Yardbarker: Mike Ricci

Darryl Hunt: Desjardins, WorSharks Drown River Rats 5-3

Sun, 18 Oct 2009 18:41:00 -0500

The Worcester Sharks used their young legs to their full advantage as they played their second game in 20 hours Sunday afternoon at the DCU Center in Worcester, Massachusetts, and that youthful exuberance helped them along to a 5-3 victory over the Albany River Rats in front of 2,012 snow dodging fans. With the memories of Saturday night’s loss to Lowell still fresh in everyone’s minds, the WorSharks came out on all cylinders and took it to an Albany squad that played on the road Saturday ni...

Avalanche Honor Their Past

Fri, 18 Sep 2009 12:31:09 -0500

DENVER – In conjunction with Pepsi Center’s 10-year anniversary, the Colorado Avalanche Hockey Club will launch its Alumni Association on Opening Night (Oct. 1) in a pre-game ceremony introducing Joe Sakic as the first of 10 honorees to be named throughout the 2009-10 season. “We’re a proud organization with a great winning tradition and history,” said Kurt Schwartzkopf, Chief Marketing Officer. “This year we will celebrate our 10 years at Pepsi Center by announcing the Avalanche Alumni...

When Hockey Trades Go Bad: The Biggest Blunders in NHL History

Sun, 26 Jul 2009 21:43:30 -0500

Bad Trades: Who made the biggest blunder in NHL history???With the NHL trade deadline having come and gone, my thoughts quickly turned to the worst trades in NHL history. The list is longer than you think, but for the purpose of fitting this article into this publication, I have created a list of 12 horrific trades.1. Pavol Demitra gets traded from the Ottawa Senators to the St. Louis Blues for Christer Olsson. Well, we all know who Demitra is, who the heck is Olsson? Demitra has over 700 poi...

2009-10 NHL WCF, A Rematch of 2003-04 WCF: Calgary Vs San Jose

Mon, 20 Jul 2009 17:31:23 -0500

With the rest of the NHL community providing ridiculously early playoff picks (there is not much more to write about during mid July), I figured it wouldn't hurt to join the party. But instead of offering which 16 teams I feel will be playing come mid April 2010, I will offer which two teams are most likely to be playing come mid-May. And therefore, my Western Conference Final picks are none other than the San Jose Sharks and Calgary Flames. Now, with the Sharks currently being label...

Hockey Notes - July 8th

Wed, 08 Jul 2009 10:42:00 -0500

SANDIS OZOLINSH SIGNED CONTRACT TO FINISH CAREER IN KHL WITH DINAMO RIGA SANDIS OZOLINSH SIGNED CONTRACT TO FINISH CAREER IN KHL WITH DINAMO RIGA - The big news Tuesday, at least in Republika Latvijas, was the return of former San Jose Sharks defenseman Sandis Ozolinsh to the professional team where his career began in 1990. Dinamo Riga, now a part of the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL), signed the 37 year old Ozolinsh after a 1 year absence from hockey. In an open letter on the team's...

A look back at the 2009 State of the Sharks question and answer session

Thu, 28 May 2009 12:46:00 -0500

FORMER TORONTO NATIVE DEAN HIRASAWA ASKS A QUESTION TO THE SHARKS PANEL SHARKS ROOKIE HEAD COACH TODD MCLELLAN MAKES AN OPENING STATEMENT JOE THORNTON CENTERED A PANEL OF PLAYERS INCLUDING MARLEAU, BOYLE AND PAVELSKI The atmosphere at the 2009 State of the Sharks event on May 14th was an awkward combination of disappointment and encouragement after the biggest playoff failure in the franchise's 17 season history. Terms like funeral and autoposy were used by many to describe the proceed...

Philadelphia Flyers All-Time Team by Uniform Number - #1 - 20

Tue, 17 Mar 2009 21:11:06 -0500

There's been a lot of great Flyers over the years but if you had to pick the best Flyer who donned each number sweater, who would you choose? Here's Bill from FiredforWinning.com's take on numbers 1 through 20. 1. Bernie Parent 232 wins, 2 Stanley Cups, number in the rafters, and the Hall of Fame. And of course,

Western Conference Semifinals Preview

Fri, 25 Apr 2008 12:28:00 -0500

The first round was a throwback to 2004, and a lesser extent 1995, with the Sharks prevailing in 7, like they did back in the 90's. This second round matchup is a throwback to the 90s as well, albeit a couple years later. The Sharks and Stars met twice in 3 years (1998, 2000), and, at least one of those series was a big one. Ed Belfour, Owen Nolan, Bryan Marchment, Joe Nieuwendyk, Derian Hatcher, Mike Ricci. Ah, the good ole days.This series has plenty of storylines too, however. * Marty ...

Nose woes can't stop hockey heroes

Sat, 24 Nov 2007 08:17:12 -0500

The importance of the nose in hockey isn't always recognized by journalists, fans, coaches, or even players. People are more likely to discuss Maxim Afinogenov's crazy legs or Jason Spezza's soft hands. But think about it: what club wouldn't want a hard-nosed player with a nose for the net who'll stick his nose in there and get his nose dirty? In fact, the three forwards with the best-known noses in NHL history have three things in common: more than 800 league games,...

Mike Ricci Retires

Wed, 15 Aug 2007 12:30:40 -0500

Mike Ricci announces his retirement after 17 seasons in the NHL. The former first round draft pick of the Philadelphia Flyers leaves the game after not being able to recover from his neck surgery that took place before last season. He spent the majority of his career with the Quebec Nordiques/Colorado Avalance and the San Jose Sharks franchises. He was part of the multiplayer deal that allowed the Flyers to acquire the services of Eric Lindros and that sent him and others to the Nordiques. Known for elevating his play at the right times and also known for being an excellent defensive forward, Mike Ricci will be missed. Hopefully, someone will be able to take his place on the Coyotes franchise.