Showing posts with label martin brodeur. Show all posts
Showing posts with label martin brodeur. Show all posts

Thursday, January 16, 2020

Classic Post - Martin Brodeur - NHL Legend: Interview



I spoke with New Jersey Devils' goaltender Martin Brodeur after his team defeated the Philadelphia Flyers 3-0 on April 18, 2013. 

Brodeur won his first National Hockey League game on March 26, 1992, when the Devils defeated the Boston Bruins 4-2. He initially wore number 29, before switching to his trademark number 30. During the past two-plus decades this 1990 first round draft choice (twentieth overall) recorded 121 shutouts, scored three goals, reached numerous other high marks and has redefined the art of goaltending. 

I've learned through the years that individuals who achieve and then maintain greatness in any field share common character traits. With that subjective point in mind, it was reaffirming to hear what this high-achiever had to say. 

Marty

Brodeur replied to my question about the elements that create a shutout in very telling form:

“It's a team game. That's the bottom line. If you don't have a team that's committed to play a certain way in front of you, you're not getting shutouts. You can't do it by yourself.

“Once in awhile you can stand on your head. But, I think when you get a bulk of as many as I've gotten through the years, it's the commitment of the team.

“When it's 3-0, it's easy to try to get the fourth goal, or to win 3-1. Who cares? 

"But, when you take pride and people want your goalie to have them (shutouts), it's a big difference,” Brodeur said.

The affable legend is set to turn 41 on May 6. As he plays out the final games on his current contract (that runs through 2013-14), this 20-season veteran has the clearest understanding of what the Devils-Flyers' rivalry means.

“Oh yes, it's great. We have a couple teams, especially in the area because there are so many teams around. I'm sure the Flyers will tell you the same.

“The Rangers-Flyers and a little bit of the Islanders. I'm sure it's going to grow in the next few years because they (the Islanders) are getting better and better.

“But, for us to come into this building, it's always a fun game,” Brodeur said.

Digital hockey card

Clicking on the back of this veteran's digital hockey card reveals that he ranks first in NHL history in the following categories:

Games played (1,217). Patrick Roy is second (1,029).
Minutes played (71,609). Roy is second (60,235).
Wins (667). Roy is second (551).
Shots against (30,513). Roy is second (28,353).
Saves (27,853). Roy is second (25,807).
Shutouts (121). Terry Sawchuk is second (103).
Playoff shutouts (24). Roy is second (23).

Someone who won the Calder Cup, five Jennings trophies, four Vezina trophies, three Stanley Cups, has a .913 career save percentage and a 2.23 career GAA will obviously be inducted into the Hall of Fame. 

Any reasonable debate about the greatest goaltenders of all-time, using any criterion, should always include this Quebec native's name.

(Martin Brodeur photo credit - Sean O'Brien)

Let's connect on Twitter @SeanyOB and on Facebook.

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.
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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: 

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...

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.)
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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: 

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...

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: 

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...

Sunday, May 26, 2013

2013 Memorial Day Thoughts

Memorial Day Thoughts

None of my words define what this day means to those who protect us, to those who are connected to those brave individuals and to all who have lost loved ones in defense of the United States of America.
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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.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Congratulations to the 2013 ECHL Kelly Cup Champion Reading Royals, who beat the Stockton Thunder 6-0 on the road in Game 5 of the Finals on May 25, 2013. 

10 Stunning Facts: 2013 Kelly Cup Champion Reading Royals

*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: 

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...

10 Stunning Facts: 2013 Kelly Cup Champion Reading Royals


Congratulations to the 2013 ECHL Kelly Cup Champion Reading Royals, who beat the Stockton Thunder 6-0 last night on the road in Game 5 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: 

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...

Friday, May 24, 2013

The Night Lenny Dykstra Was Swinging In The Rain



Over the next few weeks I'm going to provide background information about some of my favorite stories that I've ever written. Today's spotlight involves:

The Night Lenny Dykstra Was Swinging In The Rain


Zero Philadelphia Phillies' fans anticipated the 1993 season. But, somehow, someway that great group of likable men made it to the World Series. 

While that rowdy group didn't win it all, they created countless memorable moments that have endured through the past two decades. With a wink at the famous Gene Kelly movie, I connected a rainy October night and Lenny Dykstra's towering Game 4 performance in an unbelievable 15-14 loss.

The 'Dude' was...
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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: 

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?


Philadelphia Flyers' Topps Hockey Card Mystery Revealed
5 Lessons Flyers' Fans Have Taught The Hockey World
5 Traits Old School Flyers' Fans Possess
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Interviewing athletes and other sports' personalities happens after a series of steps have been taken. Hard work and smart choices can lead to success if you remain persistent. 

Read between the lines of each interview to learn how you can make your own connections...

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

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