NHL Playoffs Set to Begin

Hockey and the NBA have one thing in common: they play really long seasons and reward too many teams with playoff berths.  But as opposed to the NBA, which hasn't been a true team sport in over a decade, playoff hockey is as exciting as ever. 

Sean Avery: Back with the NY Rangers

Well, life sometimes does go full circle.  And, for Sean Avery – the NHL’s angriest man (if you go by certain people in the NHL), that full circle has led back to the New York Rangers.

Avery – a talented forward who can and has given teams real “boosts” when he gets on the ice – was a Ranger up until last offseason.  After going down in the playoffs last year with a spleen injury, he signed a big contract with the Dallas Stars.  In only 23 games with the Stars, he chalked up 3 goals and 7 assists.  Not bad.  So why was he cut from the team and the League?

Sports Pulse: Hockey

If you're reading this, chances are you're a sports fan. But with the wide world of sports expanding all the time (and hot athletes to keep track of), we want to know which sport makes your jock itch.

Everyday for the next two weeks, we'll be running a different poll asking you to gauge your level of interest: are you an ice skating fanatic or is soccer more your cup of tea? Be a sport and let us know.

Gforce Gay Hockey Team Update: All’s Well!

Several months ago, I posted an article here on the Gay.com Sports Blog about Gforce, a gay amateur hockey team.  At the time of the posting, Gforce was caught up in the economic downturn, and was going to be unable to run it’s annual Friendship Cup hockey tournament.

Each year, the Friendship Cup, hosted by GForce, welcomes teams from around the country to Aspen, CO, to celebrate hockey, camaraderie, and being out and proud.    As a non-profit group, GForce depends on donations from corporations and individuals to support its efforts.  And, like I said, in this economic downturn, donations were drying up.

Well, Gay.com readers came to the rescue, and, along with other donors around the country, generously gave enough support for GForce to stage this year’s Friendship Cup.

The Blackhawks: Are They for Real?

After last night’s 5-1 pounding of the Philadelphia Flyers, the Hawks are off to their best start in, well, years.  So, the question has to be asked:  Are the Chicago Blackhawks for real?  Will the Hawks not only make the playoffs this year, but also get to – can I even say it? – the Promised Land?  A Stanley Cup?

Let me slow my roll here and try and look and what is and is not going on with the Hawks this year.

Hockey: Avery Axed from Dallas Stars - So Now What?

 Oh Sean Avery. Our fave budding fashionista might have finally broken the camel's back.

The Dallas Stars announced they would not be taking Avery back after he serves his six-game suspension for his latest controversy.

As you may recall, the NHL-er made crude, public remarks about his ex-girlfriend Elisha Guthbert referring to her as "sloppy seconds" for dating the Flames' Dion Phaneuf. It was also a hidden reference to another ex, Rachel Hunter, who is engaged to LA Kings center Jarret Stoll.

Team Gforce, America’s Gay Hockey Team, Cancels Annual Tournament

The economy continues to take its hits.  Team Gforce, a national gay hockey team, has announced it will not be holding its annual “Friendship Cup” tournament in Aspen, CO, this year.

The team has announced they are simply unable to raise the $30,000 the tournament requires, due to cut backs in sponsorships and private donations.   Team Gforce believes it can still hold the tournament – scaled back – for $10,000.  As a 501-c-3 organization, Team Gforce is welcoming donations, which can be made through gforcehockey.com/donatenow.php.

Hockey: So What Were You Saying About "Sloppy Seconds" Mr. Avery?

Fashion fiending NHL star Sean Avery has apologized for recent inappropriate remarks he made in Canada that resulted in a 6-game suspension, without pay, from the Dallas Stars.

Worst Sports Towns: San Diego Gunning For Seattle

Seattle is clearly the worst sports town in America right now, after all they've gone through. The events of the last twelve months have made America's Finest City a laughing stock. However, with the offical demise of the Chargers, San Diego can set its sights on overtaking The Emerald City for the dubious honor.

One of the Best Hockey Hits!

This has to be one of the best hits I've seen in hockey!  It takes a lot to get through that glass.  I bet Van Ryn was seeing stars for awhile.

Add links to the comments section of what you think are the best hockey moments and I'll put them all together in one 'smashing' post.