Deadline '10: Part Two: The Winners and Losers

Just as fast as he arrived, he was on his way out again.

When Skoula was drafted by the Avalanche, it could be said there were high hopes because being picked 17th overall is certainly good news. I am so thankful he was moved to New Jersey, but I was disappointed by the fifth-round pick the Leafs acquired. I wasn't surprised, but I was disappointed... There isn't much to be acquired by a player who has been in this league for over 10 years, and he can't accumulate more than 30 points a season. Skoula is a pitiful case and the Leafs have had a history of pitiful players, who shine once every twenty or thirty games. There's no room for another.



Washington is on the path to a Stanley Cup. Maybe Ovechkin is just as surprised as you are that Russia couldn't qualify for a medal game, but there's another prize waiting for him as well as the Capitals - the Stanley Cup. One notable name which they acquired was Joe Corvo, a powerful defenseman who has proven worthwhile for teams such as Ottawa Senators and Carolina Hurricanes. Now might be his chance to finally capture the League's most coveted prize, especially when he's apart of a more than stellar line up of players.

There wasn't much excitement at the trade deadline this year which is a little saddening. I, just like many others, was expecting Burke to make meaningful moves but nothing stood out. Stempniak is now a Coyote and good luck to him, because he will be forgotten by Toronto in a matter of short time. Anaheim became very lucky and can perhaps redeem themselves as a playoff contender, which are less than eight weeks away. Lubomir Visnovsky was sent to Anaheim in exchange for Ryan Whitney, and joining Visnovsky is Aaron Ward. This team needed to restrengthen and it looks like they are well on their way.

Nashville was capable of a great inquiry as the Preds added Denis Grebeshkov... And now what to do with Dan Hamhuis? Well I'm hoping there's a big defense trade in the works between the Leafs and Preds. Kaberle was eager to waive his no-trade clause for up to three teams but it looks like he's keeping his blue and white until the summer, and this could mean an offseason blockbuster. Ofcourse, this is one fan's prediction so don't quote me on anything but if I am right, you can consider buying me dinner... Hahaha.

Overall, I wasn't too thrilled about this year's deadline and it's not like it's a blame-game matter. If you watched the Leafs' terrible performance against the Hurricanes on Tuesday night, you'll understand where I'm coming from. Everyone was off their game and maybe it's that hangover plaguing the players, fresh from a two week break and getting back into routine can be hard, especially when you've just celebrated the biggest party this country has seen in years. That's no excuse for the Leafs' ridiculous game. I remember seeing Burke's face focused down on his handheld device and it just seemed like it couldn't be good news - Not like Ron Wilson was any happier. With that said, if the Leafs organization wants to be studded with stars and prospects, the current players need to be on their game. Lately the Leafs have acquired great talent and now it's all about maintaining them before everyone starts demanding a trade. It's hard to sell players who can't achieve 50 points or more. Is that so much to ask? Fifty freaking points...

Okay enough with hockey before I start unloading paragraphs of curses.



Today I had the opportunity to speak with British Columbia resident Becky Ninkovic of You Say Party! We Say Die!, and although my Chris Cresswell endeavour has yet to meet the internet and airwaves, I will say that this interview was a little smoother compared to my previous effort. I try not to let past errors afflict with my ability to change and I have a bad habit of doing so, but this time around it was okay. She was outgoing and very informative with her answers in regards to making a new album, going on tour, and staying true to yourself along the way. Sit tight. It's all going to be unloaded very soon.

Furthermore, I have been offered a spot for Tuesday nights between 7 and 8 pm at CJAM. It's a thrilling opportunity to come up with a show but it's harder than I expect. Normally I do fill-in shifts during the grave hours of Sunday morning so I feel a lot of people miss out, as it is traditional for youth and my peers to party on Saturday nights into the wee hours of Sunday. Don't worry, you're not missing much, just a lot of hardcore and a legend in the making ;) Any way, I am going to do my best to provide a program with entertainment and intrigue. I've also asked my friend Will King to assist me. His enthusiasm and positivity is surely a great encouragement, as is everyone else's, so I thank you for the relentless motivation and upcoming support you'll continue to give. It is appreciated to the fullest.



One more midterm to go. Two ball hockey intramurals this weekend. An interview with Shadows Fall. And so much more in between. Keep checking back but until next time, take care and have a great night.

Deadline '10: Part One: Brian Burke and the Toronto Maple Leafs

It's that time of year again...

Every March, there is one day I anticipate more than anything. Do you need a hint?

Green. Lots and lots and lots of green.

Think you got it? You probably did.

If you guessed NHL Trade Deadline Day, good for you! Tomorrow is the day where teams change and managements all across North America will spend a lot of time and money to acquire players. Hours and hours of phones ringing, blackberries vibrating, emails popping up... the one day which may be out of the ordinary for GMs and Presidents alike, because there is excessive handling which comes with trades. One minute you think a player is going to one city and then last minute, two more teams get involved, and you have a whole new scenario. Anything can happen.

What did you think I was talking about? St. Patrick's Day?

Many businessmen will be arranging all sorts of deals to relocate players within North America. After watching segments and reviewing articles regarding the fateful day, one thing stands out. What are the struggling clubs going to do? For one team, their GM is the showstopper all day long. Meet Brian Burke, President and General Manager of the Toronto Maple Leafs.



If you've ever wondered why Brian Burke is so reputable, it's because he has worked hard to improve any struggling team (except the Hartford Whalers...)

When Burke became President and General Manager of the Vancouver Canucks, veterans such as Trevor Linden and Pavel Bure were on their way out, along with Mark Messier. When Burke stepped in, he signed several key players. Firstly, he was notable for acquiring the Sedins as the second and third pick overall, respetively. It wasn't long after Todd Bertuzzi, Markus Naslund, and Brendan Morrison became part of his plan and we're aware how that worked out. In 2001 and 2002 they were knocked out of the first round by eventual Cup champions (Colorado Avalanche and Detroit Red Wings). Although the team hasn't reached the Finals since 1994, they have once again become a can't-miss team when it comes to post-season hockey.

The same story happens a few hours down south in Anaheim, California. After the infamous lockout of 2004-05, Burke found a new home in sunny California. In 2003-04, it may have been surprising not to see the Ducks in the playoffs because the previous post-season had them playing in the finals against New Jersey Devils, all the way to a seventh game. Burke stepped in after the lockout and the Ducks managed to stay in the playoff hunt in 2005-06, but only to lose in the Conference Finals. Nonetheless, it was their best effort in years and it may have had to do with the acquisition of Scott Neidermayer. In his second year there, Burke arranged a refreshing change of uniform and arena for the team and it definitely paid off - the Ducks won their first Stanley Cup after defeating the Ottawa Senators and haven't looked back since. They continue to play hard and strong and are another team that can never be undermined.

Now he's back in Canada. Burke did an interview with George Stroumbolopolous on The Hour and said he will do whatever it takes to improve the team. Since the lockout, the Maple Leafs have generated nothing but lackluster records and seasons not worth mentioning. It's a dark time in Leafs Nation, but tomorrow could shed some light.

Burke is known to be a GM who rebuilds teams around draft picks and young prospects. I mean, the Sedins, Naslund, Bertuzzi for the Canucks. Getzlaf, Perry, Ryan, Penner for the Ducks. As for the Toronto Maple Leafs, he has brought in the likes of Jonas Gustavsson who has had a stellar rookie campaign and I am faithful he will improve his game. Mike Komisarek, Phil Kessel, Dion Phaneuf, Jean-Sebastien Giguere, are just some names to mention. With Burke's help, is Toronto going to have a star studded line up any time soon?



Brian Burke assisted with the development of the U.S. team for men's ice hockey at the 2010 Winter Olympics. The U.S. was the only team to go undefeated until the gold medal game. I can only imagine how troublesome it must be for Burke to come back to Toronto, knowing the team was very close and fell one goal short. However, I commend him for putting together a dominant squad. It'll bother him for days but it's time to move on.

What's next for Toronto? It's important to see what Burke can do at the deadline for Kessel especially because the team's first round draft picks for 2010 and 2011 have been traded away. That's a ballsy move and now it's time to see what Burke can do for Kessel, for the team, and most importantly, the fans. There have been rumours swindling for months now as to who's going where. Matt Stajan has already found a new home with Calgary Flames and Jason Blake with the Anaheim Ducks. Lee Stempniak, Alexei Ponikarovsky, Jeff Finger, Wayne Primeau are the first names that come to mind when trying to decide who is going where. The Leafs play the Carolina Hurricanes tonight, and for some of these players it may be their last game in a blue and white uniform. It's hard to imagine that the Leafs will climb out of the hole because regardless of who they acquire, it still doesn't change the fact that this has been yet another failed season for Leafs Nation. But next year? We'll have to see what Burke does first to have any kind of idea determining just which direction the franchise is going in.

Bangcouver 2010 - Who Ever Imagined February Could Be the Hottest Month of the Year?

I tried relentlessly to upload the recording of my interview with Chris Cresswell of The Flatliners. The interview is over 20 minutes long and therefore can't be posted on Youtube unless I break it down... So stay tuned and sit tight, you'll get it before the end of the week.

So what am I going to fill the void with? My favourite radio personality, Dean Blundell, is by far one of the most intelligent and entertaining personalities in the world. He had a blog happening to determine the hottest Olympian. The thing is he was doing the top five hottest Olympians and as I researched the names he mentioned, I came across a plethora of Olympic babes. I even asked my friends on Facebook who they thought was the hottest Olympian and took that into consideration. Five is too small of a number and thus making it unfair to the other ladies.

Why sixteen? One hottie for each day of the Olympics. These are the ladies who make me say "Vancouver 2010? More like Bang-couver 2010!" So without any more interruption, let's get it on.

16) Sasha Cohen (U.S.A., Figure Skating)



Hot damn. This woman just had to start my list. She's one of America's top figure skaters and although she placed fourth in the competition in Vancouver, there's no denying she's a great athlete. The I-Spin maneuver is even referred to as the Sasha Spin and you know if a girl has a move named after her, she's gotta be legit. Great trademark.

15) Florence Schelling (Switzerland, Ice Hockey)



At twenty years old, she's a freshman at Northeastern University, as well as a goaltending star for the women's ice hockey team. She made her debut at the 2006 Winter Olympics in Turin and led the women's team to their highest finish ever. Here's one player any one would love to score.

14) Ashleigh McIvor (Canada, Ski-Cross)



We should all be thankful Ski-Cross finally made its debut as an official medal event or else we would not have been introduced to Ashleigh McIvor. This hottie captured the first gold medal in the event and also contributed to a milestone in history.

13) Lindsey Vonn (U.S.A., Alpine Skiing)



I wish Lindsey Vonn won every race at this year's Olympics just so we could get a glimpse of her winning smile. Although she was favoured to win three gold medals, one is better than nothing and with over 30 world cup victories, she is one of the most successful American skiers in history... as well as one of the hottest. It bums me out to tell you she's married to fellow skier Thomas Vonn.

12) Melissa Hollingsworth (Canada, Skeleton)



Although her record was dismal this year, she wins a gold for best smile. Okay I'm just going to say it... My favourite skeleton racer that gives me a bone.

11) Liudmila Privivkova (Russia, Curling)



Russia is just filled with all sorts of athletic talent ranging from tennis to hockey. Even on the tennis court there are several Russian hotties, but I'm going to start watching curling. Meet Liudmila Privivkova, the skip for the women's national team. Along with that hypnotic stare of determination, she's a screamer making it hard for any guy (or girl...) to ignore her. Something about Russian girls makes me feel hypnotized.

10) Shelley Rudman (Great Britain, Skeleton)



It might be the spandex but that tight body is hard to miss. Shelley Rudman is a shagalicious babe who finished sixth overall in the skeleton standings, right behind fellow hottie Melissa Hollingsworth. Even on this list these two are closely matched.

9) Noelle Pikus-Pace (U.S.A., Skeleton)



Here's a hottie who looks great with or without a helmet on. Just the sight of her makes me wonder how did it get so hot in February? Thanks for bringing the heat, Mrs. Pikus-Pace.

8) Kristi Leskinen (U.S.A., Freestyle Skiing)



I don't even need to make an introduction for this woman. She's one of the sexiest athletes ever and one of the sexiest women in the world. Kristi Leskinen is gracing the covers of Powder and FHM when she's not on the slopes. I have so many Americans on this list already... I'm thinking it's gotta be something in the water over there.

7) Anni Friesinger (Germany, Speed Skating)



According to her biography, Friesinger is doing some modeling work on the side. I think she should just hang up the skates and pursue it full time because she is absolutely stunning. This babe is on a gold rush, winning a gold in Salt Lake City in the 1500 metres category. She followed up impressively in 2006 and 2010 with two more golds to her résumé - both in team pursuit. She's a symbol of athleticism and sexuality, making her one the most attractive competitors during the Winter Games.

6) Julia Mancuso (U.S.A., Alpine Skiing)



Although Julia Mancuso could not live up to her gold medal success in Turin, she made a contributive effort with two silver medals in Vancouver. Just like the others, she models on the side and claims underwear is her calling - after glancing at this picture it's impossible to disagree.

5) Madeleine Dupont (Denmark, Curling)



This Dane is a heartstopper. She posed nude for a calendar, citing that if nudity attracted more people to the sport of curling then there's no problem with it. I like the way she thinks. She's the skip for her team and at 22 years old, you know she'll be back for more Olympic action in the future. I can't wait to start watching curling.

4) Hannah Teter (U.S.A., Snowboarding)



One of the youngest competitors for the national team, Teter almost didn't make it to Turin due to a horrific knee injury. She managed to come back and capture gold. In Vancouver, she achieved a silver medal in halfpipe. Can anyone say snow angel? She is so gorgeous.

3) Tessa Virtue (Canada, Ice Dancing)



She made her debut at the Olympics this year in Vancouver. Virtue has been partners with Scott Moir and he is one lucky man to be working with such a beautiful athlete so frequently. Not to mention, the outfits she wears just make the sport even sexier.

2) Gretchen Bleiler (U.S.A., Snowboarding)



This picture says it all so I'm not even going to regurgitate what you're already thinking.

1) Tanith Belbin (U.S.A., Ice Dancing)



Born in Canada, she resided most of her life across the border in the U.S. Tanith Belbin has been skating since her early teens and has numerous accolades to her name, and now she can add sexiest athlete of the 2010 Winter Olympics to her list of accomplishments. Congratulations Tanith and perhaps I can award you with a gold medal one day.

History. We're History.

"So it's you and me for the first time in history. We're history."


Vancouver 2010 was a time of beautiful tales, and some tragic endings...


The party won't stop for days in Vancouver. The Olympics ended on a superb note for the host country this year as 22-year-old Sidney Crosby scored the most inspiring goal in Canadian history, and arguably, hockey history. The good times were balanced with some tragedy, as the death of luger Nodar Kumaritashvili sent shockwaves around the globe, developing a grim atmosphere hours before the opening ceremony. Nika Rurua is the Minister of Sports and Culture for Georgia, and also the one who officialized the willingness of participating of the country in the Winter games, proclaiming effort to be dedicated to the country's "fallen comrade". It was a courageous and meaningful act on his behalf and Nodar's death is certainly not going to be fading from conversation or anyone's memory any time soon.

Speaking of remarkable gestures, February 14th was full of them. Yes it was Valentine's Day and there were many sweet occurences between love birds, but if you were in Vancouver or anywhere else in Canada, you'd recall Alexandre Bilodeau's supreme efforts to capture gold in the men's moguls, becoming the first Canadian to win a gold medal at an Olympics held on Canadian soil.


I don't know who is standing next to Bilodeau, but it can't be good for his ego...

After defeating the U.S. in Women's hockey, the Canadian team celebrated a stellar performance, huffing cigars and consuming champagne on the ice, while in uniform, with their medals around their necks.

Controversial? Well it's understandable. Did it have to be? No way... You'd think the European bureaucrats would let some things slide but no way do they understand how important this is. Achieving a gold medal in hockey when you're playing on home soil is every athlete's dream. However, I can comprehend their fury in regards to the underage players taking part in the celebration. Honestly, it looks like the coolest way to celebrate ever. How often do you win a gold medal on home soil?

Mmm... Molson Canadian. Way to go Gillian Apps!


Meghan Agosta there for the assist to Tessa Bonhomme.

Jon Montgomery, who won Canada's fourth gold medal in skeleton, experienced similar backlash for his post-game party antics.

And then there was Men's hockey. Another anticipated event at the Winter Olympics and being on home soil in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, this made it extra special. The lackluster performance in 2006 made it necessary for Steve Yzerman and Kevin Lowe to assemble a skillful, competitive team.

If there is one athlete who will stand out for me during these Olympics, it's number 87.

What can I say about Crosby that you haven't heard or read before? Eight months ago, he captained the Pittsburgh Penguins to a Stanley Cup, becoming the youngest team captain in NHL history to do so at age 21. And now at age 22, he has a gold medal to add to his list of accomplishments. He really came through when not only the team needed him, but the entire nation.

On February 18, 2010, Canada played Switzerland in an intense yet very passionate game. Canada was leading 2-0 until the Swiss stormed back to tie the game, force an unresolved overtime, and go to shootout. It was Crosby who got the game winning goal that helped Canada get their second win of the tournament.

It was Crosby then. It is Crosby now.

Ten days later, who could have imagined a similar scenario? Canada's Jonathan Toews scored in the first period, marking the first time the Americans had ever fallen behind in this tounament. Corey Perry followed in the second period with an assist from fellow Anaheim Ducks teammate Ryan Getzlaf. The U.S. kept up with Canada's aggression throughout the game and before the period ended, Ryan Kesler scored a much-needed point on respective Vancouver Canucks teammate, Roberto Luongo. Cutting the lead in half, the momentum didn't slow down for either side. Kesler's goal was proof that if each side wanted the gold medal, they needed to play harder, and better.

Throughout the entire game, both teams threw their weight around. One such hit which still rings clear in my mind is Brooks Orpik shoving Dany Heatley onto the Americans' bench. I'm sure you have your own pick, but I imagine this would be the most recounted. With under a minute to play, the U.S. had an extra attacker as Miller anxiously awaited on the bench, for one more glimmer of hope, for one more opportunity to skate back on the ice and play net. He got his wish when a shot fired by Patrick Kane tipped off of captain Jamie Langenbrunner, to Zach Parise, who buried it before Luongo could even get a glimpse of the puck.

This entire tournament, the U.S. was comprised of an All-Star line-up who showed consistent power and control during play. Their versatility and ability proved that they were just as much of a contender for gold as Canada or Russia. They had already defeated Canada once and the Canadians had overcome adversity - eliminating Russia and hanging on to defeat Slovakia 3-2 in the semi-finals. Canada was used to opponents fighting back, but this time, it was far more personal. With twenty-four seconds remaining, Zach Parise was reminder that the Americans were in Vancouver to crash the party. Patrick Kane achieved his second assist of the evening and I have to say he was one of my favourite players to watch in the tournament.

Just like every other Canadian, my world was rocked. I was at a rehearsal and could not focus as my phone vibrated four times in my pocket. I knew I had missed two exhilerating periods, and could not live with myself had I been absent for another moment. We had already tied the record for most gold medals won and one more would break that record, solidifying the excellence within Canadian athletics. Overtime was coming and that meant whoever scored the next and final goal, there would be no chance for the other side to attempt a return. It'd be over. Canada was on the verge of coming so far and falling one goal short of victory. The numerous outcomes that could have taken place still give me chills... February 28, 2010 could've marked the day of a memorable result or a nightmarish ending.

Overtime started and each side was one player short, playing four on four, just like the NHL. This time it was for all the bragging rights. Ryan Miller had been spectacular, Patrick Kane had stepped up and pushed harder and harder each play, Roberto Luongo was keeping Canada alive and well - everyone was doing their part on each side to stay well alive. The question was, who was under more pressure to deliver? the Americans came so far and acquired the overtime which they had been oh so desparate for the previous period, yet the Canadian team had the weight of an entire nation on their shoulders.

Sidney Crosby was once a child who had a fateful dream like any one of us. To be in a deadlock situation, and to be the hero who produces the best outcome for his side.

Crosby skated into the American zone with Iginla and arranged a pass for his linemate, as Crosby set up in front of the net to receive a pass that just looks like it was meant for him. The shot slid by Ryan Miller, who had been phenomenal in the entire tournament, and it was somewhat bittersweet to see such an easy shot beat the astronomical netminder. The sound of the goal horn was perhaps the greatest sound to ever resonate in Hockey Canada Place (which is actually GM Place). That play, that sound confirmed whose game this really was.

Once again, Sid the Kid, who should now be called Sid the Man, came through in a bigger way than previous for his country. He scored once against the Americans during their round robin bout, in the final minutes of the third but it wasn't enough as the Canadians lost 5-3. However, this was more than enough, this was the ultimate dream. Scoring for your NHL franchise is one thing, for the city you play for, but to score for your home country... for millions and millions of fans is something else. As he received his medal, the crowd chanted his last name for minutes. It was an overwhelming occasion to have seen a young player grow in the league and stand there, in the midst of a dreamy vision. Even Mike Babcock had to hold back tears. It's hard to cheer for Crosby when he plays for the Pittsburgh Penguins because he isn't representing your home team... But on February 28, Crosby was the hockey hero for an entire nation. He will be for a very long time. Not just because he scored the most necessary goal in recent memory, but also contributed to an international record.

Sidney Crosby is my overall Olympic athlete because he embodied the Olympic spirituality which the games have been based upon for thousands of years - making the most impressive yet necessary efforts and at the same time unifying a nation, reaffirming a belief which had been shaken up several times during these tournaments. It's incredible to witness a dream come true for someone who is regarded with grace and an unmatched athleticism.

Those vintage U.S.A. jerseys may have had something to do with defeating Canada in the exhibition round last Sunday... After all, that design was worn by the American team for the 'Miracle' game 30 years ago against the Soviet Union at the Lake Placid games.

However, hockey isn't based on what kind of jersey you wear. Sidney Crosby was meant for this team and to be a part of history and thanks to him, this is one of the greatest occurences for this country. For him, it's a beautiful tale, while for the warriors who stormed back and fought to the fullest, it still wasn't enough... they deserve the gold as much as Canada, but there can be only one winner, hence, the tragic ending.

Congratulations to all the athletes who participated in the Winter Olympics in Vancouver for the year 2010.