Another PhotoBlog

I have a pile of photos sitting in the old online photo album, and I've decided to put together a random sampling of images that I have yet to use for any purpose. Basically, these are images that people have sent to me that haven't been used in a story yet, but may get that opportunity before their end days. In any case, rather than just holding on to these gems, I want to put them out for you, the reader, to feast upon. Some are interesting, some are wacky, and others are just randomness. Without further adieu, let's dive into the shoebox of photos I have been hoarding underneath my bed this blog.

• We'll start with this tidbit about Dustin Tokarski's inspirational message on the back plate of his mask. The full story can be found on the AHL website. Essentially, it means that if you get knocked down, get right back up. The "8" and the "9" come from his birth year: 1989.
• Uniform cameos happen when a player appears in a specific uniform for a short period of time. Normally, this occurs when a player is traded to a new team and then leaves in the off-season as a free agent. It also happens when a player is traded right before he retires. Such was the case with Bobby Hull who suited up for the Whalers in 1979 after being traded from the Winnipeg Jets to the Hartford franchise. Hull appeared in nine games with the Whalers before calling it a career.
• Celebrities are often invited to drop pucks for ceremonial faceoffs at hockey games. The faceoffs, of course, mean little to the game besides some added fanfare, but 1984 offered an amazing celebrity puck drop. Michael Jackson was touring the country on his Victory Tour concert tour. 1984 was the year that his album Thriller dominated the Grammy Awards. As his tour passed through Vancouver in November, Michael Jackson was invited to the Pacific Coliseum to drop the puck as the Canucks hosted the Penguins on November 16, 1984. Pictured with the King of Pop is Canucks legend Stan Smyl and Penguins legend Mario Lemieux. The Canucks defeated the Penguins that night by a 7-6 score, by the way.
• Speaking of the Penguins, I like their new jewelry. Gorgeous design, and the addition of the teams they beat will help make this Stanley Cup victory all that more memorable.
• Here's something rarely seen in the WHA days: Gordie Howe on the bench as a member of the Houston Aeros.
• How 1970s is this photo? That picture looks like it was taken in someone's basement. The WHA's Chicago Cougars are clearly holding a press conference, but that wood paneling in the background needs to go.
• A reader sent me a link to this photo of former Winnipeg Jets captain Troy Murray. Those are still one of my favorite jerseys of all-time.
• Speaking of former Jets, here's a shot of Joe Daley with the Buffalo Sabres. Daley owns and operates a sports card business in Winnipeg. I recommend checking it out if you ever happen to pass through the town. Hearing him talk about old-time hockey while browsing through some of his stuff is like being in a mini-museum!
• We have an interesting last name from the world of hockey. James Van Der Gulik is currently playing for the Abbotsford Heat in the AHL. If you notice, the "Der" portion of his name is smaller than the rest of his name. This is strange because he didn't have that distinction made while he was with the Calgary Flames, the Quad City Flames, or while in the NCAA with Boston University. I'm not sure what prompted the change, but Mr. Van Der Gulik's name is certainly unique in the world of hockey.
• The University of Denver offered up some nice throwback jerseys in a recent game. I have to say that, in most cases with hockey uniforms, less is more. Keep it simple, kids. It almost always looks better.
• Last, but not least, here are the San Antonio Spurs Rampage from last season. That's Brian Boucher in net with his Spurs-themed jersey in honour of the city's NBA franchise. I've said it before, and I'll say it again: cross-sport promotions are dumb. I can't stand them. This one is an absolute failure.

Ok, that's all I have time for today. Work is bogging me down with actual work, so I have to get cracking on that. If you have comments on the photos, please put them in the comment section! I will reply!

Until next time, keep your sticks on the ice!