Ralph Nader has embarked on another crusade. The former U.S. presidential candidate has written a letter to the NHL telling them that it’s time to ban fighting.

Nader writes in a letter issued by the advocacy organization League of Fans:

“It’s time to act. The National Hockey League must take immediate steps to ban fighting and outlaw all blows to the head. And you, Mr. Bettman, as league commissioner, must lead the way.”

Nader’s organization is concerned that fighting and repeated blows to the head will have long term effects on players. The NFL has recently taken steps to protect players from concussions and Nader says that it’s time for the NHL to do the same.

Nader writes:

“Fighting in hockey can no longer be a long-debated issue pitting those who find it barbaric and unsportsmanlike and those who argue that it’s an integral part of the fabric of the game. The growing mound of research on sports concussions and brain injuries has taken the fighting issue to an entirely different level. We’re talking about short-and-long-term damage to the brain, the very foundation of who we are as people… How can you continue to allow fighting, in which the primary target is the head of your opponent, and seriously make the argument that you’re doing all you can to make player safety a priority?”

Do you think fighting is an integral part of the NHL? If two hockey players get into a fight they are usually sent to the penalty box for five minutes. If the same thing occurs in the NBA… players could be suspended for weeks.

The NFL recently added “return to play” guidelines to make sure players don’t return to the game after a concussion. The NFL has also banned flagrant head-to-head hits. NFL commissioner Roger Goodell writes:

“The evidence demonstrates that team medical staffs have been addressing concussions in an increasingly cautious and conservative way. This new return-to-play statement reinforces our commitment to advancing player safety. Along with improved equipment, better education, and rules changes designed to reduce impacts to the head, it will make our game safer for the men who play it, and set an important example for players at all levels of play.”

Do you think it’s time for the NHL to start implementing stricter penalties to curb fighting?

Ralph Nader: It’s Time to Ban Fighting in the NHL is a post from: The Inquisitr

President Barack Obama invited the Boston Bruins over to the White House recently to honor them for their Stanley Cup championship, but Tim Thomas, the team’s goalie, was a no-show.

Apparently, his absence was not at all accidental; Thomas decided to use his invitation to the White House as an opportunity to voice his disdain for the government. While it may come off as if he isn’t exactly a fan of Obama, in a post on his Facebook he says that his decision wasn’t in protest of one political party or another–it was in protest of the government as a whole.

Here’s what Thomas had to say on his Facebook:

I believe the Federal government has grown out of control, threatening the Rights, Liberties, and Property of the People. This is being done at the Executive, Legislative, and Judicial level. This is in direct opposition to the Constitution and the Founding Fathers vision for the Federal government.

Because I believe this, today I exercised my right as a Free Citizen, and did not visit the White House. This was not about politics or party, as in my opinion both parties are responsible for the situation we are in as a country. This was about a choice I had to make as an INDIVIDUAL.

This is the only public statement I will be making on this topic. TT

Thomas may be insisting that his decision has nothing to do with the party that President Obama is affiliated with, but his actions were nonetheless enough to spark a bit of a political firestorm.

“My advice to him is to stick to hockey,” said Phil Johnston, a top state Democrat who served under President Clinton. “I think Bruins players are taken seriously for their hockey, not for their politics.”

What do you think of Tim Thomas’ decision to back out of the White House Stanley Cup ceremony?

[Image credit: AP]

Tim Thomas skips out on White House ceremony honoring Boston Bruins is a post from: The Inquisitr

The team added that the surgery, scheduled for Tuesday, will likely sideline DiPietro for a bulk of the remainder of the season.

“This is something I thought would just heal up and go away, and instead it got more and more debilitating,” DiPietro is quoted as saying by NHL.com. “I’m almost bionic at this point.”

According to ESPN, DiPietro, the first player taken in the 2000 NHL Draft, has played only 63 games the past three seasons, as hip and knee injuries and facial fractures have forced the goaltender to miss time. He signed a 15-year, $67.5 million contract before the 2006-07 season.

Although he couldn’t give specifics on DiPietro’s recovery regiment, slanders general manager Garth Snow said the best-case scenario for the goalie’s comeback was the beginning of April, according to a report in Newsday.

“I have confidence he can get through this,” Snow said. “He’ll have the surgery and in a few weeks, hopefully, he’ll be back on the ice.”

In the eight games he has played this season, Rick DiPietro is 3-2-3 with a 3.73 goals-against average and a save percentage of just .876. In 315 regular-season games, he is 130-133-8-31 with a 2.86 goals-against average, a .903 save percentage and 16 shutouts.

“This isn’t something I ever thought would happen again,” DiPietro said of the latest surgery. “I’m going to do whatever it takes to come back healthy, as fast as possible.”

Image:Deadspin

Rick DiPietro to Undergo Season-Ending Hernia Surgery is a post from: The Inquisitr

Sarah’s professional response was “I don’t even know what to say. I’m just going to say thank you. … I don’t know what to say.” Obviously, that was not in the script.

So there you have it, guys, the perfect way to dumbfound the ladies (and TV lady reporters at that).

See for yourself right here:

Blackhawks Fan Tells CSN Reporter Sarah Kustok “I Love You” [Video] is a post from: The Inquisitr

Forward Michael Cammalleri returned to the Calgary Flames on Thursday after the Flames acquired Michael, goaltneder Karri Ramo and a fifth-round pick in the 2012 draft from the Montreal Canadiens have picked up forwards Rene Bourque, Patrick Holland and a second-round pick in the 2013 draft.

The trade comes less than a week after Cammalleri told La Presse that the Canadiens have a “losing mentality.”

According to reports Cammalleri was pulled out of Montreal’s game during the second intermission on Thursday night when he was told to return to his hotel.

Michael spent the 2008-09 season with Calgary where he had a breakout year with a career-high 39 goals. The next year he signed a $30 million free agent deal with the Canadiens. During his two seasons with Montreal his goal totals dropped to 26 and 19.

Speaking of the teams re-acquisition of Cammalleri Flames General Manager Jay Feaster said:

“Mike Cammalleri is a dynamic player who enjoyed great success playing in Calgary … We believe Cammalleri will help our offensive production, solidify a second scoring line, bolster our power play, and bring another strong veteran voice to our room.”

“We are confident that a return to Calgary will be good for Mike and good for our continued pursuit of a playoff berth,” Feaster said.

This isn’t the first time the Calgary Flames have released a player only to pull them back into the mix, the did the same with Olli Jokinen and Alex Tanguay.

Do you think Calgary made the right choice in pulling Michael Cammalleri back into the mix?

Montreal Trades Michael Cammalleri Back To Calgary is a post from: The Inquisitr

After a two hour weather delay pushed the Winter Classic at Citizens Bank Park back by two hours the Philadelphia Flyers and New York Rangers provided fans with an exciting matchup that ended with a 3-2 Rangers victory.

Skating around on a rink that spanned from the first to third base markers the fifth NFL Winter Classic was especially exciting for Mike Rupp who scored twice as the Rangers defeated Philadelphia for the third time this season.

Even up until the last seconds the game was a breath holder as Henrik Lundqvist stopped a penalty shot by Danny briere’s with just 19 seconds left in regulation play.

Adding goals for the Flyers were rookie Brayden Schenn (his first career goal) and Claude Giroux.

Adding to the games ambiance were Christmas trees, fire wood, fake snow and even trash-can fires to add a “natural feel.” The game was then followed with some snow flurries late in the second period as temperatures fell into the 30s for the players and their 46,967 fans. In the meantime the league used 20,000 gallons of water to create the rink.

While the game provided the same two points in the NHL standing it was met with far more hype as NBC televised the game and HBO showed up with 12 camera crews to film the event for their behind-the-scenes series 24/7. 

The game wasn’t without it’s issues, star forward Jaromir Jagr left just one minute into the second period with no explanation, only to reveal after the Winter Classic that he injured his left leg but would return soon.

Showing the popularity of the NHL Winter Classic some fans paid up to $1,000 for a seat to the event through the secondary market, filling up the market with premium priced seats.

Would you have been willing to spend $1000 for the chance to sit in the freezing cold at the 2011 NHL Winter Classic?

New York Rangers Defeat Philadelphia Flyers In Winter Classic is a post from: The Inquisitr

The outdoor NHL hockey matchup known as the NHL Classic has been pushed back by NFL officials following a revised weather forecast.

According to officials the game which was scheduled for 1 p.m. will now instead be played at 3 p.m. ET.

The New York Rangers and Philadelphia Flyers game is scheduled to be played at Citizens Bank Park and the NHL made their decision on Sunday when weather forecasters predicted optimal weather conditions for later in the day.

Fans preparing to attend the match up can now enter when gates open at 1 p.m.

Last years NHL Classic in Pittsburgh was pushed all the way into prime time because of rain.

Do you plan on watching the NFL Classic regardless of what time it starts?

[Wrigley Field image via BigBadBob113]

NHL Winter Classic Pushed Back Over Weather Forecast is a post from: The Inquisitr

In a post-mortem examination of NFL enforcer Derek Boogard’s brain doctors have discovered advanced brain damage that would have likely led to early on-set dementia had he not died from a drug and alcohol overdose at the age of 28.

Speaking about the extensive nature of the enforcer’s brain damage one doctor told the New York Times:

“To see this amount? That’s a ‘wow’ moment.”

The doctor then pointted at Boogard’s brain tissue and announced:

“This is all going bad.”

The study of Boogard came after he “lost his personality” while playing with the Minnesota Wild. Boogard was later diagnosed with  post-concussion syndrome, depression, and  substance abuse, the latter of which took his life.

Better known as CTE—or chronic traumatic encephalopathy, the syndrome is relatively common among professional athletes, having been recently diagnosed in two former NHL players and more than two dozen NFL athletes.

Even as more evidence continues to surface that NHL fights and hard hits are injuring their players NHL officials deny the claims and have done very little to ensure players remain safe and healthy well into retirement.

As one former player tells the NYT:

“They are trading money for brain cells.”

Do you think the seriousness of CTE should be further examined and regulated for professional sports to ensure more tragic results are avoided whenever possible?

NHL Enforcer Derek Boogard Suffered Advanced Brain Damage At 28-Years-Old is a post from: The Inquisitr

The NHL this week witnessed a rare moment when the Minnesota Wild signed a 51-year-old goalie as the team’s backup.

After learning that starting goalie Nik Backstrom couldn’t play in tonight’s game the team called up a minor league goalie but weren’t sure he would make it via plane to the teams game. Realizing the need for a backup for their backup goalie Josh Harding they contacted the embroidery store owner and had him suit up.

Jim Deutsch skated out onto the ice for team warmups where he blocked shots from Wild players while his daughters youth team cheered him on.

After warm-ups the minor league player’s plane arrived and Deutsch’s NHL career came to an end.

In the meantime Jim won’t be experiencing any of that big time professional pay, he signed onto the team with a nonpaying contract to be an “amateur tryout.”

After the game Jim Deutsch revealed on his NHL contract signing:

 ”I actually was shaking while I was signing it, and it was pretty cool.”

I can already see the stories he’ll be telling to his grandchildren 20 years from now “did you kids know grandpa was a professional hockey player?”

Kidding aside it’s pretty cool to see a 51-year-old guy live out his dream, even if only for a brief passing moment during team warm ups.

[via Minneapolis Star Tribune]

Minnesota Wild Sign 51-Year-Old Goalie is a post from: The Inquisitr

Last season veteran hockey player Mikael Samuelsson underwent sports hernia/adductor surgery and on Thursday he was forced to sit out during his teams game against the Nashville Predators after complaining about post-surgery soreness.

The missed game came as a surprise after Mikael offered a full practice with his team on Wednesday and even performed a number of reps with the first-unit power play.

Speaking for his player head coach Alain Vigneault  said:

“Mikael is getting a maintenance day,” while adding, “He was 100 percent during training camp and for the first couple of days but lately he’s been feeling just a little bit stiff. So we’re going to keep him off.”

Given the “stiffness” diagnosis there’s a good chance Mikael will be back on the ice in time for the teams next game.

Vancouver Canuck Forward Mikael Samuelsson Missed Thursday Play With Post-Surgery Soreness is a post from: The Inquisitr

There are not a lot of black hockey players in the NHL and after Thursday nights game in Ontario, Canada I can understand why. Wayne Simmonds of the Philadelphia Flyer’s was participating in a exhibition game shootout against the Detroit Red Wings when a fan threw a banana peel at him.

According to the Philadelphia Inquirer Simmonds was heading towards the goal during the shootout when he says:

 ”I caught it from the side of my eye,” while adding, “It was a banana. Hopefully, that wasn’t directed towards me being black.”

While it’s hard to tell the exact intentions of the fan who was not questioned, Simmonds own players quickly came to his defense with one player revealing:

“I would have went and kicked that fan’s ass myself,” adding, “That’s just not right.”

While stadium security didn’t catch the party responsible, NHL commissioner Gary Bettman was quick to condemn the action, saying in a statement:

“The obviously stupid and ignorant action by one individual is in no way representative of our fans or the people of London, Ontario.”

The NHL definitely isn’t Disney on ice but it’s at least nice to see the quick reactions the league had in condemning even the hint of racist actions taken by a fan.

Racism On Ice, Banana Peel Thrown At Black NHL Player is a post from: The Inquisitr

Modano, considered by many as one of the greatest hockey players of all times, took to Twitter and Facebook this Wednesday to officially announce his retirement from the sport, adding that he would elaborate during a Friday news conference.

“After a long summer of thinking about my future, I’ve come to the decision that it’s time to retire as a player from the NHL… What a great ride it’s been!” the 41-year-old told fans on his Facebook page.

Over the course of his illustrious career, Modano played in 1,499 games, racking up 561 goals and 1,374 points in the process – all of which are NHL records for American-born players.

In addition to his scoring records, Mike Modano, a Michigan native who was selected by the Minnesota North Stars with the number 1 draft pick in 1988, won the Stanley Cup in 1999 and played in multiple Olympics -taking home a silver medal in the 2002 Winter games in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Upon hearing official word of Modano’s retirement, NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman released a statement congratulating him on an outstanding career.

“We thank Mike for giving National Hockey League fans 21 years of thrills with his speed, his skill, his craftsmanship and his class,” Bettman said. “Mike also excelled on the international stage, representing the NHL and USA Hockey with great distinction.”

In honor of Mike Modano’s 21 year career, check out the following highlight video which captures some of his greatest moments in the NHL.
via ESPN

Mike Modano Retires After 21 Seasons in NHL is a post from: The Inquisitr

A Russian jet crashed today while transporting the KHL team Yaroslavl Lokomotiv to the season opener in Minsk. The crash killed 43 people, including several former NHL players.

Pavol Demitra, Brad McCrimmon, Karel Rachunek, Josef Vasicek, Jan Marek, Daniel Tjarnqvist, and Alexander Vasyunov all perished in the crash. A spokesman for Yaroslavl Lokomotiv said that the entire roster was on board the plane.

The plane crashed just after takeoff. According to the Vancouver Sun, the plane wasn’t able to climb to a proper altitude after takeoff and collided with a navigation beacon 1.2 miles from the airport near the Volga River.

There were 45 people on board the plane, 37 passengers and 8 crew members, and only two people survived. Yaroslavl player Alexander Galimov and one of the stewards, Alexander Sizov, survived the crash. Galimov was in critical condition with burns over 80% of his body. He was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment.

Rene Fasel, president of the International Ice Hockey Federation, said:

“Despite the substantial air travel of professional hockey teams, our sport has been spared from tragic traffic accidents. But only until now. This is the darkest day in the history of our sport. This is not only a Russian tragedy, the Lokomotiv roster included players and coaches from ten nations.”

The KHL season is scheduled to start tomorrow but the league has not decided how the Yaroslavl Lokomotiv tragedy will impact the schedule. Sports Illustrated reports that the games will be played out as normal but with no music or entertainment during stoppages.

The league said in a statement:

“We are only beginning to understand the impact of this tragedy affecting the Lokomotiv Yaroslavl club and the international hockey community. First and foremost, our condolences go out to the families and friends of the players, coaches and staff lost in today’s tragedy…

“We are aware that many of you have questions. This tragedy remains our primary focus. We ask for patience as we find an appropriate way to proceed with the 2011/2012 season. We will continue to communicate our plans as they take shape.”

Should the KHL continue with their season? Will the Yaroslavl Lokomotiv tragedy change the way professional athletes travel?

Russian Jet Carrying Hockey Team Crashes, Leaves 43 Dead is a post from: The Inquisitr

Rypien, who just a month before his passing signed a one-year $700,000 deal with the Winnipeg Jets, had previous spent parts of six seasons with the Vancouver Canucks, but was twice in three years forced off the ice to deal with undisclosed personal issues.

Upon receiving word of his death, NHL commissioner Gary Bettman, National Hockey League Players’ Association executive director Don Fehr and the Jets’ owners praised Rypien and offered their condolences.

“We are deeply saddened to confirm Rick’s passing. We would like to express our sincere sympathies to the Rypien family as well as Rick’s friends,” a statement released by Winnipeg Jets Hockey Club said. “Rick was a talented player with an extremely bright future. His hunger for the game made him a valued team member both on and off the ice. This loss has impacted us as more than just a hockey team.”

In his 119 NHL game career, Rick scored nine goals, dished out seven assists, and spent a total of 226 minutes in the penalty box.

Rypien’s death, which the police believe to be “sudden and non-suspicious,” was the NHL’s second in the last three months – New York Rangers forward Derek Boogaard died of a drug and alcohol overdose May 13 at age 28.

Rick Rypien, 27-Year-Old NHL Player Found Dead is a post from: The Inquisitr

Currently the NHL has three franchises for sale. The Phoenix Coyotes, St. Louis Blues, and Dallas Stars. Of course given the state of the economy these sales are tough, but several local problems have also hampered the progress of the sales of these three clubs. The Coyotes have been for sale for years, and the city council of Glendale, AZ is the major sticking point there. In Dallas, the sale is being held up due to the large number of creditors that must be pacified, and in St. Louis the sale of the Blues is being held up as ownership groups are considering making bids on the Stars.

We start in Phoenix where two groups are rumored to be interested in buying the team. One of those groups is likely headed by Jerry Reinsdorf (who owns the Chicago Bulls and White Sox). The hold up there is any new ownership group is going to want an opt out clause from the team’s current 30 year lease. Meaning they want out if the local populace cannot or will not support the team. So far the city of Glendale has been unwilling to grant a clause like that (and since they own the building and have shelled out millions to keep the team in town) we can understand why. However, they will likely have to do so. In the end it is not so bad, as any hint of success should bring in fans and local sponsors.

In Dallas, Tom Gaglardi is serious about buying the Stars, and he reported to be in New York working out deals with all of the creditors. His bid will likely get through and be overseen by a bankruptcy judge. There are a few other groups interested in the Stars and the Blues and it seems likely right now the Stars sale will happen first with whoever gets locked out of that moving on to the Blues. Gaglardi seems to have little interest in buying the Blues.

Phoenix Coyotes, St. Louis Blues, Dallas Stars sale update is a post from: The Inquisitr

True North has debuted the logos for the reconstituted Winnipeg Jets, which of course use to be the Atlanta Thrashers. Here is a look at the old jets logo:

It looks to be a pretty nice modernization of the classic Jets look. For the most part I like it, I of course would have preffered the Jets to come back as they were, but I understand their want/need to modernize the classic Jets feel. True North wants their team to have their own strong identity, of course that indentity would avoid a franchise that packed up its bags and moved to the desert, so I understand the need here to make the Jets their own team once again.

To be real truthful the script logo shown above, and the alternate logo seen below are clear upgrades. Let me also take the time to thank the folks over at sportslogo.net for the images of the new Jets colors.

It is a strong sign that True North may be very good stewards for this franchsie, and that Gary Bettman’s grand southern strategy for the NHL was a very large mistake. If guys in the great white north are this adapt at not only selling tickets but rebranding teams, we shoud immediatley move more teams to Canada.

The Winnipeg Jets unveil new logos is a post from: The Inquisitr

First, the situation in Phoenix is still to be resolved. The city has ponied up more money to keep teh team in town short term, but it seems likely know a new buyer will have to be found unless some miracle can happen to finally get this deal done. It also looks like the St. Louis Blues will be sold before the start of a new NHL season. Dave Checketts is ready to move on, and there seems to be a lot of interest in buying the Blues.

The Montreal Canadiens have won a tax battle with the city of Montreal. They won a 5.8 million dollar rebate, and had their yearly taxes reduced from 10 million to 8.5 million. All in all good news for the team, potentially bad news for the city. Most of the tax issues were related to the Habs home, the Bell Centre.

Now some not so good news for the Edmonton Oilers. They are desperate to get out of the 37-year-old Rexall place when their lease expires in 2014. To do so they need 100 million dollars in loans from the Province of Alberta, or from the Canadian Federal Government, and neither side seem very interested in giving them that kind of money.

The Oilers have plans to build a 425 million dollar arena project, but I am not a big fan of any government using taxpayer dollars to fund private enterprise. I want the Oilers to stay in Edmonton, but they should find the funding for their project from private sources.

NHL News (aka NHL hodge Podge Post) is a post from: The Inquisitr

New York Rangers winger Sean Avery, a vocal supporter of the recently passed gay marriage legislation in New York State, hasn’t dropped the gay rights gauntlet yet.

Speaking to the New York Post, Avery commented that the NHL should be “progressive” in adopting a more encouraging atmosphere for gay players. Avery said:

“I understand that the NHL represents 30 different owners who come from different backgrounds and hold different viewpoints, but I think it would be meaningful for Gary [commissioner Bettman] and the Board of Governors to open themselves up for conversation about this issue… The support I received from the Garden, Mr. [James] Dolan, Glen [Rangers general manager Sather] and [president of MSG Sports] Scott O’Neil meant everything to me, but it was a little disappointing not to have heard from anyone connected with the league.”

Avery continued:

“It would be great for the NHL to take the lead among professional sports leagues in terms of social equality and justice and be out front and progressive regarding issues like this.”

He also said:

“You don’t have to be gay to know when something is fundamentally not right.”

You can read Avery’s entire commentary over at the New York Post.

Sean Avery Calls For Gay Rights Awareness in NHL is a post from: The Inquisitr

 The really great news for NHL purists is the Winnipeg Jets are back. The so called announcement was made tonight at the NHL draft when True North executive Mark Chipman casually slipped in the Jets moniker as he announced Winnipeg’s first draft pick. The real bummer here is True North failed to really capture the moment with that announcement, and that their first pick wore a black and grey NHL jersey and cap after he was selected.

Not to call all Vince McMahon on everyone, but there is a certain amount of spectacle that is appropriate for sports teams and their announcements. I would have liked to see this organization make a big deal about returning the Jets to the NHL. It is a big deal, and for old school hockey fans everywhere I wish there would have been a little more theater in that announcement.

I would have also liked to see their draft pick in a classic white Jets jersey. This leads me to believe that either this decision was just recently made, or that True North plans to update the old Jets look. I think this team missed the boat a bit by just announcing the name and not having the logos and uniforms to go with it. They could have unveiled all that on the NHL’s second greatest stage, or waited, built up some more expectation and made the call early next week with uniforms and logos to go with it.

Granted the people True North is trying to market this team too, the actual citizens of Winnipeg and Manitoba, took all of this in stride and are just happy to have their team back. I see this as a missed opportunity to really fire up the hockey fan base.

The Winnipeg Jets are back is a post from: The Inquisitr

To be fair I can see both sides of this argument. First a short recap. True North has bought the Atlanta Thrashers and that team will be relocated to Winnipeg, Manitoba. That city has been without a NHL team for 15 years since the then Winnipeg Jets left town to become the Phoenix Coyotes. The word is the new owners are not very keen on the Thrashers moniker, but also are not keen on a return to the Jets nickname.

There are a lot of sides to this argument. The first is marketing. What would the best way to market this team be? Would it be to name it after the city or the province? I think we can make a strong case that Manitoba makes this team the team of many more Canadians that naming the city after the city of Winnipeg. I think a team is the western part of Canada will be a big draw and naming the team the Manitoba whatever’s is a solid move marketing wise.

Now we get to old school hockey fans (like myself) who are nostalgic for the good old days and want the Jets back. That is a strong move as well as Jets merchandise still sells, and I know that because I recently bought some. However, True North does not want the Thrashers name as it is linked to a failing organization and they may be very hesitant to link themselves to a team that ultimately failed in Winnipeg for a multitude of reasons.

I think True North should take its cues for the United Football League. They want their fans to have an instant attachment to this team so why not let the fans of Manitoba vote on the team name. For better or worse connecting to your fans is always a solid move.

Should the Winnipeg Jets return? is a post from: The Inquisitr