Inside Access: Boston Bruins vs. Philadelphia Flyers

It's a privilege to cover an NHL game. I've been fortunate to have worked professionally for nearly 25 years, with approximately half of that time (combining all FT, PT, and freelance efforts) spent in various sporting worlds. And such was the case today, January 10, 2015, at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia. 

Iced Pregame Tidbits

Bruins 21-15-6, 48 points (110 goals scored, 110 goals allowed)

Flyers 16-18-7, 39 points (111 goals scored, 123 goals allowed)

Through 120 games as the Flyers' head coach, Craig Berube has a 58-45-17 record (133 points, .554 winning percentage).

Into this twelfth NHL season as a head coach for the Montreal Canadiens, New Jersey Devils and Bruins (since 2007-08), Claude Julien has a combined record of 450-266-10(ties)-94 through 818 games (1,004 points, .614 winning percentage). Julien's post-season accomplishments include leading the Bruins to their first Stanley Cup championship since 1971-72, when the B's defeated the Vancouver Canucks in seven games in 2010-11. The Bruins also were Eastern Conference champions in 2012-13.

Former Flyer Simon Gagne left the Bruins in early December. His indefinite leave of absence was due to his father's terminal illness (cancer). Pierre Gagne passed away the day after Christmas.

The Flyers have a small chance of making a legitimate playoff push unless a number of players who aren't named Jakub Voracek, Claude Giroux and Mark Streit begin scoring on more-regular basis.

Wayne Simmonds, Brayden Schenn and Sean Couturier are having decent offensive seasons. But, each player needs to contribute to greater degrees. Whether those individual expectations are fair is a different question.

Patrice Bergeron (11 goals) and Brad Marchand (10 goals) rank as the only Bruins with double-digit goal totals.

Flyers' starting goalie: Steve Mason 8-12-6, .919 save percentage and a 2.48 GAA started in goal for the Flyers.

Bruins' starting goalie Tuukka Rask had a 16-10-6 record, .913 save percentage and a 2.52 GAA.

First Period

Early fight Adam McQuaid – Nick Schultz resulted in a 2-minute power play and a game misconduct for the Bruins' defenseman.

7:07 into game, Mason leaves after suffering some type of injury after making a save. Appeared to be a right-knee issue. Ray Emery (7-6-1, .893 save percentage, 3.19 GAA) relieved 'Mase'. Would 48-year-old goalie coach Jeff Reese sign a one-day contract during the game if needed in an emergency situation? All jests aside, an orange defender would surely stand between the pipes.

11:23 - 18-year-old David Pastrnak (#88 was the first round pick of the Bruins last summer) scored his first NHL goal in his seventh career game. Assists: Torey Krug and Zdeno Chara.

Shots: Bruins 10, Flyers 8

Notes: Offensive pressure inconsistencies continue. Evident in shot total and of course, goose egg showing for Flyers during first period intermission.

Second Period

Notes: A few Flyers' power play chances went by the wayside. Through 45 minutes of play Philadelphia had only managed 13 shots. However, the Bruins also sported a meager 14.

When shot totals represent the lede after a period ends, the on-ice action was surely not compelling.

Total shots: Flyers 16, Bruins 14

Third Period

4:48 Pastrnak nets second goal of game/career. Assists: David Krejci and Adam McQuaid.

9:51 Chris Kelly's short-handed goal (1^st SHG of season/6^th of career, 10^th overall goal) seemingly cinches game for B's. Assists Loui Eriksson and Zdeno Chara. Boston's fourth short-handed goal of the season. Kelly, an original Ottawa Senator (2003-2011) is on pace to top seasonal career-high (20 in 2011-12, with the Bruins).

Despite numerous PP chances and late-third period shot total lead (20-18). Flyers can't sustain any pressure. Rebound shots anyone?

14:13 Claude Giroux scored his fourteenth goal (on a direct, non-rebound shot). Assists: Mark Streit and Jakub Voracek.

Emery pulled with less than two minutes to go in the game. 30-second timeout called. No goals resulted by the time the final horn blew.

Notes: Mounting pointless' games are leading to an inevitable non-playoff season, barring a Broad Street-based miracle from now through spring. Craig Berube didn't have much to offer postgame, at this press conference. But, at this point what can he really say?

Final score: Bruins 3, Flyers 1

Final shot totals: Flyers 25, Bruins 18

Final thoughts

While the Flyers didn't apply much pressure, Bruins' goalie Tuuka Rask deserves credit for defeating Philadelphia, as he only allowed one shot past the goal line.

All-Star game selections were set to be announced at 6pm ET on game day. As a result of existing rules and deservedly so, former Flyers' coach Peter Laviolette (Nashville Predators) was tapped to lead the Eastern Conference, while Darryl Sutter (Los Angeles Kings) will lead the Western Conference squad. The first NHL All-Star game in three seasons, due to the League lockout and subsequent Olympic Games, is set to take place on January 25.

Kimmo Timonen's approaching medical test results, related to his blood clot condition, will determine this veteran's immediate and apparently, most-likely, hockey future. Considering the life-threatening position he could put himself in, it seems ill-advised to even consider doing anything more than remaining on the scratched list during what could be the final season of his long and impressive career. But, risk is an individual assessment.

Mason's medical evaluation is now the more-pressing issue. As a side-note, he was the first player scheduled to address the media after the game. But, he didn't do so.

Next up: Tampa Bay. The Lightning serve as the Flyers' last opponent in the four-game homestand and currently sport an Eastern Conference-leading 58 points (27-12-4, 58 points). Tampa Bay has a fifteenth-ranked defense (110 goals allowed), but an NHL-leading 138 goals-scored.

*There are plenty of quality hockey resources available. Bill Meltzer's ever-great HockeyBuzz blog, David Strehle's always-insightful Twitter feed @DstrehleTFP and connected articles, and Charlie Flowe's WorldSportsShow.com are worth regular digital reads. 

Former United States gymnast Janet Cantwell-Papale remains invincible

I had the opportunity to spend an afternoon with Janet Cantwell-Papale recently. She impressed me as someone who has the priorities of family and career properly balanced. She also exhibited a zest for life and a belief in renewable goals that were dually inspiring.

Janet Cantwell's natural athletic talent and drive led to a birth on the United States National Gymnastics team long before she met and married Vince Papale.

Her married name should sound familiar. Her husband, Vince Papale, achieved fame twice. Once for making the Philadelphia Eagles football team as a 30-year-old rookie in 1976 and secondly for being the subject of the 2006 Hollywood blockbuster movie 'Invincible'.

Learn more about Vince through my exclusive Yahoo Sports series: Part 1, Part 2 and Part 3. You can also visit vincepapale.com to read about the positive efforts that the Papale's are currently involved in.

Success in today's economy

Cantwell-Papale believes in refining her skills and staying up-to-date with the latest technology. Her philosophy has allowed her to become a multiple-year member of the Million Dollar Sales Club at the agency she represents.

"I'm an agent for Long and Foster Real Estate. I sell in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. I also manage Vince Papale Promotions as well as our own personal real estate investments," Cantwell-Papale said.

"Anyone can show you a house. My strength is negotiating a deal. I try to create a win-win for everyone involved."

She also utilized her business skills when booking her husband's motivational speaking engagements and negotiating his endorsement agreements.

"You have to constantly encourage people by telling them that they are allowed to fail. There are many people who are afraid to step outside of the box. When people are rigid they can snap and spiral downward. You have to be willing to take a risk."

Growing up

Cantwell-Papale grew up in the Northeast section of Philadelphia. She attended St. Celia's Catholic School and graduated from Northeast High School.

"We had the typical large family. "I'm the oldest of nine. There were six girls, then two boys and finally one girl. We had two sets of bunk beds and our own signing group and I was the worst singer. My Mom had us in the Easter parade and on the Al Albert's Show." (The Al Albert's Show was a popular children's talent show that was televised in Philadelphia television for many decades.)

Athletics were also important in the Cantwell home.

"My first five younger sisters and I were all nationally ranked gymnasts. I was the only one who made it to the United States National team, even though I was the last one to become involved in gymnastics.

"I felt like I was Cinderella when I went to the gym. It was a magical place for me."

After rupturing her spleen when she was nine, she was given the last rites as part of her Catholic upbringing. Her mental toughness and physical strength helped her to recover from that incident, as well as from rheumatic fever and a heart murmur.

A world-class gymnast emerges

When fully healthy, Cantwell-Papale began to pursue her gymnastic career. After many years of work she made the National team and toured with them throughout the United States, England, France and Yugoslavia.

She destroyed her knee in 1973, during an International gymnastics competition against the Hungarian Gymnastics team. Her injury was similar to former New York Jet's Quarterback Joe Namath, in that she tore her Medial Meniscus, Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) and Medial Collateral Ligament.

As she was working towards her Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education at Penn State in the mid-1970s, Cantwell-Papale remained involved in athletics. She was a 1 meter and 3 meter diver and also spent one year as the Director of the Nittany Gymnastics school.

After graduating in 1977, the condition of her knee caused her to redirect her athletic interests into coaching. While living in the State College area of Pennsylvania, she accepted an offer to become Head Gymnastics Coach at State College High School.

University of Pennsylvania

Cantwell-Papale went on to become the Head Gymnastics Coach at the University of Pennsylvania, a position she held from 1976 through 1988.

"When I became head coach at the University of Pennsylvania, I taught in South Africa, Malaysia, and Bermuda. So, I did different things with my gymnastics background."

Because the University of Penn was an Ivy League school, Papale recruited kids who had untapped potential.

"One thing about gymnasts is that they are driven and self-motivated. Some can flounder, because they have been coached their whole life and are not free thinkers. They have always been pleasers and have never developed any outside interests.

When I was a coach, I wanted to have a successful team. I liked working with those types of people, because I helped them to realize their dreams."

Meeting Vince

Cantwell-Papale told me that Invincible's depiction of how she and her husband met is different than the real life version of what actually happened.

"We met at Jack Kelly's house in 1976. Vince was with Harold Carmichael." (Kelly was a four-time Olympic oarsman and an Olympic medal winner. He was also the brother of movie-star Grace Kelly, who later became Princess Grace of Monaco. Carmichael was a star Wide receiver for the Philadelphia Eagles at the time.)

She lightheartedly noted that she wasn't impressed by Vince that day. Her sister was dating the quarterback from Penn State, so being around football players was no big deal to her.

After not seeing each other again for many years, they happened to be on a Board together in 1992. The Board was involved in providing after school activities for children.

"I went off to Europe and then to Barcelona for the Olympics. A friend told me that Vince was a really nice guy. I knew that he was smart as well, so we started talking and became friends.

"Within two months of going out, Vince said that I had to marry him. He said that in February, 1993. By August we were married."

A parent and a spouse

Janet and Vince have two children. Gabriella, 17 and Vincent Joseph, 14.

"I waited until I was 40 to get married. I wasn't going to do it until it was right. Vince believed in me and saw my strengths.

"We are parents first. We are out there trying to do good, to give back, and leave a mark on the world."

Cantwell-Papale has drawn from her own childhood and her experience in raising two children when it comes to parenting.

"I don't know if there is a formula. A good parent supports their children, lets them take risks and also lets them fail. Sometimes kids turn out better when they haven't been coddled."

In addition to caring for their children, Janet and Vince look out for each other. It was through his wife's urging that Vince had a cancer checkup in 2001.

It was good that she urged him to do so, because Doctor Tony Infantolino found that he had colorectal cancer during Vince's checkup. Fortunately, it was detected early enough to allow him to beat the disease.

"I'm like Vince's life coach. I help him to redefine what his goals are and what needs to be done."

Invincible

The Disney movie Invincible and Papale's first book, Invincible - My Journey From Fan to Team Captain were both released in 2006.

"We don't think of ourselves as famous. We haven't changed. There are more challenges for our kids, than for us."

Current pursuits

"I wasn't happy with just having the movie come out. That is why Vince and I have worked on other projects, including a new book. It's about the principals people should live by."

Papale's Playbook: You Can Be Invincible In Tough Times...Analyze, Adapt and Achieve, is scheduled to come out this summer. They also have a vitamin line that is set to be introduced later this year as well.

"People have to go back to the basics. Like Vince says, everyone has their Invincible moments."

Final thoughts

"I was 40 when I had a baby and that was good. Our life has been like a whirlwind, but it feels like we are newlyweds. Everything is always new and exciting."

Cantwell-Papale's final thoughts were encouraging and also reflective of her positive, can-do nature, "It's easy to give up. Be proactive and take control of your life. If you have to start over, then start over. Keep going and pursue your dreams."

(I hold all copyrights to this article which originally appeared on Yahoo's Voices platform in 2011.)

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My illustrated children's book: Maddie: Teaching Tolerance with a Smile officially became a Top 10 Amazon best-seller as of January 29, 2014. The print and ebook editions were initially released in August, 2014.

Children's Alopecia Project

50% of all proceeds from the sale of our book (in both print and ebook forms) are being donated to the Children's Alopecia Project (CAP).

What a ride

This incredible and unexpected ride began in the spring of 2011. By August 2013, the book was published by the Children's Alopecia Project in print form. We have been very pleased with sales of that edition. Use, or share, this link --->>Maddie: Teaching Tolerance with a Smile to purchase the printed book directly from CAP.

I published a special ebook edition within weeks of the print book release. After starting in the tens of thousands (in terms of Amazon's children's book rankings), Maddie broke into the Top 50 just prior to Christmas. It climbed through the 30s and settled in the upper 20s before breaking into the Top 10.  

Use, or share, this link --->>Maddie: Teaching Tolerance with a Smile to see a 'free-view' of the special ebook edition. I've included extra bonus features in this version that provide background information, extra photos, and illustrations. Each item helps to tell the complete story of this book's birth. 

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Thank you to Stacey Stauffer (Fox 29 Philadelphia). She interviewed Madison Woytovich, her parents (Jeff and Betsy Woytovich) and me about the latest chapter in this inspiring story. Here's a video link to Stacey's wonderful feature. 

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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.

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 interested in your feedback. 

Let's connect on Twitter @SeanyOB, through Facebook, or on LinkedIn.

When Baseball Cards Were King

St. Louis Cardinal Albert Pujols has hit over 400 home runs, but has never hit more than 49 in one season. Alex Rodriguez, who is in sixth place on the all-time home run list, was traded by the Texas Rangers to the New York Yankees in 2004. In 2010, Roy Halladay pitched a perfect game and a playoff no-hitter for the Philadelphia Phillies.

All of the information shown above is easy to access through any baseball website, could be shown on a number of cable television sports programs, or heard on a variety of sports talk shows. But, back in the day, baseball fans learned that type of information through newspaper box scores, magazines and on the backs of baseball cards.

Finding your favorite players

My elementary school friends introduced me to baseball cards in the 1970s. During that pre-internet, pre-video game era, those thin, rectangular encyclopedias were our passion.

While complete sets could be ordered through Topps, it was so much more fun to buy packs at local convenience stores. Opening the wrapper, smelling those pink gum-scented cards and earnestly looking for our favorite players was thrilling.

Local card shows, which were similar to farmer's markets, offered another collection building option. A kid convention filled with a buffet of bubble gum cards. Instead of testing the tomatoes, you looked for that Tom Seaver who was sorely needed to complete the Cincinnati Reds team set.

Those events were nothing short of paradise.

Trading

The free market is a wonderful thing and we had no summer trade deadlines. Duplicates of a Ron Guidry, Catfish Hunter and Thurman Munson could be just the incentive that was needed to obtain the Oakland Athletics' Reggie Jackson card my buddy finally was willing to deal in September.

If there were any disputes about the balance of a deal, Becket's Baseball Card Price Guide was used as a silent arbitrator. We didn't know who Beckett was, or how he determined the card values, but using his book made us feel like we were operating on the up and up.

Proper Storage

Like fine wine, all cards needed to be properly stored. Plastic cases, with individual slots for each team, had to be obtained through the use of accumulated allowance money. Price was no object, as $8 was well worth the investment.

From there, the bedroom closet served as the primary storage vault. As part of a mental fire drill, if the house ever went up in flames, I would grab the dog along with my baseball card boxes and head out the side door to safety. Let the homework burn.

Bygone days

Baseball cards are still available today in larger chain stores, in specialty hobby shops and at card shows. They also continue to hold a spot in the hearts of all who learned to love the game through them.

(I hold all copyrights to this article which originally appeared on Yahoo's Voices platform in 2011.)

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Let's connect on Twitter @SeanyOB, through Facebook, or on LinkedIn. 

Topps Hockey Card Mystery Revealed

The 1970s Philadelphia Flyers were one of the most controversial sports teams of all-time.

My elementary school friends, cousins and I followed the players by watching their games through the antenna that was connected to our televisions, by playing street hockey and by collecting trading cards.

No pack of Topps hockey cards that I ever opened was as memorable as the one that my elementary school buddies gave me in 1978.

Chicken pox
No kid likes when those alien invaders, known as chicken pox, grotesquely pop out to announce their presence all over your body. Of course you can't go to school when you get them because they are contagious.

That was particularly bad because the entire foundation of our, non-family based, social lives was centered upon school. My buddies were all there, we had recess and some of the cute girls in my class even found me to be very entertaining.

What more could anyone want?

The pack
I missed six straight days of school because of the chicken pox. That was highly unusual for me, as I often had perfect attendance in past school years.

My friends Kevin and Ed were nice enough to bring my assignments to my house at the end of each of those sick days.

One day they also delivered a single pack of hockey cards with my homework. They told me that our other friends Rick, Keith, Eddie and Dave had pooled some of their allowance money to buy it for me.

Along with some other cards, there were six Flyers cards in that pack which included Bernie Parent, Reggie Leach, Bobby Clarke, Bill Barber, Jimmy Watson and Andre "Moose" Dupont.

The back of the pack's wrapper appeared to have been opened and resealed. So, I knew that my friends had actually bought multiple packs of cards and then created a specially loaded one just for me.

Those six cards have aged more than three decades now. Whenever I take them out, I can see the faces of my hockey heroes and feel the friendship of my old school friends once more.

(I hold all copyrights to this article which originally appeared on Yahoo's Voices platform in 2011.)

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Let's connect on Twitter @SeanyOB, through Facebook, or on LinkedIn. 

An Actor's Life: A Conversation with Mary Frick

I recently had the opportunity to interview Mary Frick. Our conversation took me behind the scenes into a world that I had only previously seen at the movie theater, through a television screen and on the stage.

Mary was born and grew up in Southeastern, Pa. She has many fond memories of a childhood spent with four sisters and two brothers.

Her parents not only provided them with a solid foundation, but also an active life that included many outdoor activities. Fishing, ice skating and hiking were just some of the pleasant experiences that she and her six siblings shared.

They also spent many treasured moments indoors.

"We would put on comedy and musical sketches during family get-togethers. We would often break out into improvisational scenes," Mary said.

Family influences also added to her creative development.

"My father's side of the family had a musical group who played and sang at family functions. My Grandmother (Nanny) was also musically inclined."

Early experiences

Mary showed a talent for writing, directing and acting as early as grade school.

She responded to her sixth grade teachers request when he asked the class if anyone was interested in writing a Christmas play. Much to his surprise, she presented him with a completed play about a week later.

After seeing the script, he gave her permission to cast, direct and act in the play. Her efforts resulted in an all-around success and affirmed her belief that the dramatic arts were going to be a part of her future.

She excelled academically through her high school years. She also won art contests, played field hockey, was on the swim and gymnastic teams, played two instruments in the band, was a cheerleader and was elected to the student council.

After graduation, she traveled across the country.

Mary was living in Ft. Lauderdale at the time and drove with a friend, on Highway 10 West, across the southern states to San Diego, Calif.

They made a stop in Carmel to see her friend's relatives and then made their way up to San Francisco, where they delivered the car they were driving to its owner. They were out of money at that point and saw a sign on Market Street about joining the Air Force.

"I talked to a recruiter. He said that we had to go onto the base to take the test and that we needed a score of 90 or above to be accepted into the Air Force. We then studied at the San Francisco Public Library for a couple of days, went onto the base, and took the test. I scored a 97 and the recruiter said that we were in.

"My friend called her cousin, who was residing in Carmel, to tell him the good news. But, he had spent 20 years in the Army and told us not to join. He drove up to San Francisco and brought us back to Carmel, where we lived and worked for awhile.

"It was a very beautiful and incredible experience to drive across the country and up the coast of California.

"I realized that I wanted to be an actress. So, I enrolled at West Chester University and earned my Bachelor of Arts Degree in Speech Communications.

"I was a single parent at the time, with two beautiful young children to support, so I landed a job at a Pharmaceutical Company where I was employed for 10 years. When my children were older, I decided to pursue the acting field."

Mary's pursuits helped to develop her acting abilities. She also broadened her skills through the camera operation and directing training that she received.

Fighting the good fight

"During my first semester, I landed a part in the play "Mother Courage."

"When my son was diagnosed with a terminal illness, I immediately dropped out of the play to care for him. I continued on with my studies at the University while taking care of my children.

"That part of my life was such a turning point in the path that I was pursuing to become an actress.

"I had to give an enormous amount of attention to my son. We traveled back and forth to Children's Hospital (in Philadelphia) and to the University of Penn for ten years. Children's Hospital became like a second home to us.

"I thought that I may have lost him, but he fought the good fight and won the battle.

"The good Lord saved him and for that I am very grateful."

David Shuman

After college, Mary attended a few acting schools in New York. She eventually found an exceptional coach in David Shuman, at the prestigious Weist-Barron school, and studied with him for several years.

The well respected Shuman has coached many well-known actors, including Whoopi Goldberg, Kevin Spacey and Christopher Walken.

"He was incredible!

"He was very knowledgeable about the psychological makeup of a character, relationships and the business."

She noted that Shuman's no-nonsense style and ability to be in control were keys to his effectiveness.

"He was able to pull a good performance out of you and always helped you to do your best."

Television and movie roles

Through Mary's training and persistence she earned roles in films, appearances on television shows and work in commercials.

She can be seen in the HBO series "Sex in the City" and the NBC series "Third Watch".

She had a part in The Learning Channel series "Forensic Files", which is now shown on truTV, was on the set of Law & Order: SVU and had a background part in the HBO series "The Sopranos".

Her feature film credits include "Spiderman", "Changing Lanes" and the independent film "The Middle Voice".

How a performance develops

Many entertainment fans are fascinated by the method in which actors develop the portrayal of their characters.

Mary advised that after a successful audition, an actor will receive a script and then begin to develop a character as they study their lines.

"After studying lines, if you get the opportunity you can improvise, which helps with the scene.

"An actor has to determine the character's agenda, motive, background, etc."

When working on stage, an actor will generally exhibit dramatic physical movements and project their lines to the audience in a louder voice than would normally be used in other venues.

Work done in front of a camera would be presented differently, because each feeling that is expressed is captured in a more intimate visual form.

Free time

Beyond work, Mary enjoys watching movies, gardening, painting, photography, writing, reading and is in a Bible study group with a former acting friend.

She also is involved in a community group through her church.

"We clean the streets, plant flowers, and distribute groceries. Our mission is to spread the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ."

The next generation

Mary's varied career experience has allowed her to be in a uniquely positive position. It's one where she is able to offer seasoned advice to those who are planning to pursue, or who are currently pursuing, this particular creative field.

"I have learned a lot by watching other actor's performances.

"The more I grew as an actor, the more I was able to appreciate other actors."

She recommended those who are considering attending an acting school should first audit classes. Doing so will allow potential students to preview a school's atmosphere and help to formalize the decision making process.

"If you want to become an actor or actress and believe in yourself, find a good coach, study, perfect your craft and get a good talent agent.

"I found that studying to be an actor helped to open my eyes to the intricacies of the human spirit."

(I hold all copyrights to this article which originally appeared on Yahoo's Voices platform in 2011.)

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Let's connect on Twitter @SeanyOB, through Facebook, or on LinkedIn.