Mr. Sacco meet Mr. Sakic

On June 4, 2009 the Colorado Avalanche named Joe Sacco as the new head coach.  This will be the first NHL head coaching job for the 40 year old, American born Sacco after only serving two years as head coach for Colorado’s AHL affiliate the Lake Erie Monsters.   Both seasons the Monsters finished their seasons 6^th overall and did not make the playoffs.   It seems as Colorado is looking to take the team in a new direction as far as coaching by bringing in young, fresh eyes after coming off of the worst season in franchise history.

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Florida Panthers’ Randy Moller on The Weekly Deke this Tues June 2nd

Amazing News - the greatness that is the Florida Panthers’ play by play announcer, Randy Moller,  an ex-player who has taken a fondness to using pop culture references during goal calls, will be our special guest this Tuesday, June 2nd on The Weekly Deke!

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The Down And Dirty Of Being A Pro Hockey Player

Does everyone know What Kangaroo Court is? It something the boys hold probably once a week in the locker room where the boys get fined for every little indiscretion. Can be any where from holding hand withs your girl or a girl having your jersery on.  Well one of the great fines I have ever witnessed was one of the most famous hockey players ever to be a Bruins player.  He was practicing with us in college and began telling stories how a certain famous actress was caught in the locker room with a jersey on, and a certain rookie, who wasnt rookie of the year but his teammate was and now is probably one of the most prolific passers in the game was, how can I say, putting the puck “five hole.”  He was fined by the boys and had to wear a tshirt with her face on it for two months.  Don’t forget drops the mits and pack a lip!

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Starting Off With Something Simple

The Correct way to shoot - You guys ever wonder why Ovechkin scores so much off weird angles and coming down the wing?  It is because he never stops moving his feet.  A goalie will look at a shooters puck and feet - once the feet stop moving the shooter is ready to let one rip.  Now great players likes Lemieux, Gretzky, Ovechkin and Crosby all shoot with their feet moving.  My name is Nick, I have played professional hockey and this is my first post - always remeber a real hockey player drops the mits and packs a lip.

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Hockey 101 - The Roles of the Referees & Linesmen

For those fortunate enough to attend a NHL game live, you’ll find it becoming somewhat of a tradition to “boo” the referees and linesmen as they skate out onto the ice before the players. I use the term “boo” very loosely as fans often come up with alternate ways (usually a word between 4 and 10 letters long) of saluting the men that police the game.

I would be curious to see, however, how many of those fans that heckle the officials actually know what the true role of a referee and linesman are.

I was watching a hockey game with a friend one time

Amazing NHL Saves and Post Season Observations

Over the past few days I have witnessed some of the hardest hitting, physically taxing and absolute amazing playoff hockey!  I was talking to a buddy last night about the Varlamov and Luongo saves, and how this post-season has to be “The Year of the Goalie!”  Every analyst will tell you goalies win playoff games, and every year there is that one or two goalies that stand out and own the playoffs.  This year, there seems to be a greater number than two!  Hiller in Anaheim, Thomas in Boston, Luongo in Vancouver and Osgood in Detroit have all been amazing!  Now, add to that mix Varlamov in Washington!

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2009 NHL Calendar Breakdown - How Time Flies!

We have 6 weeks left in the 2008/2009 NHL season.  Here are the highlights left for the players, coaches, general managers, owners and future hockey hopefuls.  I have broken down a few of the dates and explained what is going to happen and what to expect … and also, what to look for.  I am anticipating July 1st and the RFA/UFA season - do you know where your favorite player is going?  Many people talk about the off season being a slow NHL time … however, keep an eye on the RFA/UFA list (link below) and hang on for the ride!  Beside the NHL Trade Deadline - July 1st and the Free Agency period are my 2nd most favorite non-game NHL time.

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2009 NHL Playoff - Round 1 Wrap Up

Since the regular season ended and the Sharks took home the Presidents Trophy … I have been so proud of the boys from San Jose and their passionate play and emotional ride for the fans this year.  Every April my stomach is tied in knots knowing that 4 short (yet, always seeming longer than life) rounds and another champion will be crowned - another etching will be scheduled for those names to be engraved onto the Cup!  This year my energy and enthusiasm was doused by a quick back to back loss on home ice by the Sharks.  Fast forward to now - Round 2 starts tomorrow and I now have to gather my emotions, think clearly and make my predictions!  But first … lets reflect.

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The Weekly Deke #42

The Weekly Deke is live tonight at 9:00 Eastern/6:00 Pacific. Until then, have a listen to last week’s show. Enjoyment lies beyond the break!

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My Top 10 NHL TV Commercials

I have been saying for a long time that NHL commercials need to be more creative, more passionate and more edgy.  There have been a few campaigns that stick in my memory … the Hockey Falls guys … the coach that screws up the lessons at hockey practice “If we are going to win as a team, we need 100% of you guys, giving 110%, 100% of the time!”  Today I ran across a couple commericals for the Bruins and I watched them a few times, ok 5 times each!  I laughed out loud … the creativity in these commercials is simple yet brilliant!  Have a look for yourself … this got me thinking about my favorite Hockey commercials, I have put together my Top 10 List here … Enjoy!

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