He's been on three NHL teams in his career, traded twice this year before he finally found a home as a late pickup for Vancouver. His reputation as a party boy and his work ethic on the ice was questionable in his last two teams, Montreal and Anaheim. He played for Montreal for 5 and a half seasons before being traded to the Ducks in 2010 and then again two months later to Vancouver at the trading deadline on February 28, 2011. Lappy is known for his agitating, provoking and distracting type of play but has since added fighting to his repertoire this season. Taking advice from Bieksa on how to improve his play this season, he's learned to keep his trash talking to a minimum and let his scoring and fighting talk for him instead. We've already seen both from him this year, scoring goals when needed and standing up for his teammates. I personally love him. Love his smile when he scores and he's always so happy. He's loving Vancouver and I'm glad he's been able to turn his game around as he is looking at having a great season. He's also off the market! Congrats on your engagement, Lappy! Here is your Hump Day Hottie! Enjoy!!
Bonus Pics:
Team Plays For: Vancouver Canucks
Position: Centre
Number: 40
Height: 6' 2"
Weight: 207
Shoots: Right
Born: 29 Mar 1985 (Age 26)
Birthplace: Saint-léonard, QC, Canada
Acquired: Acquired by Vancouver from Anaheim with MacGregor Sharp in exchange for centre Joel Perrault and a third round pick in 2012.
First of all, I hope everyone is having a great Christmas with their families tonight. It looks like some people (on facebook) have already opened a gift or two today and are loving what they received. And at least one friend didn't receive her Christmas Eve jammies and has decided that Christmas is cancelled in her household. I hope yours is going better. :)
Now back to our topic of the Canucks Bromance on this team. The unique thing about these guys is the closeness of the team. Its apparent in the after win celebration videos and the behind the scenes pics on the road that there are no cliques. Everyone is made to feel welcome here. Every new person that has come to this team this new season have all said the same thing. It feels like they've been on this team for years, not weeks or months. A large part of that is due to the "core" group. They are the young nucleus of the team. Ryan Kesler, Kevin Bieksa, Roberto Luongo, Daniel and Henrik Sedin and Alex Burrows. These are the guys who make up the dynamic of this team. The outgoing and welcoming attitude of all of them towards their teammates whether it be a morning defensive team brunch with Bieksa or guys helping other guys get situated in the city by recommending and taking them out to dinners at restaurants.
Bieksa on twitter having brunch with his fellow defencemen.
This was Kesler's response.
Even the goalies, Roberto Luongo and Cory Schnieder are friends, genuine friends, even though they are somewhat rivals. Both trying to get the number one playing position. The core group are made up of mainly Kesler, Bieksa and Burrows who all played together in the Manitoba Moose in the earlier 2000's. They all made their way up to the Canucks team and made their chances pan out here.
The team chemistry is unreal. When the chemistry is this good, bromances sometimes result from it. According to the Urban Dictionary, the term Bromance "Describes the complicated love and affection shared by two straight males." This is obviously clear when it comes to Kesler and Bieksa. Their familiarities go back to the college days when Bieksa's team would play Keslers and lose to them all the time. Then playing together in Manitoba and now for the Canucks. They are also roommates on the road. Sometimes.
It was also apparent when Ryan Kesler posed nude for the ESPN magazine and the core all had their opinions to give on TSN. The most opinionated being Bieksa. I think we all saw this coming.
The latest show of the Bromance between Bieksa and Kesler came out a few days ago when the Canucks played the Detroit Red Wings and Kesler got hit along the boards by Kronwall. Kesler took offence and wanted a piece of Kronwall who didn't want to fight. Kesler took a roughing penalty and this is what happened.
Bieksa was not on the ice when the hit took place on Kesler but you can see that he was livid. Once Kesler gets out of the sin bin, Bieksa hits Filppula and then again with Kesler as payback. Cause thats what bros do for each other.
Not to be outdone, Bieksa and Burrows also have their own Bromance happening. Bieksa is famous for making fun of his best friend and teammate's french accent. This has been going on for years. Here's a great example of that.
Ryan Kesler has also welcomed his former USA Junior Olympic teammate, David Booth to the team. He took it upon himself to show him around and set him up with a hairdresser. You can tell that Boothie likes his new city and his new team already. The tweets are already flying between him, Kes and Bieksa. Get well Booth...we need you back!
When you have guys that like each other and want to play for each other every night on the ice, it makes it easier to win games. Thats why the Canucks are so called "The Most Hated Hockey Team in the League". Its just pure jealousy from everyone else in the league. So I'd like to leave off with these two videos of the Vancouver Canucks team bonding and just having fun. This is how bromances start and hockey games are won. Enjoy!
Wow!! I love watching Canucks play the Red Wings. These are my two favorite teams of all time. The speed, excitement, skill and creativity of these teams amaze me. As Canucks are starting their ascent to the top, they needed to get rid of the Red Wings first. With this win, the Canucks move ahead and claim the 5th place, one point back of the Minnesota Wild. Chicago Blackhawks are owning the League Leader spot as of now with 8 points more than the Nucks, but looking at the Canucks schedule til the end of the year, it looks like they should win the rest of their games to take over the league by New Years Eve. Hopefully the other teams like the Blackhawks stumble a bit here and there to help this theory out. But getting back to tonight's game. It was fun to watch. Here are some highlights that really stood out.
Here's Kesler wetting his hair in pre-game warm-up.
What I find is funny is that the Detroit players and media back home in Detroit were all saying before the game how playing Vancouver is their "measuring stick" as they have similar ways of playing. Vancouver was modeled after Detroit which explains the similarities. Neither teams have enforcers either which is why these are so highly skilled and offensive teams. The funny thing about the Detroit trying to measure up to us is that Vancouver players were also stating that this game is their "measuring stick". Both teams play the same way, the right way. So how does one team measure up to another team that plays the same?
If you think you've seen it all from the Sedin brothers, think again. In this clip, Daniel Sedin heads in the puck into the offensive zone using only his helmet from a high flip in from his brother, Henrick. I like how the TSN commentator is amazed by this and says "Are they bored??" It was actually a pretty good headsy by Daniel...he should try out for the Whitecaps. They could use him. Anyway, here it is and judge for yourself. It had Coach AV chuckling at the bench.
The third goal of the game went to Burrows. This is the amazing Sedinery magic that Vancouver fans are treated to at almost every home game. I wish I had video for you to watch as it goes from Sedin to Sedin to Burrows and into the back of the net. Amazing!! Burrows really is the "third sedin".
Late in the game, Kronwall decided it would be a great idea to throw a HUGE ass hit on Kesler. This hit is nothing new to the Canucks as Hammer, Edler and other defencemen use it regularly. The hit ended up flattening Kesler and could have done some major damage. The problem wasn't so much the hit as it was that he left his feet and jumped back at Kesler and hit his head. He steamrolled our Kesler! Otherwise it would have been a clean hit. Kesler escaped with only a cut under his eye. Kronwall himself thought it was clean and said when asked about leaving his feet, "If that's the case, that's not the way we want our game and I'll get a call from Shanny." Here is the hit.
Kesler took a roughing penatly as he wanted to fight Kronwall after the hit. It turned out to be the only penalty given out. So the Red Wings went on the PP and seconds into it, Hansen steals the puck and heads for the net with Edler trailing and Edler scores a shorthanded goal with Kesler looking on from his box with satisfaction on his face.
Bieksa decided that if they could hit our star players that he was gonna lay one out on theirs. As the play moved along the boards to the Canucks zone, Bieksa came out of nowhere and Filppula went into the boards only to be sandwiched again when he got back up between Bieksa and Kesler. BOOM!! It was a beauty and the crowd cheered in appreciation. Payback's a bitch. :)
Here are the first two goals scored 21 seconds apart by Higgins and Hodgson.
Lu was also fantastic tonight with 38 saves. He made two that stand out in my mind. One is on Helm and the other was an amazing glove save on Datsyuk that earned him a hail of "Luuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuus" from the fans. Here are the two "Great Save Luongo's" of the night! Vintage Luongo!
First one is a pad save on Helm.
This save looked spectacular off Datsyuk!
This game was huge for Canucks and now its time to take what is rightfully ours! Top of the League Standings! This is the only video I could find that fits! Movin on Up! We're coming for YOU, Blackhawks!! :)))
Today's Hump Day Hottie was aquired last season by Mike Gillis as he was given only a second to think about if he wanted him by the Florida GM. Good Pickup Gillis!! With a reputation as a party boy, scoring average of 11 goals in his last four seasons and moving around in three different teams last year, he was definitely a risk. But it panned out for Vancouver. Chris Higgins likes Vancouver and has decided that he was going to start fresh this year and play some real hockey. And so far, he hasn't dissapointed. Easily one of the hardest working Canucks on the ice since season started and on pace for 58 points this year. Also doesn't hurt that he's got abs of steel as recently photographed in Rogers Arena. Enjoy ladies!
Bonus pic:
Team Plays For: Vancouver Canucks
Position: Left Wing
Number: 20
Height: 6' 0"
Weight: 205
Shoots: Left
Born: 2 Jun 1983 (Age 28)
Birthplace: Smithtown, NY, United States
Acquired: Acquired from Florida in exchange for defenseman Evan Oberg and a 3rd round draft pick in 2013.
So last night, the Canucks defeated the Wild 4-0 as was expected by Nuck fans. We gained two points on the league leading Chicago Blackhawks and aided the Wild in their decent. The Canucks are finally moving up the league leaders table. It was all going so good until Mason Raymond took a puck to the face in the thrid period. By his own team mate. On a clearing attempt in his own zone, Kevin Bieksa tried to chip the puck off the glass to get it down the ice. Instead, of hitting the glass, it hit Mason on the left side of the cheek just as he turned his head to see what was going on while skating backwards. This led to Mason falling down. The trainer came over and gave him a towel to cover his bleeding cheek with and he was taken off the ice and rushed into the dressing room to be sewn up. He didn't return to finish the game.
Since there are no actual photos of Raymond's face injury out yet in media, I've decided to make one of my own. This is what Raymond would look like with his scar. In my mind, anyway. Doesn't look too bad, does it??
Kevin Bieksa was interviewed on The FOX 99.3 radio station earlier this morning. The first question he was asked by the hosts was about Raymond's injury and how one goes about apologizing for causing it. Here is Bieksa's answer.
It sounds like he didn't mean it and is sincerely appologetic. I hope Raymond can find it in his heart to forgive Bieksa. Otherwise, it sounds like Raymond is in for some tough love.
Of course, Coach AV was also asked by media last night about Raymond's condition after the game. AV responded that it was just a flesh wound. He joked that ”He’s starting to look like a hockey player. He got a couple of stitches. Pretty face, pretty boy, it’s almost over.”
Poor Raymond. First his back and now his cheek. The kid can't catch a break this year. Mend well, Raymond and we'll see you tomorrow night with your real scar at the Detroit Wings game!! And Please forgive Bieksa. :)
The Canucks wrapped up their 5 game road trip with tonight's game in Toronto with a hard earned win. It was hard fought and fast paced with great goaltending from both teams and probably the most fun game I've watched in a long time. Hockey Night in Canada games seemed to be a good luck charm for the Nucks as they have gone 5-0-1 so far this yr when playing on HNIC game nights.
Canucks goals came from Higgins in the first 62 seconds of the game, Raymond scoring on Kesler's rebound, Daniel Sedin from a sweet feed from Burrows to the net, Burrows cutting in front of the net with a pass from Hank Sedin to blast it off the pipe and into the net, and last but not least, Hansen with a burst of speed outbattling Dion Phaneuf to get in front of the net and put it over the shoulder of Gus "The Monster".
All in all, it was a awesome game with two goals dissallowed in the first period coming from each team. The four on four play was the best part of the game. Open ice makes it easier to play for the Sedins. You just have to sit back and watch the Sedinery happen. We have the two most unique players in the league and probably the most underated among the fans. I hate to imgine what this team would look like once they decide to retire which I don't think is too far off from now.
Canucks started this road trip off right with a 4-3 shootout win in Montreal, a dominant 4-1 win in Ottawa where all the Canuck fans apparently live, a 1-0 shootout loss in Columbus and a game that got away from the Nucks in Carolina after being up 2-0 heading into the 2nd period and ended up with a 4-3 loss in the southern state. Strange how they were up for the games in Canada but not for our USA neighbors...and to make matters worse...they were the two bottom feeder teams in the league!! Oh well, a win tonight is a great way to get back on track. The boys will travel home tomorrow and get ready to challenge the Minnesota Wild on Monday!
Here are some highlights from the road trip. Enjoy!
Hockey Night in Canada: Canucks vs. Toronto Maple Leafs
Hansen's 100mph goal fighting off Dion Phaneuf.
This is Referee Ian Walsh getting checked into the boards during the goal celebration by Bieksa and Sedin.
Canucks vs Carolina Hurricanes
Bieksa scores a goal and then gets angry and wants a piece of someone. This is his team tackling him and telling him to relax and celebrate the goal instead. Bieksa explains what had happened to anger him in an interview with Murphy. Great cap job on the tooth btw! Looking handsome as ever! :)
Canucks vs. Columbus Blue Jackets
Since the Nucks were only able to score once, this was the only highlight I could find. Max Lappiere with the goal. I'm always happy for Lappy when he scores...he just makes you smile. :)
This game had gone to over time and a shootout in which Luongo was uable to stop ANY of the three shots from Columbus. According to Team 1040, the next day at the Canucks shootout practice, Bieksa jokingly commented to Lu after scoring on him. "Now I know what its like to be a Blue Jacket." LMAO!
Hockey Night in Canada: Canucks vs. Ottawa Senators
I do believe it was snowing in Ottawa while they boyz were there and quite enjoying it so from the pics on the Canucks website. Here's Bieksa tweeting his pleasure. He sure loves his Starbucks!
If you've ever wondered why Kesler has the highest selling jersey in Vancouver, all you have to do is watch this video. He is the most hard working Canuck to ever wear the uniform day in and day out.
Another highlight from that night came from Dale Weise, showcasing his scoring ability once again.
The Nations' Capital also showcased the Canuck Fans at the game. Gotta love 'Nuck Nation. Way to represent! Love the support for our boyz! A lot of the support came from friends and family of the team as many are from Ontario and Quebec.
Canucks vs. Montreal Canadiens
Now, anyone who has ever watched Luongo in a shootout knows how it usually goes. The fans dread it and apparently so does the Goalie. Especially since he knows and has publicly come out and said that its one part of his game he needs to work on. This next performance is one that we don't get to see very often from Luongo but wish we did. So enjoy it. Here is Luongo's perfect shootout showcased. I believe Bieksa heckled Lu before it started with "It would be nice if you could mix in a win here." Thank god Lu listened.
Again, 'Nuck Nation was well represented as well. For a team that is supposedly hated by the league and fans, they sure seem to have a lot of fans out there where ever they play. Its a good thing most of our boyz are from the eastern provinces...the support was amazing to see. Thanks guys!
We all bleed a little blue and green everywhere...which reminds me of David Booth and his latest tweet. Glad the boys are coming back home to Vancouver...Boothie sounds a little bored. :)
He is probably the finest looking man to grace the Canucks uniform in a very long time. He's Canadian, has the ability to pummel men into the ice when angry, one half of a shutdown duo with Hammer, gives the best witty quotes to media, has guns the size of cantaloupes and has the most gorgeous blue eyes I've ever seen. I was able to meet this man back in October and he's a very sweet person. Yes, everyone, its Kevin Bieksa. Your Hump Day Super Hottie! Enjoy! :)
Kevin Bieksa
Team Plays for: Vancouver Canucks
Position: Defenceman "A" (Alternate Captain)
The Christmas Tree Lighting took place this evening at the Jack Poole Plaza on this beautiful clear night and the moon out in full effect. Standing at 50 feet tall, this is the largest Christmas Tree lighting in all of Western Canada. This is a fairly new tradition, only in its 5th year. The last four years were held at Vancouver's infamous Art Gallery. There were tons of free goodies to be had while waiting for the tree to be lit. I enjoyed a cup of free hot chocolate to keep me warm and cookies only to have a volunteer come up to me and had me a full size candy cane. I received tons more coupons for different places in downtown Vancouver as I was waiting by the Cauldron.
The Cauldron was also dressed up in different colors throughout the night. Sporting yellow, blue and green at times.
Also, before the tree was lit, it was glowing in blues, greens and purples.
The stage was set next to the tree and it was used for the ceremonies and for the choirs that entertained the crowd. Global news was set up on the other side of the tree, broadcasting the 6pm news.
The lone Lion, Jamie Yurichuk was there with the mascot, Leo and the Felions. He also brought with him a suprise guest, the Grey Cup! It was the BC Lions staff party tonight with the Grey Cup so it really wasn't supposed to be there. Nice gesture to let Jamie bring it to keep celebrating their win.
Sorry, its a bit blurry.
Each Lion player is allowed one full day with the Grey Cup. Funny story with Jamie, he had his day with the cup two nights ago. He had planned this whole day with the Cup up on top of a mountain only reachable by helicopter to capture him at sunrise with it. It was all filmed on three different cards and unfortunately, Jamie lost two of them while he partied back in the city at the downtown bars that same night. He put a call out on twitter in case anyone might have seen it, or picked it up in the bars.
The Helicopter that took Jamie up on the mountain also offered a free ride to anyone in hopes it would be returned to him. It doesn't look like it turned up as he announced today on the stage that he will be re-filming his adventure with the cup on the mountain with the helicopter tomorrow morning and he will make sure he won't lose it this time. Glad he gets a happy ending.
Incase you're interested in watching Jamie's adventure, here's the part of his filming with the Grey Cup that he had left with him after his night at the bars.
Rick Hansen was the last to come up on stage and push the gigantic buzzer that looked it could launch a spaceship. They all counted back from ten and the tree was lit in all its glory. I headed home after that cause I couldn't feel my toes as they were frozen solid. Time for some thermal socks or better boots.
I'm gonna leave you with a special video that I love watching during this time of year. Enjoy! Merry Christmas everyone! :)
"It's no big deal," said Kevin Bieksa. "Lloyd Christmas" said Dan Hamhuis. At least he 's all smiles.
Yes Ladies....our boy is missing his front tooth no thanks to Mr.Jones of the Colorado Avalanche. Canucks still kicked ass 6-0. This game was strange. We lost David Booth on a knee injury which he will have an MRI done tomorrow, Luongo left the game after taking a shot to the neck by Landeskog, Daniel Sedin had a hatrick and the two goalies combined preservered to a "team shutout". The first of its kind for the franchise.
It also had a Shane O'Brien fight against Victor Oreskovich. Why is it I have never noticed Oreo on the ice before? Oh yea!...he's not noticeable if he doesn't do anything on the ice! I hope they get someone else soon to fill in that spot! Most likely we lost Boothie for awhile...but cross fingers its not that serious. With Higgins still out with his gross foot infection and Boothie out from this hit tonight, the AMEX line has been officially declined! Kesler now has to play with his former linemates of last season. Lets hope they can get it going as Kes was held to only 1 shot on net the whole game!
So, lets get back to our main concern here, Kevin Bieksa. I thought it would be fun to explore the whole hockey player stereotype of players with "missing teeth". They must be thankful for free dental. Here is a Canucks podcast I remember watching last year. The players are asked "How Many Teeth Have You Lost?".
Here is Mason Raymond from last year's playoffs. He took a puck to his mouth and this was the end result. What a beauty!
Ryan Kesler had a tooth pop out during the Nashville Predators playofffs round 2 but I can't find a pic cause he rarely ever smiles so this one will have to do.
At the end of the night, Coach, Alain Vigneault was asked about Bieksa. He responded with "Now he looks like a whole hockey player. " I thought he already looked like a hockey player before...and a runway model.
I hope Boothie's MRI will go well tomorrow and it won't be as serious as it looked out there and he'll be back in line with Kesler soon. My prayers are with ya buddy!
Speaking of a hatty, the owner of the hatty expressed how happy he is and how he's gonna celebrate tonight! Gotta love our Sedins. :)
I'm gonna leave you with the Canucks goal scoring song which you heard played 6 times at Rogers Arena tonight, "Electric Worry" by Clutch. Bang Bang Bang Bang! Vamanos! Vamonos!
The NHL Board of Governors voted and approved a new geographical re-alignment of the teams today. This was done because of the extensive travel of western teams that had to travel up to 3 zones at times and the late starts for the eastern teams in the pacific time zones, which were affecting interest in the younger hockey fans.
So, to alleviate these concerns, a new four conference system was drawn up. Two of the Confrences will have eight teams and the other two will have seven teams.
In the seven-team conferences, teams would play six times - three home, three away. In the eight-team Conferences, teams would play either five or six times in a season on a rotating basis; three teams would play each other six times and four teams would play each other five times. This process would reverse each season: An eight-team Conference member that plays an opponent six times in one season would play it five times the following season.
The top four teams in each Conference qualify for the Stanley Cup Playoffs. The first-place team would play the fourth-place team; the second-place team would play the third-place team. The four respective Conference champions would meet in the third round of the Playoffs, with the survivors playing for the Stanley Cup.
- NHL.com
Here is the breakdown of the groups courtesy of NHL.com.
Conference A: Anaheim Ducks, Calgary Flames, Colorado Avalanche, Edmonton Oilers, LA Kings, Pheonix Coyotes, San Jose Sharks and the Vancouver Canucks
Conference B: Chicago Blackhawks, Columbus Bluejackets, Dallas Stars, Detroit Red Wings, Minnesota Wild, Nashville Predators, St. Louis Blues and the Winnipeg Jets
Conference C: Boston Bruins, Buffalo Sabres, Florida Panthers, Montreal Canadiens, Ottawa Senators, Tampa Bay Lightning and the Toronto Maple Leafs
Conference D: Carolina Hurricanes, New Jersey Devils, New York Islanders, New York Rangers, Philadelphia Flyers, Pittsburgh Penguins and the Washington Capitals
Each team will play each other at least twice in a year. Once at home and then again on the road so fans are exposed to all the superstars of the league.
The Vancouver Whitecaps and the BC Lions both had their year-end sales today. Of course I had to go to both.
The first place I went to was the Whitecaps sale which started at 10am this morning. They were selling their merchandise in a warehouse just off Main St which was very easy to get to. They had selected items of children, women and men's apparel. They also had a variety of novelty items such as scarfs, toques, mugs etc. all marked down from 40-60%. This was a great deal for those looking to buy christmas or birthday gifts. Although it was small space to manuevor, it worked out well. I went into the place looking to buy something for my friend's son, whose birthday is coming up. He's turning six years old and plays soccer. I was lucky enough to find something that he might like. However, while I was looking thru the children's apparel, I noticed the very familiar Carl Valentine and his video man lurking in the corner of the room. They also noticed me. I tried to ignore them but they came over anyway and for the third time this year, Carl asked if he could interview me. I said no the first two times. I hate being interviewed. I felt bad turning him down again so I agreed. That interview will be up on the Whitecaps website probably tomorrow. I'll post it here if I can find it.
After that was done, I browsed a bit more and contemplated buying more stuff but I was good. I managed to resist. I bought what I came to get and then headed towards Rogers Arena to check out the Canucks Store since I had time before the BC Lions sale opened to the public. The Canucks Store was crazy busy inside. People were buying up jerseys by the armloads. I saw something I liked but might wait for the sale. I also perused the men's section of Jerseys. I was looking for a small in Bieksa but they only had 2 left on the rack and both were x-large!! The women's Bieksa jerseys were flying off the rack as well. He's very popular among the ladies and kids. It was starting to get clausterphobic in there for me, so I left and headed to Blendz coffee shop around the corner so I could borrow their wi-fi for my ipod touch. Sat there for a while and then made arrangements with my friend to meet at BC Place at Gate H at noon when it opened.
The BC Lions had their year-end Locker Room Sale and most of the merchandise was marked down. As I headed into Gate H, I noticed they had set up right in the atrium like one big shop. My buddy, Rob, who was also a Team Leader with me for Grey Cup was working security at the door. He mentioned that the season ticket holders were in at 9am which is why it was so busy when I got there. My friend, Leslie-Anne was already inside looking thru the merchandise. There were tons of shirts and hats on sale 2 for $20. One of my friends had requested a mini-grey cup but they were sold out of those last week. So, I got him the next best thing he wanted, two mini-helmets. I got myself a BC Lions Championship Hat which I had signed by Wally Buono, Anton MacKenzie and Marco Iannuzzi, who were there. Some things that I liked were still a bit expensive for my taste so I didn't walk out with a lot. Just a few more pics with athletes and one with the Grey Cup!
As soon as I picked up the hat, I headed over to Wally Buono and told him I worked for the CAT team. He said I was part of the team and thanked me. I congratulated him on an incredible season and told him I wanted him back as coach next year. He signed my hat and then I asked if I could get a pic with him as well. His wife was around with armful of clothing she wanted to purchase so he flagged her down and asked if she could take a pic of us together. He said getting her to take the pics keeps her busy from picking up stuff to buy...lol. Here's the pic which I will always treasure. What a great person.
After I purchased my items, I headed over to the signing table where McKenzie and Iannuzzi were sitting. I got them to sign my hat and then took pics with them too after congratulating them on an amazing year and chatting for a bit.
Next up was the Grey Cup! Light as a feather and yes I know, its almost as tall as I am!
Here is the hat I had signed by Wally and the players.
I also picked up another poster for my friend of the Stadium on Grey Cup along with the mini helmets he wanted. It looks fantastic!
Leslie-Anne and I were a bit hungry after all that, so we headed to Rosie's for a bite to eat and then headed home. I've got another early morning on Sunday as I will be attending the Santa Claus Parade downtown with more friends. No ice skating as I had too much baggage with me today but I'll get it in there somewhere. :)
The Canucks played the Predators last night in what turned out to be the most entertaining game so far this season. The Canucks and Preds combined last year for 14 goals. This game alone, there were 11 goals. Not only that, but other strange things occurred.Cory Schneider was the Canucks starting goaltender and Pikka Rinne was the starting goaltender for the Preds. The game ended with neither of these goalies in net. All 4 goaltenders played this game and it still ended in a 6-5 win for the Preds. The Canucks played great, probably the best I've seen them all year long and Kes looks like he's back on track again!
Cory let in 3 goals on 5 shots in the first period. Cody Hodgson managed to get a goal to cut the lead to 3-1 before the first period ended. Schniedz got the hook and we saw Roberto Luongo enter the crease. This seemed to spark the Canucks and went on a four goal scoring rampage in the second to make it 5-3. Rinne got the hook this time and Lindback entered the crease. Before the end of the 2nd, the Preds managed to score twice to tie it up 5-5.
The third period was pretty exciting to watch as it seemed as though the next goal would decide the fate of this hockey game. With a little over a minute left to go, the Preds made a great pass and put this game away. Heartbreaking for the boys as it really was theirs for the taking.
The BC Lions were also honored and celebrated on the ice at puck drop for their Grey Cup win. I think Geroy Simon is the designated Grey Cup holder at all the events. I haven't seen anyone else hold it yet!
Here are some strange things that occurred during the game.
Kesler took a break during the game and decided to plank the net.
OK, so that was a bit misleading. Here's video footage of what really happened.
The Green Men are baaaaack! And also back to their antics. Here they are giving Shea Weber a hard time in the sin bin with Naked Kesler. You can see he's trying hard not to look or laugh. I've missed our Green Men. Welcome Back!
Alberts hit Tootoo hard earlier in the game and so Tootoo decided he would return the favor later on only to come charging in on Alberts and miss him and hit absolutely NO ONE but the glass. OUCH!
In this pic it looks like Alberts is going for the choke hold, but don't worry folks, it was only a hit!
Oh! And Kevin Bieksa got a haircut! He's so hot! Here he is checking out the Grey Cup prior to the game. :)
Even though the Canucks lost, it was definately entertaining! Our Nucks are starting to look like their old awesome self again. Looking forward to Sunday's game against the Calgary Flames. :)
