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!).