Because America could use a feel good story… 8-year old Elizabeth Hughes sang the National Anthem at the AHL Norfolk Admirals game when the microphone gave out on her. Watch as the crowd sings along (1:30 mark) and gives a new meaning to United We Stand. While Chicago Blackhawks pride themselves on their National Anthem tradition, I think they’d even agree this tops it.
Since the start of the NHL Winter Classics in 2008, fans have long rallied for a Winter Classic at Yankees Stadium. But because of the Pinstripe Bowl, and the preparation it takes to build an NHL size outdoor hockey rink, Yankees Stadium is an impossible venue…. so New Yorkers are proposing another famous NYC landmark: Central Park. Ignoring the obvious challenges such as lack of stadium seating… the fate of the Winter Classic falls in the hands of the television networks because the game competes with the New Years Day college bowl games. The league’s current TV contract with NBC and Versus expires at the end of the season, and it is not known what network will sign a deal with the NHL.
Jerome Bettis proved he can shoot a hockey puck but can’t throw a football into a hockey net. The football legend was in a charity hockey shootout with fellow Pittsburgh Steelers legend Franco Harris during the intermission of the Winter Classic. The former NFL stars were each given 10 pucks to shoot worth $500 a piece and a special bonus of $5,000 if they could throw the football into the goal.
The Pittsburgh Penguins, who are down 2-1 against the Washington Capitals during the second intermission, could use Bettis’ help since he scored nine goals to Harris’ seven, but the highlight of the competition was when the gentlemen were given the opportunity to throw a football. While Harris’s throw was short, he at least made it into the net, which is a lot more than Bettis can say. I think he is riding the short bus on this one.
New Year, and the NHL has its first ever rain delay. The Winter Classic will be postponed to 8pm ET as forecasters call for an inch of rain in Pittsburgh. The weather in the Steel City has caused poor ice conditions for the annual outdoor hockey game. 67,000 fans will pack Pittsburgh Steelers’ Heinz Stadium to watch the Pittsburgh Penguins face the Washington Capitals.
Jersey Chaser of the Month: Samantha Steele- December 2012
ESPN sideline reporter Samantha Steele is engaged to Minnesota Viking QB Christian Ponder earning her the honor of December 2012 Jersey Chaser of the Month. Share It
Since the start of the 
New Year, and the NHL has its first ever rain delay. The 