A Time Of Giving

Hey Peeps and anyone else checking in. A special "Hey" goes out to Hazel Mae.

These days it seems that the only stories we hear about "Minor Hockey Parents" are negative - you know the stories:

• an irate parent choking a coach to unconsciousness;
  
• an angry parent confronting and then hitting a referree;
• parents who berate kids on the ice;
  

Well, here story about minor hockey parents and minor hockey supporters stepping up to help kids out - in the land of the SenaTards no less. Every year between Christmas and New Years, Ottawa hosts the world's largest international minor hockey tournament - with over 5,000 kids from various age brackets competing.

A group of kids from Russia, the Moscow North Stars, made the trip to Ottawa last week only to find out that their equipment had been left on a tarmac in Europe. The call went out to minor hockey supporters and businesses through the region to chip and get enough equipment for these kids to play in the tournament. The community stepped up, with businesses donating jerseys and sticks, and parents of kids taking part in the tournament lending or donating hockey equipment. The Moscow North Stars took the ice yesterday and tied their first game (1-1).

A nice story about minor hockey - a story that likely won't get any coverage outside of Ottawa, but a good story nonetheless. We think Hazel would be down with that.

HAZEL'S THREE STARS
Philadelphia Flyers LW Simon Gagne had two goals last night in a 4-1 victory over the Tampa Bay Lightning last night. The win ended Philadelphia's 10 game losing streak - that has a nice ring to it "Philadelphia's ten game losing streak". Honourable mention goes to Peter Forsberg who had three assists in the game - for the record, Gagne and Forsberg are the only Flyers we can stand here.

Buffalo Sabres' G Ryan Miller (also of Hazel's Maeple Leafs) stopped 29 shots in a 4-1 victory over the Carolina Hurricanes last night. Ryan helped salvage our three play last night.

Detroit Red Wings' Dan Clearly had three goals in a come from behind 7-4 win over Columbus last night. The Newfoundland born boy has flourished in Detroit (I'll never call it "Hockeytown") and has turned into a solid NHLer.


FRIDAY THREE PLAY
The Sharks killed us last night, wiping out the nest egg we had built up. On the bright side, we are still pretty much even for the week ( - $8); we'll get back on track tonight. We are going to take a flyer this afternoon while we ponder tonight's hockey picks.

Oregon State -3.5 over Missouri - I could try to dazzle you with reasons on why to take Oregon State...how about - because you need a reason to watch the game? Lay $50 on Oregon State.

That's about it for this morning - have a great one peeps!

HAZEL'S FRIDAY HOROSCOPE
Traveling about, visiting people and enjoying the end of the year should be your goal. You can expect to have some problems with the people who have criticized you the most throughout the year. 3 stars

Hazel, I hope things are groovy in your world.

Song of the day on Hazelspeeps - I picked up Our Lady Peace's Greatest Hits yesterday, along with The Fray's cd (on Renee's recommendation) - both great discs and highly recommended.

Naveed - Our Lady Peace

Peesth Out...Buh Bye!