Cardiac Cane - A Carolina Hurricanes Blog

Jeff Skinner attempts the to regain control of the puck during the first period against the Colorado Avalanche (Ron Chenoy-US PRESSWIRE)

Jeff Skinner was named Triangle Sports Person of the Year by Capitol Broadcasting. The other nominees were Duke head coach Mike Krzyzewski and golfer Webb Simpson. The press release from the team is below:

RALEIGH, NC – The Greater Raleigh Sports Council tonight announced that Carolina Hurricanes forward Jeff Skinner has been named Capitol Broadcasting Company Sports Person of the Year. Skinner received the honor at the organization’s annual Evening of Champions event, held tonight at the RBC Center.

Skinner, 19, became the first player in Carolina’s franchise history to win the Calder Trophy as the NHL’s top rookie in 2010-11, ranking first among league rookies in points (63), second in assists (32) and third in goals (31). The Markham, Ont., native was tied for second among NHL rookies in power-play assists (12) and power-play points (18), and trailed only Eric Staal among Hurricanes skaters in goals and points. Skinner (5’11”, 193 lbs.) scored his 30th goal on April 6 against Detroit, becoming the youngest player in franchise history and the seventh-youngest player in NHL history to score 30 goals (18 years, 325 days).

In January 2011, Skinner became the youngest All-Star in NHL history when he skated for Team Staal at the 2011 NHL All-Star Game at the RBC Center at the age of 18 years, 259 days, breaking the record set by Steve Yzerman (18 years, 267 days) in 1984. He made his NHL debut for the Hurricanes on Oct. 7, 2010, against the Minnesota Wild in Helsinki, Finland, and became the youngest player in franchise history to earn a point the next night. He became the youngest player in team history to score a goal when he beat Jonathan Bernier for his first NHL goal on Oct. 20 in Los Angeles. Skinner’s 31 goals ranked as the second-most by a rookie in franchise history, behind Sylvain Turgeon’s 40-goal rookie season in 1983-84.

This is certainly a pretty big honor for the sophomore forward for the Hurricanes, as he was placed against some pretty tough competition. The win for Skinner also shows how much the area has grown as a hockey market over the last several years. We here at Cardiac Cane congratulate Jeff and look forward to his continued growth and success as a member of the Hurricanes.

While doing research for this post, I was having a hard time finding anything using the Google about “Hockey Day in America.” I confess I had a small panic attack thinking the event was being downplayed and the sport once again was not getting the recognition it deserves. But be still my heart! There is a reason why I could not find “Hockey Day in America,” because it’s “Hockey Weekend Across America!” That’s right! The entire weekend, beginning tomorrow, is devoted to all things USA Hockey!

According to the USA Hockey website, the objective of the weekend is two-fold:

1. To celebrate our game and all involved in the sport throughout the nation using all means possible.
2. Provide opportunities for those who haven’t played hockey to try it, resulting ultimately in more people playing our game at all levels.

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Birthday Boy, Tuomo Ruutu (Photo Credit: Charles LeClaire-USPRESSWIRE)

Finland’s golden boy, Tuomo Ruutu, has beautiful Head & Shoulders flow, an adorable crooked grin, gritty play, and soft hands. The Carolina Hurricane center is a well-decorated player and fan favorite. Ruutu was born on this day in 1983 in Vantaa, Finland. He was originally drafted 1^st round, 9^th overall in the 2001 NHL entry draft by the Chicago Blackhawks. He was acquired from Chicago in exchange for Andrew Ladd on February 26, 2008.

Mr. Tuomo has played in 57 games for the Canes this season and has claimed 17 goals and 13 assists as the team’s second leading point scorer. He is also known for glass shattering hits. Ruutu has represented Finland in ten major international tournaments, including the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver in which Finland earned the bronze medal. #15 led his team in scoring to help Finland claim gold at the 2000 Under-18 World Junior Championship. Ruu snagged yet another medal with silver at the 2001 Under-20 World Junior Championship. Oh wait, and another bronze at the 2002 Under-20 World Junior Championship. Finally, led the in scoring with 10 points to assist Finland in capturing the bronze medal at the 2003 Under-20 World Junior Championship. That’s enough bling to make Lil Jon jealous.

I’ve done this in the past, but it’s too fun to pass up. Here are some fun #15 stats involving 15… Continue reading this post »

Feb 13, 2012; Montreal, QC, CAN; Carolina Hurricanes center Jeff Skinner (53) is checked by Montreal Canadiens defenseman Hal Gill (75) during the second period at the Bell Center in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Mandatory Credit: Jean-Yves Ahern-US PRESSWIRE

The Carolina Hurricanes returned to practice this morning for their first practice since defeating the Montreal Canadiens on Monday.  Two of the Canes players were clearly over Valentines Day.  Jeff Skinner and Patrick Dwyer had an altercation at the end of their practice this morning.

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Happy February 14^th Caniacs! Today is that special holiday which I like to call “Tuesday.” In celebration of “Tuesday,” I bring you a post with a love theme! Oh for goodness sakes. Don’t stop reading. You didn’t actually believe me did you? You should know better by now Caniacs.

The only love-related thing I am here to talk about is whether our boys are lovers or fighters. Wait! That isn’t coming out right either. Fights! I am here to talk about fights! And anger management! And apparently I am very enthusiastic about it!

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January 17, 2012; Pittsburgh,PA, USA: Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Tim Gleason (6) moves he puck against the Pittsburgh Penguins during the third period at the CONSOL Energy Center. The Pens won 2-1 in a shootout. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USPRESSWIRE

After a thrilling win last night in Montreal, the Carolina Hurricanes received Valentines Day off.  Most of the Canes needed this day off due to the fast paced, hard hitting action last night against the Habs.  The Canes will return to practice Wednesday at the Raleigh Center Ice.  They will practice there tomorrow, and Thursday, before they get in their final practice before their game against San Jose on Friday.  While it was an off day, the organization was still on the go.

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Birthday Boy Brandon Sutter (Photo Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-US PRESSWIRE)

It is very fitting Canes’ adored alternate captain, Brandon Sutter, be born on Valentine’s Day. What is there not to love about the 23-year-old? He is an immensely talented center that continues to grow into an imperative role with the Carolina Hurricanes. Not to mention he is so darn cute. Sorry boys, it’s the day of love, be prepared for some gushing.

The 6’3”, 183 lbs former Red Deer Rebel was drafted 1st Round, 11th overall by the Hurricanes in 2007. He was born on this day in 1985 in Huntington, NY, although his hometown is considered Red Deer, Alberta.

In October 2010, Brandon made his NHL debut against Florida and had a helper on the game winning tally. His first goal came on the 23rd of October against Pittsburgh. Sutter has played in a number of esteemed competitions. He was a member of Team Pacific that won a silver medal at the 2006 Under-17 World Hockey Challenge. #16 aided Team Canada at the 2006 Junior World Cup in clinching the gold medal. He also won a gold medal with Canada during the 2008 IIHF World Junior Championship. Continue reading this post »

Eric Staal dominates against Habs. (Photo Credit: Geoff Burke-US PRESSWIRE)

Kirk Muller brought his Canes to contend against his former team and claimed a big win with the help of his captain, Eric Staal.

Jiri Tlusty extended his point streak to five games with an early tip-in just three minutes into the contest. It would mark Tlusty’s 13^th goal of the season. Bryan Allen was credited with the assist. Jeff Skinner drew a hi-sticking call from Rene Bourque about half way through the first, which Carolina was unable to convert into a tally. Canes again failed to benefit from a power play when Alexei Emelin was charged with tripping at 13:33. Hurricanes out shot Montreal 16-6 after 20 minutes.

Side notes after the first, Habs fans booed Jaro Spacek each time he touch the puck. The behavior was a bit baffling. No worries, Spacek would get his revenge. Skinner was proven a target for aggression, perhaps trying to cash in on Skinner’s previous reactions. Tuomo Ruutu also went out with an upper body injury. Details of the injury have not been forthcoming.

At 9:41 Spacek turned that negativity into an extra-man advantage to extend the lead to 2-0. Skinner and Jokinen were the helpers in the production. Unfortunately, Tomas Plekanec answered with a wrist shot nearly 12 minutes into the second. To add to insult, Skinner returned to the box for another high stick and former Cane Erik Cole scored on the power play to tie the game. The trend continued as Jay Harrison went to the box and David Desharnais got a shot past Cam Ward. The Canadiens ended out shooting Canes 12-8 in the second and 1-4 on the power play. Canes went to the locker room trailing 3-2. Continue reading this post »