The 2,000 point table – will Crosby pull up a chair?

While Alex Ovechkin’s approach of Wayne Gretzky’s all-time goal record has captured the attention of the hockey world, Sidney Crosby is concurrently in pursuit of another historic milestone that seems to have garnered significantly less dissertation amongst puck pundits. To be fair, this chase is only for second place, which admittedly is never quite as alluring as one that has the potential to both declare an outright statistical superiority and usurp a legend of the game at the same time. Nonetheless, if accomplished it would be a distinguished silver medal that would earn Sidney Crosby a seat at a table that only The Great One has had his feet up at for over 30 years. Considering all the ways that Ovechkin and Crosby have been intrinsically linked over their careers, it is not surprising that they both would both be taking runs at Gretzky’s career totals from different angles in the twilight of their careers.

THE OBSERVATION

It appears to be mathematically feasible that Sidney Crosby could become only the second NHL player to ever reach 2,000 regular season points.

THE RESEARCH

The Stats

2023-2024 is Sidney Crosby’s 19^th NHL season. The most seasons anyone has ever played in the league is 26 (Gordie Howe, Chris Chelios).

No one has played more than 1,779 games – Patrick Marleau set the record after finishing up in 2020-2021 after his 23^rd season.

Crosby crossed the 1,500 point plateau earlier this year after playing his 1,193^rd regular season game. He now sits at 1,554 points in 1,240 games (as of Feb 14, 2024).  

The Math

No one has played more than 1,779 NHL games (yet) so let’s assume Crosby doesn’t surpass Marleau either. Sid’s current 1,554 points in 1,240 games lands him at a 1.25 points per game average (career). 2,000 points take away Crosby’s current tally leaves a gap of 446 to account for. Continuing to score at a 1.25 PPG pace (103 points a year) would allow Sid to reach the 2K milestone in 356.8 games / 4.4 seasons (all 82 games of 2024-25, 2025-26, 2026-27, 2027-28 and 33 games of 2028-29).

If Sid can’t keep up a 1.25 PPG pace, he could afford to have his production rate slow to no lower than 1.2 PPG to reach point 2000 by game 1,779. That means 98-99 points a season for 5.4 seasons instead (all 82 games of 2024-25, 2025-26, 2026-27, 2027-28, 2028-29, and 15 games of 2029-30). This trajectory would bunk a then 42-year-old Crosby with Howe and Chelios in the 26-season club and also draw him even with Marleau, exhausting both the theoretical max season and games played guardrails.

The Challenges

Besides needing to score at least 103 points each year for the next 4-5 seasons, Crosby will also have to stay healthy and sign a contract for (at least) 4 seasons beyond his current 12-year deal that expires at the end of 2024-25 if he is to achieve this landmark. If he slows to 1.2 PPG, he’ll need an even longer contract. He has only scored more than 100 or more points in six previous seasons (2005-06, 2006-07, 2008-09, 2009-10, 2013-14, 2018-19), meaning he didn’t do it 13 other times. Keeping this pace up into his 40’s will not be easy.

THE HYPOTHESIS

By the math, Crosby could theoretically reach 2,000 in game 1,597 while playing in his 24^th season. If he were to do it by then he would be close to Chelios and Howe’s career seasons total but still two seasons off either, and he would have needed 182 games less than Marleau played. If he can’t keep scoring at the ideal clip, there is still a path to success, albeit a more narrow one. Those numbers suggest that it’s plausible for Sid to accomplish this feat.

He could, of course, just set new seasons played and games played records and cross the finish line organically. The only holdup here may be contracts, but if not Pittsburgh, what team wouldn’t be interested in the services of the 3-time Stanley Cup champ and future first-ballot Hall of Famer even short-term?

THE TEST / DATA

Due by January 1, 2029 (no later than November 2029)

THE CONCLUSION

The fact that it could take arguably the greatest player of his generation 24 years to reach only next best in career point totals demonstrates how dominant Wayne Gretzky truly was on an all-time scale. Even if Crosby becomes only the second member of the exclusive / elusive 2,000 point club after playing into his forties, it is nothing short of awe inspiring that Gretzky was just 30 years old when he did it and only needed half the time (12 seasons – reached in 1990-91) to do the same. So is that he got 857 more after those.

2020-21 U15 A1 VRC Kings Roster & Statistics

Team: Victoria Racquet Club Kings U15 A1
City: Victoria, BC, Canada

League: VIAHA

2020-2021 Team Roster and Player Statistics:

Number	Player Name	Position	DOB	GP	G	A	TP	PIM
17	Cole Mekelburg	F	4/10/2007	2	3	2	5	2
5	Parker MacDougall	F	6/29/2007	2	3	2	5	2
10	Eliot Compton	F	5/10/2007	2	3	2	5	0
7	Tyler Delli Carri	C	6/21/2006	2	0	3	3	0
4	Sullivan Humeniuk	D	10/3/2007	2	1	2	3	0
14	Eric Murphy	D	8/28/2006	2	2	1	3	2
9	Griffin Webb	C	7/20/2007	2	0	2	2	0
19	Beckham Lazaro	D	8/6/2007	2	1	1	2	0
11	Jordan Smith	W	3/14/2006	2	1	0	1	0
8	Devin Virk	D	7/24/2006	2	0	1	1	0
6	Jake Pyc	W	11/6/2006	2	1	0	1	0
2	Jonathan Attwell	W	10/9/2006	2	0	0	0	0
15	Maxime Simard	W	1/27/2006	1	0	0	0	4
16	Graeme Lawrence	D	5/11/2006	2	0	0	0	0
18	Nikolas Gratton	D	3/23/2006	2	0	0	0	2

Goaltender Statistics:

Number	Name	Position	DOB	GP	GAA	SV%
1	James Hall	G	3/16/2006	1	–	–
31	Jeevan Sandhu	G	5/31/2006	2	4	–

Coaching Staff:

Name	Role
Dave Cunning	Head Coach
Eddie May	Assistant Coach
Jeff Compton	Assistant Coach

[Product Review] SummerSkates

Hi everyone, I’m excited to be back with another product review for you! This time around — SummerSkates. I love their hockey inspired style about as much as I love their long term comfort (both measures are in high volume).

The Basics:

The first big win for these sandals is that they are customizable — you could go with the original classic hockey skate lace look and just pick your lace and tracer colors, or you could take it up a level and add a custom logo, your personal number, or even the name and number of your favorite NHL player, to the lace front bridge.

Available sizes range from XS-XXL (Men’s size 3-14.5; Women’s size 4.5-15.5), so there’s a strong chance you’ll find a pair that fits your feet.

The Business:

After 3 months of indoor and outdoor field testing on hikes, at home, and all over really, I love these sandals. Comfort is a huge deal for me, and the form fitting cushion footbed does the trick for my feet. Not only has it molded to the shape of my footprint, it has only compressed 1/4″ over this time — I find this impressive as my adult male frame has a tendency to wear the soles of other brands of sandals/flip-flops down to an uncomfortably short distance to the concrete, whereas I feel no such threat in my SummerSkates.

The tread on the soles of these sandals is no joke either, and a huge contributor to not only their durability, but also their ability to be worn anywhere.

The Bonus:

A huge bonus for these sandals is that they are washable and can be thrown in the washing machine after battle (but air dry them).

It’s also great to see this Canadian company provide a portion of their net sales to Road Hockey to Conquer Cancer, which supports cancer research at Princess Margaret Cancer Hospital in Toronto. They also offer an in-house fundraising platform for teams who are looking to help offset the costs of their season!

The Bump:

Find SummerSkates all over social media and the internet — while you’re there I highly recommend you pick up a pair of your own!

Website: SummerSkates.ca

Twitter: @SummerSkates

Instagram: @SummerSkates

Facebook: SummerSkates

They’ve got koozies too!

1999-2000 Midget AA Westside Grizzlies Roster & Statistics

Team: Westside Grizzlies Midget AA

Season: 1999-2000

City: West Kelowna, BC, Canada

League: OMAHA

 

1999-2000 Westside Grizzlies season schedule and statistics:

SEASON		1999-	2000
Number	Player	Position	DOB	GP	Goals	Assists	Points	PIM
2	Travis Martell	D	8/21/1983	55	20	41	61	167
3	Austin Olsen	F	1983	58	24	37	61	84
4	Travis Parro	D	2/6/1983	57	19	30	49	90
6	Justin Corradetti	F	1982	56	16	35	51	178
7	Travis Shadin	D	1982	60	16	25	41	105
8	Mike Drebit	F	1983	51	24	29	53	22
9	Dave Cunning	F	7/30/1982	60	34	39	73	50
10	Brodie Carle	F	2/13/1983	60	51	50	101	82
11	Jordan Hellyer	F	1983	61	24	39	63	30
12	Brent Lawson	F	1983	48	9	11	20	44
13	Jayson Zilkie	F	11/25/1983	52	26	39	65	39
14	Justin Bourne	F	12/12/1982	56	53	65	118	71
15	Brandon Miller	F	1982	44	32	36	68	72
16	Mike Carriere	D	1982	44	2	16	18	110
17	Doug Masters	D	1982	60	14	23	37	77
18	Dave Van Trump	F	1983	16	19	34	53	16
19	Mike Lefebvre	D	1/19/1983	51	7	12	19	28
GOALTENDERS
#	Player			SVS%	SO
1	Mike Main	G	1983	.897	4.25
31	Adam Whitmore	G	1983	.869	2.5

Team Stats

GP	W	L	T	GF	GA	GD
62	47	8	7	394	174	+220

Appendix: 

**Video from 1999-2000 BCAHA Midget AA Provincial Championship win:

• Full Final Game vs Castlegar
• Condensed Game — Westside goals and win celebration
• Individual player plaques and championship banner presentation 

**Notation in BC Hockey Handbook, team acknowledged as 1999-2000 Elmer “The Shadow” Kreller Memorial Trophy winners (pages 157-158)

 

2019-20 U15 A1 VRC Kings Roster & Statistics

Team: Victoria Racquet Club Kings Bantam AAA
City: Victoria, BC, Canada

League: VIAHA

 

2019-20 Team Roster and Statistics:

2019-20 SEASON
Number	Player Name	Position	DOB	GP	G	A	TP	PIM
7	Tyler Delli Carri	C	6/21/2006	39	9	18	27	10
17	Chase Kittleson	W	5/25/2006	41	11	14	25	44
2	Jonathan Attwell	W	10/9/2006	37	14	8	22	6
11	Jordan Smith	W	3/14/2006	37	8	7	15	40
19	Mike Yang	C	1/11/2005	30	10	4	14	60
8	Devin Virk	D	7/24/2006	40	4	8	12	60
15	Maxime Simard	W	1/27/2006	37	9	2	11	12
4	Taynton Lavender	D	12/6/2006	41	2	6	8	18
18	Jake Pyc	W	11/6/2006	38	3	5	8	8
10	Carter Crabb	C	2/27/2006	38	2	5	7	28
16	Graeme Lawrence	D	5/11/2006	41	2	5	7	78
9	Liam Hoole	C	2/10/2006	37	2	4	6	30
13	James McNamee	D	4/14/2006	35	0	6	6	6
14	Eric Murphy	D	8/28/2006	35	4	2	6	46
12	Nikolas Gratton	D	3/23/2006	24	1	2	3	14
3	Cole Mekelberg (AP)	F	4/10/2007	2	1	0	1	0
3	Beckham Lazard (AP)	D	8/6/2007	4	0	0	0	4
3	Dylan Duquette (AP)	D	5/7/2007	1	0	0	0	2
5	Parker MacDougall (AP)	F	6/29/2007	2	0	0	0	2
5	Elliott Compton (AP)	F	5/10/2007	1	0	0	0	2
5	Jack Hall (AP)	F	12/7/2007	1	0	0	0	0
5	Jamie Burnett (AP)	F	10/10/2006	1	0	0	0	0
GOALTENDERS
#	PLAYER			GP	GAA	SVS%
1	James Hall	G	3/16/2006	21	6.01	—
31	Jeevan Sandhu	G	5/31/2006	20	5.29	—

Playoffs:

PLAYOFFS
Number	Player Name	Position	DOB	GP	G	A	TP	PIM
7	Tyler Delli Carri	C	6/21/2006	3	0	0	0	0
17	Chase Kittleson	W	5/25/2006	4	1	2	3	6
2	Jonathan Attwell	W	10/9/2006	4	1	1	2	0
11	Jordan Smith	W	3/14/2006	3	1	0	1	8
19	Mike Yang	C	1/11/2005	4	2	0	2	2
8	Devin Virk	D	7/24/2006	4	0	0	0	4
15	Maxime Simard	W	1/27/2006	2	0	0	0	0
4	Taynton Lavender	D	12/6/2006	4	0	0	0	2
18	Jake Pyc	W	11/6/2006	4	0	0	0	0
10	Carter Crabb	C	2/27/2006	4	0	1	1	4
16	Graeme Lawrence	D	5/11/2006	4	1	0	1	6
9	Liam Hoole	C	2/10/2006	2	0	1	1	0
13	James McNamee	D	4/14/2006	3	0	0	0	2
14	Eric Murphy	D	8/28/2006	4	1	0	1	10
12	Nikolas Gratton	D	3/23/2006	3	0	0	0	0
3	Cole Mekelberg (AP)	F	4/10/2007	1	0	0	0	0
3	Beckham Lazard (AP)	D	8/6/2007
3	Dylan Duquette (AP)	D	5/7/2007
5	Parker MacDougall (AP)	F	6/29/2007
5	Elliott Compton (AP)	F	5/10/2007
5	Jack Hall (AP)	F	12/7/2007
5	Jamie Burnett (AP)	F	10/10/2006
GOALTENDERS				PLAYOFFS
#	PLAYER			GP	GAA	SVS%
1	James Hall	G	3/16/2006	2	6.5	—
31	Jeevan Sandhu	G	5/31/2006	2	6	—

Name	Role
Dave Cunning	Head Coach
Eddie May	Assistant Coach

[product review] No Sweat helmet and hat liners

Follow @NoSweatCoFollow @davecunningFollow @CunningAthletixFollow @xppsp

Hi folks!

I recently had the opportunity to test-drive another product applicable to the hockey world — this time, No Sweat helmet liners. This was of particular interest to me, as I sweat a ton while playing hockey, and as a result, am constantly wiping my forehead, eyes, and visor after every shift change. Visors are particularly vulnerable to sweat stains, and need to be washed out before and during each game to see properly — a crap shoot that may people play, swearing by visor sprays, furniture polish, and all sorts of old wives tales to keep their visors translucent.

I tried a No Sweat liner in my helmet for not just one, but three games to be sure, and I can confidently say that, without a word of exaggeration, I did not have to wipe my forehead, eyes, or visor even once! No more pre-game visor cleans either, thanks to No Sweat. This product is truly amazing. A true “game changer” in my opinion — hockey is an incredibly quick game, and you just can’t afford to be distracted or bothered by sweat in your face, because the puck will head the wrong direction quickly if you have to take your eyes off of it even momentarily. This product changes that in-game concern, allowing you to dispel one distraction and better focus on the game.

No Sweat makes liners for hats too — no one likes seeing their favorite hat lost to sweat stains, and this product is sure to cure that trauma as well. I wholeheartedly suggest you head over to their website and pick-up a 3, 12, or 25 pack of these for your helmet or hat today. Follow their Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram social media accounts too!

-SDC

=========

Official Product Press Release:

NoSweat is Changing the Way the World Sweats One Hat or Helmet at a Time

Disposable headwear liners soak up sweat to prevent stains, odors and burning eyes

Playing sports, working hard on the job or just walking around town can lead to breaking out in a sweat that interferes with your activities. Getting sweat in your eyes or having it roll down your face can throw off your whole game, ruin your makeup, and is just generally annoying. NoSweat has created the first disposable performance liners for hats, helmets, hard hats and visors that absorb sweat instantly while preventing odors, stains and even acne.

NoSweat thin liners simply peel and stick to the inside of headwear and feature SweatLock technology engineered to instantly absorb sweat. Moisture is locked inside the line to help prevent dripping sweat, fogging, sweat stains, acne and odor. Each NoSweat liner absorbs around 2 ounces of sweat.

The liners are performance, safety and hygiene based allowing users to perform at their best, without distractions that are associated with sweating. Depending on the person and activities being performed, each liner can last anywhere from one round of golf to two weeks of standard hat usage. The liners also preserve hats and keep the inside looking as fresh as the day it was bought.

NoSweat is a 100% American Made company. NoSweat liners are backed by some of the biggest names in sports including TJ Oshie, Golden Tate, Dallas Keuchel, Brandon McManus, Stewart Cink, Scott Langley, Matt Adams and Kerry Feirman. The company is also an Official Licensed Partner of the PGA TOUR.

NoSweat liners are available for hats, helmets, hardhats and visors and start at $4.99 for a pack of three and $37.99 for a pack of 25. For more information and to purchase liners visit www.nosweatco.com.

Product Specifications:

Works in traditional hockey helmets, football helmets, and many other types.

• Instantly Absorbs/Wicks Sweat: Keeps sweat out of your eyes, safety glasses, safety goggles or protective safety eyewear.
• Reduces FOGGING: In glasses, half shields and eyewear.
• Sweat Stain Prevention: Helps prevent NASTY Sweat Stains on your headwear. Hat Saver!
• No Scent Technology: Reduces Odor
• Patented Universal Design: Sticks inside the front and/or back of any LID
• Comfortable: Thin, soft, and lightweight.
• Hypoallergenic

OUR GUARANTEE

We truly believe we make some of the most innovative products in the world, and we want to make sure we back that up. If you don’t have a positive experience for ANY reason, we will do WHATEVER it takes to make sure you are 100% satisfied with your purchase. Buying items online can be a daunting task, so want you to know what we stand behind our products 100% and that there is ZERO risk to you trying NoSweat.

We have 24/7/365 email support for all orders. Don’t hesitate to reach out to our team whenever you have an issue.

About NoSweat

NoSweat is a lifestyle brand and manufacturer of products that are 100% USA made and built to increase performance, safety and hygiene for anyone who sweats and wears some type of hat, helmet, visor or hard-hat. NoSweat’s goal is to provide innovative products that improve how people work, play and live. Founded in 2008 by Justin Johnson and based out of Minneapolis, NoSweat offers a growing, patented line of sweat-absorbing solutions that are unique to the sports, construction, industrial, food prep, military, and municipal spaces. Learn more about NoSweat at: https://nosweatco.com/

[film promo] “The Nagano Tapes” by The Olympic Channel’s Five Rings Films

Follow @davecunningFollow @olympicchannelFollow @CunningAthletix

After recently coming to terms with Team Canada’s men’s hockey team not wearing gold around their necks at the 2018 Pyeongchang Olympics after previously winning 3 out of the last 4 tournaments, the last thing I thought I’d want to be reminded of was Canada’s first big letdown in the NHL-era Olympics — their semi-final loss to the Czech Republic in Nagano ’98. For most Canadians (myself included), recalling that game is not like ripping off a band-aid, it’s like dragging a knife down a scar. But what very few of us likely knew was how big of an event it was for the Czech Republic to beat the Russians in the final and win the gold for their country, amidst long standing political strife with Russia. The images of jubilation in the streets of the Czech Republic might be enough to make you feel like if Canada wasn’t meant to win, at least the right alternative team did.

The film includes multiple player and Olympic official interviews, dealing with how the NHL came to participate in the Games, players defecting from Czechoslovakia to play in North America, Marc Crawford talking about not choosing Gretzky for the shootout, discussion of the shootout determining the outcome of high profile games, the dominance of Dominik Hasek in goal throughout the tournament, Team USA trashing their rooms in the Olympic village after losing, and lots more.

You can watch the full length film for free here: https://www.olympicchannel.com/en/features/five-rings-films—the-nagano-tapes/

**PRO-TIP: Be sure to enable subtitles of your native language, as multiple player interviews are conducted in Czech.**

In the meantime, here’s the movie’s official trailer:

Here’s the official press release from the Olympic Channel:

=========

 

 

 

Press release

“The team no one saw coming. The victory no one will forget.”

Olympic Channel’s Five Rings Films Debuts The Nagano Tapes, the Inspiring True Story of the
Czech Republic’s Shocking Victory in Men’s Ice Hockey at the 1998 Nagano Games

Features never-before-seen footage and exclusive interviews with some of the game’s biggest
names including Hašek, Jágr, Lindros, Hull and Yashin

Select full match replays from the 1998 Nagano Games also available online exclusively at
olympicchannel.com

MADRID – 28 February 2018 – The stirring underdog story behind the Czech Republic’s heroic upset at the Olympic Winter Games Nagano 1998 in men’s ice hockey is featured in The Nagano Tapes, the first film in the Olympic Channel’s signature series Five Rings Films. The feature length documentary premiered worldwide on Wednesday, 28 February 2018 on the Olympic Channel at olympicchannel.com and its mobile apps, in addition to telecasts on NBCSN in the United States, Eurosport in Europe and beIN Sports in MENA.

The Nagano Tapes features the men´s ice hockey tournament of the 1998 Olympic Winter Games in Nagano, Japan, where professional players from the NHL participated in the Games for the first time. Among the many “Dream Teams”, the underdog squad from the Czech Republic led by Jaromír Jágr and Dominik Hašek stunned the world on its way to a historic gold. Their triumph in Nagano is recognised as a defining moment and a source of national pride at a time of the country’s resurgence.

“When I think of Nagano I think that was the best competition ever,” said Jágr of the 1998 tournament. “When I think of Nagano it means that anything is possible because even hockey players from a small country like Czech Republic could win it.”

Bringing the documentary to life are interviews with some of the world’s best ice hockey players who relive their experience in precise detail including the Czech Republic’s Hašek, Jágr and Petr Svoboda, Canada’s Theo Fleury, Eric Lindros and Marc Crawford (Coach), the USA’s Brett Hull and the Russian Federation’s Alexei Yashin.

The film covers aspects of the lives of Czech hockey players during the Communist regime and the entry of European players into the NHL.

“I worked on my craft to better my life and to have, not only for money, but to have a life that you can explore fully,” said Svoboda about his decision to defect from Czechoslovakia in the 1980’s. “So, I took that chance and I was really excited about just being in a democracy where you can grow as a human being.”

Also addressed are the rumours of Team USA’s unsportsmanlike behaviour following their loss to the Czech’s in the quarterfinals, and the infamous omission of Wayne Gretzky from the shootout in Team Canada’s semi-final loss.

“I’ve lived the rest of my life with the criticism of that shootout,” said Crawford, coach of Canada’s 1998 team. “I know that my epitaph will read on my gravestone, ‘here lies Mark Crawford, the dummy that didn’t choose Wayne Gretzky in the shootout’.”

Directed by Sundance award winner Ondřej Hudeček from the Czech Republic, The Nagano Tapes also features never-before-seen IMAX footage and exclusive International Olympic Committee (IOC) archive material. The Nagano Tapes moniker is a nod to the popular video tapes and VCR’s of the time, while the documentary also uses throwback music and video from the decade keeping with the 90’s theme.

The Nagano Tapes is the first film in the Olympic Channel’s signature documentary series, Five Rings Films, produced exclusively for the global media platform by Hollywood legend Frank Marshall(“Jason Bourne,” “Jurassic World” and “Indiana Jones”) and Mandalay Sports Media (MSM). Five Rings Films is a five-episode series of incisive and entertaining documentaries directed by some of the biggest names in film from around the world.

###

About the Olympic Channel:

The Olympic Channel is a multi-platform destination where fans can discover, engage and share in the power of sport and the excitement of the Olympic Games all year round. Offering original programming, news, live sports events and highlights, the Olympic Channel provides additional
exposure for sports and athletes 24 hours a day, 365 days a year in 11 languages. The Olympic Channel was launched in August 2016 in support of the IOC’s goal, set out in Olympic Agenda 2020, of providing a new way to engage younger generations, fans and new audiences with the Olympic Movement. Founding Partners supporting the Olympic Channel are Worldwide TOP Partners Bridgestone, Toyota and Alibaba. The Olympic Channel is available worldwide via mobile apps for Android and iOS devices and at olympicchannel.com.

Social media:

You can follow the Olympic Channel on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Snapchat, and YouTube, or log on to olympicchannel.com.

Editor’s Notes:

Link to film, trailers and select match replays: https://www.olympicchannel.com/en/features/fiverings-films—the-nagano-tapes/

Media Contacts:

Sarah Bronilla
sarah@vocalnyc.com

Catherine Philbin
catherine.philbin@olympicchannel.com

Penguins acceptance of Trump’s White House invitation odd, but opportune.

Follow @davecunning

At the beginning of June, Donald Trump pulled the United States out of the Paris Climate Agreement, stating that he was acting on the grounds that he represents the citizens of Pittsburgh, not Paris. Now at the end of September of the same year, mirroring the US election results in which Hillary Clinton received 75% of the Steel City’s vote, the actual people who reside in Pittsburgh have again made it clear that they don’t all agree with President Trump’s sentiments.

Trump’s incendiary comments at a rally speech on September 22^nd regarding NFL players following Colin Kaepernick’s lead in taking a knee during the American national anthem, and subsequent withdrawing of Stephen Curry’s invitation to visit the White House (along with the rest of the Golden State Warriors) to recognize his team’s NBA championship win due to Curry’s “hesitation” to accept the invitation, sparked a torrent of social media based backlash from many professional athletes from across North America’s “Big 4” sports leagues (for starters, see: Blake Wheeler, NHL; LeBron James, NBA; Bruce Maxwell, MLB) as well as press releases in the media, and public displays prior to games from team owners, management, and players all standing together in solidarity against Trump, and the larger narrative of racism in America. The Pittsburgh Steelers (followed in kind by the Tennessee Titans and Seattle Seahawks) opted to not be present on the field during the national anthem in direct protest to Trump’s stance – though the Steelers’ offensive tackle Alejandro Villanueva did come out to salute the flag and sing along against the wishes of his head coach.

While representatives of the NFL, MLB, and NBA all made statements and took different degrees of action, the NHL also responded, though not in sync with everyone else.

The Steelers’ city mates, the Pittsburgh Penguins, who are the NHL’s most recent Stanley Cup champions, took the road less travelled, releasing a statement on September 24^th in acceptance of the President’s invitation to bring their trophy to the White House, give him a jersey, and pose for pictures, confirming Trump’s tweet on the same day about their pending visit. No date is set, however, which hints this statement release was anything but coincidental, and suggests very odd and questionable support for Trump and his recent words.

“Any agreement or disagreement with a president’s politics, policies or agenda can be expressed in other ways. However, we very much respect the rights of other individuals and groups to express themselves as they see fit,” reads the latter half of the Penguins’ media release.

There are keywords in that paragraph to hone in on – firstly, the notion that the Penguins respect other people’s rights to free speech and expression, just not those of their own personnel, apparently. Secondly, that a political disagreement can be expressed in a way other than declining an invitation to visit the White House, and rub shoulders with a demonstrably terrible human being and even worse world leader. What exactly could that alternative angle be?

Penguins’ captain, Sidney Crosby, ran further with that same idea in a later interview, scratching the surface of something quite tangible, if you let the concept breathe for a moment.

“I still feel like we look at it as an opportunity. We respect the office of the White House. People have that right to not go, too. Nobody’s saying they have to go. As a group, we decided to go,” Crosby told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette on September 24^th.

If what Crosby says about none of the Penguins being forced to go is true, we’ll have to see if any of them decide to pull a 2012 Tim Thomas and skip out on the event due to political disagreement (or other pro athletes who have done the same in the past) while his whole team still goes – if that were to be any of them, some might suggest it be Ryan Reaves, the only black player on Pittsburgh’s roster, though Reaves was born in Winnipeg, Canada. But they also have 16 American born players in their lineup, and an owner in Ron Burkle who knows Donald Trump personally, who all could take that opportunity of a public audience with the President that others are either declining or being disqualified from possessing – the opportunity to have an open, visible discourse with Trump, to air grievances in a diplomatic fashion, have their voice heard, and simply hear what he has to say in response. Every player will surely get the chance to look Trump in the eye and shake his hand if only for a moment – what they do with those precious few seconds could go a long way in either direction, or absolutely nowhere at all.

It would be the perfect opportunity for the NHL to start practicing what they recently started preaching, in accordance to excerpts from the league’s recently developed and published official Declaration of Principles:

We Believe: The game of hockey is a powerful platform for participants to build character, foster positive values and develop important life skills. These benefits are available to all players, desirable to every family and transcend the game. Hockey’s greatest value is the role it plays in the development of character and life skills. We believe in our ability to improve lives and strengthen communities globally through hockey.  

All hockey programs should provide a safe, positive, and inclusive environment for players and families regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, and socio-economic status.

Integrity: We do the right thing, not the easy thing. We have courage on and off the ice.

Wouldn’t it be something to see someone outside of Trump’s inner circle, or the hosts of Fox and Friends, try to talk some sense into him face-to-face, rather than through TV or Twitter? We’ve all seen how well Trump remotely dialogues with his fellow Americans and foreign leaders alike through his preferred social media vehicle of Twitter. While the statements all professional athletes have been making thus far are valid and meaningful, none of them have been channeled directly at Trump’s face, not transmitted through a screen. As juvenile as it would be, Trump basically can basically still say, “Oh yeah? Why don’t you say that to my face?” to it all. And this seems to be the opportunity that the Penguins truly have, as I hope Crosby was eluding to. Might then a hockey player, generally considered fair, conservative and level-headed, be the perfect person to bring a slant of reason to this president? Trump may not listen to any of it, but at the very least someone from the Penguins could convey a message. Hopefully the team makes the most of the chance their captain already knows they have. Either they tap into the character they have developed through hockey, use courage and their powerful platform to transcend the game and do the right thing in helping all families feel included regardless of their minority status, or they instead do the easy thing that would be just showing up to smile for the cameras, nod when spoken to, and give classic canned answers to reporters while they tour the oval office and admire the furniture. I know which option I would prefer.

***UPDATE***
On October 10, 2017, the Pittsburgh Penguins visited Donald Trump at the White House, and did and said nothing. 😦

Follow @davecunning

4th Annual Jeju Cup Summer Classic ball hockey tournament registration form

The highly anticipated, fiercely contested 4th Annual Jeju Cup Summer Classic Ball Hockey Tournament will be held on Sunday, June 4^th at the Jeju City inline rink. Players of all skill levels are invited to participate in this full day of ball hockey action — the seventh tournament the Jeju Islanders Hockey Club has hosted. Each team will battle it out for the chance of having their names engraved on the prestigious Jeju Cup.

Facebook event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/1292994100808187/

Help us raise funds for the Jeju Islanders Hockey Club so we can continue to grow the sport of hockey in Jeju, and help support worthy charitable causes. All Jeju Islanders weekly games and events rely solely on donations and out of pocket payments to operate. As our team sports over 20 participants each week in our regular weekly games, and as tournaments flourish with attendance many times that, our team’s expenses have risen accordingly. Currently, we need ongoing funding for:

-The rental or construction of an equipment storage facility (currently we rely on team volunteers to store and hustle the gear each week).
-Current and future tournament/event costs.
-support of local kids hockey programs and charitable giving.
-Equipment:
-new sticks as old ones break, and to accommodate our rising amount of players.
-stick tape.
-street hockey balls.
-goalie equipment.
-jerseys.
-scoreboard.
-equipment maintenance.

To reach our financial goals, we’ll have mini-game prizes, raffle items, merchandise for sale, concessions, and our registration fee that gets you a full day of tournament games and food.

We are actively seeking players, volunteers, and sponsors to make this effort a success.

If you’d like to be a part of the competition and the effort, fill out this registration form:

********

Name(required)

Email(required)

Phone Number(required)

Can/do/would you play goalie?(required)

Yes No

Do you request/require a vegetarian meal?(required)

Yes No

Hockey experience level:(required)

Beginner Intermediate Advanced

Comments/Questions/Anything we need to know about you:

Submit

Δ

Once you’ve filled out the registration form, COMPLETE YOUR REGISTRATION and secure your spot in the tournament by transferring 30,000 KRW via ATM bank transfer to:

Bank: ShinHan

Acct Holder: Allan Moore

Acct #:  110-396-549650

To get to the rink, get yourself to the Jeju City bus terminal on the 1132 highway. Head south a few blocks and fade a little east. It’s right beside the swimming pool in the Sports Complex. Here’s a map link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/jeju.island.hockey/files/

Bring your own stick if you have one, but if not, we have plenty of extras for you to borrow.

We’ll divide up our players into an even number of teams via draft at The Bar in Jeju City (we will sort and balance the teams according to skill level, don’t worry) to keep things even and fun. 5 on 5, with goalies!

Goalie gear and hockey sticks are provided.

If you can’t play, feel free to come by as a spectator.

Here’s some press of our previous tournaments:

Inaugural Jeju Cup: http://www.jejuweekly.com/news/articleView.html?idxno=4231
Inaugural Jeju Cup Winter Classic: http://www.jejuweekly.com/news/articleView.html?idxno=4518
2014 Winter Classic semi-final shootout (video):

See you at the rink!

 

 

-Jeju Islanders Hockey Club

[product review] Pong iPhone Cases

360° view of Pong’s “Sleek” edition for iPhone 6

Hi folks!

I’m pleased to bring you another product review — this time, a second offering from the fine folks at Pong, experts in cell phone radiation reduction/fried brain mitigation. [read my review of their iPhone 4/4S case from 2011 here]

Before covering my iPhone 6 with the Pong Sleek Case, I had a major issue of constantly dropping my phone. Not only does the Pong case’s materials provide me a considerably better grip than without, the case has been drop tested and certified up to US military specs for drops up to 6.6 feet high. I drop my phone far less now, and when I do, I stress a lot less about it because I know my drastically overpriced phone is adequately protected. The case fits rather snugly on the phone, so be prepared not to remove it too often. If you do find yourself needing to and struggling to remove the case, simply refer to this video from Pong’s YouTube channel for a procedural walkthrough.

360° view of Pong’s “Rugged” edition for iPhone 6

Additionally, from their research backed claims, I know that this case is deflecting more than half of the radiation that was otherwise headed towards by brain with every call elsewhere, thanks to its gold-plated antenna (verified by an independent, third-party study — see below for the link, or watch this video link). I try not to think about how much I was letting through prior to suiting my phone up with this case.

Furthermore, Pong makes an aesthetically pleasing, subtle and understated, yet unique looking case. The “Sleek” comes with easy access to the volume, ringer, and power buttons on either side, speaker and jacks on the bottom, and top panel. Great for someone wanting to minimize the aesthetic interference a case usually veils a phone with, while providing great safety and durability at the same time.

The “Rugged” on the other hand, covers the volume and power buttons, gives marginal access to the ringer switch, closes the top panel, but keeps good access to the bottom speaker and jacks. A little bulkier, but it’s obviously built to endure high levels of abuse. If you’re hard on phones, this is the edition for you.

Personally, I enjoy and appreciate this phone case on a number of levels, and I’d bet you would too. Order one for yourself today!

*********

More tech and specs from the manufacturer:

Pong Technology Reduces Your Exposure to Mobile Phone Radiation.

Total Radiated Power is a measure of the radiation your mobile devices are emitting. TRP isn’t bad. In fact, it’s what gives you a strong mobile connection. Pong’s patented antenna is unique in that it doesn’t decrease the TRP of your mobile device. It maintains your signal and redirects that radiation away from your head and body. That’s good for your phone and even better for you.

How Pong Technology Works:

Pong cases are embedded with a patented, micro thin, gold-plated antenna, that reduces exposure to potentially harmful cell phone radiation while maintaining the phone’s signal — it may even boost your signal by up to 25%. The Pong antenna couples with the antenna in your phone and redirects radiation away from you. Results from tests in FCC-certified labs show the Pong Sleek Case for iPhone 6/6s lowers your radiation exposure by up to 67% below a bare phone (or up to 89% below the FCC SAR limit). What’s more, it was verified in an extensive, independent test by WIRED MAGAZINE.

What Parents Should Know About Radiation:

The National Cancer Institute (NCI) states, “In theory, children have the potential to be at greater risk than adults for developing brain cancer from cell phones.” According to the NCI, this is due to the still-developing nervous systems and smaller heads of children. Pong cases give you an easy way to proactively protect your children from exposure to radiation.

4′ – 6.6′ Drop Protection

Beyond protecting from radiation, Pong cases provide protection from 4′ to 6.6′ drops, and are drop-tested to U.S. military specifications.

Available for:

iPhone 6/6S, 4/4s (iPhone 7 version coming soon!), iPad 1,2,3,4, Samsung Galaxy S4 & s5. “Sleek” and “Rugged” versions both available for most devices.

Connect with Pong:

On Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, and their website.