#DanEllisProblems Peaces Out

The exciting chronicles of Dan Ellis and twitter finally came to an end late Wednesday night, as the goalie decided to quite twitter and close his account. With the way he's reacted the past few days since this erupted into quite the shit storm for him, it's no wonder he handle his departure so eloquently.

Dan Ellis tweeted "Peace out twitter". Bravo! Well done sir! You are a gentleman and a scholar. It sure is hard to imagine where all the hate came from with an positive, mature attitude like that isn't it?

He also told us that he's closing his account so he doesn't disrupt his team, which is noble, because we all know how much attention a backup hockey goalie gets in Florida. I'm sure he can hardly walk down the street without being mobbed by up to 3 people, with 2 of them being his family members and the third thinking he was Vinny Lecavalier.

You can say whatever you want Dan, but we all know the reason you're shutting it down and it's because you were made to by your boss, Steve Yzerman. Being embarrassed and scolded in public like a child, now that's what I call a #DanEllisProblems.

Thoughts?

BREAKING NEWS: Former Sen Jason Smith Charged With Domestic Abuse

It was has to be categorized as nothing short of shocking, all round good guy and former Senator Jason Smith, has been charged with 2 counts of domestic abuse by Calgary Police. To make matters even more surprising, the victims of the alleged abuse are his wife and his young daughter.

Not much information is available, but he is banned from coming within 5 blocks their house in Greely, where they had apparently been living since he retired a season ago. He will return to court of September 17th.

This is truly shocking news to hear about Gator. By all accounts he is a stand up guy and amazing in the coomunity. Updates as they come.

Thoughts?

It's Still Funny

Shoutout to secondcityhockey.com for sending me this hilarious picture of Dan Ellis. Well played. I know this has been beaten to death somewhat, but screw it, I still find it funny, so I'm sure some of you do too.

Thoughts?

#DanEllisProblems Update x What We Learned Today

The Dan Ellis twitter fiasco was still in full effect today, as the goalie tried to stop the bleeding, but came across horribly again. Instead of simply apologizing, he rationalized his decisions all day, coming off just as ignorant as he was the night before. He even took a shot at our buddy Puck Daddy. Time to take responsibility for your actions Dan. To see the attempted damage control, click the pic above to enlarge.

And now, time for what we learned today:

• Apparently it will be announced in a few days that Ottawa will host the 2012 All Star Game. This is hardly breaking news, as I had mentioned it months ago.
• With Gary Galley leaving the Sens broadcasting team, Denis Potvin replaces him.
• Rumor has it Daniel Alfredsson has told family and friends this will be his last season, but I'm not buying it.
• The Sens are talking to the LA Kings, apparently about a Mike Fisher swap. Wayne Simmonds better be coming back the other way please.
• Contrary to popular belief, Bobby Ryan did NOT re-sign with the Ducks yesterday, so the dream is alive to see him in a Sens uniform. Not matter how slim that chance may be.
• I spoke to Michalek's agent Alan Walsh and he told me that Milan is 100% healthy and can't wait for the season to start.
• And finally, don't forget as I told you guys last week, the pre-sale to the October and November games begins today at 10am, so be sure to act early to get the games you want. The password is INSIDER.

Thoughts?

How To Kill Your Career In 140 Characters: A Dan Ellis Photo Diary

The world is a crazy place now, you have to watch your back more than ever, especially if you're someone famous, or in this case at least known. You have to watch what you say and watch what you do, because you never know when TMZ might show up, or even someone with video camera on their cellphone for that matter. Up until last night, Dan Ellis was known only in the hockey world, and even then he was hardly a star. That all changed Monday night, when he ironically didn't seem to understand the value of hard work and money on Labor Day of all dates. Ladies and gentleman, I present to you, the quick death of an athlete's reputation. As always, click on the picture to enlarge them.

And here's how it all began, when millionaire NHL goalie Dan Ellis starting tweeting about how unhappy he was with all his millions. People of course took offense to this and the hilarity began with the now legendary topic #DanEllisProblems, which just put this guy on blast all evening. It was really something honestly. I highly suggest looking it up on Twitter and reading through them all. You gotta love the guy who replied at the top of the page, he's laying in to him. This was the start of the end for Danny boy. It turns on that people who struggled through the worst economy in more than 50 years, who buy the tickets and jerseys that pay his salary, don't really like hearing another spoiled millionaire athlete complain about the burden of being rich. Who knew right? Oh well, you know like the homie Puff Daddy says, Mo Money, Mo Problems.

So this is around where he realized that people didn't find what he said funny and he decided to put his tail between his legs and try and minimize the damage, only it actually got kinda worse. Here's a pointer in PR Dan. When you find yourself in a situation where you have said something stupid, apologize right away and actually say sorry. Do NOT try and blame the people for taking it the wrong way or saying that your warned them, then saying if you don't like it do me a favor and unfollow me, and even worse still, after all that doesn't work, try and make some lame joke/threat about how you're going to go back to writing boring stuff. Did he hire Tiger's PR guy? No one said hockey players were smart. Here's a prediction Dan, you have a meeting with Stevie Y in the next few days and you get an earful, your account vanishes and you won't be tweeting anymore, so don't worry about what to tweet from now on.

These are one of the first batches of tweets to get involed in the crucifying of Dan Ellis. He hasn't seen this much attention since...........well ever. If you look closely, I may have even dropped a gem in there as well.

These were some of the very early jokes that came in. I'm not gonna lie, although there were some good ones as time went on, the best ones came when there were less people involved. These are all gems, one after another, completely unedited.

I loved the Norfolk references, which is of course where their AHL affiliate is located. It seems that people will be genuinely cheering for him to be sent down this season. I also really enjoyed the peasants crack from a fan of his former team. I do however, award the gold medal of this batch to the at least I'm not a millionaire athlete burn. Hilarious!

These are more of my favorites and they had me cracking up non stop. It goes to show you how funny fans can be, if there's a subject worth their talents. I particularly loved the crack from MLSE of all people.

And I think this pretty much sums it up doesn't it? Keep in mind this is coming from a respected hockey writer for the Minnesota Star Tribune in Michael Russo. People aren't exactly sympathetic to millionaire athletes and their alleged hard lives, when many people are struggling to make ends meat, especially when that millionaire is completely mediocore and on his 3rd team in 2010 so far.

The only thing I'd add is that annihilated didn't quite to it justice. It went on and on for hours, people just burning him, and rightfully so by the way. It was bound to happen to an athlete on Twitter eventually, though I will admit I'm suprised it was a hockey player and not Chad Ocho Cinco or Terrell Owens. I'm just glad I was there to witness and participate in it.

Thoughts on the #DanEllisProblems debacle?

The Labor Day Links

While it may be Labor Day for all of you, the Mayor is still working hard, so you have something to read on your holiday Monday. With hockey only 11 days away, the links are heating up.

-Uh oh, here we go again. I thought once July 1st came and went that this nonsense was over. I don't see this happening at all, unless the Kings are willing to overpay us substantially. At least it would be a trade with my west coast team. Hopefully Wayne Simmonds would be included in any possible deal.

-Speaking of Eklund and Hockeybuzz, I wouldn't worry too much about the rumors Spezza fans, this is actually how he generates his rumours.

-The CBC and the AHL have reached a pact to broadcast AHL games this year, but Bingo will only be appearing one time sadly.

-I know it's Grapes and all, but I don't see TML making the post season, yet again.

-One of the first season previews is out via NHL.com

-When this happens, it's safe to say Flames fans are not that excited about the season to come.

-Thank god I don't live in Philly. First the Flyers and now this.

-Speaking of blogging, this is also quite ridiculous. Time to get with the times guys.

-Interesting little feature on the one we call Alfie and his battle with the clock. Also his thoughts on NHL players and the Olympics.

-Though his game 7 meltdown will forever haunt me, I have to admit this made me laugh.

-To get you back in the groove for the new season, why not check last years top 10 Sens rookie goals, though I think there's a few from a year before as well.

-3 different takes on the TV schedule here, here and here.

-Former Sen Mike Comrie is now a member of the enemy Pittsburgh Penguins and yes Hilary will be attending the games. Hilary vs Carrie, who will come out on top? I have to admit it would have been funny if we brought him back for a third tour here however.

-It was the 5 year anniversary of the Heatley/Hossa trade 2 weeks ago, a trade that at the time I loved and now I wish had never donned our uniform ever.

-Wondering how Milan Michalek is doing this offseason with his recovery? Peep the interview here.

-While not Senator related, this is always awesome to watch.

-Will getting to a 1000 first motivate Kovie? I doubt it, but that's what they are proposing.

-After seeing this, I don't wanna hear a word from Habs fans this year. To make it even funnier, this was from 2008, when they went nowhere, not 2009 when they made their lucky ass run to the ECF.

-And finally, a little piece on some of the prospects battling for jobs this year at camp.

Thoughts on the links?

Everyone enjoy their long weekend Monday and a very Happy Birthday goes out to my dad.

Cheechoo Gets A Tryout

In what I found to be surprising news, former Senator Jonathan Cheechoo has recieved an invitation to an NHL training camp that begins in a few weeks. So who is the dilluisonal, I mean lucky team? It's the Dallas Stars. I thought Brett Hull was fired years ago, but maybe he is running things still secretly. It would certainly help explain the unusual choice.

So why did GM Joe Niuewendyk decide to give him the opportunity? This seems to be the telling quote: "He has shown the ability to be an effective scorer in this league. He's a competitor and we're going to give him an opportunity".

Interesting take Joe, perhaps they don't have tape of any of Cheech's games from the past 4 years in Dallas. That's pretty much the only reason I can see giving him a shot. As much as he is a nice guy, he is insanely slow, clumsy and at 29, is a write off in my opinion. I don't see him making their team at all, but I will wish him good luck in Big D.

Thoughts?

Arrogance Reigns Supreme

Do you remember the days when hockey writers seemed to have some pride, some dignity? I barely do, as each week some professional writer seems to lose his mind, and comes closer and closer to resembling a spoiled child, rather than a person who gets paid to do it for a living. So it's no real shock that the latest is Bruce Garrioch, who always has been a smug reporter.

I know that in 2010 with all the social networking sites, the line between professional and fan has blurred considerably, but this latest episode is just the latest in a series of ridiculous events courtesy of Ottawa Sun staff.

Why is Bruce trying to rub this minor alleged scoop in the faces of his readers? Isn't he above that? Congratulations on breaking the story of a guy who the Stanley Cup champion Chicago Blackhawks decided to simply walk away from. This wasn't Gretzky returning for god's sake.

Perhaps this type of behavior is now a way to try and remain relevant, in a world where many bloggers to a better job than their highly compensated counterparts, who more often than not, have become sloppy and lazy, only remaining a blip on the radar because of their employer and their considerable NHL contacts.

Either way, this childish display of I told you so, is just the latest example of Sens fans getting to the media in this city. They need to step it up and not condone this type of nonsense.

In response to Bruce's tweet about where are all the fans saying that they wouldn't ever sign Niemi. Gee I don't know Bruce, perhaps they are all out buying those Kings Evgeni Malkin jerseys. Oops!

Thoughts?

Get Your Tickets Early

With only 2 weeks until camp opens, many of us can't wait until the season returns. I know how many of you were excited with the schedule release and anticipating when you will be able to purchase your tickets. Well wait no more, as you can buy your tickets for October and November games as of next Saturday, the 11th at 10am.

But fear not, Sens Town readers never have to wait that long and buy them with the rest of the fans. I have the hook up for you all to get your tickets earlier. Starting on Wednesday Sept 8th at 10am and lasting until Friday Sept 10th at 4pm, you will have the opportunity to purchase tickets before they are available to the general public by clicking here and enterting the word INSIDER.

I hope everyone gets the games and seats they want. Happy start of the long weekend to everyone.

Thoughts?

A Fortnight To Go

Yes, the time is close. Today is Friday September 3rd, which means that training camp begins in a fortnight, which is 2 weeks for of you who don't speak ye olde english. And yes I could have said 2 weeks or 14 days, but fortnight is so much more fun to say isn't it? Try it while you're out this long weekend, chicks dig it.

Doesn't it feel great to be so close to hockey season again? I can't wait, especially considering my seats have changed for the first time in SBP history. It will be interesting to watch from a new angle for me, but I'm sure many new memories will be made.

There are so many storylines heading into camp and it will be awesome to see Sergein Gonchar playing for us, instead of killing us. The 2010-11 training camp should be packed full of competition, with several spots up for grabs with way too many decent players available.

So just think, summer may be over soon, but all that means is that hockey season is that much closer. So 2 weeks from today you will have a giant smile on your face I guarantee it and a few days after that, we will get our first taste of pre-season action.

Thoughts?

Resurrected

In what seems to be a fairly common occurance as of late, yet another Sens player has switched their jersey number for this season. The latest to hop on the trend is a favorite of mine, Zack Smith. The sophmore has decided to switch from 47 to 15, bold choice!

Of course we all know that 15 was made infamous by the most hated player in Sens history, Dany Heatley. So now all of you stuck with Heatley swag can simply take the namebar off and replace it with Zack Smith. With the change, Smith joins 3 other Sens who have switched this offseason. The others were Brian Lee (55 to 5), Peter Regin (43 to 13) and Jared Cowen (48 to 2).

Thoughts on the number choice?

Also wanna send a big shoutout to my mom today, HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!

Happy 90210 Day + What We Learned

First off, a very happy 90210 day! Many of you may be wondering what the hell 90210 day is. Well let me educate you. It was brought to my attention a few weeks ago by none other than arguably the biggest sportswriter around, Bill Simmons, who also happens to be one my favorites.

We all remember the show Beverly Hills 90210 right? And I mean the original, none of that new, crappy remake abomination. It was a favorite of mine as a young teen and I still watch it from time to time, call it a guilty pleasure.

So today, is 90210 day. What makes it 90210 day you ask? Well today is September 2nd, 2010. That makes it 9 (the month of sept), 02 (the day of the month, the 2nd) and 10, the year of 2010, which put in order makes 90210, a day that will not occur again for another 100 years.

Excited? Probably not, but I vaguely am. That's what happens when you're in your Carlsberg years. Anyways, here's what else we've learnt in the last few days.

• No real update on Dr Chow's condition. He remains in ICU.
• Training camp begins in 15 days.
• There are rumors the Sens may be making a big move (Bobby Ryan).
• First picture of Gonchar skating in Sens gear is here.
• The Kovalchuk fiasco won't end. Possible CBA changes are taking place.

So just when you think it's a slow time as we approach camp, stuff always pops up. Hopefully we will have some positive news on the Doc in the next few days. So enjoy your 90210 day, spread the word to everyone and perhaps have a drink for Steve Sanders, David Silver, Kelly Taylor, Donna Martin, Andrea Zuckerman, Nat and of course Brenda and Brandon Walsh. So head down to your local Peach Pit and get nostalgic before the season engulfs you.

Thoughts?

All 82!!

For the first time that I can remember, every single one of our 82 games will be available on TV this season. This is great news for all of our die hard Sens fans who don't want to miss even one game this year. Typically, there are 4 or 5 games that are not available on TV in any form, which can be a big blow when you want to watch the game. Thankfully, we won't have that problem this year.

Thoughts?

Play Toy

You know you've hit the big time when you get your own action figure, and that's exactly what has happened to ol' blue eyes. Mike Fisher is the latest Sen to have his own McFarlane figure. The toy is not available until November, so all you Fisher fanatics will have to wait, but it is avalaible for pre-order right now.

I imagine that his marriage to Carrie Underwood helped raise his profile quite a bit to enable him such a cool opportunity, which is usually reserved for all stars. I mean just look at the description of the toy, it's the first thing that's menitoned. Either way, it's pretty cool for Fish and it's another Sens figure to add to my dorky collection.

Thoughts on the toy?

Sens Doctor Seriously Injured In Motorcycle Accident

Doctor Don Chow, who is the head physician for the Ottawa Senators, was critically injured on Saturday afternoon, after his motorcycle struck a car door apparently. He sustained very serious injuries, including severe head trauma and is reportedly now in a coma. Things are not looking too good right now, so keep him in your thoughts and let's hope he makes a full recovery.

Thoughts on the accident?

Sens Town Fantasy Football League

So we all know the summer is very slow sports wise, even in a World Cup year, but worry no more because the NFL starts in 2 weeks. Having said that, I know everyone loves to play fantasy football too, so I thought, hey why not have a Sens Town league.

I have 2 spots already taken, but we're looking for another 10 or so people to join for a league, and if the demand is really high, I might make a 2nd league. The draft will be held in a week or so, a few days ahead of the Septhember 9th opening night. So if you're interested, send me an email with the subject head Fantasy Football and people will be accepted on a first come, first serve basis. Please only send me a message if you intend on being an active member of the league, otherwise it loses part of the fun.

Hopefully there will be a lot of interest and this will be the start of an annual tradition. So send an email to SensTown@gmail.com and I will hit ya back with the details of how to join.

-The Mayor

Sens HHOF Part 2: A Photo Diary

So I hope everyone enjoyed part 1 yesterday, if you missed it you can see it by clicking here. As always, to see a bigger version of the pics, click on them to enlarge and enjoy part 2.

Awesome game worn original Senators jersey from way back in the day, very similar to the ones they sell at SBP. This of course is the real deal however. An amazing piece of Sens history and cool to see in person. I looked at it for quite awhile. There was something about the colours and the jersey I just loved.

Nothing that crazy here, just an awesome picture of the franchise from when we made the finals in 2007. Alfie was spectacular that post season, scoring the most famous goal in Sens history. Always good to see him represented as much as possible at the hall. Hopefully he will be a member when he retires.

This is an up close shot of the Calder Trophy, awarded each year to the rookie of the year in the NHL. If you look closely, you will see the Ottawa legend who won the award in 1995-96, unexpectedly I might add.

Many of you might not know this, but when the original Senators team left Ottawa, they moved to St Louis and became the Eagles. This was a jersey from their time there. Looks pretty decent to me. Cool piece of Sens related history.

Plaque of former Sens asst coach Roger Neilson. RIP Roger.

Awesome vintage poster of the 1905 Stanley Cup Champion Ottawa Senators. I love all the original Sens stuff they have, always cool to be nostalgic.

Ah yes, the highlight and lowlight of our modern day Sens. On one hand it was awesome we made the Stanley Cup Finals, on the other hand, it sure hurt losing in the finals didn't it? Nevertheless, still cool to have our name on the Prince of Wales trophy as a part of hockey history.

Awesome game worn jacket from former Sens assistant coach Roger Neilson from the 1983 NHL All Star Game. You gotta love the 80's style and let's be honest, the Campbell and Wales conference were way better than what we call them today. So were the old school all star jerseys.

This was the player plaque of former original Sen Frank Nighbor. One of the jerseys from part 1 was a game worn for him as well. This guy was one of the best of his time. He is definitely an underrated Senators legend.

I found this in the gift shop after the tour. Joe Thornton I can see, he's won an MVP and choked in the playoffs for years, so call me crazy, but I'm pretty sure this is the only way that Pascal Leclaire will ever be in the Hall Of Fame.

So that's it for part 2 of the Sens at the Hockey Hall Of Fame. Hope everyone enjoyed it all and there will be way more coming from my trip to the HHOF soon.

Thoughts on part 2?

Sens HHOF Part 1: A Photo Diary

So here is the first part of the Sens stuff I saw on my visit to the HHOF. As always, if you want to see a bigger version of the pictures, click on them to enlarge.

Amazing game worn jersey from way back in the day, featuring a world champions patch as the primary logo. Such a sharp, awesome looking jersey. It was very cool seeing it in such great shape and seeing how small the players must have been back then. I would buy one of these if they were available.

This was at the Northeast Division display window, with our own legend, Daniel Alfredsson getting the most shine of anyone. Not pictured is the leafs jersey, which featured Phaneuf on the back, who you know, is a HUGE part of Leafs history, having played less than 20 games for the blue and white. Must suck playing second fiddle in your own city. First Sean Avery, now this.

A very nice silver plaque, displaying all the Stanley Cup winners. I couldn't help but notice what team was very prominently displayed on four back to back sections.

While not Senator related, it was Ottawa related, so I snapped a shot anyways. Still pretty cool that the HHOF acknowledged how awesome we were at hosting the tourney, which by the way broke all attendance records by a substantial amount. Suck on that Toronto and Montreal!

This was in the NHL dynasties section. Yep we were a pretty big deal back in the day. We dominated between 1920 to 1927, claiming multiple cups.

This was a Binghamton Senators game worn jersey from the first ever AHL outdoor game that took place in Syracuse last year. It was a game we lost, but still cool to be a part of AHL history, even if that jersey is pretty ugly. That's why you don't use shoulder logos as primary one's.

An old game worn jersey from our old Silver Seven team, that won the championship in 1920-21. How awesome is it that their jerseys back then just said World Champs? Imagine doing that now, I doubt it would go over too well. I love it though, I wish they'd retro these and sell them at SBP.

This is what our team display window looked like. Some interesting pieces of Sens history, with Jason Spezza getting a lot of love in the background. Is it me or does our old red jersey look severely dated now? Thankfully there was nothing Dany Heatley or Wade Redden related or I may have gone insane.

This was a tough one to see. It made me feel a little nostalgic for that summer of 2007 when Ottawa was completely consumed by the Sens and their SCF run. It was an awesome experience and I'll never forget attending those games, it was electric inside SBP. And I still contend if we didn't have such a long layoff that we would have won Lord Stanley and no one can ever convince me otherwise.

And finally, your eyes do not decieve you, yes that is an Alexei Yashin game worn helmet in our team display. Some people might not think it should be there, but good or bad, and mostly bad of course, he was a significant part of our past. Just don't ask for any NAC donations. And thanks for sparing us that ridiculous contract of yours and letting us recieve Spezza and Chara in return. Luckily for you, Heatley has replaced you as villain number 1 in Sens Town, just like Alfie passed you in the all time scoring list.

So there you go, part 1 of the Sens at the Hockey Hall of Fame. Stay tuned for part 2 coming soon, as well as several other photo diaries about my visit to the Hall. Should be an entertaining series for the offseason where not much is going on.

Thoughts on part 1? Hope everyone liked it.

Breaking News: Baby Sens Sign Asst Coach

The Binghamton Senators today announced the signing of a new assistant coach. The new 2nd in charge is Steve Stirling, who used to be a coach with the New York Islanders. I can't say I know much about him, but here's what I do know after reasearching quickly.

• He is 60 years old. Seems a bit old to be on the AHL grind. I would have preferred someone younger that we could perhaps groom into a future asset.
• It's almost impossible to find a picture of him, hence why you see jerseys and not his face.
• He's coached in Europe, the NHL and the AHL, making a Calder Cup Final appearance.
• It's a 2 year deal.

Thoughts on the new coach?

Unlucky #13?

The word on the street is that Peter Jensen, I mean Regin, will be changing jersey numbers from #43 to #13. Although it is not official yet, Sens Chirp is clamining it to be done and he's usually right, so I'd say it's a done deal. So all of you wanting to get Regin jerseys can now go for #13 and not #43.

Maybe once it's made official, Regin himself will comment as to why he chose to switch digits and what the significance of 13 is, since he wore 93 playing for Denmark.

Thoughts on the switch?