Our Final Video!!

Final Blog Summary

At the beginning of the semester we were assigned our research project and asked to pick a topic of both personal and professional interest. Keeping this in mind we wanted to pick a topic that we would like to further explore and use this to expand our knowledge on its relation to reading and writing online. We have a passion for hockey and we decided to investigate the way in which hockey communities have expanded their market to include the internet. We looked at various forms of new media digital hockey technologies and created our blog “The Extra Attacker” (www.emilyandlorelei.blogspot.com). Through this research project we were able to read various articles and books by different scholars and professionals in the field. We also studied the ways that different hockey organizations have utilized the internet to broaden their markets. We later posted our findings on “The Extra Attacker,” practicing our own forms of writing with online technology.

With blogging technology being new to both of us, we knew that we should become more familiar with this form of communication. We thought that the best opportunity to do so was with the Vancouver 2010 Olympic games. Each of us took turns providing in-game analysis and post game summaries of the Team Canada men’s hockey matches. We also took this time to review and write post-game reports of the Team Canada women’s hockey games. This form of updating fans is something that many professional hockey sites are using, so we felt that by immersing ourselves in this technology we would be better prepared to provide our blog viewers with the same caliber of reporting.

After finishing our reports on olympic coverage we decided we should talk to a local professional. We contacted Eric Postma, the Web Content Manager for the Mantioba Moose hockey team. Postma was nice enough to take time out of his busy schedule to sit down and enlighten us on how the construction of a professional hockey website is developed. Through this interview we learned how the Manitoba Moose has upgraded their website in order to provide information to their fans in a clear and efficient manner. This meeting with Postma helped us to wrap our heads around exactly what we felt that we should focus on for the rest of this project.

There have been several individual and collaborative posts that we have worked on throughout the semester. We wrote a proposal for this project that we feature near the beginning of our blog. We felt that this was important to include for visitors so that they would know exactly what the object behind “The Extra Attacker” is. We later feature our welcome video, which provides a personal touch to our blog and allows viewers see the faces behind the writings. We wanted to include different forms of technology on this blog, and we felt that the video helped us to meet this goal. Looking through all of our posts, viewers will see a variety of different hockey related postings. We have written articles for the Manitoba Junior Hockey League playoffs, and linked these postings to the “The Extra Attacker.” We have also discussed NHL trades, and provided information on the recent hockey happenings such as the new policies regarding hits to the head. We also followed the Manitoba Moose hockey team and provided on the road game summaries.

For major assignments this term we focused on topics and research that would expand our knowledge on hockey and the internet, and in turn be beneficial to our blog. We led a class discussion on digital advertising and found information on how many different companies and organizations market their brand to hockey fans, for example Reebok and Sidney Crosby of Pittsburg Penguins. Possibly one of the most beneficial assignments was when we took the opportunity to research what different scholars and professionals have to say about how hockey and the internet has expand dramatically to remain relevant. It was useful to read what these various individuals had to say and how their findings relate to our project.

Through this project we were able to better understand the importance of developing the ability to read and write online, and how these skills are essential for communication in the professional world as our society relies more and more on internet technology.

Literature Findings

Throughout the term Emily and I have been researching what different professionals and scholars have to say about how organizations are using the internet to market their brand, and so for this post we would like to share some of our findings.

Daniel Mason, who writes for the International Journal of Sports Marketing & Sponsorship says that, “sports leagues and media providers are constantly seeking new ways of improving the consumption experience of viewers”. He goes on to say that, “the widespread convergence of sport and media technologies has resulted in a desire to create and provide new ways for fans to experience and consume sport.”

As displayed in our previous posts, Emily and I are really interested in how the NHL covers hockey online and so when we came across this quote from Adam Acone, who is the VP of broadcasting for the NHL, we were interested to hear what a professional had to say. Acone says that the goal that the media has for the coverage of hockey is, “to bring fans closer to the action and help them feel the speed and power of the game. We also want to broaden the audience by bringing the viewers closer to the players.”

In his article Mason discusses that one of the earliest challenges with watching hockey on the internet was the price, but as we’ve learned through our research of NHL GameCenter Live and NHL Vault, they have developed a way to make this service affordable for fans everywhere.
We also had a chance to review another scholar’s work, Norm O’Reilly and Ryan Rahinel who, like Mason, writes for the Journal of Sports Marketing & Sponsorship. O’Reilly and Rahinel provide insights into the growth and expansion of televised hockey, and their report features the importance of forecasting the future of media technologies in hockey. They review five major technologies identified as, “high definition television (HDTV), interactive television (iTV), video on demand (VOD), personal video recorders (PVRs), and mobile multimedia devices (MMDs).”In their article they also discuss how HDTV is one of the newest forms of technology that currently has the greatest potential to influence the way in which fans choose to watch hockey, and through out research we have learned that this feature is now available online. This demonstrates how the NHL has taken care to keep on top of the evolving technologies so that they may effectively market the sport online.

James Santomier discusses that through the, “integration of new media technologies has changed the manner in which sport is produced, marketed, delivered, and consumed.” This article makes the important point about the ways in which new media digital technologies are imperative when it comes to the consumption of sports.

In his book, “Twitter Power: How to dominate your market one tweet at a time”, Joel Comm discusses how organizations are able to market their brand through social media sites. The NHL and its teams have embraced these social media sites as a way to market the league and provide updates to its fans. In hockey, one of the most important things of the game is building a network of fans. In order to do this the NHL or the specific team must market the game to each demographic that makes up their audience. Members of the younger generation are beginning to use social media sites more than ever before, which means that the NHL must now too communicate through these mediums. The Pittsburgh Penguins, for example, use Twitter as a means to update fans on trades, injuries, lineups, in-game updates, and general news about the team in a clear, concise manner. This tells fans that the Penguins are dedicated to providing up-to-the-minute information about the team in the simplest way possible. In a society where people want information fast, Twitter provides organizations with the ability to report events more quickly and accurately than other media outlets and, as Comm says, “it’s clear that the future belongs to those who embrace social media as a regular part of their lives.”

Through these articles Emily and I have discovered how the NHL is using the internet to market the league and increase its viewers. We think that it’s really interesting how an organization as big as the NHL has embraced the internet to this extent, and how because of this, they are able to better communicate with hockey fans around the world. Society is clearly moving forward in its use of technology, and we are excited to see where this technology will take the NHL and the hockey community in the future.

NHL GameCenter Live & The NHL Vault

Lorelei and I have been researching a new type of internet technology used by the NHL to bring multiple live games to viewers computer screens. Initially called NHL GameCenter, this technology was used through the television, but with our societies increased reliance on the internet they have adapted this service to made available online. They call this form NHL GameCenter Live.

NHL GameCenter Live is a prepaid service that, “allows you to watch up to 40 live action-packed games a week outside your local market.” This basically means that teams that play outside of your television market are now available with the click of a mouse, without having to switch your local TV service provider. Features of NHL GameCenter Live include live streaming HD-quality games, DVR Functionality, Picture-in-Picture, Multigame View (to watch up to 4 games at once), and access to the Replay Archive all for $19.95 per month.

We also reviewed the NHL’s new service called the NHL Vault, a program allowing fans to relive classic NHL moments online. For the low price of $4.95 per month fans will have access to:

• Classic Games:

-Relive historic hockey moments from classic games from the 1960’s through 2000’s

• Condensed Games:

-Catch up on last night’s games as 10-12 minute extended highlights

• 3-Year Game Archive

-Watch full-length replays from the 2007-2008 season and beyond

These services appeal to all age demographics, allowing fall fans to watch all of their favorite moments online. The NHL realizes the demand for innovative online technologies in order to keep their fans satisfied. With the use of this technology the NHL has demonstrated the growth of hockey online.

*Information retrieved from gamecenter.nhl.com

Hello!

It may seem like Emily and I have neglected this blog, but we've actually been hard at work getting resources together for our final insights onto how the hockey community is utilizing the internet to market the game.

A lot has gone on in the hockey world as of late, so I thought I'd provide a brief update of some of these happenings.

The major event that has happened in the NHL this week was the ruling that hits to the head will no longer be permitted. League disciplinarian, Colin Campbell, made a statement that this ruling was effective immediately. Even though this has been an issue throughout the season, the recent string of hits to the head (see links below) has finally made Campbell implement some kind of ruling. I'm all for fighting in the NHL (sometimes it can fire up the team...see the Penguins vs. Flyers Game 6, or is needed to defend a team's top player), but a rule like this is definitely necessary, not only for the refs, but also for the players.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hDsK5HH-K3c
Penguins vs. Flyers Game 6

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Z1vJrIAg-0&feature=fvst
Matt Cooke hit on Marc Savard

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MozYKCapvWs
Ovechkin hit on Campbell (Ovie was suspended for this hit prior to Colin Campbell's ruling)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dtSx2z_CPKQ
Wisniewski hit on Seabrook

So, you can see that this ruling came at a good time for the league. But can I just say that there should be some sort of punishment for repeat offenders who target players with an intent to injure (*ahem, Steve Downie and Matt Cooke!). Take a look at this slew foot by Downie on Sidney Crosby. Dirty hit.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SHeh3tyUL10

Okay, onto other hockey news.

The Moose have signed Kevin Clarke, a former MJHLer, to a try-out contract. In his first game with the Moose he registered a point and was named the second star of the game.
(Sidenote: There are only two home games left in the Moose regular season--April 9 and 10--so make sure to get your tickets and cheer on our boys!!)

The MJHL finals begin on Saturday. The Winnipeg Saints and the Dauphin Kings, who met only four times during the regular season will fight for a chance to win the Turnbull Trophy and be one step closer to ANAVET cup. (Plug: Make sure to keep checking out my articles on the MJHL site for recent news and interviews with the players and coaches!).

Article up on MJHL site

Hey all!

So an article I wrote is now posted on the MJHL site. Go check it out!

http://mjhlhockey.ca/news_item.aspx?news_id=1746

EDIT: Here's another one that I wrote!

http://mjhlhockey.ca/news_item.aspx?news_id=1748

MJHL Playoffs

Well, it's that time of year again. Things are heating up in the MJHL as their playoffs are well underway.
Here's the low-down of what happened in the quarter-finals:

• Winnipeg Saints swept their series against cross-city rivals, Winnipeg Blues 4-0
• Winkler Flyers won their series against the Selkirk Steelers 4-2
• Hosts of the upcoming RBC Cup, Dauphin Kings overtake Neepawa Natives 4-0 and,
• Swan Valley Stampeders de-throne the back-to-back Turnbull Trophy champs, the Portage Terriers 4-1

The semi-finals are getting ready to start on March 12, with the Stamps facing the Kings in Dauphin at 7:30, and the Flyers taking on the Saints in Winnipeg the following night at 7:30.

Make sure to check out: http://www.mjhlhockey.ca/ for more information.

Also, I have written a few articles this past week for the league, so I'll make sure to post links on this blog when they are put onto the MJHL site.

Keep checking back and make sure to go out and support the Winnipeg Saints!

regarding previous Moose post

***please click on image boxes to see full scoring reports

MANITOBA MOOSE @ GRAND RAPIDS

MOOSE ACTION – Information © moosehockey.com

FRIDAY MARCH 5

First Period:
1. GR, J. Williams (22), D. Janik, M. Ritola, 4:01
2. GR, J. Williams (23), P. Rissmiller, J. Mursak, 8:26

Penalties
· Y. Stastny, V, 2.00, 3:12
· T. Galvin, V, 2.00, 5:49
· N. McIver, V, 2.00, 7:18
· G. Waugh, V, 2.00, 7:18
· G. Waugh, V, 2.00, 7:18
· J. Abdelkader, H, 2.00, 7:18
· D. Janik, H, 2.00, 7:18
· J. Owens, H, 2.00, 19:00

Second Period:
1. MTB, L. Nycholat (3), M. Murray, 18:18
2. GR, L. Pyett (9), J. Abdelkader, J. Williams, 19:03

Penalties
· M. Murray, V, 2.00, 2:18
· B. May, H, 2.00, 3:20
· T. Ehrhardt, H, 2.00, 5:41
· J. Kindl, H, 2.00, 12:25
· T. Galvin, V, 2.00, 13:55
· N. McIver, V, 2.00, 19:27
· N. McIver, V, 2.00, 19:27
· P. Rissmiller, H, 2.00, 19:27
· P. Rissmiller, H, 2.00, 19:27
· O. Tollefsen, H, 2.00, 19:27

Third Period:
1. GR, P. Rissmiller (17), J. Abdelkader, J. Mursak, 19:17

Penalties
· Served by D. Collins, V, 2.00, 0:56
· L. Nycholat, V, 2.00, 4:44
· G. Desbiens, V, 5.00, 6:06
· N. McIver, V, 2.00, 6:06
· J. Abdelkader, H, 2.00, 6:06
· J. Abdelkader, H, 2.00, 6:06
· J. Tardif, H, 5.00, 6:06
· T. Galvin, V, 2.00, 15:11




SATURDAY MARCH 6th


First Period
1. MTB, S. Shirokov (20), , 10:55

Penalties
· M. Pope, V, 2.00, 12:24
· F. Pare, H, 2.00, 12:24
· G. Desbiens, V, 2.00, 14:44
· M. Keane, V, 2.00, 16:52

Second Period:
no scoring

Penalties
· P. Crosty, H, 2.00, 3:23
· T. Ramsey, V, 2.00, 14:37

Third Period:
1. GR, J. Abdelkader (7), M. Ritola, D. Janik, 0:20

Penalties
· P. Crosty, H, 4.00, 3:18
· S. Shirokov, V, 2.00, 6:48
· O. Tollefsen, H, 2.00, 6:48
· N. McIver, V, 2.00, 8:10
· Y. Stastny, V, 2.00, 10:43
· J. Williams, H, 2.00, 14:06
· S. Shirokov, V, 2.00, 14:20
· L. Nycholat, V, 2.00, 16:16
· J. Williams, H, 2.00, 16:16
· G. Desbiens, V, 2.00, 17:08
· G. Desbiens, V, 2.00, 17:08
· D. Janik, H, 2.00, 17:08
· D. Janik, H, 2.00, 17:08
· G. Waugh, V, 2.00, 18:23

OT Period:
1. MTB, M. Bliznak (7), L. Nycholat, T. Ramsey, 3:55

Interview with Moose Web Content Manager

This past week we had a chance to sit down with the web content manager Eric Postma with the Manitoba Moose and he was able to share his insights into some questions we had about how sports teams utilize websites.

The first question we asked is if he could briefly explain to us what he and his team are responsible for. Postma responded with, “Basically any content on the site”. This ranges from news stories, player statistics, logs, video, highlights, online ticket sale, and the overall organization of the website. Postma also explained that he pulls resources from other departments, such as Communications, who are responsible for writing articles, as well as the Graphic Design department.

Mr. Postma joined the Moose organization approximately two years ago and had to face some unique challenges when upgrading the Moose site. When asked to walk us through the changes he made and what they meant for both the site and the fans, he informed us that he was responsible for rebranding because “the previous site was five to six years old and focused mainly on programming and coding”. He enlightened us on how the Moose organization wanted to make the website accessible and easy to use. They accomplished this by “performing studies, focus groups and surveys to find out what fans wanted from the new site”. These studies found that fans had a “high expectation for the site, especially the main page”, and it was Postma’s job to deliver.

Next, we asked him what he felt was the most used or popular feature of moosehockey.com. Postma felt that the “news and game summaries are the most used”, explaining that, “the Moose are not as well publicized in the city when they are on the road so people come to the site to check out highlights and videos”. He also explained to us how online ticket sales are a well-used feature on the site stating that, “it is a well-used tool that has to be there”.

We asked him if the growth of social networking sites such as Facebook, Twitter and MySpace played a role in the marketing of moosehockey.com, and he explained to us that even though they have a wide-demographic of fans, “the biggest demographic if 35-50 year old males so [his] team can get away with not updating these sites as frequently”. Postma has taken the initiative to post links to these sites on the Moose homepage, and occasionally updates them, he hopes that they will primarily be taken over by the fans.

There are some teams in the League where hockey is not as well-marketed, such as Florida, Atlanta, or some of the southern states, so we asked him what types of online strategies the League is using to market the sport in these areas.

“We’ve been blessed in Winnipeg with people who are familiar with hockey”, he says, “So it’s never really been an issue here”. Though his department does call-in meetings with other teams in the League, Postma says that, “it’s never really been something we’ve had to deal with”.

“People have to have an appetite for it”, he says. “If people don’t want hockey, you can’t force it on them”.

So the AHL is using a strategy known as “cross-promotion” to market hockey in other sport demographics. Postma tells us a story of how the AHL’s Lake Eerie Monsters teamed up with the NBA’s Cleveland Cavaliers to bring hockey into a different sport market by bringing Shaq (O’Neil) to one of the Monster’s games.

“Getting the idea of hockey to other markets by tying it in to other sports”, says Postma, is something that can be very successful when looking to promote the sport of hockey to a wider market.

Our interview with Mr. Postma was really enlightening and we feel that he provided us with a lot of insight into the team’s existing, successful website and to how they are working towards making it better. We also learned, for our own blog, that one of the most important things about online sports is bringing the stories to the fans in the quickest, most efficient manner. Through Mr. Postma’s experience with the Moose, we have learned how the organization and other sports organizations are taking advantage of the internet and using it to provide their audience with an exciting hockey experience.

We would like to thank Mr. Postma for his time and we hope to take his advice and use it in our own project.

NHL Trades

NHL trade day can be a time where teams can capitalize on free agents and make a push for the playoffs. And, while today was a big day for some NHL clubs, others may have traded away their chance at even making the playoffs. As promised, here are the trades that were made during the NHL Trade Deadline.

• Washington Capitals acquire Scott Walker and Joe Corvo from Carolina for Pothier and Osala and second round pick. They also acquire center Eric Belanger from Minnesota for a second round draft pick, and defenseman Milan Jurcina from Columbus.
• Phoenix Coyotes made headlines by making the most trades today. They traded Peter Mueller and Kevin Porter for Colorado's Wojtek Wolski. Phoenix also acquired Mathieu Schneider from Vancouver, defenseman Derek Morris from Boston, and Lee Stempniak from Toronto. Phoenix also acquire Morris from Boston for a conditional pick.
• Colorado Avalanche acquire Peter Mueller and Kevin Porter from Phoenix.
• Anahiem Ducks acquire defenseman Aaron Ward from Carolina, who is a three time Stanley Cup champion. Ducks also trade defenseman Whitney and sixth round draft pick for defenseman Visnovsky.
• New Jersey Devils acquire Martin Skoula in a complicated trade. Skoula was traded from Pittsburgh to Toronto on Tuesday evening, but before he had time to get to know his new teammates he was shipped off to New Jersey. Devils also acquire Pogge and a pick from Ducks for Ward.
• Toronto Maple Leafs acquire Luca Caputi on a trade from Pittsburgh (the same trade that brought them Skoula) in exchange for Alexei Ponikarovsky. Leafs trade Skoula to Devils for fifth round pick.
• Florida Panthers acquire Blitz, Weller and second round pick from Boston in exchange for Dennis Seidenberg.
• LA Kings acquire forward Jeff Halpern from Lightning for Teddy Purcell and third round draft pick.
• Buffalo Sabres acquire forward Raffi Torres from Columbus for defenseman Nathan Paetsch and second round pick.
• Pittsburgh Penguins acquire veteran defenseman Jordan Leopold from the Panthers in exchange for a second round draft pick.
• Edmonton Oilers traded Steve Staios to Calgary for Aaron Johnson and a third round pick. Oilers sent Visnovsky to the Ducks for Ryan Whitney.
• Calgary Flames trade Curtis McElhinney to Ducks for Vesa Toskala
  

31 Trades, 55 Players, 25 picks in the 2010 Trade Deadline.

These are some of the major trades that were made today. If you are wondering about a specific team or player, make sure to head over to nhl.com or http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=312129 for more in depth information and analysis.

Official Welcome Video

CANADA WINS GOLD!!

Sidney Crosby had been held pointless for 8 periods. And he waited until he was 7 minutes and 40 seconds into the nail-biting overtime period in the gold medal game to make his mark in Canadian Olympic history. On a feed from Jarome Iginla deep in the American zone, Crosby banked it past USA's Ryan Miller to score the winning goal. With the crowd going wild, Crosby removed his mouth gaurd and threw his gloves into the air, letting out a scream of victory. The boys jumped over the Canadian bench to join Crosby in this epic moment. It is fitting that they boy who was left off of the 2006 Team Canada roster for being too "inexperienced" was the one to bring home the gold. Fairytale ending.

The stars of the gold medal game, Sidney Crosby and Roberto Luongo

What a great ending to the 2010 Vancouver Olympics. Canada has set a record for the most gold medals won by any country in the winter Olympics, bringing in a whopping 14 gold medals! Congratulations to all of our athletes. We are so proud.

Canada looks to secure a spot in the gold medal game

With the USA slaughtering Finland 6-1 in this afternoon's game, Team Canada is looking to secure a spot of their own in Sunday's gold medal match up. Starting in net tonight for Canada is Roberto Luongo, who will be going up against Slovakia's Jaroslav Halak.
This game is not an easy buy into the gold medal game as the Slovak team includes snipers such as Marian Hossa and Pavol Demitra, and who have the best PK and PP in the tournament. Of course, Team Canada has some depth of their own. With the success of the Shark Line (Thorton, Marleau, Heatley) and the chemistry between Crosby and Iginla, Team Canada is sure to put on a good show.

First Period

-Marleau has had some early opportunities to score, tipping the puck just over the net
13:30: Marleau redirects the puck into the Slovak net on a feed from Weber. The goal is under review, as Marleau's stick may have been above the crossbar (highsticking).
....and it's a goal!!

1-0 Canada

15:17: Morrow fires it past Halak to give Canada a two-goal lead

2-0 Canada

So far Canada is outshooting Slovakia 10-4...but as we've seen in previous games, shots on goal can mean nothing.

End of 1st: 2-0 Canada

2nd period

-Canada starts the period pretty loose. Within the first few minutes they have lost the puck in the neutral zone and have allowed the SLovaks to enter the Canadian zone, causing Luongo to make some key saves.
1:29: Doughty gets a penalty for hooking, putting Canada on the PK against the No.1 power play team in the tournament.
13:48: Zdeno Chara (Slovakia) is sent to the Sin Bin for roughing. Canada is now on the PP.
11:48: Canada fails to score on the PP (o/1), but also manages to keep Slovakia off the board.
11:20: Crosby is denied on a scoring attempt by Halak
10:00: We're halfway through the 2nd period and half way through the game. So far both teams have been held scoreless in the 2nd period.
8:24: 3 on 1 for Slovakia--Canada manages to poke check it away, sending the puck down the other way. That could have turned out bad.
7:24: Heatley fires it towards the net. Halak just gets down in time to make the save. (I imagine that by this point Heatley is getting pretty frustrated as Halak has shut him down on three good scoring chances tonight).
-Canada is moving the puck really well in 2nd period and getting a lot of scoring opportunities
6:36: Luongo makes a save against Slovakia...the crowd cries, "Louuuu!!"
5:12: Crosby drop passes the puck to Iginla, who fires it towards the net. Halak makes the save. This man is standing on his head trying to keep Slovakia in the game, which is more than can be said for his team.
3:30: Satan shoots it to the net, but Luongo takes it away. "Louuu!!"
3:26: Zednick gets called for holding. Canada is on their 2nd powerplay of the game. Let's hope we can capitalize on it.
3:06: Getzlaf banks it in on rebound from Perry! Goal!!!

3-0 Canada

-The previous goal is only the 2nd powerplay goal allowed by the Slovaks in the Olympics
1:53: Lungo makes a sprawling save as the puck dances around the crease, bouncing off the skates of the Canadian players.
16.0: "LET'S GO CANADA!!" is what the crowd is chanting at Canada Hockey Place

End of 2nd: 3-0 Canada

3rd period

17:05: Slovaks have an odd-man rush into the Canadian zone, but it's called as offside

-Slovaks are putting more pressure on the Canadians in the Canadian zone; something they haven't done in the first two periods

13:59: Crowd chants, "WE WANT USA! WE WANT USA!!"

13:00: Slovakia is doing a good job of cylcing the puck in the Canadian zone

12:45: Halak comes far out of his net to poke the puck away from Seabrook, who was skating hard towards the net

10:57: Puck is chipped over the glass. One lucky fan gets to take home a souvenir from the Olympics. Nice!

10:23: The puck sails into the Maple Leaf crest, as Luongo makes the save against Hanzon

-The crowd is full of Canadian athletes such as Gretzky, Clara Hughes

8:26: Delayed penalty against Canada results in a goal for Slovakia

3-1 Canada

-Canada needs to stay on their A-game. The Slovaks are known to score in clusters, having scored just 37 seconds apart against the Swedes.

7:22: Halak makes a save against Sidney Crosby. This man wants to score. He has been kept pointless for 5 periods.

6:22: Boyles fires the puck to the net. Iginla tries to hammer in the rebound but is robbed.

-Shots 27-13 in favor of Canada

5:06: The battle for the puck around the Canadian net is so intense that the net actually gets pushed over top Luongo

3:31: Zednick wants the puck, and he gets it. He banks it into the net, putting Slovakia within a one goal game against Canada. What did I say?!?!

3-2 Canada

2:58: Luongo covers up the puck and denies Hanzan on the backhand. "Louuu!!!!"

2:58: Slovakia wins the face-off in the Canadian zone

2:44: Luongo gets a quick whistle, as Slovakia puts the pressure on Team Canada

2:20: Neidermayer slides into the Canadian net, knocking it off. Officials say that Demetra pushed him in...the faceoff is outside the Canadian zone.

2:06: Staal steers the puck down the ice--finally clearing it from our zone

1:10: Slovaks fire it down into the Canadian zone, Halak stays in net.

.50: Empty net for Slovakia. They add the extra attacker in the final seconds.
.07: Slovakia shot hits the post!

End of game: 3-2 Canada

Whew, that was an intense game. The wishes of Canadians and Americans has come true...the countries will face each other in the gold medal game on Sunday (3ET). One thing is certain, Canada has to step up their game in Sunday's matchup. (all photos courtesy of Hockey Canada)

Team Canada has Shut-Out in Gold Medal Game

Canadian goalie, Shannon Szabados has just played the game of her life. Many thought that she would pose as Canada's No.3 goalie coming into the tournament, but her display of athletics and passion in tonight's game has proven to both her teammates and her country, that she was the right choice. Team Canada's shut-out tonight has marked their third straight gold medal on an Olympic stage.
The only two goals of the night were scored by 18-yr.old phenom, Marie-Philip Poulin in the first period. The rest of the game remained scoreless for both teams leading to Canada's two goal win over Team USA. (all photos courtesy of Canada Hockey)

Team Canada celebrates their gold medal win by jumping on goalie, Szabados

The money-making shot of Team Canada, their staff and most importantly, their GOLD MEDALS!!!

Tomorrow night will mark another epic battle in Canadian history, as our boys from Team Canada will face off against the Slovaks in the semi-finals. Let's hope Luongo can get a shut-out of his own. The men's Team Canada team is a mere two games away from winning gold. Do it.

▌♥ ▌GO CANADA!!!! ▌♥ ▌

Lastly, here's a picture of our boys supporting the women in their game tonight. The support between our athletes is incredible!

Medal Counts

Here are the top four countries in medal counts as of February 25. We know there's definitely going to be one more medal added to Canada's count this evening. But whether or not it is gold or silver remains to be seen...make sure to watch as Team Canada takes on Team USA in the women's hockey gold medal game on CTV (6:30pm)!

UNITED STATES

Gold: 8

Silver: 10

Bronze: 12

Total: 30

GERMANY

Gold: 8

Silver: 11

Bronze: 7

Total: 26

NORWAY

Gold: 7

Silver: 6

Bronze: 6

Total: 19

CANADA

Gold: 7

Silver: 6

Bronze: 2

Total: 15

GO CANADA!!!!

Photo Highlights

Coaches, players, and fans alike, were unsure whether last night's game against Germany would end up helping or hindering Team Canada in the rest of tournament. But, tonight's display of teamwork, chemistry and plain 'awesomeness' has shown that Team Canada should not be underestimated. We are here to win gold in our home country.

Here are some shots from last night's game against Germany and tonight's victory over Russia.(All photos courtesy of Hockey Canada).

Canadian poster boy, Sidney Crosby and goalie, Roberto Lungo congratulate each other on a good game

Canada's number one goalie, Roberto Luongo. (Why did Babcock think playing Marty in game 2 was a good idea?)


Look at that sea of red! Canadian pride summed up.


CANADA VS. RUSSIA

Canadians celebrate after a goal!

Winnipeg boy, Jonothan Toews battles for the puck along the boards

Nabakov and teammates watch as the puck sails into the net

third period action

THIRD PERIOD ACTION

• Russia starts the third on the power play
• Ovechkin shoots with 6 seconds left in the Russian power play. Off a stick and out of play. Face off in the Canadian zone
• 18:36 - puck goes out of play
• 18:15 Staal is taken into the boards hard by Vulchenkov and is having a difficult time getting to his feet. After discussion by the refs there is no call on the play. Canada robbed on another power play by these refs
• delayed penalty called on russia
• 17:59 - Penalty to Russia’s Gonchar for interference on Toew’s drive to the Russian net. Canada gets awarded a power play...FINALLY!
• Iginla hits the post with 1:35 seconds left in the Canadian power play!
• 14:56 - Staal is back on the ice. Good to see he is alright
• 14:48 - Russia called for too many men! Ovechkin will serve the penalty and Canada goes back on the power play.
• Pronger and Niedermayer the back end. The vets are hungry for another Canadian goal!
• 12:45 - Ovechkin comes out of the box. Russia is back to full strength
• 12:09 - Canada’s Richard sends the puck into the Russian bench stopping play
• 11:55 - Icing called against Russia. Face off in the Russian zone
• 8:35 - Luongo makes the stop and covers the puck stopping play.
• 8:13 - Luongo denies Semin! Crowd cheers “LOUUU!!”
• 7:24 - Luongo squeezes his pads just keeping the puck from crossing the line! He can sure feel the pressure these last 7 minutes! Russia isn’t going away without a fight
• 6:40 - Luongo redirects the puck with his right pad barely keeping it out of the net... “LOUUU!!”
• 5:23 - Penalty called against Pronger for holding - Russia goes on the power play
• 4:20 Malkin has a break-away....STOPPED BY LUONGO!!! HE IS A WALL! His 24th save of the night!
• 3:23 - Canada is back to full strength
• 2:38 - Semin and Boyle both go to the box - 4 on 4 hockey
• 1:00 - The building is going crazy!!

Shots on goal:

Canada - 12

Russia - 8

CANADA WINS!! RUSSIA IS GOING HOME!!

7-3 CANADA!!!

Total shots on goal:

Canada - 42

Russia - 28

Semi final game this Friday February 26th against winner of Sweden and Slovakia

second period action

2nd Period Action:

• 19:25 - Puck goes out of play
• 18:04 - Icing against Canada - Face off the in Canadian zone
• 16:50 - Perry scores!!! From Getzlaf & Keith
• 5-1 CANADA
• 15:50 - Iginla to Toews to Weber... HE SHOOTS AND SCORES!!!
• Nabokov is pulled from the net. Russia sends goalie #30 Ilya Bryzgalov.
• 6-1 CANADA
• 15:14 Russia capitalizes on a Canada miscommunication...Grebeshkov to Kovalchuk to Afinogenov scores
• 6-2 CANADA
• Russia is picking up the pace. Trying to put more pressure on team Canada. We need to keep our offense strong and our defense even stronger!
• 10:09 - TIC TAC GOAL!! Getzlaf to Staal to Perry!! GOAL!! gets his second of the night! Great play! Three on two for Canada and we make them pay!
• 3 goals for Canada on the 5 shots we’ve taken in the second period
• 7-2 CANADA
• too many men on the ice against
• 8:20 - Ovechkin screens Luongo. Malkin to Gonchar... scores. Power play goal for Russia
• 7-3 Canada
• 7:48 - Icing call against Russia. Face off in the Russian zone
• 7:02 - Russian net is knocked off
• 7:02 - Canada goes on their second power play of the night
• 4:15 - Puck hits Russian Ganchar’s skate on his way off to the bench...no call!?!?! ARE YOU KIDDING? TOO MANY MEN! WHERE IS THE CALL? Canada is robbed of another power play
• 3:14 - Puck goes out of play
• 1:05 - Icing called against Canada. Face off in the Canadian zone
• 0:45 - Tripping penalty called against Canada’s Keith. Russia goes on the power play
• 0:04 - Left in the first period and the puck is shot out of play - one more critical face off for Canada this period
• 7-3 CANADA

Shots on goal:

Canada - 9

Russia - 8

End of the second period! 20:00 minutes of tough battling for the puck left! If we can hold on for one more period we will be in the semi-final game! LETS GO CANADA!

TEAM CANADA vs. RUSSIA Men's quarter final game

It’s time Canada! The rivalry we’ve all been waiting for. We knew that this game would come, but no one thought that it would be in the quarterfinals. Canada against Russia, Sid the Kid Vs. Alexander the Great. Canada will not allow the result of Turin to be our fate for the Vancouver 2010 games! Canada is ready, It is our turn, and we are going for GOLD!!

Starting in net for Canada - # 1 Roberto Luongo

Starting in net for Russia - # 20 Evgeni Nabakov

1st Period Action:

20:00 - Getting ready for the puck to drop. Canada sends Toews against Russia’s Malkin to take the draw.

• Canada is putting the pressure on Nabakov early!
• 18:34 - Icing against Russia - face off in the Russian zone
• Pronger slows down the play, carries up the puck, passes to Boyle dishes off to Getzlaf... GOAL!!!!
• 1-0 CANADA
• 16:45 - Where is the penalty on Russia!? Too many men! C’mon ref! Russia got a away with one there!
• 14:55 - Luongo makes the save, covers the puck
• 14:20 - BIG HIT BY MORROW!
• 14:02 - Icing against Russia - face off in the Russian zone
• 12:02 - Canada’s Seabrook gets a 2 minute interference penalty - Russia’s on the power play. Let’s kill this one boys!
• 11: 22 Doughtey clears the puck
• 11:03 - Luongo makes the save, covers the puck, play stops - face off won by Russia
• 10:00 - Luongo covers the puck to end the Russian power play - face off in our zone, Luongo makes another save!
• Crosby drives by the net is hauled down by Vulchenkov - 2 minute holding penalty against Russia
• 9:33 Canada gets the power play
• 7:51 - Marleau to Heatley to Boyle..HE SHOOTS HE SCORES!! (Power play goal)
• 2-0 CANADA
• 7:05 - NASH SCORES!!! From Toews & Richards
• 3-0 CANADA
• 6:07 - Traffic in front. Luongo covers the puck. Face off in the Canadian zone
• 5:52 Perry fires it off the blocker of Nabakov. Face off in the Russian zone
• 5:21 - Kalinin, from Vulchenkov & Fedorov...Russia is on the board. Screen on Luongo and the puck gets through
• 3-1 CANADA
• 4:16 - Nabokov covers the puck, play stops. Face off in the Russian zone
• 1:38 - Morrow scores!! From Boyle & Keith
• 4-1 CANADA

End of the First!

Shots on Goal:

Canada - 21

Russia - 12

Lets have a strong second boys!

UPDATE - Team Canada Women's 2010 Olympic Hockey

RESULTS THUS FAR:

Preliminaries:

Saturday February 13th - Team Canada (18) vs. Slovakia (0)

Monday February 15th - Team Canada (10) vs. Switzerland (1)

Wednesday February 17th - Team Canada (13) vs. Sweden (1)

Team Canada clobbers the competition into semi-finals!

Semi Finals:

Monday February 22nd - Team Canada (5) vs. Finland (0)

Finals:

Thursday February 25th - Our ladies go for gold against Team USA!

Game time - 5:30 Central time!

GO CANADA GO!

Image from - Team Canada Hockey Website

Update for Mens Olympic Hockey - Team Canada Vs. Team Russia

Hey everyone!

GREAT GAME TONIGHT CANADA! "WE WANT RUSSIA!!" Lorelei has the night off tomorrow but I will be bringing you updates and period summaries as they occur as Team Canada and Sid the Kid take on The Russians featuring Alexander the Great wearing #8!

Puck drops at 6:30 central time! So check back for updates!

Canada vs. Germany

This is it. In 13 minutes the Team Canada men's hockey team will take on Germany, to see who will qualify to play Russia tomorrow night. Hockey fans are hoping to see the much anticipated game of Russa vs. Canada...which will essentially feature the NHL's two greatest players: Sidney Crosby and Alexander Ovechkin.
But, in order to see that Canada must defeat Germany tonight. Everything Canada has hoped for is riding on tonight. Let's hope the boys bring their A-game.

1st period

So far Canada is outshooting Germany eight to one.

Joe Thorton takes a feed from Sharks teammate Dany Heatly and gets Canada on the board.

End of first: 1-0 Canada

2nd period

19:24: Canada gets a good shot on goal. Germany’s goalie scoops it up before there is a rebound.
18:00: Germany is doing a good job of cycling the puck in the Canadian zone. Bobby Lou makes some good saves, as the crowd chants, “Louuu!”. Nice!
16:50: a play is under review. The Canadians are hoping that the puck did actually go into the net. The Germans are hoping it didn’t. Longest review ever... And it’s a goal!!!!!!

2-0 Canada!!

16:19: Iginla scores on a feed from Crosby! Canada hockey place is alive and so are the hopes of Canadians.

3-0 Canada

15:45: Canadian Heatley gets a penalty for cross-checking. Germany is on the powerplay. Let’s kill it off, boys!
13:45: The penalty kill is over and the score is the same. That’s good news for Canada.
Oh wait, coming off the penalty kill we have managed to get another penalty. Get it together, Canada.
11:04: Iginla snaps in his second goal of the night.

4-0 Canada

8:37: Rick Nash gets tripped up on his way to the goal. Canada gets a penalty shot. In the Olympics. Crazy.
Denied. German goalie holds his ground and shuts Nash down.
6:11: Germans get a good chance to make it 4-1, but Luongo poke checks it away. Again, the crowds chants, “Louuu!”
4:31:Crosby drop passes the puck in front of the net, but no one is there but the German goaltender who covers it up.
3:26:Germany scores their first (and hopefully only goal) on a wrap around

4-1 Canada

2:57: Luongo makes a big save. It’s good to see that his confidence isn’t rattled.

End of 2nd: 4-1 Canada

3rd period

18:50: Crosby gets his first goal of the Olympics (he’s had assists up until this point)

5-1 Canada

13:19: Richards banks it in from the front of the net. Nice and easy.

6-1 Canada

10:57: Neidermyer gets a penalty for hooking. We are now on the penalty kill, but with our 5 goal lead it shouldn't be an issue.

Neidermyer comes out of the penalty box and heads straight for the German goal with the puck on his stick. He shoots. He scores!

7-1 Canada

4:39: Canada gets two good scoring chances, but are denied. It's not like we need more goals anyways.

3:32: Nash snaps in another goal for Canada! Even though we have 8, we still celebrate like it's our first one. Great!

8-1 Canada

2:30: German goalie makes a big save on Moreau, who is looking for his first point of the Olympics. (He's the only player on the Canadian bench who has yet to register a point)

1:02: Klinge from Germany scores off the rebound, and Luongo sprawls backwards but can't make the save.

8-2 Canada

End of game: 8-2 Canada

That's it, folks! Canada has won the game and will be facing Russia tomorrow night (4:30 PST, 7:30 EST)!!

I will definitely not be blogging during that game. Much too intense to multi-task! But, you can look forward to seeing these two superstars face-off in what is sure to be an epic game.

FINAL PROJECT PROPOSAL

Format & Audience

The format for our final project is to create a blog using blogspot.com (emilyandlorelei@blogspot.com) as an interactive site to post our research discoveries, and allowing others to access our findings. This blog will enable us to post information that is relevant to our culture, which will complement our topic as it is another means of providing sports information via the internet.
Our intended audience for this blog are individuals looking to become more aware of how the internet has impacted the sports industry by providing more accessible information. With the high percentage of the population shifting to online communities, the sports industry is able to tailor their sites to provide accurate material in order to remain relevant and competitive. By using an online community in the form of a blog, we hope to inform our audience of this trend and connect to individuals who are accustomed to gathering their sports information in this manner.

Purpose

The purpose of our project is to demonstrate how the internet has revolutionized the public’s access to sports with our specific focus being on hockey. News print and television are no long the most efficient means of obtaining sports information. Due to our culture’s increased reliance on technology, people are turning to the internet for up to the minute data that print media cannot provide.

Subject & Sources

Through this project we hope to challenge ourselves to use new mediums to reach the public. On our main page, for example, we hope to upload a video introducing ourselves and our mission statement, which will bring a more interactive and personal approach to our topic. We are working on featuring an interview with a professional involved in the industry that will offer a sense of credibility to our research. We are awaiting a reply from a member of the Manitoba Moose organization who is responsible for overseeing the website and, therefore, will be able to provide insight as to how hockey organizations are utilizing the power of the internet. Our goal is to include some of this insight on our website to enlighten others from a professional standpoint.
We also hope to explore other professional websites, such as TSN.ca and sidcrosby.blogspot.com in order demonstrate the different styles of communication that can be used to access and share information. By doing this we will show our audience the diversity in the information presented and how each site is able to tailor to different needs, whether it be individuals looking for entertainment, or individuals who merely want to be informed.
Over and above interviews with media professionals, we plan to use the University of Winnipeg’s online databases to obtain statistics and information on the expansion of sports technology. We also plan on referring to websites that feature the use of up-to-date activities, such as boxscores, video streams and game analysis.
Our blog will also include popular sports links that will serve as a map to link our audience to professional websites. These websites will include TSN.ca, moosehockey.com, nhl.com, hockeycanada.ca, and local community sites such as mjhlhockey.ca.

Timeline

Knowing that the final due date is April 7, this will serve as our tentative schedule:
During the week of February 22-February 28 we will post our project proposal on the webct discussion board, as well as on our blog. Also this week, we have emailed Eric Postma from the Manitoba Moose hoping to schedule an interview at his earliest convenience, which we will post soon after. We will begin our blog by posting updates on the Team Canada Olympic hockey games this week.
By March 3, we will have our video introduction posted on our homepage. This will feature our focus for the site and our goals for the project.
We anticipate that the week of March 8-14 will be a bit slower in regards to our final project, as we will be focusing on our webct discussion. Yet, we are still aiming to link our discussion on digital advertising and how it can tie into sports media, and we will then include this on our blog. During this week we will be posting another video of our progress and any relevant stories that appear in the news.
Since this is a blog, we will be continually updating its information in order to keep our audience informed of our progress. The rest of the information we hope to post on our blog, as we come across it. We feel like this flexibility will leave room for us to cover emerging stories.
By the first week of April we will solidify the information we have by editing the blog’s content, so that it can be viewed as a respective source of information. Out goal is that by the due date our blog will demonstrate everything we have learned through the process of this final project and, more generally, by taking this course.