The Sharks have made it through the first round, but the biggest challenge so far will be this week.  There's a ton of St. Louis fans that made the Blues primary logo voted 'best logo', and they've flooded the snot out of www.icethetics.info   with votes for their team.  As early as today, the Sharks are ahead, but it's close. We have to pound the snot out fo this website as often as possible, all week!  Here's the link :

http://www.icethetics.info/   Go to the 'vote tab' and let's make the Sharks number one! Keep up the good work kids!

Not sure how this would go over on here, but http://www.icethetics.info/  has a yearly poll to determine several diffetrent 'favorite logo' tournaments.  problem is, the shit gets spammed out of one team, like the Blues or Buffalo Sabres.  Seeing as I wasn't sure how many people were aware of this site, I would suggest you add this to your favorites and keep voting over the next few weeks so the Sharks full-bodied Shark will have to be emblazened on their site for a whole damn year. 

 Once you get to the site, there's tabs at the top. The "Vote' tab will be the one to click in order to help put the Sharks over the top.  This week, the Sharks are up against ( and winning 55%/ 45%) the Avalanche Foot Clan logo.

 

Anyone in?

( I know I promised a review of our later round picks today, but this takes a bit more precedence. We'll get those up by tomorrow.  - Joel )

 

      Today started with optimism, as the news of a live chat on the Coyotes website with GM Don Maloney and Doug Moss would lead me to believe we could finally ask some hard hitting questions regarding the future of the Coyotes roster.  I was drooling at the chance finally pick the brain of GMDM, with nowhere for him to run.  I fearlessly  leapt into the chat room, eager to get as much dirt as I could.

  

 

      You can take a guess as to how I feel it ended. Only one of my multitude of questions was taken, and it was one of my weaker questions.  A lot of the "questions" that were posted weren't even questions, more like statements on certain individuals' love of jersey colors and Fan Fests.  Some of the hard hitting questions that were  taken were along the lines of " How do I ride the Zamboni between periods" ?

 

 

       Regardless, I think that Don Maloney at least perused through some of my questions, and somewhat addressed them as the conversation drudged into questions regarding parking passes and the obviousness of the Coyotes goaltending situation.  Doug Moss handled most of the "lollipop questions", so the majority  all of my quotes will be directly from GM Don Maloney regarding the Coyotes roster for the upcoming season.

WHAT WE DID LEARN : 

 - Wojtek Wolski is officially back.  Maloney thinks that he might even have a position change:

 

Don Maloney: 

Given the lack of depth at the center position and the fact Wolski played center in Junior hockey, this is something we are considering in the event we can't get Lombardi signed. 

- Martin Hanzal and Sami Lepisto were given qualifying RFA offers yesterday.  Other teams can still make offers, and the Coyotes can match.  If they can't or won't match, compensation in the form of draft picks will be given to the Coyotes.  Don Maloney is confident  Sami Lepisto will be back.

Don Maloney: 

We are close to finalizing a deal with Sami ... He was a good player for us last season and we are excited about him returning.

 

On trading Dan Winnik to the Colorado Avalanche:

Don Maloney: 

Dan Winnik was looking for a significant increase over his contract from the 2009-10 season ... we feel we can replace his position from either within (Tikhonov, Picard) or a low cost UFA player (similar to our Pyatt deal last season) .. the 4th rd pick we receive in 2012 is a good return for Winnik, in my opinion.

Wait, did he say Tikhonov?! I thought...

Don Maloney: 

Tikhonov had a strong season in Russia and I would have liked to see him play for us at the end of our regular season. I spoke with him yesterday - he told me his is 188lbs and working hard to win a roster spot next season .. I think he can help us win next season.

 

Okay, but what about all the UFAs?

Don Maloney: 

We continue to negotiate with all our pending UFA's - Michalek, Lombardi, Stempniak and Morris ... In an ideal world, all would return. However, we have not concluded contracts on any at this time

So, if we can't sign any of these guys, then we're in the hunt for Kovalchuk?

Don Maloney: 

We continue to look at ways we can maximize our available dollars ... we would like to sign our own players. If not, we will look for replacement players that fit into our salary structure .. I do not anticipate participating in the top free agent sweepstakes!!

Got it. Kovalchuk is a big fat 'NO". Who replaces the open roster spots?     

 Don Maloney: 

Kyle Turris has a strong 2nd half of the season in the AHL (over a point per game, good on faceoffs, etc) and I believe he will play for us ... Brett Maclean was a 30 goal scorer and has a chance .. Mike Boedker has the speed we crave ... David Schlemko is ready to be a depth player on our roster next season ... Alex Picard brings some energy and competiveness and will get a long look!

 

   (After the jump, I prove that I am a hockey super-genius, and more GMDM thoughts on other Coyotes players and prospects...  )

Continue reading this post »

( Editor's Note:  Sorry for the lack of updates over the weekend. Being a bit shorthanded, and feeling sick simultaneously makes for a real pain in the keester.  Here's a big recap of draft weekend to hopefully cheer you up, along wtih some rumors and other musings.  ) 

 

WIth all the rumors and speculation being circulated about two goalies being drafted, Don Maloney took the time to disspell all the rumors, and explained his draft strategy  (Spoiler alert! "PROJECTS").  There's also interviews with the draftees, and since I'm still not 100%, just load up the player and go down the line.  You can watch them all by CLICKING HERE.

 

The best news for Phoenix Coyotes fans is the addition of our first pick, # 13 overall, Brandon Gormley.  It was originally thought that Gormley would go extremely early to Colombus, at # 4.  Like I said before,  Gormley falling into the Coyotes lap is a brainfart of epic proportions on the part of other GMs in the league.  Either that, or there's something they know that we don't.  I'm usually the worst critic when it comes to Coyotes prospects, but I absolutely love this kid's style of play.  As a defenseman, he can skate extremely well.  His positioning seems far superior and patient than someone his age, so his hockey IQ must be through the roof.  HockeyBuzz thinks he's a steal as well. Here's the clip of him getting drafted, with some highlights of him in action:

 

 As you can see, the kid is fluid as heck on his feet.  His lateral movement is leaps and bounds better than many NHL defensemen, and it looks like his training stint before hitting the pros will mainly be to beef him up.  Tons of intangibles, tons of upside.  I absolutely love this pick. Expect to see him crack the lineup (at earliest) in 2011-2012 season.

 

To make up for my lackluster weekend, I give you this peace offering from the draft: Alyssa Milano, one of my all-time favorite babes, talking about who gives a rat's   her love of hockey..

 

More draft analysis and news after The Jump.....

Continue reading this post »

 




• The good - Wojtek Wolski is officially a Coyote, for at least two more years.  The Wolski signing is a dramatic one, as he is undoubtedly the fanciest stickhandler on the Phoenix squad.  More time of puck possesion equals more scoring opportunities, so this signing was all but necessary.  Coming off the heels of signing Taylor Pyatt, it's safe to say that GM Don Maloney already has his game plan locked and loaded, and is implementing it as the free agency period begins in less than a week.  As always, there is little reason doubt he'll fail The Coyotes faithful now.

 

 • The bad - Ilya Bryzgalov got shut out at the NHL Awards ceremony in Las Vegas, watching Ryan Miller steal the Vezina Trophy in what most could at best call a questionable decision.  Fans got to vote online, making the process of fairness a non-factor.  While Miller did have an exceptional season, and was the main reason Buffalo limped into the Playoffs, the first question being asked by people wearing tinfoil hats is ' Did his play in the Olympics have anything to do with this" ?  The answer would be 'yes', but no one's going to admit it publicly.  Bryzgalov's career year saw him take the franchise record for most wins in a season, and his stellar play almost had Phoenix looking to make a run at the Western Conference title.  Guess Bryz'll just have to do it again next year.

 

 • The ugly - Shane Doan's acceptance speech after winning the King Clancy Memorial Trophy sure seemed a little strange.  Seeing as the trophy is given out for leadership on and off the ice, Doan should've been a shoe-in.  But instead of waiting for interviews afterwards, he used his speech to advertise Phoenix as a heavenly place for free agents to sign.  Will it work?  No one knows for sure. Was that the right place to pander for high profile free agents?  I'm not going to say no to Shane Doan.  You tell him.  There's a nice article HERE.  And you can watch the speech HERE. Just make sure you have your awkward glasses on.

 

 • The WTF - Puck Daddy noted that Michael Rosenbaum of Smallville said that Zarley Zalapski was the best name in hockey, ever.  More like The Greatest Name Ever. Period.  Now I hope you'll all be at my child Zarley's baptism next Sunday, and don't forget to bring gifts.  Buffet afterwards.

 

 

After the jump, more musings from around the league:

Continue reading this post »

 (  Cool story, Hanzal. )

 

Like a fat kid in rollerblades, cresting atop San Francisco's famed Lombard Street, the NHL is teetering into what seems to be one of the more ugly free agency periods we've seen in recent years.  Will this be the year of the fire sale?  Hard to say until July 1st, but all signs definitely point to this definitely not being the Year of the Goalie. Well, if you're into hometown heroes and whatnot. Here's a few examples:

Jaroslav Halak - playoff hero, now a member of the St. Louis Blues.  It looks like Montreal may have finally given up on finding the next Patrick Roy.  That, or they think Carey Price is that guy.

Evgeni Nabokov - Fear The Fin has a couple excellent articles on the greatest goalie in San Jose's history.  The good news is, San Jose fans have all come to their senses and realized that sometimes, business is business.


Marty Turco-  While sometimes criticized for his unorthodox style of play, Turco has the Stanley Cup ring to back it up. This year's playoffs are a prime example of why all the aforementioned goalies will be starting anew elsewhere.  They all demand too much money, and it seems that not many franchises are interested in blowing a ton of money on a position that can be replaced just as easily for half the price.

 

  Most of the mornings are spent waiting for more breaking news, so i thought today we'd switch it up a bit.  The Grandfather of Five For Howling, Travis Hair, is moving.  He'll still be here doing his thing,  we just won't get to see him at as many Phoenix  Arizona Coyotes( still looks weird) home games as we'd like.  So with that being said, I offer you the Top Ten Reasons We'll miss Travis Hair ( in person)... After the jump, of course.

Continue reading this post »

  If there's one major misconception about Coyotes fans, it's about their dedication.  Most hockey towns don't have to worry about MOU's, COO's, using their children as tools for pandering government hacks  officials in City Halls, etc..  And yet, the fans come. In droves, nonetheless.  Travis, Jord, and myself have said it time and time again.  If you show us some stability, the fans will come back.  I'm no businessman, so I don't understand strange posturings and tactics used by Ice Edge to get this finally done. What I do know, is that we have a time frame to finally solidify IEH as the new owners of the Phoenix Glendale Arizona Coyotes(?!).  AZ Central has information regarding this, in the best attempt at layman's terms we've seen so far.  You can check it out by clicking here.

 • Ice Edge could learn a thing or two about sticking up for the fans, and the perfect example is our knight in shining armor, GM Don Maloney.  If GMDM wants to win the GM of the Year award again, he's already off to a great head start. Sick 'em, GMDM.

Sounds like certain Canadian newspapers are the equivalent to this guy, in GMDM's eyes:

 

 

 

After the jump, more happy fun time!

Continue reading this post »

 •   Listening to radio shows, watching sportscasters,  or reading the newspaper, you'd swear the Chicago Blackhawks were in for a cakewalk against a Flyers team that seems to be forever in flux.  Not the case, as the multi-faceted Flyers flexed their guns only to fall short in Game One of the Stanley Cup Finals, 6-5.  If this is any indication of things to come, we'd all better buy stock in Orville Redenbacher. ESPN's recap of the game can be found here.

 

• In groan-worthy news, Gary Bettman cements his lips to Sidney Crosby's rear end by announcing that Pittsburgh will host one of the Winter Classic games next year.  Many teeth are clenched. Many walls are punched.

 

( Insert your own sunglasses joke. )

 •  The Coyotes will play an exhibition game against Dinamo Riga of the KHL on october 6th, as part of the NHL Premiere Challenge.  Three words : WE better win. The Dinamo ( Dynamo?!) teams have storied histories, and I personally grew up rooting for a little goalie by the name of Arturs Irbe before he set foot in an NHL rink.  Anyone want to take us along?  We'll tape sticks and wash jocks.  Okay, we'll tape sticks.  No jocks. Gross.

 After the jump, more ramblings from around the hockeysphere. 

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As the Playoffs have whittled themselves down to 4 teams, it's interesting to see the resolve necessary for an extended playoff run.  All four teams should be lauded for not only opportunizing on minute mistakes, but for buckling down with every inch of intestinal fortitude they can muster.  As we live and die with our teams, no other sport exhibits the sacrifice exuded by these warriors more blatantly  than playoff hockey.  Teeth are lost.  Bones are broken.  Testic..... Well, you get the point.   I am reminded each playoffs that  all NHL players ( even the ones I hate)  are the gutsiest people on the planet. You can't help but to respect and admire that.

 

San Jose and Chicago start tomorrow, with an improbable 12pm PST start time. Seeing as I am originally from San Jose, you are all safe from Jordo's Flyers pics at the top of the page. No promises come Monday, but consider yourself on an orange break 'til then. Interesting to see how many people are picking Chicago over San Jose, but I think the underdog role suits them well.  I think it's safe to say that after destroying Detroit, they've officially got that monkey off their throat ( *wink wink, nudge nudge*).  What's that you say?  You want 10 facts about the matchup? Ryan lambert at Puck Daddy's got you covered.   

I'm picking Sharks in 6,   BECAUSE I CANT GET THIS HORRIBLE $@#*%!ING SONG OUT OF MY HEAD.

As for Philly and Montreal, it's a battle of Cinderella playoff runs.  Who didn't watch that monumental comeback against Boston yesterday and walk away from their TVs with their jaw on the floor?  Congrats, Flyers.  You really pulled that one out of your [ Avery ] . Montreal's been riding  Jaroslav Halak's insane goaltending like a scorpion on a frog.  It's only a matter of time before they get stung, in my opinion.  Also, I figure if I pick the Flyers, karma might get me a date.   That being said, I'll take the Flyers in 6.   No, wait. Make it  5.  No, 3.   Anything for the blonde.

So, let's talk about our beloved 'Yotes.  I think a few people expected me to come on here and bash Winnipeg after the hearty stream of hate strewn about the site from diehard 'Peggers.  Because after all, it's Travis, Jordan and myself who are to blame for the Jets leaving town.  We apologize, and won't say anything bad about you. Greg Esposito will though.   And we promise not to laugh.  We pride ourselves on being classy here at FFH, and even though you've said some really not-nice things about us lately, We would never rub the joy of keeping our team in your faces, especially after how wonderfully you've treated us.

 

  Whoops.

 

After the jump, more musings, and another Phoenix hockey player goes pro. And this time, (*gasp*)  it's a girl!

Continue reading this post »

Alright, I'm gonna need a lot of help on this one.  Find me as many Sharks-eating-Indian related shops as possible.  I'm on the hunt right now, and maybe that South Park Shark can be recycled.  Honestly, I don't know where to find these, so I'll be on google ofr the next couple hours.  If it works, it works. It should, because it's google. And make sure to check back for updates. I'm sure we'll have plenty.

 

Here's what I found right off the bat:

 

ooh, purty:

 

but of course

 

 

 

*plays bass*

 

 

 

another obvious one:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Something for the announce team in Chicago: 

 

Obligatory:

 

 

Blackhawk down?

 

 

 

 

 

I need a gajillion more. I have tons of hawks friends, and they're already swarming my email account with anti-Sharks propoganda. HEre's your photoshop/mojo dump.  Updates to come!

 

Updated:

 

 

 

 

MOAR UPDATES!:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  ( Michael Wolf Of Germany And Keith Yandle Of Team USA Compete For The Puck. Image via  Bongarts/Getty Images)

Hey, I'll admit it.  I'm not in the mood to be some sort of chipper cheerleader for the Coyotes this morning.  Matter of fact, I'm pretty much disgusted.  But, I'll save my rant for the end.  If you want to see a 30-something lose their composure, maybe you should stick around.  But first, I'll throw the good news at you.  As of right now, this is your obligatory orgy of linkage for Saturday:

   •  77,000 people show up at a soccer stadium to watch a hockey game-   Keith Yandle got to play in front of 77,000+ fans in Germany during a preliminary game at the IIHF World Championships.  That's 4 Jobing.com Arena's worth of Lowenbrau-fueled hockey fans ( Note to self. Oktoberfest seems like a perfect vacation spot this year).  Still can't grasp the scale of how many people showed up to look for a hockey puck?  Check out the article and picture here .

 

  •  GM Don Maloney nominated for inaugural GM of the Year Award - Congrats on the nomination, GMDM. We thank you for your shrewd business tactics to turn us into contenders. Words can't express what fans would have felt had you not.

  

   •  TSN's Darren Dreger shines a little light on the current ownership clusterfu   situation.  All hope is not lost.  And it's coming from Dreger, who is not some blowhard like Pierre LeBrun.  Optimism for everyone!  You get optimism! And you get optimism! And you!  And you!  (* jumps on couch*)

 

  • Last night's scores - Chicago -  7    Vancouver - 4  ( Chicago leads series 3-1 )   Philadelphia-  5  Boston-  4  ( Boston leads series 3-1)  .

 

 • A special thank you to Roberta B for the wonderful e-mail that was sent to all the mods here at FFH.  It's nice to get a pat on the back once in awhile, and we hope we've lured you back into the wonderful world of hockey for good.  Cheers.

 

      After the jump, I lose my cool and lash out to anyone who will listen.  Trust me, my keyboard will be screaming at the top of it's lungs.  MAYBE IF I TYPE IN ALL CAPS I WILL BETTER CONVEY MY ANGER. YOU WONT LIKE ME WHEN I'M ANGRY.

 

 

Or maybe I'll just explain myself , with a few thesauras words tossed in for intellectual purposes.

Continue reading this post »

 

 

 

A friend of mine made a post for me in another forum, but he's added some that I've seen here, and some I have yet to see. I figure, we can just pool them all in here if we don't have anywhere else to put them. fuck detroit fuck detroit my name is tobias fuck detroit fuck detroit fuck detroit i got beat up in school fuck detroit fuck detroit is this 75 words yet?  I am sick of this shit so i hope that's it. San Jose Sharks Detroit Red Wings Oakland Seals  Arturs Irbe Joe Pavelski Joe Thornton Patrick Marleau CTGraykisseshorses

 

Here we go:

 

 (UPDATE: Any newly found pics I'll throw at the top. Evidently, this topic has made my friends start scrounging every Sharks/Wings photoshop thread on the itnernet. lol)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

From JMoneyBrah ( look further down in the comments, I'm too lazy to figure out why this shit won't move):

 

And an assortment of others:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 The originals:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
 
 

  
 

               Not a lot of news to report on this weekend, and since our families aren't used to us disappearing and being enamored with playoff hockey on a regular basis, they staged an intervention with the FFH Staff and we've all had to check into family-spending-time rehab.  It's pretty bad, for myself. Yesterday, my father had his birthday, and he had the audacity to ask if I'd go eat dinner with him and my mother.  What, and miss hockey?!  Psheesh.   Next thing you know, they're going to want to hang out with me all the darn time. Gotta re-train these families here in AZ if we're going to get used to this mysterious love of the playoffs.  Oh, and these people keep calling us, claiming they are 'our bosses' at things called 'jobs'.  Who are these jerkwads?

 

Coyotes Food For Thought Of the week:  If we're no longer going to be the "Phoenix" Coyotes, and instead the 'AZ" Coyotes", does this mean we get all new jerseys?  Can we put some input in on this?  As classic as the maroon is, I'm bored with it.  All the players love the black one, even ignoring the roadkill logo.  I mean, we WILL have to lose this:

Why not make something fresh and new?  What do you think?  First one to photoshop some new jersey ideas gets a used copy of  the AZ Central Living section, minus the crosswords.

 

Moving on.........

 

 

Continue reading this post »

  For those in the desert, facing the prospect of staving off elimination came early today.  Some might think that a game this early would hamper the Phoenix Coyotes, possibly being scheduled a little too early in the afternoon.  This was one of many concerns, as fears during the game thread  manifested themelves while the game progressed.  When facing the uncertainty of the clock possibly striking midnight on their so-called 'Cinderella Ride" ,the Coyotes showed everyone what makes this team so special, during prime time nonetheless.  Early games, away game in Detroit, Mike Emerick being the biggest Red Wing fan with a microphone, whatever.  It made no difference.   Pay attention, kids. Work ethic goes a long way in life.

   The first period started out scary, as Detroit picked up where they left off, dominating time of posession, the shot clock, and the overall flow of the game.  Also noticeable was Detroit's increased physical presence,  a category they seemed to have the advantage on  for the majority of the game.  As for the adage of "being more lucky than good", it didn't hurt that the Coyotes were a little of both today.  While some may have complained about the quality of the officiating, we will not do that here.  It is what it is, and if you're not good enough to deal with that type of adversity, the refs aren't going to put the biscuit in the basket for you anyways. That being said,  Lauri Korpokoski  took full advantage of an errant clearing attempt  just over 4 minutes into the first period, bearing straight down on Red Wings goalie Jimmy Howard and beating him through his proverbial wickets.  It wasn't the prettiest goal.  But when you're already shorthanded, and being physically pushed around as if you're facing the schoolyard bullies, even the ugly ones seem to have some sort of sheen to them.   Score after 1: Coyotes 1, Detroit 0.

Continue reading this post »

 


I know I'm supposed to think of 75 words to make a fanpost.  But, instead of thinking of mindless drivel to appease the masses, I guess I'll apologize and explain my situation.  I was told by a Jobing.com arena employee that I was on a hitlist ( by security), and I fell into the trap.  Granted, I like to have a few drinks, and as Travis can attest, I've had my moments of ridiculousness at Coyotes games.  But seeing as they were laying the law down, and a lot of people know me, He told me after game one that if I smelled like beer when I came in for game 2, they were gonna hawk me.  And they did.  I spent the second half of the game in a sushi joint, watching on a TV while enjoying some chicken.  Not what I had envisioned, getting escorted to a gate while being compliant, and voluntarily leaving as not to start trouble. 

 

       In retrospect, everyone knows I am just as enthusiastic as all the regulars here at FFH, and maybe it was better I left before I actually went out of my way to go overboard.  I had three beers, some Detroit fans called me a word that rhymes with 'maggot' over my 'Throw the Snake' t-shirt, and I told them how far into their internal organs I would shove their Wings jerseys.  Not the nicest thing in the world, so that's why I willingly left. Funny thing is, some guys bought me a couple shots of jager once I got out, and then I was probably not in a state of mind to go into the game, regardless.  And honestly, I'm glad I left.  From the 16+ teams that have frequented here in the last few weeks, I've noticed that almost everyone that comes on here , regardless of team loyalties, can be respectful...yet passionate about their home clubs.  My anger at leaving in the middle of the game got the best of me, and I'm embarassed at the fact I stooped to the lows of some drunk Detroit fans.  I guess they brought the worst out in me.  So to anyone I may have offended , I apologize. This includes Travis and Jordan. I realize that I was supposed to be a representative of FFH, but the old hockey player logic kicked on auto-pilot.  It was dumb.  A little funny to everyone who saw me stand up for myself, but knowing full-well I had a shadow most of the night was an idiotic move.

 

All that aside, I hope that helps everyone realize that like yourselves, we Phoenix fans live and die with our team.  In the past few years, our team was literally dying before our eyes.  We too, felt helpless.  And now, with the wonderment that we're going through with this playoff run, some of us are dying to show that we are passionate, and have been for years.  I've never been kicked out of anything, in my life.  But if I had to be that guy, just this once, I'm okay with that too. I wanted to live a little, and I did.  The aftermath,sure.  Not so great.    

 

But let me talk about the beforehand.  I am not the only person who not only loves watching the Coyotes succeed, but also loves hockey so much that my distaste for the RedWings is equal, if not higher than my fellow hockey fans. here's a couple of pictures from Day One of the Whiteout, and one from Day Two, just to show you the atmosphere that regulars at FFH feel.

 

( L to R: me, Travis, MPallen23, TimmyHate and his new bride)

 

 

( How do I know you're...You're looking at me....)

 

 

( Jesus Christ, that XXXL , long sleeved hoodie makes me look 50 pounds fatter than I actually am. Oh well.)

 

 

And from Day Two, before I ended up eating eel and drinking myself angrily to death, before the game. I met the nicest family, they LOVE Throw the Snake, and let me take a pic with their kid, already a Detroit hater in training:

 

 

Through and through, I love hockey.  The atmosphere here in Glendale/Phoenix would sound cliche if I said 'electric'.  It's like one of thoe "5 Gum" commericals, personified.  You can't help but get caught up.  If you're around the right people, you can have the time of your life ( one Dirty Dancing refernece and I'll stab you).  But  being around a hostile crowd, mixed with the knowledge of being stalked while enjoying myself drove me too far. The bait was there, and I bit. Hook, line, sinker.

 

To some, I might be an asshole. To others, they might understand why I made the choices I did.  But even if you can't, realize this: We fucking LOVE OUR HOCKEY out here.  And goddammit, you don't come into our arena thinking you can walk all over us, our fellow fans, or our team.  I don't look forward to being like this, ever again. Nor do I plan to.  But, I won't rule it out, as long as opposing fans try to come to my home arena and taunt me like the court jester in order to provoke a reaction.  I can take a quip here and there, and dish them out as well.  But you can only do so much before anyone says ' I'm gonna punch your face now'.  ( I didn't, but was getting there). So for the most part, I am done.  I am still willing to almost repeat my actions.  Well, except for the strangers at a sushi bar getting me all Courtney Love'd,  after the fact. 

 

I guess I was just bummed at how shitty everything went down.  Lesson learned.  Game 5 will be diffetrent, if I don't need a disguise to sneak in.

 

Go 'Yotes.

Hey all, I felt compelled to sign on here and gush a little bit.  Yes, I am not a Wild fan.  I grew upin San Jose playing hockey before we even had the Sharks, and ice sheets were scarce in Northern California. And although I am a diehard Sharks fan, I have transplanted to Phoenix 5 years ago to take care fo my father after heart surgery. Since my time down here in AZ has been boring as heck, taking to the Coyotes during years of Gretzky-induced torture was hard, but better than no hockey at all.

 

  I can tell you that the reasoning for waning attendance previously in Arizona was because the Moyes/Gretzky run franchise blatantly slapped fans in the face by raising ticket prices while progressively getting worse on the ice.  There was no effort in rebuilding the 'Yotes, only ezxcuses to cut corners.  'Youth Movement' was an excuse given all too often as a means to subdue and sterilize angry fans.  And once that pacified no one, the gates started emptying.  Still, as a hockey fan in general, I continued to show up... no matter how scarce the crowd.  As you have seen, the commitment put in by the NHL is ten times better anything Wayne-o and his band of jackasses ever tried.  And now, the 'Yotes fans are back.  Chicago had this same situation a few years back, and no one whined about relocation.  You were screwed out of the Stars before, and obviously know the sting that we Coyotes supporters have been enduring for the past years.

 

  So for whomever did that write-up about Phoenix, we thank you.  We all know how knowledgeable and passionate Minnesota hockey is, from Junior hockey to the pros. We just didn't expect you guys to be so damn classy.  Consider us stung a little too much from Canadiunts , and we apologize for having our guard up.

 

And to top it off was the salute you gave Mike Modano.  Wow.  Around the country, there was not a dry eye in any computer screen to be seen. How could anyone hate Mike Modano with all the great hockey moments he's given hockey fans around the world after all these years?  I never expected the Wild organization to go to such great lengths to honor Modano, anbd they didn't have to.  But they did. And it was spectacular.  I may have to go buy an old NorthStars jersey just because of all the warm memories the tribute brought back.  Maybe if he wants another year, he'd consider ending his career where he began?  I wouldn't put it past you guys, and I don't think he would be a hindrance.

 

Regardless, I just wanted to stop by and say 'Thank You Wild fans for being one classy bunch of mofos".  You restore my faith that there are hockey fans just because the sport is the best on the planet. You stay classy.

  I'm Ron Burgundy?

 

~ Joel V

 P.S - join in oth the 'throw the snake' bandwagon.  This has blown out of ridiculous proportions in the span of half a day that's too fun to not look into.

Well, here we are again.  Last day of the regular season for us 'Yotes fans.  We've talked about this day for some time, but never thought it would come to this.  As we pack our black jerseys into the closets, and wonder about the season that could have been...No, SHOULD have been.  The Coyotes didn't do what we expected them for the umpteenth season in a row.  

BUT.  This time around, it wasn't what we expected.....IT WAS BETTER.  Not only is this an improved Coyotes team, it's the BEST COYOTES SEASON IN HISTORY.  Re-read that. Check the facts.  Whether in Winnipeg, Phoenix, or Glendale, this season has not only put the Coyotes at the top of the NHL's pecking order, it's made them damn near a juggernaut.  And with all the waning threads claiming that the Coyotes should tank a few games to set themselves up with an easier first round playoff opponent, there's quite a bit of speculation around these parts that maybe we shouldn't care who the Coyotes get in the first round.   From Day One of the season, the Coyotes were pretty much unanimously picked by all analysts ( key word: nevermind) and 'hockey experts' to finish dead last.  Not in the division. Not in the conference, either.  The Coyotes were expected to finish DEAD LAST IN THE LEAGUE.  And here we are, at the top of the heap. Come playoff time, most fans say things like ' Oh, I don't want to see (insert team name) in the first round".  I can guarantee you there's at least 7 cities around North America where many people have uttered that same sentence, and uttered "Phoenix" as the team they fear.

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The suffering is no more.  No longer are Coyotes fans shackled in the town square, prey to any wandering village idiot to take a free shot at us.  The garbage that has been cast at us without fear of remorse has been suspended.  The taunting of the public has bitten it's proverbial tongue.  And the voice that was taken from us as loyal Phoenix hockey supporters has rightfully been given back to us by a team built on unity and heart, blood and tears.      And now, espcially now, it is our turn to give it right back to them.  For every doubter, hater, and troll that has 'given us the business' for the last 6 years, this is our time to shine.   The Whiteout is back.  The Coyotes are back.  And get this... the fans are too.  With one week left to go in the season, we as fans can envelope ourselves in the warmth that is the knowledge of being a part of the 2010 playoffs.  Feels good, don't it?

 So while we relish on what fun it is to be a 'Yotes fan these days, let's not rest on our laurels. Let's start planning on how we, as fans, can do our part to take our beloved "band of underacheivers" (sic) to the next level.  Let's make this post about having some fun with the Whiteout.  From getting all costumed up, to just squeaking by in a white jersey,  this post will be our melting post of ideas for costuming ideas.   I'll get the ball rolling with some ideas that you might find humorous, or  totally insane.  Add your ideas and pics in the comments!

For the Coyotes fans who sold their souls for playoff tickets :

         

If you're gonna do this, I recommend you come as a group, and call yourselves "The Boo Crew".

Poll

Are you going to go all out and dress up for the White Out?

26%

Yes!

8 votes

30%

Yes, I will do whatever GhostofLinkGaetz asks of me, because he's such a handsome devil

9 votes

43%

HEEEELLL YESSSSSSSSSS

13 votes

30 votes | Poll has closed

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