Monday, March 08, 2010
Olympic Badgers!
At Wednesday's Badger Men's Basketball game they honored the four Badger women who were on the US Women's Olympic hockey team that won the silver medal.
Badger men's hockey at the Olympics
Saw this this weekend and thought it was worth passing along. There’s a constant debate about which path players should take to the pros and these stats give good credence to taking the college path. They’re also Wisconsin heavy, which I think is just as telling. All three of UW’s representatives on Team USA are mentioned.
From USCHO.com via College Hockey, Inc.
College players in the Olympics
All three of the Directorate Awards chosen by the IIHF went to former college players – Michigan State’s Ryan Miller at goalie, Wisconsin’s Brian Rafalski at defenseman and Jonathan Toews at forward.
Wisconsin’s Ryan Suter led the tournament in plus/minus at -9.
Ohio State’s Ryan Kesler and Wisconsin’s Joe Pavelski ranked second and third, respectively, in faceoff wins.
Not a bad advertisement for college players, it would seem. It’s not a clear victory, but it’s a decent step in building the case.
From USCHO.com via College Hockey, Inc.
College players in the Olympics
All three of the Directorate Awards chosen by the IIHF went to former college players – Michigan State’s Ryan Miller at goalie, Wisconsin’s Brian Rafalski at defenseman and Jonathan Toews at forward.
Wisconsin’s Ryan Suter led the tournament in plus/minus at -9.
Ohio State’s Ryan Kesler and Wisconsin’s Joe Pavelski ranked second and third, respectively, in faceoff wins.
Not a bad advertisement for college players, it would seem. It’s not a clear victory, but it’s a decent step in building the case.
Thursday, March 04, 2010
Badgers for the Hobey?
USCHO broke down the Hobey Baker race today as we head into the final weekend of the regular season. The list of 10 will be released in two weeks and Elliot Olshansky handicapped the biggest names in the running for the award.
Multiple Badgers made the list.
There are four guys listed as Moral Locks and Brendan Smith is one of them. Here’s the paragraph on Brendan.
Brendan Smith, Wisconsin – He’s the top-scoring defenseman in the country, the No. 16 scorer overall, and he has more goals than six of the forwards who are ahead of him. He’s also improved his defensive play for a team that is a favorite to advance to the Frozen Four.The other three locks are Denver’s Mark Cheverie, UNH’s Bobby Butler and Maine’s Gustav Nyquist.
There are three guys listed as on Solid Gournd followed by Blake Geoffrion and seven other players listed as Question Marks. Here’s Geoffrion’s breakdown:
Blake Geoffrion, Wisconsin – Our friends at INCH think that Geoffrion is the Badgers’ top Hobey contender, and while I think that distinction belongs to Brendan Smith, Geoffrion certainly has a strong case. He’s a senior leader on one of the nation’s top teams, the No. 5 goal-scorer in the country, and a name player and NHL draft pick who stuck it out for all four years of college. The main thing that could derail Geoffrion’s candidacy is a case of “too many cooks spoil the sauce.” Wisconsin has four players who could make a case as a Hobey candidate, and while Smith’s scoring numbers as a defenseman separate him from the pack, the three forwards – Geoffrion, Michael Davies, and Derek Stepan – could wind up taking votes from one another. Also, he’s missed time recently due to injury, which could play a role. I think Geoffrion’s the best of the bunch among the Wisconsin forwards, but I’m not on the committee.
Lastly, there are the Outside Shots. Michael Davies and Derek Stepan are listed with 5 other players. Michael Davies, Wisconsin – Davies has had a very nice senior year for the Badgers, but takes, to my thinking, a clear backseat to teammates Brendan Smith and Blake Geoffrion when it comes to the Hobey race. He is a senior, and he has a higher point total than Geoffrion, but I think that Geoffrion’s goals give him the preferred spot behind Brendan Smith.
Derek Stepan, Wisconsin – See above, although Stepan is, to my thinking, a less likely pick than Davies. He’s a sophomore as opposed to a senior, and his numbers are skewed more heavily towards assists than Davies’ are. One thing Stepan may have going for him is his performance at the World Juniors, although that’s not really a matter for consideration where the Hobey is concerned.
Tuesday, March 02, 2010
Officially
100 days until the beginning of the FIFA World Cup
To celebrate, here’s ESPN Soccernet’s list of the top 50 players of the 2010 World Cup
Top 10:
1. Argentina’s Lionel Messi
2. Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo
3. England’s Wayne Rooney
4. Brazil’s Kaka
5. Spain’s Xavi
6. Ivory Coast’s Didier Drogba
7. Spain’s Andres Iniesta
8. Spain’s Fernando Torres
9. England’s Steven Gerrard
10. Ghana’s Michael Essien
Spain has 6 players in the top 16 and 9 total players on the list
The only American is Landon Donovan at #50
To celebrate, here’s ESPN Soccernet’s list of the top 50 players of the 2010 World Cup
Top 10:
1. Argentina’s Lionel Messi
2. Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo
3. England’s Wayne Rooney
4. Brazil’s Kaka
5. Spain’s Xavi
6. Ivory Coast’s Didier Drogba
7. Spain’s Andres Iniesta
8. Spain’s Fernando Torres
9. England’s Steven Gerrard
10. Ghana’s Michael Essien
Spain has 6 players in the top 16 and 9 total players on the list
The only American is Landon Donovan at #50
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Lazar Hayward, Big East Player of the Year?
Interesting article here that uses statistical analysis of player stats to determine who has been most important to their team's success. We're not talking such simple stats as points scored. This is more like calculating how many points a player scores per his team's 100 possessions.
Using these stats, this writer says that Marquette's Lazar Hayward could be the Big East Player of the Year.
Citing that only four players in the country take a higher percentage of their team's shots while on the floor, he leads all Big East players with steals in conference, and that Lazar is the senior leader on a team that lost a lot of leadership, it may be hard to argue with this analysis when the season is over.
Using these stats, this writer says that Marquette's Lazar Hayward could be the Big East Player of the Year.
Citing that only four players in the country take a higher percentage of their team's shots while on the floor, he leads all Big East players with steals in conference, and that Lazar is the senior leader on a team that lost a lot of leadership, it may be hard to argue with this analysis when the season is over.
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Women's Hockey Gold Medal Game
All 9 women’s hockey players with Wisconsin Badger backgrounds that are at the Olympics will be vying for the gold medal tonight about 5:30 ish tonight and I’ll be live blogging again over at No Alibis, No Regrets. Come by and hang out, comment and enjoy what should be a really great game.
GO USA!
GO USA!
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
The future of women's hockey as an Olympic sport
In this article, Jeff Passan of Yahoo Sports makes the assertion that women’s hockey is so lopsided that the sport be given eight more years to fix the disparity or be dropped from the Olympics.
Of course, he doesn’t actually give any suggestions for how to fix the gap that exists between Canada and the United States and the rest of the world.
Instead of a productive use of his column inches, Passan paints the North American teams as bullies and slaughterers, as though it’s somehow their fault that other countries are lagging behind.
The worst of the article is the assertion: “This is women’s hockey: a goal-a-minute beatdown in all but a few matchups.”
You’ll notice the lack of the qualifier “Olympic” in Passan’s overstatement. This implication that all women’s hockey games result in double-digit wins is absurd and misleading.
Even if you make the assumption that he’s talking Olympics, its complete hyperbole. The problem is bad enough – exaggerating it isn’t going to help solve it in any fashion.
During yesterday’s USA-China game there was discussion of players like Angela Ruggiero visiting China in order to spread the game. While it’s admirable, it’s going to take much more than some celebrity endorsements to grow women’s hockey and I believe it’s the job of the IOC, as well as both Team USA and Team Canada and their respective Olympic offices, to help start youth programs as well as Olympic Development camps and teams. It behooves both of the two top teams to be involved and be advocates of the game before it becomes obsolete. But until men's hockey becomes more of a priority for China, it's hard to imagine women's will get any support or credit.
Another avenue to work would be to partner with the NCAA to have more international scouting, bringing more talent into the United States and Canada to be developed in the universities. Using these already established programs keeps costs down and adds another level of development for international players after high school. Scholarships and grants can be established to help defray costs. Though these take some money to set up, they’d still be cheaper than starting a program from scratch and could be subsidized by donations.
Remember, too, that countries like Sweden, Switzerland and Finland have a history of supporting women's athletics - these were some of the first countries to support world-class international women's soccer, as well. They don't seem to hold with the same stereotypes other teams are fighting against.
Most solutions will take time to implement and see production from. One "fix" that could be implemented immediately would be an aggregate, round-robin style tournament where each team plays each other twice, a la Champions League soccer. Giving teams another shot at each other should allow for adjustments. Both Switzerland and Sweden have pulled upsets of Canada and the US and this style tournament should give us more of those.
I don’t agree with Passan’s 2018 deadline. I understand using softball as a measuring stick, but it’s short sighted to say that in eight years these teams are supposed to turn things around. That means China’s 12 year olds need to learn to ice skate, puck handle and shoot on an international level before their 18th birthday to be ready for qualifying.
The skills needed for softball and hockey differ so much that you can’t set the same time frame for them or compare them. In the time it takes to teach someone how to play softball and start playing games, a possible hockey player would still be learning how to skate.
A member of the Slovakia women's team was quoted this week talking about the large scores. She pointed out that in the beginnings of hockey, the men's Canadian teams were getting beaten by double digits and she basically said that people need to be patient.
Monday night, a pair of Chinese figure skaters won the gold medal. Just 20 years ago, a Chinese pair was literally laughed off the ice. Russian pairs had won Olympic gold for 12 years running.
Here's the medal table from the last 3 Olympics.
I'd love to know what the difference is for Sweden this year, as they've not shown as they have in the past.
Perhaps the biggest mystery of women's hockey is the lack of time and money spent on Russian women's hockey. Some internet research brought up little but more questions. For a country not only so hockey-obsessed, but also so committed to their Olympic caliber athletes, it seems unfathomable that there isn't more support for their women's team. They do not have a residency program - the biggest thing holding them back from furthering their work as a team.
Clearly there's a huge gap that exists between Canada and the US and the rest of the field this year, but threatening these programs with cancellation certainly isn't going to implore them to spend more money, time and effort to improve programs that could be basically obsolete in less than a decade.
It's up to the IOC, USOC, COC and the respective teams to make an effort to push the importance of this game. You'll remember my gushing about taking little girls to see Team USA during their Qwest Tour. It breaks my heart to imagine that this year's babies might never had that chance. And I can't help but wonder what happens to the thousands of little girls out there who currently dream of being Olympians. Do they stop playing? Does the caliber of college hockey drop because there's nowhere to go after you graduate? The implications are far-reaching and painful to think about.
Of course, he doesn’t actually give any suggestions for how to fix the gap that exists between Canada and the United States and the rest of the world.
Instead of a productive use of his column inches, Passan paints the North American teams as bullies and slaughterers, as though it’s somehow their fault that other countries are lagging behind.
The worst of the article is the assertion: “This is women’s hockey: a goal-a-minute beatdown in all but a few matchups.”
You’ll notice the lack of the qualifier “Olympic” in Passan’s overstatement. This implication that all women’s hockey games result in double-digit wins is absurd and misleading.
Even if you make the assumption that he’s talking Olympics, its complete hyperbole. The problem is bad enough – exaggerating it isn’t going to help solve it in any fashion.
During yesterday’s USA-China game there was discussion of players like Angela Ruggiero visiting China in order to spread the game. While it’s admirable, it’s going to take much more than some celebrity endorsements to grow women’s hockey and I believe it’s the job of the IOC, as well as both Team USA and Team Canada and their respective Olympic offices, to help start youth programs as well as Olympic Development camps and teams. It behooves both of the two top teams to be involved and be advocates of the game before it becomes obsolete. But until men's hockey becomes more of a priority for China, it's hard to imagine women's will get any support or credit.
Another avenue to work would be to partner with the NCAA to have more international scouting, bringing more talent into the United States and Canada to be developed in the universities. Using these already established programs keeps costs down and adds another level of development for international players after high school. Scholarships and grants can be established to help defray costs. Though these take some money to set up, they’d still be cheaper than starting a program from scratch and could be subsidized by donations.
Remember, too, that countries like Sweden, Switzerland and Finland have a history of supporting women's athletics - these were some of the first countries to support world-class international women's soccer, as well. They don't seem to hold with the same stereotypes other teams are fighting against.
Most solutions will take time to implement and see production from. One "fix" that could be implemented immediately would be an aggregate, round-robin style tournament where each team plays each other twice, a la Champions League soccer. Giving teams another shot at each other should allow for adjustments. Both Switzerland and Sweden have pulled upsets of Canada and the US and this style tournament should give us more of those.
I don’t agree with Passan’s 2018 deadline. I understand using softball as a measuring stick, but it’s short sighted to say that in eight years these teams are supposed to turn things around. That means China’s 12 year olds need to learn to ice skate, puck handle and shoot on an international level before their 18th birthday to be ready for qualifying.
The skills needed for softball and hockey differ so much that you can’t set the same time frame for them or compare them. In the time it takes to teach someone how to play softball and start playing games, a possible hockey player would still be learning how to skate.
A member of the Slovakia women's team was quoted this week talking about the large scores. She pointed out that in the beginnings of hockey, the men's Canadian teams were getting beaten by double digits and she basically said that people need to be patient.
Monday night, a pair of Chinese figure skaters won the gold medal. Just 20 years ago, a Chinese pair was literally laughed off the ice. Russian pairs had won Olympic gold for 12 years running.
Here's the medal table from the last 3 Olympics.
Games  | Gold | Silver | Bronze |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1998 Nagano |  United States |  Canada |  Finland |
| 2002 Salt Lake City | Canada | United States |  Sweden |
| 2006 Turin | Canada | Sweden | United States |
I'd love to know what the difference is for Sweden this year, as they've not shown as they have in the past.
Perhaps the biggest mystery of women's hockey is the lack of time and money spent on Russian women's hockey. Some internet research brought up little but more questions. For a country not only so hockey-obsessed, but also so committed to their Olympic caliber athletes, it seems unfathomable that there isn't more support for their women's team. They do not have a residency program - the biggest thing holding them back from furthering their work as a team.
Clearly there's a huge gap that exists between Canada and the US and the rest of the field this year, but threatening these programs with cancellation certainly isn't going to implore them to spend more money, time and effort to improve programs that could be basically obsolete in less than a decade.
It's up to the IOC, USOC, COC and the respective teams to make an effort to push the importance of this game. You'll remember my gushing about taking little girls to see Team USA during their Qwest Tour. It breaks my heart to imagine that this year's babies might never had that chance. And I can't help but wonder what happens to the thousands of little girls out there who currently dream of being Olympians. Do they stop playing? Does the caliber of college hockey drop because there's nowhere to go after you graduate? The implications are far-reaching and painful to think about.
Monday, February 15, 2010
Live Blogging Women's Hockey
I'll be liveblogging the US Women's Hockey game against Russia tomorrow at 4:30 pm over on UW Hockey Blog Sixty Minutes. No Alibis. No Regrets.
I'll be using Cover It Live, which is the program we used when we liveblogged the All-Star Game for Ladies... so you should be familiar with the program.
I believe this link will take you to the live blog when it goes live at about 4:15 pm tomorrow, but I'll come back and update tomorrow to make sure.
Come check in with me if you're at work and can't watch the game or just to join in the discussion. Hopefully the game will be a little more exciting than yesterday's rout.
I'll be using Cover It Live, which is the program we used when we liveblogged the All-Star Game for Ladies... so you should be familiar with the program.
I believe this link will take you to the live blog when it goes live at about 4:15 pm tomorrow, but I'll come back and update tomorrow to make sure.
Come check in with me if you're at work and can't watch the game or just to join in the discussion. Hopefully the game will be a little more exciting than yesterday's rout.
Brewers' Sausage Problems
Last Wednesday was truck day for the Milwaukee Brewers and as part of the hoopla/story, the Brewers had pictures of the Racing Sausages helping to load the trucks and eventually showing them being loaded in themselves.
Concurrent to that story was a promotion in which Brewers Charities were auctioning off a chance to have the Racing Sausages Sing to your Sweetheart on Valentine’s Day – four full days after the Sausages were shown being loaded up and shipped away.
Listen, I’m an adult - I know how these things work. But seriously, this is why characters don’t talk and why you don’t see more than one Mickey at Walt Disney World. There’s an illusion created and the Brewers kind of smashed it all on their own with this one.
It’s hard to believe that no one within the organization put two and two together here and realized what these over-lapping “promotions” would mean. Simply not showing the Sausages being loaded into the trucks would have kept the illusion alive. There would have still been photo ops of Sausages helping load the trucks.
Lesson learned here: Never double-book your Sausage
Concurrent to that story was a promotion in which Brewers Charities were auctioning off a chance to have the Racing Sausages Sing to your Sweetheart on Valentine’s Day – four full days after the Sausages were shown being loaded up and shipped away.
Listen, I’m an adult - I know how these things work. But seriously, this is why characters don’t talk and why you don’t see more than one Mickey at Walt Disney World. There’s an illusion created and the Brewers kind of smashed it all on their own with this one.
It’s hard to believe that no one within the organization put two and two together here and realized what these over-lapping “promotions” would mean. Simply not showing the Sausages being loaded into the trucks would have kept the illusion alive. There would have still been photo ops of Sausages helping load the trucks.
Lesson learned here: Never double-book your Sausage
In which I create imaginary scenarios because I'm desperate for baseball
The boyfriend and I went out for happy hour and an Ads game with Liz and Aaron on Friday night. With Corey Hart having just completed his arbitration hearing, we were talking players who were also seeking more money.
Two-time Cy Young winner Tim Lincecum was also in arby with the Giants and I mentioned that I had imagined the following scenario in my head.
Lincecum walks in with a Cy Young in each hand and plops them loudly on the table. He crosses pulls down his sunglasses, crosses his arms and proclaims “Jeff Suppan is making $12 million next season. (pause to look everyone in the eye) I rest my case.”
He grabs the Cy Youngs and strides back out.
Seriously, you know you can see this happening and Lincecum is ballsy enough to do it.
Two-time Cy Young winner Tim Lincecum was also in arby with the Giants and I mentioned that I had imagined the following scenario in my head.
Lincecum walks in with a Cy Young in each hand and plops them loudly on the table. He crosses pulls down his sunglasses, crosses his arms and proclaims “Jeff Suppan is making $12 million next season. (pause to look everyone in the eye) I rest my case.”
He grabs the Cy Youngs and strides back out.
Seriously, you know you can see this happening and Lincecum is ballsy enough to do it.
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Live Blogging Women's Olympic Hockey
*It's a final. USA wins their opening Olympic game!
*Julie Chu and Jinelle Zaugg with some pretty back and forth passing leads to Chu putting one in right at the back post with under a minute left in the game. 12-1 USA
*I had mentioned a goalie switch, but it doesn't seem to have happened when I said it did. It happened about 10 minutes left in the period. Not sure what I missed, but there was a whole discussion about Brianne McLaughlin and her college.
*China scored while I was watching Nordic. Switch the station for 4 minutes and miss all the action
*Ok, that was the best thing I've watched so far. Men's Nordic was a crazy sprint to the finish. The French guy who won the gold didn't lead the whole race. A Japanese made a sprint too early, forcing everyone to sprint early. USA Lodwick who led the whole time couldn't hold it. USA's Spillane took the lead and lost it last 100 yards
*Switched over to men's alpine for a minute because the Americans look to be making a coup and I missed a goal. It's 11-0 Team USA
*Badger Molly Engstrom takes a shot from the hash marks on the boards of the right faceoff circle and makes it 10-0. USA has 54 shots. 9:00 minutes left in the game.
*One of China's players just got in behind her keeper to make a kick save and keep the puck out of the net. Nice sacrifice for a player down 9-0.
*Team China has just 4 shots on goal, so this is not a very exciting match. Feels like everyone's just been waiting for this thing to end since about 5 minutes gone in the 2nd period.
*Now 9-0 USA on a shot by Jenny Potter that's put away by #Badger Meghan Duggan
*Goalie change for Team USA and it's still not Jessie Vetter. This better be because she's being rested.
* Ok Jocelyne Lamoureux just scored the most redonk goal. Between the legs pass to herself and then five-holed the goalie. Another top 10 play. USA 8 China 0
*Cheap, Cheap shot on Erika Lawler as she outskated a Chinese player and got taken down into the boards. Saying there's nothing wrong w/ hit? Lawler could barely limp off the ice. C'mon Erika, be ok.
*GiGi Marvin just fed Lisa Chesson a gorgeous pass on the far post which Chesson finessed in to the upper corner to make it 7-0 with 16 minutes left in the 2nd period
* NICE! First cheesehead sighting in the crowd at the women's hockey game!
*China goalie really is very impressive, though the score doesn't show it. She's made a couple of great saves. Unfortunate she has no support
*Badger Molly Engstrom takes an outside shot and Jenny Potter screened the goalie and tipped it in for a PP goal. Potter with the hat trick as USA now leads 6-0
*2nd period underway with Team USA on PP
*end of 1st period
*And just :21 seconds later Jenny Potter puts in the rebound off a Hilary Knight shot. 5-0 USA
*Finally, a #Badger gets on the board! Meghan Duggan has 3 Chinese defenders surrounding her and manages to beat the keep. 4-0 Team USA!
*UNREAL stop by the Chinese goalie after a poor clear from behind the net goes straight to Julie Chu's stick.
*Turns out #Badger Jinelle Zaug-Siergiej has a blog and has been updating it from the Olympics. She has cool pics from opening ceremonies, etc.. Seems like it will provide some cool insight to the Olympic experience.
http://jinellezaugg.blogspot.com/
*2-0 Team USA as Julie Chu stole a clearance pass and got it to Kelli Stack in front of the net. Just under 10 to go in the first period.
* Ok, the announcer guy just called Erika Lawler a "mighty mite."
*Angela Ruggiero just schooled the Chinese defenders through the zone and slides the puck under the goalies leg to make it 1-0 Team USA
*The women's Olympic hockey team starts their attempt to win the gold this afternoon.
Player to watch in the women's hockey game? Badger sophomore Hilary Knight. Knight is the youngest player on the team with possibly the best wrist shot EVER in women's hockey. Let that sink in.
Also, Jessie Vetter isn't in goal, but no one has said why. She's been called the best keeper ever. She has the NCAA record for shut-outs. She won the Patty Kaz. Why the heck isn't she playing?
*Julie Chu and Jinelle Zaugg with some pretty back and forth passing leads to Chu putting one in right at the back post with under a minute left in the game. 12-1 USA
*I had mentioned a goalie switch, but it doesn't seem to have happened when I said it did. It happened about 10 minutes left in the period. Not sure what I missed, but there was a whole discussion about Brianne McLaughlin and her college.
*China scored while I was watching Nordic. Switch the station for 4 minutes and miss all the action
*Ok, that was the best thing I've watched so far. Men's Nordic was a crazy sprint to the finish. The French guy who won the gold didn't lead the whole race. A Japanese made a sprint too early, forcing everyone to sprint early. USA Lodwick who led the whole time couldn't hold it. USA's Spillane took the lead and lost it last 100 yards
*Switched over to men's alpine for a minute because the Americans look to be making a coup and I missed a goal. It's 11-0 Team USA
*Badger Molly Engstrom takes a shot from the hash marks on the boards of the right faceoff circle and makes it 10-0. USA has 54 shots. 9:00 minutes left in the game.
*One of China's players just got in behind her keeper to make a kick save and keep the puck out of the net. Nice sacrifice for a player down 9-0.
*Team China has just 4 shots on goal, so this is not a very exciting match. Feels like everyone's just been waiting for this thing to end since about 5 minutes gone in the 2nd period.
*Now 9-0 USA on a shot by Jenny Potter that's put away by #Badger Meghan Duggan
*Goalie change for Team USA and it's still not Jessie Vetter. This better be because she's being rested.
* Ok Jocelyne Lamoureux just scored the most redonk goal. Between the legs pass to herself and then five-holed the goalie. Another top 10 play. USA 8 China 0
*Cheap, Cheap shot on Erika Lawler as she outskated a Chinese player and got taken down into the boards. Saying there's nothing wrong w/ hit? Lawler could barely limp off the ice. C'mon Erika, be ok.
*GiGi Marvin just fed Lisa Chesson a gorgeous pass on the far post which Chesson finessed in to the upper corner to make it 7-0 with 16 minutes left in the 2nd period
* NICE! First cheesehead sighting in the crowd at the women's hockey game!
*China goalie really is very impressive, though the score doesn't show it. She's made a couple of great saves. Unfortunate she has no support
*Badger Molly Engstrom takes an outside shot and Jenny Potter screened the goalie and tipped it in for a PP goal. Potter with the hat trick as USA now leads 6-0
*2nd period underway with Team USA on PP
*end of 1st period
*And just :21 seconds later Jenny Potter puts in the rebound off a Hilary Knight shot. 5-0 USA
*Finally, a #Badger gets on the board! Meghan Duggan has 3 Chinese defenders surrounding her and manages to beat the keep. 4-0 Team USA!
*UNREAL stop by the Chinese goalie after a poor clear from behind the net goes straight to Julie Chu's stick.
*Turns out #Badger Jinelle Zaug-Siergiej has a blog and has been updating it from the Olympics. She has cool pics from opening ceremonies, etc.. Seems like it will provide some cool insight to the Olympic experience.
http://jinellezaugg.blogspot.com/
*2-0 Team USA as Julie Chu stole a clearance pass and got it to Kelli Stack in front of the net. Just under 10 to go in the first period.
* Ok, the announcer guy just called Erika Lawler a "mighty mite."
*Angela Ruggiero just schooled the Chinese defenders through the zone and slides the puck under the goalies leg to make it 1-0 Team USA
*The women's Olympic hockey team starts their attempt to win the gold this afternoon.
Player to watch in the women's hockey game? Badger sophomore Hilary Knight. Knight is the youngest player on the team with possibly the best wrist shot EVER in women's hockey. Let that sink in.
Also, Jessie Vetter isn't in goal, but no one has said why. She's been called the best keeper ever. She has the NCAA record for shut-outs. She won the Patty Kaz. Why the heck isn't she playing?
Tuesday, February 09, 2010
Culver's Camp Randall Badger Hockey Classic
This past Saturday we spent the day in Madison for the Culver’s Camp Randall Badger Hockey Classic. Both the women’s and men’s teams played outdoor games at Camp Randall and we were lucky enough to be in attendance for both.
With weather in the high 20s the whole time, it was cold but not unbearable and the Badgers did a great job of having warming areas available for fans.
We got to Camp Randall about 1 pm because we wanted to see the exhibits and still be in our seats for the women’s games. Inside the football practice facility there were traveling exhibits from both the International and USA Hockey Halls of Fame.
The IHHF exhibits included quite a bit of historical memorabilia, which was my favorite part. They also featured some pieces of Wisconsin history.
There were four NHL trophies on display. The Stanley Cup had been in the house for fans that wanted to see if Friday night, but sadly was not on display on Saturday.
The exhibit from the USHHF was weighted heavily to the Miracle on Ice and Badger Mark Johnson, but also featured a couple of cool pieces highlighting both Wisconsin’s and Michigan’s history of playing each other and playing hockey outdoors.
The biggest draw was video of the Miracle on Ice game. We walked in at about 18 minutes left in the final period and stood with a group of about 30-40 people and watched the match unfold. Unfortunately, the DVD has clearly seen a lot of wear, as it started skipping and stopping with about four minutes left in the game, meaning we didn’t get to see the post-game celebration and reaction, which would have been the coolest part to me.
While this litho is cool and signed, by far the coolest part is the easel made of hockey sticks. I NEED to have one of these.
This uniform is from 1924.
The top jersey is the captain's jersey from the Wolverine's third straight NCAA championship in 1953. The bottom is a rare jersey from 1948.
There was also a table there displaying the Hobey Baker Award and it was manned by two reps. As I walked up to the table another fan was commenting that the Hobey should go to Blake Geoffrion. One of the men behind the table said that with a name like Geoffrion he should be in the running. He then started rambling a bit about Boom Boom. When he realized he had gone off in his own little world, he looked back at the fan and asked if this Blake kid was related.
Yes sir, your organization has Blake in the running for your award – maybe you should know who he is.
( Blake is Boom Boom Geoffrion’s grandson. Boom Boom is credited with inventing the slap shot.)
We headed to our seats and were there for intros and the National Anthem. At first puck drop, we estimated a couple of hundred people were in attendance, which is pretty standard for women’s hockey games.
We had received tickets to the Badger Warm Up for Christmas, so we spent the second period inside the Field House. Tickets to the event were $25 and included all you could eat brats, soda, chips, cookies, cheese and beer as well as appearances by the UW Spirit Squad, Band and Bucky. We only stayed for the length of the period, so we didn’t get to see the live auction. Considering it was the only place to warm up with alcohol, as well as the cost of lunch, we figure the tickets were worth it. Plus, the hockey game and the men’s basketball game being played in Michigan were both being broadcast on screens in the Field House, so we didn’t feel we missed out on too much.
The women’s team dominated Bemidji State 6-1, setting the stage for the men’s game.
My favorite part of the outdoor rink was this homage to Badger Bob Johnson, who's known for the phrase.
Of course, Phil was there. By far the coolest part of the experience of being in Camp Randall was hearing the call of "(#) We Want More" echo back to us from the fans on the other side of the stadium. It literally gave me chills the first time around.
Digging the striped hat Rueggsagger wore the full game.
This was pretty cool - the women's team lined up and swayed and sang along with the fans to "Varsity."
There was about an hour between the two games, which wasn’t too difficult. By the time the team’s hit the ice for warm-ups and intros were down, there was very little downtime. One of the more poor decisions was to play piped in music during this time, instead of letting the band play.
The absolute worst part of the whole day was that the band was placed in about section N and therefore was completely unable to be heard where we were sitting on the east side of the stadium. We were in section U, just to the south of center ice and we could barely hear anything that was played the entire game. We lost out on the energy that is always so great during a hockey game in the Kohl Center. There was no crowd unity. It was a bit of a downer, to be honest.
One of the cooler details was having teams of mighty mites lining up to form a "tunnel" for the Badger men's team to travel through to get on and off the ice.
One of the cooler details was having teams of mighty mites lining up to form a "tunnel" for the Badger men's team to travel through to get on and off the ice.
Puck Drop
Sadly, that puck is not in the net, but outside it.
Sunday, February 07, 2010
Teaser picture
Here's just a few of the pictures I took at yesterday's Camp Randall Badger Hockey Classic. The rest will be uploaded in the coming day.
Tuesday, February 02, 2010
Badgers' Trevon Hughes featured in USA Today
Thanks to the Badger Men's basketball Twitter feed for this link.
Read up on how attending St. John's Military Academy in Delavan changed life for Trevon Hughes.
Read up on how attending St. John's Military Academy in Delavan changed life for Trevon Hughes.
Awesome time-lapse video
Click here to see a 52-second time-lapse video of the rink being constructed inside Camp Randall Stadium. Very, very cool.
Monday, February 01, 2010
Pitt to Big Ten rumored
No news sources reporting it yet, so it’s just conjecture, but this site is saying the student-athletes were told about it this weekend and official announcement will come on Thursday.
The same site says it sets up a natural rivalry with Penn State and the addition will set up a conference championship game.
There’s no speculation about who will replace Pitt in the Big East.
The same site says it sets up a natural rivalry with Penn State and the addition will set up a conference championship game.
There’s no speculation about who will replace Pitt in the Big East.
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Camp Randall Badger Hockey Classic forecast
Early forecast for the Camp Randall Badger Hockey Classic, from weather.com:
Sat Feb 6
Snow Shower 40%
32°F
I couldn’t have asked for a better day if that’s what we get. I was hoping for 30’s and we can only hope it’s pretty, fluffy, makes for great pictures, looks like we’re in a snowglobe snow!
I am seriously hyped now.
Sat Feb 6
Snow Shower 40%
32°F
I couldn’t have asked for a better day if that’s what we get. I was hoping for 30’s and we can only hope it’s pretty, fluffy, makes for great pictures, looks like we’re in a snowglobe snow!
I am seriously hyped now.
Monday, January 25, 2010
It was a big weekend for the Wisconsin Badger men’s hockey team as they took three points from the #1 team in the country.
After the teams tied on Friday night, I was super excited to be at the Kohl Center for Saturday night’s game and I wasn’t the only one. The crowd was really hyped and loud and it was one of the more electric crowds I’ve seen over the past few seasons. Every hit or stolen puck in the first few minute elicited a large cheer.
It was also one of the most exciting, heart-attack inducing hockey games I’ve ever seen. Both teams had more than a few “coulda-should-woulda” plays with pucks sitting in front of the net or bouncing off the metal. The Badgers out-shot Denver 15-4 in the first period and it felt like the Badgers having not capitalized more than once was destined to come back to bite them.
Once again the penalty kill and power play were unbalanced. Denver was 2-5 on PP while the Badgers went 0-for-5. The Pioneers made up more than half their shooting deficit on a PP at the beginning of the second period.
Michael Davis was dominant, adding a goal and an assist, putting him over 100 points for his career. He has an incredible 24 points over the last 12 games.
The most spectacular play of the night goes to Jordy Murray who took a puck down and around the net and put the puck in on a wraparound, all while halfway falling to the ground. It was gorgeous and the look on Murray’s face was part “hell yeah” and part “I can’t believe I just did that.”
The three points on the weekend didn’t really affect the Badgers standings or their Pairwise Rankings.
Make sure you check out the breakdown on 60 minutes, No Alibis, No Regrets about how this weekend’s points could help the Badgers in the future and also their mock bracketology tournament draw.
After the teams tied on Friday night, I was super excited to be at the Kohl Center for Saturday night’s game and I wasn’t the only one. The crowd was really hyped and loud and it was one of the more electric crowds I’ve seen over the past few seasons. Every hit or stolen puck in the first few minute elicited a large cheer.
It was also one of the most exciting, heart-attack inducing hockey games I’ve ever seen. Both teams had more than a few “coulda-should-woulda” plays with pucks sitting in front of the net or bouncing off the metal. The Badgers out-shot Denver 15-4 in the first period and it felt like the Badgers having not capitalized more than once was destined to come back to bite them.
Once again the penalty kill and power play were unbalanced. Denver was 2-5 on PP while the Badgers went 0-for-5. The Pioneers made up more than half their shooting deficit on a PP at the beginning of the second period.
Michael Davis was dominant, adding a goal and an assist, putting him over 100 points for his career. He has an incredible 24 points over the last 12 games.
The most spectacular play of the night goes to Jordy Murray who took a puck down and around the net and put the puck in on a wraparound, all while halfway falling to the ground. It was gorgeous and the look on Murray’s face was part “hell yeah” and part “I can’t believe I just did that.”
The three points on the weekend didn’t really affect the Badgers standings or their Pairwise Rankings.
Make sure you check out the breakdown on 60 minutes, No Alibis, No Regrets about how this weekend’s points could help the Badgers in the future and also their mock bracketology tournament draw.
Sunday, January 24, 2010
This is so cool!
No pun intended, but construction is beginning on the outdoor hockey rink at Camp Randall and there is a live camera trained on it so you can see the progress. How awesome is that?
Check in here over the next few days to see the rink as it's put together for the Feb. 6 games!
Check in here over the next few days to see the rink as it's put together for the Feb. 6 games!
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Seth McClung oFficially out as a Brewer?
From: @73_MC
Sent: Jan 23, 2010 3:35p
Macha told me he was going 2 decide between me and another pitcher 2 sign for next year. Well its not me they decided 2 go with Kenny Powers
sent via Tweetie
On Twitter: http://twitter.com/73_MC/status/8124645921
Sent: Jan 23, 2010 3:35p
Macha told me he was going 2 decide between me and another pitcher 2 sign for next year. Well its not me they decided 2 go with Kenny Powers
sent via Tweetie
On Twitter: http://twitter.com/73_MC/status/8124645921
Badgerific
There are 23 Varsity sports played at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and 11 of them are competing this weekend, which is pretty cool.
Men's and Women's Basketball
Men's and Women's Hockey
Men's and Women's Tennis
Men's and Women's Indoor Track and Field
Men's and Women's Swimming
and
Wrestling
are all competing on campus this weekend.
In my opinion the biggest matchup is #4 Wisconsin men's hockey facing #1 Denver.
Tonight, they skated to a 3-3 tie.
The Badgers were down 2-0 entering the third period and scored three straight goals to hold a 3-2 lead until the final two minutes, when Denver tied the game.
The Badgers haven't beat Denver at the Kohl Center in five years. Including tonight's game, the Badgers had been scoreless against the Pioneers in 8 straight periods. Coach Mike Eaves is 2-9 against Denver at home.
Fans should be incredibly happy with a tie.
This just means the game I'm attending tomorrow night will be even more exciting!
Men's and Women's Basketball
Men's and Women's Hockey
Men's and Women's Tennis
Men's and Women's Indoor Track and Field
Men's and Women's Swimming
and
Wrestling
are all competing on campus this weekend.
In my opinion the biggest matchup is #4 Wisconsin men's hockey facing #1 Denver.
Tonight, they skated to a 3-3 tie.
The Badgers were down 2-0 entering the third period and scored three straight goals to hold a 3-2 lead until the final two minutes, when Denver tied the game.
The Badgers haven't beat Denver at the Kohl Center in five years. Including tonight's game, the Badgers had been scoreless against the Pioneers in 8 straight periods. Coach Mike Eaves is 2-9 against Denver at home.
Fans should be incredibly happy with a tie.
This just means the game I'm attending tomorrow night will be even more exciting!
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
No Soup for You?!
With the signing on Doug Davis, the Brewers now have six starting pitchers on their roster - Dave Bush, Davis, Yovani Gallardo, Manny Parra, Jeff Suppan and Randy Wolf. Since the rotation is only give guys, someone clearly has to go.
Does this mean we're finally clear of the dreaded Soup-start?
According to Adam McCalvy, GM Doug Melvin said, "Players help make these decisions." I assume Melvin's saying their performances will help determine who makes the starting rotation.
The biggest variable and the guy standing in the way of a Soup-less existance is Parra. He's been so eradic that there's no way you can put his name permanently in the rotation.
The other problem is that I find it hard to believe that Soup's large contract will allow the Brewers to let him ride the pine. He's notorious for needing an inning or two to warm, so I don't see how we can trust him to come out of the bullpen.
Don't forget, too, that the Brewers went into Spring Training two years ago with seven (I think) SP on the roster and injuries brought them down to the needed five. Soup is basically our protection in case of injury or a Turnbow-style breakdown by Parra.
Does this mean we're finally clear of the dreaded Soup-start?
According to Adam McCalvy, GM Doug Melvin said, "Players help make these decisions." I assume Melvin's saying their performances will help determine who makes the starting rotation.
The biggest variable and the guy standing in the way of a Soup-less existance is Parra. He's been so eradic that there's no way you can put his name permanently in the rotation.
The other problem is that I find it hard to believe that Soup's large contract will allow the Brewers to let him ride the pine. He's notorious for needing an inning or two to warm, so I don't see how we can trust him to come out of the bullpen.
Don't forget, too, that the Brewers went into Spring Training two years ago with seven (I think) SP on the roster and injuries brought them down to the needed five. Soup is basically our protection in case of injury or a Turnbow-style breakdown by Parra.
Brewers sign Doug Davis, pending physical
The deal is one-year for $4.25 million base salary. There's a mutual option for $6.5 million in 2011 with a $1 million buyout and $1 million in incentives each season, per Adam McCalvy.
Brewers announce 40th anniversary plans - and some uni news
From Brewers.com:
The Milwaukee Brewers will celebrate their 40th Anniversary season with numerous special events and promotions to mark the milestone.
The Brewers will host four "Retro Weekends" during the 2010 season, designating one decade to each weekend to highlight that specific era in Brewers history. The first of the four Retro Weekends will honor the 1970s Brewers teams during the weekend of May 14 - 16 when the Brewers take on the Philadelphia Phillies at Miller Park. The following month, when the Brewers face the Seattle Mariners over the weekend of June 25 - 27, the Brewers will look back to the 1980s. Then, throughout the weekend of July 23 - 25 when the Brewers play the Washington Nationals, the team will honor the Brewers of the 1990s. The celebration will culminate when the team recognizes the 2000s during the weekend of August 27 - 29 as the Brewers play the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Each weekend will feature the return of alumni from those decades, and on the first three Fridays, the current Brewers will don retro Brewers uniforms from the celebrated era. On each Sunday of the Retro Weekend, all fans will receive a Bobblehead representing one of the greatest moments in the Club's history. To supplement the special uniforms and all-fan giveaways, the in-game experience during those Retro Weekends will include trivia, music and costume contests reflective of the particular decade.
But the better, more exciting news for Uni-Nerds like myself is that the Brewers may cease being one of the few major league teams to not have their city name on their away jersey.
From John Okray, fellow uni-nerd, came the message that he commented on the Brewers Facebook fan page about the 40th Anniversary logo, saying:
“Love the logo. you guys do a great job at the marketing department! Is this logo going to be a patch on the uniforms? Also, is “Milwaukee” going to be on the away uniforms this year? The city name has not been on the away uniform since the transition to Miller Park.”
To my huge surprise, the admin. of the Brewers fan page messaged back and said:
“John – The patch will be on all uniforms this year. Also, stay tuned for some “Milwaukee” uniform news. Your wish might come true.”
John thinks this was the Brewers’ way of saying yes without giving anything away.
He has given me some other “insider” type information that will be used in my Monday and Tuesday posts over at BrewCrewBall.com. Make sure you check the site both afternoons for lots and lots of uni talk.
_____
I didn't see this initially, but there's already a breakdown of unis that will be worn, alumni who will be there and the bobbles that will be given away.
1970s Retro Weekend
· May 14 – Brewers will wear reproductions of the home 1972-77 uniforms with "BREWERS" in royal blue block letters on the jersey front and the yellow "M" logo on the cap. The Phillies will wear light blue '70s road uniforms. Alumni Gorman Thomas and Jim Colborn are scheduled to attend and participate in a pre-game autograph session.
· May 16 – All Fan Bobblehead Giveaway, courtesy of the Milk Marketing Board: Hank Aaron hitting his 755th and final home run as a member of the Brewers.
· "40 Years/40 Moments" – Brewers Greatest Moments of the 1970s will be revealed throughout the weekend on FS Wisconsin.
1980s Retro Weekend
· June 25 – Brewers to wear reproductions of the home 1978-89 uniforms, highlighted by pinstripes with "BREWERS" block letters on the front and a ball & glove logo hat. The Mariners will wear light blue road uniforms worn from '81 to '84. Alumni Robin Yount and Paul Molitor are scheduled to attend and participate in a pre-game autograph session.
· June 27 – All Fan Bobblehead Giveaway, courtesy of Red Prairie: Cecil Cooper's base hit to drive home the winning runs in Game Five of the 1982 ALCS.
· "40 Years/40 Moments" – Brewers Greatest Moments of the 1980s will be revealed throughout the weekend on FS Wisconsin.
1990s Retro Weekend
· July 23 – Brewers to wear reproductions of the home 1997-99 uniforms, featuring "BREWERS" in block letters on the front, while the cap features an "MB" logo. The Nationals will be wearing their current uniforms. Alumni Greg Vaughn and Jeff Cirillo are scheduled to attend and participate in a pre-game autograph session.
· July 25 – All Fan Bobblehead Giveaway: Robin Yount recording his 3000th career base hit.
· "40 Years/40 Moments" – Brewers Greatest Moments of the 1990s will be revealed throughout the weekend on FS Wisconsin.
2000s Retro Weekend
· August 27 – Brewers and Pirates to wear current uniforms. Alumni Geoff Jenkins and Bob Wickman are scheduled to attend and participate in a pre-game autograph session.
· August 29 – All Fan Bobblehead Giveaway, courtesy of Palermo's: CC Sabathia securing the final out of the final regular season, playoff-clinching game in 2008.
· "40 Years/40 Moments" – Brewers Greatest Moments of the 2000s will be revealed throughout the weekend on FS Wisconsin.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Rickie Weeks, Carlos Gomez avoid arbitration
Rickie Weeks received a $300,000 dollar raise when he signed a one-year, $2.75 million contract today to avoid arbitration, according to Tom Haudricourt.
Carlos Gomez also signed a one-year contract, but the terms have not yet been released.
Jody Gerut signed a one year, $2 million contract yesterday to avoid arby.
That leaves Dave Bush, Corey Hart, Carlos Villanueva and Todd Coffey as the only arbitration-eligible players the Brewers have left.
By the way, it usually happens that the player submits a figure they think they're worth, usually a little on the high side. The club submits a figure they want to pay, usually on the low side. They tend to split the difference and that's what the player is paid.
Jody Gerut made $1.775 last season and signed for $2 million this season. If they met in the middle, it's pretty obvious the Brewers offered him less than he made last season. Wonder if that will effect his play/attitude. (idea via BrewCrewBall)
Carlos Gomez also signed a one-year contract, but the terms have not yet been released.
Jody Gerut signed a one year, $2 million contract yesterday to avoid arby.
That leaves Dave Bush, Corey Hart, Carlos Villanueva and Todd Coffey as the only arbitration-eligible players the Brewers have left.
By the way, it usually happens that the player submits a figure they think they're worth, usually a little on the high side. The club submits a figure they want to pay, usually on the low side. They tend to split the difference and that's what the player is paid.
Jody Gerut made $1.775 last season and signed for $2 million this season. If they met in the middle, it's pretty obvious the Brewers offered him less than he made last season. Wonder if that will effect his play/attitude. (idea via BrewCrewBall)
Vikings vs Saints for NFC Championship
This is the front page of Monday's New Orleans Times-Picayune.
I spent six years in New Orleans and I have a lot of friends who are Saints fans and frankly, they’ve been absolutely unbearable this season. I avoid Facebook and Twitter like the plague on game day because I can’t stand the “Who Dat” cheers.
Saints fans have quintupled in number since this season began and suddenly everyone thinks this is the team of destiny and it’s totally annoying me.
I admit that it’s a totally personal reaction and that the Saints are a good team. Hell, I’m glad Green Bay lost in the first week of the playoffs because I think they’d have been dismantled by the Saints and that would have been embarrassing.
I’m having this totally visceral reaction to the Saints fans and it’s making me want them to lose.
The problem is, they’re playing the Vikings. And while I’m annoyed by the Saints and their fans, I despise the Vikings, Brett Favre and the gratuitous attention they’ve received this season.
It’s a good thing I have a good, old, crappy box TV, because if I have to see one more side-by-side of Favre as a Packer in the Super Bowl running around the field next to him running last weekend, I might just throw the thing.
I don’t want either of these teams to win this game.
I’m admittedly disdainful of Favre. I have irrational amounts of hate for him. I hate every reporter, pre-game show and ESPN segment that has been a redundant cycle of idolatry and hype. I turned off the first Packers/Vikings game because I couldn’t stand the unreasonable blathering of the announcers.
I just don’t think Favre deserves it. I’d be pissed to see him in another Super Bowl.
I don’t have respect for his methods and I would think that other players should be upset that he seems to have rewritten the rules for himself and has gotten rewarded for it. He retired twice in a little over a year and managed to miss two pre-seasons/training camps in the process. It just irks me that he’s been allowed to dictate and everyone has fallen all over themselves to accommodate him and now it’s working out. That’s dangerous precedent.
All this is in addition to my long-standing hate of all things Minnesota – Vikings included. It’s a state rivalry thing and it just breaks my heart for the Vikings to have success.
Moral of the story – I hope the Colts dismantle the winner of this game in the Super Bowl.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
The Internets had died
At least they are at my house. We haven’t had internet since Saturday. The repair man supposedly came out on Tuesday at the exact same time I came home. Claims he was outside and left a door tag. I drove past the front of the house, we wasn’t out there and there was no tag.
He’s supposed to come again tonight. We’ll see what happens.
I have tons to write about and pictures to download and upload from both the men’s and women’s hockey games I attended last week, plus the Marquette bball game. I promise I’m not being lazy – I just can’t access those pesky interwebs. Hell, I’m typing this on my BlackBerry.
Bear with me folks. My apologies for the absence.
He’s supposed to come again tonight. We’ll see what happens.
I have tons to write about and pictures to download and upload from both the men’s and women’s hockey games I attended last week, plus the Marquette bball game. I promise I’m not being lazy – I just can’t access those pesky interwebs. Hell, I’m typing this on my BlackBerry.
Bear with me folks. My apologies for the absence.
Monday, January 11, 2010
From MSNBC.com - Upon Further Review, Packers got screwed!
After further review, Packers got screwed
Posted by Mike Florio on January 11, 2010 7:50 AM ET
We've received more than a few e-mails in the aftermath of Sunday night's for-the-ages battle between the Packers and the Cardinals regarding the non-call on the play that delivered victory for the home team via a sack, fumble/interception, and 17-yard sprint for a score.
At first, the words "tuck rule" dominated the discussion.
Then, the focal point became the blow to the head and the yanking of the facemask that Green Bay quarterback Aaron Rodgers endured as Arizona defensive back Michael Adams collided into Rodgers.
Here's the video.
As one league source said via e-mail, "It should have been a personal foul grabbing the face mask and 15-yard penalty and a first down for Green Bay."
And we agree, completely. The incidental facemask call disappeared a couple of years ago, replaced by a rule that even a minor grab of the bars attached to the helmet triggers the major infraction.
Moreover, we've routinely seen quarterbacks take minor blows to the head and draw flags for roughing the passer.
So what happened? Though the tuck rule didn't matter because the ball bounced off Rodgers' foot before it was caught by Cardinals linebacker Karlos Dansby, the official undoubtedly was watching Rodgers' arm and the ball for any evidence of the convoluted mechanical process that makes a fumble not a fumble when the quarterback was in the process of moving his arm forward but hadn't released the ball before having the ball knocked out.
The bigger problem is that the FOX announcers and the folks talking into their ears didn't bother to delve into the question of whether not one but two penalties had occurred. Joe Buck said "Rodgers gets a hand to the face" during the live call, but Buck and his producer(s) blew an excellent opportunity to explain first that the tuck rule didn't matter in this case and second that what did matter was the failure of the men in black and white to see that Adams had not only hit Rodgers in the head but also had grabbed and tugged his facemask.
So, yes, Packers fans, you have every right to be upset.
Then again, watch the video. Adams didn't get a free release from Rodgers' blind side. He had to cut in front of an underneath receiver before circling into the backfield, and Rodgers could have (and should have) seen Adams coming.
By our count, Rodgers had the ball in his hands for three full seconds before getting hit.
When Rodgers was getting thrown around like a rag doll in the first half of the season, he quietly was being criticized within the locker room for holding the ball too long. And that's the biggest thing that the Packers need to address this offseason in order to make Rodgers into a guy who can deliver consistently in the clutch.
Posted by Mike Florio on January 11, 2010 7:50 AM ET
We've received more than a few e-mails in the aftermath of Sunday night's for-the-ages battle between the Packers and the Cardinals regarding the non-call on the play that delivered victory for the home team via a sack, fumble/interception, and 17-yard sprint for a score.
At first, the words "tuck rule" dominated the discussion.
Then, the focal point became the blow to the head and the yanking of the facemask that Green Bay quarterback Aaron Rodgers endured as Arizona defensive back Michael Adams collided into Rodgers.
Here's the video.
As one league source said via e-mail, "It should have been a personal foul grabbing the face mask and 15-yard penalty and a first down for Green Bay."
And we agree, completely. The incidental facemask call disappeared a couple of years ago, replaced by a rule that even a minor grab of the bars attached to the helmet triggers the major infraction.
Moreover, we've routinely seen quarterbacks take minor blows to the head and draw flags for roughing the passer.
So what happened? Though the tuck rule didn't matter because the ball bounced off Rodgers' foot before it was caught by Cardinals linebacker Karlos Dansby, the official undoubtedly was watching Rodgers' arm and the ball for any evidence of the convoluted mechanical process that makes a fumble not a fumble when the quarterback was in the process of moving his arm forward but hadn't released the ball before having the ball knocked out.
The bigger problem is that the FOX announcers and the folks talking into their ears didn't bother to delve into the question of whether not one but two penalties had occurred. Joe Buck said "Rodgers gets a hand to the face" during the live call, but Buck and his producer(s) blew an excellent opportunity to explain first that the tuck rule didn't matter in this case and second that what did matter was the failure of the men in black and white to see that Adams had not only hit Rodgers in the head but also had grabbed and tugged his facemask.
So, yes, Packers fans, you have every right to be upset.
Then again, watch the video. Adams didn't get a free release from Rodgers' blind side. He had to cut in front of an underneath receiver before circling into the backfield, and Rodgers could have (and should have) seen Adams coming.
By our count, Rodgers had the ball in his hands for three full seconds before getting hit.
When Rodgers was getting thrown around like a rag doll in the first half of the season, he quietly was being criticized within the locker room for holding the ball too long. And that's the biggest thing that the Packers need to address this offseason in order to make Rodgers into a guy who can deliver consistently in the clutch.
Friday, January 08, 2010
Wisconsin Football, Present and Past
Two quick things - The Wisconsin Badgers finished the season ranked 16 in the nation. Congratulations Badgers!
Also, former Badger Jim Leonhard has joined the Twitterverse - follow him @jimleonhard
Also, former Badger Jim Leonhard has joined the Twitterverse - follow him @jimleonhard
Elvis' 75th Birthday
My brother lives in Memphis, so it's pretty difficult for him, and by extension, us, to avoid all things Elvis.
For Christmas, I bought him and his girlfriend some "dates" and this weekend they'll be heading to Elvis Night at the Mississippi River Kings hockey game. (Can't wait for the pictures.)
I was reading through a slideshow on MSNBC.com about places to celebrate the King's birthday and was surprised that Milwaukee made the list because of a celebration at the Harley-Davidson Museum.
from the site: Milwaukee
From Jan. 7-31, the Harley-Davidson Museum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin is celebrating Elvis Presley’s 75th birthday with a special exhibit featuring Elvis’ red and white 1956 Model KH Harley-Davidson motorcycle and photos taken during Presley’s 1968"Comeback" television special.
Throughout the month, visitors are invited to leave a birthday message for Presley, and anyone sporting Elvis-style sideburns and glasses will get a discount on museum admission. The museum’s Motor Bar & Restaurant will also be serving some of Presley’s favorite dishes, including peanut butter and banana sandwiches.
Check out the whole slide show here.
For Christmas, I bought him and his girlfriend some "dates" and this weekend they'll be heading to Elvis Night at the Mississippi River Kings hockey game. (Can't wait for the pictures.)
I was reading through a slideshow on MSNBC.com about places to celebrate the King's birthday and was surprised that Milwaukee made the list because of a celebration at the Harley-Davidson Museum.
from the site: Milwaukee
From Jan. 7-31, the Harley-Davidson Museum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin is celebrating Elvis Presley’s 75th birthday with a special exhibit featuring Elvis’ red and white 1956 Model KH Harley-Davidson motorcycle and photos taken during Presley’s 1968"Comeback" television special.
Throughout the month, visitors are invited to leave a birthday message for Presley, and anyone sporting Elvis-style sideburns and glasses will get a discount on museum admission. The museum’s Motor Bar & Restaurant will also be serving some of Presley’s favorite dishes, including peanut butter and banana sandwiches.
Check out the whole slide show here.
Thursday, January 07, 2010
Marquette beats Georgetown, I was there
We went to the Marquette/Georgetown game last night and were rewarded with the Golden Eagles finally managing to pull out a close game against a ranked opponent.
Marquette was picked in the preseason to finish 12th in the Big East, so the fact that they were even in these games was a bit of a win, but really, there’s nothing to make you feel good about losing out on two big upsets by a total of three points.
The game was fun to be at – the crowd was jazzed and the university had done a good job of getting tickets sold despite the fact that school is on winter break.
The big winner from last night’s game was David Cubillan. Those of us who have watched Marquette over the past few seasons know that Cubi can either be very hot or very cold and there doesn’t seem to be an in between. He’s a shorter guy who can be deadly from beyond the three point arc but who can frustrate when he’s cold from back there and spends the whole game putting up bricks.
But Cubi’s impressive 6-for-6 from three point land led the Golden Eagles and kept them in the game when they were unable to get penetration or points in the paint.
Georgetown’s zone defense had Marquette puzzled. Georgetown is a rather tall team and they had a considerable size advantage on the Golden Eagles. Marquette’s lack of size made it impossible for them to get under the hoop and allowed Georgetown to outscore Marquette 32-6 in the paint. However, despite the size disadvantage, the Golden Eagles out-rebounded the Hoyas 31-28.
From the Washington Post’s coverage of the game:
“…with a dazzling display of long-range shooting…For the Hoyas, it was death by a thousand three-pointers with five Marquette players combining to hit 12 shots from beyond the arc.
The star among them was David Cubillan, who was 6 for 6 from three-point range while muzzling Georgetown’s most potent scorer, Chris Wright, on defense.”
Sadly for Georgetown, in the post-game news conference junior Austin Freeman said the Hoyas’ game plan was to stop Marquette from shooting the three.
Not only did the Golden Eagles take 26 threes, but they made 12 of them.
Though his effort don’t show up in terms of points, assists or rebounds, the other hero of the night was Lazar Hayward, whose defense of Greg Monroe was as much a difference in the game as Cubillan’s threes. Monroe was only able to muster 10 points while turning the ball over 4 times.
The atmosphere inside the Bradley Center was some of the best I’ve experienced in person. Early on it was obvious this was going to be another close fight. With every made three, the fans got louder and more pumped.
Marquette was picked in the preseason to finish 12th in the Big East, so the fact that they were even in these games was a bit of a win, but really, there’s nothing to make you feel good about losing out on two big upsets by a total of three points.
The game was fun to be at – the crowd was jazzed and the university had done a good job of getting tickets sold despite the fact that school is on winter break.
The big winner from last night’s game was David Cubillan. Those of us who have watched Marquette over the past few seasons know that Cubi can either be very hot or very cold and there doesn’t seem to be an in between. He’s a shorter guy who can be deadly from beyond the three point arc but who can frustrate when he’s cold from back there and spends the whole game putting up bricks.
But Cubi’s impressive 6-for-6 from three point land led the Golden Eagles and kept them in the game when they were unable to get penetration or points in the paint.
Georgetown’s zone defense had Marquette puzzled. Georgetown is a rather tall team and they had a considerable size advantage on the Golden Eagles. Marquette’s lack of size made it impossible for them to get under the hoop and allowed Georgetown to outscore Marquette 32-6 in the paint. However, despite the size disadvantage, the Golden Eagles out-rebounded the Hoyas 31-28.
From the Washington Post’s coverage of the game:
“…with a dazzling display of long-range shooting…For the Hoyas, it was death by a thousand three-pointers with five Marquette players combining to hit 12 shots from beyond the arc.
The star among them was David Cubillan, who was 6 for 6 from three-point range while muzzling Georgetown’s most potent scorer, Chris Wright, on defense.”
Sadly for Georgetown, in the post-game news conference junior Austin Freeman said the Hoyas’ game plan was to stop Marquette from shooting the three.
Not only did the Golden Eagles take 26 threes, but they made 12 of them.
Though his effort don’t show up in terms of points, assists or rebounds, the other hero of the night was Lazar Hayward, whose defense of Greg Monroe was as much a difference in the game as Cubillan’s threes. Monroe was only able to muster 10 points while turning the ball over 4 times.
The atmosphere inside the Bradley Center was some of the best I’ve experienced in person. Early on it was obvious this was going to be another close fight. With every made three, the fans got louder and more pumped.
Tuesday, January 05, 2010
wanted to post pics from Team USA game
But its not working. Check out my twitter for live updates tonight. @tristarscoop
What are you doing tonight?
What? You have no plans?
Then head to the Kohl Center in Madison to see the defending National Champion Badgers take on the U.S. Olympic Hockey team.
Seriously, how cool does that sound?
Tickets are just $5 ($1 for military, police, et al as they are honoring service folk/heroes)
You will not find better entertainment for your dollar and you’ll be watching world class athletes on both sides of the puck.
There are multiple former and two current Badgers on the Olympic Squad including last year’s Patty Kazmeier Award winner (MVP) goalie Jessie Vetter. She is joined by alums Erika Lawler, Jinelle Zaugg-Siergiej, Kerry Weiland and Molly Engstromad current Badgers Hilary Knight and Meghan Duggan. Badger coach Mark Johnson is the Olympic coach.
That’s right – two of our current collegians are good enough to play in the Olympics – and two more just barely missed the cut. We’re talking high-quality hockey here.
As they said over on 60, parents, take your kids. Where else can you instill in them a sense of Amerian Pride as well as show them 30 or so role models. Parents of little girls should be all over this – multiple of the team members are blogging on both the Badger site and the US Olympic and Qwest Tour sites. Get your kid involved on a personal level with these amazing young women – most are between 20 and 30 years old.
The Badger women’s hockey program gets short shrift and they’ve been playing at an advanced level for multiple years. They were excited when 2,000 people showed up for the playoff games last season while men’s teams generally draw 8,000 – 10,000 for a regular weekend game.
Their should a lot of Badger Pride – both the university and the state – for the girls on the ice tonight and for a short ride and a cheap ticket you can be as excited as I clearly am.
Don’t miss out.
Then head to the Kohl Center in Madison to see the defending National Champion Badgers take on the U.S. Olympic Hockey team.
Seriously, how cool does that sound?
Tickets are just $5 ($1 for military, police, et al as they are honoring service folk/heroes)
You will not find better entertainment for your dollar and you’ll be watching world class athletes on both sides of the puck.
There are multiple former and two current Badgers on the Olympic Squad including last year’s Patty Kazmeier Award winner (MVP) goalie Jessie Vetter. She is joined by alums Erika Lawler, Jinelle Zaugg-Siergiej, Kerry Weiland and Molly Engstromad current Badgers Hilary Knight and Meghan Duggan. Badger coach Mark Johnson is the Olympic coach.
That’s right – two of our current collegians are good enough to play in the Olympics – and two more just barely missed the cut. We’re talking high-quality hockey here.
As they said over on 60, parents, take your kids. Where else can you instill in them a sense of Amerian Pride as well as show them 30 or so role models. Parents of little girls should be all over this – multiple of the team members are blogging on both the Badger site and the US Olympic and Qwest Tour sites. Get your kid involved on a personal level with these amazing young women – most are between 20 and 30 years old.
The Badger women’s hockey program gets short shrift and they’ve been playing at an advanced level for multiple years. They were excited when 2,000 people showed up for the playoff games last season while men’s teams generally draw 8,000 – 10,000 for a regular weekend game.
Their should a lot of Badger Pride – both the university and the state – for the girls on the ice tonight and for a short ride and a cheap ticket you can be as excited as I clearly am.
Don’t miss out.
Friday, January 01, 2010
Live blogging the day
I'm not going to upload live blogging software, but I will be using this post a bit like Twitter, without all the annoyance of my tweeting 1800 things today!
*Kind of football'd out. This Rose Bowl game just isn't keeping my interest.
*Will there ever be an end to Brent Musberger's attempt to sound smart by being overly verbose?
*This picture of Brandon Jennings was on the front page of ESPN.com along with this tag line: Downsizing often has negative implications, but in the NBA it has been an end-of-the-decade breath of fresh air.
*there was some nap time in there - thus the pause
*three former #Badgers make the Us Men's Olympic team! Congratulations Brian Rafalski, Joe Pavelski and Ryan Suter. Madison native Phil Kessel also made it.
*LSU/PSU playing in soup. so much for game plans. Plus there's already been a Brandon "LaFell" pun.
*Turf in Orlando was questionable three days ago when Wisconsin played there. Add a few days of rain and it's positively tore up and soupy. Punt just died in a spray of water and turf.
*Northwestern QB just threw his 2nd INT in the endzone. Way to kill yourself, Wildcats. Apparently he had 7 INTs all season and 3 today, though one wasn't his fault.
*Hey, this is pretty cool. I just found this on UniWatch of all places. Apparently Packer's Coach Mike McCarthy's red challenge flag has a message written on it in sharpie. The piece is some detective work by the Green Bay newspaper's photog who got the pics in the first place. The consensus seems to be its a message from McCarthy's wife. It's a mystery so far and the answer does not appear to be "ask the coach what it says and why."
*Did you know that on January 1st, 1937 the first Cotton Bowl was played in Dallas? Texas Christian University (T.C.U.) beat Marquette, 16-6.
*Really just waiting for the Northwestern/Auburn game to end - really want to watch LSU/PSU. Interesting fact from Les Miles' Twitter feed: LSU will be after its 100th win this decade when they face Penn St LSU is tied w/ Florida for most wins in the SEC this decade
*Auburn's QB throwing some floating, wobbling ducks here at the Outback.
*They just put up a graphic about Texas Tech's bowl. Texas Tech has the Leach debacle and Michigan State has 11 players suspended from an on-campus fight. What a winner of a game. NCAA must love PR games like that.
*Kind of football'd out. This Rose Bowl game just isn't keeping my interest.
*Will there ever be an end to Brent Musberger's attempt to sound smart by being overly verbose?
*This picture of Brandon Jennings was on the front page of ESPN.com along with this tag line: Downsizing often has negative implications, but in the NBA it has been an end-of-the-decade breath of fresh air.
*there was some nap time in there - thus the pause
*three former #Badgers make the Us Men's Olympic team! Congratulations Brian Rafalski, Joe Pavelski and Ryan Suter. Madison native Phil Kessel also made it.
*LSU/PSU playing in soup. so much for game plans. Plus there's already been a Brandon "LaFell" pun.
*Turf in Orlando was questionable three days ago when Wisconsin played there. Add a few days of rain and it's positively tore up and soupy. Punt just died in a spray of water and turf.
*Northwestern QB just threw his 2nd INT in the endzone. Way to kill yourself, Wildcats. Apparently he had 7 INTs all season and 3 today, though one wasn't his fault.
*Hey, this is pretty cool. I just found this on UniWatch of all places. Apparently Packer's Coach Mike McCarthy's red challenge flag has a message written on it in sharpie. The piece is some detective work by the Green Bay newspaper's photog who got the pics in the first place. The consensus seems to be its a message from McCarthy's wife. It's a mystery so far and the answer does not appear to be "ask the coach what it says and why."
*Did you know that on January 1st, 1937 the first Cotton Bowl was played in Dallas? Texas Christian University (T.C.U.) beat Marquette, 16-6.
*Really just waiting for the Northwestern/Auburn game to end - really want to watch LSU/PSU. Interesting fact from Les Miles' Twitter feed: LSU will be after its 100th win this decade when they face Penn St LSU is tied w/ Florida for most wins in the SEC this decade
*Auburn's QB throwing some floating, wobbling ducks here at the Outback.
*They just put up a graphic about Texas Tech's bowl. Texas Tech has the Leach debacle and Michigan State has 11 players suspended from an on-campus fight. What a winner of a game. NCAA must love PR games like that.
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