scpa0305

Ok, then baseball players have to wear cages too....and pitcher must pitch with a helmet and full face mask. What your talking about completely changes the game. Do you understand that you play better without a full face mask? Seriously, the first time I played competitive hockey without a mask I instantly saw things better. My teammates seemed more open. I'm guessing you've never played. Facial injuries in the NHL are no more common than any other injury. Except that barring a broken jaw.....u can usually keep playing.

Fighting ending in hockey may end. I believe it should stay but the amount of staged fights is ridiculous, it gives our game a bad name. I still believe college hockey will go to a 2/3 visor in the next 5-10 years. The more the college game changes away from the NHL the more kids head north. The NHL will never (in my lifetime, I'm 28) wear full visor unless somehow the game changes or the type of facemask changes to allow better vision. There is a reason Crosby went to the jaw protecter only and not a full visor/cage.

Why are you so concerned with a jaw? What about the neck? They have never created a proper neck guard...why aren't you bringing up other parts of the body which aren't covered? Why simply the lower part of one's face? If Crosby would have attempted to catch the puck and broke his hand would you be calling for the NHL to create a mandate on players putting additional padding on their gloves? Or if he took a slapper to the side of the foot...would you be calling for a mandate that all players must wear skate plates no questions asked? Significant blows to the head at high speeds can cause life altering brain damage....a stick or puck to the eye could potentially alter your vision forever thus changing your quality of life. I get the helmet (especially in today's game) and I'm for a grandfather of the visor. But a full facemask is ridiculous....these guys are professionals.

How many players in the NHL come from college? 30-40% max? And of those college players how many went right from college to the NHL full time....10%, maybe? Most of the NHL players have worn half (well 2/3) shield since they were 16. Do you have any idea the kind of jump it is from high school to juniors? Or for that matter college to the NHL? It is night and day. They should be wearing 2/3 visors is college....I believe the creativity would actually be better and the game would be more fun to watch.

Are full body balloons coming next? Or should we just play video games so no one is hurt. Maybe we should only play roller hockey because steel blades are too dangerous. These guys nknow what they're signing up for, as I've told u before full facial shields remove much of your peripheral vision and when combining that with NHL speed there will be way more concussions. I am starting to lean towards grandfathering in visors due to eye damage but the league will stop at that unless the game significantly changes over the next 30 years. FYI the helmet rule has nothing to do with this debate.

I mistakenly gave u a +1 based on the first half of you post, however the use of full shields is ridiculous....it won't happen nor should it. Regarding embellishment I too agree that not much can be done so those of you who can't control yourselves over the topic must chill out. Lemieux was a legend at drawing calls. I definitely hold players that play responsibly that much more up on the totem pole but again, there's not much you can do. It's not like this just started.

I have been wondering the same thing. He's a great guy...and coach.

Can't say you didn't call it Goon :o)

Anyone know what network the USA world game is on? Everything on the net is saying NBCSN but my guide definitely show Indy/horse races during the time slot the game should be on. I have Dish.

Looks like he was on the Midget AA team....I've heard there is a big drop off from AAA to AA. He is young though.

I like it....I still think we're going to be a lot better than people think. Those freshman are all nice players.

Agreed....however my other argument was there used to be way more D1 kids but now hockey is being played everywhere. Either way, I think teams in GF are making a comeback but the state as a whole is getting weaker.

Hahaha, I'm talking about pulling in stars rather than building them. Leddy was still in college when that trade happened (he actually underperformed that year too) so no one new what type of player he was going to be. FYI, Leddy isn't great yet...he has a great D partner. He's solid though. Also, they traded those players (all who were drafted by the Hawks I believe or who came up through Rockord) for additional role players/draft picks so, again, they are not going out and trading all their picks for top end talent....they build it. Are simply disagreeing with me to disagree...you do that a lot. Many NHL fans know that ChiTown has built their team as good/smart as any other team out there. Bam! :o)

Toews for the Selke. He'll have a tough going against Bergeron, he's one of the most underrated players in the NHL.

Casey was an 02 03 grad, yes they are brothers.

Both Moreland bros were not on that team.

2001 Red River, Early 90's Central squads

Yup he's the real deal. Someone on here was saying how he was average in high school...must not have seen too many game. Props Pauly!

Maybe panz is the odd man out unfortunately....I believe he is the least heralded of all the dmen we will have for this upcoming season.

True. Not a bad problem to have I guess. I've heard Stecher is ready to contribute right now. I would think the reigning BCHL Defensemen of the Year would be fully ready to play college hockey. Only time will tell I guess.

Is it possible Thompson plays another year of junior hockey? He's super young. He didn't receive a ton of ice time at the worlds, at least not compared to ausmus. Just thinking, I'm guessing stecher makes an impact immediately, where Keaton is a tad raw.

True. The Blackhawks are probably the prototypical team in terms of a squad built from the draft. I have a lot of respect in that. Besides hossa they really didn't have to spend to much money, if any, on outside help. GM does a great job there. I guess I forgot about sharp but he really wasn't the player he is today when before he arrived in Chicago. Goon do you have that Crosby goal from last night...I don't have NBCSN but I heard it was saucy.

Mattson is solid, no idea why he took a step backward last year but I do see him being a major contributor next year. I honestly think we have a great team next year. Young, but they'll be tough to beat.

I heard this from a buddy reasonably close to the team a few weeks back....but it was taking so long I was starting to get worried. Great day, great pick-up! He'll be pretty good right from the get go. Now....what to do with everyone else. I hope they don't keep Stecher in the BCHL longer, he'll probably decommit.

Are you kidding me??? This is one complete lie. Gam knows English....he's been here his whole life, guy doesn't even have an accent. You know his family (sons) are probably on here so keep it classy a$$. Edit: Oh you're talking about the grandpa.....I didn't realize you're old. Either way they are a nice family so I'm going to leave my initial comment.