VIDEO: Mitch Marner’s Unbelievable Shorthanded Assist

Mitch Marner, London Knights, OHL, NHL, Draft, Claus Andersen

Mitch Marner is creating his own highlight reel with the OHL’s London Knights. (Claus Andersen/Getty Images)

He’s been a highlight reel for the London Knights in the OHL and he’s the catalyst for excitement to the Toronto Maple Leafs and their fans. And on Thursday, the Leafs’ prospect was at it again against the OHL’s Erie Otters.

After a goal-of-the-year candidate earlier this season, you have to check out this shorthanded assists as Mitch Marner was able to hook up with co-captain Christian Dvorak on this goal.  Read more of this post

How Canada Post Failed Me

Canada Post - a national service - can't even hold themselves responsible.

Canada Post – a national service – can’t even hold themselves responsible.

I want to tell you a story. It’s one where a soon-to-be groom finds out just how much power a national agency has. No, I’m not talking about government or any controlling party in Canada. I’m talking about Canada Post – a national delivery system trusted to provide a country with mail and services.

On December 30, 2015, I placed an order on the site Etsy – a site providing creative and artsy gift ideas for those looking. My goal – to find a good little something for my groomsmen. My wedding is scheduled for February 6, so I knew I had the time for delivery.

I won’t say exactly what I ordered here (in case any my groomsmen decide to read this post). But I ordered seven sets and it came to $74.00 USD (or just over $105 CAD). The expected delivery was somewhere between January 10 and 15.

I tracked the package as I normally do – chalk that up to my minor case of OCD – and on January 13, Canada Post said that my package had been received in London, Ontario and was out for delivery. At 10:07 am EST the package read: ‘Delivered to community mailbox or parcel locker.’

As shown on the Canada Post website.

As shown on the Canada Post website.

Again, thanks to my minor OCD, I checked our mail compartment daily. The only two people who have keys aside from Canada Post were myself and my fiancee. Nothing was there. I waited a day before I took further steps and that’s where my frustration begins. Read more of this post

Oilers Hire Ian Herbers as Assistant Coach

Ian Herbers, Edmonton Oilers, Liam Richards, Canadian Press

Herbers brings experience to the young Oilers organization. (Liam Richards/Canadian Press)

The story broke with a piece by Larry Fisher of the Daily Courier that the Edmonton Oilers filled out their coaching staff with the hiring of assistant coach Ian Herbers.

Herbers, formerly of University of Alberta Golden Bears, helped the Bears to multiple Division Championships and a National Championship during his time behind their bench. He brings a winning mentality to a young team at the perfect time in their growth.

For the full story, check out the link below.  Read more of this post

Part 3: Which Left Wingers Make the Cut in a 6-Team NHL?

Alexander Ovechkin, Washington Capitals, Nick Wass, The Associated Press, NHL, Hockey

Alex Ovechkin still sits atop the players list in his position. (Nick Wass/The Associated Press)

A discussion inspired by Leafs Lunch, it’s an interesting topic to bring up the idea of who would make the cut in a six-team NHL. So, six writers from The Hockey Writers took it one step further and drafted these players by position.

In part one we looked at the top 24 centres. In part two we looked at the top 24 right wingers. So, naturally, in part three we’re going to talk about the top left wingers in the NHL that would make the cut if the league were to downsize to six teams.

For the full list and more details, check out the link below.  Read more of this post

A How-To Guide To Creating Your Keeper Fantasy League

Gary Bettman, Chris Young, NHL, The Canadian Press

Being Bettman isn’t always easy in a fantasy league. (Chris Young/The Canadian Press)

Ever think of starting your own fantasy league? How about taking it one step further and creating a keeper fantasy league? I mean, it seems to be all the rave nowadays – having a team and building it from year to year.

I’ve been the commissioner of a keeper league for about five years. We’ve grown, expanded and implemented a salary cap. How’s the league going? Well, we’ve lost a few owners, forced a few out and replaced them almost immediately.

For more information on starting your own league and recruitment, check out the link below.  Read more of this post

Phil Kessel: Rocket Richard Candidate in 2015-16?

Phil Kessel, James van Riemsdyk, Toronto Maple Leafs, Mark Blinch, Canadian Press, Hockey

Will the Phil Kessel trade give him the opportunity to win a scoring title? (Mark Blinch/Canadian Press)

The Phil Kessel changed everything. First, it showed the Maple Leafs are headed down the road of the rebuild for sure. Secondly, it put Kessel in a position to be the behind-the-scenes scorer that he wants to and can be. Finally, it powers Pittsburgh’s offence even more so than the duo they already possess.

But does it give Kessel a chance at showing his true scoring touch? After all, it will mean possibly having a true centre for the first time in his career.

For all the thoughts on Phil Kessel’s Rocket Richard charge, check out the link below.  Read more of this post

Saying Au Revoir to Martin St. Louis

Martin St. Louis, New York Rangers, Seth Wenig, The Associated Press, NHL

Former Ranger, Martin St. Louis, left his mark on the NHL and the game of hockey. (Seth Wenig/The Associated Press)

Breaking the ice for smaller players in the NHL, Martin St. Louis not only showed his ability to play the game but also demonstrated what it means to play with perseverance. Underrated and undersized, he had an unbelievable career.

With his trophy case filled, he left the game a successful NHL star with a spot within the game’s historical archives. But he also opened the doors for many other players approaching the game from his standpoint.

For the full story on his retirement from hockey, check out the link below.  Read more of this post

Red Wings Sign Mike Green to 3-Year Deal

Mike Green, Detroit Red Wings, Marc DesRosiers, USA Today, NHL

Mike Green will help the Red Wings in 2015-16 on the back end. (Marc DesRosiers/USA TODAY Sports)

One of the bigger names available on July 1, Mike Green decided he would sign with the Detroit Red Wings on a three-year deal. Green has the experience and ability to quarterback the powerplay for the Red Wings and should be a good addition to the club.

For full details on the deal, check out the link below.  Read more of this post

Canucks Sign Defenceman Matt Bartkowski

Matt Bartkowski, Vancouver Canucks, NHL, Justin K. Aller, Getty Images

Matt Bartkowski will fill a hole on the Canucks blue line. (Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)

More from Free Agent Frenzy, the Canucks went out and signed young and promising defenceman Matt Bartkowski after the Boston Bruins failed to re-up the defender. The Canucks signed him to a one-year deal worth just under $2-million.

For full details on the deal, check out the link below.  Read more of this post

Jori Lehtera Re-Signs With The Blues

Jori Lehtera, St. Louis Blues, Scott Rovak, NHLI, Getty Images

Jori Lehtera re-upped with the Blues after a solid offensive season. (Scott Rovak/NHLI via Getty Images)

More Free Agent Frenzy from The Hockey Writers, the St. Louis Blues re-signed Jori Lehtera after he put up a solid offensive season for the team in 2014-15. The extension doesn’t kick in until 2016-17, but it secures one of their up-and-comers for a few more seasons.

For all the details of this deal, check out the link below.  Read more of this post