Going to the Blackhawks parade Friday?

jumbotron_1bIf you live in or near Chicago and are planning to attend the Blackhawks victory parade on Friday, please read this helpful article on The Hockey Noob. At least 2 million people are expected to attend, several streets will be closed and the weather will be in the low 80s — so this article will help you get the most out of tomorrow’s parade.

In other news, I’ll be back to updating this blog regularly again soon. Just finished up a two-day teaching seminar.

Also check out this impressive collection of autographs from the 2013 Blackhawks team.

2013 ITG Draft Prospects Box Break

boxComing out tomorrow (June 20) is the 2013 Draft Prospects set, produced by In The Game Trading Cards. The set focuses on junior league prospects eligible for the  NHL Entry Draft later this summer.

But just like the Heroes and Prospects sets of years past, there are also cards of current and former NHLers — here categorized as “First Round Picks” or “Draft Surprises.” There are also cards of “Future Draft Prospects” who are new to junior hockey and may one day be drafted by an NHL team.

A box costs around $90 and contains 12 cards, including seven base cards, three autographs and two game-used jersey cards.

Here’s what I got in the box I opened: Continue reading “2013 ITG Draft Prospects Box Break”

Magazine Mentions for June 2013

beckett_juneJust a quick heads-up about a few magazine articles I have coming out this month. First up is One and Done, published in Beckett Hockey issue #250. (June 2013, on sale now). The three-page article discusses five hockey card sets from the 1990s — both awesome and awful — that lasted only one year, never to be seen again. And yes, that is a card of Mister Rogers in the picture above, because I freakin’ LOVED the 1991-92 Pro Set Platinum set, Celebrity Captains and all.

thn_julyAlso hitting newsstands this month is the July 2013 issue of The Hockey News. On page 42, you will find short “In the Cards” reviews of three 2012-13 hockey sets. Blink, and you might miss them.

Currently, I’m working on a few articles for Puck Junk (I know, right?), as well as the next two stories for The Hockey Noob. And look for new content each day this month on Sal’s Hockey Autographs.

A new hobby — and a new blog!

skatingThis summer, I am going to learn how to play hockey.

I am going to blog about it too.

I’d like to introduce my third hockey blog, entitled The Hockey Noob, where I discuss what it is like to be an adult learning how to play hockey. I will also talk, from a beginner’s point of view, about equipment and training, and share advice I get from experts.

This blog is a part of the Chicago Now blog network, which is owned by The Chicago Tribune.

For those of you who thought about playing hockey, but did not know where to start — this is the blog for you.

Regardless of your past hockey experience, though, please check out  my first post on The Hockey Noob, and please leave a Facebook comment at the bottom.

And if you are feeling especially generous, please “Like” The Hockey Noob Facebook page.

Blackhawks & Red Wings: Rivals No More

Blackhawks_Redwings_MapThe only thing certain in the NHL is change

Game Seven last month between the Chicago Blackhawks and the Detroit Red Wings marked the last time these teams will face each other in a Western Conference playoff series.

Next year, the NHL will realign its conference structure, doing away with six divisions in favor of four larger divisions. As a result, the Red Wings and Columbus Blue Jackets will move to the Eastern Conference. It will be the first time since 1980-81 that the Blackhawks and Red Wings will not be divisional rivals. Continue reading “Blackhawks & Red Wings: Rivals No More”

2013 Stanley Cup Finals Prediction

2013_FinalsIt seems every time I am pursing some sort of academic degree and am too busy to fully enjoy the playoffs, the Chicago Blackhawks make it to the Stanley Cup Finals. That was the case in 2010 and that is the case now.

Fortunately, school’s out…for…summer. So, I’m gonna blog my blog all day, and watch hockey every (other) night.

My plan was to write some long, drawn out, stats-laden comparison between the Chicago Blackhawks and Boston Bruins.

Instead, I decided to sum it up in five short paragraphs.

blackhawks_logoHere is how the Blackhawks can win: The ‘Hawks need to capitalize on mistakes made by the Bruins. Chicago takes advantage of quick transitions, going from defense to offense in the blink of an eye. They also need team scoring from all their top guys: Patrick Kane, Jonathan Towes, Patrick Sharp and Marian Hossa.

Blackhawks player to watch: Bryan Bickell surprisingly leads the team with eight goals in the playoffs.

bruins_logoHere is how the Bruins can win:  While the Blackhawks have a few tough players, the Bruins are “team tough” and need to intimidate the Blackhawks. Hit them hard and don’t give guys like Patrick Kane much room on the ice. Goalie Tuukka Rask needs to continue his outstanding play, as these games will probably be decided by one goal, and their defense needs to continue to help pinch in on offense.

Bruins player to watch: David Krecji leads the Bruins with 21 points (9G, 12A)

Prediction: Every game will be close and hard-fought. Both teams deserve to be where they are, so don’t expect any lopsided blow-outs. Home ice will definitely be an advantage for each team, but the Blackhawks will win in 7 games.

Of course, I’m sure at least two bloggers will disagree with my prediction. Feel free to sound off and let me know what you think.

I’m (almost) back

snail
Sarka Slukova / OpenClipArt.org

Just a quick note for those who still look at this site now and then. I haven’t abandoned this blog, but I’ve just been super busy the past two months, working on my second Masters Degree (I know, quite the boring academic).

Apologies for slacking off and generally being uninvolved in the card-collecting blogosphere.

But I’ll be back with some new quality content later this week--both here on Puck Junk and at Sal’s Hockey Autographs.

Plus, I’ll be launching an all-new project at the start of next week. Stay tuned.

Thank you for your patience.