https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/2016/01/19/remembering-gilles-meloche/https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/gilles-meloche.jpggilles-melocheGilles Meloche and his mask with the Cleveland Barons. https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/meloche-seals.jpgmeloche sealsMy favorite hockey card of Gilles Meloche; the 1975-76 Topps release with a poised Gilles donning the teal and gold of the California Golden Seals. https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/gilles_meloche_2.jpggilles_meloche_2Gilles Meloche's 1988-89 Topps hockey card; the last series to include Meloche and the very first card of an NHL goaltender I ever bought. 2024-12-09T16:19:45+00:00monthlyhttps://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/2017/03/25/grace-laski-13-year-old-defender-for-the-buffalo-bisons/https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/grace-laski-5.jpgGrace Laski 5https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/grace-laski-4.jpgGrace Laski 4Grace Laski having fun with teammates and friends (Photo provided courtesy of Grace Laski). https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/grace-laski-3.jpgGrace Laski 3https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/grace-laski-1.jpgGrace Laski 1Buffalo Beauts goaltender Kelsey Neumann is another "big sister" to Grace Laski, and helps to teach her what it takes to be a good hockey player and a good person (Photo provided courtesy of Grace Laski). https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/grace-laski-2.jpgGrace Laski 2A collage with some of Grace Laski's heroes; her older sister Hannah and NWHL players Kelsey Neumann, Emily Janiga and Tatiana Rafter (Photo provided courtesy of Grace Laski). https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/grace-laski-cover1.jpgGrace Laski coverGrace Laski is a superb defensive-defender who is also capable of end-to-end rushes (Photo provided courtesy of Grace Laski). https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/grace-laski-and-shelley-looney.jpgGrace Laski and Shelley LooneyGrace Laski with U.S. Olympian and Buffalo Bisons Hockey Director Shelley Looney (Photo provided courtesy of Grace Laski). https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/grace-laski-cover.jpgGrace Laski cover2017-03-25T18:12:11+00:00monthlyhttps://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/2017/03/19/creating-destruction-jordan-smelker-boston-pride-forward/https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/smelker_nwhl3.jpgsmelker_nwhl3Jordan Smelker uses her size and determination to wreak havoc against opposing teams like the Connecticut Whale (Photo credit: Meg Linehan). https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/smelker-and-pride.jpgSmelker and PrideJordan Smelker (center) and Boston Pride teammates Jillian Dempsey and Alyssa Gagliardi are #14Strong for their teammate Denna Laing (Photo provided courtesy of Jordan Smelker). https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/smelker_nwhl1.jpgsmelker_nwhl1Jordan Smelker has size and guts, and she is the embodiment of "hard work" for the Boston Pride (Photo credit: Meg Linehan), https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/smelker_cwhl.jpgsmelker_cwhlA photo from their days with the CWHL's Boston Blades, Jordan Smelker (far right) and teammates Tara Watchorn and Hilary Knight having fun together (Photo credit: Meg Linehan). https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/smelker_nwhl2.jpgsmelker_nwhl2Boston's Jordan Smelker "creates destruction" at the doorstep of the Connecticut Whale's net (Photo credit: Meg Linehan). https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/smelker-cover-photo.pngSmelker cover photo2017-03-19T20:19:20+00:00monthlyhttps://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/2017/03/14/julia-peters-11-year-old-buffalo-bisons-forward/https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/julia-peters-2.jpgJulia Peters 2Julia Peters is an upbeat 11-year old who is a "jack of all trades" (Photo provided courtesy of Julia Peters). https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/julia-peters-1.jpgJulia Peters 1Julia Peters is an 11-year old forward for the Buffalo Bisons and her favorite hockey player is Jack Eichel of the Buffalo Sabres(Photo provided courtesy of Julia Peters). https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/julia-peters-cover.pngJulia Peters cover2017-03-14T00:18:47+00:00monthlyhttps://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/2017/03/12/emotions-of-the-game-alexandra-neryueva-hk-arctik-universitet-forward-whl%d0%b6%d1%85%d0%bb/https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/fullsizerender-10-03-17-03-00.jpegFullSizeRender-10-03-17-03-00Alexandra Neryueva looks on intently during warmups before Arctik Universitet's game (Photo provided courtesy of Alexandra Neryueva).https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/img_3132-10-03-17-02-40.jpegIMG_3132-10-03-17-02-40Arctik Universitet 's Neryueva (#88) fighting for the puck along the boards against Ekaterina Prozorova (#11) of Sverdlovsk Region Yekaterinburg (Photo provided courtesy of Alexandra Neryueva). https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/fullsizerender-10-03-17-02-40.jpegFullSizeRender-10-03-17-02-40Shown here against Hungary, Alexandra Neryueva scored the game winning goal against Finland in the quarterfinals of the 2014 U18 Women's World Championships, and vaulted Russia into the semifinals against Canada (Photo provided courtesy of Alexandra Neryueva). https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/img_8321-10-03-17-02-40.jpegIMG_8321-10-03-17-02-40Alexandra Neryueva is a defensive-forward for HK Arctik Universitet but who can also make contributions offensively as well (Photo provided courtesy of Alexandra Neryueva). https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/img_5829-10-03-17-02-40.jpegIMG_5829-10-03-17-02-40Alexandra Neryueva with her parents and her brothers (Photos provided courtesy of Alexandra Neryueva). https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/img_7932-10-03-17-02-40.jpegIMG_7932-10-03-17-02-40https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/img_4279-10-03-17-02-40.jpegIMG_4279-10-03-17-02-40https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/img_4246-10-03-17-02-40.jpegIMG_4246-10-03-17-02-40https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/alexandra-neryueva-cover.pngAlexandra Neryueva coverWith a bright smile upon her face, #88 Alexandra Neryueva loves the game of hockey and loves playing for Arctik Universitet (Photo provided courtesy of Alexandra Neryueva). 2017-03-12T18:20:29+00:00monthlyhttps://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/2017/03/07/life-seems-more-beautiful-yekaterina-dobrodeeva-forward-for-whls-%d0%b6%d1%85%d0%bb-biryusa-krasnoyarsk/https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/img_4620-07-03-17-10-061.jpegIMG_4620-07-03-17-10-06One of the youngest players for Biryusa Krasnoyarsk, Yekaterina Dobrodeeva is part of the exciting future of Russia's Women's Hockey League (WHL). (Photo provided courtesy of Yekaterina Dobrodeeva). https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/img_4620-07-03-17-10-06.jpegIMG_4620-07-03-17-10-06https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/img_3495-07-03-17-10-061.jpegProcessed with VSCO with a5 presetYekaterina Dobrodeeva represented Russia at the 2015, 2016 and 2017 U18 Women's World Championships (Photo provided courtesy of Yekaterina Dobrodeeva). https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/img_3495-07-03-17-10-06.jpegProcessed with VSCO with a5 presetProcessed with VSCO with a5 presethttps://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/img_3132-07-03-17-10-06.jpegIMG_3132-07-03-17-10-06Yekaterina Dobrodeeva is exemplifies leaderships skills and has the utmost respect from her teammates (Photo provided courtesy of Yekaterina Dobrodeeva). https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/img_4631-07-03-17-10-06.jpegProcessed with VSCO with a5 presetDobrodeeva possesses concentration and intensity on the ice for the WHL's Biryusa Krasnoyarsk (Photo provided courtesy of Yekaterina Dobrodeeva). https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/img_3492-07-03-17-10-06.jpegProcessed with VSCO with p5 presetDobrodeeva, second from right, celebrating the bronze medal victory at the 2017 U18 Women's World Championship in Czech Republic (Photo provided courtesy of Yekaterina Dobrodeeva). https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/dobrodeeva-cover.pngDobrodeeva cover2017-03-07T13:43:23+00:00monthlyhttps://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/2017/03/03/maria-serova-16-year-old-atlant-voskresensk-forward/https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/serova-2.jpgserova-2Practice makes perfect! Maria Serova works hard and respects her coaches immensely. (Photo provided courtesy of Maria Serova). https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/serova-moskovskaya-oblast.pngserova-moskovskaya-oblastMaria Serova celebrating a goal with Moskovskaya Oblast. (Photo provided courtesy of Maria Serova). https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/serova-4.jpgserova-4Maria Serova is an exciting member for the next generation of Russian women's hockey. (Photo provided courtesy of Maria Serova). https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/serova-1.jpgserova-1Maria Serova is a forward for Atlant Voskresensk. The city of Voskresensk is one of Russia's "hockey hotbeds". (Photo provided courtesy of Maria Serova). https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/serova-5.jpgserova-516-year old Maria Serova plays for Russia's U18 national women's team. (Photo provided courtesy of Maria Serova). https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/serova-cover1.pngserova-coverhttps://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/serova-cover.pngserova-cover2017-03-09T00:21:29+00:00monthlyhttps://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/2017/02/12/ellie-timby-13-year-old-buffalo-bisons-goaltender/https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/ellie-silly.jpgellie-sillyNever hesitant to ham it up, Ellie Timby is very much herself and it is wonderful! (Photo provided courtesy of Ellie Timby). https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/ellie-and-tiger.jpgellie-and-tigerEllie Timby has the "eye of the tiger" (Photo provided courtesy of Ellie Timby). https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/ellie-outdoors1.jpgellie-outdoorsEllie Timby between the pipes outdoors; outdoor games are the best! (Photo provided courtesy of Ellie Timby). https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/ellie-collage-2.jpgellie-collage-2Ellie Timby and the other young ladies of the Buffalo Bisons organization are part of the next generation that aspires to play in the NWHL someday. GrowtheGame# (Photo provided courtesy of Ellie Timby). https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/ellie-collage-1.jpgellie-collage-1Tending net at Buffalo Riverworks, hanging at the HarborCenter, and just being herself, Ellie Timby is a cool, fun-loving kid (Photo provided courtesy of Ellie Timby). https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/ellie-t-and-coach-kelsey.jpgellie-t-and-coach-kelseyTimby and her goaltending coach, Buffalo Beauts' goalie Kelsey Neumann, are inseparable (Photo provided courtesy of Ellie Timby). https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/ellie-and-dad.jpgellie-and-dadA little Ellie Timby with her father. The support provided by Ellie's family has been immense (Photo provided courtesy of Ellie Timby). https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/ellie-and-mom.jpgellie-and-momWhen I met Ellie's mom, she likened her daughter to comedic actress Tina Fey, and it was easy to see why. But obviously, Mrs. Timby provides the much needed support of a "hockey mom" for her daughter. (Photo provided courtesy of Ellie Timby). https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/timby-between-the-pipes.jpgtimby-between-the-pipes13-year old Ellie Timby is a goaltender for the Buffalo Bisons (Photo provided courtesy of Ellie Timby.https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/ellie-outdoors.jpgellie-outdoors2017-02-12T00:47:17+00:00monthlyhttps://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/2017/02/08/elisabeth-hill-the-puckslayer/2017-02-08T15:49:01+00:00monthlyhttps://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/2017/01/28/a-butterfly-made-of-steel-betty-jouanny-french-forward-for-brynas-if/https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/betty-cover-b.pngbetty-cover-bhttps://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/betty-france-2.pngbetty-france-2A superb stickhandler, Betty Jouanny is always very proud to represent France internationally (Photo credit: Stephane Heude). https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/betty-stephane-houde.pngbetty-stephane-houdeOne of the most decorated and experienced players for France's women's national team, Betty Jouanny dreams of someday playing in an Olympic Games (Photo credit: Stephane Houde). https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/betty-jouanny-brynas.jpgbetty-jouanny-brynasIn 111-games so far with Brynäs IF Betty Jouanny has 49-points (Photo provided courtesy of Betty Jouanny). https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/betty-face-off-brynas.jpgbetty-face-off-brynasOne of Betty Jouanny's greatest skills is her ability to win face-offs (Photo provided courtesy of Betty Jouanny). https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/betty-jouanny-silver-trophy.jpgbetty-jouanny-silver-trophyBetty Jouanny helped to lead France to a silver medal finish at the Group-A Division I Women's World Championships; France's best performance to date for the women's national team (Photo provided courtesy of Betty Jouanny). https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/betty-cover.pngbetty-coverhttps://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/betty-jouanny-pullups.jpgbetty-jouanny-pullupsNo excuses. Despite having a cast on her right led, Betty Jouanny continues to workout and comeback even better than before (Photo provided courtesy of Betty Jouanny). 2017-01-28T20:39:30+00:00monthlyhttps://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/2017/01/20/its-more-than-just-hockey-kelsey-neumann-buffalo-beauts-goalie/https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/justus.jpgjustusA sincere love and appreciation of her older brother Justus, a member of the U.S. military, Kelsey Neumann has been inspired by him since they were childhood goaltenders together (Photo provided courtesy of Kelsey Neumann). https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/mclevman.jpgmclevmanKelsey Neumann, Amanda Leveille, and Brianne McLaughlin, Buffalo Beauts goaltenders ARE "McLevman!" (Photo provided courtesy of Kelsey Neumann). https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/img_6052.jpgimg_6052Kelsey Neumann with Jayden. Neumann is holding a hockey card of Jayden which has been autographed! (Photo provided courtesy of Kelsey Neumann). https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/img_6055.jpgimg_6055https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/img_6054.jpgimg_6054Kelsey Neumann is very much an adored big sister to many young athletes (Photos provided courtesy of Kelsey Neumann). https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/img_6053.jpgimg_6053https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/kelsey-and-her-brother.jpgkelsey-and-her-brotherWhile Kelsey Neumann lists Vladislav Tretiak, Carey Price, and Curtis Joseph as her hockey heroes, she also includes her brother, Justus, in that same category. This photo of Kelsey and Justus together when they were little sums up that relationship quite nicely. (Photo provided courtesy of Kelsey Neumann). https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/kelsey-kid-1.jpgkelsey-kid-1Having a heart of gold and a strong sense of integrity, it is no wonder that Kelsey Neumann has endeared herself to so many young athletes (Photo provided courtesy of Kelsey Neumann). https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/4-year-old-kelsey.jpg4-year-old-kelseyWith limited opportunities to play hockey in Texas, 5-year old Kelsey Neumann ended up having to play on a team comprised of 9-year old boys, though that obviously did not stop her (Photo provided courtesy of Kelsey Neumann). https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/kelsey-and-tretiak.jpgkelsey-and-tretiak8-year old Kelsey Neumann with one of hockey's greatest goaltenders to ever play, Vladislav Tretiak. Neumann was a protégé of Tretiak's from the ages of 8 to 15 (Photo provided courtesy of Kelsey Neumann). 2017-01-27T17:17:35+00:00monthlyhttps://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/2017/01/23/ellie-simmons-7th-grader-a-varsity-hockey-starting-netminder/https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/ellie-and-sister.jpgellie-and-sisterEllie with her sisters Kaitlyn and Grace; hockey runs deep in their family and Ellie looks up to both her older sisters immensely. (Photo provided courtesy of Ellie Simmons). https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/ellie-2.jpgellie-2Solid stance and positioning are something that Ellie Simmons earnestly practices to become a better netminder (Photo provided courtesy of Ellie Simmons). https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/ellie-collage.jpgellie-collageEllie Simmons is not only a remarkable goaltender, but she exemplifies the lessons taught be her parents, older sisters and coach - be a great hockey player, but be an even better person (Photo provided courtesy of Ellie Simmons). https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/ellie-3.jpgellie-3Despite just turning 13-years old the day before our interview, Ellie Simmons is already 5-feet, 8-inches tall, and uses her size to take up most of the net for the Bisons (Photo provided courtesy of Ellie Simmons). https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/ellie-and-kelsey.jpgellie-and-kelseyEllie Simmons attributes a lot of the strides she has made to her Bisons goalie coach, Kelsey Neumann of the NWHL's Buffalo Beauts (Photo provided courtesy of Ellie Simmons). https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/ellie-4.jpgellie-4Ellie Simmons is a standout goaltender for the Buffalo Bisons girls travel hockey team (Photo provided courtesy of Ellie Simmons). https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/ellie-kenmore.jpgellie-kenmoreBetween the pipes for Kenmore-Grand Island, Ellie Simmons dreams of some day playing collegiately for Penn State, as well as making it to the NWHL (Photo provided courtesy of Ellie Simmons). https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/ellie-cover.jpgellie-coverOnly a seventh grader, Ellie Simmons is already the starting goaltender for the Kenmore-Grand Island varsity women's ice hockey team (Photo provided courtesy of Ellie Simmons)https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/ellie-simmons-cover.pngellie-simmons-cover2017-01-23T21:29:54+00:00monthlyhttps://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/2017/01/10/net-presence-henriette-behn-farjestad-bk-forward/https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/14-h-u18wwc-nor_svk-050.jpg14-h-u18wwc-nor_svk-050Here once again Henriette is jousting in front of the Slovakian net, anticipating a deflection or a rebound (Photo credit: Claire de Groot). https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/henriette-pursuit.jpghenriette-pursuitHenriette Behn in hot pursuit of the puck while playing with Vålerenga for the Norwegian women's ice hockey league (Photo credit: Kenneth Myre)https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/henriette-2.jpghenriette-2In hohttps://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/14-h-u18wwc-nor_svk-033.jpg14-h-u18wwc-nor_svk-033Seen here fighting for a lose puck against Slovakia, Henriette Behn (center in red) is routinely found at the opposing goaltender's doorstop (Photo credit: Claire de Groot). https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/14-h-u18wwc-aut_nor-028.jpg14-h-u18wwc-aut_nor-028Battling for position against Denmark, Norway's Henriette Behn (in white) fights to establish position in front of the opposing net (Photo credit: Claire de Groot). https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/henriette-fbk.jpghenriette-fbkKnowing her way most effectively around the front of the net, Henriette Behn is a highly promising player for Färjestad BK (Photo provide courtesy of Henriette Behn). https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/henriette-behn-cover.pnghenriette-behn-cover2017-01-11T14:50:01+00:00monthlyhttps://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/2016/12/31/emilie-kruse-norwegian-u18-linkoping-hc-forward/https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/img_0503.jpgimg_0503Wheeling away from a Hungarian player, Emilie Kruse (Johansen) #18 will represent Norway for third time on the national U18 squad in Hungary January 8th, 2017-January 14th in Budapest, Hungary (Photo provided courtesy of Emilie Kruse). https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/img_0494.jpgimg_0494#18 Emily Kruse (Johansen) celebrates with her teammates for the Norwegian women's national U18 team. (Photo provided courtesy of Emily Kruse). https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/f1.jpgfPrior to joining Linköping HC, Emilie Kruse played for Sparta Sarpsborg in her homeland of Norway. (Photo credit: Kenneth Myhre). https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/img_1910.jpgimg_1910With Linköping HC, Emilie Kruse plays for one of the most elite hockey clubs in the world. (Photo provided courtesy of Emilie Kruse). https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/norway.jpgnorwayAnytime that Emilie Kruse is able to wear the Norwegian polar bear on her jersey, she considers it an honor (Photo provided courtesy of Emilie Kruse). https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/img_2109.jpgimg_2109Hailing from Halden, Norway, 17-year old Emilie Kruse plays for Linköping HC in Sweden (Photo provided courtesy of Emilie Kruse). 2016-12-31T15:26:49+00:00monthlyhttps://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/2016/12/25/andrea-risianova-team-slovakia-u18-womens-goaltender/https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/andrea.pngandreahttps://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/corrected-ric5a1ianovc3a1-2.jpgcorrected-risianova-2https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/corrected-ric5a1ianovc3a1.jpgcorrected-risianovaSoon to be 17-years old, Andrea Rišianová is a superb young goaltender for Slovakia's national U18 women's team (Photo provided courtesy of Andrea Rišianová).https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/img_59271.jpgimg_5927https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/img_5934.jpgimg_5934Making a save while in net for her club team MHK Martin, Andrea Rišianová is constantly practicing and honing her skills (Photo provided courtesy of Andrea Rišianová). https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/img_5932.jpgimg_5932https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/img_5930.jpgimg_5930Andrea Rišianová will be a strong goaltender for Slovakia for many years to come, much like her hero Peter Budaj. (Photo provided courtesy of Andrea Rišianová; photo credit Piotr Synowiec). https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/img_5931.jpgimg_5931Andrea Rišianová in heavy action against the Czech Republic (Photo provided courtesy of Andrea Rišianová). https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/img_5929.jpgimg_5929Winning the bronze medal at the 2016 Women's U18 Division-I tournament in Hungary is one of the major highlights to Andrea Rišianová's young career (Photo provided courtesy of Andrea Rišianová). https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/img_5927.jpgimg_5927Hailing from Martin, Slovakia, Andrea Rišianová is one of the young stars for the country's U18 women's national team (Photo provided courtesy of Andrea Rišianová).2016-12-25T05:11:46+00:00monthlyhttps://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/2016/12/18/professional-in-all-aspects-mark-hartigan-former-columbus-blue-jackets-anaheim-ducks-atlanta-thrashers-detroit-red-wings-forward/https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/hartigan-family1.jpghartigan-familyThe Hartigan family (Photo provided courtesy of Mark Hartigan). https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/hartigan-2.jpghartigan-2It would be with the Columbus Blue Jackets that Mark Hartigan would spend the majority of his NHL career (Photo provided courtesy of Mark Hartigan).https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/hartigan-riga.jpghartigan-rigaMark Hartigan would have two solid seasons with Dynamo Riga in the KHL; a unique opportunity to play and live in Latvia (Photo credit: Agris Krusts). https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/hartigan-red-wings-cup-raised.jpghartigan-red-wings-cup-raisedRaising the Stanley Cup with the Detroit Red Wings; his second Cup championship (Photo provided courtesy of Mark Hartigan). https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/hartigan-stanley-cup-rings.jpghartigan-stanley-cup-ringsMark Hartigan's two Stanley Cup rings; 2007 with the Anaheim Ducks and 2008 with the Detroit Red Wings (Photo provided courtesy of Mark Hartigan). https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/hartigan-family.jpghartigan-familyThe Hartigan family (Photo provided courtesy of Mark Hartigan). https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/hartigan-1.jpghartigan-1Mark Hartigan would be part of the Columbus Blue Jackets organization for 4-seasons (Photo provided courtesy of Mark Hartigan). 2016-12-18T23:00:00+00:00monthlyhttps://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/2016/12/12/levity-with-a-killer-instinct-anya-battaglino-connecticut-whale-defender/https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/img_5885.jpgimg_5885A sincere appreciation of her loved ones is one characteristic of Battaglino that makes her so admirable (Photo provided courtesy of Anya Battaglino). https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/fullsizerender1.jpgfullsizerenderAnya Battaglino is a player who ceaselessly works to improve her craft (Photo provided courtesy of Anya Battaglino). https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/img_5888.jpgimg_5888A stalwart defender for the Whale, Battaglino (#4) never second guesses putting it all on the line to protect her zone (Photo provided courtesy of Anya Battaglino). https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/img_5883.jpgimg_5883Anya Battaglino is one of the biggest advocates for growing the game of hockey for the next generation (Photo provided courtesy of Anya Battaglino). https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/img_5884.jpgimg_5884One of the most endearing players in the NWHL, the Connecticut Whale's Anya Battaglino (Photo provided courtesy of Anya Battaglino).2016-12-12T16:07:41+00:00monthlyhttps://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/2016/12/03/good-athletes-good-people-todd-simon-former-buffalo-sabres-forward/https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/todd-simon-las-vegas-thunder.jpgtodd-simon-las-vegas-thunderTodd Simon during his time with the IHL's Las Vegas Thunder (Photo source: Best Sports Photos). https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/fullsizerender.jpgOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERATodd Simon would play his final season of professional hockey in Milan, Italy in the Serie-A league during the 2007-08 season (Photo credit: Carola).https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/todd-simon-card.jpgtodd-simon-cardTaping up his stick in the Sabres locker room, Todd Simon found a role with the 1993-94 Buffalo Sabres particularly during an opening round playoff matchup against the New Jersey Devils (Photo provided courtesy of Nathaniel Oliver's personal hockey memorabilia collection). https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/todd-simon-cyclones-photo-cred-saed-hindash.jpgtodd-simon-cyclones-photo-cred-saed-hindashTodd Simon continued his superb offensive numbers through three seasons with the Cincinnati Cyclones (Photo credit: Saed Hindash)https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/todd-simon-1-a.jpgtodd-simon-1-aTodd Simon would play 15-regular season games with the Buffalo Sabres plus 5 more in the playoffs (Photo provided courtesy of Todd Simon). 2016-12-04T21:33:28+00:00monthlyhttps://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/2016/11/23/family-kindness-and-community-emily-janiga-buffalo-beauts-center/https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/img_5769-1.jpgimg_5769-1Focused and determined on the ice, Emily Janiga served as team captain/co-captain for the Mercyhurst Lakers during her junior and senior years (Photo credit: Tim Brule, Merychurst Athletics).https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/janiga-puck-pursuit.jpgjaniga-puck-pursuitEmily Janiga in pursuit of the puck and beating out a Boston Pride player (Photo credit: Kaitlin S. Cimini)https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/janiga-splits-the-defense.jpgjaniga-splits-the-defenseEver dangerous, Emily Janiga (shown here playing for Mercyhurst) cuts through the Syracuse defense. (Photo credit: Sarah Crosby)https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/janiga-meryhurst.gifjaniga-meryhursthttps://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/janiga-vs-boston.jpgjaniga-vs-bostonA Boston Pride player looks to keep Buffalo's #4 Emily Janiga at bay (Photo credit: Kurt Zwald, via flickr).2016-11-23T22:58:18+00:00monthlyhttps://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/about-nate/https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/nate-and-rick-vaive.jpgNate and Rick VaiveWith former multiple time NHL 50-goal scorer, Rick Vaive.2016-11-14T21:54:40+00:00weekly0.6https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/2016/10/04/sum-of-all-that-is-you-mike-forbes-former-boston-bruin-and-edmonton-oiler/https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/mike-forbes-b.pngmike-forbes-bWhile with the Bruins, Mike Forbes befriended and played alongside four Hall of Fame inductees, including defense partner Brad Park, as well as Gerry Cheevers, Johnny Bucyk and Jean Ratelle (Photo provided courtesy of Mike Forbes).https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/mike-forbes-a.jpgmike-forbes-aMike Forbes would play 18-games with the Edmonton Oilers, including a pair of games during their inaugural NHL season in 1979-80 (Photo provided courtesy of Mike Forbes).https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/mike-forbes-2.jpgmike-forbes-2Mike Forbes helping to defend the Boston net while Ron Grahame stands in goal for the Bruins. (Photo provided courtesy of Mike Forbes). https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/mike-forbes-1.jpgmike-forbes-1Defenseman Mike Forbes would play 32-games for the 1977-78 Boston Bruins, registering 4-assists and 15-penalty minutes (Photo provided courtesy of Mike Forbes). 2016-11-13T22:35:15+00:00monthlyhttps://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/2016/11/13/dasha-martynyukova-the-next-generation-of-russian-womens-hockey/https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/img_5650.jpgimg_5650Making solid saves between the pipes, Dasha Martynyukova plays for multiple Moscow regional women's and boys' hockey teams. (Photo provided courtesy of Dasha Martynyukova). https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/img_5656.jpgimg_5656https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/img_5651.jpgimg_5651At 17-years old, Dasha Martynyukova is part of the next generation for Russian women's hockey. (Photo provided courtesy of Dasha Martynyukova). https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/fullsizerender.jpgfullsizerenderDasha Martynyukova receiving firsthand instruction from one of hockey's greatest goaltenders, Vladislav Tretiak (Photo provided courtesy of Dasha Martynyukova). https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/img_5655.jpgimg_5655Goaltender Dasha Martynyukova leads Atlant out onto the ice. (Photo provided courtesy of Dasha Martynyukova). 2016-11-13T22:30:07+00:00monthlyhttps://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/2016/10/26/to-have-a-dream-and-never-quit-chris-langevin-former-buffalo-sabre/https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/chris-langevin.jpgchris-langevinBattling for a puck along the boards, Chris Langevin was a superb team captain during his time with the Rochester Americans. (Photo provided courtesy of Chris Langevin). https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/langevin-amerks.jpglangevin-amerksSetting the example for others and protecting his teammates helped lead to Langevin's captaincy with the Rochester Americans (Photo provided courtesy of Nathaniel Oliver). https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/80-81-saginaw-gears.jpg80-81-saginaw-gearsChris Langevin (row-2, third from right) and his Saginaw Gears teammates won the IHL's Turner Cup during the 1980-81 season; Langevin's first professional season. (Photo provided courtesy of Warren Holmes). https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/chris-langevin-1.jpgchris-langevin-1Inspired as a boy by their introductory song, Sabre Dance, Chris Langevin would end up playing 22-games for "the Blue & Gold" of the NHL. (Photo Credit: Bruce Bennett, Getty Images). 2016-10-30T21:14:19+00:00monthlyhttps://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/2016/08/14/dream-big-a-conversation-with-freddy-meyer-former-nhl-defenseman/https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/gettyimages-98480273.jpgNew York Islanders v New Jersey DevilsThroughout his entire career, Freddy Meyer was a puck-moving defenseman who played the game much large than his 5'9" frame (Photo provided courtesy of Freddy Meyer; Photo credit: Andy Marlin/NHLI via Getty Images). https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/1154755141.jpg115475514Never one to shy away from physical play, Freddy Meyer skates past Boston's Tom Fitzgerald who has been upended (Photo provided courtesy of Freddy Meyer). https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/gettyimages-98129650-1.jpgNew York Islanders v Columbus Blue JacketsFreddy Meyer would spend parts of four seasons with the New York Islanders, combining two separate stints with the team (Photo provided courtesy of Freddy Meyer; Photo credit: Jamie Sabau/NHLI via Getty Images)https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/img_1781.jpgIMG_1781Freddy helping to coach youngsters in his "Dream Big HockeyStars" program (Photo provided courtesy of Freddy Meyer). https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/gettyimages-108637197.jpgNew York Rangers v Atlanta ThrashersFreddy Meyer, here with the Atlanta Thrashers, begins to move the puck out of his own zone during his final NHL season (Photo provided courtesy of Freddy Meyer. Photo Credit: Scott Cunningham/NHLI via Getty Images).https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/115475514.jpg115475514at the Wachovia Center. Boston Bruins vs Philadelphia Flyers. Thursday, January 19th, 20062016-09-19T21:54:36+00:00monthlyhttps://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/2016/08/22/the-story-of-jonah-former-washington-capitals-defenseman-jay-johnston/https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/jay-johnston-bears-program.jpgJay Johnston Bears ProgramA March 8th, 1980 roster lineup for the Hershey Bears from a game against the Syracuse Firebirds. Circled in red is #7 Jay Johnston. Also visible are colorful NHL veterans Ray McKay, Gary Inness, Bob Girard, and the late Brian "Spinner" Spencer. https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/jay-johnston-dukes.jpgJay Johnston DukesThough winning was hard to come byl, Jay Johnston did serve as head coach of the OHL's Hamilton Dukes in the early-1990s.https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/jay-johnston-calder-cup.jpgJay Johnston Calder CupJay Johnston with his son Taylor, posing with the Calder Cup Trophy during the 30-year reunion of the 1979-80 Hershey Bears championship winning team. https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/jay-johnston-1.jpgJay Johnston 1Jay Johnston would suit up for 8-NHL games with the Washington Capitals between the 1980-81 and 1981-82 seasons, including a fight in his very first NHL game against Calgary's Willi Plett. 2016-09-19T21:54:03+00:00monthlyhttps://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/2016/09/17/the-hockey-gods-on-his-side-greg-theberge-former-washington-capitals-defenseman/https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/image1.jpgimage1Theberge moving the puck out of the zone with Washington; something he did very well throughout his career. (Photo provided courtesy of Greg Theberge). https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/theberge.pngthebergehttps://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/image2.jpgimage2Greg Theberge peppering a shot on net during a game with the Washington Capitals. (Photo provided courtesy of Greg Theberge). https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/gregtheberge.jpggregthebergeKnown throughout his career as an offensive-defenseman with a very solid shot, Greg Theberge. (Photo provided courtesy of Greg Theberge). https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/calder-cup.jpgcalder-cupParading the Calder Cup around the ice with his '79-'80 Hershey Bears teammates, Greg Theberge is next to the elbow of team captain Bob Bilodeau. Teammate Jay Johnston is just in behind of Greg. (Photo provided courtesy of Greg Theberge). https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/theberge-and-spinner.jpgtheberge-and-spinnerEver-colorful, the late Brian "Spinner" Spencer alongside Greg Theberge during a game with the 1979-80 Hershey Bears. (Photo provided courtesy of Greg Theberge). https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/thebergevsblues.jpgthebergevsbluesGreg Theberge defending against #11 Brian Sutter of the St. Louis Blues. (Photo provided courtesy of Greg Theberge)https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/greganddit.jpggregandditTo the left, a teenage Greg Theberge alongside his Hall of Fame grandfather, Dit Clapper. To the right, the 3-time Stanley Cup champion Clapper of the Boston Bruins during his playing days (Photo provided courtesy of Greg Theberge). https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/thebergevsleafs.jpgthebergevsleafsThe Maple Leafs doing their best to try and hold up Washington's Greg Theberge on the rush (Photo provided courtesy of Greg Theberge). 2017-01-11T01:38:45+00:00monthlyhttps://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/2016/09/05/be-gracious-in-defeat-warren-holmes-former-los-angeles-kings-center/https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/warren-holmes-4.jpgWarren Holmes 4Though his time with them may have been brief, Warren Holmes was a fixture on the 1982-83 Los Angeles Kings. (Photo provided courtesy of Warren Holmes). https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/1979-80-saginaw-gears.jpg1979-80 Saginaw GearsSome of Holmes' best years in hockey were spent with the Saginaw Gears of the IHL. Here is a team photo of the 1979-80 Gears squad. Warren is in the second-row, second in from the left. (Photo provided courtesy of Warren Holmes). https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/warren-holmes-1.jpgWarren Holmes 1Holmes' size and strength made him a very formidable center during his years with the Kings and throughout his professional career. Notice Kings' defenseman Jerry "King Kong" Korab in the background. (Photo provided courtesy of Warren Holmes). https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/warren-holmes-2.jpgWarren Holmes 2Warren was an extremely versatile player during his career, killing penalties regularly and helping to man the point on L.A.'s power-play unit in the early 1980s (Photo provided courtesy of Warren Holmes). https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/warren-holmes-3.jpgWarren Holmes 3Center Warren Holmes would play 45-games in the NHL with the Los Angeles Kings. He would score 8-goals and 18-assists for 26-points during that time. (Photo provided courtesy of Warren Holmes). 2016-11-05T01:01:42+00:00monthlyhttps://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/2016/08/30/to-tend-goal-for-the-greatest-junior-team-ever-ted-tucker-former-california-golden-seals-and-montreal-junior-canadiens-goalie/https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/toledo-goaldiggers-274.jpgtoledo goaldiggers 274Ted Tucker would win four championships at the professional level, including with the Toledo Goaldiggers. (Photo provided courtesy of Ted Tucker). https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/191961_1896091887578_6861115_o-2.jpg191961_1896091887578_6861115_o (2)As a kid, Ted Tucker grew up admiring the Detroit Red Wings even though his own rights belonged to the Montreal Canadiens - contemporary Marcel Dionne is pictured in the background photo. (Photo provided courtesy of Ted Tucker). https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/ted-colage-of-hockey-pics-in-one.jpgted colage of hockey pics in oneTed Tucker and the many teams he played for throughout his hockey career. (Photo provided courtesy of Ted Tucker). https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/10898142_10205803438073957_7665047607892450760_n.jpg10898142_10205803438073957_7665047607892450760_nAn early rare team photo of Ted Tucker with the Clinton Comets in the front row with his goaltender pads. Tucker would win a championship with the Comets during his first pro season (Photo provided courtesy of Ted Tucker).https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/ted-last-game-alumni-2015.pngTED LAST GAME ALUMNI 2015Picture here at a Toledo alumni game, following his retirement n 1981, Ted Tucker continued to play hockey recreationally until the age of 66. (Photo provided courtesy of Ted Tucker). https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/toledo-goaldiggers-093.jpgtoledo goaldiggers 093Ted Tucker would suit up between the pipes of the IHL's Toledo Goaldiggers through parts of 4 seasons. (Photo provided courtesy of Ted Tucker). https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/483406_10151236695053444_857131891_n.jpg483406_10151236695053444_857131891_nhttps://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/tedtucker1copy.jpgtedtucker1copyTed Tucker would play 5-games for the 1973-74 Golden Seals, registering 1-win, 1-loss and 1-tie. https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/10891573_1545493482385099_243322265368736997_n.jpg10891573_1545493482385099_243322265368736997_nTed Tucker tended net for the 1968-69 Montreal Jr. Canadiens; the team believed to be the greatest junior hockey team ever assembled. (Photo provided courtesy of Ted Tucker). 2022-08-30T13:56:44+00:00monthlyhttps://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/2016/08/27/hk-ukrainochkas-defender-marina-kobchuk-growing-womens-hockey-in-ukraine/https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/marina-kobchuk-2.jpgMarina Kobchuk 2The formidable #13 for HK Ukrainochka, Marina Kobchuk (Photo provided courtesy of Marina Kobchuk). https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/marina-kobchuk-4.jpgMarina Kobchuk 4Defending in the fog, Marina Kobchuk is a solid defender for HK Ukrainochka. (Photo provided courtesy of Marina Kobchuk). https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/marina-kobchuk-5.jpgMarina Kobchuk 5Marina Kobchuk and her teammates of the inaugural HK Ukrainochka (ХК Україночка) hockey team (Photo provided courtesy of Marina Kobchuk)https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/marina-kobchuk-6.jpgMarina Kobchuk 6"HK Ukrainochka's" defender Marina Kobchuk is a pioneer for women's hockey in Ukraine, 2016-08-27T22:34:58+00:00monthlyhttps://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/2016/08/12/every-step-a-conversation-with-lorne-stamler/https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/t2ec16rhjgkffm5-i2ebbsglllq-q60_3.jpeg$T2eC16RHJGkFFm5-i2EBBSGlLLq)-Q~~60_3Stamler mixing it up in front of the Chicago net with defenseman Mike O'Connell and goaltending great Tony Esposito (Photo provided courtesy of Lorne Stamler). https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/3597_517263004988378_105101909_n.jpg3597_517263004988378_105101909_nLorne Stamler would see NHL action with three different teams; the Los Angeles Kings, Toronto Maple Leafs and the Winnipeg Jets (Photo provided courtesy of Lorne Stamler).https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/20141226_212911.jpg20141226_212911https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/20160809_223041.jpg20160809_223041Stamler would score his first NHL goal November 28th, 1976 against the Colorado Rockies and goaltender Michel Plasse (Photo provided courtesy of Lorne Stamler)https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/tech-1974.jpgTech 1974Skating for the Michigan Tech Huskies, Lorne and his teammates made it all the way to the NCAA national championship in 1974. (Photo provided courtesy of Lorne Stamler). https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/1306504156920.jpg1306504156920Lorne Stamler would see many of his childhood dreams come true, one of those being playing for his beloved Toronto Maple Leafs (Photo: provided by courtesy Lorne Stamler)https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/image-260-1.jpgImage (260)-1Lorne Stamler played his Major Junior hockey with the Toronto Marlboros from 2017-11-08T06:41:58+00:00monthlyhttps://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/2016/04/23/about-time-a-stanley-cup-for-dainius-zubrus/https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/dainius-zubrus-1.jpgNHL: Calgary Flames at San Jose SharksAfter being released of opportunities to play with New Jersey and St. Louis since this past summer, an opportunity to win the Cup with San Jose is maybe Zubrus' final chance to do so (Photo Credit: Neville E. Guard-USA TODAY Sports). https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/dainius-zubrus-3.jpgDainius Zubrus 3Dainius Zubrus swatting for a loose puck against Vancouver. (Photo Credit: Jeff Vinnick/NHLI/GettyImages). https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/dainius-zubrus-2.jpgDainius Zubrus 2After 19-seasons in the NHL, San Jose's Dainius Zubrus truly deserves to have his name on the Stanley Cup (Photo Credit: AP Photo: Marcio Jose Sanchez). 2016-05-26T16:37:15+00:00monthlyhttps://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/2016/04/21/adversity-builds-character-robert-cimetta-former-boston-bruintoronto-maple-leaf/https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/rob-cimetta-4.jpgRob Cimetta 4While in Boston, Robert Cimetta further learned the game from veterans like Hall of Fame great, Ray Bourque. https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/rob-cimetta-7.jpgRob Cimetta 7Unfortunately, injuries would take their toll on Cimetta's hockey career. (Photo credit: Tony Bock). https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/rob-cimetta-1.jpgRob Cimetta 1Cimetta playing for his hometown Toronto Maple Leafs. https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/rob-cimetta-5.jpgTeam Canada World Junior Ice Hockey Championships.Robert Cimetta was a member of Team Canada's 1989 World Junior hockey team in Anchorage, Alaska and led the team in scoring. (Photo Credit: Hockey Canada). https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/rob-cimetta-6.pngRob Cimetta 6First round draft choice Robert Cimetta was just 18-years old when he debuted with the Boston Bruins in 1989. (Photo credit: National Hockey League). 2016-04-21T23:37:18+00:00monthlyhttps://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/2016/04/14/until-the-very-end-refika-yilmaz-team-turkey/https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/refika-2.jpgRefika 2Refika Yilmaz at the 2016 Women's Division II-B World Championships in Spain. (Photo provided courtesy of Refika Yilmaz). https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/refika-3.jpgRefika 3Refika Yilmaz controlling the puck, fending off an attacker. (Photo provided courtesy of Refika Yilmaz). https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/team-turkey.jpgTeam TurkeyTeam Turkey at the 2016 Women's Division II-B World Championships in Spain. (Photo provided courtesy of Refika Yilmaz). https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/refika-6.jpgRefika 6Team captain, Refika Yilmaz, shaking hands with the opposing captain. (Photo provided courtesy of Rafika Yilmaz).https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/refika-1.jpgRefika 1Refika Yilmaz, 25-year old captain for Turkey's women's national ice hockey team. (Photo provided courtesy of Refika Yilmaz). 2016-04-14T15:21:23+00:00monthlyhttps://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/2016/04/07/wolfpack-mentality-clara-hernandez-center-for-team-spain/https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/clara-1.jpgClara 1Clara and some of her "Kazkabarra Negu-Kiroletako Cluba" teammates, after they had received their silver medals and trophy. (Photo provided courtesy of Clara Hernandez). https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/clara-2.jpgClara 2Clara Hernandez, prepared to receive her silver medal at this year's Division II-B Women's Worlds. (Photo provided courtesy of Clara Hernandez). https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/wolfpack.jpgwolfpack"The Wolfpack", Team Spain - Clara Hernandez and her teammates at the 2016 IIHF Division II-B Women's World Championships (Photo provided courtesy of Clara Hernandez). https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/mam4576_1.jpg_MAM4576_1Clara Hernandez moves the puck for Team Spain during a 3-2 win against Iceland at the 2016 Women's Division II-B World Championships (Photo courtesy of Clara Hernandez). 2016-04-07T14:16:10+00:00monthlyhttps://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/2016/04/04/the-fighting-dane-debbie-andersen/https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/debbie-3.jpgDebbie 3Debbie standing tall on the Team Denmark bench during the 2016 Division-I U-18 Women's World Championships in Hungary. https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/debbie-41.jpgDebbie 4Debbie Andersen being mobbed by her teammates after a Denmark goal. (Photo courtesy of Debbie Andersen). https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/debbie-5.jpgDebbie 5The diminutive fireplug for Aarhus IK , Debbie Andersen, fighting for puck possession against a much larger opponent. (Photo courtesy of Debbie Andersen)https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/debbie-4.jpgDebbie 4Debbie being mobbed by her Denmark teammates, celebrating a goal. https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/debbie-1.jpgDebbie 116-year old ball of fire for Team Denmark, Debbie Andersen taking the face-off draw. (Photo courtesy of Debbie Andersen)2016-04-04T15:04:56+00:00monthlyhttps://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/2016/03/30/have-purpose-olivia-knowles-team-canada-defender/https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/lakeplacid_1.jpgLakePlacid_1Knowles #4 helping to defend her net during an exhibition game versus USA in Lake Placid in September 2015 (Photo Credit: Nancie Battaglia Photography)https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/knowles_2.jpgKnowles_2Olivia Knowles peppering a shot on net against USA during the 2016 IIHF U-18 Women's World Championships in St. Catharines. (Photo Credit: Jana Chytilova / HHOF-IIHF Images) https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/knowles_1.jpgKnowles_1Knowles in the thick of intense action versus Team USA. (Photo Credit: Jana Chytilova / HHOF-IIHF Images) https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/knowles_3.jpgKnowles_3Olivia Knowles #27, defender for Team Canada, is a remarkable person and hockey player. (Photo Credit: Jana Chytilova / HHOF-IIHF Images)2016-03-31T18:17:16+00:00monthlyhttps://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/2016/03/29/swedish-sniper-pernilla-winberg/https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/winberg-family.jpgWinberg FamilyPernilla, with her parents, playing with her Swedish team, Linköpings HC. https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/winberg-medal.jpgWinberg MedalAt just 16-years of age, Pernilla Winberg became an Olympic silver medalist at the 2006 Torino Games. https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/winberg-3.jpgWinberg 3Sweden relies on Pernilla Winberg's firepower and experience. https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/winberg-1.jpgWinberg 1One of the most accomplished players for Team Sweden, #16 Pernilla Winberg helps lead her team into the 2016 Women's World Championships in Kamloops2016-03-29T13:22:28+00:00monthlyhttps://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/2016/03/20/the-consistent-one-steve-brule/https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/steve-brule-21.jpgSteve Brule 2https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/stjean_brulesteve_vedette_hst.jpgStJean_BruleSteve_VEDETTE_HSTSteve Brule would play major junior hockey with the St. Lean Lynx of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League before the team would relocate to Rimouski and become the Oceanic. https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/steve-brule-4.jpgSteve Brule 4In the later stages of his career to ease the transition into retirement, Steve Brule played semi-pro hockey with the Marquis of the the Ligue Nord-Americaine de Hockey.https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/steve-brule-stanley-cup.jpgSteve Brule Stanley CupSteve Brule's name forever enshrined on Lord Stanley's Cup.https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/steve-brule-3.jpgSteve Brule 3Steve Brule would play over 5-years with the AHL's Albany River Rats, the affiliate of the New Jersey Devils. https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/steve-brule.jpgSteve Brulehttps://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/steve-brule-2.jpgSteve Brule 2Steve Brule as a member of the Colorado Avalanche. Here he would play with his boyhood idol, Joe Sakic. 2016-03-28T18:28:13+00:00monthlyhttps://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/2016/03/11/scoring-goals-at-all-levels-a-story-about-mal-davis/https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/davis-17.jpgDavis 17Davis, seen here with the Rochester Americans, would wear #17 in honor of his hockey hero, the late Valeri Kharlamov. https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/mal-davis-5.jpgMal Davis 5In his 5-seasons with TPS Turku, Mal Davis would be a member of three championship teams in the Finnish Elite League. https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/mal-davis-6.jpgMal Davis 6Playing in Finland with TPS Turku would be a brand of hockey that Mal Davis excelled at and truly enjoyed; a similar style to the hockey hero from his youth, Valeri Kharlamov. https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/mal-davis-1.jpgMal Davis 1During the 1982-83 season, Mal Davis would score the game winning goal in the greatest comeback in Buffalo Sabres history, a 7-6 win over the Boston Bruins. https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/mal-davis-4.jpgMal Davis 4Mal Davis would first find success at the professional level with the Detroit Red Wings organization. https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/mal-davis-2.jpgMal Davis 2In 89-games with the Buffalo Sabres across 4-seasons, Mal Davis #25 would record 29-goals and 22-assists for 51-points. 2017-03-19T08:35:47+00:00monthlyhttps://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/2016/03/07/quebecois-how-the-mailman-jacques-mailhot-made-it-to-the-nhl/https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/mailhot-2.jpgMailhot 2Jacques Mailhot battling it out with Lyndon Byers of the Boston Bruins. https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/img_0812.jpegIMG_0812During the later seasons of Jacques' career, while with the Central Texas Stampede of the Western Professional Hockey League. https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/mailhot-4.jpgMailhot 4One of Jacques Mailhot's hockey cards from his time with the Halifax Citadels; the former AHL affiliate of the Quebec Nordiques. https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/17387_10151596481125915_1142088290_n.jpeg17387_10151596481125915_1142088290_nJacques Mailhot demonstrating his pugilistic skills on the ice. https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/mailhot-1.jpgMailhot 1Former Quebec Nordiques Jacques Mailhot would play 5 games in the NHL, accumulating 33 penalty minutes during the 1988-89 NHL season. 2016-03-28T18:27:16+00:00monthlyhttps://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/2016/02/22/a-few-words-with-bruce-hoffort-former-philadelphia-flyers-goaltender/https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/bruce-hoffort-1.jpgBruce Hoffort 1Bruce Hoffort's rookie card as a member of the Philadelphia Flyers. https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/hoffort-save.pngHoffort saveHoffort felt that he was less under the microscope by being further away from home, so he opted to sign with the Philadelphia Flyers instead of the Edmonton Oilers. https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/hoffort-hobey-baker.jpgHoffort Hobey BakerHoffort was a standout goaltender for Lake Superior State University, and backstopped his team to the NCAA Championship his freshman year. https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/bruce-hoffort-2.pngBruce Hoffort 2Goaltender Bruce Hoffort would play 9 games in the NHL for the Philadelphia Flyers, compiling a record of 4-0-32017-08-24T08:38:11+00:00monthlyhttps://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/2016/03/04/a-protector-garrett-burnett-former-mighty-duck/https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/garrett-burnett-2.pngGarrett Burnett 2During his lone NHL season, Garrett Burnett would square-off twice against Dallas Stars' tough guy John Erskine, including in Burnett's very first NHL game. https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/garrett-burnett.jpggarrett burnettFuture Stanley Cup winning coach and current Toronto Maple Leafs coach, Mike Babcock, would follow through on his assurance that Garrett Burnett would receive an NHL contract if he produced more on the scoreboard. Burnett would sign with Babcock's Mighty Ducks of Anaheim in 2003. https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/garrett-burnett-3.jpgGarrett Burnett 3During the 1999-00 season, Garrett would accumulate an astounding 506-penalty minutes in 58-games for the AHL's Kentucky Thoroughblades. https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/garrett-burnett-12.jpgGarrett Burnett 1https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/garrett-burnett-11.jpgGarrett Burnett 1https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/garrett-burnett-1.jpgGarrett Burnett 1An imposing presence, Garrett Burnett would have 22 fights across 39 regular season games in his lone NHL season. 2016-03-28T18:26:30+00:00monthlyhttps://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/2016/02/14/andy-moog-not-to-be-overlooked/https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/moog-3.jpgMoog 3In between the pipes for the Boston Bruins, Andy Moog would win the Jennings Trophy with Rejean Lemelin for fewest goals allowed during the regular season. https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/moog-2.jpgMoog 2In his final NHL season, Andy Moog suited up for the Montreal Canadiens. https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/moog-1.jpgMoog 1A 3-time Stanley Cup champion with the Edmonton Oilers, Andy Moog is too often overlooked for his accomplishments on the ice. 2022-04-26T17:23:51+00:00monthlyhttps://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/2016/02/06/a-few-words-with-kirill-safronov/https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/kirill-safronov-2.jpgKHL Season 2009/10Safronov skating with Saint Petersburg SKA. https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/safronov-3.jpgSafronov 3During Atlanta's 2002-03, Safronov was one of four Russian-born players who helped bring excitement to the NHL' newly founded Thrashers franchise. https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/kirill-safronov.jpgKirill SafronovKirill Safronov, an aspiring young defenseman during the early years of the Atlanta Thrashers. 2016-03-28T18:25:41+00:00monthlyhttps://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/2016/01/28/the-mangler-igor-ulanov/https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/igor-ulanov.jpgigor ulanov"The Mangler", Igor Ulanov, taking on four different New York Islanders at the same time, including Zdeno Chara, 2016-03-28T18:25:02+00:00monthlyhttps://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/2016/01/26/czechmate-jaroslav-pouzar/https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/pouzar.jpgpouzarA star player on the international scene, Pouzar found success at the Winter Olympics and the World Championships for Team Czechoslovakia. https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/jaroslav-pouzar-stanley-cup.jpgjaroslav pouzar - stanley cupJaroslav Pouzar, a 3-time Stanley Cup champion with the Edmonton Oilers during the 1980s. 2016-03-28T18:24:39+00:00monthlyhttps://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/2016/01/25/unsung-islander-anders-kallur/https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/anders-kallur.jpganders kallurAnders Kallur, a member of all four New York Islanders' Stanley Cup championship teams, was the unsung hero of those great Long Island teams. 2016-03-28T18:24:12+00:00monthlyhttps://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/2016/01/23/coming-up-short-brian-propp/https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/brian-propp-career.jpgBrian Propp careerIn a 15-year NHL career with the Philadelphia Flyers, Boston Bruins, Minnesota North Stars, and Hartford Whalers, Brian Propp made it to the Stanley Cup Finals five times only to come up short on each occasion. 2016-08-05T22:30:43+00:00monthlyhttps://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/2016/01/21/czechmate-andrej-sustr/https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/sustr.jpgsustrThe up and coming defenseman for Tampa Bay that no one talks about, Andrej Sustr2016-03-28T18:22:49+00:00monthlyhttps://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/2016/01/20/coffee-with-the-crow/https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/2c3d6-joecrozier.jpg2c3d6-joecrozier2016-03-28T18:22:22+00:00monthlyhttps://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/2016/01/19/bondra-for-hhof/https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/bondra-2.jpgBondra 2With the Chicago Blackhawks, Bondra would score his 500th NHL regular season goal.https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/bondra-1.jpgbondra 1Washington Capitals great, Peter Bondra, should be more than just a consideration for the Hockey Hall of Fame. 2016-03-28T18:21:09+00:00monthlyhttps://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/2016/01/18/val-james/https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/black-ice.jpgblack iceVal's autobiography, "Black Ice: The Val James Story"https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/val-james.jpgval jamesFirst U.S.-born black player to play in the NHL, Val James shown here with the AHL Rochester Americans. 2016-03-28T18:20:37+00:00monthlyhttps://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/2016/01/18/eric-boulton-the-true-last-of-his-kind/https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/ericboultonb6zxft3a47zm.jpgEric+Boulton+b6ZXFT3A47zmIn his 20th season of professional hockey, New York Islanders forward/enforcer, Eric Boulton. 2016-03-28T18:20:06+00:00monthlyhttps://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/2016/01/17/disparity-in-womens-hockey/https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/img_2267.jpgIMG_2267France's goaltender Anais Aurard receiving Player of the Game for Team France after facing 54-shots in an 11-1 loss to Finland. https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/img_2271.jpgIMG_2271Team Finland lined up after their 11-1 win over France on January 8, 2016.https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/img_2837-2.jpgIMG_2837 (2)Team Czech Republic receiving instructions at a timeout during their January 12, 2016 Quarterfinal loss to Sweden. https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/img_2272.jpgIMG_2272Flags of the eight nations participating in the 2016 Women's U-18 Championship in St Catharines. 2016-03-28T18:19:35+00:00monthlyhttps://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/2016/01/06/highlighting-an-unsung-hero-jiri-hrdina/https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/ee932-hrdina1.jpgee932-hrdina1https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/5489b-hrdinaalumni.jpg5489b-hrdinaalumnihttps://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/707c4-hrdinapenguinscard.jpg707c4-hrdinapenguinscard2016-03-28T18:19:06+00:00monthlyhttps://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/2016/02/15/remembering-the-ov-line/https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/makarov-a.jpgMakarov AThe 1989-90 NHL Rookie of the Year, Sergei Makarov led the 1993-94 San Jose Sharks in scoring with 30-goals and 68-points.https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/igor-larionov-sharks.jpgIgor Larionov SharksIgor Larionov, a 2008 inductee into the Hockey Hall of Fame, was known as the "Russian Gretzky" before he had even played a game in the NHL. https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/johan-garpenlov-sharks.pngJohan Garpenlov SharksJohan Garpenlov was the first member of the "OV-Line" to arrive in San Jose, coming over during a mid-season trade in the Sharks inaugural season. https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/ov-line-a.jpgOV-line A2016-03-28T18:09:34+00:00monthlyhttps://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/2016/02/19/a-few-words-with-mike-torchia-former-dallas-stars-goaltender/https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/torchia-manchester.pngTorchia ManchesterMike Torchia suiting up for the Manchester Storm of the British Ice Hockey Superleague during the 2002-03 season. https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/mike-torchia-blackhawks.pngMike Torchia BlackhawksMike Torchia would stop 29 of 30 shots in an April 2, 1995 debut and 2-1 win over the Chicago Blackhawks. https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/img_4090.jpgIMG_4090With the Kitchener Rangers, Mike Torchia would finish his junior hockey regular season career with a record of 89-68-16 in 182-games across four seasons. https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/img_4079.jpgIMG_4079Mike Torchia tended goal for six games for the Dallas Stars during the 1994-95 NHL season, compiling a winning record of 3-2-12017-09-28T09:48:12+00:00monthlyhttps://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/2016/03/17/a-few-words-with-john-blue-former-bruinssabres-goaltender/https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/john-blue-sabres-1.jpgJohn Blue Sabres 1John Blue would be assigned jersey number-#1 throughout his brief career in Buffalo; the same number once worn by legendary Sabres goaltender, Roger Crozier. https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/john-blue-sabres-3.jpgJohn Blue Sabres 3John Blue would spend the bulk of his NHL career as a Boston Bruin, backing up veterans Andy Moog and Jon Casey. https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/john-blue-sabres-2.jpgJohn Blue Sabres 2John Blue, #1, would appear as an NHL goaltender for the Buffalo Sabres and Boston Bruins throughout 46-regular season games. 2016-03-28T18:06:31+00:00monthlyhttps://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/2016/03/25/stellar-goaltending-maija-hassinen-sullanmaa/https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/maija-mask.jpgMaija maskHassinen-Sullanmaa would find it a great honor to represent her country at both the Olympics and the World Championships. https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/hassinen_sullanmaa_maija_dsc_5491.jpgHassinen_Sullanmaa_Maija_DSC_5491Maija Hassinen-Sullanmaa, now an assistant coach with Hämeenlinna HPK.https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/maija-kuva-2.jpgmaija kuva 2Hassinen-Sullanmaa celebrating a Hämeenlinna HPK victory. https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/kultakerho-065.jpgKultakerho 065Hassinen-Sullanmaa would play 7-years for her hometown hockey club, Hämeenlinna HPK.https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/030.jpgOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAMaija Hassinen-Sullanmaa backstopped Team Finland to three bronze medals at the IIHF Women's World Championships throughout her career.2025-01-07T17:43:57+00:00monthlyhttps://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/2016/03/13/nwhl-64-brianna-williams-is-on-her-way/https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/brianna-williams-4.pngBrianna Williams 4Soft-spoken and courteous, Brianna is a good kid with a very bright future as a goaltender. https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/brianna-williams-3.pngBrianna Williams 3Brianna tending goal for the St. Louis Lady Cyclones. https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/brianna-williams-11.pngBrianna Williams 1https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/brianna-williams-2.pngBrianna Williams 2https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/brianna-williams-1.pngBrianna Williams 12016-03-14T02:10:33+00:00monthlyhttps://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/2016/02/01/from-russia-with-might-liudmila-belyakova/https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/liudmila-and-nate.jpgliudmila and nateLiudmila and I before the start of the Riveters game; amazing person, amazing hockey player!https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/belyakova-breakout.jpgBelyakova breakoutA Belyakova breakout from the Riveters' zone.https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/belyakova-on-the-draw.jpgBelyakova on the drawLiudmila Belyakova preparing to take the face-off for the New York Riveters in a January 31st, 2016 game against the Buffalo Beauts. https://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/belyakova-leading-the-rush.jpgBelyakova leading the rushLiudmila Belyakova #9 leading the rush out of the Riveters zone against the Buffalo Beauts. 2016-02-07T01:19:58+00:00monthlyhttps://musingsofahockeyenthusiast.comdaily1.02025-01-07T17:43:57+00:00