Just why am I watching Dancing With The Stars?

As the wife and I were chatting over dinner and DWTS last night, I noticed a close up on Mr. Bret Yamaguchi Hedican.

Mrs. Wuffie: "You only watch this show because they show him on it."
Wuffie: "Nuh-uh. OK, well maybe it has something to do with it. He's the only Canes player I've been able to see live on TV in what seems like forever over a month. And the guy that dances with Kristi sorta looks like the Latin American version of Chad LaRose."

So what if Hedican is probably not coming back. He has been an integral part of the Hurricanes for a good chunk of his career and is to be wished well in his future and health. But is it just me or is anyone else shocked how bald Bret really is? Maybe its the studio lights on ABC, but his head really seems to shine as I'm used to seeing his helmet cover up. Do you think he told the NY Times editors to crop the family picture so that it wouldn't be so obvious in this photo?

Aside: Farewell to Johnny Grahame, who signed with the coolest sounding Russian team today - Omsk Avangard. Just say it, "Omsk". That may be close to the sound I made while putting my hands-in-face watching him play goalie for the Canes. If anything, you've been fun to witness and ridicule during your time in Carolina. But good luck to you and stuff. Don't let any of the Russian coaches Tortarella you.

LOL Hedican - I lika do da Cha Cha

Bret Hedican has reverted to Mr. Yamaguchi

Cha Cha Cha Cha Chaaaaaaaaa

A/V Delight: Heeeeere's Your Enforcer

With Bret (at least it wasn't my hip) Hedican going down with a knee injury last night in a win over the B's, the Hurricanes have called up the one and only Wade Brookbank from Albany. He and his brother are known for their willingness to scrap over their careers. But as Cason says in his post regarding the issue, we've already got guys who will drop the gloves in defense. I'd be more concerned with his plus/minus and the whole, you know, actually playing D part than worrying about having him punish other teams players. He was a -2 last year in Wilkes-Barre in 39 games with 116 penalty minutes (!) and 1 point. So he's not our missing offensive defenseman, that's for sure. I'm just hoping he racks up those PIM by fighting, not by committing stupid penalties.

Wade Brookbank's Fight Card @ Hockeyfights.com

Vs. Chris Neil

Vs. George Parros and his Porn-stache

Wadey gets KO'd by Boooooooooogard

I'd be on the lookout for this cat tonight in Columbus, as the two teams will be out to avenge one another after the pre-season melee that saw endless brawls.

More Like Bret HediCAN DO!

Proving all the pre-season naysayers wrong, look who is tied for the 2nd best overall +/- in the NHL right now? That's right - Mr. Bret Hedican himself. Tied with whom, you might ask? Nicklas Lidstrom, only considered to be one of the greatest defenseman to play the game. Search this blog and many others before the Canes got off to this torrid season start, and you'll find many a non-believer in the ways of Bretican. Not that I thought he couldn't deliver, I just pictured damaged goods.

Canes' Hedican Enjoying A Renaissaince (N&O)

Informal Practice @ Camp Brind'amour

I spent my lunch break at the RecZone today watching the informal practices. My, how odd Bates Battaglia looks out there in full Leafs practice gear with the Canes! Apparently, his little brother is out there too. Ward-O, Crackers, and I'm thinking Leighton (was that him? ps - I think he'll be the next nickname contest...) were the 3 goaltenders taking turns in net. I arrived to see them in a 4-on-4 scrimmage type.

Yes, Hedican was skating quickly and looked on top of his game. But these sessions are for the most part non-contact. Fra-gee-lay. (two Christmas Story references in two days!)

Damn was it nice to see Matt Cullen out skating with the team. I plan on coming out as often as possible next week to the Rec to see them do the Camp Brindy sessions before they shift to the RBC for official practices.

The Wuff camera will be going with me next week. Hope to have some decent vids or photos to display.

Bretican Rumor-du-jour

Ok Bret, you got it. Retire!

In a moment sure to stir up controversy in Caniac Nation, an anonymous commenter fed Bubba's post yesterday with some apparent "insider information" regarding Bret Hedican and a possible retirement.

I'll believe it when I see it. Don't be surprised to see Dwayne ripping it today with an (e3) however. Damn he's been good to us for most of his career in Carolina - but isn't it about time to hang the skates up considering the Canes defensive corps this season?

The question is - if and when he does - do we get CB's man crush Danny Markov?