Blah Blah Blog - Help me pick a name

It has been over a week since my last post due to a serious role change at work but Coach Dutton will keep on kicking! Due to an overload of responsibilities I will have to cut the blog posts to once a week. That being said we have also decided to drop the proposed name of Black Biscuit Hockey due to legal issues. So, a new name must be picked asap! So far, my favorites are Hockey Ninja, Hockey Hooligans, BDuts Hockey Shack, One Stop Hockey Shop, The Dangler, Backhanders, Pipe Ringers, Fisticuffs, Dump and Chase, Goons Hockey Shop, and last but not least...Dutton Lumber (my grandfather owned a lumber company called Dutton Lumber). Thoughts?

Local Player Bio - Kelly Herberger: Rocking the Juicy Fruit

Kelly Herberger - in the back, second from left. She might be little, but her tenacity on the ice makes her a giant. I had the honor of coaching Kelly once upon a time. It was refreshing to be able to work with someone who’s love for hockey started later in life – her love for hockey is fresh and her enthusiasm is contagious. She would listen and respond to constructive criticism which is rare when working with adults. She has come a long way since lacing up her skates for the first time and this is her story:

I grew up in Cleveland, Ohio where hockey was fairly popular. I didn’t have much interest in hockey, but I skated for fun in high school. I started out on figure skates, but my friends convinced me to buy hockey skates because they were “cooler.” I still have these circa 1980 skates. I went to Miami University of Ohio – now a name in college ice hockey – but back then, not so much. I went to a few games, mostly because I had a crush on one of the players. And I played about six seasons of broomball. I wanted to take a hockey class, but some guys told me it would be too tough for a girl, so I didn’t sign up. This is the biggest hockey-related regret of my life.

I moved to the DC area in 1986 and skated off and on for years – many times with a friend who had been an Olympic figure skater (and tried not very successfully to help improve my skating). About six years ago, I started skating regularly. After about a year, I got bored of going in circles and decided to take a chance on hockey. Keep in mind that I was 42 years old, an average skater, and fairly uncoordinated. I had never played a team sport or even competed in any sport at all! I took some clinics and started playing in the “mostly men’s” league at Fairfax Ice Arena. A few years ago, I also started playing in a women’s league. I’ve had terrific teammates, captains, and coaches – both men and women - who tirelessly advise me, pump me up, and forgive me for making the same mistakes over and over. I am so happy to see more young women start playing hockey, and I am in awe of their skill. Don’t be afraid to try ice hockey – it’s difficult, but incredibly fun and exhilarating! The name of my team at Ballston (Kettler) is Juicy Fruit – I know – totally embarrassing, but I didn’t vote for it. There are only 4 teams in the women’s league there, but that was the first time in my hockey career that I’d been on a championship team, so it was really fun for me. Both of our games were pretty exciting –the first game we won 2-1 in a shootout. I scored a goal in the second period and then they scored one. In the shootout we went through every person on our team except me (I begged to be last) – one of our defense women scored the winning goal right before me! In the “gold medal” game, we won 3-1 with a final empty net goal. In the women’s league, we switch up goalies every week, but we ended up with the same goalie for both of the final games – she did an unbelievable job! Of course, since we’re women, both teams who played in the final went out together for beers and burgers after the game.

Below is some information on how to get started playing women’s hockey, whether young in age or young at heart, there are plenty of opportunities in the DC metro area for women to compete against each other.


Kettler’s Adult Hockey Skating classes in our Learn to Skate Program will give beginners a solid foundation to build upon. Once you are confident as a hockey skater, you will be ready to join our Adult hockey classes to learn the fundamentals and you will be joining the Adult League in no time.

Rise & Shoot—Women’s Learn To Play
This class was created in response to a group of hockey moms looking to increase their understanding of the game. The class was so successful we added more classes and the “hockey moms” are rapidly becoming hockey players.
Prerequisite: Must have previous skating experience,
Adult Hockey Skating classes recommended.
Monday Mornings, 6:30am—7:45am
Each session includes 6 weeks of classes plus a 6 pass practice card for public skate.
Price $150
3/8/10—4/12/10 Registration now open

WOMEN’S ADULT LEAGUE
Women’s League registration will open on March 1st.
Games will be played on Monday nights
Season will include 16 games plus playoffs
$400

ADULT SKILLS & DRILLS
Skills & Drills emphasizes learning and improving hockey skills at your own pace through the use of interactive drills, small area games, situational play and scrimmaging. Each session is designed for adult players, men and women, of all skill levels.
Prerequisite: Adults with previous skating experience,
Adult Hockey Skating classes recommended.
Wednesday Evenings, 9:15pm—10:30pm
Each session includes 6 weeks of classes plus a 6 pass practice card for public skate.
Price $180
Sessions:
4/7/10—5/12/10 Registration opens 3/7
5/19/10—6/23/10 Registration opens 4/19

To learn more about hockey for young women in the area check out the Junior Women's Hockey League. It is an ice hockey league established in 2007 to provide opportunities for young females to develop into collegiate student-athletes. The JWHL has teams in both the US and in Canada and will be entering its third season of play in 2009.

Their mission:

Our goal is to be a major player and assist in the development of women's hockey.
We are excited to help it move in a new direction.
We believe the time is now to offer young women an opportunity to develop to peak athletic potential based on a sound philosophy for development of the elite and committed athlete.

Also check out a local woman's team, the Washington Pride.

Caps Goal Song Contest winner inspires Coach Dutton to offer YOU a chance to win!

Have you ever heard of the Sandbox Kings? Well if you are a Caps fan, you will hear a lot more of them! Sandbox Kings won the DC 101 Create a Caps Goal Song Contest. Their song will be played after every goal the Washington Capitals score at the Verizon Center, for the rest of the season. Very cool since they are a local band. The Song is called "Rock The Red". It will debut tonight when the caps play the Tampa Bay Lighting at 7pm. Its on tv on CSN-DC and will be played on DC 101 Friday during Elliot in the Morning. My goal in the future is to post interesting competitions like this one, hockey related of course, on my future web site. Coming soon will be a much more professional Coach Dutton blog site (hopefully as cool as On Frozen Blog where I got this hot intel). After reading the letter between Branko Hodzic of the SBK and the OFB team...you've got to be a fan of SBK! Check them out and support local musicians!!!

So here is the scoop on my competition. I need some more ideas for a store front/website name. In honor of the Sandbox Kings winning DC 101's competition, I am going to have my own. The person that comes up with a name for us will win the grand prize. The grand prize consists of 1 free t-shirt, stickers, one free admission to a skills competition and...free beer after the event. Just post the name idea below, on facebook or email me! The winner will be announced if and when we find the name that is the perfect fit! As you know, Coach Dutton plans to provide you with all things hockey. If you have great intel on local competitions, tournaments, or just some cool hockey based events, please let us know!!

Indoor Rink - Blog #2 - instructions and cost

My poor daughter will soon be able to get rid of her cardboard rink box once I finish up the basement rink! The rink should be finished in a week or two (once my contractors finish insulating the walls and sledge hammer the concrete overhang that is about 2 inches longer than the wall framing). Right now I am finishing up my cutting and screwing. All that's left is bolting and laying the tiles!! Below are the basic plans I used to start this project...

materials/Item Cost/Item Total Cost
(for 15'X15' basement rink)
1/2" X 4' X 8' spruce plywood X 8 $18.00 $144.00
2" X 4" X 8' boards X 35 $2.00 $70.00
3" deck screws box 200 (2x4 to 2x4) $25.00 $25.00
2" deck screws box 200 (plywood to 2x4) $20.00 $20.00
3/8" X 5" bolts, nuts and washers X 16 (corners) $1.00 $16.00
Roller Hockey Tiles got a deal online $300.00
Goal $100 $100

TOTAL $675.00

TOOLS USED:

- bottle opener
- drill
- electric mitre saw
- circular saw
- wrenches
- Robertson drill bit
- 3/8" long drill bit
- safety goggles are a good idea but not always used
- basement


The Corners
Three pieces creates a corner that is a good trade off between good curvature and build-time. Two pieces would help save considerable build-time and will be used on my “door side” where the entry is to the rest of my house. The magic angle is 15 degrees (see pics attached). This creates a full 90 degree total angle on a 4 foot radius. The side and end boards that attach to the corner will NOT need angle cuts!
1. Cut plywood on angle the panels are based on 18" X 4' where the plywood meets the 2" X 4" framing (minus 3 inches for beer rail around entire rink). Thus, the plywood face attached to the framing needs to be 18" and so does the "inside" framing itself. Rip the plywood to 18" (no angle) and then cut the 15 degree angle afterwards with circular saw. This means the inside edge of the plywood will be slightly less than 18" as a result. I did the cutting on the basement floor on top of a few 2X4s to keep the blade clear of the floor.
2. Cut corner framing (2X4) 18" wide (short side) at 15 degrees on BOTH ends (see pics).
3. Screw top and bottom framing to plywood use the 2" screws.
4. Cut and attach vertical pieces (2X4) measure the distance between the top and bottom pieces you attached in the previous step. IMPORTANT - attach these vertical members flush to the plywood with NO angle cuts - this helps the bolts pull the corners nice and tight (see pics)
5. Cut and attach middle cross brace (2X4) measure and cut (I did not put in a middle brace for corners since this is a kid rink and indoors).
6. Repeat the above steps to create three identical panels.
7. Bolt panels together with long flat 3/8" drill bit make 4 holes then counter sink the nut side with a 1" flat bit.


How to make the end and side panels
The sides and ends are full 4' X 8' sheets of plywood framed on the backside. Bolt and mount to concrete basement wall.

total cost approx. $550 (with beer)
build time approx. 40 hrs (just a guess based on my stolen plans since I have not finished it yet)




*These plans are stolen from the web and adjusted to suit my needs.

Miller Time - Friday night

If you have not been watching Olympic hockey, you are not paying attention. There is nothing more intense than watching the worlds best battle it out on the ice. This is not curling people. Once the games are over, you can watch your favorite Olympian back in action, on TV, or live at your closest NHL rink. I promise you, if you take the time to really watch the game, you will be a fan for life. Since we are getting close to NHL hockey playoffs as well, it only gets better from here. Although the hitting is hard and the play is tough in the Olympics, no one wants to fight bearing their countries emblems across their chests. It would look really bad, for instance, if a player from USA one hand tomahawked a Canadian or Russian. There is too much pride in the stars and stripes to come off like a two bit thug. Put the same player in a NHL jersey, watch out. I wont matter where you are from or who's got your back. Holding that cup is all that matters. Playoff hockey is as good as it gets. The only thing that could possibly top a Stanley Cup playoff game is a USA vs Canada Gold metal game. If you really are paying attention, you know how close we are to witnessing a historical battle. It all depends on the outcome of Fridays semi's with USA taking on Finland and Canada taking on the raging Slovaks. We are so close I can taste it. It all sits on the back of Ryan Miller.

Coach Dutton -- Hockey Ninja?

My journey through the hockey הארץ המובטחת‎ has taken many twists and turns. It has come to a point where I need some feedback from my readers. Here's the jig. Coach Dutton is and always will be a resource for advocation, communication and education. No matter what happens, it is my goal to provide my readers with the information they desire. (FYI...I have a list of all poker tournaments in AC the weekend we play in April). In the future, it is my hope, to have a business that offers new/used equipment available online or in store front with multiple locations, skills challenges/tournaments and possibly a dry land training center. At first we planned (we meaning my business partner and myself) to open up Coach Dutton as the business name. After a long discussion with my new marketing and advertising consultant, it was decided that the business needs a new name so Coach Dutton can hold true to it's core value and mission. That's where you come into play. We have tossed around Black Biscuit Hockey (kinda stolen from Black Biscuit - a roller hockey apparel provider). I need a list of names that are appealing to you. If you have a moment, please comment below, email, text or facebook your ideas! If Hockey Ninja wins (my new favorite), I have a great idea for a new tattoo.

Local Bio - Jerry Gibbons - GMU Coach, Ref, Player and Dad

'Hockey for my Life', by Jerry Gibbons, GMU Hockey; Goons Hockey; USAHockey

I came to hockey late. Sure, I remember watching the Rangers playing the Canadiens on TV in the early '60s, and my Dad told us that the team we root for is the Rangers because they were closest to our home, in Philadelphia. Then came expansion, and the Broad Street Bullies captured the sports fans of Philadelphia. I was in awe of the hustle of Bobby Clarke, the quickness of Bernie Parent, the toughness of Ed Van Impe. But my favorite player by far was Rick MacLeish. He was the smoothest strongest skating player I ever saw, with a powerful wrist shot. He scored the Stanley Cup winning goal tipping in a Moose Dupont wrist shot to give Philadelphia a championship. Throughout my college days I dreamed of joining the LaSalle College hockey team, a club team where you paid to play, but I could not afford the team and uniform fees, since I was already paying the tuition and book bills myself, working 3 jobs—cue the violins. But I did get some hockey fixes just by playing pick-up and informal skate and shoot sessions. In my junior year at College, I had my 2 front teeth broken by an ill-placed stick. Too old to be on my parents' dental plan, I spent the rest of my College days looking like a hockey player, resigned to the fact that I would not have money for dental repair until I got out of College and started making my own money. At that point, I felt that I had too much invested in the sport to quit.

I came to Washington in 1980 while a new hockey league, the National Novice Hockey League was being formed. I wanted to join a team but the administrators told me I was too good for their league, which at that time only had novice teams. One of my friends played on a novice teams, the Comets and he said that they needed a coach. Everything I know about coaching hockey I learned by watching Fred Shero run the Flyers. A super talented first line like Clarke, Barber and Leach; a second line with a superstar and 2 lunch pail guys, like MacLeish, Dornhoefer and Lonsberry, and a third line of checkers, like Schultz, Saleski and Kindrachuk. Once I got to know the players, I saw who should be playing where. I explained what each of the players' expectations and roles would be, and we went on from there. We won the championship, but the next year I was a player again. The administrators said I could play on a second year team that was moving up, and I couldn't play for the team I just coached; having just won the championship, they were too good. Though I led the team in points and goals and assists, I could see early that we could not compete with the veteran teams. I decided to lead by example, passing whenever I could, and we finished the season 0-20-0. Five years later, we, The Maryland Crabs, won the championship.

To support my hockey playing and Capitals' season tickets, I started officiating, all levels, from 6 year old mites to high schools, college games and even Washington Capitals preseason camp scrimmages. To date, I have worked more than 6,500 games since 1986. Many of the patterns I analyzed while officiating, I thought I could integrate into coaching.

I came back to coaching when my kids started played house league hockey. Then came High School hockey. I gave birth to the Fairfax High School Rebel Pride Hockey Club, and ran that program for 4 years until my youngest child graduated. Our first year we went 2-7-1 getting mercy-ruled in our first 3 games. But the kids had fun and I pledged to them all that every player would play a regular shift. They may not play power play or penalty kill, but they would play to get tired, make a difference, and come away with memories of each game from the ice, not the bench. The secret is that the pledge is easy to keep—because it is the best way to run a hockey bench. For every shift that my top 2 lines are resting, it allows them later to jump on the ice fresh, which is what a sprinting sport like hockey requires for each game, and more importantly, for a long season.

“Dad, George Mason University is firing their coach and they want to speak to you about the job, there's no salary or anything”, said my son, Erik. “Would you do it?” This is what a hockey lifer like me does for his kids. Of course I took the job, reluctantly, and GMU went from 0-19-0 last year under a coach who alienated most of his players to 8-6-1 this year, with a team of players who want to play and who know what their roles and expectations are. And I'm still officiating and still playing, and drawing a federal pension too. I guess you could say that this lifer has made it.

Before Alex came Peter - Olympic Underdog pick

As many people know, the sun rises and sets around the great number 8 here in DC. Alex Ovechkin has taken the NHL by storm. Watching the rivalry of Crosby vs Ovechkin is what makes hockey so exciting for many of us these days. Washington Capitals hockey has inspired a nation that was dying for hockey to make a comeback. But before #8 came Peter the Great. The NHL was once ruled by a man named Peter Forsberg, much like Ovie, Peter is most known for his passing, physical play, and incredible hands. His 19-year professional career includes 13 years in the NHL, where he won two Stanley Cups and the Hart Memorial Trophy in 2003. He is an international icon now on the Swedish national team, winning two World Championships and two Olympic hockey gold medals. As of the end of the 2008–09 NHL season, he is the fourth-highest all-time Swedish point scorer in the NHL regular season.In each of his 12 NHL seasons, Forsberg has never had a negative plus-minus rating, totaling an overall career rating of plus 242. The only problem with a player this great is that he took too many licks to get there...and he can't stay healthy. Between injury (he has had many foot problems as well) and salary caps, Peter has left the states and went back to where his god status was recognized and will be appreciated until he leaves the game old, gray and with a permanent limp. I think Sweden even has Peter Forsberg money printed they love him so much. With all that being said, Sweden not only has Forsberg, but a supporting cast that could help drive home the gold. Peter now has Alexander Ovechkins right hand man, Nicklas Backstrom, the Sedin twins - wow. Put Henrik Lundqvist behind them and wrap it all up with one of the biggest hitters in the league...Niklas Kronwall (have you ever seen a man get Kronwalled? If not, check out youtube and watch this guy hit)and you have a serious metal contender. If they can keep everyone healthy, it is possible for this underdog to snuff out the home team hopeful's, the long shot Americans, and the Russian powerhouse.

2010 Olympic Hockey Overview

Coach Dutton's Picks:

1. Russia
The Russkies are seriously stacked with Olympic Gods. Ovechkin, Semin, Federov, Kovalchuk, Malkin, Kozlov, Afinogenov, Datsyuk...are you kidding me? If these guys don't win then I think Vegas had a hand in it. They have top NHL goal scorers, outstanding defense and even a couple goaltenders that can stand on their heads. I just hope Varley gets some play. Also, if you haven't noticed, Russia has the most Washington Capitals.

2. USA

Yeah I said it. The youngest team in the Olympics this year has nothing to lose. With only a couple of veterans in their 30's, USA has the the tenacity to beat out America Jr this Olympic season. Ryan Miller is one of the sickest goalies I have ever seen when on top of his game. He is by far the best goalie in this tournament. We all know the Caps can light him up but hopefully, with the power of the stars and stripes, pride will take him places he has never been before...go USA!

3. Canada

Third place for Canada hockey is like a losing season for the Yankees, it doesn't happen. It just wont be enough to get a bronze medal. They have the deepest bench this year and will accept nothing less than the gold in the Olympic games. They will play hard and fight to the finish but I just do not believe in my heart they can get past Miller enough times to win. Holding off Crosby, Staal and Iginla will be close to impossible so team USA's young guns will need to find a way past Brodeur...more than a few times to take the win.


MEN'S 2010 OLYMPIC HOCKEY SCHEDULE

All games are played at Canada Hockey Place (aka General Motors Place) unless otherwise specified
Eastern Standard Time

PRELIMINARY ROUND:

Tuesday, February 16

* 3:00 pm USA vs. SWITZERLAND
* 7:30 pm CANADA vs. NORWAY
* 12:00 am RUSSIA vs. LATVIA

Wednesday, February 17

* 3:00 pm FINLAND vs. BELARUS
* 7:30 pm SWEDEN vs. GERMANY
* 12:00 am CZECH REPUBLIC vs. SLOVAKIA

Thursday, February 18

* 3:00 pm USA vs. NORWAY
* 7:30 pm SWITZERLAND vs. CANADA
* 12:00 am SLOVAKIA vs. RUSSIA

Friday, February 19
# 3:00 pm BELARUS vs. SWEDEN
# 7:30 pm CZECH REPUBLIC vs. LATVIA
# 12:00 am FINLAND vs. GERMANY

Saturday, February 20
# 3:00 pm NORWAY vs. SWITZERLAND
# 7:30 pm LATVIA vs. SLOVAKIA
# 12:00 am GERMANY vs. BELARUS

Sunday, February 21
# 3:00 pm RUSSIA vs. CZECH REPUBLIC
# 7:45 pm CANADA vs. USA
# 12:00 am SWEDEN vs. FINLAND

QUALIFICATION PLAYOFF FORMAT:

At the conclusion of the Preliminary Round, all 12 teams are ranked 1-to-12 in Group "D".

The top four teams (1D, 2D, 3D, 4D) advance directly to the Quarter-finals.

The remaining eight teams play the Qualification Playoff with the following match-ups:
5D - 12D (Winner becomes E1)
6D - 11D (Winner becomes E2)
7D - 10D (Winner becomes E3)
8D - 9D (Winner becomes E4)

QUALIFICATION PLAYOFF SCHEDULE:
Tuesday, February 23
# 3:00 pm QUALIFICATION 1
# 7:30 pm QUALIFICATION 2
# 10:00 pm QUALIFICATION 3 (at UBC Thunderbird Arena)
# 12:00 am QUALIFICATION 4

(if qualified, USA game will be scheduled for 3:00)
(if qualified, Canada game will be scheduled for 7:30)

QUARTER-FINALS FORMAT:

At the conclusion of the Qualification Playoff, teams play the Quarter-finals with the following match-ups:
1D - E4 (Winner becomes F1)
2D - E3 (Winner becomes F2)
3D - E2 (Winner becomes F3)
4D - E1 (Winner becomes F4)

QUARTER-FINALS SCHEDULE:
Wednesday, February 24
# 3:00 pm QUARTERFINAL 1
# 7:30 pm QUARTERFINAL 2
# 10:00 pm QUARTERFINAL 3 (at UBC Thunderbird Arena)
# 12:00 am QUARTERFINAL 4

(if qualified, USA game will be scheduled for 3:00)
(if qualified, Canada game will be scheduled for 7:30)

SEMI-FINALS SCHEDULE:
Friday, February 26
# 3:00 pm Semifinal 1 (F1 vs. F4)
# 9:30 pm Semifinal 2 (F2 vs. F3)

(if qualified, USA game will be scheduled for 3:00)
(if qualified, Canada game will be scheduled for 9:30)

BRONZE MEDAL GAME:
Saturday, February 27
# 10:00 pm (Semifinal losers)

GOLD MEDAL GAME:
Sunday, February 28
# 3:15 pm (Semifinal losers)

My medal pick rosters:

Russia:
G Ilya Bryzgalov , Phoenix Coyotes, NHL
G Evgeni Nabokov , San Jose Sharks, NHL
G Semyon Varlamov , Washington Capitals, NHL

D Sergei Gonchar , Pittsburgh Penguins, NHL
D Denis Grebeshkov , Edmonton Oilers, NHL
D Dmitri Kalinin , Salavat Yulayev Ufa
D Konstantin Korneyev , CSKA Moscow
D Andrei Markov , Montreal Canadiens, NHL
D Ilya Nikulin , Ak Bars Kazan
D Fedor Tyutin , Columbus Blue Jackets, NHL
D Anton Volchenkov , Ottawa Senators, NHL

F Maxim Afinogenov , Atlanta Thrashers, NHL
F Pavel Datsyuk , Detroit Red Wings, NHL
F Sergei Fedorov , Metallurg Magnitogorsk
F Ilya Kovalchuk , Atlanta Thrashers, NHL
F Viktor Kozlov , Salavat Yulayev Ufa
F Evgeni Malkin , Pittsburgh Penguins, NHL
F Alexei Morozov , Ak Bars Kazan
F Alexander Ovechkin , Washington Capitals, NHL
F Alexander Radulov , Salavat Yulayev Ufa
F Alexander Semin , Washington Capitals, NHL
F Danis Zaripov , Ak Bars Kazan
F Sergei Zinoviev , Salavat Yulayev Ufa

The USA Olympic hockey team looks a lot younger in 2010, as the old guard of Chelios, Weight, Modano, et al give way to the next generation.

Here's the team as it was named on January 1 by general manager Brian Burke.

Keep in mind that rosters are not final until 24 hours before the Games begin. Players injured before then can be replaced.

USA:

Goaltenders

* Tim Thomas, 35 (Boston Bruins)
* Ryan Miller, 29 (Buffalo Sabres)
* Jonathan Quick, 24 (Los Angeles Kings)

Alternate Candidate:
- Craig Anderson (Colorado)

Defense

* Brian Rafalski, 36 (Detroit Red Wings)
* Ryan Suter, 25 (Nashville Predators)
* Paul Martin 28 (New Jersey Devils) - withdrawn due to injury
* Mike Komisarek, 28 (Toronto Maple Leafs) - withdrawn due to injury
* Erik Johnson, 21 (St. Louis Blues)
* Brooks Orpik, 29 (Pittsburgh Pittsburgh)
* Jack Johnson, 23 (Los Angeles Kings)
* Ryan Whitney, 26 (Anaheim Ducks) - injury call-up
* Tim Gleason, 27 (Carolina Hurricanes) - injury call-up

Alternate Candidates:
- Matt Niskanen (Dallas)
- Ron Hainsey (Atlanta)
- Alex Goligoski (Pittsburgh)
- Matt Carle (Philadelphia)
- Rob Scuderi (Los Angeles)

Forwards

* Zach Parise, 25 (New Jersey Devils)
* Chris Drury, 32 (New York Rangers)
* Dustin Brown, 25 (Los Angeles Kings)
* Jamie Langenbrunner, 34 (New Jersey Devils)
* Paul Stastny, 24 (Colorado Avalanche)
* David Backes, 25 (St. Louis Blues)
* Patrick Kane, 21 (Chicago Blackhawks)
* Phil Kessel, 22 (Toronto Maple Leafs)
* Ryan Kesler, 25 (Vancouver Canucks)
* Bobby Ryan, 22 (Anaheim Ducks)
* Joe Pavelski, 25 (San Jose Sharks)
* Ryan Malone, 31 (Tampa Bay Lightning)
* Ryan Callahan, 24 (New York Rangers)

Alternate Candidates:
- Jason Pominville (Sabres)
- David Booth (Panthers)
- Scott Gomez (Canadiens)
- T.J. Oshie (Blues)
- Brian Gionta (Canadiens)

Canada:

Goaltenders

* Martin Brodeur, 37 (New Jersey Devils)
* Roberto Luongo, 30 (Vancouver Canucks)
* Marc-Andre Fleury, 25 (Pittsburgh Penguins)

Defense

* Scott Niedermayer, 36 (Anaheim Ducks)
* Chris Pronger, 35 (Philadelphia Flyers)
* Shea Weber, 24 (Nashville Predators)
* Drew Doughty, 20 (Los Angeles Kings)
* Duncan Keith 26 (Chicago Blackhawks)
* Dan Boyle, 33 (San Jose Sharks)
* Brent Seabrook, 24 (Chicago Blackhawks)

Forwards

* Sidney Crosby, 21 (Pittsburgh Penguins)
* Rick Nash, 25 (Columbus Blue Jackets)
* Jarome Iginla, 32 (Calgary Flames)
* Mike Richards, 25 (Philadelphia Flyers)
* Joe Thornton, 30 (San Jose Sharks)
* Patrick Marleau, 30 (San Jose Sharks)
* Ryan Getzlaf, 24 (Anaheim Ducks)
* Brenden Morrow, 31 (Dallas Stars)
* Corey Perry, 24 (Anaheim Ducks)
* Dany Heatley, 29 (San Jose Sharks)
* Eric Staal, 25 (Carolina Hurricanes)
* Patrice Bergeron, 25 (Boston Bruins)
* Jonathan Toews, 21 (Chicago Blackhawks)

Caps to watch:

Sweden:
F Nicklas Bäckström , Washington Capitals, NHL

Czech Republic:
F Tomas Fleischmann , Washington Capitals, NHL

*Information stolen from about.com

USA Hockey and Labatt Blue

I guess I am not the only adult who craves hockey 24/7. Labatt Blue hit the ice with three-year exclusive sponsorship of USA Hockey and USA Hockey InLine!

Together USA Hockey and Labatt Blue promote the growth of adult hockey in America and provide the best possible experience for all participants by advancing the sport and serving as the title sponsor of the Labatt Blue USAdult National Championships, the country's premier adult ice hockey championships. Labatt Blue is already a major force in league support and organized adult hockey tournaments, and the combination of resources with USA Hockey will benefit adult players at the local, regional and national levels. What does that mean for my fellow beltway players? Although we will not participate in the Pond Hockey National Championships, we will still have the ability to compete in a in a Classic Tournament.

USA HOCKEY ADULT CLASSIC
May 14 - 16, 2010
@ The Gardens Ice House
Laurel, MD

There are also adult clinics if interested- located at usahockey.com.

Since I am on a roll with tournaments this year I will also plan one travel tournament with some local players. I imagine this will take place near a casino where we can involve ourselves in some debauchery. I am looking into Atlantic City, Las Vegas, Niagara Falls, and Toronto. I imagine it will be an Intermediate 30+. If you are interested please let me know. Hopefully I can find one that doesn't land on an aniversary, birthday or other prior engagement like 2 I have wanted to attend thus far! Wish me luck.

The Spring 2010 Atlantic City Tournament

Of course the 2 hockey tournaments I want to attend this year are both on the same weekend! So I have a choice:

Angel on the right shoulder says stay local and support a charity but need to set up my own team

or

Lil' devil on the left says join a team already set up and head to Atlantic City for the weekend

Hmmm...

...sin wins. AC!

Tournament Benefits:

* Three Games Guaranteed
* Awards for Champions and Runners-up
* Tournament and Action Photos Available
* No Spectator Fee!

Tournament Rules and Regulations:

It is the intent of Flyers Skate Zone (FYI...FLYERS SUCK) to provide a fun, competitive tournament for all participants and spectators. Good Sportsmanship is expected of all participants and spectators. Improper and abusive behavior will not be tolerated. It is the responsibility of each coach to control his team and exemplify good sportsmanship. All games are USA sanctioned and therefore governed by USA Hockey rules.

Game Times:

* Three Game Minimum
* No ice resurfacing between periods
* All games will be played to completion
* Running time in the 3rd period if the goal differential is seven goals or more
* Three 12 minute periods for Mite and Squirt. All others will play two 12 minute periods and one 15 minute period.

Penalties:

* This is a USA Hockey sanctioned tournament. All USA Hockey rules for penalties shall apply
* Any player receiving four penalties in one game will be ejected from the game with no further suspension.
* Fighting will not be tolerated, and will result in ejection from the tournament.

Rules:

* USA Hockey rules will govern all tournament play.
* All participants must be USA Hockey registered.
* All teams must provide proof of USA Hockey Registration. (Individual member cards and T-1 forms)

Points and Tie Breakers:

Win(2 Points) Loss(0 Points) Tie(1 Point)

Tie Breaker will be as follows:

1. Winner of head to head game played between the two tied teams. This tie breaker does not apply if three teams are tied.
2. Best total goal differential quotient. Total goals scored divided by total goals against.
3. Least goals against.
4. Fewest penalty minutes.



Registration is now open for this tournament weekend. The price to play has not changed from last season. The team fee is $1,475.00.


Generally speaking, if a player splits a room for the weekend with another player, the fee will be around $200 each for the weekend (playing fees & 2 nights hotel with a roommate). That's a good deal!

Hotels. You are free to stay at the hotel or casino / hotel of your choosing. HNA has also arranged for special rates at two AC properties that are near the arena.

Ramada - Atlantic City West
Tel: 609-646-5220 (Contact Name: Sam Patel)
Rates: Fri $69 / Sat $69 + tax.

Comfort Inn & Suites (Formerly Baymont/Hampton)
Tel: 609-484-1900
Rates: Dbl/Dbl Beds: Fri $69 / Sat $89 + Tax
Ask for "Hockey North America Rate"


***For more information, contact Lance Rosenberg at 609-441-1780 x226***

Flyers Skate Zone at Atlantic City
501 North Albany Avenue
Atlantic City, NJ 08401
Phone: 609-441-1780
Fax: 609-441-1794

*I stole all of this from multiple web sites including HNA.com and the rink site. Sue me...oh yeah and in case you missed it, I despise the Flyers. Go Caps!!

Indoor rink - Blog #1 - The plan

In between having a new born, adding an addition to my house and having the company I work for acquired, I am doing my best to take hockey to another level. As part of my new addition we had them dig down a new basement that will be unfinished and the "man room". There will be storage shelve and a work bench, all the things you need in a basement...even a poker table. The good news is I plan to build a roller hockey rink for the kids (or a shooting range for dad). So here's the rub. I will have approximately 15 feet wide by 16-18 feet long (depending where they stick the new HVAC). I will put in a few corners to get the feel of the rink but need to adjust to doorways, glass doors, shelves, low lighting etc as seen in my pics. My plan is to basically have a half rink functional enough to play a kids sized game. The boards will be 4 feet high with beer holders strategically placed. I already ordered the roller hockey tiles from a Michigan Craigslist ad. The goal is solid steel and I picked up the wood and started cutting just last night! Keep an eye out for my indoor rink blogs in the future. I will have step by step instructions, pics and commentary throughout the project.

Coach Dutton's 1st Bi-Annual Skillz Competition

In order to make our hockey community more exciting and cutting edge, I have leaned on a few friends for ideas. Coach Dutton's 1st Bi-Annual Skillz Competition is one of the best thus far. The first one will be a closed competition to work out the bugs. We will have 20-25 close hockey friends compete in 5 events. Below you will see my break down of how it all works:

Events will be staged as follows:

1. Fastest Skater
2. Shootout
3. Accuracy Shooting
4. Hardest Shot
5. Stick Handling

Competition Rules and Regulations

Decision Process
• The referee shall make all necessary rulings regarding the skills competition events.

Participants
• Players must compete in all events.

Tie Situation
• Outlined under each event

Scoring
• Each event win is worth two (2) goals towards the final score. Each bracket win is worth one (1) goal.

EVENT 1 – FASTEST SKATER


Procedure / Rules
• The contest consists of head-to-head heats based on a random bracket system. You lose the bracket, you’re out.
• Starting from a standing position at the goal line, on the referee’s whistle, the two (2) skaters race to the far blue line.
• The first skater across the line wins the race.
• Winners are determined by blue line refs on each side. In case of a clock malfunction, the official time will be recorded by the referee’s stopwatch.

Scoring
• One (1) goal is awarded for every win in the bracket. Winner gets Two (2)

Tie Situation
• In the event of a tie, the heat will run again.


EVENT 2 –SHOOTOUT


Procedure / Rules
• In the qualifying round all players participate in a head to head bracket alternating goalies.
• Each scoring attempt is officiated in accordance with NHL shootout rules.

Brackets
• Four (4) shot per player
• Each goalie faces two (2) attempts


Scoring
• One goal point is awarded to the player who wins the shootout for each round. Winner gets Two (2)

Tie Situation
• Ties go to sudden death using the same goalie



EVENT 3- ACCURACY SHOOTING


Procedure / Rules
• Four (4) targets fifteen inches (15”) in diameter are attached to the goal posts, one target in each corner.
• 8 pucks on the blue line

Qualifying Round
• The shooter has a maximum of eighteen (18) seconds to shoot up to eight (8) pucks in an attempt to hit each of the four (4) targets.
• Any contact of a target by a puck that is shot is scored as a hit.
• Multiple hits on the same target do not increase the shooter’s score.

Head-to-Head Round
• The Bracket system prevails once again

Scoring
• One goal is awarded to the player with most targets hit per round. Winner gets Two (2)

Tie Situation
• Ties are decided in an alternating target hit competition, just like a shootout.

EVENT 4– HARDEST SHOT


Procedure / Rules
• A single puck is positioned on the ice thirty feet (30’) from the center of the goal. A player, starting no further than the nearest blue line, may skate towards the puck and shoot it from its positioned spot into the goal. The highest recorded shot in miles per hour (mph) of two (2) attempts will be scored.
• Shots must be on goal to be calculated. All shots are recorded by radar in miles per hour.
• If a puck enters the goal uncalculated due to a malfunction of the radar equipment, the shooter will be allowed an additional attempt.

Scoring
• The player with the highest score in mph, determined by using each participant’s highest, will receive one (1) goal. Winner gets Two (2)


Tie Situation
Additional shot each, highest mph wins.


EVENT 5– STICK HANDLING


Procedure / Rules
• 12 Cones are set up 2 feet apart. 2 Players need to complete the course as fast as possible. If you hit a cone you are DQ’ed. The first player to make it through the course clean wins. If both players are DQ’ed the player that made it the farthest before hitting a cone wins

Scoring
• Bracket winners awarded 1 point, Winner gets Two (2)

Tie Situation
Sudden death – do it again.

You will be ranked by points at the end of the competition. Top 3 winners awarded prizes.

There will be a fee for this competition to cover ice time and expenses. A portion of the fee will also go to prizes until we can close a few sponsors. I am still working on it and will get a date once I get some competitive rink quotes.

Local Tournament ?

As I was researching Adult Tournaments in the area, I was shocked to find out there is absolutely nothing hosted in the DC Metro Area. I checked out everything within a 30 mile radius. I found a ton of local rinks I didn’t know existed, youth tourneys, adult pick up times near work (sweet)…but no freaking tournaments! Then on a last ditch effort I searched for “hockey tournaments Washington DC” - instead of Virginia - and hit the Jackpot!




Annual Charity Tournament

DC FIRE hockey is dedicated to giving back to the community, especially to those in need. Each year, in early April, DC FIRE holds a three day tournament that expressly benefits the DC Firefighters Burn Foundation.
This year's tournament is being held April 16-18, 2010
The Gardens Ice House, Laurel, Maryland
$900 per team. Three games guaranteed. Championship games on Sunday.

To Register:

http://www.dcfirehockey.com/tournament/2010_Tourney_Registration.pdf

Flyer:

http://www.dcfirehockey.com/tournament/2010_Tourney_Flyer.pdf

Basic Info:

The D.C. Firefighters Burn Foundation, founded by active and retired Washington, D.C. firefighters, is dedicated to assisting in the recovery and rehabilitation of injured firefighters and burn patients in the D.C. Metropolitan Area. They support burn research, treatment, and rehabilitation programs at Washington Hospital Center as well as the Children's Burn Camp Program. Firefighters and members of the Burn Center have a special empathy for burn victims. No other group witnesses more of the devastation that fire wreaks on the human body and spirit.
The past five years of tournaments have been very successful, with thousands of dollars raised for the Burn Foundation. Our success is due to the dedication of our members, their families, and volunteers who just want to help.

If you or your organization are interested in contributing or being a sponsor of this event please contact us.
No contribution is too small.

This look like something I will definitely participate in and will probably put together an A/B and C Goons team. If you are interested, please let me know! Also, since I have participated in a few Can/Am tournaments in the past I want to share a few fun ones you might be interested in checking out.

http://www.canamhockey.com/index.php?view=adult_tournaments

Atlantic City
March 26, 2010
June 11, 2010

Boston
April 30, 2010

Chicago
March 12, 2010

Lake Placid
April 15, 2010
April 29, 2010

Las Vegas
February 19, 2010
April 30, 2010

Montreal
April 15, 2010
April 22, 2010

Niagara Falls
April 09, 2010

San Jose
April 16, 2010

Toronto
April 23, 2010

If you are interested in putting together a team for any of these events but need a hand finding players, let me know and I will definitely help out!

Adult Hockey: Where's the Love? Travel Teams, Tournaments, and Trophies

There is nothing I look forward to more than my next hockey game. All week long, there is a place in the back of my mind that is counting down the seconds to my next game. Since I am only playing in one league now, it basically means I play 1 game a week. Not enough in my mind but that’s the way it works. In any case, the leagues around the DC area typically last about 4-5 months (20-25 games). From there we enter playoffs. Usually it’s a one game playoff where the winner moves on and the loser waits until the next season (about a month away). Personally, I think men’s leagues should replicate the NHL playoffs and should be best of seven games (or more realistic the best of 3). I know ice time is limited and expensive so I will not press the issue. What gets me steamed is that we battle and fight to become champions and we get nothing for it (accept bragging rights and our names on the rink cup). No team trophies, no t-shirts, nada. Where is the love? A hockey player needs his moment in the light. We are an egotistical, trash talking, glory seeking breed. We want our recognition. It is time to get back to the roots of the game and make a big deal out of winning it all. Lord Stanley would want it that way! Another thing that would make things more exciting would be to start playing some different teams in the area. There are about 5 rinks within a 30 mile radius. For years we play the same people. In my case, the over 30 Masters B league offers us nothing different; the teams are always the same. We know all the players, goalies and hacks within the league. Over time we start making enemies and it is not healthy. For example, the team we play this weekend took out a fellow Goon a few games ago and he has a price on his head. This wouldn’t happen so much if the rinks got together and built a travel system. Link together all the teams from each rink into a division. For example, Fairfax Ice would be the Eastern Division. We play division rivals, the current Over 30 B teams as well as out of conference teams (a.k.a. over 30 B teams from Kettler, Reston, etc. That would be so much fun! The teams we typically play all the time will become fierce rivals, but we would then have something in common. We would want our division to be the strongest in the metro DC area. It brings pride and glory to the division therefore…less hacking division players and more unity. When the playoffs come, why not have it sponsored by a local brewery. The top seed at every rink makes the playoffs or you have a division playoff and the winner moves on. It all makes sense to me and is now a project in the making. I will start with a sponsored travel tournament. I will ask local breweries first like Dogfishead or Dominion. Once we get teams and rinks involved, I will pass along my “travel team” idea. It will change the way this entire area looks at adult hockey. We would have something unique to the area that would put DC Metro Hockey on the map. We are a hockey town and I will help prove it to the world!

Capstronaut - The New Era

Living in a transient town makes it difficult to appreciate old time hockey traditions. There are a lot of band wagon hoppers in DC (you can say I am one of them) but some people in Caps Jerseys don't even know the basics. I have no problem with it, as long as you learn the ropes, I say the more the merrier! Until then, just clap, whistle and yell your favorite Caps name. Just remember the K in not silent in Knuble. DC is starting to become a hockey town again and I want to help you all rock the red the right way. So let's talk about some things you might see and hear at the Verizon Center for a Caps game. My wife and I went last night and were commenting on the different things we have seen over the last five years. One major difference is the packed house. It is hard to believe 5 years ago, I could pick out friends from the crowd across the rink! Seriously, the place was empty. Now, it is a sea of red in a jam packed house that Ovechkin built. Since the signing of the great number 8, people have been feeling the excitement home town hockey can offer. That's another major difference. The Caps jerseys went from the bland eagle/capital featured in black white and gold to an off beat version of the old time retro hockey jersey back in the days of Rod Langway. Nothing says Washington DC like red white and blue with stars. Also in the last five years, we have decided to move a little closer to the rink 106 row J (10 rows from the glass 6 seats to the right of the opposing goalies shoulder aka caps shoot twice side). What a different it makes to be up close and personal! Just a few rows up is the Let's Go Caps guy. If you turn to the right you can see the Let's Go Caps horn guy. Similar cheers and both effective in getting the crowd back on tract during slow parts of a game and both part of DC tradition. My new favorite and recent addition to the Caps scene is the Capstronaut. He is seated about three rows behind the opposing bench, and is active throughout the entire game. The great thing about him is that he moves in slow motion (as a good space man should) as he taunts the bench. I even saw him walking to the bathroom in slo-mo. I am a big Capstronaut fan and hope he has the heart and persistence to make himself a long lasting Caps tradition. Some other chants that can be heard are the "It's all your fault". Basically after the announcer calls out the Caps player that scores, you count up the total amount of goals while pointing at the opposing goalie and then yell "It's all your fault" On the other end of the spectrum (after announcing the goal scorer for a visiting team everybody screams) "WHO CARES". There are many other nasty ones out there but I will let you get the full effect when you go see the caps yourselves. I suggest you teach your kids that yelling "you suck" over and over again isn't too cool. I got an earfull of it last night. A few appropriate alternatives would be "And the rocket's red glare" we yell "RED!!!!" Also at the beginning of "Oh say does that star-spangled banner yet wave, yell "OH!". A few promotions out there get the fans crazy as well. Glory Days does a 5 for 10 deal when the Caps score 5 or more goals, ticket holders can go to GD and get 10 free wings. From time to time the you will hear the chant "we want wings", even I chant it knowing I will never redeem the ticket but hey, it's all in good fun. Another fun idea is the Chipotle burrito toss. The Caps Cheerleaders - Red Rockers - come out and toss flaming hot cheesy burritos into the crowd (come to find out they quickly decided t-shirts wrapped in foil holding a free burrito coupon was a better option). After all the fun and excitement we witnessed at last nights Caps game, they beat the Flyers 5-3 with Ovechkin scoring a penalty shot (finally)! They have a tough road ahead with Detroit and the Pens. Keep your eyes and ears open for more Caps fun and please let me know what I missed. (photos courtesy of Capitals Outsider)

TED LEONSIS 101

It is no secret that I am a big fan of Ted Leonsis. Not just because he is the majority owner of the Washington Capitals or because he is rich as hell but because he is a hero of mine. He is an amazing man that gives back to the community in so many ways...plain and simple, he is an all around nice guy and has an amazing story. He is laid back, personable and willing to chat with a no name (well not yet anyways) blogger like myself! I had the chance to meet him once and wrote a blog on it: http://teamduttonfamily.blogspot.com/2008/11/night-out-with-ted-and-washington.html

Before I spent the evening with Ted, I decided to do a little research on the man. I will discuss my findings in a later post, but right now I want to focus on his top 101 things to do before he dies list! In 1983, Leonsis was a passenger on an Eastern Airlines plane that lost its ability to use its wing flaps and landing gear. As flight attendants pulled everything out of the overhead compartments, shifted passengers and taught them how to brace for a crash landing, Leonsis began to think about what he would do if he survived.

"I promised myself that if I didn't die, I'd play offense for the rest of my life," he says now. For Leonsis that meant compiling a list of "101 Things to Do" and then doing them.

In 18 years since a safe landing, the 45-year-old Leonsis has crossed off a remarkable 74 items. Below I have provided his list. I added a column for me, just for fun. After reading this list, I decided to create my own. This is something I have never (and will not) share with another living soul until my 40th birthday. Wish me luck!!

101 things Ted Leonsis has given himself to do in life

I. Family matters - (Ted Brian) unfortunately, blogspot wouldn't let me upload my excel sheet
1. Fall in love and get married X X
2. Have a healthy son X X
3. Have a healthy daughter X X
4. Take care of mother and father X 0
5. Take care of in-laws X 0
6. Take care of extended family X 0
7. Have grandchildren 0 0
8. Have great-grandchildren 0 0
9. Leave trusts for family members X 0
10. Leave all financial matters in great shape
for family members upon passing on X 0
11. Have children become individuals and
self-actualized staying loving within
the family X 0

II. Financial matters
12. Pay off college debts X X
13. Net worth of $10 million, after taxes X 0
14. Net worth of $100 million, after taxes X 0
15. Net worth of $1 billion, after taxes 0 0
16. Zero personal debt for family X 0
17. Make $10 million on an outside investment X 0
18. Become a partner in a venture capital fund X 0
19. Create $1 billion in value
with an outside investment X 0
20. Start a company and sell it X 0
21. Conduct an IPO on a company I founded X 0
22. Create world's largest media company X 0

III. Possessions
23. Own a beach home that stays in family X 0
24. Own a jet X 0
25. Own a yacht X 0
26. Own a convertible Porsche or Mercedes Benz X 0
27. Own a mountain home that stays in the family0 0
28. Own a great piece of art X 0
29. Own a great personal collection of watches X 0
30. Own a Ferrari X 0
31. Restore an antique auto X 0
32. Own a restaurant or club X 0
33. Support someone who makes a great
breakthrough in science or art 0 0

IV. Charities
34. Change someone's life via a charity X 0
35. Give $1 million to Georgetown University X 0
36. Major impact on a children's charity X 0
37. Start a family charity foundation X 0
38. Give away $100 million in lifetime 0 0
39. Have a building/perpetual memorial
named after the family 0 0

V. Sports
40. Own a sports franchise
(basketball, hockey or football) X 0
41. Win a world championship X 0
42. Go to a Super Bowl with Dolphins or RedskinsX 0
43. Go to a Final Four with Georgetown X 0
44. Go to a World Series with Yankees X 0
45. Meet Mickey Mantle X 0
46. Catch a foul ball X 0
47. Go to an NBA All-Star Game X 0
48. Go to an NBA draft X 0
49. Go to an NHL All-Star Game X 0
50. Go to a Capitals Stanley Cup X 0
51. Go to Olympics X 0
52. Play Augusta X 0
53. Play Pebble Beach X 0
54. Play Cypress X 0
55. Play St. Andrews 0 0
56. Go to Ryder Cup X 0
57. Go to U.S. Open golf tourney X 0
58. Go to World Cup 0 X
59. Get a hole-in-one 0 0
60. Play in a celebrity golf tournament 0 0
61. Go to a US Open tennis final X 0
62. Go to baseball All-Star Game X 0
63. Go to a Fantasy Camp 0 0
64. Shoot baskets at Madison Square Garden X 0
65. Go one-on-one with Michael Jordan X 0

VI. Travel
66. Go to Greece X X
67. Go to Italy X X
68. Go to Israel/Jerusalem X 0
69. Go to Hawaii X X
70. Go on safari to Africa 0 0
71. Go to London X X
72. Go to Paris X X
73. Go to Australia 0 0
74. Sail through Caribbean X 0
75. Sail through Mediterranean X 0
76. Go to China X 0
77. Go to Brazil X 0
78. Go to Alaska 0 X
79. Go to Egypt X 0
80. Go to Bali 0 0
81. Go to Tahiti 0 0

VII. Stuff
82. Be on cover of a magazine X 0
83. Produce a TV show X 0
84. Go into outerspace 0 0
85. Write a book X 0
86. Invent a board game X 0
87. Make a movie X 0
88. Win a Grammy/Oscar/Tony Award X 0
89. Swim with dolphins X 0
90. Swim with Great white sharks 0 0
91. Get an honorary degree X 0
92. Hold elective office X 0
93. Go to White House/meet President X 0
94. Advise a foreign government X 0
95. Live overseas 0 0
96. Go to Oscars 0 0
97. Go to MTV Awards Show X 0
98. See the Rolling Stones X 0
99. See The Who X 0
100. Take a year sabbatical 0 0
101. Sail around the world with family 0 0

TED'S TOTAL: 74/101
BRIAN'S TOTAL: 11/101

http://www.tedstake.com/2006/01/06/my-101-list-the-story/

Hockey For Life

Before we start building this thing together I want to let the non-hockey playing folks out there understand my motivation for this project. A brief history on what I call, hockey for life. It all starts back around 1990 as a freshman in high school. I decided to try hockey. I remember the first time I strapped on skates. I was a tag along on one of my sisters’ dates. They took me to the rink in Geneva, NY. I put my skates on and hit the ice with guns a blazing. About 10 minutes later I was in the rink guard medical room because I took a nose dive straight into the ice. It was assessed that I had a concussion. Not hard to figure out since I ended up puking all over all the rink guard jackets and sprayed a rack of skates, my bad. Anyways, even after that traumatic experience, more so for my sister and her date (not sure how he explained to my dad that he left me alone and I ended up busting myself up) I decided to give it another go. We didn’t have a high school team back then so my parents signed me up for the Canandaigua Knights Hockey Club. Our home ice was about 45 minutes away in Geneseo, NY. To make a long story short, no matter how far away the practice, or home games and even the away games which were hours away, my parents never let me miss a minute of it. That was such an important motivator in my life. I never remember my dad saying he was too sick to take me, too tired or too busy. My parent made it work for me and never let me down. They knew I loved the sport but it was much more than the time on the ice that was important. It was the time spent with my dad in the car, the hours of interaction with my friends in the locker room. The commitment to making myself a better player even though I was years behind my peers. I learned work ethic and perseverance that I now live everyday. Hockey was an irreplaceable piece of a puzzle that built character and made me a well rounded individual. This is so important for parents to understand. It’s more than just a game; it’s a way of life. Anyways, after 4 years of hockey I graduated high school and decided to play soccer at a college that didn’t have a hockey team. I had no idea how much I would miss it. The years passed and the hockey slowly slipped away for me and was non-existent until 1998 when I walked into a Play It Again Sports in Blacksburg, VA. I noticed they had a ton of roller hockey gear. I never played roller hockey before but the memories of ice started coming back to me. That is when I noticed a team of guys walking in the store from a back door. I peaked in and saw a rink. The bulb went off and I was hooked again. Right there I bought a bunch of gear. I signed up for a team and called home so my mom could send me some of my old hockey stuff. I was back in but there was still something missing. Either way, I was playing hockey again and I loved it. About 6 months later, I graduated college and moved to Arlington, VA. The first thing I did was look up roller hockey rinks in the area. I found Fairfax Sportsplex. I joined a team but the guys were lame. Bad Mother Puckers…really? Come on. They didn’t have the same love of the game or the team spirit I craved. The conversation was boring and even after the game they all left without hanging out. I was an outsider and they didn’t care to let me in even though I took a puck to the head the first game, went and got stitches and made it back for the double header. So, I looked for another team to take me in. That is where I met Mick. This guy was so into hockey it was sick. After a game, and a few beers, we would go back to his house and play hockey video games. His house was filled with hockey figures, sports memorabilia, jerseys etc. Now I was on the right team. The Goons…perfect. I was playing again and with great guys I could call my friends but something was still missing. After about a year in the city, I realized I hated my job and that a small town boy like me needed a break from all the city stress. So, I moved to Vail, CO and lived in my sisters’ basement, becoming a ski bum for a season. My 6 month getaway turned into about 6 years. I played a little roller hockey out there and had a pretty good team. Life was good. I got married to my college sweetheart. We bought a house and I got a real job. It was time to move closer to her family so we would have support while building our own. So back to VA we go. We came back and I joined yet another roller team. I was pretty pissed I never kept in touch with Mick from the Goons. I missed those guys and their hockey mentality. Low and behold, after joining myspace, Mick shot me an email asking me where I was living. It turns out he has transitioned the Goons to an Ice Hockey team in Fairfax. It was then I realized I hadn’t skated on ice in over 12 years. It didn’t matter; I was giving it a shot. So I called up mom and had her ship me my old skates. I grabbed my gear and I headed out to the rink. The team was filled with a new bunch of guys but Mick did a good job recruiting like minded folks. All of them were good people that loved the team more than the game. I found what I was missing. The camaraderie was intact. I felt good about getting back on the ice after 12 years. Then it happened. I skated onto the freshly cut rink and took in a big breath of air. The smell of the ice moved me. I never realized how much I missed that smell. I don’t know if is because I loved to play hockey or if it reminded me of road trips with my dad and playing as a kid. Either way, every time I get on the ice, I take a second to breathe deep and take it all in. Every time I coach a game, as soon as I hit the ice I tell my kids “it smells like hockey” hoping they remember that feeling for the rest of their lives. I promised myself as long as I can get out of bed, I will play ice hockey. I will coach and I will help others that can’t help themselves find a way to play. I will never lose sight of it again. I will be the oldest player at the rink someday. I will help kids find a way to play in college and maybe even pay for college. I will help adults find the money to pay for league fees and equipment especially if money is the only reason they can’t play!

There are no excuses for not playing hockey if you love the game. I don’t care if you’re in a wheel chair or even if you are paralyzed. I will find a way for you to smell the freshly cut ice. So here is my main point. Hockey is a life long team sport. There are very few sports you can play as an adult in an organized league that has the same spirit as hockey. You spend at least 30 minutes pre game, catching up with the guys. Then you have 60 minutes of organized play where you can get rid of your daily stresses by clearing the crease or dangling a defenseman. Then when it is all said and done, when the game is over, you head back to the locker room and spend time with good friends. We make plans for the weekend together so our kids can play and our wives can talk. The game of hockey extends into my living room. It creates networking opportunities at work. Hopefully, for me, it will even create an opportunity to start my own business. It is more than just a game it’s a way of life.

Coming Soon

As we build a base of readers I want to fill you in on what to expect from Coach Dutton. Below I have listed a few of my ideas for blog topics. I would love to get your feedback on my thoughts as well as some new ideas from you! This week you can expect a new facebook account, twitter account and a sneak peak into the new web site! My business partners are just as excited as I am and Coach Dutton LLC. is well on it's way!!

1. Hockey for Life: How hockey becomes a life long sport
2. Adult Hockey: Where's the Love? Travel Teams, Tournaments, and Trophies
3. Top 10 reasons why Ted Leonsis is my hero
4. Teds top 100 things to do before he dies. Where is your list?
5. What does our hockey community need to be the best on the planet? No really, tell me.
6. Guest blog Bio (Once a month)- Capt of US Warriors – Coach of Cool Cats - GMU Coach - GTown Prep Coach - etc
7. Guest blog rants (Once a month) – Local players - NHL Alumni - I know 3 and I need more - Do you know anyone I could call on?
8. Building a Sled Hockey Team from scratch
9 Womans hockey: Does it even exist in NOVA?
10. Indoor and Backyard rinks in DC (starting with mine)
11. Ivy League Hockey - What it takes to get in free on a hockey scholarship! (Local schools and SUNY schools for my NY readers)!
12. Cool Caps jobs off the ice
13. Hockey and Tattoos - Bad bad men – Marlowe Ink
14. Hockey Dads Hockey Moms - balance the load
15. SportsCenters lack of respect for hockey
16. Ice Time - comparing of local rinks times and prices
17. Beer Leagues - Rate the rinks for the booze hounds
18. Green - How one man gives more than most.
19. Setting up a local tournament sponsored by a Brewery
20. Hockey Mom’s – Terms, Praise, Q & A

Please email me with more ideas at coachdutton@gmail.com or find Coach Dutton on Facebook!

Welcome Hockey Enthusiasts!

My name is Brian Dutton. I want to start by saying thank you for reading the first blog of a grassroots campaign to make the DC Metro area hockey community a better place to play! The goal here is clear and simple. I will advocate to get you what you need as well as what you want. I will communicate these needs, ideas and a rant or two about hockey in our area. Finally, I will educate everyone willing to listen by posting feedback, hosting interviews, asking questions and leveraging relationships. This is step one to my dream coming true. The ultimate goal is to start a New and Used Hockey Store in Arlington but first I need to build a network based on trust. I will prove that I am a force within our community to get things done. For example I am the coach of the DC Sled Sharks. www.dcsledsharkshockey.weebly.com I also plan to expand women's hockey, adult tournaments, and much more. I will leverage existing and new partnerships/relationship to expand the game of hockey in our area. Want to know the best way to get a hockey scholarship to an Ivy League School? The cheapest pick up game? The cost of building a basement rink? The closest tournament...for over 60? Stay tuned and spread the word. Post questions, ideas, or any feedback you have for me. Coming soon, every Monday and Thursday you will find something new and exciting in the world of NOVA hockey!