, G – Ottawa Senators. Frölunda HC, J20 SuperElit
Ethan Werek, C – New York Rangers. Kingston Frontenacs, Ontario Hockey League
Brett Ponich, D – St. Louis Blues. Portland Winterhawks, Western Hockey League
Stefan Elliott, D – Colorado Avalanche. Saskatoon Blades, Western Hockey League
Kenny Ryan, RW – Toronto Maple Leafs. U.S. National U18 Team, National Team Development Program
Brian Dumoulin, D – Carolina Hurricanes. New Hampshire Junior Monarchs, Eastern Junior Hockey League
Richard Panik, RW – Tampa Bay Lightning. HC Oceláři Třinec, Czech Extraliga
Anton Rödin, LW – Vancouver Canucks. Brynäs IF, J20 SuperElit
Eric Gelinas, D – New Jersey Devils. Lewiston Maineiacs, Quebec Major Junior Hockey League
Dmitri Orlov, D – Washington Capitals. Metallurg Novokuznetsk, Kontinental Hockey League
Kevin Lynch, C – Columbus Blue Jackets. U.S. National U18 Team, National Team Development Program
Taylor Doherty, D – San Jose Sharks. Kingston Frontenacs, Ontario Hockey League
Jesse Blacker, D – Toronto Maple Leafs. Windsor Spitfires, Ontario Hockey League
Brandon Pirri, C – Chicago Blackhawks. Georgetown Raiders, Ontario Junior Hockey League
Tomas Tatar, C – Detroit Red Wings. HKm Zvolen, Slovak Extraliga
Philip Samuelsson, D – Pittsburgh Penguins. Chicago Steel, United States Hockey League

Round 3

Anders Nilsson, G – New York Islanders. Luleå HF, J20 SuperElit
Ben Hanowski, RW – Pittsburgh Penguins. Little Falls High School, United States High School
Tyson Barrie, D – Colorado Avalanche. Kelowna Rockets, Western Hockey League
Joonas Nättinen, C – Montreal Canadiens. Blues Jr., SM-Liiga
Brayden McNaab, D – Buffalo Sabres. Kootenay Ice, Western Hockey League
Josh Birkholz, RW – Florida Panthers. Fargo, United States Hockey League
Jamie Devane, LW – Toronto Maple Leafs. Plymouth Whalers, Ontario Hockey League
Reilly Smith, RW – Dallas Stars. St. Michael’s Buzzers, Ontario Junior Hockey League
Taylor Beck, LW – Nashville Predators. Guelph Storm, Ontario Hockey League
Troy Hesketh, D – Edmonton Oilers. Minnetonka High School, United States High School
Michael Latta, C – Nashville Predators. Guelph Storm, Ontario Hockey League
Alexander Urbom, D – New Jersey Devils. Djurgårdens IF, Elitserien
Ryan Howse, LW – Calgary Flames. Chilliwack Bruins, Western Hockey League
Andrej Nestrasil, C/RW – Detroit Red Wings. Victoriaville Tigres, Quebec Major Junior Hockey League
Igor Bobkov, G – Anaheim Ducks. Metallurg Magnitogorsk, Kontinental Hockey League
Matthew Hackett, G – Minnesota Wild. Plymouth Whalers, Ontario Hockey League
Sergei Andronov, RW – St. Louis Blues. Lada Togliatti, Kontinental Hockey League
Mac Bennett, D – Montreal Canadiens. The Hotchkiss School, United States High School
Ryan Bourque, C – New York Rangers. U.S. National U18 Team, National Team Development Program
Adam Morrison, G – Philadelphia Flyers. Saskatoon Blades, Western Hockey League
Cameron Abney, RW – Edmonton Oilers. Everett Silvertips, Western Hockey League
Kevin Connauton, D – Vancouver Canucks. Western Michigan, Central Collegiate Hockey Association
Nicolas Deslauriers, D – Los Angeles Kings. Rouyn-Noranda Huskies, Quebec Major Junior Hockey League
Cody Eakin, C – Washington Capitals. Swift Current Broncos, Western Hockey League
Ryan Button, D – Boston Bruins. Prince Albert Raiders, Western Hockey League
Simon Bertilsson, D – Philadelphia Flyers. Brynäs IF, Elitserien
Mattias Lindström, LW – Carolina Hurricanes. Skellefteå AIK, J20 SuperElit
Daniel Delisle, C/LW – Chicago Blackhawks. Totino-Grace High School, United States High School
Gleason Fournier, D – Detroit Red Wings. Rimouski Océanic, Quebec Major Junior Hockey League
Michael Lee, G – Phoenix Coyotes. Fargo Force, United States Hockey League

Round 4

Casey Cizikas, C – New York Islanders. Mississauga St. Michael’s Majors, Ontario Hockey League
Alex Hutchings, LW – Tampa Bay Lightning. Barrie Colts, Ontario Hockey League
David Savard, D – Columbus Blue Jackets. Moncton Wildcats, Quebec Major Junior Hockey League
J-F Berube, G – Los Angeles Kings. Montreal Junior Hockey Club, Quebec Major Junior Hockey League
Linden Vey, RW – Los Angeles Kings. Medicine Hat Tigers, Western Hockey League
Jordan Szwarz, RW – Phoenix Coyotes. Saginaw Spirit, Ontario Hockey League
Craig Smith, C – Nashville Predators. Waterloo Black Hawks, United States Hockey League
Kyle Bigos, D – Edmonton Oilers. Vernon Vipers, British Columbia Hockey League
Chris Wideman, D – Ottawa Senators. Miami RedHawks, Central Collegiate Hockey Association
Toni Rajala, RW – Edmonton Oilers. Ilves Junior, SM-Liiga
Mattias Ekholm, D – Nashville Predators. Mora IK, HockeyAllsvenskan
Kristopher Foucault, LW – Minnesota Wild. Calgary Hitmen, Western Hockey League
Marcus Foligno, LW – Buffalo Sabres. Sudbury Wolves, Ontario Hockey League
Justin Weller, D – Phoenix Coyotes. Red Deer Rebels, Western Hockey League
Sami Vatanen, D – Anaheim Ducks. Jyp, SM-Liiga
Garrett Wilson, F – Florida Panthers. Owen Sound Attack, Western Hockey League
Tyler Shattock, F – St. Louis Blues. Kamloops Blazers, Western Hockey League
Alexander Avtsin, F – Montreal Canadiens. HC Dynamo Moscow, Kontinental Hockey League
Nick Oliver, C/F – Nashville Predators. Roseau High School, United States High School
Henrik Björklund, F – Calgary Flames. Färjestads BK, Elitserien
Lane MacDermid, F – Boston Bruins. Windsor Spitfires, Ontario Hockey League
Jeremy Price, D – Vancouver Canucks. Nepean Raiders, Central Junior A Hockey League
Seth Helgeson, D – New Jersey Devils. Sioux City Musketeers, United States Hockey League
Patrick Wey, D – Washington Capitals. Waterloo Black Hawks, United States Hockey League
Alexander Fällström, F – Minnesota Wild. Shattuck-St. Mary’s School, United States High School
Edward Pasquale, G – Atlanta Thrashers. Saginaw Spirit, Ontario Hockey League
Forfeited pick, – Toronto Maple Leafs. ,
Byron Froese, C – Chicago Blackhawks. Everett Silvertips, Western Hockey League
Ben Chiarot, D – Atlanta Thrashers. Guelph Storm, Ontario Hockey League
Nick Petersen, F – Pittsburgh Penguins. Shawinigan Cataractes, Quebec Major Junior Hockey League

Round 5

Anton Klementiev, D – New York Islanders. Lokomotiv Yaroslavl, Russia-3
Alex Velischek, D – Pittsburgh Penguins. Delbarton School, United States High School
Kieran Millan, G – Colorado Avalanche. Boston University, National Collegiate Athletic Association
Cody Sol, D – Atlanta Thrashers. Saginaw Spirit, Ontario Hockey League
David Kolomatis, D – Los Angeles Kings. Owen Sound Attack, Ontario Hockey League
Roman Horak, C – New York Rangers. HC České Budějovice, Czech Extraliga
Eric Knodel, D – Toronto Maple Leafs. Philadelphia Jr. Flyers, United States Midget AAA
Tomas Vincour, C – Dallas Stars. Edmonton Oil Kings, Western Hockey League
Mike Hoffman, LW – Ottawa Senators. Drummondville Voltigeurs, Quebec Major Junior Hockey League
Matt Kennedy, RW – Carolina Hurricanes. Guelph Storm, Ontario Hockey League
Gabriel Bourque, LW – Nashville Predators. Baie-Comeau Drakkar, Quebec Major Junior Hockey League
Olivier Roy, G – Edmonton Oilers. Cape Breton Screaming Eagles, Quebec Major Junior Hockey League
Mark Adams, D – Buffalo Sabres. Catholic Memorial School, United States High School
Corban Knight, C – Florida Panthers. Okotoks Oilers, Alberta Junior Hockey League
Radoslav Illo, F – Anaheim Ducks. Tri-City Storm, United States Hockey League
Thomas Larkin, D – Columbus Blue Jackets. Phillips Exeter Academy, United States High School
Wade Megan, C – Florida Panthers. South Kent School, United States High School
Gabriel Dumont, C – Montreal Canadiens. Drummondville Voltigeurs, Quebec Major Junior Hockey League
Scott Stajcer, G – New York Rangers. Owen Sound Attack, Ontario Hockey League
Spencer Bennett, LW – Calgary Flames. Surrey Eagles, British Columbia Hockey League
Nicola Riopel, G – Philadelphia Flyers. Moncton Wildcats, Quebec Major Junior Hockey League
Peter Andersson, D – Vancouver Canucks. Frölunda HC, J20 SuperElit
Derek Rodwell, LW – New Jersey Devils. Okotoks Oilers, Alberta Junior Hockey League
Brett Flemming, D – Washington Capitals. Mississauga St. Michael’s Majors, Ontario Hockey League
Jeff Costello, LW – Ottawa Senators. Cedar Rapids RoughRiders, United States Hockey League
Philip Varone, C – San Jose Sharks. London Knights, Ontario Hockey League
Michael Zador, G – Tampa Bay Lightning. Oshawa Generals, Ontario Hockey League
Marcus Krüger, C – Chicago Blackhawks. Djurgårdens IF, Elitserien
Nick Jensen, D – Detroit Red Wings. Green Bay Gamblers, United States Hockey League
Andy Bathgate, C – Pittsburgh Penguins. Belleville Bulls, Ontario Hockey League

Round 6

Anders Lee, C – New York Islanders. Edina Senior High School, United States High School
Dave Labrecque, C – Philadelphia Flyers. Shawinigan Cataractes, Quebec Major Junior Hockey League
Brandon Maxwell, G – Colorado Avalanche. U.S. National U18 Team, National Team Development Program
Jimmy Bubnick, C – Atlanta Thrashers. Kamloops Blazers, Western Hockey League
Michael Pelech, C/LW – Los Angeles Kings. Mississauga St. Michael’s Majors, Ontario Hockey League
Evan Bloodoff, LW – Phoenix Coyotes. Kelowna Rockets, Western Hockey League
Jerry D’Amigo, RW – Toronto Maple Leafs. U.S. National U18 Team, National Team Development Program
Curtis McKenzie, LW – Dallas Stars. Penticton Vees, British Columbia Hockey League
Corey Cowick, LW – Ottawa Senators. Ottawa 67′s, Ontario Hockey League
Darcy Kuemper, G – Minnesota Wild. Red Deer Rebels, Western Hockey League
Jaroslav Janus, G – Tampa Bay Lightning. Erie Otters, Ontario Hockey League
Jere Sallinen, RW/LW – Minnesota Wild. Espoo Blues Junior, SM-Liiga
Connor Knapp, G – Buffalo Sabres. Miami RedHawks, Central Collegiate Hockey Association
Scott Timmins, C – Florida Panthers. Windsor Spitfires, Ontario Hockey League
Scott Valentine, D – Anaheim Ducks. Oshawa Generals, Ontario Hockey League
Anton Blomqvist, D – Columbus Blue Jackets. Malmö Redhawks, J20 SuperElit
David Shields, D – St. Louis Blues. Erie Otters, Ontario Hockey League
Dustin Walsh, C – Montreal Canadiens. Kingston Voyageurs, Ontario Junior Hockey League
Daniel Maggio, D – New York Rangers. Sudbury Wolves, Ontario Hockey League
Joni Ortio, G – Calgary Flames. TPS Junior, SM-Liiga
Eric Wellwood, LW – Philadelphia Flyers. Windsor Spitfires, Ontario Hockey League
Joe Cannata, G – Vancouver Canucks. Merrimack College, Hockey East
Ashton Bernard, LW – New Jersey Devils. Shawinigan Cataractes, Quebec Major Junior Hockey League
Garrett Mitchell, RW – Washington Capitals. Regina Pats, Western Hockey League
Tyler Randell, RW – Boston Bruins. Kitchener Rangers, Ontario Hockey League
David Pacan, C – Chicago Blackhawks. Cumberland Grads, Central Junior A Hockey League
Rasmus Rissanen, D – Carolina Hurricanes. KalPa Junior, SM-Liiga
Brandon Kozun, RW – Los Angeles Kings. Calgary Hitmen, Western Hockey League
Mitchell Callahan, RW – Detroit Red Wings. Kelowna Rockets, Western Hockey League
Viktor Ekbom, D – Pittsburgh Penguins. IK Oskarshamn, HockeyAllsvenskan

Round 7

Erik Haula, LW – Minnesota Wild. Shattuck-St. Mary’s School, United States High School
Kirill Gotovets, D – Tampa Bay Lightning. Shattuck-St. Mary’s School, United States High School
Gus Young, D – Colorado Avalanche. Noble and Greenough School, United States High School
Levo Koper, LW – Atlanta Thrashers. Spokane Chiefs, Western Hockey League
Jordan Nolan, C – Los Angeles Kings. Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds, Ontario Hockey League
Steven Anthony, LW – Vancouver Canucks. Saint John Sea Dogs, Quebec Major Junior Hockey League
Barron Smith, D – Toronto Maple Leafs. Peterborough Petes, Ontario Hockey League
Marek Viedensky, C – San Jose Sharks. Prince George Cougars, Western Hockey League
Brad Peltz, LW – Ottawa Senators. Avon Old Farms School, United States High School
Michael Sdao, D – Ottawa Senators. Lincoln Stars, United States Hockey League
Cameron Reid, C – Nashville Predators. Westside Warriors, British Columbia Hockey League
Anthony Hamburg, C – Minnesota Wild. Dallas Stars, United States Midget AAA
Maxime Legault, RW – Buffalo Sabres. Shawinigan Cataractes, Quebec Major Junior Hockey League
Paul Phillips, D – Chicago Blackhawks. Cedar Rapids RoughRiders, United States Hockey League
Oliver Lauridsen, D – Philadelphia Flyers. St. Cloud State University, Western Collegiate Hockey Association
Kyle Neuber, RW – Columbus Blue Jackets. Mississauga St. Michael’s Majors, Ontario Hockey League
Nic Dowd, C – Los Angeles Kings. Wenatchee Wild, North American Hockey League
Michael Cichy, C – Montreal Canadiens. Indiana Ice, United States Hockey League
Mihail Pashnin, D – New York Rangers. HC Mechel, Russian Major League
Gaelan Patterson, C – Calgary Flames. Saskatoon Blades, Western Hockey League
Maxwell Tardy, C – St. Louis Blues. Duluth East Senior High School, United States High School
Jordan Samuels-Thomas, LW – Atlanta Thrashers. Waterloo Black Hawks, United States Hockey League
Curtis Gedig, D – New Jersey Devils. Cowichan Valley Capitals, British Columbia Hockey League
Benjamin Casavant, LW – Washington Capitals. P.E.I. Rocket, Quebec Major Junior Hockey League
Ben Sexton, C – Boston Bruins. Nepean Raiders, Central Junior A Hockey League
Dominik Bielke, D – San Jose Sharks. Eisbären Berlin, Deutsche Eishockey Liga
Tommi Kivisto, D – Carolina Hurricanes. Red Deer Rebels, Western Hockey League
David Gilbert, C – Chicago Blackhawks. Québec Remparts, Quebec Major Junior Hockey League
Adam Almquist, D – Detroit Red Wings. HV71, J20 SuperElit
Petteri Simila, G – Montreal Canadiens. Oulun Kärpät Oy, SM-Liiga

My 2009 NHL Mock Draft, first round….

Michael — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 19:16:49 +0000

This reflects what I believe will happen, not so much a matter of who the most talented is or who belongs with which team. Purely for entertainment purposes only.

So, without further ado….

New York Islanders: John Tavares, London Knights. They’re not going to trade down. They’re not going to surprise us with Evander Kane or Matt Duchene. Garth Snow isn’t Mike Milbury, and he’s not going to give up the sure thing on the risk that someone else could be best. Frankly, if he chooses Evander Kane, he loses his job before the end of the season.
Tampa Bay Lightning: Victor Hedman, Modo. Brian Lawton, unable to pick himself first overall again, decides to go after the mature, puck moving defenseman who can hurt you in any way he chooses. He’s a keeper.
Colorado Avalanche: Matt Duchene, Brampton Battalion. Blah blah blah Joe Sakic, blah blah blah leadership. There’s no reason they don’t pick Duchene here.
Atlanta Thrashers: Brayden Schenn, Brandon Wheat Kings. Atlanta will pick him here, bring him in during 2009-10, and then continue to crush his spirit until he wants out.
Los Angeles Kings: Nazem Kadri, London Knights. I expect this pick to be moved, frankly – but I’m not going to speculate every possibility. That’s silly. If Dallas moves up, they try to get Jared Cowen. If Ottawa moves up, they take Evander Kane. If the Sabres move up, they take Taro Tsujimoto Jr.
Phoenix Coyotes: Jared Cowen, Spokane Chiefs. The best talent avilable at number 6, Phoenix picks a defenseman who could join the team within 2 years as they finally assert themselves for a playoff spot.
Toronto Maple Leafs: Oliver Ekman-Larsson, Leksand IF. Toronto doesn’t really pick here. This is really a talent placeholder because this pick gets traded to some defense-hungry Swede lovers that aren’t the Detroit Red Wings. Maybe Vancouver?
Dallas Stars: Evander Kane, Vancouver Giants. Holy crap, Evander Kane is still on the board? Take him!
Ottawa Senators: Magnus Paajarvi-Svensson, Timra IK. Unless they work out a way to grab either Evander Kane or Nazem Kadri, they’re just going to take the best name on the board. That name just happens to be really long with multiple double-letters.
Edmonton Oilers: Ryan Ellis, Windsor Spitfires. How this pick has survived Kevin Lowe’s GM tenure is beyond me. It did, so Edmonton takes a defensive quarterback that recently added Memorial Cup champion to his resume.
Nashville Predators: Dmitry Kulikov, Drummondville Voltigeurs. It helps that he played in the QMJHL last year instead of Russia. It also helps that he’s the best guy left, and probably should have gone earlier.
Minnesota Wild: Jordan Schroeder, University of Minnesota. A shrewd pick of a local guy bound to excite the Wild fans. Minnesota might need to move up to take him, but they’ll find a way to make this pick.
Buffalo Sabres: Jacob Josefson, Djurgardens. Buffalo takes the Swedish hype and grabs their very own Swede! However, in standard Buffalo draft pick style, they sign him to a deal in 2010, and he never makes the NHL.
Florida Panthers: Scott Glennie, Brandon Wheat Kings. This is how they respond to the Bouwmeester debacle. Too bad they can’t trade for a GM.
Anaheim Ducks: Zack Kassian, Peterborough Petes. He’s big enough, he’s smart enough, and dog gone it – people like him. He’ll spend another year in Juniors, the better part of one year in the AHL, and then he’ll join Anaheim in time to be part of the 2010-11 Stanley Cup Playoffs run.
Columbus Blue Jackets: Landon Ferraro, Red Deer Rebels. A confused Scott Howson thinks he’s drafting Ron Francis’s son. The move serves them well anyways, as he becomes a perrenial 20-goal scorer.
St. Louis Blues: Peter Holland, Guelph Storm. A grateful Larry Pleau is thrilled to see Holland fall into his lap.
Montreal Canadiens: Louis Leblanc, Omaha Lancers. The first pick out of the USHL, Montreal is unable to resist grabbing someone named “Leblanc” from Quebec.
New York Rangers: John Moore, Chicago Steel. Right back to the USHL for the best remaining defenseman.
Calgary Flames: Carter Ashton, Lethbridge Hurricanes. Lots of WHL guys have gone already by this point, but Calgary makes an excellent pick of the rising prospect.
Philadelphia Flyers: Simon Despres, Saint John Sea Dogs. The big, stay-at-home defenseman is the right pick for the Flyers after they fail to snatch Bouwmeester’s rights out of Florida.
Vancouver Canucks: Drew Shore, US Under-18 Team. Already committed to University of Denver next year, Shore will probably be one of those guys Vancouver irresponsibly tosses into a deadline trade to get Keith Tkachuk, and goes on to have a stellar career.
New Jersey Devils: Nick Leddy, Eden Prairie High School. Lou Lamoriello makes a pick late in the first round. People call it a genius pick. In other news, Ken Holland takes a Swede in the 6th round.
Washington Capitals: David Rundblad, Skelleftea. Washington is just thrilled to be able to pick this late. They don’t need a offensive-minded defenseman, but they take one anyways.
Boston Bruins: Chris Kreider, Phillips Andover High School. From Boston, committed to BC, let’s continue the local guy NHL lovefest.
New York Islanders: Ethan Werek, Kingston Frontenacs. He could slide into the second round, but the Islanders pick another center here that will eventually center their third line.
Carolina Hurricanes: Kyle Palmieri, US Under-18 Team. A steal at 27, Palmieri will be a top-6 forward somewhere. Might as well be Carolina.
Chicago Blackhawks: Jordan Caron, Rimouski Oceanic. A center who has made certain and steady improvement in the QMJHL, Caron will be able to contribute almost immediately in Chicago.
Detroit Red Wings: Calvin deHaan, Oshawa Generals. Detroit will give him the luxury of the time he’ll need to develop. In return, deHaan will be a top-4 defenseman.
Pittsburgh Penguins: Dmitri Orlov, Metallurg Novokuznetsk. One of the few teams that can take the risk of drafting out of the KHL, the Penguins might be able to entice him into the NHL with the prospect of playing alongside Evgeni Malkin.

Excitement Stirs for Upper Deck Events During NHL All-Star Weekend in Montreal

Michael — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 19:45:42 +0000

From upperdeck.com:

Excitement Stirs for Upper Deck Events During NHL All-Star Weekend in Montreal

Three NHL up-and-comers to sign free autographs at company’s booth!

North Las Vegas, NV (January 15, 2009)– Just like in years past, Upper Deck’s presence will be felt in many phases of the fast-approaching 2009 NHL All-Star Game festivities in Montreal next week. Besides serving as co-sponsor of the NHL All-Star Trading Card and Memorabilia Show, Upper Deck is once again happy to present the annual NHL YoungStars Game, which will be held on Saturday, Jan. 24, at the Bell Centre. The actual NHL All-Star Game, which will be celebrating the centennial season of the Montreal Canadiens, will be held on Sunday, Jan. 25.

The Trading Card and Memorabilia Show takes place as part of the Lay’s NHL All-Star Jamboree across the street from Montreal’s Bell Centre and Windsor Station. Tickets to the NHL All-Star Jamboree will be $10 apiece and show hours will be from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. on both Thursday, Jan. 22, and Friday, Jan. 23, and from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 24.

As always, several special events have been planned for the Upper Deck booth. As the sole NHL trading card licensee, Upper Deck finds it of utmost importance to participate heavily in events like this one. Toward that end, Upper Deck will have three up-and-coming NHL rookie standouts signing free autographs at the company’s booth on Friday, Jan. 23. Two 19-year-olds – Drew Doughty of the L.A. Kings, from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m., and Luke Schenn of the Toronto Maple Leafs, from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. – will be signing along with 18-year-old Steven Stamkos of the Tampa Bay Lightning. Stamkos, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2008 Entry Draft, will be signing autographs from 8 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. All three players will be signing oversized (5” x 7”) rookie cards courtesy of Upper Deck, and they will be available one per person on a first-come, first-serve basis. No personal items will be allowed for signing purposes.

A special 10-card Upper Deck set has been created as a show exclusive that will be available through a wrapper redemption program. Collectors who buy five packs of any current Upper Deck or Fleer hockey product (except 2008-09 Victory) will receive their choice of any three-card “show” pack. If a collector opens a full box of any current Upper Deck or Fleer hockey product containing 24 or more packs they will receive all three three-card packs, plus a special Montreal Canadiens’ Commemorative Centennial card to round out the unique collection.

The checklist, which boasts past and present Montreal standouts, as well as league superstars, is shown below:

MTL # 1 = Alex Kovalev (Canadiens)
MTL # 2 = Alexander Ovechkin (Capitals)
MTL # 3 = Carey Price (Canadiens)
MTL # 4 = Guy Lafleur (Canadiens)
MTL # 5 = Larry Robinson (Canadiens)
MTL # 6 = Jarome Iginla (Flames)
MTL # 7 = Patrick Roy (Canadiens)
MTL # 8 = Sidney Crosby (Penguins)
MTL # 9 = Saku Koivu (Canadiens)
MTL # 10 = Montreal Canadiens Centennial Commemorative card

Additionally, Upper Deck will have a P-card station set up where hockey fans can get photographed and get their own NHL All-Star hockey card made. Upper Deck will also have a “Slap Shot” game open to kids where they are just a slap shot away from winning great prizes. A special trading card zone will be set up as well to allow collectors to trade with other hockey enthusiasts. Free sample packs touting “Upper Deck U” – the company’s new virtual world and online trading card game debuting next month – will also be handed out at the booth. These activities are free to fans in attendance. And last, but certainly not least, “Coach Cardman,” Upper Deck’s popular company mascot, will be in attendance handing out free trading cards and posing for pictures.

About Upper Deck

Upper Deck is a premier sports and entertainment publishing company which delivers a portfolio of relevant, innovative and multi-dimensional product experiences to collectors, sports and entertainment enthusiasts. For more information on Upper Deck and its products please visit www.upperdeck.com.

Hobby Insider’s “INSIDER’S EDGE” January Magazine Released

Michael — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 06:23:26 +0000

From HOBBYINSIDER.NET:

“Start the year off right by reading the January issue of The Insider’s Edge, HobbyInsider.net’s online magazine! Considered the best trading card publication in years by some, The Insider’s Edge raises the bar once again! Have a look at a real Hobbyist’s magazine, written By Collectors, For Collectors.”

You can check out the magazine here: January, 2009 issue.

If you’re not already a member of this site, you can join here: http://www.hobbyinsider.net/forum. This is definitely one of my favorite trading sites – the quality of the writing community has driven the magazine to all kinds of awesome this issue. It’s not the grammatical trainwreck that my last sentence was.

Superlative Bleu Blanc et Rouge Looks Amazing, Super Limited

Michael — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 06:54:17 +0000

Taken in full from itgtradingcards.com:

2008-09 Superlative™ Bleu Blanc et Rouge™

History of the Bleu Blanc et Rouge

The franchise was granted to J. Ambrose O’Brien in 1909 and it was one of the four teams that formed the National Hockey League in 1917. The team was officially named Le Club athlétique canadien in 1911 and was composed entirely of francophone players until the 1912-13 season. Led by Newsy Lalonde, Jack Laviolette and goalie Georges Vezina, the Canadiens won their first Stanley Cup in 1915-16.

The team established its reputation for flair, speed and offensive power personified by Howie Morenz the most exciting player of the 1920s and 1930s.

The Canadiens won the Stanley Cup in 1923-24, 1929-30 and 1930-31, but not again until 1943-44 and 1945-46, when the explosive Maurice Richard, goalie Bill Durnan, Toe Blake and Elmer Lach led the team.

In 1955-56 the team began an era of success unmatched in the history of professional hockey. The team won 5 straight Stanley Cups to 1959-60, 4 out of 5 from 1964-65 to 1968-69, again in 1970-71 and 1972-73, and another 4 straight 1975-76 to 1978-79 – an amazing record of 15 Stanley Cups in 24 years.

Individual stars of the period include; Maurice Richard, Jacques Plante, Doug Harvey, Jean Beliveau, Bernie Geoffrion, Henri Richard, Ken Dryden, Larry Robinson, Guy Lapointe, Serge Savard and Guy Lafleur.

The Canadiens moved into the Montreal Forum in 1924 (rebuilt in 1968). Their new arena, the Molson Centre, opened in 1996.

Throughout their history the Canadiens have been a symbol of pride and excellence for the sporting public of Québec. The Canadiens won their 23rd Stanley Cup in the 1985-86 season, setting a new record for professional sports championships, and their 24th Cup in 1992-93.

In The Game helps collectors celebrate with Superlative™
Bleu Blanc et Rouge™

On January 23, 2009, In The Game will release Bleu Blanc et Rouge™. Production will be limited to 1,000 hand-numbered books. Each book will contain seven cards. One Modern Base Card, One Vintage Base Card, One Special Insert Card, One Famous Fabrics Card, One Auto Plus Card and Two hard-signed Autograph Cards.

Bleu Blanc et Rouge™ features authentic game-used memorabilia and hard-signed autographs. This is the most significant product being created to signify the greatest hockey franchise in the world.

Make sure you get your limited edition Bleu Blanc et Rouge™ Box.

All information subject to change up until Release Date.

This product is manufactured by In The Game, Inc. and is not affiliated
with, sponsored, endorsed or licensed by or connected to the National Hockey
League, National Hockey League Players’ Association or the Montréal
Canadiens. ©2009 In The Game, Inc. Bleu Blanc et Rouge is a trademark owned
by In The Game, Inc. Made in Canada.

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I’m trying. I’m hoping to have two, 2-book cases. I did the same for the first Superlative. My hands and arms quivered like no product I’ve ever cracked when I opened those books. I expect similar spams in late January.

Upper Deck Announces Plans for Massive Hockey Card Giveaway in Canada

Michael — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 06:44:36 +0000

Taken in full from http://www.upperdeck.com/:

Sole NHL and NHLPA licensee to launch historic hockey trading card promotion, giving away FREE packs of trading cards to celebrate country’s annual day devoted to hockey

North Las Vegas, NV (January 12, 2009) – The Upper Deck Company will be celebrating Canada’s favorite sport and pastime on February 21, 2009, in a very special way. To promote the fun of hockey card collecting, Upper Deck will be giving away hundreds of thousands of exclusive “National Hockey Card Day” NHL trading card packs. The very special 15-card set, which will only be available on National Hockey Card Day, will include star rookies, superstars and legends. The cards, which spotlight Canadian-born NHL players, will be given away free of charge at hundreds of Canadian hobby specialty shops, as well as select retail locations on Saturday, Feb. 21.

“We’re extremely excited about this upcoming NHL promotion,” said Josh Zusman, Upper Deck’s hockey brand manager. “As the league and the Players’ Association’s exclusive trading card licensee, it’s only fitting that Upper Deck should produce an exclusive set just for Canadian fans.”

The base set of 15 cards reads like a “Who’s Who of Hockey.” Consisting of three subsets, the collection includes: “Canada’s Rookies” (Steven Stamkos, Kyle Turris, Josh Bailey, Colton Gilles and Derick Brassard); “Pride of Canada” (Sidney Crosby, Vincent Lecavalier, Jarome Iginla, Joe Sakic and Martin Brodeur); and “Hockey’s Heroes” (Wayne Gretzky, Mario Lemieux, Gordie Howe, Bobby Orr and Don Cherry). A special “National Hockey Card Day” logo-stamp will adorn each card front.

Hobby shop owners in Canada interested in purchasing 100-pack bundles of the set and corresponding marketing materials for the promotion are asked to contact Universal Distribution. For ordering information, please call either Universal at 514-335-9000 or 866-335-9001, or Universal West at 604-596-4320 or 866-487-4320.

About Upper Deck

2008-09 NHL Hockey Card Day in Canada is an Officially Licensed Product of the NHLPA. NHLPA, National Hockey League Players’ Association and the NHLPA logo are trademarks of the NHLPA. © NHLPA.

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