This is the first post by new hockey writer Gordon Bombay. Bombay will be writing about the Blackhawks and the NHL, getting you ready for opening puck-drop on September 29.

 

"You miss 100% of the shots you never take." -Wayne Gretzky

"Pain is nothing. Pain is in the mind. If you can walk you can run." -Cam Neely

Two great quotes by the best that ever touched the ice and a true bad-ass that is also known to many as Seabass (there's my first Dumb and Dumber reference).  The fastest game on earth is soon approaching, September 29, 2007 to be exact.  The season kicks off in a new fashion, in London, England.  This will be the first time ever that an NHL game has been played in Europe, and it is in London of all places.  The game will take place between the Anaheim Ducks and the Los Angeles Kings.  It seems as if a new trend is starting; with the NFL stating that teams will play two games in Canada, Mexico, or Europe, the MLB playing in Japan, and now the NHL going abroad.  A global audience is undoubtedly going to make the leagues much more money, but I personally never want to see these sports get to the point where more than just a few games are played internationally (not considering Canadian-based teams).  They rest of the world has soccer and as far as I'm concerned, they can keep it!

Reebok is producing every team's jerseys this year with their new "Rbk EDGE" brand. These so-called innovations in sports wear are supposed to be lighter, more durable, and keep the skaters drier and cooler.  The creators also claim that they will help the players "perform better."  Give me a break, this is the dumbest thing I have ever heard, they are only sweaters!  It's not like the old jerseys that are not up-to-date with the new technology actually significantly slowed players down and weighed 20 lbs.  Now personally I have not felt or tried on the Rbk EDGE jersey but to actually believe that by putting on a different material over my pads is actually going to improve my game is crazy.  At the same time, some teams have changed around their logos for the 2007-2008 season, these teams include Boston, Tampa Bay, Vancouver, Washington, Ottawa, San Jose and Columbus.  Every other team made some sort of minor adjustment to their uniforms.  Here is a look at some of the new designs. 

 

 

I don't think the Hawks' digs have changed much but I found this possible design concept art through this site and I love it!

The neck-tie is the way to go and I'm pretty sure the Flames are sporting it this year.

There were some rule changes for the 2007-2008 season:

Rule 24 -- Gross Misconduct. The term "Gross Misconduct" was eliminated from the rule book. Any act that would have been assessed a Gross Misconduct penalty will receive a Game Misconduct penalty. Accumulated Game Misconduct penalties can lead to fines or suspension.
--Whoooo cares.

Rule 25 -- Penalty Shot. A player may be awarded a penalty shot if he is fouled on a clear breakaway outside his defensive zone (i.e., anywhere in the neutral zone or in the attacking zone). Previously, a penalty shot was awarded only when the player on a clear breakaway was fouled on the attacking side of the center line.
--This is very different and I do not agree with the rule change.  The reason I disagree is because I think it is nearly impossible to judge a "clear breakaway" in the neutral zone.  The neutral zone should be more-or-less a buffer area allowing defenders to catch up to the skater before he reaches the offensive zone.  I think this will cause a lot more dives by skaters.  There will be instances referees assume he was on a clear breakaway when he only had a half-a-step on a defender that was going to catch him and than dove as if he got shot in the ankle.  Now there will be times when a breakaway is obvious in the neutral zone, especially if it's a speedster like Marian Gaborik but I don't like putting it up to the refs in this case.

Rule 56 -- Interference. Referees were given discretion to assess a major penalty and a game misconduct when an injury results from an act of interference. Previously, only a minor penalty could be assessed for interference.
---I agree with this new rule.  Interfering away from the play can be very dirty and should be assessed by the refs in this instance.

Rule 76 -- Face-offs. All face-offs must be conducted at one of the nine face-off dots painted on the rink. Previously, there had been instances, such as when a puck left the playing surface, which caused the face-off to occur on unmarked ice, parallel to the dot nearest the place where the puck departed.
--Hate this rule.  I like the old objective way, this is way too subjective.  What is going to happen if a puck goes out between the neutral zone dot and face-off circle dot in the offensive/defensive zone?  The refs now have to decide which dot the puck went out closer to, this is going to screw one team out of a face-off and it should be fair and square right in the middle.  Stupid new rule!
Next time we'll take a look at some key off-season moves made by teams around the league, and start to pray that the Blackhawk's moves pay off.

 

By Gordon Bombay

 

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Also on the Network: √ Can You Fill Four Holes In The Rotation Through Waivers? [Depressed Fan] √ Shea Stadium From Loge13: August 6, 2008 [Loge 13] √ FreddieLoo [El Lefty Malo] √ How Much Is Iguodala Worth? [Depressed Fan] √ Jets Season Begins in Cleveland [Green Pinstripes] √ Phil Is On His Way [Depressed Fan] √ The Clash At Shea Stadium [Loge 13] √ As the Bullpen Turns [C70 At The Bat]

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