As many of you know, I have been learning how to play hockey for a bit over a year now (and write about that on my “Hockey Noob” blog). This past Saturday, after my “Hockey 102” class was finished, the Chicago Blackhawks took to the ice for their team practice. Funny that, one minute the ice is full of guys who can barely shoot the puck, and then the next minute its full of pros making millions of dollars playing hockey.
I stuck around and shot some video (above, about 2:30). I also took some photos (below), which was tricky due to the glare from the glass — and the fact that the players move so darned fast. Continue reading “Blackhawks Practice [Video & Photos]”
Blackhawks’ captain Jonathan Toews models the 2015 Winter Classic Jersey [Blackhawks / NHL]
The Chicago Blackhawks unveiled their new jerseys for the 2015 Winter Classic Wednesday on Twitter, then later on their website. And I love it. It is awesome. It is almost perfect.
After a remarkable 2013-14 season, Jake Allen earned a spot on the St. Louis Blues. [Photo by Mark Buckner / St. Louis Blues]
St. Louis Blues goaltender Jake Allen has assembled quite the resume in his relatively young career. The Fredericton, New Brunswick native helped the Canadian Under-18 Team win the gold medal in 2008, and was named the tournament’s MVP. His showing was impressive enough for the Blues to draft him in the second round of that year’s NHL Entry Draft. Two years later, Allen won the Jacques Plante Memorial Trophy as the top goalie in the QMJHL. He was also named the CHL Goaltender of the Year as the best goalie in major junior hockey.
In the 2012-13 season, Allen was called up by the St. Louis Blues, playing in 15 games. His nine wins, one shutout and 2.45 goals-allowed average in the lockout-shortened season netted him a spot on the 2013 NHL All-Rookie Team. The next year, Allen won the Aldege “Baz” Bastien Memorial Award as the American Hockey League’s top goaltender, when he led the league in goals against average (2.03), wins (33), save percentage (0.928%) and shutouts (7). His remarkable play earned him the backup role with the St. Louis Blues this year.
I recently spoke with Allen about his blossoming career, the differences between playing in the NHL and AHL and what goes through his mind during a shootout.
Sal Barry: What is your earliest memory of playing hockey?
Jake Allen: Putting on the pads for the first time. It was a great feeling, something that was meant to be. Putting those big pads on is something I’ll never forget. Continue reading “Interview: Blues Goalie Jake Allen”
Today is Halloween. A time for tricks, treats — and trading cards! I’ve searched my collection far and wide and found seven hockey cards that will creep you out.
See the card page above? I needed just one card to complete my 2008-09 O-Pee-Chee Hockey set. I was tired of looking at that snarky little reminder I put where Bomwan’s card should be, so I finally decided to just buy it already.
Blackhawks fans have been seeing a lot of Andrew Shaw lately. Not just as a regular in the ‘Hawks lineup, but in quite a few commercials that air during the games, too. Shaw seems to be doing a pretty good job as a pitchman. There’s his bit part in the BMO Harris Bank Commercial (“His name is Steve!“) from earlier this year. Shaw is now starring in commercials for local car dealer Bill Kaye Chevrolet.
Shaw sounds natural when delivering his lines in the 30-second commercial. None of that typical robotic reading of the cue cards stuff that we get from most athletes. The best part is when he nonchalantly skates off, saying “Gotta go,” after smashing a hapless employee into the glass.
In another spot, the sum total of Shaw’s acting is making angry eyes while slurping some (we presume) coffee. But it works.
Shaw seems so relaxed in front of the camera that it is easy to picture him going into broadcasting when he retires — most likely as a studio analyst like Jamie McClennan or P.J. Stock. We know Shaw would always have something to say.
Just wanted to give a quick “thank you” to Mike W. of Quakertown, PA for sending me TWELVE assorted Jeremy Roenick rookie cards.
In 2013, I set a collecting goal to accumulate 1,000 rookie cards of Jeremy Roenick. Sometime that year — I’m not exactly sure when — I hit that mark, so I decided to up the ante to 2,000.
Mike’s generous donation to my cause brings me 12 steps closer to my ridiculous lofty collecting goal.
![[Photo by Mark Buckner / St. Louis Blues]](https://i0.wp.com/puckjunk.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/jake_allen_blues.jpg)
