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Monthly Archives: February 2011

Capitals are-nott entering stretch run quietly

28 Monday Feb 2011

Posted by Ross Hollebon in NHL/Ice Hockey, Trades, Verizon Center, Washington Capitals

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Bill Guerin, David Steckel, Dennis Wideman, George McPhee, Jason Arnott, Verizon Center

“I’m at the end of my career, I want a chance at another Stanley Cup.”

Arnott has been there and done that

This is exactly what I expected to hear from 16 year veteran, center Jason Arnott, no matter where he was traded by the New Jersey Devils.

And his quote explains why it is a great move by Washington Capitals general manager George McPhee. As the 3:00 pm trade deadline approached, McPhee dug into the deep pockets of the Capitals assets and took a chance on an imposing player who may be more concerned with winning a championship than making friends in the locker room.

Players will now be accountable to someone who arrives at Verizon Center with one purpose – the only true purpose in the NHL.

27 year old defenseman Dennis Wideman was also added today, from the Florida Panthers. Its good for depth, but he gave the typical PR answers when asked about joining Washington, which made Arnott’s comments so much more valuable.

The gauntlet has been dropped before he even steps in the locker room.

The cost was steep in forward David Steckel and a 2nd round pick in the 2011 draft. I don’t think its too much and maybe this can ease the pain of not making a trade for forward Bill Guerin in 2009, who then went on to help eliminate the Capitals from the playoffs and help the Pittsburgh Penguins raise the Cup.

McPhee should be applauded for making this move and the Wideman deal, while still keeping the core of talent in Washington and younger players still biding their time before skating in D.C.

I understand the importance of not giving away the farm, but it is moves like this that must be attempted in order to be known not only as a winning franchise, but a championship one.

Thank you Mr. McPhee and Let’s Go Caps!

Packers’ Rodgers more than just Super Bowl MVP

06 Sunday Feb 2011

Posted by Ross Hollebon in NFL/Football, Playoffs, Uncategorized

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Aaron Rodgers, Art Monk, Green Bay Packers, Super Bowl XLV

Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers earned the MVP of Super Bowl XLV tonight, but that doesn’t begin to acknowledge who he is or what he has accomplished in the NFL.

Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers, the MVP of Super Bowl XLV, and linebacker Clay Matthews celebrate during the postgame awards ceremony after defeating the Pittsburgh Steelers, 31-25, on Sunday at Cowboys Stadium. (Mark J. Rebilas / US Presswire / February 6, 2011)

What the NFL has here is a poster boy for how to conduct yourself as a professional and still have fun playing the game.

Rodgers is talented but humble. He waited in the wings while his predecessor played games with the Packers front office, leaving the !st round pick to dangle in the wind. But Rodgers took it in stride and made the most of his time as a back-up, learning the complicated position of NFL QB and understanding how to lead.

Rodgers stepped in and took over for a legend in a historic NFL market. He did so without flinching and has matured into a superstar with every snap taken, learning from mistakes and being a consummate teammate.

The former Cal Golden Bear makes the game fun to watch for so many reasons. He respects the game but still finds a way to have a youthful exuberance. Who else would wear a championship belt up on the post-game podium of the Super Bowl, after having the goofy WWE celebration motion all season long? Rodgers makes fans like him and the Packers.

My nephew opened a Fathead of Rodgers this past Christmas and I couldn’t wait to open it up and hang it on the wall with him.

I love the fact Rodgers won a Super Bowl championship tonight over a very tough Pittsburgh Steelers team. But what I find more enjoyable is that parents and relatives should be relieved to know there are good role models – worthy of sharing space on the walls of their home – in the NFL and they should be celebrated and used as a good example to work hard, be patient and have fun no matter what the situation.

Congratulations Aaron, the Green Bay Packers and all their fans.

(And for the record: Art Monk was my sports idol growing up – and I see many similarities between Rodgers and the HOF wide receiver).

ESPN.com article: Rodgers named Super Bowl MVP

Foursquare: Social Media Invades Super Bowl

06 Sunday Feb 2011

Posted by Ross Hollebon in NFL/Football, Playoffs, Sports Business

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Foursquare, Green Bay Packers, Pittsburgh Steelers, Social Media in Sports, Super Bowl XLV

Whether you’re cheering for the Green Bay Packers or Pittsburgh Steelers, Foursquare has you covered.

From the Foursquare site: Check in and shout “Go Packers!” or “Go Steelers!” to unlock your NFL team badge. Then head over to NFLShop.com to redeem your 20% discount code on select merchandise. Code expires 3/7/11.

Mashable article: Foursquare’s Super Bowl Campaign to Test Badge Redemption Codes

Huffington Post article: Foursquare’s ‘Super Bowl Sunday’ Venue Passes 70,000 Check-Ins





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