With just 4 games left and pretty much everyone still in it except for Bolivia and Peru, the final World Cup Qualifiers in South America will be a big time battle for all 4 automatic spots and for the playoff spot against the 4th Place CONCACAF Team. Here's a look at we reach the final 4 games for all 10 teams. (more)

Just before the NHL Draft, I found a unique and fun show that goes inside the world of junior, NCAA and the top NHL Prospects that follows them on the road to the NHL. The Pipeline Show is a welcome addition to the hockey world that is growing in which many fans learn and follow the different junior, NCAA, and AHL teams and players throughout the season. (more)

After the CONCACAF Gold Cup champions are crowned next weekend in New York. The scene will shift to the 2nd half of World Cup Qualifying which will start on August 12. Then after the games in August, Qualifying will come to a close with 2 games each coming up in both September and October followed by the CONCACAF VS. South America Playoff in November.

Here's a look at how the final 6 stand in the region.

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I’m the type of guy who usually will say the following — “There are no stupid questions” — and mean it.

BUT if you ask me why I love roller derby … well you’re likely to get a penetrating stare that will torch your eyebrows. Yes, friends, that is a stupid question. Roller derby is the business. No sensible argument to the contrary can be made.

I fell for flat-track roller derby while I lived in Rockford, Ill. A few friends — Sarah, Melissa and Jeniece — helped form the Rockford Rage roller derby league. It was fun watching Felon Keller, Scary Bradshaw and Jen Detta skate and dominate teams in the league. And can you really beat Screw City Slammers for a team name?

Fast-forward a couple of years, now I’m falling for the Assassination City Roller Derby gals. I checked out a bout July 18 at Dad’s Broadway Skating Land. It was a great skate scene, with at least a couple of hundred folks there. As is the case with practically all derby leagues, price of admission ($12 in advance, $15 at the door, free for kids 10 and younger) benefits local charities. And it’s BYOB. The next bout will be Aug. 15, and it’s for the championship title. Make plans to roll over there lest you want me to give you that annoyed glare again.


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Were just one day from the NHL from relasing the 2009-2010 schedule. As the schedules of different leagues come out. I will post them here so hockey fans can start getting ready for the new season.

In addition to the Texas Tornado, look for the Texas Brahmas and the Allen Americans of the Central Hockey League. For the American Hockey League, look for the Texas Stars which are the new Dallas Stars AHL affiliate, the Houston Aeros and the San Antonio Rampage.

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A few things to note since the last time I dropped some knowledge for People Who Know Pucks. Let’s reflect on moves made by two of the more storied organ-I-zations:

The Montreal Canadiens will be:
• Better this year because Scott Gomez is a class act.
• Worse this year without Saku Koivu, Alexei Kovalev, Alex Tanguay, Mike Komisarek, Robert Lang, Tom Kostopoulos, Mathieu Schneider, Mathieu Dandenault, Francois Bouillon and Patrice Brisebois. … Poor Habs fans. And many PWKP (including my Aunt Jeanie – my source for Habs hot stove) raise a good question: Who will wear the “C” on the fading CH sweater this season? Good luck, Jacques Martin, as you guide Montreal into its second century.

The Maple Leafs are:
• Ruining Dallas Stars fans’ summer by signing mega-gargantuan goalie Jonas Gustavsson. Trust Dallas Morning News resident PWKP: Mike Heika. The Leafs haven’t had this much hope back in goal since they followed the Cat -- Felix Potvin -- with CuJo -- Curtis Joseph. Potvin had far more potential than CuJo but didn’t ever fully develop (were 92-94 seasons just aberrations?). Joseph packed major heart in his barely 5-10 frame. He always overachieved for pitiful teams (Stars fans will remember 1997 well -- painful seven-game loss to Edmonton Oilers in the playoffs)

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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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