Fox Sports, Group of San Jose Sharks fans outraged over team's recruitment of 'Ice Girls'

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Seriously? You've got to be kidding me? Now Ice Girls are offensive? Doh-kay! Here's the facebook page link.

Brent Smiley, Fox Sports -- A coalition of San Jose Sharks fans have formed the group "Say No to Sharks Ice Girls" in response to the team's proposed uniform change for its co-ed ice team.

Previously, members of the Sharks ice team wore full outfits that did not expose any skin, while this year's uniforms for the ladies "May be form fitting with some skin exposure." Males would not expose their possibly hairy midriffs.

At least 1,108 persons and counting think the proposed change for women and not men is offensive, sexist and "reinforces a negative double-standard where men are taken seriously but women are sexualized and objectified."

Stay in School part three, Louis Leblanc

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I am an advocate of college hockey. According to College Hockey Inc., 31 percent of the players in the NHL came from the college ranks. Recently, I have been profiling college hockey players that have left their college teams early, for the lure of the big money in the NHL/professional ranks.

Here’s another example of a player that could have benefited from a couple more years at Harvard. Louis Leblanc was drafted in the first round, 18th overall by the Montreal Canadiens. Last week, Leblanc signed a one-year deal with the Anaheim Ducks.

In 50 NHL games with the Habs, Leblanc scored (5g-5a—10pts). In 163 AHL games, Leblanc scored (34g-34—68pts). In hind sight, I wonder if Leblanc wished he had spent a few more seasons in college? Maybe not!

Is the Big Sky moving to 14 football teams?

I am all for it. If you read this tweet, it would appear that there's a chance that it could happen.

Craig Haley (@CraigHaley) tweeted at 10:12am - 14 Jul 14: Fullerton: Idaho, New Mexico St. out there as possible 14th Big Sky football members. Only when time is right. #BigSkyKickoff

Perusing ESPN, they touched on this subject as well. Hey the more the merrier right? I am sure that our comrades to the south will find a way to malign this move. Whatever! To each his own.

Lynn DeBruin, AP Sports Writer -- The Big Sky definitely wants Idaho to become its 14th football-playing member, joining regional schools Idaho State, Eastern Washington, Montana and Montana State.

Commissioner Doug Fullerton said the Big Sky may be part of the Football Conference Subdivision, formerly known as Division I-AA -- but he argues that it wouldn't be a step down for Idaho.

He said the Idaho Vandals would become stronger in the FCS than at the bottom of the FBS "because they will become successful."

As for the WAC, Fullerton wasn't as optimistic. He said he can envision it disappearing completely in one year, or playing only basketball -- but would be surprised, "barring major help," if it remains an FBS conference.

Drake Caggiula attending Sabres Development Camp

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University of North Dakota forward Drake Caggiula is currently attending the Buffalo Sabres Development camp, he's a free agent. Here’s some of the other college hockey players that are attending the Sabres development camp.

BUFFALO SABRES 2014-15 DEVELOPMENT CAMP ROSTER (College Players)

FORWARD

Caggiula, Drake C/LW 5’9” 180 L Pickering, Ontario June 20, 1994 North Dakota
Compher, J.T. LW 5’10” 182 L Northbrook, Illinois Oct. 12, 1993 U. of Michigan (Big 10)
Fasching, Hudson RW 6’2” 213 R Burnsville, Minnesota July 28, 1995 U. of Minnesota (Big 10) 40
Malone, Sean C 5’11” 186 L Buffalo, New York April 30, 1995 Harvard (ECAC)
Samuels-Thomas, Jordan LW 6’3” 195 L Hartford, Connecticut May 28, 1990 Quinnipiac (ECAC)

DEFENSE

Florentino, Anthony D 6’1” 226 R Boston, Massachusetts Jan. 30, 1995 Providence (H-East)
McCabe, Jake D 6’1” 210 L Eau Claire, Wisconsin Oct. 12, 1993 U. of Wisconsin (Big 10) Buffalo (NHL)
Prochno, Andrew D 5’11” 185 L Edina, Minnesota Nov. 3, 1991 St. Cloud State (NCHC)

College Hockey in Arizona?

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Here's an interesting story, it could be noting more than conjecture at this point. I suppose the NCHC would be a logical location for the Arizona State Sun Devils.

Justin Emerson, House of Sparky -- "He said ‘Mr. Anderson, if you provided varsity-level hockey at ASU ... you would be able to attract so many students from the East and from the North and even from Canada to want to come to Tempe, Arizona to play the sport at a high level,'" Anderson said. "He said ‘I guarantee you, there would be so many prospects for you.' And you know what, I believe that."

Arizona State hockey and coach Greg Powers have done a superb job bringing in high-level talent. Six players next year will be alumni of the United States Hockey League, one of the top junior hockey leagues in North America. That number is by far the highest in the ACHA.

Current USHL veterans include current NHL players like St. Louis forward Paul Stasny, Montreal forward Max Pacioretty, San Jose forward Joe Pavelski, and Olympic hero T.J. Oshie of St. Louis.

There are 11 members of next year's Sun Devil hockey team chose Arizona State over NCAA Division I schools, and one- defenseman Connor Schmidt- played NCAA last season.

I will believe it when I see it. Also, it’s not as easy to start a Division I Hockey team as the author suggests. That being said, it w would be a nice road trip for fans during the cold winter months. Allegiant Air flies from Grand Forks, ND to Phoenix.

Bruins to Focus on Team Toughness

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With the loss of tough guy Shawn Thornton, the Boston Bruins are going to focus more on team toughness.

Joe Haggerty , CSNNE.COM – “I believe [the team toughness] is already there, I do. We have a couple of candidates that played in Providence that surely could fit in if we need them. But I really think it’s already there, I do,” said Chiarelli. “You’re going to see Adam [McQuaid] back, whoever’s playing D, so we’ve got some tough guys there that can hold up their own. So I believe it’s already there.”

On any given night the Bruins will feature multiple players capable of dropping the gloves if the team needs an emotional spark, or if there’s an opponent taking liberties with members of the Black and Gold tribe. Clearly Milan Lucic would be the most intimidating name at the top of that list, but defensemen Kevan Miller and Adam McQuaid are no slouches in that category either.

Miami RedHawks: Riley Barber Returning, Lot of Unfinished Business

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Miami RedHawk forward Riley Barber is returning to Miami for his Junior Season.

“There’s a lot of unfinished business that I have at Miami that I definitely want to take care of,” he said. “That’s the main thing that brought me back.” (CSNWashington)

Last season, there was a rumbling that a lot of the top players at Miami were going to sign with their professional teams, after the season was over. Then a funny thing happened. The RedHawks went on a run and almost qualified for the NCAA  tourney, but fell just one game short, losing in the NCHC Championship Game. Maybe that had a hand in their decisions?

Anti-Fighting Cabal Applauds AHL's New fighting Rules

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I don’t think any of us should be shocked that the Anti-Fighting Cabal at the Hockey News is applauding the AHL’s new Fighting Rules. They've never saw a fight that they liked. Looking at the number of fights in the AHL, the NHL's minor league definitely has more fighting majors than the NHL. It's a proven fact. Moreover, I have never seen a fan get up and leave their seat during a hockey fight.

The AHL is a development league for the NHL and has been used to try out new rules. That being said, I don’t think this rule is as bad as some have suggested. First, even in the AHL, it’s going to take some time to accumulate three misconducts penalties via the fight. So with the new rule in place, players are going to learn to pick their fights. That being said, the AHL guys are going to have to pay a little more attention to their stats if they don't want to be sitting out hockey games for suspensions.

Ken Campbell, The Hockey News -- First, let’s look at fighting. AHL president Dave Andrews put forward a motion to give a game misconduct to any player who is involved in more than one fight in a game. And what’s more important, that misconduct will count against the players’ accumulated total when it comes to suspensions. With the exception of the egregious fouls, the AHL gives a one-game suspension to a player when he accumulates three game misconducts in the same season and a game suspension for each subsequent game misconduct.

The intention of the rule is clear. The AHL is trying to basically get the message-sending baloney out of its game. You see, the AHL plays a lot of back-to-back games to save on travel costs, so there are often times when this kind of ridiculousness breaks out near the end of the first game. If a player has already been involved in a fight, he’ll be far less likely to get into another one once the game is out of hand. And who knows? It might deter a player from getting into a fight in the first period, knowing he might have to “save” his fight for later.

I did a little digging around, and I looked at both the NHL and the AHL. Of the top fighters at hockey fights, Chris Neil is one of the few NHL tough guys that got into two fights during the same game. Krys Barch is another one of the top fighters to have two fights in one game.

When it comes to fighting in AHL games, it was pretty obvious right away, that fighting is more frequent in the AHL. Again, being a development league might actually promote that, if you're a pugilist, you might want to get your name out there.

Looking at the numbers: Norfolk Admirals tough guy Zach Stortini had one multi-fight game during the 2013-14 season when he fought Joe Finley twice during the same game on October 6, 2014. Milwaukee’s Admirals tough guy Michael Liambas had multi-fights games, twice during the 2013-14 season. Providence Bruins resident tough guy Bobby Robins had multiple two-fight games during the 2013-14 season. Bridgeport Sound Tigers tough guy Brett Gallant actually was in four fights in three games.

I am not anti-fighting by any stretch of the imagination. In my humble opinion, Fighting still has a place in the game. You're welcome to disagree if you like. What I am more offended by are these gutless pukes that run around the ice smoking their opponents from behind or in the head with dangerous, dirty hits. I would like to see these types of plays punished more severely.

Chicago Blackhawks: name Kevin Dineen assistant coach

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For those keeping track at home. Former Denver Pioneer hockey player and Team Canada women's national ice hockey team head coach Kevin Dineen has been hired as an assistant hockey coach by the Chicago Blackhawks.

NHL.COM -- Kevin Dineen coached the Canadian women's national team to a gold medal at the 2014 Sochi Olympics and most recently coached Canada's men's under-18 national team to a bronze medal at the 2014 IIHF Ice Hockey U18 World Championship in April.

He coached the Panthers for two-plus seasons before being fired on Nov. 8, 2013. Under Dineen, the Panthers won the Southeast Division title in 2011-12 and went 56-62-28 in 146 games. Dineen also coached the Portland Pirates of the American Hockey League from 2005-11. He was the AHL's coach of the year in 2005-06.

"I am thrilled to join Joel Quenneville, a future hall of fame coach, and Mike Kitchen, as we strive to reach the ultimate goal in professional hockey," Dineen said. "After spending time speaking with [president and CEO] John McDonough, Stan Bowman and [vice president of hockey operations] Al MacIsaac it is easy to understand why the Chicago Blackhawks are considered one of the top franchises in all of professional sports. Starting with [chairman] Rocky Wirtz and continuing through the rest of the organization, the measure of success is very high in Chicago. I look forward to supporting the coaching staff and working with some of the best players in the National Hockey League."

Another reason to stay in school, Da Costa to play in the KHL

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Former Merrimack star Stéphane Da Costa is going to the KHL after failing to sign to a new contract  with the Ottawa Sentors. Da Costa played two season at Merrimack College and then signed a professional contract with the Senators. In two season with Merrimack (2009-11), Da Costa scored (30g-60a—90pts). I sometimes wonder if another season in college would have helped him. Moral of the story... Stay in school.

The Mack Report -- Former Merrimack College center Stephane Da Costa has signed a one-year contract with CSKA Moskva in Russia’s Kontinental Hockey League, after failing to agree to terms with the Ottawa Senators.

Reports earlier this offseason indicated that Da Costa and the Senators were at odds over the type of contract offered to the restricted free agent. Da Costa was looking for a one-way contract, which would guarantee his salary regardless of whether or not he played at the NHL or AHL level. The Senators were offering a two-way contract, meaning the player would have taken a significant cut in pay if he played in the AHL.

It has often been speculated that as teams make their final cuts, they are sometimes influenced by contract types. Players on two-way deals are more likely to be sent to the minors, if the players are comparable and it saves the club money.

CBC: Wayne Gretzky's agent denies link to Seattle group interested in NHL

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Interesting story, but from an expansion perspective, Seattle would be a nice place to put an NHL team. They "could" become an instant rival with the Vancouver Canucks.

CBC.CA -- Wayne Gretzky's agent is denying a report that the Great One is trying to bring an NHL team to Seattle.

The New York Post reported Friday that Gretzky is part of a group of investors working on a deal to bring either a new or existing franchise to the city.

Darren Blake, Gretzky's agent, told The Canadian Press in an email that the 53-year-old Hall of Famer isn't involved in any bid."As you can imagine prospective team owners from various franchises call frequently to gauge his interest in coming on board. Seattle is no different," said Blake.

NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly declined to comment on the report.

There would be significant hurdles to clear if Seattle were to host an NHL franchise, starting with the lack of an arena.

Wild sign Jordan Schroeder to a two year contract

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The Minnesota Wild have signed first round bust and former Golden Gopher Jordan Schroeder to a two-way contract. Based on who the Wild have in their current lineup, I don't see Schroeder playing in Minnesota all of that much.

ICE Client and Minnesota native Jordan Schroeder agrees to terms on a two-year contract with the Minnesota Wild.
— NEIL SHEEHY (@ICEHockeyAgent) July 12, 2014

(Video) Zane Gothberg at the Bruins Development Camp

Check out this http://t.co/WvteBWoPeu video: http://t.co/lDfC8eGa8K
— Karl Goehring (@kgoehring1) July 11, 2014

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Wisconsin Student Hockey tickets, a bargin

This picture came across my twitter feed today, and there should be no reason that the Kohl Center Student section isn't full when UND comes to town on November 7-8, 2014. I don't think that $100.00 for a student season ticket is that outrageous.

NHL Hockey: Updated Free Agent Signing

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Jul 11 Morrow, Brendan, LW, St. Louis, Tampa Bay, $1.55M, one year

Jul 10 Smith, Trevor, C, Toronto, Toronto, one year

Jul 10 Hannan, Scott, D, San Jose, San Jose, n/a, one year

Jul 10 Lerg, Bryan, LW, Colorado, San Jose, n/a, one year  

Jul 10 Haley, Micheal, C, NY Rangers, San Jose, n/a, one year  

Jul 10 Cleary, Dan, LW, Detroit, Detroit, $1.5M, one year  

Jul 10 Ott, Steve, C, St. Louis, St. Louis, $5.2M, two years  

Jul 9 Heatley, Dany, LW, Minnesota, Anaheim, $1M, one year

Jul 8 Grant, Alex, D, Ottawa,Ottawa, n/a, one year  

Boston Bruins have Cap Issues

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The Boston Bruins have major cap issues and need to sign some key players next season. With Jonathan Toews and Parick Kane signing new contracts, that might actually have an affect on the Bruins being able to sign UFA David Krejci  next season as well.

Eric Wilber, Boston.com -- It's no revelation that the Bruins truly have put themselves in a cap situation that’s going to be difficult to wriggle out of. Their payroll for 2014-15 sits at about $67.6 million right now, just up against the $69 million cap, one of the many reasons why 30-goal scorer Jarome Iginla will play in Colorado the next three seasons. Next offseason, Gregory Campbell, Daniel Paille, Carl Soderberg, Adam McQuaid, and Johnny Boychuk are coming off the books, all joining Krejci in unrestricted free agency. Chiarelli will need to work out a way to keep Soderberg, face the reality that he might not be able to afford Boychuk, and wave farewell to the other pieces as well. As long as he wants to keep Krejci for the long term, that is.

As much as Bruins fans don’t want to acknowledge it, trading Krejci this summer would solve a lot of the Bruins’ headaches going forward, but in no way does that mean it's the logical avenue. If it were though, Chiarelli could more easily sign Soderberg and Boychuk to long-term deals, as well as give the likes of Reilly Smith, Torey Krug (restricted free agents), and Dougie Hamilton (RFA next summer) the paydays they’re due.

New AHL Rules for 2014-15

The alternate logo of the AHL. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

s/t to Paul of Kukla's Korner. Some interesting rule changes are coming to the American Hockey League for the 2014-15 season. Frankly, I wish they would leave the overtime the way it is. I do like rule 20.4. I think two fights in one game is enough.

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. … The American Hockey League’s Board of Governors has concluded its 2014 Annual Meeting, held this week at Hilton Head Island, S.C.

Chaired by AHL President and CEO David Andrews, the four days of meetings, which concluded Thursday, saw the approval of the following rules changes to be implemented beginning in 2014-15:

Rule 85 (“Overtime”) During the regular season, the sudden-death overtime period will be seven minutes (7:00) in length, preceded by a “dry scrape” of the entire ice surface.

Teams will change ends at the start of overtime.

Full playing strength will be 4-on-4 until the first whistle following three minutes of play (4:00 remaining), at which time full strength will be reduced to 3-on-3 for the duration of the overtime period.

If the game is still tied following overtime, a winner will be determined by a three-player shootout.

Rule 20.4 (“Major Penalties”) An automatic game misconduct will be applied to any player who has been assessed two major penalties for fighting or three major penalties for any infraction in the same game.

Rule 9.6 (“Helmets”) A player on the ice whose helmet comes off during play will be assessed a minor penalty unless he immediately (a) exits the playing surface or (b) puts the helmet back on with the chin strap properly fastened.

“With the full support of the league’s Competition Committee and Player Development Committee, the Board has approved these changes with the betterment of our game and the safety of our players in mind,” said Andrews.

More Heatley, 'I can still play this game'

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Former Minnesota forward Dany Heatley thinks that he still has something left in the tank. I think you're going to find the former Wisconsin Badgers comments interesting. I do like how Heatley has taken this in stride.  

Lisa Dillman, L.A. Times -- "I feel good," Heatley said. "I feel leaner. I know the knock on me is that I'm not quick enough anymore. I disagree with that. I can still play this game. I'm still quick enough, fast enough, and I can score goals.

"As far as Minnesota, I think they had a lot of great young players. As an older player, sometimes you get pushed to the side a little bit to let the younger guys develop. But at the same time, I feel like I was a good guy to the young kids. I mentored them a little bit. I enjoyed my time there. I just want another chance to show I can play and I think I still can play."

St. Louis Blues re-sign Agitator Steve Ott

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Minnesota Wild fans, you can breath a sigh of relief, Steve Ott was re-signed by the St. Louis Blues. According to Michael Russo,  the Minnesota Wild were interesting in signing the agitator to a free agent deal. This is one player I am glad that the Wild didn't sign.

ST. LOUIS – St. Louis Blues President of Hockey Operations and General Manager Doug Armstrong announced today the club has re-signed forward Steve Ott to a two-year contract.

Ott, 31, joined the Blues via trade from Buffalo last season on Feb. 28 and went on to post three assists and 37 penalty minutes in 23 regular season games, as well as two assists and 14 penalty minutes in six postseason appearances.

Prior to his acquisition, Ott produced 20 points (nine goals, 11 assists) and 55 penalty minutes in 59 regular season games as Buffalo’s captain in 2013-14.

The 6-foot, 189-pound forward is a veteran of 11 NHL seasons, including stints with Dallas, Buffalo and St. Louis.

SI refers to the Minnesota Wild as a 'middle-of-the-road team'

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So, Sports Illustrated referred to the Wild are a middle-of-the-road team. Yeah..I guess, whatever. I would refer to the Wild as an up-and-coming team that's ready to break out.

12 Minnesota Wild

Mikko Koivu-Mikael Granlund-Erik Haula-Kyle Brodziak

Koivu isn't the player he once was and Granlund isn't yet the player he will be, but both can be effective in top-six roles for a middle-of-the-road team. Brodziak struggled last season, losing his third line spot to Haula. The rookie showed real promise in the playoffs, chipping in offensively as well as bringing the speed and energy you'd expect out of the role.

I am going to make a prediction, don't be surprised if the Minnesota Wild go deep in the 2015 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs.