The Great Number 8: At it Again

Yes, he has done it again. Alexander Ovechkin has yet again proved his greatness with another outstanding goal to add to the record books. In February 18th's game against Montreal, Ovi used his backhand to bank the puck off the boards in front of the penalty boxes and get around defenseman Roman Hamrlik. He then skated through the left circle and kept powering through after being hooked off his skates by Kyle Chipchura. While sliding into the crease, Ovechkin unbelievably managed to poke the puck past the right pad of stunned goalie Carey Price for his League-best 42nd goal of the season. However, after watching this goal over and over I still don't think it was as good as the goal he had in the January 15th, 06 game against game Phoenix when Ovi was knocked down by Paul Mara, slid on his back facing away from the goal, hooked the puck with the back of his stick blade with only his right hand on the stick, and glided the puck past Brian Boucher. Even though I don't think this goal was as spectacular as his goal on January 15th, ex-Capitals head coach Glen Hanlon begs to differ as he said, "Just when I thought I have seen it all, he does something else." Bill Clement also stated that, "This was the most outstanding goal I have ever seen." As Ovechkin continues to score incredible goals like these along with the crazy goals that he has already scored, the amount of star power that he is bring to the game is incredible. Also, with these outstanding performances, his crediability is growing and more and more fans are able to connect with him and these ongoing performances. Hey, when it comes to No. 8, no one should ever think they have seen it all. There will be plenty more from the "Great Number 8" in the future.

Check these goals out...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d6EJ5Iwnv9w
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vzbmI6-YSnQ

More info out Ovi's goals at...
http://www.nhl.com/

Hockey is for Everyone

What a month for youth hockey players and the National Hockey League! Whoever still thinks that the NHL needs to make a comeback from recent years, well, this is exactly how the NHL is doing it. This month, the NHL is celebrating "Hockey is for Everyone" month, which consists of various events involving NHL clubs, players, alumni, and non-profit youth hockey programs. The main goal of "Hockey is for Everyone" is to provide support and unique programming to non-profit youth hockey organizations across North America that are committed to offering children of all backgrounds, opportunities to play hockey. Along with this, the aspect that I found most interesting is that all of these events hosted by the NHL will coincide with the celebration of Black History Month, which is also this month. NHL ambassadors Willie O'Ree, who was the first black player in the history of the NHL, and Tony McKegney, will travel throughout North America to promote the initiative and be a part of most of these events. Here are just a few of the events taking place this month.

Feb. 4, Washington -- The Washington Capitals' Donald Brashear and Nicklas Backstrom and Los Angeles Kings' Wayne Simmonds join Willie O'Ree to skate with kids from the Fort Dupont Ice Hockey Club, the oldest minority youth hockey program in the U.S.

Feb. 9, New York -- Los Angeles Kings forward Wayne Simmonds hosts a meet-and-greet with kids from the Ice Hockey in Harlem diversity program.

Feb 11 & 12, Nashville -- The Nashville Predators host a two-day "Hockey is for Everyone" fan-fest with forward Joel Ward and O'Ree both visit with students from Vanderbilt University.

Feb 13-15, Chicago -- The Chicago Blackhawks celebrate USA Hockey Weekend Across America with Amateur Hockey Association of Illinois (AHAI). Events include free open skate and sled hockey games at local rinks.

Feb 27-28, Calgary -- O'Ree and McKegney participate in the HEROS diversity program Friendship Tournament.

To me, by hosting all of these events, the NHL and the teams that reside in it have found a great way to not only build their brand image, but also give back to communities around the U.S. Also, by hosting events like this and teaching youth players how to play and respect the game, hockey in general has a great opportunity to grow. With this, and as a die hard hockey fan, it is pretty amazing to know that since its inception, "Hockey is for Everyone" has exposed more that 45,000 boys and girls to unique hockey experiences. Experiences like the ones listed above and in the article will not only stay with these kids, but it will also make them love the game and become involved with it for the rest of their lives. That is exactly what the NHL and the game of hockey are looking for.


See more of the events at...

http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=407364

HEY HEY HOCKEYTOWN!

Yes, the Wings marketers are at it again. Another hott ticket package deal is in affect for all you Wing Nuts out there. There is a new promotion going on right now called the "Detroit Red Wings Family Pack," which includes two tickets to any Wings' game, two dogs, and two sodas, all for just $44. Not bad to watch your defending Stanley Cup champs play huh?

For those of you who are not Wing Nuts, the Wings' franchise constantly provides ticket deals to Wings' fans in order to promote their brand image and bring as many fans to their games as possible. Along with the "Detroit Red Wings Family Pack", this year, the Wings have also featured ticket packages called "Homer For The Holidays," which was named after Wing's left wing, Tomas Holmstrom, and the "Hockey Lovers Package." The "Homer For The Holidays" package, which started during the "holiday months" and is still going on, includes tickets to 3 Wings' games of your choice, 3 food vouchers, and a Red Wings knit hat, all for just $96 per person. The "Hockey Lovers Package" consists of your choice of 4 Wings' games, tickets to the GLI (Great Lakes Invitational) or CCHA Champoinship, tickets to the U of M vs. MSU game, $20 in concession money, and a Detroit Red Wings lanyard for only $186 per seat. But it dosent stop there! This year the Wings have also provided there fans with giveaways at specific Wings' games. For, example, all fans in attendance at the Wings' game versus Minnesota on February 12 will receive a 2008-09 Detroit Red Wings Winter Classic team poster, sponsored by Blue Cross Blue Shield. On February 18th's game against Nashville, the first 3,000 kids in attendance will receive a free Red Wing's knit hat, sponsored by FOX 2 Detroit. What a way to build a brand huh? Now get out there and take advantage of some of those deals!

Details for packages at...
http://redwings.nhl.com/