This is some fight between Goonblog favorite, Trevor Gillies and Jon Mirasty. This is round two for these guys, and it came after a questionable hit. Reason number 84 million why fighting should not be outlwaed in this game. As an aside, Mirasty was on a PTO with Lowell a few years ago, and played one game. I never got to see him, and that makes me sad. Enjoy this one boys.
Trevor Gillies
The week that Was
The first annual Hockey Week in Acton is over. I did four games in four nights, and watched another three on television. The highlight was obviously Saturday’s tilt against Washington. MOL, my brother and I were there for the old time hockey showing in Boston. I actually called it in Halftime Pizza that they would go right off the hop, and damn I am glad I was right. Lucic is now officially a God in Boston. Some other highlights and low lights of the week.
-The woman in Ray Bourque’s entourage in Lowell last Wednesday. I don’t know if it was Chris’s girlfriend, or his daughter, or who the hell she was, but she was easily one of the most beautiful women I have ever seen. Jaw droppingly hot.
-Seeing Trevor Gillies wearing the Captain C in Worcester Friday night. I don’t think anyone wanted a piece of him. Tom Rowe loves him, and it was cool to see.
-I still can’t get over how disrespectful the Toronto fans were during the National Anthem Thursday.
-Speaking of Thursday. That was the worst game of the week. Here they are in order. Worst to first.
Bruins vs. Toronto
Bruins vs. Washington (Monday)
Bruins vs. Florida
Bruins vs. New York
Albany vs. Worcester
Lowell vs. Hershey
Bruins vs. Washington (Saturday)
Bruins have a lot of games upcoming, and they look out of gas. If they make the playoffs, it’ll be one and done I feel. I am looking forward to the tilt Saturday against Philly. I’d give a lot to be there. Anyone that can hook me up, I’d give them a free Goonblog T-shirt? No?
From Far and Wide we Come to be Respectful
Hey gang. MOL and I just got back from the Bruins game. I am not as offended by the Bruins play as I am by the Toronto fans behind us. The Leafs KILLED Boston. I have only a slight problem with that. The Bruins’ game has gone to shit at the worst possible time. I wish that was my biggest problem.
When I go to the Bruins, or any event for that matter, I make sure I am there for the National Anthem. Sometimes when it is two American based teams I can maybe stand still in the aisle when Rene belts out The Star Spangled Banner. I always remove my hat, and I do not move until the singer stops the drawn out braaaaaaaaave. It’s what you are supposed to do as a good American. I love our anthem and I love being an American.
When a team from north of the border is in town, I make sure I am in my seat for the anthem. I think the Canadian National Anthem is one of the most beautiful songs. While not Canadian, I sing along to every word, and I do so out of respect. Before the tilt tonight, all the Leafs fans behind us emplored us to stand up and be respectful. They all sang loudly, and proudly as Rene did their Anthem and Country proud. I sang along quietly as I do and had my usual smile on my face as I love the song, and I knew my favorite song was next.
As Rene started into my anthem, the Toronto fans behind me proceeded to talk about the game upcoming through our entire song. I am a well disciplined Marine, so I stood at attention hand over heart and stewed as it kept going on throughout the whole song. Red Thunder can attest to not Squaring Away someone being disrespectful to our anthem while standing at attention. MOL was even slightly bothered, and she lives with me so you know it takes her a lot to get going. The song ended and I said, so they could hear me, What the fuck? We were quiet through their song. Some ass face said something rude, and I settled in to watch the Bruins get lambasted. There was zero point in saying anything to them, and I was with my wife and her lovely friend, so there was also no point in pressing the issue.
The Goonsquad prides themselves on being Ameridan. We love all hockey playing nations, especially Canada and America. I hear stories about the Ugly Americans around the world, and I do not want to turn this into a political blog, but tonight, I was seated with some Ugly Canadians. If you guys are on the road in America remember there are two anthems to be played. Try to show some respect for both.
As an aside. The current tally for Hockey Week in Acton is below. I may scrap this event due to poor showing.
Bruins: 0-3. Outscored 19-4. 2 fights (although the Chara Brash fight really wasn’t much)
Devils: 1-0. They won 4-1 after two VERY boring periods last night. 0 fights.
Overall record: 1-3. I’ll be in Worcester tomorrow to see Albany take on the Sharks. I have no rooting interest in this game other than I want to see Trevor Gillies go nuts on someone. You’ll recognize me as the fat kid that didn’t move during our national anthem.
Hockey Week in Acton
This may very well be the last week I am a married man. MOL is going to be put to the test for hockey week. I think moving forward I will designate the first week in March Hockey Week. Canada has Hockey Day, I’m going one better with a whole week. Check the schedule this week. It’s perfect.
Tonight starts the week off with the surging Bruins taking on the new look Washington Capitals. My favorite Capital of all time? Tom Rowe. Followed closely by Randy Stumpy Burridge.
Tomorrow the Bruins return home to face the Florida Panthers. Let me just say this about the Panthers. Nathan Horton would look awesome in the Black and Gold. MOL is working until 11. I am unsupervised. I think I may eat a shit load of wings, and do a running diary for you guys.
Wednesday I will be in Lowell as the Devils take on the Hershey Bears. Maybe Ray Bourque will be there, and I can give him a Goonblog shirt. Or, maybe he’ll back his ass into me again.
Thursday MOL and I are going to Boston for the Bruins and Leafs. I love going to Leafs games because all the transplants come out of the woodwork, and it makes me think of the time Janet wondered aloud during a game, Hey, shouldn’t it be the leaves? Classic.
Friday will find me in Worcester as the Albany River Rats come to town. I haven’t seen our old pal Trevor Gillies nearly enough this year, so this is a perfect fit. I hope he goes ape shit on someone.
Saturday my brother is coming up for the 1 O’clock tilt against the Capitals. I take him to a Bruins game every year for his birthday. MOL is coming as well. My favorite quote about this game so far.
Me: So, the game is at 1.
Brother: (after a long pause.) 1 huh? Jeez. That’s means I’ll have to leave at like 7 to get to The Fours for 11.
Good times will be had by all.
Sunday the Bruins take on the Rangers, and I see myself unable to sustain verticality with a cold one in Acton. That’s most likely when MOL is going to snap, so please, does anyone have a couch I can watch the rest of the game on? Enjoy your week boys. I know I’ll enjoy mine!
Snowy Fun
Anyone watching the Bruins game last night saw a dandy between New Jersey’s David Clarkson, and Boston’s Scary Tough Milan Lucic. It started with a minute left in the first when Lucic and Clarkson went into the end boards together. Alberts worked the puck out, and the boys decided it was time for a go behind the play. The fight was slow to start as they were both hanging on to each other behind the goal. Then as they started drifting from out behind the goal it got started with Lucic and Clarkson throwing some hard right hands at each other. They both took a couple and Clarkson missed with a big uppercut. As the fight wound down and they traded a couple more shots, Lucic landed a huge straight hand right that stunned Clarkson. He called for the Linesman to get in and the tilt was over. TKO Lucic.
I like this fight for a couple of reasons. David Clarkson is my kind of player. I saw him quite a bit in Lowell last year and he gives an honest effort every night. He never takes a shift off, in his play, or his mouth. He gets under everyone’s skin, and is not afraid of anyone. I think he’d look awesome in the black and gold.
Milan continues to impress me as well. He’s getting better at the hockey aspect of the NHL game every time out, and boy is this kid some kind of tough? Shawn Thornton called him Scary Tough, and went on to say He’s going to be bad news for a lot of people in this league when he figures out how tough he is. That’s a pretty ringing endorsement from a pretty tough customer himself. Right it looks like Lucic is trying to get himself a place on the mantle with other Boston cult heroes like, Stock, Jonathan, and Shoebottom. (He more for his last name and the fact people used to whip shoes on the ice when he fought. That’s brilliant genius. Imaging whipping off your shoes at last night’s game. Enjoy the walk back to the car.)
I’m off to work now, and then up to the Paul tonight for Albany’s return visit. Hopefully Trevor is all wound up. Tweener, MOL and I are going to the Bruins Saturday. I have never seen the Bluejackets play. As always, I’ll be the fat kid in the Goonblog T. Stop by and say hi.
Badass PC. Badass Brawls.
I am not sure if I mentioned my new PC kicks serious ass. Well if I didn’t, I am telling you now. This thing kicks serious ass. I am watching highlights from last night’s games on the NHL network while typing this. This thing is very cool. Right up until they started showing the highlights of the Bruins game last night. Nice fucking pass Chara. I guess the highlights aren’t really my computer’s fault right? No. Not at all. I also know I liked my Sony at first, but that turned out bad. Ever date, or just bang a really hot girl that was all booked up on crazy but she was hot and looked really good but you still had the whole crazy factor there and it eventually got so bad you had to break up with her before she stole your dog or something? Well, that was my old Sony. Looked great, booked up on crazy. This thing is hot and lets me watch hockey. Not even MOL does that. I hope she doesn’t read this.
Last night featured some real heavyweight tilts in the American Hockey League. Trevor Gillies and Jon Mirasty had a real slugfest in Albany. Lots of punches traded and landed. Trevor got knocked down at the end of the tilt, but it’s hard to say if it was from a Mirasty punch, or if he slipped. I saw win Gillies, but you could make a case for either guy. Great tilt though. I am really bummed out Mirasty never got a shot in Lowell. That would make the fans want to come to one of the prettiest arenas in the whole league, and that’s fucking crazy talk!
Speaking of Lowell, former Lockmonster Kip Brennan, and current Devil Pierre-Luc LeBlond had a dandy as well in Bridgeport. These heavyweights traded lots of rights, and kept going into the late rounds. They were finally separated after trading heavy rights, hanging on, trade a right, hang on; trade a right.they both gave it their all. I call it a draw. Maybe a slight advantage to Kip Brennan. I am headed to Lowell for the Manchester tilt in about an hour. Hopefully Manchester’s Paul Crosty or Kevin Westgarth is feeling frisky.
Gobble Gobble Goonblog
I am coming to you live from the new Goonblog HQ on the other side of Acton! MOL and I moved last weekend, and we finally got cable installed Friday morning. Manny and the boys hooked me up for my plasma with a brand new HDMI cable, so I am now actually getting real HD. It’s awesome. I gave him and his buddy 5o bucks for a great install. I hope they spent it on beer.
With Internet and cable installed, I am typing this on my new HP desktop I scored through our employee purchase plan at work. To say this is a bad ass machine is an understatement. Quick highlights. PD 3.4 gig processor. 2X300 gig hard drives. 4 Gig memory. DVD everything. Here the capper: 21 HDTV LCD monitor. I have it hooked up to the cable box, so I can come in here and watch the games in HD while MOL enjoys Brothers and Crap, or Desperate Housewives or whatever the hell else is on. I am psyched. This machine is bad ass.
Moving on to the business at hand. I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving. This ’07 edition was a bit of a departure from my normative behavior around this time of year. I look forward to the night before Thanksgiving all year. It is by far my favorite holiday. Usually I drink my face off with people I hadn’t seen since the Thanksgiving prior and old friends I hang with all year. There is always someone totally random that shows up (Susan in ’06.) that makes the evening a lot more interesting. This year however, was a bit different. For starters, the only person that may enjoy Thanksgiving more than me, and newly minted US Citizen, Dave, was up in the motherland. To say I missed him around this year was an understatement. He has been the best at keeping in touch with everyone, so he always plans the best events. It was not the same without him around. Secondly, the red house is no more. Jim and James packed it in and moved to Sommerville, so that was out. Thirdly, I went to the Lowell Devils game the night before, and drove to my brother’s in Connecticut Wednesday night. It was an odd Thanksgiving, but at the same time, I liked it. It was nice to be able to actually EAT turkey, and have a normal conversation with people. As well as I got to hang with my Niece and Nephew, which is always a blast. Still though, some traditions must live on, so I am announcing it early. Mark your calendars now. The night before Thanksgiving next year will be right here at Goonblog HQ! Dave, I better see you at 4:30 brew in hand.
Although the Holiday was a bit different, it did afford me a lot of hockey action featuring two Goonblog favorites over the years. Wednesday I was in Lowell for the Pirates tilt. Gordie Dwyer was in the house, but not dressed for the game. I spoke with him for about 20 minutes, and it was great to see him. I would have to say he is the nicest kid I have ever met in hockey. He talked of his chance in Portland, and Sweden last year. He spoke of the family, and they are well. I’m not mental or anything, but it was good to see him and have a few minutes to talk to him. I hope they sign him up there because he deserves the shot.
Friday marked the return of Trevor Gillies, and Tom Rowe to the Paul. Tom has always been very high on Gillies, and signed him this off season. Gillies played about 10 shifts and took a bullshit charging call. I was close enough to hear him screaming at the clock operator, penalty box attendant, and hell anyone that would listen. He was yelling, How can you guys watch these guys?! What a bunch of pussies! You haven’t had anyone tough here for 6 years since I left! Everyone got a good chuckle out of it, but sadly, he is right. Later after getting in a fight with Lowell’s Jean-Luc Grand-Pierre with 3 minutes left in the third he chose to stay in the box as opposed to retiring to the dressing room. Gillies was heated because he felt JLGP had jumped him late in a shift as opposed to waiting for a draw. The fight was a good one in which Gillies landed some good hard shots, but JLGP landed some of his own too. I think he may have even cut Gillies on the chin. I would say it was a win for Gillies, but JLGP handled himself nicely. Being back in the box afforded Gillies more time to scream and yell, and when Lowell’s Mark Fraser took two near the end of the game, Trevor took the opportunity to yell over to Fraser. This I could also hear. He said, He Fraser. Tell your boy to get me off a draw next time, not when I’ve been out there for 2 minutes. He’s a fucking coward! It was pretty hilarious, and Fraser even managed a dry smile. While I agree it goes against the code to get a guy late like that, I think Trevor would have had more beef if it was one of the leagues real tough guys. Not some wanna be tough guy with two hyphenated names.
Yesterday was game three for me in Lowell, and it featured Gordie Dwyer again. This time he played, and he didn’t look too bad. Gordie is a surprisingly good skater for a rough and tumble winger, and gives an honest effort every shift. He took a crappy minor for elbowing, but other than that, there was no rough stuff from him. Lowell also actually played another hyphenated player, Pierre-Luc LeBlond. It was the first time I’d seen him play for Lowell, and he didn’t look out of place at all. Decent skater, and plays crash and bang. They should take note of the lineup they had yesterday and play it more often, as they finally won a fucking game, and looked interested in playing. Tonight is the Flyers and Bruins in the first tilt since Bergeron was sent into the press box for the rest of the year. I’d like to see an old Broad Street Bullies vs. The Big Bad Bruins type game, but in the new NHL, I am not sure that’s possible. Either way, I’ll be tuned in at the All New Goonblog HQ!
And Now For Something Completely Different
Let’s take a break from the Bruins bashing, to talk about two things this off season that have me fired up for October. After all, this is supposed to be Goonblog, not, What the Hell is wrong with the Bruins Blog.
1. Trevor Gillies is going to be in Albany. It was very obvious this Goonblog favorite had fallen out of favor with Coach Dineen in Portland. He was barely playing, and anytime he did get on the ice, Coach tore him a new one on his way back to the bench. To be honest, I don’t even remember the last time I saw Trevor fight. He was a scratch in Worcester this year, and no one on Lowell’s roster wants any part of him. I think it’s a great move by Trevor getting back into Carolina’s fold, and more specifically, Tom Rowe’s fold. Tom always loved the kid and tried to resign him before he got the Ranger’s deal. Rowe will let him do his thing, and try to teach him to play a bit too. I will make the trip to Albany for sure this year, especially because.
2. Ryan Flinn signed with Edmonton. Meaning, there is a good chance he’ll be in Springfield. Flinner is one of the most intimidating people I have ever seen. Though he is often injured, he brings the kind of presence to the ice you want from an enforcer. I am not sure what his chances of playing in the NHL are as I haven’t seen him in two years, so I can’t speak to his skill level. LA gave him a lot of chances, and he was hurt in a fight in the NHL. Minnesota didn’t call him up last year, and he was in Houston for the season so again, I don’t know where his skill is at. What I can tell you is that he is a fan favorite wherever he goes, and can chuck em with the best of them.
As an aside, I won Sony Vaio at the Office, and it came with 2007 Pro Pre Loaded. The operating system is Vista Business, and to say this thing is bad ass is a gross understatement. If you are in the market for a notebook, I suggest it highly. Now, the Bruins suck.that’s better.
I’m Not Playing
I’m suspended. I am also 21, 22, big afro. Today was our annual sports day at the office. Usually on Opening Day you can wear your favorite sports team gear, and since the only thing I have is an Oglethorpe jersey I got as a Halloween costume a few years ago, it’s what I go with every year. Only a few people get it, but hey, that’s kind of the norm for hockey fans anyway eh? No one gets the game we love. Oh my god, Lou just fired me. Speaking of being a hockey fan, this weekend was a super fan weekend.
Friday was spent in Lowell watching the Devils lose to the Portland Pirates. I was quite focused on Mr. Gillies for a couple of reasons.
1. This is called Goonblog. We like Goons.
2. I kind of was all over the boy for his performance the last time he was in the building.
As I watched him I noticed two things.
1. I think he’s out of Coach Dineen’s dog house. Trevor got a regular shift, and didn’t hurt the team.
2. He wasn’t acting like a spastic Pee Wee on the bench this time around. Hard to explain how weird it was to watch him do what he was doing on the bench last time without having actually seen him do it. Bizarre.
Obviously there were no fights. Duh. It’s Lowell. The game itself was pretty crappy, but Bekah and I got a brew after and talked about how Mr. Kitty is doing so it was cool.
Saturday found me on the couch watching the Bruins blow another one. This game featured two fights, and they were even pretty good scraps. I especially enjoyed the Hoggan tilt. I’d like to see more of him next season. I learned two things watching this tilt.
1. Gord Kluzak is a pussy.
2. Rob Simpson may be a dork, but he is obviously a big fight fan, and as such, I will now lay off him.
Saturday evening found me back in Lowell. I can’t say exactly why I missed the entire game, but I did. They won. I don’t think there were any fights.
Sunday was a real good day for me. I went down to Providence and Kinger and I went to the Bruins tilt. I got to his place around 2:30ish and naturally we headed right to the bar for some brew and snacks. After a couple of beers and a banging chicken sangy, oh, and an attempted mugging (don’t ask) we headed off for the game. We were standing in line, when some dude cam up and handed us two free tickets. Nice! The only thing better than a hockey game, is a free hockey game. We settled into our seats at the old folk’s home (I swear to god, the Dunk smells just like the nursing home my grandfather was in) and watched the Devils lose to the Bruins. It was a pretty entertaining tilt that featured a fight between Aaron Downey and the mouth, Lowell Devil forward David Clarkson. At first blush it looked like Clarkie got killed, but watching the replay, none of what Downey threw really landed. In fact, I think Clarkson landed the only punch of the fight on his first hard right hand. Pre Replay, I call it a big win for Downey, post, it’s a draw.
Since I was with Kinger in Providence, we obviously went to the Ballet after. Our place of choice was Desires. Not a bad joint. When we went in the place, the B and C teams were taking their cuts, but as we left some of the ringers had come aboard. All in all it was an outstanding weekend. This is a great time of the year for hockey, and it’s good to get in as many games as possible before all we have is stupid baseball. Now, who is going to buy me a soda after the game?
Trevor Gillies lived Under Power Lines
Trevor. Did you eat a lot of paint chips as a kid? I was at the Devils game in Lowell this past snowy Friday night. Since the game was boring as hell, I was watching Trevor Gillies for most of the third period. My friend Bekah says I am obsessed. Well, no more than she is obsessed with Mr. Kitty. At any rate, I noticed a few things.
The first thing I noticed is Mr. Gillies has fallen a long way from the guy that was wearing an A on his chest last season. Every shift he took, which wasn’t many, Coach Dineen was all over him upon his return to the bench. Coach is all over this guy.
Secondly, he is like a Pee Wee on the bench. No kidding. For most of the Third Period, which was tied by the way, Trevor was fooling around with his helmet, elbowing the guy next to him, punching the same guy in the gut, and pushing his helmet forward. I couldn’t believe I was watching a Professional do that sort of thing on the bench. Maybe he’s just really bored, but it was strange to see a pro do it. Trevor also seemed to be pretty chummy with Mike Hoffman, a guy he has fought a zillion times this season. Anyway, you really had to see what Gillies was doing on the bench t believe it. I really was amazed. If he can’t figure out why he’s in Dineen’s dog house, this may be a big reason why.