Yardbarker: Philadelphia Flyers

Future Olympic Events

Wed, 09 Jul 2008 00:06:47 -0500

The Olympics already include quite a few events, but there are other sports vying for acceptance at the Olympic level. Some are played as demonstrations at each Olympics to determine if they deserve promotion while others are officially recognized but not currently included. Here's a look at a few we think deserve some consideration.
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When I think high-flying, I think korfball. Doesn't everyone?

Korfball
A recognized sport similar to netball, korfball is a tactical co-ed sport in which they players must outsmart their opponents in order to throw the ball through the hoop. To my uneducated eyes, this is soccer, basketball, and ultimate frisbee combined. I'm just waiting for the green Double Dare goop to fall out of that basket onto them.
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"What do we do now that it's stuck? I can't fly that high!"

Boules
Known as Bocce in the US and already a recognized sport, this is a very interesting case study. Played very much like curling and shuffleboard, the idea is to get your balls/stones as close to the target as possible, inside of your opponent's closest ball. However, is this really any different from golf (another recognized sport)? What about horseshoes? Isn't that just throwing objects at a target also? They would have to play Bocce on a really slick surface to make this competitive at a high level, but given a difficult enough course, this could be interesting. On the other hand there would finally be a summer sport other than soccer that the Italians would have a shot in.

Wushu
A mix between karate and gymnastics, this recognized sport is popular in China and will have a competition at this year's Olympics, though the IOC has specifically stated it is not a demonstration event. Like figure skating there are cumpulsory and free-style events, both individually and in groups. There is spectacular choreographed sparring with weapons, including the staff, spear, sword, and fist. Just like any other "sport" with subjective scoring, I don't know if it belongs, but it might be cool to watch.

This looks like gymnastics until you notice they're holding swords.

Chess Boxing
Tired of hearing about players with great "sports IQs"? Always hate that the chess nerds weren't athletic? Tired of listening to another unintelligible athlete interview? This is the sport for you. The combination of an Olympic sport (boxing) and a recognized sport (chess), the contestants box and play chess through 11 alternating rounds. Brains and brawn are both required to master this ultimate challenge. I can't wait to see this. How many times have you heard a quote like this about chess: "I took a lot of body-blows in the fourth round and that affected my concentration. That's why I made a big mistake in the fifth round: I did not see him coming for my king.''

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Checkmate is hard to avoid when groggy. Is that a left hook or a Latvian Gambit? (Photo: AFP)

How about Lennox Lewis vs. Vitali Klitschko in chess boxing? ESPN says it's not as far-fetched as you think.

Beer Pong
A mix between table tennis and kegstanding, this recognized sport (at all American universities, anyway) is quite popular. Not to be confused with spinoffs like beer die, the originality and popularity of beer pong should distinguish it to the IOC. Really it's the same concept as nordic biathlon, so I don't see why it wouldn't be accepted. Both involve making it hard to shoot straight (by either vigorous exercise or drinking) and a penalty if you miss and your opponent doesn't (more exercise or drinking).

While some of these sports may seem odd or outlandish, consider that racewalking is already an Olympic sport, and ballroom dancing has already been a demonstration sport. It's only a matter of time until some cool new sport sweeps the world and makes the Olympics. Here's to hoping it's chess boxing!

Flyers Captain Signs With Senators

Tue, 08 Jul 2008 17:36:38 -0500

Flyers' captain Jason Smith signed a two-year, $5.2 million contract with the Ottawa Senators Monday. The 14-year veteran was an unrestricted free agent. According to Philly.com, The Flyers had let Smith know that with the contracts of Randy Jones and newly acquired Steve Eminger, he would not fit into team's budget for next season. Smith earned $1.9 million last season. In 77 games for the Flyers last season, Smith had 204 blocked shots and 142 hits, tops on the team. He had one goal, nine assists, and 86 penalty minutes. My response to this is, what the hell? The Flyers were very clear that they were not going to re-sign Smith, but I have to say I really don't understand why. This guy was their captain last year, and an integral past of their success. Who is going to take his place? Is eventual captain Mike Richards' time now?

Flyers lose Thoreson to Europe

Tue, 08 Jul 2008 13:10:09 -0500

When the Flyers signed Arron Asham earlier this week, my first hunch was it meant that Patrick Thoreson would not be a Flyer next year, and I was proven correct today. Thoreson, a restricted free agent, refused a contract offered by the Flyers and accepted a deal to play in Europe next season. The Flyers apparently only offered him a 2-way deal, one that meant he would likely split time between the NHL and AHL and Thoreson would only sign a 1-way deal that would ensure he would spend the entire season with the big club. I am surprised that the Flyers weren't willing to offer Thoreson a 1-way deal considering how well he played down the stretch. I thought Thoreson did enough to earn a spot on the fourth line for next year but the Flyers apparently didn't agree. Losing Thoreson isn't a major blow to the Flyers although it will hurt their depth. The Flyers likely signed Asham with the idea that he would replace Thoreson although each one brings different things to the table. Click the link to view the lasting memory we will all have of Thoreson. He made the ultimate sacrifice for the team. Flyers lines: Here are the likely Flyer forward lines for next year updated with the latest transactions: Gagne/Briere/Hartnell Lupul/Richards/Giroux Upshall/Carter/Knuble Asham/Metropolit/Downie Extras: Cote, Kane Knuble and Giroux are interchangeable on the second and third lines. I put Giroux higher because he will need to play with more skill players. I put Asham ahead of Cote simply because he has more experience and the Flyers gave him a bigger contract.

Arron Asham signed by the Flyers

Mon, 07 Jul 2008 14:02:45 -0500

Arron Asham, a 205 pound tough guy who played for the New Jersey Devils last season, signed a one year contract with the Philadelphia Flyers. As of now, the Flyers have not announced the value of the contract, but it will push the Flyers even further over the salary cap. Asham did earn 700,000 last season, so he likely signed for somewhere close to a million dollars. Asham is your typical agitator, doing whatever it takes to get under the opponents skin. He is the type of guy everyone hates unless he is playing for your team. He is not a strong offensive player, scoring a total of 135 points in 498 career games in the NHL. Asham started his career with the Canadiens and has since played with the Islanders and the Devils. I question this move by the Flyers because it seems a bit redundant. The Flyers just re-signed Riley Cote to a three year deal and then they decide to bring in yet another tough guy? Is there really room in the new NHL for a team to carry two agitators? I also wonder how well Cote and Asham will get along, considering they have been in a few scraps in the past... Click the link for more, including a video of a Cote and Asham fight.

Flyers, Holmgren Agree To Three Year Contract Extension

Mon, 07 Jul 2008 13:36:14 -0500

The Flyers continue to keep busy this off season with various trades and player signings. They made a different kind of signing on Monday, extending the contract of GM Paul Holmgren another three years, which will now run through the 2011-2012 season. Holmgren took over as GM after Philly favorite Bobby Clarke stepped down during the 2006-2007 season, the Flyers' worst in team history. During his first full year as GM, Holmgren oversaw one of the greatest turnarounds in NHL history, as the Flyers finished 39 points higher this season and made it to the Eastern Conference Finals. "I am extremely excited for the opportunity to be a part of the Flyers organization through the 2011-12 season," Holmgren said in a statement. "[Chairman Ed] Snider and Peter Luukko have both been terrific in their support and I am honored to be a part of this franchise. I am really thrilled beyond words." According to a comcastsportsnet.com article, The Flyers became only the second team since 1980, when the league expanded the playoffs to four rounds, to finish with the worst record one season and reach the third round of the playoffs the next season (Detroit did it in 1987). "I am very proud of the job that Paul has done. He totally revamped our team and brought us back to respectability," Snider said in a statement. "I am positive he will continue to improve our team and to make sure that we are in contention for the Stanley Cup. He clearly was the general manager of the year this past season. He is truly deserving of this contract extension." As is often the case with the Flyers, Holmgren has been with the franchise for quite some time, some 30 plus seasons in various capacities, including being drafted by the Flyers in the 1975 NHL amateur draft. He has clearly gotten the attention of the Flyers' brass. "Paul has done an outstanding job via trades, free agency and the NHL draft in building a team that can compete for the Stanley Cup, while managing within today's salary cap system," said Comcast-Spectacor President and Chief Operating Officer Peter A. Luukko. "Paul is a tireless competitor who I admire tremendously and enjoy working with." More details to come, so continue to check back.

Flyers extend Holmgren for three more years

Mon, 07 Jul 2008 12:33:35 -0500

After completing the amazing turnaround of a franchise that had it's worst season ever, the Flyers have rewarded the GM that helped make it happen. According to the Delco Times, Paul Holmgren, who made a number of significant deals last off-season that gave the team an influx of talent, was given a three year contract extension that will keep him as the GM until 2012. In his short time as Flyers General Manager, Holmgren has proven that he knows how to build a winner. He makes smart trades and knows when it is time to unload a player to get maximum value. This off-season, he has made a number of smaller moves to bolster the defense, the teams biggest weakness last year. Flyers fans have complete confidence in Holmgren and he is definitely deserving of this extension. He is quickly rising amongst the ranks of the best GMs in the game and the Flyers were smart to lock him up now. He has definitely been a huge improvement over the man he replaced, Bobby Clarke.

What’s Going On?

Mon, 07 Jul 2008 12:16:46 -0500

Rookie defensive end Bryan Smith signs a 4 year contract. Only top picks DeSean Jackson, and Trevor Laws remain unsigned. (Bleed Eagles Green) Phillies' opening day starter Brett Myers is now pitching for the Lehigh Iron Pigs. So much for having "two aces". (The 700 Level) Atlanta Hawks' restricted free agent Josh Smith met with the Sixers today. I am all [...]

Good Riddance (time of your life)

Sat, 05 Jul 2008 07:14:33 -0500

finally, a guy from the nhl who i hated for a while is gone...good, i always hated that pretty boy jagr girlying up the nhl, hes gone, just one more pu**y to go, lets ship cindy to russia as well

Flyers Off-Season Solid Despite Lacking Big Names

Wed, 02 Jul 2008 23:19:34 -0500

After the 2007-08 campaign it was no secret that the Flyers were going to address a big need on defense during the off-season. It appeared early on that the Flyers were going on an all defensive diet next season, but the roster is now a little more balanced and clear after a couple of days of free agency.

Flyers fill out their roster by signing Jones, Cote

Wed, 02 Jul 2008 12:38:16 -0500

Amidst all the free agent signings and trades, the Flyers also found time to sign a pair of restricted free agents yesterday, defenseman Randy Jones and forward Riley Cote. Jones signed a two year deal worth 5.5 million overall while Cote signed a three year deal worth 550,000 per year. These signings likely round out the Flyers roster, which, if the season started today, would look something like this: Gagne/Briere/Hartnell Lupul/Richards/Giroux Upshall/Carter/Knuble Cote/Metropolit/Downie Timonen/Coburn Hatcher/Jones Eminger/Parent Extras: Vaananen, Kukkonen, Thoreson (?), Kane The Flyers have plenty of defensemen but they seem to be one quality forward short. Patrick Thoreson is listed as an extra skater because he has yet to sign with the Flyers, although he is a restricted free agent. Signing him, if they have the money, would push Cote to a lesser role, meaning he could suit up only when an enforcer is necessary. Barring a trade, the Flyers appear to be done making moves this off-season. There is still a possibility that Derian Hatcher could retire, which would free up 3.5 million dollars to sign another player, but that doesn't seem likely at this point. What you see above is probably what your 08/09 Philadelphia Flyers will look like.

Who scored on NHL Free Agent Day? (Full List inc.)

Tue, 01 Jul 2008 20:42:13 -0500

Here is a list of the 17 most notable moves along with commentary on who got the better of whom:

Flyers add forward Metropolit and two minor leaguers

Tue, 01 Jul 2008 18:39:18 -0500

The Flyers continue to make moves and that's keeping this blogger busy. After making a trade with LA and signing Ossi Vaananen, the Flyers have added a pair of forwards to the mix, Glen Metropolit and Nate Raduns. They also signed another defenseman, Sean Curry. Metropolit signed a two year deal with the Flyers for a million dollars a year. Metropolit is a solid defensive forward who will replace Jim Dowd as the Flyers fourth line center. He has played 262 career NHL games with 5 different organizations, including last season with the Boston Bruins. He scored 33 points last season with Boston but he is known as a hustle guy and a great penalty killer. He will be locked into the fourth line center spot with Danny Briere, Mike Richards and Jeff Carter ahead of him, but he can also play any forward position. Raduns is a less exciting player. He played last season with the Worcester Sharks in the AHL, picking up 27 points in 56 games. He is 24 years old and figures to be a Phantom for the foreseeable future. Curry is another player destined for the Phantoms. He played last year for the Providence Bruins of the AHL and has never played an NHL game in six professional seasons. He is huge at 6 foot 5 and 227 pounds, but slow. What's next, Holmgren?

The Flyers bring in yet another defenseman: Ossi Vaananen

Tue, 01 Jul 2008 17:43:53 -0500

The Flyers seem determined to bring as many defensemen to Philadelphia as possible. So far this off-season, the Flyers have acquired blueliners Danny Syvret, Steve Eminger, Tim Ramholt and Patrik Hersley while they drafted another defenseman in Luca Sbisa. Apparently that isn't enough d-men because the Flyers signed another one today. Ossi Vaananen, who played last season in Sweden and formerly played with the Colorado Avalanche, signed a one year deal with the Flyers worth one million dollars. Vaananen is 6'4'' and 215 pounds, so he brings size and strength to the back end. He played six years in the NHL before going to Sweden last year and has a career plus/minus of +18. Vaananen is probably going to play in the NHL next year, so that likely fills out the Flyers defense. With Kimmo Timonen, Braydon Coburn, Ryan Parent, Derian Hatcher and Lasse Kukkonen all coming back, Randy Jones likely to be re-signed and Steve Eminger and Vaananen added to the mix, the Flyers defense is filled out nicely. Of course, there is still a possibility that Hatcher might retire which would mean the Flyers could go out and sign someone else. Barring a retirement by Hatcher, the Flyers have to be done with assembling defensemen now. Paul Holmgren has a little bit more money under the cap that could be used on a forward. Hockeybuzz.com has reported that the Flyers might be talking to Brendan Shanahan. Seems farfetched, but it's an interesting rumor nonetheless.

Flyers Sign 4 Free Agents, Trade Gauthier For Two Prospects

Tue, 01 Jul 2008 17:36:53 -0500

According to TSN, the Flyers have signed defenseman Ossi Vaananen to a one year, $1 million dollar deal. The Flyers are also reporting they have signed free agents Glen Metropolit, Nate Raduns and Sean Curry. Metropolit's and Curry's contracts are two year deals. Raduns' deal is for one year. At 6?4?, 215 lbs, Vaananen was drafted in the second round, 43rd pick overall, by the Phoenix Coyotes in 1998. After 4 seasons with the Coyotes, he spent 3 years with the Colorado Avalanche. Last season, Vaananen spent the season with Djurgardens IF of the Swedish Elite League. At 34, Metropolit spent last season with the Boston Bruins, scoring 11 goals and 33 points over 82 games. A veteran at the forward position, Metropolit has logged 262 NHL games over six season.

More Flyer dealing: Gauthier traded for a pair of Kings

Tue, 01 Jul 2008 14:00:31 -0500

The NHL free agency period has begun today, but that hasn't stopped the Flyers from continuing to make trades. The Flyers traded away recently waived Denis Gauthier and his 2.1 million dollar salary, along with a second round pick, to the Los Angeles Kings for defenseman Patrik Hersley and left wing Ned Lukacevic. The second round pick the Flyers traded away is for the 2010 draft. Both Hersley and Lukacevic appear to be more AHL fodder for the Phantoms, although both are 22 and have some upside. Hersley appears to be the better prospect. He is big at 6'3'', 205 pounds, and he was the 15th ranked prospect in the Kings system according to Hockeysfuture.com. Hockeysfuture.com believes that Hersley could be a No. 2 or 3 defenseman in a few years, citing his size, strength, physical play and mobility as positives. Lukacevic has less upside and his future is more of a defensive forward. I applaud Paul Holmgren for getting rid of Gauthier and getting anything in return. The Flyers were likely going to have to buy out Gauthier's contract which would have cost them against the cap, so making this deal frees up even more free agent money. Giving up the second round pick as well may seem like a lot to give up but it was probably the piece that convinced the Kings to take on Gauthier's contract. Yet another deal where Holmgren gets a defenseman. He hasn't had to give up too much to acquire nearly a half dozen quality d-men, all he needs is for 2 or 3 of them to pan out down the road and this will shape up to be a great off-season.