The Thread Where We've All Got Playoff Beards

[Guest mr. potato head]

Dumbest response I've seen: Some commenter on a blog saying that all these suicides are caused by the Canadian junior hockey system taking kids from their parents and sending them out of town at 14 or 15.

Combined number of games played between Boogaard, Rypien and Belak in out-of-town-based junior teams before the age of 18: six (all at 17 years).

[Gabriel]

People get depressed about all sorts of things. People get desperate about all sorts of things.

I get that people in general need something to lay the blame on, instead of just trying to educate themselves on mental and emotional illness, as well as any other circumstances that may have contributed.

What I don't get, is attacking a system (Canadian Major Junior Hockey) which not only develops these people as hockey players, but insists on a high standard of education to participate in the league, and a system which actively participates in the involvement of the young men in their communities and helps to provide paths for these guys to create good lives in and outside of hockey.

[SeanDMan]

What I don't get, is attacking a system (Canadian Major Junior Hockey) which not only develops these people as hockey players, but insists on a high standard of education to participate in the league, and a system which actively participates in the involvement of the young men in their communities and helps to provide paths for these guys to create good lives in and outside of hockey.

Don't forget that it puts them in touch with older men who help introduce them to sexuality as well.

[Gabriel]

What I don't get, is attacking a system (Canadian Major Junior Hockey) which not only develops these people as hockey players, but insists on a high standard of education to participate in the league, and a system which actively participates in the involvement of the young men in their communities and helps to provide paths for these guys to create good lives in and outside of hockey.

Don't forget that it puts them in touch with older men who help introduce them to sexuality as well.

Well, schools are teaching sexual education less and less these days. Someone's gotta do it.

[SeanDMan]

You're a horrible person.

[SeanDMan]

In a classy and heartfelt move, David Legwand bought a full-page ad in today’s Tennessean in honor of Wade Belak. His message is below:

“In Loving memory of Wade Belak”

“A Son, Brother, Husband, Father, Friend and Teammate!”

“One of the greatest, funniest, toughest guys to play the game of hockey, you warmed all of our hearts, brought life to the locker room and ice, and made us all laugh, whether it was with you or at you. More than you’ll ever know, you were loved by the guys you played with and those you stood up for. The hockey world has lost a great man on the ice and in the community and no team or sport had a better ambassador. You represented everything good about the game and its players.

You will forever have a place in the Predator family, community, and with your fans. You will always be in our hearts.

To Jen, Andie and Alex, Wade loved you each more than anything in the world and always had a smile on his face when he talked about his family. Wade, you went way before your time. So to our friend, with all the hugs, thoughts and prayers, we let you rest in peace.”

“Written by David Legwand on behalf of the Nashville Predators players coaches, trainers and organization.”

Classy move.

[Ruki]

Just joined an auction keeper league. Anyone interested in taking part? 2 managers away from being ready.

[SeanDMan]

I would but I won't be online again for about fifteen hours.

[Ruki]

The draft isn't today, right now it is set for September 19th, but that is likely to change.

[TGWL]

I'm not sure how an auction keeper league works. Is this just a money league?

[NobBe Nobbs]

Idea is you can keep a number of the players you drafted year-to-year. Every league treats it a bit differently, but that's the basic idea. It means there's some continuity between teams rather than just being an entirely brand-new roster every time.

[Mountainous Cleavage]

Jets have unveiled their jerseys..

..and they're not much better than the logo to begin with.

[TGWL]

The logo makes it look a lot worse. It looks like a pre-made custom press, you find at your local custom jersey shop.

Buy our Jersey for $50 and get a free logo!! Just pick from the 10 we have selected below.

[caucasianheat]

The brutal summer continues. Lokomotiv Yaroslavl's plane failed over the runway and burst into flames today. 36 confirmed dead, one in critical condition with no other survivors. NHL names people might recognize aboard were Pavol Demitra, Ruslan Salei and coach Brad McCrimmon. Just a horrible tragedy, so many lives lost.

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/hockey/russian-jet-carrying-khl-hockey-team-crashes-36-dead/article2156297/

[Plubby]

Oh my christ....This is just awful.

I hate to make it look like I am singling people out as any more tragic a loss than the rest, but another Firesale favourite in Stefan Liv was aboard that plane.

He was money

[caucasianheat]

TSN is now reporting that it's not really known yet exactly who was or wasn't on the plane so it's hard to confirm the deaths.

[SeanDMan]

Fuck this offseason.

[KJE]

Gutted by this.

Pavol Demitra confirmed dead by his agent.

Riley Armstrong (must have signed there or something, not sure why people thought he might be there) is alive and in training camp in Saint John.

Brad McCrimmon assumed on there. Number has increased to 43 dead with 2 survivors (36 passengers and 7 plane staff with 1 each surviving).

RIP everyone

[Ruki]

God hates hockey or something.

[Mountainous Cleavage]

Just came across that news on Yahoo in my fantasy league. Horrible, horrible tragedy and my heart goes out to the families of those involved. Heading to the first game of their season and that happens, brutal.