That was the quote seen on a sign in the crowd during the Monarchs pre-game skate before facing the Worcester Sharks in the first round of the 2010 Calder Cup Playoffs. I can’t remember if I saw it prior to the deciding game of the series -- an OT winner by Voynov clinched the series -- or earlier on. Regardless, it provided a simple play on words that was simultaneously insulting to both the … [Read more...]
Muzzin’s Demons. A Second Look at Jake.
January 27, 2013 By
Who is Jake Muzzin? Not the player you see today but the boy he was, his trials, journey and the man he is trying to become. Jake's career nearly ended before it began. He had two herniated discs surgically repaired in his lower back in 2005. He didn't play much the following season but appeared back on track in 2007 when he resumed play for the OHL Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds. The … [Read more...]
The Manchester Monarchs’ New Year Slump
January 19, 2012 By
Nope, no need to adjust your monitors. You can also put down the phone and refrain from calling your local anti-zombie task force. I have indeed risen from the metaphorical grave after a long period of silence, but am very much alive and well. Where have I been? Read on, my friends. My absence isn’t that I no longer attend Monarchs games. It isn’t that I’ve grown to love the Monarchs any … [Read more...]
Let’s Talk About Hickey, Muzzin, Voynov And, My Man Crush, Brandon Kozun
September 17, 2011 By
Thomas Hickey told Rich Hammond today, "I want to make this team really bad." I laughed out loud. Kids today, gotta love them. He of course meant he badly wants to make this team. The question I ask is this - if not now, when? Hickey was a 2007 draft pick. He is on the last season of his contract. While "defensemen take longer" (a cliché made for Hickey), at some point you have to decide if this … [Read more...]
KINGS POLL: HICKEY OR MUZZIN FOR 6TH DEFENSEMEN?
September 29, 2010 By
As promised, its time to make your pick for the Kings' 6th defenseman to start the year. While there are still two more pre-season games to play, last night's contest against the Ducks was our first opportunity to see Jacob Muzzin and Thomas Hickey play in the same game. Before I taint you with my possibly errant opinions, lets get straight to the polls. First, head-to-head … [Read more...]
THOMAS HICKEY VS. JACOB MUZZIN
September 28, 2010 By
Tonight is a big night for the two young defensemen still left in training camp, Jacob Muzzin and Thomas Hickey. For his namesake alone, I'm pulling for Muzzin. I also like that while large, Jacob can also skate and move the puck well. Though I still hold out high hopes for Hickey, the shining I've taken to Muzzin may eventually rival my twinkle for Clifford if the new "Muzz" (RIP Glen … [Read more...]
SO SOON? MORE ROSTER CUTS COMING TODAY
September 27, 2010 By
Apparently my poll will need to be adjusted as Rich Hammond just reported that Oscar Moller, Johan Fransson, Alec Martinez and Andrew Campbell have not taken the ice for practice today, presumably because they are packing their bags for a plane ride to Manchester. Bummer, I was pulling for Moller and really thought he would crack the lineup this year. I still firmly believe that he will see … [Read more...]
LOS ANGELES KINGS SEASON PREVIEW: A GOOD DEFENSE, THE FINAL PIECES
September 14, 2010 By
Part three of this series brings us to the final defensive pairing, which may not be a pairing at all but rather a trio. Some teams, Kings included, do carry seven defensemen from time to time. For now, we focus on the bottom two, a picture that became more clear post rookie camp. MATT GREENE "You've bled with Wallace...now bleed with Greene!" Our returning warrior has a new ally with … [Read more...]
NO DOUBTING THOMAS AT HICKEY’S HOCKEY CAMP
September 12, 2010 By
A new day. A fresh sheet of ice. Sometimes, that's all it takes to change perspective. I walked into the Toyota Center well rested, relaxed, wearing one of my oldest shirts (a Ramones shirt from nearly 20 years ago that still looks great), and ready to watch number 37 shine...or so I hoped. Surly joined me about 15 minutes later. Let's get to it. INITIAL IMPRESSIONS Passing drills. … [Read more...]
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