Tim’s Take: Shoresy, the Modern-Day Slap Shot

I’m admittedly late to the Letterkenny party as for quite a while; it wasn’t available on any of the services that I had. Once I was finally able to watch, I clearly saw what all the hype was about. But as much as I enjoyed that series, I have enjoyed it’s spinoff series even more. If you are a hockey fan, hockey player, grew up around the rinks, or just like really well put together shows, you may want to give Shoresy a look.

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Despite Issues, Connor Bedard Game-Used Jersey Fetches $37K

When Exactly Was It Worn? And Why Frame It?

By Sean Sullivan

Connor Bedard mania has run wild throughout the hockey-collecting community this season, and on April 18, the game-worn jersey collecting segment joined in on the fun – but not without some controversy. Continue reading “Despite Issues, Connor Bedard Game-Used Jersey Fetches $37K”

Book Review – Conflicted Scars: An Average Player’s Journey to the NHL

It seems like every NHL player who has some degree of success writes a book when their career comes to an end. But what about the thousands of players who don’t make it to the NHL?  What sacrifices did they make  — and what scars did they pick up — along the way to ultimately fall short of reaching their dreams? In “Conflicted Scars: An Average Player’s Journey to the NHL”, ex-NHL draft pick Justin Davis talks about the hazing by teammates, horrid living conditions, and health risks he endured while playing major junior in the Ontario Hockey League. The physical scars may quickly heal, but emotional scars sometimes take decades to even be discovered before the healing can begin. 

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Book Review – 1972: The Series That Changed Hockey Forever

Fifty years ago was the 1972 Summit Series, where the best NHL players from Canada faced off in an eight-game exhibition series against the top hockey players from the Soviet Union. But, as it turned out, this was no mere exhibition series. In the book “1972: The Series That Changed Hockey Forever,” author Scott Morrison gives a comprehensive, almost exhaustive history of the Summit Series. Many books have been written on this subject, but “1972” might be the best.

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Charlestown’s Secret Roller Hockey Scene

“PING” was the sound heard as a little orange ball smacked the metal post. “TAP!” “TAP!” “TAP!” echoed into the night sky as carbon fiber blades slammed on the concrete rink.

Flying down the rink at breakneck speeds are seven young men carrying hockey sticks. “Vroom” was the distinct sound their skates made as they swept along the pavement and fired backhanders into the crossbar of the net. Once someone scores, they do their best to celly like Bergeron, Marchand, or McAvoy.

If you ever find yourself in the Charlestown neighborhood of Boston, make your way to the western edges of the neighborhood. Not far from Sullivan Square and the infamous traffic circle lies Ryan Playground. Nestled by the banks of the Mystic River, this playground is where the local Townies spend their summers honing their hockey skills and having fun.

All summer, local roller hockey players from the Town frequently meet to play seemingly endless two-on-two hockey games.

These hockey games can be a challenge to find. Continue reading “Charlestown’s Secret Roller Hockey Scene”

Review: The Mighty Ducks Game Changers, Season 1, Episode 10

“State of Play” is the 10th and final episode in the first season of The Mighty Ducks: Game Changers, and it delivers what viewers have been expecting all along: a rematch between the Don’t Bothers and the Mighty Ducks. It does this with some plot twists and — to quote Coach Orion from the third Mighty Ducks film — a few “little duck tricks.” 

NOTE: This review contains minor spoilers. 

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Review: The Mighty Ducks Game Changers, Season 1, Episode 9

“Head Games” is the penultimate episode in season one of The Mighty Ducks: Game Changers. It skillfully continues the series’ trajectory towards an inevitable final showdown between the Don’t Bothers and the Mighty Ducks. It’s a great episode that entertains without an iota of hockey action. 

NOTE: This review contains minor spoilers. 

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Review: The Mighty Ducks Game Changers, Season 1, Episode 8

“Change on the Fly,” the 8th episode of The Mighty Ducks: Game Changers, appropriately describes Alex’s changing attitude as the Don’t Bothers continue their win streak. However, winning comes with a price: the Don’t Bothers are slowly becoming the Mighty Ducks. 

NOTE: This review contains minor spoilers. 

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Review: The Mighty Ducks Game Changers, Season 1, Episode 7

“Pond Hockey,” the seventh episode of The Mighty Ducks: Game Changers, starts out promising. The Don’t Bothers are understandably angry at Evan for thinking of rejoining the Ducks. But the episode crams too much into too little time, feels rushed, and isn’t as satisfying as the previous six episodes. 

NOTE: This review contains minor spoilers. 

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