Get Back

I am back!

After a brief respite from blogging because of the process of setting this site up as well as getting used to the new blogging software and a new server, I will be blogging on a regular basis again. During the past couple of weeks the Canes have still been taking their 24 hours each with the Cup. (for specifics see link to the Stanley Cup Journal on the right). Jim Rutherford and Peter Laviolette had lunch with former Canes David Tanabe, (which for some reason made local and national news) after which they signed David to a 1 year, $900,000 contract. Tanabe, affectionately nicknamed "Snuggles" by some of the Hurricane faithful is known for his lack of physicality but has always shown a promise for being a decent offensive defenseman. He could be an asset in the new NHL. We'll see how that works out. The Canes also signed prospect Joe Barnes to an entry level deal. Joe showed very promising work ethic and skill at the previously mentioned rookie and prospect camp held earlier this month.

On Auguest 27th, I had the pleasure of attending the Jimmy V golf classic held in Cary, NC. Not only is it held for the great cause of fighting cancer, it's also fun to watch the professional athletes and celebrities who attend, muffing some of their golf shots and joking away with the crowd. Several Hurricanes attended which allowed many folk, (like myself) the opportunity to ask for some autographs on a few treasured keepsakes. Of course the Hurricane players are always more than generous providing their John Hancocks. (see some pictures under the "extra stuff" links).

Later in the week I was able to make it over to the RECZONE to watch the players work out, practice a bit, and play some "pond" hockey. Attendees included the Leafs Bates Battaglia, the Rangers Aaron Ward, and the Canes Rod Brind'amour, Erik Cole, Cam Ward, Andrew Ladd, Glen Wesley, Nic Wallin, Trevor Letowski, Jesse Boulerice, Shane Willis, Kevyn Adams, and others. It's great so many players come back early from their visits home, or even spend most of their offseason time in the area now and consider Raleigh home. In the pond hockey game, Aaron Ward scored the game winner that day. Let's hope he got that out of his system because we don't want to see a repeat when the Rangers play the Canes! Again, some pictures of practice in the "extra stuff" links.

The Beatles