Woos, A Whoa, and Ha-Has: Insights on the Bruins and Donuts (and a Quiz)

Woo! Woo! Woo!

And so on…ten Bruins goals against the New York Rangers on Saturday January 10, 2026.

Not sure if there were more woos! Or CarShield commercials featuring Ric Flair.

How many of the ten goals did David Pastrnak and Morgan Geekie score? (see answer below)

It’s the first time two Bruins scored hat tricks in a home game (Pavel Zacha and Marat Khusnutdinov) since 1964 when Andy Hebenton and Dean Prentice tripled down on the goal production. Woo!

You may be wondering: Why the long lapse in posts on this wicked entertaining and hockey (and donut) blog?

A few dozen of you have a renewed or perhaps brand-new appetite for this kind of writing. So I've semi-un-retired. Woo! 

So let’s get to the donuts.

How many donuts from Atkins Farms did I finish? (see answers below)

When I wasn’t watching hockey or eating donuts, I was doing research on Milan Lucic.

Any guess where he’s playing these days? (see answers below)

Luc’s stats:

12 Games Played

4 Goals

4 Assists

-3 Rating

Not bad. But whoa, the Fifes have won seven of thirty-four games while Luc’s former Boston Bruins are on a roll.

Aside from woos and whoa, some hand-clapping and ha-ha moments for the Bruins:

Zdeno Chara’s #33 number joining the other dozen Bruins.

Can you name them all? (see answers below)

As an MC, Andrew Ference was funny, humble, and insightful.

Not as hilarious as Unobstructive Views with Andrew Raycroft, Tuukka Rask, and Patrice Bergeron or or Bergy’s imitation of Pasta of Brad Marchand.

Until next time (woo knows when that'll be), the answers to the quiz:

🏒Pasta and Geekie combined for zero goals but assisted on a few

🍩I didn’t finish any donuts but assisted on a few

🏒Milan Lucic has been playing for the Fife Flyers of the UK Elite Ice Hockey League.

🏒Bruins whose numbers have been retired

#2 - Eddie Shore

#3 - Lionel Hitchman

#4 - Bobby Orr

#5 - Dit Clapper

#7 - Phil Esposito

#8 - Cam Neely

#9 - Johnny Bucyk

#15 - Milt Schmidt

#16 - Rick Middleton

#22 - Willie O'Ree

#24 - Terry O'Reilly

#33 - Zdeno Chara

#77 - Ray Bourque 

            

White Ice: The Racism – Violence Connection

The NHL. Violent. Racist. Yet evolving—quickly enough?

Whiteness, the ice a collective reflection of the players, coaches and executive leadership, pervades the NHL.

Here in North America, and in other colonized countries, racism and violence go white hand in white hand. From slavery to the 1960s to today, too many white people like me have been silent, and thus compliant with the status quo of brutality against our black sisters and brothers. 

My skin is white. I’m biased. I’m prejudiced. I’ve discriminated. I’m privileged. I can change.

I’ve spoken out about the incongruity and hypocrisy of fighting in hockey. I hadn’t given any thought to the connection between on-ice violence and racism. Not until I started following the NHL’s Kim Davis, absorbed Megan Ming’s Ted Talk about the root of racial violence and started reading White Fragility.

As many in the hockey community seek answers and take action to address racism, I wonder how ready we are to accelerate the exit of violence in our game.

I’m no angel. I have used my body and stick as a weapon. I loved watching hockey fights as a kid. Even today, I sometimes see a Boston Bruin incur a cheap shot and think, get that guy and teach him a lesson.

Picture this: Rabid fans, pounding on the plexiglass as players launch their fists at each other. The definition of violence playing out in front of a crowd. Rage. Blood lust. Our children learn from us and repeat the cycle.

Just like systemic racism, white supremacy and microaggressions.

This is not about why players fight (mostly to protect teammates and sometimes just to “get the boys and the crowd going.”) This is not a rehash of “Should fighting be banned from hockey?” (It already is).

This is about a deep self-examination, a societal shift and our legacies.

How long are we going to recite “it’s part of the game” and, in the same breath, denounce black and other people of color for venting centuries of frustration with a deck that is stacked against them? For reacting to violence that white people taught and continue to teach them?

Will we continue to be part of the problem or consider other solutions?

Can we at least discuss a better way to eliminate racism and violence, on and off the white ice?

I don’t have all the answers. I’ll keep searching for them and ask that you do the same.

To promote healing, let’s keep the conversation constructive, ok? We don’t have to agree. We must listen to each other.

Why Oh Y: Scott Zolak, Vowels and The NHL Trade Deadline

Scott Zolak is not a Caillou fan. What kind of father, Zolak wondered on Monday, would burden his son with a name that ends in a vowel. Zolak, a world renowned linguist, professional Scrabble player and co-host of the Gresh & Zo show on Boston’s 98.5 Sports Hub, defended his stance by deploying the oldest trick in the linguists’ playbook: referencing Greek mythology and the Boston Bruins.

Zolak was bewildered that his comments sparked more reaction from listeners more concerned about the alphabet than chatter about the Bruins trade deadline (today).

Bruins President Cam Neely was watching an episode of Caillou in his office at the TD Garden when Peter Chiarelli, a devout Gresh & Zo fan, marched into Neely’s office to relay Zolak’s logic. Neely turned off the TV and then responded to Zolak’s tirade.

“Zo, well he’s a lexical authority. Although I’m fond of Caillou, such a wonderful little bald boy, we’re going to take action on Zo's comments. You guys in the media will find out soon enough from TSN, so I may as well tell you now. We might have to trade Loui Erikkson to the St. Louis Blues for future consonants, er considerations, and two furies. Yes, that’s right I said furies. What, you think I don’t like Greek mythology?”

Why Loui?

“We have to,” Neely said. “We’re carrying too many players whose first names end with an A, E, I, O or U. And Y. As much as we love Loui, that diphthong plus one vowel really puts us over the limit. We must move these vowels.”

Eriksson, as soft spoken as a silent E, declined to comment on his status and teammates who might be on the trading block and who might raise Zolak’s ire.

Budding stars like Torey Krug or Dougie Hamilton? Valuable veterans like Patrice Bergeron or Zdeno Chara? Minor leaguers like Tommy Cross or Zane Gothberg? The Bruins roster contains seventeen players whose first names end with a vowel.

Who’s next?

“You’ll have to ask Zolak,” Neely said, shrugging his shoulders, “if he’s not watching Wheel of Fortune. He doesn’t like to be interrupted during that show.”

Tune into the Sports Hub with Gresh & Zo. Maybe Zolak will say he’s sorry? Probably not. Why? Oh boy, don’t get him started with Y.

Thinking Outside the Boxing Rink: Venting at Puck Daddy

Fighting in the NHL: To ban or not to ban; that is not the question.

Let's think outside the boxing rink, okay?

I posed other questions, posted at Puck Daddy's "The Vent," that I trust will spur more meaningful discussion about fighting's place in professional hockey.

On Stage(d): Former Players and Current GMs Share Views about Fighting in the NHL

Bobby Orr believes fighting belongs in hockey for the purpose of preventing pests from taking liberties on star players. He said as much in on the Sports Hub earlier this week.

Whether you or I agree with this or not (I believe that we hockey fans have yet to explore other measures for deterring such behavior) matters not. He made those comments in the context of what most people call “staged fighting,” those situations where one player, his team down by three goals, intends to spur his teammates to perform better or at least with more enthusiasm by launching his fists at an opponent’s face and underlying bone structure. On the air, Orr made no bones about ridding these altercations from the NHL.

In his new book, Orr:My Story (by my side and bookmarked to page 249), Orr says, “Of course, no one wants to see a goon in junior hockey. I applaud the graduated scale of suspensions the junior leagues have brought in to deter the chronic offenders.” He adds that suspensions are in order for any player in any league who becomes too focused on intimidation. “And as far as staged fights go,” he concludes, “I’d be in favor of an automatic ejection. There’s no room in our game for any of that stuff.”

In February, Terry O’Reilly said much the same in an interview with James Murphy: “I don’t think that kind of planned fight right after the puck is dropped serves any purpose.”

So if former players are saying this, what about current players? General managers? We know where Tampa Bay Lightning GM Steve Yzerman stands. Carolina Hurricanes GM Jim Rutherford and Pittsburgh Penguins GM Fred Shero agree. Chicago Blackhawks Senior Advisor Scotty Bowman supports these respected hockey people.

Boston Bruins GM Peter Chiarelli believes fighting has a place in the game but seems in favor of eradicating the staged stuff, too. (Listen to the end of this interview with the Sports Hub guys.)

At the very least, we’ve witnessed more agreement about the place staged fighting has in the NHL, but little action will ensue until current players speak their minds. Will the NHLPA, as Bownan has requested, poll all players?

I propose these questions be posed to the NHLPA and professional players everywhere: To what extent do you support stiffer penalties for participating in a staged fight? How open are you to discussing this topic?

NHL Music Scene: Shake it Up

Like a 2000 automobile with a vibrating steering wheel and uneven tire wear, the NHL needed to realign its divisions. The league also needs to reinvent the in– game music experience. Boston needs more Cars, and the NHL needs more of what DJ T. Campbell does in the Motor City.

Like Campbell, the marketing department at the Staples Center is on the right track; the Los Angeles Kings ask their fans to vote for the music, and they publish the playlist. So too, do the New York Rangers; the musical lineup sometimes includes Billy Joel’s “New York State of Mind.”

Why don’t other teams ask their fans what they want to hear, or least consider giving “Crazy Train” (sorry, Ozzie) and Black Betty (no disrespect, Ram Jam) a rest?

To jazz things up in each of the NHL’s arenas, I propose that each home team not only provide a forum, an app or whatever to prompt fans for input but to also that they play tunes that pay homage to the locals. Kind of like the restaurant scene these days, the local farm–to–fork movement. Big name bands and lesser-known indie groups would all get airplay.

I dig the notion that music is a universal connector, so why not provide fans with alternatives, and not just alternative rock. Or jock rock. Or hair bands. Give the in–game music mavens a chance to mix their own music and collaborate with fans.

Let’s start with the Atlantic Division.

Boston Bruins: My proposition is almost as simple as A–B–C. I’m talking about Aerosmith, Boston and the aforementioned Cars. No other arena gets to play “Sweet Emotion,” “More Than a Feeling” or “Shake it Up.” Territorial rights is, I believe, a start. How about infusing the arena with what Boston–based band The Heartsleeves calls “neoeclectic soul.” Lead singer Jared Lucas Nathanson wrote a song about the New England Patriots, so I’m confident he could submit a hockey fan- friendly tune to the Bruins, if only that online opportunity was available. A song or two from Western Mass: Stephen Kellogg and the Sixers, anyone? I recommend “The Bear.” Or back closer to Boston, consider Nancy Beaudette. “When the Last Whistle Blows” isn’t about referees or hockey, but it’s upbeat and her voice is “Something Beautiful.”

Buffalo Sabres: I love the Goo Goo Dolls—went to their concert in Manchester, NH a few weeks ago. Great show.  But “Slide,” “Better Days” and the Buffalo band’s latest, “Rebel Beat,” should not be played in the TD Garden or anywhere else but in the First Niagara Center. How about Natalie Merchant, born in Jamestown, NY? She isn’t known for any raucous, raise-the-roof kind of music, but it would be nICE if 19,070 Sabres fans were treated to a 10,000 Maniacs song, maybe a melody from Campfire Songs? Or a sentimental song, say “Reilly,” from Attica, NY’s Penny Whiskey?

Detroit Red Wings: I’ve never been to “the Joe,” so I couldn’t tell you if “Wango Tango” or other stuff by Ted Nugent, a.k.a., “The Motor City Madman” is played. I imagine Mr. Campbell is way ahead of me here. Has Octopus Al (the Red Wings mascot) put feelers out to the local college music scene? Maybe a nascent garage band could be featured once a month.

Toronto Maple Leafs: Great job with barefoot hockey video featuring “Footloose” (and grand color commentary that includes references to Adam Foote and Toe Blake). Play your BNL and Bryan Adams, for sure, but give your fans a voice when it comes to music choice. I suggest Silvergun and Spleen or another “Band of the Day” listed at TorontoMusicScene.ca.

Florida: Tough call on who gets to play Gloria Estefan and/or the Miami Sound Machine. Maybe both the Panthers as the Lightning both call Central Florida home. Who claims Tom Petty and Sister Hazel, both with roots in Gainesville? I do know the team in Sunrise publishes its playlist. The Panthers might look southwest to its in–state rivals for guidance on in–game entertainment, however: The team in Tampa has a music man, Sean Bovelksy. I’ve not yet been to a game at the Tampa Bay Times Forum (or the BB&T Center in Sunrise), but I bet Mr. Bovelksy has a good beat on things.

Montreal Canadiens: “Shippin’ Up to Boston” or anything else by the Dropkick Murphys ought to be outlawed at le Centre Bell. Habs fans have a forum (but not a Forum) to discuss their musical tastes, but the marketing department for Les Glorieux doesn’t appear to post playlists. I like what “Stevo” at AllHabs.Net had going in 2010 but would like to see more initiative from the team. For example, the Canadiens could play Claude Cormier’s song, “Mon Hockey,” at least until Quebec City gets a team. Perhaps Puckbite (happy third anniversary, J. –P.) can offer further insight or recommend a song or artist, but I’m all for hoisting the Cranes into the musical spotlight. I believe in “Believe.”

Ottawa Senators: Not to be upstaged by DJ Campbell or Mr. Bovelsky, Alex Marchand has a good thing going in O–Town. Fans can request songs via Twitter. How many have requested Hall & Oates’s “You Make My Dreams Come True,” quite possibly the greatest get-your-groove-thing-a-going song of all time. But rules is rules. Daryl and John hail from Philly, so the Flyers would lay stake to “Private Eyes, “Wait for Me” and Sara Smile.

More on the Flyers and other teams later.

Meet Monika Moravan: Hockey Writer, Editor, and Researcher

Monika Moravan, the ghost writer for CONCUSSED!, may not be a household name in the hockey community. At least I hadn’t heard of her until last month. Nonetheless, she’s a maven storyteller. Besides contributing to Keith Primeau and Kerry Goulet’s book—mandatory reading for every hockey player, parent, coach and anyone else concerned about what’s damaging brains and our game—Moravan has written for publications such as The Hockey News, the Hockey Hall of Fame 2010 Induction Program, and the Toronto Star. A freelance journalist and editor for the Society for International Hockey Research, Moravan also loves donuts.

I learned about her at LinkedIn while researching CONCUSSED! We traded email and then spoke on the phone. I present to you edited exchanges as we discussed a half dozen topics.

Donuts

Regular readers know what my favourites are. When Moravan learned about them, she responded to my email inquiry.

MM: Walnut crunch and chocolate frosted? We're going to get along just fine! In college a friend of mine was a baker at Tim Hortons—back in the day when they still used an ' between "n" and "s" and baked fresh in–store. If I was pulling an all-nighter, he'd call to tell me when my favourites would be flying out of the deep-fryer, now that's a chivalry.

CONCUSSED! and Violence in Hockey

MM: (The book launch) went very very well. Keith’s book received a great deal of support. Keith Primeau was actually supposed to be part of the Hockey Canada panel discussing concussions, but he was fogged out—or fogged in—due to the weather.

JD: When you first said “fogged” I though he’s got concussion symptoms again.

MM: That was the funny part of it. He’s feeling better now than he has in quite some time. It’s easier on him to fly. For quite a while he couldn’t handle that. But he was looking forward to coming up here, but you know, you can be 6’ 5” and a power forward and Mother Nature is still going to get you.

JD: Concussions are random, right, they’re so unpredictable. Some people you’d think would have all sorts of problems, don’t; some get what they think is a slight injury that just doesn’t really ever go away.

MM: That’s the thing that what they’re teaching now right from minor hockey. It doesn’t have to be a big collision. Everyone’s body and brain responds differently. You can have something that looks very nasty—going into the boards— and you’re okay. And then you can have something else where you’re tying your laces and trip in the dressing room, and you’re not (okay)... My son’s a goalie. The kids now are all 13 and 14, so you know they’re just trying to test their strengths, see what they can get away with, and whether they can fire that shot at the head.

JD: I think players get mixed emotions. I know you’re a big fan of Adam Proteau, and I read his book on violence in the league, which I thought was outstanding, but I think as a fan…you want all this dynamic stuff and the heavy hitting that’s up on the Jumbotron, selling this stuff than fans want. The players want to appease the fans, but they also have to protect themselves. It’s a tough spot to be in. (For the record, I’ve lost my appetite for fighting.)

MM: I’ve never been fan of fighting in hockey. I like strong physical games, clean open ice hits. That’s what I love. To give you an idea: When I was a kid, it was the era of the Broad Street Bullies. I was so happy that Montreal came along and won all those Cups. To me, that’s perfect hockey the way Montreal played. I judged all of hockey against the mid-70s Montreal teams. It was physical when it had to be. It was skilled. It was clean…

JD: I think the only way (fighting) is going to stop is if fans just say it’s enough…I don’t see the league or players moving in (that direction.)…hockey is so crazy; it doesn’t make any sense: You have the college game that doesn’t have fighting. And then you have the pros that do, but then you have the playoffs and international competition where it’s not there.

MM: Surveys that have come out indicate that the players aren’t willing to take fighting out of the game completely. Now interestingly enough, when you talk to players about how they got their concussion, their worst ones, (they) didn’t happen in a fight. But there’s no way— if you want to get rid of head trauma, how can you allow a punch to the head?...It could also take a generation or two to change. Look at helmets…Hockey, like anything, is cyclical: You’ll go through, I mentioned earlier, the Broad Street Bullies era; then you go through neutral zone trap era, and then it opens up a bit. I think it takes a while of going through these sets of cycles to really engrain something. A lot of guys wouldn’t think of going out on ice without helmets (now).

Part II

Top Twelve: What To Do During the Lockout

On a day when I might be anticipating the advent of the NHL season, I’ve been investigating alternatives. So, in no particular order, I present activities for the would-be, perhaps used-to-be NHL fans who still love hockey (and donuts).

1.     AHL: No Evegeni Malkin or Henrik Lundqvist; no Patrice Bergeron or Brian Campbell. But Ryan Nugent-Hopkins should be fun to watch in Oklahoma City. And in Hershey, PA, Braden Holtby will get plenty of playing time. Closer to home, in Providence, RI, Jordan Caron should shine at the Dunkin’ Donuts Center, where the most expensive tickets are less than forty bucks.

2.     College Hockey: Will Ferris State advance to Frozen Four again? Will the hockey gods allow Northeastern University or Harvard University win a Beanpot Tournament for the first time since 1993? Please? Regardless of the outcomes, I may spend some of my income not on the Ducks vs. Bruins at the Garden but on a Hockey East game TBD.

3.     AMHL: If the college or AHL games are too expensive for you, consider the free admission to (early morning) games. With NHL team names, a few former D-III college players and a brand new interactive Web site, the AMHL is action-packed and embraces new fans with this mantra: “Come for the hockey, stay for the donuts.”

4.     Hockey Books: For a though-provoking read, consider Adam Proteau’s Fighting the Good Fight. And let’s say your kid plays. Whose Puck is It, Anyway? should also make you think about the best way to conduct youth hockey organizations.

5.     Hockey Name Games: Who are your favorite hockey players? No need to tell me. Contact “the Rick” at Honey Pot Hill Orchards in Stow, MA. He mans the information booth off Sudbury Road, and besides directing visitors to the Courtland and Spartan apples, he’ll also spellbind you with his rapid reverse engineering of any player’s name.

6.     Cider Donuts: While you’re at Honey Pot Hill, you must smell the donut batter. Follow your nose and stop smack dab in the middle of the donut haze generated from the farm store/donut factory. Then go eat one of these golden and delicious gems…or half a dozen. 

7.     Don Cherry: Whether you love “Grapes” or loathe him—or both—I believe you’ll find the first part of Cherry’s two-part hockey story, Keep Your Head Up, Kid, funny, charming, irritating, and insightful. (But disappointing if you’re a Colorado Rockies fan). Jared Keeso nailed the role as Cherry. I expect the second part, The Wrath of Grapes, to be equally compelling.

8.     Road Trip: I mentioned Hershey, PA already, so by all means attend a Bears game and eat the chocolate. Rollercoasters: go for it. The best ride, however, is the History and Chocolate Tour: chock full of humor and Hershey Kisses.

9.     No Check NHL: Note the double entendre. Sans paychecks, some NHLers are playing to no-check hockey and raising money for charity. La Tournee des Joueurs, also becoming known as the Quebec Caravan League, was created by Max Talbot and Bruno Gervais. This two-team tour features several French-Canadian players in games played in La Belle Province. 

10.  Books, Part II: For a more worldly view of hockey, Dave Bidini’s Tropic of Hockey is your best bet. For forget-your-underwear funny, Paul Grant’s Baptism by Ice is the way to go.

11.  Books, Part III. Ok, so I’m running out of ideas faster than you can say “Jonathan Quick got a ten-year contract extension but isn’t being paid .” Or “Taylor Swift.” But here are two novel ideas: Jack Falla’s Saved and Paul Quarrington’s King Leary. Ok, three. In case you’re not in the mood to take on a full book; you’re welcome to read my budding novel, one hockey sentence at a time.

12. Go On: Matthew Perry’s new show, especially the episode featuring Jeremy Roenick, is a hit in my household, where we’re going on with life without the NHL.

The Evolution of Hockey: Food for Fought

Survey the Internet to learn what fans, players, NHL management, parents, media—an overlapping cross-section of the hockey kingdom—think of fighting in hockey, more specifically whether fisticuffs should be banned from the NHL. I did so because in the last year or two, I’ve become more conflicted about the answer to this question: Should fighting be completely banished?

When I was a teenager, I loved watching the replay of my favorite players pummeling an opponent who had it coming to him. Slap Shot: The more foil and high-sticking and blood the better. And now, as a forty-eight-year-old fan, I still love it. At least part of me does. My hypothalamus and pituitary and adrenal glands activate those fight-or-flight hormones and I crave the combat. Retribution. Make the opponent accountable. Stick up for your teammates. The surge, however, lasts a few seconds before I’m repulsed. I don’t like the way it makes me feel when I watch players drive their knuckles into their opponents skull. I don’t want anyone to get hurt. And I don’t enjoy who I become. Sometimes I turn away or leave until the game begins again.

So back to the question: Should we ban fighting? The National Hockey League Players Association (NHLPA) responded to that closed-ended query with a resounding “no.”

I wonder if we’re asking enough questions. If we want to make our ever-evolving sport the best it can be, let’s ask ourselves the following:

The two percent of NHL players who answered the question du jour with an ay: Why? And of those who said nay, how many have ever dropped the gloves? Is there a better way to phrase that question to them or maybe one question isn’t enough?

Why don’t we demand that fighting become part of the college game? High school hockey? If pucks and pugilism go hand-in-hand in the NHL and in the Canadian Hockey League (for now), why not peddle the adrenaline rush to the younger set? Is fighting part of the game or not?

Maybe professional players could fight with their gloves on? All the hay-makers, jabs and uppercuts but less risk of brain damage. Our hypothalami would still be happy, right? Why not test this theory in the AHL the proving ground for the shootouts that conclude would-be NHL tie games.

Are players, trainers, and team doctors required to learn about the risk of injury, to be educated on the potential consequences of not just fighting but also playing today’s fast-paced game? Shouldn’t there be a video on the worst-case scenario?

Inadvertent high sticks, no out-of-bounds, blocking shots, artery-slicing blades: Isn’t our sport dangerous enough?

Why does the NHL punish and promote fighting? If we want that hypothalamus high, then why bother with the punishment? How do we reconcile the incongruity?

What if owners and general managers stopped selling beer after the second period? Would fans be less inclined to call for an opposing player’s head?

Is it possible to “enforce” the rules created to protect players’ safety without fighting? What if, for every disciplinary decision, the NHL proposed two or three options and then poll the NHLPA?

Why don’t the players who most often bare their knuckles get more credit for their finesse? Do they need to fight to be effective and respected?

Now that I’ve seen the images of a dead hockey player’s brain, watched his brother’s reaction, felt the helplessness of his parents, and listened to both scientists and the NHL’s response, I recall poet Maya Angelou’s oft-quoted insight into human behavior: “When you know better, you do better.”

Maybe I watch too much Oprah, but when I hear fans screaming for an opponent’s head, I question my own thoughts (not so far-removed from those fans) as I root for my team.

I still love Slap Shot. I’m keeping my copy of Goon. I love all that makes our game unique: the speed, short-handed goals, vulcanized rubber, the guts it takes to block shots, goalie masks. Almost all of it. And even then, I kind of like the slug fests for a few seconds—but then I lose my appetite.

If we know better, do we do better?

Stanley CUPdate: Part I, Summertime Sojourn

Two months ago tomorrow, the Boston Bruins held high, for the first time since 1972, Sir Stanley’s silver (and nickel) chalice.

Since then, the Bruins’ Cuppeth hath runneth overeth with good cheer and good beer (if not donuts). From Vancouver to the Vineyard, from Nevada to New York, and across The Pond and beyond: The five keepers of the Cup capture images as Kevin Shea chronicles the Stanley Cup’s summertime sojourn.

I present to you these headlines and hyperlinks:

Highbrow Highlights: The NHL Awards Show, the Today Show, and the draft for "The Show"

Oat to Lunch: Horsing around in Buffalo

Houda Thunk it: Tee Time in Whitefish, MT

Geoff Ward and Don Sweeney: Waxy-ing nostalgic in Lexington and at Harvard

No Sooner Said than Dunnville: Horton Hears a Whew (from Howie Borrow)

Across the pond and beyond…

Czech-mates: Kaberle and Krejci meet The Hello Piggy Band

A Drum Roll for Sir Zed: His Highness Sticks it to the Castle Crowd

Stanley Steamer: Tuukka’s Time in the Sauna

On to Ontario…

Spin-O-rama: A 360-degree View of Toronto with Shawn Thornton

Maiden Canada: Mist-er Paille at Niagara Falls

Stanley Cup Takes Guelph by Storm: Rich Peverley and the Fruit Loops?

Stay tuned for Part II

Breathe, B's Fans

April 17, 2011
Concord, MA

“I'm not leaving without a fight.”


-“The Outsiders” by Need to Breathe

As this song played at my favorite Dunkin’ Donuts on Sunday morning (less than twelve hours after the Bruins lost Game Two to the Canadiens) , I chose to scan— rather than read every word, as I’m wont to do—every story about Boston’s Bruins in the Boston Globe. I plucked from amongst the rubble of negativity, a few positive points to include below.

Top Twelve Reasons to Believe in our Bruins

1. Comebacks: In best-of-seven series, the team down 0-2 has come back thirty-seven times to win that series.

2. Number 37: Patrice Bergeron won fifty-three percent of his face-offs, got a goal, and had six shots on goal.

3. Shots on Goal: Sixty-six in two games. Keep shooting and they will go in.

4. Ding Dong: Our shots that have been hitting a post, which don’t count as shots on goal, will go in, too.

5. Tomas Kaberle: The much-maligned defenseman was a plus-1 in Game Two.

6. The Power Play: The Devils, in 1993, were the dregs of man-advantage play in the regular season. They also won the Cup.

7. Hit the Road: The Bruins won two dozen games on the road this season, two more than they did at home.

8. Puttin’ on the Hits: Bruins, 35; Habs: 27.

9. Stranger Things: If the Penguins can go 15–10–4 sans Sidney Crosby and minus Evgeni Malkin, the Bruins can win this series.

10. Rebounds: The Bruins have strung together consecutive wins together after having lost two in a row.

11. Remember 2008: Down two games then, we can get this series to Game Seven.

12. Big Zed: Claude Julien says it's "looking good" for Chara to play in Game Three.

We need to breathe, Boston. Let’s back our Bruins.

Sweet Victory: Not Meant to B’s?

Like my beloved Boston Bruins, my Sour Cream Sunrise donut didn’t make it to the Finals. The Bruins won’t be playing for the Stanley Cup, and the donut I designed won’t compete in Dunkin’s Next Donut “bake-off” on May 28.

For now, hats off to the Red Wings, Blackhawks, Hurricanes, and Penguins; cheers to the likes of Toffee for Your Coffee, Economic Crunch, Grandma’s Blueberry Maple Donut, and Chocolate Monkey. The donuts, at least, are all deserving of your support, so no disrespect to them.

But fear not, Bruins (and my donut devotees). Sweet victory may not be so far away.

The Bruins’ time will come, soon. Management believes in its players and vice-versa, and the recipe for success is missing but one ingredient: experience. Sprinkle a little know-how-to-win in the play-offs into the mix of talent and toughness and then watch this tight-knit team take off. The Bruins will rise to new heights and shine. Next season.

The Sour Cream Sunrise donut, a creation inspired by the AM Hockey League’s fun-loving nature yet a treat for any early-riser, may still see the light of day. Dunkin’ Donuts will consider all donuts, whether they’re competing in the ballyhooed bake-off or not, as potential products.

Imagine the delight in devouring this simple creation. Sour cream cake, vanilla icing, and the signature Dunkin’ Donuts sprinkles—free of frill or filling—tumble into your tummy. Yummy, eh?

If you believe in this donut like I believe in this donut, consider contacting the powers that be.

And come next June, I wouldn’t be surprised to be enjoying a Sour Cream Sunrise as the B’s bring home the Cup.

On the Shelf, Part VIII: Good Stuff

Image courtesy of Joe Fletcher

The saga of my mysterious upper lower-body/middle lower-body injury continues. Physical therapy didn’t do the trick, so it’s back to the doctor for a re-evaluation tomorrow. It’s a downer not playing—and worse, the not knowing what’s wrong or when I’ll be back—but Don Cherry’s Hockey Stories and Stuff has been a pick-me-up difficult to put down.

If Gordie Howe, who will turn 81 on March 31, is Mr. Hockey®, then Don Cherry, who celebrated his 75th birthday on Thursday, is Mr. Hockey Storyteller. In his book, as told to Al Strachan, “Grapes” delivers page after page of vintage vignettes, which he draws from his vast experience as a player, coach, and commentator.

Cherry’s down-to-earth delivery transported me to wherever he ventured: on the ice, on the road, and into the announcer booth. I had figured he’d include stuff about the Bruins; that he’d share nuggets about my beloved Colorado Rockies; and that he’d take me behind the scenes of Hockey Night in Canada. Cherry didn’t disappoint.

With his trademark brashness, that blunt-force honesty—that which people tend to love or loathe—Cherry sometimes made me wince. But more often than not, I either laughed (picture this: Wayne Gretzky in long—presumably—underwear) or felt a fondness for the flashy haberdasher’s delight. Cherry admits his mistakes and becomes vulnerable. This softer side shushes his insolence.

The most endearing anecdote, for me, was not about Bobby Orr or Barry Beck, but rather about his bull terrier. “Blue and I had a favourite song,” Cherry begins the tale.

I’ll let you discover for yourself what that song is and hope that you’ll find Cherry’s yarns as engaging as I did.

Thumbs up, Grapes. Good stuff.

2008: Reflections from Donut Land

Here in Donut Land, we reflect on the Top Twelve (not the Top Ten) memories from 2008.

1. My 2008 donut calendar: the first of every month was like Christmas Day
2. Bruins vs. Canadiens, Game Six: “This building is vibrating.” (Jack Edwards)
3. AMHL Tuesday: Dual Shutout
4. High Altitude Training in Jackson Hole, WY
5. AMHL Wednesday: Sharks vs. Canadiens
6. October in Ottawa
7. Reconnecting with the Rockies: Krazy George, Wilf Paiement, and Joe Fletcher
8. AMHL Thursday: Coaching the “Red Army” Team
9. Barry Manilow moment on the New England Hockey Journal Radio Show (NEHJRS)
10. Eric “Danke” Schoen: 1000 career points and an AMHL championship
11. The Bruins’ current 9-game winning streak: longest since 1982
12. My new bookshelf: filled with three dozen or so books about hockey (and donuts)

And a half-dozen of what and who to watch, wait, and hope for in 2009:

1. Blake Wheeler: The Calder Trophy candidate (leads all rookies in goals and plus/minus)
2. Mattias Borman: the Super Swede may lead the FCAHA in scoring
3. A special guest appearance on the NEHJRS by “Jimmy from Maynard”
4. An AMHL Glory update
5. A Stanley Cup in Boston
6. Miracles for *Mike Chase: Keep the faith, buddy.

*Please contact me if you'd like to make a donation

Bruins Recap: All Aboard

Another successful week for the Bruins has Boston—from Alewife to the Aquarium; from Back Bay to Charlestown—buzzing about the Black and Gold. All aboard, then, for this week’s recap.

On Monday morning—a day off for the AMHL Photographer and me—we entered the Red Line train at Alewife Station. Posters promoting NESN’s Instigators show greeted us.

After eating breakfast at Charlie’s Sandwich Shoppe (I recommend the turkey hash) in the South End; watching the penguins, sharks, and winter skates at the New England Aquarium; lunch at Jose McIntyre’s (bring on the steak burrito), and then a ferry ride (on the SS Rookie) to and from Charlestown, we descended to the Blue Line.

A familiar voice echoed through the cavernous platform area. “This is Andrew Ference…,” the B’s injured defenseman and go-green guy, announced.

“Whoo hoo, Andy!” I yelled, as Ference proclaimed the merits of mass transport.

My wife and I took the Blue Line to the Green Line, where Mike Milbury, Jack Edwards, and Andy Brickley’s likenesses again greeted us, to the Prudential Center (we skipped dinner in favor of dessert).

With dusk developing into darkness, we walked thru “the Pru” to Back Bay Station. The throng there consisted of commuters and Bruins’ fans, who, unlike us, were headed for the Garden.

“Yeah, Bruins,” I bellowed as I patted a fan on the back. He and his friends or family would watch the B’s in person while TLP (the league photographer) and I would watch on NESN. The Bruins beat the Bolts, 5–3.

On Wednesday night, the growing fan base was disappointed when, in Washington, D.C., the Bruins out-shot the Capitals but lost, 1–3.

Two days later in Atlanta, the Black and Gold bounced back to trash the Thrashers. Then, last night, the Bruins bashed the Thrash again, this time in front of a full-house at the Garden.

Running roughshod over the weaker teams (when you’ve won twenty games, that means every team except the Sharks, whom the Bruins host in February) has become commonplace, but the Bruins don’t appear to be complacent when assessing their performance; they know they still have improvements to make: finishing on scoring chances (not good enough against the Capitals) and preventing opponents from scoring the last goal of the game (the Thrashers did that in successive games).

Come this Thursday, when the Bruins host the Leafs in front of fans—many of whom have arrived at North Station via the commuter rail and the Green Line—we’ll see if the B’s can keep this train rolling.

If you’re already enjoying the ride, fantastic. If not, I think Andrew Ference would agree: Get on board.

Bruins Recap: Fours

The Boston Bruins are back on Beantown’s sports radar, and I’m back to blogging about them here. Every week, I’ll expand upon the commentary I and other hard-core fans have made at HFBoards and on the New England Hockey Journal Radio Show (NEHJRS).

The secret to the Black and Gold’s success is not the nifty new third sweater design but rather balance. Everyone is contributing, so the team can roll all four lines. So with that in mind, I’ll keep these four shifts short:

4 Even before Saturday night’s 4–1 win over the Wings, the Bruins—with their 15–4–0-4 record, were earning more attention in the Boston Globe. Check out what’s on Marc Savard’s iPod and what’s on the equipment manager’s To-do list.

4Globe writer and NEHJRS co-host Kevin Paul Dupont’s handle at HFBoards is “Hub of Hockey”. Keeping rhyming in the reasoning, that means twineminder Tim Thomas (not even on the NHL All-star ballot, which lists ten other goalies) is the Snub of Hockey. And the Four’s Restaurant and Sports Bar, official sponsor of the NEHJRS trivia question, is the Pub of Hockey.

4On Saturday’s show, regular caller “Kevin from Melrose” provided a nickname for Bruin rookie forward Blake Wheeler: “Mambo Mosaic of Minnesota.” Clever, Kev, but too long. I say shorten it to “3M”, a prominent Minnesota company.

4The only game the B’s lost last week was in Buffalo. The loss doesn’t bother me so much—can’t win ‘em all—as the post-game party tune. Sabres marketing, which in a game last year used “I’m Shippin’ Up to Boston”, pilfered our play list again, this time serenading the bah-bah-bahing crowd with “Sweet Caroline.” I suggest that, in protest, Marc Savard remove from his iPod any tunes by the Buffalo-based band, the Goo Goo Dolls.

Until next time, when the B’s are hopefully 18–4–0-4, happy hockey days.

On the Shelf, Part II: Jack Falla

While I’m still on the shelf (see Part I), I present to you a tribute to Jack Falla, who wrote the two books I’ll review below. Jack, who died on Sunday September 14, was more than just a great writer.

Home Ice: Reflections on Backyard Rinks and Frozen Ponds

I was geared up to read about the experiences the Fallas and their friends shared on the Bacon Street Omni. And Falla delivers the goods with humor and honesty, with wit and wisdom. But Home Ice, for me, has become more than a celebration of hockey and that which unites families and communities.

I, a relative newcomer to New England, didn’t expect to learn so much about the Boston Bruins. I had heard of Orr and O’Reilly, of course, but I didn’t grow up watching them as Falla did. He brings his memories of the Big Bad Bruins to life. Falla also mixes Black and Gold with the Oil. His skate with Wayne Gretzky enriches the book, giving it balance: the Great One juxtaposed to the average Joes who play on the pond.

Because I enjoyed the book so much and had started writing my own hockey book, I was compelled me to seek Falla’s literary counsel. Finding Falla was easy. A staff member at the Framingham Barnes & Noble told me that the author dropped in every once in a while to sign his books and that he would tell Falla about me.

In 2004, Jack took time out from his schedule, which included teaching sports journalism at Boston University, to discuss my own hockey memoir. Jack taught me about tighter writing, how to trim the fatty words. Later, he convinced me that I had a unique story and that readers deserved me as the central character.

As I wrote more and more and have developed this site, Jack has continued to encourage me. On December 29, 2007, he wrote this in an e-mail:

“Hi, James...looks as though you’ve created a nice hockey writing niche for yourself. Good for you. All best with it in 2008 and beyond.”

Then he told me about his book that would be released ten days later.

“I wrote my first novel, actually my first fiction of any kind not counting Sports Illustrated expense reports… It’s a humorous love story that plays out over a modern NHL season.”

Saved

A fictional account about a goalie of French Canadian ancestry and who plays in the NHL, Saved borders on non-fiction. It’s no serendipitous coincidence that Jean Pierre Savard plays goalie for Jack’s favorite team, the Bruins. It’s no surprise then, that Jack was also a netminder, and that like his protagonist, Falla’s family tree is partly rooted in French-speaking territory.

Falla’s description of the on-ice action and insights into how players deal with the media, and what happens in a player’s private life—as well as what he’s thinking—all read true. The novel also contains characters, names that Bruins and/or AMHL fans will recognize: Cam, Rancourt…even a cameo by a Dwyer. Other characters’ names sound more cartoon-like—“Flipside, “the Mad Hatter,” and “Rinky”—but add color to Falla’s commentary. And like any good book, conflict, sadness, doubt, compassion, faith, and redemption make this a keeper.

In that e-mail to me, Jack also mentioned the book he was writing, which would be released in September 2008.

I haven’t read Open Ice yet because I’m too sad.

You see, Jack closed the e-mail by saying, “My rink opened last week, this for its 25th consecutive season. Won’t be 25 more I’ll tell you that. May not be any more. But we did a quarter century. I’ll take it.

“A belated Joyeux Noel and an early bonne annee.”

I only met him face-to-face that one time. I'll take it, but I miss him.

Adieu mon ami. Repose en paix.

Baby Steps and the Boston Kreme

(Image courtesy of ktheory at flickr.com)
What do Heather Wright, Dave Mello, Hall Gill, and Aaron Ward have in common?

AMHL fans will recognize the names Wright and Mello; Bruins fans know about Gill and Ward. These four players love hockey, and they love the Boston Kreme donut.

I’m a big fan of these player but not of their favorite donut.

The Boston Kreme, one of Dunkin’ Donuts’ top sellers, would be too messy and too sweet. I like my donuts tidy, no spillage. And too much sugar would force me into giving up on my donut after one or two bites.

Might I be wrong?

At our favorite Dunkin’ Donuts last week, the AMHL Photographer ordered a Boston Kreme. I stuck with my standard, the Chocolate Frosted. We sat down at our regular table, in the corner. My wife then extended her hand toward me, offering me a bite of the Boston Kreme.

No thanks.

“Chicken,” she taunted me.

She then bit into it, the vanilla stuff oozing from the center. Ick.

“Last bite?” she offered again.

I declined.

“You big baby,” she persisted.

My resolve wavering, I reached for what was left of the once-round specimen and then nibbled on it. Not bad. The “Kreme” filling surprised me. It wasn’t so much a rich cream as it was a subtle pudding. And as everybody knows, four out of five dentists would recommend pudding-filled donuts over cream-filled donuts to their patients who eat donuts. I finished it and was content with my progress.

Am I ready for an entire Boston Kreme?

The ooze factor still bothers me, but I’m open to more “baby steps” therapy.

I wonder if Wright, Mello, Gill, or Ward had to take baby bites before they could no longer resist the entire donut.

Bruins Development Camp: Time Will Tell

Saturday, July 12th 2008
Wilmington, MA

Across the street from Ristuccia Memorial Arena, the AMHL Photographer and I are at Dunkin’ Donuts, waiting for our food order.

“That’s a perfect clock for you” she says, directing my gaze to the wall behind me.

The chronometer features orange and fuchsia letters forming in a circle: DUNKIN DONUTS. The little hand is almost on the D where a 9 would be, the big hand on the D where the 12 would be.

The last day of development camp starts at 9:30, so my wife and I get our order to go…to join the other fans at Ristuccia.

Inside the arena, others in the gathering crowd are enjoying their morning coffees as professional hopefuls take the ice.

A few observations:

-Michael Hutchinson is dressed like he’s the Bonavista (NL) lighthouse. Red and white stripes run down his leg pads, and protecting his head is a glowing red bulb that rivals Rudolph’s nose. Hutch may look like a lighthouse, but he’s as quick as a cat this morning in the early drills.

-St. Stephen (NB) native, former Bruin defenseman, and Director of Player Development Don Sweeney (pictured above) is running the show. Chocolate Town’s favourite son looks as slim as a Thin Mint as he barks instructions to his charges.

-In one-on-one drills, defenseman Denis Reul pressures forward Levi Nelson, but the huge blueliner can’t contain the determined attacker from firing once—zinging the puck off the post—and then from collecting the rebound to shoot again. This time Nelson nicks the other post but doesn’t score

-The AMHL Photographer likes the sound of Maxine Sauve’s name. I like his speed and hustle. The forward from Boisbriand (QC) skirts around a D-man and then puts the puck past the goalie. Without stopping, Sauve continues the drill, charging back down the ice on a back-checking assignment. Sauve reaches his target, and then rubs him out of the play. A defenseman’s dream come true!

I’m not the only defenseman in the crowd, which I estimate at 600. Behind me is a fellow who skates in the Top Shelf Hockey League in Hudson (NH). He won’t make it to the NHL or even lead his league in goals (remind you of any hockey writers you know?), but he’s good on the power play. The All Day Power Play.

If you’d like to join him and other players in a pick-up hockey marathon, held on July 26-27 to benefit the Nashua Children’s Home, please visit All Day Power Play’s Web site today.

Back on the ice, the developing Bruins participate in a spirited scrimmage. Will any of them make it to the Show this year? Or next? Or ever? Time will tell.

Where's Stanley?

Photo courtesy of nino63004 at flickr.com

Since June 6th, when the Red Wings won Lord Stanley’s gift to hockey, I hadn’t paid much attention to the cherished chalice’s whereabouts.

Hockey wasn’t even on my mind as I walked through my neighborhood on Thursday afternoon. I was enjoying an unencumbered blue sky and an uplifting Savage Garden tune on my iPod—until Stanley snuck up on me.

Woof! Woof!

My heart raced as I jerked my head to the right. The black beast with a graying muzzle kept barking but did not attack. Like a reluctant forechecker, he kept his distance.

A kid jogged across the street to calm the canine as I continued my walk, steadying my nerves.

Then I turned around.

“What’s his name?” I asked the kid.

“Stanley.”

I squatted and extended my right hand, palm up, toward the dog. Stanley padded along the pavement. Upon reaching me, he licked my hand and then let me pet him.


Since Thursday, I’ve passed Stanley’s place three times, hoping to touch—or at least see—him again. No such luck.

Where’s Stanley?

The encounter with the canine has dogged me, triggering thoughts about the other, more storied Stanley—the one that has taken a dip into Mario Lemieux’s pool and from which Clark Gilles’s dog has eaten.

So where’s Stanley?

From Hockeytown to Tinseltown to Toronto, the Stanley Cup has been busy on the entertainment circuit: Stanley has made appearances at Cheli’s, on The Tonight Show, at the Love Guru movie premiere, and on the NHL Awards Show.

I don’t know where the dog or the Cup is now, but I’m going to keep checking the street where my new dog friend lives and the Web address tracking the Cup’s summer travels.