Tonight Shawn Thornton was a guest member for the Boston Pops and read his own rendition of Twas the Night Before Christmas, so while the majority of us sat around Twitter staring at a podium, people attending the Boston Pops got to hear this little gem:
While we are still waiting on the official word as to what today’s negotiations mean, there is hope. Hope for a hockey season in the near future and that, if there is no season, Shawn Thornton at least has a career in reading children’s stories at Christmas time. Happy podium watching!
Exelby back in his Atlanta Days (Credit:Flickr/ Teka England)
Back in July, I wrote about this week’s Providence Profile Garnet Exelby. In the summer he was signed to a two-way contract with the Boston Bruins worth $600,000 at the NHL level and $130,000 at the AHL level over the course of the deal. Obviously since there is no NHL right now, Exelby has been spending his time in the AHL with the P-Bruins.
In 8 games this season, Exelby already has one goal that he tallied on the 20th of October against the Springfield Falcons. The 30-year-old defenseman was drafted back in 1999 by the Atlanta Thrashers. From Atlanta, he had stints with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Rockford Icehogs (Chicago Blackhawks AHL affiliate), and Grand Rapids Griffins (Detroit Red Wings AHL affiliate). And now his current team is obviously the Boston Bruins.
Exelby is known for being aggressive and having a mean body check. Don’t believe me? Check out this video of him checking Boston’s own Shawn Thornton during his time with Toronto.
Or this video of three straight hits against Colorado players back in ’07 when he played for the Atlanta Thrashers.
Needless to say Exelby would be an asset to the Bruins defensive lines if we had an NHL season. But for now at least Exelby can get in some practice shots at the AHL teams.
When will players set foot on the ice again? (Photo Credit: Steph Phillips)
With the days dwindling down to hours now we must all come to the realization that an agreement has not been reached and we will need to get our Bruins hockey fix in other ways for at least the beginning of the season. How do you go about this you ask? That’s what A Cup A Bruin is here for. We promise to keep you informed on all of your favorite Black and Gold players throughout the year as information becomes available. Through the course of the past week we have learned some valuable information that we find may be helpful in the event of a lockout. For starters, in our Survival Guide we mentioned getting acquainted with your AHL team, the Providence Bruins.
Ference and Chara both support the You Can Play Project (Photo Credit: Steph Phillips)
Earlier this week defenseman Andrew Ference tweeted that he was going to be running the stands at Harvard Stadiumn at 6:30am Wednesday morning and for anyone to join him. What started out as an every day work out for Ference turned into a fun-filled fundraiser for the You Can Play Project.
Once founder of the YCP Project, Patrick Burke, caught wind of the early morning run, he questioned the defenseman about it, who would then later challenge Burke to run the stairs with him. Burke and Ference’s twitter followers along with Ference raised $2500 just to see Burke struggle up the stairs, “I think they got their money’s worth,” Burke told Bruins News.
By Wednesday night they had earned over $3000 in just 48 hours.
“That’s the magic of Twitter, I guess,” smirked Ference. “Things kind of get going if you let them.” (via Bruins News)
While the stairs are a usual workout for the defenseman, it is usually a solo effort, but Wednesday morning he was working alongside 300 other runners who came out to support the cause (November Project).
“It’s one thing to come and do them on your own. It’s another to have a huge group of people who are up and at it early in the morning and just out here to get fit. It’s just about getting together and getting after it.” (via Bruins News)
Burke had his own thoughts on the support he has received for the Project;
“Andrew and the Bruins organization have been behind You Can Play from the start,” he said. “Zdeno Chara has done a video and Shawn Thornton has also spoken out for us, so we’re really honored to have the support of such a great organization.”
Boston Bruins 24/7, sounds like a dream doesn’t it? It’s every fan’s dream to see their team featured in a documentary leading up to the Winter Classic in January. However, for Bruins fans, this hasn’t happened. While the Penguins/Capitals and Flyers/Rangers were equally entertaining to watch, the Boston Bruins could provide some quality television.
Seriously, think about it. What other team around the NHL has greater rivals than the Bruins? The only measurable one I can think of is the in-state Pittsburgh-Philadelphia rivalry. Aside from that, Boston and Montreal hold the biggest original six rivalry to date. While the year of goaltender fighting may have been the greatest year to watch the rivalry play out, there is never a dull moment when the two play each other.
Paille at Fenway. (Credit: Bruins official Twitter)
As we all know come October, the only sport on our minds will be hockey. But to pass the time, we’ll have to settle with America’s favorite past time, baseball. And it looks as though fans aren’t the only ones as today four members of the Bruins took to Fenway Park for batting practice.
Tuukka Rask, Shawn Thornton, Daniel Paille, and Mike Mottau joined the Boston Red Sox for their pregame routine before the Soxs took the plate against the Rangers. Hockey players trading in their sticks for bats may seem kind of odd but in Boston it’s not uncommon. After last years Stanley Cup victory, the boys made their way to Fenway to deliver the opening pitch which you can watch here:
Out of all four guys, it was Tuukka time that managed to hit the ball to the Green Monster. I saw Rask play at last year’s Rock and Jock softball game, and he does in fact have a pretty decent swing. Here’s a shot of Tuukka getting ready to drive it to the monster:
Homerun? Probably not (Credit: Bruins official Twitter)
With training camp right around the corner, the boys are starting to make their way to Boston which means that yes, hockey season is almost upon us.
But for now try and enjoy the Red Soxs and baseball, even though we all know it’s not the same!
Free agency has been underway for six days now, including today and the Bruins are sticking with their original game plan. GM Peter Chiarelli stated on numerous occasions throughout the season and post-season that he had a good team and would not be splitting them up. He wanted to keep the core of the team together and that is exactly what he is doing. With the signings of Chris Kelly, Daniel Paille, Gregory Campbell and Shawn Thornton, the fourth line will remain the same and one of the ‘best’ in the League.
The only players that are not returning to the Bruins roster, for sure are; Benoit Pouliot (signed a one-year contract with Tampa Bay Lightning), Joe Corvo(signed a two-year contract with Carolina Hurricanes) and Brian Rolston. There is still the possibility that Mike Mottau, the Massachusetts native will fill the seventh defenseman spot, but with Dougie Hamilton coming off of a breakout season in the OHL, there is room for competition.
For the upcoming season we also have to take a look at who is going to fill the third line slot alongside Chris Kelly. With guys like Jordan Caron, Ryan Spooner and Jared Knight, the possibilities are endless. Each and every one of them have a fighting chance at earning a spot in Boston, we will just have to wait for pre-season to find out.
The only question mark remaining is the whereabouts of Tim Thomas. Will he stay in Boston and sit for the season or get traded elsewhere? Unfortunately, no one has those answers as of yet and it remains at a 60/40 chance of dismissal. (One can only hope) Regardless, Tuukka Rask is more than ready to step up and be the number one net minder once again.
Shawn Thornton is off the ice and on the big screen (Credit:Flickr/Slidingsideways)
B’s fans if you were looking for a reason to escape the sudden heat wave and cool off, there is no better way than a trip to the movies. And if you were looking for a way to satisfy your daily Bruins craving, then the movie “Ted” will take care of that as a certain enforcer makes a cameo. Shawn Thornton traded his skates and hockey fights for a role in the Mark Wahlberg comedy.
Thornton listed as “crazy guy” in the IMDB credits for the movie has a quick role towards the end of the movie in which he rushes the stage to go after Walhbergs character who is singing horribly. Unfortunately, it doesn’t end well as he is hit with a mic stand. Here’s a clip of the filming of the scene:
Fellow Bruins player Andrew Ference was asked about what he thought about Thorntons character name and had this to say:
Team mate love (Credit: Andrew Ference's twitter)
So if you’re looking for something to do this weekend then head to a theater, see “Ted” and see a Bruins player flexing his acting chops. 89 more days til we can watch the Bruins on the ice!
As I was sitting around here thinking to myself while listening to music, I couldn’t help but to think of a few of the Bruins when I heard certain songs. Coincidentally I came up with this great idea to write an article based on songs. Granted this is a similar type article to that of “The Pulse” Tune In Tuesdays, however, I am doing a theme song for each current member of the Bruins team. The first song and/or player that comes to my mind is:
Shirt off by Blank featuring Young Ivy
Hmm, lets see, who does this make you think of? Perhaps a twenty-five year old Brad Marchand and twenty year-old Tyler Seguin, celebrating the Stanley Cup win in 2011?
Next would have to be a song that makes me think of Joe Corvo. A song that is played generally when a team gets knocked out of the playoffs or loses, much like Joe Corvo is leaving Boston. It’s fitting.
…Or this is equally fitting for Joe Corvo:
And what would this playlist be without the song that reminds us of Tim Thomas, our vacation seeker who likes to complicate things:
This next one would be for our not-so-slick on skates, clumsy Adam McQuaid:
Well, going a little bit further down the roster, I can’t help but think of our key enforcer Shawn Thornton every time I hear this song. Why, well, think about it.
And what would an enforcer be without one of his key instigators? You guys can’t tell me you don’t think of Milan Lucic when you hear this song:
As for Big Z, well, what better song would fit him than “Move” by Thousad Foot Krutch.Every time I hear this song I picture a highlight reel of Zdeno Chara’s biggest hits.
As for Nathan Horton, well I consider him to be the most inspirational person on the team what with his efforts in Game 7 with the water bottle and his constant efforts to get back on the ice. This is what makes me think of him:
Then we have our lovely goaltender Tuukka Rask, generally I have to give him a traditional song the ever so glorious Pat Benatar hit:
For Dougie Hamilton who is making his way up in the system I have to go with the CLASSIC:
Oh Benny Pouliot, ever since Ariana and I were discussing the possibility of you being traded this song has forever made me think of you. (For the record, I sincerely hope you do NOT get traded and if you do I hope it isn’t to the Jets)
As for alternate Captain Chris Kelly, I have to go with this one based on the enormous and infamous ‘Chain’.
For those of you that didn’t see the chain:
Chris Kelly sports the new piece of jewelry in the B's locker room (Credit: twitter.com/NaokoFunayama)
Well, this one speaks for itself:
Based on this hit that Paille got served with:
I have to say that this makes me think of him:
What better song to make you think of our environmentalist Andrew Ference than a Michael Jackson piece:
For some odd reason when I hear this song, I can’t help but think of David Krejci’s struggle this season. Now granted this might be a little awkward, but still listen to the songs and try to put it into his perspective if you will:
What better song for Patrice Bergeron than “I Am Perfection”:
While this may not contain every player on the team, I think I have put you through enough crazy madness for one article. Stay tuned to see what we come up with next!
With the 2012 Stanley Cup Final heading into it’s final two games, we as Bruins fans are saddened at the thought that just a year ago this was our team. While the opening round of the playoffs proved to be an upset for all Bruins fans alike, there is no denying the team needed a break. While they may have had a rocky season, there were no doubt some unbelievable moments throughout the season. In this post, we are going to specifically look at the top ten goals scored this season.
#10: Carter Camper Gets His First Career Goal
Who: Carter Camper
When: February 25, 2012
Where: Scotia Bank Place against Ottawa Senators
The twenty-three year old rookie from Ohio was able to net one past Andersen to give the Bruins a two-goal advantage against the Ottawa Senators.
#9: Dennis Seidenberg Scores from the Red Line
Who: Dennis Seidenberg
When: January 31, 2012
Where: TD Banknorth Garden against Ottawa Senators
The German Hammer ripped a shot from the red line, a good ninety-feet away from the goal and managed to get it past the net minder. Simply amazing.
#8: Shawn Thornton Gets Penalty Shot
Who: Shawn Thornton
When: January 10, 2012
Where: TD Banknorth Garden against Winnipeg Jets
Shawn Thornton comes out of the box, gets hooked and granted a penalty shot. He dekes, dangles and scores!
#7: David Krejci OT Winner
Who: David Krejci
When: March 1, 2012
Where: Prudential Center against New Jersey Devils
David Krejci, after battling a bad drought, scores the game-winning goal against the New Jersey Devils, his third goal of the game.
#6: Brad Marchand-First Career Hat Trick
Who: Brad Marchand
When:December 23, 2011
Where: TD Banknorth Garden against Florida Panthers
#5: Tyler Seguin – First Career Hat Trick
Who: Tyler Seguin
When: November 5, 2011
Where: Air Canada Centre against Toronto Maple Leafs
#4: Chris Kelly OT Winner Against Washington Capitals
Who: Chris Kelly
When: April 12, 2012
Where: TD Banknorth Garden against Washington Capitals
Chris Kelly FIRES one past Braden Holtby to win the first game of the Eastern Conference Quarter Finals.
#3: Benoit Pouliot Undresses Campoli
Who: Benoit Pouliot
When:February 15, 2012
Where: Centre Belle against the Montreal Canadiens
Benoit Pouliot shows he has some sick stick moves as he gets one past Campoli and scores!
#2: Tyler Seguin OT Winner
Who: Tyler Seguin
When: April 22, 2012
Where: Verizon Center against Washington Capitals Eastern Conference Quarter Finals Game 6
Tyler Seguin waits and puts it past Holtby for his first goal of the series.
#1: BEST GOAL OF THE YEAR: Benoit Pouliot against he Florida Panthers
Who: Benoit Pouliot
When: December 23, 2011
Where: TD Banknorth Garden against Florida Panthers
By far the BEST goal scored this season and if you agree with me, go to the NHL page and VOTE!!
The Bruins provided us with so many amazing things this season, despite having a shaky start they managed to pull it together for the most part. Keep on believing Bruins fans, next season is just around the corner.
As I was sitting around here thinking to myself while listening to music, I couldn’t help but to think of a few of the Bruins when I heard certain songs. Coincidentally I came up with this great idea to write an article based on songs. Granted this is a similar type article to that of “
A Cup A Bruin 