Nochnaya huligana

U20 Worlds: Finland 8 - Slovakia 5

2012-01-03T02:19:00.003+02:00

Finn Aleksander Barkov became youngest player to score at World Juniors with 16 years, 4 month, 0 days. 21 days younger than Crosby in 2004.

Finland will next face Sweden and will probably be disaster but at least we will have that Barkov thing...

This game was all kinds of craziness as the final score shows. Not great for goalies but hey, GOALS FOR EVERYONE.

The Granlunds scored (obviously)and this Pulkkinen person was being useful too.

Team Finland for U20 Worlds

2011-12-22T19:44:00.006+02:00

Goalies:

1 Ullberg Richard, SaiPa
30 Aittokallio Sami, Ilves
31 Gibson Christopher, Chicoutimi

Defencemen:

2 Määttä Olli, London Knights
3 Riikola Simo-Pekka, KalPa
4 Mäkinen Konsta, Ilves
5 Ristolainen Rasmus, TPS
7 Hakanpää Jani, Blues
8 Hovinen Miro, Jokerit
12 Pokka Ville, Kärpät

Forwards:

6 Pulkkinen Teemu, Jokerit
9 Ruuttu Alexander, Jokerit

10 Armia Joel, Ässät
11 Granlund Markus, HIFK

Talented and able to score some breathtaking goals. I guess those things run in his family...

13 Hännikäinen Markus, Jokerit
14 Hämäläinen Roope, SaiPa
15 Aaltonen Miro, Blues
16 Barkov Aleksander, Tappara

16 years old and already playing in the Finnish Elite League and scoring them goals (youngest player ever to score in the league). He might be interesting to follow at the games.

20 Granlund Mikael, HIFK

You all remember the goal, right? The kid can do magic if everything goes well.

22 Salomäki Miikka, Kärpät
27 Donskoi Joonas, Kärpät
28 Kuronen Mikael, Ilves
29 Paajanen Otto, HPK

Basically, too many Jokerit players for me to enjoy this.... But hey, luckily the broadcasting of the national team games is nowadays so fucked up, I don't have to watch these games because I'm not a freaking millionaire who can pay shit load of money for 3 or 4 different channel packages so that I could follow hockey. So fuck Finland and its stupid, greedy Tv channels. I hope you burn in the deepest corner of hell in case such a place exists.

9-year old kids ending their hockey game with a brawl...

2011-12-14T20:23:00.002+02:00

So this kids' hockey game in Kazakhstan got a rather unusual end...

(Translation of an article from Aftonbladet. You can see the original text and a video of the fight here.)

40 nine years old in huge brawl

Here the ice transforms into a battleground.

The match was over, teams were shaking hands.

Then a huge fight broke out.

NHL? Eliteserien?

No, 9-years old boys.

This strange, to say the least, scene took place in Kazakhstan, between teams from Burabya and Astana. The game was over, Astana had won 5-3 and the teams were standing at the centre line to thank each other for a good match.

But suddenly emotions burst.

Hot emotions

A player of the victorious Astana said something mocking that got the team Burabay to heat up. One of the Burabay players didn’t hesitate to throw the gloves off when a Astana player challenged him to a fight and suddenly the tumult was a fact.

About 40 hot-blooded 9-years old were in full swing while the judge and adult leaders made their way onto the ice to calm down the atmosphere.

When the dust was settled, the fighters were strangely enough hailed with whistles and applauses from the audience.

Player safety - you're doing it wrong

2011-11-09T22:00:00.001+02:00

Here's a Swedish news article about Johan Sundström (19, year old, 2nd round draft by Islanders), who suffered a serious concussion during a Elitserien game in Sweden after taking his team mates shot to his head (the article includes video of this). He was helped out of the ice but for whatever reason allowed to continue the game after getting 8 stitches. This happened on Thursday. On Saturday he played another game for Frölunda. The concussion was only diagnosed by national team doctor after Sundström had arrived to the training camp for upcoming Juniors national team, and he was immediately banned from playing. According to the doctor, the Swedish Ice Hockey Association has a rule, which requires player to be symptom free for 6 days before being allowed to train.

After all the talk about concussions lately, one would think that some progress has taken place, but this doesn't sound very good. Either he magically didn't have any symptoms before arriving to the camp or he did have the symptoms, but the team (Frölunda Indians) chose not to care about them.

NHL outdoor game in Sweden?

2011-10-31T15:00:00.003+02:00

Aka, how everything will be turned into Sweden vs. Finland battle....

Apparently NHL has some kind of plans of bringing an outdoor game to Europe and here's a Swedish take of the subject by Expressen.se & Linus Hugosson.

"NHL wants to play outdoor game in Stockholm"

NHL's move to make outdoor game Winter Classic a yearly tradition has been a major success. The games are huge crowd and TV successes and the fact that prestigious HBO does now reality-TV of it for the 2nd year in a row haven't reduced the PR-success for NHL.
When NY Rangers and Philadelphia Flyers meet at the baseball arena Citizens Bank Park in Philly January 2nd 2012, the entire hockey world will watch.
Now it's been reported that NHL will take the concept abroad. To Sweden and Stockholm, to be be precise.
According to TSN's scoop-master Darren Dreger the plans are already been put into action.
-Don't be surprised if the NHL is considering an outdoor game at the new arena north of Stockholm, says Dreger on the program Inside Trading on October 27th.
-The arena has retractable (sliding?) roof and has the capacity for over 50 000 viewers.
The arena Dreger is referring to is most likely Swedbank Arena in Solna - football (soccer) team's new home castle, which will be ready for use during 2012.

As the organizer of the recent premier weekend at Globen, Live Nation has worked closely with the NHL and according to promoter Jay Seitsema there's an ongoing dialogue with the NHL.
-We haven't started planning yet, but of course, an outdoor game would be cool, says Sietsema in an email to Pro Hockey.
Sietsema won't say which arena would in the case be actual and adds that it's too early to say how the next year's premier weekend will turn out to be.
According to Darren Dreger it can take 2 or 3 years before an outdoor game in Stockholm will become reality.

***

Wouldn't NHL outdoor game, a Swedish Winter Classic, in Stockholm be a great experience?
I wouldn't say no to that...
To create a solid framework with full crowd it needs two attractive "Swedish" teams - and tolerable ticket prices.
If it happens, I would like to see NHL to go all the way and copy the Winter Classing with a veteran game before the real game. It would be a fantastic trip down the memory lane, unrivalled to be able to see our blue & yellow NHL heroes from past on the ice.
Or why not a game against Finland's old NHL-heroes?
And what do say you Viasat - are you ready for the task of making a Swedish version of "24/7"?

And because clearly my opinions matter, here are my thoughts of this:

Why does NHL favour Sweden? Last year the games in Helsinki attracted more crowd than the ones in Stockholm but still this year they got 2 games, we just one. NOT FAIR! Besides, Finland totally holds the record for biggest outdoor hockey game in Europe.
Even though we do live here in igloos with our pet polar bears, the beginning of October might be slightly too warm for outdoor hockey game. Or at least too rainy...
I have issues with understanding the "there's no Swedes on the team, we don't care"-attitude (same phenomenon happens also here and I fail to understand it too). I mean sure, the Swedes are doing well and are great but there are lots of interesting players in NHL. Like the Russians ;)
The ticket price issue though is for real. Over 100e for hockey ticket is seriously taking one close to knocking at bankruptcy's door, especially if you have family and need to buy multiply tickets. We like our hockey cheap and jerseys full of adds, okey?
Sweden-Finland veteran game? Bring it on, our old men are totally better than yours! (PS. Can we bring Selänne even if he still would play in NHL?)

Quest for humanity

2011-09-19T18:00:00.001+03:00

I'm not sure if this applies in other countries too, but I've noticed that in Finland, certain part of the media is treating famous people (actors, athletes, royals etc.) more and more like some non-human robot creatures, whose only purpose is to entertain us.

For quite a time now this has applied to relationship tragedies of celebrities - what's one's heartbreak, is news papers sensational headline. This is rather unfortunate but still in some way better than what it has turned into now.

As most of people already know, the entire team of Lokomotiv Jaroslavl died in plane crash couple of weeks ago. I assume the common reaction to the news was something including "god, this is terrible, I can't even imagine how horrible it must be for their family, relative and friends". However, one of the biggest news providers here (and also the company that holds broadcasting rights to all national team games, Olympics excluded) figured it would be appropriate to make headlines that completely ignore the human tragedy. As a result we got headlines with ALL CAPS AND FILLED WITH QUESTION MARKS EXCLAMATION POINTS.

As an example of this I can mention the one that got stuck in my head and is the reason why I have avoided their site ever since - "FOUR GOLD MEDALS GONE??". And I really mean they wrote "gold medals", not gold medalists. Because clearly hockey players aren't human beings.

Another trend seemed to be to only care about Finns, even though none was on the plane. How the Finns close to KHL felt about that and so on. I admit this is somewhat understandable but I doubt former KHL's coach opinion about Russia's aviation safety is more important than the tiny fact that the one survived player was fighting for his life. It is somewhat human to be more effected by tragedies that happen to people you know/like/admire/have some kind of relation to but being mostly ignorant toward the loss of dozens of lives (even when not Finnish or deeply related to Finnish hockey) seems bit cold to me.

Another - though less tragic - example of objectifying famous people here is the way Princess Victoria's (of Sweden) upcoming trip to Finland was handled in tabloids. As she's pregnant, of course the natural way to headline the story about where you can see her during the visit is along lines "You can see the baby belly here". Like she wasn't a person anymore, just a walking belly.

To sum this up, I'm seriously losing my faith in humankind.

Being a fan

2011-07-12T21:00:00.001+03:00

Being a hockey fan can be a tricky business. All you have to do is to follow some conversation of "real" fans. and you'll notice that there are plenty of rules and requirements if you wish to call yourself a fan. You can only root for one team, team goes always in front of individual players, you must go to see some of the games live, you're expected to be familiar with every player on the team - their salary, stats, trade value - and so on.

But what if you love the sport more than you love any team? What if you love watching the games but couldn't really care less about Corsi ratings? What if you love the sport enough to follow a foreign league and don't have that "one" team? What if you find some of the players attractive? According to the "diehards", you won't qualify as a fan, and even if you did, it'd be as second class fan. Or worse, as puck bunny (because clearly, you can't possibly be able to follow the sport for itself if you think the player is hot... duh.).

That's kinda where I am currently. I love hockey, always have. It's speed and combination of breathtaking skills and roughness is somewhat unique and I wouldn't change it to anything. But the thing is, I watched hockey before I had favourite team in Finnish league. Over the years I ended up as HIFK fan but the reason I love hockey has nothing to do with them. I simply loved to watch the game. National team could've get me out of the trouble but then those damn Russians and their awesomeness kinda screwed that... And the stats? I tried that with NHL but at the end of the day, for me it just sucks the fun out of hockey. Numbers can't tell everything and I rather rely on what I see on the ice than on paper.

I guess what I'm trying to say here, is that just because someone's behavior and ways of following the sport differs from yours, doesn't mean that they're doing it wrong. We can't all be the same way and differences should be valued - even if it means accepting different ways of loving the greatest sport on earth.

Luongo & the donkey from Shrek

2011-06-11T17:03:00.005+03:00

I knew that expression reminded me of something!

(Luongo pic from BoC [originally from PPP but I failed to find it] and donkey from here)

CHAMPIONSHIP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2011-05-16T00:10:00.005+03:00

Sweden 1 - Finland 6

Sweden started the scoring in 2nd but with 7 seconds left in the period Finland tied. At the beginning of the 3rd Finland scored 2 quick goal and controlled the game. What's important, is that they managed to keep the game in control and Sweden didn't really get a fair chance to come back. AND THEN FINLAND SCORED 3 MORE GOALS!!!!

This is the 2nd hockey World Championship in Finland's history (first came in 1995).

Finland has long history of losing finals.

And especially losing to Sweden in important games (see, Turin 2006).

AND NOW THEY WON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Suck it Sweden.

This is seriously huge. Being able to beat Sweden in final is un-freaking-believable. This is the kinds stuff that takes mental strengthen.

They played as a team (Russia, take notes). Everyone got ice time, everyone had their part with this win. The team won. Not individuals.

Especially happy for Niko Kapanen. Poor babe has been in finals twice before this just to get a silver.

Granlund is magical. First he was winning first Finnish league championship for HIFK since 1998, now this.

I love Saku, but this Mikko fellow is rather lovely captain too.

The Kazan boys (Kapanen, Immonen, Vehanen) = money

To be fair, Sweden had young team, they played well and will have great future. BUT WE WON NOW!

"Gold more important than final against Canada"

2011-04-28T20:00:00.003+03:00

I found this interview with Nikolai Kulemin in Russian Hockey Federation's site. My Russian is far from good, but with the help of (real) dictionary and tiny assistant of the net, I managed to (at least in some level) translate it.

Toronto’s forward Nikolai Kulemin admitted: he doesn’t know opponents’ rosters well. At the same time the player expressed his regret for his former teammate from Magnitogorsk, one of the leaders of Pittsburgh, Evgeny Malkin missing the tournament due to an injury.

-What kind of feelings you have before the Worlds?

-Only positive. We have good team, all the guys came here to fight for medals. I’m happy that I managed to extend the season. In NHL the battle for championship still continues, and so I don’t want to leave on vacation ahead of time.

- You have already acclimatized?

- Yes, I arrived already last Wednesday. I feel much better.

- You managed to get used to the big rink in a week?

- Yes, there are no problems.

- Today you practiced in group with Tarashenko and Gorovikov. Do you think you will play in this combination at the Worlds?

- It’d be better to ask the coaches about that. It’s not important with whom I play.

- Your current season in Toronto was no doubt the most successful...

Yes, many things affected that. The coaches started to trust me more, I happened to get into a good line. That’s why I started to feel more confident.

Nevertheless your team didn’t make the playoffs. Осадок остался? ( I have absolutely no idea what that means, I assume something about leaving bad feelings)

- Thanks to the good ending of the season, осадка не осталось. I hope that next season everything will be much better. We have lots of young guys who will develop.

- Will it be sad at the Worlds without Malkin?

- It’s a shame that Ženja got such a serious injury. I wish him a quick recovery.

- From our „foreign“ players, who would you like to see in the team?

- I wish everyone luck to the playoffs. But in case someone becomes available, we’ll wait them in the team.

- Have you personally someone in Slovakia to support you?

- No.

- Which opponents you could highlight?

- I haven’t seen any rosters, it will be seen there, who is strong and who isn’t. I think the level of hockey is growing around the world, so there won’t be „walk-through“ games.

- Russia-Canada would be the ideal option for final?

- Ideal would be to win the gold.

- You visisted the 4th game of the MHL final between Stalnye Lisy (Steel foxes) and Krasnaya Armiya (Red Army). Were you upset about the loss of Magnitogorsk (Stalnye Lisy)?

-No. The guys had already lost first 3 games in the series, so it was quite obvious. But even though they’re young, they played till the end.

- You were offered a visit into the locker room?

Yeah, but I didn’t went. Just stood there for a moment next to it, talked. I have still many friends there.

Russia will start the tournament with game against Germany tomorrow at 16.15 local time.

Team Slovakia for 2011 Worlds - maybe?

2011-04-27T22:00:00.000+03:00

As per IIHF.com, this is what Slovakia's roster looks like at the moment. Like previously, changes are possible.

Goalies:
Jaroslav Halak, St. Louis Blues
Jan Lasak, Jokerit (Finland)
Peter Hamerlik, HC Ocelari Trinec (Czech)

If Halak plays well, things can turn out pretty good for Slovakia. Lasak could in good day make some nice saves too.

Defense:
Ivan Baranka, Spartak Moscow (KHL)
Dominik Granak, Dynamo Moscow (KHL)
Milan Jurcina, New York Islanders
Ivan Majesky, Skelleftea (Sweden)
Peter Podhradsky, Dynamo Minsk (KHL)
Michal Sersen, Avtomobilist Yekaterinburg (KHL)
Richard Stehlik, Kometa Brno (Czech)
Martin Strbak, Dynamo Moscow (KHL)

Forwards:
Lubos Bartecko, MODO Örnsköldsvik (Sweden)
Milan Bartovic, Bili Tygri Liberec (Czech)
Martin Cibak, Severstal Cherepovets (KHL)
Pavol Demitra, Lokomotiv Yaroslavl (KHL)
Marian Gaborik, New York Rangers
Marcel Hossa, Ak Bars Kazan (KHL)
Tomas Marcinko, Bridgeport Sound Tigers (AHL)
Ladislav Nagy, MODO Örnsköldsvik (Sweden)
Branko Radivojevic, Spartak Moscow (KHL)
Stefan Ruzicka, Spartak Moscow (KHL)
Miroslav Satan, Dynamo Moscow (KHL)
Jozef Stumpel, Dynamo Minsk (KHL)
Tomas Surovy, Dinamo Riga (KHL)
Richard Zednik, AIK Stockholm (Sweden)

The addition of Gaborik is huge. Especially if he actually stays healthy and can play.
With Blackhawks out of the playoffs now Marian Hossa is in theory available. Will be interesting to see if he can or want to play.
Satan and Marcel Hossa played well in KHL.

I think Slovakia might place 2nd in the "most players from KHL" competetion...

Team Norway for 2011 Worlds

2011-04-26T21:50:00.002+03:00

Because Norway needs love too. And because I like them in hockey. Even without Vikingstad.

Goalies:
Pål Grotnes, Stjernen (Norway)
Lars Haugen, Manglerud Star (Norway)
Robert Hestmann, Storhamar (Norway)

Defense:
Alexander Bonsaksen, Modo (Sweden)
Brede Csiszar, Vålerenga (Norway)
Erik Follestad, Frisk Asker (Norway)
Jonas Holøs, Colorado Avalanche
Eerikki Koivu, Lørenskog (Norway)
Ole-Kristian Tollefsen, Modo (Sweden)
Lars Løkken Østli, Storhamar (Norway)

Forwards:
Morten Ask, Vålerenga (Norway)
Anders Bastiansen, Färjestad (Sweden)
Kristian Forsberg, Modo (Sweden)
Anders Fredriksen, Lørenskog (Norway)
Mads Hansen, Brynäs (Sweden)
Marius Holtet, Färjestad (Sweden)
Peter Lorentzen, Stavanger Oilers (Norway)
Andreas Martinsen, Lillehammer (Norway)
Ken Andre Olimb, Leksand (Sweden)
Mathis Olimb, Rockford Icehogs (AHL)
Martin Røymark, Timrå (Sweden)
Per-Åge Skrøder, Modo (Sweden)
Lars Erik Spets, Lørenskog (Norway)
Martin Laumann Ylven, Linköping (Sweden)
Mats Zuccarello Aasen, New York Rangers

I'm bit surprised Patrick Thoresen (KHL champion this year) isn't there but maybe he didn't want to go or is injured.
Also missing is Sondre Olden but again, I can't say whether it's because he wasn't even invited or because he's injured or something.

Source - Norges Ishockeyforbund

The Russia for 2011 Worlds

2011-04-26T20:00:00.000+03:00

Much like in Finland's case, the goalie department fills my heart with fear. Though, Russia has been blessed with more talented forwards so that'll help a bit.

Goalies:

Konstantin Barylin, Atlant (KHL)

Vasily Koshechkin, Severstal (KHL)

Evgeny Nabokov

Picking Nabby over Bryzgalov is currently almost mind blowing stupid but hey, maybe Bykov is still drunk from the KHL championship party
Barylin's Atlant played in the Gagarin Cup final but lost to Ufa. Barylin's SV% in the playoffs was 92,8. Koshechkin's was 94,6% but due to a 1st round elimination he only played 6 games.

Defense:

Vitaly Atyushov, Metallurg Mg. (KHL)

Nikolai Belov, Neftekhimik (KHL)

Dennis Grebeshkov, SKA (KHL)

Dmitry Kalinin, Salavat Yulaev (KHL)

Konstantin Korneev, Ak Bars (KHL)

Dmitry Kulikov, Florida Panthers

Ilya Nikulin, Ak Bars (KHL)

Fedor Tyutin, Columbus Blue Jackets

Aleksei Emelin, Ak Bars (KHL)

Nikulin is always dangerous, he finished the regular season with 6+35 in 49 games.
I could think of better defenses but that shouldn't be too bad. Unless Nabby continues to be shaky...

Forwards:

Maxim Afinogenov, SKA (KHL)

Evgeny Artyukhin, SKA (KHL)

Alexander Burmistrov, Atlanta Thrashers

Konstantin Gorovikov, OHK Dinamo (KHL)

Aleksei Kaigorodov, Metallurg Mg (KHL)

Ilya Kovalchuk, New Jersey Devils

Nikolai Kulemin, Toronto Maple Leafs

Aleksei Morozov, Ak Bars (KHL)

Alexander Radulov, Salavat Yulaev (KHL)

Vladimir Tarashenko, Sibir (KHL)

Aleksei Tereschenko, Ak Bars (KHL)

Danis Zaripov, Ak Bars (KHL)

Sergei Zinoviev, Salavat Yulaev (KHL)

Obviously the offense is not as good as it could be NHL additions, but that squad has quite a lot talent and firepower in it.
Radu and Kovy can decide the games almost by themselves, Afinogenov's skills should be known among hockey fans, as should Morozov's. Zinoviev and Zaripov aren't exactly useless with the puck either.
It'll be interesting to see what Burmistrov and Kulemin can do. And especially what Tarashenko can do.
Do not mess with Artyukhin. The team is otherwise so loaded with talent, of course they need a madman to balance it...

Source - Russian Hockey Federation

Team Sweden for 2011 Worlds

2011-04-25T16:00:00.001+03:00

Like Finland, Sweden also announced their roster for the Worlds. Also like Finland, few changes are possible if certain NHL players become available.

Goalies:
Viktor Fasth, AIK (Sweden)
Anders Nilsson, Luleå (Sweden
Erik Ersberg, Salavat Yulaev (KHL)

Ersberg played good season in KHL and won the Gagarin Cup with SV% of 93,3 in the playoffs. My guess is that he's gonna be the #1 goalie and can help Sweden a lot if can keep up with the good play.

Defense:
Nicklas Grossman, Dallas
Oliver Ekman Larsson, Phoenix
Daniel Fernholm, Dynamo Minsk (KHL)
David Rundblad, Skellefteå (Sweden)
Carl Gunnarsson, Toronto
David Petrasek, Dynamo Minsk (KHL)
Staffan Kronwall, Djurgården (Sweden)
Tim Erixon, Skellefteå (Sweden)

Sweden's defense is fairly young with 3 players born in 90's (thanks for making me feel old...) but these 3 also are quite talented. It will be interesting to see what they can do.

Forwards:
Mattias Tedenby, New Jersey
Martin Thörnberg, HV 71 (Sweden)
Tom Wandell, Dallas
Mattias Sjögren, Färjestad (Sweden)
Patrik Berglund, St Louis
Loui Eriksson, Dallas
Niklas Persson, HC Neftekhimik (KHL)
Robert Nilsson, HC Salavat Yulaev (KHL)
Jakob Silfverberg, Brynäs (Sweden)
Jimmie Ericsson, Skellefteå (Sweden)
Rickard Wallin, Färjestad (Sweden) C
Mikael Backlund, Calgary
Magnus Pääjärvi, Edmonton

Like Ersberg, Nilsson was winning the Gagarin Cup too with 3+7 in 21 games in playoffs.
I'm sure Leafs fans won't believe me, but Wallin had great season in Sweden and won the championship there. Jimmie Ericsson also played good playoffs with 6+5 in 18 games.
Pääjärvi will likely be in charge for highlight tape material. I expect Loui Eriksson to do good things for Sweden too.

Source - Svenska Ishockeyförbundet

Team Finland for 2011 Worlds

2011-04-24T20:55:00.001+03:00

The squad was released today and this is what the team will look like unless they get someone from NHL (Rinne...or some other goalie).

Goalies:
Hovinen Niko, Pelicans (Finland)
Lassila Teemu, HPK (Finland)
Vehanen Petri, Ak Bars Kazan (KHL)

Vehanen is good goalie, KHL champion from last season but his play at the last Euro Hockey tour (tournament including Finland, Russia, Sweden and Czech) didn't really impress, so his current condition is bit worrying.
Finland has generally always had good goaltending at Worlds but this year - with no help from NHL - might be a problem. Bäkcström, Lehtonen and Kiprusoff all were available but for various reason didn't want to play.
The media has pretty been praying that Nashville will lose in 1st round so Rinne could save the situation.

Defense:
Jaakola Topi, Luleå (Sweden)
Kukkonen Lasse, Magnitogorsk (KHL)
Lepistö Sami, Columbus Blue Jackets
Niskala Janne, Magnitogorsk (KHL)
Puistola Pasi, HV-71 (Sweden)
Salmela Anssi, New Jersey Devils
Välivaara Jyrki, JYP (Finland)
Väänänen Ossi, Jokerit (Finland)

With defense we were bit more luckier as Lepistö and Salmela were able to come.
Niskala was having a great season in KHL but his end of the season was not as strong as the beginning, so it will remain to see if he can turn it back.
Overall Finland's defense is nowhere near what it used to be with Nummelin and Numminen but without further help from NHL (Timonen, Salo, Lydman) that's just something we have to live with. Personaly I would've liked to see Karalahti in the team but that's not my call)

Forwards:
Aaltonen Juhamatti, Magnitogorsk (KHL)
Granlund Mikael, HIFK (Finland, BEST TEAM EVER!)
Immonen Jarkko, Ak Bars Kazan (KHL)
Kapanen Niko, Ak Bars Kazan (KHL)
Koivu Mikko, Minnesota Wild
Komarov Leo, OHK Dynamo (KHL)
Lahti Janne, Jokerit (Finland)
Lajunen Jani, Blues (Finland)
Nokelainen Petteri, Jokerit (Finland)
Peltonen Ville, HIFK (Finland, BEST TEAM EVER!)
Pesonen Janne, Ak Bars Kazan (KHL)
Pihlström Antti, JYP (Finland)
Pyörälä Mika, Frölunda (Sweden)
Ruutu Tuomo, Carolina Hurricanes

Komarov will likely be great asset to the team. He works hard, does the dirty work in front of the net and will guarantee that even if they don't win, they will piss off the opponent.
Peltonen and Granlund are both from the Finnish champion and played excellent playoffs: Peltonen even scored hat trick in the last game and Granlund played extremely mature during the playoffs, which is rather impressive achievement for such a young player having to deal with the pressure of 1st line.
Kapanen is also great add to the team - I suspect the man has computer in his head instead of normal brain. His passes will be great help, if only there's someone to take an advantage of those sweet passes and scoring from them...
Koivu & Ruutu pairing has generally meant good things for Finland, hopefully it will continue. Koivu is likely the captain and brings calmness to the team along with his goal scoring abilities. Ruutu isn't exactly helpless with scoring either and will hopefully help the team with his hard (and clean) hits.
Aaltonen could be the wild-card

I'd say this team is not entirely hopeless but unless Vehanen doesn't improve, the goaltending alone will guarantee Finland's tournament doesn't last too long. The defense needs to be rock-solid if they dream of getting into quarterfinals and they ought to give some help to the offense too. My guess is the goal scoring will be in the hands of NHL and KHL players, with possible addition of Granlund and Peltonen, so they have to manage to score.

KHL All Star game

2011-01-23T19:50:00.004+02:00

Here’s what the 2 first lines for the KHL All Star game look like. First line was voted by fans, second by journalists.

The game willbe played on February 5th in the Ice Palace in Saint Petersburg, which is SKA’s home arena.

Team Yashin (West)

1st line:

Aleksei Jashin (SKA) - Maksim Sushinski (SKA) - Sergei Mozjakin (Atlant Mytishtshi)
Aleksandr Guskov (Lokomotiv Jaroslavl) - Sandis Ozolinsh (Riga Dynamo)

2nd line:

Josef Vasicek (Lokomotiv) - Mattias Weinhandl (SKA) - Maxim Afinogenov (SKA)
Karel Rachunek (Lokomotiv) - Denis Grebeshkov (SKA)

Goalies:

Dominik Hasek (Spartak Moscow), Konstantin Barulin (Atlant Mytishtshi)

Coaches

Oleg Znarog (Moscow Dynamo), Vladimir Vujtek (Lokomotiv)

Team Jagr (East)

1st line:

Jaromir Jagr (Avangard Omsk) - Roman Cervenka (Avangard Omsk) - Aleksandr Radulov (Salavat Julajev Ufa)
Martin Skoula (Avangard Omsk) - Ilja Nikulin (Ak Bars Kazan)

2nd line:

Alexei Morozov (Ak Bars Kazan) - Patrick Thoresen (Salavat Julajev Ufa) - Lukas Kaspar (Barys Astana)
Kevin Dallman (Barys Astana) - Janne Niskala (Metallurg Magnitogorsk)

Goalies:

Karri Rämö (Avangard Omsk), Stefan Liv (Sibir Novosibirsk)7

Coaches:

Zinetula Bilyaletdinov (Ak Bars Kazan), Kari Heikkilä (Metallurg Magnitogorsk)

"Big Buf" and "Toby Orr"

2011-01-13T22:29:00.002+02:00

Big Buf and Toby

Wonder who's Idefix in this play?

In case you didn't get it, the headline refers to Thrashers defence pair Dustin Byfuglien and Tobias Enström who are - beside rocking the d-men's scoring list - selected to the All Star game. Since one of them is Swedish, hockeybladet.se decided to make an article of them. And I'm glad they did because now I keep imagining Buf skating on the ice with red hair and blue and white striped pants with no shirt. Wait, actually I am not glad of that... Anyways, here's what they got.

"We are as different as one can be"

Giant Byfuglien and game genius Enström is the hottest defence pair in NHL.

They are as unlikely pair as Asterix and Obelix. But together Atlanta's Big and Small form the hottest defence pair in NHL - 120 kg Dustin Byfuglien leads defencemen in scoring and 80kg Enström is 3rd.
- Yeah, we're as different as one can be but we think hockey the same and have fun together. I really like to play with Toby, says "Big Buf" when Sportblader visited Georgia.

One may search in vain to try to find a more unusual configuration in the NHL than those who represent the Atlanta Thrashers first backpar.

On one side we hace Dustin Byfuglien, a loud african-american who is 198 cm tall and weights 120 kg - and on the other side Tobias Enström, a quiet 178 cm tall and 80kg Ångermanland native.
Furthermore, they are each other's polar opposites as hockey player; one is physical, bushy and unpredictable in his runs over the ice, the other calculating, smart and almost as cool in his action as Nicklas Lidström.

"Complete each other"

Logically they shouldn't fit together better than ketchup and red wine.
- No, says Enström with a smile when we meet the duo in home arena Phillips Arena, I can imagine it may seem bit strange from the crowd. We probably look right out hilarious together. But it works just fine, we complement each other.
Indeed, despite the differencies "Big Buf" and "Toby Orr" are "a marriege made in heaven". No other defence pair in the league can produce anywhere near as much offensively. Byfuglien - who came to Atlanta from championship team Chicago before this season - is the highest scoring defenceman in the league with 16 goals and 25 assists, and Enström holds the 3rd place with 8 goals and 30 assists.

Have fun off the ice too

-"Buf" played as forward before and he still think bit of that way. It feels like he's everywhere on the ice and sometimes it can well turn bit backwards (svänga lite bakåt, not sure how to translate), but it's absolutely no problem. I've said to him that as long as he produces, he can be whatever he want to. He's a really nice guy to play hockey with, continues Enström.
The joy is mutual.
-Yea, I really like to play together with Toby, says Byfuglien.
- We are as different as one can be but we think hockey the same way. I think that's the secret behind our success. And we have fun too, as one must.
The duo has fun off the ice too - and in any other way, if you believe Toby, it can't be when the radar par is nearby.

"Incredibly funny"

-I haven't met many people like him... he's incredibly funny. If something fun happens, one knows to just go to Buf, he stands behind it. I am myself bit calmer, but his manners may have infected a bit...
That confirms the 25 year old Stanley Cup winner.
-yes, Toby can too, don't think anything else. But we know when it's time to have fun and when it's to be serious. It is a one part of success too, says him.
Atlanta has had a much better first half of the season than anyone expected - and therefor comes opportunities for pranks and to laugh more often...
-My past three seasons here have been bit of up and down but now we are winning and it's a big difference in harmony. One plays hockey to win. It will be interesting to see if we can keep it this way and take the playoff spot. I think it looks promising, says Enström.
Yes, Big and Small have found each other.

2011 draft - European skaters

2011-01-11T21:45:00.000+02:00

NHL draft is still months away but it's never to early too check how overwhelming Swedes are compared to rest of us losers...

European skaters top 30

Name	Country	Position	Shoot	Height	Weight
Adam Larsson	SWE	D	R	6’3	200
Joel Armia	FIN	RW	R	6’3	191
Mika Zibanejad	SWE	C	R	6’2	191
Jonas Brodin	SWE	D	L	6’1	165
Dmitri Jaskin	CZH	W	L	6’1	196
Max Friberg	SWE	LW	R	5’11	185
Miikka Salomäki	FIN	C	L	5’11	198
Oscar Klefborn	SWE	D	L	6’4	200
Victor Rask	SWE	C	L	6’2	194
Joachim Nermark	SWE	C	L	6’1	187
Zachar Arzamastsev	RUS	D	L	6’2	205
Karl Johansson	SWE	D	L	5’9	167
Oleg Misyul	RUS	D	L	6’1	196
Jeremy Boyce	SWE	LW	L	6’0	169
Ilya Nekolenko	RUS	D	L	6’3	198
Markus Granlund	FIN	C	L	5’10	169
Johan Sundström	SWE	C	R	6’2	196
Anton Saveliev	RUS	D	L	6’4	196
Gregory Hofmann	SUI	C	L	6’0	170
Maxim Shalunov	RUS	RW	L	6’3	185
Alessio Bertaggia	SUI	C	L	5’8	156
Victor Berglind	SWE	D	R	5’11	180
Nikita Zaytsev	RUS	D	R	6’1	172
Peter Ceresnak	SVK	D	R	6’3	209
Ildar Isangulov	RUS	D	L	6’3	226
Rasmus Bengtsson	SWE	D	L	6’3	189
Fredrik Claesson	SWE	D	L	6’0	198
Jyrki Jokipakka	FIN	D	L	6’3	191
Dean Kukan	SUI	D	L	6’1	187
Albert Yarullin	RUS	D	R	6’0	194

The Swedish invation will apparently continue as 13 of those 30 players are Swedes. 7 of them are in top 10
Meanwhile Finland has 4 players in top 30, 2 of whom gets into the top 10
I don't care what it takes, but Finland needs to steal Sweden's junior system.
Russia has 8 players in the list which is quite nice if their best wouldn't be ranked as number 11
Completely stunningly Russia has only 2 forwards on the list. And yes, that means 6 of the ranked Russians are defencemen.
This defencemen oriented thing applies to the whole list as it includes 17 defencemen and 13 forwards
Only two forwards play righthanded
3 players from Switzerland while Czech and Slovakia only have one
Didn't check this but European players seem bit smaller than North Americans

2011 draft - Swedish take over on North American list

2011-01-11T20:15:00.001+02:00

While the draft itself is still months away, the scouts are making their lists and checking them twice; going to find out who's good or bad. While the list do change during the season, I think current situation gives at least some kind of knowledge of how the actual draft will go.
NHL.com devides players to North American skaters & goalies (includes European players playing in North America) and to European skaters & goalies.

North American skaters top 30

Name	Country	Position	Shoot	Height	Weight
Gabriel Landeskog	SWE	LW	L	6’11	207
Sean Couturier	USA	C	L	6’4	195
Ryan Nugent-Hopkins	CAN	C	L	6’1	170
Jonathan Huberdeau	CAN	C	L	6’1	168
Tyler Biggs	USA	RW	R	6’2	210
Sven Beartschi	SUI	LW	L	5’11	175
Dougie Hamilton	CAN	D	R	6’4	193
Brandon Saad	USA	LW	L	6’1	208
Nathan Beaulieu	CAN	D	L	6’2	185
Ryan Murphy	CAN	D	R	5’11	176
Ty Rattie	CAN	RW	R	5’11	170
Zack Phillips	CAN	C	R	6’1	181
Jonathan Miller	USA	C	L	6’1	198
Duncan Siemens	CAN	D	L	6’3	197
Scott Mayfield	USA	D	R	6’4	197
Joseph Morrow	CAN	D	L	6’1	196
Vladislav Namestnikov	RUS	C	L	6’0	170
Boone Jenner	CAN	C	L	6’1	194
Ryan Strome	CAN	C	R	6’0	183
Nicklas Jensen	DEN	LW/RW	L	6’2	188
Mark Scheifele	CAN	C	R	6’2	177
Mark McNeill	CAN	C	R	6’1	204
Phillip Danault	CAN	LW	L	6’0	178
Tomas Jurco	SVK	RW	L	6’2	193
Rocco Grimaldi	USA	C	R	5’6	163
David Musil	CAN	D	L	6’4	200
Jamieson Oleksiak	CAN	D	L	6’7	244
Seth Ambroz	USA	RW	R	6’2	211
Matthew Puempel	CAN	LW	L	6’0	198
Mario Lucia	USA	LW	L	6’2	183

17 of 30 players are Canadians which gives Canada the lead in North American battle
5 of the players are Europeans, and especially Landeskog and Beartschi seem to have done excellent job in North America
Lots of centers, only 4 RWs if Danish wunderkind not counted
Really nice to see Swiss in the top 6
I want Huberdeau to make NHL just so I get to say his name
This Oleksiak dude could probably hit Chara without bouncing off him like a superball

Russia - new Sweden?

2011-01-06T15:40:00.006+02:00

Canada 3 - Russia 5

Before going to game details, couple of things:
1. Despite rooting for Russia, I'm sincerely sorry for Canadians. I know how it feels when your team screws multiply goal lead which it had achieved by overwhelming performance and then loses the game. But I can't even imagine how bad it must feel when this happens in final.
2. The final started at 2.30 am my time so I had put my alarm to 2.00 so I's have time to wake up a bit before the puck drops. So I "woke up" at 2.00, put the alarm off, figured I should make tea (sore throat) and the next thing I know, it's 10 am... Yay me. Luckily they showed the final again today so I got to watch it after all.
3. I think Russia stole Sweden's mojo because their last 3 games were the most Sweden-esque games I've seen in awhile.

The game started with complete Canada's control. They won face-offs, battles in the corners and played physical game, trying to provocate Russians and shake their coolness by hitting them hard in every opportunity. For what I've seen from Russia in adults' tournament, this is usually very good plan since they have tendency to start to heat and take stupid penalties when you check them and keep them away from the puck. For the junior team though, this didn't seem to work. They took the hits well and didn't start to seek for revenge. It didn't help them to score goals but for keeping Canada's lead at 2-0 after the first, it was vital. It was equally vital to the outcome of the whole game too, because Canadians never got under their skins despite controlling the game for the most parts.

To the 2nd period Canada came with more passive attitude than to the 1st despite gotting a PP in the beginning of the period. Nevertheless, while Russia got bit of boost from this PK, it didn't get their game completely started either so Canada seemed to be on its way to gold medal parties when Schenn made it to 3-0 from an awesome pass by Foligno. At this point Shikin was taken off and replaced by Bobkov, who then faced quite a firing by Canadians but Russia was lucky enough to keep Canada's lead at 3-0. While Shikin didn't play badly, it seems this was more Bobkov's day. Though, Shikin was the one who had to face Canada at the full speed in the 1st, and I think he did good job at it.
To make things worse for Russia, it seemed their captain - Tarashenko - got injured in the 2nd when he fell down and Foligno almost skated over him. I'm not entirely sure if Foligno slowed down a bit or did he kick him but luckily Tarasenko didn't apparently hurt himself much and was able to come back on the ice for 3rd period.
The period also saw couple of stupid penalties when #28 took offenisve zone penalty - where have I heard that before... - for Russia and then Canada took too many men on ice penalty.

Being down by 3 goals and being the underdog for the final, Russian had nothing to lose in the 3rd and since they hadn't given up, they managed to dig somewhere that passion and attitude that had already saved them twice in a row, first against Finland and then against Sweden. While Canada still continued that passive play from the 2nd period, Russia used it chances and scored 2 goals in 13 seconds at the beginning of the 3rd. Now this is not uncommon thing to happen when other team is slowing down securing the lead but still, this is not something you expect from Canada, especially since Russia is not famous for keeping their game mood up when being overwhelmed for 40 minutes. This shook Canada's balance a bit and when 5 minutes later Tarasenko tied the game, it was clear that Canada must somehow re-start their engines. They managed in some level to do that and played quite good/decent second half of the 3rd but as their attempts to score were either blocked by Bobkov or the defence, it didn't help them much. And when Panarin scored his second of the night to make it 3-4, it seemed everyone was bit of stunned. 3 minutes later it was already 3-5 and game over, even though Canada played last minute with 6 players.

Russia

Very un-russian, swedish like performance with 3 comebacks in 3 games, menthal strength - didn't get heated by Canadians hits, didn't give up, believed in their own game
I can't highlight enough how important that self-control was, physical play only works if the opponent gets provocated
Mostly played for the team and played with heart, which is a nice change to the usual
Didn't have nearly as much pressure as Canada had
Had rough start for the tournament and did things difficult for themselves but battled their way to the final, which probably gave nive confidence boost.
Kuznetsov was amazing with 3 passes, awesome plays in the offensive zone but also in defensive zone, as well good work on PK
Tarasenko showed brilliant skills too, scored 1+1 and didn't completely ignore the defensive aspect of the game
That 5th goal by Dvurechenski was freaking sweet
The players yelling at the camera was slightly scary even though I think they were just expressing their love for the country and their happiness of the win...

Canada

Strong start, controlled the game, everything went right and it looked it's gonna be quite easy win for them
The celebration for 2-0 goal looked a bit like championship celebration...
Played really physically, which probably turned against themselves because they lost lots of energy by doing it but didn't achieve anything since Russians didn't lose their temper
Started to play more passive after the 1st which usually isn't very good because it's really hard to get back to full game mode if the opponent happens to tie
Couple of stupid penalties which gave Russia chance to stay in the game, even though they didn't score
This Ashton dude played quite well I'd say
If there's more Schenns coming, could you please send one to Finland? We needs some help here...
Foligno's pass for the 3rd goal was sweet
Canadian fans are awesome, they really love the game
Though, some of them left after Russia's 3-5 goal. Which I guess is understandable concidering the disappointment
Signs in the crowd: "Canada: Hockey, Beer, Pierre" Uh... Well, I like one of those 3

Not again...

2011-01-03T08:15:00.001+02:00

Finland has been for a long time a master of losing leads in last minute, especially against Sweden. Tonight, they striked again though the game was against our eastern neighbour rather than western.

Somewhat stunningly the underdogs from Finland had been able to built 3-1 lead against the much talented team Russia, whose defence - at least in the 1st period - was far from perfect. That lead lasted all the way until there was 3:41 left in 3rd and Russia's Kuznetsov managed to make the score 3-2, and just 98 seconds playtime left Kitsyn made it 3-3.
In overtime, Kuznetsov scored again and it was game over for Finland as Russia continues the gold digging and will face Sweden in semifinals.

This would be lot easier to handle had Finland not screw a lead and if Russia would've dominated whole game without giving any chance to Finland. And Kuznetsov is on his way to be one of the few Russian hockey players I don't care that much...
On final note, if Russia after this dares to lose to Sweden, we have serious problems here.

This didn't go well

2011-01-01T18:30:00.004+02:00

1. WJC fun killer

As a Finn I’m obligated to root for Finland. And I do actually love them, they’re (usually) so cute with the underdog thing, trying hard and playing for the team, giving everything - last Olympics highly excluded. But as a mental whore, I also love Russia. No idea why, but that team - in adult’s tournament though - made their way into my heart over 10 years ago and have stayed there ever since. So in my dream hockeyworld all the finals would be Finland vs Russia and I would live happily ever after.

And this is where the WJC in Buffalo went wrong. Finland has been awesome thisfar, showing their battle mode and stuff while Russia has mostly sucked. Which then lead to my nightmare coming true as those two teams will face each other in quarterfinals. Of course, this means that one of the teams I love (hopefully Finland) will get into semifinals which is very good. But then the hockey gods screwed up again. The winner of this pair will face in semifinals… Sweden! So yeah, you can already send congratulation cards to the Swedes for making the gold medal game. Meanwhile, I'll go get me some tissues for the game.

2. Winter Classic: The meltdown

The game between Capitals and Penguins was supposed to start before midnight my time, but because the weather in Pittsburgh sucks, it is now supposed to start at 3am. So fuck you Pittsburgh weather.

Anyways, Happy 2011 to everyone!

Yeah, a kitten version of my life.

"No pucks allowed"

2010-12-29T19:30:00.001+02:00

That's like the most fitting thing ever to read on goalie's helmet.

The helmet belongs to Joni Ortio, Finnish goaltender who is currently playing at the WJC. Luckily for Finland he seemed to follow helmet's rule and got a shutout against Switzerland. Hopefully the rule applies to following games too...
Ortio is drafted by Flames (sigh) and has won bronze from the U18 Worlds.

Capitals to start the season in Sweden?

2010-12-28T22:40:00.001+02:00

Found this article on HockeyExpressen.se and here's the important part of it in English

Brynäs may get fall's dream match

Nicklas Bäckström and superstars of Washington - against Brynäs in Läkeröl Arena.
Soon can the dream match in Gävle be a reality.
Accordint to Sport-Express Washington Capitals are much considered for NHL premiere next season.
-Of course it would be very cool, says Brynäs club director Hans-Göran Karlsson.

Alexander Ovechkin, Nicklas Bäckström, Alexander Semin and Mike Green. Washington Capitals are loaded with superstars.
Soon can Bäckström get a chance to take his teammates from USA with him home to Gävle and Läkerol Arena.
According to SPORT_Expressen, Washington is one of the teams /one of the remaining candidates to play their NHL premier in Stockholm next season.
- I know we were asked for that few years ago, can't remember which season it was but back then the GM said no. All I know is that it has been said what we will receive a request again but I haven't heard anything now, says team's Europe scout Mats Weiderstäl.
In previous years have NHL teams played training games against Swedish teams and with Bäckström as biggest star in Washington with Alex Ovechkin it will open an opportunity for a dream match against Brynäs.

While this would be very cool, I'd be happier if they would come to Helsinki. For totally unselfish reasons, of course....

Christmas jerseys

2010-12-24T13:13:00.004+02:00

These are from Luleå HF, which is a Swedish hockey team playing in Elitserien (Swedish Elite League). If i understood it correctly, they're gonna play one game in those and then auction them and give the money to charity.

I think all team should do something like this. The christmas jerseys would be fun and for good cause.

Source

He's all I want, just for me underneath my christmas tree...

2010-12-24T00:00:00.006+02:00

Santa that's my only wish this year.

I know in North America and couple of other places Christmas is still day away, but in Finland the Christmas eve is the important part. That's when we eat the Christmas food and open our presents. The following days are just for eating the left overs and covering from food coma. And playing with gifts we've got! So hopefully I'll spend my weekend by playing with Johnny... But anyway, the point of this post was just to wish everyone a very, merry christmas! In multiply languages!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!
HYVÄÄ JOULUA!
GOD JUL!
FROHE WEIHNACHTEN!
С НОВЫМ ГОДОМ!

Radulov is like, really good

2010-12-19T22:05:00.002+02:00

And Finland's defense is like, really useless...

Finland lost this 6-2 but hey, that's one freaking awesome goal

U20 World Championship

2010-12-16T18:35:00.005+02:00

With the U20 World Championships coming closer I thought it would be time to post the roster for my own team and for my beloved enemy, Sweden.
As most people probably know, the champioship games are played in Buffalo and Niagara, 26 December 2010 – 5 January 2011. It's played in two groups, Finland being in Group A with USA, Slovakia, Switzerland and Germany while Sweden faces Russia, Canada, Czech Republic and Norway in Group B.
(Bonus, I found Norway's team too)

Team Finland

Goalies:
Samu Perhonen (JYP)
Sami Aittokallio (Ilves)
Joni Ortio (TPS)

Defense:
Jyrki Jokipakka (Ilves
Tommi Kivisto (Jokerit)
Nico Manelius (Jokerit) A
Jani Hakanpää (Blues)
Rasmus Rissanen (Everett Silvertips)
Sami Vatanen (JYP) C
Olli Määttä (JYP)
Jesse Virtanen (Lukko)

Forwards:
Teemu Pulkkinen (Jokerit)
Erik Haula (University of Minnesota
Miikka Salomäki (Kärpät)
Julius Junttila (Kärpät)
Henri Tuominen (Ilves)
Iiro Pakarinen (KalPa) A
Joel Armia (Ässät)
Valtteri Virkkunen (Blues)
Teemu Tallberg (HIFK)
Toni Rajala (Ilves)
Mika Partanen (Mississauga)
Joonas Donskoi (Kärpät)
Jaakko Turtiainen (HPK)
Joonas Nättinen (Blues)

1 forward and 1 d-man will be dropped before the tournament
No Granlund means bad news for the team as he is probably the most talented forward we've had in years

Team Sweden

Goalies:
Johan Gustafsson, VIK
Robin Lehner, Binghamton
Fredrik Pettersson-Wentzel, Almtuna

Defense:
Simon Bertilsson, Brynäs
Jonas Brodin, Färjestad
Klas Dahlbeck, Linköping
Tim Erixon, Skellefteå
ohn Klingberg, Frölunda
Adam Larsson, Skellefteå
Patrik Nemeth, AIK
Fredrik Styrman, Luleå

Forwards:
Patrik Cehlin, Djurgården
Jesper Fasth, HV 71
Max Friberg, Skövde
Calle Järnkrok, Brynäs
Carl Klingberg, Frölunda
Anton Lander, Timrå
Gabriel Landeskog, Kitchener Rangers
Johan Larsson, Brynäs
Oscar Lindberg, Skellefteå
Rickard Rakell, Plymouth Whalers
Johan Sundström, Frölunda
Jesper Thörnberg, HV 71
Sebastian Wännström, Brynäs

Hope to get Ekman-Larsson (D) from Coyotes

Team Norway

Goalies:

Kenneth Eriksen, Manglerud Star
Steffen Søberg, Manglerud Star
Lars Volden, Espoo Blues (FIN)

Defense:

Robin Andersen, Stjernen
Jens Ulrik Bacher, Frisk Asker
Nicolay Bryhnisveen, Lørenskog
Adrian Saxrud Danielsen, Storhamar
Kenneth Madsø, Lillehammer
Daniel Rokseth, Manglerud Star
Tobias Skaarberg, Sparta Sarpsborg

Forwards:

Simen Viker Brekke, Vålerenga
Eirik Børresen, Storhamar
Petter Røste Fossen, Rosenborg
Hans Kristian Hollstedt, Stjernen
Michael Haga, Luleå, SWE
Rasmus Juell, Cedar Rapids, USA
Magnus Lindahl, Frisk Asker
Torstein Nordrum, Frisk Asker
Sondre Olden, Modo, SWE
Mats Rosseli Olsen, Vålerenga
Jonas Oppøyen, Vålerenga
Andreas Stene, Kelowna Rockets, CAN
Joachim Sundelius, Manglerud Star
Nicholas Weberg, Shattuck St Mary, USA

Facts:

Swedes make fun of Finns and Norwegians
Finns make fun of Swedes
Norwegians make fun of Swedes/hate them
--> Sweden loses (well, not in hockey but still...)

Enigma - thy name is Russian?

2010-12-05T21:40:00.006+02:00

I should explain this is not attack against North American hockey. It may not be the one I prefer most, but I'm not arrogant enough to claim my opinion is the absolute truth. And that's really all I'm asking from everyone else. I don't care if you hate Russian way of hockey. That's your opinion and you're as entitled to that as I'm to mine. But do not come to tell me they play the game wrong just because you don't like and it isn't what you grew up watching.

"He's such a skilled player, awesome stick handling but so frustrating. Can't understand the concept of defense, takes dumb penalties, plays only for money..."

Sounds familiar? Because that's pretty much how the Eastern European players are constantly described in North America. Talented and skilled, yet bit of dumbasses who can never become complete players because of the lacks they have. That's fair enough. You wanna be complete player, you might for example wanna check the meaning of "defensive zone" from your dictionary. It's right above "deflection".
What however is not fair, is that the aforementioned description only seems to apply to soff Europeans, mostly to Russians. Ever heard Canadian or American player been called an enigma? Didn't think so. Ever heard North American playing been said to be poor at defensing because of his nationality? I'd guess not. This of course then leads to a conclusion that all North American players are complete and not capable of doing horrible things such as taking dumb penalties, being bit of streak-y when it comes to scoring and - heaven forbid - being just after money. Like those sneaky Russians.

The best example of this "he's an enigma!" thing is Capitals' Semin. When it comes to pure skill, he is definitely one of the most skilled - if not the most skilled - player in the league. But he has never won the scoring title, reached the point amounts of Ovechkin or Crosby nor did he has very good start for his NHL career, with lockout season and army duties in Russia.

Does he at times do stupid things on the ice? Yes, though not as often as he used to.
Does he has scoring slumps? Yes.
Can he single handedly win the game? Quite likely.
Can he be trusted with PK time? YES.
Does he disapear when it matters? No.*

So what about that makes him an enigma? Most forwards do stupid things on the ice occasionally. Some more, some less. But from what I've seen, Semin's "dumb penalties" have in some level transformed into "why was that a penalty??". Bobby Ryan has more PIMs than Semin has. Though, Bobby Ryan has more PIMs than Jarkko Ruutu has so that might not be good comparison...
Most forwards also don't score in every single game during the season. I admit, some can do it with higher level of contancy than others. And most forwards can't win games single handedly nor can most non-defensive forwards play PK without causing high blood pressure for coach and fans.
So, judging by this, I'd say he's better than most forwards in NHL and doesn't seem to have lacks unusual to others.

Enigma? Sure, he doesn't give interviews in English but - while I can't know his reasons - let's put it this way.
A) His job is to score goals. Not to share his life with media.
B) If you had to move to Russia for job without having much of knowledge about Russian language before it, how eager would you be to give interviews in it?
C) We're all different. Some feel comfortable giving public statements in language they may don't have full understanding of, some doesn't.
Sometimes he plays like the best player on planet, sometimes he can't score to safe his life and/or takes bit of questionable penalties? Ovechkin has a habit of start to headhunt people and run all over them when he's frustrated (at least in national team, ask Wirz). And to be honest, I'd rather live with occasional tripping penalties than that. And as stated above, his lacks in game are not Russians' prerogative in hockey world. So those hardly makes him that much of an enigma.
And now that he has been mostly constantly good during the season thisfar. Surely it's because he may has done something to improve his game, matured a bit? No. It's because he wants big piles of money! Duh.
When he plays less awesome, he's lazy, soff Russian who should play better. When he plays better, he's greedy Russian. How exactly one can win at this?

If we now move forward from Semin - who keeps rocking PIMS for my otherwise so pathetic fantasy team - to issues people seem to have with Russian hockey players in general.
These are couple of those prejudices I keep hearing:
1. soff
2. takes dumb penalties and is prone to changeable play mood
3. has no idea what this fuss about defense is
4. doesn't really care about NHL or SC
5. only after money

1. Is it so wrong to prefer to play "skill hockey" and try to bypass people instead of going through them? Russians can hit. If they do it a lot, it usually doesn't mean anything good.

2. Datsyuk? Fedorov? Morozov? We could do this all night. Yes, some Russians do take dumb penalties. In a same way some members of every other hockey nations do. Dumb penalties just happen. Nationality has nothing to do with it. Okay?

3. Because no one else ever lack the ability to play defensive way? Again, Datsyuk, Fedorov, Kovalchuk in national team etc. Sure, Russians seem to play hockey differently, but why is that wrong? Their game at the very best is pure art. And involves defensive aspect.

4. Would you leave your home, family and friends to move to the other side of the world to a country which language and culture you barely know for something you don't care about?

5. And the "they're only playing here because of money" arguement? Like no kidding sherlock. This. Is. Their. Job. Of course they want to make money. I guarantee, none of them - not even non-europeans - would be out there, skating after a tiny, black rubber puck just to entertain people if they didn't get something from it.
Is it fair that Kovalchuk makes millions a year by ignoring the existence of defensive zone (only applies in NHL) while normal people make $6 per hour frieng french fries at McDonalds? No, not really. But neither is the fact that they're judged for not playing North American way of hockey or not being able to communicate with media properly in English or because they may want to embrace the culture they come from instead of immediately americanize.
Just because something differs from what you're used to doesn't make it wrong. They're not North Americans. But they're likely scoring sweet goals for your teams.

*I know, I know... most of Capitals fans disagree with me but quite frankly I don't care. During his first NHL playoffs he scored 8 points in 7 games. 2008-09 he scored 14 points in as many games. 2009-10 he wasn't equally effective with 2 points in 7 games but he did shoot the most among the players. And I think that doesn't count as "disappearing". "Disappearing" is when you just circle around the ice wondering whether you should do something or not. "Disappearing" is something both Finland and Russia pulled during the Olympics. "Disappearing" is not when you try to do your best to score but the puck just doesn't bounce for you. And really, failing at one playoffs means that the previous good results just don't count anymore? Get real.

"Mikhail Stefanovich only wants to play hockey"

2010-11-29T22:00:00.001+02:00

I found this little interview with Mikhail Stefanovich and since I didn't feel like doing school things, I decided to kill my brain by trying to translate it.
(My Russian isn't the best but I did try to do my best to get the idea)

- I already got Minks jersey, on Monday evening I have a checkup, I think on Tuesday I'll have first training,
And will you play on Tuesday?
- Hardly. Also, my place in the roster is not guaranteed, I still have to prove I earn my place in the team.

How were you farewelled in Toronto? Got some advices?
- Nothing was said. Only call from an agent, told "here's your ticket". That's all.

Contract with Dinamo lasts until the end of the season or can you go back to Canada?
- I won't go over the ocean this season. If, god forbid, I won't be able to geain foodhold in Dinamo, I have to look for other employment options in Belarus.

Miša, it's rumoured that your transition delayed due to your high financial demands. Is this true?
What are you saying?? This is not even close to the case. I only wanted and want to play hockey, not sit on the bank.

Did you have time to talk with Sikora about in which position he see you?
- No, we didn't discuss any hockey details. We only got to know each other, exchanged few words.

And how did the guys welcome you?
- When I arrived at the Minsk Arena, Dinamo had already ended the practice, Kulak (Alexander Kylakov, player) saw me and said: "Oh, Mešok (literal meaning of the word is "bag" but since it was written with capital m, I assume it's some diminutive versions of Mikhail) arrived!". we stood there some time, talked and laughed.

I remember, you always said that you ponder every career move with your father. Did you discuss with him this time and did he support on your return to Belarus?
- Both dad and I wanted one thing - that I would play regularly (have regular game practice).

Miš, judging by voice, you're now on much better mood than when we last talked when I called you in Canada.
- Of course. Now there's certainty. I know what I will fight for. And in Canada wasn't allowed to play nor explained anything (this sentence was bit blurry for me. Home is home. Russian talk around. And food will be normal, not in some fast food place.

By the way, can the lack of play time disadvantage your game in Dinamo?
- I don't think so. The main thing is that I have huge will to play. It's more important.

Merry winter time - hockey cartoons to lighten the dark evenings

2010-11-25T19:10:00.002+02:00

This is a Russian hockey cartoon from 1964. It was probably originally shown in one piece but I found it in 3 parts in youtube so that's what we have here. It has no words so don't worry, Russian knowledge is not required.

I had never even heard of this cartoon until I accidentally found it today when trying to find something else. The basic idea is that small town team "Vympel" plays against douche team "Meteor".

It's evening, snowing, kids playing on the ice, finding out there'll be hockey game in the towm... Could it be more cute?

The second clip includes one of the most glorious self-goals ever. Poor guy.

I think I discovered Avery's idol...

Kings need toga parties too

2010-11-07T22:20:00.001+02:00

What's this about: Some Swedes decided to write and publish a book called "An unwilling monarch - Carl Gustav XVI", which includes many previously unknown facts of the personal life of King of Sweden. And by unknown facts I mean stories about private parties and lady "friends", most of which apparently have taken place decades ago.

Why this bothers me: First of all, I believe celebrities (well, the ones that are not telling every little detail of their sad pathetic lives to every "news" paper willing to listen) have a right to have private life. And this includes royals. Of course they can't have private life like rest of us can, but they should be allowed to keep the most personal stuff of their life out of headlines. You don't want to have dirty laundry to be done in public, why should they have to do that?
I would understand the point of this book had he done something illegal, like killed someone but as far as I know it only includes party stories with more or less adultery. And while not being recommendable, adultery hardly is a crime. Nor very uncommon. Had he been showing off with these stuffs, I'd see the problem. Now it seems like he was just trying to have some fun and private moments in the middle of being in the spotlight 24/7 and having the media following every step he takes. Can't really blame anyone for wanting that.
So basically all they found out is that the king acted like a normal young man. Only that he had the position and money to do it in a bigger scale. Which I believe doesn't violate against any law. Royals are humans, just like you and me. Why should anyone expect them to be perfect when we know that no one is perfect and everyone make mistakes? And why the fuck they're being blamed for doing the kind of stuff half of the nation does anyways?

Why the authors are obviously eunuchs with no sense of humour: I haven't read the book (nor will I ever buy it because it will only make the writers richer) but our media has been all over it providing some clips of it. One of those was a description of a toga party the king went to. Considering the whole purpose of this book is apparently to show people what a horrible and immoral person the king is, I would assume the authors are saying that going to a toga party is a no no for royals. Which begs the question, is it really fair to violate against the human rights of those poor little crown heads living in that golden jail? As far as I know, toga parties are not against any law and it takes a completely tight ass bitch to forbid their fellow humanbeing the fun of toga party.

The authors of the book are the kids with sleeves in a toga party.
You don't wanna be friends with toga party ruiners, do you?

Men tänk det var det dummaste som apan nånsin gjort

2010-11-01T19:00:00.003+02:00

Rumour - one that was accidentaly published on AIK's own website - is that Vesa Toskala has signed with AIK from Elitserien (Swedish Elite League). This however apparently isn't true, at least not yet.
The facts are these:

AIK is currently second last in the league with only 19 points from 16 games
They do need goalie because their other goalie, Christopher Heino-Lindberg is currently injured and the number one goalie, Viktor Fasth, has his own history with injuries too
Toskala would be a back-up goalie. A bloody expensive one if he still demands for a about $40 000 per month
As far as I know, AIK - Djurgården is one of the most heated rivalry in Sweden. He might as well buy his own coffin if he plays that game and loses it
Name "Toska-lol" has in fact reached all the way to Sweden
This still seems all very unlikely to me but on the other hand, what do i know?

There isn't much of actual information about this out there but here's what I found from hockeyexpressen.se and hockeybladet.se.

AIK close to acquire Toskala

He was the number one goalie in Toronto Maple Leafs last year and has played 266 NHL games.
Now Vesa Toskala, 33, close to a loan agreement with AIK - and could be ready to play already for the derby against Djurgården on Thursday.
- I do not know if it is decided yet, said assistant coach Gunnar Persson to HockeyExpressen.se.

The Finnish star goaltie Vesa Toskala started last season as starter in the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Then the problems started for 33-year-old.
Toskala was first sent to Anaheim Ducks, then to Calgary Flames - before he became free-agent.
Earlier this year Färjestad was said to be "hunting" Toskala, but then the price tag of 350000-400000 kronor (crowns) per month brought it to an end.
Now the spectacular goalkeeper is instead on the way - to AIK.

"Don't know if it's clear yet"

According to both information in Finland and the blog Hockey with Marie Hallman the loan agreement is very close.
- I haven't received any information at all. I don't know if it is decided yet, says the assistant coach Gunnar Persson to HockeyExpressen.se.
- If it is clear it must've happaned late last night.
But Toskala is not intended as a new starter in the AIK.
What is in question right now is a loan for a month and he would be a back up goalie to Viktor Fasth.
- What I've heard is that Christopher Heino-Lindberg has problems with his groin and that we should "secure our back", says Gunnar Persson.
- But that's all I know. It's not certain that it will be Toskala.
It is hoped that Vesa Toskala will be able to play already in the derby against Djurgården on Thursday.

- - -

Boasted about great recruitment
- But nothing is clear

AIK: There were errors in handling
Earlier today for a short period of time the fans could read from AIK's website that the NHL goalie Vesa Toskala is clear for the club.
Shortly thereafter the news were drawn back and nothing is yet clear with 33-year-old.
- We were prepared in case it would become clear and then something went wrong in the handling, says AIK's press officer Adam Ekman.

"There have been errors"

But that he isn't.
- Nothing is settles. There simply have been errors in the handling says AIK's press officer Adam Ekman.
How?
- We were prepared in case something would happen during the day. Then there was a mistake. It was out for 30 seconds but nothing is settled.
The news on the website also quoted a satisfied sports director Anders Gozzi.
- This is a very good solution for both Vesa and AIK. Christopher Heino-Lindberg needs time to rehabilitate his groin. Toskala is looking for a club in the NHL or the KHL and needs to play at as high a level as possible meanwhile. Therefore, this is a very good solution for both parties. Viktor Fasth still owna the first "spade", says Gozzi.

"Nobody knows how close it is"

Now Gozzi mission to end negotiations with the goalkeeper in the middle of the media spotlight.
- No one knows how close it is exactly. Only Anders Gozzi can answer to that.
Hard to deny that you are negotiating now?
- Yes, one can believe that we do it anyways.
The Finn has previously represented Färjestad in the Elitserien has last played with the Calgary Flames in the NHL. Before this season, however, the 33-year-old had trouble finding a club that wants to invest in him.
Sportbladet has in vain sought Anders Gozzi for a comment.

Other Elitserien news, Wallin will miss 6 weeks due to an injury :(

Because Swedes make fan songs better

Somewhat correct lyrics via google because I'm lazy.

Vodka! - Drinking Game Of The Week

2010-10-31T23:00:00.003+02:00

As we all know, watching hockey can be bit frustrating at times. Sometimes the puck just doesn't bounce for your team, sometimes your team just simply sucks. But no worries, there's simple solution to this, vodka. For centuries it has helped Russians to deal with their incompetent rulers, so sure it can remove the pain caused by something you love.

Usually drinking games include drinking if something happens in the game, but I figured why not try something different? Here's a song dedicated to the finest of strong drinks and the lyrics can be found at the end of this post.

So what you need to do when the suckfest is too much, is to listen to this song and take vodka shot everytime they sing/shout "vodka". I guarantee you, you will not care how the game ends. Or how the next game ends for that matter.
But for those with more delicate liver (or who just insist on playing more traditional drinking games) here's rules for that too. And most of them applies to all the games so no fear for soberity.
Take vodka shot* everytime:

your d-man gives the puck to the opponent in his own defensive zone
take two if the opponent ends up scoring
you remember James Wisniewski has more points than your leading scorer
the announcers are being total homers
take two if they also mispronounce European name in the same sentence
one of your players actually gets to shoot the puck at the net
Ruutu does something that makes you wanna punch him
your goalie starts to remind you of Toskala
Ovechkin hits someone
you're dreaming about mustache rides

Save of the month

2010-10-24T19:50:00.002+03:00

I know it's only in the Finnish Elite league but I don't care. This is the sweetest save I've seen in awhile.
Toskala, please take notes.

I don't even like the team in question (HPK) but dear god that save by Teemu Lassila was wicked. Luckily his saves weren't enough to keep JYP from winning that game though ;)

The Euro adventures of NHL

2010-10-12T14:00:00.001+03:00

This season the NHL sent 6 teams to spread the joy of hockey to us less furtunate with poor leagues. Helsinki got Minnesota Wild and Carolina Hurricanes, Stockholm San Jose Sharks and Columbus Blue Jackets, and the good people in Prague were given Phoenix Coyotes and Boston Bruins.

The Helsinki games were somewhat successful when it comes to attendance but Globen in Stockholm seemed half empty. Or half full if you wish. And the trend was apparently quite the same in Prague. And I believe there are other reasons behind that than just our lack of interest to hockey. Because that's not the case here.

1) NHL games in Europe are great for hockey fans here. Especially great for the kids and youth who get unique chance to see their heroes to play. And how this could become a problem then? The games in Sweden ended way after 11pm. Not exactly the perfect schedule for a family, isn't it?

2) Overpriced tickets. With the cost of, say, 4 tickets to one game you could pretty much have mini vacation in Canaria. Or with the cost of one ticket to said games, the whole family could've went to watch the local team's game. A team they have bond with.

3) Poor co-operation with local league. At the same time with the NHL season's grand opening in Hartwall Arena in Helsinki, both of the two other capital area teams were playing home games. HIFK in Helsinki (close to Hartwall Arena) and Blues in Espoo. That's not gonna bite you in the ass, right?

And now something completely different. The Eurotrip produced some comedy gold moments such as this little information about the Minnesota boys' trip to Sauna Island: "He (Kyle Brodziak) said this was his 'fantasy island, a bunch of naked guys hanging out and sweating in a sauna,'" defenseman Nick Schultz said, laughing. "So, let's just say he hasn't stopped taking jabs from the guys." Brodziak though has apparently replied that his quote has been "taken a little out of context."

From Star Tribune

Sleza goes Wild

2010-10-03T19:45:00.003+03:00

As everyone who follows NHL probably knows, Minnesota Wild and Carolina Hurricanes will start their season in Helsinki with two games. The actual games are played on October 7th and 8th but Wild hold free practice today at the Hartwall Arena. The practice started at noon, so people we're told it would nice if they arrived before that and the doors opened at 11 am. It takes about half an hour drive from my parents' place to the arena so this meant that I had to wake up at 9.30 am ON SUNDAY MORNING and leave a bit after 10.30 am. Oh the things I do for hockey...

Anyways, I'm glad I did go there because it was quite cool. There were lots of kids and they were all excited to see NHL players and especially Finnish NHL players. It was very adorable.

I didn't remember to bring my camera with me so I had to deal with my phone's camera...

I had hoped to see Bäckström in action but happened to choose to sit in the part of arena where the other goalie was. They didn't have names on the jerseys so I'm not sure who it was. Wild's homepage is saying Harding is in IR so I guess it was this Khudobin dude that is listed on the site. He looked quite good so it wasn't it wasn't that bad I missed most of the Bäckström action.

Few more pictures can be found here.

Salming, Foppa against racism

2010-09-18T22:55:00.004+03:00

First of all, I'm not sure if I'm even legally allowed to translate this but I'm gonna do it anyways. If Expressen has anything against it, I'm happy to remove it from the site.

Sweden has parliament elections today (September 19th) and before the elections one of the major topics has been "Sverigedemokrat" party which is openly racist. They have got great amount of resistance and unfortunately some of the people who don't share their narrow-minded opinions about immigrants went too far as one of them attackted the leader of this party and engraved swastika to his forehead. While this kind of actions are wrong, it has been wonderful to see majority to disagree with them and starting campaigns against them to make sure they won't be in the next government. Even Swedish athletes have decided to raise their voice for tolerance.

Swedish sports stars: Stand up against racism.
Several of the biggest sports stars encourage their fans not to vote for a xenophobic party in parliament elections with an open letter.
Hockey legend Börje Salming is one of the stars and he believes that team sports counters racism.
- There you learn to respect everyone, otherwise you won't be there, he says to Expressen.se.

The beloved athletes are asking their fans not to vote for a xenophobic party.
"Sport is about brotherhood, to fight for every victory, but to always respect each other and never ever look down on anyone because of their color, origin or name. Racism and sports do not mix, the same should apply to the rest of society.", they write among other things in their open letter.

Several stars have signed

A couple of dozen athletes have signed the letter. For example Peter Forsberg, Carolina Klüft (track and field athlete, maybe the best heptathlon-er (?) there's ever been) and legend Börje Salming.
- There is no one who is better than anyone else. One is fair to everyone, that applies in sports, says Börje Salming who thinks it's important to counter racism.
- I think it's so obvious that we must respect each other, but not everyone thinks that way, he says.

Börje Salming is positive about team sports counter racism and xenophobia.
- Absolutely, we should learn to be fair to each other and it leads you to live your life right.
Do you think it would be better to see Sweden as a team?
- You have to hope that Sweden can become a team and be just/fair towards and kind to one another.

Link to the original post.

I often complain that athletes have usually nothing interesting or important to say but this is very important. I usually can understand people with very different kinds of opinions - or at least respect their opinions but racism is something I don't get. I find it very unfair to judge people by qualities that are determined by genes (skin colour) or by furtune (where you were born). Those things tell nothing about one as a person. It is sad how many people fail to realize this and keep thinking their race and/or nationality is somehow better than anyone else's. Because it's not. We born equal. And we sure as hell are all equal in front of death.

It's hockey time bitches

2010-09-05T21:00:00.001+03:00

Kiss kiss bang bang...

And it started (alright, continued as the European Trophy has been going on for couple of weeks now) with a big bang given by Rickard Wallin. Unfortunately for Bern's Tristan Scherwaj, he was the receiving part of this tough love by Captain Elbow's Swedish counterpart in the game for 3rd place.

Anyways, here's how the playoffs for the ET went:

Quarterfinals
Färjestad BK 4 - Kärpät 1
EC Red Bull Salzburg 4 - HV71 5
SC Bern 2 - Jokerit 0
Eisbären Berlin 4 - TPS 1

Semifinals
HV71 6 - Färjestad BK 2
Eisbären Berlin 5 - SC Bern 1

Final
HV71 - Eisbären Berlin (not played yet)

3rd place
SC Bern 3 - Färjestad BK 1

Classifications
Kärpät 6 - EC Red Bull Salzburg 3
Jokerit 8 - TPS 3

5th place
Kärpät 2 - Jokerit 4

7th place
TPS 9 - EC Red Bull Salzburg 5

(Picture from mtv3.fi )

Team Finland toothbrush...

2010-08-29T18:15:00.002+03:00

Supporting my team and all* ;)

I've seen weird fan stuff but this gets pretty high on that list...

Hopefully it has better defense system than the team does.

*Apparently 25 cents from the price goes to support the Finnish junior hockey

Waka waka eh eh

2010-08-22T12:00:00.001+03:00

I assume everyone who follow NHL and doesn't live under a rock have already heard about the Toronto Sun/Pension Plan Puppet plagiarismgate. You know, the one where the Sun publish nice little interview with Kaberle's father, which was already posted at PPP couple of days earlier. And stunningly, they had the exact same translation... With Google Translate. Their Czech-English translating must've got lot better since I last tried it...

Now first of all, I do use Google Translate too. I basically need it on daily basis when communicating in English to either check the spelling of a word or to check a word if I'm not sure if I remember the meaning of it correctly. I find it makes my life easier since google usually gets the simple words correct. It however does not usually get long sentences, yet alone articles, correct. And we can't really expect it to do that. There are so many different idioms and phares in different languages that it would be quite unreasonable to expect it to be able to that. Not to mention the differences between the language structures, which makes google translate's chances to get the correct outcome even more difficult.

And this gets us to my main point. Google translate is somewhat valuable tool when you at least have a hint of the word(s) you're looking for. If you however have no idea what the text says in original language and are determined to publish the translation of it, I would recommend an actual dictionary. This of course only works if you have any kind of basic knowledge of the language and preferrably of the culture. If you don't, it would be wise to try to find someone who does. I understand most bloggers can't do this and it's fine. They don't have the same staff army most news papers have - or should have. Which is why this applies mostly to news papers. Because they're supposed to do the fact checking and have the tools to get real translations. Because they're supposed to be the source of "real" information.
What does it tell about them if they say that they use google translate (whether or not they actually used it) and have really no idea if it matches the original story? For me it tells that I shouldn't trust what their articles say because there's no guarantee it's in any way correct.

- - -

Yesterday there was played the tribute game between Kenny's All Stars and Rögle honouring Kenny Jönsson's remarkable career. Rögle won 9-8 but apparently everyone still had great time.
Mats Wennerholm (who runs a hockeyblog for Aftonbladet) gave his opinion about Sundin's game: "He became better and better the longer the match went and I think he could step into any Elitserien team without making a fool of himself. With couple of weeks of training."

Guess who will play one more game?

2010-08-16T20:40:00.001+03:00

This guy

Mats Sundin will play in Kenny Jönsson's tribute match along many other Swede stars in Ängelholm on August 21st in a game against Rögle (plays in second highest league in Sweden).

Kenny Jönsson is a Swedish defenseman who retired in 2009. During his career he showed quite remarkable loyalty to his home team Rögle, where he played all the seasons he spent in Sweden, despite that the team went constantly back and forth between Swedish Elite League and Allsvenskan. He also played 10 season in NHL (Toronto Maple Leafs and NY Islanders) and represented Sweden's national team on adult level 11 times, winning Olympic gold twice (coughjerkcough).

Here's the Kenny's All Star team:

Goalies
30 Henrik Lundqvist
23 Billy Nilsson
31 Magnus Wennström

Defense
19 Kenny Jönsson
35 Kari Eloranta

26 Håkan Persson
55 Niklas Karmhag

5 Stefan "Femman" Nilsson
3 Andreas Lilja

Forward
25 Stefan Elvenes
13 Roger Elvenes
11 Tord Elvenes

40 Henrik Zetterberg
13 Mats Sundin
91 Mariusz Czerkawski

8 Patrik Tano
21 Jörgen Jönsson
14 Mikael Gath

12 Benny Johansson
24 Heinz Ehlers
18 Jonas Bergqvist

Coaches
Peter Johansson
Beng-Åke Gustafsson

"We must learn playoff hockey" - now with fog hockey updates

2010-08-14T23:30:00.006+03:00

Bäckström knows what's up...

Swedes sites have surprisingly found little time for stories that don't include Foppa and hockeybladet.se offers this interview with the Capitals center.

Nicklas Bäckström about tough losses and dreamhouse.

Nicklas Bäckström went on two real knocks this season.
But summer has been a hit.
When he came home to Gävle, was the newly-built dreamhouse of 520 square within a ten-minute drive from the town ready.
- I was very pleased, but I had decided everything myself too, says Bäckis.

Nicklas Bäckström had a fantastic season in NHL and crossed the 100 points dreamline with his 33 goals and 68 assists - total 101 points - in regular season. And when the season was over he signed a 10-year contract worth 67 million dollar (or over half billion Swedish kronor) with Washington Capitals.
Then you can afford a summercottage which is as big as many plots others are building on.
- It feels nice to have solid place when one is home during summers. It was here I was a lot whole summer although I travelled around and visited relatives and friends, says Nicklas.

"A bit sloppy"

But bestfriend Alexander Ovechkin hasn't visited this summer either, despite a standing invation.
- We have called each other couple of times, but we will meet again soon when the trainingcamp starts. He doesn't want to leave Moscow in summer.
But Nicklas Bäckström's winter "didn't just go straight up in sour cream" (don't ask, swedes are weird... or if you're Swedish, please explain).
First loss against Slovakia in Olympic quarterfinals in Vancouver, then directly out of Stanley Cup playoffs in first round against Montreal, despite leading 3-1 in series.

Gets Swedish company

Washington that won regular season in Eastern Conference and was a favourite to win the Stanley Cup.
- I actually think it was bit sloppy on both occasions. I don't really know what happened against Slovakia but I believe it was bit of underestimating from our part. It went simply wrong. And we should've won against Montreal when lead 3-1 in series. But it's easy to be afterwise. Though they played smart playoffs hockey and were good defensively. That one must give them credit for. And we must learn a bit more about how you play playoff hockey. But we still have a great team so I think we have the chance to take a quick revenge next year.

Does it feel good that you will stay in Washington for 10 years?

- Yes, I like it so well in the city and in organisation so it feels right.
And now there come more Swedes to the town?
- Yes, Marcus Johansson is new in the team. I've talked with him on telephone and he was there and signed his contract at the same time I signed mine in the end of May.
In addition, Anton Gustafsson - Bengt-Åke's son - will make a new attempt to break into the squad.
But you must be pleased with your own season last year?
- It was cool for me individually to reach 100 points, but to be honest I'd rather change it to Stanley Cup title. It's difficult to enjoy your own achievments when you go out in first round.
So speaks a winner.

/Dear Finnish sites, please start to write something interesting so I don't always have to do Swedish-English translations... (you know, since I epically fail at both). Tack.

- - -

Apparently my little Finnish team HIFK played yesterday their 3rd European throphy game. After winning the first two, they now lost to German team Adler Mannheim 2-1. Now, I normally wouldn't bother to with these kinda things but here's the circumstances they had to play in.

And for the record, that's in a real arena not an outdoor game. Apparently the ventilation in the arena in Järvenpää had broken down and the warm and humid weather from outside got in and caused that rather thick fog. And concidering the outcome, I think the Germans might be used to this kinda circumstances...
But seriously though, this is why HIFK should be playing their homegames in their own arena and not somewhere beyond the civilization. Because this stuff doesn't happen in Helsinki. And had the games been played here, I could've go to see the darn games... I also think this proves why hockey in August is bad idea. IT'S FREAKING WARM OUTSIDE! Hockey is a winter game. That's why it's played in Winter Olympics, not in Summer Olympics. We're supposed to get the summer off to be able to get over the last season and to gather strength and booze for the upcoming. And the whole teams are still in training conditions thing...

I can barely see the shamed figures of HIFK players in the back

/Pictures of European Throphy mist fest from mtv3.fi

One era in hockey is apparently about to end

2010-08-14T18:15:00.001+03:00

Or then not. Foppa is still a Swede and you know how they can be with deciding and stuff...
Anyway, there has been lots of back and forths during the past month or so about this since Forsberg's charity team, The Icebreakers have played couple of games with the man himself. And he has done well. And apparently went pretty good too for the first two game. After that, I've seen stories about him coming back, I've seen stories about him retiring and I've seen stories about... well, that was that I guess. Anyhow, here's one of the many, many Foppa articles one can find in Swedish sites nowadays. In an English-like language.

Foppa rules out the chances of playing

The last test was negative.
Now almost everything is pointing that Peter Forsberg's fantastic hockey career is over.
According to him there's only 5 percent chance that he continues.
- It hasn't worked in 7 years, so why it would work now?, says Peter Forsberg to SPORT-Expressen.

In the 2 first games with Icebreakers the hockey worlds most known rightfoot felt ok.
Yesterday's test against Västerås, however, was a disaster.
- It didn't feel good today. I don't think I have any balance at all, says Peter Forsberg to SPORT-Expressen.
Right now the continuation of his hockey career seems to be very, very far away.
- There's not more than 5 percent chance that I will continue with elite hockey, says he to SVT.
- Something must change radically if there will me more games. If it will be like today, I think I won't continue. Something has to better.

Messages in skates

And it's not the foot Forsberg means. He doesn't plan to do anything more about it. However, there are various messages in the skates than can help.
- I will go home and see how it goes for few weeks, but I don't have high hopes, says Forsberg who understands his critics who thinks that he vacillates too much back and forth.
- I understand everyone who thinks that I'm an idiot and thinks I should quit. But I have battled with these problems for 7 years and won Olympic gold (you jerk...) and if one checks Philadelphia, I'm second in points/match for players who have played over 100 games. I haven't been that woeful.

"No deadline"

Which team it would be - if he can play- he doesn't want to think. What comes to Modo, it has earlier this week been speculated that Modo's coach Charles Berglund gave a deadline for Foppa to give a notice to the team if he plays or not.
However, it's a big misunderstanding according to Berglund:
. I haven't set any deadline. Me and Peter have a dialog and there's no time limit, although of course it would be good to know as soon as possible, says Berglund to SPORT-Expressen.

Doesn't want to mess up

Something Foppa agrees with:
- I don't want to stand on Modo's way. I don't want that it will go back and forth like it went last time.
Now points most things to a life aside of ice - and If one is going to believe Foppa, it isn't that bad.
- I feel so good aside of hockey now and I have so much other things going on so so it will be if there's not gonna be hockey. If it doesn't function 100 percent, I will pack my stuff in the near future.

I guess this means it's adjö for Foppa then. I've spend most of my life hating him (he and Sundin really liked to ruin my childhood, youth and faith in my national team...) but as the years have past by I've learnt to appreciate his undeniable skills and passion for hockey. I believe the last Olympics proved that even one-legged Foppa is still a hell lot of a better player than many of those with two functional feet.
Yes, he might be an idiot for keep trying to come back but for me that shows how much he loves the sport, how dedicated he is to it. And for that I respect him.

One more year

2010-08-06T22:00:00.001+03:00

Selänne apparently approves Ducks moves thisfar and is indeed going to play at least one more year according to Urheilulehti. Here's the same in English (or in something that should be English....).

Teemu Selänne confirms to Urheilulehti that he has made a decision to continue his outstanding career at least a year. According to Selänne the contract with Anaheim might get done within few days.

"I have made a decision to continue my career. Actually it has been clear for awhile. The negotiations are now ready to start and hopefully it gets signed in couple of days", Selänne says.

Selänne says the reasons for continuing are purely game related. The 40 year old supersniper felt that his body has still enough energy left for seeking success.

"I told Anaheim that if they start to rejuvenate the team and rebuild it, I'll do something different. Those guys who have been now acquired have convinced me that we can still success. Once again money didn't play a role", says Selänne.

"Hijacking" Selänne won't necessarily be Anaheim's only super acquisition. On the radar is also Selänne's legendary linemate Paul Kariya's comeback to Anaheim.

"I've talked about that with Paul and Anaheim. Paul has been waiting for my decision and hopefully thing swill move along now", Selänne says.

Selänne admits that he has thought about the idea of dream line where with him and Kariya also would play Saku Koivu.
"It has been on my mind but in this thing the coach will make final decisions. Jason Blake who played last season with me and Saku was really good in the end of the season."

Random hockey things

2010-08-05T18:30:00.001+03:00

Looking all good and getting ready to rock in October. Because God knows that poor arena ain't gonna see good hockey performed by home team after that...

A Swedish hockey player Conny Strömberg won about 6000 euros after betting himself in betting for top scorer in Allsvenskan (Sweden's second highest league)
In past two years a team that has played in Helsinki has won the Cup (Pens in 2008 and Hawks in 2009). So, Minnesota Wild, your SC winner 2010/11? Also, I really think this means all the teams should want to come here next year... Any suggestions? I'd like Caps, Leafs or Ducks :P
Here's something that kinda shocked me: A Swedish goalie Robin Rahm (23 years old Färjestad player) has been caught for using anabolic steroids. He has admitted the use. Doping and hockey (especially goalies) just don't go together.
Not so shocking, Sami Salo injured again.
The Antti Niemi adventures... I think I've seen him to be linked with every single NHL team. Here's thought. If you have no clue where he's going, don't write a damn article about where he's going!

I'm bored so here's something about the Monster

2010-07-31T18:30:00.003+03:00

There was this nice little Jonas Gustavsson article/interview on hockeybladet.se couple days ago. Here's the same in something that should be English...

Problem can come back

"Monster" about heartproblems and debutseason

Despite two heartoperation he played 42 games in debutseason in NHL. When "Monster" goes back to Toronto after holiday has newcomer became a star.
Meet Jonas Gustavsson in an interview on lazy sommardays, nickname that lingers and risk for new operation.
- Problem can come back, says he.

September 11th 2009. It's the first day of Toronto's NHL camp. During a test starts Gustavsson suddenly feel dizzy and is about to faint. Jonas sits on trainingcycle when the heartbeat suddenly raced.
An ambulance took the goalie to the hospital and for day later they dis a simple surgery in which the tissue that disrupted his heartbeat was burnt away.
December 1st 2009. Jonas Gustavsson is in Toronto's net in the Canadian pretigious meeting against Montreal. After first period in Bell Centre he is forced to give up - heart symptoms are back.
Three days later Gustavsson is operated in Toronto and is out of the game further two weeks.

"Clearly one is thinking"

"Monster's" debutseason was dramatic to say the least and many outsiders became worried about his health. But the protagonist himslef was never worried.
- It's obvious that one is thinking about what's happening when heartbeat races away and pulse doesn't go down. But at the same time there were doctors there. I didn't have time to become worried.
"How much you think about that nowadays?"
- Not so much. They have taken away the tissue that was disrupting heart and it should be fine now. But at the same time no one can guarantee anything (coughAlfredssoncough*).
- The hardest part was not be be able to be on the ice. I missed my entire first camp. It made no difference to if I said so. But instead I got to fight double when I came back, says Stockholmer (?) who is right now on the second half of a long sommer holiday.
- I have taken the opportunity to take it easy. Since there has been some sun shine, swimming and grilling. And golf.
"So, what's your handicap?"
- Haha, that you won't write on the paper.
"Come on..."
- Okey, fine. It's 15. I've played some during the summer but haven't lowered it. But I've been close to...
"You got to play 42 games during your debut season. How do you see the year now with some perspective?"
- I'm satisfied. I took a place in NHL team, got to be with Olympic team and won bronze at the Worlds, says Gustavsson who signed 2 year contract with Toronto last spring.
- For me it was important that it became a oneway contract. It shows that they believe in me.

Now he is a star

"Monster"expects that the team blows of holiday in the end of August in order to reassemble the squad.
- I feel loaded. It's coming closer.
After breakthough season in 2008/2009 in Färjestad, Jonas Gustavsson was able to pick and choose among the NHL offers.
Men väl på plats i Kanada fanns inga genvägar för att slå sig in i laget.
This time the situation is different.
Newcomer has become a star.
- The biggest difference when I go there this time is that I come there and know what's the case. Last time it felt a bit like I was there on a trip. In this way, it's nice.
"And now you are aiming to be the number one goalkeeper?"
- I don't think about that so much. It is about helping the team and winning matches. In the end you're left at number one. But it's very tough competition with Jean-Sébastian Giguere. He has one year left on contract and is a very good goalkeeper. We help each other a lot.
"Imagine you're sitting with a big red button in front of you. If you press it, all journalists will stop your nickname. What do you choose, press or not?"
- I don't know. I'm not bothered by it. But I don't call myself that directly, says "Monster".

*CAUTION! Was not in original Swedish version.

And now something completely different

2010-07-17T23:51:00.003+03:00

Europe according to Sweden. These bitches can clearly turn sometimes slightly sad facts into nice jokes. I especially enjoyed the "Belarus: They beat us in hockey once" part. Self-irony is really just so sexy.

(Click for bigger pic)

Have I ever said how much I absolutely love Swedes?

C'mon Teemu...

2010-07-03T19:50:00.001+03:00

You got your wish and Koivu signed 2 year deal worth of 2,25 million/year with Ducks. So you would have your personal center to have fun, ehr... play with. You can't leave him alone now, Wonder Finn Power needs two to activate. Think about all the good times!

1998

Nagano, where history really was made as the Koivu-Selänne pair - which has give such a beautiful moments for the fans during years - was first united. As a result Finland won it's 3rd Olympic hockey medal after beating Canada in bronze game.

Summerboys v.2003

2004

In 2004 was held a seldom played World Cup of Hockey and Finland managed to take the second place behind Canada with both Koivu and Selänne in the team playing quite important parts of the team. While they lost the final game against Canada this is widely concidered as one of our greates achievement in hockey.

2006

In Turin Olympics Koivu and Selänne lead Finland to its greatest hockey achievement yet, Olympic silver. Of course it has slightly bitter aftertaste since it was likely the best chance at gold we will get in many, many years. And because you know it was a tight loss against our main enemy. But that doesn't take anything away from the fact that Koivu and Selänne won the scoring race with 11 points for both while Selänne was the best scorer in the tournament and Koivu had most assists.
(Dear god I miss those jerseys so much)

2008

World Championships were held in Canada and while Russia got back to gold track, Finland took what might their last Worlds medal in a veeeery long time (read, as long as the current head coach has his job) by beat Sweden in bronze game. It was also the last Worlds tournament for Koivu and Selänne (at least together).

2010

The Olympics that will remain as Selänne's last national team tournament - and maybe Koivu's too - was held in Vancouver. After some rather humiliating events team Finland - and the younger players - fought the bronze home, no doubt to make sure the legends can end their national team career with a win and medal instead of a total disappointment.

Now, wouldn't it be fun to end that journey with Stanley Cup win?

Anyways, Happy birthday to our best sniper. And please don't leave your playmaker all sad and alone...

I'm getting all excited and stuff

2010-06-28T22:50:00.000+03:00

Murray also said that he expects to talk to Teemu Selanne again next week to gauge whether he wants to play one more season but that re-signing Saku Koivu might be the higher priority.
"I think Saku is a little more important before the first to get a feel on what he's going to do," Murray said. "We've talked. I met (Koivu's agent) Don Baizley yesterday morning. We'll see how this week goes."

Link

Dear Koivu, SIGN WITH DUCKS! Please?

Dear Selänne, ONE MORE YEAR! Pretty please.

I'm fashionably late for this party

2010-06-27T22:30:00.002+03:00

So... There was this draft thingy held in Los Angeles during the weekend? That's nice and all but we had this midsummer fest so I was a) not caring about anything that didn't involve me getting food/wine and b) kinda busy at laughing at my drowning countrymen.

But anyways, here's my thoughts of this event.

My favourite, Mikael Granlund, was drafted 9th overall (good achievement for a Finn) by Minnesota Wild. I kinda like the Wild so this is pretty OK. But. If they manage to lure him to North America for next season, I'm gonna flip. He needs to first win the Finnish league with HIFK. And I truly hope he doesn't turn out to be like every other Finnish top junior (Selänne excluded) and never live up to his potential and/or being injured all the time.
There were only 5 European player drafted in the 1st round which is not good. 3 Russians, 1 Czech, 1 Finn and 0 (!!!!) Swede does not bode well for European countries if this trend continues in the future drafts. The need to rebuild Finland's junior work has been known for years but little has been done (right) to make it better. Sweden on the other hand made some serious improvements (as last year's draft proved) so this year's minor success (first one was drafted at 35th overall) is somewhat surprising. Though, they had pretty nice things going on in the second round so they will still stay way ahead of Finland...
The size might be losing its meaning as 6 of the firts rounders were under 6'0. Of course, since I'm arrogant European this doesn't tell me anything but I assume it's concidered as kinda small for hockey player...
How the hell I'm supposed to pronounce "Pysyk"?
8 Europeans were drafted in the 2nd round. 6 of them were Swedes and Calle Järnkrok makes my top 10 funniest name list. Be proud kid, be proud. But continuing with Sweden, despite the disappointing 1st round, they had pretty large manning in the latter rounds to continue the blue gold occupation of NHL.
All around good boy and poster boy candidate Kiril Kabanov was - to my deep and neverending sadness - drafted by Islanders in the 3rd round.
Presumably in a hope of getting young version of Vikingstad or Zuccarello Aasen Toronto decided to use their other 3rd round pic to draft a Norwegian. Called Sondre Olden.
Done with laughing? Good. So by drafting mostly Russians Capitals are apparently trying turn themselves into NHL's Little Russia. Which is of course a brilliant idea because having a team full of Russian has worked so well for Russia. Wait... Unfortunately for their pursuit to defense free hockey, Thrashers seem to have discovered this option too and took their part of Motherland's gifts as well.
The next drafted Finn after Granlund was Jonas Donskoi (Florida Patnthers), who was one of the 4 Finns drafted in the 4th round. Two of them by a team I dislike. Boo!
Ouellette? Seriously, WTF is wrong with these names?

Yes I'd rather hurt than feel nothing at all

2010-06-27T19:40:00.000+03:00

I guess. I can't think any other reason than love for pain why I still watch sports even though I know it will do nothing but break my heart...

Anyways, with the sadness caused by Italy's premature exit from the World Cup, I now present my theme song for Finland to the hockey season 2010-2011.
Because it will suck.
It always does. Sigh.

I… can’t get out of bed today
Or get you off my mind
I just can’t seem to find a way
To leave the sport behind

I ain’t tripping
I’m just wishing
You know what it takes
You know what it means

You’ve kept me hanging from a string
While you make me cry
I’ve tried to believe in you
But you just give me lies

I ain’t tripping
I’m just wishing
You know what it takes
You know what it means

Every now and then when I’m all alone
I’d be wishing that you would win a game or two
Say you want the trophy back but you never do
I feel like such a fool
There’s nothing I can do
I’m such a fool for you

I can’t take it
What am I waiting for?
I’m still breaking
I wish the gold even more
And I can’t fake it
The way I could before
I hate you but I love you
I can’t stop cheering for you
It’s true, I’m stuck on you

Now hockey's a broken record that’s been
Skipping in my head
I keep singing yesterday
Why you have to play the game that way

I ain’t tripping
I’m just wishing
You know what it takes
You know what it means

Every now and then when I’m all alone
I’d be wishing that you would win a game or two
Say you want the trophy back but you never do
I feel like such a fool

I can’t take it
What am I waiting for?
I’m still breaking
I wish the gold even more
And I can’t fake it
The way I could before
I hate you but I love you
I can’t stop cheering for you
It’s true, I’m stuck on you

Most of lyrics borrowed from this lovely song.

Grrrr.... Diego not happy

2010-06-24T14:50:00.000+03:00

Or, "Grrr.... Diego's coming to you". Which ever works better for you...

My favourite news paper, Helsingin Sanomat had a nice article about Maradona's behavior when he follows Argentina's play. Unlike some stone face couches that barely show any emotion no matter what their team does, Diego is jumping, yelling, cheering on, dancing, hugging, kissing, crawling etc. depending on the action on the field.

Ay ay... something didn't went right...

Boys boys boys...

2010-06-20T19:30:00.003+03:00

Italy 1 - New Zealand 1

Blargh

Go kiwis?

Of course, no one outside of Italy and New Zealand will never remember this since everyone is focused on laughing at France. Unless you're French in which case I assume you'd be crying. Je suis très désolé.

Happened previously on Desperate ~~Housewives~~ Footballers:

Nicolas Anelka didn't appreciate coach Domenech telling him what to do better on the second half and more or less told him to fuck off. This then lead to situation where Anelka was the one who needed to get fuck off.
At the beginning of the practice today captain Evra and fitness coach Raymond Duverne had a "minor" arguement that nearly lead to a fight. After this the players refused to train as a support to Anelka and walked back to their bus.

Coming after commercial break:

With serious frustration to his team, ZZ will make cameo role in 2010 World Cup and headbutt Bakari Sagne for his hair style that is humiliation for whole France and it's reputation as fashion Mecca.
Nicolas Anelka will land to CDG. Intrestingly this will be the last time anyone sees him.
As a result of France's poor play people in Paris are starting to riot. In related news, Quebec Airlines broke its record for sold flights from Montréal to Paris.

Seriously though, this is just pathetic and sad. France is a football country and I assume this is a national catastrophe there. Monsieur Sarkozy n'est pas content...

All the crazy shit I did tonight
Those will be the best memories.
I just wanna let it go for the night
That would be the best therapy for me.

Right boys?

Killing me...

2010-06-18T16:30:00.000+03:00

Ak Bars Kazan will apparently play in Finland in September.

Now, normally this would be great news but they will go to Jyväskylä and play against local team JYP instead of visiting my pretty city and playing HIFK/Jokerit. So this is not a dream... THIS IS A FUCKING NIGHTMARE!

Ahem.

(And no, I do not think I'm overreacting)

One more year!

2010-06-15T20:00:00.001+03:00

Please?

At least there's still hope because Selänne has started practicing "just in case". In recent interview he stated that if the Ducks will keep somewhat same team and will fight for the Cup, he might play one more season. But if they go for youth and rebuilding, it's over.

And now special message from everyone's favourite footballer.

I truly hate his occasional diving but god he can be so good...

Also, señors Fabio Coentrao and Raul Meireles can come to blow me heart everytime they want...

Mmmm... I think I like Portugal. I think I really do....

"No sex, we're British"

2010-06-13T20:15:00.004+03:00

And that ladies and gentlemen is a real (translated) headline of a Finnish article about the Three Lions. I'm just wondering how there's still so many people on that island if they have no sex? That though would explain why Mr. Green felt the need to let some slacker to score on him.

/Facepalm

Surprisingly there has happened some other things than England's failure thisfar too.

Group A

South Africa 1 - Mexico 1
Uruguay 0 - France 0

Group B

Argentina 1 - Nigeria 0
Korea Republic 2 - Greece 0

Group C

England 1 - USA 1
Algeria 0 - Slovenia 1

Group D

Serbia 0 - Ghana 1
Germany 4 - Australia 0 (after 80 minutes, went to bed after that)

Group E

First games on Monday:

Netherlands - Denmark
Japan - Cameroon

Group F

First game on Monday:

Italy - Paraguay

Group H

First games on Tuesday:

Côte d'Ivoire - Portugal
Brazil - Korea DPR

And now, back to my favourite hate/loathe/love affair

From zamboni driver to SC winner

2010-06-10T20:10:00.005+03:00

So, my morning was ruined by a radio station that a) barely has news and b) pretty much never has sport news but which decided today announce that Niemi has become the first Finnish goalie to win the Stanley Cup. This totally destroyed my efforts to avoid news about the finals I didn't care about. Well, I would've had if the damn meteor had shown up.

Anyways, as little as I care about Hawks winning the Cup - or Flyers losing it for that matter - Niemi's achievement is the highlight of the year for Finnish sport. Seriously, that's the best thing happened thisfar. Which is kinda sad but hey, I'll take what I get so let's get the party started! Waka waka...

I just hope this doesn't mean that Hossa will abandon his cute little Stanley cap.

Watch out suckers, new and fancy European hockey league is coming!

2010-06-08T21:00:00.002+03:00

Maybe. Who knows, I think there has been talk about this league in some level for my whole life. And I'm old. Like really, really old. Sniff.

Anyways, here's what the Swedish master minds have come up with for the new, shiny superleague:

- 40 teams in 4 division
• 10 teams from Sweden in Swedish division
• 10 from teams Finland in Finnish division
• 10 from teams Germany, Austrian and Switzerland combined in German division
• 10 from teams Slovakia and Czech combined in East-European division

So Swedish and Finnish teams get their own divisions but the others have to share with neighbours? Selfish....

- Each team will play 60% of its games against division rivals, 20% against closest division (Sweden - Finland, German speaking area - East-Europe) and rest 20% of games against the two other divisions.

Stranger danger.... It's so much more fun when you play by yourself! Wait... Btw, I assume this is just Swedes evil plan to get kick Finns' ass all year long instead of settling for the Worlds.

- In the end, the division winners and two teams from KHL - who apparently will just crash the party at this point - will play sort of playoffs (give me better translation for "slutspel" in English that makes sense!). Apparently they will play each others - like at Wolrds and Olympics - and 4 highest placed team will go to semifinals and final. The winner of this European league would then face the Stanley Cup winner.

This sounds kinda cool and stuff - I really like the idea of the European league - but how on earth they think NHL would agree on with that final? I mean, for them the Stanley Cup is the one and only season final, why screw it by playing after it?
And what's the point even if NHL would agree to play? The schedule for this league is to begin in 2012 and there's no way European teams could lure that many players back home in two years to get a team that could possibly challenge SC winner if that said winner have any kind of motivation left after long season and winning the Cup they appreciate the most. I believe Canadians and Americans couldn't care less about this "World final".
The way I see it is that it would be smarter to first build the image for the league with just European teams and if it gets major status over the world, then try to "expand" to North America.

Of course, none of this will matter because in 2015 Europe will look like and we all play football.

Party in Karlstad, the Captain will be home again

2010-05-26T19:30:00.004+03:00

I will miss using this pic so much :/

So, Wallin will leave Toronto and likely plays in SEL next season. Hockeyexpressen has multiply articles about this, here's couple of them.

Wallin returns to Färjestad

Färjestad has gathered home stars who will lead the team to gold again.
After Christian Berglund decided to return, Rickard Wallin did the same.
- It's good that he avoids threatening me now..., says Wallin to HockeyExpressen.se

Färjestad has got the last piece in place in team construction which will give SM-gold.
And it's not bad piece.
Rickard Wallin has now decided to fly home and leave Toronto, nationalteam center has signed 4-year deal.
- Färjestad is my team in Sweden and I have always said that if I play somewhere in Europe it will be Färjestad, says Wallin.

Several returner

Wallin is one of many stars who will come back to the team. Earlier Jonas Frogren, Christian Berglund and Pelle Prestberg re-joined the team.
- I think the team looks very good, Färjestad has done some clevert signings and now I get the chance to play with few of my best friends and it's huge advantage, says Rickard Wallin.
The playoffs were bit of fiasko for Färjestad but now will the team instead repeat the gold success from 2009.
- There's material to play really well.
What are the arguments for new gold?
- It's hard to talk about playoffs already. But it's always the goal for Färjestad to win the gold. It's also reason why I want to come home and to be part of this, it's terrific team.

"Threatened with beating"

Whether Wallin becomes the captain again remains to see.
- We haven't talked about it at all, says he.
Earlier threatened team mate Christian Berglund to give Wallin a beating if he doesn't come home to Färjestad too.
Now it's only Walle (wallin) left. If he doesn't come, he gets beaten, joked Berglund.
Wallin:
- I read it, and it's nice that he avoids to threaten me now...
- I tried to persuade him when I played here so it was a little payback for him.
- It will be very cool to play together again. It was ten years ago when we last played together in league tea,, we will see if we can find each other as well on the ice as before, says Rickard Wallin.

Linky to the original Swedish one.

Clear for Färjestad - but can go to NHL

Rickard Wallin, 30, is clear to Färjestad.
But he has possibility to leave the team if right NHL deal shows up before June 15th.
- Most likely it will be Färjestad and it feels really good, says Rickard Wallin to HockeyExpressen.se.

Rickard Walline became Färjestad's last piece in star construction that will take the SM-gold.
Wallin left Toronto after one season and signed a 4-year deal with Färjestad.
But there says in the NHL-agreement that all Swedish players have opportunity to leave their teams for a NHL contract until June 15th, so even Rickard Wallin.
- There still is a NHL agreement and an opportunity to play there if right possibility shows up, says Wallin himself to HockeyExpressen.se.

"Most likely Färjestad"

– But most likely it will be Färjestad and it feel very great.
What it takes for you to choose NHL again?
- That there would come an offer which I'm satisfied with. But there's no point to speculate about it now, we take it when it comes and if it comes. The starting point is Färjestad now, says Rickard Wallin.

Linky the the second one

He looks so happy with the Färjestad jersey on and the C in his chest...

Last in line

2010-05-25T20:30:00.001+03:00

You're the last in line
Anything but fine
What a waste of time
But still you're mine

You're far from cool
Nothing better than fool
But I swear it's true
I do love you, oh

So the 2009-10 season came and went. Kazan winning the KHL championship excluded it was like horrible ride from one disappointment to other. But it's finally over - yeah, yeah... I know there's sthis weird thing called NHL still going on but who cares? - so to sum it up, despite all the harsh words, I still love my kittens even if they fail even more epically than before. Mostly because it's in my DNA and I can't escape from it even if wanted to but nevertheless...

I also still heart Russia. One day you'll win the gold again! Meanwhile I just keep crying and seeing nightmares about that final.

Oh, and what comes to NHL... My whole "rooting for Finns" plan kinda fucked. Sure, Hawks and Flyers both have Finns unlike Habs and Sharks but god dammit this is not how it was supposed to go... Damn you Sharks.