Blogger KING Sports

Notre Dame off. coordinator to interview with Huskies

2008-11-20T03:40:17Z

Rivals.com is reporting that Notre Dame offensive coordinator Mike Haywood will interview for the Huskies head coaching job. There is a connection for Haywood.

Huskies athletic director Scott Woodward, who took over the job in mid-September, is the former director of external affairs in the Office of the Chancellor at LSU, where Haywood served on the Tigers' coaching staff from 1995-2002. - rivals.com

Haywood even calls UW A.D. Woodward "a very good friend." I guess I would to if I wanted the job. Anyway, after the M's filled their managerial job, this should be the next hot topic in the area. For the sake of Husky fans, you hope they make a big splash with the school's next hire. Here's rivals.com article on Haywood. Here's his bio from Notre Dame.

Kerney to IR

2008-11-20T01:22:22Z

The Seahawks have placed defensive end Patrick Kerney to the injured reserve list. Kerney had his left shoulder surgically repaired by Dr. James Andrews about a couple weeks. Apparently the surgery didn't work. It's very possibly that he'll have to have another surgery to fix the previous surgery. You can see the Seahawks official press release after the jump.

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Seahawks Place Kerney on Injured Reserve
Renton, Wash. - The Seattle Seahawks have placed defensive end Patrick Kerney on injured reserve, the team announced this afternoon. Filling his spot on the roster is Brandon Miller, claimed off waivers from Atlanta. The team also re-signed safety Jamar Adams to its practice squad, a day after re-signing tight end Jeb Putzier to the active roster.

Kerney started all seven games played until injuring his shoulder at San Francisco (10/26). He leads the team with 5.0 sacks and finished with 21 tackles (15 solo), three passes defensed, two forced fumbles and one fumble recovery.

Miller signed with Atlanta as an undrafted rookie free agent on April 28. A converted linebacker from the University of Georgia to defensive end, he spent the first 10 weeks of the season on the practice squad before being signed to the Falcons active roster. He did not play in last week's contest vs. Denver (11/16) and was released on November 18.

Wakamatsu press conference live

2008-11-19T21:34:59Z

You can watch the M's live press conference introducing new manager Don Wakamatsu right now on Northwest Cable News or just click on the front page of KING5.com -- it's streaming live on the web. We'll have complete coverage of the presser tonight on KING 5 news at 5pm, 630, 10, & 11...plus, on Northwest Sports Tonight at 9:30pm, 11, 11:30.

Seahawks vs. Redskins game release

2008-11-19T17:49:31Z

I know, for many fairweather fans playing this game as spoilers is as irrelevant as Shaun Alexander's return to Qwest Field as a backup and Jim Zorn as the Redskins's head coach. Still, the drama exists on the sidelines. The FOX crew calling the game is Matt Vasgersian (play-by-play), J.C. Pearson (commentary) and Nischelle Turner (sidelines). Here's this week's game release, put together by Seahawks staff:

The Seahawks host the Washington Redskins this week, led by former Seahawks quarterback and quarterbacks coach Jim Zorn. Kickoff is slated for 1:15 p.m. (PT) and the game will be televised on FOX (channel 13 in Seattle) and broadcast on 97.3 FM in Seattle. This week marks the first game of back-to-back NFC East opponents for Seattle. The Seahawks travel to Dallas to face the Cowboys on Thanksgiving Day next week. This year, Seattle is 0-2 vs. the NFC East, losing at New York, 44-6 on October 5, and 26-7 vs. Philadelphia, on November 2. In its last 10 meetings against the NFC East, Seattle is 8-2, including 3-0 in the postseason. In the regular season, Washington holds a 9-4 series lead and has won four consecutive games dating back to the 2001 season, three coming in Washington, D.C. and one in Seattle on November 3, 2002. The two clubs have met in two of the last three postseasons. They met in the 2005 NFC Divisional Playoff Game on January 14, 2006, won by Seattle, 20-10, en route to its first Super Bowl appearance and in last postseason's Wild Card Game on January 5, with Seattle winning 35-14 at Qwest Field. Zorn's Redskins have a familiar look to Seattle fans as he is joined by former running backs coach Stump Mitchell and former running back Sherman Smith on his staff, as well as former players in running back Shaun Alexander, end Phillip Daniels (injured reserve), safety Mike Green, guard Pete Kendall, punter Ryan Plackemeier and cornerback Shawn Springs.

]]> Last time vs. Washington NFC Wild Card Game Seattle Seahawks 35, Washington Redskins 14 Saturday, January 5, 2008 - Qwest Field

The Seahawks won their fourth-consecutive home playoff game trumping the Washington Redskins 35-14 in front of a Seahawks record postseason crowd of 68,297. The Sehawks' defense stymied the Redskins in the first half jumping out to a 10-0 lead behind Leonard Weaver's postseason club-record 17-yard touchdown run. Josh Brown tied a club record with a second-quarter 50-yard field goal. Seattle tacked on another Brown field goal in the third quarter to take a 13-0 lead. The fourth quarter would see the two teams score 36 combined points beginning with the Redskins who took a 14-13 lead. The Redskins scored on the first play of the fourth quarter when Todd Collins connected with Antwaan Randle El on a 7-yard touchdown pass. On the second play of Seattle's following possession, Redskins safety LaRon Landry intercepted Matt Hasselbeck and Washington turned the turnover into seven points three plays later when Collins found Santana Moss on a 30-yard touchdown pass. On the ensuing kickoff, a gust of wind knocked the kickoff out of the air short of the returners and was recovered by Washington at Seattle's 14-yard line. Seattle's defense forced the Redskins to a 30-yard field goal attempt which missed wide left. Seattle took a 21-14 lead after a 20-yard Hasselbeck-to-D.J. Hackett touchdown connection and a successful two-point conversion. On Washington's first play following Seattle's touchdown, Marcus Trufant intercepted Collins and returned it 78 yards for a touchdown, the first in Seattle postseason history. On Washington's final drive, Seahawks' Jordan Babineaux intercepted Collins and returned it 57 yards for a touchdown.

Wakamatsu the right choice?

2008-11-19T00:00:42Z

As you first heard from KING5 news last night and then the confirmation on the KING5.com and as we broke in on Dr. Phil, the Mariners will name Don Wakamatsu as the team's next manager. Wakamatsu was one of seven candidates, including former Mariner Joey Cora. The M's new skipper had a cup of coffee in the majors as a catcher. He played 18 games in 1991 with the White Sox as Charlie Hough's personal catcher. Plus, he's been a minor league manager or coach and a major league coach for the past 12 seasons. By the way, he played college ball with Barry Bonds.

So is Wakamatsu the right choice? He interviewed for the A's & Rangers opening in 2006. But this will still be his first managerial job in the majors. Last week, GM Jack Zduriencik made the comment that everyone needs their first job. I guess you could say he's right. Look at what Joe Maddon with the Rays. They didn't do so bad. But for every success story, you could probably find five or more failures. So is Wakamatsu the right choice?

Cross Muschamp off Huskies list

2008-11-18T22:46:50Z

Texas has named defensive coordinator Will Muschamp as the team's head coach in waiting. So whenever Mack Brown decides to retire, Muschamp will take over. By the way, Brown is only 57. So it could be a decade or more before Brown steps down. I guess Muschamp will make more money. He more than doubled his salary to $900,000 at Texas. But why commit to a college when he probably could get a head coaching job this year or next year? At any rate, if the Huskies really want him, I'm sure they could pony up enough money to pull him to Seattle. Here's a little more on the story.

Obama calls for NCAA football playoffs

2008-11-18T17:53:14Z

Can President-elect Barack Obama get rid of the Bowl Championship Series? Twice in recent television interviews, the President-elect has called for an eight-game college playoff series. Once during his interview with Chris Berman from ESPN at halftime of MNF the night before the election, and most recently in Sunday's interview with 60 Minutes' Steve Kroft. Here's the BCS part of that interview:

Today the deal was done, taking TV rights for five BCS bowl games from Fox to ESPN, including the national championship by 2011 (the deal would also take the Rose Bowl to cable TV). What do fans think? Is the current BCS deal worth it, even with the big games on cable? Or would an eight-game playoff series be better for the sport?

Wakamatsu Next M's Skipper?

2008-11-18T07:04:56Z

KING5 has learned from sources close to the Mariners that A's bench coach Don Wakamatsu is likely the next M's skipper pending approval from the owners in Japan. Wakamatsu spent five season with the Rangers organizations. He's also worked with the Angels. Here's a link for more info on Wakamatsu.

Hasselbeck sorry

2008-11-18T02:09:24Z

Seahawks quarterback Matt Hasselbeck apologized for his comments after Sunday's game against the Cardinals. He said he expected some fines to come down for some of the hits he took yesterday. Today, the quarterback says he regrets saying that and he probably owes someone an apology. He continued to say they played hard, physical, within the rules, and with class and hopes nobody gets fined. Hasselbeck called it a physical game and thought he probably shouldn't have talked so soon after the game. He even joked he may have needed a nap first. Arizona head coach Ken Whisenhunt didn't think there was any foul play. Here's a couple of Whisenhunt quotes from profootballtalk.com. Today, Hawks head coach Mike Holmgren says there's a rule stating quarterbacks can't be hit in the head. Holmgrean called the Adrian Wilson play as being close to that and it could have gone either way. I'm sure both Holmgren and Hasselbeck are trying to play nice avoid any fines.

Seahawks season done. What now?

2008-11-17T18:00:00Z

Let's put you in the coaches/GM seat. The Cardinals win put the Seahawks at 2-8 and basically ended the Seahawks chance at getting the NFC crown. Hasselbeck was rocked more than once. No. 8 went for one TD and three INTs with a bulging disk in his back and nerve issues in his leg. Should Matt continue to play out the season? Should Holmgren step back and let Mora transition in now? While I cannot fathom the latter happening, the question will surely be asked. And looking ahead to the draft, what would the 12th Man pick with the first selection? A corner? A WR in the likes of Boldin or Fitzgerald? An offensive lineman? The next Seahawks QB? Plenty of questions that need to be addressed by this team in the offseason. Whatever happens, you have to give it up to the Seahawks. Down the line, I didn't see a single player in blue and green stop playing.

Cougars women hoops add 2 more recruits

2008-11-17T03:45:28Z

Wazzu's women's basketball team adds two more recruits for 2009-10. Head coach June Daugherty signed 6'4" Australian Razz Muir and 5'10" German Ireti Amojo. You might remember Amojo from two years ago when she played with Auburn-Riverside in 2006-07 as a foreign exchange student. Amojo will join former teammate Katie Grad at WSU. I don't know much about Muir. According to her bio, she's won titles on numerous levels. Plus she was named a defensive player of the year and a female sports person of the year. Coach Daugherty will have added 11 new players in two years when this class enters school next year. Expect them to be a top 25 team within a few seasons. The whole press release and more on Amojo & Muir is after the jump.

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Cougar Women Complete Signing Class

PULLMAN, Wash. - Washington State University women's basketball Head Coach June Daugherty received two more National Letters of Intent, completing her signing class for 2009-10.

Daugherty received NLIs on the first day of the early signing period this past Wednesday from Carly Noyes (Moses Lake, Wash.) and Ki-Shawna (KiKi) Moore (San Francisco, Calif.), and has since received commitments from Ireti Amojo (Berlin, Germany) and Razzearne (Razz) Muir (Nowra, Australia).

"We are proud to welcome four new student-athletes to Washington State University and our women's basketball family," Daugherty said. "Each of our four signees is extremely talented and athletic. They are people whom have won at the highest level of competition both nationally and internationally. My coaching staff and team members provided a strong amount of hard work and dedication to assist in them becoming our 2009-10 outstanding recruiting class! This is certainly an exciting day of celebration for the WSU Cougar Faithful."

Bio Information on WSU's latest signees follows:

IRETI AMOJO

Amojo, a 5-foot-10 guard out of Berlin, Germany, led her team to a third place finish at the European Championships (Division B). She was nominated to the German under-16 national team from 2004-06, and for the under-18 and under-20 teams this past year.

Amojo twice led her squad to both the German Championship and the Berlin Championship, and was nominated Scania Queen in the Scania Cup in 2005.

While on an exchange trip for one year, Amojo played with fellow Cougar Katie Grad's Auburn-Riverside High School team that won the 3A State Championship in 2007.

RAZZ MUIR

Muir, a 6-4 forward from Nowra, New South Wales, Australia, was a member of the NSW state under-16, under-18 and under-20 teams at the Australia National Championships.

She won back-to-back state championships with the Shoalhaven Basketball Club, and was named Shoalhaven's Player of the Year.

Muir was named both All-Australia and NSW All-State in each of the last three seasons. She was also named to the NSW All-Schools All-State team, garnering Defensive Player of the Year honors at the women's state league basketball championships. She was also named Defensive Player of the Year at the Intensive Training Centre Program in 2007.

In 2008 Nowra High School honored her with the Award of Excellence in basketball and named her the Female Sports Person of the Year. She also received a scholarship at the New South Wales Institute of Sport.

Carly Noyes (Moses Lake, Wash./Moses Lake HS) and Ki-Shawna (Ki-Ki) Moore (San Francisco, Calif./Sacred Heart Cathedral Prep) were each named honorable mention Preseason All-America by The Sporting News headed into their senior campaigns, and are each McDonald's All-America nominees.

Bio information on each of the previous signees follows:

KI-SHAWNA MOORE

Ki-Shawna (Ki-Ki) Moore, a 5-8 guard out of San Francisco, Calif., led Sacred Heart Cathedral Prep to the USA Today National Championship this past year with an undefeated record (33-0) and its third consecutive California Division III State Championship. A preseason honorable mention All-America from The Sporting News and a McDonald's All-America nominee, Moore was named to the ESPN-HoopGurlz Top 100.

Following this past season, Moore took home a plethora of accolades, including: first-team All-WCAL, San Francisco Examiner All-City First Team, San Francisco Chronicle All-Metro First Team, second-team all-state and third-team All-NorCal. Moore also garnered San Francisco Examiner All-City First Team honors as a sophomore, and was named second-team All-WCAL as a sophomore and garnered honorable mention All-WCAL as a freshman. She played in the Sac vs. Bay All-Star game in both 2007 and 2008.

Moore played for Bay Area Lady Warriors and was a member of the San Francisco PAL Pop Warner Tackle Football Junior Pee Wee League from 1999-2001. In 2008, she was named to the Nike Northwest Invitational All-Tournament team and was named most valuable player of the Oregon Trails. In 2007 Moore was named most valuable player of the River City Classic. And in 2006 Moore was named to the all-tournament teams at both the River City Classic and the Oregon Trails.

CARLY NOYES

Carly Noyes (6-foot-5, center), the defending two-time Columbia Basin League Player of the Year out of Moses Lake, Wash., led Moses Lake High School to the 4A State Championship game this past season as a junior. Entering her senior campaign, Noyes is already Moses Lake's all-time leader in scoring, rebounding and blocked shots as a three-year starter, and was named preseason All-America honorable mention by The Sporting News and was a McDonald's All-America nominee.

Noyes averaged 18.9 points, 9.7 rebounds and 2.9 blocks per game as a junior en route to being named first-team all-state by both the Seattle Times and Tacoma News Tribune. Noyes also garnered Tri-City Herald All-Area Most Valuable Player accolades, and was named first-team all-league and most valuable player on both offense and defense. As a sophomore Noyes was named the Columbia Basin League's Most Valuable Player on offense, and garnered first-team all-league on both offense and defense after averaging 18.4 points, 9.0 rebounds and 4.1 blocks per game. As a freshman Noyes averaged 13.2 points, 7.3 rebounds and 3.1 blocks per game en route to first-team All-CBL honors. Noyes was named to the Tri-City Herald All-Area team both her freshman and sophomore seasons, and has been awarded the Chiefs' most valuable player award all three years.

Noyes has also started for the Spokane Stars elite summer basketball team each of the last two years, and was named team captain this past year. She was named to the End of the Trail All-Tournament team in 2008.

--wsucougars.com--

Hockey: A look at the AHL

2008-11-17T03:30:56Z

Here in Western Washington, we sport WHL pride. I mean, how can we not? We boast two teams: the Seattle Thunderbirds and Everett Silvertips. If you go down I-5 to Portland, you've got the Winterhawks. Travel east and you run into the Tri-City Americans and Spokane Chiefs.
But today, we focus on the AHL (American Hockey League), which features 29 teams connected to NHL teams, including the Vancouver Canucks' farm team, the Manitoba Moose and the San Jose Sharks' farm team, the Worcester Sharks.
Regular contribute Joanne Klever recently traveled to Worcester to check out the AHL.
Here's what she uncovered.

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AHL: The Worcester Chronicles
~ Joanne Klever

As someone who loves to write about this game as well as my team, I will be the first one to admit that it's something that's a lot easier to do when you have things to complain about. When our teams are doing well (more specifically topping the league in points, ahem) and keeping smiles on our happy faces, we're conveniently silent, whereas when our boys go about stinking up the place, the rants never seem to end...

This is one case where I'm making an exception.
Cue full blown homerism.
I know I'm not the only Sharks fan to feel this way but, we're pretty lucky here in San Jose. No, its not the weather, or the Cali beaches, or the meticulously manicured city that makes me say that. Its more than that...it's something we all know and you can feel the pride in the air any time you venture near the Tank.
What is it that makes us lucky, you ask? Well, allow me to enlighten you.
Home sweet home...the Shark Tank is completely amazing. Ask anyone who's ever been here and they'll tell you...from the beautiful concourse, to the seating, and even the Blue Jackets (no I don't mean Columbus) game time never fails to disappoint. The food could be a little better, but hey, who can complain when you're watching a live hockey game?
My Comrades...my partners in crime...the fellow fans...and I don't just mean the other 17,495 people who sit next to me when the puck drops..._I mean our whole community_. I am sure everyone who's been to HP or knows a Shark fan could attest to the fact that we are quite the little group. We take as much pride in each other as we do in our team, and are as quick to defend one another as we are our boys...and that's just how it is. Don't mess.
The boys...Team Teal themselves. What can I say that hasn't been said by every one of their fans, friends, supporters, announcers, staff members, journalists and even each other? It comes down to the fact that every last one of these men represent the core values of the sport...
Character, heart, resiliency, creativity, work ethic, commitment, hunger.
Its part of their make up. Its what fuels the pride and dedication of their fans...all of these things are what make us lucky to be called "Sharks fans".
Recently however, I experienced something that many Sharks fans have not had the opportunity to experience. Something that is definitely an extension of everything said above...and it's something that I feel needs some significant recognition...so I'm gonna give it...

I took a trip back East this past Halloween to take in the "spirit o' the witch trials" in Salem, Massechussetts...in planning this trip I thought it might be fun to go to Worcester to catch a game, you know - when in Rome. Now, in case some of you don't know, Worcester is the home of the Sharks AHL Affiliate, the Worcester Sharks.

Needless to say I had no idea what to expect...this would be the first hockey game outside of San Jose that I've ever attended...and I was going it alone. That's right, all by my onesie...but regardless..._I was beyond excited._
I got my ticket. One solitary ticket..._sigh._ But hey, atleast I got to sit center ice, first row behind the Sharks bench right?
When game day came, I went and rented my car...(it was a cute little black Altima that flew up 90 like nobody's business...) and was on my way...a little nervous to say the least, and I had a one hour trip to get the full on butterflies...

I was told by someone "in the know" that everybody's friendly in Worcester. I guess I just didn't think much of it.

Once I stepped inside the DCU Center, it seemed as though everyone I encountered did all they could to make sure I was happy, and when they found out I came out from San Jose they were beside themselves. Everyone was so accomodating and so incredible it made me feel like I was part of the community. There was an instance where they were afraid they were making a bad impression on me but in fact nothing could be further from the truth...

When it was time for the puck to drop I was ready (but unprepared) for just how much these players would blow me away. Now, some of you may be familiar with a couple of their names if you've been following the Sharks for the past two weeks...but regardless of what you know, I'm going to assume you don't...and I want you to introduce you to a few guys who you may very well see more of in the upcoming months.

Meet the Worcester Sharks...the lesser known guys who possess the same core values as anyone else in the Sharks organization. Given the veteran roster our NHL team has, you may not see a lot of these boys but please don't sell their incredible talent short...

Tom Cavanaugh
This Center made his NHL debut on April 4th against the Kings at the end of last season and on his first shift on the ice, recorded his first point as an assist on Joe Thornton's goal...needless to say, he found a home in fans' hearts pretty quickly.
At the game I attended on 11/1 against the Manchester Monarchs, Cavanaugh tallied an assist on the first goal of the night and got the second goal for Worcester.
Its no doubt that his 55 points (19 G, 36 A) from last season is the reason he sees so much ice time...and now with NHL experience under his belt, he's even more of a force on Worcester's roster. When you watch him play you definitely get that he's the "big man on campus".

Lukas Kaspar
Made his NHL debut in the Sharks home opener against the Anaheim Ducks...went on to notch his first NHL goal against the Kings - which would wind up being the only goal of the night as well as the game winner. Lukas put up the third goal of the game against Manchester and got his first goal of the Worcester season...

Anyone who's seen him play can attest to the fact that Kaspar's got a lot of natural talent...and the crowd certainly went wild after he scored and he's one of those guys who doesn't try to hide their excitement. It is a pleasure to watch him succeed.

Jamie McGinn
Made his NHL debut at home in San Jose against Pittsburgh but went on to notch his first NHL goal against the Red Wings on October 30th. He came up huge again on Election Day versus the Minnesota Wild when he tallied the second goal of the night.
In my eyes, Jamie is a perfect fit in San Jose. His style of play is so professional, he looks like he's been in the NHL for much longer than three games, and no I'm not just saying that because he's scored two goals so far...there's just something there. He also gels so well with the team and matches the intensity of his fellow linemates that I can't help but jump to my feet any time he skates onto the ice for a shift. He's got that hunger - McGinn wants the McWin.

Derek Joslin
This gritty defenseman hasn't seen any NHL action yet this season but I know that will soon come to an end. I didn't get the chance to catch him during training camp but from what I saw throughout our preseason, Joslin will only add depth to our blue line if that's where McLellan chooses to keep him. Much like McGinn, Joslin has a natural knack for gelling with the team...

At the November 1st game versus Manchester, he didn't register any points but he did catch a tripping penalty which his teammates easily killed. When you watch him on the ice, especially at Worcester, you get a real sense of his strong leadership skills. He always seems to be in the right place at the right time and is a constant support to his linemates.

Thomas Greiss

What can I say about Greiss? Is it his Zoolander-esque looks that do it? Or maybe just his German charm? No...while those things are quite true (and irrelevant) what really stands out when you watch Greiss in goal is how much he has learned from Nabby. During warm ups at Saturday's game, it felt as if I was back here in San Jose while watching Greiss executing drills. While he still has a little ways to go, the lil' Nabby protege left me amazed with some of the saves he made that night.
Until we acquired Brian Boucher last season, Greiss was the main back-up boy. Until that fateful road trip game against the Isles last February when Nabby was injured by a slapshot to the mask, (I believe it was Mike Comrie...this Long Islander is not amused, MIKE.) Greiss really hadn't had the opportunity to show his stuff...and even though they wound up losing the contest it was experience for Greiss...experience from which as far as I can tell, he has grown immensely.

I can't even begin to express how much recognition this team deserves...but alas, being "sold short" is the name of the AHL game it seems...and proving yourself game in and game out is as much of a necessity as lacing up your skates.

However I would strongly recommend that if you live or ever visit the Boston area, take the trip to Worcester. You won't be disappointed. In fact I can guarantee that you'll have an absolute blast...I know I did...and heck, I was all alone.
There are more Sharks that you have yet to be introduced to, in fact I had a much longer list initially...but I figure you can probably only handle one tasty helping of AHL homerism at a time...so I'll curb it for now and leave you, my reader, with this...something that happened tonight. Something that solidified what being a hockey fan and a lover of the game is really all about...
Tonight I attended the Sharks game versus St. Louis, but what was different about this game was that I decided to invite my best friend Kevin to come along. He is a diehard football fan who has never given hockey a second thought let alone been to a game...he knows what a significant role hockey plays in my life and has expressed interest in having me try to "win him over" by taking him to a game...a way to plead my case if you will. I expected it to be fun, I knew he would have a great time...but I didn't expect him to love every minute of it like he did. He was completely blown away...and watching his amazement reminded me of January 5th...11 months ago now...when that slack-jawed newbie was me. Not having a clue as to what was going on but being completely taken by the game. It was then that I realized that I didn't have to plead my case...this sport speaks for itself...and it speaks volumes in a single shift.

When I asked him if he had a good time, and his response was a speechless ear to ear grin, I knew I had my answer.

NHL: Torn between two teams? Maybe not.

2008-11-17T01:28:36Z

My friends and I have had a lively discussion lately about liking more than one NHL team. It seems to be more prevalent in hockey than other sports. Why is that? I have two teams I follow faithfully: the Pittsburgh Penguins and Vancouer Canucks. Yet, I find myself watching other teams, mostly because of one or two players.
Regular contributor Joanne Klever wrote an eye opening and extremely persuasive article about her absolute favorite team, the San Jose Sharks, and another team that's caught her eye, the Philadelphia Flyers. Here, she explains the attraction.

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What happens when the East Coast boys come out West
~Joanne Klever
(all photos reprinted with permission from Joanne Klever)

This is going to be a tough one to write about. I had been waiting the entire off season for this game. As of Thursday morning we weren't even going to be in town for this game which honestly broke my heart. I was supposed to be at Yosemite...enjoying a relaxing weekend of watching my back for bears and dodging annoying tourists. But my luck turned as we found out that the family friends we were supposed to be staying with had an emergency and we were off the hook.

But in the end, it worked out (for us anyway) because we got to go to the game. We got tickets in the lower bowl...and I was so psyched to get my butt to the tank. Like I said before, I had been waiting the entire off season for this game. You may ask, Why Teal? Why this game? Let me enlighten you...

You see, we all have those teams that we secretly love. I don't care who you are, what team you support - you've got a crush on another team. We all do. Trust me.

For those of you who do not know, for me that team is the Flyers. Through the playoffs and into the off season I learned a lot about the team and with the help of a few of the Flyers faithful here on Connect I've come to realize that they've got a lot to offer. I appreciate the talent they possess, as well as the work ethic and character of the guys themselves and they've got two amazing goaltenders who the fans absolutely adore...

Needless to say I knew it would be a great game to go to...but I noticed something I didn't expect.

I didn't expect there to be such a presence of Flyers fans...especially not 3,000 miles away from their team's home city. But despite the fact that most Sharks fans got their cages rattled every time the Flyers scored (and their fans chirped accordingly) I loved it. It was all in good fun and I could only imagine how good it feels to be a fan of the visiting team when your boys score...pretty good for the ego, eh? Besides, the cheers from the fans in orange sounded like elevator music compared to the explosion in the tank when the Sharks found the net...but like I've heard many times before, the Tank is a tough place for other teams to play in...hmmm, I wonder why...

It was pretty amazing to see Biron and Niittymaki up close and personal, as well as the rest of the boys. I do have to say, Upshall and Richards are MUCH better in person than in pictures...I'm just sayin.

After the Sharks game in Anaheim on Friday night, I was a little apprehensive about how Saturday night's game would play out. If these "new" Sharks were anything like ye olde Sharks, it didn't bode well for them. Also, this was our first game against an Eastern Conference team...it certainly would prove to be interesting if nothing else.

I guess I just wasn't prepared for exactly how interesting it would be.
When the puck dropped it was like the Flyers were shot out of a cannon. Their speed was incredible and their physical play was unexpected to say the least. They brought so much intensity to San Jose...it was nice to see. Given their current record, you could definitely tell they wanted it. You could see the hunger in every guy wearing a Flyers jersey...fans included.

If you didn't know that the Flyers hadn't won a game yet, you certainly wouldn't be able to tell from last night's performance. They played like a team that had their stuff together. All of their lines really seemed to gel, Danny Briere was on his game again, their forecheck was large and in charge, their penalty kill (unfortunately for us) was great and their goaltending was, well...if you don't know by now then you better just see your way out of this blog.

The energy and intensity could also be seen in the penalties that were taken and the gloves that were dropped. I loved seeing how scrappy both teams were with each other. Being as we generally don't get to see their beautiful faces that often, it was good to see our boys pound them the first chance we got.

As for my boys in teal, what can I say? Our D scored 2 out of 5 goals last night...which is an incredible feat in my opinion. After Braydon Coburn's goal early in the second, Ehrhoff came up huge with a amazing goal...our first of the night...Ehrhoff has come a long way from last season (thank goodness) and believe me when I say, it is a welcome change for this team. Then Jeff Carter got a shortie on our power play which surprised even Nabby I'm sure. We were down by a two goal deficit...then at the end of the second, a screen was set up and Cheechoo put one up on the scoreboard for us with an amazing tip-in during a power play. Pavelski evened things up in the third and then Setoguchi proved he is really stepping up his game and playing hard with the big boys. He came through for us in the third with a goal so beautiful it should be framed and placed in the Thomas Kincade Archives in Monterey.

And do I really need to say anything about Dan Boyle? We were in need of offensive defensemen and he certainly does the job. Not only is he a great addition to our Defense but he and Rob Blake have also improved our entire defensive line, and combined with McLellan pushing for more shots from the blue line - our D is becoming a force to be reckoned with.

I do think that defense was a little more concerned with scoring than blocking shots last night. They let too many shots get to Nabby...shots that may have been few and far between but they were powerful...and four of them saw the back of our net.

The one thing I keep hearing over and over again is how the Sharks out shot the Flyers 45-17. While to our credit, the Sharks absolutely fantastic taking shots at the net, everyone seems fixated on discrediting the Flyers on their low SOGs...to that let me just say this - at one point in the 2nd period, I looked up at our shots on goal...the Flyers only had nine...but out of those nine, three found the back of the net, so really, what does that say about this team??

I think everyone (Sharks fans included) were impressed with how the Flyers played here last night. I don't think we expected that much speed and intensity..and I know we definitely didn't expect Niittymaki to be so stellar.

While my Sharks were absolutely outstanding on Saturday night, at times I certainly felt that this game easily could have gone the other way. The Flyers played like a winning team...and I think in their hearts they did think that they were that winning team. You Flyers fans have a lot to be proud of with these guys. They have a lot of success waiting for them this season...just as my Sharks do. I think this season is going to show us some unlikely heroes...and I can't wait to meet them.

This is the reason I was so distracted during the game...

When we got home last night I asked my husband if it was ok that I loved Marty Biron more than him and he said yes. So I'm good...

Cardinals vs. Seahawks 4th qtr. log

2008-11-16T23:41:54Z

Hawks ball. Kind of a weird play. Karlos Dansby intercepts Hasselbeck in/near the end zone. As he runs it out, John Carlson forces a fumble. Walter Jones recovers. Seattle gets a new set of downs. TJ Duckett ends up scoring on a 1 yard run. They go for two points but fail. Cards lead, 26-13.

-- Cards ball. Brandon Mebane forces Warner to fumble. Darry Tapp recovers. Hawks ball.

-- Hawks ball. Duckett scores his second TD of the game from 2 yards out. Cards lead, 26-20.

-- Cards ball. After they move the ball a little bit, the Hawks defense gets stout and forces them to punt.

-- Hawks ball. They go 3 and out. That's not what they needed.

-- Cards ball. The Hawks D allow one first down then forces Arizona to punt again.

-- Hawks ball. First play, Hasselbeck throws an interception to Dominque Rodger-Cromartie. That's his second INT of the game. Third one thrown by Hasselbeck. That pretty much ends the game.

-- Cards ball. Warner just takes a knee game over. Cards win, 26-20. That probably means the Hawks are done for the year. They fall 5 games back of the Cardinals with 6 games left in the season. Holmgren is 2-8 for the first time in his NFL head coaching career.

Cardinals vs. Seahawks 3rd qtr. log

2008-11-16T22:36:57Z

Seattle needs to keep the Cards offense off the field. Arizona had the ball 18 minutes to Seattle's 12. Cards have 263 net yards to Hawks 64 net yards.

-- Hawks ball. Deion Branch catches the ball and makes a nice move for 33 yards. Two plays later, Jones fumbles the ball, Darnell Dockett recovers. Coach Holmgren challenges. The play stands.

-- Cards ball. Anquan Boldin is wide open for a 44-yard gain. Marcus Trufant was shaken up a few plays later. No word on his injury yet. Arizona settles for a 26 yard field goal. Cards lead, 19-7. The Hawks better get going or this season will nearly be over.

-- Hawks ball. Announcers just said Trufant has a concussion and his return is doubtful. Holmgren makes a puzzling call on 3rd & 9. He called a running play for Mo. He didn't come anywhere near the first down. Hawks punt.

-- Cards ball. After four plays of gaining 10 yards or more, the Cardinals score on 6 yard screen pass. Arizona leads, 26-7.

-- Hawks ball. After a nice return by Josh Wilson, Seattle is marching down. End of the third quarter, Cards lead, 26-7.