New England Hockey Guy: an Introduction

With the 2008-09 Stanley Cup Finals set and about to begin, this is the point of year when your are finally confronted with the realization "Hockey is about to end." Terrible, I know. Like a ninja, it always seems sneak up on you, silently. I don't know how it does it. Maybe it's because the Finals are the first time that there isn't a hockey game every night or maybe it's because there is no "next round." Whatever it is; as soon as the puck stops dropping, the temperature seems to get hotter and the sun beats down on you just a little bit harder. I know it's summer too. But the summer season is such a slap in the face after dedicating your life to a sport that requires ice for nine straight months.

But luckily for you, hockey hungry readers, that's where I come in. I decided to skip the off season... I guess that was a poor choice of words. I'm going to spend this summer covering the dreaded/all important hockey off season. But I'm not going to do it in the usual hockey blog sense, where I dedicate my summer to following all of the NHL front office moves, I'm going to spend it by covering you.

Hockey players know hockey season never truly ends, only the leagues they play in. In fact most would probably say that the summer preparation for these leagues is the most important part. Anyways I'm planning on spending the next several month spotlighting the more "common areas of hockey." Like local rinks, leagues, teams, players, coaches- heck, I may even talk to a Zamboni driver or two.

My name is Tommy Surette. I've only played hockey competitively for a couple of year- playing varsity hockey for my high school. I'm not all that good, but I wouldn't say I'm bad either. I simply play hockey because I love it- I don't really expect anything out of playing except enjoyment. I play defense and use a wood stick. Not because I have an affinity for wood sticks, I just don't have the money for an expensive stick (I use some aceient Koho from 2002 that wont break for some reason.) I'm a writer but I usually work in the creative side of writing, not the journalistic side. So forgive me, my first few posts maybe stiff but I'll get the hang of it.

I guess that's pretty much it. You can expect to hear from me within a week or so. I'll be covering the "Summer Shift."

I'll be playing hockey Sunday morning in Nashua. If you have any rinks, leagues, teams or players in the Southern NH area that you think I should cover, contact me at nehockeyguy@yahoo.com. Also I said I wouldn't, but I did for the purposes of "keeping a record" for this site- follow me on twitter. Also sorry I don't have any exciting pictures or anything at the moment, I'll try to fix that before my next post.

Shippin' Up To Boston

(Getty Images)

WOW.

After being down in the series 3-1 to the surging Hurricanes, the Bruins faced elimination. They gathered themselves together, regrouped, and came out flying in game 5. They wanted it as bad as we did. Game 6 saw more of the same. With their backs against the wall for the second straight game, the Bruins showed why they were the #1 seed in the east. Byron Bitz and Patrice Bergeron are my 2 stand outs from this game. Bergeron had a monster 2-way game, and an amazing play for the first goal. Just pure determination on his part. Byron Bitz is looking like anything but a rookie. He is using his huge body to protect the puck and is making smart plays.

Game 7 is now in Boston, where all year the Bruins have played well. How much fight do the Bruins have left? Will Carolina become the cardiac 'canes and pull off another upset again? Thursday is going to be very memorable, no matter what happens.

BTW, Walker is a lucky S.O.B. I wonder how much he paid Colin Campbell to not get suspended. Oh yeah, $2500...

I am glad the Blackhawks closed it out at home. They deserved it, along with their fans. I hope the Ducks pull off the upset over the Wings, and I hope the Caps win it 2morrow.

Series update

Well it's been awhile since I last posted. The Bruins and 'Canes are tied at 1 game apiece. Game 1, the Bruins played well and Carolina looked lost. Game 2 however, was a complete reversal. The Bruins had sloppy plays all night long, and didn't turn it on until the 3rd period, but by that time, they were down 2-0 and Cam Ward looked like a brick wall.

Anyways, I expect the Bruins to come out strong Wednesday. As long as they win 1 of 2 games in Carolina they will be fine.

The Red Wings lost a heartbreaker against the Ducks in a 3OT thriller. Game 3 is tonight, and I expect a Ducks victory.

The Blackhawks and Canucks have just started, and I see the Blackhawks pulling out a win. The Blackhawks have played pretty well in this series. Being down 3-0 in the first game, they tied it up 3-3 and lost it in the 3rd period. In the second game, they came back and pounded the Canucks 6-3. They are on schedule for a dance in the WCF.

The Capitals and Penguins played an awesome game last night, with both A.O. and Sid the Kid netting Hat Tricks, but the Capitals once again prevailed. They are the only team to win both home games in this round. This could bode well for them, but we shall see. Speaking of Alex the great, check him out with Andre Markov. Looks like they partied hard.