The 2024 Orange::44 NCAA Tournament Bracket Bonanza!
9 months ago
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Two More Polls
For the other two polls, click here http://thebigorangeblogginchucksminor.blogspot.com/ which are Funniest Golf/Hockey Movies and Funniest Baseball Movies. Oh and vote as often in the polls as you wish, I left it open for ballot stuffing so if you want to vote on more then one, be my guest. And so you know, polling will end at 11:59 PM on 11-7-08.
Anyone Feel Like Voting For Something Funny?
I thought since the election seems to be a stressful time, why not find a funny poll to vote on. So with that in mind, this weekend I will post my Top 64 Sports Comedy Movies Championship. I will have it broken down into 8 categories and the top votes will advance to the next round along with one wild card. I know this blog is not daily reading for most people and who can blame you really so I will have it up for two weeks. So I hope you plan to check out this websites sometime soon and cast your vote to determine the funniest sports movie ever. And make sure you bookmark my other website http://thebigorangeblogginchucksminor.blogspot.com/ or click the link to the left of the page as two of the topics will appear on that site since they relate to my new blog.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Minor League News Moves To New Site
So after thinking about it, I have decided to do a whole blog dedicated to the minor league teams I like in the Charlotte and Syracuse area. http://thebigorangeblogginchucksminor.blogspot.com/ is the link.
If your interested in these teams which will mostly be baseball and hockey oriented, check it out and let me know what you think. Right now it's mostly press releases and stuff but I hope to do more with it later depending on my schedule(I work 4pm until 12:30am every weekday so I tend to miss most games). Thank you for all your support.
If your interested in these teams which will mostly be baseball and hockey oriented, check it out and let me know what you think. Right now it's mostly press releases and stuff but I hope to do more with it later depending on my schedule(I work 4pm until 12:30am every weekday so I tend to miss most games). Thank you for all your support.
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Columbus Blue Jackets Assign Dan LaCosta to Crunch
Syracuse, NY (October 19, 2008) – The Syracuse Crunch Announced today that the Columbus Blue Jackets have assigned goaltender Dan LaCosta to the Crunch.
LaCosta, 22, has appeared in three games with the Crunch this season, posting a 3-0-0-0 record with a 2.18 goals-against average and .928 save percentage. LaCosta played 35 minutes and stopped 15 of 17 shots Saturday night in Nashville in relief of Blue Jackets starter, Fredrik Norrena.
A native of Labrador City, Newfoundland, LaCosta was drafted by Columbus in the third round, 93rd overall in the 2004 NHL Entry Draft.
The Crunch continue their 15th AHL season on Friday, October 24 for a home match-up against Binghamton and Saturday, October 25, as they take on Rochester at the War Memorial at Oncenter. Tickets for all Crunch home games are available by calling the Crunch Box Office, (315) 473-4444, or by visiting the Crunch office in the War Memorial at Oncenter in downtown Syracuse.
Visit us online at http://www.syracusecrunch.com
LaCosta, 22, has appeared in three games with the Crunch this season, posting a 3-0-0-0 record with a 2.18 goals-against average and .928 save percentage. LaCosta played 35 minutes and stopped 15 of 17 shots Saturday night in Nashville in relief of Blue Jackets starter, Fredrik Norrena.
A native of Labrador City, Newfoundland, LaCosta was drafted by Columbus in the third round, 93rd overall in the 2004 NHL Entry Draft.
The Crunch continue their 15th AHL season on Friday, October 24 for a home match-up against Binghamton and Saturday, October 25, as they take on Rochester at the War Memorial at Oncenter. Tickets for all Crunch home games are available by calling the Crunch Box Office, (315) 473-4444, or by visiting the Crunch office in the War Memorial at Oncenter in downtown Syracuse.
Visit us online at http://www.syracusecrunch.com
Crunch's 18-Game Regular Season Win Streak Snapped
This update directly from www.syracusecrunch.com
Hershey, PA (October 18, 2008) - The Syracuse Crunch's record breaking 18-game regular season win streak was snapped Saturday night losing 7-1 to the Hershey Bears at the Giant Center. With the victory the Bears remain undefeated in five games this season.
Tempers flared early as each team fought to set the tempo for the game in the first period. Hershey scored just two minutes and 34 seconds into the game when Andrew Gordon netted a loose puck sitting between starting goaltender for the Crunch, Sebastian Dahm's skates.
The Bears went up 2-0 when Graham Mink banged home a third-chance rebound in front of the Crunch's net at 10:36 in the first period.
The Crunch answered with a power play goal from Mike York at 17:36 in the first period. York snuck a loose puck in front of the net past starting goaltender Daren Machesney, which proved to be the Crunch's only goal of the night.
Much like the first period of play, the Bears ignited their offense early in the second period when Alexander Giroux netted a power play, one-timer past Dahm just 47 seconds in, from a feed from Sami Lepisto, making the score 3-1 Hershey.
Keith Aucoin helped build the Bears lead to 4-1 when he tallied his first of the game and third of the year at 13:55 into the second period.
Alexander Giroux, Francois Bouchard and Sami Lepisto each recorded a goal in the third period for the Bears to cap the game score at 7-1 in favor of Hershey.
Dahm finished the night with 34 saves as his record fell to 0-1-0. Machesney improved to 3-0-0 recording 28 saves in the victory.
CRUNCHABLES: Sebastian Dahm recorded his first AHL start of his career tonight… The Crunch played in their fourth straight home opener (Rochester - October 10; Syracuse - October 11; Binghamton - October 17 and Hershey tonight).
Hershey, PA (October 18, 2008) - The Syracuse Crunch's record breaking 18-game regular season win streak was snapped Saturday night losing 7-1 to the Hershey Bears at the Giant Center. With the victory the Bears remain undefeated in five games this season.
Tempers flared early as each team fought to set the tempo for the game in the first period. Hershey scored just two minutes and 34 seconds into the game when Andrew Gordon netted a loose puck sitting between starting goaltender for the Crunch, Sebastian Dahm's skates.
The Bears went up 2-0 when Graham Mink banged home a third-chance rebound in front of the Crunch's net at 10:36 in the first period.
The Crunch answered with a power play goal from Mike York at 17:36 in the first period. York snuck a loose puck in front of the net past starting goaltender Daren Machesney, which proved to be the Crunch's only goal of the night.
Much like the first period of play, the Bears ignited their offense early in the second period when Alexander Giroux netted a power play, one-timer past Dahm just 47 seconds in, from a feed from Sami Lepisto, making the score 3-1 Hershey.
Keith Aucoin helped build the Bears lead to 4-1 when he tallied his first of the game and third of the year at 13:55 into the second period.
Alexander Giroux, Francois Bouchard and Sami Lepisto each recorded a goal in the third period for the Bears to cap the game score at 7-1 in favor of Hershey.
Dahm finished the night with 34 saves as his record fell to 0-1-0. Machesney improved to 3-0-0 recording 28 saves in the victory.
CRUNCHABLES: Sebastian Dahm recorded his first AHL start of his career tonight… The Crunch played in their fourth straight home opener (Rochester - October 10; Syracuse - October 11; Binghamton - October 17 and Hershey tonight).
CHECKERS DEFEAT EVERBLADES, 3-1
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – The Charlotte Checkers bounced back after a defeat the previous night to find redemption against the Florida Everblades by a 3-1 win.
In the first period, the Everblades struck first when a shot from the right wing side by Mathieu Roy was stopped by Checkers goaltender, Jeff Jakaitis but the rebound went right to the slot to Florida forward Ernie Hartlieb who blasted the puck into an open net at 2:06. This gave the Everblades an early 1-0 advantage. Charlotte evened things up on the power-play after when Matthew Ford redirected a Tomas Zaborksky pass over the glove of Florida netminder Anton Khudobin at 6:25 tying the contest at 1-1.
The Checkers stormed out of the gate with an early goal by Ryan Murphy 32 seconds into the stanza after a Jared Nightingale shot hit the post and the puck laid in the crease behind an unknowing Khudobin where Murphy knocked it past the goal-line. This put Charlotte up 2-1 and they would sustain that lead throughout the remainder of the period.
During the final period, Ford scored his second of the game after firing a snap shot over the blocker side of Khudobin putting up the Checkers by a score of 3-1. With the Everblades down by two goals late in the contest, they were awarded a two-man advantage but were unable to find the back of the net and Checkers won the game by a score of 3-1.
Jakaitis was brilliant in his performance stopping 35 of 36 shots and Khudobin turned aside 17 of 20 in the loss.
For more information, please contact
Jason Shaya
704-940-4081
Jshaya@gocheckers.com
In the first period, the Everblades struck first when a shot from the right wing side by Mathieu Roy was stopped by Checkers goaltender, Jeff Jakaitis but the rebound went right to the slot to Florida forward Ernie Hartlieb who blasted the puck into an open net at 2:06. This gave the Everblades an early 1-0 advantage. Charlotte evened things up on the power-play after when Matthew Ford redirected a Tomas Zaborksky pass over the glove of Florida netminder Anton Khudobin at 6:25 tying the contest at 1-1.
The Checkers stormed out of the gate with an early goal by Ryan Murphy 32 seconds into the stanza after a Jared Nightingale shot hit the post and the puck laid in the crease behind an unknowing Khudobin where Murphy knocked it past the goal-line. This put Charlotte up 2-1 and they would sustain that lead throughout the remainder of the period.
During the final period, Ford scored his second of the game after firing a snap shot over the blocker side of Khudobin putting up the Checkers by a score of 3-1. With the Everblades down by two goals late in the contest, they were awarded a two-man advantage but were unable to find the back of the net and Checkers won the game by a score of 3-1.
Jakaitis was brilliant in his performance stopping 35 of 36 shots and Khudobin turned aside 17 of 20 in the loss.
For more information, please contact
Jason Shaya
704-940-4081
Jshaya@gocheckers.com
Saturday, October 18, 2008
Orange Spotlight
This edition of the Orange Spotlight is dedicated to a building that is filled with emotion and history for me. As someone who lives out of the Syracuse area, every time I drive north on Interstate 81, I can always tell I am there when I can see the view in the horizon. Also, I remember standing in my grandfather's hospital bed as he was sick with a view of this building and remembering the times I visited him while Syracuse was playing. It is also named after a business my grandfather worked at until he retired in the early 90's and he also took me there once to watch a BC/SU Football game. By now I am sure you know that this Orange Spotlight will focus on the Carrier Dome.
Located at 900 Irving Avenue, it was built in 1982 at a cost of $28 million. The field made of Fieldturf, the building itself is cited by numerous sources to be the largest on campus structure in the country. The dome weighs 220 tons and is made of Teflon coated fiberglass. When snow approaches the Carrier Dome it is heated to 145 degrees to prevent it from collapsing. In March 1993, the dome was deflated because nearly four feet of snow fell in the Syracuse area. It was built to replace both Archbold Stadium for football, which was not up to standard and had already been reduced due to fire code violations as well as Manley Field House for men's basketball. And for the record, and for those who have never been inside it, despite being named after Carrier Corporation which builds air conditioners, there is none inside the Dome.
I have heard many discuss replacing it in favor of a state of the art facility with luxury boxes and seats and even some wanting an outdoor stadium again like Archbold was to allow for more seating. I understand the current trend but to me, the Carrier Dome is still a great place for fans to see the Orange and building a 100,000 seat stadium just because other places have them to me is over rated. The facility itself is just fine, they do improve certain things as the years go by and it seats enough fans(can seat 50,000 fans as is) and even at one point, WWE considered holding Wrestlemania there to help set the indoor record for a sporting event(though university officials decided against it). Maybe I am just a sentimentalist but I love the Carrier Dome, get chills sometimes when I go near it and as I stated earlier, it reminds me so much of Syracuse that nothing could be a better representative of the area then this. So I dedicate this column to the greatest sports arena in the world, the Carrier Dome. Go Orange.
Located at 900 Irving Avenue, it was built in 1982 at a cost of $28 million. The field made of Fieldturf, the building itself is cited by numerous sources to be the largest on campus structure in the country. The dome weighs 220 tons and is made of Teflon coated fiberglass. When snow approaches the Carrier Dome it is heated to 145 degrees to prevent it from collapsing. In March 1993, the dome was deflated because nearly four feet of snow fell in the Syracuse area. It was built to replace both Archbold Stadium for football, which was not up to standard and had already been reduced due to fire code violations as well as Manley Field House for men's basketball. And for the record, and for those who have never been inside it, despite being named after Carrier Corporation which builds air conditioners, there is none inside the Dome.
I have heard many discuss replacing it in favor of a state of the art facility with luxury boxes and seats and even some wanting an outdoor stadium again like Archbold was to allow for more seating. I understand the current trend but to me, the Carrier Dome is still a great place for fans to see the Orange and building a 100,000 seat stadium just because other places have them to me is over rated. The facility itself is just fine, they do improve certain things as the years go by and it seats enough fans(can seat 50,000 fans as is) and even at one point, WWE considered holding Wrestlemania there to help set the indoor record for a sporting event(though university officials decided against it). Maybe I am just a sentimentalist but I love the Carrier Dome, get chills sometimes when I go near it and as I stated earlier, it reminds me so much of Syracuse that nothing could be a better representative of the area then this. So I dedicate this column to the greatest sports arena in the world, the Carrier Dome. Go Orange.
CHECKERS DROP SEASON OPENER TO EVERBLADES, 6-3
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Despite scoring an early goal on their first shot of the contest, the Checkers couldn't muster enough firepower to stop the Florida Everblades as they lost by a score of 6-3.
The Checkers started the scoring early when forward Ryan Murphy sent a pass through the middle of the ice inside the Everblades zone to Peter Tsimikalis who slid the puck between the legs of Florida netminder David Leggio at 1:20 giving a 1-0 lead to the Checkers. Florida answered right back when Ernie Hartleib rifled a one-time shot over the catching glove of Charlotte goalie Maxime Daigneault at 3:01. Florida took their first lead of the game on the power play after defenseman Aaron Brocklehurst snapped a sharp angle shot from the right wing and tucked it inside the far post and behind Daigneault putting the Everblades up 2-0 at 7:14. The Checkers would score a power play goal of their own after rookie centerman Tomas Zaborsky found a loose puck in the crease on a Mike Bayrack shot and slipped it past the goal-line at 13:55. This tied the contest at 2-2 but the Everblades wouldn’t be down long thanks to Kevin Baker’s shot on a nice pass from former Checker Mark Lee which went past Daigneault putting the Everblades up 3-2 at the end of twenty minutes of action.
The second period brought another power play goal for the Everblades as Dannick Bouchard scored at 9:35 stretching the Everblades lead to 4-2.
In the final period, Bouchard would find the back of the net once again extending the Everblades lead to 5-2 at 1:34 on a breakaway roofing the puck over the blocker side on Daigneault. Later, while the Checkers were on the man advantage, Florida defenseman Jonathan Paiement battled for a loose puck at center ice and skated in on Daigneault but was hauled down which got him awarded a penalty shot. Paiement faked forhand and slid the puck just under the left pad of the Checkers netminder putting the Everblades up 6-2. Charlotte would add a late power-play goal by Tsimikalis closing the gap to 6-3 but the Everblades would skate away with the victory by that same score.
Both teams will battle each other once again tomorrow night in Florida at 7:30 p.m.
For more information, please contact
Jason Shaya
704-940-4081
Jshaya@gocheckers.com
The Checkers started the scoring early when forward Ryan Murphy sent a pass through the middle of the ice inside the Everblades zone to Peter Tsimikalis who slid the puck between the legs of Florida netminder David Leggio at 1:20 giving a 1-0 lead to the Checkers. Florida answered right back when Ernie Hartleib rifled a one-time shot over the catching glove of Charlotte goalie Maxime Daigneault at 3:01. Florida took their first lead of the game on the power play after defenseman Aaron Brocklehurst snapped a sharp angle shot from the right wing and tucked it inside the far post and behind Daigneault putting the Everblades up 2-0 at 7:14. The Checkers would score a power play goal of their own after rookie centerman Tomas Zaborsky found a loose puck in the crease on a Mike Bayrack shot and slipped it past the goal-line at 13:55. This tied the contest at 2-2 but the Everblades wouldn’t be down long thanks to Kevin Baker’s shot on a nice pass from former Checker Mark Lee which went past Daigneault putting the Everblades up 3-2 at the end of twenty minutes of action.
The second period brought another power play goal for the Everblades as Dannick Bouchard scored at 9:35 stretching the Everblades lead to 4-2.
In the final period, Bouchard would find the back of the net once again extending the Everblades lead to 5-2 at 1:34 on a breakaway roofing the puck over the blocker side on Daigneault. Later, while the Checkers were on the man advantage, Florida defenseman Jonathan Paiement battled for a loose puck at center ice and skated in on Daigneault but was hauled down which got him awarded a penalty shot. Paiement faked forhand and slid the puck just under the left pad of the Checkers netminder putting the Everblades up 6-2. Charlotte would add a late power-play goal by Tsimikalis closing the gap to 6-3 but the Everblades would skate away with the victory by that same score.
Both teams will battle each other once again tomorrow night in Florida at 7:30 p.m.
For more information, please contact
Jason Shaya
704-940-4081
Jshaya@gocheckers.com
Crunch Announce Details of Supercuts Magnetic Schedule Giveaway
Syracuse, NY (October 17, 2008) - The Syracuse Crunch announced today that their Friday, October 24 game against the Binghamton Senators will be Supercuts Magnetic Schedule Giveaway Night.
Each fan in attendance at the War Memorial at Oncenter on Friday, October 24 will receive a Syracuse Crunch 2008-09 magnetic schedule, courtesy of Supercuts.
Fans can expect super style, super value, and super advice at any of the over 2,100 Supercuts locations. Supercuts is dedicated to the idea that fans shouldn’t have to pay too much to look, well, super. When fans experience Supercuts’ array of services including hair coloring, highlights, gray blending, special treatments such as the Tea Tree Experience and a complete selection of salon-only products, they will see they’ve got hair care needs covered.
The Crunch continue their 15th AHL season by traveling to Binghamton on Friday, October 17 and Hershey on Saturday, October 18. The Crunch return home on Friday, October 24 for a match-up against Binghamton. Tickets for all Crunch home games are available by calling the Crunch Box Office, (315) 473-4444, or by visiting the Crunch office in the War Memorial at Oncenter in downtown Syracuse.
Visit us online at http://www.syracusecrunch.com
Each fan in attendance at the War Memorial at Oncenter on Friday, October 24 will receive a Syracuse Crunch 2008-09 magnetic schedule, courtesy of Supercuts.
Fans can expect super style, super value, and super advice at any of the over 2,100 Supercuts locations. Supercuts is dedicated to the idea that fans shouldn’t have to pay too much to look, well, super. When fans experience Supercuts’ array of services including hair coloring, highlights, gray blending, special treatments such as the Tea Tree Experience and a complete selection of salon-only products, they will see they’ve got hair care needs covered.
The Crunch continue their 15th AHL season by traveling to Binghamton on Friday, October 17 and Hershey on Saturday, October 18. The Crunch return home on Friday, October 24 for a match-up against Binghamton. Tickets for all Crunch home games are available by calling the Crunch Box Office, (315) 473-4444, or by visiting the Crunch office in the War Memorial at Oncenter in downtown Syracuse.
Visit us online at http://www.syracusecrunch.com
Friday, October 17, 2008
CHECKERS RECEIVE MIKE TAYLOR FROM WOLF PACK
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – The Checkers announced today that the Hartford Wolf Pack of the American Hockey League have reassigned forward Mike Taylor to Charlotte.
Taylor, 5-feet-11, 180 pounds, signed as a free agent with the Wolf Pack this offseason. The Maple Grove, Minn. native played four seasons of college hockey with Harvard University. He suited up in 125 games scoring 29 goals and 41 assists for 70 points. His last season with Harvard, he led the team in assists and points and was third in goals scored. After the completion of his senior season, he played his first professional games with the Wolf Pack where he scored two goals and two assists for four points in eight games. Taylor will join the team for both road games in Florida as the Checkers battle the Everblades on Friday Oct. 17 and Saturday Oct. 18 for the first two games of the season.
The Checkers are getting ready for their 16th season of play as a member of the ECHL. Opening night will take place on Halloween against the Augusta Lynx at a special 8 p.m. start. In the team’s 15-year history, the Checkers have made the playoffs 11 times including four consecutive playoff appearances to date. The Checkers are entering their fourth season of play at Time Warner Cable Arena. Season tickets are on sale now with full-season packages starting at just $396. For season ticket information, please call 704-342-4-ICE or visit www.gocheckers.com.
For more information, please contact
Jason Shaya
704-940-4081
Jshaya@gocheckers.com
Taylor, 5-feet-11, 180 pounds, signed as a free agent with the Wolf Pack this offseason. The Maple Grove, Minn. native played four seasons of college hockey with Harvard University. He suited up in 125 games scoring 29 goals and 41 assists for 70 points. His last season with Harvard, he led the team in assists and points and was third in goals scored. After the completion of his senior season, he played his first professional games with the Wolf Pack where he scored two goals and two assists for four points in eight games. Taylor will join the team for both road games in Florida as the Checkers battle the Everblades on Friday Oct. 17 and Saturday Oct. 18 for the first two games of the season.
The Checkers are getting ready for their 16th season of play as a member of the ECHL. Opening night will take place on Halloween against the Augusta Lynx at a special 8 p.m. start. In the team’s 15-year history, the Checkers have made the playoffs 11 times including four consecutive playoff appearances to date. The Checkers are entering their fourth season of play at Time Warner Cable Arena. Season tickets are on sale now with full-season packages starting at just $396. For season ticket information, please call 704-342-4-ICE or visit www.gocheckers.com.
For more information, please contact
Jason Shaya
704-940-4081
Jshaya@gocheckers.com
Crunch Announce Details of Papa John’s Birthday Pack
Syracuse, NY (October 16, 2008) – The Syracuse Crunch announced today the details of the Papa John’s Birthday Pack for the 2008-09 season.
The Papa John’s Birthday Pack includes the following:
Ten (10) tickets to the game of your choice
One (1) Papa John’s pizza slice and one (1) Coca-Cola for up to ten (10) people
Twenty dollar ($20) Crunch merchandise gift certificate for the birthday child
Souvenir for each child attending the party
Birthday child’s name on the scoreboard
The total for the Papa John’s Birthday Pack is $190.
Additional tickets are $16 each and include all of the above.
The Crunch continue their 15th AHL season by traveling to Binghamton on Friday, October 17 and Hershey on Saturday, October 18. The Crunch return home on Friday, October 24 for a match-up against Binghamton. Tickets for all Crunch home games are available by calling the Crunch Box Office, (315) 473-4444, or by visiting the Crunch office in the War Memorial at Oncenter in downtown Syracuse.
Visit us online at http://www.syracusecrunch.com
The Papa John’s Birthday Pack includes the following:
Ten (10) tickets to the game of your choice
One (1) Papa John’s pizza slice and one (1) Coca-Cola for up to ten (10) people
Twenty dollar ($20) Crunch merchandise gift certificate for the birthday child
Souvenir for each child attending the party
Birthday child’s name on the scoreboard
The total for the Papa John’s Birthday Pack is $190.
Additional tickets are $16 each and include all of the above.
The Crunch continue their 15th AHL season by traveling to Binghamton on Friday, October 17 and Hershey on Saturday, October 18. The Crunch return home on Friday, October 24 for a match-up against Binghamton. Tickets for all Crunch home games are available by calling the Crunch Box Office, (315) 473-4444, or by visiting the Crunch office in the War Memorial at Oncenter in downtown Syracuse.
Visit us online at http://www.syracusecrunch.com
Dan Smith Named Tenth Captain in Syracuse Crunch History
Syracuse, NY (October 16, 2008) - The Syracuse Crunch announced today that they have named defenseman Dan Smith as their team captain for the 2008-09 season. The club also announced that center Derek MacKenzie and left wing Mike York will serve as alternate captains during home games and left wing Steve Kelly and center Craig MacDonald will wear the ‘A’ during road games.
Smith, who turns 32 years old on Sunday, becomes the tenth full-time team captain in franchise history (Dane Jackson, 1994-95, Mark Wotton, 1995-99, Brian Bonin, 1999-00, Mike Gaul, 2000-01, Sean Pronger, 2001-02, David Ling 2002-03, Darrell Scoville, 2003-04, Jamie Pushor, 2004-07 and Zenon Konopka 2007-08).
Smith appeared in 77 games with the Crunch last season, posting one goal, six assists and 73 penalty minutes. He also skated in 10 playoff games for Syracuse, notching one assist. Smith, who served as an alternate captain with the club last season, has appeared in 654 career American Hockey League games with Hershey, Springfield, Toronto (Roadrunners), Edmonton (Roadrunners), Hamilton, Grand Rapids and Syracuse, tallying 27 goals, 102 assists and 614 penalty minutes.
He has also appeared in 22 combined National Hockey League games with Colorado and Edmonton, recording 16 penalty minutes. A native of Fernie, British Columbia, he was drafted by Colorado in the seventh round, 181st overall, in the 1995 NHL Entry Draft. Smith signed as a free agent with Columbus on July 11, 2007. He signed an AHL contract with Syracuse on July 8, 2008.
The Crunch continue their 15th AHL season by traveling to Binghamton on Friday, October 17 and Hershey on Saturday, October 18. The Crunch return home on Friday, October 24 for a match-up against Binghamton. Tickets for all Crunch home games are available by calling the Crunch Box Office, (315) 473-4444, or by visiting the Crunch office in the War Memorial at Oncenter in downtown Syracuse.
Visit us online at http://www.syracusecrunch.com
Smith, who turns 32 years old on Sunday, becomes the tenth full-time team captain in franchise history (Dane Jackson, 1994-95, Mark Wotton, 1995-99, Brian Bonin, 1999-00, Mike Gaul, 2000-01, Sean Pronger, 2001-02, David Ling 2002-03, Darrell Scoville, 2003-04, Jamie Pushor, 2004-07 and Zenon Konopka 2007-08).
Smith appeared in 77 games with the Crunch last season, posting one goal, six assists and 73 penalty minutes. He also skated in 10 playoff games for Syracuse, notching one assist. Smith, who served as an alternate captain with the club last season, has appeared in 654 career American Hockey League games with Hershey, Springfield, Toronto (Roadrunners), Edmonton (Roadrunners), Hamilton, Grand Rapids and Syracuse, tallying 27 goals, 102 assists and 614 penalty minutes.
He has also appeared in 22 combined National Hockey League games with Colorado and Edmonton, recording 16 penalty minutes. A native of Fernie, British Columbia, he was drafted by Colorado in the seventh round, 181st overall, in the 1995 NHL Entry Draft. Smith signed as a free agent with Columbus on July 11, 2007. He signed an AHL contract with Syracuse on July 8, 2008.
The Crunch continue their 15th AHL season by traveling to Binghamton on Friday, October 17 and Hershey on Saturday, October 18. The Crunch return home on Friday, October 24 for a match-up against Binghamton. Tickets for all Crunch home games are available by calling the Crunch Box Office, (315) 473-4444, or by visiting the Crunch office in the War Memorial at Oncenter in downtown Syracuse.
Visit us online at http://www.syracusecrunch.com
NIGHTMARE ON TRADE STREET JUST 15 DAYS AWAY
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – The Checkers will celebrate their home opener which is festively titled Nightmare on Trade Street in just 15 days as the home opener lands on Halloween night at 8:00 p.m. against the Augusta Lynx.
In conjunction with the Halloween home opener, Checkers vice president Shawn Lynch is thrilled to announce a special ticket offer. Using www.gocheckers.com people can purchase tickets to opening night for a special discounted price which includes a ticket and a Checkers trick or treat gift bag. For more information, please contact the Checkers ticket office 704-342-4-ICE. Make sure to check the www.gochekers.com for future offers.
The night will consist of many different festivities including a costume contest, trick or treating on the main concourse, a pre-carved pumpkin contest and much more. For additional information on Nightmare on Trade Street, please visit www.gocheckers.com.
The Checkers open the season on a six game road swing before the home opener. On Friday, Oct. 17 the team will battle the Florida Everblades twice in as many nights. The Checkers will travel to Mississippi to take on the Sea Wolves the following week for three games before finishing off the trip with a game against the Gwinnett Gladiators. Games can be heard on the team’s official radio station WFNZ or by logging onto www.gocheckers.com.
The Checkers are getting ready for their 16th season of play as a member of the ECHL. Opening night will take place on Halloween against the Augusta Lynx at a special 8 p.m. start. In the team’s 15-year history, the Checkers have made the playoffs 11 times including four consecutive playoff appearances to date. The Checkers are entering their fourth season of play at Time Warner Cable Arena. Season tickets are on sale now with full-season packages starting at just $396. For season ticket information, please call 704-342-4-ICE or visit www.gocheckers.com.
For more information, please contact
Jason Shaya
704-940-4081
Jshaya@gocheckers.com
In conjunction with the Halloween home opener, Checkers vice president Shawn Lynch is thrilled to announce a special ticket offer. Using www.gocheckers.com people can purchase tickets to opening night for a special discounted price which includes a ticket and a Checkers trick or treat gift bag. For more information, please contact the Checkers ticket office 704-342-4-ICE. Make sure to check the www.gochekers.com for future offers.
The night will consist of many different festivities including a costume contest, trick or treating on the main concourse, a pre-carved pumpkin contest and much more. For additional information on Nightmare on Trade Street, please visit www.gocheckers.com.
The Checkers open the season on a six game road swing before the home opener. On Friday, Oct. 17 the team will battle the Florida Everblades twice in as many nights. The Checkers will travel to Mississippi to take on the Sea Wolves the following week for three games before finishing off the trip with a game against the Gwinnett Gladiators. Games can be heard on the team’s official radio station WFNZ or by logging onto www.gocheckers.com.
The Checkers are getting ready for their 16th season of play as a member of the ECHL. Opening night will take place on Halloween against the Augusta Lynx at a special 8 p.m. start. In the team’s 15-year history, the Checkers have made the playoffs 11 times including four consecutive playoff appearances to date. The Checkers are entering their fourth season of play at Time Warner Cable Arena. Season tickets are on sale now with full-season packages starting at just $396. For season ticket information, please call 704-342-4-ICE or visit www.gocheckers.com.
For more information, please contact
Jason Shaya
704-940-4081
Jshaya@gocheckers.com
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Syracuse Crunch Announces New Deal In Press Release
Syracuse Crunch and Time Warner Cable Announce Multi-Year Corporate Partnership Agreement--Includes Exclusive Presenting Sponsorship of the 2008-09 Season
Syracuse, NY (October 16, 2008) – The Syracuse Crunch Hockey Club and Time Warner Cable announced today a new agreement on a five-year corporate partnership that will extend through the 2012-2013 American Hockey League season.
Through this partnership, Time Warner Cable and the Syracuse Crunch will develop programs to enhance the experience for Crunch fans and the local hockey community. As presenting sponsor of the regular season, Time Warner Cable and the Crunch will offer additional promotional nights, enhanced game-night entertainment and player appearances.
“We’re proud to extend our exclusive partnership with a company with a reputation like Time Warner Cable,” said Howard Dolgon, Crunch President and CEO. “They continue to show a strong commitment to our hockey club, the entire Central New York region and, of course, all of the customers who continue to benefit from all that Time Warner Cable offers.”
Time Warner Cable Sports, the company’s exclusive sports channel, will continue to televise a minimum of 10 regular-season games, and will sponsor the Time Warner Cable Crunch Classic charity event, as well as the Time Warner Cable Hockey Mom of the Year program.
“Time Warner Cable is pleased to continue our relationship with the Syracuse Crunch and Syracuse Crunch fans,” said John Melveney, Time Warner Cable Vice President of Marketing. “The Crunch organization operates with a great deal of class, and I believe our shared values and focus on families and the community make this a natural partnership.”
The Crunch continue their 15th AHL season by traveling to Binghamton on Friday, October 17 and Hershey on Saturday, October 18. The Crunch return home on Friday, October 24 for a match-up against Binghamton. Tickets for all Crunch home games are available by calling the Crunch Box Office, (315) 473-4444, or by visiting the Crunch office in the War Memorial at Oncenter in downtown Syracuse.
About Time Warner Cable
Time Warner Cable is the second-largest cable operator in the U.S., with technologically advanced, well-clustered systems located mainly in five geographic areas — New York state (including New York City), the Carolinas, Ohio, southern California (including Los Angeles) and Texas. As of December 31, 2007, Time Warner Cable served approximately 14.6 million customers who subscribed to one or more of its video, high-speed data and voice services. The Central New York Division servers more than 625,000 customers, with more than 1,500 employees.
Visit us online at http://www.syracusecrunch.com
Syracuse, NY (October 16, 2008) – The Syracuse Crunch Hockey Club and Time Warner Cable announced today a new agreement on a five-year corporate partnership that will extend through the 2012-2013 American Hockey League season.
Through this partnership, Time Warner Cable and the Syracuse Crunch will develop programs to enhance the experience for Crunch fans and the local hockey community. As presenting sponsor of the regular season, Time Warner Cable and the Crunch will offer additional promotional nights, enhanced game-night entertainment and player appearances.
“We’re proud to extend our exclusive partnership with a company with a reputation like Time Warner Cable,” said Howard Dolgon, Crunch President and CEO. “They continue to show a strong commitment to our hockey club, the entire Central New York region and, of course, all of the customers who continue to benefit from all that Time Warner Cable offers.”
Time Warner Cable Sports, the company’s exclusive sports channel, will continue to televise a minimum of 10 regular-season games, and will sponsor the Time Warner Cable Crunch Classic charity event, as well as the Time Warner Cable Hockey Mom of the Year program.
“Time Warner Cable is pleased to continue our relationship with the Syracuse Crunch and Syracuse Crunch fans,” said John Melveney, Time Warner Cable Vice President of Marketing. “The Crunch organization operates with a great deal of class, and I believe our shared values and focus on families and the community make this a natural partnership.”
The Crunch continue their 15th AHL season by traveling to Binghamton on Friday, October 17 and Hershey on Saturday, October 18. The Crunch return home on Friday, October 24 for a match-up against Binghamton. Tickets for all Crunch home games are available by calling the Crunch Box Office, (315) 473-4444, or by visiting the Crunch office in the War Memorial at Oncenter in downtown Syracuse.
About Time Warner Cable
Time Warner Cable is the second-largest cable operator in the U.S., with technologically advanced, well-clustered systems located mainly in five geographic areas — New York state (including New York City), the Carolinas, Ohio, southern California (including Los Angeles) and Texas. As of December 31, 2007, Time Warner Cable served approximately 14.6 million customers who subscribed to one or more of its video, high-speed data and voice services. The Central New York Division servers more than 625,000 customers, with more than 1,500 employees.
Visit us online at http://www.syracusecrunch.com
Gary Gait Unretires; Still Head Coach at SU
Gary Gait Unretires; Still Head Coach at SU
Even at 41, I bet Gary Gait can still play better then most playing today. Him and his brother Paul were legends in Syracuse lacrosse folklore and I would love to see him play again myself. I actually at one time owned a gray sweatshirt that was Syracuse Lacrosse with bears on it that I wore till it was completely ripped in half because I was told it was given to the person who gave it to me by one of the Gait brothers. And how about this video of "Air Gait" in action? Very brief but you have to love it. Go Orange
Posted using ShareThis
Even at 41, I bet Gary Gait can still play better then most playing today. Him and his brother Paul were legends in Syracuse lacrosse folklore and I would love to see him play again myself. I actually at one time owned a gray sweatshirt that was Syracuse Lacrosse with bears on it that I wore till it was completely ripped in half because I was told it was given to the person who gave it to me by one of the Gait brothers. And how about this video of "Air Gait" in action? Very brief but you have to love it. Go Orange
Posted using ShareThis
Syracuse Crunch News From Newsletter
Nikita Filatov Recalled by Columbus; Derek MacKenzie Expected to Miss Four-to-Six Weeks
Syracuse, NY (October 15, 2008) – The Syracuse Crunch announced today that the Columbus Blue Jackets have recalled center Nikita Filatov. In addition, the club announced that center Derek MacKenzie will miss four-to-six weeks after undergoing ankle surgery to correct a previous injury.
Filatov, 18, has appeared in two games for the Crunch this season, recording two goals. A native of Moscow, Russia, Filatov was drafted by Columbus in the first round, sixth overall, in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft.
MacKenzie, 27, has skated in two games with the Crunch this season, notching two goals, one assist and two penalty minutes. A native of Sudbury, Ontario, MacKenzie was re-signed by Columbus as a free agent on July 14, 2008.
The Crunch continue their 15th AHL season by traveling to Binghamton on Friday and Hershey on Saturday. They return home on Friday, October 24 at the War Memorial at Oncenter against Binghamton at 7:30 p.m. Season and single-game tickets are available by calling the Crunch office at (315) 473-4444.
Visit us online at http://www.syracusecrunch.com
Syracuse, NY (October 15, 2008) – The Syracuse Crunch announced today that the Columbus Blue Jackets have recalled center Nikita Filatov. In addition, the club announced that center Derek MacKenzie will miss four-to-six weeks after undergoing ankle surgery to correct a previous injury.
Filatov, 18, has appeared in two games for the Crunch this season, recording two goals. A native of Moscow, Russia, Filatov was drafted by Columbus in the first round, sixth overall, in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft.
MacKenzie, 27, has skated in two games with the Crunch this season, notching two goals, one assist and two penalty minutes. A native of Sudbury, Ontario, MacKenzie was re-signed by Columbus as a free agent on July 14, 2008.
The Crunch continue their 15th AHL season by traveling to Binghamton on Friday and Hershey on Saturday. They return home on Friday, October 24 at the War Memorial at Oncenter against Binghamton at 7:30 p.m. Season and single-game tickets are available by calling the Crunch office at (315) 473-4444.
Visit us online at http://www.syracusecrunch.com
Charlotte Checker News From Their Newsletter
Checkers First Broadcast Friday Night on WFNZ
Checkers fans, don’t forget this Friday is the first game of the season against division rivals, the Florida Everblades. You can hear all the action live on WFNZ Sports Radio 660AM on Friday night. The pre-game show starts at 7:15 p.m. and the puck drops at 7:30. The following night, both teams will do battle once again in Florida. The game begins at 7:30 and will be available live on www.gocheckers.com through the B2 Network and a free audio link that is located at the bottom right corner of the home page. All you have to do is click the “Listen Live” banner and the game will start on your speakers! Every single game during the regular season and playoffs will be available through www.gocheckers.com. Listen to the broadcasts each game to find out our radio schedule for the season on WFNZ.
Team Signs Messier and McMorrow
CHARLOTTE, N.C. –Head coach and general manager of the Charlotte Checkers Derek Wilkinson announced today that the team has signed defenseman Lyon Messier and Sean McMorrow has agreed to terms.
Messier, 6-foot-1, 175 pounds hails from Dallas, TX and is the son of hockey legend Mark Messier. Last season, he skated primarily for the Lincoln Stars of the United States Hockey League. He suited up in 45 games scoring five goals, 12 assists for 17 points with 45 penalty minutes. He also spent eight games with the Eerie Otters of the Ontario Hockey League and four games with the Kelowna Rockets of the Western Hockey League but didn’t register a point during those stints. This year, he skated in the National Hockey League prospect tournament in Traverse City as a member of the New York Rangers squad. He also participated in the camps of the Rangers and Hartford Wolf Pack of the American Hockey League before making his way to Charlotte.
Home Opener 15 Days And Counting
Join us on October 31 for Nightmare On Trade Street when the Checkers take on Augusta at 8:00p.m. We invite you to 'knock on our door last' and participate in costume contests, trick or treating on the concourse and other Halloween surprises.
National Anthem Singer Search!
Do you have what it takes to sing the National Anthem at Charlotte Checkers Home Games? We want to find out! To audition, please send a tape, CD or DVD to:
Charlotte Checkers National Anthem Contestc/o Lindsay Hofferberth 212 S. Tryon St, Suite 675Charlotte, NC 28281
If you have questions or need additional information please contact Lindsay Hofferberth at 704-444-1870.
Checkers fans, don’t forget this Friday is the first game of the season against division rivals, the Florida Everblades. You can hear all the action live on WFNZ Sports Radio 660AM on Friday night. The pre-game show starts at 7:15 p.m. and the puck drops at 7:30. The following night, both teams will do battle once again in Florida. The game begins at 7:30 and will be available live on www.gocheckers.com through the B2 Network and a free audio link that is located at the bottom right corner of the home page. All you have to do is click the “Listen Live” banner and the game will start on your speakers! Every single game during the regular season and playoffs will be available through www.gocheckers.com. Listen to the broadcasts each game to find out our radio schedule for the season on WFNZ.
Team Signs Messier and McMorrow
CHARLOTTE, N.C. –Head coach and general manager of the Charlotte Checkers Derek Wilkinson announced today that the team has signed defenseman Lyon Messier and Sean McMorrow has agreed to terms.
Messier, 6-foot-1, 175 pounds hails from Dallas, TX and is the son of hockey legend Mark Messier. Last season, he skated primarily for the Lincoln Stars of the United States Hockey League. He suited up in 45 games scoring five goals, 12 assists for 17 points with 45 penalty minutes. He also spent eight games with the Eerie Otters of the Ontario Hockey League and four games with the Kelowna Rockets of the Western Hockey League but didn’t register a point during those stints. This year, he skated in the National Hockey League prospect tournament in Traverse City as a member of the New York Rangers squad. He also participated in the camps of the Rangers and Hartford Wolf Pack of the American Hockey League before making his way to Charlotte.
Home Opener 15 Days And Counting
Join us on October 31 for Nightmare On Trade Street when the Checkers take on Augusta at 8:00p.m. We invite you to 'knock on our door last' and participate in costume contests, trick or treating on the concourse and other Halloween surprises.
National Anthem Singer Search!
Do you have what it takes to sing the National Anthem at Charlotte Checkers Home Games? We want to find out! To audition, please send a tape, CD or DVD to:
Charlotte Checkers National Anthem Contestc/o Lindsay Hofferberth 212 S. Tryon St, Suite 675Charlotte, NC 28281
If you have questions or need additional information please contact Lindsay Hofferberth at 704-444-1870.
Friday, October 10, 2008
The Express Opens Nationwide Today
http//www.fandango.com/theexpress_109502/movieoverview
This link will help those of you wanting to find out your local theatres and show times for The Express which is showing now so if you can, go out and support this movie. Also on the page, you will find small tidbits about the film and the stars and all you have to do is enter your zip code and the listings will be there for you to choose from. I know many have reported inaccuracies with certain aspects of the film and I am not thrilled about that either but it is about one of the greatest to ever play the game who also happened to wear an Orange 44 jersey. Go Orange.
Sunday, October 5, 2008
Monty Python's Message To Orange Fans
I am more of a fan of the TV show and The Holy Grail but this song is a classic and even though there is some STRONG LANGUAGE, its always worth a listen/look.
Hockey Time In Syracuse And Charlotte
Thought I would add this video clip for those of you who live in Charlotte and remind you that on Halloween night, your Charlotte Checkers have their first home game of the season in Time Warner Arena(formerly the Charlotte Bobcats Arena). Go out and support this team.
And for the Syracuse Crunch fans, I found this video for you as well. Their season starts with an away then home series with Rochester(Friday the 10th away and Saturday the 11th at home).
And for the Syracuse Crunch fans, I found this video for you as well. Their season starts with an away then home series with Rochester(Friday the 10th away and Saturday the 11th at home).
Elite XC Heat And The Fallout From The Show
Many are already calling for Kimbo Slice to retire or consider wrestling and jumping on Elite XC saying their lost their shining star in a matter of seconds. I will admit up front that my cable went out half way through the Carano/Kobold fight so I missed some of it so I can't break down all the matches fairly. What I can do is tell you what I think can be done and be successful for Elite XC when it comes time for their next CBS show, which I think will happen even though I have not seen the ratings, I still think CBS signs on for a couple more at least. Oh and while I am at it, Elite XC needs to start with their next event give the women 5 minute rounds just like the men do and start treating them as legitimate fighters with the same standards as the men.
For those not aware, Ken Shamrock suffered a laceration above his left eye just before the fight and so Seth Petruzelli stepped in and in 14 seconds knocked out Kimbo Slice. This has given those just waiting to see Kimbo "get exposed" their just reward and less then 24 hours after the fight, many are jumping all over it. I am an Elite XC fan admittedly but I have a hard time jumping on the man's back trying to tackle him down after one fight with a couple hours to prepare. I think this situation and Frank Shamrock's mouth maybe turned one fight into two future fights. I would give Kimbo time to train for Seth and then put him in the cage with him one more time before calling him a failure. The guy has only had a few MMA fights so expecting him to not make mistakes is asinine. Nobody has ever called Kimbo a purely talented scientific fighter but I guess is just so easy to judge him for his imperfections and ignore the fact that with training and in time, he could still be a great asset to the promotion. And since I think this rematch is a better fit for Kimbo then trying to get Ken again, I would see if brother Frank's comments about hurting the Shamrock name can be backed up in the cage against his adopted brother. I know Elite can find someone to take his place at ringside and fans can finally see Frank against Ken in what could be a very hard fought battle.
Even though many will point to the Kimbo/Seth fight to try and point to Elite XC's downfall, I think they are ignoring the rest of the card and other great potential fights/talents fighters who deserve to be mentioned. For starters, the next live CBS event, the first match I would sign would be Gina Carano and Cris Cyborg finally fighting each other. Then I would talk to your new partner in business Affliction and see what it would take to possibly get Fedor to work on the card in some form. I love the potential with the two companies working together and will benefit both if both sides remain willing to work together. Also, in an interview with http://www.sherdog.com/ , welterweight champ Jake Shields says he is willing to move up in weight to fight middleweight champion Robbie Lawler which I think would be a great fight and the hardcore pundits would love to see as well as many of us who tend to lean more mainstream. Or maybe give Benji Radach a shot at Lawler after that impressive win last night against Rua and use that to build to Lawler/Shields on the next card. I would also talk to KJ Noons and see what it would take to get him to fight Nick Diaz since they have already stripped Noons of his lightweight title because he would not agree to the fight. Whether it's money or lack of interest in fighting Diaz, I think one big hyped fight between these two could only help both the promotion and especially the fighter who ends up with the victory. If not, I would get Conor Heun in the ring with Diaz and the winner gets either the title or a match with Noons for the title. And I would also find a great fight for Antonio Silva to defend his heavyweight title, maybe Brett Rogers. And depending on the details of the two groups working together, maybe set it up somehow so the winner of Silva/Rogers gets the winner of Fedor/Andrei Arluvski and unify the heavyweight titles later down the line.
Those are just a handful of options that I as a fan can potentially see from last night's card. I know many want to hype UFC and admittedly they have many talented fighters and the resources to promote the heck out of them but I think if Elite XC can provide an alternative competition to them, both sides will prosper from the desire to top the other one and not lack creativity some organizations face when they completely dominate a sport. The fighters also win because out of competition grows more desire to provide the best product and pay the best price for it. Last night may have been many critics wet dream watching Kimbo Slice go down in 14 seconds but I think it showed the potential Elite XC has in not just sitting on one guy but having a talented roster just waiting for chances to prove themselves worthy. I am anxious to see what occurs between Brock Lesnar and Randy Couture, I like the Ultimate Fighter shows, and I think GSP and BJ Penn are two of the most talented fighters in the world but that does not mean I must have blind loyalty towards one or the other of bash them(though sometimes when Dana White talks, it is like fingers on a chalkboard to me) but I just think trying to have at least two top promotions is better then one and by me pointing out Elite XC's progress, it helps everyone. Some may see it as limiting options because you may not see Fedor and Randy or GSP fight Shields but it gives us great conversation and sets up possible contract negotiations in the future that could lead to it if a promotion wants it bad enough. MMA is still an grade school kid in an adult world when it comes to many aspects of business and sports but as time rolls on, they are proving to be the smart kid everyone wants to copy from and skips a grade occasionally because they learned quickly. So show both companies some love and let's see if it helps the future of the sport as well as both companies because in the end, if both companies are profitable, the fans will also win.
For those not aware, Ken Shamrock suffered a laceration above his left eye just before the fight and so Seth Petruzelli stepped in and in 14 seconds knocked out Kimbo Slice. This has given those just waiting to see Kimbo "get exposed" their just reward and less then 24 hours after the fight, many are jumping all over it. I am an Elite XC fan admittedly but I have a hard time jumping on the man's back trying to tackle him down after one fight with a couple hours to prepare. I think this situation and Frank Shamrock's mouth maybe turned one fight into two future fights. I would give Kimbo time to train for Seth and then put him in the cage with him one more time before calling him a failure. The guy has only had a few MMA fights so expecting him to not make mistakes is asinine. Nobody has ever called Kimbo a purely talented scientific fighter but I guess is just so easy to judge him for his imperfections and ignore the fact that with training and in time, he could still be a great asset to the promotion. And since I think this rematch is a better fit for Kimbo then trying to get Ken again, I would see if brother Frank's comments about hurting the Shamrock name can be backed up in the cage against his adopted brother. I know Elite can find someone to take his place at ringside and fans can finally see Frank against Ken in what could be a very hard fought battle.
Even though many will point to the Kimbo/Seth fight to try and point to Elite XC's downfall, I think they are ignoring the rest of the card and other great potential fights/talents fighters who deserve to be mentioned. For starters, the next live CBS event, the first match I would sign would be Gina Carano and Cris Cyborg finally fighting each other. Then I would talk to your new partner in business Affliction and see what it would take to possibly get Fedor to work on the card in some form. I love the potential with the two companies working together and will benefit both if both sides remain willing to work together. Also, in an interview with http://www.sherdog.com/ , welterweight champ Jake Shields says he is willing to move up in weight to fight middleweight champion Robbie Lawler which I think would be a great fight and the hardcore pundits would love to see as well as many of us who tend to lean more mainstream. Or maybe give Benji Radach a shot at Lawler after that impressive win last night against Rua and use that to build to Lawler/Shields on the next card. I would also talk to KJ Noons and see what it would take to get him to fight Nick Diaz since they have already stripped Noons of his lightweight title because he would not agree to the fight. Whether it's money or lack of interest in fighting Diaz, I think one big hyped fight between these two could only help both the promotion and especially the fighter who ends up with the victory. If not, I would get Conor Heun in the ring with Diaz and the winner gets either the title or a match with Noons for the title. And I would also find a great fight for Antonio Silva to defend his heavyweight title, maybe Brett Rogers. And depending on the details of the two groups working together, maybe set it up somehow so the winner of Silva/Rogers gets the winner of Fedor/Andrei Arluvski and unify the heavyweight titles later down the line.
Those are just a handful of options that I as a fan can potentially see from last night's card. I know many want to hype UFC and admittedly they have many talented fighters and the resources to promote the heck out of them but I think if Elite XC can provide an alternative competition to them, both sides will prosper from the desire to top the other one and not lack creativity some organizations face when they completely dominate a sport. The fighters also win because out of competition grows more desire to provide the best product and pay the best price for it. Last night may have been many critics wet dream watching Kimbo Slice go down in 14 seconds but I think it showed the potential Elite XC has in not just sitting on one guy but having a talented roster just waiting for chances to prove themselves worthy. I am anxious to see what occurs between Brock Lesnar and Randy Couture, I like the Ultimate Fighter shows, and I think GSP and BJ Penn are two of the most talented fighters in the world but that does not mean I must have blind loyalty towards one or the other of bash them(though sometimes when Dana White talks, it is like fingers on a chalkboard to me) but I just think trying to have at least two top promotions is better then one and by me pointing out Elite XC's progress, it helps everyone. Some may see it as limiting options because you may not see Fedor and Randy or GSP fight Shields but it gives us great conversation and sets up possible contract negotiations in the future that could lead to it if a promotion wants it bad enough. MMA is still an grade school kid in an adult world when it comes to many aspects of business and sports but as time rolls on, they are proving to be the smart kid everyone wants to copy from and skips a grade occasionally because they learned quickly. So show both companies some love and let's see if it helps the future of the sport as well as both companies because in the end, if both companies are profitable, the fans will also win.
My Fanhouse Addiction
For those of you unaware of this site, http://www.fanhouse.com/ is a very interesting blogging site with some fun characters to say the least. I have been known to follow them often during their live chat sessions since they cover all sports and on weekends, usually have an all day chat about college football on Saturdays and NFL on Sundays(though most Sundays it's not until later in the day/evening). They offer fantasy chats as well occasionally during the week and one every Sunday from 10:30am until 1pm. I just added them to my blog list on the left side of the page in case you want a direct link for those interested. I do not always agree with their analysis but I also like that sometimes in a discussion. The live chat do use a moderator and sometimes not everything you type will be entered into the chats but I have done them several times and find them to be fair and if you add something relevant to the conversation, you will probably see your post pop up soon. I think you should at least check it out and for those of you who may use AOL, you can also find a direct link in their sports area and will probably see me, Orange Chuck, in there often on weekends or weekdays before I go into work. I have been blessed to learn of many great sports blogs in the short time I have been following them and this is one of my favorites(though when I want Orange news, I generally prefer TNIAAM, Three Idiots, Orange 44 among others).
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