Hi everyone! The NHL is back! In quiet, empty-arena form, but I’ll take it. After all, the Montreal Canadiens are actually going to live to see another playing day, and in the playoffs no less! Sure, it’ll probably be a quick playoff run that will last fewer days than the training camps players are going to have to go through before resuming play, but I’ll take it. It’ll give us all something to look forward to, and these days, that’s really all we can ask for. And there’s also the draft coming up in less than a month, so there’s a bonus, and free agency will be just around the corner. See how things are looking up all of a sudden?

In the articles section this week, we are featuring a piece on Seals all-star, and 2020 Seals Hall of Fame nominee Bill Hicke, arguably the team’s best player their first two seasons in the NHL. Hicke was especially effective when he was put onto a line with Ted Hampson and Gary Jarrett, and 1968-69 was their zenith when all three were selected to play in the all-star game. Unfortunately, Jarrett sustained an injury not long before the game, so he was replaced by Carol Vadnais. The “Assembly Line” wasn’t kept together very long, but in the short time they were together, they were dynamite, and Hicke was the line’s triggerman. You can read all about him and his linemates in the articles section.

In the Overexposed wing of the Hockey Hall of Shame, be prepared to dance like Dominic Roussel, a man who was so in the zone the night his card photo was taken that he broke out one hell of a crazy dance move right there in his crease. When you see this thing you’ll be wondering how there was no mention of it in the paper the following morning. It’s like John Travolta and a Russian leader had a rug-cuttin’ child who could also stop pucks. You read that right. Best get on over to the Overexposed wing and find out how that Russian Travolta sentence makes any sense.

That’s about it for this week. The weather is finally improving so spending more time outside is becoming a priority. Thank God we have a back yard so we can enjoy the weather and social distance at the same time. Hope everyone enjoys a beer or two, grills up something good on the BBQ, and enjoys their time outside with the family.

Until next time, stay gold!