Hockey Hearsay compiles stories from around the hockey world and runs weekdays, 12 months a year.
HECTIC SUMMER FOR CANUCKS’ HORVAT
The Vancouver Sun chronicles how packed the summer has been for Canucks prospect Bo Horvat, who signed his three-year, entry-level contract Tuesday. So did Hunter Shinkaruk.
Horvat went to the Memorial Cup with the London Knights in May and then continued on to the NHL scouting combine in Toronto. He was drafted June 30 in New Jersey, attended the Canucks’ development camp in July and is now with Team Canada. In less than a month, he will play in the YoungStars tournament that begins Sept. 5 in Penticton.
“It’s been crazy,” noted Horvat. “It’s definitely been the busiest summer ever. There’s really no time for rest. It’s pretty much been go-go-go but it’s something I love to do and want to do for the rest of my life. So you have to go through this, right?
“It’s a lot of hockey but I enjoy it and it doesn’t bother me at all. I can’t wait to start playing some games here in Lake Placid and, after that, to get to Penticton.”
SPEAKING OF THOSE CANUCKS…
You may have seen our story last week about how a number of NHL teams have been seeking digital media interns around the league. If you live in the Vancouver area and were sad because the Canucks weren’t one of the teams listed, we have some great news for you.
Want to be our social media intern for the Fall? Come tweet with us! http://t.co/Ft1GRNbBCt #Canucks
— Vancouver Canucks (@VanCanucks) August 7, 2013
TRIBUTES FOR SHAWN BURR ROLL IN
Former NHLer Shawn Burr died Monday night and those who knew him well from his career continue to pay homage to the man.
Tampa Bay GM Steve Yzerman, then captain of the Red Wings, via The Detroit Free Press: “He was a very upbeat and personable man. One of the wittiest guys I’ve been around.”
Yzerman also noted Burr was, “a very good defensive minded center, who was a very good penalty killer with a knack for scoring timely goals.”
Terry Crisp, who coached Burr during his first stint with the Lightning, via The Tampa Bay Times: “I used to stand behind Shawn Burr on the bench with a pen and paper in my hand and write down the barbs he’d throw at the other players. He had to be one of the best trash talkers I have ever, ever encountered in my career, and I heard some good ones, believe me. And Shawn Burr was probably the funniest, most hilarious trash talker I’ve ever heard. And I don’t think he ever lost a rebuttal. I always think he got the last one in.”
Brian Bradley, who was Burr’s teammate with the Lightning, also via The Tampa Bay Times: “He was always a gamer. He was always tough to play against. He was always in your face and talking. He would do whatever it takes to win.”
Bradley added: “Shawn was a really good guy, a competitive player. He was a great two-way player. He was an agitator, in your face. He could score goals, kind of fight, be a pest. But he also had a great sense of humor. He was always happy, talked a lot. In the dressing room he liked to play practical jokes and have fun.”
The Detroit News writes that hours after Burr died, Dino Ciccarelli, his former linemate with the Red Wings, was at a charity function talking to a cancer patient that may as well have been Burr. The two men lived by the same philosophy.
“I’m talking to this guy and he’s dying of cancer; he doesn’t have much time,” Ciccarelli told The Detroit News on Tuesday morning. “He said, ‘You’ve got 24 hours in a day and you have one minute a day to get upset and you better get over it and enjoy your day.’”
Ciccarelli continued: “Shawn Burr was the same way. He’d be down for one minute. And then he would change the mood and say, ‘Let’s not talk about this. Let’s go golfing.’ Shawn always put it in perspective.”
HAWKS’ MADHOUSE ON MADISON SIGN REMOVED
The Chicago Tribune indicates the “Madhouse on Madison” sign inside the United Center’s seating bowl was taken down after the Bulls and Hawks season ended. In its place, there will be new LED signage to enhance the in-arena entertainment and messaging systems which teams will use during game presentations.
That info came via Susan Goodenow, Bulls vice president of branding and communications. The Hawks and Bulls co-operate the facility.
This move was a planned step as part of a larger initiative to improve the fan experience at the United Center. The Madhouse signage was stored securely so it can be preserved for future projects.
B-SENS’ RICHARDSON HELPED COWICK’S OUTLOOK
The Ottawa Citizen outlines how knowing he had the confidence of Binghamton Senators coach Luke Richardson has meant everything to prospect Corey Cowick.
“I’m 24 years old now and I know when I make a mistake,” he said. “And I need to hear that. But it’s nice to have the ability to go out there and make up for it.
“That’s what Luke gave me. Yeah, he let me know when I made a mistake and that he wasn’t happy about it, but I got to out there and regain his trust, and that was a lot different than before.”
On the one potential spot open going into training camp: “In terms of playing for that last spot, there are a lot of guys who do a lot of things well. But I think I do a LOT of things well. I can kind of change my game. I can bang if I need to bang, I’ve got a great shot, I can move my feet.
“I don’t think there are too many guys who can do all that as well as I can, and it gives me a little bit of an advantage, I think.
“I just want to prove as many people wrong as possible.”
WHAT THEY’RE TWEETING ABOUT
New #Coyotes owner Anthony LeBlanc on changing team name to Arizona Coyotes: "That will not happen until, at minimum, the 2014-15 season."
— Phoenix Coyotes (@phoenixcoyotes) August 7, 2013
“@J_T_19: Best buddies !!!!:) pic.twitter.com/wdhNR4vh1G”nice boys
— Jakub Voracek (@jachobe) August 7, 2013
I can't believe Ford Field is handing out free seat covers for the @jtimberlake concert. #WhatAShow pic.twitter.com/HlgShbALtI
— Steve Ott (@otterN9NE) August 7, 2013
Great show tonight by great big sea! @alanthomasdoyle your a little better singer then you are golfer
— Ryane Clowe (@ryaneclowe29) August 7, 2013
First exhibition game in the books..got to play against Alex Kovalev, guys hands are so sick #sickeststyle #sickflow
— Rob Schremp (@RobSchremp) August 6, 2013
Childhood protest. He actually stayed at the end of the driveway for 5 minutes. #comeonman #parenting #speedbump pic.twitter.com/Jvy07FANWO
— Hal Gill (@Skillsy75) August 6, 2013
Pospisil!!! Love to see Canadian player do well #rogerscup
— Jonathan Huberdeau (@JonnyHuby11) August 6, 2013
We are all getting excited about #WildHockey season in the Rupp house! pic.twitter.com/3ZRWLpcsAO
— Mike Rupp (@Rupper17) August 6, 2013