Today in Scotsdale Arizona, Khabibulin was given his sentence for being found guilty on all counts.. His sentence given by the courts he was fined an upwards of $1500 in fines and paying for various services and programs and to serve the minimum sentence of 30 days in jail. Khabby has also enlisted in the NHLPA substance abuse problem. The sentencing went underway at approx. 315pm MT probably in hopes of not having media and reporters present. Immediately following the sentencing Khabby and his Lawyer exercised their right to appeal the sentencing decision.
Immediately after that was made clear back in edmonton at the hockey operations office Oilers GM Steve Tambellini was initially prepared to comment on behalf of the club on the sentencing verdict and the whole situation but he as well was caught by surprise that Khabby was appealing the decision and could not comment on the clubs stance on the issue or what the future holds. Like many oiler fans including myself, he looked frustrated that this has done nothing but drag on and on and that it still leaves his club waiting and not having a decision one way or another.
Okay so that is the logistics now time for my opinion on the matter. Now had I actually written this last night after i heard the news, there would have been a lot of swearing and name calling and disrespectful comments which would have been rude and i think uncalled for in my blog. So after i slept on it this is what i have come up with.
On twitter i expressed before the court proceedings that i wanted khabby to get a little more than minimum sentence so that he can truly take responsibility for his actions and most importantly learn from his mistake because i do truly believe it was that an ill fated decision made in the moment.
I was willing to accept the minimum sentence that he was given and move on but when i heard he was appealing it i flipped my sh** to say the least. I was frustrated because i felt like khabby was getting the "celebrity" treatment and it came off like he thought he was above that sentence and that he deserved to get away with just a "slap on the wrist". Had that been you or me and we got the min. sentence for an Extreme DUI i would be dancing in the streets.
After getting more details about the appeal and the fact that we don't know what about the sentencing he appealed I realized that i can not judge his decision to appeal until i am informed about what actually was appealed. I immediately jumped to the conclusion most probable like many of you without giving khabby the benefit of the doubt.
I DO think that he should have a record because this isn't like any other circumstance that he stumbled after a beer and drove home.. his BA was almost double the limit in the state of Arizona.. as per the explanation that he is on meds for his back then what the HELL was he doing drinking like that?
This is something that really bothers me about "celebrities" and pro athletes is that they are not just a normal joe, you play for the NHL therefore you have accepted the responsibility of being a public figure and a role model to people young and old. and Khabby is not just some 19yr old NHL rookie he is a 37 yr old man who has been in the league for years.
I really more then anything what to hear Khabby's public apology because for Oiler fans and hockey fans in general that is ABSOLUTELY needed..
Well thats all for now!
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Off season comes to a close
what started out a slow and long off season for the oilers. First NHL 2010 draft with the first overall pick the edmonton oilers select the one and ONLY Taylor hall.With the intention and goal to make the oilers in the fall Hall as denied invitation to the WJ camp in Nfld. As an oiler fan, i was excited to see him attend the oilers development camp, even though it was really just a conditioning stint it was a good introduction for him and the city. It looks like taylor hall has become the next son of the city. Now that was not the only moving and shaking that happened this summer for the oil and their fans. The team let go of veteran players such as captain Ethan Moreau,patty O'sullivan, Fernando Pisani, Dean Arsene, Marc Pouliot, Ryan Stone, and Robert Nilsson just to name a few notables. Notable Additions to the team returnie Steve Mac, stanley cup champion Colin fraser, veteran character guy Jason Strudwick, both JDD and dubnyk, and newly signed centreman Sam gagner just to name a few. In the off season the oilers looked for big bodies, with a balance of skill and toughness.
5 things were made very clear in the off season:
1) to be on this team to have to have fight, and determination
2) to be on this team you must have PASSION
3) to be on this team you must NOT want to play at the status quo but to RISE above it and destroy it
4) to be on this team you need to want to WIN!
5) to be on this team you have to be commited to the change coming and the process of rebuilding
as the off season comes to a close souray still has NOT been traded and cogliano has NOT been resigned. also khabby was finally given his verdict on the drunk driving case and he was found guilty on all counts which is completely deserved and it will interesting to see his sentence i really hope he does not buy himself out of a tough sentence.
well thats all for now folks..
on a personal note i moved to flames country bleeding copper and blue FOREVER
ps. at least we didn't re sign Jokinen... sorry i just had too
5 things were made very clear in the off season:
1) to be on this team to have to have fight, and determination
2) to be on this team you must have PASSION
3) to be on this team you must NOT want to play at the status quo but to RISE above it and destroy it
4) to be on this team you need to want to WIN!
5) to be on this team you have to be commited to the change coming and the process of rebuilding
as the off season comes to a close souray still has NOT been traded and cogliano has NOT been resigned. also khabby was finally given his verdict on the drunk driving case and he was found guilty on all counts which is completely deserved and it will interesting to see his sentence i really hope he does not buy himself out of a tough sentence.
well thats all for now folks..
on a personal note i moved to flames country bleeding copper and blue FOREVER
ps. at least we didn't re sign Jokinen... sorry i just had too
Saturday, July 10, 2010
My Letter to the Oilers
This is the letter I emailed to the Edmonton Oilers because I was so upset about what happened at the Capitals game on Thursday. Have a read!
On thursday, my brother and I were very excited because we had purchased tickets to the edmonton capitals game in the Oilers Draft Prospects party section, where we were eagerly awaiting the top 3 prospects to come and meet us. As per the Edmonton Oilers website we had our jerseys in hand and our cameras to meet Eberle, Hall and Magnus Pajaarvi-Svensson. As the game begun we eagerly waited by the door waiting for him to come through, we understood that they had a lot of commitments to do on the field but were patiently waiting until the security person came out and told us that they left and were not coming out.
I have been a loyal oilers fan all my life and had nothing but fantastic experiences as far as player-fan interactions, they are always willing to stay until everyone gets an autograph. Both my brother and I are struggling university students and drove in from out of town to see the game and meet the players, as I also cannot afford to purchase tickets to the NHL games. You can imagine our heart break and disappointment as this was our only opportunity to meet those prospects up close. As a dedicated fan that watches and listens to every interview and pays very close attention to everything going on with the oilers I was left very frustrated and upset. I would understand if the event said only some of the prospects were going to be mingling with fans not all of them but, in the news release it specifically stated the three prospects of Eberle, Hall and Pajaarvi.
As an organization that prides itself on its relationship with their fans and the city, that was not the representation you want coming out of finishing in 30th. When the news was brought to us about them not coming out, I saw many children upset and fans in general feeling like they were misinformed and taken advantage of, I know that the Capitals tried to lessen the frustration by giving everyone a free ticket but for me it wasn't the capitals game that disappointed me or other fans but the fact that it felt like we were mis informed by the oilers.
I am not emailing this to get something out of you, I am emailing you because I don't want another fan to have the experience I had and feel so frustrated and upset.
Thank you so much!
Forever I will bleed Copper and Blue!!!
Karianne
On thursday, my brother and I were very excited because we had purchased tickets to the edmonton capitals game in the Oilers Draft Prospects party section, where we were eagerly awaiting the top 3 prospects to come and meet us. As per the Edmonton Oilers website we had our jerseys in hand and our cameras to meet Eberle, Hall and Magnus Pajaarvi-Svensson. As the game begun we eagerly waited by the door waiting for him to come through, we understood that they had a lot of commitments to do on the field but were patiently waiting until the security person came out and told us that they left and were not coming out.
I have been a loyal oilers fan all my life and had nothing but fantastic experiences as far as player-fan interactions, they are always willing to stay until everyone gets an autograph. Both my brother and I are struggling university students and drove in from out of town to see the game and meet the players, as I also cannot afford to purchase tickets to the NHL games. You can imagine our heart break and disappointment as this was our only opportunity to meet those prospects up close. As a dedicated fan that watches and listens to every interview and pays very close attention to everything going on with the oilers I was left very frustrated and upset. I would understand if the event said only some of the prospects were going to be mingling with fans not all of them but, in the news release it specifically stated the three prospects of Eberle, Hall and Pajaarvi.
As an organization that prides itself on its relationship with their fans and the city, that was not the representation you want coming out of finishing in 30th. When the news was brought to us about them not coming out, I saw many children upset and fans in general feeling like they were misinformed and taken advantage of, I know that the Capitals tried to lessen the frustration by giving everyone a free ticket but for me it wasn't the capitals game that disappointed me or other fans but the fact that it felt like we were mis informed by the oilers.
I am not emailing this to get something out of you, I am emailing you because I don't want another fan to have the experience I had and feel so frustrated and upset.
Thank you so much!
Forever I will bleed Copper and Blue!!!
Karianne
Monday, June 28, 2010
Hockey Canada Does it in True Canadian Style
Okay so tonight I went to Commonwealth stadium in Edmonton for the Hockey Canada Celebrates Canadian Olympians and Canadian Forces..
First of all I would like to give BIG props to Hockey Canada and all involved in making this possible..It was a phenomenal event and presentation. With TSN big rigs like Ryan Rishaug and Pierre McGuire as well as Olympic Legend Brian Williams the program did not disappoint showing all the key moments on the big screen and giving all edmontonians the opportunity to relive the moments that made us all so proud to be Canadian! I felt like I was back in vancouver at the olympics everyone around me was talking about where they were and what they did when crosby scored the OT goal!!
Not to be lost in all the hype was a touching tribute to the Canadian Military with a song by George Canyon that moved me to tears!!
Key moments of the event:
> Jonathan Toews was signing an autograph by where i was standing and we high fived! It made my life a little bit!!
> Brent Seabrook and Duncan Keith took time to sign everything for fans
> Luongo pulled kids from the mosh crowd to sign their jerseys
> Saw Moose (Messier)
>Saw one of my fav. coaches Mike Babcock didnt get to meet him or get a pic though
> the queen doesnt have the cop patrol that Crosby did
> BEING CANADIAN IS AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!
There is a cap refresher on my experience.. still on a high.. not quality writing here but wanted to give you a snap shot!!!
THANK YOU HOCKEY CANADA
First of all I would like to give BIG props to Hockey Canada and all involved in making this possible..It was a phenomenal event and presentation. With TSN big rigs like Ryan Rishaug and Pierre McGuire as well as Olympic Legend Brian Williams the program did not disappoint showing all the key moments on the big screen and giving all edmontonians the opportunity to relive the moments that made us all so proud to be Canadian! I felt like I was back in vancouver at the olympics everyone around me was talking about where they were and what they did when crosby scored the OT goal!!
Not to be lost in all the hype was a touching tribute to the Canadian Military with a song by George Canyon that moved me to tears!!
Key moments of the event:
> Jonathan Toews was signing an autograph by where i was standing and we high fived! It made my life a little bit!!
> Brent Seabrook and Duncan Keith took time to sign everything for fans
> Luongo pulled kids from the mosh crowd to sign their jerseys
> Saw Moose (Messier)
>Saw one of my fav. coaches Mike Babcock didnt get to meet him or get a pic though
> the queen doesnt have the cop patrol that Crosby did
> BEING CANADIAN IS AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!
There is a cap refresher on my experience.. still on a high.. not quality writing here but wanted to give you a snap shot!!!
THANK YOU HOCKEY CANADA
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Off Season Plan: Oilers
As this off season is a long one there are some important housecleaning things that I believe need to happen before next fall..
First: Draft Taylor Hall
It was important for the Oilers to draft Taylor Hall because he was the BEST player in that draft class and because he is a winner. He understands what it means to rebuild a franchise and he knows how to win.
Taylor Hall is also dedicated, motivated, and passionate about this team and this city.. For a fan that is really important to me because i think that a player plays best when they are internally motivated and passionate about where they are playing.
Second:Continue in player development
Having players like Eberle, MPS, lander, and Omark is a blessing in disguise I mean these boys are ready to play with men and they are all very talented. I expect with off season moves and buyouts that there will be room for rookies to move up. I don't think it is that IMPOSSIBLE to consider all three eberle, MPS, and Hall making the line up in the fall. Eberle was a leader on the WJC team, was leader in points in the WHL and was CHL player of the Year and played in the WHC. Hall is a two time memorial cup winner and MVP, he is also the tied leader in point in the OHl. MPS internationally play speaks for itself!
Third: Buy outs and cleaning house/changing "culture"
As of today Nilsson, Osullivan, and Moreau have been put on waivers to start the buy out process. clears the way for a new captain and leadership.. who are my picks mine are whitney and strudwick(if he does not got UFA july 1). Whit showed not only leadership but composure and life back to the defense. He was never afraid to be honest with the media and be real. It is evident his passion for this team and city. Strudwick is a hometown boy that does everythign for the community and a solid leader in the room.
Fourth: Unwanted
Khabibulin trial is set for july 7th for his extreme DUI!
Souray has medical clearance but is there a market for sheldon and his baggage? Does anyone want to or able to take on the risk of injuries and salary cap?
That's all I have for know.. What are your thoughts?
Third:
First: Draft Taylor Hall
It was important for the Oilers to draft Taylor Hall because he was the BEST player in that draft class and because he is a winner. He understands what it means to rebuild a franchise and he knows how to win.
Taylor Hall is also dedicated, motivated, and passionate about this team and this city.. For a fan that is really important to me because i think that a player plays best when they are internally motivated and passionate about where they are playing.
Second:Continue in player development
Having players like Eberle, MPS, lander, and Omark is a blessing in disguise I mean these boys are ready to play with men and they are all very talented. I expect with off season moves and buyouts that there will be room for rookies to move up. I don't think it is that IMPOSSIBLE to consider all three eberle, MPS, and Hall making the line up in the fall. Eberle was a leader on the WJC team, was leader in points in the WHL and was CHL player of the Year and played in the WHC. Hall is a two time memorial cup winner and MVP, he is also the tied leader in point in the OHl. MPS internationally play speaks for itself!
Third: Buy outs and cleaning house/changing "culture"
As of today Nilsson, Osullivan, and Moreau have been put on waivers to start the buy out process. clears the way for a new captain and leadership.. who are my picks mine are whitney and strudwick(if he does not got UFA july 1). Whit showed not only leadership but composure and life back to the defense. He was never afraid to be honest with the media and be real. It is evident his passion for this team and city. Strudwick is a hometown boy that does everythign for the community and a solid leader in the room.
Fourth: Unwanted
Khabibulin trial is set for july 7th for his extreme DUI!
Souray has medical clearance but is there a market for sheldon and his baggage? Does anyone want to or able to take on the risk of injuries and salary cap?
That's all I have for know.. What are your thoughts?
Third:
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Bench Boss Change
Today the Edmonton Oilers GM Steve Tambellini has announced that associate coach Tom Renney will be the new Bench Boss next season pushing Pat Quinn into a senior advisor to hockey position. For Pat's sake and oiler fans I really hope that Quinn is able to stay on with the franchise and make his well appreciated contributions to making this team a team of champions.
As far as the coaching decision i think it was necessary for the future and couldnt have picked a better coach than Renney. "leadership is not just a word it is a living thing. They look to me to be the beacon of what leadership looks like,smells like,tastes like and sounds like". This is what excites me about Tom Renney, he is a hard working, accountable coach who is the right man going forward. He will still have the hockey mind of Pat Quinn right behind him. I feel that Tom Renney will be a coach for the next 5 -7 years I am happy that he has to opportunity to soak up knowledge from a vet like Quinn.
However, was not a big fan about the way the tambellini dealt with it. I know its been a busy off season and all but I would have thought this kind of change would have happened sooner, if this was really they way they were always going. It seemed that Tambellini was convinced that the schedule was too hectic for Quinn. For me I see that as being disrespectful
In the Pat Quinn conference call some of his comments are:
"I don't want to just walk away from the edmonton oilers, it is part of my honor to stay here." "I will be here as long as my contributions are sound." "My goal was to come and help the oilers be successful and define what it meant to be an oiler."
Pat Quinn is a passionate, knowledgeable, and candid hockey mind who's made contributions to making the edmonton oilers a team of champions again, making them a competitive, perseverent team! I got choked up listening to Pat's conference call because its obvious he was caught off guard and was looking forward to continuing to build this team up to what they should be.... champions and now he has to do that through the looking glass.
If nothing else I thought and still firmly believe that the team inside that dressing room do not have the comradory they need to to be successful. They don't believe in each and they don't believe that they can win!
What were your thoughts?
As far as the coaching decision i think it was necessary for the future and couldnt have picked a better coach than Renney. "leadership is not just a word it is a living thing. They look to me to be the beacon of what leadership looks like,smells like,tastes like and sounds like". This is what excites me about Tom Renney, he is a hard working, accountable coach who is the right man going forward. He will still have the hockey mind of Pat Quinn right behind him. I feel that Tom Renney will be a coach for the next 5 -7 years I am happy that he has to opportunity to soak up knowledge from a vet like Quinn.
However, was not a big fan about the way the tambellini dealt with it. I know its been a busy off season and all but I would have thought this kind of change would have happened sooner, if this was really they way they were always going. It seemed that Tambellini was convinced that the schedule was too hectic for Quinn. For me I see that as being disrespectful
In the Pat Quinn conference call some of his comments are:
"I don't want to just walk away from the edmonton oilers, it is part of my honor to stay here." "I will be here as long as my contributions are sound." "My goal was to come and help the oilers be successful and define what it meant to be an oiler."
Pat Quinn is a passionate, knowledgeable, and candid hockey mind who's made contributions to making the edmonton oilers a team of champions again, making them a competitive, perseverent team! I got choked up listening to Pat's conference call because its obvious he was caught off guard and was looking forward to continuing to build this team up to what they should be.... champions and now he has to do that through the looking glass.
If nothing else I thought and still firmly believe that the team inside that dressing room do not have the comradory they need to to be successful. They don't believe in each and they don't believe that they can win!
What were your thoughts?
Monday, June 14, 2010
Social Etiquette on Twitter: Hockey Players are people too..
As I am a frequent twitter user, over the last while I have noticed hockey fans being outright disrespectful and ridiculous. As an avid hockey fan and a passionate one at that I recognize that fans need an outlet to voice their opinions and i am fine with you doing that over your twitter status updates and what not but my issue is when you outright disrespectful to NHL hockey players or public figures in general about them as a person. As fans we are very lucky to have things like twitter to interact and talk with stars and connect with them why must we take advantage of that opportunity.
Yes pro athletes make a lot of money in the sport of their choice but they are not just athletes they are people too. I think it is time that someone stand up and say what the hell is your problem. These players work their asses off to train and work at their skills to essentially play for your favorite team.
This is not a long blog because i don't want to ramble on but i want my message to be this...If you would not stand in front of that person face to face and say those things then don't say them on twitter or facebook or whatever.
Time for some people to grow up and be respectful. I am not saying don't voice your opinions but do it tastefully. I am afraid that before long we will lose this opportunity to connect with our favorite players or celebrities and that players will begin to think that fans are a bunch of people that only care about themselves.
Thanks all
Yes pro athletes make a lot of money in the sport of their choice but they are not just athletes they are people too. I think it is time that someone stand up and say what the hell is your problem. These players work their asses off to train and work at their skills to essentially play for your favorite team.
This is not a long blog because i don't want to ramble on but i want my message to be this...If you would not stand in front of that person face to face and say those things then don't say them on twitter or facebook or whatever.
Time for some people to grow up and be respectful. I am not saying don't voice your opinions but do it tastefully. I am afraid that before long we will lose this opportunity to connect with our favorite players or celebrities and that players will begin to think that fans are a bunch of people that only care about themselves.
Thanks all
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