ekansekans's blog: "df"

DAVOS – The obvious standout story of this years Team Canada at the Spengler Cup is the presence of some of the top players from the greatest hockey league in the world. Paul Kruger Jersey . Never say never (particularly when it comes to the National Hockey League and lockouts) – but, I cant imagine that well see such a star festooned Spengler Cup tournament again any time soon.  Patrick Kane, John Tavares, Joe Thornton, Matt Duchene, Loui Eriksson – take your pick – theyve all brought people out of their seats with flashes of the skill set that is unique to those who are at the top of their field in the hockey world. Kanes spectacular game winning goal with 22 seconds remaining in Davos semi-final win or Duchenes two-goal, one-assist display in Canadas Semi-final victory – both performances worthy of any NHL pressure situation and both delivered with the flair that only the best possess. From a Canadian perspective, a story just as big or, I would argue, bigger in terms of a lasting impact on future participation in this great tournament was the decision of general manager Brad Pascall to appoint both a head coach and an assistant coach who make their full-time living coaching in the Swiss League (NLA). Both are Canadians, but both have coached in Europe, and more specifically in Switzerland, and, as a result, know the players and the teams far better than any coach being parachuted in from North America. It was a simple, but in my mind blatantly obvious, adjustment to make that has paid huge dividends for Canada. Doug Shedden (who coaches Zug) and Chris McSorley (Geneva) see the majority of the players on Team Canada all season long – either coaching them or coaching against them. They also coach against, and are familiar with, both of the Swiss clubs in the Spengler Cup. This is not to disparage, in any way shape or form, the so-called big name coaches who have been at the helm the last few seasons – Craig MacTavish (2009), Mark Messier (2010), Marc Crawford (2011) – but all of those gentlemen, all highly regarded, came in not knowing most of the players or any of the teams. The Spengler Cup is a high tempo, intense six-day tournament. There is little, if any, time for a learning curve or to mould a team. You have to hit the ground running. Two quick examples from this tournament: Canadas performance against Davos. Until youve coached against it and seen it, their high risk, high reward, run and gun offense can overwhelm you early in the game. By the time you recover, its too late. Last year this was the case and Canada was beaten 8-1 by the host club. This year, both Shedden and McSorley were not only ready for Arno Del Curtos usual plan of attack – but had a sound game plan in their collective back pocket from coaching against Davos (and having success) during many Swiss League games. A second example, in my mind, has been the use of a guy like Josh Holden. Holden is a player most North American coaches wouldnt be familiar with. He played 60 NHL games but has been in Europe since 2004. However, Shedden coaches him in Zug and, I think, has made exceptional use of Holdens fine two-way play and energy. Hes been double-shifted at times and has provided energy and is also one of Canadas top players. I dont believe a coach who doesnt see Holden play all the time would have used him the same, effective, way. Well all remember the 2012 Spengler Cup for the great NHL players that came to play. But the legacy may well be Pascalls change of tack in the approach to picking Team Canadas head coach. Kelechi Osemele Jersey . -- The worn-out notebook with the blue cover that Scott Pioli drags out of pile of paperwork on his desk is from 1994. Anthony Allen Jersey . And the ultra-competitive Clemens, now a half-century old, was quick to point out just how well he did against that group of geezers. "I hit two homers, by the way," he said. http://www.thenflravensgear.com/bernard-pierce-jerseys . Linebacker Marcellus Bowman could be back in the lineup for the first time this season when Winnipeg meets the Montreal Alouettes this Friday. Dennis Pitta Black Jersey . The Hamilton Tiger-Cats fumbled the ball on what would have been the winning field goal Saturday at McMahon Stadium, giving the hosts a 34-32 win in wintry weather. Justin Tucker Black Jersey . 38 in the Fishlines game program when the Winnipeg Goldeyes return to Shaw Park next week, but, based on his first performance in a Winnipeg uniform, Barbaro Canizares could quickly become No.FOXBORO, Mass. -- The "Summer of Gronk" now over, All-Pro tight end Rob Gronkowski said he has only one thing on his mind. "Its training camp time. When its football time, its all football, nothing but football. . Im glad to be back," Gronkowski said Friday after the second day of New England Patriots training camp. "Missed the locker room. Missed the teammates. Missed competing versus the defence. So far, the last two days, (Im) having a lot of fun out there competing as hard as we can. Everyones getting better. Just focusing on my job and thats all I care about -- my job out on the football field." The "Summer of Gronk" began after Gronkowski, who set NFL records for a tight end with 17 touchdown catches and 1,327 yards receiving, played hurt in the Patriots Super Bowl loss to the New York Giants (two catches, 26 yards) because of an injured left ankle. He needed surgery on the ankle the week after the game -- but that was just the start of the wild and whacky off-season. Gronkowski, in no particular order, won a celebrity home run derby at the Triple-A All-Star Game (reportedly hitting one 325 feet), appeared on The Choice, a dating show, co-hosted Access Hollywood Live, judged a celebrity bikini contest in Las Vegas and walked the ESPYs red carpet. He also attended the premier of the movie "Ted," hung out with Kim Kardashian, was one of the naked cover boys for ESPN The Magazine, and ran a viral video campaign trying to land on the cover of the Madden video game. Oh, and he also signed a six-year contract extension worth $54 million - the richest deal ever given to a tight end. It includes $18.17 million in guaranteed money. But all that was then and this is now. Gronkowski, asked if anyone on the coaching staff talked to him about toning things down a bit off the field, said, "You can ask the coaches that. Its football time now and thats all Im worried about . football, football, football -- getting better out on the field every day. "All I focus on is football. I love the game. Thats my No. 1 passion." Fellow tight end Aaron Hernandez, asked about his teammates antics, said he doesnt pay attention to most of that stuff. "Im sure he was having fun," Hernandez said. "I definitely get laughs when people tell me about some of the stuff. Im more laid back." As far as Gronkowski the football player, Hernandez said, "Hes still a beast. Hes a freak of nature. He can make plays, especially when you have a good quarterback like Tom (Brady) to throw you the ball. Toms going to put it in the right place. "When youre 6-7, with 7-something arm reeach, not many people are going to be able to get their hands there to stop you. Ray Rice Purple Jersey. " Gronkowski, who caught 90 passes last season, just wants to keep improving. And being healthy is the first step. "Hundred per cent," he said when asked how he feels. "Im out there every day. What does it look like? Im going pretty hard. Its good. You saw me out there. Im out there." And he wont look back at the injury. "This is training camp now," he said. "This is 2012 were in. New season. Just trying to get better. All I care about is tomorrow now." NOTES: Coach Bill Belichick refused to comment on the TMZ photos of Brady cliff-diving in Costa Rica (pictures showed it was a lower level of rocks). Fed up with the line of questioning, Belichick said, "Do we have any, like, football questions?" He did say, "There are NFL rules and there are club rules; any discussions we have are handled internally and not publicly." Said Gronkowski: "Didnt even know about that. Its Tom. He can do what he wants to do and you can ask him about it." Asked if had ever dived off a cliff, the tight end said, "I did it when I was 12 years old. Not anymore." . With offensive guard Brian Waters still a no-show and his status up in the air, the Patriots signed free-agent offensive tackle Darion Weems, an undrafted rookie from Oregon cut loose by the Minnesota Vikings Tuesday. They also activated offensive lineman Jeremiah Warren from the physically unable to perform list, giving the team 12 offensive linemen in camp. . Belichick said wide receiver Donte Stallworth, back for his second tour with the team, has shown the coaches a different side. "Hes matured a lot," the coach said. "Hes been a very positive example and influence with what he does on a daily basis, but also some of the things hes done with other players on the team. I think hes shown a lot more leadership and hes a very professional athlete. He really takes his job seriously and acts in a very professional way. Hes a great example for all of us on a daily basis. Id say thats definitely grown since he was here in 07. Hes been through a lot (including 24 days in jail for DUI manslaughter), but he handles himself very well, and very professionally." . Belichick on linebacker Donta Hightower, the second of the Patriots two first-round draft picks: "Hes a smart kid. He definitely understands football and football concepts. That comes pretty quickly to him and thats good." . Club personnel said the fan turnout for Day 2 of camp exceeded the 12,000 that were there opening day. ' ' '