HBIC YIR 2009

As the clock clicks towards 2010, Hockey Blog In Canada looks back in 2009 to bring you the best work done on this site from the past twelve months. I realize that there are a number of stories that should be highlighted for their importance or relevance to the major hockey stories this past year. We'll also take a look at the resolutions I proposed at the start of last year to see if I held true to things I wanted to do through 2009. Lastly, I want to run through some people and organization that deserve a "thank you" for helping HBIC become what it is, and for working towards making HBIC better than what it was. Let's get this party started with the Year-In-Review.

Janaury 2009

• Janaury 14 - OHL Commissioner David Branch says helmets to be worn. The OHL Commissioner enacts a rule in the wake of the passing of Don Sanderson that prevents players from removing helmets during a fight. Some view this rule as stupid as it will ruin fighting in hockey. Others see the benefit. Me? I haven't noticed a change yet.
• January 20 - Where the NHL All-Star Game started. HBIC takes a look at where the NHL All-Star Game started, and some of the innovations and changes that have happened at the All-Star Game over the years.
• January 21 - When All-Star Games get cancelled. HBIC takes a look at what has replaced the NHL All-Star Game over the years.
• January 22 - NHL All-Star Game stats. There have been some amazing performances at NHL All-Star Games, and this article runs down all the stats from some of hockey's biggest stars at the annual showcase event.
• January 23 - Jerseys worn at the All-Star Game. The NHL has changed the look of the NHL All-Stars often. Why? No idea.
• January 27-29 - Examining "the code". This three-part examination of "the code" looks at the fighting in hockey was a part of a team's success in the 1980s, the unwritten rules of the code, and one enforcer's view on his role on the team.

February 2009

• February 14 - What number do you wear? HBIC takes a look at goaltenders who wear wacky numbers from a historical perspective.
• February 20 - Oscar night. How many players named Oscar have had success in the NHL? HBIC can tell you.
• February 27 - History of the masked men. HBIC, in conjunction with Uni Watch Blog, takes a look at the way the goalie mask has evolved over the course of time.

March 2009

• March 6 - The passing of a legend. Colleen Howe, the woman behind NHL legend Gordie Howe, passes on. The world loses one of the all-time greatest people with the loss of Mrs. Howe.
• March 15 - A legend retires. Brian Kilrea, legendary junior coach, hangs up the skates and clipboard. His retirement marks the end of an impressive era in Ottawa.
• March 23 - Frozen Four logos to 1999. Uni Watch Blog and HBIC join forces to examine the Frozen Four logos and history up to, and including, 1999.
• March 25 - Frozen Four logos to today. More information about the logos and history of the men's and women's Frozen Four.
• March 28 - Men's Frozen Four jerseys. Phil Hecken from Uni Watch Blog works his magic in examining the jerseys worn by all 16 teams in the 2009 Frozen Four.
• March 31 - The HHOF decides women are important. After being stuck in the stone age for so long, the Hockey Hall of Fame changes its by-laws to allow women into the Hall based upon their body of work in the game of hockey. Finally.

April 2009

• April 9 - Communicating in hockey. HBIC is proud to provide major coverage of the World Deaf Ice Hockey Championships. Great hockey is played over the next two weeks.
• April 21 - Overtime playoff hockey rules. I love overtime in the NHL Playoffs, and this piece has a number of videos to show why.
• April 24 - Ovechkin and Mara. These two are forever linked due to Ovechkin's goal-scoring ability and Mara's presence on the ice.
• April 25 - Awesome photos. Triswykes, a commenter on the Uni Watch Blog, emailed me a pile of old pictures from the NCAA. Note all the old equipment!

May 2009

• May 4 - Overtime in the playoffs. I'm not sure why the talking heads on TV need to change something that works so well in the NHL Playoffs.
• May 5 - Stick-swinging incident #1. Tomas Surovy clocks teammate Jaroslav Halak. My opinion is that it is an accident, but it's still stupid.
• May 9 - Balsillie gets lots of press. The battle for the Phoenix Coyotes was just beginning, but Jim Balsillie proved that he had been planning the coup for some time. I take swings.
• May 16 - Bettman mentions Winnipeg. This dream of having an NHL team in Winnipeg needs to stop. I make the case for the insanity to end.
• May 18 - Rick Dudley's music career. I was unaware that Rick Dudley's hockey career in Cincinnati was overshadowed by his music career. Until I wrote this piece.
• May 24 - A non-starring role. I spend a day out in Selkirk, Manitoba on the set of CBC's newest mini-movie about Don Cherry. And I learn about the movie-making business.
• May 26 - Losing another. The hockey world sees Peter Zezel lose the battle with anemia. The entire world loses a great man who was significantly underappreciated.

June 2009

• June 8 - A more personal loss. Paul Lukas, head man over at Uni Watch, sees his father pass on. Rest in peace, Mr. Irwin Lukas.
• June 13 - Lord Stanley's Cup is handed out. The Penguins defeat the Red Wings in seven games to win the third Stanley Cup in team history.
• June 16 - Spelling errors. HBIC takes a look at mistakes on the Stanley Cup in terms of spelling errors, multiple names, and a few omissions.
• June 21 - Hockey's family tree. HBIC looks at all the members of the Sutter family who have played hockey in the various leagues across the globe.
• June 23 - New mathematics. HBIC looks at a formula to determine a defenceman's value in terms of overall performance on the ice.
• June 30 - Prospects and the future. HBIC takes a long look at the vast amount of talent that the Washington Capitals have stockpiled.

July 2009

• July 7 - Going extinct. The Iowa Chops, farm team for the Anaheim Ducks, announce that they are ceasing operations. And the AHL gains respect as a professional league.
• July 10 - End of an era. Joe Sakic announces that he will retire. Burnaby Joe is the epitome of class in a hockey player, and I pay him some respect.
• July 24 - Product endorsement. I had never heard of "Sweet-Stick", but chatter of it on Hockey Night In Canada forced me to research it. Readers said it works.
• July 27 - More product endorsement. I test WIN detergent out at home. My test piece of laundry drew rave reviews for its overall stank.

August 2009

• August 8 - Clairvoyant. I make a radical proposal in the battle for the Coyotes: the NHL should buy the franchise. I'm not saying that I am clairvoyant, but I came close.
• August 9 - The cab ride from hell. Patrick Kane shakes the hockey world up by posing for mugshots in Buffalo after a dispute with a cab driver.
• August 14-15 - Captains of the ship. HBIC looks at the captains of the Manitoba Moose since their move to Winnipeg. IHL captains are featured, followed by the AHL captains.
• August 25 - Confirming clairvoyance. The NHL officially files a motion to buy the NHL. 13 days earlier, I had suggested that very thing.
• August 30 - Wild new look. The Minnesota kick off the alternate jersey frenzy for the 2009-10 season as they debut their new alternates. And I comment on this look.

September 2009

• September 2 - Retro Flames. The Calgary Flames announce that they will be wearing a throwback jersey in honour of their 30th anniversary. I comment on these.
• September 9 - Breaking the rules. Washington's Alexander Ovechkin tells the NHL that he doesn't care about their ideals, and will "definitely" be playing in the 2014 Olympics.
• September 13 - More new threads. Philly shows off their Winter Classic uniforms, and the University of North Dakota gets some Reebok-isized uniforms.
• September 24 - Being fed crumbs. Or, at least, crummy teams. The NHL stages an Oilers-Lightning game in Winnipeg. I demand better based on the price of tickets alone.
• September 30 - Unceremoniously. The Phoenix Coyotes ordeal ends with a whimper, and Jim Balsillie walks away with his tail tucked between his legs. For now.

October 2009

• October 9 - Icing is bad. I'm not a fan of touch icing when there is such a huge risk for injury. I make the comparison of driving a Ferrari into a wall.
• October 13 - Toronto is in a hole. The Leafs start the season in complete disarray, and I make a bold statement: if Toronto betters last season's point total, I'll give away a Maple Leafs jersey. It's currently in the Prize Vault awaiting the Leafs to do good.
• October 15 - ECHL fashions. I post the entire list of ECHL teams that will have a promotional jersey night this season.
• October 16-17 - Theoren Fleury talks. Fleury's return to the NHL didn't end with a roster spot, but it helped him talk about his life and his new book. He appeared on The Hour and on The Fifth Estate on CBC.
• October 19 - Simply amazing. In November 2008, I wrote an article about the Preston Rivulettes. This is the follow-up article with Miss Ruth Collins. Huge thanks goes out to Miss Collins and Matt, her grandson, for providing me with this opportunity!
• October 21 - Down the middle. HBIC looks at center ice lines in hockey, and the various design elements that go into making them unique.

November 2009

• November 2 - Head trauma. I make the suggestion that cheering on monsterous hits could be a reason for the increase of hits to the head, and the resulting increase in concussions.
• November 3 - Wednesdays change. An opportunity is extended to HBIC from the AHL's Manitoba Moose. HBIC will now dedicate Wednesdays to the AHL club.
• November 5 - No more games. OHL Commissioner David Branch throws the book at Erie Otters forward Michael Liambis after he destroys Ben Fanelli.
• November 12 - Colorado goes blue. The Avalanche present their new alternate jerseys to the world, and I find serious problems with their design and colours.
• November 16 - Forsberg says no. Peter Forsberg announces he will not return to the NHL this season. Does anyone notice? Or care?
• November 21 - Best look ever. I take a look at every city to house either an NHL or WHA team, and pick the best uniform from their history.
• November 23 - Panthers are tamed. Florida introduces the world to their alternates, and I am underwhelmed again. This trend will continue.
• November 27 - Blackhawks go retro. The Blackhawks bring back their Winter Classic jerseys with a few changes. I'm a fan of these.
• November 28 - Smashville. Nashville goes black-and-blue with their alternates, and there are elements that I like in this new jersey.

December 2009

• December 3 - Computer savvy. I got to test-drive an impressive piece of hockey software, and I must say that it was quite slick.
• December 6 - Coward. I make the case that Daniel Carcillo's punch on Matt Bradley is a sucker-punch and, therefore, cowardly.
• December 10 - Magazine archives. I found an interesting article in an old edition of Popular Mechanics that suggests that Gordie Howe's wrist shot is harder than any shot recorded in modern NHL history.
• December 11 - Most successful coach. I find some interesting information about John Paris Jr., the most successful African-American head coach in pro hockey.
• December 19 - No yule logs. The Minnesota Wild encounter a serious problem as their equipment burns in the back of their truck.
• December 21 - Best all-time. I make the case that Martin Brodeur is the best goaltender in the history of the NHL based on his career stats and accolades.
• December 22 - Being responsible. Sheldon Souray makes the case for players protecting players, and I agree with his suggestion.

I do want to thank a number of people for helping me make HBIC successful this year. In no particular order, I'd like to thank: Paul Lukas, Phil Hecken, Rick Pearson, Eric Postma, Dorion Morphy, Nikole Kritikos, Cassandra Sadek, Derek Jory, Matt McLeod, Ruth Collins, the Manitoba Moose, the Vancouver Canucks, Pepsi Canada, Scholastic Canada, and Random House Canada.

But most of all, I want to thank you, the reader, for stopping by and reading my babble about hockey. At the closing bell for 2009, over 302,000 visits have been logged on this site, and I want to issue 302,000 thank yous to all of you. Thank you so much for making HBIC a part of your day, and for making HBIC an absolute joy for me.

There is the HBIC YIR for 2009. There are lots of stories that I didn't pick as my favorites, so I encourage you to search through the archives if you're searching for specific news. The Winter Classic is less than 15 hours away, so get yourself ready for some excellent outdoor hockey action tomorrow!

Until 2010, keep your sticks on the ice!

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BUMPER STICKERS

TODAY'S POST IS LIGHT HEARTED BECAUSE ON SATURDAY I PLAN TO LET LOOSE WITH ANOTHER RANT ON OBAMA'S POLICIES.





BUMPER STICKERS

REALLY SAY IT ALL!

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Kung Fu Fighting

John Cole posts about Chris Matthew's latest Thing of Beauty:

MATTHEWS: And I think we have got to get serious about catching terrorists, not just catching weapons. I‘m waiting for the terrorist who knows kung fu or something that gets on an airplane without a weapon. God knows what that is going to be like.

Cole calls it a "Palinesque work of art" but it is the Comments that are really priceless:

We just need to put ninjas on planes and maybe some pirates for good measure but they may go after the ninjas.

Oh, come on! A ninja would totally kick a pirate’s ass.

Depends. Does the pirate have his trusty parrot with him?

Just put some motherfucking snakes on the motherfucking planes, and they’ll take care of the motherfucking ninja terrorists.

I guess Jackie Chan will be on the no-fly list now.
[And other commenters also suggested:
Jet Li
Chow-Yun Fat
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
Neo
Hong Kong Fooey
Kung-fu Panda
Ralph Macchia
Inspector Clouseau
Carl Douglas
Friends of Eddie Kim

God dammit, Mathews. The first rule of Terrorist Fight Club is that you do not talk about Terrorist Fight Club!

Just last week on a nonstop from Pittsburgh to LAX I had to subdue a determined group of muslim kung fu fighters who were intent on hogging all the pillows and magazines. Let me tell you, those cats were fast as lightning. Fortunately, they had this weird habit of taking turns, one by one, to fight me, and, as was covered in a brief montage, I’d spent a few months brushing up my grab-beard-crack-skull skills.

Hey, at least you weren’t flying out of Mumbai. Then a big Bollywood dance number would have broken out, and you know how crowded those aisles can be back in coach.

Forget kung fu terrorists. I’m more worried about dogs with bees in their mouth so when they bark they shoot bees at me. Because if we’re going to worry about bullshit things, let’s at least go all-out Homer-style when we do it.

What I’m really worried about are the terrorists that can control magnetic fields or take the form of any other individual. If those guys get on a plane, we are so fucked.

What if the guys that stare at goats don’t really need to see the goats? What if they can just squeeze their eyes shut and imagine staring at goats? Now just take that one wee bit farther, and I’m sure we can all easily imagine that, those guys can stare at pilots in the cockpits while their eyes are closed. I must sent an email right away to the TSA to warn them that passengers with their eyes closed could easily be terrorists planning to kill the flight crew. And please, no damn goat fucking jokes, this is a serious threat to airline safety here.

Every time Tweety sneezes he’s in danger of blowing out his brains

Oh, and this too:

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Great line of the day

Steve writes about the 2009 Prorogue:

This prorogue is the great test. If there is no recourse, then the Conservative view of Canadians is cemented, and really its success only perpetuates the future reality. There is no real rationale to prorogue Parliament, the Conservative justifications bordering on insult. There are many fundamental reasons why this prorogue should bring fury, it speaks to a host of intellectual democratic considerations. This decision should matter, and yet a learned calculation suggests it probably won't. It's actually a sad statement on how Harper has fundamentally altered our political landscape, the new "norm" represents a new low.
. . . Harper has trashed every single tenet that his old movement supposedly stood for, he has become the antithesis.

Emphasis mine.

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Mint News Blog 2010 Survey

As a way to wrap up this year and lead into 2010, I have put together the Mint News Blog 2010 Survey. This survey includes questions about United States Mint numismatic products for 2009 and the upcoming year, as well as questions of general interest to coin collectors. The idea for the survey comes from a Mint News Blog reader. (Thanks John)

Most of the questions are multiple choice, but there are several optional questions which allow for lengthier written responses. The collective results for the multiple choice questions will be published in one or more future Mint News Blog posts. Excerpts from some of the written responses may also be published.

The sections of the survey include 2009 US Mint Products, 2010 US Mint Products, 2010 Predictions, and some optional questions about Mint News Blog. The survey will remain open until January 8, 2010.

You can access the survey here.

As the last post of 2009, I also wanted to wish everyone Happy New Year!

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Calling in Afghanistan

I thought Obama's December speech on Afghanistan was remarkable in finally defining what the United States intended to accomplish in this war.
Today, Matt Yglesias refers to the analysis from Middle Eastern expert Rory Stewart on the poker strategy Obama is using to end this war:

Obama has acquired leverage over the generals and some support from the public by making it clear that he will not increase troop strength further. He has gained leverage over Karzai by showing that he has options other than investing in Afghanistan. Now he needs to regain leverage over the Taliban by showing them that he is not about to abandon Afghanistan and that their best option is to negotiate. . . . With the right patient leadership, a political strategy could leave Afghanistan in twenty years' time more prosperous, stable, and humane than it is today. That would be excellent for Afghans and good for the world.

Steward also discusses Obama's overall strategy for his foreign policy:

... Obama's broader strategic argument must not be lost. He has grasped that the foreign policy of the president should not consist in a series of extravagant, brief, Manichaean battles, driven by exaggerated fears, grandiloquent promises, and fragile edifices of doctrine. Instead the foreign policy of a great power should be the responsible exercise of limited power and knowledge in concurrent situations of radical uncertainty. Obama, we may hope, will develop this elusive insight. And then it might become possible to find the right places in which to deploy the wealth, the courage, and the political capital of the United States . . .
I began by saying that "calling" in poker was childish and that grownups raise or fold. But there is another category of people who raise or fold: those who are anxious to leave the table. They go all in to exit, hoping to get lucky but if not then at least to finish. They do not do this on the basis of their cards or the pot. They do it because they lack the patience, the interest, the focus, or the confidence to pace themselves carefully through the long and exhausting hours. They no longer care enough about the game. Obama is a famously keen poker player. He should never be in a hurry to leave the table.

Perhaps we should call this the Obama Doctrine.
With today's terrible news of five more Canadian deaths in Afghanistan, it is more important than ever that Canadians know whether we are accomplishing anything there.

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WHAT A DISGUSTING YEAR!

frus'trate, v., keep from doing, be a failure, the feeling one gets when they find themselves up to their asses in alligators and crocodiles. It makes one forget that their main objective was to drain the swamp:


This is also the same feeling I have when I realize that the Obama administration is the most corrupt and the most inept administration that America has ever seen, and it seems that no matter what we try, we are stymied at every turn. Other adjectives that can sum up how I feel about this past year are:

disgusted, abhorred, mortified, irate, add your own if you wish...

I bet that if Obama and Michelle really did graduate form institutions of higher learning, they graduated SUMA CUM LOUDLY.

Take a look at what we have. As we near the end of Obama's first term in office we see his long list of corruption, lies and failures waving like a piss stained bed sheet for all the world to see.

Lets Start With The Economy:

How can any of us forget how Obama campaigned on the promise to help create jobs and fix the economy. What did we get? Obama ballooned the deficit to unheard of levels, he failed to create jobs and then lied through his teeth about it. He put into place the same policies he had criticized Bush for, then lied about them too, and by the end of the year not only is the economy worse off than it had been under Bush, but the national debt is far higher, the dollar is weaker and America’s economic prospects of improving any time soon, looks about as good as a snowballs chances in hell.

Obummer promised the working class families that he will help them; yea, he sure did, he loaded them down with with tons of generational debt, forced them to make mandatory payments to health insurance companies while keeping down job growth by promoting “green” projects over shovel ready infrastructure projects.

As Obama has shoveled untold billions of dollars into the coffers of Wall Street brokerage companies, green tech companies with no real business model, and insurance companies—the same working class families he has promised to help have been forced to take it in the butt and be lied to, and worse yet forced to bear the burden of his corporate welfare, without so much as the decency of a 'reach around'.

There was no money for school vouchers for Washington DC’s kids, but there WAS 192 million to spend on rum factories in the Virgin Islands, 20 million for the Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the Senate, and almost half a billion for Tesla Motors, a company which has currently sold a measly 700 cars.

All Obama's 'stimulus package' did was primarily benefit Obama’s corporate backers and ladle out congressional pork earmarks with all the self-restraint of a swarm of flies heading non-stop to a steaming pile of horse manure.

The Democrat members of Congress, who had their lips permanently attached to Obama's hind quarters, preserved and protected felons like Congressman Rangel and Senator Dodd, then reached even deeper into their cesspool of immorality to attack Senator Lieberman for having the unmitigated gall to block their plan for a Public Option, a plan that even the Congressional Budget Office admitted we can’t pay for. This resulted in bringing political bribery and dirty tricks to a new low, throwing 100 million dollar earmarks around like confetti at an Italian wedding just to win the favor of Senators who were straddling the fence.

The War on Terror and Homeland Security:

As for Afghanistan, Obama's plan of multilateralism to create a new alliances using soft power looks like a carbon copy Bush’s Iraq policy, except it comes with a built in 18 month deadline that Obama helpfully announced to the Taliban ahead of time.

With all of his global gad-abouts on his "magical presidential apology tour" Obama has not achieved a single meaningful result for all that cost to the American people. We still have genocide in the Sudan, the Palestinians and Israelis still despise each other, China continues to repress its citizens, Iran and North Korea are continuing their nuclear programs, and the leaders of America's allies look upon Obama with disdain.

For all his rhetoric, our borders remain wide open and millions of illegal immigrants have been promised amnesty and citizenship as they are allowed to roam free, live off the largess of American taxpayers while committing horrendous crimes. Obama has demonstrated nothing more then his disdain for this country and his willingness to appease terrorists and the far left by treating the butchers of 9/11 like ordinary criminals, instead of the mass murderers they are. Just more con jobs and out-and-out cowardice if not treason.

How About Bipartisanship:

Remember Obama's lofty promises to bring in a new era of inclusiveness and bipartisanship? Yea, me too. Instead it turns out that the ONE can hardly stomach conservative Democrats, let alone Republicans, except for those who can easily be bought like cheap prostitutes. His White House carried on repeated smear campaigns against critics such as Rush Limbaugh, Glenn Beck, and Sean Hannity. Republicans were barred from all closed door negotiations of the Stimulus Bill and the Health Care Bill. Obama also demonstrates his blatant intolerance for any dissent from the party line, which has led to the poisoning of the national dialogue.

International Diplomacy:

Obama’s well publicized trips around the world have resulted in a lot of publicity and and plenty of humiliation for Americans as the man occupying what had once been the office of the leader of the free world, went bowing and scrapping to such foreign leaders as the Japanese Emperor and the Saudi King which was contemptible enough, but then he had to add insult to injury by being penned in on his visit to China, and being mocked in Turkey.

Every day he had to hold a press conference for one thing or another, flying all over the country as if jet fuel grew on trees, just so that his huge ego could be stroked by keeping himself constantly in the news, while at the same time, showing his contempt for our traditional allies when they came to visit America, turning those visits into diplomatic disasters.

All of this has resulted in the United States being more isolated then ever, and America’s enemies are openly taunting the White House at every turn. Then Obama had the gall to give himself a B+ grade showing just what a horse's ass he really is.

Just think, barring any sort of miracle, we have three more years of this crap to go. G_d help us one and all.

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Madame 45 Is Admired!

Madame 45 made another exciting list this week! She was chosen as the most admired women in America in a poll, statistically tied with Secretary Clinton! Woohoo! Of course, I admire her greatly! She's the best boss a Mac could ask for!

Also, apparently Madame's book is selling quite well amongst Pukelosi's constituents, even though the some of the super softy southpaws bookstores are not even selling her book! Buying Madame's book in the land of fruits and nuts is a sign of going very rogue!

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Sales End Tomorrow for US Mint Last Opportunity Products

Sales will officially end on December 31, 2009 at 3:00 PM ET for products included in the US Mint online catalog's Last Opportunity section. The products include 2007 Presidential Dollar bags and rolls, 2008 First Spouse Bronze Medals, and the 2009 Ultra High Relief Double Eagle Gold Coin.

The Presidential Dollar products include 250-coin bags and 25-coin rolls for Thomas Jefferson and James Madison from either the Philadelphia or Denver Mint. These products were originally released back on August 16 and November 15, 2007 and have been available for sale since. The sales totals to date are listed below. The 25-coin rolls have sold in far greater numbers than recent releases. The US Mint stopped offering the 250-coin bags after 2008.

Thomas Jefferson Presidential $1 Coins
250-coin bag (P)	1,172
250-coin bag (D)	932
25-coin roll (P)	69,816
25-coin roll (D)	65,515
James Madison Presidential $1 Coins
250-coin bag (P)	785
250-coin bag (D)	692
25-coin roll (P)	57,642
25-coin roll (D)	55,900

The First Spouse Bronze Medals available include Elizabeth Monroe, Louisa Adams, Andrew Jackson's Liberty, and Martin Van Buren's Liberty. These medals were all issued during 2008 on the release date of the corresponding gold coins. The medals were also included in a 2008 Four Medal Set and the four separate 2008 Presidential Dollar and First Spouse Medal Sets. No sales figures are available for the individual medals.

The 2009 Ultra High Relief Gold Coin has attracted the most attention of the current Last Opportunity products. The US Mint had announced on December 10, 2009 that the coin would only be available until the end of the year. When the announcement was made, I had put together a UHR Double Eagle time line. The most recent reported sales figure for the coin came in at 112,065.

Today on Coin Update News: The latest US Mint Sales Report

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Antler Banter: Volume 9

Welcome to the last Antler Banter of 2009! After a week-long break, the Moose returned to action on Sunday and Monday as the Abbotsford Heat traveled east to Winnipeg for a two-game set. With the Heat hot on the heels of Manitoba in the standings, these two games were vitally important to both teams in terms of the points at hand. Did the Moose use the week off to work on the little things to get their overall success rolling, or does 2009 end in the same fashion as the previous three months of .500 hockey? Also, there was more shuffling of the lineup with releases and call-ups, and we'll look at the injury report as the Moose begin to get healthy for the new year. As always, for all of your Manitoba Moose news and information, don't forget to check out the Moose website. If you're interested in attending a Manitoba Moose game, please click here for seating information, ticket pricing, and availability. Happy New Year of Hardcore Hockey!

Putting The Heat On The Heat

Manitoba came into the game needing a couple of wins over their division rivals from BC in order to put some space between the two clubs. These four points over the next two nights could prove huge down the stretch, so there was hope that Manitoba could pull off two wins over Abbotsford. 7748 fans took in the Sunday game that saw Cory Schneider take to the nets for Manitoba while Matt Keetley drew the assignment for Abbotsford.

It didn't take long for Manitoba to show that they were hungry for the win. With Keith Seabrook off for holding just 1:59 into the game, the Moose powerplay went to work quickly and efficiently. Brian Salcido's wrist shot from the point at the 2:05 mark got the home side on the board as it appeared to have deflected in off of Abbotsford defenseman Matt Pelech. Salcido's powerplay goal was his fourth of the year. Marty Murray drew an assist on the goal after winning the face-off in the offensive zone cleanly, and this kind of success in the face-off circle will help the Moose immensely.

A few more penalties were handed out as the rest of the first period was winding down, but they had little effect on the outcome. I will say that this first period of hockey might have been the best that I've seen the Moose play this season. Shots were kept to the outside for the most part, and the Moose played aggressively. With the shot clock favoring the Moose by a 13-6 margin, the Moose took a 1-0 lead into the first intermission.

Michael Grabner made his return to the Moose line-up in a big way as he opened the second period with a gorgeous goal just 2:08 in. Sergei Shirokov found the speedy winger standing all alone at the edge of the crease with a pass through two Heat defenders, and Grabner roofed his fifth of the season over the sprawling Keetley to give the Moose a 2-0 advantage.

At 6:38 of the second, the Moose struck again. Marco Rosa sent the puck behind the net to Sergei Shirokov. Shirokov saw defenseman Nathan McIver pinching in from the point, and fed him the puck in the face-off circle. McIver hammered a blast past Keetley's blocker for his first of the season, and Manitoba was off and running with a 3-0 lead.

Just 1:30 later, the Moose opened a four-goal advantage. Pierre-Cedric Labrie picked up a loose puck after Tommy Maxwell had won a battle along the boards, and skated the puck out to the blue line before flipping it over to Evan Oberg. Oberg took two strides and unleashed a high slapshot that got past Keetley on the blocker side. Oberg's first of the season gave the Moose a 4-0 lead at the 8:08 mark. With that goal, Keetley's night was done, and Leland Irving was sent out to try and salvage something for Abbotsford.

Manitoba carried the play in this period as well, and they won a lot of the battles for loose pucks. Again, Manitoba outshot Abbotsford in this period by a 12-7 advantage, and played extremely well in their own zone. After 40 minutes, the Moose had a solid 4-0 lead.

The third period was more of the aggressive Moose play. Bodies were banged, shots were fired, and saves were made. However, Abbotsford came out with a renewed sense of aggression as well, and they began matching the Moose shot for shot.

Travis Ramsey was whistled for holding at the 15:47 mark of the third period, sending Abbotsford to their fifth powerplay of the night. Keith Seabrook wired a shot on net from the point that Schneider couldn't smother, and Kris Chucko poked the puck under Schneider and across the goal line for his ninth goal of the season. With the score 4-1 and only 3:42 remaining, the Heat shifted into desperation hockey.

However, it wasn't to be as the Moose withstood the onslaught of Heat shots late in the third, securing the 4-1 win. Schneider shone brightly in net tonight, but this game was really a collaborative team effort from whistle to whistle. Everyone showed good hustle, a lot of little things were done extremely well, and the end result was a win that brought back memories of last season. With the victory, the Moose improve their record to 18-14-4-0.

Divisional Points Are Huge

With the win in the books the previous night, the Moose looked to turn around their dismal second game record this season with another "W" against the Heat. With the Heat falling two points further back of the Moose, you know they were looking for the split. With 7636 Moose fans escaping the cold, the Moose really looked to put the pressure on the Heat.

Geoff Waugh and Abbotsford's JD Watt renewed acquaintances just 4:09 into the game as Waugh took exception to Watt's hit on Nathan McIver. After they danced for a minute, both men took a five-minute break. Manitoba jumped out to an early lead thanks to Brian Salcido once again. Just 40 seconds later, Salcido one-timed a Travis Ramsey feed high and hard to Irving's blocker side, and the Moose were on the board. Salcido's fifth of the season, and second goal on back-to-back nights, put the Moose up 1-0. Both teams played a little tighter as chances were limited, but the Moose took that one-goal lead into the dressing room after 20 minutes of play.

With both teams testing the defense of their opposition, play was tight to open the second period. Mikael Backlund and Evan Oberg were sent off for roughing just 1:09 into the middle frame, and the rough stuff didn't end there. Hits were being dished out by both teams until two of the bigger kids had had enough. Pierre-Cedric Labrie and Abbotsford's Ryley Grantham solved their disagreement through a bout of fisticuffs, and a massive right fist from Labrie to Grantham's cranium scored him the win in this battle.

Goaltender Cory Schneider made a number of highlight reel stops in this period, but he couldn't stop them all. With Tommy Maxwell sitting in the sin bin for roughing, the Heat evened the game. Riley Armstrong tried to jam the puck underneath Schneider from the side of the net on the stick side, but Schneider made the stop. However, the puck popped straight out to the top of the crease where Jamie Lundmark was lurking, and the veteran sniper netted his eighth of the season on the powerplay at the 17:51 mark.

After 40 minutes, the game was tied at 1-1, but without the efforts of Irving and Schneider, it could have been 9-9. Both goalies were incredible in the second period as the two teams combined for 29 shots-on-goal. Abbotsford held the slight edge in the game at a 25-24 count, but both teams had excellent chances turned away by spectacular goaltending.

The third period saw the tight checking continue, but the teams held their discipline in check as only one penalty was called on either side. The goaltending clinic being held at either end of the ice was the difference as neither team could find the twine in the third. Overtime was much the same as both the Heat and Moose were comfortable in not allowing either side to gain an advantage, so it was off to the shootout to decide this one.

Schneider was perfect on all four shots he faced, while the Moose scored on two of three attempts. Marco Rosa and Michael Grabner beat Irving to give Manitoba the 2-1 shootout victory, improving their record to 19-14-4-0.

One note that should be pointed out is that Jamie Lundmark was assessed a ten-minute misconduct under Rule 75.4 at the end of the overtime period. According to the rule, there are four incidents where this rule may be applicable, but only one fits the situation in which Lundmark received the penalty. That portion of the rule states that "[a]ny player or goalkeeper who, after warning by the Referee, persists in any course of conduct (including threatening or abusive language or gestures or similar actions) designed to incite an opponent into incurring a penalty".

While it had no bearing on the outcome of the game - Lundmark was the fourth shooter in the shootout - this is the first time I have ever seen an official hand out a misconduct for "threatening language". Referee Jean Hebert must have heard or seen something that was entirely inappropriate from Lundmark to warrant that kind of penalty.

Creating Space

The four points that Manitoba picked up this week are enormous. Having played 37 games already, the Moose now sit firmly entrenched in third place in the North Division with 42 points. They have a five-point lead over both Grand Rapids and Abbotsford. They also trail Hamilton by three points and Rochester by four points. While Rochester has three games in hand (GIH) and Hamilton has four GIH, the Moose distanced themselves nicely from the Griffins and Heat. Abbotsford has a mere one GIH while Grand Rapids has three GIH. As I stated before the Christmas break, winning divisional games was paramount for the Moose. There is the proof of that statement.

Manitoba Moose Intensive Care Unit

While concussions still plague a couple of Moose players, there is light at the end of the tunnel for another mainstay on the blue line.

• Nolan Baumgartner - broken finger. Baumgartner has been skating with the Moose this week, and is hopeful for a return against the Texas Stars this weekend. Otherwise, the Moose reargaurd should be ready for a rematch of last year's Calder Cup against the Hershey Bears.
• Michael Funk - concussion. Word from head coach Scott Arniel is that Funk is still experiencing concussion symptoms. This is extremely worrisome in that Funk has had a couple of concussions within a one-year period. No time set for a return, but it might be better to hold him out for the rest of the season.
• Matt McCue - concussion. No return date set, but the Moose are playing it safe with their concussed players. This treatment of not rushing players back is something that should be applauded and endorsed throughout the hockey world.
  

As Fast As They Are Here, They Are Gone

The Canucks recalled one Moose player this week who had contributed to their recent success, and the Moose released another player.

• Mark McCutcheon - released from PTO. McCutcheon's time in Manitoba wasn't marked with a lot of scoring as he recorded no points, but he did provide adequate relief to a team racked with injuries and call-ups earlier. However, his lack of production in his twelve games probably spelled the end for the plucky centerman.
• Alexandre Bolduc - recalled by the Vancouver Canucks. Bolduc was recalled due to Jannik Hansen's inconsistent play, according to Canucks' coach Alain Vigneault. However, Pavol Demitra is skating with the Canucks again, so it appears this move will be temporary.
  

Upcoming Moose Action

The Moose have the West Division-leading Texas Stars in town this week. The two clubs meet up at MTS Centre at 4PM CST on New Year's Eve for the Moose's annual New Year's Eve game, and then play the second of two games on Sunday night. This should be a great test to see if the Moose's recent play is indicative of their commitment to this style of play, or was simply a matter of catching Abbotsford off-guard. The Stars enter the game with a 20-10-2-3 record for 45 points.

The Stars have three players leading their team with 21 points. Former Moose forward Greg Rallo is having an outstanding season with 12 goals and nine assists. His 12 goals are a team-best for Texas. Also at 21 points with identical six goal-15 assist records are Aaron Gagnon and Perttu Lindgren. Veteran defenseman and Canucks property Brad Lukowich is leading the Stars from the blue line. Lukowich has three goals and 15 assists this season. Goaltender Brent Krahn has been absolutely outstanding in net for the Stars. In 12 games this season, he has a 10-2-0 record with three shutouts, a 1.41 GAA, and a .958 save percentage.

Clearly, this Stars team is playing extremely good hockey, and they will be a stiff test for the Moose. A weekend split would be a good result, but the Moose should really be looking for all four points while playing at home.

Good-Bye 2009, Hello 2010

I just want to take this time to wish everyone a Happy New Year, and to remind you to be responsible on New Year's Eve. If you're going to have a drink, please don't drive. Let's ring in 2010 in the happiest way possible!

Until next time, keep your sticks on the ice!

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Tis the season

Every now and then I check out the Not Always Right website for the latest in customer stupidity stories. Here's one from Newfoundland:

Me: “Hello, ma’am. Did you find everything you were looking for today?”
Customer: “Yes, yes. Sure is busy here.”
Me: “I guess that’s because of the season, ma’am. Everyone’s out getting last-minute holiday gifts.”
Customer: “Oh, I see, yes. I haven’t needed to buy any gifts for a while. Everyone I love is dead.”
Me: “Oh, I’m so sorry to hear that!”
Customer: [stares at me intently] “Someday, everyone you love will be dead, too.”
Me: “Uh…”
Customer: “Merry Christmas, now!”

Sort of existential, isn't it?

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If You Are Reading This, You Might not Support Sarah!

As I was surfing today, I noticed a clip from Joyless Behar's show. She was talking about Madame and her book. Apparently, Joyless thinks that Madame's supporters don't read! Does Joyless think that Madame's supporters (all of us!) are using Going Rogue to prop up your coffee table or for use as a door stop?



Oh well. Who knows how many of Joyless's five viewers actually read?

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Judy Garland and Mickey Rooney

This sorta has the flavour of "Let's put on a show in the old barn!"

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Random Things

This post has little value aside from being a random collection of things that have been bouncing around in my head lately. While all of these thoughts have to do with hockey, some are pictures, some are my own commentary, and others are pure random thoughts. I'm not going to waste a lot of time with this pre-amble, so let's get going.

• Canada's shutout streak at the World Junior Championships ends at 177:25. That is a new record for one team at the World Junior Championships, but it finally came to an end on a Slovakian powerplay goal by Richard Panik. Well done, Canada!
• Canada defeats Slovakia tonight by an 8-2 margin. The US trounces Latvia 12-1. The New Year's Eve tilt between the two North American teams will be for first place in Pool A as both teams sit 3-0. And both teams seem to be foaming at the mouth for this game.
  
• Sweden took control of Pool B with a convincing 4-1 victory over Russia today. Magnus Paajarvi-Svensson had a goal and two assists for the Swedes as they move to 3-0. The loss drops Russia to 2-1, and they square off against the Czech Republic on Thursday. Sweden and Finland also tangle on Thursday, but it appears the Tre Kronor will win Pool B.
• Several Olympic teams have been announced, although none are set in stone as of yet. According to the IIHF rules, the Olympic rosters don't have to be set until the night before the competition begins. That means that other players could be swapped in for injured players as we get closer to February. If you're interested in examining who is playing for what country, here are the rosters for Russia, Sweden, Latvia, Norway, Slovakia, and Belarus thus far.
• Dan Shaughnessy of Sports Illutrated takes a stab at why the Winter Classic is beginning to look better and better each New Year's Day. If you are sick of the "Corporate Dollar Bailout Bowl" and the "Taxpayer Relief Fund Bowl" in the NCAA featuring two football teams that are barely above .500, you'll like what Shaughnessy has to say.
• One guy who isn't going to the Olympics this year? Dominik Hasek. Tomas Vokoun, if his ear can hold up, will be the starter for the Czech team according to head coach Vladimir Ruzicka. It's probably for the best if Hasek doesn't play. The last time he went to the Olympics, he blew out a hip. He'll be 44 years-old, and there just aren't that many doctors that can perform successful hip replacement in the Czech Republic from my research (I kid! I kid!).
• Bobby Hull makes regular stops into the United Centre, normally when there is a chance to stand in the spotlight like he did on May 22, 2009 with Michael Jordan. However, there was a time once when Hull enjoyed the simpler life of tossing hay bales and chewing on cigars. The good ol' days, indeed!
• Check out this picture of Glenn Hall sitting in his stall in the Black Hawks locker room. The little amount of padding alone is ridiculous when considering some of the shots that Hall faced in his record-setting 551 consecutive starts in both the regular season and playoffs. I'm also fond of that Black Hawks garbage can.
• I have nothing but appreciation for this picture of Mike Milbury covered in New York Islanders Fisherman colours and logos. I'd buy that jacket at full price right now if I could find one that fits me.
• If I could find a Cleveland Barons jersey that looked as good as this one, I'd mortgage the house for it. I don't know why, but those Ohio-outlined sleeve numbers are the epitome of a unique uniform idea.

Tomorrow is the last Antler Banter of 2009, and we'll have the HBIC Year-In-Review on Thursday and Friday when I'll be somewhat incapacitated. There have been some incredible stories from this past year, and I think they need to be re-examined in the YIR.

Until next time, keep your sticks on the ice!

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KRISTALLNACHT, IS OURS COMING?

The following post is cross posted from my good friend, ABNPOPPA, at CONSERVATIVE OUTRAGE

KRISTALLNACHT, IS OURS COMING?

The following by ABNPOPPA:

A little background first. When stationed in Germany, before "the wall" came down, I read a book called the "Rise and Fall of the Third Reich". The horrors of that book and how easily an entire country was taken over has stayed with me for 40+ years. In my blogging and emails and conversations with others of the public it appears that Kristallnacht and what came with it have been forgotten by our public schooled liberal and Conservative adults. I along with MRG, of the blog, "LET THE TRUTH BE KNOWN" agreed this story should be told. The research and writing was done by the Monsignor and the idea of him doing most of the research and writing was done by me.

I would only make one point here. The resemblance is in this layman's mind scary to say the least. May I respectfully request you take the time to read this joint post first, then go back through it and watch the videos as you re-read the post. If you, as I, feel a nervousness creeping into your body, forward the Conservative Outrage and the Let the Truth Be Known blog links to your friends to see if they concur with you. I personally plan to forward this to my elected officials and any liberal who will give me their email address or allow me to post to their blog.

*Kristallnacht was triggered by the assassination of German diplomat Ernst vom Rath by Herschel Grynszpan, a German-born Polish Jew. In a coordinated attack on Jewish people and their property, 91 Jews were murdered and 25,000 to 30,000 were arrested and placed in concentration camps. 267 synagogues were destroyed and thousands of homes and businesses were ransacked. This was done by the Hitler Youth, the Gestapo and the SS.[2] Kristallnacht also served as a pretext and a means for the wholesale confiscation of firearms from German Jews.[3]

While the assassination of Rath served as a pretext for the attacks, Kristallnacht was part of a broader Nazi policy of antisemitism and persecution of the Jews.[4] Kristallnacht was followed by further economic and political persecutions and is viewed by many historians as the beginning of the Final Solution, leading towards the genocide of the Holocaust.[5]

MRG's article contains three videos that add emphasis to his article. Please watch them with an open mind.

The following by "Abouna" +Gregori:

OBAMA/HITLER - FRIGHTENING SIMILARITIES:

I don't expect the younger generations to know, simply because they weren't around when Hitler was in power, and because they are being given a "white-washed" version of history by the leftist liberals who have taken control of our public school system, but how about some of you older folks, those of you who were born during World War II or shortly after, are you beginning to get the feeling of deja vu? Are you beginning to feel a cold chill down your spine?

If you haven't noticed, there are increasingly shocking Parallels between Barack Hussein Obama and Adolph Hitler.

When Hitler came on the scene, he was a complete unknown in political circles. He had no experience, but he was a glib tongued mesmerizing speaker and nothing more then a nationalist/socialist agitator. Barack Hussein Obama is much the same.His biggest claim to fame is that he was a "community organizer" (a leftist liberal socialist agitator) with a glib tongue. As far as political experience, he spent a short period of time in the Illinois State Legislator where he had a far less then stellar record (most of his time there, he voted "present" on various legislation rather then taking a real stand). After getting himself elected to the United States Senate, through the use of underhanded dirty Chicago political tricks, he occupied that position for three years, but two and half of those three years were spent campaigning for president.

Much like the German press built up the Hitler messiah-ship, our media is and has been doing the same thing with Obama. We have on-air news personalities who proudly and publicly proclaim that they get a tingle up and down their leg every time Obama speaks. We have television "super stars" such as Oprah Winfrey, who publicly proclaimed Obama as the ONE.

Hitler managed to mesmerize the youth and young adults of Germany and his regime formed the "Hitler Youth Corp", where the children and young adults became perfect LITTLE NAZIS, snitches who gladly ratted out their own parents and neighbors. Many of the German young adults became members of Hitler's "Brown Shirts", his goon squads who implemented Hitler's aims and programs through the "persuasion of power" (beatings, assaults, intimidation and destruction of property).

You say that can't happen here, well the following video should make your hair stand on end:





Don't forget, Obama already signed into law the Generations Invigorating Volunteerism and Education Act (GIVE) which will massively increase the Americorps program which will oversee Obama's Civilian Security Force under ACORN.

The powers that be can use this program to cram their socialist/liberal ideology down the throats of the youthful "volunteers", many of whom could be forced into service since the bill creates a Congressional Commission on Civic Service.

You should be afraid, very afraid. Does this look cute to you?



Now lets look at it in a different light. Is it cute now or frightening?





I fear Obama and I sense an evil all about him. Adolph Hitler and Barack Obama are eerily similar. Both men have a dark past and hide their ancestral roots and both claim to be Christian.

Claiming to be Christian, Obama's early upringing was as a Muslim. Adolph Hitler was not a German, he was Austrian born to a Jewish mother. Hitler grew up in squalor, Obama was also not wealthy in his upbringing.

While Hitler championed the talk of being poor and having to be a self-made man and claiming to be Christian, he hid the fact that he was of Jewish ancestry. He hid the fact that he was a Godless atheist. Again, just like Barack Hussein Obama hides his Muslim background. This is terrifying.

Every single tyrannical dictator needs the power of charismatic speeches and hordes of young followers to faint in excitement when they hear shallow words and promises.

Obama's political rallies were held mainly in stadiums and large auditoriums, and people followed him blindly without question. People made shameful propaganda videos in his name and worshiped him like he was the "second coming" of the Lord.

Obama’s Youth are brainwashed and taught to hate their Christian American heritage, instilled by their Republican forefathers. As his wife Michelle said during the campaign; "We must change our history and our traditions." She also said; "When my husband is elected, he is going to make people do things they don't want to do...." She was right, wasn't she?

People followed Hitler blindly without question and his political rallies were also held in stadiums. People like Josef Goebbels made shameful propaganda posters for Hitler. These posters championed dangerous ideas such as universal health care, war-alliances with Iran, denouncement of the Jews and nationalization of business and resources: how odd, Barack Obama supports all of these things as well.

Hitler’s Youth were also secretly trained to support genocide of the innocent and to hate their Catholic German heritage, instilled by their Holy Republican forefathers.

Barack Obama hates it when people pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America; our one nation under God. Obama hates it so much that he refuse to salute our nations flag in public.

Obama wants crowds to acknowledge him, and almost all of his speeches are about him. Adolf Hitler demanded everyone greet him with a Heil Hitler, as Hitler fancied himself to be a god-king such as the pagan Egyptian pharaohs and Roman emperors.

Often, tyrants need a scapegoat to blame the problems of their county on. In Hitler's Germany, it was the Jews who were blamed for the mess Germany was in following World War I. On Nov. 9, 1938, Nazi gangs shattered windows of Jewish businesses and torched synagogues throughout Germany in the so-called "Kristallnacht", ("Crystal Night," or the "Night of Broken Glass") the first massive display of anti-Jewish hostility that led to the Holocaust, the mass murder of Jews.

In almost all large German cities and some smaller ones that night, store windows of Jewish shops were broken, Jewish houses and apartments were destroyed, and synagogues were demolished and set on fire. Many Jews were arrested, some were beaten, and some were even killed.

What ever the historical facts are, the attacks against the Jews on the night of Nov. 9, 1938, was not a sudden event. Anti Jewish sentiments had been building for many years, starting in small ways such as anti-Semitic signs, cartoons, protests, demeaning jokes, growing like a cancer throughout, not only German society, but much of Europe.

So what does this have to do with Barack Obama you ask? Take a close look at what has been going on right here in America over the past several decades. Anti-Christian sentiments have been on the rise, especially around Christmas time, in a nation founded on Judeo/Christian principles.

Step by step, all mention of God or Christ are being erased from the public venue. Prayer was removed from the schools, then all traditional Christmas songs were banned from school programs. Then courts and other government buildings were ordered to remove any displays of the Ten Commandments. Stores and other businesses began to shun saying "Merry Christmas", and the Christmas tree began to be referred to as a holiday tree. Artists began to produce vile and disgusting works of art depicting Christianity; the Holy Mother and Child made out of elephant dung, the Crucifix displayed in a jar of piss, etc. Even our government gives taxpayer money to endow such "art".

These anti-Christian acts have grown more numerous since the rise of Barack Obama. In one of his books, 'Dreams of My Father', Obama stated; "I will side with the Muslims if the political winds take a turn for the worse." Since his inauguration, he has thrown Israel under the bus at every opportunity. During his campaign, he stated; "No matter what we once were, the United States is no longer a Christian nation," he also told an audience in Turkey that if we counted all of the Muslims in the United States, America would be the largest Muslim country in the world. All of this coming from a man who claims to be a Christian. Neither he nor his family have graced the inside of a church since he was inaugurated.

Upon taking office, Obama refused to acknowledge the National Day of Prayer, but proclaimed June to be National Gay, Lesbian, Transsexual, Transgendered Month. He also opened the traditional White House Easter Egg Hunt to 'same-sex couples' and their "children", sticking his finger in the eye of traditional Christians. When he gave a speech at Georgetown University, he ordered that the Crucifix and other Christian religious statues and art work behind him, be covered up. During an interview he gave a number of years ago, he said; "The Muslim 'call to prayer' is the most beautiful sound in the world."

So, should we as Christians be worried, should we be afraid? Watch the videos again and then decide for yourselves.

* Definition supplied by online Wikipedia.

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Star Phoenix Fail

This Star Phoenix editorial -- Native advocate in health system requires review -- has to have reached some kind of record in patronizing insult and overreaching analysis.
Here's the story: a five-month-old baby boy, Mason Fullerton, died last spring of bacterial pneumonia. In the five days before he died, his increasingly-frantic mother Beverly had taken him to see several doctors, including his family doctor and two emergency rooms. Nobody did an x-ray of his lungs. Nobody gave him antibiotics. Everybody patted Beverley on the head and told her it was just a virus, that our health care system has important things to worry about like the long-term societal expense of overuse of xrays and antibiotics, while she, the mother of three other children, was obviously misjudging the situation and she should just take Mason home.
So little Mason died on an April morning, sitting in his rocking chair, as Beverley was getting ready for another trip to Emergency.
And since Mason's pointless death, there has apparently not been an inquest or an investigation of why our health care system let Mason and his family down so badly.
The whole story is somewhat inexplicable, until you realize that Beverley is Aboriginal and so was Mason. Did that have anything to do with how Mason was misdiagnosed, and Beverley's concerns were dismissed? We don't know, but the FSIN has now asked for an Aboriginal advocate to investigate problematic Aboriginal health care cases.
So now the Star Phoenix leaps into action.
They didn't do an editorial about how badly the health care system let down this family. They didn't demand that little Mason's death be investigated.
But now they have trained their editorial distain on the only suggestion made so far which might discern the truth about why this baby was not treated. Here's an example of the tone:

Whether or not the baby's death was avoidable is something that warrants investigation. But to do so in a confrontational manner generally won't improve care at the hospital, or bring back the baby. It also could be highly damaging for health-care providers and other patients if authorities resort to over-testing and redundant reporting simply to avoid blame.

Because Heaven forbid we should get confrontational over the needless death of an innocent baby. Why, someone's feelings might be hurt!
They go on to pearl-clutch over how truly awful it would be if someone actually got sued over this case:

It could be even more disastrous to the health system if the baby Mason case has to be sorted out in court . . . The risk of litigation also has led to hospitals and doctors ordering redundant and mostly unnecessary tests as a way to avoid being held liable.
In a Canadian health-care system that is already hard-pressed to find the manpower and resources to do vital medical tests, it is frightening to think what would happen if lawyers as well as doctors demand that it perform more.

Well apparently in this case, the system could hardly have done less.
But the stupidest statement in this editorial is this astounding sentence

Of even greater concern is the pain and discomfort small children would have to endure as health-care workers extract more bodily fluids -- not to improve care but to mitigate legal liability.

How noble, its all about the children, really.... but does this editorial writer really mean to imply that death is better than an uncomfortable medical test? Besides, a simple chest xray hardly falls into the category of a medical test which requires endurance.
The editorial wraps up with statement about how an advocate "could easily result in a loss of trust on both sides."
So what? If trust is the casualty of better care, then that's a trade-off we should all be quite willing to make.

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