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At the Intersection of Sports and Culture

Photo Credit for Header: Alex Foucre-Stimes

Somebody Left the Faucet Running in the Big House

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Growing up, we had a pond in our backyard that would freeze every winter and I would invite all my friends over for pond hockey.  I had a group of about 8 or so close friends and I was the only one who did not play for the varsity hockey team (I happened to be a proud member of the basketball team instead).  Needless to say, for me, pond hockey was never about being good but rather all about being outside and enjoying the winter elements with a group of buddies.

One of my favorite parts about playing pond hockey were the snowbanks that served as our out of bounds markers/boards.  Since I was not what you would call a “strong skater”, the snowbanks became my only means of stopping.  I can remember spending more time on my backside in a snowbank than actually skating on the pond.  Nevertheless, I have incredibly fond memories of playing pond hockey which is one of the reasons why I enjoy watching outdoor hockey games today.

Yesterday, a record 113,411 people packed into Michigan Stadium to watch the Wolverines take on their cross state rivals Michigan State in a hockey game dubbed “The Big Chill in the Big House”.  This was the largest crowd to ever watch an outdoor hockey game.  It was also the largest crowd to see any event in Michigan Stadium, including football.

Outdoor hockey has a ton of momentum right now.  HBO is about to air the “24/7: Road to the Winter Classic” which will preview the New Year’s Day NHL game outside in Heinz Field between the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Washington Capitals. The Winter Classic has become must watch TV and a very nice lead into the Rose Bowl later that afternoon. The question that should be asked is why wouldn’t the NHL and NCAA schedule more games outside?

Thanks to my friend @dgstern6 for the view.  As a “Michigan Man” he would have loved to watch the game but unfortunately he was busy changing a flat tire in New Jersey. Jersey City is a long way from Ann Arbor buddy!!!

Share your views.

Just Your Typical Friday Night in Newark Delaware

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By now, most viewers are aware that I grew up in New Hampshire and while I did not attend UNH, I have become somewhat of a Wildcat booster.  Last night, the UNH football team lost by a score of 16-3 in the quarterfinals of the NCAA Division I Football Championship to the #5 ranked Delaware Blue Hens.  The game was nationally televised on ESPN2 so for many people around the country this was perhaps their first exposure to either program.

Looking at this view carefully it seems that Delaware Stadium was not quite filled to capacity. If you go the University of Delaware, or just plain live in “The First State”, what could you possibly be doing on a Friday night in December that would have prevented you from going to this game?

Two things I know about Delaware: 1) Dogfish Head beer is brewed in Milton 2) the mud used to “rub up” MLB baseballs come from the Delaware River. So unless you were out having a pint in Rehoboth Beach or trolling a tributary for valuable dirt, you have no excuse and you should have gone to the game. Joe Flacco is very disappointed. Share your views.

View My Picks: Week 14 Edition

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Indianapolis (-3) over TENNESSEE: I thought I would enjoy the recent Peyton Manning fall from grace much more than I actually am.

JACKSONVILLE (-4) over Oakland: This is your classic “west coast team travels across the country for a 1pm starts and gets blown out by two touchdowns” game.  Either that or the Raiders will win two in a row on the road. What the heck do I know.

Cincinnati (+8.5) over PITTSBURGH: Is it just me or do these two teams play each other at least 4 times a season?  If true, how is this allowed?

New England (-3) over CHICAGO: The more people that call this a “trap game” for the Patriots the more unlikely an outcome it becomes. Right?

BUFFALO (-1) over Cleveland: If the Bills were not in the AFC East I think they could become my second favorite team in the NFL. Hard nosed city, Ivy League QB, and the best throwback uniforms in the league.

NY Giants (-2.5) over MINNESOTA: Sounds like the Twin Cities have begun talking themselves into the Tarvaris Jackson era again….for the third time.

Green Bay Packers (-6.5) over DETROIT: Ndamukong Suh is a baaaaaaaaaaad man.

Atlanta (-7) over CAROLINA: Why are the Falcons only favored by 7 points? Is Bobby Hebert quarterbacking for Atlanta?

WASHINGTON (+2) over Tampa Bay:  Albert Haynesworth. Nobody feels sorry for you. Nobody.

ST. LOUIS (+9) over New Orleans: For the record, I was in on the Rams winning the NFC West way before it became popular.

Seattle (+5.5) over SAN FRANCISCO:  I would really prefer if neither of these teams made the playoffs.

NY JETS (-5.5) over Miami:  This game was a lot more fun to watch in the late ’80s when a Dan Marino led Dolphins team would beat a Ken O’Brien led Jets team by a final score of 64-61.

Denver (-5.5) over ARIZONA: Interim head coaches just don’t lose their first game.

SAN DIEGO (-7) over Kansas City: Poor Matt Cassel. Anytime I have a sharp pain in my stomach I always assume an appendectomy is forthcoming.

Philadelphia (-3.5) over DALLAS: Who’s been more valuable to their team this season: Michael Vick or Tom Brady?

Baltimore (-3) over HOUSTON: First weekend of my fantasy football playoffs.  Arian Foster needs to have himself a big week for the “Maple Syrup Conglomerate” to advance into round 2.

Last Week: 8-8

Guess the View: December 7, 2010

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Two clues.

#1: This view will no doubt make my father in law very happy.

#2: “Bryce” was the 3rd most popular name for newborn boys born in the Midwest during late March 1998.

Also, December 7, 2010 marks the 69th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor. It’s important that we continue to acknowledge a debt of gratitude to those who lost their lives and those who went on to serve in our Armed Forces during WWII. click for answer

The “It’s Good to be the King” Week 14 Power Poll

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About a half hour before kickoff last night, VMS contributor and lifelong Jets fan Dave asked if we could record and later post our in game commentary. In the spirit of our friendship, and for the sake of time, I have decided not to share the details of our conversation.  Needless to say, Dave went to sleep a very, very disappointed young man. It’s true pal, the final score was really 45-3.

1. New England Patriots (10-2): Pats are now undefeated, 1-0, when honoring Tedy Bruschi at halftime. Please keep this in mind Mr. Kraft.

2. Atlanta Falcons (10-2): Am I alone in thinking that Chris Berman sounds soooooo 2008 when he refers to Matt Ryan as “Matty Ice”?

3. Pittsburgh Steelers (9-3): I wonder if Al Michaels has accepted the news that Ben Roethlisberger’s nose was in fact severely disfigured.

4. New Orleans Saints (9-3): When do the Saints and Falcons play each other again?

5. Chicago Bears (9-3): Is there a better home field advantage come mid/late December than Soldier Field when the Bears are winning?

6. Green Bay Packers (8-4): Anyone giving away tickets to Pack @ Gillette Stadium on 12/19?

7. Baltimore Ravens (8-4): Joe Flacco may in fact be their weak link.

8. Philadelphia Eagles (8-4): Michael Vick, most dangerous QB in the 2010 playoffs?

9. New York Jets (9-3): I’m brimming with anticipation for Mike Francesa’s excoriation of Rex Ryan for his decision to challenge the spot on a 4th and 1 on the 45 yard line in the first quarter when he would eventually decide to go for it anyway.  Please don’t let me down Mike!

10. Kansas City Chiefs (8-4): May as well be the Giants or Jaguars.

As always, please feel free to share your views.