Thursday Thoughts: A Tourney, Cory and Skinny
This week I drew the short end of the blogging stick, more commonly known as “Thursday.” It’s my day to post and frankly coming up with appropriate content the day after 43 people, including 27 members of the KHL team, Lokomotiv Yaroslavl, perished in a fiery plane crash is not an easy feat. I know there are plenty of positive things happening in the world but talking about them seems silly. But I write today about other topics, not out of disrespect, but knowing the show must go on. I wish nothing but peace and comfort for the families, friends and fans of those lost in the accident.
How about some sunnier sundry newsworthy items from the hockey world?
Back in July during the State of the Canes Address, John Forslund said that Cory Stillman was going to retire. I have been waiting patiently for the announcement. Apparently it will come today as reports say he will do so during a Florida Panthers presser. The 37 year old winger is expected to take a role as part of the club’s player development staff. While a lot of fans were not pleased for his return to the Canes last season I think he brought a veteran presence that was valuable in the push for the playoffs. I am pleased he finished out his play here and wish he was sticking around our front office. I guess the World Champion International “B” Junior Hurricanes will need to find a new captain as Riley Stillman will be heading back to Florida. My personal favorite Cory Stillman moment strangely has nothing do with the game of hockey. It is from an old video from the “Ask the Canes” series where we learned “What is the worst gift your husband ever gave you?” Watch to hear the lovely Mara Stillman give one of my favorite answers in this history of the series:
A few of the Hurricanes prospects like Keegan Lowe and Brody Sutter have been tweeting about their travels to the NHL Prospects Tournament in Traverse City, MI taking place from the 10th through the 14th. The team will be coached by Jeff Daniels, coach of our AHL affiliate Charlotte Checkers. Click here for the complete roster. Jared Staal and Justin Faulk are on the list so looks like they will be missing a few skates at Camp Brind’Amour. Good luck to all the guys in what should be a great experience.
I wasn’t intending to save the best for last. It just sort of worked out that way. (Actually that video was some high quality comedy). But let’s top this post off with some Jeff Skinner! #53 is one of the players who is taking part in the Player Media Tour run jointly by the NHL and NHL Players Association to promote our favorite sport of hockey. That’s right. Skinny is making the rounds in the Big Apple again! Skinner is in good hands as he is accompanied by Mike Sundheim, Hurricanes Director of Media Relations. For a very entertaining account of the trip make sure to stop by Mike’s Blog, Guy Behind the Guy: Skinner Takes Manhattan and follow him on Twitter (@MikeSundheim). You can read more about Skinny’s turn at EA Sports NHL 12 as well as the feelings of inadequacy that King Henrik Lundqvist inspires in other men.
Also, Henrik Lundqvist is here. So the rest of us feel a little more underdressed and a little less good-looking at the moment.
The media kit put together by the Hurricanes about our Calder Cup Winning sophomore is a fun read. I am looking forward to hearing and seeing more about the tour. Head over to our sister blog, The Rat Trick for all your Florida Panthers news and stop back in here tomorrow as Dan pays tribute to former Hurricane and Locomotiv player, Josef “Big Joe” Vasicek.
As always, thanks for stopping by, and we welcome your comments. Stop by our Facebook and “like” our page! Be sure to follow the Cardiac Cane writers on Twitter : @CardiacCaneFS @esbee92 @caniac176