Zamboni Ramblings: Partition Free

By Eric Rosenhek

My promise to you: nothing in this article will relate to Zdeno Chara, Max Pacioretty or headshots. That issue has been discussed at length. And you already know my stance on hockey’s violent character.

I have other things to write about.

Better grab your Booster Juice to wash down all these tidbits. (Yes, I did just write that).

Whale of a change

Earlier this season, the American Hockey League’s Hartford Wolf Pack ceased its existence. However, the team didn’t fold and there was no dispersal draft. Instead, the club reinvented itself.

On November 27, the Wolf Pack officially became the Connecticut Whale and celebrated its new image with a 3-2 shootout win over the Bridgeport Sound Tigers.

The reason for the change: the team’s ownership wanted to pay homage to the former Hartford Whalers. The real reason for the change: it’s easy money.

New uniforms, logos or the addition of a third jersey will always generate revenue. Fans always want prove their allegiance by having the latest merchandise. Simply put, it’s a cash grab and just one of the not-so-great components of professional sports.

By completely overhauling the team’s brand, the Whale guaranteed an increase in merchandise sales. And by paying tribute to Hartford’s hockey history, fans feel encouraged to spend.

Nostalgia has that kind of affect.

It’s common for teams to change their logos and uniforms, but what makes the Whale unique is that the change took place in the middle of the season. This could be the start of a new trend.

Just imagine, next year, midway through the regular season, the Manitoba Moose become the Manitoba Jets or the Minnesota Wild turn into the St. Paul North Stars.

Ca-ching!

Capital Goaltending

Who the hell is Braden Holtby?!

Apparently, he’s (for now) Washington’s starting goalie and he’s doing a fine job. A couple weeks back, the 21-year-old was named the NHL’s first star after going 4-0-0 with a 1.05 GAA and .965 save percentage.

Holtby kept up his hot play later on, even against the Habs, with Washington’s 4-2 victory over Montreal. The strong performance from the young goalie is one of the main reasons for the Caps’ recent success.

One now has to wonder what will happen when Washington’s regular starter, Semyon Varlamov, is ready to return to action following a recent knee injury.

Charlie Sheen’s NHL influence

Have you Sheen what Charlie’s been up to lately?

Say what you will, but the man knows how to garner attention. And his style has had a profound impact on some NHL clubs.

The Toronto Maple Leafs and New Jersey Devils were playing poorly for the majority of the regular season. But, in the last month, both teams have surged into playoff contention. There’s only one explanation for this: Tiger Blood.

Neither team would admit this, but it’s very likely the players are drinking this stuff like the world is ending. Think about it – how do we know there’s really Gatorade in the Gatorade bottles?

Sure, one could argue Toronto and New Jersey’s recent success can be attributed to solid goaltending, coaching changes and the formation of chemistry. But it’s really just tiger blood.

Despite this, the Leafs and Devils still won’t make the playoffs. However, fans can certainly take solace in the fact their teams are going out on a WINNING note.

Botterill moves on

Congratulations are certainly in order for Winnipeg’s Jennifer Botterill.

Botterill, a member of the Canadian women’s hockey team, is retiring from the national program.

The 31-year-old played in all four Olympic Games that featured women’s hockey, winning three gold medals and one silver. In 184 international games, spanning 14 years, she scored 65 goals and picked up 109 assists.

Botterill told TSN.ca she intends to continue her public speaking engagements and conduct hockey seminars in Toronto. But of course, she still took part in the Clarkson Cup with her club team, the Toronto Aeros of the Canadian Women’s Hockey League.

With many accomplishments, there’s no doubt Botterill will be inducted into the Hockey Hall-of-Fame in the near future.