Formerly published in The Other Press. Apr. 3 2013

NHL plans to reduce size of goalie pads

By Elliot Chan, Staff Writer

On March 20, NHL general managers gathered in Toronto for the annual spring meeting. With discussions aimed at improving the game, plenty was on the agenda. But a key topic was about the shrinkage in goalie pads. For the past decade, executives in charge of the sport have been avidly trying to increase the hockey entertainment—in other words, they want to produce more goals.

Since the days of Tony Esposito and Patrick Roy, goaltenders have adapted a new form in stopping pucks, thus changing the equipment. Goalie gears are currently built to give players an advantage when they go into the butterfly position. Dropping down to their knees, goalies are able to cover up their five-hole with the help of their pads, which takes up 55 per cent of the space between the knees to the pelvis. The present debate is to decrease 10 per cent of the space, which is approximately the size of a hockey puck. While some managers are tired of arguing the topic, others believe it is unavoidable if NHL wants to increase goals and heighten entertainment.

“When we’ve done it in the past, you’ve got to make sure we don’t expose goaltenders to injury,” said Colin Campbell, the league’s senior executive vice-president of hockey operations. “They play now to their equipment and how their equipment is fitted. That’s what we want to attack. It’s a frustrating project, but it’s something that’s really affected the game the last 10 years.”

Hockey should be a showcase of athletic ability, so it is arguably cheating if a player has an upper hand because of their equipment. Former goalie and current goaltending supervisor, Kay Whitmore, suggested that safety was not a big factor, “I watch games every night,” he said. “You see goalies playing [with] well under what they are allowed. Some of our best goalies are playing in that size equipment and they’re playing safely.”

While some players choose smaller pads for flexibility in the stand-up position, others require heightened safety for their style of play. Winnipeg Jets’ goalie, Ondrej Pavelec believes that it is the different styles and options that make the game interesting. “How many times are they going to change the rules? I don’t think it’s that fair,” said Pavelec. “If you take something away from the goalies, you have to take something away from the players too. Okay, so we’re going to get small gear, we [should] give players wood sticks.”

Decreasing the size of pads might increase more goals, but many believe that fans are more interested in rivalries and competitiveness, rather than high scoring games. “I think it’s the speed, the skill, the passing. As long as the game is fast, I think it’ll be exciting,” said Chicago Blackhawks’ Corey Crawford. “Just because we get 10-8 hockey games doesn’t mean it’s going to be an exciting game.” He also added, “Shots keep getting harder, but for some reason, goalie equipment has to go down. Whatever. Whatever they do, just try to adjust to it.”

If fair is fair for Pavelec, Crawford, and other NHL goalies, then nothing will change. But until the day modern goaltenders go back to wearing those hotel pillows around their shins to stop pucks, few are going to have sympathy for them. So the debate continues and the new rule is developing and may be in effect as early as next year.

By Elliot Chan, Staff Writer

On Sunday, March 17, the Buffalo Sabres benched 26-year-old Patrick Kaleta after he served his five-game suspension. Irritated about being a healthy scratch and his team’s under achievement, Kaleta spoke with the media before the game against the Washington Capitals.

“They don’t need me right now, I guess. I’ve been pissed off watching for the past couple weeks,” said Kaleta. “No matter if you’re a fan or a player, you guys know what’s going on. You should be pissed off. You should play with a little piss and vinegar. You shouldn’t be happy. We’re not in position we want to be in. We have to work harder, come in, and do something about it.”

Ryan Miller, Buffalo’s goaltender, was not pleased by his teammate’s comments after losing 5–3. “That’s just drama and he needs to just grow up,” said Miller. “He doesn’t have to go to you guys and say that stuff. I’m addressing it now and I’ll go and talk to him about it. There’s no reason to say that.”

Dressing room conflicts are a common aspect of sports. But are peer disciplines helpful for team and player development? Miller is a well-respected leader, but when it comes down to it, he has no great superiority over Kaleta. They might as well be two co-workers in an office firm bickering over sales. Two wrongs don’t make a right. Although Kaleta should have sucked up his pride when benched, Miller should also know his role, which is to stop pucks, not authorize his teammates’ comments.

Relocation is an easier solution to resolution. If you’re not a good teammate, you’re a good opponent. Kaleta’s negative comments toward his teammates might have just bought him a trip out of Buffalo, but with the way things are looking, that might be exactly what he wanted.

The game is full of selfish players, but their dirty laundry doesn’t need to be aired out for the public to see. We don’t notice the problems occurring behind the scenes of our favourite restaurants, our local market, or even our classrooms. Not everyone reacts obediently to judgment and helpful criticism; sometimes those guiding actions can cause a defiant reaction.

On the same night as Miller and Kaleta’s war of words, Nashville Predators’ forward Sergei Kostitsyn lost control of a puck during a game against the Edmonton Oilers. The play caused an odd man rush heading the opposite direction, and instead of chasing after the opposition, Kostitsyn opted for a line change. The Nashville bench was livid with his indolence and he knew it. “I made a mistake. I went to change, I should have back-checked, but didn’t see the second guy was coming there,” said Kostitsyn after the 3–2 loss. “Even if it was a one-on-one, I should go back, it doesn’t matter if I was tired. I should have gone back and pressured him from behind.”

Hockey is a team sport, and it requires players to take onus of their own actions, whether it is on or off the ice. It might seem like a good strategy to point the finger and command someone to do better, but pointing out errors is counterproductive. Growth comes from communication and trust, and no team will fully develop by playing the blame game.

Formerly published in The Other Press. Jan. 22 2013

By Elliot Chan, Contributor

The first week of the NHL season is underway, and that means our fantasy teams are gearing to go. After listening to the experts and analyzing the rosters, we step back and await the results.

For those who chose the Penguin’s captain, Sidney Crosby, this year in the first round— I’ll say congratulations. But I’m going with Steven Stamkos of the Tampa Bay Lightning as my top centre. After all, the 22-year-old was the first player to score 60 goals in a season since Alexander Ovechkin did in 2007–2008. His individual success had been overshadowed by his team’s failure, but playing alongside Martin St. Louis and Ryan Malone will always guarantee production from the young sniper.

Now, I might not have selected Crosby, but I did pick up his Russian counter-part and last year’s Hart Trophy winner, Evgeni Malkin. With the absence of the captain last season, Malkin had the best year of his career, stepping up in every aspect of the game. Finishing with 109 points, the most in the league, the man teammates and fans refer to as “Geno” will make a big impact, regardless of Crosby’s condition.

Although his stock has decreased immensely this year, Ovechkin is still a great pick, and cheaper than ever. With 40 points in 31 games in the KHL this season, Ovechkin would be on route to a 100-point year should the games and stats be combined. That would make it his first triple digit season since 2009–2010. He is still a phenomenal player and I wouldn’t be surprised if he elevates his performance this year to prove he is still in the same class as Malkin and Crosby.

On defense there was no hesitation, I took Erik Karlsson from the Ottawa Senators. With 78 points in 2011–2012, nobody expects the 22 year-old Swede to replicate the dream season. But with a seven-year contract and a Norris trophy, expectations are higher.

I could have chosen Shea Weber or Zdeno Chara as my second top line defenseman, but instead I went back to the Penguins and selected Kris Letang. Often flying under the radar on the team, Letang is one of the leagues most consistent D-men. With a plus/minus rating of +26 in six NHL seasons, Letang is reliable in all big game situations, including shootouts.

Finally, my number one goalie will be none other than Vancouver Canucks’ Cory Schneider. Regardless of Roberto Luongo’s situation, pressure is high for Schneider. Fortunately his first year as a starter is in a shortened season. With a total of 68 games in the NHL, the season will still have a familiar backup feel for Schneider.

As for some dark horses, on offense I chose Pittsburgh’s Pascal Dupuis, Buffalo’s Cody Hodgson, and Edmonton’s Magnus Paajarvi. On defense I picked up, Detroit’s Kyle Quincey and Tampa Bay’s Victor Hedman. As for my backup goalie I went with Michal Neuvirth of the Washington Capitals.

That is my team for this year. I’m sure by February I’ll be regretting most of my picks. But until then, best of luck and hockey pool responsibly.

Formerly published in The Other Press. Jan. 22 2012

Milos Raonic not among the elites… yet
by Elliot Chan, Contributor

After a shaky first round in Melbourne, Canada’s golden boy of tennis, Milos Raonic, defeated Czech Republic’s Lukas Rosol in straight sets advancing him to the third round in the Australian Open. Overcoming the scorching 40 degree Celsius heat, Raonic rallied through a first set tiebreak and then cruising to a 7–6 (7–2), 6–2, 6–3 victory. Although he is a win away from matching his best grand slam performance, should he succeed he would end up facing Roger Federer in the fourth round.

“It was a little tough,” said Raonic, addressing the heat and not about the prospect of facing Federer, “you found yourself getting light-headed. Other than that it didn’t seem that hot. The sun was covered by clouds. But the air was thick, it was hard to catch your breath.”

It might help Raonic breathe a bit easier knowing that he defeated Rosol, who got most of his fame from ousting Rafael Nadal at Wimbledon last June. But with Nadal’s absence from the tournament, there really isn’t a point comparing him to Federer, Novak Djokovic, or Andy Murray. After all, they are the top dogs; the finals without the presence of two of them will be a surprise. But the idea of an upset might not be too far-fetched.

We can all agree that Federer is not the player he once was or that competition had stiffened against him. Either way, with pink shoelaces, the Swiss second seeder defeated Russian Nikolay Davydenko as the sunset in Melbourne last Thursday. After a 6–3 6–4 6–4 win, Federer heads into third round preparing to face home country favourite Bernard Tomic. Tomic had risen rapidly up the ATP standings. At 18 years old, the 71 seed Australian is the youngest player to reach the top 100.

For now, Raonic cannot worry about Federer. He has to focus on Saturday, when he takes on German, Philipp Kohlschreiber. But for fans, all eyes are towards the horizon, wondering what lies in store for Canadian tennis. It is hard to think about tennis in January, but the sport has been gaining popularity for years. With so many alternatives to hockey during the summer, it seems the powder keg is going to blow. With advancing victories from Milos Raonic, he might just be the one to light the fuse.

Formerly published in The Other Press. Jan. 15 2013

A Dark Age for Vancouver sport fans
By Elliot Chan, Contributor

April 22, 2012 marked the last Vancouver Canucks game. September 9, 2012, the Vancouver Canadians concluded their season. November 1, the Whitecaps were defeated and knocked out of their first MLS playoffs. November 18, 2012 was the disappointing last game for the BC Lions. And the Vancouver Giants, with a current record of 11-28-0, are unworthy of being considered entertainment. Needless to say, the city has been in a sports drought. And after gorging ourselves on the brief World Junior Championship, most of us still feel unsatisfied, like having eaten candy for dinner. Now that the NHL is back, the banquet is served. But let’s not forget the other sports and other leagues around the world. Just because we’re sports fans doesn’t mean we can’t be cultured.

Not far beyond the horizon, our American neighbours are enjoying their bounty in NFL playoffs and NBA midseason. With the Super Bowl held in New Orleans this year on February 3, you know it will be a grand spectacle, regardless of the teams in the final. As for NBA, the big three of LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh are proving their worth, leading the conference and eager to defend their title. But all eyes are on the usurpers. Kevin Durant looks to be the key to success in Oklahoma City, and Chris Paul and Blake Griffin of the LA Clippers look posed to do some real damage overtaking the Lakers as the Los Angeles team to root for. The current unpredictability of the two America-based sports makes it worthwhile to check out.

On January 14, 2013, the Australian Open tennis championships begin in Melbourne. The opportunity to see Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer face each other in a rematch is a good enough reason to stay up late. And if those two take up the top spots, then Andy Murray will be a respectable number three. After reaching the finals in two of the last three years, it seems that Murray always saves his best for the Aussies. Since he won the gold medal at the Olympics in his British homeland against Federer, Murray is expected by many to finally surpass his long-time rival and top seed, Djokovic.

Across the pond, the UEFA Championship round of 16 has been set and there are some key games leading up to the May 25 finals: Manchester United against Real Madrid on February 13 and March 5, AC Milan versus FC Barcelona on February 20 and March 12, and Arsenal taking on Bayern Munich on the same days. With memories of Chelsea winning 4–3 on penalty kicks after a 1–1 draw against Bayern Munich at the finals in Germany, an epic tension is building up because of the finals being held at Wembley Stadium in England. Bayern would love to make their tenth appearance in the deciding game, but with so many quality teams in the mix it seems unlikely to see an England-Germany rematch.

Although there might not be a whole lot going on north of the 49thparallel, like tropical fruit in January, there are always exports from other countries to enjoy.