#101

Biscuits and Breezers

     Welcome back to another blog of Biscuits and Breezers! Instead of the regular 3 large stories, I have a couple maybe 4 or 5 short stories that have happened that I need to catch up with because I have been unbelievably busy trying to keep up with the MnJHL/WSHL/AWHL/NCAA playoffs (which I will report on for you guys later on.) But as I said before I have about 4 or 5 short news bits and about 5 videos that have come out recently that I absolutely have to share with you guys! Also the 25,000 view Celebratory Blog with be out soon as well! Anyway moving on with this article's news, we will be talking about Patrick Kane's injury, TJ Oshie's new baby, the San Jose Sharks' newest player, and James Neal's fine. First up Patty Kane! In the game against the St. Louis Blues on Wednesday, star forward Patrick Kane was injured  by Brenden Morrow and teammate Sheldon Brookbank. After sustaining a lower body injury, Kane will be out at least 3 weeks and possibly the rest of the regular season. After Brookbank checked Morrow into the boards, Morrow hit Kane's left leg and Patrick fell awkwardly and painfully to the ice. Best of luck Kane and get well soon!

The incident involving Kane, Brookbank, and Morrow (Credit to Google Images - nhl.si.com)

  Next up we have TJ Oshie's new baby! Star forward for the St. Louis Blues TJ Oshie will have a new goal in life other than the Stanley Cup; being a father. On Monday this week, Lyla Grace Oshie was born at 9:57 am to TJ Oshie and fiancee Lauren Cosgrove. He obviously missed that night's game against the Winnipeg Jets but believe it or not 2 days later he was on the ice ready to take on the Chicago Blackhawks. Best wishes to both TJ and Lauren and their new life with their daughter Lyla! Here are some images via Oshie's twitter (@OSH74)

    Now we move on to another story that makes you proud to be part of the hockey family. Sam Tageson is an average 18 year old with an undying love for hockey but unfortunately a life-threatening heart condition. On Tuesday night despite his hypoplastic left heart syndrome, Sam had all his wishes come true as he became the first ever non-active NHL player to skate through the giant Shark at the SAP Center for pregame warm ups with his new team. That's right, Tageson signed a one-day contract with the Sharks and was even able to stand next to the starting lineup before the battle took place that night against the Panthers. During his introduction to the cheering audience, Sam broke down in tears after receiving a standing ovation from everyone, including the team, inside the rink that night. He was even able to practice with the team beforehand and about each Shark player took time out of their busy schedules to get to know Tageson. It was an emotional time for all of the grizzled Sharks players, Sam Tageson, all hockey fans, and it made me proud to be part of the hockey family because even though we might not know everyone we always have each others' backs. I was left speechless by all of the emotions coming forward but had a smile on my face knowing that Sam's dreams were coming true. Congratulations Sam and I hope all of the best for you in future!!!

   Last but not least, we have James Neal. After being allowed to play again despite the diagnosis of a concussion, Neal has been fined $5,000 for cross checking Red Wings forward Luke Glendening on Thursday March 20th in Detroit. This was announced by the National Hockey League's Department of Player Safety. 

  I will have some videos posted down below but here are the "Players of Today!" For the NHL pick we have Nashville Predators forward Eric Nystrom. For the goalie pick we have Concordia University Wisconsin tendy Jake Hebda. For the European pick we have Minnesota Wilderness goaltender and 2014 NHL Draft prospect Kasimir Kaskisuo. 

   Jake is 6 ft 0 in, 185 lbs, and is from Firestone, Colorado, USA.  In the 2012-2013 season, he had 22 games played, 1276:49 minutes played, 87 goals against, 608 saves, 695 shots against, a .875 save percentage, 4.09 goals against average, 6-15-0 record, .286 win%, 3 penalties, and 6 PIMs.  I like the way Jake plays because he is a very talented goaltender who is almost always on top of his game and is very strong mentally during matches. I know of goaltenders that tend to slip during stressful situations but Hebda always seems to remain strong during high stress situations. He is the type of goaltender who is a supporting block for his team mates and always tries to perform on a level that is the very best. He is very skilled in working his pads and isn't afraid to get aggressive with the players trying to block his view from the crease. He has a very strong hockey IQ and uses it to his advantage during games. He has a constant eye on the puck and all of the movement going on outside of his cage. Jake is a phenomenal goaltender and has a very bright future in the sport. Good luck Jake with Concordia University Wisconsin and your future college career!

(Credit to Google Images - cuwfalcons.com)

   Eric is 6 ft 1 in, 193 lbs, and is from Syosset, New York, USA. He was drafted 10th overall in the 1st round of the 2002 NHL Entry Draft to the Calgary Flames. In the 2012-2013 season, he had 7 goals in 48 games played, 4 assists, 11 TPs, a +/- of -3, 61 PIMs, 1 short handed goals, 3 games winning goals, 49 shots on goal, and a 14.3 S%. Eric may not be the best player out on the ice but he is a tough gritty player who will go out on the ice do what it takes to get the win. Now I am not necessarily saying he is a goon because he doesn't seem to play dirty that much but he definitely does not shy away from the more aggressive side of hockey. He has no qualms about working the boards or getting physical with the point leaders. His checks are very forceful but they are clean. Nystrom plays a clean cut and straight forward game which pairs well with his strength. Good luck Eric with the Predators and your future NHL career!

(Credit to Google Images - lakingsinsider.com)

   Kasimir is 6 ft 2 in, 185 lbs, and is from Espoo, Finland. In the 2012-2013 season, he had 13 games played, 2.72 goals against average, and a .905 save percentage with Jokerit U20 in the Jr. A SM-liiga. I am very much a fan of Kasimir because he has so much potential to be one, if not the best, goaltenders in his age group. He plays a fantastic game and is always looking for ways to improve his game even if it already is the top of the top. He is absolutely great with his blocker and his glove and is always watching out for the players on the ice. Kaskisuo has a very keen eye for predicting what will happen during shifts and believe it or not is usually right. He is coming up as one of the top goaltender prospects for the 2014 NHL Entry Draft and whoever grabs him will be strong in the goaltending department. He has an undying passion for the sport and that is one of the things that pushes him to be the best. I am incredibly excited to see where this guy goes because his strength in the net is exactly what teams are looking for. Good luck Kasimir with the Wilderness and your future hockey career!

(Credit to Google Images - nahl.com)

  Thanks for reading another blog of Biscuits and Breezers! Every blog will be filled with 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 and it's a lifestyle not just a sport! I found some pretty awesome videos this week so here they are, enjoy!