It’s mid-November, and the hockey season is back in full swing. We have somewhere around 50 straight games until the first day off on American Thanksgiving. But this time of year also brings with it shorter days and gloomy weather.
While discussing ways to make the say brighter, a friend sent me this picture of Sidney Crosby- the caption simply being the sunshine emoji. Obviously, this lead to the question “If you had to draft a fantasy team based on their smile, who would you pick?”
Well, after some Very Thorough Research, I have you the 2015 roster of the Sunbeams.
Our first pick has been on many people’s radar this year for his explosive start to the season. Racking up 16 points in his first 18 games, Max Domi has made quite an NHL debut. But all of those points have allowed us to glimpse another important quality of Domi’s: his lovely smile, which is why this Left Winger tops out draft list.
Perhaps the first “rule” I learned about fantasy hockey is to pick your goalie second. This is rule has served me well in my fantasy season thus far, and I fully intend to follow it this daft as well. I give you the Sunbeam’s starting goalie: Eddie Lack.
My next pick is someone who undeniably has flair on and off the ice, and his smile can charm pretty much anyone. Honestly, I trust P.K. Subban to defend both the net, and to defend me in general. (When will P.K. Be my best friend? I have a christmas card waiting for him.)
My fourth pick is what I like to call a sleeper pick. No one would say that his smile is great in posed pictures, but when caught off guard, he’s got a great grin. Meet your Sunbeam’s star center: Tyler Seguin
We discuss the past month of hockey, what Kim would be like if she played hockey, and finally answer the question that's been on everyone's mind: who would be the patron saint of hockey?
hi!! i bet you get this kind of ask a lot but i just wanted to tell you i love your profiles of latino players so much. i'm colombian and i'd love to play hockey and i'm always looking for latinx players to love and honestly just, it's so inspiring to see these guys doing so well in the league (i'm a stars fan and nieto scored against us today lol). but anyway - just wanted to thank you for making that series, i really truly love it!!
Hi! Thank you so much for this message! I'm Mexican American myself, and I was feeling disheartened by the lack of recognition of Latinx players, especially since there's so few. I'm glad my series made you feel good, and I really hope we get more players in the future so we can continue! Thanks for reading the blog!
Hey everyone! Y’all had some hockey questions, and I had some hockey answers. In today’s video, we talk my true hockey rankings and discuss the baby rookies first goals.
If you have any questions, y’all can send them to my ask box or twitter!
You asked, we delivered! Here is an 8tracks playlist of the first 10 songs in our Goal Songs, Reimagined series.
Listen
1. Anaheim Ducks: Ducktales Theme
2, Arizona Coyotes: Howlin’ For You
3. Buffalo Sabres: Shake it Off
4. Boston Bruins: More Than a Feeling
5. Calgary Flames: My Songs Know What You Did in the Dark
6. Carolina Hurricanes: Rock You Like a Hurricane
7. Chicago Blackhawks: Chelsea Dagger
8. Colorado Avalanche: Tubthumping
9. Columbus Blue Jackets: Work This Body
10. Dallas Stars: Starships
Born and raised in Long Beach CA, Matt Nieto made San Jose Sharks history as the first Californian player drafted by the team. Nieto got his start on rollerskates at just 2 years old, before his longtime friend Emerson Etem of the New York Rangers convinced him to switch to ice hockey. In 2009 and 2010, he brought the United States U18 team to back to back gold meals in the World Championships. Nieto grew up in a dangerous neighborhood, and his mother credits his passion for hockey for keeping him from following a dangerous path. “Probably everybody he hung out with is either in a gang or on drugs or something... I think hockey saved his life, absolutely. Hockey became a way out for a Mexican-American kid in Southern California.” (x)
Nicknamed “Big Cubano”, Al Montoya is the first Cuban American player in the National Hockey League. He was the 6th draft pick in 2004, and helped bring the US National Team to their first World Juniors gold medal that same year. Montoya has been on a number of teams throughout his career but his new position with the Florida Panthers will allow him not only to interact with his extended family in the area, but hopefully expose other Cuban Americans to the game, which Montoya says is one of his goals. He’s proud of his culture, and takes care to add Cuban art and influences in his goal helmets. Montoya is passionate about growing hockey in non-traditional markets, stating “It doesn’t matter where you come from or where you’ve been- everyone can play hockey.” (x)
Scott Gomez had the distinction of being the first hispanic player in the NHL, and is carving out a path for other Latinx kids to follow in his steps. With 2 cups under his belt, he’s played on 5 NHL teams, as well as the Alaska Aces ECHL team. Gomez is not only Mexican-Colombian, but also Native Alaskan as well. In addition being one heck of a hockey player, Gomez cares about the rise of women’s hockey and even set up a program to ensure the girls’ hockey team in his hometown continued to thrive.
laughingthelaughiest I'm not sure how to make what I'm about to say sound emphatic enough but just know: it's pretty damn emphatic. YES!!! Please, please, please send in NWHL players! There's almost nothing that I'm more excited about right now than women's hockey, especially the NWHL! Go ahead and send us an ask and we'll add them to the lineup!
Hey everyone! You may or may not know, but Hispanic Heritage Month kicked off on September 15th. We're all about diversity here at SHSH, and we're especially about Hispanic hockey players- of which there are less than 10 in the NHL. We've decided to do mini-profiles on the Hispanic and Latino players in the NHL for the rest of the month, and we hope you'll join us! As always, feel free to suggest players you'd like to see us talk about!
Training camps are ending which can only mean one thing: hockey season is just around the corner. Of course this meant that I had some friends over to celebrate the end of a seemingly endless offseason. Somehow, possibly because the Food Network is always marathoning Chopped, or Tyler Seguin apparently being a guest judge with Amanda Freitag*, the conversation turned to this question: If you were to plan a dinner party, which hockey players would you invite to ensure the most memorable time?
Keep in mind, these aren’t the players you’d most like to meet, but the ones that would make the most interesting guests. Let’s get started.
First off, I feel like no one would make a classier, more courteous guest than PK Subban. PK is a self-proclaimed foodie, and probably knows dinner party etiquette better than any of my other invitees. Plus, I feel like he would bring a great bottle of wine for the hostess- and I can’t complain about that.
Next, I would invite Tyler Seguin. I know, I know. I’ll wait for you to get over your shock at this choice. But think about it, Tyler is charming and fun, and he’d certainly appreciate that bottle of wine PK brings over. Plus, he apparently is a foodie? (I’m never getting over this, leave me be.)
Since they somehow became besties in Vegas this summer, I think I’d be amiss not to have Alex Ovechkin over as well. We all know that Ovi is pretty much the life of any party, and is bound to ensure that everyone has a good time. Maybe he can teach us a few of his dance moves as well.
Another large personality I’d invite would be Brandon Prust. Not only would this party serve as a reunion with PK since he just got traded to Vancouver over the summer, but he could also up the overall fashion sense of the group.
Obviously with all of this excellent company, I don’t want to be the one stuck in the kitchen. This is why I’ve decided to invite Michael Latta and Tom Wilson to cater the dinner party. I know what you’re thinking: “how can you trust these boys to cook a #classy and #elegant meal to impress when they can’t even cut an avocado correctly?” Well to that I say, think outside of the box!!!! Is there such a thing as avant garde cooking? Because I feel like that’s what this is. Cuboid avocados are probably the Next Big Thing in the culinary world. In any case… maybe we just won’t have them make a recipe that involves avocados.
This guest list is in no way final, and I might add or change it as the season goes on. Feel free to let me know if you agree with my choices, and which players you would invite to the World’s Best Dinner Party.
Really, Tyler? You can’t cook but you somehow have a palate that’s refined enough to judge food with an executive chef? Sounds questionable to me.
We all know that when it comes to personality tests, there’s nothing more controversial than trying to sort people into Hogwarts houses- that’s why I’m not even going to try. (If you really want to know my feelings on this, I agree with the girls over at waitwaitwhatsicing that most hockey players are probably Hufflepuffs.) But a few Saturdays ago during a movie and wine night with my roommate, I discovered that there might be a personality test that is more aptly suited to sorting our favorite players. I give you: Hockey Spice.
Scary Spice:
Scary Spice (Mel B) is best known for being loud, proud, and in charge. Being Scary Spice isn’t about the actually scaring people, no, but more about having a personality so big that it can scare people. That’s why I feel that Alex Ovechkin is the perfect fit here. His personality is big and vivacious and sometimes a bit too much for some people but hey, that’s part of the charm.
Baby Spice:
With her infectious smile and bubbly personality, Baby Spice (Emma Bunton) was easily the most accessible of the Spice Girls. While still touting the Girl Power ideals the group was known for, she was also sweet and innocent and parents loved her. To be honest, I had a bit of a hard time picking a player to fit here. I initially considered both Beau Bennett and Jeff Skinner, but Johnny Gaudreau seemed to be the perfect fit. He’s both sugary sweet and a force to be reckoned with on the ice.
Ginger Spice:
If we were basing this solely on hair color, there wouldn’t be too many candidates for this role. Luckily, the true essence of Ginger Spice comes from Geri’s own personality and not just her red mane. Like Scary, Ginger Spice is loud, but she’s also not afraid to be a bit sexy and a lot flirty. This is why Tyler Seguin is a natural fit for the role. He knows who he is and isn’t afraid to show it off.
Posh Spice
Lets be honest here, professional hockey players aren’t exactly known for their sense of style. Cargo shorts and crocs just won’t cut it for Posh Spice though. (Everyone take a moment and imagine Victoria Beckham wearing sweatshorts and sandals out of the house.) I needed to find someone who not only dressed nice, but also has a unique sense of style. Obviously the best choice is none other than PK Subban. There’s no denying that he knows exactly what to wear and how to wear it, something that the other players really should get in on.
Sporty Spice
I know what you’re thinking: “Kim, these are professional athletes, shouldn’t they all be Sporty Spice?” I know what you’re thinking and I understand where you’re coming from but the answer is: no, not every pro hockey player can be Sporty Spice. Mel C’s Sporty Spice was defined by her all-encompassing love for the game. When she wasn’t singing, watching footy was her Big Thing. Obviously all of the guys in the NHL take the game seriously, but very few take it quite as seriously as Sidney Crosby. I mean, he is Made of Hockey after all.
So there you have it. The next time you try and figure out what Hogwarts house your favorite players are in or what kind of bender they’d be, why don’t you take it a bit further? What kind of Spice Girl are they? If you do sort your faves, come and let me know!
It’s been a few weeks but don’t worry, I haven’t forgotten my quest to pick a new goal song for every NHL team. The offseason is finally winding down but we’ve still got 10 teams left. I’ve been hard at work trying to find the best songs to eradicate Rock and Roll part 2 from Hockey once and for all.
If you missed the first 20 teams in the league, you can catch up here and here!
Philadelphia Flyers: Booyah- Showtek
No one knows Flyers fans like captain Claude Giroux, so it’s no surprise that his pick for the 2014-15 goal song is nearly perfect. The instrumental tune is upbeat and already proven to get the crowd pumped and ready for more. I guess a Flyer would do something right eventually.
Pittsburgh Penguins: Worth It- Fifth Harmony
Everyone in the world knows how protective I am of my Pittsburgh kids and yes, I believe that they’re worth every single one of their goals. I bet you’re wondering if part of the reason I want this song is to see Sid try and shake his booty like the 5H girls do in the music video… Well, I mean it wouldn’t hurt.
Ottawa Senators: 7 Nation Army- The White Stripes
Don’t quote me on this, but I feel like this may have been an Ottawa goal song before. If it has, I don’t really care. This song isn’t the most upbeat or danceable, but it does invoke the image of a tough, seasoned warrior which I feel is what the Sens are going for (despite Erik Karrlson’s mission to make sure everyone is as happy as they can be.)
San Jose Sharks: Hey Ya- Outkast
Initially I wanted to give the sharks a classic surfer song, but a longtime Sharks fan suggested this song and it couldn’t be more perfect. It’s upbeat, fun, and unless you’ve been living under a rock for the past 10 years, you probably know all of the words. PLUS, there’s already a cool, crowd interactive dance break in the song.
St. Louis Blues: Blue- Eiffel 65
I’ll be honest, I tried (and failed) to find a good blues song to fit this team. But much like the song I chose for the Sharks, a little bit of nostalgia can’t go amiss here. When I finally thought of this song, I wanted to hit myself for missing the obvious. Not only is this one of the most iconic songs of the late 90’s, it’s perfect for getting anyone in a winning mood.
Tampa Bay Lightning: Thunderstruck- AC/DC
This is another one of those songs that is so obviously the perfect choice, it boggles my mind that it hasn’t been in use for years. Let’s go down the list here, y’all:
Classic rock song: Check
Fun chanting bit: Check
Play on team name: Check
Honestly, what are you waiting for Tampa?
Vancouver Canucks: Move- Little Mix
Not only is this song a great danceable tune that’ll get everyone moving, it also serves my hidden agenda of getting video of hockey players dancing to girl bands. With lyrics like “don’t you get comfortable, when we move you move”, I’m sure they’ll intimidate the visiting team.
Washington Capitals: Party in the USA- Miley Cyrus
There’s nothing wrong with being a little cliché, and whether you love Miley or hate her, this is one of the catchiest American themed songs ever made. More seriously, the main reason I picked this song is I want to see if Michael Latta and Tom Wilson make up choreography for it. (I have $10 saying they already have.)
Toronto Maple Leafs: Don’t Stop Believing- Journey
Listen, I have nothing against the Maple Leafs, but the fact of the matter is they haven’t had a cup in Toronto in over 40 years. But who knows? They’ve made some interesting moves this offseason and maybe all they need is their fans to go from throwing jerseys to telling them to not give up. It’s worth a shot.
Winnipeg Jets: Uptown Funk- Mark Ronson
Much like being a Toronto fan, being a Jets fan probably isn’t the most rewarding fan experience. This is why I’ve chosen a modern classic that will let fans celebrate every goal in style. Maybe if everyone in the whole arena gets pumped enough they can uptown funk-up the visiting team.
no truer words have ever been said: "Michael Latta and Tom Wilson. I’m gonna date both of them." i agree wholeheartedly. a++
Thank you! I truly feel that separately, Latts and Wilson would be terrible at dating. But together.... They just might be able to pull this off. One complete boyfriend.
Hi! I just saw your post on Twitter about having a boyfriend from every team, If you really had to date someone from every NHL team, who would it be?
Hi! I knowyou sent this post a few days ago, but this is the kind of question thatrequired a lot of Important Research* and roster gazing, tbh. Since this wouldbe about a million years long if I provided an explanation for each, I’vedecided to just let you use your imagination on my rationale. Here we go!
Anaheim Ducks- Hilary Knight (it counts, fight me)Arizona Coyotes- Dylan StromeBoston Bruins- Malcolm SubbanBuffalo Sabres- Evander KaneCalgary Flames- Johnny GaudreauCarolina Hurricanes- Jeff SkinnerChicago Blackhawks- Andrew ShawColorado Avalanche- GabrielLandeskogColumbus Blue Jackets- Brandon SaadDallasStars- Tyler SeguinDetroit Red Wings- Henrik ZetterbergEdmonton Oilers- Connor McDavidFlorida Panthers- Aaron EkbladLos Angeles Kings- Derek ForbortMinnesota Wild- Mathew DumbaMontreal Canadiens- Carey PriceNashville Predators- Seth JonesNew Jersey Devils- John MooreNew York Islanders- Josh Ho-SangNew York Rangers- Marc StaalPhiladelphia Flyers- ****** *******Pittsburgh Penguins- Beau BennettOttawa Senators- Andrew HammondSan Jose Sharks- Matt NietoSt Louis Blues- Carl Gunnarsson Tampa Bay Lightning- Ben BishopToronto Maple Leafs- Nazem Kadri Vancouver Canucks- Brandon PrustWashington Capitals- Michael Latta and Tom Wilson. I’mgonna date both of them.Winnipeg Jets- Tyler Myers
*I’ll be real, if I wasn’tsuper familiar with the team, I just looked up the roster and picked the cutestone, whoops.
While doing some Very Scientific Offseason Research (VSOR), I discovered that not one but three different teams currently list Rock and Roll Part 2 as their goal song- and at least half of the teams in the league have used this song at some point in their history. I’ve decided to use all of the energy I’m not using to watch hockey to reimagine the goal songs for all 30 NHL teams using both sound logic and possible-pun-potential.
If you missed the first installment, you can find Anaheim through Dallas here!
Detroit Red Wings: Living on a Prayer- Bon Jovi
This tune is a perfect fit for Detroit for a lot of reasons. I mean, Living on a Prayer, angels have Wings. It’s fun, classic, easy to listen to, and if it happens to describe their current playoff prospects that’s just a coincidence.
Edmonton Oilers: Drag Me Down- One Direction
If you follow me on twitter, you know that my favorite joke of all time is that Edmonton’s goal song should be Stockholm Syndrome by One Direction. (Tell me I’m not wrong.) But if I have to pick a serious song, I’ll go with the band’s Drag Me Down. The song is “a massive thank you” to the fans for sticking by them through tough times, which I’m sure Edmonton can relate to.
Florida Panthers: Don’t Stop the Party- Pitbull
I’m pretty sure it’s a crime to choose a song to represent South Florida without considering Pitbull. So I did consider it and I decided it’s perfect. The Florida crowd often consists of visitors from out of town, and what better way to get the opposing team’s fans on your side than having an in-arena dance party?
Los Angeles Kings: King- Years and Years
In addition to being a great homage to the King’s name, this song could also serve a double purpose. Hidden after soaring “ooohs” the chorus claims “… I want to feel like you’ve let me go, so let me go.”- Which is exactly what I want the Kings to do. Let me go. When will we be free?
Minnesota Wild : Animal- Neon Trees
This song is perfect for a newer franchise like the Wild. Once again this pick is a nod to the team name but it’s popular enough that nearly everyone in attendance will have heard it, even your Uncle Jimmy who’s still mourning the North Stars’ move to Dallas in 93. It’s upbeat, danceable and has a chorus that’s extremely hard to mess up but very easy to yell in goal induced euphoria.
Montreal Canadiens: Centuries- Fall Out Boy
Montreal has one of the most passionate and storied franchises in the NHL, and this song does a great job at celebrating them. But to be honest, even if this team hadn’t won one fourth of all Stanley Cups ever, they would still deserve this song to commemorate the friendship of PK Subban and Carey Price.
Nashville Predators: Gold on the Ceiling- The Black Keys/I Like It, I Love It- Tim McGraw
For Nashville, I decided to keep their existing goal song, which is actually a mashup of The Black Keys and country powerhouse Tim McGraw. If you think this combination is a little on the wacky side- it is. But it works, somehow, and represents the musical city’s past and present.
New York Islanders: No Sleep Till Brooklyn- The Beastie Boys
After spending over 30 playing at Nassau Coliseum, the team will start this 2015 season at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn. Many longtime fans aren’t happy about the change in location, but maybe hearing this rousing anthem any time the puck hits the back of the net will help change their minds.
New York Rangers: Empire State Of Mind- Jay Z feat. Alicia Keys
It might be a little cliché to use this song for the Rangers, but as an Original 6 team in the most Quintessentially American City, I feel like it’s probably allowed. Plus, New Yorkers are proud of their city and I can’t imagine that patrons need much convincing to yell “let’s hear it for New York” at visitors.
New Jersey Devils: Highway to Hell
This is another one of those song choices that seemed like a no-brainer to me. The New Jersey
Devils, Highway to Hell. The song chooses itself. There’s really not any way a classing rock anthem like this would fail to get the home crowd amped and ready to take on any team that comes their way.
