Crosby and Company Enjoy "Trophy Wife" on Yacht in Cannes (Pics)

Yesterday, Sid along with a few team mates (Paul Martin, Max Talbot, and Jordan Staal) were in Cannes, France (at the 2011 Cannes Film Festival) aboard the Jetèe Albert Edouard yacht to attend the film screening and after-party for "Trophy Wife."

There's not much in the way of any stories or articles on this, but there are PLENTY of pics!!  It seems as though Sid is becoming a part of Hollywood's "A-List" these days!

 

 

TOP: Paul Martin, Jamie-Lynn Sigler (Sopranos), Sidney Crosby, Jordan Staal

SECOND ROW, LEFT:  Michael Saylor (entrepreneur), Sidney Crosby, Voula Duval (film's director), Paul Martin

SECOND ROW, RIGHT: Voula Duval (film's director), Paul Martin, Jamie-Lynn Sigler, Sidney Crosby, Jordan Staal

THIRD ROW, LEFT: Jamie-Lynn Sigler and Max Talbot

THIRD ROW, RIGHT: Jamie-Lynn Sigler, Max Talbot and Voula Duval (film's director)

The Penguins Sign WBS Forward

Yesterday, the Penguins announced that they signed forward Zach Sill to a two-year contract.

Sill has been playing for the Penguins AHL affiliate in WBS since the 2009-10 season (prior to that he was playing for Moncton in the QJMHL).  According to the official WBS webpage, he's a fan favorite.

Penguin Ties to Boogaard

The late Derek Boogaard had indirect ties to the Pittsburgh Penguins by way of his youngest brother, Aaron.

Back in 2007 the Penguins signed Aaron Boogaard to a three-year, entry-level contract.  He spent the majority of his first season (2007-08) with the Penguins ECHL affiliate, the Wheeling Nailers, playing only two games with their AHL affiliate, WBS Baby Pens.  The next season, Aaron played a total of 41 games with WBS.

Aaron followed in the footsteps of Derek playing the role of the enforcer on the ice for the Baby Pens.

  

Boogaard brothers offer fighting tips to young hockey players

Czech Republic Wins Bronze

On Sunday, the Czech Republic won the bronze medal over Russia on the final day of the 2011 IIHF World Championship (with a final score of 7-4).  Michalek will end his season with a medal ... CONGRATS, Zibby (and the entire Czech Republic team!)!!

"This was a great group of guys," said Jaromir Jagr. "Last year, we showed that we can win even if we don't have our best players. This year, the NHL players came, too, and the team attitude was still there. Too bad we played against a Swedish team that just didn't make any mistakes."

READ MORE HERE ...

So Ovechkin is without a medal or Cup this season (sorry ... I couldn't help myself!)!!

The GOLD went to Finland over Sweden in a 6-1 win!!  READ MORE HERE ...

They also named the tournament MVP as well as the stars of the games (goalie, defenseman, and forward) and All-Star Team.  Former Penguin, Jaromir Jagr, proves that age means nothing when it comes to the talent of a hockey player being named the "Best Forward" and included in the All-Star Team!  GOOD FOR YOU, JAGS!!

READ MORE HERE ...

Although I doubt that the Penguins organization is headed in that direction, I am someone who would not object and would really love seeing Jagr return to Pittsburgh ice!!  A girl can dream, can't she?!!

Untimely Death of Ranger Enforcer Boogaard

Graphic courtesy of ESPN

UPDATE: In reading about Boogaard, I've learned more about the situation.  The New York Post is reporting that Boogaard got permission from Rangers management a week prior to the end of the NHL season to exit early and "receive counseling to help him deal with unspecified issues."  NYP learned that a few weeks prior to his death he began counseling with the NHL / NHLPA Substance Abuse & Behavioral Health Program.

The NYP further reports that Boogaard had an unremarkable season prior to sitting out after suffering from a concussion in a fight with Matt Carkner of the Ottawa Senators on December 9th.  The Star (Toronto) spoke to Boogaard's close friend and fellow [former] NHL heavyweight Georges Laraque who told them Boogaard had been cleared from that injury and back training.  There is no evidence that this could be a cause for his death.  Larague planned to do some fight training with Boogaard this summer to help him get ready for the next season. 

“He felt a lot of pressure and he was obviously really frustrated with his last fight that caused him a concussion, and that’s why he really wanted to come back stronger than ever,” said Laraque in a phone interview. “He’s the toughest guy in the league, right. There’s pressure that comes with that. But he was ready to take it.”

Today, Laraque dedicated a 42 km run to Derek then set out to "re-tweet" all the touching tributes posted on Twitter for him.

Here's our Montreal-New York team mission accomplish for everyone, Derek I did all the 42km for you!

This has been news for a little bit today, but it's the first time I've been online and Twitter was just overwhelming with tweets about the death of NY Rangers enforcer, Derek Boogaard.

I was shocked as I'm sure everyone else is.  Boogaard was found last night in his Minnesota apartment by his brothers, Ryan and Aaron.  There has been no further information about his death and early reports say that an autopsy is being conducted but the results will not be released for at least two weeks.

He is survived by two brothers, his sister Krysten, and mother and father (Joanne and Len).  He was only 28.

“Derek was an extremely kind and caring individual,” said New York Rangers President and General Manager Glen Sather. “He was a very thoughtful person, who will be dearly missed by all those who knew him. We extend our deepest sympathies to his family, friends and teammates during this difficult time.”

NY Rangers Article on Boogard

Michael Russo of The Star Tribune's "Russo's Rants" blog (Minnesota) spoke to Derek's brother, Ryan.  He told Russo that his parents have donated Derek's brain to Boston Univeristy researchers who are studying CTE (Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy) in athletes.  CTE is a progressive brain disease believed to be caused by repetitive trauma to the brain, including concussions or subconcussive blows.  Ryan went on to express the Boogaard family's appreciation of all the support:

"Our family appreciates everybody's calls and condolences," Ryan Boogaard said.

"Derek loved Minnesota. He loved it here. That's why he made it his place in the summertime. He loved the fans here. He loved playing in that building. He just loved everything about Minneapolis.

My thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Boogaard family, the Rangers organization, and the entire NHL community.

Former Penguin Matthew Barnaby Arrested

Last night Matthew Barnaby was arrested at a home where his wife and two children live in Getzville.  He was charged with and plead not guilty to criminal mischief, criminal trespass, harassment, criminal contempt and aggravated harassment.

Barnaby plead not guilty in an arraignment hearing at Amherst Town Court and was released on his own recognizance this morning .

He released the following statement:

"The past few months have been difficult on our entire family, as my wife and I decided to seperate and divorce, Barnaby said in a statement. "Last evening, there was an unfortunate disagreement between us regarding a family matter. There was never any physical violence or threat of physical violence involved. I would like to ask that everyone respect our privacy during this difficult time, and hope that this will be resolved quickly and amicably."

READ MORE HERE ...

Michalek and Team Czech Republic to Play for Bronze While Neal and Team Canada Have Been Eliminated from 2011 IIHF World Championships

James Neal and Team Canada were eliminated from the 2011 IIHF World Championships in the quarterfinals yesterday losing to Team Russian 2-1.  READ MORE HERE.

During the tournament, Neal tallied a total of five points (2G-3A) in the six games Team Canada played.

Zbynek Michalek and Team Czech Republic made it into the semifinals, but lost to Team Sweden today by a score of 5-2.  The Czech Republic remains in the tournament (despite the report on the Penguins webpage that they've been eliminated) and will be playing for the bronze on Sunday against either Finland or Russia. Sweden advances to the gold-medal game which will also be played on Sunday.  READ MORE HERE.

Rest In Peace "Cotton Candy Man"

By now you have all heard the sad news.

Picture courtesy of PPG

If you've ever gone to a Pens game, you probably became pretty familiar with a particular vendor sprinting up and down the concrete steps of the Igloo pedalling cotton candy.  He is known by many nicknames depending on which Pittsburgh sports event you attended (I've always known him as the "cotton candy man," Steelers fans know him as the "Coke-here guy," and Bucs fans called him "lemonade man").  His real name is Kenneth (Kenny) D. Geidel and, unfortunately because of his recent death, yesterday was the first time I actually learned his real name and the fact that he had a wife and four children.  He was a husband, brother, and grandfather.  He was just a regular guy.

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reporter Dejan Kovacevic wrote a really nice article / obituary that honors Mr. Geidel and is featured in today's paper.  According to the PPG, Mr. Geidel fell ill on Sunday while working at the Bucs game and died the next day due to complications with an intestinal infection.

Obituary: Kenneth D. Geidel / Distinctive stadium vendor

David Morehouse, Penguins CEO and president, had this to say (click HERE to read the brief article posted on the Pens webpage):

“Ken provided great service to our fans and was part of the fabric of a Penguins game at Mellon Arena or CONSOL Energy Center,” said David Morehouse, CEO and president of the Penguins. “The history of Pittsburgh sports is unique because it includes not just great players and coaches, but also memorable vendors and ushers. Ken was part of that history. We extend our deepest sympathy to his family.”

To say he was unique is a little bit of an understatement.  His style of selling cotton candy (and other merchandise at the Bucs and Steelers games) was no doubt what made him stand out.  "Cotton candy heeeeeeeere!"

He will truly be missed among Pittsburgh sports fans and there's no doubt that a void will be felt the next time any of us attend a Bucs, Pens, or Steelers game - he definitely added to the entire game atmosphere and your experience attending any sporting event in Pittsburgh.  He will forever be a part of Pittsburgh sports history.

My thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Geidel family.  Rest in peace, Mr. Geidel (I will fondly remember you as the "cotton candy man," but I'm glad to know your name).

Canada Advances to Quarterfinals with Neal's GWG, Penguins Players Have Good Showing in IIHF World Championships

Both Michalek and Neal have been contributing to their teams' undefeated records at the IIHF World Championships and helped them advance to the Quarterfinals (they wrap up playing in the qualifying round today; Michalek's Czech Republic team finished in the top spot of Group E while Neal's Canada team is playing Sweden to determine the top spot in Group F as they are tied with 10 points each).

On Friday, Neal led all Canadian forwards with 17:26 minutes of ice time then scored the game-winning goal against Norway on Saturday.

Michalek had 22:09 minutes of ice time (a Czech Republic team high; second most minutes among all skaters) in their win over Slovakia.

I'd say that both Penguins players are representing their country and Pittsburgh pretty well ... GOOD LUCK, BOYS!!!

DEF: OVECHTRICK ...

Getting swept in Round 2 of the 2011 Stanley Cup Finals
(and /or choking for the past several playoffs) ... THATS A TRICK, ALRIGHT!!

Capitals Eulogy

(courtesy of the Pensblog via PUCK DADDY)

Two Penguins Participating in 2011 IIHF World Championships

James Neal (Canada) and Zbynek Michalek (Czech Republic) have been chosen to represent their respective countries in this year's IIHF World Championships.  Zbynek's brother, Milan (who plays for the Ottawa Senators), will also be joining him on the Czech Republic's team.

The national tournament runs from April 29th through May 15th in Košice, Slovakia.

There are a total of 16 teams participating in the round-robin tournament which are placed in four groups to play in the preliminary round. The top three teams in each group will advance to the qualification round, while the last team in each group competes in the relegation round, where the top two teams will automatically qualify for the next year’s World Championships.

PRELIMINARY GROUPS:

• Group A (Bratislava) - Russia, Slovakia, Germany, Slovenia
• Group B (Košice) - Canada, Switzerland, Belarus, France
• Group C (Košice) - Sweden, United States, Norway, Austria
• Group D (Bratislava) - Finland, Czech Republic, Latvia, Denmark

VERSUS is broadcasting at least 11 games from the tournament which includes the four preliminary-round games (listed below), at least three qualification-round games, and at least one quarterfinal game.

PRELIMINARY GAMES:

• Saturday, April 30 - USA VS Austria (Live), 10 AM (est)
• Monday, May 2 - USA VS Norway (Live), 10 AM (est)
• Tuesday, May 3 - Canada VS Switzerland, TBD
• Wednesday, May 4 - USA VS Sweden, TBD