Today is the World Junior Finals between Canada and Russia. To commemorate the game of Hockey I've written an article comparing the greatest Goalies of the game from 1965-1984.
Ken Dryden vs Vladislav Tretiak vs Bernie Parent vs Tony Esposito vs Rogatien Vachon
a) Ken Dryden 1970/71-1978/79 258 Wins 57 Losses 74 Ties 2.24 G.A.A 46 Shutouts (7 full years played, 6-0 in his first year) 1970/71 Conn Smythe Trophy, 1971/72 Calder Trophy, 5 Vezina's. Won a total of five Stanley Cups.
b) Vladislav Tretiak 1967/68-1983/84 3 years reported of play in the Soviet League, although it is recognized that Tretiak had a 2.35 G.A.A in eighteen years with 482 GP in the Soviet League. In the three full years reported, Tretiak was an unbelievable 81 Wins 7 Losses 4 Ties and had a G.AA of under 1.50.
c) Bernie Parent 1965/66-1978/79 Won back to back Stanley Cups, winning the Conn Smythe Trophy both years of 1973/74 and 1974/75. Parent had a 2.55 lifetime G.A.A and had 54 Shutouts, 271 Wins, and won two Vezina Trophies over his storied career.
d) Tony Esposito 1968/69-1983/84 423 Wins 306 Losses 151 Ties 2.92 G.A.A 76 Shutouts. Won the Calder Trophy in 1969/1970 and three Vezina Trophies. Started his career with the Montreal Canadiens in 1968/69 and when he was traded to the Chicago Black Hawks in the off-season he performed spectacuarly recording an unbelievable 15 Shutouts winning his first Vezina the following year.
e) Rogie Vachon 1966/67-1981/82 351 Wins 291 Losses 127 Ties 2.99 G.A.A 51 Shutouts 1967/68 Vezina Trophy 2 Stanley Cups 1976 Team Canada MVP. Had he not played in Los Angeles and in more of a Hockey Market Vachon probably would have had greater success.
1. Ken Dryden
2. Vladislav Tretiak
3. Bernie Parent
4. Tony Esposito
5. Rogatien Vachon
From 1965-1984 there were several great Goalies aside from the aforementioned five men. Jacques Plante, Glenn Hall, Terry Sawchuck, and Johnny Bower all played in the NHL in 1965. Likewise, there were great Goaltenders aside from the aforementioned 5 men in 1984, including Billy Smith, Grant Fuhr, and Mike Vernon. However, my picks for the gretest Goalies 1965-1984 come down to these five men. As concluded I've written a Goalie comparison of Ken Dryden and Vladislav Tretiak, as their legendary status dictates. Ironically it was these two men that were Goalies for their Nations in the original 1972 Summit Series that advented the Canada Cups to follow, and the globalization of the game of Hockey.
The Goalie I rated the highest played in the shortest period between these years. Ken Dryden was a highly touted Goalie with the Montreal Canadiens, coming from a storied College career at Cornell. Two years before he joined the 'big club' the Canadiens showcased a Goalie tandom of Rogatien Vachon and Tony Esposito. In 1970/71 the Canadiens brought up Dryden, and all he did was go 6-0 down the stretch and was awarded the starting job for the playoffs. In the post-season, Dryden led Montreal to the prized Stanley Cup and was duly named the winner of the Conn Smythe Trophy. The next year Ken Dryden took home the Calder Trophy, and between 1976-1979 he guided the Canadiens to four consecutive Stanley Cups. Ken Dryden was a true class act and at 6 foot 4 inches tall, he was imposing to the opponents he faced as there wasn't much mesh they could twine with him in the net. Also keep in mind that it was Dryden who was the go-to guy in the 1972 Summit Series, when Team Canada's backs were against the wall needing three wins on Soviet soil. Dryden defeated legendary Goalie Vladislav Tretiak as their Nations collided. In his first seven full years Ken Dryden won an incredible 5 Stanley Cups and 5 Vezina Trophies. It is for reasons like this that I place Ken Dryden as the top Goaltender in the game of Hockey from 1965-1984.
It is difficult to not place Vladislav Tretiak as the number one guy in this comparison. Tretiak was a true legend. He was instrumental and indirectly/directly responsible for Soviet players coming to play in the NHL, as it was Tretiak's aura that all Hockey fans felt when watching him play. He earned the respect of the NHL'ers that he played against in the 1972 Summit Series and Canada Cup Tournaments.
In his eighteen years playing in the Soviet League he had a 2.35 G.A.A in 482 GP. Vladislav Tretiak was the starting Goalie for the U.S.S.R Red Army for years, leading them to a Canada Cup win in 1981/1982. It leaves a sour taste in my mouth to know that Tretiak never played a game in the NHL. He is truly deserving of hoisting the prized Stanley Cup.
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Defending - by Moses
When a person has their back up against the wall, a natural reaction to many is to lend expertise. Does this preclude the element of choice? To a person that feels compelled to help?
A person, by nature, will try and help. This help is often misconstrued and defined as 'Witch Doctor'. In reality most people will freely admit that there is no 'Witch Doctor', rather a propensity to gather composure and relate from one to another. To be imprecise is innate, in other words precision is arbitrary. This stigma often leads people to move away from those that are lending so called expertise. Doing what a person believes, right from wrong, makes for a strong foundation of a persons' disposition. It does not however, benefit within the highest realm of stringency (an ultimate G-d fearing decision).
Being set on trial, 24/7 365 days a year, will lead to mental health breakdown and is not the purpose of mentoring (lending a hand). Going with the ball doesn't always work, as there is no ultimate certainty, and this is an issue many have not come to terms with. There must certainly be an end, as surely as there was a beginning. Without this variance of concept, many of us wouldn't have the ability to operate and function at their optimum level.
To some coffee is therapeutic, to others tea is a better alternative, and the administration of each has a calming effect through the idealism of Freedom of Choice. I don't know about you but 20 coffees a day will wear me down a helleva lot faster than 20 teas. An expression is sometimes the best remedy. 'More or less' is just that.
The person that is being helped often feels compelled to walk away from such help as they feel that it's a sign of weakness and poor health. 'No Man is an Island' describes the paradigm relationship of never wanting to accept help.' 'I'm a man, so I won't ask for directions.' 'I'm a man, so I won't cry.'
There was a story of a real life 'Rocky', who won two World Boxing Championships in his fighting career. Adored by many, he had a breakdown, years after his career ended. He spent 15 years panhandling to feed addiction issues. Rocky's family rescued him from the streets just last year. Am I wrong to try and lend my expertise?
Rocky's two sons truly adore their father. Rocky's brother and a close friend were at an addiction intervention to try and help Rocky commit himself, to better his health. Rocky found it so unbearable to cry that it was counter-productive to his health. His healing began through his friendships towards his sons, brother, and a close friend.
Multi-culturalism often helps when we see these instances as it makes a person feel that they're not alone.
A person, by nature, will try and help. This help is often misconstrued and defined as 'Witch Doctor'. In reality most people will freely admit that there is no 'Witch Doctor', rather a propensity to gather composure and relate from one to another. To be imprecise is innate, in other words precision is arbitrary. This stigma often leads people to move away from those that are lending so called expertise. Doing what a person believes, right from wrong, makes for a strong foundation of a persons' disposition. It does not however, benefit within the highest realm of stringency (an ultimate G-d fearing decision).
Being set on trial, 24/7 365 days a year, will lead to mental health breakdown and is not the purpose of mentoring (lending a hand). Going with the ball doesn't always work, as there is no ultimate certainty, and this is an issue many have not come to terms with. There must certainly be an end, as surely as there was a beginning. Without this variance of concept, many of us wouldn't have the ability to operate and function at their optimum level.
To some coffee is therapeutic, to others tea is a better alternative, and the administration of each has a calming effect through the idealism of Freedom of Choice. I don't know about you but 20 coffees a day will wear me down a helleva lot faster than 20 teas. An expression is sometimes the best remedy. 'More or less' is just that.
The person that is being helped often feels compelled to walk away from such help as they feel that it's a sign of weakness and poor health. 'No Man is an Island' describes the paradigm relationship of never wanting to accept help.' 'I'm a man, so I won't ask for directions.' 'I'm a man, so I won't cry.'
There was a story of a real life 'Rocky', who won two World Boxing Championships in his fighting career. Adored by many, he had a breakdown, years after his career ended. He spent 15 years panhandling to feed addiction issues. Rocky's family rescued him from the streets just last year. Am I wrong to try and lend my expertise?
Rocky's two sons truly adore their father. Rocky's brother and a close friend were at an addiction intervention to try and help Rocky commit himself, to better his health. Rocky found it so unbearable to cry that it was counter-productive to his health. His healing began through his friendships towards his sons, brother, and a close friend.
Multi-culturalism often helps when we see these instances as it makes a person feel that they're not alone.
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Pat Burns - by Moses
A model family man, a man who Coached at the highest level and achieved the greatest accomplishments, a man who battled Cancer for five years and lost in the end, will forever be remembered synonomous to the game of Hockey. Pat Burns was more than a Stanley Cup winning Hockey Coach. A tough, street smart, former Officer of the Law, Pat Burns began a career in Coaching in the late 80's. As a former 'Street Cop' in Montreal, it was only fitting for Burns to start his Coaching career as tutor to the famous 'Les Habitants', guiding the Habs to the Cup Finals in his rookie Coaching season of 1988/89. Pat Burns moved to the Toronto Maple Leafs in 1992 and, neigh a missed call by Kerry Fraser, still managed to guide the Maple Leafs to consecutive Semi-Final appearances in 92/93 and 93/94 thus resurrecting a proud organization. Having a strong showing in the two biggest Canadian (and Worldwide) Hockey Markets, Pat Burns moved to the Boston Bruins Chain where he again came close to guiding his Team to the promised land, a sip from the Stanley Cup. This earned Coach Burns the accolades and distinction of being the only Head Coach in Hockey to ever win the Jack Adams (Coach of the Year) Award with three different organizations. When Lou Lamourillo brought Burns to the New Jersey Devils in 2002/03 it was finally due calling when the Devils won the Cup (ironically Burns didnt't win the Jack Adams Award the year he won his first and only Stanley Cup).
These accomplishments must be attributed to Pat Burns philosophy on life; hard work, honesty and integrity breeding success. Working to achieve, and always remembering that hard work rewards. Many would say these are obvious traits of success, yet how many of us walk the walk. It was Pat Burns work ethic that added character to every organization he was ever associated with, and his 'blue collar' ideology from his years on the Police Force in Montreal earned Burns the respect of the Hockey World and sports fans in general. It was painful for many to see Pat Burns failing health. He didn't deserve an early exit from this World after having dedicated his entire life to the shaping of those around him to maximize their potential, and achieve at levels they didn't know they had in them. It will serve as a humbling to most Canadians, to the level and awe at which Terry Fox is remembered. It's not the success I'm referring to, it's the fortitude that Burns brought out in people he counselled and Coached. The feeling we all had when watching a Pat Burns' Coached Hockey Team, that of people who gave it their all.
These accomplishments must be attributed to Pat Burns philosophy on life; hard work, honesty and integrity breeding success. Working to achieve, and always remembering that hard work rewards. Many would say these are obvious traits of success, yet how many of us walk the walk. It was Pat Burns work ethic that added character to every organization he was ever associated with, and his 'blue collar' ideology from his years on the Police Force in Montreal earned Burns the respect of the Hockey World and sports fans in general. It was painful for many to see Pat Burns failing health. He didn't deserve an early exit from this World after having dedicated his entire life to the shaping of those around him to maximize their potential, and achieve at levels they didn't know they had in them. It will serve as a humbling to most Canadians, to the level and awe at which Terry Fox is remembered. It's not the success I'm referring to, it's the fortitude that Burns brought out in people he counselled and Coached. The feeling we all had when watching a Pat Burns' Coached Hockey Team, that of people who gave it their all.
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Iconic Historical Sports Legends - By Moses (a.k.a Stacey Marc)
To describe an athlete in as fewest words to capture a moment, or moments.
The easiest synopsis; What defines a man or woman in the sportsworld. How a person is remembered in the future. The stories that are told, and the awe in which they're told, shape our youth and keep us as humble as people. As our children, and our childrens' children are taught, we remember. The folklore of sport through the eyes and the magic in the ways our elder spokesmen parent us. Guiding us to achieve in life, towards accomplishments, that give us the satisfaction of success.
It is said 'To the victor goes the spoils'. This, however, entails stories of battle and therefore we remember the etiquette within each sport. A stroke penalty on the ball in the water. A 15 yard personal foul penalty in a crucial time of the game, a timely homerun, or goal, all bring to light the intricities of sport. In war it would be 'remembering the enemy and what we were fighting for'. In the sportsworld, most would suffice that there is an opponent, not an enemy. This breaks down the barrier of control. When Bobby Thompson hit his 'shot heard around the world' it was Ralph Branca who served it up, making Branca iconic in his own right. Likewise that of Donnie Moore, Mitch Williams, Dan Marino, Fran Tarkenton, Jim Kelly, Chico Resch, Kerry Fraser, Bill Buckner, and anyone else in the games of sport that had miserable public failures. It has to be alright to make a mistake for this reason.
A man, woman, and child has to know that making a mistake won't kill them. That you move on, for the fans that you do have (praying if you have to), to give yourself (the viewer of all sequential events) the strength to move forward.
In Modal analysis there are several scales, ionic but one of them. Dorian, lydian, phrygian, and locrian are others. It is with this understanding that people put things into an historical perspective. (Ionic) iconic, the hero of defineable traits and characteristics, at a magnified level, their highest peaks (and lowest peaks for that matter) allow us to magnify perspective.
The determination of an athletes' peak achievements are those at the 'Big Game'. Whether it's Borg versus Connors, Barry Bonds facing Nolan Ryan, Cliff Lee's knack at pitching the 'Big Game' (although not last night), a Gordie Howe hat-trick, Terry Sawchuck's uncanny ability to make save after save, Joe Montana's performance at the Super-Bowls he's played in, Coach Lambardi's infamous locker room speeches, Lawrence Taylor's tackling ability, or Edwin Moses and Rocky Marciano's winning streaks. History remembers all participants, through a chronological chain of events over time that helps put things into perspective for our childrens' children.
The easiest synopsis; What defines a man or woman in the sportsworld. How a person is remembered in the future. The stories that are told, and the awe in which they're told, shape our youth and keep us as humble as people. As our children, and our childrens' children are taught, we remember. The folklore of sport through the eyes and the magic in the ways our elder spokesmen parent us. Guiding us to achieve in life, towards accomplishments, that give us the satisfaction of success.
It is said 'To the victor goes the spoils'. This, however, entails stories of battle and therefore we remember the etiquette within each sport. A stroke penalty on the ball in the water. A 15 yard personal foul penalty in a crucial time of the game, a timely homerun, or goal, all bring to light the intricities of sport. In war it would be 'remembering the enemy and what we were fighting for'. In the sportsworld, most would suffice that there is an opponent, not an enemy. This breaks down the barrier of control. When Bobby Thompson hit his 'shot heard around the world' it was Ralph Branca who served it up, making Branca iconic in his own right. Likewise that of Donnie Moore, Mitch Williams, Dan Marino, Fran Tarkenton, Jim Kelly, Chico Resch, Kerry Fraser, Bill Buckner, and anyone else in the games of sport that had miserable public failures. It has to be alright to make a mistake for this reason.
A man, woman, and child has to know that making a mistake won't kill them. That you move on, for the fans that you do have (praying if you have to), to give yourself (the viewer of all sequential events) the strength to move forward.
In Modal analysis there are several scales, ionic but one of them. Dorian, lydian, phrygian, and locrian are others. It is with this understanding that people put things into an historical perspective. (Ionic) iconic, the hero of defineable traits and characteristics, at a magnified level, their highest peaks (and lowest peaks for that matter) allow us to magnify perspective.
The determination of an athletes' peak achievements are those at the 'Big Game'. Whether it's Borg versus Connors, Barry Bonds facing Nolan Ryan, Cliff Lee's knack at pitching the 'Big Game' (although not last night), a Gordie Howe hat-trick, Terry Sawchuck's uncanny ability to make save after save, Joe Montana's performance at the Super-Bowls he's played in, Coach Lambardi's infamous locker room speeches, Lawrence Taylor's tackling ability, or Edwin Moses and Rocky Marciano's winning streaks. History remembers all participants, through a chronological chain of events over time that helps put things into perspective for our childrens' children.
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