Nybo's Ice Level with the Flames

Draft Time! 2000 and Eleven

2011-06-24T12:40:00.000-06:00

Hey Flames fans friends. Long time no talk with this blog thing here. I am slowly joining the rest of the world when it comes to social media.

It’s draft time again…this year down in Minny-sota. I am sitting in my hotel room hangin’ with the rest of the Flames staff preparing for today’s festivities.

Exciting times around downtown St. Paul today. Everywhere you turn there are coaches, general managers, scouts, players and former players. Just now I rode the elevator with Chris Chelios and Ken Holland.

A lot of rumours floating around today, so by the time you read this, a couple high profile players may have found new homes.

Spent yesterday morning with Flames forward (and just all-around good dude) Tim Jackman. The North Dakota native spends his off-season in Anoka, Minnesota. He shares a home there with his “labra-doodle” Bud (that name given by the web girls Alex and Torie). Pete the producer and I were there to shoot an upcoming Flames TV video segment entitled “Garage Cribs”. The reason for that title is because he has outfitted his whole garage into a hockey practice facility. Even though I have the skill level of a penguin when it comes to hockey, I could easily waste the days away in this place. It’s got the usual hockey net, pucks and punching bag…but it also features a couple other sweet gizmos as well…not to mention the floor has been covered with tiles meant to replicate an ice surface.

Here are pics as well as some random notes;
(Click on 'em to make larger)

For those familiar with the Oscar worthy Might Ducks films...this is where Charlie's mom worked.

Prospect Media availibility

Shooting Tim Jackman playing with his toys

A machine that passes to yourself

Jackman's coffee room table. Bad-ass

Jackman practicing so, as he puts it, "Won't get both my eyes pumped shut again"

Jacks with his buddy "Bud"

He's lucky I was only joking

For the Heritage Classic, the players wore 3 jerseys during the game...he got to keep one.

With his golf team in Anoka

Beauty putt

- Saw Olli Jokinen with his wife and three kids at the airport Wednesday. He had been hangin' around Calgary until his girls finished up school. They flying down to Florida for the summer and had no less than 15 large duffel bags on a cart the size of a CN train car....no seriously.

- On the way to Anoka from St. Paul, there is a community called "Little Canada".

- Went to a restaurant that would easily be in my top ten of all-time. If you're ever in St. Paul, be sure to hit up "The Strip Club". I know, I know...but the the "strip" is in reference to steak and not the other thing ya sickos.

Well, would love to chat more, but I gots to gets to the Exel Energy Center y'all. Check back for more!

Mitch Nybo
mnybo@calgaryflames.com

First Rapid Fire of the 2010-11 Season! With Niklas Hagman.

2010-11-24T14:05:00.000-07:00

Great dude;
(Too bad none of the pictures we found of "Finnishe Sauna Parties" were "TV Appropriate)

Rapid Fire - Niklas Hagman

Email me @ mnybo@calgaryflames.com

Audio Blog #1 - Olli Jokinen

2010-10-06T15:07:00.000-06:00

Hey fellow Flames fans,

This season I will be implementing an "audio blog" to Ice Level with the Flames. Every couple weeks or so I'll sit down with a member of the team and discuss whatever comes to mind. For my very first episode, I had a chat with forward Olli Jokinen while the team was packing up to fly to Edmonton. Unfortunately, I was using someone else's audio recorder and for some reason it turned out extremely over-modulated (guess I shoulda did a test run). So I apologize for that!

Ice Level with the Flames - Olli Jokinen

Photo Blog @ the 2010 NHL Draft in LA - Day 2

2010-06-26T10:54:00.022-06:00

So even though Day 1 of the draft did not feature any Flames picks or transactions, it was still a pretty cool day and interesting event to attend. Everytime I turned around, I was basically bumping into NHL coaches, players, and GM's. Also got to experience my first LA celebrity sighting. Kevin Connolly (E from Entourage) was checkin' in some of the action at the Staples center and gave me a confidence boost when I stood next to him and noticed that he's about 2 inches smaller and 50 pounds lighter than I. Didn't snap a pic though 'cause I didn't want to feel like a greasy paparzzi.
Make sure you guys and gals check out www.calgaryflames.com for all the up to date video content.

Day 2:

(click on pic to make larger)

Lemon trees outside my hotel.
"And with that, a mighty cheer went up from the heroes of Shelbyville. They had banished the awful lemon tree forever, because it was haunted. Now let's all celebrate with a cool glass of turnip juice."

Fish Tacos numbers one, two and three. The best.

Staples Center just before the Draft begins.

Magic...Enjoyin' the hockey draft.

De La Hoya showing his support for the home squadron.

Kesler? Really? This guy is your spokesperson? Uhh, I'll just stick to EA Thanks.

Givin' Jonny Q a run.

S*$t! Wrong tent.

Had the longest shower immediately right after this...with SOS pads and a lot of bleach.

They uh, did not have stick lengths for the little people.

Bettman & Kerr

Draft about to begin.

Busy floor.

Flames table.

Taylor Hall said he is no longer a Flames fan. Well, I am no longer a Taylor Hall fan.

Seguin

This pic is from Day 1 with Mitch Wahl. But how cool of a pic is this? Our Broadcast director/producer Carlo attached a camera with a suction cup to the tip of Mitch's board. This was in-between Seal Beach and Huntington.

-Mitch Nybo
email me @ mnybo@calgaryflames.com

Photo Blog @ the 2010 NHL Draft in LA - Day 1

2010-06-24T23:59:00.026-06:00

Hey friends and fellow Flames fans,

I'm down here in LA for the 2010 NHL entry draft, and I thought I would throw up a Photo Blog of the time that I spend here. Very cool day today! Shot two interviews this morning with Rob Kerr and Tod Button and then the big man himself, Daryl Sutter. We then headed off to Seal Beach to hang with Flames prospect, and Californian, Mitch Wahl (who just came off a great season with the Spokane Chiefs where he put up 96 points). I also brought along my little camera with me to snap a few pics and show you what's goin' down in So Cal during the next 3 days.

June 24th (Day 1)

(click on pic to make larger)

It Begins!

Like, OMG!! Twilighty! EEEEEEEE!!!!!

Rob Kerr doing his Stand-up in front of the Staples Center. And, er, Twilight premier.

Gary Bettman with whom I assume is his family.

Robbie has a chat with the Betts.

Twilight fans, um, know nothing of hockey.

Not all Twilight fans are 11...though they should be. Yeah, I said it.

Taylor Hall! Over here!! Oh wait…wrong one. I assume..

Tod Button and Rob Kerr

Daryl Sutter and Rob Kerr talkin’ bout Twilight and who they hope wins. It was the werewolves right?? K, enough Twilight talk…forever.

Could be in a worse place.

Crazy House #1

Crazy House #2

Yes!

4x4. Simple.

Yep.

Sweet Cali van #1

Mitch Wahl and I at Seal Beach.

Mitch showin us around town.

Mitch’s fave Deli in Seal Beach.

Mitch’s fave surf shop.

Gonna try and catch some waves. Too bad the swell wasn’t participating.

Shootin Mitch waiting for waves.

Enough to get up for a bit.

Mitch in front of his Grandmothers house

Mitch & Rob

Showin’ him some sweet footage.

After a failed attempt of catching shrimp with his mouth.

Three members of Flames PPV team with Mitch. Ending the long day with a great meal.

Video roundup & other things

2010-04-13T11:32:00.020-06:00

Hey all,

Well this sucks. This is also new territory for me. This is the first time we have missed the playoffs since I started working here back in '03/04. The best way I dealt with this heartbreaking end, was to book it to Vegas the day after we were officially eliminated. It's a good place to go to forget about hockey for a bit.
But I strongly believe there is hope for next year. Good D core and an amazing goaltender bode well for our future. We just need that scoring punch up front.

While we all know that this season wasn't what we wanted or expected, but nevertheless, here are some of my random favourite 2009/10 NHL moments:
- McGrattan one punching an old high school buddy of mine Darcy Hordichuk...(sorry Darcy)
- Kippers insane back kicky save...thingy
- Matt Cooke's epic fail
- Green dudes making Weber laugh
- Pro skater Mike Vallely reeeaaally wants his 8 year old daughter to have that stick!
- Prust vs Rypien Jan 9th 2010
- The way Olli Jokinen talks. (I know he is no longer a Flame, but the last 3 or 4 answers he gives me in this Rapid Fire make me laugh every time.)
- McGrattan vs MacIntyre Oct 24th 2009
- Gio. Flames prettiest goal of the year. Simple.
- Iggy's beauty pass to Crosby for the gold. (YouTube doesn't have access to Olympic footage, but I'm sure you've seen it 800 times by now.)
- Lazer!
- Gio sends Pitkanen for a ride. Pitkanen decides to give teammate Staal a little souvenir on his face.
- Jim Playfair. Proving that even nice guys can get crazy.
- OK, let me be clear. The Canucks are tied with the Oilers for my least favourite team in the NHL. And I really don't like watching the Sedins tear it up. But you can't deny how insanely cool this goal is against Anaheim.
- Gio (yet again) goes after a big hitter himself, Dustin Brown...all game.
- Um, Datsyuk is good.
- Fellow Red Wing...not so good. Eaves's Fail.
- I always loves guys who attempt to bust out moves like this. You just don't see it enough.
- Sarich is a beauty. But me thinks ol' Jason Chimera has a different opinion.

More Videos:
- The Flames Best of Everything 2009/10 (and some behind the scenes stuff). And how hard do you laugh when you see Kipper shake his helmet off?
- A brief look back through the decades:
80's
90's
00's

See ya next year everybody. Thanks for checkin out my Blog. Next year it will be updated a little more frequently.
Your friend & fellow fan,
Mitch

Oh, and this is non-Flames related, but I'd like to share my very first music video with you. It's by Calgarian (now Toronto based) artist Greg Cockerill. For fans of the Alt/Country Rock 'n roll. Was shot on a budget of whatever it cost me to buy cheese and crackers for the extras.
Greg Cockerill - Hard to Recover

email me @:
mnybo@calgaryflames.com

Playoff push time

2010-03-17T18:06:00.008-06:00

Hey everybody in Flames Fan Land (kinda rhymed no?)

So here are. Pushing for one of those last few playoff spots. All we can do at this point is hope. Hope for W's. Also hope that Detroit, Nashville and whoever the heck else in the West to gain some L's.

It's starting to look like some of the new guys from "the trades" (quotations are fun hey?) are starting to find their form with the Flames. For me, the most pleasant surprise has been Ian White. Although I've always thought he was underrated. Remember him from the World Juniors? I just recall him on the Power Play hammering bombs from the point on every man advantage situation our boys had. Anyways, I think he starting to be a real key D-man for us. Before the game tonight in Denver, he is tied for the team lead in +/- with Gio and Glencross (+10). But think about that. Most of the season he played for, gulp! Toronto. For such a little guy, he looks so calm and poised out there. He has also made a bunch of highlight reel defensive plays. If uh, there were such a thing as highlight reel defensive plays. I hope the Flames can keep him and his sweet moustache for at least another three years after this season. Oh, and it also doesn't hurt that he's a genuinely nice dude.

Heard a funny story from Strength and Conditioning Coach Rich Hesketh yesterday. I was in the Flames work-out room with him and Flames PPV Color Commentator Charlie Simmer shooting an interview. After it was over Rich starting show us a few of the odder looking contraptions in the room. I asked about some machine I had never seen before. I can't recall the exact name, but it was a device the players use to improve and maintain their flexibility.
...Ok so I did find this picture of something it looked the most similar too:
http://proflexstretch.info/wp-content/uploads/2008/12/gdarticle.jpg
So you see where he puts his legs right? Well some players like to increase the degree of the angle of that. Well it turns out 'ol Kipper has no problem about cranking that thing all the way to the tippy top. We're talkin' 180 degrees. Ouch, right? But then Rich tells us that one day Kipper asks "Can it go any further??". (Say wha? He can do the splits further than 180 degrees?)
Rich tells him "No. This is as far as it will go." So Rich went and grabbed some soft padding and stuck it infront of Miikkas legs and somehow custom made the thing so his feet would basically be facing behind him. Crazy athletes.
Also, Rich tells us Miikka has one at home.

Well, that's all I can think of right at the moment. Have a good St. Paddy's Day Y'all!
Mitch

mnybo@calgaryflames.com
link to site: http://nybosflamesicelevel.blogspot.com/

Iginla and Langkow. Congrats on 1000 Games!

2010-02-13T13:10:00.004-07:00

Hey people,

Not sure if you guys and gals have had a chance to check out the Flames website today, but we put up three videos to celebrate the 1000 NHL games played by both Jarome Iginla and Daymond Langkow. Both beauties...'nuff said.

Langkow:
http://flames.nhl.tv/team/console.jsp?catid=676&id=60353

Iggy:
http://flames.nhl.tv/team/console.jsp?catid=676&id=60345

Highlight Reel:
http://flames.nhl.tv/team/console.jsp?catid=597&id=60356

Feb Fun

2010-02-10T20:01:00.001-07:00

Say what? It’s Feb. 10th already? Feels like Christmas was just a couple weeks ago. A gosh-load of stuff has happened since my last blog. Six new players. Mikael Backlund nets his first. A lot of change. One thing that has stayed the same though, is Kipper’s unbelievable play. I cannot recall a time where he has made so many highlight reel saves game after game. And that’s counting his ‘04 season and 05/06 when he won the Vezina. Don’t get me wrong, he was unbelievable then too, but I just don’t remember so many amazing saves each game. Last night in Ottawa he continued this streak by robbing Jonathon Cheechoo twice with some last ditch effort saves.
There is no need for me to really discuss the trades at this point. Every single publication possible has discussed, speculated and debated these deals over and over again. One thing I will say though, is that 99.9% of the rumours I’ve heard on why these deals have happened, are simply not true.

Despite the loss last night (with help from yet more unlucky bounces), I thought our newly formed lines were starting to show some much needed chemistry. Especially the Iggy, Hagman & Stajan line. Both goals from those boys were beauties (with an absolute laser-beam top chedder from Hagman…how quick was that release?!). I dunno about you, but I’m starting to get excited about our new team. Had we got a little luck last night, the club could of came home with 5 of 6 possible points on that trip. But coulda woulda shoulda right? Hopefully the guys can take the good things from the past three games and come into tomorrow nights game and take it to the Stars.

Speaking of tomorrow night’s game…it will be our 7th Pay Per View game of the season. I know, I know…no wins yet on Flames PPV (0-4-2) this season. But, with a new team comes new results on PPV right? That’s what I think anyway…soooo yeah!
As for content during the broadcast tomorrow, we have a couple Flames telling us some of their trash-talkin’ stories, goaltending coach Jaime Mclennan shows us goaltenders how to properly play a break-a-way, a prospect update with John Armstrong and injured forward Nigel Dawes and I hang out whilst bowling.

Recently, Jarome Iginla and Daymond Langkow each played their 1000th NHL game. And tomorrow night there will be a pre-game ceremony honouring them. I has the fun task of going through our archives to collect Iggy and Langkow highlight clips. Two things I noticed:
- Langkow is an amazing tipper. I bet 40% of his goals as a Flame, have come from him standing in front of the opposing goalies deflecting pucks. And for a smaller guy, that’s not an easy place to stand.
- Since the early 2000’s, Iggy has scored a ton of goals by simply just forcing his way to the net. Most of these examples came pre-lockout where guys were allowed to almost jump on his back and hold him with their free arm. But I must of came across a dozen goals where he would just go to net and fight off people while keeping his puck on his blade at the same time. The guy is a legend and no matter what happens, I feel many years from now, he will be looked back on as the most popular Flame of all-time.

Later friends,
Mitch

Link to Blog Site:
http://nybosflamesicelevel.blogspot.com/

Email me @:
mnybo@calgaryflames.com

Friday Fun

2010-01-22T11:59:00.010-07:00

Hey People,

Sad times around the 'Dome lately. But I'm not going to sit here and say what's right or wrong with this team. There are plenty other publications out there telling you that. I instead thought that maybe a good way to kill time on a Friday afternoon at the office, would be to check out some of the videos we have produced in the first half of the season. Most of you have most likely seen the majority of these already, but just in case you missed some:

(Oh, and if you are at the office, hover your mouse near the top right of the screen so you can quickly minimize when your creepy boss walks by)

Best Hits of the first half of the 2009/10 season:

http://flames.nhl.tv/team/console.jsp?catid=441&id=56716

My favourite Ice Breakers so far. What would the Flames take with them if they were stranded on a deserted island?

http://flames.nhl.tv/team/console.jsp?catid=676&id=53786

Rapid Fire with one the Flames most likeable guys, Eric Nystrom: http://flames.nhl.tv/team/console.jsp?catid=676&id=55949

Kipper's 10 Best Saves:

http://flames.nhl.tv/team/console.jsp?catid=676&id=56127

Halloween is looooong gone, but I thought I'd post this because it may be my favourite opening video that I've had the chance to do:

http://flames.nhl.tv/team/console.jsp?catid=441&id=50218

Curtis Glencross & Jamie Lundmark take you on a mini tour of their Hotel Room:

http://flames.nhl.tv/team/console.jsp?catid=597&id=53974

Who is the Funniest Flame?

http://flames.nhl.tv/team/console.jsp?catid=597&id=56224

We also found out this past week, that according to Gameops.com, we were second best in the sporting world at "Best Team Introduction". The intro they are referring too was for our pre-game show for the 2009-10 season home opener. Check it out! (Scroll down and they have a video that some fan shot from up in the bleeders) http://www.gameops.com/2009/2009/p=3

Also, our own Flames TV Host Alex Ruiz and a bunch of her friends are putting together a great fundraising event at Flames Central for Haiti. It will be taking place Jan. 28th during a Flames Pay Per View game. Here is more info about the party: http://bit.ly/6ohoct

Here is the YYC4Haiti website where you can check out all the sweet silent auction items they will have: http://yyc4haiti.com/main/

Soooo go check it out for good times, flames hockey, and a great cause.

Better days ahead friends! Better days ahead.

This little fact might make you sleep a little easier tonight. In 1985-86, the Flames suffered an 11 game losing streak during the season only to rebound all the way to the Stanley Cup finals!

Later friends,

Mitch

Learning Breakaways and Watchin' Tilts

2010-01-14T18:44:00.003-07:00

Hey y’all,

Long time no talk. It’s been a crazy up and down month here at the ‘Dome. We lose a couple…then win 5 in a row, and then lose 4 out of the next 5. The good news is, (well I think so anyway) the Flames played well and deserved to win the last two. Especially the one against the Avalanche on Monday. The whole game seemed to be in the Avs zone. Too bad the bounces didn’t go our way and we ran into a hot goaltender. Pretty much the same can be said about last night vs. Sid and the Pens.

Had a pretty sweet gig today. For an upcoming Flames Pay Per View, we shot a video piece after practice for our ongoing segment entitled “On the Ice”. This time I got to strap on the goalie equipment while Flames goaltending coach Jamie McLennan showed me how to properly play a breakaway. So all you goalies out there keep any eye out for this piece ’cuz Jamie gave some really good tips on what to do and what not to do. Forward Freddie Sjostrom was kind enough to take some breakaways on me while Jamie gave me some pointers. I realize Freddie hasn’t had much of a chance to show off his breakaway skills this season for the Flames, but let me say, the dude’s got some sweet hands. (he scored 34 goals in in 63 games in his last season for the Calgary Hitmen). Also, we all know what he did do on his only breakaway he’s had this season:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g7D1Ub_XUuc

It’s unbelievably crazy how much of a difference it is to face an NHL player compared to the normal dudes I face in the beer/rec leagues. The quickness of their hands and the how fast the puck can snap off their blades is ridiculous. I felt like a soccer goalie on a penalty kick…just guessin’.

Funny thing is, afterwards I had a chance to talk to Preds head coach Barry Trotz (we share the same hometown) in the hallway. “I was wondering who they had in net there”. For a short time, how bad did he think our scouting staff had become after watching some smurf goalie in Flame gear get schooled?

Yet another amazing scrap from Brain McGrattan last night. Him and former Flame (and at one time, a personal fave of mine) Eric Godard went toe to toe with a number of good, solid punches landing. A couple nights before, McGrattan had a similar scrap with Avs tough guy, David Koci. Without being biased, you gotta think that McGrattan is among the top 5 heavyweights in the NHL.

http://www.hockeyfights.com/players/52/fightcard/reg2010

Can’t forget to mention Brandon Prust here. The guy is second in the league in fighting majors and has hardly lost any of those cleanly. He also went twice in one game with arguably one of the toughest middleweights around in Rick Rypien. Both of them very good tilts.

Randoms:

Rene Bourque to his team-mates after breaking his stick in the Hardest Shot Competition, “That…hurt!”
Miikka Kiprusoff now only wears his other mask (the one with the city skyline on the side) when the Flames wear their vintage jerseys…or so he tells me.
Standing next to Nigel Dawes in the hallway and Brandon Prust asks anyone within earshot “Who’s taller?”
Sidney Crosby and his team-mates all cranking their necks high to watch Bloopers and Blast from the Past on the Enmax Energy Board during TV timeouts.

Later friends,

Mitch

LINK to Blog Site:

http://nybosflamesicelevel.blogspot.com/

Stuff. Things.

2009-12-18T19:01:00.002-07:00

Hey Flames friends,

Feels good to win hey? Looks like L.A. might be the real deal though. Another solid game by Kipper. Highlight (or highlights, I should say) of the night though, had to go to Mark Giordano. His battle with Dustin Brown was awesome. He laid out three solid hits on the Kings captain as well as another two aggressive bumps. The last one was the best. And Brown is so no wimp either. He frequently leads the league in highlight reel body checks. (I also picked him up on my fake team on NHL 10...although I only play online these days. Name is “NoHomers“ …aaanyways)

Nigel Dawes nets his 10^th last night. That puts him on pace for about 22-25 goals. He is starting to look like a great steal for Daryl Sutter. It also helps that Nigel told me he loves to play in Calgary and really likes the city. It would be nice to see him in a the flaming C for a long time.

In St. Louis the Flames PPV helped out FSN in covering the Brett Hull Hall of Fame night. So that meant I got to go on the ice at the Scottrade Center during the ceremony and stand next to the likes of Wayne Gretzky, Al Macinnis, Brendan Shanahan and more. I am not a Blues fan by any stretch, but it was pretty cool to be standing out there in a packed house listening to some of those guys talk.

Three funny things I seen and heard:

Right before Hull is about to speak, someone yells an anti Mike Keenan comment. And literally everyone hears it, including all the former players on the ice. It was then followed by 18,000+ people , including Hull, chuckling. I just thought it was funny that you could hear it so clearly and that Brett acknowledged it.

As I’m walking out onto the ice, former tough guy Tony Twist tells me he could hold my camera for me. I had to laugh because I spent a lot of my high school chit-chat with friends arguing who was tougher, Twist or Sandy McCarthy. I think it’s fair to say that both were really tough dudes in their prime.

That morning Brendan Shanahan and Hull are walking in the hallway with Kelly Chase and Darren Pang. For some reason they had to stop off at the gym, and Shanahan leans over to Hull and says “Did you know this building had one of these Hully?”

Funny.

Hope you guys and girls had a chance to check out our “On the Road” segments on the last three PPV’s. I may be a little biased, but I thought it was pretty cool to see what the boys and coach Sutter say before and during the games. Not to mention the fact that we are the first ones to bring you access inside the dressing room during intermissions. If ya missed it, keep an eye out for it one way or another in the next month or so.

Big game against Barry Trotz and his Preds tomorrow afternoon at the ‘Dome. It is weird to have a game that early on a Saturday. But hey, more time to party hard after right?

Bye for now,

Mitch

Living at the 'Dome. 4th PPV tomorrow vs Wild

2009-12-10T16:32:00.014-07:00

Hey y'all,

Sorry for not updating this blog as much as I had originally hoped. But I have been really busy lately with the two PPV's coming up in the next five days. The fourth one of the season is tomorrow night vs the Wild. Now, a lot of people out there seem to think we never win on PPV (even though we've been above .500 every year. Last season we were 6-4). This year though, I am afraid we are 0-2-1 so far. But I have a feeling that by the end of the 2009-10 season, the Flames will climb back to a winning record for us.

Now, the reason I have been so busy lately, is because I have been going through hours and hours of footage I shot a couple weeks ago when I went on the road with the team with my video camera. I am proud to say though, that I had managed to capture a lot of cool, behind the scenes stuff that you guys and girls just normally don't get to see. This includes: Going inside the players hotel rooms (which actually aired on the last PPV), hearing the coaches pre-game speeches, hearing what the players say on the bench during a game and during warm up, seeing what they do on the team charter, listening to what they have to say during the intermissions in the dressing room, and much more. Obviously, some of this stuff, we cannot air. Some of this footage will never the light. Sorry. Athletes, like all of us, swear from time to time.

Anyways, tomorrow's PPV will feature "On the Road" parts 1 & 2, as well as a "Sights & Sounds" time-out feature of Eric Nystrom mic'd up during a practice in Anaheim.

Went into the dressing room today after practice, and like I have been saying all season, the boys were in a good, upbeat mood. I usually end up talking to Staffan Kronwall the most. You would never guess the man is a professional athlete. I realize he's been up and down from the minors and is not a star player or anything, but man, the guy is one of the nicest dudes in the NHL. And it's not often I say this about hockey players, but Kronwall also has some good taste in music. He is from Sweden after all, and that place is home to tons of great bands. One Swedish group in particular he really likes is The Sounds. It's funny, 'cuz now it's gotten to the point where I'm making mix cd's for about 1/3rd of the team. Some guys like Phaneuf are easy to please because the guy will listen to anything so long as it's catchy or has a good beat. Freddie Sjorstrom is diggin' the Aussie band Empire of the Sun, who I think had one of the best albums of the year. Hey, as long as these guys aren't crankin' Nickleback (sorry Noodles) every second song like some teams, that is good enough for me.

Cool little I noticed today whilst going through some footage from Cali:

Going into the 3rd period on Nov. 21st in L.A, Regehr yells to David Moss in the hallway on the way to the ice, "Mosser! You're due!". Then late in the game, Robyn takes a slapper that finds it's way into the back of the net. Everyone on the bench thinks Regehr has his first goal of the season. But as his teammates excitedly go to congratulate him, he quickly tells them "That hit Mosser".

Well, the Wild are in town tomorrow night. Let's all hope for a big win and keep this sweet season goin'. Oh, and did you people know that Havlat has a meager 2 goals and is minus 17 in 24 games this season? Uhh, thanks for coming out! It'll be the battle of the Finns in goal. Both have been great for their team's for quite sometime now. But as far as the starting job for Team Finland at the Olympics, ya gotta think Kipper has a pretty decent edge right now. If there was such a thing as Team World, Kipper would be in the battle for the # 1 job there too (with Ryan Miller perhaps?).

Later friends,
Mitch

PS. I've been reading some comments from some people such as "Who the hell is this guy?" and "Who the &%$# writes this?". So I thought I'd shamelessly plug myself and share a video I did earlier this year with Brandon Prust:
http://flames.nhl.tv/team/console.jsp?catid=676&id=50642

Phoenix. Not cold. PPV # 3

2009-12-03T14:23:00.004-07:00

Hey all,

In Phoenix for our third Pay Per View of the season. Sittin' in the broadcast truck hiding from the sun. And yes, I realize people reading this in Calgary are cursing my name for dodging the extreme cold snap back home.

Tonight we are the only broadcasters for tonight's game which is cool because that means Center Ice will be showing Flames PPV. On tonight's show, we are gonna give you a preview of our 2009/10 segment, "On the Road". Last week in LA, Curtis Glencross and Jamie Lundmark were kind enough to take us inside their hotel room for a little video we like to call "Hotel Cribs" (that name is totally original). We also hang out with the whole Conroy family for a night at his daughter's figure skating lessons.

Even though we are in Arizona, I think tonight's game will actually have more Flames fans than Coyote fans attending. I just received a text from a buddy who flew down here this morning for tonight's match-up. He told me that the whole plane was full of Flames followers and they were all going to the game. I imagine there were similar flights today and yesterday and that doesn't include all the rich Calgarians who have second (or third) homes here in Phoenix. I'm looking forward to hearing how loud it will be when we score, as opposed to Coyote goals (that's IF they score.

The boys in the locker room were in a upbeat mood this morning. Langkow was quietly talking to a reporter and Phaneuf yelled across the room "Look at Langer! Givin' away all the secrets!" Not really sure what that meant, but it was pretty funny. Had a chance to talk to Kipper about his mask (as I posted before, he took a shot off the chin in Anaheim and it chipped the bottom of it). I told him it was funny that the very next game he took another rocket off the head courtesy of Adrian Aucoin. He laughed and said it's bad luck to have a big chip because it attracts even more shots to the noggin. He also told me that his new mask will be here very soon. Exact same design.

Anyways,
I'm getting booted off this computer I randomly jumped onto, so I better header.

Go Flames,
Mitch

Back Home at the Dome

2009-11-26T18:08:00.015-07:00

Hey people.

Sorry if this post is a little outdated. Got back from the California road trip in the middle of the night Tuesday. Charter landed at 3am local time. Tried to go to bed but discovered around 5am that I had some sort of flu/fever. And before the token H1N1 jokes start flyin, no, I don’t have it. Slept all afternoon yesterday so didn’t get to see too much at the ‘Dome on game day.

Did see some more cool things on Monday night in Anaheim though. Once again, I got to stand on the end of the bench with my video camera. It was the last time I’ll get to do that for the rest of the 09-10 season. Which is too bad for me. A lot of good chatter on the bench. The boys are really positive no matter what‘s going on out on the ice. Quick story: In the second intermission, the Flames were down 2-1 to the Ducks. But when they came back to the dressing room, I was amazed how upbeat they were. Jarome Iginla would say things like “This win is gonna feel great boys!” or “We got them right where we want them” . Sadly, they couldn’t pull out the win in the shootout. But the fact they badly out-shot Anaheim and tied it with a mere 18 seconds left, just shows how much resiliency lies within this team.

Other random things seen during Flames vs. Ducks:

Cory Sarich takes a hard shot right off his face. From my vantage point, I could see the whole thing. The guy gets right up and skates towards the bench without blinking, grimacing or even saying a word. He just held a towel against and bloody face and walked off to the dressing room. Minutes later, he quietly strolls right back onto the bench, ready to jump out the very next shift. The man is tougher than your dad or anyone else’s.
Kipper takes a hard shot to the chin. Next TV time-out, he skates to bench and asks Curtis McElhinney if there is a scratch or chip on his brand new helmet. There is. After the game he tells the trainer if he takes one more hard shot off his chin, the helmet may break. He tells him he needs a new one, but he wants the exact same design. (Note: Last night against the ‘Yotes, he takes a laser beam slap-shot off the melon from non-other than Adrian Aucoin. But that one looked as if it was more off the top of his head)
Coach Brent Sutter reminds his players minutes before the game, “Remember boys, have fun. This is a fun game, after all.”

Good tilt last night from Brandon Prust. The dude he fought, Paul Bissonette, is no wimp either. No punched landed until right at the end when Prust connected with 3 right the side of Bissonettes face. While one the ice, the Coyotes tough guy gave Brandon a few good “good job” pats.

As you probably know, the Flames are in Detroit right now, getting ready for their game tomorrow night at the Joe. Let’s hope for a win and start climbing towards San Jose & Chi-town in dem ‘ol standings.

Later boys and girls,

Mitch

Anaheim= In-N-Out Burger & Hockey!

2009-11-23T16:32:00.000-07:00

I know In-N-Out burger really has nothing to do with hockey, but damn is it tasty. My first experience was today in Orange, California. If you ever make it out to one, ask for “animal style”. And then undo your belt…or wear sweat pants.

It’s game day today in Anaheim. The weather is unbelievable. Hot. Sunny. Smoggy. Perfect for Cali hockey! I’ve already heard a fair bit of talk about how bad the ice is at the ‘ol “Honda Ponda” (a cabbie told me that name). I’m sure this heat does make it any better.

Big win Saturday afternoon in LA. As I have mentioned, I am along with the team hosting/shooting a behind the scenes PPV Segment entitled “On the Road”. Had a very cool experience that game against the Kings. I, along with my little video camera, stood at the end of the bench next to back-up goalie Curtis MclEhinney for the whole game. It is pretty surreal watching an NHL game on the bench. The exhaustion of these players when they retreat to the bench after a long penalty kill is almost palpable. As you can imagine, most of the things I heard were rated “M” for mature, but there were also some PG things we will be able to leave in for our video piece. I also was in the dressing room before the game and every intermission. Lot’s of positive chatter coming from the boys and coach Sutter. This team really gets along this year. Always seem to be helping each other out and giving positive feedback, or if need be, some constructive criticism. Once again, stay tuned for Flames PPV to see some of that dialogue.

At one point in the game, Iginla stepped on another stick and dulled a piece of his skate blade. So when he got to the bench, he took his right skate off as fast as he could and threw it to the Flames trainer, Gus. But while Gus ran back to the hallway to give it a quick sharpening, Iggy did not sit bare-foot on the bench. He used one of his gloves as a foot cover for a couple minutes while he waited. I assumed it was to keep his sock-less foot warm, but when I asked him about it later, he said it was to protect his toes from getting stepped on by fellow team-mates. Makes sense! Soon after Gus came running back, and it took Jarome a solid 30 seconds to put the boot back on and step out onto the ice to finish off the hatty.

Its about 3:30 local time and the boys are having their pre-game nap. I’m off to the pool to crank some tunage (band of the day: Miike Snow) and maybe work off some of the double meat, double cheese I grossed myself out with earlier today!

Oh, and from “Things I’ve Learned” # 67: Kipper is a huge fan of fellow Finn, Teemu Selanne.

Later Friends,

Mitch

"I am...California"

2009-11-20T18:55:00.001-07:00

Here it is. My first blog entry…ever. Well, let’s call it a “mini-blog”. I thought with all the access I have to the team, coaches, arena, and fans, it would be a good idea to start sharing some of the interesting, cool, behind the scenes things I get the privilege to see from time to time with the Calgary Flames.

This weekend, along with Carlo (my boss/producer) I am with team hosting/shooting a Pay Per View segment entitled “On the Road”. For those of you who had the chance to watch last seasons On the Road, you know what I’m talking about. It’s a chance for the every-day fan to see what it’s like to go on a road trip with an NHL team. Last year we took you on the team charter, in the locker rooms, hotel rooms, team meals, and anywhere else we found the players hanging out. We also put a mic on some players and coaches for the game-day skates and pre-game warm-ups. This season will be no different, save for a couple new faces and a warmer climate.

As I write this, I am mid-flight on the team charter, crankin’ the new Julian Casablancas solo album (the dude from the Strokes) on our way to Los Angeles. As you already know, the Flames play an afternoon game there Saturday and then we are off to Anaheim where they will face the Ducks. We haven’t seemed to have much luck in Orange County the last few years, but I’m really envisioning a win this time around. One thing I won’t be doing there; is try to grab a stick from one of the three stars…unless I wanna get my face melted!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-68ToW1UFlw&feature=player_embedded

That video is awesome in a terrible way.

Unfortunately, Rene Bourque did not make the trip. The guy is having a wicked season and is on pace for some pretty sweet numbers. Injuries suck. The rest of the guys are pretty quiet today…but after coming off a tough loss at the ‘Dome last night, it’s pretty understandable.

The boys are in back of the plane doing their own thing. Some play cards, some sleep. Some read books and some watch TV shows off their laptops. Iggy, Conroy, Boyd and Sarich are playing Ages of Empire. The plane has a wireless network hub that allows these guys to play against each other. Pretty cool. Last year it was Call of Duty. Looks like they found a new game to play. Which is weird considering the new Call of Duty: Modern Warfare just came out…which is unbelievable by the way. If I were a player, I would definitely be a part of the video game crew. The flights pass so quickly that way. Speaking of, we seem to be getting close to our destination so I’ll catch up Sunday from Anaheim.

Later boys & gals!