Hall of Famer Tim Horton Died this Date

Horton died back in 1974 in a car accident on the QEW and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1977. But his name lives on.

Playoffs Begin With a Double Win

The Storm began the playoff season with a game that was both a Provincial Playdown game as well as a North Metro playoff game. The result was a dual victory as the Storm easily beat the Etobicoke Dolphins by a score of 5-0. The game was determined early on as Heather picked up a pass from Jasmine at centre ice for a breakaway and scored 58 seconds into the game. The offensive hero this night was Jackie who had a hat trick including a end to end rush in which she skated through the entire Etobicoke team to break in on the goalie on a terrific individual effort. The only other goal was scored by Stephanie on a long shot from the point. Alisha was not very busy on this night to record her 4th shutout this year.

The Storm has a 1-0 lead in the best 2 out 3 series in the first round of North Metro playoff. In the Provincial Playdown round robin, the Storm are tied with Leaside Wildcats with one win.

Just a Little Obsessed

Is the only reason people watch Nascar is the crashes?

Playoff Race

Eastern Conference

1. Buffalo - 6-17-0
2. New Jersey - 8-14-1
3. Pittsburgh - 12-13-0
4. Ottawa - 12-11-0
5. Tampa Bay - 13-9-0
6. Atlanta - 13-8-0
7. Toronto - 14-8-1
8. Carolina - 14-7-0
   

   ---

9. N.Y. Islanders - 15-7-1
10. Montreal - 15-6-1
11. N.Y. Rangers - 17-7-0
12. Boston - 18-6-1
13. Florida - 19-3-0
14. Washington - 20-4-0
15. Philadelphia - Eliminated (max 88)

What is this?

It's all based on the premise that, if you get 95 points in the standings, you'll make the playoffs. There's a chance you can sneak in with 93, maybe even 92, but beyond that, it's going to be pretty unlikely under the NHL's kooky everybody-gets-a-point system. The number next to each team indicates the record they must achieve in their remaining games to get into the playoffs.

Picture Smuggled out of Etobicoke Practice

Party Like It's 4705: The Year of the Pig

Dave Keon Returns

...at least for one night.

Credit JFJ for convincing Keon to come out for the reunion.

And of course the fans saved the loudest ovation for Keon. So why is he still so popular...well he played all-out, every game. He wore his heart on his sleeve - he had the passion.

Rejected flavour

My last burger pic...

Name the Players

Here is my stab at naming the players in the picture below of the 1966-67 Stanley Cup team.

Front Row: George Amstrong, Bob Pulford
Second Row: Johnny Bower, Dave Keon, Kent Douglas, Red Kelly, Frank Mahovlich, Tim Horton, Bob Baun, Terry Sawchuck
Third Row: Ron Ellis, Marcel Pronovost, Brian Conacher, Allan Stanley, Eddie Shack, Larry Jeffrey, Mike Walton
Fourth Row: ???, Pete Stemkowski, Jim Pappin, Larry Hillman,

Trade Tucker

Considering the price that was paid to acquire Peter Forsberg (2 prospects, 2 draft picks) and Ladislav Nagy (1 prospect, 1 draft pick) and the contract that Shane Doan just signed (five-year, $23 million), the Leafs should unload Darcy Tucker this weekend. He will never be worth more than right now.

Anaheim and Detroit missed out on Forsberg and are desperate to find a player to narrow the gap between themselves and Nashville. Darcy Tucker had good offensive numbers this year and last but he turns 32 next month and he will not likely to repeat that feat too many more years. The Leafs will otherwise have to lock themselves into a long-term expensive contract similar to Doan's as his offensive numbers return to traditional levels. The fact that the Leafs have been successful the past two months without him indicates that they can live without him in the short-term. If they can pry loose something like two prospect and a draft pick from a real contender that would go a long way to rebuilding this team. There are other players I would consider moving as well but none will reap the benefits like trading Tucker.

I didn't do it!!

Happy Birthday Coach Bruce

...and cheer up, Etobicoke hasn't got a chance!

Actual Incorrect Exam Answers

Storm getting ready for Etobicoke

Happy Valentine's Day

Name the Players

If there is anyone out there who can name all the players in the picture below (without cheating), I would be very impressed.

40 Years of Futility to Be Recognized

This Saturday the Leafs will be honouring the Stanley Cup Championship 1966-67 Toronto Maple Leafs team. To bring things into perspective, I would have been too young to have been playing Midget hockey that year. And look how old I am now. I had no idea back then that this powerhouse organization would not be able to repeat that accomplishment again even after 40 years. So sad!

There will also be a tribute dinner to the team on March 22, 2007 at the Convention Centre.

Happy Birthday Mats!

Eeeek! Storm Coming!

Washing Instructions

Happy Birthday Leaside!

Final Combined Tier 4 Standings

Mississauga 37
Markham-Stouffville 30
North York 29
Georgina 28
Whitby 25
Durham 25
Orillia 24
Oshawa 22
Vaughan 15
Scarborough 11
Etobicoke 3
Clearview 2

Can the Leafs Win This Year?

There seems to be this sentiment that all you have to do is make the playoffs and then anyone has a shot at winning the Stanley Cup. Well that sentiment certainly conflicts with reality. The Leafs need at least a winning percentage of .600 to squeak into the playoffs. History shows that this is not a formula for success. Here is how the Stanley Cup winners have finished during the regular season over the last 10 years.

ason	Cup Champion	Final Standings	Losing Team	Final Standings
1979-80	NY Islanders	2nd Campbell	Philadelphia	1st Campbell
1980-81	NY Islanders	1st Campbell	Minnesota	4th Prince of Wales
1981-82	NY Islanders	1st Wales	Vancouver	4th Campbell
1982-83	NY Islanders	3rd Wales	Edmonton	1st Campbell
1983-84	Edmonton	1st Campbell	NY Islanders	1st Wales
1984-85	Edmonton	1st Campbell	Philadelphia	1st Wales
1985-86	Montreal	5th Wales	Calgary	2nd Campbell
1986-87	Edmonton	1st Campbell	Philadelphia	1st Wales
1987-88	Edmonton	2nd Campbell	Boston	2nd Wales
1988-89	Calgary	1st Campbell	Montreal	1st Wales
1989-90	Edmonton	2nd Campbell	Boston	1st Wales
1990-91	Pittsburgh	3rd Wales	Minnesota	7th Campbell
1991-92	Pittsburgh	4th Wales	Chicago	3rd Campbell
1992-93	Montreal	4th Wales	Los Angeles	6th Campbell
1993-94	New York Rangers	1st East	Vancouver	7th West
1994-95*	New Jersey	5th East	Detroit	1st West
1995-96	Colorado	2nd West	Florida	4th East
1996-97	Detroit	3rd West	Philadelphia	2nd East
1997-98	Detroit	2nd West	Washington	4th East
1998-99	Dallas	1st West	Buffalo	5th East
1999-00	New Jersey	2nd East	Dallas	3rd West
2000-01	Colorado	1st West	New Jersey	1st East
2001-02	Detroit	1st West	Carolina	8th East
2002-03	New Jersey	2nd East	Anaheim	6th West
2003-04	Tampa	1st East	Calgary	6th West
2004-05	LOCKOUT	NO	CUP	AWARDED
2005-06	Carolina	2nd East	Edmonton

There aren't a lot of 8th place teams winning Stanley Cups. Yes on occasion a lower ranked team might advance the the Finals but only superior teams win the Cup.

A Big Thank You to our Sponsors

More on the Season

In regular season games, the leading point scorer was Heather with 16 points in just 16 games played. The leading goal scorer was Jasmine with 8. The bad girl award this year goes to Mari who collected 27 penalty minutes (of course 15 were in one game). We actually played 31 games so far this year when you include exhibition and tournament games. We have 5 players who so far have played in every single one of those 31 game - Lesley, Rebecca B., Sherri, Paige and Stephanie. Nicki edged out Alisha in shutouts 4-3 but both goalies were remarkably good this year especially in games when we needed them. We had a very versatile team where anyone could be put in any position. For example, according to my records 10 out of the 14 skaters played at least one shift on defense.

Bears Fan Loses Super Bowl Bet and Has to Change Name

Scott Wiese was so sure the Chicago Bears would win Super Bowl XLI, he staked his name on it. Wiese bet five buddies that if his team didn't beat the Indianapolis Colts, he would change his name to Peyton Manning. The Colts won 29-17, so true to his word, Wiese was at the Macon County Courts Facility in Decatur, Ill., on Tuesday to begin paperwork on the month long process.

His parents insist they will not call Scott by his new name. But his brother Kyle says he will.

Obviously more that just a little alcohol was involved here. What ever happened to just shaving your head when you lose a bet?

Happy Birthday Rebecca!

Record Season Comes to an End

A 4-0 win over the Etobicoke Dolphins brought a close to the record-breaking season for the Storm Midget B team. The offensive load was carried this night by Rebecca B. who registered a goal and two assists. Coach Bruce noted that it was a typical goal scored by Rebecca B. from her "office" at the edge of the crease. Birthday girls Rebecca R. and Heather each received early birthday gifts with a goal each. Rounding out the scorers was Sheri. And another shutout for Nicki.

The team finishes 2nd in the division which is the highest finish for the Midget B team. They are guaranteed to finish no worse than 3rd in the Tier. Team records include most wins in a season (13), most points (29), most goals (52), most shutouts (7) and longest undefeated streak (9 games). And lets hope there are more milestones and achievements still to come. Congratulations to everyone!

Preparations Underway

Current Leaf winning streak has officials scrambling to prepare for the inevitable.

Incredible Save by Raycroft

In case you missed while at the Storm game last night.

Now These are Ugly Sweaters

These sweaters belong to a team from the Netherlands.

NHL Power Ranking - Week 18

Thought I would do an updated on how sports websites have ranked the Leafs during the current winning streak. They had fallen in recent weeks to the bottom quarter of the league but are beginning to bounce back.

CBS - 14th (+6) (updated Feb 6)
Sports Illustrated - 14th (+2) (updated Feb 6)
TSN - 15th (+6) (updated Feb 5)
Mirtle (Globe) - 16th (+4) (updated Feb 6)
ESPN - 16th (+3) (updated Feb 5)
CBC - 16th (+1) (updated Feb 2)
Fox - 17th (+5) (updated Feb 6)

Winning Streak Extended to 8 Games

Two 3rd period goals by Jasmine and Heather against the Vaughan Flames closed the door on another win, the 12th in what is becoming a record-breaking season for the Storm's Midget B team. The Storm line up was down to only 11 skaters which forced the team to play with some caution in the early going after several fast-paced games in Sarnia. However, the team opened it up early in the 3rd and quickly took the lead. This was the 4th league game against Vaughan and the Storm finished with a season record of 2-1-1.

The team received some very unfortunate news prior to the start of the game when it was announced that 1st year defenseman Sarah-Kate would be undergoing knee surgery for a torn ACL and would be out of the line up for the rest of the season. We all wish S.K. a full recovery and hope to see her on the ice next season.

Can you solve the puzzle?

Raycroft Named NHL 1st Star of the Week

Andrew Raycrost was named the NHL 1st Star of the Week today. This is a weekly recognition announced each Monday. The only other Leaf to be named 1st star this season was Mat Sundin. Raycroft was given the top honour after helping the Leafs to three straight road wins while posting a 1.33 goals-against average and .960 save percentage.

Finally Raycroft is living up to expectations. Now lets see if he can keep it up.

Outdoor practice has been cancelled

The Toronto Maple Leaf outdoor practice today at West Mall Outdoor Rink has been cancelled due to the wind chill warming. As result, the North York Storm outdoor practice on Sandy Ross' backyard rink has also been cancelled. It seems Sandy's hose froze last night.

However, Tuesday is game night. See everyone there.

Superbowl Leftover

I didn't know Paris Hilton was such a big football fan let alone a Colts fan. My opinion of her may have changed.

Ouch!

Prince was Great

...but the Colts were even better!

Whitby Dunlops- Team Canada Sweater

Walkerton Wins Sarnia Tournament

Championship Game
Walkerton 1
New Liskeard 0

Semi Finals
New Liskeard 3
South Huron 2

Walkerton 2
Lambeth 1

Essay Contest

This is no joke. Scott Tissue
has a contest with a $25,000 prize for the best story about a clogged toilet. Unlike school essays, the crappiest story wins.

Sarnia Midget B Quarter Finals

Semi Finals
New Liskeard 5
Ilderton 2

Walkerton 2
Lakeshore 0

South Huron 3
Lambeth 2 (becomes the wild card team)


Semi Final Match Ups
South Huron vs. New Liskeard
Walkerton vs. Lambeth

It's Super Sunday

I'm taking the Colts! Is Johnny Unitas still their Quarterback?

Will the Leafs Make It?

So how have the Leafs' playoff prospects changed since the All Star break? They have won 4 straight games and 7 out of the last 10. At the break the Leafs were tied for the 8th and final playoff spot but based on winning percentage were sitting in 11th in the East. It looks like they have fallen back because they are in 9th place but have actually moved up to 8th based on winning percentage.

1. Buffalo .685
2. New Jersey .660
3. Atlanta .600
4. Pittsurgh .588
5. Montreal .585
6. Ottawa .583
7. Tampa Bay .555
8. Toronto .547

9. Islanders .538
10. Carolina .536
11. Rangers .519
12. Boston .490

As I suggested 2 weeks ago it will likely take 92+ points to qualify for the post-season. The Leafs will now have to post at minimum 34 points in their next 29 games. That’s a .586 winning percentage. It's still a challenge but now a possibility as long as the goaltending holds out and the injury bug doesn't hit again.

Get Them Started Early

Got a baby? Love coffee? Get your kid a Mini Chef Coffee Maker Set.

Playtime gets a pick-me-up with this petite percolator!

Storm Comes Up Short

An obviously tired Storm team battled the speedy Lakeshore Lightening but could not generate enough offense to score. As result they dropped the game 2-0 and fell out of the Sarnia tournament. Lakeshore had a deep bench and took advantage of it to pressure the Storm defense and win the battles for the puck. The officiating provided Lakeshore with some additional assistance as the Storm was handed 6 penalties to only 2 for Lakeshore. Jasmine was unfortunately the main victim of the referees and was called for 4 penalties, mostly as a result of incidental contact. But it wasn't refereeing but rather fatigue that was the deciding factor. Paige summed up the mood on the bench best when in the last minute she slumped on the bench and begged "don't put me out there".

The team continued to display a lot of heart and never gave up. Clearly this is a team that is rounding into fine form as they approach the playoffs. The win gave Lakeshore 2nd place in the Pool and allowed them to advance to the quarter finals. South Huron took first place with a 7-0 win over Plattsville.

Now the apres hockey event was excellent. Everyone brought lots of munchies and Richard T brought a blender and prepared a steady stream of daiquiris, margaritas and pina colodas all evening long. The night would have been perfect had Sandy not ordered Hawaiian pizzas for dinner ...yes with pineapple.

Current Pool Standings
South Huron (2-0-1) 5
Lakeshore (2-1-0) 4
North York (1-1-1) 3
Plattsville (0-3-0) 0

Storm Battles Back

The Storm came back from a 2 goal deficit in the 2nd period against South Huron late this evening to gain a tie. As a result, the Storm are tied with South Huron for the lead in Pool B and stay in the hunt for a play off spot. This game was quite the battle and give credit to the players because they never gave up and took control of the game as the opposition began to wear down. Jasmine scored the first 2 goals and Madeleine scored the goal to tie the game. But the outstanding player of the game was Alisha who made several outstanding saves including on a 2-man breakaway in the 3rd period.

Before the game Brian Chappelle who is president of the OWHA came into the dressing to say a few words. It was quite impressive to learn how involved he has been in women's hockey.

Current Pool Standings
South Huron (1-0-1) 3
North York (1-0-1) 3
Lakeshore (1-1-0) 2
Plattsville (0-2-0) 0

Storm Take First Game

The Storm defeated the Plattsville Rage 3-2 this afternoon to start the Sarnia tournament with a win. The Storm jumped into an early 2-0 lead and began the 2nd period ahead 3-1, but coasted the last half of the game. However, clutch goaltending from Nicki prevented Plattsville from tying up the game. The opponents selected Jackie as the outstanding player because of her strong puckhandling throughout the game. Jackie continually gave her team a lift by getting the puck out of the Storm end of the ice and created numerous scoring chances by controlling the puck. Jasmine also played a strong game and put a lot of pressure on the Plattsville defense with her shooting and passing from the point. Storm goal scorers were Rebecca B, Madeleine and Jasmine. Other games in our pool saw South Huron defeat Lakeshore 3-1 and Lakeshore defeat Plattsville 2-1.

Current Pool Standings
South Huron (1-0) 2
North York (1-0) 2
Lakeshore (1-1) 2
Plattsville (0-2) 0

Willie Predicts Early Spring

Wiarton Willie says the winter that arrived late to most regions of Canada will give way to an early spring. The country's most famous weather prognosticating rodent failed to see his shadow when roused from his slumber this morning.

Three out of three groundhogs polled report that spring will come early this year. Shubenacadie Sam, a resident of Shubenacadie, N.S., came out of his home Friday morning, and didn't see his shadow. Sam's forecast was quickly backed up by reports from Punxsutawney Phil of Pennsylvania and Wiarton Willie.

Forecast for Sarnia

Forecast from Environment Canada for Sarnia

Friday
Cloudy. 70 percent chance of flurries in the morning and afternoon. Wind becoming southwest 40 km/h gusting to 60 early in the afternoon. High minus 4.

Saturday
Cloudy with 60 percent chance of flurries. Low minus 18. High minus 9.

Sunday
A mix of sun and cloud with 60 percent chance of flurries. Low minus 18. High minus 12.

Source

More Pukey than Funky

6th Billion Can of SPAM and Counting

Hormel Foods recently produced the 6th billion can of SPAM.

So who eats this stuff? Well. a can of SPAM is consumed in the U.S. every 3.1 seconds.

An entire 16,500-square-foot museum in Austin, is dedicated to SPAM.

OK. That's enough about SPAM.

Dryden's Number Retired

Backstopped Montreal to 6 Stanley Cups in the 8 seasons he played. Individual awards:

Calder Memorial Trophy (1972)

Conn Smythe Trophy (1971)

Vezina Trophy (1973, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979)

Not exactly paying attention

I'm so confused

New Item at Hardees

I'm back on interesting food south of the border. The new Monster Biscuit at Hardee is made using three half-strips of bacon, a sausage patty, four slices of shaved ham, a folded egg and two slices of cheese all on a biscuit. Just 790 calories and 57 grams of fat. What a great way to start the day.

Tier 4 Standings

With 2 weeks left in the North Metro season, the Tier 4 standings look like this when going by winning percentage:

Mississauga .921
Georgina .733
North York .694
Markham -Stouffville .688
Whitby .639
Durham .605
Oshawa .588
Orillia .583
Vaughan .417
Scarborough .305
Etobicoke .083
Clearview .055