Tying Up Loose Ends

The AHL Skills Competition went last night. I'm not sure how many of you caught it, but it was pretty good. I like the NHL Skills Competition too, mainly because it's fun for both the fans and the players. The AHL's version didn't disappoint either. In the end, Planet USA defeated Team Canada 19-14, winning the event for the third time in the last four years.

I'll quickly run through the winners of each event.

Hardest Shot: Dustin Byfuglien (Norfolk Admirals) of Planet USA - 98.7 mph.
Puck Control Relay: Erik Westrum (Toronto Marlies) of Planet USA.
Top Goaltender: Karri Ramo (Springfield Falcons) of Planet USA - stopped 15 of 19 shots.
Accuracy Shooting: Clarke MacArthur (Rochester Americans) of Team Canada - 4 targets in 5 shots.
Fastest Skater: Jonathan Filewich (Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins) of Team Canada - 14.553 seconds.
Rapid Fire: Curtis McElhinney (Omaha Ak-Sar-Ben Knights) of Team Canada - stopped 10 of 10 shots.

The AHL All-Star Game goes tonight, and can be seen on Rogers Sportsnet in Canada, or a number of stations in the US. Also, the game can be watched via broadband on your computer, thanks to the AHL and B2 Networks. This can be accessed by heading to the AHL website.
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Gary Bettman made his way to Atlanta on Sunday to unveil the 2008 All-Star Game logo, and speak to the media in Atlanta. Honestly, this logo does nothing for me. The star is evident, but the Thrasher is almost an after-thought. I hate how they just sort of tacked "Atlanta 2008" at the bottom like it really doesn't matter. It almost seems like this logo was designed in 10 minutes.

A quick message to Atlanta's hockey organization: this is a marquee event. Put a little effort into designing a logo that looks good on a jersey and T-shirt, let alone on paper. Once again, disappointment from the NHL All-Star Game.
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Finally, R.I.P. to Lorne "Gump" Worsley, who passed away at the age of 77 at his home in Beloeil, Quebec on Friday.

Worsley played 126 games in the AHL for the New Haven Ramblers, Providence Reds, Springfield Indians and Quebec Aces during his storied career, which included 21 seasons in the NHL.

Worsley won the Calder Trophy as the NHL's top rookie in 1952-53, and led the Canadiens to four Stanley Cup championships.

Rest in peace, Gumper. You will be remembered.