Shameless Self-Promotion

By ecnewman
Posted on 07/06/2012 at 12:00 pm

But I did ask permission from the Powers That Be here on Flyers Faithful. I’m published today. It’s one of the craziest things I’ll ever get to say and perhaps the most exciting. It’s a bit like giving birth, though all the labor is mental and emotional (only occasionally physical). I’ve been writing somewhat seriously since January 2000 when I was stuck in a college class that I had to take but didn’t find interesting. I wrote several stories and about twenty poems in a month. I figured that was a sign of some kind. My book, Phase, is not …

Well, that wasn’t too bad (on ice with the Southern girl)

By ecnewman
Posted on 06/29/2012 at 12:00 pm

Forgive the quality of these photos. My dad was in town and the man has a non-smart phone. I’m not sure how he survives. But a thank you to him for taking pictures of this almost historical event. On Tuesday, I went to an adult skating class (that sounds far more inappropriate than it should). I have to be honest, I was terrified. I’m sure it was more anticipation of falling and possible broken bones that was adding to the terror. I’m not a risk-taker by nature. Not in regards to anything athletic. So, I went up to the desk …

Summer Project

By ecnewman
Posted on 06/22/2012 at 12:00 pm

So, it’s the offseason. Which means, even with the rampant trade rumors and draft possibilities, there’s not as much to write about during off season. Especially for me as I’m not local. So, I’ve decided since, as a teacher, my summers are slightly less chaotic, to take up a hobby. And you, dear reader, are invited to join me on this adventure. You will be kept abreast of the progress (and often failures) as I traverse something I haven’t attempted since I was a kid. What is this, you ask? What amazing adventure am I up to? Simple, I’m going …

Review: Ice Hockey Made Simple: A Spectator’s Guide

By ecnewman
Posted on 06/15/2012 at 12:00 pm

First written in 1993, Ice Hockey Made Simple: A Spectator’s Guide by PJ Harari and Dave Ominsky, has been reprinted and updated numerous times. Although not quite as current as one would expect. As I started reading, I put complete trust that everything would be up to date. Why wouldn’t it be? I’ve been watching hockey since 2010 and the basic set-up of hockey hasn’t changed since then. The only thing I can think of that has evolved has been the discipline on head hits (but that’s another rant and a half). So, when I read within the first ten pages …

Summer

By ecnewman
Posted on 06/08/2012 at 12:00 pm

I’ve heard varying reports of the weather out in the Philadelphia area. Most sounding as though it’s been pleasant and mild. I checked it again today. HA! Eighties, often upper 80′s for you now. The glee I feel is that it’s been hot here in Northern Illinois and where I work lacks air conditioning. Misery loves company, right? Finals are over and I have a stack of grading that refuses to lessen despite all my efforts to grade consistently. I’m to clear out my stuff for the summer and go through my many unorganized papers. School’s out for all intents …

Point/Counterpoint: NHL Draft 2012

By ecnewman
Posted on 06/05/2012 at 7:00 pm

Welcome to the newest edition of “Point/Counterpoint,” where a pair of Flyers Faithful scribes present both sides of one particular issue with their own unique view and flair. This week, Kevin C and Eden N are looking ahead toward the NHL draft and projecting what the Flyers should (and shouldn’t) do. Point from Eden N: DEFENSE The Flyers have a first round pick at #20, and while it’s not nearly as exciting as the #8 spot, it’s nothing to sneeze at. I don’t claim to have even a sliver of the skills NHL scouts have accumulated over years evaluating talent across …

What to do when your team is done:

By ecnewman
Posted on 05/18/2012 at 12:00 pm

1. Pick a new team to watch for the remainder of the playoffs. 2. Cry 3. Reassure yourself that it’s a rebuilding year and they did damn well to get as far as they did. 4. Cry 5. Remind yourself that they beat their rivals. 6. Cry 7. Whine about the referees all through the playoffs. 8. Cry 9. Take a deep breath and pray the offseason isn’t as traumatic as the last one. 10. Buy some tissues. It’s okay to cry a little.

Breathing

By ecnewman
Posted on 05/04/2012 at 12:00 pm

There are times that I’m convinced that I don’t take a breath for a few minutes. Those times are always playoff hockey games. I sit, usually with a pillow in a tight embrace, curled up in the fetal position. I’m so wired I wonder if I’ll ever get to sleep after the game if over. I’ve never been to a Lamaze class, but I’m pretty sure my deliberate breathing is similar. I stress more during these weeks than almost anything else in my life. I have to remind myself that it’s hockey. And should not, technically, affect my life. Whether win …

Preview: Ice Hockey Made Simple: A Spectator’s Guide

By ecnewman
Posted on 04/27/2012 at 12:00 pm

(from amazon.com) Before you immediately roll your eyes because why on Earth would you (Flyers fan of many years), ever want to read something entitled: Ice Hockey Made Simple: A Spectator’s Guide, let me offer an explanation. How often do you get into conversations that come around to the other person saying something like, “I don’t watch hockey, I can’t follow the puck, I don’t understand it, It’s all fighting,” etc. and so on? And you probably argue or sigh heavily because why on earth do people not understand how awesome the game of hockey is? It’s a problem. And …

Point/Counterpoint: Goaltending in the Playoffs

By ecnewman
Posted on 04/24/2012 at 2:00 pm

Welcome to another edition of Point/Counterpoint. This week, European correspondent Filip and I deal with a common, often overplayed issue: Goaltending. Point: Goalies are important in the Playoffs (Filip) A) You can’t win without an elite goaltender. Yes, there are some exceptions like Antti Niemi (or series like the just-completed Penguins-Flyers series) but nearly every team in the recent years (has) won with a good goalie and with a tight defense. Tim Thomas, Chris Osgood, Jean-Sebastien Giguere – those are/were elite goalies who proved their star worth by being a significant factor in their teams winning the Cup. And remember …

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