BoC at the Olympics

by Earl Sleek on Feb 15, 2010 8:32 AM PST

All this is based on my eyeball-scanning of Olympic rosters per this site. If I've neglected any current or former Ducks, Kings, or Sharks, let me know -- this should provide an easy rooting guide for California hockey fans (all thirty-nine of us).

Country	Current BoCers	Former BoCers
Canada	ANA - Perry #24, Niedermayer #27, Getzlaf #51 LAK - Doughty #8 SJS - Marleau #11, Heatley #15, Thornton #19, Boyle #22	ANA - Pronger #20
United States	ANA - Whitney #19, Ryan #54 LAK - Johnson #3, Quick #29, Brown #32 SJS - Pavelski #16	LAK - Gleason #4
Russia	SJS - Nabokov #20	ANA - Fedorov #29, Bryzgalov #30 LAK - Grebeshkov #37 SJS - Kozlov #52
Sweden	SJS - Murray #3	ANA - Pahlsson #26
Finland	ANA - Selanne #8, Koivu #11	LAK - Jokinen #12 SJS - Selanne #8, Kiprusoff #34
Czech Republic		SJS - Michalek #9
Slovakia	LAK - Handzus #26	LAK - Stumpel #15, Visnovsky #17, Palffy #24, Demitra #38, Strbak #77
Switzerland	ANA - Hiller #1, Sbisa #47	ANA - Gerber (injured)
Germany	SJS - Greiss #1	LAK - Tripp #21 SJS - Ehrhoff #10, Sturm #19, Patzold #32, Goc #57
Belarus		ANA - Salei #24

I'm proposing, based on the above, that we each assign an Olympic underdog to its most uniquely-supportive BoC team -- Kings fans take Slovakia, Ducks fans take the Swiss, and Sharks fans take the Germans. Let's all learn some foreign cheer phrases and litter BoC comments with our new knowledge.

Or whatever -- I just wanted this for personal reference, as games get underway tomorrow.

Update 9:25 am -- via Bob McKenzie's Twitter:

Jeff Carter has been told his services are not required. Getzlaf on the team.

Go BoC.

Tweet Comment 75 comments | 0 recs |

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Comments

My loyalties:

1) USA
2) Norway
3) Slovakia
4) Canada

The West Coast is the Best Coast.

by RudyKelly on Feb 15, 2010 8:41 AM PST reply actions

I’m a non-patriotic mess. Something like:

1) Finland
2) Sweden
3) Canada
4) Switzerland
5) Belarus
6) USA

USA should really start moving up soon once the stench of Chelios and Modano are properly removed.

http://www.battleofcali.com/

by Earl Sleek on Feb 15, 2010 8:44 AM PST up reply actions

loyalties, in order

1) no injuries
2) close games
3) I don’t want to find out any games are not in HD
4) I hope Jack Johnson utterly destroys Bobby Ryan by “accident” over and over again, each time mumbling something in Swedish. (yes, I know they’re on the same team)
5) Canada, US, Russia, Slovakia final four.

Wait till this year.

by Quisp on Feb 15, 2010 11:19 AM PST up reply actions

1) no injuries

Spade and I actually discussed this via text message. We’re actually quite pro-injury, but specifically to guys like Franzen, Eriksson, or Iginla. :)

http://www.battleofcali.com/

by Earl Sleek on Feb 15, 2010 11:35 AM PST up reply actions

It’s very tempting to root for that…but also bad juju. Oh, I know I have felt the pull of the dark side, but in the end it’s not a very great thing to spout blue lightning from your fingers. Makes it hard to type and use the remote.

In Dinglebarn We Trust

by Niesy on Feb 15, 2010 12:50 PM PST up reply actions

I guess I should have included some off-the-ice BoC names, too.

Mike Babcock’s coaching Canada.
Ron Wilson is coaching the United States. Brian Burke picked the team.
I think Jari Kurri did some picking for Team Finland.

Uhhh… Add to that list if it makes sense.

http://www.battleofcali.com/

by Earl Sleek on Feb 15, 2010 9:20 AM PST reply actions

kurri is the GM (some sort of) i think.

I don't remember you looking any better. But then again, I don't remember you.

by sleza on Feb 15, 2010 9:32 AM PST up reply actions

Oh yeah, plus Wayne Gretzky was involved in a hilarious cauldron-lighting malfunction — that guy has zero poker face.

http://www.battleofcali.com/

by Earl Sleek on Feb 15, 2010 10:05 AM PST up reply actions

Damn you, you scooped me, even down to including "alumni" ; however, you missed these two:

* Denis Grebeshkov (RUS)
* John Tripp (GER)

Wait till this year.

by Quisp on Feb 15, 2010 11:14 AM PST reply actions

Thanks for filling in the blanks — post has been updated with those two.

Though frankly, I’ve never heard of Tripp — take that, Shark-German monopoly!

http://www.battleofcali.com/

by Earl Sleek on Feb 15, 2010 11:33 AM PST up reply actions

This is why the Olympics is a joke… how does Tripp make it on the German team? Other than the fact that he wasn’t good enough to make the Canadian team…… Is he German? I’m pretty sure not.

Yeah, I know he supposedly “has German citizenship”, but only because he played in Germany during the lockout and stayed there. Doesn’t seem like he should be eligible for inclusion/

Denis Gauthier sucks at hockey... and life.

by Kevin Y on Feb 15, 2010 12:59 PM PST up reply actions

Shrug — nationality is a tough thing to disprove. I’ll probably start caring when Germany threatens for a medal.

For now though, it’s very cool — I’m quite interested in how this tournament turns out. Strange thing, this worldwide distribution of hockey talent, but it’s kind of enjoyable to see it play out.

http://www.battleofcali.com/

by Earl Sleek on Feb 15, 2010 1:03 PM PST up reply actions

Well he has played there for 5 years now, according to Wikipedia

We all are love and love is hard

by brokenyard on Feb 15, 2010 1:07 PM PST up reply actions

How does it make Olympics a joke? The guy played and lived there, how do you know what his feelings are about where he considers “home”?

Have you ever lived in another country? I lived in New Zealand for only 4 years, but I loved it so much I consider myself a New Zealander first, then an American, and NEITHER are my birth country.

Don't bRuin your life. Practice safe sex. Make love with a Trojan

by Morbo on Feb 15, 2010 3:37 PM PST up reply actions

Well, if Germany beats the US in the Gold medal game, and Tripp scores a hat-trick in a 3-0 victory, then I’ll feel we’ve been ripped off….

I don’t know. My posts here are making less and less sense (go back and check it)

Denis Gauthier sucks at hockey... and life.

by Kevin Y on Feb 15, 2010 4:02 PM PST up reply actions

Have you seen the world cup rosters? There are Brazilians everywhere. I’m pretty sure Antarctica has a couple Brazilians on their team.

by GOOLIAN on Feb 15, 2010 5:22 PM PST up reply actions

*cringe

John Tripp

I'm nobody's fool, least of all yours

by BoulderDodger on Feb 15, 2010 11:36 PM PST up reply actions

The Sharks have a German fetish. Marco and Ehrhoff are worth cheering for.

by Mike Chen on Feb 15, 2010 11:25 AM PST reply actions

A single tear runs down Marcel Goc’s cheek.

The West Coast is the Best Coast.

by RudyKelly on Feb 15, 2010 11:34 AM PST up reply actions

I’m so happy Getzlaf is playing! Yessss.

My priorities are similar to Quisp’s but I’d add:

1) Getzlaf and/or Perry doing something dickish and costing Canada the gold
2) Finland beating Sweden
3) Drew being awesome

I was also really pleased that the lady Suomi beat the Russians soundly yesterday, but it’s still so bizarre to watch hockey without any checking.

In Dinglebarn We Trust

by Niesy on Feb 15, 2010 12:22 PM PST reply actions

but it’s still so bizarre to watch hockey without any checking.

Oh, come on. Surely you’ve seen shifts from Ryan Whitney and Steve Eminger. :)

http://www.battleofcali.com/

by Earl Sleek on Feb 15, 2010 12:29 PM PST up reply actions 1 recs

Haha. Good point, but you can’t say that that happens because of institutionalized sexism.

In Dinglebarn We Trust

by Niesy on Feb 15, 2010 12:31 PM PST up reply actions

good way to start a work day..funny shit

Ghost Faced Hilla gonna regulate in a hockey arena near you!!

GO DUCKS!!!

by SPADE-IN-VICTORHELL on Feb 16, 2010 6:36 AM PST up reply actions

My priorities for the Olympics

1. Scouring the internet for naked pictures of Lindsey Vonn
2. Dustin Brown dives like a little bitch and tears his groin muscle
3. Perry douche-tricks Kiprusoff and Quick

Don't bRuin your life. Practice safe sex. Make love with a Trojan

by Morbo on Feb 15, 2010 12:43 PM PST reply actions

Yeah, I would like to see an Olympic douche-trick.

We all are love and love is hard

by brokenyard on Feb 15, 2010 12:45 PM PST up reply actions

Ghost Faced Hilla gonna regulate in a hockey arena near you!!

GO DUCKS!!!

by SPADE-IN-VICTORHELL on Feb 16, 2010 6:36 AM PST up reply actions

A lot of guys have mentioned Vonn, but anyone see that Canadian mogul girl Chloe Dufour-Lapointe? Freakin gorgeous.

UNRELATED: Handel is the most overrated composer ever...

by Bleys on Feb 15, 2010 7:56 PM PST via mobile up reply actions

Not sure how I feel about Canada. They’re such a non-underdog, but still NBC said a Canadian gold would be the biggest thing in Olympic hockey since Lake Placid 1980, which made no sense because they’re heavy favorites. It would be like Russia winning in 1980. On the other hand, Getzlaf.

I’d say my loyalties go as:

USA
Switzerland (for reasons Earl stated)
Canada (just for pure interest-factor)
Finland (I just can’t care too much about Finland, although I feel like I should)

Mostly just USA though.

We all are love and love is hard

by brokenyard on Feb 15, 2010 12:44 PM PST reply actions

OK, I did a little web research. Turns out that Switzerland doesn’t really have a language — per this site the country speaks 74% German, 20% French, 4% Italian, 1% Romansh, 1% Other.

So of all the German phrases available on the site, I guess this one is the most suitable for yelling during a Swiss hockey game.

Phrase: Bitte rufen Sie einen Krankenwagen!

Translation: Please call the ambulance!

http://www.battleofcali.com/

by Earl Sleek on Feb 15, 2010 1:19 PM PST reply actions

Yeah, what’d you think they spoke, Switzerlish?

We all are love and love is hard

by brokenyard on Feb 15, 2010 1:20 PM PST up reply actions

Well, Swiss, I guess.

I’ve actually been to Switzerland, but everyone there spoke broken English. :)

http://www.battleofcali.com/

by Earl Sleek on Feb 15, 2010 1:26 PM PST up reply actions

When I was there I’m pretty sure most of them spoke better English than me.

by GOOLIAN on Feb 15, 2010 5:25 PM PST up reply actions

Also, speaking of web research, this site has a decent breakdown of rule differences between the Olympics and the NHL — ignore the rink dimensions, I guess. Main differences:

Automatic icing.
No goalie trapezoids.
The play can be stopped if an attacking player stands in the goal crease (cough Perry cough).
Anybody on the ice can take a penalty shot, not necessarily the guy who had the breakaway.
Can’t keep playing “Jason Blake” style if your helmet comes off — that’s a paddlin’.

http://www.battleofcali.com/

by Earl Sleek on Feb 15, 2010 1:37 PM PST up reply actions

The play can be stopped if an attacking player stands in the goal crease (cough Perry cough).

(sound of a record being scratched) Excuse me? Then what the hell is Perry even doing on Team Canada?

by g r a c e on Feb 15, 2010 2:04 PM PST up reply actions

It’s going to make a douche trick all the more fun.

We all are love and love is hard

by brokenyard on Feb 15, 2010 2:06 PM PST up reply actions

i wonder if there is a good reason for rule changes in the olympics. all the best players in the world play in the NHL anyway. does basketball change some of their rules for olympics?

by hughestom1 on Feb 15, 2010 3:30 PM PST up reply actions

http://hoop.jazzace.ca/rulediff.html

We all are love and love is hard

by brokenyard on Feb 15, 2010 3:43 PM PST up reply actions

That’s okay, I thought Swiss was a real language, also. I checked it out cuz Wikipedia speaks four languages… none of them “Swiss”

Denis Gauthier sucks at hockey... and life.

by Kevin Y on Feb 15, 2010 1:50 PM PST up reply actions

Yeah, I sat behind a map of Europe in Spanish class once, and before class one of those “I’m 58 but attending college” guys explained to me and a buddy all about it because he has relatives there or something.

Ever since then, I troll the internet with this information, acting smug.

We all are love and love is hard

by brokenyard on Feb 15, 2010 2:00 PM PST up reply actions

The French-Swiss and German-Swiss don’t get along great either, so maybe we’ll see a version of Quisp’s teammate destroying teammate imaginings.

by GOOLIAN on Feb 15, 2010 5:26 PM PST up reply actions

What the fuck is Romansh?

by TheChemist on Feb 15, 2010 10:07 PM PST up reply actions

Good job Earl, picking up on the German I see. Haha, I’m learning the language myself, but in terms of winning anything in hockey, whlie I’d like to see it, I don’t think they have much of a chance.

by Demon Jesus on Feb 16, 2010 4:00 PM PST up reply actions

Dimitri Patzold for Germany!

Played 3 games for the Sharks two seasons ago as the 3rd goaltender on the depth chart.

"I think people were ready to watch some hockey. We took up enough of everyone’s time."
-Jody Shelley after an 87 second hockey fight against Cam Janssen

by idunno723 on Feb 15, 2010 3:45 PM PST reply actions

Thanks, added him.

In retrospect, I probably should have checked all of Team Germany for potential San Jose history. I think that playing for the Sharks might count towards mandatory military service time for young Germans.

http://www.battleofcali.com/

by Earl Sleek on Feb 15, 2010 3:54 PM PST up reply actions

May be easier just to add all of Team Germany and then have people comment and tell you to remove the ones that didn’t play for the Sharks.

We all are love and love is hard

by brokenyard on Feb 15, 2010 4:01 PM PST up reply actions

…yet.

I’m sure Doug Wilson has brought a few blank contracts with him and is sitting in the parking lot by Team Germany’s cars.

http://www.battleofcali.com/

by Earl Sleek on Feb 15, 2010 4:03 PM PST up reply actions

That’s okay, the Sharks are still trying to win a war too.

by GOOLIAN on Feb 15, 2010 5:28 PM PST up reply actions

God i cant wait for tomorrow

Wife and I are getting up at 4 tomorrow am and heading up to vancouver from seattle. Were a little worried about the parking situation since there’s no information about where people driving into the city should park.

Either way, tomorrow should be epic. Hopefully BRy shines on the national stage. And hopefully nobody gets hurt.

by PhantomPretender on Feb 15, 2010 4:43 PM PST via mobile reply actions

Have a blast of a hockey adventure tomorrow — post pics if you want, too.

And don’t forget those passports — good luck!

http://www.battleofcali.com/

by Earl Sleek on Feb 15, 2010 6:03 PM PST up reply actions

I am one of those people who root for those athletes from countries that only send 1 or 2 participants. But in hockey I have to go w/Switzerland cause who can root against Jonas.

And then in a few days it will be Go Ethiopia!!!

Let's go Ducks.

by deb d on Feb 15, 2010 6:57 PM PST reply actions

More updates from Bob McKenzie regarding Team Canada:

Up front:

Nash-Crosby-Bergeron
Staal-Getzlaf-Perry
Toews-Richards-Iginla
Heatley-Thornton-Marleau
Morrow

Nash and Staal could switch.

PP units:

Richards-Crosby-Nash
Perry-Getzlaf-Staal
Marleau-Thornton-Heatley

Pronger-Doughty
Boyle-Weber

What do you know? Drew Doughty is playing over Dan Boyle. :)

http://www.battleofcali.com/

by Earl Sleek on Feb 15, 2010 7:10 PM PST reply actions

Not surprised at all to see Heatley-Thornton-Marleau stay intact. Would’ve been interesting to see the combos if they decided to mix them up.

………I was starting a huge post, until I realized that was Eric Staal, instead of Jordan Staal. So….. never mind

USA USA USA USA

Denis Gauthier sucks at hockey... and life.

by Kevin Y on Feb 15, 2010 7:37 PM PST up reply actions

I wonder if the lack of brotherhood will cost the Canadians or Americans.

Finns have the Koivus and the Ruutus, Czechs have the Michaleks, Swedes have the Sedins, Slovakia has the Hossas, and Belarus has the Kostitsyns. You can’t teach genetics (well, except at genetics academies).

http://www.battleofcali.com/

by Earl Sleek on Feb 15, 2010 7:43 PM PST up reply actions

Thanks to AllDucks, saw that there was a new update to the “In the Loops” blog.

Pertinent item:

Ahhhh, I’m getting excited here. I just need my body to cooperate now! I’m going to be working at it every day over the two-week Olympic break, and by the end of that I should know if playing again this year is a reality.

Let’s hope so. Also in a fit of boredom, Lupul broadcasts his Twitter account. Go Loops.

http://www.battleofcali.com/

by Earl Sleek on Feb 15, 2010 7:26 PM PST reply actions

More random internet “research” on the subject of international “culture”, this time I found a bunch of German jokes — enjoy!

Knock, knock.
Who’s there?
The police. I’m afraid there’s been an accident. Your husband is in hospital.

A man walks into a pub. He is an alcoholic whose drink problem is destroying his family.

Did you hear about the blonde who jumped out off a bridge? She was clinically depressed and took her own life because of her terribly low self-esteem.

What do you call a cat with no tail?
A manx cat.

Why do undertakers wear ties?
Because their profession is very serious, and it is important that their appearance has a degree of gravitas.

How many electricians does it take to change a light bulb?
One.

Why do women fake orgasms?
Because they want to give men the impression that they have climaxed.

Why are there no aspirin in the jungle?
Because it would not be financially viable to attempt to sell pharmaceuticals in the largely unpopulated rainforest.

http://www.battleofcali.com/

by Earl Sleek on Feb 15, 2010 11:20 PM PST reply actions

haha brilliant

I'm nobody's fool, least of all yours

by BoulderDodger on Feb 15, 2010 11:39 PM PST up reply actions

I love these

We all are love and love is hard

by brokenyard on Feb 16, 2010 1:26 AM PST up reply actions

The first one reminded me of this funny video called Knock Knock if anyone’s interested in non-German jokes.

We all are love and love is hard

by brokenyard on Feb 16, 2010 1:32 AM PST up reply actions

Go USA

Slovakia for the silver! Go Kings and their love for Slovaks in the last 10 years

Sweden for the bronze! meh i don’t know why I like Sweden.. maybe the women.

I'm nobody's fool, least of all yours

by BoulderDodger on Feb 15, 2010 11:41 PM PST reply actions

what's Kopitar doing for the break?

anyone know? besides being fed biscuits

I'm nobody's fool, least of all yours

by BoulderDodger on Feb 15, 2010 11:43 PM PST reply actions

BTW, I don’t know what people have planned for today’s noon game — USA vs Switzerland — but I think SB Nation will be having some sort of stream and comments going, plus I’ll be watching and around for game comments somewhere here at BoC. Probably in these comments right here.

http://www.battleofcali.com/

by Earl Sleek on Feb 16, 2010 8:50 AM PST reply actions

ill be watching the box scores…sux i wont be able to watch it on tv till the important game..against canada…unless US just blows donkey dick and loses…which will make sunday useless

i need to change my sig…need hiller to suck today..maybe team USA should wear kings jerseys today….theyll guarantee a win

Ghost Faced Hilla gonna regulate in a hockey arena near you!!

GO DUCKS!!!

by SPADE-IN-VICTORHELL on Feb 16, 2010 9:12 AM PST up reply actions

there fixed it

Earl Sleek should be deported to Iran cuz he doesnt support USA hockey...

GO Team USA!!! GO Bobby Ryan!!

by SPADE-IN-VICTORHELL on Feb 16, 2010 9:14 AM PST up reply actions

Well it’s a round robin, so the game on Sunday will happen regardless.

That’s a huge schedule on Sunday — Russia vs Czechs, Canada vs USA, and Sweden vs Finland. All blockbusters.

http://www.battleofcali.com/

by Earl Sleek on Feb 16, 2010 9:19 AM PST up reply actions

No one is eliminated after the first round no matter what happens…

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ice_hockey_at_the_Olympic_Games

by GOOLIAN on Feb 16, 2010 9:55 AM PST up reply actions

to clarify i meant if we cant beat norway or the swiss on tues and thurs…does anyone really want to see the USA get destroyed by canada on sunday?

Earl Sleek should be deported to Iran cuz he doesnt support USA hockey...

GO Team USA!!! GO Bobby Ryan!!

by SPADE-IN-VICTORHELL on Feb 16, 2010 10:02 AM PST up reply actions

I do, but thus my apparent deportation.

http://www.battleofcali.com/

by Earl Sleek on Feb 16, 2010 10:06 AM PST up reply actions

maybe not iran..cuz i think they ban a lot of internet usage…maybe russia…so u can still write for Boc

Earl Sleek should be deported to Iran cuz he doesnt support USA hockey...

GO Team USA!!! GO Bobby Ryan!!

by SPADE-IN-VICTORHELL on Feb 16, 2010 10:21 AM PST up reply actions

One hour to go, I’m getting pretty excited.

Watching Tom Green as a guest on NHL Live this morning. Two things to know about him:

1) A longtime Ottawa Senators fan.
2) Thus, a huge proponent of contracting the “Mighty” Ducks.

http://www.battleofcali.com/

by Earl Sleek on Feb 16, 2010 11:05 AM PST reply actions

whatever happened to his ball cancer?

Earl Sleek should be deported to Iran cuz he doesnt support USA hockey...

GO Team USA!!! GO Bobby Ryan!!

by SPADE-IN-VICTORHELL on Feb 16, 2010 11:11 AM PST up reply actions

Apparently he survived — now it’s part of his comedy act.

http://www.battleofcali.com/

by Earl Sleek on Feb 16, 2010 11:13 AM PST up reply actions

thats right i forgot he was canadian

I'm nobody's fool, least of all yours

by BoulderDodger on Feb 16, 2010 1:34 PM PST up reply actions

for 2 weeks

bobby ryan ftw

I'm nobody's fool, least of all yours

by BoulderDodger on Feb 16, 2010 1:35 PM PST reply actions

Don’t forget Viktor Kozlov for Russia (Sharks)

by Ivano M on Feb 18, 2010 10:03 PM PST reply actions

Excellent catch — has been added.

http://www.battleofcali.com/

by Earl Sleek on Feb 18, 2010 10:16 PM PST up reply actions

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