Showing posts with label RantSports. Show all posts
Showing posts with label RantSports. Show all posts

Saturday, June 8, 2013

NHL Playoffs: Why Keith Primeau was one of the Philadelphia Flyers’ greatest captains

Overtime NHL playoff games (like the 6/8/13 Kings-Blackhawks game) often remind me of one of my favorite hockey features. It was humbling when this piece received thousands of hits after its 2011 online publication...

 Former Philadelphia Flyers' captain Keith Primeau played with grit and gusto during his fifteen years in the National Hockey League.

Primeau dominated the ice before concussions caused his career to prematurely end when he was 34-years-old in 2006.
Wikimedia Commons
Like Pittsburgh Penguins' captain Sidney Crosby, he was also a victim of concussions. Hopefully one of the game's currently great players won't have his career affected like Primeau's was.
Before head-shots took their toll on his body, the Flyers behemoth had become one of the best red-light players in the game.
Spring 2000
A contract dispute allowed Philadelphia to acquire Primeau from the Carolina Hurricanes for Rod Brind'Amour(notes) in January 2000.
He had two goals and eleven assists for the Flyers in the playoffs that spring. One of those goals came during one of hockey's all-time classic contests.
The Toronto, Ontario native's game-winner, in the fifth overtime period of the Eastern Conference Semi-Finals against the Penguins, enabled the Flyers to tie that series at two games each. The eight-period epic was one of the longest games in National Hockey League history.
The 28-year-old returned to produce a 34-goal, 39-assist season in 2000-2001.
Domination
The 6'5", 220-pounder had nine goals in 110 playoff games before the 2003-04 season.
Primeau played as though he was possessed during the 2004 playoffs, amassing nine goals and seven assists in eighteen kinetic games. But those numbers hardly define how the rink appeared to tip towards him whenever his skates seared the ice.
Bilocation
Primeau scored two goals at home in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Tampa Bay Lightning. His second caused the strongest release of Flyers' fan energy since Game 6 of the 1987 Stanley Cup Final against the Edmonton Oilers in the Philadelphia Spectrum.
With less than two minutes remaining in that 2004 playoff game, the Flyers captain seemed to bilocate.
First, he tipped the puck with his skate through the crease from Lightning goalie Nikolai Khabibulin's(notes) right side. Then, he went behind the net and reappeared at Khabibulins' left side. He received his own pass and knotted the game at 4-4 when he tapped a willing puck into the net with his wooden wand.
The resulting crowd reaction resembled a volcanic eruption of orange blood throughout the cratered arena.
Primeau and Jeremy Roenick(notes) both later touched an overtime puck that eventually went to Simon Gagne(notes). He scored the game-winning goal which forced the series to a seventh game in Tampa Bay.
Ice Rushmore
Flyers' captains Bobby Clarke, Dave Poulin, and Primeau all have their busts permanently carved into South Philadelphia's Ice Rushmore.

A likeness of the captain who will hoist the team's third Stanley Cup will eventually join them.
(This feature was originally published by Yahoo Sports on August 26, 2011.)
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My interviews with famous athletes and sports' personalities

Martin Brodeur: Discusses His Record-Setting Shutout Total and Key Rivalries 
Jaromir Jagr: Current NHL Forward and Future Hall of Famer
Philadelphia Flyers' Bernie Parent: Postgame reflections 
Bobby Clarke: Philadelphia Flyers' Legend Talks Hockey
Ron Hextall Recalls His Greatest Season
Kerry Fraser: NHL Referee is Still Making the Right Calls

I look forward to becoming friends on Facebook  
Let's connect on LinkedIn
Follow me on Twitter @SeanyOB
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Amazon.com is the number 1 online publishing platform in the world. That's why I used it to publish my first ebook: 
Fast Fiction and Other Stuff.

I am humbled by the reception it has received to-date and I thank everyone who has been responding to this digital creation.

This mini-tome is a collection of stories and poems for readers who don't take themselves too seriously. I hope that you enjoy it and am always welcome to your feedback. 
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
It only takes a few minutes to read any of the stories whose links are shown below:

Horror Story: It Was Crawling Up My Chest!
Television Haiku Poem
My First Car Was An All-Time Classic
The Best Holiday Memories

When Baseball Cards Were King
Could One Baseball Shatter The Summer?
The Night Lenny Dykstra Was Swinging In The Rain
5 Traits of Hardcore Philadelphia Phillies' Fans

Philadelphia Flyers' Topps Hockey Card Mystery Revealed
5 Lessons Flyers' Fans Have Taught The Hockey World
5 Traits Old School Flyers' Fans Possess
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My interviews with broadcasters, actors, models and more...
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The Philadelphia Phillies Continue To Be Average


As the Phillies continue to be in and around the .500 line this season, one has to wonder what the July 31 trade deadline will bring?

 This team clearly isn't a World Series' contender. It's also a stretch to think that they will be heavily involved in the 2013 playoff chase. 

 While matters can change, a further transformation of this once-great squad seems inevitable. With that this second 'Golden Era' will have ended. Hopefully, whatever comes next leads to more winning ways.
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As we consider the potential of the 2013 MLB draft, I decided to highlight one of my most popular fan-related features:

5 Traits of Hardcore Philadelphia Phillies' Fans

Supporters of this Philadelphia baseball team have only been rewarded for their loyalty twice: 1980 and 2008. Other than that, it's been a rather long slog. 

Yes, the first 'Golden Age' in the 1970s and early 1980s and the current era (post-2000) have been great (along with 1993). But, the core of who most fans are has been formed through a deep love for the game and an honest desire to see a strong effort, despite the final results of any game. 

This feature was written for laughs and has generated thousands (yes, thousands) of hits. Without further 'cheesesteakery', here are those noted 5 traits...
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My interviews with famous athletes and sports' personalities

Martin Brodeur: Discusses His Record-Setting Shutout Total and Key Rivalries 
Jaromir Jagr: Current NHL Forward and Future Hall of Famer
Philadelphia Flyers' Bernie Parent: Postgame reflections 
Bobby Clarke: Philadelphia Flyers' Legend Talks Hockey
Ron Hextall Recalls His Greatest Season
Kerry Fraser: NHL Referee is Still Making the Right Calls

I look forward to becoming friends on Facebook  
Let's connect on LinkedIn
Follow me on Twitter @SeanyOB
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Amazon.com is the number 1 online publishing platform in the world. That's why I used it to publish my first ebook: 
Fast Fiction and Other Stuff.

I am humbled by the reception it has received to-date and I thank everyone who has been responding to this digital creation.

This mini-tome is a collection of stories and poems for readers who don't take themselves too seriously. I hope that you enjoy it and am always welcome to your feedback. 
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
It only takes a few minutes to read any of the stories whose links are shown below:

Horror Story: It Was Crawling Up My Chest!
Television Haiku Poem
My First Car Was An All-Time Classic
The Best Holiday Memories

When Baseball Cards Were King
Could One Baseball Shatter The Summer?
The Night Lenny Dykstra Was Swinging In The Rain

Philadelphia Flyers' Topps Hockey Card Mystery Revealed
5 Lessons Flyers' Fans Have Taught The Hockey World
5 Traits Old School Flyers' Fans Possess
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
My interviews with broadcasters, actors, models and more...
Posted by at No comments:
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Thursday, June 6, 2013

5 Traits of Hardcore Philadelphia Phillies' Fans

As we consider the potential of the 2013 MLB draft, I decided to highlight one of my most popular fan-related features:

 5 Traits of Hardcore Philadelphia Phillies' Fans


Supporters of this Philadelphia baseball team have only been rewarded for their loyalty twice: 1980 and 2008. Other than that, it's been a rather long slog. 

 Yes, the first 'Golden Age' in the 1970s and early 1980s and the current era (post-2000) have been great (along with 1993). But, the core of who most fans are has been formed through a deep love for the game and an honest desire to see a strong effort, despite the final results of any game. 

 This feature was written for laughs and has generated thousands (yes, thousands) of hits. Without further 'cheesesteakery', here are those noted 5 traits...
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
My interviews with famous athletes and sports' personalities

Martin Brodeur: Discusses His Record-Setting Shutout Total and Key Rivalries 
Jaromir Jagr: Current NHL Forward and Future Hall of Famer
Philadelphia Flyers' Bernie Parent: Postgame reflections 
Bobby Clarke: Philadelphia Flyers' Legend Talks Hockey
Ron Hextall Recalls His Greatest Season
Kerry Fraser: NHL Referee is Still Making the Right Calls

I look forward to becoming friends on Facebook  
Let's connect on LinkedIn
Follow me on Twitter @SeanyOB
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Amazon.com is the number 1 online publishing platform in the world. That's why I used it to publish my first ebook: 
Fast Fiction and Other Stuff.

I am humbled by the reception it has received to-date and I thank everyone who has been responding to this digital creation.

This mini-tome is a collection of stories and poems for readers who don't take themselves too seriously. I hope that you enjoy it and am always welcome to your feedback. 
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
It only takes a few minutes to read any of the stories whose links are shown below:

Horror Story: It Was Crawling Up My Chest!
Television Haiku Poem
My First Car Was An All-Time Classic
The Best Holiday Memories

When Baseball Cards Were King
Could One Baseball Shatter The Summer?
The Night Lenny Dykstra Was Swinging In The Rain

Philadelphia Flyers' Topps Hockey Card Mystery Revealed
5 Lessons Flyers' Fans Have Taught The Hockey World
5 Traits Old School Flyers' Fans Possess
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
My interviews with broadcasters, actors, models and more...
Posted by at No comments:
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Monday, June 3, 2013

NFL Behind-the-scenes: Kevin Turner Interview

Today, I'm highlighting an interview that I conducted with a former NFL player: 

 Kevin Turner: Former Philadelphia Eagle Discusses ALS-Concussion Link (Clicking on this link will direct the reader to the main story, which formerly was located on the Yahoo platform. That outlet concluded its freelancer program in the mid-2010's, with all rights to published links reverting to each author, per Yahoo.)

 This former New England Patriot and Philadelphia Eagle is a terrific person. Kevin was so genuine and honest during our interview. His words helped me to easily write a story that I first thought would be challenging to convey properly. 

 As with other athletes who I've been fortunate to interview through the years, talking about someone's life allows for a three-dimensional image to be formed. Kevin and I have remained in touch since the interview was conducted, which is not surprising considering how engaging he is.

 This particular interview feature will remain relevant until the issue of concussions is firmly and fully addressed at all levels in the world of sports.
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I look forward to becoming friends on Facebook  
Let's connect on LinkedIn
Follow me on Twitter @SeanyOB
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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Sunday, June 2, 2013

Blessed2Play Sports Talk Show Has Global Reach


Today, I'm highlighting an update to an interview that I conducted with a gifted broadcaster: 

 Ron Meyer: Blessed2Play Sports Talk Show Has Global Reach

 Ron hosts the great weekly sports' talk show 'Blessed2Play', which is heard via its Ohio-based feed, as well as around the world through EWTN broadcast and Sirius/XM satellite radio transmission and through the show's website podcast library. 

 This insightful sports' talk show is unique because the guests (many of whom are famous athletes and coaches) talk about their careers and how their faith impacts their lives. 

 As opposed to every generic interview that you have heard over the years, this show presents the full image of the person behind the name.

 I had the pleasure of being interviewed as well. The link to that podcast can be found here if you would like to listen.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
My interviews with famous athletes and sports' personalities

Martin Brodeur: Discusses His Record-Setting Shutout Total and Key Rivalries 
Jaromir Jagr: Current NHL Forward and Future Hall of Famer
Philadelphia Flyers' Bernie Parent: Postgame reflections 
Bobby Clarke: Philadelphia Flyers' Legend Talks Hockey
Ron Hextall Recalls His Greatest Season
Kerry Fraser: NHL Referee is Still Making the Right Calls

I look forward to becoming friends on Facebook  
Let's connect on LinkedIn
Follow me on Twitter @SeanyOB
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Amazon.com is the number 1 online publishing platform in the world. That's why I used it to publish my first ebook: 
Fast Fiction and Other Stuff.

I am humbled by the reception it has received to-date and I thank everyone who has been responding to this digital creation.

This mini-tome is a collection of stories and poems for readers who don't take themselves too seriously. I hope that you enjoy it and am always welcome to your feedback. 
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
It only takes a few minutes to read any of the stories whose links are shown below:

Horror Story: It Was Crawling Up My Chest!
Television Haiku Poem
My First Car Was An All-Time Classic
The Best Holiday Memories


When Baseball Cards Were King
5 Traits of Hardcore Philadelphia Phillies' Fans
Could One Baseball Shatter The Summer?
The Night Lenny Dykstra Was Swinging In The Rain


Philadelphia Flyers' Topps Hockey Card Mystery Revealed
5 Lessons Flyers' Fans Have Taught The Hockey World
5 Traits Old School Flyers' Fans Possess
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
My interviews with broadcasters, actors, models and more...
Posted by at No comments:
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Friday, May 31, 2013

What Domonic Brown's Great Month of May Means


Many people wrote him off. Some even thought he'd never last through the end of April. But, Domonic Brown might be in the process of proving that he can be a regular in the major leagues. 

 After floundering since 2010, everything has clicked for number 9 offensively in May. It's so nice to see this affable young man finally maintain his health and realize the result of the earnest efforts that he's made in past years. 

 Last season Brown's swing was noticeably steady at Triple-A. While his defensive efforts may never be great, the Phillies' left fielder's glove work is adequate. 

 No sabermatrician can truly project how long his power surge may continue. But, this 25-year-old is starting to show that he can hit major league pitching over a consistent period of time. As long as he continues to make all needed adjustments, Brown will remain in the Phillies' lineup indefinitely.
(Photo courtesy of LehighValleyLive.)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
My interviews with famous athletes and sports' personalities

Martin Brodeur: Discusses His Record-Setting Shutout Total and Key Rivalries 
Jaromir Jagr: Current NHL Forward and Future Hall of Famer
Philadelphia Flyers' Bernie Parent: Postgame reflections 
Bobby Clarke: Philadelphia Flyers' Legend Talks Hockey
Ron Hextall Recalls His Greatest Season
Kerry Fraser: NHL Referee is Still Making the Right Calls
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I look forward to becoming friends on Facebook  
Let's connect on LinkedIn
Follow me on Twitter @SeanyOB
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Amazon.com is the number 1 online publishing platform in the world. That's why I used it to publish my first ebook: 
Fast Fiction and Other Stuff.

I am humbled by the reception it has received to-date and I thank everyone who has been responding to this digital creation.

This mini-tome is a collection of stories and poems for readers who don't take themselves too seriously. I hope that you enjoy it and am always welcome to your feedback. 
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------


It only takes a few minutes to read any of the stories whose links are shown below:

Horror Story: It Was Crawling Up My Chest!
Television Haiku Poem
My First Car Was An All-Time Classic
The Best Holiday Memories


When Baseball Cards Were King
5 Traits of Hardcore Philadelphia Phillies' Fans
Could One Baseball Shatter The Summer?
The Night Lenny Dykstra Was Swinging In The Rain


Philadelphia Flyers' Topps Hockey Card Mystery Revealed
5 Lessons Flyers' Fans Have Taught The Hockey World
5 Traits Old School Flyers' Fans Possess
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
My interviews with broadcasters, actors, models and more...
Posted by at No comments:
Labels: , , , , , , , , , ,

Tuesday, May 28, 2013

10 Stunning Facts - 2013 Kelly Cup Champion Reading Royals


Due to strong response, the information below has been re-posted:

 Congratulations to the 2013 ECHL Kelly Cup Champion Reading Royals, who beat the Stockton Thunder 6-0  on the road in Game 5 (5/25/13) of the Finals. 

For first-time visitors to this site: I'm a credentialed freelance NHL writer and a former member of the front office staff of the Philadelphia Phillies' former Triple-A affiliate, the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Red Barons. I have a BA in Communications from Penn State and am also a licensed teacher in the state of Pennsylvania.

While there are many stunning facts that can be presented about this particular championship hockey team and the history that it's connected to, here are 10 for your reading pleasure:

*The Columbus Chill were founded in 1991. Enormous fan support led to the franchise ceasing operations in 1999 in order to pave the way for the NHL Columbus Blue Jackets franchise to be born. This franchise was relocated to Reading, Pennsylvania and began play during the 2001-02 season.

*The Reading Royals win represents the first-ever championship for the entire franchise (dating to 1991).


*The Royals won 62 total games (46 in the regular season and 16 in the playoffs) during the 2012-13 season.

*The NHL lockout created a unique set of roster circumstances for every team in the League.

*Head coach Larry Courville's professional playing career began in 1991 and lasted through 2008. After stops along the way in the NHL, Courville played the final four seasons of his career with the Reading Royals.

*MVP Riley Gill was signed by Courville on February 27, 2013. 

*Captain Yannick Tifu was obtained from the Chicago Express on 11/28/11. He generated 47 goals and 84 assists in 124 regular season games since that time.


*The Kelly Cup is named in honor of Patrick J. Kelly, who is one of the founding fathers of the ECHL (1988) and an inaugural inductee into the ECHL Hall of Fame. 

*Kelly served as a coach of various minor league teams and famously led the 1967-68 Clinton Comets to a 57-5-10 record. He later coached the NHL's Colorado Rockies in 1977-78 and is the only coach in that team's history to earn a playoff berth. 

*The Kelly Cup has never been one by a Pennsylvania-based franchise.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
My interviews with famous athletes and sports' personalities

Martin Brodeur: Discusses His Record-Setting Shutout Total and Key Rivalries 
Jaromir Jagr: Current NHL Forward and Future Hall of Famer
Philadelphia Flyers' Bernie Parent: Postgame reflections 
Bobby Clarke: Philadelphia Flyers' Legend Talks Hockey
Ron Hextall Recalls His Greatest Season
Kerry Fraser: NHL Referee is Still Making the Right Calls
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I look forward to becoming friends on Facebook  
Let's connect on LinkedIn
Follow me on Twitter @SeanyOB
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Amazon.com is the number 1 online publishing platform in the world. That's why I used it to publish my first ebook: 
Fast Fiction and Other Stuff.

I am humbled by the reception it has received to-date and I thank everyone who has been responding to this digital creation.

This mini-tome is a collection of stories and poems for readers who don't take themselves too seriously. I hope that you enjoy it and am always welcome to your feedback. 
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------


It only takes a few minutes to read any of the stories whose links are shown below:

Horror Story: It Was Crawling Up My Chest!
Television Haiku Poem
My First Car Was An All-Time Classic
The Best Holiday Memories


When Baseball Cards Were King
5 Traits of Hardcore Philadelphia Phillies' Fans
Could One Baseball Shatter The Summer?
The Night Lenny Dykstra Was Swinging In The Rain


Philadelphia Flyers' Topps Hockey Card Mystery Revealed
5 Lessons Flyers' Fans Have Taught The Hockey World
5 Traits Old School Flyers' Fans Possess
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
My interviews with broadcasters, actors, models and more...
Posted by at No comments:
Labels: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
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