Give Me Marleau and Two for $12.6 Million Please

The Sharks announced today the 2 year extension for the teams most senior player. Patrick Marleau has been with the franchise for over 10 years … he has set the clubs records in Goals, Points, Assists and Games played. Patty was 18 years old when he was drafted as a rookie in 97/98 and has been with the team since. After months of negotiations and public speculation on his future, he finalized a deal two weeks before training camp opens to stay with the club. Patrick has played more games in teal than anyone, and he was relieved to head into camp with his future resolved.

“I put a lot of thought into it, but what it came down to is I’ve been here the longest, I’m the last guy standing. I’ve come up with the team, and now that we’ve got what I think is a Stanley Cup-calibre team, I thought it wouldn’t be the best time to leave. It was important to me to stay with the team, to stay in the Bay Area.” Marleau said in a phone interview

Continue reading...

Taking It Outdoors

According to the Canadian Press the NHL could be going outdoors this season in Buffalo. The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports the Pittsburgh Penguins and Sabres will play at Ralph Wilson Stadium, home of the NFL’s Buffalo Bills, on Jan. 1, 2008. The made-for-television event would air across the U.S. on NBC, in what the league hopes will attract the largest audience ever to watch an NHL game in the United States. Neither the league nor NBC would officially confirm the tentatively titled “Ice Bowl,” which is scheduled to be played at 1 p.m. An official announcement is expected on Sept. 10, prior to the start of training camp.

Continue reading...

Found - One Stanley Cup Ring!

This is a straight cut and paste from TSN … I was so touched by this story.

Continue reading...

One Less RFA … Next Year!

Ron Wilson secured Milan Michalek for $26 Million over 6 years … starting NEXT year! After making $471,000 last season - Milan has done quite nicely almost doubling his salary for this season bringing in $942,000. After that though, look out … he will be averaging $4.3 Million a year! Michalek was the 6th overall draft pick in 2003, and according to Ron Wilson, is on track to becoming one of the elite forwards in the NHL, which will solidify his spot on the Thornton / Cheechoo line.

Continue reading...

Ricci - Back In Teal

Today the San Jose Sharks announced that Mike Ricci is coming back to The Shark Tank - this time in a suit and tie. Ricci will serve as Advisor to Hockey Operations. Bryan Marchment was also brought into the Sharks organization working on scouting and player development.

According to tsn.com -

Ricci, in his new role, will serve as a consultant to the club’s hockey
operations department and assist in player development. He will also serve
various roles within the organization, including marketing, promotions and
community relations.
He notched 605 points (243 goals, 362 assists) and 979
penalty minutes in 1,099 NHL games with Philadelphia, Quebec/Colorado, San Jose
and Phoenix. He also added 66 points (23 goals, 43 assists) in 110 playoff
games.

Continue reading...

Buffalo And Ticket Prices

According to Phil Mushnick @ the NY Post - his article yesterday says it all.

Continue reading...

How Do You Say Goaltender In Swedish?

Ed Belfour is about to find out - The 17 year NHL veteran appears to be heading across the pond to Sweden. Word on the street has him close to signing with Leksand of the Swedish League. Evidently Ed has not been able to land a job with an NHL team since becomeing an Unrestricted Free Agent, however, the veteran goaltender is looking to continue his career overseas.

Continue reading...

Is It Really The Jersey?

I ran across a snippet on Tom Benjamin’s blog “Sad But True” - Here is a story that has probably the most rediculous quote I have ever read. This story reports on the new jersey that will debut in the NHL next season. Granted - new jerseys happen, Koho use to make them and now Reebock does - there is always some type of change year after year. According to this article they are revamping the entire look, fit and feel of the sweaters worn by these ice warriors.

Continue reading...

Follow Up - Retiring By Text Message!

http://icejunkies.blogspot.com/2007/07/im-retiring-by-text-message.html

Continue reading...

Mike Ricci - Hanging Up The Skates!

Mike Ricci - The man Lindley named his cat after has called it quits. I remember watching Ricci play in San Jose and how he made the game look easy. The 16-year NHL veteran announced his retirement during the Peterborough Professional Hockey Alumni charity golf tournament at the Kawartha Golf and Country Club. Ricci underwent neck surgery last year and told the Peterborough Examiner that he has not recovered like he had hoped. He missed all but seven games last season due to his injured neck. In 1099 NHL games with the Coyotes, Sharks, Avalanche, Nordiques and Flyers, Ricci’s record is 243 goals, 362 assists and 974 penalty minutes.

Continue reading...