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Alex
PickupHockey All-Star
Canada
2816 Posts |
 Posted - 08/23/2008 : 18:15:31
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Let me clarify: by best, I mean right now this instant. Alexander Ovechkin carried his team to the playoffs and got results when it counted. He was just as clutch as Jarome Iginla, the ''clutchiest'' guy out there.
If there is one downfall to Sid the Kid, it's that he isn't clutch. I've got to say, he just isn't. Getting ten points in two games and going goal-less through a round of playoffs isn't nearly as valuable as what Ovechkin did. Part of this has to do with the fact that Ovechkin is already a man. Sid is, when all is said and done, still a kid.
After this season, Sidney might prove to be stronger, mentally more stable, and most importantly. deliver when it counts. At this point in time I think we'd me remiss to say that Alexander Ovechkin isn't the more reliable, and thus better, of the two.
Make sure to cast your votes in the PickUpHockey Hall of Fame |
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BradTheBadDad
Top Prospect
73 Posts |
Posted - 08/24/2008 : 07:27:00
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OK, let's take a crack at this one.
1) I wish society would stop over-using the word racist. It's gotten so that people get offended by a sales clerk wishing them a Merry Christmas. Give it up, if someone wants players from their country to do well, they have every right.
2) Crosby vs. Ovechkin is a debate. According to your very narrow definition Alex, it may be heavily changed to favour Ovechkin, but even so there is no definitive answer. However I do realize that your main point was to show how we keep ''boosting'' Crosby's image because we like him. I buy that completely.
''Eat. Sleep. Hockey'' |
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LEAF BLOWER
Top Prospect
Canada
3 Posts |
Posted - 08/24/2008 : 11:33:35
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ALEX by a nose
J.T. 2 T.O. |
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Beans15
Moderator
Canada
8286 Posts |
Posted - 08/24/2008 : 13:00:48
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I have just a few things to say.
1) I find it very interesting for Alex to say that Ovechkin is so superior to Crosby. Is this not the same Alex that just a few months back during the "Great Debate" sang the virtues of Crosby over Ovechkin. Now, in the past few months, when no hockey has been played, Ovechkin is better?? I am confused.
2) I completely agree that people "want" Crosby to be better than Ovechkin. Many people have that view and that is more than fair. I personally believe that the exact same thing happened about 20 years ago when a very Large French Canadian started playing in Pittsburgh. I think many people "wanted" him to be better then Gretzky and their views and opinions relflected that.
3) Let's do our very best to keep this whole thing about hockey. Things like Patriotism will always be part of it, but let's not over shadow the talk about hockey. And Politics should have absolutely no part in it. |
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Alex
PickupHockey All-Star
Canada
2816 Posts |
Posted - 08/24/2008 : 13:22:28
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Yes Beans it's the same Alex. And in that debate I don't think I ever said anything relevant  . I don't think I ever said Crosby was the better player.
Will he be? I believe he will. Do I want him to be? You bet. Does he bring more intangibles? I'd say so. Is he a better ambasador for the sport? Probably. I made those statements at the time and I stand by them. But, does Crosby produce when it counts? Not nearly as much as AO.
The reason I exaggerated Ovechkin's superiority at this point in time was to make the argument that, ''you know what, it really doesn't matter who is better because we want Crosby to be better and can't accept it if he isn't.''
Make sure to cast your votes in the PickUpHockey Hall of Fame |
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Axey
PickupHockey Pro
Canada
877 Posts |
Posted - 08/24/2008 : 14:36:34
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This debate will never die, I'd love to see them on the same team for a year though. Malkin would be the trade bait, great trade bait at that, wow that would be amazing.
Chicago Blackhawks GM |
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Leafs Rock Planet
PickupHockey Pro
Canada
902 Posts |
Posted - 08/24/2008 : 19:20:29
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quote:
Originally posted by Beans15
I have just a few things to say.
1) I find it very interesting for Alex to say that Ovechkin is so superior to Crosby. Is this not the same Alex that just a few months back during the "Great Debate" sang the virtues of Crosby over Ovechkin. Now, in the past few months, when no hockey has been played, Ovechkin is better?? I am confused.
2) I completely agree that people "want" Crosby to be better than Ovechkin. Many people have that view and that is more than fair. I personally believe that the exact same thing happened about 20 years ago when a very Large French Canadian started playing in Pittsburgh. I think many people "wanted" him to be better then Gretzky and their views and opinions relflected that.
3) Let's do our very best to keep this whole thing about hockey. Things like Patriotism will always be part of it, but let's not over shadow the talk about hockey. And Politics should have absolutely no part in it.
I feel like the British guy from that bank commercial..."Couldnt have said it better myself.
I didnt have the guts to bring it back up but Alex you jumped for joy at the chance to defend the golden boy in Crosby and after you were defeated you went on to say that you had the tougher side to argue when you virtually picked your side. The debate was who is the better hocket player. It doesnt matter about past/future.
Now it kind of seems like you are waving the white flag in the debate when it has already come and gone for months now.
I am still unclear. |
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willus3
Moderator
Canada
1948 Posts |
Posted - 08/24/2008 : 21:02:38
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Alex, just wanted to say, I think you have a bright future in Yellow Journalism.
You certainly know what to say to get people to respond. |
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leigh
Moderator
Canada
1755 Posts |
Posted - 08/24/2008 : 22:15:06
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quote:
Originally posted by willus3
Alex, just wanted to say, I think you have a bright future in Yellow Journalism.
You certainly know what to say to get people to respond.
Yes Alex you do sensationalize things and seem to have a knack for creating controversy...but I'm not sure if I'd give you credit for doing it on purpose....yet. Regardless, never stop writing kid, you've got a gift, use it. |
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Pasty7
PickupHockey Veteran
Canada
2312 Posts |
Posted - 08/25/2008 : 09:48:08
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quote:
Originally posted by Alex
Let me clarify: by best, I mean right now this instant. Alexander Ovechkin carried his team to the playoffs and got results when it counted. He was just as clutch as Jarome Iginla, the ''clutchiest'' guy out there.
If there is one downfall to Sid the Kid, it's that he isn't clutch. I've got to say, he just isn't. Getting ten points in two games and going goal-less through a round of playoffs isn't nearly as valuable as what Ovechkin did. Part of this has to do with the fact that Ovechkin is already a man. Sid is, when all is said and done, still a kid.
After this season, Sidney might prove to be stronger, mentally more stable, and most importantly. deliver when it counts. At this point in time I think we'd me remiss to say that Alexander Ovechkin isn't the more reliable, and thus better, of the two.
Make sure to cast your votes in the PickUpHockey Hall of Fame
uhhhh tied for the lead in playoff points,,,,, lead a team to the stanly cup final....... ousted in the first round because the team couldn't score and he lead the regular season in scoring??? i think you mixed up the names when you said clutch,,, i am really tired of hearing ovetchkin got the caps the playoffs,...... maybe it was the gm and Cristobal Huet who was 11-1 down the stretch with a 950sv% and a GAA of like 1.7
he had his part but the team got to a playoffs and a very underachiving team got to the playoffs the caps are a lot better then anyone gives em credit for
Pasty |
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Open_Ice
Rookie
Canada
109 Posts |
Posted - 08/25/2008 : 11:11:11
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I know that I am also being controversial here but I would argue that Malkin was more valuable to his team last year than Crosby was -with his injuries and all.
I couldn't believe that Malkin was the scapegoat for the playoffs last year that just didnt seem right to me. |
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Guest9692
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Posted - 08/25/2008 : 13:38:59
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quote:
Originally posted by Open_Ice
I know that I am also being controversial here but I would argue that Malkin was more valuable to his team last year than Crosby was -with his injuries and all.
I couldn't believe that Malkin was the scapegoat for the playoffs last year that just didnt seem right to me.
Malkin disappeared during the Detroit series and part of the Philly series (espescially after that Mike Richards monster hit).
I heard he was sick and what not, but still, Ive seen others who were sick as dogs that elevated their game.
Malkin was definitely more valuable than Sid during the regular season, but not in the playoffs. |
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Open_Ice
Rookie
Canada
109 Posts |
Posted - 08/26/2008 : 10:17:30
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quote:
Originally posted by Guest9692
Malkin was definitely more valuable than Sid during the regular season, but not in the playoffs.
agreed. |
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Alex
PickupHockey All-Star
Canada
2816 Posts |
Posted - 08/26/2008 : 11:11:56
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August 26, 2008
‘Summer has come and passed/ The innocent can never last/ Wake me up when September ends.’ -Green Day
All good things must come to an end, and thus, with a heavy heart, I announce my departure from PickUpHockey. With high school starting and commitments changing it would be near impossible to keep up the posting on our beloved forums. You know it’s time to re-evaluate your schedule when you can’t pencil a time in for cutting your own nails!
I’ve had some great times on this website and will be returning, but very infrequently (once every two weeks probably). As for the Alex Blog, the only new installments will be featured around any big headlines that somehow I can find a way to put a ‘school spin’ onto, and manage to shoot down two birds with one stone.
The Hall of Fame is still going, and you can be sure that I will update it at the set three month increments. But alas, other than that it is goodbye to the forums.
I will miss you PickUpHockey.
Make sure to cast your votes in the PickUpHockey Hall of Fame |
Edited by - Alex on 08/26/2008 11:13:21 |
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I´m also Cånädiön
Rookie
Sweden
217 Posts |
Posted - 08/26/2008 : 12:37:39
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| Best of luck Alex. As leigh said; you got a gift. It´s study time for me too in a couple of days and if this is my last post here I wish you all the best. |
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leigh
Moderator
Canada
1755 Posts |
Posted - 08/26/2008 : 15:07:11
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Hey Alex,
Study hard buddy! School comes and goes really fast so make the best of it. I really meant it when I said "keep writing" You're very good and you're only going to get better!
Also, don't say "good bye", say "until next time". There's no need to close a door when you don't have to. You're always welcome here and thanks for the good times!
One last thing....always keep an open mind. It will serve you well now, and in the future.
Cheers!
Leigh |
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Axey
PickupHockey Pro
Canada
877 Posts |
Posted - 08/26/2008 : 15:20:45
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Wow, a fellow Habs fan, and one of the members I highly respected. First Class kinda guy. GL in highschool buddy, I just finished and I miss it already, enjoy it while it lasts
Chicago Blackhawks GM |
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Guest9536
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Posted - 08/26/2008 : 15:39:05
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good luck alex! but to be honest with you when I was in school i still had tons of available time. so stopping in at the site a few time a week to post shouldn't break you. so no excuses.
You don't have to blog or post journal entries,, just do like the rest of us and post a few informed sentences from time to time. |
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99pickles
PickupHockey Pro
Canada
671 Posts |
Posted - 08/27/2008 : 00:24:17
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Of course Alex won't post very often...however else will he get his posts per day count down to a level to qualify himself for the "Hall of Fame"
See ya round, Alex. |
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BradTheBadDad
Top Prospect
73 Posts |
Posted - 08/27/2008 : 07:18:21
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quote:
Originally posted by Guest9536
good luck alex! but to be honest with you when I was in school i still had tons of available time. so stopping in at the site a few time a week to post shouldn't break you. so no excuses.
You don't have to blog or post journal entries,, just do like the rest of us and post a few informed sentences from time to time.
I'd agree with the guest on this one. You'll see when you actually get into high school that the bark is much worse than the bite. The chances of you finding time to write fuill blogs is unlikely, unless of course you tie it in to school work which would be quite remarkable. However drop by every so often to catch up. Once every two weeks (as you said) sounds reasonable. So, guys, it's not goodbye. It's goodbye to the eccentric Alex, hello to the moderate one.
''Eat. Sleep. Hockey'' |
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FranzenFanatic
Top Prospect
23 Posts |
Posted - 08/28/2008 : 04:15:33
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| now that guys like u and lf94 r leavin mayb ppl who were actually alive to see gretzky play can tlak about him and other gr8s without your opinions dragin us down |
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Leafs Rock Planet
PickupHockey Pro
Canada
902 Posts |
Posted - 08/28/2008 : 06:01:08
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quote:
Originally posted by FranzenFanatic
now that guys like u and lf94 r leavin mayb ppl who were actually alive to see gretzky play can tlak about him and other gr8s without your opinions dragin us down
Sorry that somebody had to put even more of a downer on your (shall we say) leave of absence.
And to you Franzen Bandwagon jumper, oh i mean fanatic, you dont debate on anything related to hockey in any way so none of this will effect you. For a 13-14 year old Alex knows his hockey and im sure he constantly does his research before posting anything history related.
None-the-less, sad to see you go Alex. Come back from time to time. |
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Beans15
Moderator
Canada
8286 Posts |
Posted - 08/28/2008 : 17:22:46
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I tend to agree with many on here. I had so much time in high school it wasn't even funny. That was along with playing basketball, volleyball, and track. Trust me when I say, do as well as you possibly can. It will help you in your future. But, at the same time, don't forget you are still young and need to have fun.
I would encourage you to come on every day. Take a 10 minute study break and check out what's new. Honestly, if you drop the blog and just post on things where your opinion has not been heard and the things that interest you, 10 minutes is more than enough each day. That's all I do and I find time to spend 10 minutes every day (or every other day)
Regardless, good luck. Since Andy has not been on as much over summer, at least I had you to disagree with. 
See you around, Rook. |
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Alex
PickupHockey All-Star
Canada
2816 Posts |
Posted - 09/06/2008 : 19:21:24
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Hey guys. Alex here. School's going well, but I'm swamped with work! Thought I could squeeze in a few minutes of time for my friends on the forums though!
Anyways, I have a question and I was wondering what you guys thought. I know a lot of you enjoy reading my writing, and to be honest it's given me a lot of confidence to explore new styles and techniques. I can truly say I've grown as a writer on this site.
So this is where you come in. I have my first English assignment due in a week and was wondering if I could post it and see what you guys think? There's nothing like a good pre-screning for something you're going to hand in. I remember last year the advice I got about my hockey speech was very useful!
The difference is this. My writing no longer has to do with hockey. Seeing as it is a hockey site, I completely understand why posting essays on other topics might not fit into the decorum. So that's why I asked. Let me know if it's ok, and if not that's cool.
Still love you all either way!
Make sure to cast your votes in the PickUpHockey Hall of Fame |
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99pickles
PickupHockey Pro
Canada
671 Posts |
Posted - 09/08/2008 : 02:15:46
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Here's a funny suggestion, Alex...
Post a short hockey related response to a pre-decided thread. And then, in the rest of that same post, put the entire essay/assignment in the same colour as the background (or a very similar colour if there isn't the correct colour). This way it will appear invisible (or nearly so) to the naked eye, only becoming visible when highlighted by someone who wishes to critique your work.
I suppose sending the assignment via e-mail to any interested parties would be simpler too. If you should choose this route, please feel free to include me amongst the interested parties.
Cheers, Alex! |
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willus3
Moderator
Canada
1948 Posts |
Posted - 09/08/2008 : 09:13:51
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quote:
Originally posted by Alex
[br
So this is where you come in. I have my first English assignment due in a week and was wondering if I could post it and see what you guys think? There's nothing like a good pre-screning for something you're going to hand in. I remember last year the advice I got about my hockey speech was very useful!
The difference is this. My writing no longer has to do with hockey. Seeing as it is a hockey site, I completely understand why posting essays on other topics might not fit into the decorum. So that's why I asked. Let me know if it's ok, and if not that's cool.
Still love you all either way!
Make sure to cast your votes in the PickUpHockey Hall of Fame
I don't think this is the appropriate forum Alex. Perhaps you could find a writer's forum out there that could help out?
Your hockey related topics are always welcome of course.
P.S. If you are this busy in high school, what will you do when you hit University?
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admin
Forum Admin
Canada
2338 Posts |
Posted - 09/08/2008 : 10:08:08
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quote:
Originally posted by 99pickles
Here's a funny suggestion, Alex...
Post a short hockey related response to a pre-decided thread. And then, in the rest of that same post, put the entire essay/assignment in the same colour as the background (or a very similar colour if there isn't the correct colour). This way it will appear invisible (or nearly so) to the naked eye, only becoming visible when highlighted by someone who wishes to critique your work....
Actually please don't do this. Google and other search engines don't like this type of technique. They view it as keyword spamming (although we all know in this case it's not with sinister purposes - they wouldn't know, and we can be penalized for such behavior.
Alex, I think we should keep the forums about hockey. Sorry to be a downer bud 
And Willus is right, there are many great writing forums that will be much more helpful than your online hockey buddies....although we do have many superbrains here! heehee! |
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andyhack
PickupHockey Pro
Japan
891 Posts |
Posted - 09/10/2008 : 07:59:43
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Don't despair young Alex . There is one thing you should remember! You can't write about non-hockey things in a hockey website, BUT, you have all of our blessings to feel free to write about hockey things on one of your tests at school in the event that you have absolutely no idea where to start with for the answer to the actual question - not that there is any precedent to this from my high school days in the 1970s or anything   ----------- "On the windy day Guy came into this world near the bank of the Ottawa river, little did we know that such a birth would bring such haaaaaartbreak to so many clam chowder lovers across the northeast shores of New England some 25 plus years later." Ahhh, high school! Good times. |
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Alex
PickupHockey All-Star
Canada
2816 Posts |
Posted - 10/05/2008 : 12:50:13
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October 5, 2008
There was a time when society made decisions in a much more primitive fashion than today. Before the advent of paper and scissors, cavemen were probably playing rock-rock-rock with each other. Europe hosted the theory that strength meant power for hundreds of years; later, it became genetic. Even a simple game like odds or evens has its roots in ancient cultural rituals. Mankind has seen coins flipped, bones yanked, bottles spun... you get the point. Nowadays, the trendy thing is elections.
Seems like everyone is having an election. Some feature obvious choices (Harper!) while others are a little harder to call (Obama? McCain? None of the above?) But I digress. It’s fitting that in the midst of global democratic hodgepodge, the hockey world would get a little sampling. And so, yet one more thing to vote upon: CBC’s new hockey anthem.
I must have blinked, because we’re already well into voting on the final five nominees. It would probably violate a blogging rule or two to fiddle while Rome burns on this one, so with that in mind I’m going to talk about this latest election.
(All the anthems, plus the composers’ bios and much more can be found on CBC’s website by the way.)
Anthem 1 – Ice Warriors
This one feels as though it’s just a really good (and long) ending to a real song. I mean, there are glimpses of catchiness sprinkled in, but it doesn’t have much substance. Nope.
Anthem 2 – Sticks to the Ice
A definite improvement. Honestly, I want this kid to win just because it would be a feel-good story. But then again, this isn’t a charity contest. It’s good, but it borders too much on a game show theme song. Not exciting enough. Close, but no cigar.
Anthem 3 – Eleventh Hour
Is it possible Mr. McRae just outdid the original? This one is triumphant and upbeat. It speaks of Canadian pride in ourselves and our game. The ending is a little bit anti-climatic, but we can overlook that.
Anthem 4 – Let the Game Begin
Another good option. It’s a nice tune, but missing a hook. After all, we can’t replace the timeless ‘Dun Dun Dun Dun Dun’ of yesterday with just anything!
Anthem 5 – Canadian Gold
Cue the Scottish folk dancers. A very catchy tune that would make some get out of their seat and dance, the only problem being that that’s not the purpose of Canada’s second anthem. I’m going to give it style marks for that ‘Hey!’ at the beginning. Right up there with number three.
By the way, I’m not majoring in music or anything. Feel free to disagree, feel obligated to vote! Oh and on a final note: that Bell / Samsung Instinct ad is so annoying and uncomfortable it makes me want to sweat for the guy sitting next to me. Where have the beavers gone? Don’t give me that global warming crap. |
Edited by - Alex on 10/05/2008 12:50:57 |
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Leafs Rock Planet
PickupHockey Pro
Canada
902 Posts |
Posted - 10/05/2008 : 13:43:57
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| I actually really like #2 by the kid. It sent a shiver through me when I first heard it with the CBC backround. Its a very good replacement nominee. |
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99pickles
PickupHockey Pro
Canada
671 Posts |
Posted - 10/05/2008 : 15:02:26
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| I listened to a bunch of them a few weeks back and can't say for sure if I've heard many, if any, of the ones listed here. But from the dozens I listened to, only a couple were okay and none were even a good fit at all. Some were downright horrible and embarrassing. I shall go listen to some of these listed to see what I've been missing. |
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Alex
PickupHockey All-Star
Canada
2816 Posts |
Posted - 10/05/2008 : 15:57:33
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The more I think about it, the more I like number 5. It really has that distinct Canadian feel to it, and it's so unique.
The intro is very different, and I think it seems like it came straight out of the maritimes. Then there's the core, which is very exciting. The ''Hey.'' There's so many good parts to this song...! It's very triumphant and proud.
Kids could grow up on it. You guys gotta agree!
Make sure to cast your votes in the PickUpHockey Hall of Fame |
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99pickles
PickupHockey Pro
Canada
671 Posts |
Posted - 10/05/2008 : 18:22:05
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quote:
Originally posted by Alex
The more I think about it, the more I like number 5. It really has that distinct Canadian feel to it, and it's so unique.
The intro is very different, and I think it seems like it came straight out of the maritimes. Then there's the core, which is very exciting. The ''Hey.'' There's so many good parts to this song...! It's very triumphant and proud.
Kids could grow up on it. You guys gotta agree!
Make sure to cast your votes in the PickUpHockey Hall of Fame
Okay, Alex...I listened to all of them and here's my humble opinion:
#'s 2,3, and 4 are all pretty good. #1 sounds more like an interlude type song that you might play as the music bed while Ron McLean goes through the night's scores, or while the end credits scroll. #5 is the best of the bunch. It has the best hook, and the bagpipes are a nice touch. |
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leafsfan_101
PickupHockey Veteran
Canada
1530 Posts |
Posted - 10/05/2008 : 18:32:32
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I gotta say that last one "Canadian Gold" is very good. If there is any replacement it has to be that one, because it just makes you want to watch hockey. That's the sole purposet of the song, to make you wanna watch hockey. This one did it for me.
The 1st one was too out there and didn't fit well. The 2nd one was waaaay to soft. Seriously, it was terrible in my opinion. The next 3 weren't bad, the 3rd my 2nd favourite. But it has to be the 5th one. It was incredible, and it should win. |
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Leafs Rock Planet
PickupHockey Pro
Canada
902 Posts |
Posted - 10/05/2008 : 19:12:21
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Upon greater listening, #5 is really close to #2. I just felt #2 had more of a hockey feel to it then #5. The 5th anthem lacked the hockey feel though, even if it was the best tune. Better for a Euro Cup or World Cup soccer event as somebody commented on the site. Just not hockey to me.
I think everybody would agree that number 2 would be better with a stronger begining. |
Edited by - Leafs Rock Planet on 10/05/2008 19:18:55 |
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rebekah
Top Prospect
Canada
11 Posts |
Posted - 10/06/2008 : 09:38:03
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I'm pretty sure I like #5 the best. They're all good but after a couple listens through each one I went with the one that stirred the most emotion. I felt goosebumps while watching the video and listening to anthem #5 with it. So that's the one I'm going with!  |
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spade632
Rookie
Canada
247 Posts |
Posted - 10/06/2008 : 12:42:07
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Anthem 1 – Ice Warriors
This doesn't really do it for me as an opening theme. I'm not quite sure I can put my finger on why but it feels more like an interlude theme than a theme that will get me excited every Saturday night. Maybe a new theme for the Satellite Hotstove?
Anthem 2 – Sticks to the Ice
This one's good, though I think the "hook" comes in too late at the end. At around the 0:35 mark when the horns have their line I think should have gone towards the beginning to build as a fanfare into the song.
Anthem 3 – Eleventh Hour
This one has a good strong start but again it just doesn't do it for me. It's not bad and it has the elements, the strong lines and such that make up a good anthem but I just can't see it every Saturday night.
Anthem 4 – Let the Game Begin
I like the drum beat in this one but again the main line doesn't really hook me right into the song and into the idea that hockey is about to start.
Anthem 5 – Canadian Gold
This is my personal favourite, it's the only one that really caught me. I was whistling the main hook at 0:18 as I went out to lunch today. One thing I don't really like is the "Hey!" just before the main hook, to me it seems out of place and a little jammed in.
Those are my thoughts on the five semi-finalists. May the best anthem win!
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Edited by - spade632 on 10/06/2008 12:42:56 |
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Axey
PickupHockey Pro
Canada
877 Posts |
Posted - 10/06/2008 : 22:31:17
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I just wish they could have the old one back .. come on 3 mill? and they couldn't pay it .. I think the business they are in could definitely afford that kinda money.. none in my opinion will compare to the original
Chicago Blackhawks GM
Jesus didn't tap. |
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Alex
PickupHockey All-Star
Canada
2816 Posts |
Posted - 10/19/2008 : 18:25:47
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Hey guys! I've been chosen to cover the NHL in my school paper and my piece is due pretty soon so I want to know what you guys think (this site is always a good, reliable place to come for school help ) It's longer than usual, needed to meet a requirement. It's a light read though, should be enjoyable!
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October 19 2008
It’s been said that hockey is Canada’s game, yet a Canadian team hasn’t won the Stanley Cup since 1993. That being said, some of our teams this season are making noise and looking really good. With that in mind we’ll break down the six teams north of the border and their chances of claiming the Stanley Cup (in order of last year’s standings.)
First off are the Montreal Canadiens, a team making just about everyone’s short-list of contenders. They relied heavily on a nucleus of young talent last season, which will only be stronger this year. The big question mark in my mind will be their sophomore goalie, Carey Price. Many forget that he was thrust into stardom late last season when Montreal sent starter Cristobal Huet to Washington. When all is said and done, Price only played half the games last season. If he can handle the grind of an 82 game season, plus a playoff run that could extend into early June, than the rest of the team can do their part. If not, the Canadiens had better hope for match-ups against defensive minded teams.
In the nation’s capital, the Ottawa Senators are starting to show that they’re neither here nor there. On the one hand, they have the most potent top three forwards league-wide in Alfredsson, Heatley and Spezza. But then on the back end, this team is in shambles. They lost their best defense, Zdeno Chara, to free agency in 2006, and went down the same path with Wade Redden this year. Even promising blue-liner Andrej Meszaros has left. Meanwhile, their goalie situation is a ticking time bomb. Martin Gerber is consistently inconsistent, meaning Alex Auld will likely get a shot at the starter’s position sooner or later. Having two mediocre goalies playing tug-of-war over the spot all year is what happened last season, and Ottawa suffered because of it. So, what does Ottawa need to return to the finals? If their GM could land a bona fide goaltender than the rest of the team can pull their weight. If he can manage that, then the Senators have a shot at the cup. If not, the forecast isn’t favourable.
Moving along west, the Calgary Flames are a team that no one takes lightly nor really fears. In the three seasons since the lockout, they have made the playoffs and lost in the first round. It looks like this season might be the same. At first glance their team seems like one of the best, but Calgary has to deal with the unfortunate reality of being in the Northwest Division, by far the most competitive top-to-bottom in the NHL. Calgary never seems able to break away from the pack, a trend that haunts them in the playoffs as well. If they can gain some momentum late in the season and peak and the right time, this team is just as good as any for winning the cup.
In the same province, the Edmonton Oilers are perfect through four games and looking good. They have some of today’s most talented young players in Sam Gagner and Andrew Cogliano. It helps, of course, that GM Kevin Lowe brought in two experienced veterans (Eric Cole and Lubomir Visnovsky) to play first-line forward and defense respectively. They’ve got their bases pretty much covered where offense and defense are concerned, but in net? Mathieu Garon has only won 89 games in his entire career and at age 30, he’s no spring chicken. That being said, the game is not played on paper. So far the goalies have only let in nine goals, so if the rest of the team is just that good, maybe they can get by with a sub-par goalie. It’s definitely not an ideal situation but Stanley Cup teams aren’t molded with cookie-cutters, and plenty of teams have done fine without the best goalie in the league (last year’s Detroit Red Wings are a perfect example.) If Edmonton can keep doing what they are, they too could go far this year.
Next we have the Vancouver Canucks. It’s the worst kept secret in hockey what this team is good at and what they’re not good at. Plain and simple, they don’t like goals. To that end, they have probably the best goaltender in the league today in Roberto Luongo, who often has to stand on his head to keep them in games. On the flipside of that equation, they don’t know how to score goals either. It’s been said that a goalie that plays against Vancouver can just about have a tea party in his net because the Vancouver forwards don’t make him work at all. It doesn’t help that they lost captain Markus Naslund to free agency and franchise player Trevor Linden to retirement. This team is so desperate for offensive prowess that they offered $20 million to Mats Sundin to come play for them. The way I see it, they have two goals before the trade deadline. Number one is getting some more offense. Daniel and Henrik Sedin, the top forwards on Vancouver, are clearly capable of shouldering some of that load (they both average more than a point per game right now.) With some depth, and by depth I mean forwards that can score without playing on the top line, this team is set. Number two is a makeshift plan if all else fails: get a decent backup goalie! Backups are a dime a dozen in today’s NHL. Roberto Luongo is amazing but he isn’t perfect. Like every goalie he needs time off, but Vancouver overplays him because they can’t afford to have him on the bench. If they invested in a better alternative that could relieve Luongo of all that pressure, than they could very easily maximize efficiency.
And finally, the Toronto Maple Leafs. To be frank (and general manager Cliff Fletcher has made it as obvious as he possibly can) the Leafs are not trying to win this season. The team has ‘taken a step back’ in trying to reshuffle the deck, and as such will not be icing a product that can realistically compete this year. Don’t let that dampen anyone’s mood though, because for all the heat they get this team is fun to watch. Goaltender Vesa Toskala is putting on a show, proving that he is a legitimate starter. Luke Schenn, the highly touted 5th overall draft pick is turning heads everywhere, eating up 20+ minutes of ice time a night. The important thing will be for head coach Ron Wilson to make sure this learning process doesn’t span more than one season. If he can get the Leafs to buy into a defensive system, and give minutes generously to the young guys, than this team could be good again sooner than expected. |
Edited by - Alex on 10/20/2008 12:41:44 |
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Alex
PickupHockey All-Star
Canada
2816 Posts |
Posted - 10/26/2008 : 12:23:26
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October 26, 2008
The entire city of Toronto is breathing a sigh of relief, thus tripling our ecological footprint. But forget about all that CO2 for a moment. Luke Schenn has arrived. Which means the team won’t have to build around Jiri Tlusty after all.
Luke Schenn is the face of the future for the Buds. They love him in the room because he just does so much. In high school, that type of goody-two shoes behaviour would lead to ‘Kick Me!’ signs. In the NHL, it leads to money. And I’m not going to crash this party prematurely, but let’s be honest with ourselves: Luke Schenn is not God. And when he does something I don’t like, I’ll say it. The media would never do it, because calling out Schenn would do to the fan base what the word ‘recession’ would do to the Canadian economy – send them into unnecessary panic. But I figured with everyone singing his praises left right and centre, it would only be fair to throw a little constructive criticism his way. Actually, maybe all the superstars out there should tune in to this one.
DON’T FIGHT! Just don’t do it. Just don’t.
Now I know that people went nuts for his first big league fight – I also enjoyed it – but come on. Superstars have no business dropping the gloves. Superstars have no business getting into scrums, or trash talking, or anything like that. Basically, they should go through their NHL careers in bubble wrap. And for one simple reason: none of that behaviour accomplishes anything. You can’t convert punches into goals.
I’m not advocating for no-fighting rules. I’m saying the superstars mean too much to their team to get involved in any way. Fighting is a part of the game that fans enjoy, and many people make their bread and butter as professional fighters. It raises the intensity and swings momentum. All that is wonderful, but it’s the side show. Not the main event.
And plus, momentum lasts for all of a few minutes. Momentum is only a vehicle through which goals can be scored. If the team is all revved up but their best players are serving a 5 minute sentence in the sin-bin it seems self defeating, no? Not to mention the possibility for injury.
So Luke Schenn, and all you others trying to fill your resume with Yellow Hearts and broken bones: we know who you are. You don’t need to clop a guy to remind us.
Make sure to cast your votes in the PickUpHockey Hall of Fame |
Edited by - Alex on 10/26/2008 12:34:13 |
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