"When I see the Pittsburgh players, I just think "
- Moose_15[Frank] you!", and "[Frank] you too!!'" - Danny Markov

Why I loved this guy, even if he was on Toronto when he said this.

After the first brawl in the Ottawa game, they shoot to him in the tunnel, and he looks absolutely insane. I actually ended up wearing #55 when I played SemiPro in his honor.

What's the level of competition there? Is it ECHL-level? Also, is it full pro rules (checking, fighting, etc)? I'm afraid I really know nothing about it.

And congrats!
- jmatchett383

the juniors and open squads were really high level - prep school, D1, 3, major juniors, some nhl draftees, prospects and some former NHLers. the Masters was definitely a step down from that. some really good college and juniors players, but plenty of just regular guys who grew up playing hockey that never went anywhere. the russian team had one player that was just lights out. igor something or other. i was told he's an active KHL player, but i can't confirm that. pretty good hockey for some old farts.

no hitting for the masters, hitting for the open guys, and i'm honestly not sure about the juniors. didn't get to watch them play at all. the canada/us open game was ferocious. great hockey to watch.

rules are iihf, skated on olympic sheet.

After the first brawl in the Ottawa game, they shoot to him in the tunnel, and he looks absolutely insane. I actually ended up wearing #55 when I played SemiPro in his honor.
- jmatchett383

somehow i ended up with an old school orange 55/markov jersey. i love it.

A lot of the Russian/Ukrainian players were also likely allowed to participate because they are either marginally Jewish (claiming a Jewish ancestor on the maternal side), or married to a Jewish woman, etc.

Things get very complicated in determining who is and isn't Jewish, especially for events like these. For example, Evgeni Malkin reportedly has partial Jewish ancestry on his father's side of the family (how distantly is unclear) but is himself an observant Russian Orthodox Christian. Under traditional Jewish law, he would not be classified as Jewish because only maternal lineage is looked at. But if someday after his pro career is over, he were to want to participate in the Maccabiah event, I'm quite sure an exception would be made.
- bmeltzer

That's really all that needs to be said.

After the first brawl in the Ottawa game, they shoot to him in the tunnel, and he looks absolutely insane. I actually ended up wearing #55 when I played SemiPro in his honor.
- jmatchett383

I just re-watched that video! Yes, he goes nuts in the tunnel, but then they cut back to the replay.

In the series I quoted, there is video out there of Markov staring down and pointing at Jagr after the Leafs won. When he gets Jagr's attention, he gives him the salute. Loved watching that at the time.

Hated seeing Rupp do that in the Winter Classic.

the juniors and open squads were really high level - prep school, D1, 3, major juniors, some nhl draftees, prospects and some former NHLers. the Masters was definitely a step down from that. some really good college and juniors players, but plenty of just regular guys who grew up playing hockey that never went anywhere. the russian team had one player that was just lights out. igor something or other. i was told he's an active KHL player, but i can't confirm that. pretty good hockey for some old farts.

no hitting for the masters, hitting for the open guys, and i'm honestly not sure about the juniors. didn't get to watch them play at all. the canada/us open game was ferocious. great hockey to watch.

rules are iihf, skated on olympic sheet.
- hammarby31

That's pretty awesome. I played semi-pro roller and there were a few guys who were juniors/NHL draft levels, but they were few & far between. That's really awesome. Are they annual games, and if so, do you anticipate going again?

Hammar, I know they're a dime a dozen at this point, but a huge congratulations from me!

I can't imagine- I've won some pretty "prestigious" 1st places like states for baseball and lots of hockey tournaments but nothing that even compares to what you accomplished a few days ago. (frank)in awesome man!

That's pretty awesome. I played semi-pro roller and there were a few guys who were juniors/NHL draft levels, but they were few & far between. That's really awesome. Are they annual games, and if so, do you anticipate going again?
- jmatchett383

the games are held every 4 years. 2013 games are the 19th, but just the second time for hockey (and first since 1997). i'm confident hockey will be represented again in 2017, and if my groin holds up i will certainly try out for the team.

i played last night, and i felt like i was in a shoebox after being on the big ice. really like it, and it changed my mind about the nhl. i think the game would be just fine with more room to move out there.

Hammar, I know they're a dime a dozen at this point, but a huge congratulations from me!

I can't imagine- I've won some pretty "prestigious" 1st places like states for baseball and lots of hockey tournaments but nothing that even compares to what you accomplished a few days ago. (frank)in awesome man!
- Giroux_Is_God

thanks, G! i appreciate each and every message. it was definitely a special experience, one that i never thought would happen, especially at my age. the best part is that the guys are just a good bunch of guys. we all got along and really liked each other for the most part. made it so much fun.

thanks, G! i appreciate each and every message. it was definitely a special experience, one that i never thought would happen, especially at my age. the best part is that the guys are just a good bunch of guys. we all got along and really liked each other for the most part. made it so much fun.
- hammarby31

Can't ask for anything more. Sounds like a priceless experience. Interesting to read you thoughts on the bigger sheet of ice, too

Lest we all forget the Markov also scored the pivotal 10,000th goal in Flyers history

Anyone else surprised to find out that Turner Stevenson actually played 31 games for the Flyers and scored a goal in one of those games?

Anyone else surprised to find out that Turner Stevenson actually played 31 games for the Flyers and scored a goal in one of those games?
- jmatchett383

I remember Stevenson. I think they signed him at the same time they signed Mike Knuble.

I think he had hip problems and had to retire. I remember him as kind of a big dude and total 3rd/4th line pest.

Anyone else surprised to find out that Turner Stevenson actually played 31 games for the Flyers and scored a goal in one of those games?
- jmatchett383

No, why? He was here for a season...

I remember Stevenson. I think they signed him at the same time they signed Mike Knuble.

I think he had hip problems and had to retire. I remember him as kind of a big dude and total 3rd/4th line pest.
- johndewar

I thought he had a foot issue.

I remember Stevenson. I think they signed him at the same time they signed Mike Knuble.

I think he had hip problems and had to retire. I remember him as kind of a big dude and total 3rd/4th line pest.
- johndewar

I thought he had a foot issue.
- dingo8urbaby

Both, actually. One leg was quite a bit longer than the other and that caused his hip issues.

According to hockeydb.com, he is listed as 6'3" and 220 during his playing days.

I think you guys need to stop everything you're doing and check out the 12 greatest hockey commercials:

http://nhl.si.com/2013/07...atest-hockey-commercials/

Love it

https://twitter.com/TheNH...60616882342076418/photo/1

I think you guys need to stop everything you're doing and check out the 12 greatest hockey commercials:

http://nhl.si.com/2013/07...atest-hockey-commercials/
- johndewar

What??? No mention of Fedorov skating through the NHL, taking out a figure skating pair, beating 5 goalies, and getting run over by a zamboni?

Or "Bowling would be better if it was hockey?"

What??? No mention of Fedorov skating through the NHL, taking out a figure skating pair, beating 5 goalies, and getting run over by a zamboni?

Or "Bowling would be better if it was hockey?"
- jmatchett383

Yeah, the Fedorov one was a classic:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z10ZFSQ6Q-g

The one with Selanne was just awesome.

I think you guys need to stop everything you're doing and check out the 12 greatest hockey commercials:

http://nhl.si.com/2013/07...atest-hockey-commercials/
- johndewar

#1 actually choked me up.

Go head. Ridicule me.

#1 actually choked me up.

Go head. Ridicule me.
- Giroux_Is_God

Not at all. It was good!

Quick trivia question...Who is the only player to have more points then gretzky...Played in another league...

Quick trivia question...Who is the only player to have more points then gretzky...Played in another league...
- PhillaBully

Mr. Tony Hand, the Scottish Wayne Gretzky.

Mr. Tony Hand, the Scottish Wayne Gretzky.
- jmatchett383

damn your good... i know it was a poopty league he played in...wonder what he would have done in the nhl