Made for TV…

Hockey fans wanted this story to be told. The yesteryear of the Goon has not faded away. Check out this classic rip from 2013 on the audacity that is John Scott.

What began as an honest endorsement of an underdog, became the unification of Goon fans. Scott was a known on the ice as an instigator, agitator, the ultimate Enforcer. He was a good guy in the locker room, because he had his team’s back every night.

It’s been a long strange trip for this Canadian born hockey player, who holds a mechanical engineering degree from Michigan Tech. If you play hockey in the Upper Peninsula (UP) in Michigan, you have to be tough. Cold, ice, and snow are a normal way of life. It’s rugged and so are the people.

So, It’s no surprise that John Scott has been remembered for these situations. He’s the guy coaches put on the ice to make a statement of dominance. Scott played for many teams, including the Minnesota Wild, Chicago Blackhawks, and most recently his career took him to Arizona. Now, he will play in the AHL, most likely to retire there. 

The greatest game for John Scott was January 31, 2016. After scoring two goals, winning MVP of the All-Star game, and being welcomed by his hockey peers, this Goon proved that a joke can become a dream. The Bully got the best of his own game.

What happened in the NHL All-Star voting became the greatest Public Relations nightmare for the NHL, until the NHL embraced the fans. The moral of the story: PR nightmares can become PR celebrations.

 

 

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Goonbye!

Goons are quickly becoming extinct in the NHL. After years of reports on head injuries, concussions, and depression, the pestilence players have been demoted for their own safety. Bummed but not bruised.

The announcement glares from the hockey headlines that the Fourth Line needs skill, not sucker punches.

When a head coach puts a goon out on the top line to take a face-off, it can only mean one thing: an all out brawl. Goons know that is their workload. Goons starting the game sends a clear message to the opponent. However, it’s not a sportsmanlike message but a dirty one.

Goons are not to be confused with the Agitator or the Enforcer. Agitators skillfully stir up trouble, Enforcers fight when it’s a necessity. Both have a skill beyond the fighting. Goons were the guys who could typically skate and play, but the skill level wasn’t at the highest. Often, the Goons got their spot on the roster because of their brutality. There just isn’t enough room on the bench for the Goon in today’s game.

Sure, we’ve seen Pittsburgh’s Sidney Crosby fight, but he’s not known for that. Crosby isn’t a Goon.

Detroit Red Wings Niklas Kronwall is known for his hits per his namesake. Kronwall- not a Goon.

Agitators are forwards like Anaheim’s Ryan Kesler who likes to taunt players into starting something. Kesler isn’t a Goon, but some would debate that.

The NHL has drawn a larger audience and the demographics have changed. Youth leagues will not tolerate the fighting and expect a higher level of skill in all areas of the game. Women’s leagues are flourishing, and that’s all breadth of skill. The popularity of the NHL and its affiliates challenge the game to become more than just pond hockey.

Who is your favorite Goon?

How to Network like an Enforcer

If you’re not familiar with the role of the Enforcer in hockey, you may want to take a page out of that playbook if you are looking for work in this tough economy. Pounding the pavement is like pounding on the ice, except you are not drawing blood rather drawing curiosity. Enforcers are inquisitive, go-getters who protect their team’s interest.

One of the leading networking geniuses in the world is a former hockey player, who still lives in suburban Michigan. He’s admired around the world for his business acumen and networking strategy. This is not suggesting you knock out the human resources manager or trip the creative manager on your way out, but stand up tall and give your confidence and elevator pitch that punch you need. Employers are trying to score for their team (company). As a candidate, they want to know if you are there to help or harm their ability to score.

Meet Richard Stromback. This Enforcer left the game in 1990 after four years of beating down on the likes of Tie Domi and Bob Boughner. While his career in the Ontario Hockey League and the East Coast Hockey League did not last, he ventured into his own domain as an entrepreneur, investor, adviser and the guy everyone in the world wants to know. He’s the “Ultimate Davos”,in reference to the annual meeting of the world’s elite in Davos, Switzerland. Stromback was listed by Crain’s Business in the top “40 Under 40.”

While you may not be bumping elbows with millionaires or world leaders, the same networking principles are useful. Be inspired from every opportunity and everyone.

Taking a hit in the Garden State

Reality is sinking in finally….

Last week,  as I was perusing social media, I slipped on the ice. Lou was leaving New Jersey! It felt as if my godfather had abandoned his family. Lou was the soul of the New Jersey Devils. He was the only reason I wanted to work for the team. Figurehead, businessman, general manager, coach, the whirlwind of men. I was impressed with his ability to do it all. He did everything except keep Zach Parise.

Now Jersey has a tough trek. Ray Shero said he was shocked to hear the news. Lou ghosted Ray. That gave me little confidence in the coach search. My Devils hockey writer pal,Dan Rice, will have to assure me along the way. The Devils need more than a charismatic coach, like say a reason for fans to flood the arena.The Swamp is not swamped. I’m not certian if the fans just don’t want to see the team lose, or if fans just arent’ that into the Devils. What is the answer Devil’s fans?

But it was Lou’s time to venture out and finish it all. What New Jersey lost, Toronto gained.

Lou’s Letter to Fans

But,there is hope in Adam Larsson signing a new deal for six years. Fans will wait out the summer for new deals and surprises. The biggest question, of course, is leadership on the ice and behind the bench.

Which coaching candidate will fill the bill: San Jose’s Todd McLellan, Boston’s Claude Julien, Arizona’s Dave Tippett, or will Torts make an appearance? Make a wish Jerseyans!

Rumble to a Roar

Most of my life, I’ve heard the game of hockey. From the rumble of the bleachers above me at Michigan’s Yost Ice Arena, while I blushed at the boys as a teen, to the slicing of skates through fast ice. All these sounds are as monumental as the crashing of the waves at the beach blocks from where I live. I can sit for hours with these sounds. As an adult, the swift keys of a laptop replace the rumble.

I’m a writer who actually likes people. Not just observing them as subjects, but I find them fascinating. When future employers ask about my greatest skills, I just smile. I’m a people person because everyone has some story to tell. This year at the NHL Awards, I was fascinated by Jiri Hudler. I knew him from his Detroit Red Wings days. I remember Hudler always laughing and smiling during the pre-skate before the game.  He’s still smiling, despite only wearing socks to accept his Lady Byng Memorial Trophy for gentlemanly conduct.

I’ve managed social media campaigns and those are very social. You must make a connection with the chosen voice of the campaign. People find their path in which to roar, voice their calling and excel. I like people. I like talking to people. I like helping clients. I like public speaking. I like getting up in front of a large audience and engaging the participants. With this skill, why should I rumble my way at a silent desk job?

I equate many aspects of life with hockey. Right now, I’m catapulting my talented self into a two-way offensive-defensive position. Think of a Pavel Datsyuk with classy moves and sportsmanlike attributes. However, I may be more of a Ryan Kesler- always there, instigating to achieve the goal. I’ll fight if a problem arises, but I’d rather take it home and set my colleagues up for a successful play toward the net.

I’m looking for a the opportunity to tell great stories to excite the audience. If I cannot find a great team to work with, I will have to go solo. But who wins the game with only one player? There’s a secret language of chirps on the ice, as in every forms of communication. To write is to have a voice. To have a voice is to engage. I’m ready to get out on the ice. It’s NHL draft time. Draft me!

2013 NHL Draft: The Newark Shake

At the end of the Top 10 in the First Round of the 2013 NHL Draft, it all got shuffled.

The Avalanche sent Joe Sakic and Partick Roy out on the floor to pick the not-surprising offensive power rookie, Nathan McKinnon. Sakic is a classy guy, and I was disappointed by the NJ fans booing Sakic thanking Lou L for hosting. Boo you!

Surprise in the NO.2 pick, as Aleksander Barkov is selected by the Florida Panthers. That was a surprise, but Florida feels they need to beef up a line with a big Center.

Tampa Bay shook it up picking Joanathan Drouin, as Steve Yzerman likes the kid. Interesting pick as TB bought out Vincent LeCavelier, and indicating Drouin may see ice time next season.

While Seth Jones waited patiently, the Nashville Predators were making their plan and pressing the jersey for this defensive pick of the draft. At NO. 4, a defender is good, but are the D-men losing respect? Don’t forget how important the defenders can be when your offense sucks. Shea Weber and Seth Jones means Nashville has seen the light.

The Carolina Hurricanes at NO. 5 pick slot, did not trade up or down, but selected Elas Lindholm. A Swede who will go to train before joiing the team. He will play in Sweden next season.

In NO. 6, the Calgary Flames need to ignite their team and their quest for the Cup. So, as it goes, the Flames pick Sean Monahan. Expected pick who can overcome adversity, which really means that he played on bad teams before. Go Sean!

Edmonton has had the first picks for the past few seasons, and the fact that they are picking the NO.7 shows that top draft picks do make a difference. Darnell Nurse gets to go play with Taylor Hall and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins! A defenseman is exactly what the Oilers need. Darnell, you won the Lottery too.

Buffalo has had its better days.  With the NO. 8 pick there have not been many trades or dealings.  Many speculated the Sabres would make some type of deal or just pick a big player and defender…and they did in  Rasmus Ristolainen.  He’s a hard hitter with a hard shot and a great name.

And just as NJ Devils were about to make their NO. 9 pick, they trade it to Vancouver for Cory Schneider! Vancouver get the pick. Bo Horvat from the London Knights has been compared to Avs player Ryan O’Reilly.

And the final pick in the Top 10, goes to the Dallas Stars.  Valeri Nichuskin is a strong addition to the Stars who already have Jamie Benn as a weapon.  The question is whether he will be on the ice next season.

That’s it for me. Follow more hockey info and in-depth article on the draft picks at The Hockey Writers.

Negotiations in Newark: Manufacturing the Perfect Team

NHL Draft 2013 has hit the Prudential Center in Newark. Whatever happens in a mock draft, may be true to the actual draft, however, surprises happen.

In a mock draft, the expected results for the top 5 draft picks are:

1. Nathan McKinnon (C) Going to the Colorado Avalanche, which was not what most suspect,  considering the Avs need to build up their defense. Originally, Seth Jones was selected to be the primary overall NO. 1 pick. The Avs like to pick offensive talent…Matt Duchene, Paul Stastny, for example.
2. Seth Jones (D) Going to the Florida Panthers, which is a great move. The Panthers really bolstered their D and that move helped create a strength down their in the sunshine.
3. Jonathan Drouin (LW) Going to Tampa Bay Lightning, and many think he should have been the NO. 1 pick overall.
4. Aleksander Barkov (C) Nashville Predators pick a big center, after the Preds offense drizzled this season.
5. Valeri Nichuskin (LW) Carolina Hurricanes know this is a good fit with Alex Semin.
6. Sean Monahan (C) Calgary Flames need all the help they can get.
7. Darnell Nurse (D) Edmonton Oilers are adding some gritty defense to complement their offensive young guns.
8. Nikita Zadorov (D) Buffalo Sabres has had a good run with Tyler Myers, so the experiment continues.
9. Elas Lindholm (C) New Jersey Devils have a Swede!
10. Alexander Wenberg (C) Dallas Stars also know the Swedes are training and taking their hockey programs to the next level.

10. Alexander Wenberg (C) Dallas Stars also know the Swedes are training and taking their hockey programs to the next level.

Let’s see what really happens the 2013 NHL Draft! I will be updating this blog with twitter feeds from Dan Rice, a NJ Devils writer for The Hockey Writers.

The Sporting Muse: The New Jersey Sports Fan Hits the Sh*t

The following  feature interview   originally appeared in the February 2013 issue of NJ Wag, published out of Red Bank, New Jersey- Monmouth County.

The Sporting Muse
The New Jersey Sports Fan Hits the Sh*t
by Heidi Pope Werner

Love the games, but hate the $10 dollar watered-down stadium beer? Been busted in a Tebow Jets jersey lately? The New Jersey Sports Fan feels your pain. Armed with attitude and comedic cracks at sports fans in the Garden State, this Jersey Shore native takes to the road to find the best and worst from Soho to Seaside.

Memorable games and plays remain in the history books, but who remembers the fans?  Enter The New Jersey Sports Fan, the man known for his love of New Jersey and the sports that go with the territory.

Armed with a video camera, sunglasses and a Jets hat, this crude and rude fan rants and raves on his days off about the love of his life- sports. Not much can tear him away from the field, the track or the arena.  This is the story of the guts and glory of the average hard-working Jersey guy.

Despite his busy shooting schedule, the Jersey Sports Fan took time out to sit down with NJ Wag to talk sports, celebrities and snacks:

So who are your teams?
JETS, METS, RANGERS, KNICKS

What do you have to say about your beloved Jets?

Ya know the worst storm in history hit the Jersey Shore and the Jets
have managed to be a bigger F-ing disaster.  This season made me sick.
Literally, week 13 I became very ill.  Pneumonia, shitting my pants,
the works. The doc said that I was suffering from emotional trauma.
It was true.  They did me in.  I’m glad to be into the winter.  I pray
the Knicks and Rangers make me forget the Fall.

Best game day munchies?

On a big game day I start with around 4-6 coffees and a porkroll egg
and cheese. Four hours before kick off, tipoff, puck drop, or first
pitch, I like to get into some cold ones, and I match the suds with a
few dogs.  I usually have 4 beverages for each tube steak.  I usually
do around 8 tube steaks before the game.  You do the math sweetheart.

What team do you hate the most?

I truly despise the Phillies.  One time I went to a Phillies/Mets
game down in Philly. It was when the Mets had Pedro Martinez.  He got
lit up in the first inning.  Naturally I was very upset and had some
choice words for Phillies fans around me.   Long story short those
Philly creeps put me in the hospital for 3 days just because I made a
comparison between their city and a toilet in an all you can eat
Chinese buffet.

Do you listen to sports radio?

Oh yea.  I’ve logged a lot of hours with Mike Francesa.  He can be
like a prophet at times.  Lately half of his commentary is just his
fat ass breathing heavily into the mic.  He’s a pig, but I still
listen.  I’ll always listen.

Best word of advice form a sports celeb?
Nothing gets the crowd going better than a good fight and beer.

Describe your perfect sports outing?

WOW that’s tough….It would probably start in a hot tub with some of
the girls that work at Fantasies out on 36.  Maybe catch a matinee at
the Garden and get a Jets playoff night game.  But Lord knows that
won’t happen.  I am sick of fantasizing about stuff like this.  All
I need is some wins and teams to be proud of.  Ya know being a Fan can
hurt.  It can hurt so bad you forget what it’s all about.   It’s about
drinking, screaming, and showing your kid how to act like a man at a
special event.  Maybe if you’re lucky you can beat up a Phillies fan
while you’re at it.

Are you married?

Married to what?  I am married to my teams.  I have found that
marriage and I don’t mix well.  I prefer to date dancers that don’t
ask many questions.

Best Bruce encounter?

One time I saw the boss late night in the Windmill.  He was solo so I
took a seat next to him.  I noticed he didn’t have Kraut on his dog.
This was upsetting for me because the Windmill has great kraut and his
dog looked naked without a kraut dress on it.  So I said to him “Let
me put some kraut on your dog for you” he said, “don’t touch my dog
man.” I said “trust me Bruce just trust me.” He said alright.  He
loved the dog dressed with kraut.   He still calls me when he is in town.
Love that guy.

The laughter and inspiration behind the videos are hidden gems of a satirical sideline fan and the frustrations most sports lovers face. Every video stems from a situation we all have found ourselves in at one time or another, and that’s what makes the viewpoint priceless.

In “Dreams Do Come True,” the New Jersey Sports Fan says it best, “Hello New Jersey, I feel much more comfortable,” as he heads to the Meadowlands with The Boss blaring on the radio.

Can’t get the Rangers game on TV?  NJ Sports Fan takes on the multi-million dollar renovation of Madison Square Garden in “MSG vs. Time Warner Cable.” He hits NJ Transit and lands at the Garden for an experimental field trip, because he can’t get the game on cable.  If you have an extra ticket to the game, please contact the New Jersey Sports Fan.

Ever thought of working in sports?  Yep, he has too. “Referee Replacement Rep Application” takes him to the field to get a fall gig in the NFL, a dream job he feels he is qualified to fill.  The wealth of material from experience, talent, and the dedication to take the hardcore to hilarious reminds us all to keep trying, even if it is painful, futile, but ultimately fun.

The videos stem from characters he and the crew grew up with around the neighborhood and eccentric fans he has met along the way. Everyone remembers the dad on the block who got mad at the lawn mower on a quiet Sunday afternoon, or the golfer with the brown and orange plaid pants, but New Jersey Sports Fan wants you to remember the classic characters we know and can’t forget because of their absurdity.

A must watch for any New Jerseyan is the now historical June 2011 stroll through Seaside Heights reminiscing about teenage dreams on the Jersey Shore in “Summer in Seaside.” The sights and sounds of the boardwalk and the commentary on the Bennies classify this as the real deal. Sports website, Bleacher Report, called this “A true classic.”

Closer to home, “Just in Time for Preakness,” takes the Jersey Sports Fan to Monmouth Park. Sporting the obligatory denim jacket over the tank-top, while smoking a stogie, he utters the words that best fit the moment “make me wiser my friend..be a buddy and bud me up.”

“Breaking the Barrier,” brings new meaning to women’s lib.  Explore how three dudes could portray a relationship faux paus not discussed in most circles, and simplify the message beyond expectations.  Share this video with someone you love.

Based out of Bernie Hatefield Productions, the crew of three takes their stories and love of sports to a new level of comedic bromance.  Every person, every place and every event is fair game to be reworked and remembered in the twisted viewpoints of some sports guys, but it’s truthfully local and contagiously continental.  Jersey jargon is included in the way only brash jersey boys can dish.

Follow the Jersey Sports fan and Bernie Hatefield productions on their website http://www.berniehatefield.com, Twitter https://twitter.com/BernieHatefield, Brobible.com and of course, You Tube.

Hey Hockey, What’s Up?

I’m really glad the NHL has returned. I missed the righteous slapshots of Pavel Datsyuk,the energy around Madison Square Garden on game day, the Enforcers, and my fellow fans- the best fans in sports.

Though I am wearing my Wings jersey, I really wanted to boycott the NHL and not watch a game. I don’t really care about all the past chaos, I’m just happy I can sit down and watch a game every night. All is forgiven. The lockout forced  me into a path that pays.

Blood, sweat and tears is the art of journalism. The drive is insatiable. No more up all night to hit the news wire, no more fantastic editors to work with….I’ve been so blessed, and no more play-by-play. I got a great marketing job, write for a local paper and get to interview people in sports, music and design….so, I think we’re okay.

I’ve covered the Colorado Avalanche, the Detroit Red Wings, the New York Rangers and will continue to follow. I’ve had the privilege to attend University of Denver Pioneers games, watching Matt Carle and Paul Stastny. Michigan hockey and the Detroit Red Wings have my allegiance. I can’t quit hockey.

Living on the east coast does provide the hockey fan with the best hockey coverage outside of Canada. Almost every night, I have a choice of watching a Devils, Rangers, or Islanders game. The only deprivation I face now is not getting enough Red Wings.

Fantasy hockey owners are scrambling to repair broken teams as players face injuries getting back on the ice. This is the time to watch out for the newbies on the roster. The fantasy hockey portion of my blog will be up next week.

Welcome back hockey fans!

New Year, New Deal

This has been a dreary year for hockey lovers. Visiting my family in the Ann Arbor/Detroit area, the absence of hockey was noticeable. Some people don’t realize that entire communities rely on the business and traffic from hockey. Michigan is such a state.

The NHL lockout has sent fans back to their origins of college and junior hockey. That movement has been great for the base of hockey. Just like the holidays, the lockout has given fans a glimpse of what really matters…the game. Unfortunately, the NHL and this lockout nonsense reflects poorly on all those associated with such shenanigans. Benefits of the lockout have freed the players to donate their time for more charity games. Grass roots at its finest.

The University of Michigan Men’s ice hockey team has done well taking third place in the Great Lakes Invitational. Represented by colleges from Western Michigan to Michigan Tech, this college hockey expo draws a crowd at Joe Louis Arena in downtown Detroit. Good news for Detroit is that Windsor, Ontario is mere minutes over the bridge and brings NHL fans to town, so now long-term damage is expected. Hockey has survived, yet the identity of the Detroit Metro-Area is securely poised as the most successful sports franchise, the Detroit Red Wings.

Every year I haul Red Wings gear home. This year I hauled Michigan gear home. I even scored a Grand Valley State hoodie for those diehards. While it is great to add some more depth to my athletic collection, the Red Wings are not just shirts and key chains. There was little talk of NHL hockey. Fans in my home state have plenty of other options, because that’s how hockey is lived in the frozen earth that is Michigan.

You haven’t really felt cold unless you’ve stood outside in almost any town in the Wolverine State. Canada has bragging rights to the pain that is the cold, but we’re neighbors and feel their pain. Now living in southern New Jersey, I didn’t realize that 40 degrees is balmy. But when you are standing on ice most of the time, it’s natural to want to skate on it and live your life on it.

Despite the 13 degree temps, my sister and I went out Christmas night and took pictures on the streets of Ann Arbor. Michigan Stadium stood tall and proud ready for 2014 and the Winter Classic featuring the Detroit Red Wings and the Toronto Maple Leafs. Standing at the Big House is a monumental feeling. The Winter classic on this grad scale will bring a misty moment for hockey fans.

The Big House Xmas night….the site of the Winter Classic 2014

The New Year should bring a new deal, but let’s start all over again next year.