Blast from the past: 2000-2001 playoffs

It seems things are becoming All Things Arturs Irbe here lately but this is great to run across in the summer doldrums of hockey's offseason:

It's a bit grainy, but the YouTube user that uploaded that video has highlights, intros & post-game shows from every single game that the Devils had during that year's playoff run. It's unfortunate that the Canes ended up being pounded in that series. You'll notice I won't be embedding the video of Francis getting TKO'd by Scott Stevens on here. But that can be seen in his collection. It's still good to reminisce.

The perfect blogger's accompaniment

After these bad boys came in this week, I set the display case up with the other Canes figurine stuff on my already crowded blogging desk. Now considering I write the majority of the posts from this said "Man Room", these bobbleheads that came out around 2001 from Hardee's restaurants fit in quite nicely. I still can't pat myself on the back enough for finding these on Craigslist for $15 (Thanks again, seller!). They were all in the original boxes and plastic wrapping even.

The bobbling heads are certainly getting put to work here though. I'm what they call an "agressive typer". My co-workers know when I'm busy or not by the sound of my keyboard being abused. So as I log in to blogger and pull things out of certain orifices for Hockey-related material on COI; Jeff O'Neill, Ron Francis, Arturs Irbe & Rod Brind'amour all sit here smiling and staring me down. It can get downright creepy actually:

It's a good thing that I'm so easily entertained.

NHL.com interviews Ron Francis

A good read out today from NHL.com as they interview Ronnie Franchise regarding his job position and his expectations for the coming season.

One particular part of interest is his view on young Brandon Sutter:

"He stepped into Albany after his junior season was done and looked like he had been there all year. He worked hard to put some muscle on. He’s up in the 180s. We think he’s big enough. He’s gotten strong enough. We think he’s ready.”

Well then, bring it on. H/t Alanah at Kuklas Korner.

Johnny Random stops by

Some random items for you:

The new jersey numbers are posted at Ch.com now, and Melichar will be sporting Commodore's old #22, Anton Babchuk is leaving #48 behind in lieu of #33 this season and Pitaknen will rock the #25 jersey.

There are also new Bios posted under player's roster pages now, the highlight being the question to Ray Whitney, "What song is playing on your iPod?" and his response, "Oh Lord, it's hard to be humble, when you're perfect in every way."

The Cary Ice House is having a clearance sale on their new style replica jerseys (no names or numbers on them). Stop by their pro shop on Buck Jones Rd. and pick them for $61 bucks (you'll pay $100-$110 everywhere else, normally).

Congrats to East of Here on his Bettman Pee-Wee Herman photoshop getting an honorable mention in the Puck Daddy contest.

Added to the Carolinas Hockey Links: NC Trailblazers, Women's Ice Hockey and The Citadel Club Hockey site.

Welcome Cory Lavalette into the Canes blogosphere as he joins in the fun with Bubba @ Canes Country.

I found a hidden gem among the Raleigh-Durham Craigslist: the entire set of the Hurricanes Bobbleheads from 2002 that were originally sold at Hardee's.

Included are Jeff O'Neill, Ron Francis, Arturs Irbe & Brind'amour. Awesome.

I believe as hockey fans we're all looking forward to the day when we don't have read the word "Sundin" in the headlines. Enough already!

Is October ever going to come?

Rosey's back & them young'ns are in town

I knew it would only be a matter of time before Mr. LaRose re-signed with the Canes. I've seen this said many places over the past week and a 1/2 and couldn't agree more: Yes Erik Cole had to go and he was a fan favorite. But losing Chad AND Erik in the same month wouldn't go over too well with the already disgruntled fanbase.

I made it out to the Hurricanes prospect on-ice portion yesterday at the RecZone. Sure, it was neat seeing all the prospects sweating bullets, huffing & puffing. What I got the most kick out of was seeing Glen Wesley out there guiding the defensemen along with Ronnie Francis at the other end.

Luke thinks that Brandon Sutter was "big, smooth & polished". I'd say he was more "big, clunky & goofy". It is obvious that this kid has the hockey sense in him, but he still needs to grow into that big body of his. Maybe it was the ass-kicking that trainer Pete Friesen gave the boys before the skate that made him look that way to me.

Zach Boychuk looked really sharp. He's fast as hell and was making some wickedly good shots on goal. Michael Leighton appeared sharp as I've ever seen him, making several dazzling saves during the shooting drills.

The Bag Skate for Tuesday, June 24th

The Chicago Blackhawks have re-signed former Cane Andrew Ladd to a two year deal. Come on Tuomo Ruutu, look out for us here...

Darcy Hordichuk gives a collective "F you" to the Carolina brass. I join my boy Jimmy in saying "well to hell with you too then".

ESPN will show the Paper, Rock, Scissors championship but still can't show hockey? WTF?

Hockey blogger extraordinaire and friend to COI Greg Wyshynski showcases some Anaheim Duckies leaving a tattoo parlor (or bar?) in some skimpy girlie clothes. Caniac Nation appreciates how normal our players truly are.

The Charlotte Checkers release their players "protected list".

The UNC-Wilmington club hockey squad has their own little AV Delight showcasing last year's season on Youtube.

The Fayetteville FireAntz have re-signed their puck-moving defenseman, Lawne Snyder.

The Wolfpack hockey squad needs some positions filled for next season.

YouTubery goodness: The Ron Francis Hartford Whalers days:

The Bag Skate For Monday, March 24th

Keep your mouse pointed here. Will be anxiously watching to see if Ottawa slips into that 6th place spot. (Yahoo Playoff Matchups)

Luke DeCock has some reasons why Atlanta is so horrible this year. (News & Observer)

Fear the Merlin Hat & The Malik Effect. (Acid Queen)

A great look at the Hurricanes' up and comers. (Hockeys Future)

Speaking of which, follow the treads of Jamie McBain with Wisconsin, Kyle Lawson with Notre Dame and Nick Dodge with Clarkson U on their respective quests for the NCAA Frozen Four Championship and wish them luck.

Real deal jerseys for a little cheaper, get them a lot quicker. (Triple Threat Sports)

Watch out if these guys make it back in time for the playoffs. Who sits from this current lineup? Tough call to make. Williams, LaRose take part in practice (News & Observer)

The RBC Center's website is really up to date. "NHL hockey featuring the stars of the Carolina Hurricanes and other NHL favorites such as Jaromir Jagr, Mario Lemieux, and Eric Lindros"
Whoaa cool! (RBC Center Events)

The newest Fanhouse contributor is starting to like the Eastern Conference. (Fanhouse: Ovechkin Mancrush)

Every single Sports Illustrated article ever. Crazy cool stuff to find. (Sports Illustrated Vault h/t Fanhouse)

Random YouTube moment: Something just doesn't seem right watching Ron Francis throw punches...

If Ron Francis Came Back...

He could use his banner as a cape! (Lord knows the Canes could use him right now)

Ronnie Joins the Hall O Fame Tonight

The. Epitome. Of. Classy.

God bless you, young man.

How ironic is it that Scott Stevens is heading into the Hall on the same night that Ronnie Franchise is? Not that he would ever do it, but here is a suggestion to Ron:

When you go up and do your acceptance speech tonight... give all the bells and whistles and tears and thanks... then just walk up to Stevens and give him the body slam:

"Where's your cheap shot now?!?"

OK, so thats what I would do. Totally not what Ronnie would do.

Ronnie Franchise To Be Next Assistant GM

And who better of a choice? When Jimmy Boy does decide to retire - who better to replace to him than the epitome of class himself? Link

Hurricanes History: The Molson Miracle

Stumbled upon this YouTubeage of the '02 Playoff Run. Good stuff.

Featuring:

• A young Bates Battaglia doing his thing
• The emergence of Nicky Wallin as "The Secret Weapon"
• Ronnie Franchise assisting, assisting, then assisting some more
  
• Brind'amour kicking ass, as usual
• A pre-roid rage Sean Hill
• Sami Kapanen (one of my favorite ex-Canes, classy guy)

I was a senior in college watching this game and can remember vividly almost jumping through my apartment window when each of these goals were scored. Enjoy!

The Molson Miracle

Ronnie Franchise in the HHOF

Congratulations to Mr. Ronald Francis for being elected into the Hockey Hall of Fame in his first year eligible!! It couldn't have happened to a nicer or more deserving person.

Cue the obligatory Bob Seger backed YouTube clip:



Thank you for all you did and everything you still do for us!

It's about Dern Tootin' Time

March 23, 2007, and finally there's a SERIOUS youth hockey league around Raleigh now! Like Forslund says, you can pretty much count on someone from the Carolinas being drafted somewhere decent before the end of 2010, and start expecting it a lot more regularly (we hope) when all our lil' tots grow up!



SIGN YOUR KIDS UP (it's a Adobe Acrobat .Pdf file)

GO KIDDIES!