Official 13-14 NHL Regular Season Thread

[rocker87]

You have almost same opinion on Jagr as I am. He was famous too young, from socialist country, they got nothing in one moment, then everything in other. He become adult in some moment, but surely, I can't blame player to be an Bettman on ice. That's a game and he can be a person with attitude. Yes, I know some people who will beat you on the football field and on another moment out that field, they are different person.

On another hand, he can't be a role model for people like me... it's like: yes, you made stupid things when you were 25, then I need to be smart like you in 42? Why I can't do the same stupid things like you with 20?

Only thing I think he's not smart, is money. He need to play two more years to pay his debts and he earn 60M+ in NHL. Of course, not netto, but still... blow away something like 40M? That's crazy. I really don't know how much taxes are over there.

I just not hate any player or person, but I don't like some of them. Also, I have really unusual opinions on some guys. For example, I like Brad Marchand and I would like to have him in Pittsburgh. He's the player they miss in Pens organization.

[CJ]

What you say about Jagr batdad I totally agree. Comparing a young Jagr to an older one.

He used to salute when scoring goals but I haven't seen him doing that in a long time?! Maybe he got bored doing them or I just missed them.

[batdad]

On another hand, he can't be a role model for people like me... it's like: yes, you made stupid things when you were 25, then I need to be smart like you in 42? Why I can't do the same stupid things like you with 20?

Only thing I think he's not smart, is money. He need to play two more years to pay his debts and he earn 60M+ in NHL. Of course, not netto, but still... blow away something like 40M? That's crazy. I really don't know how much taxes are over there.

See this is where I get lost. Lots of guys regardless of where they are from...get into a lifestyle when they are young and rich and have a ton of money and use it all up. Mike Modano did some dumb investments, and he is from USA. They spend to the limit that they have when young, and not planning. 99.9% of young people do that. If you did not make any mistakes Rocker...good on you. We all have, and you must be at the top of the game of life.

There are ZILLIONS of people that I would not look up to over not looking up to a guy like Jagr. He came from nothing, got put into hockey, pays tribute to horrible events in his country with his jersey number, comes to North America and does what he does best. Tires of things here, and goes and plays in Russia...because for whatever reason, sick of the pressure or whatever it was....off he goes to play the game he loves.

Sure he may have spent frivolously but big hairy deal. Sure he may have been cocky and arrogant and annoying as a young man, but so what? What he has grown up to be .... at least it appears this way...is a great guy, a good leader and good for the young people around him now. And he can teach them to learn from his mistakes.

Really do not think he "HAS TO" play hockey in any sense. He loves the game, has said so many times, and is playing for that. And he is giving back to the young guys around him. Sounds perfectly like someone who has become a role model.

I am sorry, but 99.9% of the people in the world would not have made good role models at 18, but have grown up to become them in many many cases. Again, if you are one of the .1% who was an amazing perfect human being at 18....good for you.

[Manimal]

Plus, he owns his hometown hockey team, Rytiri Kladno. So he did something useful with the money

[rocker87]

On another hand, he can't be a role model for people like me... it's like: yes, you made stupid things when you were 25, then I need to be smart like you in 42? Why I can't do the same stupid things like you with 20?

Only thing I think he's not smart, is money. He need to play two more years to pay his debts and he earn 60M+ in NHL. Of course, not netto, but still... blow away something like 40M? That's crazy. I really don't know how much taxes are over there.

See this is where I get lost. Lots of guys regardless of where they are from...get into a lifestyle when they are young and rich and have a ton of money and use it all up. Mike Modano did some dumb investments, and he is from USA. They spend to the limit that they have when young, and not planning. 99.9% of young people do that. If you did not make any mistakes Rocker...good on you. We all have, and you must be at the top of the game of life.

There are ZILLIONS of people that I would not look up to over not looking up to a guy like Jagr. He came from nothing, got put into hockey, pays tribute to horrible events in his country with his jersey number, comes to North America and does what he does best. Tires of things here, and goes and plays in Russia...because for whatever reason, sick of the pressure or whatever it was....off he goes to play the game he loves.

Sure he may have spent frivolously but big hairy deal. Sure he may have been cocky and arrogant and annoying as a young man, but so what? What he has grown up to be .... at least it appears this way...is a great guy, a good leader and good for the young people around him now. And he can teach them to learn from his mistakes.

Really do not think he "HAS TO" play hockey in any sense. He loves the game, has said so many times, and is playing for that. And he is giving back to the young guys around him. Sounds perfectly like someone who has become a role model.

I am sorry, but 99.9% of the people in the world would not have made good role models at 18, but have grown up to become them in many many cases. Again, if you are one of the .1% who was an amazing perfect human being at 18....good for you.

You're wrong in few things. He did same stupid mistakes in Russia, too. He was over 30 then. Not to mention he didn't pay taxes. Sorry, but that's mistake that most people don't do. Especially when they have money to pay it. He came from Czech Republic and he and his family got nothing in 1990.

After few years his father got some really nice chain of hotels... how, probably not on the best way, but I don't care. Just saying. His father helped him in last few years with some financial problems, but he still have some debts. That's what I read on one Czech forum from Jagr fans, but they still love him.

No, I'm not the smartest person in the world, but man, we're talking about crazy amount of money, not 1M or 3M. He didn't earn all money with 18 or 20. Yes, I'm 26 and I would never do that. I know what's investment and I do my best, but also make mistakes. So, I'm not perfect human, but not that stupid to not know what's life and plan for retirement already. I know, also, that most people are not smart, but I can have my opinion, right?

EDIT: I forgot to write... one thing is bad investment, another thing is gambling and problem with not paying taxes. Bad investment can happen to all of us.

[rocker87]

Plus, he owns his hometown hockey team, Rytiri Kladno. So he did something useful with the money

He's officialy owner, but he's not biggest investor. He got some group behind and his father help with it.

[Primis]

My opinion is that I'm super-tired of the Teemu Forever crowd (and can;t wait until he retires), and I continually wonder why there is no Jagr Forever crowd.

[batdad]

1. Love Teemu--these last season tours for retiring stars can become a bit overbearing admittedly.
2. Jagr-Not wrong, love the guy on the ice, just okay on him off the ice. people make mistakes, I would not be the one to judge them as a total loser for doing so. Things happen. Way to harsh on this stuff in this media age. Way to harsh. Dude is one hell of a hockey player, and since I want to watch and be entertained by hockey, I am. He has got alot of good to him, and some not so good to him. Just like everyone. Glad you are perfect.
3. No Jagr forever crowd out there, just for the things that our friend rocker87 is talking about...people judging from afar negatively about someone. Plus he has not played basically for 3 teams in his entire life, spending 90% of it with one team. Jagr has travelled and upset quite a few people out there in the past, and people judge him for it.

Go ahead judge him, judge me...I don't care...but reality is he provides great entertainment on the ice for all of us, and kids as aspiring hockey players absolutely SHOULD be using him as a role model for all of his on ice greatness. For off ice stuff maybe look somewhere else.

[rocker87]

I'm not judging him, I just have my opinion. I don't think he can be a role model for youngsters. Also, people like Ovechkin and Kovalchuk are not good captaincy material, too. People like Gretzky, Mario, Teemu, Sakic and, let say, Bill Guerin, they're perfect role model if you ask me. On the ice, Jagr is some kind of god. He's great player, but not great example.

I told you it's just my opinion and I'm not perfect. That's like smoker told you not to smoke.

And Jagr have a lot of fans, especially in the east. Avangard have army of fans and he's god for them. Also, players who played whole career in one or two clubs have more fans, that's nothing new.

[philou21]

Seems like Evander Kane is in trouble. Something about beating a guy in Vcr in 2013.

I don't have any more details though so it could just be another Lucic thing.


@Rocker87. Even though he's made mistakes he can still be a role model for the young kids. Just talk about his history to your kids and say to them don't you ever do that you little brats!

[batdad]

A-L-L-E-G-A-T-I-O-N-S. Not a sure thing he did anything at this point.

[philou21]

Well that's basically what I just said lol

Talk about a quick reply too!

[CJ]

My opinion is that I'm super-tired of the Teemu Forever crowd (and can;t wait until he retires), and I continually wonder why there is no Jagr Forever crowd.

The big difference is that Teemu will retire. Jaromir won't.

[rocker87]

@Rocker87. Even though he's made mistakes he can still be a role model for the young kids. Just talk about his history to your kids and say to them don't you ever do that you little brats!

Yeah, just need to add: I'll kick your ass.

The problem is, when you make mistake, and you know it, you learn from it... it's one thing. When you make mistake, then again, and again, and again... 10-15 years all over again, you can't tell other people what to do, because even you don't know what to do.

I think that's enough from me about this thing.

[batdad]

Not really clear on what mistakes Jagr has repeatedly made.

Anyway I agree...enough is enough. Jagr RULES THE WORLD...bestest player ever.

[Manimal]

You also have to remember that Jagr is a HOCKEY PLAYER. Most players I've met haven't been near to being called smart. All they've done is train and play and chase girls

[jesterx7769]

Toronto managed to win a game! Caps still losing.

[CJ]

You also have to remember that Jagr is a HOCKEY PLAYER. Most players I've met haven't been near to being called smart. All they've done is train and play and chase girls

True dat! But skilled players that reads the game very well must be somewhat intelligent/smart imo. You don't have to be smart to be able to skate fast and shoot the puck like Chara.

[batdad]

It is funny...because in North America

Hockey players are usually from at least middle class backgrounds and have the most advantages in life-Education, $, parenting, etc.

At least in comparison to football players and basketball (who end up in college, but you know...actually do not take much that is of substance in many cases)

Baseball is the same that way, and is very INexpensive. Players come from much more varied backgrounds than do hockey players in North America....

And this feeds into the fact that most hockey players have more of an advantage dealing with their successes than do those from other NA high level pro sports. It is why you hear alot more about football players, basketball players and even baseball ones doing some dumb arse thing off the field of play than you do from hockey ones.

Some of that is changing a bit...but still very much in the minority. Of all athletes here in NA hockey players are generally considered to be the brightest. They sometimes do not come off that way, but they are IN GENERAL.
Sure there are specific idiot cases-Avery, perhaps Evander Kane, perhaps others....but IN GENERAL you do not hear of hockey players having the issues that other sports do with crime, loss of their fortunes, or stupid interpersonal conflict and issues.

[philou21]

What batdad is saying is kinda true. When I look at the QHJML I see kids playing hockey AND completing their studies at the same time. There's even a trophy for the "hardworker" of the league which consist of been the best player/student at the same time. I don't know if this works in the OHL or WHL but I think it's a good way to encourage the kid to be more "complete". There's still exception though! When you look at Europe (I don't want to make prejudices here though) and I'm talking more about Russia, the wealth situation is different and the background the kids are living in is quite different as well and can influence alot of them.

The exemple about baseball, basketball and football is the same.

How many baseball players comes from the south where their families are very very poor and they want money to be rich and help their family? I've heard that a ton. The guy is poor as hell but he gets spotted and got the right opportunity then boom, millions everywhere.

Football and basketball are very similar. Mainly because where the guys come from. (Again, I'm not putting everyone in the same basket) Those guys often had bad backgrounds, ghetto life and did bad things but they got through it by playing sports. Some of them though never get out of that. You've never seen hockey players involved in shooting like football players and even some of them died!

Now, at least in QC, hockey cost ALOT and most people can't afford it for their kids. So most kids we see out there got at least a whealthy background, doesn't mean good education though but for most of them yes. I also think it's the main problem why we're seeing less good talent from Qc than before. I'm sure there's kids out there with ton of talent but since their parents can't afford the cost they simply let down hockey.....and play baseball.

[nino33]

When I look at the QHJML I see kids playing hockey AND completing their studies at the same time. There's even a trophy for the "hardworker" of the league which consist of been the best player/student at the same time. I don't know if this works in the OHL or WHL but I think it's a good way to encourage the kid to be more "complete".

I think education is part of the picture for all three Major Junior Leagues.

From the 2013-14 WHL Guide...
- While playing in the WHL, players receive financial assistance for education expenses such as high school tutoring or fees for post-secondary courses, to ensure players reach their academic potential
- WHL Club’s are governed by League-wide Education Standards that ensure players complete their high school in timely fashion and achieve the highest level of academic success possible
- for every season a player participates in the WHL, he is entitled to a full year of tuition, textbooks and compulsory fees to a post-secondary institution of his choice; Once a player graduates from the WHL and provided he does not sign a professional contract with an NHL, AHL or top level European Club-he is eligible to obtain a fully indexed scholarship for each year played in the WHL

[philou21]

Alright thanks Nino!

[Primis]

Seems like Evander Kane is in trouble. Something about beating a guy in Vcr in 2013.

I don't have any more details though so it could just be another Lucic thing.

Apparently Vancouver police investigated it already and had no interest in any of it. There are very few details, but needless to say what there is sounds like a brazen money grab. The guy's lawyer is claiming his client wants compensation for EVERYTHING you can possibly think of to add to a lawsuit.

[batdad]

When I look at the QHJML I see kids playing hockey AND completing their studies at the same time. There's even a trophy for the "hardworker" of the league which consist of been the best player/student at the same time. I don't know if this works in the OHL or WHL but I think it's a good way to encourage the kid to be more "complete".

I think education is part of the picture for all three Major Junior Leagues.

From the 2013-14 WHL Guide...
- While playing in the WHL, players receive financial assistance for education expenses such as high school tutoring or fees for post-secondary courses, to ensure players reach their academic potential
- WHL Club’s are governed by League-wide Education Standards that ensure players complete their high school in timely fashion and achieve the highest level of academic success possible
- for every season a player participates in the WHL, he is entitled to a full year of tuition, textbooks and compulsory fees to a post-secondary institution of his choice; Once a player graduates from the WHL and provided he does not sign a professional contract with an NHL, AHL or top level European Club-he is eligible to obtain a fully indexed scholarship for each year played in the WHL

The best part of that education deal? If Joe plays one game for a team in the regular season say in 2014-15...he gets one year of post secondary paid for. If Joe then plays one game for a team in every other year he is eligible 16-17-18-19-20 he gets a year paid for. So....for 5 games you could get 5 years of school.

[nino33]

The best part of that education deal? If Joe plays one game for a team in the regular season say in 2014-15...he gets one year of post secondary paid for. If Joe then plays one game for a team in every other year he is eligible 16-17-18-19-20 he gets a year paid for. So....for 5 games you could get 5 years of school.

I didn't know that!