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.