#76

Biscuits and Breezers

       Welcome back to another blog of Biscuits and Breezers! I thought I would break up the Meet your Maulers interviews and give something to my other viewers because you all are amazing and you want to hear the current news! In this blog we will be talking about the NHL statistics, AWHL statistics, Crosby to outfit 1,000 kids with hockey gear, Kronwall's concussion, and Jacob Trouba's neck injury. There will be no player reviews in this blog so that we can fit in more headlines! First off we are starting with Crosby. This winter, star forward Sidney Crosby will outfit 1000 Pittsburgh area children in full hockey gear. On the 15th of this month, Sid and the Penguins announced that Little Penguins 'Learn to Play Hockey' is being renewed for it's 6th season. This organization is set up to introduce both girls and boy ages 4-8 to the greatest sport on Earth. Each participant will receive everything from skates to helmets, sticks, pads, equipment bag, breezers, a Little Penguins jersey, and gloves. All the equipment is brand new and the best part, it's 100% free. 24 local rinks will house the program in the Pittsburgh area and 4 are specifically designated for girls only. During the years this program has been running over 4,200 kids have participated and almost a fourth of them have been girls. Sponsors for Crosby's program, which include Reebok and Dick's Sporting Goods, will hand out SC87 Crosby endorsed equipment. To quote Crosby on what this is all about he replied to the media, "The goal is to continue to create opportunities for more boys and girls in the Pittsburgh are to take up hockey. Sometimes, with the expense of skates and other equipment, it's a challenge for these kids and their parents to get started. This program makes it a little easier for them-they can receive head-to-toe equipment at no charge and learn the game in an organized and fun way." Penguins CEO said, "The existence of this one-of-a-kind program tells you all you need to know about Sidney Crosby. Sidney and his family came to us with this idea about helping parents by providing free equipment to properly equip their children, and the program has grown every year. The Penguins are honored to join Reebok and Dick's Sporting Goods in supporting Sidney's efforts." Registration for the program begins November 5th at 10 a.m. on www.pittsburghpenguins.com/littlepenguins. On-ice programs begin in January and February with 8-10 on-ice sessions. The only cost involved would be for ice times. This program's creation sums up all you need to know and what Sidney Crosby strives to be. He will not only go down in history for in ways being better than players before his time but for his compassion for the youth and future of the sport of ice hockey. He cares unending about the future of the sport that defines his life and for the children that will nurture it. Next time you hear a person hate on Crosby just remember this. It will prove them wrong in an instant. 

        Oh how the mighty have fallen. Literally. Known for his huge hits that have made headlines around the world and basically crushed his opponents, Kronwall is a player who defines checking. Clean checks most of the time, just an added tip. Now the roles are reversed and Kronwall has been subject to a concussion himself. He was carried off the ice on a stretcher after being boarded by Colorado forward Cody McLeod. The Wings announced on their Twitter that he "has a concussion; cuts to the ear but he's moving all extremities, being treating in locker room." After the first period  General Manager Ken Holland said that Kronwall wasn't sent to the hospital and wasn't planned to do so. Holland also said, "He talked to the doctor. He's alert. He's in the building. Let's go to tomorrow morning. Let's see how he's doing." Niklas was trying to get the puck out of the corner early into game when he was hit by McLeod and his helmet flew off before hitting the ice. Team mates gathered around as he was strapped onto the stretcher and tossed one of his gloves to the side. Cody received a major boarding penalty and was ejected from the game. To let that all sink in, here is a picture for everyone to enjoy. It sums up Kronwall's reputation perfectly. 

(Credit to Google Images)

  Next off we have Jacob Trouba. One of the most highly ranked Draft picks of his age class, Trouba is a rookie this year for Winnipeg and it out on injured reserved as we speak. Jacob stumbled out on the ice and fell face-first into the boards behind the Blues' net after an attempted hit on St. Louis' defenseman Jordan Leopold. He remained lying on the ice for many minutes before the medical staff placed him onto a stretcher. Being the great sport that he is, Trouba managed to wave for the most part to the crowd that was chanting his name. It was reported by the Jets that he was alert and in motion as he was rushed to a local hospital for examination and x-rays. The Jet's coach Claude Noal reported, "It was pretty scary. Anytime they call out a stretcher, it's never a good moment, regardless of which team it is." Jacob Trouba later released on Twitter "Thanks for the support. If you were wondering, the boards are not edible. I'll be back soon. #gojetsgo" I agree with Noel for the fact that anytime a player does not move out on the ice or a stretcher is called, your heart skips a beat and your are left breathless. I believe he was diagnosed with a neck sprain and is required to wear a brace for the next 2 weeks. I sincerely hope that he heals quickly and is back on the ice soon enough! Here is a video of his accident!

Since it takes up too much room and time to write out all of the scores and finals of all the NHL games so far here are the 2013-2014 as of 10/18/13:

1. Pittsburgh 14 pts
2. San Jose 13 pts
3. Colorado 12 pts
4. Anaheim 12 pts
5. Detroit 12 pts
6. Toronto 12 pts
7. St. Louis 11 pts
8. Vancouver 11 pts
9. Montreal 10 pts
10. Tampa Bay 10 pts
11. Chicago 10 pts 
12. Phoenix 10 pts
13. L.A. 10 pts
14. Carolina 9 pts
15. Boston 8 pts
16. Calgary 8 pts 
17. Islanders 8 pts
18. Winnipeg 8 pts
19. Minnesota 8 pts
20. Ottawa 8 pts
21. Nashville 7 pts
22. Dallas 6 pts
23. Edmonton 5 pts
24. Rangers 4 pts 
25. Columbus 4 pts
26. Washington 4 pts
27. Florida 4 pts
28. Devils 3 pts
29. Buffalo 3 pts
30. Philadelphia 2 pts

   

  Now for my AWHL fans! I haven't talked with you for quite a while and I regret that because I love the AWHL! Great league! So far the standings in this league are: 

1. Great Falls 14 pts
2. Helena 12 pts
3. Glacier 12 pts
4. Gillette 8 pts
5. Yellowstone 7 pts
6. Billings 5 pts
7. Bozeman 2 pts

  I miss watching these games and I promise I will try and keep on top of the action more and more in the season! The AWHL is a great league to be involved with for their teams, organizations, and players! If you ever get a chance, make sure to check out this league and their teams! There is stiff competition that results in very talented players!

   Thanks for reading another blog of Biscuits and Breezers! Every blog will be full of updated hockey news, player reviews, and much more! Until next time remember, don't get your breezers in a bunch because hockey is always around the corner. Remember, it's always a great day for hockey it's a lifestyle not just a sport!