Happy Belated Canada Day!

It's only fitting that the Canucks’ “birthday” coincided with the beginning of free agency season for the NHL. People who know pucks (PWKP) call this the hot stove league. I call it a time to speculate and hate. Hope springs anew when your team makes a sweet pick up (ex: Brett Hull in 1998) … and brow furrows when your or-gan-IIII-zay-shun makes a poor/questionable acquisition (Sean Avery in 2008). Without further ado:

Marian Hossa inks with Chicago: Twelve years is a ridiculously long contract for Hossa. I like the guy, but I think they're giving too much. He also has a not so desirable streak going — loses in the Stanley Cup Finals with the Pens in 2008; loses in the Finals with the Wings in '09. Should we pencil in the 'Hawks as Finals losers next year? Khabibulin (an OK goalie with one stellar season and a Cup ring to prove it) leaving for Edmonton is a plus, though Cristobal Huet still needs to develop in to a consistent No. 1 goalie. I think we will see a 1992 Cup rematch — Pittsburgh vs. Chicago.  Let’s hope this time around it isn’t a sweep by the Pens.

Scott Gomez, nouveau Habitant: Montreal is a much better fit for Gomez. I never liked him in NY. He should not have left the New Jersey Devils, but it is a business, isn't it!

NeighborsGoalies: And how about Eddie Belfour?!?! He's asking his agent to ask around for a gig somewhere. Stars fans are screaming, "Not here!" I agree. Retire, Eagle. He'd be a distraction to Marty Turco. Speaking of a Stars backup, I'd love to land that talented Swede Jonas “neither a Jo Bro nor Weezer fan” Gustavsson ... but I think he probably will go elsewhere. Dallas should have heavily pursued Red Wings backup Ty Conklin. But he’s now with the Blues. Here’s a thought: Manny Fernandez (remember that name longtime Stars fans?) is an unrestricted free agent. He’d be a nice pick up (probably a bargain) who would push Turco to excel.

The local boys: I do like the Stars' most recent move — resigning Jere Lehtinen. It's sad, but I think it's time to let Darryl Sydor and Sergei Zubov go. I am hopeful Joe Nieuwendyk will make smart moves.

Even local-er: And how about the Phoenix Coyotes drafting Flower Mound phenom Chris Brown (No. 36 selection). Don’t expect him to slip on a ‘yotes sweater anytime soon — he’ll spend a year or two honing his skills and bulking up at the University of Michigan.

Until the next post, keep your stick on the ice!

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I have a newfound respect for horse riding.

It’s not that I didn’t respect the sport; I just didn’t have any clue the time and effort required to put on an equestrian event. As the good folks at the Lewisville Saddle Club will tell you, a love for horses and riding makes it worthwhile.

I just returned from the group’s Playday at the Lewisville Rodeo Ground, the same outdoor venue where the city holds its annual Labor Day Rodeo. LSC uses the spot throughout the year for all types of events, from member Playdays to regional and national events. And let me tell you, a little bit of hot weather didn’t deter these riders. See the photos I took.

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Looking for a place to stay cool this summer? Have you considered a hockey rink? You should. There is no colder place during the long, hot Texas summer.

Even better, while you beat the heat, you can watch some incredibly exciting hockey action at the several Dr Pepper StarCenter locations throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth area. These high school hockey players are impressive. They work just as hard as any other student in any sport or extracurricular group, and they definitely could use some added support from their communities.

So, check out an upcoming varsity or JV game. Check out the schedule at the Dr Pepper StarCenter Web site. And check out the photos I took at Thursday’s Coppell vs. Flower Mound Marcus game at the StarCenter location in Farmers Branch.
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A few weeks ago, a new show on Versus called Fanarchy made it's debut and it's attracting all sports fans who argue each other from their webcames from across the country. It's a great idea for fans who are sick and tired of having to watch the experts on ESPN and FSN and where they can enter the game. (more)

With most of the rounds Qualifying games ending back on Wednesday night. Were taking a look at some of the biggest winners and losers from the recent games. Some of these teams took big steps towards clinching spots for the big tournament while others have some questions to anwser as they Qualifying hopes took a big hit. Part 1 took a look at the big winners, Part 2 will look at some of the biggest losers. (more)

With most of this round of WC Qualifiers finishing up on Wedensday night. Let's take a look at some of the big Winners and Losers from the recent games. Some teams made big steps forward towards playing in South Africa next year while others have some big questions to anweser with the home stretch of the Qualifiying Campign comming up. Part 2 will focus on teams that had their hopes of the WC take a hit recently. (more)

For those who don't know, tonight is going to be a gritty showdown between me and Robert Tracy's respective alma maters for the last ticket to The College World Series.

The No. 1 seed UT Longhorns will face my dark horse TCU Horned Frogs. I strongly suggest anybody interested comes out to Humperdink's on Greenville Ave. tonight to watch the excitement mount.

-Marcus Out-

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Through the first two periods, both Evgeni Malkin and Sidney Crosby were completely silenced by the Wings’ D. Coach Dan Bylsma made an adjustment after the second intermission, putting Malkin and Crosby on the same line together along with Ruslan Fedotenko. The result? A more frenzied attack that the Wings simply could not match. With Malkin doggedly attacking puckhandlers in the Detroit zone and Crosby deftly maneuvering the puck, the Wings found themselves trapped in their own zone for much of the third period. I admire Bylsma for not trying to do too much; both Malkin and Crosby were stifled on their own lines, so why not just stick them both on one line? Zetterburg can’t defend both at once. It was a smart adjustment by the young Pens coach, and it proved to be a winning one.

With just over a year to go till next year's World Cup in South Africa. These upcoming matches will determine which teams will have a chance of making the World Cup and who will miss out. Part 1 focused on the games in CONCACAF, South America, and Asia. Part 2 focused on Europe, today in our final part, we focus on upcoming games in Africa. (more)