Pickup Hockey Finder
By Bethany | September 5, 2008
A while ago I received a comment from Derrik at Pickup Hockey Finder, and I began talking to him. Here’s an interview that I did with him on his site. If you have any questions please feel free to leave a comment here, or you can use the Contact Information on his site.
1. What is the site used for?
Ultimately the site has been designed with with two main goals in mind. First for individual player to easily find pickup hockey opportunities. Second, to make it easier for pickup hockey organizers to manage their games and the players who are attending.
2. What made you want to create it?
Don Giroux and I (Derrik) have been organizing pickup games for about a year now. We ran into a number of hurtles along the way, i.e. finding players, keeping track of who is coming, collecting money, etc. Don and I just wanted to skate, and found it easier to invest the time in organizing our own game rather then trying to find other peoples games (which was difficult as well). After 6 months or so, we saw an opportunity and had the desire to create a service where people could find pick up hockey games all over North America. This service, pickuphockeyfinder.com, would make it is easier for the casual or dedicated player to find ice time in their own city, as well as others.
Being able to easily locate games in other cities would come in handy for the seasoned traveler or for someone who relocates to a new area (because of work or what have you) this is an opportunity for ice as well as getting to know new people in those
areas.
3. What are your goals for the site?
To continue to develop an easy to use, user friendly system, that will help the individual skater and pick up game organizer. We will also be adding a third dimension to our website, a team manager system. This will allow teams to sign up and find scrimmages vs. other teams. We have been talking to a few hockey leagues and one area they would like to see is a method for players on a group level be able to find other groups. For instance, the AHA (Adult Hockey League) has an annual ski trip and they often seek ice time with players in their destination city. We are working towards a way to make this an easy process. Another use for the system we are working on is for arena managers to promote and organize their open hockey time slots.
4. Anything exciting coming up?
Growth. Trying to get games posted all over the country. We are also talking with the AHA about organizing their pick up games, but those talks are early. I can tell you we would be honored to post their games, as well as anyone else that organizes a game. We have also been talking with some local arenas on using the site to help organize their public pick up games. They have the same trouble (not enough players, too many players, no goalies, too many goalies, etc). If we can take that national, it would be huge for the hockey community.
5. Anything people should know or need to know before signing up?
Its free! We send two emails a week with upcoming ice times. We hope to taper that down to one a week when we have more momentum. We are also planning on having t-shirts and jerseys with our logo on it, soon…
We have dedicated many hours to this project because of our love for the game. We truly believe this will be a great tool for hockey players and organizers alike.
Topics: Blog Pimpin, Random | 2 Comments »
Columbus Blue Jackets to retire #…
By Bethany | September 3, 2008
Seriously, I have been trying to spend my time wisely. You know, studying, working, writing for the school paper, and well you know, trying to have some sort of social life. But, something came up today, and it really got me thinking. There are a lot of hockey clubs preparing to retire a certain players number.
- St. Patrick in Montreal *maybe this will break the curse?*
- The Capitals retiring #11 in honor of Mike Gartner.
It got me thinking…do the Blue Jackets have a player that deserves this type of honor?
In reality, the answer is probably, no. Rick Nash will probably get there eventually. But, anyone else? I really can’t think of anyone. David Vyborny pops into my head.
Vyborny played every single NHL game of his career with the Blue Jackets. Every single season, he was the man who gave it all, night in, night out. He didn’t have a good season in 2007-2008. But, he was injured most of it.
What do you guys think? Anyone stick out?
Topics: Patrick Roy, Mike Gartner, David Vyborny, Washington Capitals, Montreal Canadiens, Columbus Blue Jackets | 13 Comments »
We didn’t do it.
By Bethany | August 30, 2008
- The Blue Jackets have NOT signed Andrej Meszaros to an offer sheet. I’m not saying we couldn’t use him. We definitely could. But, the team is offering $5 million, and we would have to give up draft picks. There is no way that we are going to do that. It’s just not smart…at least for our hockey club. Portzline seems to think that it is Vancouver. *Update, he got traded to Tampa…this is what I get for not posting my blog post*
- McCain chose a hockey mother as his VP.
- Also, my good friend Q-Girl sent me this story. It’s on Voracek, who is now weighing 209 pounds.
- The Blue Jackets signed right winger Maksim Mayorov to an entry level contract. Remember this article from early June? Very exciting.
Topics: Andrej Meszaros, Maksim Mayorov, Jakub Voracek, Columbus Blue Jackets | 2 Comments »
Responding to Kukla…
By Bethany | August 27, 2008
Kukla asked a question on his blog the other day, and I felt inclined to respond. Here is what he asks:
I have one question for you today. What NHL player do you look at as having a breakout season this year? You know the type of player I am looking for, maybe he scored 15 goals last season, but you expect 30-35 from him this year. Maybe it is a defenseman, someone who was considered to be a No. 4 or No. 5 dman, but all of the sudden shows the ability to be a No. 2 guy and becomes a force on the power play or penalty kill.
The NHL player I most want to have a breakout season, that is not on my team, is Jason Blake. He had an extremely tough last season, and I’m sure being in the “center of the universe” didn’t help much. The poor guy was diagnosed with leukemia, and undergoing treatment. He managed to get a total of 52 points, (15 goals 37 assists). Because of his leukemia Blake will always hold a special place in my heart. My Uncle died in February of 2007 of leukemia. Well, of complications from the treatment, so when I found out about Blake, I automatically felt a connection to him.
The player on my team that I would like to have a breakout season. That’s easy. All of them. They all need to improve in one way or another. We have to be better as a whole in order to succeed. Pazzy needs to stop a few more pucks, Norrena needs to close his five-hole, Modin needs to stay healthy, Nash needs …well I can’t think of anything, and everyone else has their flaws.
Topics: Jason Blake, Columbus Blue Jackets | 2 Comments »
Blue Jackets to honor JHM!!
By Bethany | August 27, 2008
The Blue Jackets announced today their plan to honor John H. McConnell. The Blue Jackets will be wearing a patch on their jerseys.
“Mr. Mac’s commitment to the Blue Jackets, our fans and this community was deep-rooted and it will be a privilege for all of us to honor him this season and beyond,” said Priest. “This mark will serve as a reminder to all of us to continue to work every day towards accomplishing the goals he set for this organization both on and off the ice.”
Mike Priest, Columbus Blue Jackets President
It is only right that the Jackets honor Mr. Mac. I honestly can’t tell you how much I respect and admire this man. Here is the patch that the Blue Jackets will be wearing.
*Courtesy of the Blue Jackets website
Also, all fans in attendance will be given a hat with the patch on it.
Topics: John H McConnell, Columbus Blue Jackets | No Comments »
More on Stefan…
By Bethany | August 26, 2008
There is STILL a lot of speculation out there in the blogosphere and on comments. In my little place on the web I have decided that I don’t want the speculation comments, so they have not been getting approved.
I really don’t think people understand that he has the right to quit. He has the right to say goodbye to the game of hockey. He doesn’t owe us, his fans, anything. I have heard people speculate that oh this is just a prank, but, his agent has confirmed that he is in fact quitting, and there is no way that an agent would be a part of a prank like that. The other thing that people are saying is that he wants a trade. If that was the case he would have asked for a trade (Eric Lindros and Blake Wheeler anyone?).
In reality Stefan has to choose what he wants to do, and if what he wants right now is to take a break…then so be it. The speculation needs to stop, and he needs to be left alone to figure out his life on his own. If you haven’t been following the story, you can click here and get caught up.
Topics: Stefan Legein | 2 Comments »
100 Facts About Bethany!! Part 4!!
By Bethany | August 23, 2008
This is the final bit of my 100 Facts about me. You can view all of them here.
76. I had a crush on Theo from the Road Rules.
77. My favorite flower is a yellow rose with red tips.
78. I believe in doing anything you can to help your friends.
79. I have been cheated on one too many times.
80. I’m still in love with one of my ex’s…even though I could never get him back.
81. I don’t dream of traveling the globe just to see the sites, I dream of traveling to watch some good hockey games.
82. I hate obnoxious people.
83. I *love* taking naps.
84. I’m not a big fan of breakfast.
85. I have a hard time relaxing.
86. I love boxer puppies.
87. When I’m nervous, I stutter, and shake.
88. My family thinks I am their personal chauffeur.
89. I don’t believe in love at first site.
90. I hate doing laundry.
91. I hate summer, and love winter.
92. People who talk to much bother me.
93. I like my hair better straight than curly.
94. I believe that a good journalist, reports only the truth.
95. I wore toe socks and sandals in high school.
96. I have a lot of books that I need to read.
97. My main goal in life is to just be happy.
98. My aunt had a dog that smiled.
99. My cousin likes the Nashville Predators…yuck.
100. I don’t regret anything, because, that was what you wanted at that time.
Topics: Know Your Blogger, 100 Facts | 5 Comments »
Stefan Legein SPEAKS!
By Bethany | August 22, 2008
“I’d like for everyone to stop bashing my father, my family, and me personally,” said Legein. “My family has been amazing. They have supported me and never forced me to do anything and to say its their fault is ridiculous.”“Take the time to talk to me before you accuse me of being addicted to anything, even if it’s coffee,” Legein continued. “I realize you’re going to speculate but please don’t bash my character and especially my family.”
Good for you! Take all the time you need Stefan, we all want what is best for YOU!
Topics: Stefan Legein | 2 Comments »
100 Facts About Bethany!! Part 3!!
By Bethany | August 22, 2008
Here is part 3, to check out all of them simply click here.
51. I have a Canadian flag hanging in my room.
52. I would cheer for Marty Brodeur over the Blue Jackets.
53. I still have my Adam Foote bobblehead, not too sure what to do with it.
54. I love the Montreal Canadiens, and can’t wait to go to Montreal for the Draft!!
55. I love dried flowers.
56. I have pictures with my best friends ex-husband still up in a grame, also I have their engagement photo hanging on my fridge.
57. I love learning about writing, and I strive every single day to improve my writing.
58. I hate writing in journals…but I can blog…go figure.
59. My HLOG girls are like my sisters, I would do anything for them!!
60. I have an addiction to Starbucks White Chocolate Mocha, it’s bad.
61. I don’t like quitters.
62. I can keep a secret.
63. I have felt betrayed by my family on more than one occasion.
64. I believe you should be friends with everyone you meet.
65. If someone is mean to me, I don’t let it bother me.
66. I get so excited that I can’t sleep on Christmas Eve, yes, even now, that I’m 23.
67. I believe chocolate is a cure all.
68. I still enjoy coloring in a coloring book.
69. It wasn’t my idea to create a blog, it was my brothers, and then my mom gave me the idea to write about hockey.
70. I have a Blue Jackets calendar hanging by my desk.
71. I made my school schedule so I could still go to hockey games and watch them from home.
72. I can’t live without DirecTV.
73. I only went to one school dance in high school.
74. I wish I was crafty, and could make stuff like Elisa, I’m a bit jealous.
75. I wish every single day that my Uncle Al was still alive to help me figure out the crazy journalism world. He was a journalist, and probably one of the best in the business.
Topics: Know Your Blogger, 100 Facts | 8 Comments »
Stefan Legein ‘Retirement’
By Bethany | August 21, 2008
I put the ‘retirement’ like that because, we don’t know what he is going to do. Stefan is simply a child. According to Stefan’s agent there is a lot of speculation out there and, well there is. There is WAY too much going on with assumption. This is Stefan Legein’s life. This still could be his career. Why are people crucifying him? He doesn’t deserve it. He deserves to be given his time, he should be allowed to think, he shouldn’t have to deal with blogs saying untrue things about him, and reporters calling him every five seconds.
Stefan, I hope nothing but the best for you. I hope you find what you are looking for, and most of all I hope that YOU are happy, because that is what matters. Your happiness. That’s it.
Also, I have to say a big thank you to Adam Proteau of The Hockey News, Stu Heckel of The New York Times, Puck Daddy, Aaron Portzline, and Kukla (and whoever else gave me credit for this story.) As a journalism student, it was quite the honor to even be mentioned by these people.
Topics: Stefan Legein | 1 Comment »