Fantasy Hockey For Beginners: Veterans Day

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Nov

2009

Fantasy Hockey For Beginners: Veterans Day

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Fantasy Hockey for Beginners

Written by Chris Wassel

Veterans Day is always a time to reflect and remember. That is why it is called Remembrance Day in Canada. So maybe this is a way to get us to reflect on the real message of the day and that is about the veterans. It got me to thinking if there were any vets who played in the NHL. This was a fun read....a veterans speech in 2005 that took place in Canada. Here is just a small excerpt:

The connection between hockey and Canada's Veterans began when Memorial Cup was dedicated to First World War Veterans in 1919. By the Second World War, the Canadian government insisted that all hockey leagues in Canada continue as a morale booster for the troops abroad and a message to everyone at home that life and hockey could survive the challenges ahead. Foster Hewitt brought home and hockey to troops overseas through his legendary radio broadcasts. Many legends of hockey were also war Veterans. Conn Smythe, Syl Apps, and Turk Broda all suited up for Canada and served overseas in one of the two wars. In fact 80 NHL players enlisted on Canada's team during the Second World War. They all joined as equal parts and all spent time on the front line.

They went over the icy waters of the Atlantic to face off against the enemies of freedom. They crossed opposing lines, took aim at an ambitious goal and netted an era of peace. For nearly six years, life changed on the fly. Sudden death was a possibility every day. But our Veterans fought with their heads up, winning battles in just about every corner of Europe. And on May 8th, the final buzzer sounded and victory was assured. Just a week ago, the fans of our Canadian Veterans welcomed them back to Holland. No Stanley Cup parade could match the enthusiasm of hundreds of thousands of people waving Canadian flags as the boys of 1945 returned to Apeldoorn, and the many other towns that still remember the maple leaf as a symbol of freedom. The Memorial Cup should remind Canadians that we have the freedom to play because Veterans had the will to fight. And everyone in the stands this weekend will remember those who took a stand for Canada sixty years ago.

Thanks to the VA in Canada and also Joe Pelletier for as always bringing perspective to a day I appreciate very much. Now of course let us not forget all the wars that our soldiers sacrificed their lives for so that we would indeed have the freedom we still enjoy today. It is something that no one should ever take for granted.

So if you know a vet or see something that you know is a vet...thank them today and everyday. Today is a day of reflection but really we must remember everyday to these men and women as a sign of respect and our undying gratitude.

Our spolight today will be short and sweet on the hockey veterans making an impact. Please understand Veterans Day is always a day to reflect and remember. Talking tons about fantasy hockey? Probably not quite as much. Here is our quick salute:

Ryan Smyth (LA Kings) -- All he has done is get 20 points this year and jump start the career of one Anze Kopitar. Kopitar leads the NHL in scoring by the way. He is 33 and many thought after last year that his career might be done. Captain Canada as he was called in Edmonton really appeared to be heading to LA to just provide some mentorship to the young Kings team. Well he has really picked up the offense and really has been just what the Kings needed.

Tomas Kaberle (Toronto Maple Leafs) -- This was another surprise. I think this guy has been supposedly "traded" more times than Mike Sillinger actually was. Yes that is actually possible. But the 31 year old defenseman also has 20 points on the season including a 12 point week recently. He has helped awaken a once moribund power play and even know Toronto is a pretty bad team -- they do rank near or at the top in various Power Play splits (#1 in % going into last night). He is not available I am sure now but if you were persistent and held on to him -- you are reaping the rewards today.

Vaclav Prospal (New York Rangers) -- Yes I am saluting a Ranger...the world is not going to end. Prospal at the age of 34 teamed with Marian Gaborik has also potted 20 points this year. What is with the number 20 today? That being said Prospal has played really well and so much so that he has earned the "A" already in New York. That is a pretty tough thing to accomplish this early in one's Ranger playing career. Can he keep it up? It is possible but a good bit of that depends on Mr. Gaborik's health. So keep an eye on him to keep an eye on Prospal but so far....so good!

Next week we may just toss some turkey around. So if you have any questions or comments...just shoot me an email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . See you next week.