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Sports And Entertainment

By Sam Fels 1531 0

Warning: this is going to be an attempt to get a little intellectual. It will probably fail terribly.

So most of you have probably seen Molly Brook’s hockey/sports cartoon, but if you haven’t, you can check it out here. Do so before reading the rest of it.

The relationship between sports and entertainment, or at times the lack thereof, is something I’ve tried to write about a lot in my editorials in The Indian. I never can get a handle on it perfectly, but I think Brooks gets some of the things right here. Though I don’t usually like the comparison of sports to work of fiction, such as books or movies or theater. It’s just not the same thing. But I don’t think she’s making a direct comparison.

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When’s The NHL’s Biogenesis?

By Sam Fels 1374 0

Now that we’re into the dead period of the NHL’s offseason, I have a lot of time to get lost in my own head. And I’m wondering when the day will come when we’ll see the NHL’s PED crisis.

It’s funny, because the NHL and NBA are the two leagues that haven’t really suffered any sort of stain from the idea of athletes taking things (though I guess in the NBA a bong can’t be considered performance-enhancing). Because Bettman is Stern’s progeny, I suppose he has the same playbook on how to duck it. We don’t care about PEDs in football, but I’ve never really understood that debate, and here’s why.

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Kaner

By Sam Fels 1887 0

As was posted in our Morning Links, and then got linked to by Puck Daddy, Kaner’s retrospective on CSN last night drew some attention for showing a little bit of an emotional side regarding the support of his family and teammates and organization after that….whathaveya last spring in Madison.

I think it’s a pretty safe assumption that we’ve written about Kaner more than any other player on this blog in the 5+ years we’ve been doing it (this does not include all the sonnets McClure writes about Sharp on his own and quite possibly in his sleep). Kaner’s never far from the forefront a story’s headline when he’s not actually it himself. On the ice and a lot of times off it, it seems you just can’t keep your eyes off of him.

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My Ode To Pat Foley

By Sam Fels 1759 0

As we enter the doldrums here is summer, we’re going to be doing a lot of different things to try and entertain you. One will be sharing some of my favorite things from program-version of The Indian. This is my editorial from April 19th on Pat Foley’s 30th Anniversary.

It’s Pat Foley Night here at the UC. 30 years behind the mic doing the Hawks. If you’re like me, that just makes you feel fucking old.

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Here Comes The Brain Again, Falling On My Head Like A Memory

By Sam Fels 1372 0

While the Convention passed with many video montages, cute moments, and fun had by all, of course there was one bit of news that came out on Saturday that probably deserves a little focus now, and a whole lot of focus come training camp.

Joel Quenneville announced that your leading contender for the #2 center role next year is….Brandon Saad.

Does Brandon Saad play center? No. Has he since he was 16? No. Was he drafted as a winger? Yes. Does he exhibit any skills that scream “put him in the middle!”? No.

Let’s have some fun. Here are the names of everyone who’s been tried as the center behind Jonathan Toews since the Hawks and Patrick Sharp decided that winning a Cup with Sharp at center was something they never wanted to do again because it would be more fun this way:

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Ein Minuten Bitte

By Sam Fels 1746 0

In true John McDonough fashion, the Hawks Convention will start with a piece of news, which is something the Cubs have loved to do in years past. While it hasn’t been officially confirmed, everyone is pretty sure that it’s to announce a contract extension for Joel Quenneville.

On the surface, it makes sense. A second Cup after one of the most dominating regular seasons on record. That usually earns coaches more security and cash. Can’t argue that.

But….well, I’ll just let Eddie say it:

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Convention Primer

By Sam Fels 1642 0

I’ll admit it. I have no idea why people spend money to go to this Blackhawks Convention. I’ve always thought the Cubs Convention was creepy and weird, and I guess the Hawks version has less geriatric women from Iowa and Nebraska with really silly hats and jewelry and talking about just how much they love the “Hawkies.” Though I’m sure it comes with its own share of weirdo. Just a guess, but I bet he’s got a mustache. Though I suppose if you’ve ever dreamed about banging a Hawk, this is the best chance you’ll get. It’s in a hotel, after all.

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Our Olympic Nightmare Starts and Other Monday Notes

By Sam Fels 1472 0

First off, let me say the soccer fan within me loves international hockey. It’s the highest level, and having arguments with picking the national teams and lineups contained therein is endless fun. It’s good for the game…maybe. I’m not sure how 7am starts grows the sport, but that’s what they keep telling me.

However, as a Hawks fan, I’m absolutely terrified — just as I was in 2010. I guess that worked out ok. As we’ve mentioned before, the Hawks could have as many as 10 Olympians, which is almost half the roster. Few other teams will come anywhere near that, though the Hawks might not themselves.

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The Road Leads Where It’s Led

By Sam Fels 1528 0

Well, it took two days longer than it was supposed to and now was released on what is always a great place to release big news, a Friday afternoon. But the NHL schedule is out. Let’s see what’s up.

The first thing you’ll notice is that John McDonough finally got his way and now all home games start at 7pm Central (except for Sundays obviously, and whenever NBC comes calling). This has been something the Hawks have wanted for a while, and though it’s a bitch for those who work far away from the UC or those who like a lot of pregame time (or those who sell programs outside every game), it will be nice for everyone to get home before 11pm after most home games. No biggie there. Bulls games have always started then, so the Hawks probably should too