Hockey cards, collectibles and culture
The headlines were plentiful around the NHL last week. So plentiful, in fact, that I had to change the title of my column three times because major things kept happening. We had a number one goalie opt-out of the playoffs mid-series, the draft lottery winner was revealed, and we saw a game go into five overtimes. Keep reading to catch up on all the news around the NHL.
Continue reading “Blake’s Takes: Rask Opts Out, Rangers Win the Lottery”
There was a lot of big news in the NHL last week. Most notably, the NHL lottery was hosted and we still don’t know who has the first pick. We do know the newest six members of the Hockey Hall of Fame and the name of the arena the Seattle franchise will call home. Keep reading if want a recap of one of the most interesting weeks of the NHL season.
Continue reading “Blake’s Takes: And the First Pick Goes to…”
The United States is still reeling from the death of George Floyd and the increased exposure of police brutality towards black people and people of color. In this edition of Blake’s Takes, I’ll highlight some very important steps the NHL and its players are taking to combat racism both internally and externally. I’ll also share my perspective on the league’s decision to move into Phase 2 of its Return to Play plan. #BlackLivesMatter
Continue reading “Blake’s Takes: Black Lives Matter”
In this episode, Sal Barry is joined by guest co-host Blake Isaacs, the author of the weekly Blake’s Takes column. They discuss the reaction to the past week of violence and civil unrest by the NHL and some of its players. Sal and Blake also talk about the Red Wings’ next team captain and the logo design for the Henderson Silver Knights.
Show Notes and Links:
Shea Weber’s statement (NHL.com)
John Tavares’ statement (Twitter)
Jonathan Toews’ statement (Instagram)
NHL statement calls on racial justice (NHL.com)
How J.T Brown’s protest reveals the worst of hockey’s racist and political bias (SB Nation)
John Vanbiesbrouck Resigns After Using Racial Slur (New York Times)
List of Bail Funds for Protestors across the Country (via GitHub)
Black Lives Matter Chicago (official website)
Henderson Silver Knights logo details (picture)
Henderson Silver Knights official website
Toledo Walleye logo (picture)
Peoria Rivermen logo, circa 2006 (picture)
Lansing Lugnuts Mascot “Big Lug” (picture)
Kia Soul commercial with hamsters (YouTube)
Follow Sal Barry on Twitter @PuckJunk.
Follow Blake Isaacs on Twitter @bisaacs1995.
Podcast music by Jim “Not the Goalie” Howard.
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The most important thing I can share are my thoughts on the radical racial injustices occurring in this country. These injustices are abhorrent and I needed to speak out. My comments will tie into hockey, of course. But, hockey is only a vehicle to illustrate how we need to improve. I hope this makes some of you outraged and encourages you to speak out. I also hope it makes some of you uncomfortable and more willing to listen to your fellow humans that just happen to look different than you. This is a time for all of us to get involved and improve as people. We need to stop the horrific injustice towards black people and other minorities in the US and Canada.
I’m glad I pushed my column back a day because a lot happened yesterday. Most notably, the AHL canceled the remainder of their season. I’ll give my take on it and give a few special shoutouts to AHL players. Also, a few reports published yesterday raised some eyebrows in the NHL community.
Continue reading “Blake’s Takes: AHL Cancels Remainder of its Season”
For what was another slow week in hockey, I have a solid variety of takes. We can thank St. Louis Blues’ GM Doug Armstrong for staying busy. I’ll share my thoughts on his variety of moves and an update from the NHL regarding the Coronavirus pandemic. I’ll also take a look into a surprise retirement and a contract termination.
Stay safe everyone!
Chris Chelios is the greatest American-born defenseman to play in the NHL. He may be the greatest American to ever play hockey at any position. Chelios spent 26 seasons in the NHL, breaking in with the Montreal Canadians at age 22 in 1984, winning numerous accolades along the way, and finally retiring at age 48 in 2010.
Also, Chris Chelios is my favorite hockey player of all-time. So, I am not sure why it took me this long to review “Chris Chelios: Made in America,” penned by Chelios and former USA Today hockey writer Kevin Allen in 2014. Nor can I guarantee that this will be a totally unbiased review of his book.
Regardless of how you feel about Chelios — hockey fans either loved him or hated him for his physical, almost reckless style of play — his book is an enjoyable memoir of his storied career.
Continue reading “Book Review – Chris Chelios: Made in America”
I swear every time I delay my column by a day all hell breaks loose. Thankfully, that’s a good thing. For this week’s takes, I’ll walk you through my trip to the United Center when I watched my Red Wings lose to the Blackhawks. I’ll also cover the World Junior Championships and take a look at how the Dallas Stars are the league’s most unlucky franchise.
Continue reading “Blake’s Takes: I Love Honey Butter Chicken”
This week in hockey was much calmer than the last few. Sadly, most of the news that was reported was negative and a bit depressing. But, I’ll still highlight one of the more surprising starts of a player on one of the league’s worst teams. Let me know what you think!