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2/6/2010: TONY McCLEAN'S RUNDOWN FOR THE WEEKEND SPORTS RAP

SATURDAY'S WEEKEND SPORTS RAP
(February 6th, 2-4 p.m. ET on BlogTalkRadio.com and BASN)

Co-Host: Michael-Louis Ingram.

ALL GUESTS: Please call (646) 727-2642.

2:05: Sports radio reporter/talk show host Pat Freeman from WUFO AM in Buffalo will join us live from Super Bowl XLIV.

2:35: Dr. Bill Chachkes of Football Reporters Online will talk about the Super Bowl and other football-related topics.

3:05: Sports reporter/writer Cecil Harris will talk about the Ilya Kovalchuk trade, Major League Baseball, and other sports-related topics.

==============================
====================================
Remember, you can listen to the show every Saturday afternoon (2 to 4 pm ET) at
www.blogtalkradio.com and www.blackathlete.com.

Just go to the search section at the top of the page and type in the keywords "Tony McClean" or "Weekend Sports Rap" and it will take you to the page.

You can listen online or call in and express your thoughts, ask a question or make comments at (646) 727-2642 or our chat room.

To get in touch with the host, please feel free to e-mail Tony McClean at teemack@blackathlete.com or teemack2000@comcast.net.

Thanks for your support and please let all of your sports-minded friends and colleagues know about "The Weekend Sports Rap".

NOTE: You can also checkout show archives at www.blogtalkradio.com/Tony-McClean and www.blackathlete.com.


2/5/2010: GAMBLING ON SOCCER: STRYKER-INDIGO RELEASES FOOTIE'S BLACK BOOK!

02/05/10 NEW YORK CITY.   Stryker-Indigo New York announced today that they have released the Amazon Kindle Edition of Footie's Black Book: A Guide To International Association Football.

According to the company press release, Footie's Black Book represents a new marketing approach to sports publishing. The book, written by Canadian Sports Historians Darril and George Fosty, is a product of nine-months of development, and incorporates the simple concept of 'less is more'. No larger than the size of an Apple IPOD, the book's 168-pages presents the reader with detailed and concise information allowing him or her to become instant experts on any 2010 World Cup team and/or their past game histories and game performances.

Though Stryker-Indigo and the Author's contend that Footie's Black Book is not a Gambling or Gaming Industry Reference, the information supplied within its pages will undoubtedly be of tremendous interest to the sports betting community and anyone within the professional gaming industry obsessed with game match-ups, goal spreads, and team rankings. For, not only does the book provide potential gambling information on the 32 teams expected to compete at this Summer's World Cup, but it also includes the "Fosty's Footie Index" , an ingenious mathematical analysis of each team's strengths, weaknesses, goal differentials and potential match-up outcomes.

This gaming and sports industry potential has also not escaped the notice of Stryker-Indigo. In an attempt to expand the company's distribution and market base, they have adopted a radical and unique marketing and sales approach. The book retails for $9.95 and will initially be test marketed and sold during March in sports bars and casinos in Seattle, Las Vegas, New York City, and Boston.

Footie's is a book designed to be carried in a shirt pocket, or in a small purse. It is a concept that borrows from the high tech industry and belief in the idea that 'small is big'. It is a cutting-edge concept that is the perfect book for the serious soccer fan, sports broadcaster, or professional gaming expert seeking quick reference information and detailed analysis.

In addition to its gaming industry and broadcast potential, what makes this information guide and marketing approach so impressive and interesting is the amount of detailed information and research that the Fosty's have injected into Footie's tightly edited and concise pages. It truly is an amazing feat.

The release of the Footie's Black Book is the first step in a series of moves by Stryker-Indigo, to develop a major corporate presence within the growing American and International Soccer publishing and sports entertainment market. The book release also follows on the heals of Stryker-Indigo's move last year into the Ebay online soccer sports memorabilia and collectibles market.

Footie's is currently available online at Amazon Kindle as a $2.95 download. The paperback version of the Guide will be released nationally on March 1st.


2/3/2010: SONAHHR CANADA SPECIAL: HEAD SHOTS IN HOCKEY: A CAUSE FOR CONCERN

Head Shots in Hockey: A Cause for Concern

At the NHL level, the issue of head shots has been the subject of discussion at various meetings of the General Managers since 2000. Little or nothing resulted from these discussions. However, the most recent on-ice incident that brought this matter back to the forefront was the blindsided open-ice body check that Philadelphia Flyers captain Mike Richards put on Florida Panthers player David Booth on October 24, 2009. Richards received a 5 - minute interference major and a game misconduct, but was given no further supplementary discipline because the League determined his hit was within the rules of the game. Booth, who missed 45 games with a concussion, recently returned to the Panthers’ line-up.

The debate over how to reduce the number of shots to the head, at the junior hockey level, was reignited after a hit from Patrice Cormier of the Rouyn-Noranda Huskies of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL). On January 17, 2010, the forward delivered an elbow to the head of Quebec Ramparts Mikael Tam while he was skating through the neutral zone. Mikael went into convulsions before he was wheeled off the ice on a stretcher and taken to hospital. Mr. Cormier, captain of Canada’s silver medal winning 2010 world junior hockey team, has been banned from playing for the balance of the QMJHL season and playoffs. The Ramparts filed a complaint and the Quebec provincial police are investigating whether there are grounds for criminal charges against Cormier.

The hit on Mikael Tam has been widely criticized as a “cheap shot” around the hockey world, including among NHL players like Tanner Glass of the Vancouver Canucks who called it “one of the ugliest hits I’ve ever seen.” It even drew a reaction from Quebec Premier Jean Charest who said “Hockey can be played without resorting to that kind of behaviour. It’s shocking.”   

Unfortunately, this type of incident didn’t stop with Tam, Michael Liambas of the Ontario Hockey League’s (OHL) Erie Otters drove Kitchener Rangers’ Ben Fanelli into the boards behind the net where his head struck the metal glass support and he fractured his skull. League Commissioner Dave Branch suspended Mr. Liambas, who is 20, for the remainder of the season, including playoffs, effectively ending his junior hockey career. During another OHL game in January, Zack Kassian of the Windsor Spitfires propelled himself off the ice and delivered an open-ice body check to the head that concussed Matt Kennedy of the Barrie Colts. After reviewing the game reports and meeting with Mr. Kassian, Dave Branch suspended the Spitfires’ player for 20 games.   

While the leadership in major junior hockey in Canada wrestles with appropriate and swift punishment for several vicious hits to the head in the month of January, John Mackinnon of Canwest News Service said that “the NHL moves with the sort of deliberation on head shots that Commissioner Gary Bettman calls slow evolution, but many critics label it paralysis by analysis.” In Edmonton, Mr. Bettman said “We want to get it right. We want to get those hits that make us uncomfortable out of the game. But we want to do this in a very judicious, professional manner.” Amongst other things, the NHL will delve into the controversial issue on blindside head shots when the League’s General Managers meet in March. The extent to which the issue will be seriously addressed is questionable.   

Emile Therien, past President of the Canadian Safety Council, implicated Hockey Canada in this controversy when he said “In light of its record and apathy when dealing with violence in the game of hockey, Hockey Canada, a publically funded organization, simply does not have the credibility, leadership, reliability and commitment to address this serious public health and safety problem. Calling for a safety summit smacks of sheer hypocrisy and opportunism, and masks many of the challenges and problems confronting minor hockey in this country, which it, Hockey Canada, has so blatantly ignored.”

Given the direction in which hockey has been heading in recent years, a major overhaul of the rules and enforcement mechanisms is urgently needed and long overdue before someone dies. Who is up the challenge to seriously do what is necessary to make the game safer for those who play it?      

Bob Dawson, SONAHHR (Ottawa, Ontario)




2/3/2010: NEWS BRIEF: STRYKER-INDIGO CONTINUES EXPANSION OF ONLINE SOCCER STORE

02/03/10. -New York City . As part of their year long project roll outs, and anticipation of the release of a number of soccer documentaries and books, Stryker-Indigo New York continues to expand their online Soccer Sports Store. Over the last month Stryker has increased the Soccer Store categories and inventory by 20%, and is expected to increase the size of the Stryker-Indigo Sports Stores International (SISSI) by yet another 20% by month's end. Currently, the SISSI store is the 2nd largest soccer card store on Ebay.

According to the company, SISSI will continue to be expanded in installments leading up to the June 2010 World Cup. Over the last year, the SISSI store has recorded sales to 49 countries. Once fully operational, in 2010, the site will be linked to a number of soccer related websites associated with Stryker-indigo and the company's current soccer documentary and book production lines. You can access the SISSI Store at:

http://stores.shop.ebay.com/SISSI-THE-TOUGHEST-NAME-IN-SPORTS__W0QQ_armrsZ1

link: http://stores.shop.ebay.com/SISSI-THE-TOUGHEST-NAME-IN-SPORTS__W0QQ_armrsZ1


2/3/2010: GEORGE FOSTY TO SPEAK AT GEORGE WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY, FEBRUARY 4, 2010


02/03/19 New York City. Canadian historian and documentary filmmaker George Fosty, co-author of Black Ice: The Lost History of the Colored Hockey League, will speak at George Washington University in Washington, D.C. this Thursday at 7.10 pm. Mr. Fosty will be discussing the history of the Colored Hockey League and presenting a short film on the topic.   

The event, sponsored by the George Washington University Department of Sociology, is part of the "Jackie Robinson: Race, Sports and the American Dream Lecture Series." For more information please contact Professor Richard Zamoff at: rbzamoff@gwu.edu.


2/3/2010: NEW HOCKEY TALK ARTICLES AND DUCK CALLS!

For the latest Hockey News, check out:

www.hockeytalk.biz
ANAHEIM DUCKS RADIO: DUCK CALLS
TONIGHT! AM830 (WWW.AM830.NET)
Guests: Mark Whicker, OC Register; Helene Elliott, LA Times; Jon Davis, The Hockey News
NOW IN ARCHIVE – LISTEN ONLINE:
Great guests including Dave Andreychuk, Jim “Boomer” Gordon, Stan Fischler, Darren Elliott, Jack Edwards, James Murphy, Kevin Bartl
NEW FROM HOCKEYTALK’S
FEATURED COLUMNISTS:
Myers for the Calder
New! by Jason Reed
Giguere Ready for New Start in Toronto
New! Josh Brewster for NHL.com
Ducks Bid Farewell to Former Playoff Hero
New! Josh Brewster for NHL.com
The Sox Traded Bullfrog!
The Giguere deal
New! by Brian Kennedy
Olympian Miller One Of NHL's Elite Netminders
New! by Gaby Martinez
The Almighty Official
Reed at his ranting best...
Rink Rants by Jason Reed
Sacco's Avalanche Rolls Down Hill, Up Standings
by Charles Smith
HOCKEYTALK INTERVIEW
W/ DEAN LOMBARDI:
Part 5: Can Purcell Build Confidence, Add Grit?
by Gann Matsuda
MEDIA: CREDIT HOCKEYTALK.BIZ


1/27/2010: HOCKEYTALK.BIZ BREAKS 3 STORIES IN 1 WEEK

HOCKEYTALK.BIZ BREAKS 3 STORIES IN 1 WEEK:

Gann Matsuda’s Dean Lombardi Interview:
Jack Johnson responds, not happy.

Josh Brewster’s interview with former NHLPA boss Paul Kelly:
Kelly talks about the dramatic finish to his tenure as union boss (audio and transcript available)

Karen Francis on the Ducks’ Bobby Ryan:
Sides not talking re contract extension…will they soon?


ONLY AT WWW.HOCKEYTALK.BIZ



1/27/2010: PAUL KELLY INTERVIEW NOW ON HOCKEYTALK.BIZ

A transcript of Paul Kelly’s appearance on Hockeytalk Radio with Josh Brewster is posted:

http://www.hockeytalk.biz/kelly.htm

MEDIA: CREDIT HOCKEYTALK.BIZ / HOCKEYTALK RADIO WITH JOSH BREWSTER


==============
J o s h   B r e w s t e r
Host of "Duck Calls" Anaheim Ducks postgame radio show
310-621-4790

http://www.hockeytalk.biz



1/27/2010: SONAHHR UNITED KINGDOM SPECIAL: PLAYING CANADA'S NATIONAL GAME

Playing Canada's National Game - In The 1980's, Ice Hockey In Toronto, Ontario, Canada

In the late 1970's, I moved to the beautiful area of Flemingdon Park. It was a vibrant residential area in the suburb of North York (North York is a suburb in Toronto). Flemingdon Park was also an enormous place with a massive population however there were certainly enough things to do for young people.

Many youngsters were usually involved in sport activities around our neighbourhood but everyone practically played ice hockey. At nights, arenas were usually filled with enthusiastic young male players playing countless and exciting hockey games. Regardless of weather conditions, hockey arenas were normally occupied in massive numbers and some individuals even came from other boroughs such as Scarborough, Etobicoke and York.

By the mid-eighties (1983-1984 season), a couple of my friends and I decided to join an organized hockey league in order to develop our skills and there was not a better place to accomplish our goals than playing in the Don Mills Civitan Hockey League (DMCHL).
http://www.donmillscivitanhockeyleague.com/index.php?p=news

DMCHL was one of the most competitive hockey leagues in the city of Toronto. The league was well structured and organized from top to bottom. There were four teams in the league and all teams had sponsors.

Ironically, my friends and I were placed on the same team. On Team Don Locke Gulf, my Afro-Canadian (Black Canadian) friend chose to play defence however my other friend, a Canadian-born individual of European-descent, decided to play forward. Well, I settled for the centre position. Overall, we had an extremely talented team in all positions and virtually, we were mentally strong as well. Although we had the right chemistry, in the regular season, we still finished behind Team Scotiabank in the league standings.

As teams headed into the playoffs, Team Scoitabank was the obvious favourite to win the title and the team had the league's best player in Steve McDermit. In their first playoff game, McDermit led Team Scotiabank to an easy victory without a sweat.

Meanwhile, in our first playoff game, we easily defeated our opponent and went on to play in the championship game.

In the championship game, our team went up against Team Scotiabank and our primary concerned was Steve McDermit. Before the game, my coach stressed the importance of team unity and assigned me to keep an eye on the league's best player. As the game proceeded, McDermit became a non factor in the first period. I literally covered him like a blanket from one end to the other, checked him aggressively into the boards and managed to keep him off the puck. By the second and third periods, McDermit was literally out of the game and had no points. Plus, him and his teammates made numerous mistakes and as a result, I was able to capitalize on their unforced errors by scoring two crucial goals. Eventually, we won the championship game.

In the following season, I continued playing ice hockey in the DMCHL and played for Team Safe & Sound. As a team, we never did well in the regular season and to add insult to injury, we were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs.

A year later, in the 1985-1986 season, I played in the Mid-Scarborough Hockey League and played for Lorne Banks. As a team, we played poorly in the regular season and got eliminated in the second round of the playoffs.

After the 1985-1986 season, I retired from ice hockey due to a knee injury and never played hockey again until 2007.

In 2007, I got back into hockey and competed in the Canada Day Street Hockey Tournament at Trafalgar Square in London, United Kingdom. I played for Team Scooters. We played against a team from the Northwest Territories (Native Canadians) and other local clubs as well. Unfortunately, we never won a single game in the tournament.

Finally, in 2008, I played in the Canada Day Street Hockey Tournament in England for the last time.

Garry Glave, President, SONAHHR, (London, United Kingdom)




1/23/2010: TONY McCLEAN'S RUNDOWN FOR THE WEEKEND SPORTS RAP

SATURDAY'S WEEKEND SPORTS RAP
(January 23, 2-4 p.m. ET on BlogTalkRadio.com and BASN)

Co-Host: Michael-Louis Ingram.

ALL GUESTS: Please call (646) 727-2642.

2:05: Author and former USA Today sportswriter Michael Hurd ("Black College Football:1892-1992") will talk about the Black College Football Hall of Fame's inaugural class and his role on the voting committee.

3:05: Founder and president of Black Fives, Inc., Claude Johnson will talk about the100th anniversary of African Americans in professional basketball.

3:35: (tentative) Announcer Dave Sims will talk about this weekend's NFL Conference title games and the offseason moves of the Seattle Mariners.

==============================
====================================
Remember, you can listen to the show every Saturday afternoon (2 to 4 pm ET) at
www.blogtalkradio.com and www.blackathlete.com.

Just go to the search section at the top of the page and type in the keywords "Tony McClean" or "Weekend Sports Rap" and it will take you to the page.

You can listen online or call in and express your thoughts, ask a question or make comments at (646) 727-2642 or our chat room.

To get in touch with the host, please feel free to e-mail Tony McClean at teemack@blackathlete.com or teemack2000@comcast.net.

Thanks for your support and please let all of your sports-minded friends and colleagues know about "The Weekend Sports Rap".

NOTE: You can also checkout show archives at www.blogtalkradio.com/Tony-McClean and www.blackathlete.com.


1/21/2010: SONAHHR CANADA SPECIAL (PART TWO): CANADA: THE MAIN TALENT POOL OF THE NHL

Canada: The Main Talent Pool of the NHL

The National Hockey League (NHL) is recognized as the top professional hockey league in the world. With the growth of hockey world-wide, players in the NHL come from many different countries or continents. Based on a review of the rosters of the NHL’s 30 teams, it is interesting to note that 54.3% of the players come from Canada with 26.1% from Europe and 18.6% from the United States. The information below is intended to provide a closer look at the 3 sources of the NHL’s talent pool.

Canada

Of the 737 players in the NHL, 400 (54.3%) are Canadian. When broken down, 184 (49.3%) of the 373 players in the League’s Eastern Conference are Canadian. As for the Western Conference, 216 (59.3%) of the 364 players are from Canada.

On a team basis, it is worthy to point out that 4 (26.7%) of the 15 teams in the Eastern Conference have 15 or more Canadians with the Philadelphia Flyers leading the way with 17 players. As for the Western Conference, 9 (60.0%) of the 15 teams have 15 or more Canadians. Leading the way are the Edmonton Oilers with 19 players followed by the Minnesota Wild with 17, the Colorado Avalanche and San Jose Sharks each with 16 players.

Europe

Second only to Canada, 192 (26.1%) of the 737 NHL players are from Europe. Of the 373 players in the Eastern Conference, 100 (26.8%) are European. Compared with the Western Conference, 92 (25.3%) of the 364 players are from Europe.

In terms of teams, 7 (46.7%) of the 15 teams in the Eastern Conference have 7 or more Europeans with the Atlanta Thrashers and Toronto Maple Leafs each with 11. As for the Western Conference, 6 (40.0%) of the 15 teams have 7 or more Europeans. The Detroit Red Wings lead the way with 10 players followed by Columbus Blue Jackets, Minnesota Wild, Phoenix Coyotes and Vancouver Canucks all with 8 each.

United States

Of the 737 players in the NHL, 137 (18.6%) are American. In terms of the League’s Eastern Conference, 81 (21.7%) of the 373 players are American. Of the 364 players in the Western Conference, 56 (15.4%) are from the United States.

With regard to the composition of the teams, 7 (46.7%) of the 15 teams in the Eastern Conference have 7 or more Americans with the Boston Bruins leading the way with 10 players followed by the Carolina Hurricanes, New Jersey Devils, New York Islanders and New York Rangers with 8 each. In the Western Conference, on the other hand, 4 (26.7%) of the 15 teams have 7 or more Americans. The Anaheim Ducks and St. Louis Blues lead with 8 Americans each followed by the Los Angeles Kings with 7.      

One might ask the question, why is Canada the main supplier of hockey talent to the NHL?   There are, perhaps, several reasons for that. Based on the International Ice Hockey Federation’s Survey of Players (2009), Canada is well ahead of many other countries in the number of males registered for hockey (414,386), indoor (2,451) and outdoor (11,000) ice rinks. In addition, the quality of coaching and level of training and development of hockey coaches are important contributing factors. Moreover, organized ice hockey has its early beginnings in Canada and is the country’s national game. To Canadians it’s much more than just a game. It’s an integral part of Canadian culture and society. Finally, it is the passion with which Canadians play the game of hockey.

Bob Dawson, SONAHHR (Ottawa, Ontario)




1/21/2010: SONAHHR BOXING SPECIAL: BEFORE HE WAS "THE GREATEST".

BEFORE HE WAS ‘THE GREATEST’

By Charles R. Saunders
SONAHHR Vice-President, Boxing

I count myself as fortunate to possess a collection of boxing magazines dating back to the 1920s – though, admittedly, I have only a couple of that vintage. Those magazines open a window on what contemporary writers and fans thought of fighters who are legendary today. Or, as is more often the case, forgotten.

So, let’s look into the window of the October 1961 issue of Boxing Illustrated. That month’s “Rings Around the World” compilation of fight reports includes an account of a 10-round match between Cassius Clay and Alonzo Johnson. Clay, of course, would later become known as Muhammad Ali. At the time of the report, though, he was a first-year professional, and the Johnson bout was only his eighth foray in the punch-for-pay ranks after winning a gold medal in the 1960 Olympics. Johnson was an 18-7 veteran who had gone the distance with rated contenders like Eddie Machen, Zora Folley and Willie Pastrano. It was a good “learning”-type matchup for young Cassius. But the writer of the report was less than impressed.

“LOUISVILLE – Louisville’s fast-talking Cassius Clay won the decision over seemingly disinterested Alonzo Johnson in then yawn-provoking rounds; but despite his victory, Clay looked nothing like the great fighter he was cracked up to be. As a matter of fact, BOXING ILLUSTRATED was so disappointed at Clay’s performance, that we apologize for touting him in the past.

For the first seven rounds, Johnson stalked the former Olympic champ, while Clay, who fights like an atomic pogo-stick with eleven arms, just bounced around throwing meaningless lefts, meaningless rights, switching southpaw, switching back – and repeating the process over and over again. But alas, in the eighth, Clay seemed to tire. So Alonzo, who had been down twice without a count, obligingly slowed down himself. The best round was the tenth, when hometowner Clay found his second wind and chugged home to grab the decision.

The impatient winner, who expects to send Floyd Patterson into bloody retirement next year, had better do some serious soul-searching – in a hurry. For, if he fights Alex Miteff next month, as proposed, bouncy Cassius may be bounced into retirement, and, at 19, he may be looking for a job.”

Clay’s next opponent after Johnson was, indeed, Miteff, a fading slugger from Argentina. Contrary to Boxing Illustrated’s dire prediction, Clay won handily, stopping Miteff in the sixth round. Clay later changed his name to Muhammad Ali and became the first three-time heavyweight king and, arguably, “The Greatest.”

Alonzo’ Johnson’s career went straight downhill after his bout with Ali, as he lost far more fights than he won. At the age of 40, Alonzo was one of the opponents in the infamous “Foreman vs. Five” exhibition in 1975, which was George Foreman’s first appearance in the ring after Ali had taken Foreman’s heavyweight crown in the “Rumble in the Jungle” the previous year.

I was a teenager in 1961, and I watched the Clay-Johnson fight on black-and-white TV. As I remember, Ali’s performance didn’t impress me, either – although I did not in any way picture him as an “atomic pogo-stick with eleven arms.” I don’t believe any boxer has been described that way before or since.




1/16/2010: A SPECIAL EDITION OF THE WEEKEND SPORTS RAP

A SPECIAL EDITION OF THE WEEKEND SPORTS RAP

This Saturday at 2 p.m. ET, it's day two of our Dr. Martin Luther King Specials on The Batchelor Pad and The Weekend Sports Rap. This Saturday and Monday, January 18th (6-8 p.m. ET), we will celebrate the life and times of the late civil rights leader and examine his dream and how far we are in fufilling his dream.

Co-Host: Michael-Louis Ingram.

ALL GUESTS: Please call (646) 727-2642.

Our guests this Saturday (approximate times)

2:00: BASN staff contributor Eric G. Satterwhite.

2:15: Philadelphia Tribune writer Bobbi Booker.

2:30 Sports talk show host Cowboy Reggie of "Sports Talk" from WCLM 1450.

2:45: Talk show host Dr. Wilmer J. Leon, III, Ph.D. of XM Satellite Radio's "On With Leon” .

The discussions will be followed by the special: "Martin Luther King: Realizing The Dream"

IF YOU HAVE BEEN A GUEST ON OUR SHOW BEFORE AND YOU HAVE SOME COMMENTS TO ASK TO OUR PANEL DISCUSSION, FEEL FREE TO CALL IN TOO.

==================================================================
Remember, you can listen to the show every Saturday afternoon (2 to 4 pm ET) at
www.blogtalkradio.com and www.blackathlete.com.

Just go to the search section at the top of the page and type in the keywords "Tony McClean" or "Weekend Sports Rap" and it will take you to the page.

You can listen online or call in and express your thoughts, ask a question or make comments at (646) 727-2642 or our chat room.

To get in touch with the host, please feel free to e-mail Tony McClean at teemack@blackathlete.com or teemack2000@comcast.net.

Thanks for your support and please let all of your sports-minded friends and colleagues know about "The Weekend Sports Rap".

NOTE: You can also checkout show archives at www.blogtalkradio.com/Tony-McClean and www.blackathlete.com.




1/16/2010: SONAHHR UNITED KINGDOM SPECIAL:Part Two : International Ice Hockey And Black Canadian Players On Team Canada.

Part Two : International Ice Hockey And Black Canadian Players On Team Canada.

Since the creation of international ice hockey tournaments, Canadians have won the most titles of all the participating countries in men's hockey. Overall, Canadian teams have won seven gold medals in the Winter Olympic Games, twenty-four World Hockey Championships, four Canada Cups, one World Cup and fifteen World Junior Hockey Championships.

Obviously, Team Canada has been blessed with great superstars such as Serge Sevard, Bobby Hull, Wayne Gretzky, Phil Esposito, Frank Mahovlich, Bobby Orr, Jerome Iginla, Mike Bossy, Anson Carter, Mark Messier, Ken Dryden, Yvon Cournoyer and Grant Fuhr.

Over the years, four Black Canadians have been major role players for Team Canada. Afro-Canadians Jamal Mayers, Trevor Daley, Fred Brathwaite and P.K. Subban have contributed tremendously for Team Canada.

In 2000, at the World Hockey Championships, Black Canadian netminder Fred Brathwaite played well for Team Canada. However, the Toronto-born goalie saw limited playing time in St. Petersburg, Russia.

Also, in 2006, at the World Hockey Championships, Toronto-born defenceman Trevor Daley played great games for Team Canada and was one of the best players in Riga, Latvia.

Furthermore, in 2007, at the World Hockey Championships, Toronto-born Jamal Mayers had a great game against Germany. The Canadian forward scored two goals against the Germans and Team Canada went on to beat Germany 3-2.

Finally, in 2009, at the World Junior Hockey Championships, Toronto-born P.K. Subban led Team Canada to a gold medal victory in the nation's capital (Ottawa, Ontario, Canada).

Garry Glave, President, SONAHHR (London, United Kingdom)




1/15/2010: HOCKEYTALK: WEEKEND SPECIAL

WWW.HOCKEYTALK.BIZ

SATURDAY:
SPECIAL EDITION OF HOCKEYTALK RADIO WITH JOSH BREWSTER

Both shows can be heard live on AM830 in SoCal (Online at www.am830.net)

New Duck Calls shows in Hockeytalk audio archive:
E.J. Hradek (NHL Network, ESPN.com)
Brian Kennedy (Author of "Living the Hockey Dream")

Columnists:

Gann Matsuda:
"Dean Lombardi: Time to Make a Big Splash May Be Now"

Dennis Bernstein:
"Classic Gas"

Charles Smith:
"Roll the Dice on a New All-Star Game"

Karen Francis
Ducks: "Halfway to...?"

Week in Review by Chris Kober
Rink Rants by Jason Reed
Quick Shots by Josh Brewster
Eye on Europe by Ivo Jaschick


WWW.HOCKEYTALK.BIZ




1/15/2010: THE RETURN OF KING KWONG

The Return of King Kwong

By Chad Soon

Published in the November and December 2009 issues of Insider’s Edge magazine


The Chinatown that was Larry Kwong’s boyhood haunt has vanished. And the “Chinese wingman” who made it to the top of hockey’s “Gold Mountain” had been all but forgotten in his hometown of Vernon, BC.

“Larry was born here!” exclaims George Dobie, a linemate of Kwong’s on the Vernon Hydrophones from 1939 to 1941. Seventy years ago, the two wingers teamed up to win the BC Midget Championship. Two more provincial juvenile titles would follow. Dobie continues, “We’re just part of a lost community. No awareness. If you walked out and asked, they wouldn’t know….Larry who?”

When asked about Kwong’s abilities, the awe comes rushing back for Dobie. “Oh, exceptional around the net. Exceptional. He could put it up in that top corner better than they do in the NHL now. His hands were quick. Good stickhandler. His skating was perfect. They couldn’t touch him. He was too quick.”

Herb Carnegie, the legendary black hockey player and fellow victim of the NHL’s colour bar, concurs: “Larry was a smart hockey player, very clever. I still remember the skillful play he made against me behind the net. Larry took the puck off my stick, hit it off the base of the net and back to himself, skipped by me, and he was gone.”

Today, in Vernon, few traces of the town’s former puck-shooting star remain. In the Westbild Centre hang two black and white team pictures of the Vernon Hydrophones; a teen-aged Kwong is noted as the “Original ‘China Clipper’”.

In 1948, it was a different story. The Vernon News lauded the town’s “most famous hockey player and ambassador.” According to the paper, NHL stardom “couldn’t happen to a nicer fellow or a more sportsmanlike player. Vernon can well be proud of their representative in hockey’s big time.”

Larry Kwong was a hero not only in Vernon but for countless Chinese-Canadians and Americans who had endured years of discrimination. In those days, there weren’t Chinese people on the radio, in the movies, or in pro sports. My grandfather, George Soon, recalls following Kwong's progress in the news and taking heart in his achievements.

In recent years, fellow trailblazers, such as Herb Carnegie and Willie O’Ree, have returned to the spotlight. Yet, Kwong’s star has remained lost in the celestial shuffle.

Now 86 years old, Larry Kwong perseveres. A few years ago, he lost both his legs due to a circulatory ailment. Each day now Kwong meets the challenge of his disability – trying to increase his mobility on prosthetic legs – with the same determination he showed in breaking down the NHL’s colour barrier more than sixty years ago. Doctors said he would never walk again. Today, he not only walks, but works out on a treadmill.

Kwong has quietly dealt with his dashed NHL dreams. He was raised not to speak out, and he is still not one to raise a stink. “That was the whole Chinese upbringing,” explained Kwong, “that, when you’re out in public, just be seen and not heard.”

While Larry Kwong was denied his chance, another “China Clipper” propelled himself to sporting fame. Only a few months after Larry Kwong made the NHL, Normie Kwong began his groundbreaking, Hall-of-Fame career in the Canadian Football League.

Larry Kwong’s NHL career lasted but a New York minute. Still, it bears remembering that his breakthrough preceded Willie O’Ree’s historic debut by ten years. Kwong’s lone shift contributed to a much more profound shift – a change in attitudes about what a person of minority heritage could achieve in this country. Larry Kwong helped to break the ice, pointing the way to the wonderfully diverse and accepting nation we have become.

Still, it has taken generations for Canada to address past injustices. The federal government, for example, did not offer an apology for the Chinese Head Tax until 2006. In 1998, Larry Kwong’s fiftieth anniversary of cracking the NHL was utterly ignored. With his sixtieth approaching, I got up the nerve to phone Mr. Kwong in Calgary, just before Christmas 2007. From the first, Larry was warm and gracious. I offered my help in getting a new hockey card made of him, as I had done a couple of years earlier for Herb Carnegie. It would be a small way to get his story back into circulation. He seemed delighted at the idea.

I promptly emailed Stephen Laroche, the vice president of product development of Canada’s leading hockey card company, In The Game. Laroche, a walking encyclopedia of hockey lore, was in full support. Unfortunately, he was unable to find a product for Kwong in the short time before he left In The Game.

I then turned to the Upper Deck Company, the NHL’s exclusive card manufacturer. The senior product manager, Karvin Cheung, listened to my pitch over the phone, but was noncommittal. My three follow-up emails that month elicited no response.

Knowing that the two card companies monitored the online message board, Hobby Insider, I posted a notice about Kwong along with a poll to gauge interest in seeing him get his cardboard due. Ninety-two percent of respondents were in favour, including the site’s owner, Bruce Findlay, who replied: “Nice story and definitely needs to have more press about this trailblazer. Honestly, this is the first I've ever heard of Kwong and I hope it's not the last.”

On March 2, 2008, the Society of North American Hockey Historians and Researchers (SONAHHR) announced that they would be honouring Larry Kwong with a special Heritage Award.   

That week I fired emails to the Rangers, the Flames, the Canucks, as well as NHL Diversity, asking them to commemorate Kwong’s history-making game. Only the Canucks replied. Stephanie Maniago, their media relations coordinator, wrote: “We have provided the information to NHL.com and hope that we can get vast exposure on such a trailblazer.”

The Rangers marked “King” Kwong’s anniversary by featuring an article and a photo gallery on their website.

“The milestone anniversary of his historic NHL appearance today is something Rangers fans can look back on with pride, because the Blueshirts were ahead of their time in becoming the first team to put a person of Asian ancestry into an NHL game,” trumpeted newyorkrangers.com.

However, subscribers to the Blueshirt Bulletin got a different story. Columnist John Halligan wrote:

Seeking recognition and exposure in the publicity-fueled world of
New York entertainment in the late 1940s and early 1950s, the
Rangers did what they thought best: they hired a hypnotist, a
restaurateur, and a player of Chinese descent. All three were
excellent moves. The Rangers got what they wanted: They got
noticed!

Kwong’s story was “suitably milked” by the Rangers; but, added Halligan, “From a publicity standpoint, this was strictly a ‘quickie’.”

Larry Kwong has long suspected that his lone NHL game was a publicity stunt. He knew that the playing field was far from level. It was an uphill skate: “I had to try my best to show everyone we were just as good as them.”

Since then, Larry has lived with his crushed dream, wondering if he could have done more. He has yet to receive a personal acknowledgement from the Rangers or from the NHL’s head office that his efforts did count for something.

It took sixty years for another NHL club to call on Larry. On March 20, 2008, Kwong was the Calgary Flames’ guest of honour at a game versus the Colorado Avalanche, receiving a video tribute on the Saddledome’s JumboTron.

Ken King, the Flames’ President and CEO, told the Calgary Herald: "The NHL has produced many stories of individuals with determination to break down barriers and with perseverance to overcome obstacles, but Larry Kwong's story is such a tremendous example of those qualities. Mr. Kwong has the qualities and character that force open eyes and doors, resulting in a better sport and a better world.”

In July of 2008, before leaving Toronto on a cross-country move to B.C., I once again contacted In The Game, offering to obtain Mr. Kwong’s signatures for a future card release. ITG President Brian Price again respectfully declined.

On August 3, Larry Kwong welcomed my father and me into his Calgary townhome. The chance to meet a personal hero can by accompanied by unrealistic expectations, but Larry did not disappoint. Over Chinese tea and cookies, he shared his old-time hockey reminiscences, and then guided us on a tour of his wall of hockey memorabilia. Especially memorable for me was a photo of Larry on Madison Square Garden ice, receiving the Keys to New York City’s Chinatown from the mayor and a pair of Chinese starlets. Larry is bashfully accepting the honour with lipstick on his face.

I had brought recipe cards, hoping to get one signed for my dad and me. Instead, Larry provided us with photos of him as a Ranger, and personalized each. In the picture, Kwong is spraying snow; his face blurred, he appears too fast for the camera – a speedster whose turn in the bright lights was all too fleeting.

Larry also gave us autographed copies of a “rookie” card which a Czech fan had recently created for him. Gingerly carrying my priceless souvenirs, I left Larry’s home with a renewed resolve to see him get his cardboard due.

Once again I phoned Karvin Cheung at Upper Deck: no reply.

It was then that I received some further support from the Hobby Insider community. I was contacted by Derek Eng, a distant relative of Larry’s, who had first pitched the idea of a Kwong card to In The Game back in 2004. We brainstormed our next card plays. Derek’s suggestions were intriguing: What about Donruss? Or an arena giveaway card?

Over the holidays I received a package from Derek. He had taken matters into his own hands, designing his own Larry Kwong card. It was a glorious mail day to find three professionally printed, high-gloss custom cards of my hockey hero.

“I hope one day to find the right product to include Mr. Kwong,” responded Dr. Price to my next email; Upper Deck did not reply. Still at an impasse, I considered a new game plan. I nominated Larry for induction into the British Columbia Hockey Hall of Fame. I started a Facebook group called the Larry Kwong Appreciation Society. In March, it occurred to me to approach Vernon’s Junior A hockey team about the possibility of a tribute for Larry.

“If you can get him here, we could do it,” offered the Vernon Vipers’ manager of marketing, Heidi Schrader.

On March 21, I drove to Calgary to meet with Larry, his family, and a representative of SONAHHR, Barry Marsman. It was agreed that Vernon would be the ideal place for Larry to receive his Heritage Award from SONAHHR.

That night, the Vipers won their playoff game, ensuring another home date six days later. Larry and his family made their travel arrangements. The “China Clipper” was coming home, for what I hoped would be a reception fit for a “King.”

Remembering Derek Eng’s idea of an arena giveaway card, I raised the issue with the Vipers, who had put out a team set (2008-09 BCHL) earlier in the season. I got the green light to use their card template and printing house to add a “hero” card to the Vipers’ set.

At school, my students got busy decorating for Larry’s visit. I put up “Larry Kwong Night” posters around town, invited the mayor, and tipped off the local newspaper and radio station.

On March 27, I picked up Larry at the Kelowna airport, and then dropped him off at his Vernon hotel. Back at school, I received some alarming news. Larry had fallen in his suite, and was being rushed by ambulance to the hospital. He had suffered a serious blow to his head. When I reached the emergency ward, Larry looked pretty rough, but he tried to joke, “Well, this is a rude homecoming.” It was soon clear that, in Larry’s mind, he was not going to let this injury keep him down.
         
Larry’s only complaint was being prevented from meeting my students at the scheduled time; he did not let on that he was in any physical discomfort. The CT scan came back negative for brain hematomas, and Larry was cleared to go. Two hours later, our bandaged hero was rolled into my classroom. He stood up out of his wheelchair to address his young audience. We were witnessing old-time hockey toughness firsthand.

“The main thing is to have an education,” Mr. Kwong encouraged. “That’s very important.”

On that school day we would receive an unforgettable life lesson from an elderly amputee and a victim of racism. Here was a textbook example – standing up and speaking out – of how to face life’s challenges with class, dignity and fortitude.

Karfair Tribunyatkul, a Grade 6 student, expressed her appreciation to Mr. Kwong: “You broke the colour barrier, and you inspired all the people that weren’t accepted in Canada.”

Her classmate, Ashley Butters, affirmed: “You’re like a role model to me, because you had a dream and you stuck with it. Some day I hope I’ll be a good role model, just like you.”

“You will be,” Larry stated positively.

Principal Candy Siegmueller stepped forward: “I’ve been touched by your story and how it brought to real life for our students what we live every day….As you know, when you drive in, you see our multicultural murals – that is the identity of our school. We are always talking with our children about acceptance of others and sticking with your goals….So, we think you are the hero of all those for what you’ve done in your life.”

With that, Larry Kwong became the charter member of the Mission Hill Elementary Hall of Fame.

“I never expected that,” Larry later admitted. “It was a great reception. The kids really did a wonderful job, decorating the room and the hallways and everything. It was really something.”

That evening, a capacity crowd at Vernon’s Westbild Centre watched as Larry was wheeled across the ice. Few knew who he was. The spectators listened politely to the PA announcer, Wayne Buck:

“Growing up in Vernon, this youngest son of a small-town grocer shared a dream with boys across the country: to play in the best hockey league in the world, the National Hockey League. At the time, players from BC faced nearly impossible odds. No one from Vernon, no one from the Okanagan, had ever made it, let alone a Chinese-Canadian. But, on March 13th, 1948 – sixty-one years ago – this gentleman from Vernon suited up in the Montreal Forum in the visitors’ dressing room, wearing number eleven for the New York Rangers.”

Larry Kwong crossed the blue line, and the announcer’s words resonated:

“He was a hero in Vernon and for thousands of Chinese-Canadians and Americans who had endured years of discrimination.”

With that, the fans rose to their feet as one, and there was a great, ice-shaking roar.

At centre ice, Larry was met by his old teammate, George Dobie, and by Barry Marsman, who bestowed upon him the SONAHHR Heritage Award. Then, Larry Kwong dropped the puck for a new generation of players to chase their dream with no colour bar to deny them.

Afterwards, Larry reflected on the tribute: “I appreciated the announcer….The only thing I could do was wave my red hat to acknowledge the reception….” At a loss for words, Larry still held his emotions in check.

The following day, the air waves carried Kwong’s name to households across the North Okanagan. On 107.5 Kiss FM, Wayne Buck reported: “The amazing thing was before the introduction was half-over, the 3,300 fans were on their feet….Nobody knew ahead of time, but they obviously knew what was going on. He got a standing ovation for a couple of minutes. It was pretty heartwarming to see something like that.”

Remarked radio host Patrick Nicol: “The greatest thing is that new generation of young fans got to experience that last night.”

That new generation included Viper players, Cory Kane and Steve Weinstein.

“They were really surprised and quite stoked about it, because they’re very proud of their Chinese heritage,” Brian De Boice, who was billeting both, added to the radio conversation.

“I am very interested in learning more about Larry and the adversity he experienced while making it to the pros,” Kane told me.

“A standing ovation for trailblazer” blazed the headline in the Vernon Morning Star. Larry Kwong was front-page news. His story, chronicled by Roger Knox, was the whole front page. In the Opinion section, Knox went further. “Until Friday night, how many people had even heard of Kwong?” he decried. “Kwong’s honour came 61 years and 14 days after he made history. Better late than not at all. Vernon needs to do a better job recognizing its hockey heroes.”

A few days after Larry’s triumphant homecoming, I emailed Dr. Price again.

His response proved once more In The Game’s unrivalled dedication to preserving hockey’s heritage. Larry Kwong has been included in the 2009-10 ITG Heroes & Prospects set. It will be this hero’s first trading card to be released across Canada and worldwide. Kwong has also made the cut for Famous Faces – Canadiana, a “celebration of Canadian personalities in every aspect of society” by Dr. Price’s new company, Creative Cardboard Concepts.   

Larry signed 500 autographs for the two sets.

The story was picked up by CBC Radio. “Are you waiting anxiously to flash your card to your grandchildren?” reporter Christina Low asked Larry.

“My grandchildren were with me (in Vernon) the other day, and they were very proud. I’ll be glad to see it when it comes out officially. Then I would say, ‘Here is my card,’ and I think they would appreciate it very much.”

About his hometown reception, Larry added: “I didn’t think that people cared that much. But I find out now that it’s a lot different. They really honoured me very much.”

On April 28, 2009, a school community – students, staff, family – gathered in the gymnasium at Mission Hill Elementary in Vernon to celebrate Multicultural Day. The lights were dimmed for my class’s contribution: a short documentary film called “Larry Kwong: A Hero Comes Home” (now playing on Youtube).   

The sense of community on that spring day – the collective pride and appreciation – was unbeatable. Enriched by our shared heritages, we had reached “Gold Mountain” after all.

Larry Kwong’s passion for the game traversed both social barriers and continents. Once classified as an “allied alien” in his own country, Kwong would become a world hockey ambassador. In 1957, he joined the Nottingham Panthers of the British National League, and notched 55 goals in 55 games. Panther goal judge Baz Shaw illumined how Larry is remembered in Nottingham: “’Superstar’ is not enough!”

Kwong was also the first BC pro to go to Switzerland to develop the game. As the playing coach, he led Ambri-Piotta with 17 goals in 14 games in 1958-59, also competing in tournaments against Europe’s best clubs and national teams. As a member of the expatriate “Swiss Canadians” he beat the Olympic-champion Soviets in exhibition play. Kwong spent fifteen years in Switzerland, also coaching the Hockey Club Lugano and HC Lausanne. In 1997, Kwong was invited back to the Land of the Alps to be honoured for his contributions to Swiss hockey.

It was a long road to multiculturalism for Canada. Larry Kwong’s NHL game is a milestone on that journey. When Kwong stepped onto the Montreal Forum ice, it truly was a giant leap for minorities. Asian-Canadians had yet to vote in a federal election, but for the first time one of them had made it big, reaching one of the most coveted levels in Canadian society.

Larry Kwong’s NHL career was as fleeting as a shooting star. He still burns with the disappointment. My wish is for this self-effacing gentleman to recognize his own contribution – his breaking the ice for minorities, on and off the rink. And, may this trailblazer’s star shine brightly for generations to come. In his hockey career, Larry led his teams to many championships. “King” Kwong’s crowning achievement is as a champion of fair play for all.


In memory of George Dobie and Wayne Buck, two spirited voices we lost in October 2009






1/15/2010: Let's Play Hockey International Expo in Las Vegas, January 26-27, 2010.

Learn to order and forecast your stores inventory, negotiate terms and secure co-op dollars
by attending a seminar presented by BEST BUY at the
Let's Play Hockey International Expo in Las Vegas, January 26-27, 2010.

Just one of the many benefits you'll receive when you attend the Expo.

See you soon!

www.letsplayhockey.com


Doug Johnson
Let's Play Hockey
2721 E. 42nd Street
Minneapolis, MN 55406
(612) 729-0023
(612) 729-0259 fax
letsplay@letsplayhockey.com
www.letsplayhockey.com


1/14/2010: LIST OF LEGITIMATE AID GROUPS ACCEPTING DONATIONS FOR HAITI EARTHQUAKE RELIEF

The following is a list of legitimate organizations accepting donations for the Haiti Earthquake Disaster Relief Efforts:

Wyclef's foundation Yélé Haiti, http://www.yele.org/

The Red Cross (international) http://www.croixrouge.ca/article.asp?id=000006&tid=003

UNICEF (international) http://www.unicef.org/

Vision Mondiale (Canada, Quebec) http://www.worldvision.ca/wvmondiale/vision-mondiale/Pages/Comment-nous-joindre.aspx

Doctors without borders (international), www.msf.ca/

OXFAM Québec (in quebec)www.oxfam.qc.ca

CECI (in quebec): http://www.ceci.ca/ceci/fr/index.html.


1/14/2010: HAITI EARTHQUAKE DISASTER INFORMATION/SHORTWAVE RADIO/DONATIONS


(1) ShortWave Communication:

To anyone with friends or family in Haiti, please pass along this shortwave radio information.


... We are still keeping watch on 7045 kHz hoping that someone in Haiti may have access to a transceiver and at least a car battery to run it. ...

Radio amateurs are requested to keep 7.045MHz and 3.720MHz clear for any emergency traffic resulting from the Earthquake which struck Haiti on 12th January 2010 in case any Haitian hams manage to get on the air, and in case of other related events in surrounding areas, including aftershocks. ...

... Following the advice of the geophysicists, we are keeping the 7045 and 3720 kiloHertz frequencies active until further notice. ...

http://www.iaru-r1.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=504:haiti-earthquake-please-keep-frequencies-clear&catid=48:emcom&Itemid=99


-----------------------------

(2) Donation Websites:

http://www.iocc.org/news/1-13-10haiti.aspx


-------

http://www.yele.org/

Donate to the Yéle Haiti Earthquake Fund
From CNN.com

In 2005, [Wyclef] Jean founded Yéle Haiti, and according to its Web site, the "grassroots movement builds global awareness for Haiti while helping to transform the country through programs in education, sports, the arts and environment." The word "Yéle" was coined by Wyclef in a song and means "a cry for freedom."
... See More
To donate $5 to the Yéle Haiti Earthquake Fund, please text "Yele" to 501501.


1/10/2010: SONAHHR CANADA SPECIAL: THE CHANGING FACE OF THE NHL



Since Willie O’Ree, who broke the colour barrier in 1958 with the Boston Bruins, the face of the National Hockey League (NHL) has slowly changed. As a result of the changing demographics and hockey talent pool, the NHL has become more diverse and inclusive with the entry of players from different racial and ethnic backgrounds. Notwithstanding this, the League for the most part remains to be “white”.

A recent review of the rosters for the 30 NHL teams reveals that 27 (3.7%) of the 737 players are non-white. When broken down, 17 (2.3%) are Afro- Canadian or Afro-American with 3 (0.4%) being Latino, 2 (0.3%) North American Indian, 2 (0.3%) Japanese-Canadian, 1 (0.1%) East Indian, 1 (0.1%) Korean, and 1 (0.1%) Middle Eastern.

In reviewing the rosters of teams in the NHL’s Eastern Conference, 14 (3.8%) of the 373 players are non-white. Broken down, 10 (2.7%) are Afro-Canadian or Afro-American with 2 (0.5%) being Latino, 1 (0.3%) North American Indian and 1 (0.3%) Korean. As for the Western Conference, 13 (3.6%) of the 364 players are non-white. Further analysis reveals that
7 (1.9%) are Afro-Canadian or Afro-American with 2 (0.5%) being Japanese-Canadian, 1 (0.3%) Latino, 1 (0.3%) North American Indian, 1 (0.3%) East Indian and 1 (0.3%) Middle Eastern.

It is interesting to note that 20 (66.7%) of the 30 NHL teams have at least one non-white player. In the Eastern Conference, 11 (73.3%) of the 15 teams have one non-white player while 9 (60.0%) of the 15 teams in the Western Conference have at least one who is non-white. The Nashville Predators lead the way with 3 non-white players whereas the Calgary Flames, Montreal Canadians and New Jersey Devils each have 2.

As a professional sports league, does issues of diversity and inclusion matter to the NHL? Does the League view its diversity as an important “asset”? More importantly, what is it doing to capitalize on or leverage its diversity in moving forward into the 21st century? Will we, for example, eventually see an Afro-Canadian or Afro-American hockey coach, team or NHL executive? As we watch with great interest only time will tell.

Bob Dawson, SONAHHR (Ottawa, Ontario)





1/5/2010: Anaheim Ducks Radio: Duck Calls with Josh Brewster

www.hockeytalk.biz
Anaheim Ducks Radio: Duck Calls with Josh Brewster
All new shows...listen online!
Guests:
STAN FISCHLER
One of the greatest hockey writers of all time
MIKE ROBITAILLE
Sabres TV Analyst & longtime NHLer
JIM "BOOMER" GORDON
Sirius/XM Home Ice
GREG "PUCK DADDY" WYSHYNSKI
Yahoo! Sports
TOMMY HAINES
Director of documentary "Pond Hockey"
Plus! Special segments with Hockeytalk's Jason Reed, Charles Smith, Leon Rafner and Karen Francis...and more great shows with Ron Duguay, Ray Ferraro and many more!
NEW COLUMNS:
CHARLES SMITH on what to do about the All-Star Game
GANN MATSUDA on the Kings
CHRIS KOBER's week in review
www.hockeytalk.biz


==============================================================
J o s h   B r e w s t e r
310.621.4790

Host of "Duck Calls" Anaheim Ducks postgame radio show

www.hockeytalk.biz


1/2/2010: TONY McCLEAN'S RUNDOWN FOR THE WEEKEND SPORTS RAP

SATURDAY'S WEEKEND SPORTS RAP
(January 2, 2-4 p.m. ET on BlogTalkRadio.com and BASN)

Co-Host: Michael-Louis Ingram who will be live from the International Bowl in Toronto.

ALL GUESTS: Please call (646) 727-2642.

2:05: Open phone lines, news of the day, and general sports discussion.

2:35: Shelly Flood, daughter of Curt Flood, joins us to talk about the movement to put her father into baseball's Hall of Fame.

3:05: Open phone lines, news of the day, and general sports discussion.

3:35: Former tennis Chip Hooper talks about his career and his current business venture, "Black Belt Tennis".

==============================
====================================
Remember, you can listen to the show every Saturday afternoon (2 to 4 pm ET) at
www.blogtalkradio.com and www.blackathlete.com.

Just go to the search section at the top of the page and type in the keywords "Tony McClean" or "Weekend Sports Rap" and it will take you to the page.

You can listen online or call in and express your thoughts, ask a question or make comments at (646) 727-2642 or our chat room.

To get in touch with the host, please feel free to e-mail Tony McClean at teemack@blackathlete.com or teemack2000@comcast.net.

Thanks for your support and please let all of your sports-minded friends and colleagues know about "The Weekend Sports Rap".

NOTE: You can also checkout show archives at www.blogtalkradio.com/Tony-McClean and www.blackathlete.com.




12/30/2009: STRYKER-INDIGO : THE YEAR IN REVIEW

Dear Friends:

2009 was a year of transition for Stryker-Indigo New York. In April we established our Brighton Beach Production Division on Long Island. The purpose behind Brighton Beach Productions ("BBP") was to create local-theme documentaries and historic books specific to New York and the United States. At this time, we are currently working on our first BBP book project, an amazing WWII history scheduled to be released in 2010.

During 2009, under the Stryker-indigo umbrella, production continued on a number of additional soccer, hockey and boxing documentaries and books. These projects are moving along well and we expect to see the first product releases beginning in a few months.

Perhaps the greatest growth for Stryker-Indigo this year has been in the field of soccer marketing and promotions. As 2010 rolls in, Stryker-Indigo New York is working to establish KICKING BACK: THE 400-YEAR HISTORY OF NORTH AMERICAN SOCCER MUSEUM EXHIBIT. This future traveling exhibit will be part of the company's soccer marketing and development programs. The traveling museum exhibit will be designed to promote the history of North American Soccer and will serve as a promotions, education and marketing resource outlet for Stryker-Indigo sports products. The KICKING BACK concept is a marriage of history and product placement for the purposes of creating a unique education, distribution and marketing program that will circumvent traditional product placement formats and business models.   KICKING BACK will contain a wide array of American and International soccer memorabilia and artifacts. It will also be a museum display designed to educate fans and students alike on the history and development of American soccer.

Still on the soccer front, Stryker-Indigo continues to expand its online Soccer Sports Stores International ("SISSI"). During the past 12-months, the online store has expanded ten-fold and currently lists 3900 product categories.

SISSI is the second largest Ebay Soccer card site in existence. Since April 2008, a total of 4,046 items have been sold to buyers in 49 countries. The SISSI Store is yet another business concept that marries the internet, Ebay, and traditional worldwide soccer markets, allowing Stryker-Indigo to reach beyond traditional business markets.

In December, Stryker-Indigo established an American Soccer Photograph Archive Collection comprised of 2600 photo images dating from 1895 to 1987. The photos, representing early American soccer, is one of the largest and rarest collections of American soccer images ever compiled, the photo archives is 97% identified and dated and features one-of-a-kind images of soccer in 17-states. Among the most amazing are early images of British-American and Irish-American soccer teams in California, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, and New York.

In addition, 270 images of European, Canadian, Australian and South American soccer teams have also been compiled. This smaller collection, which dates from 1895-1955, is currently only 40% identified and dated. The Photo Archives will be utilized by Stryker-Indigo as part of its KICKING BACK EXHIBIT and future American and International soccer marketing and project branding efforts.

Unfortunately, not everything went well in 2009. After years of trying to promote Canadian Culture and History, Stryker-Indigo eliminated its Canadian and South American Archives and Film Libraries. Though we were saddened by the decision, it proved to be a positive corporate move for the company, allowing us to move aggressively on other project fronts, at a time when many of our competitors were facing down-sizing and financial difficulties. The elimination and sale of the Canadian and South American Film Archives and Research Libraries also allowed us the opportunity to consolidate our operations and to upgrade our production equipment and office systems. It also freed up resources to allow us to expand our Hawaiian Film Archives -one of the largest Hawaiian Film Collections in existence.

On December 12th, Stryker-Indigo announced it would expand production and research operations into the Boston, Massachusetts region. Located in Dover, New Hampshire - one hour north of Boston - the new base of operations, will house a complete film, video, equipment and research library; allowing the company the ability to coordinate productions along the Northeastern Corridor from Maine to New Jersey.    The production office will also house Stryker's American Indian research Collection and recently established International Soccer Research 16mm/8mm Films, Videos and Book Libraries.

If things remain on schedule, 2010 promises to be our most successful year ever. For all those who have supported us in the past, we thank you for your loyalty and friendship. May you and your friends and families have a Happy New Year.

Darril Fosty
Vice-President
Stryker-Indigo New York




12/30/2009: SPECIAL COMMENT: 2009 THE YEAR THAT WAS.

2009 THE YEAR THAT WAS

by George Fosty
President, Stryker-Indigo New York


As we look back upon the year that was 2009, one can only shake one's head at the difficulties faced and overcome. For many, this has been a year of hardship and transition. A year of tough decisions, sleepless nights, and plans delayed. A year of little celebration.

Many small, middle-class businesses that began the year are no more. Others were forced to think fast and transition to the new business realities in order to simply survive. This was a year when middle-class business and consumerism was allowed to fail while corporate fat-cats were given keys to the public treasury.

2009 was a year when the people elected a new President, only to learn that no one man, regardless of his good intentions, could overcome institutionalize corruption and deliver the change we so badly want and believe in.

It was a year when we saw firsthand the corrupt nature of the economic status -quo and tasted the bitterness of high taxation and a banking system of the rich, for the rich.

We learned in 2009 that the Government for whom we voted for, did not represent the people, but rather only the elites and corrupt.

2009 was the year of bitter taste and foul smell.

Gone is the American ideal of a home with a picket fence. Replaced is the reality of 2-million foreclosures, and 7-million others on the verge of foreclosure.

Gone is the concept of the highest standard of living in the world, replaced by the reality of 55-million Americans (mostly children) going to bed each night hungry.

Gone is the ideal of fair play. Replaced by the 79% credit card interest rate.

2009, in America, saw 17% of the workforce unemployed. Many others, working two or three jobs in order to simply put food on their tables. Thirty-years of Corporate and Government greed and incompetence has come to roost resulting in the loss of 20-35% of this nation's middle class.

Societal gains made by preceding generations of American families disappeared in 2009 -replaced by the new realities of a society wherein one-percent of the American population owns and controls 95% of the nation's wealth. Not since the Middle Ages has such Western Societal disparities between the Rich and Poor been so pronounced.

2009 was the year when the strench of American Government, Wall Street, and Banking became overpowering. Gone are the days of high wages -replaced by a minimum wage and a service industry that only perpetuates poverty.

2009 was a year that shattered the illusion for many of a belief in the Promise of America and the American Dream.

2009 was the year when the foundation of American Democracy was weakened.

2009 was the first year in American history when the average American could no longer promise a better future for their children.   

2009 was the watershed year, when the greatest threat to the nation's future was seen in the form of rich-elites in business suits. It was the first year, since the American Revolution, when the enemy lived among us, often in gated communities, or in the halls of government.   

2009 was the year when the American masses no longer believed the lies of their elected leaders.

2009, was the first year when the American public no longer believed the patriotic myths or lies perpetrated by the Corporate Media.

2009 was the year when Americans began to wake up and grow angry. Thus ensuring that 2010 would be the first year in American history that being an elite in America would become more dangerous.


12/28/2009: SONAHHR UK SPECIAL:International Ice Hockey And Black Canadian Players On Team Canada

International Ice Hockey And Black Canadian Players On Team Canada

In the early part of the 20th century, several major ice hockey tournaments were created to involve a number of nations to compete in hockey competitions on an international scale.

Currently, in the 21th century, major hockey tournaments are seen as major international events and each player loves to participate in these major events.

These major international hockey tournaments have embraced each individual's desire to compete for his beloved nation. Also, these major tournaments mean a lot to a player and usually, it generates a sense of commitment to honour the boundaries of his respective state. Plus, an athlete has the chance to exercise his joyful pride to represent his country and for the most part, these tournaments set the tone for his passion and patriotic pride that stirs his internal soul. These elements have been adopted by thousands of hockey players since the creation of these major international tournaments.

In the past, the Canada Cup and the 1972 Summit Series (Team Canada vs the Soviet Union), in which Paul Henderson scored the winning goal for Team Canada in Moscow, were major international hockey tournaments.

Presently, the major international hockey tournaments are the Ice Hockey World Championships and the World Cup of Hockey. Also, the hockey tournament, at the Winter Olympic Games, is considered to be one of the best. Therefore, hockey players dream of playing in one of these major international tournaments.

For the past three decades, four Black Canadian men have been fortunate to play in major international hockey tournaments and they have played major roles as well. Jerome Iginla, Dirk Graham, Anson Carter and Grant Fuhr have contributed significantly on the international scene for Team Canada.

In the late summer of 1987, during the Cold War, Team Canada and the Soviet Union played in one of the greatest hockey series of all time. In the series, Black Canadian netminder Grant Fuhr established himself as one of the best goalies in the world. The Alberta-born Fuhr turned away numerous shots that Vladimir Krutov, Vyacheslav Fetisov and company threw at him and by all accounts, Fuhr literally opened the gates for Wayne Gretzky and Mario Lemieux to finish off the Russians with a late goal to help Team Canada to victory in the Canada Cup. In 1987, I watched all three games and they were the best!

Furthermore, the 1991 Canada Cup witnessed the emergence of Afro-Canadian superstar Dirk Graham. During the finals, the Regina-born star scored a major short-handed goal that changed the complexion of the series and Team Canada went on to win the three-game series.

Moreover, in 2002, at the Winter Olympic Games, in Salt Lake City, another Black Canadian stepped up to the forefront for his country. During the gold medal game between Team Canada and Team USA, Calgary's all-star forward Jerome Iginla scored two crucial goals for Team Canada and helped his nation to capture gold. Also, the Edmonton-native Iginla, Joe Sakic and other players helped Team Canada to end a 50-year gold medal drought at the Winter Olympic Games.

Additionally, in 2003, at the World Hockey Championships, in Helsinki, Finland, Toronto-born (Caribbean descent) Anson Carter scored one of his country's greatest goals. In the gold medal game, against Sweden, Canada's Anson Carter
scored an overtime goal to lift his team to victory.

Finally, without a doubt, the four Black Canadian men displayed great skills on the international scene and helped their respective teams to victory. However, apart from their great physical skills, Fuhr, Iginla, Graham and Carter showed great integrity, pride, dignity and respect for their beloved nation. Therefore, I believe they will be remembered for a long time!

Garry Glave, President, SONAHHR (London, United Kingdom)



12/26/2009: TONY McCLEAN'S RUNDOWN FOR THE WEEKEND SPORTS RAP

SATURDAY'S WEEKEND SPORTS RAP
(An unofficial look back at 2009)

(December 26, 2-4 p.m. ET on BlogTalkRadio.com and BASN)

Co-Host: Michael-Louis Ingram from BASN and the "Batchelor Pad".

ALL GUESTS: Please call (646) 727-2642.

2:05: BASN writer Richard Kent talks about the Stanford-UConn showdown as well as the year in women's basketball and tennis.

2:35: Sportswriter Roscoe Nance talks about the year in HBCU sports.

3:05: BASN contributor Wendell Simpson talks about the year in sports and politics and how it meshed in 2009.

==================================================================
Remember, you can listen to the show every Saturday afternoon (2 to 4 pm ET) at
www.blogtalkradio.com and www.blackathlete.com.

Just go to the search section at the top of the page and type in the keywords "Tony McClean" or "Weekend Sports Rap" and it will take you to the page.

You can listen online or call in and express your thoughts, ask a question or make comments at (646) 727-2642 or our chat room.

To get in touch with the host, please feel free to e-mail Tony McClean at teemack@blackathlete.com or teemack2000@comcast.net.

Thanks for your support and please let all of your sports-minded friends and colleagues know about "The Weekend Sports Rap".

NOTE: You can also checkout show archives at www.blogtalkradio.com/Tony-McClean and www.blackathlete.com.


12/20/2009: GEORGE FOSTY TO SPEAK AT GEORGE WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY, FEBRUARY 4, 2010

12/20/09 New York City. Canadian historian and documentary filmmaker George Fosty, co-author of Black Ice: The Lost History of the Colored Hockey League, will speak at George Washington University in Washington, D.C. on the evening of February 4, 2010.   Mr. Fosty will be discussing the history of the Colored Hockey League and ongoing research efforts on Long island. The event, sponsored by the George Washington University Department of Sociology, is part of the "Jackie Robinson: Race, Sports and the American Dream Lecture Series." For more information please contact Professor Richard Zamoff at: rbzamoff@gwu.edu.


12/20/2009: DUCK CALLS with Josh Brewster


www.hockeytalk.biz


DUCK CALLS with Josh Brewster:

Anaheim Ducks postgame radio show on AM830 KLAA
Listen Online! All new shows with great guests:
RAY FERRARO
RON DUGUAY
KEVIN ALLEN
RYAN CARTER
BRUCE DOWBIGGIN
PETER BERCE
JOHN VAN BOXMEER
JP HOORNSTRA

Plus: KEVIN BARTL voice of the ECHL Bakerstield Condors

...from Hockeytalk: DENNIS BERNSTEIN, CHARLES SMITH, KAREN FRANCIS

...and Ducks Exec BOB WAGNER

Read new columns by Hockeytalk's Gann Matsuda, Dennis Bernstein, Karen Francis, Jason Reed, Ivo Jaschick and Chris Kober

Hockeytalk: All Hockey and Nothing But

MERRY CHRISTMAS!


12/20/2009: Celebrating the 20th Anniversary of Afro-Canadians' achievements in the National Hockey League

Celebrating the 20th anniversary of Black Canadians' achievements in the National Hockey League.

In the 1989-1990 season, marked the end of Grant Fuhr's achievements for his Edmonton Oilers. It was the last season of their great dynasty years.

Grant Fuhr was born in the Prairies' town of Spruce Grove, Alberta. As a youngster, Fuhr began playing goalie in his hometown and continued playing hockey in his town until his late teens.

At the age of 17, Fuhr travelled west (Victoria, British Columbia) to play in the Western Hockey League and there, he took the Cougars to the Memorial Cup Finals in the spring of 1981.

By the summer of 1981, Fuhr was drafted 8th overall by the Oilers. As the Oilers began drafting great players, Fuhr, Gretzky, Messier, Anderson, Kurri and Coffey earned five (5) Stanley Cups for the city of Edmonton.

Moreover, the Edmonton Oilers, of the 1980's, were good as other dynasty clubs such as the 1920's Ottawa Senators, Conn Smythe's Toronto Maple Leafs of the late 1940's and Guy Lafleur's fabulous Montreal Canadien teams of the 1970's.

Also, in the 1989-1990 season, another Afro-Canadian made headline news. In 1989, the Regina-born (Saskatchewan) Dirk Graham became the first Black Canadian to captain a club in the National Hockey League. In that particular season, Graham made history with the Chicago Black Hawks and a few seasons later, he took the same Hawks to the Stanley Cup Finals.

Garry Glave SONAHHR (London, United Kingdom)


12/18/2009: SONAHHR BOXING SPECIAL: A RETRO SUPER SIX

A RETRO SUPER SIX

By Charles R. Saunders
SONAHHR Vice-President, Boxing

The much-ballyhooed Super Six super-middleweight series got off to an excellent start earlier this year. In the first set of bouts in the modified round-robin tournament, WBC champion Carl Froch won a disputed decision over Andre Dirrell; Arthur Abraham clocked Jermain Taylor in a battle of ex-middleweight title-holders; and Andre Ward won the WBA title in an upset 11-round technical decision over Mikkel Kessler, who was favored to win the tournament. The series will continue until the ultimate winner is crowned in 2011.

The weight limit for the super-middle class, which was established in 1984, is 168 lbs. That poundage got me to thinking about earlier times, before and immediately after the creation of the light-heavyweight (175 lb.) division back in 1903. At that time, any fighter who weighed more than the then-middleweight limit of 158 lbs. was considered a heavyweight. This was true even during the early years of the light-heavyweight class, which took a while to gain widespread recognition as the eighth of the original weight divisions.

From about 1890 to 1910, many fighters classified as “heavyweights” would have easily been able to make today’s super-middle limit. Yet undersized though they were, these scrappers managed to compete successfully against opponents who outweighed them by 20, 30 or even 40 pounds. What follows is a “Super Six” of the vintage kind.

BOB FITZSIMMONS won the world middleweight, heavyweight, and light-heavyweight titles – in that order, because the light-heavyweight division didn’t exist until late in his career. When he seized the heavyweight crown from Jim Corbett via a 14-round knockout in 1897, Fitzsimmons weighed 167 – one pound under today’s super-middle limit. “Ruby Robert” also scaled 167 when he lost his title to Jim Jeffries in 1899. And when he won the fledgling light-heavy title from George Gardner by a 20-round decision in 1903, Fitzsimmons’ weight was 168. It’s fair to say that Fitzsimmons was the first great super-middleweight, even though the inception of that division came far in the future.

JOE CHOYNSKI never won a world championship. He spent most of his career weighing in the mid-160s, seldom more than 170 lbs. Yet Choynski fought competitively against the best heavyweights of his time, including champions Corbett, Jim Jeffries and Jack Johnson. He held the much-heavier Jeffries to a draw in 1897, and scored a three-round KO over a greenhorn Johnson in 1901. Although Choynski packed a powerful punch, his chin was suspect, as he suffered 10 knockout defeats. Even so, he was one of the best fighters never to win a title, and he took on all comers regardless of how much bigger they may have been.

KID McCOY held the world middleweight title during the late 1890s. Although he later moved up in weight, he seldom scaled more than 170 lbs, and generally fought in the mid-160 lb. range. Something of a shady character, McCoy was stopped in five rounds by former heavyweight kind Jim Corbett in 1900. To this day, the consensus of opinion is that the Kid took a dive in that fight after betting on himself to lose. On the plus side, McCoy fought Choynski three times, winning two by decision. The other bout was declared a draw. McCoy also knocked out a Dutch heavyweight, Hans Plaacke, who outweighed him by 70 pounds.

JACK ROOT was the first world light-heavyweight champion. But he weighed only 168 lbs. when he outpointed Kid McCoy for the newborn 175-lb. crown in 1903. Root lost the title only three months after he won it, but he went on to become an undersized player among the heavyweights of the mid-1900s. When Jim Jeffries retired undefeated in 1904, a bout was arranged between Root and Kentucky brawler named Marvin Hart to determine Jeffries’ successor. Although Hart was the bigger man, Root had previously outpointed him in a six-rounder. But the fight for the vacant heavyweight title was to the finish, and Hart stopped Root in 12 rounds. Even though Root didn’t win the big prize, he went a long way for a super-middleweight.

PHILADELPHIA JACK O’BRIEN was the fourth light-heavyweight champion, and he also had three cracks at the heavyweight crown, lasting the distance each time. He held champion Tommy Burns to a 20-round draw in 1906, then lost a decision over the same distance to Burns the next year. In 1909, O’Brien fought a six-round bout to no decision with Burns’ successor, Jack Johnson. For the first Burns fight, O’Brien weighed 163 lbs. For the second, Jack scaled 167. Against Johnson, he came in at an anemic 161. O’Brien was, indeed, a super-middleweight who stood up to the big boys.

SAM LANGFORD is thought by many to be the best fighter never to have received a shot at a world title. He started his career as a lightweight and worked his way up to heavyweight, beating or holding his own against reigning or future champion in each division. But none of those champs was willing to risk his title against Langford. During the second half of the 1900s, Langford was considered the second-best heavyweight after Jack Johnson, who held a decision win over him. At that time, Langford weighed between 160 and 170 lbs. Sam never got the chance to avenge his loss to Johnson. But if a super-middleweight title had existed during his career, there’s no doubt Langford would have won it – if he got the chance.

So, how would this old-timers’ Super Six have fared against today’s best super-middleweights? That’s hard to say, because of the way boxing has changed since its transition from the bareknuckle era and the early days of the Marquess of Queensberry Rules. One thing for sure about a Terrific Twelve featuring these pugilists, though – they would all be fighting opponents their own size.




12/16/2009: Afro-Canadian Joins Hockey Night in Canada

Afro-Canadian Joins Hockey Night in Canada

From the ice level to the broadcast booth, Kevin Weekes, the veteran NHL goaltender, is the first Afro-Canadian analyst with the CBC’s Hockey Night in Canada (HNIC).

An unrestricted free agent with the New Jersey Devils, the 34 year-old Weekes failed to receive a legitimate contract offer over the summer and subsequently signed a one-year contract with HNIC. Teamed with Scott Oake, a play-by-play commentator, Weekes covers NHL games in western Canada.

Born of Barbadian descent, the native of Scarborough, Ontario, told CBC Sports, during an interview, “Growing up here in the in the Toronto area, Hockey Night in Canada is the main stage, where our game is concerned.”

On his signing with HNIC, Weekes stated “I don’t look at this as a default move, but a move forward. I definitely want to do TV broadcasting as a second career.”

Weekes’ hockey career started with the Owen Sound Platters of the Ontario Hockey League. He also had a brief stint with the Ottawa 67’s. In his 14 seasons in the NHL, Weekes has a record of 105-163-6 with a 2.88 GAA (Goals Against Average) and 19 shutouts in 348 NHL games with the Florida Panthers, Vancouver Canucks, New York Islanders, Tampa Bay Lightning, Carolina Hurricanes, New York Rangers and the New Jersey Devils.      

Given his wealth of NHL experience, engaging personality and articulate style, he could one day become the first Afro-Canadian play-by-play commentator on Hockey Night in Canada.

Bob Dawson, SONAHHR (Ottawa, Ontario)




12/13/2009: STRYKER-INDIGO ANNOUNCES EXPANSION

New York City. 12/12/09. Stryker-Indigo New York announced today that they will be expanding their production and research operations into the Boston, Massachusetts region effective January 1, 2010.

Located in Dover, New Hampshire - one hour north of Boston - the new office will contain a complete film, video, equipment and research library effectively allowing the company the ability to coordinate productions along the Northeastern Corridor from Maine to New Jersey.   

The new production office will be run by Darril Fosty, the Vice-President of Stryker-Indigo. The Boston expansion is the most ambitious to date, and comes three-weeks after the company announced that it had eliminated its Canadian History Division. In addition to housing a complete American film, video, and book archives, the production office will also house Stryker's American Indian and International Soccer Research Libraries.

Stryker-indigo New York was founded in 1996, and is headquartered in Levittown, New York; twenty-miles east of New York City. Last December, the company announced its intention to expand operations to the Boston Region as well as into the State of Hawaii. The Dover-based expansion is part of that effort.


12/7/2009: HOCKEYTALK: Dennis Bernstein on the Ovechkin Matter

HOCKEYTALK
www.hockeytalk.biz

It's a Man's Game
Dennis Bernstein on the Ovechkin Matter

"DUCK CALLS" Anaheim Ducks postgame radio: Listen online!
Guests Ducks Center Ryan Carter, Peter Berce (Sirius/XM), Ducks Exec Bob Wagner, Thrashers scout John Van Boxmeer

Kings: Richardson Gains from Purcell's Struggles
by Gann Matsuda

Plus - by Josh Brewster for NHL.com:

Perry's Star Continues to Rise in Anaheim (NHL.com)
http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=508506

Robitaille: Draft Will Showcase Kings and California Hockey (NHL.com)
http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=508802


==============================================================
J o s h   B r e w s t e r
310.621.4790

Host of "Duck Calls" Anaheim Ducks postgame radio show

www.hockeytalk.biz




12/7/2009: LET'S PLAY HOCKEY, JANUARY 26-27, 2010 LAS VEGAS


The December issue of the Ice Link is now on the streets. An advance copy of the official newsletter of the Let's Play Hockey International Expo in Las Vegas, January 26-27, 2010, can be found at www.letsplayhockey.com

You can find a hotel reservation form for the MGM Grand Hotel and Casino along with a Buyer Application in this newsletter or you can download these forms at www.letsplayhockey.com. There are some great airfares to Las Vegas available now. Check with your favorite airline and see what your airfare cost would be.

Also, feel free to view all of the show specials in this issue of the Ice Link so you can make your trip financially beneficial to you.

Hope to see you in Vegas!

Doug Johnson
Let's Play Hockey
2721 E. 42nd Street
Minneapolis, MN 55406
(612) 729-0023
(612) 729-0259 fax
letsplay@letsplayhockey.com
www.letsplayhockey.com


12/7/2009: STRYKER-INDIGO ESTABLISHES AMERICAN SOCCER PHOTO ARCHIVE

New York City. 12/06/09. Stryker-Indigo New York has established an American Soccer Photograph Archive Collection comprised of 2600 photo images dating from 1895 to 1987. The photos, representing early American soccer, were gathered worldwide during the production and research on three American soccer film documentary projects and three soccer book projects.

Representing one of the largest and rarest collections of American soccer images ever compiled, the photo archives is 97% identified and dated and features one-of-a-kind images of soccer in 17-states. Among the most amazing are early images of British-American and Irish-American soccer teams in California, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, and New York. In addition, 270 images of European, Canadian, Australian and South American soccer teams have also been compiled. This smaller collection, which dates from 1895-1955, is currently only 40% identified and dated. The Photo Archives will be utilized by Stryker-Indigo as part of its future American and International soccer marketing and project efforts.

The creation of the American Soccer Photograph Archive Collection comes just weeks after the company announced they had eliminated its Canadian History Film And Research Library as part of a corporate restructuring. The announcement also follows on the heels of a major expansion of its soccer SISSI merchandise store, one of the largest soccer memorabilia and sports collectibles sites on EBAY, as well as a major expansion of its Hawaiian Film Archive.


11/29/2009: ROGIE VACHON SPEAKS ABOUT HIS CAREER, HALL EXCLUSION

A HOCKEYTALK SPECIAL:
Vachon speaks about career, Hall exclusion
by Gann Matsuda

"If you compare my numbers with the guys who were inducted at that time, there’s no question that I should’ve been there...but what are you going to do?" --Rogie Vachon

PLUS:
Anaheim Ducks Radio:
Duck Calls with Josh Brewster
Guests scheduled this month: EJ Hradek, Ray Ferraro, Ron Duguay and more!
Listen to the online archive

www.hockeytalk.biz


==============================================================
J o s h   B r e w s t e r
310.621.4790

Host of "Duck Calls" Anaheim Ducks postgame radio show

www.hockeytalk.biz


11/25/2009: THANKSGIVING MESSAGE FROM PRESIDENT OBAMA

My Fellow Americans:

Tomorrow, Thanksgiving Day, Americans across the country will sit down together, count our blessings, and give thanks for our families and our loved ones.

American families reflect the diversity of this great nation. No two are exactly alike, but there is a common thread they each share.

Our families are bound together through times of joy and times of grief. They shape us, support us, instill the values that guide us as individuals, and make possible all that we achieve.

So tomorrow, I'll be giving thanks for my family -- for all the wisdom, support, and love they have brought into my life.

But tomorrow is also a day to remember those who cannot sit down to break bread with those they love.

The soldier overseas holding down a lonely post and missing his kids. The sailor who left her home to serve a higher calling. The folks who must spend tomorrow apart from their families to work a second job, so they can keep food on the table or send a child to school.

We are grateful beyond words for the service and hard work of so many Americans who make our country great through their sacrifice. And this year, we know that far too many face a daily struggle that puts the comfort and security we all deserve painfully out of reach.

So when we gather tomorrow, let us also use the occasion to renew our commitment to building a more peaceful and prosperous future that every American family can enjoy.

It seems like a lifetime ago that a crowd met on a frigid February morning in Springfield, Illinois to set out on an improbable course to change our nation.

In the years since, Michelle and I have been blessed with the support and friendship of the millions of Americans who have come together to form this ongoing movement for change.

You have been there through victories and setbacks. You have given of yourselves beyond measure. You have enabled all that we have accomplished -- and you have had the courage to dream yet bigger dreams for what we can still achieve.

So in this season of thanks giving, I want to take a moment to express my gratitude to you, and my anticipation of the brighter future we are creating together.

With warmest wishes for a happy holiday season from my family to yours,

President Barack Obama


11/25/2009: HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO YOU AND YOURS!!!

FROM OUR FAMILIES TO YOURS,

MAY YOU FIND MANY REASONS TO BE GRATEFUL THIS THANKSGIVING. AND MAY YOUR HOME BE FILLED WITH LOVE, JOY AND PROSPERITY IN THE FUTURE.

- THE EMPLOYEES AND FAMILIES OF STRYKER-INDIGO NEW YORK.


11/23/2009: STRYKER-INDIGO SPORTS STORES INTERNATIONAL RECORDS SALES TO 49 COUNTRIES

11/23/09. -New York City . Stryker-Indigo New York continues to expand their online Soccer Sports Stores International ("SISSI") in anticipation of the 2010 release of a number of soccer documentaries and books.   On Monday, the company released its first comprehensive sales review announcing, during the past 18-months, that a total of 4,046 items have been sold to buyers in 49 countries. The figures, broken down by regions show that the North American Market has seen the greatest sales accounting for 2952 of the total. North American sales have been greatest in California, Texas, Colorado and Pennsylvania. In terms of worldwide sales, Europe has recorded 864 item sales, with the majority of the sales to soccer buyers in the United Kingdom, Norway and the Netherlands. In Asia, the greatest number of sales have been to collectors in Hong Kong, Japan, Australia and Thailand. Of the 49 countries where sales have been recorded, the top five sales regions have been the United States, United Kingdom, Norway, Hong Kong and the Netherlands.

You can access the SISSI Store at:

http://stores.shop.ebay.com/SISSI-THE-TOUGHEST-NAME-IN-SPORTS__W0QQ_armrsZ1


11/22/2009: HOCKEY NIGHT IN PUNJABI

Hockey Night In Punjabi

Hockey is Canada’s game. It’s synonymous with being Canadian. For people, particularly immigrants to Canada, to embrace this part of Canadian culture, they first must be exposed to the game which may not be easy.

To help bridge the cultural divide, the CBC (Canadian Broadcasting Company) has introduced in the Toronto region “Hockey Night in Punjabi”. Parminder Singh and Harnarayan Singh were hired again this year by the CBC to do play-by-play broadcasts of the NHL’s Toronto Maple Leafs in the Punjabi language. Why Punjabi you ask? It is interesting to note that more than 40% of the population in the Toronto area are immigrants of which 200, 000 speak Punjabi. As a language, Punjabi is ranked fourth among languages spoken in Canada behind English, French and Chinese. With increased immigration over the next few years, the ranking could change.

To the CBC, the Punjabi broadcasts, which air on several satellite channels, represent an intriguing initiative which started last year and received positive feedback from the community. Joe Darling, the network’s head of sports production, sees the broadcasts as a way of tapping into a new viewing audience. Given the demographics, he envisions a future where perhaps, “Hockey Night in Canada” goes global beaming broadcasts to China in Mandarin and Cantonese, to India in Punjabi or some other language, and to other countries where “hockey” has no natural roots and English and French are not the official languages. With globalization and the NHL’s interest is growing hockey in other countries that eventuality may not be too far away.

Bob Dawson, SONAHHR (Ottawa, Ontario)


11/16/2009: SONAHHR BOXING SPECIAL: PAC-MAN AND THE FOUR KINGS

PAC-MAN AND THE FOUR KINGS

By Charles R. Saunders
SONAHHR VICE-PRESIDENT, BOXING

So, Manny “Pac-man” Pacquiao came through again, laying a hellacious beatdown on WBO welterweight champion Miguel Cotto. Cotto hit the canvas twice in the early rounds, then wilted under Pacquiao’s relentless onslaught until the referee came to his rescue in the twelfth round.

With this overwhelming victory, Pacquiao collected a title in a record seventh weight division, bolstered his claim to be the pound-for-pound best, and more-or-less assured himself recognition as Fighter of the Year for a second time in a row.

As I pondered Pacquiao’s latest triumph, a book I recently read came to mind: George Kimball’s Four Kings. In that excellent volume, Kimball chronicles and analyzes the 1980s exploits of Sugar Ray Leonard, Thomas Hearns, Roberto Duran and Marvelous Marvin Hagler, who dominated the welterweight and middleweight divisions of that time. They also fought each other in a super-series that was overshadowed only by major heavyweight contests such as Larry Holmes-Gerry Cooney and Mike Tyson-Michael Spinks.

Even though Pacquiao began his career as a 16-year-old light-flyweight, his body at welterweight – 40 pounds heavier – looks ripped rather than stuffed. He is now a legitimate 147-pounder. As such, I wonder how Pac-Man would have fared in the era of the Four Kings. Here’s some speculation on that matter. I added Wilfred Benitez to the mix, by the way, because Benitez defeated Duran and held his own in losses to Leonard and Hearns. Benitez did not meet Hagler – which is just as well for Benitez.

PACQUIAO-LEONARD: If Pacquiao could channel Duran’s performance against Leonard during Leonard-Duran I, and Leonard was determined to fight Pacquiao’s type of battle rather than his own, then the Pac-Man would prevail by a close, hard-fought decision. But Leonard came into Duran I stubbornly determined to beat Roberto at his own game because a disrespectful Duran got under his skin before the fight. Unlike the way Duran was then, Pacquiao is a nice guy outside the ring. Leonard would be unlikely to come into the ring with a chip on his shoulder, and he would use his size and speed to keep Pacquiao at a distance. But if Sugar Ray allowed himself to be lured into rat-a-tat-tat exchanges, he could find himself on the short end of the combinations – beaten at his own game. The matchup between Leonard and Pacquiao’s trainers – Angelo Dundee and Freddie Roach, respectively – would be almost as fascinating as the fight.

PACQUIAO-HEARNS: Hearns was two fighters in one: the consummate boxer who outpointed defensive wizard Benitez, and the power-punching “Hitman” who crushed Duran in two one-sided rounds. Pacquiao would have his hands full with either version of Hearns. A boxing Hearns would have kept his long left jab in Pacquiao’s face all night. A slugging Hearns would put a lot of hurt on Pacquiao as the Filipino warrior struggled to force his way to close quarters. It’s no disparagement at all to say that Pacquiao would have stood only a small chance to beat Hearns, whose physical attributes made him the proverbial “bridge too far” for his brave but outmatched foe.

PACQUIAO-DURAN: If the Pacquiao who beat Cotto fought the Duran who beat Leonard in their first fight, it would have been a case of the irresistible force meeting … the irresistible force. Pacquiao would have been faster; Duran stronger. If Duran’s chin held up, he might have been able to break Pac-Man down in a manner similar to what Antonio Margarito did to Cotto. There would not have been any question about what Duran had in his gloves – he had “Hands of Stone.” Duran was at his best in Leonard I, and would probably have been just a bit too much for Pacquiao. But Pacquiao beats the Duran who said “No Mas” in the second Leonard fight, and the Duran who was cold-cocked by Hearns’s right hand, and the Duran who was unable to catch up with Benitez.

PACQUIAO-BENITEZ: As a defensive fighter, Benitez earned the nickname “Radar” because of his uncanny ability to sense and avoid incoming punches. But the best radar in the world loses its effectiveness when there’s not enough firepower to back it up. That would have been Benitez’s problem against Pacquiao. Sure, the Pac-Man would miss a lot of punches. But, knowing that Benitez couldn’t hurt him, Pacquiao would just keep firing away until some of his incessant bombs eventually got through. He would have beaten Wilfred in a manner similar to Leonard’s victory over the ultra-talented Puerto Rican.

PACQUIAO-HAGLER: Not only was Marvelous Marvin a full-fledged 160-pounder; he was one of the greatest fighters of all time at that weight. Pacquiao has not met anyone remotely close to the size, skill and power of Hagler. So, Pacquiao-Hagler would be an unconscionable mismatch, right? Not necessarily. There were two ways to beat Hagler. One was to fight him in Philadelphia, where he suffered some tough losses early in his career. The other was to make him hesitate. That was how Vito Antuofuermo held Hagler to a draw in their first fight, and how Duran almost stole a decision from him, and how Leonard actually did come away with the verdict in their controversial superfight. If Pac-Man’s rapid-fire flurries could confound Hagler’s “Destruct and Destroy” offense, Manny would have had a chance to pull off an upset similar to Leonard’s. On the other hand, if Hagler were able to march unscathed through Pacquiao’s firepower, it would be a short, painful night for the Filipino – even in Philadelphia.

So, if Pacquiao had fought during the “Four Kings” era, he would have had more losses on his record than he does now. But he would have fit well in the mix of those Hall-of-Fame champions, and we’d probably still be talking about his contests against them today.


11/4/2009: 'IN THE BLOOD' TO PREMIER NOVEMBER 15th AT THE QUEEN'S INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL

New York City. 11/04/09.   Greg Hotaling's long awaited soccer documentary 'In The Bood' is scheduled to premier on November 15th at the Queen's International Film Festival.

In the Blood portrays the struggles and triumphs of a lower division soccer team and its dedicated community of supporters in working class England. For a century the town of Brentford in this corner of west London has identified itself with its beloved Bees, the local team which has seen its fortunes decline with the increased commercialization of the sport. As the Premiere League becomes a cash-rich global phenomenon, Brentford fans worry that their lower league Bees will soon cease to exist as the team sinks further into financial debt. Equally worrisome for longtime Brentford residents are the changes faced by the town itself: gentrification, and the resulting decline of importance attached to Brentford's soccer tradition. Faced with local establishment politicians whose desire to rescue the team is uncertain, several die-hard fans take matters into their own hands by creating a single-issue party to challenge the dominant Labour Party in the local elections. At the same time, the Bees put together a promising season on the field which presents them with the chance for promotion into a higher league and better financial prospects. As the Bees approach their do-or-die championship game, and their fans gear up for an all-important election night, the club's future is in the balance but the passion for a local tradition runs as deep as ever: it's in the blood.

For more information, or tickets to the event check out the following link:

http://www.queensfilmfestival.com/films/detail.asp?fid=429

___________________________________________

IN THE BLOOD
        World Premiere

Director: Gregory Hotaling
United States, 2008, 46min
Format: DVD (screening) - DVCAM (shooting)
Festival Edition: 2009
Category: Documentary
next 2009 Documentary film
next 2009 film

2009 Documentary films
2009 films

Showtime: 12:30 PM | Sun Nov 15 | Frank Sinatra School of the Arts - White Room        

Cast:         Luke Kirton
Crew:         Executive Producers: Gregory Hotaling - Producers: Gregory Hotaling - Cinematographer: Gregory Hotaling - Editor: Laurie MacMillan
Email:         largemilkshakeplease@yahoo.com

biography

Gregory Hotaling lives in Staten Island, New York. He is a longtime member of SONAHHR FILM.


10/31/2009: LET'S PLAY HOCKEY, JANUARY 26-27, 2010 LAS VEGAS

The November issue of the Ice Link is now on the streets. An advance copy of the official newsletter of the Let's Play Hockey International Expo in Las Vegas, January 26-27, 2010, can be found at www.letsplayhockey.com.

You can find a hotel reservation form for the MGM Grand Hotel and Casino along with a Buyer Application in this newsletter or you can download these forms at www.letsplayhockey.com. There are some great airfares to Las Vegas. Check with your favorite airline and see what your airfare cost would be.

Hope to see you in Vegas!

Doug Johnson
Let's Play Hockey
2721 E. 42nd Street
Minneapolis, MN 55406
(612) 729-0023
(612) 729-0259 fax
letsplay@letsplayhockey.com
www.letsplayhockey.com


10/30/2009: TONY McCLEAN'S RUNDOWN FOR THE WEEKEND SPORTS RAP

SATURDAY'S WEEKEND SPORTS RAP
(October 31st, 2-4 p.m. ET on BlogTalkRadio.com and BASN)

Co-Host: Michael-Louis Ingram from BASN and the Sports MC's.

ALL GUESTS: Please call (646) 727-2642.

2:05: George Fosty, President/CEO of Stryker-Indigo Publishing Company, Inc. and co-author of "Black Ice: The Lost History of the Colored Hockey League of the Maritimes, 1895-1925" talks about his recent BASN column on the Hockey Hall of Fame.

3:05: General sports talk (i.e., NFL, MLB playoffs, NCAA football) and open phones.

3:35: Columnist and author Fred Mitchell of the Chicago Tribune ("Then Ditka Said to Payton") talks about Sunday's ceremony at Soldier Field honoring the late Walter Payton and other football-related topics.

==================================================================
Remember, you can listen to the show every Saturday (2 to 4 pm ET) at www.blogtalkradio.com and www.blackathlete.com.

Just go to the search section at the top of the page and type in the keywords "Tony McClean" or "Weekend Sports Rap" and it will take youto the page.

You can listen online or call in and express your thoughts, ask a question or make comments at (646) 727-2642 or our chat room.

To get in touch with the host, e-mail Tony at teemack@blackathlete.com
or teemack2000@comcast.net.

Thanks for your support and please let all of your sports-minded friends and colleagues know about "The Weekend Sports Rap".

NOTE: You can also checkout show archives at www.blogtalkradio.com/Tony-McClean and www.blackathlete.com.


10/27/2009: SONAHHR BOXING SPECIAL: CONSTRUCTING AN AMERICAN HEAVYWEIGHT CONTENDER

CONSTRUCTING AN AMERICAN HEAVYWEIGHT CONTENDER

By Charles R. Saunders
SONAHHR Vice-President, Boxing

It happened again. Yet another American heavyweight challenger came up short against one of the title-holding Klitschko brothers. Vitali Klitschko recently beat Chris Arreola like a rug, prompting Arreola’s trainer to stop the fight after the tenth round ended.

In December, Kevin “Kingpin” Johnson gets a shot at Vitali’s crown. Arreola is a puncher without much in the way of boxing skills. Johnson is a boxer without much in the way of punching power. He’ll be a decided underdog against Vitali, who punches with authority.

So Vitali Klitschko and his younger brother Wladimir are likely to continue their dominance of the heavyweights for a long time to come, leaving American contenders on the outside looking in on a division they once ruled by divine might.

No single American big guy seems capable of dethroning either of the giant Ukrainians (Vitali stands 6’7” or 6’8” and Wladimir 6’6” or 6’7”, depending on who is doing the measuring). But what if a contender could be constructed from the various best attributes of current U.S. heavyweights? From what parts might such a fistic Frankenstein be created?

We start with the size of Tye Fields. At 6’8” and 270 pounds, Fields is more than a match for the Klitschko brothers’ height and weight. Of course, as the setbacks numerous in Fields’ career have shown, size alone is not enough. Our mythical contender would also need ...

The jab of Kevin Johnson. Johnson’s fistic role model is Larry Holmes, and Holmes’ jab may have been the best in heavyweight history. Johnson’s jab might not match Holmes’, but it could be good enough to offset the jabs of the Klitschkos. But Johnson’s upcoming challenge of Vitali Klitschko is likely to show that a good jab alone is not enough. Our imaginary contender could also use ...

The power of Chris Arreola. Arreola didn’t get the opportunity to demonstrate his big punch against Vitali Klitschko, but the California clouter is still the hardest hitter among American heavyweights. Along with a knockout punch, though, our American hope requires ...

The speed of Eddie Chambers. “Fast Eddie” is a little guy among the heavyweights, but his quickness recently proved too much for the highly touted Alexander Dimitrenko, who is the same size as the Klitschkos. Of course, speed and power are desirable, but our contender would have to be able to put those attributes to effective use, calling upon ...

The skill of James Toney. Yes, he’s old. Yes, he’s fat. Yes, he used to be a middleweight. But Toney has forgotten more about boxing than any other heavyweight of today has learned. Even now, any fighter, no matter what division, would be hard-pressed to match Toney’s defense, ring smarts and counterpunching ability. Armed with Toney’s skill set, the only other thing our composite contender would need is ...

The durability of Marion Wilson. Don’t laugh, OK? Even though Wilson’s record is an unimpressive 12-41-4, with a mere 5 KOs, only one of those losses came by stoppage, on cuts against one Derek Isaman. Over two decades, heavy hitters like Andrew Golota, Ray Mercer, Samuel Peter, Shannon Briggs, Ike Ibeabuchi, Oleg Maskaev and Hasim Rahman were unable to keep Wilson from answering the final bell. At age 50, he went the eight-round distance in a loss to the still-formidable Oliver McCall. Our manufactured contender would be well-served by having a chin and stamina on a par with Wilson’s.

A fighter with the above attributes would certainly stand an excellent chance to knock the Klitschkos, not to mention Nikolay Valuev, off their thrones. But for now, at least, our contender exists only in the imagination. But imagine how good a fighter like that would be. He’d probably be an all-time great.

By the way, if Kevin Johnson does manage to upset Vitali Klitschko, forget you ever read this.




10/27/2009: LATEST HOCKEYTALK FEATURES NOW ONLINE

WWW.HOCKEYTALK.BIZ
Time to Right a Wrong: Hall of Fame Must Induct Rogie Vachon
by Gann Matsuda
'Flying' Impossible on Level Playing Field
by Charles Smith
NHL Week in Review
by Chris Kober:
So Far
So Good for Nieuwendyk's Stars
Quick Shots by Josh Brewster
Olaf "Godzilla" Kolzig
Retires
by Ivo Jaschick
Early Season Suprises: Eastern Conference
Rink Rants by Jason Reed

AND DUCK CALLS RADIO ARCHIVE:
ANAHEIM DUCKS POSTGAME ROAD SHOW - LISTEN ONLINE!
plus Ducks coverage by Karen Francis

http://www.hockeytalk.biz/duckcalls.htm


==============================================================
J o s h   B r e w s t e r
310.621.4790

Host of "Duck Calls" Anaheim Ducks postgame radio show

www.hockeytalk.biz


10/26/2009: STRYKER-INDIGO ELIMINATES CANADIAN HISTORY DIVISION

New York City. 10/26/09. In a surprise move, Stryker-Indigo New York announced today that they have eliminated their Canadian History, Film and Research Department as part of a new corporate restructuring.

According to Vice President Darril Fosty, " We have concluded that there is currently a very limited opportunity to promote Canadian history and Canadian sports content in the present economic and social environment. Because of this , we have decided to move our company into new, more profitable, areas of history and sports marketing."

From 1996 to 2009, Stryker-Indigo New York was one of the few American-based book publishing and video production companies working in the field of Canadian sports and social history. The company had one of the largest collections of Canadian book and manuscript histories, historic artifacts, and Canadian films outside of Canada.   The company was founded in 1996 by Canadian historians George and Darril Fosty.

In recent months, Stryker has been developing a series of projects in the area of American history and sports. Stryker-Indigo will continue to work in the realm of minority and international hockey history, on a select project-by-project basis, though the sport will no longer be its primary focus.


10/25/2009: SISSI: THE TOUGHEST NAME IN SPORTS!


STRYKER-INDIGO SPORTS STORES INTERNATIONAL "SISSI" -THE TOUGHEST NAME IN SPORTS® -the fastest growing and currently the 2ND largest SOCCER card site on EBAY - is a one-stop-shop for worldwide SOCCER, RUGBY, CRICKET, and CYCLING collectibles. Check them out at:

http://stores.shop.ebay.com/SISSI-THE-TOUGHEST-NAME-IN-SPORTS__W0QQ_armrsZ1

THEY NOW SHIP WORLDWIDE !!



link: http://stores.shop.ebay.com/SISSI-THE-TOUGHEST-NAME-IN-SPORTS__W0QQ_armrsZ1


10/24/2009: SPECIAL COMMENT: ITS TIME TO TEAR DOWN THE HOCKEY HALL OF FAME

SPECIAL COMMENT: ITS TIME TO TEAR DOWN THE HOCKEY HALL OF FAME.

by

GEORGE FOSTY
SONAHHR PRESIDENT


        Thirteen years ago this week, my brother Darril and I began our journey into the history of African-Canadian hockey. For it was on October 21, 1996 that we discovered our first references to the Colored Hockey League of the Maritimes, an all-black league which existed in Canada from 1894-1931.

        Over these years, as the research has continued, more and more information has come to light. We now know that between 1894-1939 there were forty-two All-Black hockey teams and hockey clubs that existed in Canada and the United States. Fully twenty-percent of these teams would have been considered highly skilled and capable of playing at the elite levels of hockey.   From the years 1917-1951 alone, as many as 30-40 African-Canadians and African-Americans were skilled enough to have played in the NHL. Unfortunately, these men, Herb Carnegie being the most famous, never got the chance -denied the opportunity due to the color of their skin.

Racism is a terrible thing and the sport of Hockey is poorer today because of this. Can you imagine what a different world it would be today if those 30-40 black hockey players had been allowed to lace up for the NHL in the 1920s- 1940s. Hockey would have been two generations ahead of baseball in integration. Instead, hockey finds itself struggling to 'attract minorities' to the game and to overcome a 100-year perception that it is a white man's sport. Today, though the sport of hockey has made major strides to 'level the playing field for minorities' , it still has a long way to go.

         Since 1997, there have been calls to have Herb Carnegie inducted into the Hockey Hall Of Fame. The calls have fallen on deaf ears. During this same period, there have also been calls for the Hockey Hall Of Fame to recognize the history and accomplishments of the Colored Hockey League. Still we wait.   There have also been calls for the Hockey Hall Of Fame to recognize the accomplishments of Richard Lord, the first African-Canadian to play in the NCAA (1948 Michigan State). Again, those calls to the Hall Of Fame have gone unanswered.


Should I continue? Why Not? How about Hippo Galloway or Charlie Lightfoot - (black stars of the Ontario Hockey Leagues during the 1900-1917 era)? Perhaps we could mention the goaltending innovations of Fred "Spider" Borden or Henry "Braces" Franklin two of the greatest African-Canadian hockey players to play in the Colored Hockey League. If it were not for these two men, hockey would still have stand-up goaltenders. Maybe we could have the Hall of Fame recognize Voelz's Colored Monarchs Of Hockey, a Minneapolis-based all-black hockey team that was formed in 1934. The Monarchs were the first "professional" all-black hockey team. The Monarch's, eighteen professional black hockey players recruited from Nova Scotia, Ontario, Manitoba, Quebec, Maine, Michigan and Massachusetts , apparently never got the chance to play against elite Canadian teams. Again, they were denied the opportunity because of the color of their skin.

As a hockey historian, maybe I am asking or expecting too much to ask the Hockey Hall Of Fame to reflect hockey and the game's true history. Afterall, the Hockey Hall Of Fame does not recognize the contributions of the Mik Maq Indians (the inventors of the hockey stick). Nor do they credit Americans and American hockey with the invention of the hockey net (late 1800s in Brooklyn). Nor does the Hockey Hall Of Fame acknowledge Chinese Hockey in Alberta ( the earliest photo of which dates to 1904). Nor do they recognize Japanese Hockey in British Columbia (2010 is the 100th Anniversary of Japanese Hockey in Canada if anyone is interested). How about the French-Canadian hockey histories from the 1800s. Where are they? While we are at it, how about investigating the early Irish and Scottish hockey traditions in Canada during the 1800s. Those histories are mysteriously absent from the Hall Of Fame display cases. Then again, so too are the Mohawk Indian histories and the Thompson-Salish Canadian Indian histories. The Mohawks and Thompsons played early stick hockey in Canada going back hundreds of years.

Given how much history is absent from the Hockey Hall Of Fame, perhaps its time we simply dismantled the Hockey Hall Of Fame and started over. Does anyone have a bulldozer?


10/24/2009: TONY McCLEAN'S RUNDOWN FOR THE WEEKEND SPORTS RAP

SATURDAY'S WEEKEND SPORTS RAP
(October 24th, 2-4 p.m. ET on BlogTalkRadio.com and BASN)

Co-Host: Michael-Louis Ingram from BASN and the Sports MC's.

ALL GUESTS: Please call (646) 727-2642.

2:05: BASN's Wesley Chism Jr. ("Box In One") talks about the NBA Developmental League and other hoop-related topics.

3:05: General sports talk (i.e., NFL, MLB playoffs, NCAA football) and open phones.

==============================
====================================
Remember, you can listen to the show every Saturday (2 to 4 pm ET) at www.blogtalkradio.com and www.blackathlete.com.

Just go to the search section at the top of the page and type in the keywords "Tony McClean" or "Weekend Sports Rap" and it will take youto the page.

You can listen online or call in and express your thoughts, ask a question or make comments at (646) 727-2642 or our chat room.

To get in touch with the host, e-mail Tony at teemack@blackathlete.com
or teemack2000@comcast.net.

Thanks for your support and please let all of your sports-minded friends and colleagues know about "The Weekend Sports Rap".

NOTE: You can also checkout show archives at www.blogtalkradio.com/Tony-McClean and www.blackathlete.com.


10/20/2009: NEW YORK CITY: SCENEPR EVENT UPDATES

SCENEPR EVENT UPDATES
October 20, 2009

In This Issue...

* New Media & A/V Partner Introduction: Film News Brief & Analog Digital Intl.

* Film Industry Networking Event [TOMORROW!]

* Gotham Screen Film Festival & Screenplay competition

* Canstuction: Help Feed New York's Hungry

======================
SCENEPR welcomes Film News Brief & Analog Digital Intl.!

We're highly excited about the future of SCENEPR given the great new Media Partner & A/V Sponsor we've aligned with! In fact Analog Digital is working with us on both SCENEPR events and our new initiative, Green Is: Digital, upcoming December 5th.

FilmNewsBriefs is a highly coveted daily newsletter serving the entertainment community. It began in 2007 as an executive memo for a movie mogul. Since the newsletter’s debut, the subscriber list has continued to grow exponentially including studio execs, producers, agents, manager, filmmakers and film enthusiasts. In July 2009, FilmNewsBriefs received some seed financing from Stephan Paternot and in September 2009 re-launched the filmnewsbriefs.com website and re-branded the newsletter.

On Monday’s we post a weekly editorial discussing how technology is changing the film industry and spotlight an industry innovator on Thursdays. The first Friday of every month we send out an additional newsletter with 4 embedded videos featuring emerging talent, including information on the filmmakers, which is exclusive for our subscribers. Due to the influential readers, many of the filmmakers featured in our monthly newsletter have been called in for meetings at production companies, agencies and management firms. Visit them @ http://www.filmnewsbriefs.com/


ANALOG DIGITAL INTL, INC., (ADI). , is a major distributor of Professional and Broadcast Video equipment in both PAL and NTSC formats. We represent leading brands such as; SONY, JVC, PANASONIC, just to name a few.

ADI also offers a post production facility where we have the capabilities and resources to handle all aspects of post production from editing to standards conversion to duplication. Our editing capabilities allow us to handle PAL or NTSC, depending on your needs. We offer close captioning, video file compression/encoding, DVD authoring/Replication and an array of other services to help your project be a success.

At ADI, we will work with you one-on-one to best determine the most efficient way to bring your production to completion without any compromise to quality. No matter what your budget, we have services that fit.

Website:http://www.analogdigitalinc.com

======================

NYCFF Film Industry Networking Mixer
Weds., October 21st
6pm-9pm

MEET NYC'S NEW AUTEURS, FILM GUERILLAS,CINEMATIC WORDSMITHS AND OTHER FILM PROFESSIONALS


Join us from 6-9PM for an evening of drinks, film intrigue and business card exchanging!

First 100 people registered ONLINE (yes, you can also pay at the door!) get entered to win one of three great prizes ($250 Value!)

NEW! Special added bonus raffle!! (a GIANT surprise up for grabs tomorrow!)


http://filmmixer.eventbrite.com

Media Partner: Film News Brief | www.filmnewsbriefs.com

Special Thanks:
48 Lounge
Beastsocial
Laurie ROsenblatt, Photographer
Nichole DOnje, donje photography
Joi Warbucks

======================

Gotham Screen Film Festival & Screenplay Competition Running October 20-25th at Tribeca Cinemas
FREE live stage screenplay reading Tuesday at 7:30pm

GOTHAM SCREEN presents fresh voices and perspectives from local, national and international filmmakers. The mission of the festival is to create a positive industry and audience exposure for works that would otherwise not easily get seen, and give New Yorkers a chance to see a fresh, undiscovered cinema from around the world.

This year's lineup includes 6 features and 2 short programs. We are excited to have three US premieres, Belgium's Loft, Argentina's El Vestido, and Serbia's The Belgrade Phantom Visit them @ www.triboropictures.com


====================

Canstruction Donation - Help Feed New York's Hungry
A Note From Stanley Ethan Wong of BeastSocial

I am writing to you on behalf of a unique community service project sponsored by the design and construction industry. Each year design teams compete to build amazing giant structures made entirely out of canned foods. The resulting structures become an art exhibit that goes on view to the public in each participating city. At the end of the exhibitions, all of the food used in the structures is donated to the city’s local food banks for distribution to feed the hungry. Last year, events were held in 75 cities across the United States alone that resulted in over 2.2 million pounds of food that fed hundreds of hungry people in need.

As a charter member, I am proud to help on this year's Event Gala. Canstruction New York Inc. is a brilliant public relations event aimed at putting a spotlight on the design and construction industry doing something tangible to help in the fight against hunger. We are happy to have City Harvest as our lead charity for Canstruction New York Inc. We need your help in raising funds to make this event possible.

The exhibition is scheduled November 12 - 23 at The World Financial Center. Any dollar amount will be appreciated. Please review our sponsor invitation. Please contact me for further questions at 917 334 8123 917 334 8123 . I hope you can help us feed New York's hungry. Thank you.

View the Donation Sheet: http://tinyurl.com/yz9llb7

Visit them @ www.canstruction.org

====================

SCENEPR | www.scenepr.com
Follow us @ sceneprnyc


10/18/2009: NYCFF FILM INDUSTRY NETWORKING MIXER


Weds., October 21st from 6pm-9pm
MEET NYC'S NEW AUTEURS, FILM GUERILLAS,CINEMATIC WORDSMITHS AND OTHER FILM PROFESSIONALS
Who should attend? Entrepreneurs,attorneys, bankers, investment managers, entertainment lawyers, venture capitalists and other non-film professionals looking to find possible independent filmmakers to collaborate with. Anyone whose profession is either in front of the camera or behind the lens are encouraged to join us.

Join us from 6-9PM for an evening of drinks, film intrigue and business card exchanging!

First 100 people registered online get entered to win one of three great prizes ($250 Value!)

Info & rsvp http://filmmixer.eventbrite.com
About NYCFF
NYCFF is a member community of individuals in both the film and finance industries interested in working together to produce independent & feature films for theatrical distribution. Film Directors, Producers, and Investors are welcome to join. Join Us at http://www.linkedin.com/groupRegistration?gid=1030297


10/18/2009: COPPER AND BLUE: AN INTERVIEW WITH GEORGE AND DARRIL FOSTY

An Interview With George and Darril Fosty, the Authors of "Black Ice"
by Derek Zona on Oct 17, 2009 9:00 AM PDT in History   

In August, I reviewed Black Ice: The Lost History of the Colored Hockey League of the Maritimes, 1895-1925 and told you all that "...The words of the leaders of these black communities resonated long after I was done reading..." They resonated so much that I reached out to the authors, George and Darril Fosty and asked if they would mind answering a few questions. The ensuing conversation is below the jump. We explored a couple of controversial topics and the authors were very forthcoming. During the interview, George mentioned that they are working on a follow-up to Black Ice - we eagerly await the results.



C& B: What was the catalyst that started you on this project?

GEORGE: We were researching the history of Hockey for our first book, Splendid is the Sun: The 5,000 Year History of Hockey when we came across a few obscure references to the Colored Hockey League. At the time we simply put the information to the side, believing that the story would either be incorporated into a footnote or as a small reference in the book.


C&B: This obviously took a monumental amount of research. Where did you start?

GEORGE: The first references to the league were discovered in 1996. We reviewed thousands of books and sources and found 3-references. From there we started to look at non-sports histories including early black histories and regional Canadian histories from the Maritimes and the Northeastern United States.

ARTICLE CONTINUES AT:

http://www.coppernblue.com/


10/17/2009: TONY McCLEAN'S RUNDOWN FOR THE WEEKEND SPORTS RAP

SATURDAY'S WEEKEND SPORTS RAP
(October 17th, 2-4 p.m. ET on BlogTalkRadio.com and BASN)

Co-Host: Michael-Louis Ingram from BASN and the Sports MC's.

ALL GUESTS: Please call (646) 727-2642.

2:05: An exclusive interview with hockey pioneer Willie O'Ree, the director of NHL Diversity.

2:35: BASN's Andrew Dixon talks about the U.S. National Soccer Team and the 2010 World Cup.

3:05: General sports talk (i.e., NFL, MLB playoffs, NCAA football) and open phones.

==============================
====================================
Remember, you can listen to the show every Saturday (2 to 4 pm ET) at www.blogtalkradio.com and www.blackathlete.com.

Just go to the search section at the top of the page and type in the keywords "Tony McClean" or "Weekend Sports Rap" and it will take youto the page.

You can listen online or call in and express your thoughts, ask a question or make comments at (646) 727-2642 or our chat room.

To get in touch with the host, e-mail Tony at teemack@blackathlete.com
or teemack2000@comcast.net.

Thanks for your support and please let all of your sports-minded friends and colleagues know about "The Weekend Sports Rap".

NOTE: You can also checkout show archives at www.blogtalkradio.com/Tony-McClean and www.blackathlete.com.


10/10/2009: CHAMPION PROJECTS HONG KONG IN TALKS WITH STRYKER-INDIGO NEW YORK

Hong Kong/New York City. 10/10/09.   Champion Projects of Hong Kong and Stryker-Indigo New York confirmed today that they have entered into talks designed to explore ways for both companies to partner for the purpose of developing, promoting and marketing Soccer-content documentaries , films, and product in the United States, Canada, China and Europe.

Founded by Nene Leung in 2000, Champion Projects, http://www.championprojects.com, is headquartered in Hong Kong offering all rounded service for Soccer clients in China and Europe.

Previously based in London, Mr. Leung worked as a Project Planner for the Commercial Department of the English Premier League during the 1998/1999 season. He is in fact the only Asian who has ever worked for the Premier League - The Most Successful Soccer League In The World.

Prior to his soccer career, Mr. Leung spent 15 years in the advertising and marketing field in Hong Kong and China working with companies such as Nestle, Saatchi & Saatchi, JWT etc. He was General Manager of McCann-Erickson Shanghai before joining the English Premier League in 1998.

Stryker-Indigo New York, http://www.stryker-indigo.com, is a privately-owned book publishing and documentary production company incorporated in New York State. It was founded in 1996 by Canadian historians and filmmakers George and Darril Fosty. Stryker-Indigo is currently working on a number of Soccer book and documentary projects designed for the American and Canadian marketplace


10/10/2009: SISSI: THE TOUGHEST NAME IN SPORTS!

STRYKER-INDIGO SPORTS STORES INTERNATIONAL "SISSI" -THE TOUGHEST NAME IN SPORTS® -the fastest growing and currently the 2ND largest SOCCER card site on EBAY - is a one-stop-shop for worldwide SOCCER, RUGBY, CRICKET, and CYCLING collectibles. Check them out at:

http://stores.shop.ebay.com/SISSI-THE-TOUGHEST-NAME-IN-SPORTS__W0QQ_armrsZ1

THEY NOW SHIP WORLDWIDE !!


10/10/2009: SEEKING FIRST NATIONS HOCKEY FILM FOOTAGE/VIDEOS

New York City. October 10, 2009. The Stryker-Indigo Publishing Company, Inc., www.stryker-indigo.com, is seeking amateur film and video footage for the First Nations hockey documentary, Skies Of Fire, Lands Of Ice.

Skies of Fire, Lands of Ice chronicles the history of First Nations hockey and is based upon an upcoming book by Canadian hockey historians George and Darril Fosty. The first round of video production is scheduled to begin on October 15th in New York City.

If you have any 8mm, Super 8mm, 16mm, VHS, footage of First Nations hockey you can contact the following individuals:

U.S. Contact:

George Fosty at: georgefosty@yahoo.com.

Canada Contact:

Barry Marsman at: marsmaneugene@shaw.ca

link: http://www.stryker-indigo.com


10/10/2009: Tales of The New Jersey Shore

Tales of the New Jersey Shore is the blog of hockey historian Emil R. Salvini- best-selling author of: Summer City by the Sea- An Illustrated History of Cape May,NJ Boardwalk Memories, Tales of the Jersey Shore' Vintage Images of Bygone Days He is also the author of Hobey Baker, American Legend -an award winning biography of collegiate hockey great Hobey Baker.

You can visit Emil's site at: http://talesofthejerseyshore.blogspot.com


10/10/2009: NEW YORK CITY: TERRY FOX RUN FOR CANCER RESEARCH



Saturday, October 17, 9:30 am

Central Park (near Tavern on the Green)

On October 17, the Canadian Association of New York (CANY) will once again oversee the annual Terry Fox Run for Cancer Research in Central Park. The run itself is a 5K `fun run` for all ages, a family event supporting cancer research at the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York City. At age 18, Canadian Terry Fox learned that, due to bone cancer, his right leg would have to be amputated above the knee. Mr. Fox's subsequent fight for a cancer cure was built around his `Marathon of Hope,` the name for his planned cross-country run of Canada. For 142 days in 1980, Mr. Fox ran 26 miles per day, crossing 3,000 miles until, on September 1, near Thunder Bay, Ontario, he was forced to stop (he had started in St. John's, Newfoundland). The cancer had spread to his lungs. He died on June 28th, 1981, a month shy of his 23rd birthday. The Canadian Association of New York founded and organizes this event in honor of this Canadian hero.

link: http://www.canadianassociationny.org/events_desc.php?news_id=83


10/10/2009: ANAHEIM DUCKS RADIO: "DUCK CALLS" TONIGHT AND SUNDAY

ANAHEIM DUCKS RADIO: "DUCK CALLS" TONIGHT AND SUNDAY
Ducks at Philly - Saturday's Guests:
Graig Woodburn, Press-Enterprise (Riverside, CA)
Susan Foster, Author, "The Power of Two"
Plus: True/False with Jason Reed
Ducks at NY Rangers - Sunday's Guests:
Brian Kennedy, Author, "Living the Hockey Dream"
Ed Fraser, The Hockey News
NEW ON WWW.HOCKEYTALK.BIZ:
Huet? Get Real.
by Charles Smith
Bring Back 99
by Dennis Bernstein
NHL Opening Weekend in Review
by Chris Kober
Transformed Ducks Head into Regular Season
by Karen Francis
Kings Playoff-Bound?
By Gann Matsuda
Opening Night:
A Sharktastic Duxaster
Audio by Leon Rafner
NHL in Europe: Blues Spoilers; Panthers Blackhawks Split
Ivo Jaschick reports from Stockholm
The Dany Heatley
NHL Tour
Rink Rants by Jason Reed

==============================================================
J o s h   B r e w s t e r
310.621.4790

Host of "Duck Calls" Anaheim Ducks postgame radio show

www.hockeytalk.biz


10/10/2009: HAVE $3.8 BILLION -WILL TRAVEL: CHARLES WANG AND THE LIGHTHOUSE PROJECT

SONAHHR Special Report

Have $3.8 Billion -Will Travel: Charles Wang And The Lighthouse Project.

by George Fosty
SONAHHR President


Hempstead, New York, 10/10/09. It appears that Charles Wang's $3.8 Billion Lighthouse Development Project on Long Island has hit more political road blocks.

Wang, the owner of the New York Islanders NHL Hockey Team, has been lobbying the Town of Hempstead, New York to allow for his development project, centered in and around Nassau Coliseum, to proceed. Unfortunately, Wang has encountered plenty of opposition, from local politicians, environmental groups, and local merchants concerned that the Lighthouse Development would have a detrimental impact on regional and local business.

One would think, given the disastrous economic downturn on Long Island that local politicians and merchants would be rushing to Wang's side and promoting such a development.   Afterall, Long Island, especially the local regions around the proposed site, has been hit incredibly hard during this recession/depression due to hundreds of small business failings and foreclosures over the last year. In fact, within a two-mile radius of Nassau Coliseum, home to the Islanders and proposed site for the development, one can count over one-hundred small business closings and dozens of foreclosed homes.

A case in point, Levittown, the first suburb community in America, and located two-miles east of the Coliseum has over forty business closures just along Hempstead Boulevard alone. A few months ago, even the Levittown Dollar Store closed, citing high rents and a lack of sales. To make things worse, only five new businesses have appeared along the roadway. Four of which are banks (now you know where your Bail-Out money went) and one pharmacy (Healthcare Reform anyone?). None of these businesses are currently hiring.

Since August 2008, housing values in the region have fallen by 30% all-the- while taxes have increased by 10%. Hit hardest have been Seniors and Low-Income Families. The local Food Bank has increased their telephone canvassing campaigns as they are witnessing increased demands.   Families in the Levittown/Hempstead Region now pay on average between $8,500 to $9,000 a year in local taxes for an average three-bedroom, no frills, 1200 square foot Levit Cape Home.   So bad has been the decline that local residents openly admit that the Middle-Class is disappearing with only the poor and the rich remaining. Even the poor would have left by now, had they been financially in a position to do so. It is a worrisome trend. Families are moving out of New York State and off of Long Island faster than the buses can carry them. In the past year, an estimated 120,000 people have left the region.

In an effort to increase support for the Lighthouse Project, Wang has offered to donate $5 million towards the creation of a Long Island Sports Hall Of Fame. It is generous offer, and one which would add to the region, and increase interest and tourism in the area. Already, Hempstead has its famous Museum Row, home to incredible family-friendly aviation museums and amusement centers. A Sports Hall of Fame would be a perfect addition.

A few miles down the road from the Lighthouse Project site, one also finds the famous Quaker Underground Railroad sites in Westbury, Hicksville and Old Jericho. These histories would also augment the Project and the region as they would further tie together the Lighthouse Project, hockey history, and the local communities. You would think, given the economic realities, everything would be easy, and make sense. Then again, this is Hempstead,
Long Island. Nothing comes easy. Especially if you have $3.8 Billion dollars to spend.

For more information on the Lighthouse Project check out:
http://www.lighthousehockey.com/2009/10/5/1069541/wangs-lighthouse-deadline-passes


10/10/2009: Now You See It, Now You DON'T: The Fine Art Of Historic Preservation.

The historic Mott House in Coram, Long Island is now the latest victim of historic preservation gone terribly wrong.

A few weeks ago, in an effort to "restore" the home, a cleaning crew inadvertently destroyed it. The Coram bureaucrats who were in charge of the project, none of whom apparently hold any degrees in History or Historic Preservation, are now pointing fingers and blaming each other for the disaster.

The Mottt House is just one more example of what happens when unqualified individuals with no knowledge of historic preservation are allowed to oversee historic preservation projects and historic site reclamation.

For more information on the Coram Disaster check out:

http://www.newsday.com/long-island/joye-brown-how-did-a-historic-house-fall-victim-to-cleanup-crew-1.1493889


10/10/2009: WEEKEND READING: NORM ULLMAN

Sonahhr Canada's Joe Pelletier has posted an excellent article on hockey great Norm Ullman.

As Joe writes: "When you name the greatest players in Detroit Red Wings history, and there are a lot of them, I bet the one name that rarely gets any mention is that of Norm Ullman. Ullman was the Ron Francis of his day, quietly excelling in what amounted into one of the most under-appreciated Hall of Fame careers in hockey history."

You can access the article at:
http://www.greatesthockeylegends.com/2009/10/weekend-reading-norm-ullman.html


10/10/2009: RIO 2016: LIVE YOUR PASSION

Get your bags packed and get ready to go because it is now official: Rio 2016.

Brazil's economy is now the tenth largest in the world - and predicted to be fifth by 2016. Brazil is the world's second biggest food exporter, one of the world's largest oil and ore producers and the fifth largest advertising market. The country's diverse economy is the engine of South America and one of the world's top 10 consumer markets. They have the highest levels of Internet use in the world. The enduring strength of their economy - even in the current global climate - has enabled their Government to guarantee the investments needed for the 2016 Games, including direct funding of US$700m for the OCOG.

http://www.rio2016.com/en/Default.aspx


10/10/2009: SONAHHR BOXING SPECIAL: THE DIVISION OVER NO DECISION

THE DIVISION OVER NO DECISION

By Charles R. Saunders
SONAHHR Vice-President, Boxing

“You can’t rewrite history” is an old saying that is a bit misleading. Every time a new element of the past is discovered, be it a million-year-old bone fragment or century-old document, history is rewritten. New interpretations of past events and debunking of long-held beliefs about those events are also revisions of history. Every year, hundreds of “rewritten history” books are published, and hopefully read.

“You can’t change history” is another old saying – one that is not at all misleading. Historical events can be reinterpreted, but they cannot be altered. The Second World War, for example, can be analyzed from various perspectives. But the war itself cannot be undone.

Yet some boxing historians have attempted to undo history in the way they deal with records from boxing’s “No Decision” era, which occurred in the early part of the twentieth century.

During those early days, some – but not all – states prohibited the rendering of a decision in any bout that lasted the scheduled distance. The purpose of the policy was to discourage gamblers from attempting to influence the opinions of judges and referees. The only way a “No Decision” bout could be won was by knockout or disqualification.

However, the prohibition against decisions did not discourage gamblers. Then again, the prohibition against alcohol didn’t discourage boozers, either. In the absence of an official decision, bets were laid on the opinions of newspaper reporters at ringside. The reporters’ consensus came to be known as the “Newspaper Decision.”

Early boxing record-keepers did not consider “Newspaper Decisions” to carry any official weight. For them, the initials “ND” stood for “No Decision,” and that’s how those outcomes were listed all the way through to the 1980s.

To the casual observer, the records of “No Decision”-era boxers can look … indecisive. I know they did to me the first time I saw them. Even the greatest fighters of that time can look less than impressive on paper if their records are speckled with “ND” results.

Benny Leonard, for example, is considered by fight fans of a certain age to be the greatest lightweight champion of all time. According to the 1984 edition of The Ring Record Book, Leonard had a total of 210 bouts from 1911 to 1932, with a seven-year layoff from 1924 to 1931. Of those bouts, Leonard won 71 by knockout and 18 by decision. He had one draw and lost one bout by disqualification. He was stopped four times. And he had 115 “No Decision” outcomes.

So, one of the greatest pound-for-pound fighters of all time had an official winning percentage of only .424! Somehow, that just doesn’t seem right. But … that’s the way it was.

Leonard’s greatness transcended the statistical strictures of his time. His record reflects the realities under which he plied his trade. Most of his bouts took place in New York and other venues that did not allow decisions in contests that went the distance. But to have more than half his bouts designated simply as “ND” has rubbed some boxing historians and fans the wrong way.

Since the 1980s, dedicated researchers into matters fistic have painstakingly combed newspaper archives, seeking to fully establish the veracity of early pugilists’ records. “Lost” fights have been recovered, and recorded contests that never actually took place have been expunged.

As well, “Newspaper Decisions” that accompanied “No Decision” bouts have been unearthed and recorded.

Boxrec.com, the premier Internet record site, prefers “Newspaper Decisions” to “No Decisions.” The only time it records a “No Decision” is when officials designate that result, as was the case in the recent, headbutt-marred Timothy Bradley-Nate Campbell junior-welterweight title bout.

Benny Leonard’s revised record in Boxrec.com shows a total of 217 bouts – researchers have come up with seven more that were not listed in The Ring Record Book. Leonard is credited with 70 knockouts and 113 wins by decision. His losses rise to 19, and his draws to 11. All his previous “No Decision” bouts have been converted to newspaper wins, losses and draws. Leonard’s winning percentage thus skyrockets to an impressive .843.

But … you can’t change history. And history tells us that reporters at ringside during Leonard’s “No Decision” bouts – expert though they may well have been – had no more authority to render an official verdict than did any other spectator. Unofficial opinions should not be part of any fighter’s official record.

If “Newspaper Decisions” counted in modern times, Marvin Hagler would be listed as the winner over Sugar Ray Leonard, Oscar De La Hoya would hold the “W” over Felix Trinidad, and Ken Norton would have won the heavyweight title from Muhammad Ali in their third encounter.

In those bouts and many more, the majority of ringside media did not agree with the official decisions. But that dissent doesn’t matter. It’s the judges’ (and in earlier times, referees’) decisions that go into the fighters’ records, not the opinions of the media – informed though those opinions may be.

Besides, who is to say that the scorecards of hypothetical judges in the old “No Decision” bouts would have agreed with those of newspaper reporters? There are bound to have been more than a few cases in which the ink-stained contingent would be yelling “Robbery!” along with other members of the crowd as the officials headed for the hills.

So, what’s the solution? Leave Leonard with his deceptive .424 winning percentage, or try to change history?

Fortunately, there’s a path between that rock and hard place. Boxrec.com lists “Newspaper Decisions” as “WNWS,” “LNWS,” and “DNWS.” The only “No Decision” outcomes Boxrec.com recognizes are of the Bradley-Campbell variety, as well as in cases where no “Newspaper Decision” is available.

To acknowledge both history and the need for records to more realistically reflect old-time fighters’ careers, “No Decision” bouts should be listed as “ND” and counted as such in a boxer’s record. But each of those “ND” designations should be accompanied, when appropriate, by “WNWS,” “LNWS,” or “DNWS” in parentheses. This way, the reality of the fighter’s time period is respected, as is the diligence of researchers in uncovering ringside reporters’ views of those contests.

In that way, boxing history can be revised to signify the greatness of fighters like Leonard, without trying to change the historical context of their times.




10/10/2009: SONAHHR USA JOSH BREWSTER: HOCKEYTALK NHL PREVIEW 2009-2010

www.hockeytalk.biz
Hockeytalk's
NHL PREVIEW 2009-10
Could it be that the "Big Onion" will finally be tops for the first time since '61?
30 team previews by Josh Brewster, with contributions from Karen Francis and Gaby Martinez
http://www.hockeytalk.biz/preview0910.htm


==============================================================
J o s h   B r e w s t e r
310.621.4790

Host of "Duck Calls" Anaheim Ducks postgame radio show

www.hockeytalk.biz


10/10/2009: GARRY GLAVE: SONAHHR UNITED KINGDOM UPDATE OCTOBER 2009

SONAHHR UNITED KINGDOM: OCTOBER

Hello Everyone!

Black History Month is here in Britain.

Anyway, I recently joined the planning committee on the Pan-African Society Community Forum in London (volunteer organization). Now, on the committee, I will be researching information on black men in the British Empire and Commonwealth. Men such as Ghana's Kwame Nkrumah, Jamaica's Paul Bogle, Canada's Elijah McCoy, India's Mahatma Gandhi and so on. They all opposed colonialism in their respective countries.

In 1945, Pan-African Congress hosted an event at the All Saints Building in Manchester, UK and it was one of the most important meetings during the 20th century. As a result, the meeting laid the foundation for independence to African and Caribbean countries in the British Empire (Ghana, Nigeria, Jamaica, Barbados and so on).
http://www.bbc.co.uk/manchester/content/articles/2008/10/16/pan_african_congress_feature.shtml


Now, speaking about the All Saints Building in Manchester, I will be there on the 24th of October to conduct a session about Black Canadians in the British Empire.
http://www.canadainternational.gc.ca/united_kingdom-royaume_uni/events-evenements/index.aspx?lang=eng

Also, former British Prime Minister Harold Macmillan made a great speech about imperialism in Africa.   "The wind of change is blowing through this continent, and whether we like it or not, this growth of national consciousness is a political fact. We must all accept it as a fact and our national policies must take account of it."

Finally, I say......It is vitally important to teach our children past historical events. Now, with the knowledge of past events, young people of today will be able to connect the past with the present and therefore, they will be able to lead better in the future.

Kind regards

Garry


10/10/2009: Upcoming Event: The Children Of Africville Book Signing - Halifax, October 21st

Subject: The Children of Africville

You’re Invited!

Join author CHRISTINE WELLDON for
the launch of her new book,
The Children of Africville.

Where: Halifax North Memorial Library
2285 Gottingen St., Halifax
When: Wednesday, October 21
7:00pm
This event is free and
is open to the public.
--------------------


10/10/2009: University of Hawaii Alumni Magazine Now Online!

ālamalamaOnline has been posted at www.hawaii.edu/malamalama.

The latest issue of the UH magazine is now available online. You can also subscribe to the RSS feed or follow us at twitter.com/malamalama for notices when new issues and updated weekly content are posted.

IN THIS ISSUE

        A New President Takes the Reins
M.R.C. Greenwood is the 14th president and first woman to lead the UH System. Read about the challenges she has faced and opportunities she has seized during a remarkable career, and link to her first address to the university ‘ohana. MORE
        Culinary Gold
A Kapi‘olani Community College team wins Hawai‘i’s first national championship for student chefs. MORE
        Education by Avatar
On the UH island, proponents explore the educational applications of a 3D virtual world called Second Life. MORE

        Focus on Okinawa
A strong academic tradition, vibrant ethnic community and faculty experts systemwide contribute to the creation of the nation’s first Center for Okinawan Studies. MORE
        Sensational Summer
From Nepal to Greece, UH students spent the summer in a variety of pursuits, including a larger-than-life art adventure in New York City. MORE
        Centennial Campaign a Historic Success
Mahalo to the more than 93,000 donors whose investments in UH put the Centennial Campaign over the top. MORE

DEPARTMENTS
Alumni News – See pictures from Road Warrior Tailgates
People – Our new “People” section features two remarkable alumni who are making the world a better place – Laurence Brahm through his Himalayan Consensus and Herlyne Ramihantaniarivo through a non-profit in Madagascar – along with profiles on radio host Joan Canfield and sweet entrepreneur Jon Olsen
Campus News highlights efforts to train teachers on Ni‘ihau, expand pharmacy services in American Samoa and improve high school student success in Hawai‘i
Research News includes new findings on whales, snails, star systems and body mass
Sports – Reintroducing volleyball Coach Charlie Wade
_____________________________________

Questions or comments about Mālamalama? E-mail magazine@hawaii.edu

To cancel your print subscription, please e-mail your name and address to info@uhalumni.org. We'll continue to notify you by e-mail when each new issue is available online.




10/10/2009: SONAHHR'S TONY MCCLEAN SPORTS RAP

SATURDAY'S WEEKEND SPORTS RAP
(October 10th, 2-4 p.m. ET on BlogTalkRadio.com and BASN)

Co-Host: Michael-Louis Ingram from BASN and the Sports MC's.

ALL GUESTS: Please call (646) 727-2642.

2:05: Activist and former Olympian Rosie Bonds Kreidler talks about her life on and off the field as well as this month's black Olympians reunion.

3:05: Author and sports advisor Donald Maurice Jackson ("Fourth Down & 25 Years To Go: The African-American Athlete & the Justice System") talks about the Dez Bryant affair and other related topics.

==============================
====================================
Remember, you can listen to the show every Saturday (2 to 4 pm ET) at www.blogtalkradio.com and www.blackathlete.com.

Just go to the search section at the top of the page and type in thekeywords "Tony McClean" or "Weekend Sports Rap" and it will take youto the page.

You can listen online or call in and express your thoughts, ask a question or make comments at (646) 727-2642 or our chatroom.

You can also instant message us at Yahoo Messenger (mcclean.anthony@sbcglobal.net)
and Twitter (www.twitter.com/teemack2000).

To get in touch with the host, e-mail Tony at teemack@blackathlete.com
or teemack2000@comcast.net.

Thanks for your support and please let all of your sports-minded friends and colleagues know about "The Weekend Sports Rap".

NOTE: You can also checkout show archives at www.blogtalkradio.com/Tony-McClean and www.blackathlete.com.




10/4/2009: SONAHHR FILM (NEW YORK) :New York SAG/WGAE Film Society Update

New York SAG/WGAE Film Society Launches New Season
The 2009-2010 season begins September 2009. Learn more about subscription information and getting involved.


                              2009-2010 SCREENING SCHEDULE

The Writers Guild of America, East is pleased to announce the New York SAG/WGAE Film Society 2009-2010 season, which runs from September 2009 through August 2010. This will be the 32nd consecutive season of providing our members with a diverse selection of recently released major studio, foreign and independent productions.

Screenings will be held at the Directors Guild of America Theatre, 110 West 57th Street. The cost of a subscription, which will admit you and one guest to 24 regularly scheduled screenings, is either $100 (if you were a subscriber in 2008-2009 and have retained your bar-coded membership card), or $115 (if you were not a subscriber in 2008-2009, or have lost your membership card).

If you would like to join the Film Society for the upcoming season, please return the enclosed application form with the appropriate check or money order made payable to Writers Guild of America East Foundation by August 30, 2009, to allow time for processing prior to the first screening on Monday, September 14, 2009.   

Please note that subscriptions are limited and are offered on a first-come, first-served basis.   Cards will be mailed in late August/early September, and screenings will begin September 14th 2009, and end in August of 2010.

In addition, the WGAE is seeking additional members for the Film Society committee. Anyone interested in applying to join the committee should contact Venesa Gomez at (212) 767-7811 for further information. Committee members work 16 screenings a season as well as attend three to four committee meetings annually. Committee members receive a complimentary subscription, which allows them and a guest entry to all screenings.

http://www.wgaeast.org


10/4/2009: PLACES TO EXPERIENCE HAWAII'S HISTORY

On December 7th, 1941, the Pearl Harbor naval base on Oahu was attacked, beginning America's involvement in World War II. This was just one of many significant events in the islands' rich history. From Native Hawaiian historical sites to the attack on Pearl Harbor, you can still walk in the shadow of Hawaii's past today. Travel to the Kona Coast on Hawaii's Big Island and visit hallowed Hawaiian structures built hundreds of years ago. Discover Hawaii's plantation past in Koloa on Kauai. Learn about Maui's historic whaling era in Lahaina. Whether you're learning about sacred heiau (temples) or paying your respects at the sacred sites of Pearl Harbor, an exploration of Hawaii's past will make your visit even more meaningful.

http://www.gohawaii.com





10/3/2009: LATEST BOOK BY ADELAIDE CUMMINGS NOW ON SALE!

West Falmouth, Massachusetts. 10/03/09.    " Curtain Call" the latest book of poetry from the award wining American poet Adelaide Cummings is now on sale.

Adelaide Cummings, aged 95, is a renowned and award winning poet who lives in West Falmouth, Massachusetts. She recently won a national Barnes & Noble prize for her poetry. In her more than 9 decades, she has lived a varied and accomplished life as a magazine writer, columnist, author, editor, world traveler and sailor. She is also a championship tennis player. In her eighties, she won 4 Senior Olympic gold medals in Women's Singles, Women's Doubles, Mixed Doubles and 1 U.S. T.A. National title.

In "Curtain Call" Cummings writes what can be described as light verse, light in style but richly written and packed with her dry wit and wry humor, a wisdom and appreciation of life’s pleasures and an acceptance of aging with gratitude for her long, full and bountiful life. It is impossible to open a page of Curtain Call without being amused, touched or inspired. Her poems are addictive and irresistible.

You can purchase a copy of "Curtain Call" through Barnes and Noble or Amazon.com




9/29/2009: Democrats Who Do Not Support A Public Health Option

Here is the list of the five Democrats who voted down the Public Health Option earlier today: Senators Max Baucus (D-MT), Tom Carper (D-DE), Kent Conrad (D-ND), Blanche Lincoln (D-AR) and Bill Nelson (D-FL). Remember these names, so that you, your family, and friends can donate funds to their political opponents. We can not afford people like these in the Democratic Party.


9/20/2009: STRYKER-INDIGO CONTINUES EXPANSION OF ONLINE SOCCER STORE

stryker-indigo continues expansion of online soccer store

09/20/09. -New York City . Stryker-Indigo New York continues to expand their online Soccer Sports Store in anticipation of the 2010 release of a number of soccer documentaries and books. Over the last month Stryker has again doubled the size of the Stryker-Indigo Sports Stores International (SISSI) effectively completing their Summer 2009 goals.   In recent weeks, SISSI has recorded sales to sixteen countries ( Brazil, Canada, England, France, Italy, The Netherlands, Finland, Norway, Iceland, Spain, The Czech Republic, Singapore, China, Australia, Thailand and the United States). Once fully operational, in 2010, the site will be linked to a number of soccer related websites associated with Stryker-indigo and the company's current soccer documentary and book production lines. You can access the SISSI Store at:

http://stores.shop.ebay.com/SISSI-THE-TOUGHEST-NAME-IN-SPORTS__W0QQ_armrsZ1


9/20/2009: SONAHHR FILM (NEW YORK): QUIT YOUR DAY JOB

Quit Your Day Job
Practical Steps on the Business of being an Artist, and Developing Multiple Streams of Income
Host:        
Lindsay Shack, Kate Northrup Moller, Kathleen Hunter
Type:        
Meetings - Informational Meeting
Network:        
Global
Price:        
FREE for Guests, $15.00 for Team Northrup Members
Date:        
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Time:        
7:00pm - 8:30pm
Location:        
Center Stage NY
Street:        
48 West 21st St. 4th Floor, Buzzer #401
City/Town:        
New York, NY
View Map
Phone:        
6466849837
Email:        
shack.las@gmail.com
Description
QUIT YOUR DAY JOB:
Practical Steps on the Business of being an Artist, and Developing Multiple Streams of Income:

A Seminar for Performers, Artists, and Creative Professionals

With Lindsay Shack (Actress & Voice-Over Artist and Entrepreneur)
and
Kate Northrup Moller (Dancer and co-founder of Team Northrup--a community of healers and entrepreneurs aligning themselves with the vision of best-selling author and women's health expert Dr. Christiane Northrup)

Wednesday, September 23rd at 7PM
at
Center Stage NY
48 West 21st Street
4th Floor, Buzzer #401
New York, NY 10010

RSVP to Lindsay at shack.las@gmail.com or
646.684.9837

FREE for guests

As creative professionals, we struggle with the fact that we must view ourselves as a business and our own brand. Many performers and creative professionals are struggling financially, living the life of the “starving artist” or living paycheck to
paycheck! Money is simply another form of energy. Learn to free your financial energy!

Lindsay and Kate will share key insights into:
• Skills crucial to any successful business, including any artist’s profession.
• What passive income is and how it can free you to focus on your true passion.
• How to position your career as a business.

This seminar is for…Actors, Singers, Dancers, Writers, Directors, Animators, Voice-Artists, Songwriters, Musicians, Artists, Playwrights, Editors, Public Speakers, Photographers, all creative and artistic professionals...


9/20/2009: GEORGE FOSTY TO SPEAK AT GEORGE WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY, OCTOBER 1ST.

09/20/09 New York City. Stryker-Indigo New York confirmed today that Canadian historian and documentary filmmaker George Fosty, co-author of Black Ice: The Lost History of the Colored Hockey League, is scheduled to speak at George Washington University in Washington, D.C. on the evening of October 1st.   Mr. Fosty will be discussing the history of the Colored Hockey League and ongoing research efforts on Long Island. The event, sponsored by the George Washington University Department of Sociology, is part of the "Jackie Robinson: Race, Sports and the American Dream Lecture Series." For more information please contact Professor Richard Zamoff at: rbzamoff@gwu.edu


9/20/2009: NEW BOOK: GRIDIRON GAUNTLET: THE MEN WHO INTEGRATED PRO FOOTBALL

One year before Jackie Robinson broke the color line in major league baseball in 1947, four black players joined the Cleveland Browns and Los Angeles Rams to become the first African-American pro football players of the modern era. While blacks had played on NFL teams in the early days of pro football, none had since 1933. In GRIDIRON GAUNTLET: THE STORY OF THE MEN WHO INTEGRATED PRO FOOTBALL, IN THEIR OWN WORDS, twelve players who began their careers in the years after World War II reminisce about the opposition they faced on and off the field, the segregated hotels and restaurants, and the general hostility that comes with being a trailblazer, as well as of players, coaches and others, black and white, who assisted and supported them at various stages of their lives.

“Vivid and fresh, this is a terrific addition to the secret history of sports we all need to know if we are to understand today’s players and games.” Robert Lipsyte, sportswriter, The New York Times

“Gridiron Gauntlet is a captivating reprise of lived history, an engaging, highly informative sojourn through the post-World War II reintegration of professional football as experienced and recalled by the sport’s “second wave” of black players, the men whose sometimes ignored, mostly forgotten contributions and sacrifices were critical to the game we see today.” Harry Edwards, Emeritus Professor of Sociology, University of California

“ … humorous, disturbing, angry, sad, and uplifting. An involving and essential read.” Library Journal   

About the Author: Andy Piascik is an award-winning writer who has written for Z, The Indypendent and many other publications. He is the author of The Best Show in Football: The 1946-1955 Cleveland Browns, Pro Football's Greatest Dynasty for which he won the Nelson Ross award from the Professional Football Researchers Association.

You may order Gridiron Gauntlet: The Story of the Men Who Integrated Pro Football, In Their Own Words directly from the author by sending a check or money order for $32 (includes postage) payable to Andy Piascik at 25 Cartright Street, Bridgeport CT 06604

You may also purchase both Gridiron Gauntlet and The Best Show in Football from the author for $55 (postage included). Contact: andypiascik@yahoo.com or (203) 362-1761


9/20/2009: SONAHHR'S JOSH BREWSTER FEATURED IN NEW HOCKEY BOOK!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
WWW.HOCKEYTALK.BIZ

Contact: Hockeytalk 310-621-4790

Ducks Radio's Josh Brewster Featured in New Hockey Book

Josh Brewster, host of "Duck Calls," the postgame radio show after Anaheim Ducks road games, is profiled in Brian Kennedy's new book, Living the Hockey Dream (Folklore Publishing).

The story of how Brewster's groundbreaking web radio programs led to his hiring by the Ducks in 2006 is one of the many interesting chapters in Kennedy's book, which features interviews and personal stories from NHL superstars and other lovers of the game.

"It's a true honor to be included amidst so many great hockey people," says Brewster. "Brian Kennedy has now written two wonderful hockey books, full of emotion and memories which readers love."

From writing minor pro blurbs for The Hockey News to his web radio program, "Hockeytalk Audio Features," Brewster worked his way up through the low minors to the NHL. His independent web radio productions placed the spotlight on celebrities from the world's greatest game and proved popular with fans. "Hockeytalk Audio Features" and "Duck Calls" show archives are available for online listening at www.hockeytalk.biz, where Brewster is Editor-in-Chief.

Kennedy's first book, Growing Up Hockey (Folklore Publishing) presented Kennedy's life in the game of hockey, written in a warm, evocative style with which readers could connect. In Living the Hockey Life, Kennedy offers stories from players such as Wayne Gretzky, Ray Ferraro, Bobby Clarke, Bobby Hull, Jim Fox, Brent Severyn and numerous others. Also included are non-players such as Stanley Cup keeper Phil Pritchard, retired referee Mick McGeough and broadcaster Chris Simpson.

Brewster's show, "Duck Calls," heard after the club's road games, is entering its fourth season on AM830, flagship station of the Anaheim Ducks.
"Living the Hockey Dream" is available at book stores and online at www.amazon.com and www.lonepinepublishing.com.


9/20/2009: SONAHHR UNITED KINGDOM UPDATE: BALL HOCKEY TOMORROW NITE!!

FROM GARRY GLAVE, PRESIDENT, SONAHHR UNITED KINGDOM

Hello everyone!

Here in the London area, there will be ball hockey games tomorrow evening. Now, if you do know anyone who might be interested, then let the person contact Andrew Rae.
http://www.networkcanada.org/news/eventdetails.asp?EventID=760

Finally, I'm feeling great! On Tuesday night, my football (soccer) team, the Chelsea Blues, defeated Porto (a Portuguese team). I was at Stamford Bridge Stadium in Chelsea, London and enjoyed every minute of the game!
http://www.chelseafc.com/page/MatchdayHospitalityDetail/0,,10268~1289037,00.html


9/20/2009: SONAHHR BOXING SPECIAL: THE DIVISION OVER NO DECISION

THE DIVISION OVER NO DECISION

By Charles R. Saunders
SONAHHR Vice-President, Boxing

“You can’t rewrite history” is an old saying that is a bit misleading. Every time a new element of the past is discovered, be it a million-year-old bone fragment or century-old document, history is rewritten. New interpretations of past events and debunking of long-held beliefs about those events are also revisions of history. Every year, hundreds of “rewritten history” books are published, and hopefully read.

“You can’t change history” is another old saying – one that is not at all misleading. Historical events can be reinterpreted, but they cannot be altered. The Second World War, for example, can be analyzed from various perspectives. But the war itself cannot be undone.

Yet some boxing historians have attempted to undo history in the way they deal with records from boxing’s “No Decision” era, which occurred in the early part of the twentieth century.

During those early days, some – but not all – states prohibited the rendering of a decision in any bout that lasted the scheduled distance. The purpose of the policy was to discourage gamblers from attempting to influence the opinions of judges and referees. The only way a “No Decision” bout could be won was by knockout or disqualification.

However, the prohibition against decisions did not discourage gamblers. Then again, the prohibition against alcohol didn’t discourage boozers, either. In the absence of an official decision, bets were laid on the opinions of newspaper reporters at ringside. The reporters’ consensus came to be known as the “Newspaper Decision.”

Early boxing record-keepers did not consider “Newspaper Decisions” to carry any official weight. For them, the initials “ND” stood for “No Decision,” and that’s how those outcomes were listed all the way through to the 1980s.

To the casual observer, the records of “No Decision”-era boxers can look … indecisive. I know they did to me the first time I saw them. Even the greatest fighters of that time can look less than impressive on paper if their records are speckled with “ND” results.

Benny Leonard, for example, is considered by fight fans of a certain age to be the greatest lightweight champion of all time. According to the 1984 edition of The Ring Record Book, Leonard had a total of 210 bouts from 1911 to 1932, with a seven-year layoff from 1924 to 1931. Of those bouts, Leonard won 71 by knockout and 18 by decision. He had one draw and lost one bout by disqualification. He was stopped four times. And he had 115 “No Decision” outcomes.

So, one of the greatest pound-for-pound fighters of all time had an official winning percentage of only .424! Somehow, that just doesn’t seem right. But … that’s the way it was.

Leonard’s greatness transcended the statistical strictures of his time. His record reflects the realities under which he plied his trade. Most of his bouts took place in New York and other venues that did not allow decisions in contests that went the distance. But to have more than half his bouts designated simply as “ND” has rubbed some boxing historians and fans the wrong way.

Since the 1980s, dedicated researchers into matters fistic have painstakingly combed newspaper archives, seeking to fully establish the veracity of early pugilists’ records. “Lost” fights have been recovered, and recorded contests that never actually took place have been expunged.

As well, “Newspaper Decisions” that accompanied “No Decision” bouts have been unearthed and recorded.

Boxrec.com, the premier Internet record site, prefers “Newspaper Decisions” to “No Decisions.” The only time it records a “No Decision” is when officials designate that result, as was the case in the recent, headbutt-marred Timothy Bradley-Nate Campbell junior-welterweight title bout.

Benny Leonard’s revised record in Boxrec.com shows a total of 217 bouts – researchers have come up with seven more that were not listed in The Ring Record Book. Leonard is credited with 70 knockouts and 113 wins by decision. His losses rise to 19, and his draws to 11. All his previous “No Decision” bouts have been converted to newspaper wins, losses and draws. Leonard’s winning percentage thus skyrockets to an impressive .843.

But … you can’t change history. And history tells us that reporters at ringside during Leonard’s “No Decision” bouts – expert though they may well have been – had no more authority to render an official verdict than did any other spectator. Unofficial opinions should not be part of any fighter’s official record.

If “Newspaper Decisions” counted in modern times, Marvin Hagler would be listed as the winner over Sugar Ray Leonard, Oscar De La Hoya would hold the “W” over Felix Trinidad, and Ken Norton would have won the heavyweight title from Muhammad Ali in their third encounter.

In those bouts and many more, the majority of ringside media did not agree with the official decisions. But that dissent doesn’t matter. It’s the judges’ (and in earlier times, referees’) decisions that go into the fighters’ records, not the opinions of the media – informed though those opinions may be.

Besides, who is to say that the scorecards of hypothetical judges in the old “No Decision” bouts would have agreed with those of newspaper reporters? There are bound to have been more than a few cases in which the ink-stained contingent would be yelling “Robbery!” along with other members of the crowd as the officials headed for the hills.

So, what’s the solution? Leave Leonard with his deceptive .424 winning percentage, or try to change history?

Fortunately, there’s a path between that rock and hard place. Boxrec.com lists “Newspaper Decisions” as “WNWS,” “LNWS,” and “DNWS.” The only “No Decision” outcomes Boxrec.com recognizes are of the Bradley-Campbell variety, as well as in cases where no “Newspaper Decision” is available.

To acknowledge both history and the need for records to more realistically reflect old-time fighters’ careers, “No Decision” bouts should be listed as “ND” and counted as such in a boxer’s record. But each of those “ND” designations should be accompanied, when appropriate, by “WNWS,” “LNWS,” or “DNWS” in parentheses. This way, the reality of the fighter’s time period is respected, as is the diligence of researchers in uncovering ringside reporters’ views of those contests.

In that way, boxing history can be revised to signify the greatness of fighters like Leonard, without trying to change the historical context of their times.


9/12/2009: TONY McCLEAN'S RUNDOWN FOR THIS WEEKENDS SPORTS RAP

SATURDAY'S WEEKEND SPORTS RAP
(September 12th, 2-4 p.m. ET on BlogTalkRadio.com and BASN)

Co-Host: Michael-Louis Ingram from BASN and the Sports MC's.

ALL GUESTS: Please call (646) 727-2642.

2:05: Former NFL player Bob Grant updates us on news surrounding the retired NFL players.

3:05: General sports talk (i.e. NFL preview, MLB pennant races, U.S. Open, etc).

==================================================================
Remember, you can listen to the show every Saturday (2 to 4 pm ET) at www.blogtalkradio.com and www.blackathlete.com.

Just go to the search section at the top of the page and type in thekeywords "Tony McClean" or "Weekend Sports Rap" and it will take youto the page.

You can listen online or call in and express your thoughts, ask a question or make comments at (646) 727-2642 or our chatroom.

You can also instant message us at Yahoo Messenger (mcclean.anthony@sbcglobal.net)
and Twitter (www.twitter.com/teemack2000).

To get in touch with the host, e-mail Tony at teemack@blackathlete.com
or teemack2000@comcast.net.

Thanks for your support and please let all of your sports-minded friends and colleagues know about "The Weekend Sports Rap".

NOTE: You can also checkout show archives at www.blogtalkradio.com/Tony-McClean and www.blackathlete.com.




9/7/2009: CALL FOR FIRST NATIONS HOCKEY VIDEO/FILM FOOTAGE


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE.

New York City. September 6, 2009. The Stryker-Indigo Publishing Company, Inc., www.stryker-indigo.com announced today that they are seeking film and video footage for the First Nations hockey documentary, Skies Of Fire, Lands Of Ice.

Skies of Fire, Lands of Ice chronicles the history of First Nations hockey and is based upon an upcoming book by Canadian hockey historians George and Darril Fosty. The first round of video production is scheduled to begin on October 15th in New York City.

If you have any 8mm, Super 8mm, 16mm, VHS, footage of First Nations hockey you can contact the following individuals:
U.S. Contact: George Fosty, Executive Producer, Stryker-Indigo New York, 37 Rolling Lane, Levittown, NY 11756. Tel: (516) -735-7554. Email: georgefosty@yahoo.com.

Canada Contact: Barry Marsman, Associate Producer, Stryker-Indigo New York, 89 Coventry Way NE Calgary AB T3K-5H6 . Tel: 403-560 8259 mail: marsmaneugene@shaw.ca


8/26/2009: SONAHHR BOXING SPECIAL: LOUIS VS. ALI: WHO WOULD WIN?

LOUIS vs. ALI: WHO WOULD WIN?

By Charles Saunders
SONAHHR Vice-President, Boxing

The cover of the new Fight Night Round 4 video game depicts Muhammad Ali going up against Mike Tyson. This image is bound to attract the young people toward whom this game is aimed. Ali is a timeless legend, while Tyson’s ferocious prime retains its luster even after the passing of two decades.

Even so, the most fascinating mythical matchup of former heavyweight champions is not Ali vs. Tyson. It’s Ali vs. Joe Louis.

Devastating though Tyson was during his all-too-brief heyday, his eventually-exposed weaknesses diminish his standing in heavyweight history. However well he may fare in Fight Night simulations, Tyson cannot challenge Ali’s claim to be the Greatest of All Time.

Louis can.

With his record 12-year reign and 25 successful title defenses, the “Brown Bomber” occupies a pinnacle that is at least as high as Ali’s, and much higher than Tyson’s. In the minds of fight fans of a certain age, Louis would have beaten any heavyweight that ever lived – including Ali, not to mention Jack Johnson, Jack Dempsey, Rocky Marciano and Larry Holmes.

It would be difficult to imagine two champions more contrasting than Louis and Ali, both in and out of the ring. Ali was speed, Louis was power. Ali was cocky; Louis was modest. Ali was controversial; Louis was loved by all.

Yet there are interesting similarities between them as well. Both won the heavyweight championship at a young age: Ali at 22 and Louis at 23. The careers of both men were interrupted by war: Louis joined the U.S. Army during World War II, and Ali was stripped of his title because he refused to be drafted during the Vietnam War. And both continued to fight long after they should have retired, and suffered the consequences of doing so.

So, who would have won if Ali and Louis had been able to meet in real life rather than a video game? It’s a question that has sparked countless arguments among fight fans, and just as many simulations on video and computer games, and before that board and card games. Speculation and simulation are fun, even though there’s a temptation to take both far too seriously.

It is in the spirit of fun – with just a touch of seriousness as well – that I engage in the following musings about the enticing Ali-Louis mythical matchup.

It is important to remember here that Louis and Ali each had what amounts to two careers: pre-layoff and post-layoff. Both were diminished fighters after their extended time away from the ring. Louis’ layoff lasted 51 months; Ali’s hiatus was 43 months. Any conjectures as to how they would fare against each other needs to include comparisons of their pre- and post-layoff incarnations. Thus, the following four scenarios.

PRE-LAYOFF LOUIS vs. PRE-LAYOFF ALI

This is the big one – the most mouth-watering matchup of all. Louis and Ali in their mid-20s, in at their physical peak. Louis, the plodding power-puncher who was also well-versed in the fundamentals of boxing; Ali, the nonconformist dancing machine whose speed allowed him to break many of the rules Louis had so painstakingly learned. Louis, the deadpan destroyer; Ali, the loudmouthed entertainer.

The temptation to call this a tossup is almost irresistible. But that would be a copout. Based on their strengths and weaknesses during their prime years, I give pre-layoff Ali a 60-40 chance to beat pre-layoff Louis. Speedsters like Bob Pastor and Billy Conn gave Louis a lot of grief, even though he defeated each man twice. Ali was bigger, faster and harder-hitting than Conn and Pastor. But pre-layoff Ali’s legs, not his punch, would be his key to victory over pre-layoff Louis.

Still, Louis had the great equalizer: the ability to knock any man out with one punch at any time in a given fight. As well, he had the hand speed to deliver powerful punches in blinding bunches. One moment of inattention on the part of Ali, one moment of clowning or showboating, one moment of misjudgment, and it would be lights out for the Louisville Lip.

POST-LAYOFF ALI vs. PRE-LAYOFF LOUIS

This would be a slow, painful beatdown as the young Louis would have feasted on an older Ali bereft of his greatest asset: his legs. When he started fighting again after his layoff, Ali quickly discovered that he could no longer dance “all night long” – or even half the night. The legs that had motored him out of the range of his frustrated foes could now do little more than keep him upright as he got hit with punches that would never have touched him during his prime.

Because he hadn’t mastered the fundamentals of blocking and slipping punches when he was younger, Ali needed to rely more on his heart and chin than he did in his pre-layoff days. He could still throw potent jabs and combinations, but he could no longer do so on the run.

Minus his trump card, post-layoff Ali would have had to absorb a lot of punishment from the quick, dynamite-laden fists of pre-layoff Louis. Ali’s only hope would have been to allow Louis to punch himself out, as George Foreman did in the famous “Rumble in the Jungle.” No such luck, though. Unlike Foreman, Louis was a disciplined, accurate puncher. The only question in this matchup is whether post-layoff Ali could have lasted the distance against the pre-layoff Brown Bomber.

POST-LAYOFF LOUIS vs. PRE-LAYOFF ALI

Another blowout. If pre-layoff Louis would have had difficulty catching up with pre-layoff Ali, post-layoff Louis would have found it impossible to do so. Even though Louis fought many exhibition bouts during his layoff, those performances were not sufficient to prevent the rusting of his skills. As Louis himself once put it: “I can’t see as fast as I used to.” And the pre-layoff Ali would have been far too fast for the post-layoff Louis to see, let alone hit.

Still, post-layoff Louis never lost his title in the ring. He retired as champion not long after his second win over Jersey Joe Walcott in 1948, then came back in 1950. Post-layoff Louis still packed a punch, but his earlier fluidity and dynamism were gone, and his underrated defensive skills diminished. As such, post-layoff Louis would have been a sitting duck for pre-layoff Ali. Their fight would have been reminiscent of the beating Louis took when he challenged his successor, Ezzard Charles, for the crown. Charles won a one-sided decision. Again, Ali was bigger and faster than Charles, and post-layoff Louis might not have lasted the distance.

POST-LAYOFF ALI vs. POST LAYOFF LOUIS

This is likely the most competitive of these matchups. It’s reminiscent of the second Sugar Ray Leonard-Thomas Hearns bout, in which the big pre-fight question was which of the two combatants was the most “shot” fighter. But the fight turned out to be an epic, with Leonard hitting the deck twice and the decision a disputed draw.

In the post-layoff Louis-Ali matchup, the question would be which fighter would pay the stiffer price for his lost assets. Ali’s vanished foot speed would be analogous to Louis’s diminished reflexes and hand speed. Ali would do a lot of holding, and he would flurry in the last seconds of a round to catch the judges’ attention. Louis would keep moving forward, seeking to penetrate Ali’s post-layoff “rope-a-dope” defense and nail him with the one punch that would begin his downfall.

Ali’s post-prime career was more successful than that of Louis. Louis failed in his lone attempt to win back his title. Ali regained the championship twice. Ali dominated his post-layoff decade. Louis’s post-layoff years were mostly disappointing. On that basis, I would pick post-layoff Ali to beat post-prime Louis by decision.

So, in my humble opinion, Ali wins three of the mythical matchups against Louis. But there’s plenty of room for argument as to which of the two is really the Greatest of All Time.

Then again, you can always let them battle it out on Fight Night Round 4.




8/22/2009: TONY McCLEAN'S RUNDOWN FOR THIS WEEKENDS SPORTS RAP

SATURDAY'S WEEKEND SPORTS RAP
(August 22, 2-4 p.m. ET on BlogTalkRadio.com and BASN)

Co-Hosts: Michael-Louis Ingram and Chris Murray from the Sports MC's.

ALL GUESTS: Please call (646) 727-2642.

2:05: Author Donald Jackson ("Fourth Down and 25 Years To Go: The
African-American Athlete and the Justice System) talks about the
Burress affair, the Vick saga, and a story that the mainstream press
has ignored.

3:35: Prairie View A&M football coach Henry Frazier will talk about
the Panthers' upcoming season and the 2009 SWAC championship chase.

==============================
====================================
Remember, you can listen to the show every Saturday (2 to 4 pm ET) at
www.blogtalkradio.com and www.blackathlete.com.

Just go to the search section at the top of the page and type in the
keywords "Tony McClean" or "Weekend Sports Rap" and it will take you
to the page.

You can listen online or call in and express your thoughts, ask a
question or make comments at (646) 727-2642 or our chatroom.

You can also instant message us at Yahoo Messenger
(mcclean.anthony@sbcglobal.net) and Twitter
(www.twitter.com/teemack2000).

To get in touch with the host, e-mail Tony at teemack@blackathlete.com
or teemack2000@comcast.net.

Thanks for your support and please let all of your sports-minded
friends and colleagues know about "The Weekend Sports Rap".

NOTE: You can also checkout show archives at
www.blogtalkradio.com/Tony-McClean and www.blackathlete.com.


8/8/2009: LET'S PLAY HOCKEY, JANUARY 26-27, 2010 LAS VEGAS


Exhibitors and Buyers Surveyed their thoughts of the Let's Play Hockey International Expo in Las Vegas this past January

After tabulating the results of a survey sent to the exhibitors and buyers who attended the Let's Play Hockey International Expo this past January, the results and returns were very encouraging.

100% of the buyers said that the show did achieve the reasons within their business plan that prompted them to go to the Expo. They also unanimously agreed that they were able to discuss business with the manufacturers that would not have been available to them if there was not a show. Plus, 100% of the buyers said it is important to have a platform to acquire new product lines or increased sales information or new buyers in the show form.

The exhibitors responded with a 90% approval that the Expo did achieve the reasons within their business plan that prompted them to go to the Expo and they were able to discuss business with buyers that would not be available to them if there was not a show.

In response to the survey, buyers and exhibitors alike hoped that the Expo would move back to the heart of the Las Vegas strip and that this move could result in increased attendance. We were able to accommodate this request by moving this year's Expo back to the MGM Grand where the first show was held in 1999.

The Expo this coming season will be held January 26-27, 2010 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. Already, dozens of exhibitors have registered for the Expo.

Watch for announcements on new show features which includes honoring ten dealers for their outstanding service to the industry over the years. These dealers will be recognized at the opening night party. Also, there will be soon-to-be released show specials for buyers that will make their trip more cost effective.

Log onto www.letsplayhockey.com for complete show registration information.

Thank you for your support and please don't hesitate to contact me if you have any questions.

Doug Johnson
Let's Play Hockey
2721 East 42nd Street
Minneapolis, MN 55406
Phone 612.729.0023
Fax 612.729.0259
E-mail letsplay@letsplayhockey.com
Web www.letsplayhockey.com


8/8/2009: SONAHHR'S TONY MCCLEAN SPORTS RAP

SATURDAY'S WEEKEND SPORTS RAP
(August 8, 2-4 p.m. ET on BlogTalkRadio.com and BASN)

Co-Hosts: Michael-Louis Ingram and Chris Murray from the Sports MC's.

ALL GUESTS: Please call (646) 727-2642.

2:05: Free-lance reporter David Steele joins us to talk about the
general sports happenings (i.e., the Burress case, NFL, NBA, MLB,
others)

2:35: Shaw University head football coach Darrell Asberry talks about
the Bears' chances to repeat as CIAA champions and an overall view of
the sesaon and conference.

3:05: Announcer Santoria Balck from the Grambling Sports Network talks
about GSU football and the upcoming SWAC season.

==============================
====================================
Remember, you can listen to the show every Saturday (2 to 4 pm ET) at
www.blogtalkradio.com and www.blackathlete.com.

Just go to the search section at the top of the page and type in the
keywords "Tony McClean" or "Weekend Sports Rap" and it will take you
to the page.

You can listen online or call in and express your thoughts, ask a
question or make comments at (646) 727-2642 or our chatroom.

You can also instant message us at Yahoo Messenger
(mcclean.anthony@sbcglobal.net) and Twitter
(www.twitter.com/teemack2000).


8/1/2009: SONAHHR'S TONY MCCLEAN SPORTS RAP

SATURDAY'S WEEKEND SPORTS RAP
(August 1st, 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. ET on BlogTalkRadio.com and BASN)

Co-Hosts: Michael-Louis Ingram and Chris Murray from the Sports MC's.

ALL GUESTS: Please call (646) 727-2642.

2:05: Etan Thomas of the Oklahoma City Thunder talks about his recent
story in the Huffington Post and his "Voices of The Future" project.

2:35: Head coach Mike White of Albany State University talks about his
2009 Golden Ram team and this year's SIAC football title race.

3:00 General sports talk and open phone lines.

==============================
====================================
Remember, you can listen to the show every Saturday (2 to 4 pm ET) at
www.blogtalkradio.com and www.blackathlete.com.

Just go to the search section at the top of the page and type in the
keywords "Tony McClean" or "Weekend Sports Rap" and it will take you
to the page.

You can listen online or call in and express your thoughts, ask a
question or make comments at (646) 727-2642 or our chatroom.

You can also instant message us at Yahoo Messenger
(mcclean.anthony@sbcglobal.net) and Twitter
(www.twitter.com/teemack2000).

To get in touch with the host, e-mail Tony at teemack@blackathlete.com
or teemack2000@comcast.net.

Thanks for your support and please let all of your sports-minded
friends and colleagues know about "The Weekend Sports Rap".

NOTE: You can also checkout show archives at
www.blogtalkradio.com/Tony-McClean and www.blackathlete.com.




7/30/2009: PRESERVATION BATTLE OVER BOOKER T. WASHINGTON HOME GROWS

FROM THE LONG ISLAND PRESS 07/30/09

Preservation Battle Continues

Press article sparks increased efforts to save Booker T. Washington's house
Written by Christopher Twarowski on Jul 30th, 2009 and filed under Featured, News.

The historic summer home of Booker T. Washington in Fort Salonga.
Much has happened in the wake of the Press’ story about the potential destruction of Booker T. Washington’s historic summer home in Fort Salonga ["This House Is History," July 16].
Northport resident John Rice, who purchased the house and its surrounding 1.7 acres for nearly $1.3 million in 2007, has been attempting to get its historic status revoked so it can be replaced with a new, much larger, retirement home. Washington’s house, a cedar-shingled two-story with a breathtaking view of the Long Island Sound, received historic designation from the Town of Huntington in 2005. Rice and his attorney petitioned the town’s Historic Preservation Commission with his plans on June 22, arguing through hardship papers that the house is unsafe, uninhabitable and must be removed to secure the property from erosion—it’s slowly slipping off the side of a bluff.
Following the Press article, Rice hired new legal representation and postponed a scheduled July 27 reconvening on the matter. The Commission will take up the issue again at its August 24 meeting.
Elise Morris and Thelma Jackson-Abidally, Northport residents spearheading awareness efforts about the home’s plight, organized a group, Friends of the Booker T. Washington House, to galvanize an increasing outpouring of support for the homestead, which, they say, has resulted from the Press’ story.
“The feedback has been overwhelming and extremely positive,” says Morris.
The two have been circulating petitions and working with Washington’s descendants, who are also trying to get the word out. They’ve been enlisting the help of Tuskegee and Hampton University alumni and drumming up support via Facebook. They’re launching a website, friendsofthebookertwashingtonhouse.com. They’ve also been trying to get the house national historic designation, recently partnering with the nonprofit Society for the Preservation of Long Island Antiquities in that pursuit.
To supporters, the house represents the civil rights pioneer’s very spirit, all he accomplished—and belongs to everyone.
“Booker T. Washington was a national figure,” explains Abidally, author of 2000’s African Americans in Northport, An Untold Story. “It would just be a crime to have this house demolished.”
And preservation efforts haven’t just been homegrown. George Fosty of Levittown, a documentary filmmaker, historian, Canadian citizen and president of the Society of North American Hockey Historians and Researchers, contacted the Press about the group’s efforts to preserve Washington’s house.
Two years ago, Fosty says, the organization, on behalf of the Black Ice Hockey and Sports Hall of Fame Conference (which Fosty co-founded) in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, approached the property’s real estate agent, offering to purchase the house for $1 and move it from the property. The group sought to restore the house and turn it into a museum in honor of the Colored Hockey League (CHL), an all-black league that existed in Canada in the 1890s.
According to Fosty, the CHL was built on Washington’s principles. His group’s offer, though turned down, still stands, he says, and his organization is eager to work with others interested in saving the house. To him, its significance transcends time, race and borders.
“They were all followers up in Canada of Booker T. Washington and he actually went up to Nova Scotia just a couple months prior to his death and had secret meetings with some of the original players and founders,” explains Fosty, co-author of 2004’s Black Ice: The Lost History of the Colored Hockey League of the Maritimes, 1895-1925.

http://www.longislandpress.com/2009/07/30/preservation-battle-continues/



7/19/2009: SONAHHR BOXING SPECIAL: DERANGED DREAM DUELS

DERANGED DREAM DUELS

By Charles R. Saunders

SONAHHR Vice-President, Boxing

Boxing fans have always argued over how fighters from different eras would have fared against each other, and how fights between contemporaries who never met in the ring in real life might have turned out. Simulation games have been invented to determine such outcomes, and discussion boards on the topic sometimes smolder with anger. Some people need to lighten up and remember that it’s all just speculation.

So, just for fun, here are some off-the-cuff imaginary pairings. Simulations and speculations not included.

Fought the best and ignored the rest: Manny Pacquiao vs. Henry Armstrong

Fought the rest and ignored the best: Roy Jones Jr. vs. Floyd Mayweather Jr., at a catchweight to be announced.

O Brother, Wherefore Art Thou doubleheader: Wladimir and Vitali Klitschko vs. Michael and Leon Spinks

Blood bank bailout: Chuck Wepner vs. Henry Cooper

Life begins after 40: Bernard Hopkins vs. Archie Moore

Sleep-Eze cure for insomnia: John Ruiz vs. Ernie Terrell

Blue-collar, lunch-bucket overtime shift: Marvin Hagler vs. Jake LaMotta

So You Think You Can Dance: Muhammad Ali vs. Chris Byrd

Compensation bout for the best fighters never to get a title shot: Sam Langford vs. Charley Burley

Boxer meets baller showdown: Nikolay Valuev vs. Shaquille O’Neal

Toughest Thin Man title: Diego Corrales vs. Alexis Arguello

Head-on locomotive collision: Joe Frazier vs. Rocky Marciano

Small package, large punch: Ricardo Lopez vs. Jimmy Wilde

Weight Watchers War: James Toney vs. Tony Galento

Sweetness sweepstakes: Sugar Shane Mosley vs. Sugar Ray Leonard, with the winner to meet Sugar Ray Robinson

Front-runners face-off: Mike Tyson vs. Sonny Liston

African ascendance: Dick Tiger vs. Ike Quartey

Nuclear bombs ground zero: Joe Louis vs. Earnie Shavers

Can’t touch this chin, jaw, body, etc: Wilfred Benitez vs. Kid Gavilan

Battle of the upsetters: Buster Douglas vs. Jim Braddock

Featherweight foul fest: Sandy Saddler vs. Eusebio Pedroza

Bare-knuckle fight to the finish: John L. Sullivan vs. George Chuvalo

Blood, guts and gonads: Arturo Gatti vs. Ray Mancini

Muscle Beach posedown: Ken Norton vs. Cleveland Williams

Latino legends punchout: Roberto Duran vs. Julio Cesar Chavez





7/18/2009: SONAHHR'S TONY MCCLEAN SPORTS RAP

SATURDAY'S WEEKEND SPORTS RAP
(July 17, 2-4 p.m. ET on BlogTalkRadio.com and BASN)

Co-Hosts: Michael-Louis Ingram and Chris Murray from the Sports MC's.

ALL GUESTS: Please call (646) 727-2642.

2:35: All-CIAA basketball standout Anthony Wynn of Saint Paul's
College talks about his final season and his future professional
plans.

3:05: Veteran baseball executive and author Andy Strasberg talks about
his upcoming project involving a collection of over 3,000 nostaglic
photographs involving baseball from the last 100 years.

3:35: Former MEAC Commissioner Ken Free Jr. of the Metropolitan Junior
Baseball League talks about the league's upcoming Inner City Classic
and Black World Series.

==============================
====================================
Remember, you can listen to the show every Saturday (2 to 4 pm ET) at
www.blogtalkradio.com and www.blackathlete.com.

Just go to the search section at the top of the page and type in the
keywords "Tony McClean" or "Weekend Sports Rap" and it will take you
to the page.

You can listen online or call in and express your thoughts, ask a
question or make comments at (646) 727-2642 or our chatroom.

You can also instant message us at Yahoo Messenger
(mcclean.anthony@sbcglobal.net) and Twitter
(www.twitter.com/teemack2000).

To get in touch with the host, e-mail Tony at teemack@blackathlete.com
or teemack2000@comcast.net.

Thanks for your support and please let all of your sports-minded
friends and colleagues know about "The Weekend Sports Rap".

NOTE: You can also checkout show archives at
www.blogtalkradio.com/Tony-McClean and www.blackathlete.com.


7/17/2009: NEWS BRIEFS: FRIENDS OF STRYKER-INDIGO

Scott Robert Leyse's long awaited novel , Liaisons for Laughs, has been released. Information on and excerpts from Liaisons are on his author site: http://www.robertscottleyse.com/index.htm Scott has been a supporter of Stryker-Indigo for many years, and worked for years on Wall Street with many of the people associated with Stryker-Indigo.

Filmmaker Roy Anderson recently completed work in Jamaica on his Maroon Heritage documentary project. Prior to leaving for jamaica, Roy was in Boston last August to accept the Best Short Documentary Award on behalf of Stryker-Indigo for the documentary Black Ice. The commercial release date of Black Ice is still to be announced.

Stryker-Indigo New York wishes to thank Fred Gleave of McBride, British Columbia for his support and participation in 'Goodbye Is Forever: The 1942 Battle of Dieppe" book written by George and Darril Fosty. Mr. Gleave was with the Calgary Tank Regiment during the Dieppe raid and was subsequently captured and interned in a German P.O.W. camp for the duration of the war.


7/17/2009: STRYKER-INDIGO: HAWAII SOCCER DOCUMENTARY UPDATE

07/17/09 New York City. The latest round of production tied to the Stryker-Indigo soccer documentary series "Pele's Children: An Hawaiian Soccer History" has been completed.   

In April, the company reported that all Soccer film footage digital transfers had been completed including an estimated 17-hours of historic/worldwide soccer footage, dating to 1905.   In addition, all Hawaiian film transfers had also been completed including 45-hours of Hawaiian home movies and historic footage dating to 1898 and 16-hours of Hawaiian Airlines/Commercial footage dating to the 1930s. Added to this are 18-hours of film footage shot on the islands of Maui and Hawaii during 2006/ 2007.

The project is currently in the book manuscript and film interview stages. Editing and production is expected to continue through the year.

To understand the complexity of the project, we recommend that you read the following article, written by Canadian Historian and Documentary Filmmaker George Fosty, which appeared in the April 2008 Spanish Edition of F'tball Mundial.

THE TSUNAMI FIELDS OF HAWAII

American’s 50th state has not experienced professional soccer since Team Hawaii played its one and only season in the old North American Soccer in 1977. This year (2008), professional soccer returned to the islands when Major League Soccer and its marketing arm, Soccer United Marketing, played host to the inaugural Pan-Pacific Tournament. The event brought together four clubs — two from M.L.S., one from Japan and one from Australia. Yet, most people are not aware of soccer’s long and colorful history on the islands. The historian and filmmaker George Fosty is currently working on a documentary, “Pele’s Children: A Hawaiian Soccer History.” F·tbol Munidal asked Fosty for a preview of the movie and a bit of background on the game in Hawaii, much of it through his eyes.


By GEORGE FOSTY

On May 22, 1960, an 8.6 magnitude earthquake rocked the coast of south-central Chile, killing 2,300 people. For fifteen hours after the quake, a mountain of water moved undetected northwest across the Pacific Ocean on its way to Hawaii. The sleepy Hawaiian fishing and sugar-cane community of Hilo would receive the full force of the tsunami. Dozens of waterfront buildings were destroyed and 61 people perished.

So unexpected and traumatic had been the event, that community leaders decided to rebuild much of the downtown on higher ground. In its place a park, green replacing a dead zone, provides a reminder of Mother Nature’s power and the competitive spirit of earth’s temporary inhabitants.

In the 1970s, soccer goal posts were erected, no one is quite sure by whom. A league soon emerged and within a decade, these fields of the dead gave birth to a soccer tradition.

In 1983, my brother Greg and I, moved to Hilo and played soccer on the University of Hawaii-Hilo’s club team. When it rained, the fields became quagmires, exposing long-forgotten roots and stumps and creating hazards for the players. After games, we would often find pieces of glass and splinters lodged in our cleats, ghostly remnants of the 1960 calamity.

In the mid-1980s, Hilo's Big Island Soccer League, composed of seven teams with players from about 30 countries, was known for its fast-moving style, passionate and heated rivalries. How heated? Players were often frisked before they were allowed to take the field!
As a sweeper, I early on figured out the best, and safest place, to play was on the outside, where I could see most of the field. More importantly, I could keep a watchful eye on the other teams’ hard men. Better to be safe than on crutches. My credo was: Move fast, think quickly, keep talking to your teammates. There was safety in number. It was fast and rough. It was Hilo soccer.

We played because we loved (and still love) the game. There were few fans other than the odd girlfriend prowling the sideline. Media coverage? You must be kidding. No matter. Of all the sports in the island paradise, soccer attracted the most amazing and colorful collection of characters. Perhaps it is something about the game or perhaps something about the game in Hawaii.

Those two years, 1983-85, on the soccer field in Hilo were the most inspirational of my life. I still smile when I think about the level of individualism, athleticism and leadership displayed by the unheralded athletes — both teammates and opponents. The games were wars. We played to the end. The passion was intoxicating and contagious.
Over the past 20 years, I have become a historian and filmmaker living in New York City. In 1996, with my younger brother Darril, I founded Stryker-Indigo New York, a film and publishing company. From the first day, I remember telling Darril that one day we would go back to Hawaii and record its soccer history — all 100 years of it.
That is right. Although I only kicked around for those two years, Hawaii's soccer history dates to the 1890s, when it was introduced in Honolulu by the English and Scots — much as they carried the game to many far-flung outposts of the Empire.

It has taken 10 years, but I have kept that promise. In January 2006, Stryker-Indigo began work on a documentary film — “Pele's Children: A Hawaiian Soccer History.” It is named not for that PelÈ, but in honor of Pele, the Hawaiian fire goddess.

The first round of video production began in New York in April 2006. Video production continued in New York throughout that summer. That October, production began on the island of Maui and the Big Island of Hawaii. In recent months, work has continued on the Big Island, and in New York, using both Stryker-Indigo and Tropical Vision Video of Hilo. Our company has been working closely with former soccer players and officials from the Hawaii Soccer Association, the University of Hawaii-Hilo, the Big Island Soccer League, and other groups in Canada and on the Mainland in an effort to document Hawaii’s soccer history and coordinate production.

Over the last 18 months, an estimated 80,000 feet of rarely screened historic video has been unearthed and sent to Videolab Productions in Strongville, Ohio, for processing. In addition, Stryker-Indigo historians have been busy reconstructing Hawaiian soccer histories, researching stories, and amassing a collection of more than 1,200 vintage photos. At present, more than 170 current and former players and officials in Hawaii, Canada and the Mainland have been approached or are involved in various aspects of the project.

In an effort to document and preserve Hawaiian sports history, and to create a database on the history of Hawaiian soccer, Stryker-Indigo has released the first list of team rosters from the Big Island of Hawaii. Although research into a number of the team rosters is expected to continue, the list represents a major step in the identification of Hawaiian athletes who played on amateur, high school, club and college teams on the Big Island from 1967-94. It is hoped that the release of the rosters will help the public and sports historians to identify more players and teams.

We reached the midway point in production last October.
Recently, while screening video sent to us by Mick Kalber at Tropical Visions, I happened to get a glimpse of the Hilo fields as they are today. For a brief moment, I was transported back to another time and another place.
It was a wet, stormy Saturday in late October 1983 and I was playing a pick-up game with other local players. The wind was knifing across the field and a stinging rain was pelting my face.

I remember catching a glimpse of what seemed to be a 15-foot rogue wave as it crashed onto the field. The game was stopped as both sides made a hasty retreat to safety.
Only in Hilo was it possible to drown during a soccer game.




7/17/2009: STRYKER-INDIGO SOCCER STORES INTERNATIONAL

Stryker-Indigo's Soccer Stores International is now online. You can access it at:

SISSI-The Toughest Name In Sports

http://stores.ebay.com/SISSI-THE-TOUGHEST-NAME-IN-SPORTS


7/16/2009: THE BLACK ICE PROJECT PROFILE: MATTER

In terms of historic research and the promotion of African-American/Canadian hockey, most people in the know are quite familiar with the work of Stryker-indigo New York and the Dan-San Organization.

However, did you know that there are three companies are at the cornerstone of the Black Ice Project and the promotion of Black Hockey? . They are: Stryker-Indigo New York, The Dan Organization, and MATTER.

All three companies are founding members of the Black Ice Hockey And Sports Hall Of Fame and promoters of the Society of North American Hockey Historians And Researchers.

MATTER, Edelman Sports & Entertainment Marketing:

Previously separate practices, Edelman Sports & Sponsorship and MATTER, an Edelman Entertainment Company, are now combined, with 40+ staff located in New York, Chicago and Los Angeles. MATTER, Edelman Sports & Entertainment Marketing features an experienced team of brand, marketing and communications professionals that offer a full range of sports, entertainment and lifestyle capabilities across multiple communications channels and platforms.

Services include:

branded content development
sports and entertainment media relations
sponsorship acquisition and activation
celebrity and athlete services
product placement
event design and management

The MATTER mission is to help clients transform consumer’s emotional investment in sports and entertainment into brand awareness, preference and purchase.




7/16/2009: DWIGHT CALHOUN'S SONG "APACHE" ADDED TO SKIES OF FIRE MUSIC SCORE

07/16/09 New York City.   Stryker-Indigo New York has chosen D.C. White's song "Apache" as part of the music score for the documentary Skies of Fire, Lands of Ice. The documentary, based on the soon-to-be released book by the same name written by George and Darril Fosty, chronicles the forgotten history of North American Indian Hockey and its cultural traditions.

Dwight Calhoun, a.k.a. D.C. White, is a native of Florence, Mississippi and the founder/president of History Records and Entertainment.

Depicting African American Heritage and History though songs, D.C. White is working to shine a different light on the genre of rap music by collaborating hip hop and R&B style of linking music and history together. He has recorded CD's on African American history including: "The Buffalo Soldiers, Tuskegee Airman , and a Tribute to Dr Martin Luther King Jr. His videos have aired on B.E.T. and other TV Networks .

D.C. White uses the popularity of Rap to educate and provide a positive influence. He uses Rap and Hip Hop sensibilities and styles to teach American History. The goal of History Records is to help others become more aware of their wonderful heritage and history through music. You can check out their site at: www.dchistoryrecords.com


7/16/2009: SONAHHR USA: DRAKEFORD LEVI UNDERGROUND RAILROAD HISTORIAN

The American Historian Drakeford Levi is now on Facebook.

If you have any questions about ongoing Long Island Underground Railroad research feel free to contact him at:

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=507430845


7/16/2009: SONAHHR LONDON REQUEST: SAM AGREE AFRICAN-CANADIAN HOCKEY PLAYER

SONAHHR LONDON. Sonahhr United Kingdom President Garry Glave is currently seeking information on the African-Canadian hockey player Sam Agee.

Agee played for Dawson City, Yukon in 1910.


If you have any information on this player, please contact Garry at: gsbglaveeur@yahoo.co.uk

You can view an image of Sam Agee at: www.theblackiceproject.com


7/16/2009: SONAHHR CANADA: BOB DAWSON VISITS BIRTHPLACE OF HOCKEY.

SONAHHR CANADA:   While in Halifax, Nova Scotia in June, Bob Dawson, who is an Executive Board Member of SONAHHR and lives in Ottawa, visited the Hockey Heritage Centre in Windsor, Nova Scotia. This small town boasts of being the “Birthplace of Hockey”. Ice hockey is said to have had its humble origins here as early as 1800 on Long Pond where the boys of Windsor’s King’s College School adapted the British game of hurley to the ice. Over time, hurley-on-ice developed into the popular game of ice hockey.

Erected in November 1995, the Hockey Heritage Centre contains information on the early game of hockey, photos of teams and players. It also has equipment and other memorabilia such early hockey skates made by the Starr Manufacturing Company of Dartmouth, home –made wooden pucks, and early hockey sticks hand carved by the Mi’kmag Indians of Acadia. Among the inductees to the Birthplace of Hockey Hall of Fame is Windsor’s own John “Buster” Paris who played in the early Nova Scotia Senior League . Buster was inducted in 2001 in the “Builder’s Category” for his dedication to the development of hockey in the Windsor area. In 2007, he was also inducted into the Black Ice Hockey And Sports Hall Of Fame.


7/16/2009: STRYKER-INDIGO REP TO ATTEND ASSEMBLY OF FIRST NATIONS CONFERENCE

07/16/09 NEW YORK CITY. Stryker-Indigo New York has confirmed that Mr. Barry Marsman, the Associate Producer on the hockey documentary Skies of Fire, Lands of Ice, will be attending the Assembly of First Nations Conference July 21-23, 2009 in Calgary , Alberta.

Mr. Marsman will be in the AFN Trade Show Business Network and Commerce
Zone at the TELUS Convention Centre and will be available to present information and to show a brief video film presentation of the project to interested parties.

The AFN Convention is expected to host 100 trade show booths and over 60 arts and crafts tables as part of the AFN trade show that will be held in Macleod Hall in the south building of the Calgary TELUS Convention Centre.

SUNCOR is supporting the 2009 AFN Host Committee and the AFN trade show. Business networking and commerce remains an important part of First Nation life. The trade show reflects the openness and inclusiveness that is a vital part of First Nation culture and communities. Look for Barry near the Stryker-Indigo Skies of Fire, Lands of Ice banner.


7/9/2009: CELEBRATE AUGUST 1ST -EMANCIPATION DAY IN ONTARIO

Ontario Black History Society
A Registered Canadian Charity founded in 1978
Dedicated to the study, preservation and promotion of Black history and heritage
Initiators of the formal declaration of February as Black History Month in Canada


                                            FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Address: 10 Adelaide Street East, Suite 402
Toronto, Ontario M5C 1J3
Telephone: 416-867-9420
Fax: 416-867-8691
Website:   http://www.blackhistorysociety.ca" www.blackhistorysociety.ca
President: mail to: president@blackhistorysociety.ca
president@blackhistorysociety.ca


CELEBRATING FREEDOM FROM CHAINS:

The Ontario Black History Society heralds the anniversary of Emancipation Day

TORONTO, July 7, 2009 – As the beginning of August approaches, the Ontario Black History Society (OBHS), is gearing up for their busiest Emancipation Day Celebrations yet in honour of the successful passage – through OBHS advocacy of Bill 111 making August 1st Emancipation Day in Ontario!!!

The OBHS has planned many exciting activities in order to mark the auspicious occasion:

On July 26, there will be a “Spiritual Launch of Emancipation Day” held at the British Methodist Episcopal Church (BME) in cooperation with the OBHS, scheduled for 11am at 1828 Eglinton Avenue West. The guest speaker will be CWO Kevin Junor of the Canadian Forces.

On July 30, there will be a film screening featuring various films such as: “Journey to Justice” and “Black Soul” at the National Film Board in cooperation with the OBHS, at 150 John Street at 5pm. A sneak preview of “Cool” will also be shown.

On July 31, in collaboration with members of the Ontario Liberal Caucus, the OBHS will be hosting a special reception at Queen's Park at 2pm, marking the first official recognition of Emancipation Day in the province of Ontario. This ceremony will also feature astounding musical performances by the Nathaniel Dett Chorale and the Sari Sari Dancers from the Commonwealth of Dominica Ontario Association. (Please contact us to be placed on the invitation list).

On Aug 1, in partnership with the Harbourfront Centre, the OBHS is proud to sponsor an Emancipation Jubilation performance by B. George Blake and Kalalu Folklore Theatre at 7pm. ; later also at Harbourfront, the OBHS, in cooperation with the Jamaican Consulate, will present the Maroons of Jamaica!

Commencing July 18th the OBHS will proudly partner with Metro Toronto Zoo in the African Arts and Cultural Festival by showcasing one of our many exhibits; “The Black Canadian Experience in Ontario 1834-1914”. The exhibit will be displayed at the African Bazaar until the Labour Day. (Weekend viewings only)

A bus tour to Black historical sites of importance is being planned, for implementation in the early fall of 2009.

The OBHS, in cooperation with the Caribbean Historical Society of Trinidad and Tobago, is also the organization behind the formal celebration of August 1st as Emancipation Day, attained in Ontario pending across Canada. Emancipation Day was the celebration that took place following the passing of the British Imperial Act of 1833 which we are now pleased to commemorate as part of the celebrations for its 175th Anniversary. Effective on August 1st, 1834 it is a symbol of the first global human rights legislation.

The public is invited to join the OBHS as they celebrate the freedom of Black slaves, as well as the emancipation of imparting cultural education.

The Ontario Black History Society (OBHS) is a non-profit registered Canadian charity, dedicated to the study, preservation and promotion of Black History and heritage. The Society aims to foster public interest and encourage the interest of Black History through the recognition, preservation and promotion of the contributions of Black peoples and their collective histories through education, research and cooperation, sponsorship and support of educational conferences and exhibits in this field as well as through promoting the inclusion of material on Black History in school curricular. The OBHS receives support from the Ministry of Culture. The OBHS has been awarded project assistance through the Ontario Trillium Foundation.

###

If you’d like more information about this topic, please contact Simone Samuels, Sponsorship Coordinator, at 416-867-9420.


7/6/2009: BARRY MARSMAN JOINS TO SKIES OF FIRE DOCUMENTARY PRODUCTION

New York 07/05/09. Stryker-Indigo New York has named Barry Marsman to the position of Associate Producer for the hockey documentary SKIES OF FIRE, LANDS OF ICE : A HSTORY OF FIRST NATIONS HOCKEY. The documentary has been in the works for the past 18-months, and is based on soon-to-be released book ,of the same name, written by hockey historians George and Darril Fosty.

Marsman, who currently resides in Calgary, Alberta, has been working closely for the past year with First Nations representatives in Alberta, British Columbia, the Northwest Territiories, and Nova Scotia in an effort to coordinate the Stryker-Indigo production and First Nations support and participation.   In the past, Barry Marsman has worked closely with Native business groups and leaders. He began his business career as a Sales and Marketing Representative in the Canadian television industry.




6/28/2009: SONAHHR BOXING SPECIAL: BLACKS AND THE BROWN BOMBER.

BLACKS AND THE BROWN BOMBER

By Charles R. Saunders
SONAHHR Vice-President, Boxing

If a poll were ever conducted to determine the most revered and beloved African-American of the last century, the winner would most likely be Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. And rightly so. Under King’s leadership, the civil-rights movement of the 1950s and ’60s broke the chains of segregation that held millions of black people back.

But Joe Louis, the heavyweight champion of the world from 1937 to 1949, would finish a strong second. Louis led no movements. He led with a stiff left jab to his opponents’ noses. He was the second black man to win the heavyweight crown, a generation after the tumultuous and controversial reign of the first one, Jack Johnson. Johnson did not open any doors for the black athletes in his wake. Indeed, the door slammed shut behind him after he lost the title. Louis and track star Jesse Owens pulled that door open again. And this time, it didn’t close.

In his gloved fists, Louis carried the hope, pride and aspirations of black people throughout the world during his rise to the title and his long championship reign. Yet for much of that time, the dreams of other black heavyweight contenders were deferred.

It’s easy to believe that Louis was the only black heavyweight of note during the 1930s and ’40s. He wasn’t. There were others. But almost none of them got the opportunity to fight Louis either before or after he won the title. Chances are, none of them would have beaten him. Louis was the best heavyweight of his time – and perhaps all time. Even so, he was not invincible. And his black contemporaries were just as deserving of a crack at him as the white ones, who were known as the “Bum-of-the-Month Club.” That designation was unfair, but the fact that they couldn’t even become one of Louis’s so-called “Bums” must have embittered the black contenders of his day.

Louis did not personally draw the “color line” against his own, as Johnson infamously did. Louis’s managers – John Roxborough and Julian Black – were the ones who picked Joe’s opponents. Roxborough and Black were a pair of African-American businessmen with underworld connections – not unusual in the fight game, regardless of color. They were well aware of Louis’s potential to break the barrier that stood between black boxers and the heavyweight championship. And they weren’t about to risk that ground-breaking opportunity by putting Louis in the ring with a black fighter who could derail their gravy train.

Thus, among the 31 bouts Louis fought before wresting the title from Jim Braddock, only two were against black opponents. Although he fought several blacks during his amateur days, the first time he met a fellow African-American as a professional was in the second bout of his career. The opponent, Willie Davis (also known as “Davies) was hardly a threat. He was winless in six bouts, and that soon became seven as Louis starched him in three rounds.

Not until bout number 20 did Louis face another black foe – one who was far more formidable than Davis (Davies). The man in the opposite corner was Roscoe Toles, a contender with solid credentials. One has to wonder why Louis’s managers were willing, at least this once, to put their man in against a fellow man of color who had at least an outside chance to win. Be that as it may, Louis and Toles met in Flint, Michigan, on April 27, 1935. Louis knocked Toles out in the sixth round.

But … was it a real fight or just an exhibition? Opinions vary. Some record books list Louis-Toles as a regular bout; others call it an exhibition. Boxrec.com, the definitive Internet record-compiler, does not even list the bout on either Louis’s or Toles’s record. So the status of the fight remains in limbo.

Toles deserves better than that. He may have lacked a knockout punch, but he was good enough to make The Ring magazine’s ratings. If his fight with Louis wasn’t a “real” bout, it should have been.

But Toles was not the only black heavyweight who could have given Louis a stern test during the young bomber’s rise to the top.

Johnny Whiters was a rival of Toles’s, fighting him at least three times (records vary), with Toles winning twice. Neither was able to knock the other out. Whiters defeated several of Louis’s opponents, including Eddie Simms, Jack Kranz and Willie Davis (Davies). He finished his career with 66 wins, 38 of which came via the short route. He lost 14, and had two draws. Only three of his losses came by stoppage. Whiters would not have been a pushover for Louis.

Jack Trammell was a tall, lanky banger with a sneaky right hand. One of his victories was a KO over Toles – in one round. Trammel also beat Harry Thomas, who would later get blown away by Louis in a title defense. Given Louis’s vulnerability to right-hand punches, Trammell might have exposed that flaw well before Max Schmeling did in his memorable upset of the Brown Bomber in their first fight. But Trammell never got the chance.

Lorenzo Pack was also a slugger, as attested by the fact that all the 19 wins in his short career came by knockout. His victims included Trammell and Whiters, as well as Louis foes Eddie Simms and Art Sykes. Like many other sluggers, though, Pack lived and died by the sword. He was put to sleep in six of his nine losses. Future champ Jersey Joe Walcott knocked him out in 1938. Louis would most likely have done the same. But at least Pack would have had the proverbial “puncher’s chance” to pull off an upset.

Leroy Haynes was something of a “poor man’s Brown Bomber.” Like Louis, he stood 6’1” and weighed about 200 pounds. Like Louis, he could knock a man out with either hand. Unlike Louis, however, Haynes lacked consistency. On the plus side, he knocked out former heavyweight champ Primo Carnera twice (Louis did it once). But he was stopped by Pack in two rounds, and by future Louis title-challenger Tony Galento in three. By the time Louis became champion, Haynes was all but washed up. Still, if they had met while they were both contenders, and Haynes had an on-night as opposed to an off-night, heavyweight history might have taken a different turn.

Tiger Jack Fox was only a light-heavyweight, but he was good enough to hand leading heavyweights their heads. His victims among the big boys included Pack, Trammell, Whiters, and Walcott. By the time Louis came along, Fox was a veteran of more than 100 bouts. In his only title shot, he lost to light-heavyweight king Melio Bettina, in part because the Tiger went into the ring suffering from the effects of a stab wound inflicted by a woman with whom he’d had an altercation weeks before. If Louis’s management steered him clear of Fox, it’s not hard to see why.

After Louis won the heavyweight title, he defended it 21 times in five years. Then he joined the U.S. Army as the Americans entered World War II. During his early championship years, Louis could have given title shots to any of the above-named black contenders – except, perhaps, Haynes, who was clearly on the downslide in the late 1930s. He didn’t, though.   Only one of those 21 defenses came against a black opponent. That opponent was John Henry Lewis, who was the world light-heavyweight champion and one of the few fighters to hold a decisive win over Tiger Jack Fox, knocking Fox out in three rounds.

But by the time he challenged Louis, John Henry was at the end of his career, and could only see out of one eye. Louis, who was friendly with Lewis outside the ring, got him out of there in the first round. That was John Henry’s final bout. At least he retired with a big paycheck.

Only Louis’s managers could say why they gave deserving black contenders the cold shoulder during the frist part of Joe’s title reign. With the advent of the war, however, the landscape changed.

Louis was not the only champion to join the armed forces during World War II. Many non-champions enlisted as well. The titles of the champions who went into the service were “frozen” over the course of the Allies’ struggle against the Axis powers. Boxers who remained civilians were eligible to become “duration” champions – something like the “interim” title-holders that today’s alphabet organizations foist onto the long-suffering public.

An extraordinary black fighter named Jimmy Bivins won both the heavyweight and light-heavyweight “duration” titles. Bivins was not big even by light-heavy standards, and he didn’t have much punching power. But he could box any man’s ears off. Billy Conn, who was about the same size as Bivins, came close to lifting the title from Louis in 1941. Bivins could have done just as well – if not better.

With Louis in abeyance, opportunities opened. Bivins wasn’t the only black heavyweight to come into his own during the war years. The story of Jersey Joe Walcott’s rise from obscurity is well-known. So is that of Ezzard Charles, even though he fought mostly as a middleweight and light-heavyweight at that time. There were others who might have given Louis problems if he had fought them before his long war-time layoff.

Hard-punching Elmer Ray had one of the all-time greatest boxing nicknames: “Violent.” And he lived up to the image that soubriquet implied. In the middle part of his career, he reeled off 50 consecutive victories, with 44 knockouts. He fought Charles and Walcott twice each, splitting both series. After his winning streak was snapped by Walcott, Ray’s career took a downturn, and he never got a title shot. Too bad. What a barn-burner a bout between “Violent” and “The Brown Bomber” could have been.

Lem Franklin hit even more violently than Ray, as 28 knockouts in 32 wins attest. By the early 1940s, Franklin had turned out the lights on Bivins, as well as Louis victims Abe Simon, Tony Musto and Eddie Simms. Those wins made him a logical opponent for Louis. But that logic came undone when Franklin faced another Louis victim: Bob Pastor. The glass in Franklin’s jaw shattered when the feather-fisted Pastor stopped him in eight rounds. From there, it was all downhill for Franklin. In his final 10 bouts, he was knocked out eight times. His last contest ended in tragedy, as he died after a nine-round beating at the hands of fringe contender Larry Lane.

Harry Bobo was yet another big hitter with a questionable mandible. Twenty-four of his 36 wins came by stoppage. So did four of his nine losses. Bobo knocked out Franklin in the first round. He did the same to Franklin’s conqueror, Lane. Bobo also stopped Louis victims Gus Dorazio and Lee Savold. In turn, he was kayoed by Wild Bill Boyd, Bill Poland, and Melio Bettina. By the time the war ended, Bobo had retired, and he never got a chance to check Louis’s chin.

Lee Q. Murray was a boxer-puncher who hit his stride during Louis’s last years as champion. He fought Bivins five times, winning twice. He also kayoed Bobo in eight rounds, but lost a decision to Roscoe Toles. Another key loss came by disqualification against Walcott. Despite those setbacks, Murray had sufficient skills to have given Louis trouble during Joe’s last years in the ring.

Curtis “Hatchetman” Sheppard, like Ray, lived up to his ominous nickname. With his “hatchet” of a right hand, he scored a one-round stoppage of Joey Maxim – the only knockout loss in the otherwise-elusive Maxim’s career. Even though he was a hard hitter, Sheppard could be stymied by clever boxers like Murray, Archie Moore and even Maxim, who outpointed him in a rematch after Sheppard’s knockout win. Louis would probably have beaten him, too. But then, Louis had problems with fighters who had big right hands, so Sheppard might have gotten lucky.

When the war ended, boxing’s titles were unfrozen, and the “duration” champs became contenders again. Louis was ready to resume defending his title. But age and inactivity had, inevitably, eroded his skills. He was still good enough to stop Billy Conn in a much-anticipated rematch, then annihilate Tami Mauriello in less than a round. It was clear, though, that he was not the Bomber of old, and there was a good chance he could be dethroned by a challenger determined to do so.

In the meantime, Jersey Joe Walcott had fought his way to the number-one contender’s position. On December 5, 1947, Walcott challenged Louis for the title. It was the first time Louis had faced a black opponent (other than in exhibitions) since his brief battle against John Henry Lewis in 1939.

Walcott made the most of his opportunity, dropping Louis twice and winning the bout in the minds of everyone except two of the three officials. When Louis was given the split-decision nod, he heard boos directed against him for the first time in his career. He had to fight Walcott again to redeem himself. In their 1948 rematch, Louis recovered enough of his old fire to come off the floor and stop Walcott in 11 rounds. That was Louis’s final title defense. He retired a year later. His record of 25 successful defenses stands to this day.

Two black fighters – Walcott and Ezzard Charles – faced off for the right to claim Louis’s vacated championship. Charles won by decision. If there was any discontent over one black champion being succeeded by another, it was muted. During Louis’s 12-year reign, he became the first crossover black celebrity, beloved by whites as well as blacks. The prospect of a black heavyweight champion was no longer the anathema it had been during Jack Johnson’s era and its aftermath.

With all his stellar accomplishments in and out of the ring, Louis should have been able to enjoy his retirement. But that was not to be. His tax troubles forced him to make a comeback.

The goodwill he had generated had created a far more accepting climate for black heavyweights than was the case when he started in the mid-1930s. In the 58 bouts he fought before abdicating his crown, only five were against black fighters (two of them against Walcott). That’s an anemic eight per cent. During his 10-bout comeback, he again fought black opponents five times – but this time, they accounted for 50 per cent of the total.

Louis’s first comeback fight was a challenge against Charles for the Brown Bomber’s old title. Ezzard won a one-sided 15-round decision to cement his claim to the crown. Joe should have retired for good then. But he couldn’t. He had to keep fighting as long as he could draw crowds make money – not for himself, but for Internal Revenue.

His next opponent was Omelio Agramonte, a black Cuban who was at best a fringe contender. Louis won by decision. Next came Andy Walker, an African-American journeyman from California. Louis stopped him in the tenth and final round. Then he fought a rematch against Agramonte, again winning a decision.

Three fights later, Louis met Jimmy Bivins. In the early 1940s, this would have been an intriguing matchup: speed versus power. But with both men well beyond their prime time, Louis had to settle for a dreary decision win. He didn’t know it, but the Bivins fight would be the last victory of Joe’s career.

In his final fight, Louis was brutally knocked out in eight rounds by the up-and-coming Rocky Marciano, who would go on to become an outstanding champion in his own right. It was only Louis’s third defeat. Ironically, three months before Louis fought Marciano, Joe’s old nemesis Jersey Joe Walcott won the title from Ezzard Charles in a shocking upset. Louis might have fought on, hoping to get Walcott in the ring again. But no one who cared about him wanted to see him absorb another beating along the way. Marciano was the one who knocked the crown off Walcott’s head.

For four decades after the end of Louis’s career, black boxers dominated the heavyweight division. Only during the past decade have they yielded to a wave of fighters from the former Soviet Union. Louis gave his many black successors the chance to build on the foundation he established. Because of times and circumstances, however, his shadow hung so heavily over his contemporaries of color that they were deprived of the opportunities for glory that Louis’s managers were able to obtain.

Was that fair? No. But if it was the price necessary to give us the Brown Bomber when we all needed him – and later, Jackie Robinson and Martin Luther King and, ultimately, freedom – so be it. Joe Louis was a great fighter regardless, and his managers’ decisions about his early opponents are a reflection on them, not him.





6/25/2009: STRYKER-INDIGO EXPANDS SOCCER STORE

06/25/09. -New York City . Stryker-Indigo New York continues to expand their online Soccer Sports Store in anticipation of the 2010 release of a number of soccer documentaries and books. Over the last month Stryker has doubled the size of the Stryker-Indigo Sports Stores International (SISSI).    According to the company, SISSI will continue to be expanded in installments with another   major expansion expected over the Summer. In recent weeks, SISSI has recorded sales to thirteen countries/regions ( Brazil, Canada, England, France, Italy, The Netherlands, Finland, Norway, Spain, Puerto Rico, China, Thailand and the United States). Once fully operational, in 2010, the site will be linked to a number of soccer related websites associated with Stryker-indigo and the company's current soccer documentary and book production lines. You can access the SISSI Store at:

http://stores.shop.ebay.com/SISSI-THE-TOUGHEST-NAME-IN-SPORTS__W0QQ_armrsZ1


6/25/2009: GARRY GLAVE: SONAHHR UNITED KINGDOM UPDATE

HI Everyone,

A couple of years ago, in Oxford, I took a Black Oxford course at Ruskin College. Great course! You can check it out at:

http://www.blackhistorymonthuk.co.uk/features/oxford_scholars.html

Moreover, recently, there was an event at "All Saints" in Manchester, England. In 1945, All Saints hosted the 5th Pan-African Congress and leaders from Africa and the Caribbean demanded independence from Great Britain. I'm pretty sure you guys already knew about the Pan-African Congress. Anyway, I'm going to check it out!

http://www.bbc.co.uk/manchester/content/articles/2008/10/16/pan_african_congress_feature.shtml

Kind regards

Garry


6/25/2009: DENVER: SHAKA FRANKLIN GOLF TOURNAMENT - AUGUST 6th

Just a quick reminder, The Shaka Franklin Golf Tournament is coming up at Denver's Hiwan Golf Club on Thursday, August 6, 2009.

This event is only $150 per person which includes Lunch & Golf.

Please Call Larry Madden to make your reservations at 303-674-9377 or email at larrymadden@wispertel.net .


6/25/2009: SONAHHR BOXING SPECIAL: TIME FOR THE CULT OF 'O' TO GO

TIME FOR THE CULT OF ‘0’ TO GO

By Charles Saunders
SONAHHR Vice, President, Boxing

Back in the days when boxing and baseball were the premier sports in the United States, talented pugilistic prospects underwent a process known as “seasoning.” They refined their craft by fighting a variety of opponents, each of whom provided a barometer of the prospect’s progress and taught him something new. Even though long unbeaten streaks could spark enthusiasm about a fighter, the occasional loss was simply chalked up to experience. For the most part, a loss was considered a temporary setback, not a career-killer. Ultimately, a well-seasoned fighter was less likely to fall apart when confronted by a skilled and determined opponent who had no intention of losing.

Those halcyon days are now part of the distant past. Football has long since displaced baseball as “America’s Game.” And boxing has been relegated to the status of a “niche” sport, facing a strong challenge from the trendy Mixed Martial Arts brand of mayhem. The seasoning process of old is no longer practical, or even possible. There are not enough fighters, enough venues, or enough cards to support a long learning curve. Sparring provides the main in-ring education now. But sparring sessions are no substitute for actual bouts.

And then there’s the Cult of “0.”

The “0” stands for “zero” – as in zero defeats. For a young fighter today, an undefeated record is the ticket to success – or, at least, a shot at one of four major world titles available in each of 17 weight divisions. The least-risky way to remain undefeated is to fight a succession of hopeless opponents. Even though a loss may be educational, it can end a fighter’s momentum in the eyes of fans who worship at the altar of “0.” The road back to contention can be difficult for a fighter who loses his undefeated record.

Promoters and fans’ attitudes and expectations are the reason the Cult of “0” has persisted since the late 1980s, when boxing began to disappear from the rosters of major television networks. Ironically, a generation before that it was the availability of fights on free TV that led to the demise of the fight clubs that were primary seasoning grounds. Free TV gave way to cable, closed-circuit and pay-per-view. No longer was the living room a free fight club. With the drastic drop in available fight dates, promoters suddenly had good reason to zealously protect their fighters’ “0.” To that end, the same chronic losers’ names began to appear on the records of prospects and proven contenders alike. The words “promotion” and “protection” have become synonymous.

Now, though, there are signs that the Cult of “0” is waning. British prospect Amir Khan, for example, lost his “0” last year via a crushing one-round knockout at the hands of Breidis Prescott. Only a few comeback fights later, Khan is scheduled to face Andriy Kotelnik for the WBA light-welterweight title.

Paul Williams suffered an upset defeat to Carlos Quintana. With his “0” gone, Williams obliterated Quintana in a rematch, and has regained his status as one of the most feared fighters operating between 147 and 160 pounds.

Tomasz Adamek lost his “0” to Chad Dawson at light-heavyweight, then moved up to cruiserweight and has become the dominant fighter in that division now that David Haye moved up to heavyweight.

Haye lost his own “0” early in his career when he was stopped by Carl Thompson. Shaking off that defeat, Haye eventually unified the cruiserweight titles, then trash-talked his way into an upcoming heavyweight title bout against Wladimir Klitschko.

Now, let’s look at some fighters who have managed to maintain their “0” as of this writing:

Heavyweight prospect Chris Arreola has won 27 straight, with 24 knockouts. Yet experts give him only a “puncher’s chance” to defeat any of the reigning heavyweight title-holders, or even the top contenders.

Andre Ward recently kept his “0” by outpointing the hard-hitting Edison Miranda. That fight was a definite risk for Ward, because Miranda rates a “puncher’s chance” against anyone he faces. Ward’s victory is likely to propel him to a supermiddleweight title shot. But with only 19 bouts to his name, he isn’t very seasoned.

Andre Berto holds the WBC welterweight title. His record stands at 24-0, with 19 stoppages. Yet he is still considered untested, and not the best fighter in his division despite his title and undefeated slate.

IBF light-heavyweight champion Chad Dawson is 28-0, with 17 knockouts. Along with his defeat of Adamek, he has beaten Antonio Tarver twice and also holds a disputed decision over Glen Johnson. But even with those former champions’ names on his resume, Dawson has not yet broken into The Ring magazine’s Top 10 Pound-for-Pound ratings. Neither, for that matter, have Berto, Ward or Arreola.

Here are the fighters who have made that elite roster:

Manny Pacquiao (49-3-2 (37)
Juan Manuel Marquez (50-4-1 (37
Bernard Hopkins 49-5-1 (32)
Shane Mosley 46-5 (39)
Israel Vazquez 43-4 (31)
Rafael Marquez 37-5 (33)
Miguel Cotto 33-1 (27)
Nonito Donaire 21-1 (14)
Victor Darchinyan 32-1-1 (26)
Celestino Caballero 32-2 (22)                  
You will notice that none of these top P4P fighters is undefeated. Indeed, all the ones in the first five have more than one loss on their records. And four of that top five have fought more than 50 bouts, which counts as a well-seasoned career by today’s standards.

Recently, two undefeated P4P stars – Joe Calzaghe and Floyd Mayweather Jr. – retired from the ring. Although Calzaghe took criticism for the poor quality of his opponents during most of his career, he ultimately stepped up his opposition sufficiently to forestall second-guessing about his all-time status. Mayweather was also slammed for ducking worthwhile challengers. Now, he’s come out of retirement, risking the loss of his “0.”

There’s no way the seasoning process of the past can be revived; conditions have changed too much for that to be possible. But if promoters and the public continue to wean themselves away from the Cult of “0,” the quality of performances at the top level will improve. And that will put boxing in a better position to resist Mixed Martial Arts’ incursion, and whatever other challenges the future may bring.




6/24/2009: FUTURE ACE: THE STORY OF HERB CARNEGIE

Future Ace: The Story of Herb Carnegie

By Herb Carnegie and Chad Soon



1        “Can I play with you?”
        
The little boy took one look at me. Clutching his toys, he sneered: “Go back where you came from!”

The boy thought I belonged in another country. This is one of my earliest memories. I won’t repeat the racist name he called me. When I went home and found out what that bad word meant, I felt crushed. I was afraid I might never have any friends. My parents told me to be proud of my colour. Still, I wished I could change my skin.

2        I was born in Toronto in 1919. All I wanted was to fit in, but in my neighbourhood I felt like a fly in a pail of milk. My family was the only coloured family around. At school there was a white boy called Sheppie who would play with me sometimes. One day I went to his house to see if he could come out. His father answered the door, took one look at me, and snapped, “You’re the wrong colour to be asking for Sheppie.” The door slammed shut in my face.

3        At school the racist names rang in my ears. I replied with my fists, but fighting didn’t stop the name-calling. And I was the one who always got into trouble. Principal Winch would say, “But names don’t hurt you.” My cuts and bruises quickly healed, yet I can feel the sting of those names to this day.

4        Snow and ice – a world of white stretched as far as my eyes could see. On that brisk Saturday morning the frozen pond behind my house called out to me. My big brother’s skates fit right over my winter boots. With a wobble I pushed off, all by myself on the clean sheet of ice. Gliding, striding, soon I was in flight. I could skate! I had to tell someone! Rushing home, I begged my sister: “Bernice, Bernice! I can skate, I can skate! And I’m good too! Come and see me skate!” Bernice followed me out, and I raced around the pond.

“Herb, you’re a very good skater!”

My sister’s words were what I needed to hear. From that day on I had something to feel good about. My sister had given me the confidence to dream.

5        On Saturday nights my family tuned our radio to the voice of hockey. I was spellbound by Foster Hewitt’s thrilling play-by-play of the National Hockey League action. I went to bed replaying the heroic deeds of the hockey stars in my head. Now I shared a dream with the neighbourhood boys and boys right across the country: we were all shooting for the NHL stars. On weekends we could chase the puck from morning until night. If the puck were edible, I would’ve eaten it for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Sharpening our hockey skills every day, my brother and I edged closer to our dream. Ossie and I were sure that one day Foster Hewitt would be calling out our names.

6        “Don’t be crazy,” my father warned. “You know they won’t let any black boys into the National Hockey League.”

I was speechless. My parents had always taught me to be proud of who I was, and now I was supposed to throw away my dream? It made no sense. What did my colour have to do with putting a puck in a net? My father’s bosses proclaimed that white players would not travel or eat with me. I would not accept that unfairness. I was a top junior hockey player. I stood out for my skin colour, but most importantly I stood out for my ability. Nothing was going to hold me back from my goal. If the NHL did have a colour barrier, I was going to break it down.

7        The crowd at Maple Leaf Gardens was quiet, watching the game intently. Mr. Crosby, my high school coach, called out, “Herbie, you’re up!” Over the boards I sprang. I gained control of the puck, but then I was struck by a hateful voice – a sudden blast of racist words from someone in the stands. I had lost my focus… and the puck. Furious, I returned to the bench, where a comforting hand found my shoulder and the most helpful words were whispered into my ear: “The way to answer that remark is to turn the red light on.” I had been blinded with anger – fists clenched – but now I saw a better way. My coach was right. Fighting wasn’t the answer. I could prove myself by doing something good. I could score a goal, and turn the red light on!

8        The next year I was back at Maple Leaf Gardens. I was enjoying a practice with my Junior A team, when my coach called me over and pointed to a shadowy figure high above us. “You see that man sitting in the blues?” Mr. Wildey asked. “That’s Conn Smythe, the owner of the Toronto Maple Leafs.” My mind started racing. My coach continued, “He says he’d take you for the Leafs tomorrow if he could turn you white.” I stood frozen on the ice, my mouth open in disbelief. I felt crushed. I couldn’t change the colour of my skin. I saw my NHL dream fading away.

9        My girlfriend and I faced racism together. Audrey was mixed – black and white – though she did not want to be seen as either: “I just want to be me.” Sometimes we were turned away from dances. On other occasions we were barred from the amusement park. If we were allowed in a restaurant, we might not be served. Many companies would not hire coloured people. But, I could still make a living playing the game I loved in leagues below the NHL.

10        In 1941, the one and only “Coloured Line” was formed. My brother, Ossie, and I were joined by Manny McIntyre. We were a big attraction in rinks around the Quebec League. Our strength was in the way we worked together. I brought puck control and play-making; Ossie was always in the right position and provided a wicked shot; and Manny added speed, skill, and toughness. Together we thrilled crowds, made news, and won championships.        

11        It was really frustrating. I watched as players of lesser ability were invited to NHL training camps. Despite being named the Most Valuable Player on my team, I was always overlooked. Still, I kept believing, pushing myself harder and harder towards my goal.

12        Finally, I got an invitation from an NHL team. I could barely read the letter through my tears of joy. When I got to the New York Rangers training camp, I showed the stars that I belonged. I turned the red light on again and again. I passed every test with flying colours, and I was sure I had made the team. The manager, however, had other ideas. He wanted me to go to their farm team. I couldn’t believe it. I had proven that I was more than good enough for the NHL. But the door was still shut to me. I went home, feeling a pain in the pit of my stomach that has never left.

13        When I finally hung up my skates, years later, it was with very mixed feelings. I would miss the game, but I was glad to have more time for Audrey and our young children. Still, I felt angry and defeated. My dream was over. It was final. Racism had won. All I knew was that I didn’t want that future for my children. The next year, the Future Aces Hockey School was born. My idea was not just to teach basic hockey skills but also fairness, respect, and a good attitude. Mitchell Field in Toronto was a place where any kid could go to learn the game and most importantly have some fun. It was about more than just hockey. I wrote a creed for the players to use on and off the ice:

14        (Text/image of the Future Aces Creed)


15        Of all the accomplishments in my public life, none beat having the Future Aces Creed in schools. The Creed is about believing in yourself, trying your best, and helping others. I don’t want you or anyone else to be treated unfairly, like I was. The Creed helps me to remember that when I get angry, I don’t have to do or say hurtful things. Instead I can choose a good attitude, and try to make things better. I hope my words can assist you, because I believe you can make the world a better place. Turn the red light on!

16        It is Future Aces Night at the Skydome in Toronto. Over 50 000 fans are applauding me for standing up for what is right and speaking out against what is wrong. The cheers take me back to my hockey days, all those years ago. I can still feel the hurt of my broken childhood dreams. But now, near the end of my life, I am seeing an even bigger dream coming true. Though my eyesight is failing, in this moment I have the clearest vision. With Future Aces, I see fairness for everyone. I see the power of kindness. I see hope for a brighter future. I won’t ever let this vision go.




6/24/2009: SONAHHR SPECIAL: LARRY KWONG -THE LONGEST SHOT

The Longest Shot: Retracing Larry Kwong’s Giant Strides

By Chad Soon, Executive Board, SONAHHR CANADA


Larry Kwong’s dream must have seen incredibly far-fetched. A child of the Great Depression, growing up in a hockey backwater, thousands of miles from the nearest NHL arena, Kwong was more than just a long shot to make the big league. No one from his hometown of Vernon, BC – no one from the Okanagan – had ever made it. On top of the geographic disadvantage was an even more daunting obstacle: the colour bar.

Kwong was only days old when the Canadian government marked Canada Day by trotting out the “Chinese Exclusion Act.” Chinese immigration was barred, even to the spouses and children of Canadian residents; and all Chinese-Canadians were required to register with the authorities. Voting rights were a distant dream. For nearly a quarter-century, before the act was repealed, Canada Day was also “Humiliation Day” in Chinatowns across the country.

In the context of such official, mainstream racism, one could say that Larry Kwong had a “Chinaman’s chance” of making it big.

“I did face discrimination,” states Kwong. “You always remember what happened when you were a kid. You go to a certain barber, and they wouldn’t cut your hair because you’re Chinese.”

Convincing his mother, a widow with fifteen children to support, to buy hockey gear was another tall order.

“She didn’t think too much of hockey. She came to see me play one game. She thought it was too rough, and she wouldn’t see another game. She said, ‘Why do you want to play hockey?’ I said, ‘Because I can earn some money,’ and I said, ‘I will build you a house with my hockey money.’”

Kwong did not want to consider the alternative: a life of hard labour on a BC farm. He had come to see hockey as his only chance for a better life.

“When I graduated from high school, I tried to get a job in Vernon. But, the Chinese couldn’t work for Canadian people. All the 500-600 Chinese were farmers. My brother and I had a truck to bring goods from the farms to the packing houses. Nobody would hire us as a clerk. Then, when I made the Trail Smoke Eaters, all the players worked up at the smelter. At first they told me there were no jobs. After, one of the directors told me that the ruling at Cominco was: no Chinese allowed to work there.”

In 1942, it appeared that Larry Kwong’s big break had arrived, when he received an invitation to the Chicago Black Hawks’ training camp.

“I was doing flips,” remembers Kwong. “That’s what I wanted.”

Kwong applied for documentation allowing him to follow his hockey dream in the States. He had been denied entry into the US before. A few years earlier, his midget hockey team was on its way to a game in Nelson, BC:   

“The roads were bad, so we had to go through the States. But when the American border guard saw me, he said, ‘You can’t go.’ I had to take a train on the Canadian side by myself, and I met the team at the border. Another time, I went on a tennis trip to Vancouver, and again we had to go through the States. The same thing happened to me.”

In response to Kwong’s request, the Canadian government informed the NHL prospect that he could not leave the country, because he was of conscription age. Kwong was held back, despite the fact that the government had put a ban on Chinese conscription.

“That was a rude disappointment,” laments Kwong.

Two years later, in 1944, Canada instituted the draft for Chinese, who were needed to perform special operations in the Asia-Pacific theaters. Kwong was among the first Chinese-Canadians to be called up.

“We had basic training in Red Deer. Some of those boys went overseas and got killed. Luckily for me, they kept me to play hockey to entertain the troops.”

During the war, Kwong attacked opposition lines on an Army team with New York Ranger stars like the Colville brothers, Charlie Rayner, and “Sugar” Jim Henry. The Ranger brass took notice, securing his services for their farm club, the New York Rovers.

In 1946, before a Rovers game, Larry Kwong was presented with the Keys to New York’s Chinatown. The community had found a source of pride in this import hockey player, at a time when the predominant Chinese icon in Western pop culture was Charlie Chan – a fictional character portrayed by a white actor.
Kwong was now sporting a new nickname, which identified him, however ironically, with a fictional giant ape who had terrorized the Big Apple. For the Chinese fans, it must have been a thrill to watch “King” Kwong break out of his shackles, or, rather, bust a few racial stereotypes.

Still, Kwong downplays his impact on the city’s Chinese community.

“There were Chinese people that came to see me play. I don’t know that I was a hero or not. I think it was more curiosity than anything, because I was Chinese. They wanted to see me skate.”

The following year, Kwong led the Rovers in scoring, putting up more points (86 in 65 games) than any Rover had in close to a decade. Near the end of the season, an official with the New York Rangers located the small-town grocer’s son in Madison Square Garden. “King” Kwong was going to get his big chance.

“I was telling myself, ‘I finally made it.’ This is what I had dreamed about since I was a little kid.”

However, at the time, Kwong had more than just a hockey game on his mind. His mentor for the past two years was gravely ill.

“My coach with the Rovers, Fred Metcalfe, said he wished he had had a shot like mine. He thought I had one of the fastest releases. He had a heart attack during one of our games against Quebec. When I made the NHL team, the Rangers, I went to see him in the hospital, and he said to me, ‘Larry, they finally brought you up. You should’ve been up there a long time ago.’ That’s what he told me. And I trust his word, because he was one of my best coaches, along with Toe Blake.”

Kwong’s was no ordinary call-up; his promotion would make international headlines.

“I was very nervous, because we had lots of publicity on it – being the first Chinese to play in the NHL.”

On March 13, 1948, Larry Kwong suited up for the New York Rangers in the Montreal Forum. That night he broke the NHL's colour barrier.

More than sixty years have passed since Larry Kwong made hockey history, and he still has not come to terms with his achievement or with the crushing disappointment.

When asked about his NHL debut, his genial disposition drops; his face and frame tense. He struggles to find the words, which come deliberately, in a voice that is now quiet and constrained.

“I’m still not happy. It’s a very ticklish time with me – to play that short amount of time….”

That night in Montreal, Kwong would not be given a fair shot to prove himself. He was a spectator, warming the players’ bench, until coach Boucher finally called his name late in the third period. After one turn on the ice – a token shift – his NHL try-out was over. Kwong was sent back down to the farm team.

“I was very disappointed I didn’t get a better chance to prove myself.”

Larry Kwong’s anguish was compounded a few days later, when Fred Metcalfe, the coach who knew his star player belonged in the NHL, passed away.

During that season, 1947-48, four other Rover forwards received longer looks with the Rangers than Kwong, despite his being the team’s top scorer.

Kwong had seen enough.

“I immediately contacted Valleyfield, because we played against them and their manager, Mr. Vinet, had said, ‘Anytime you want a job, you give me a call. We want you here.’ As soon as I knew I wouldn’t get a chance with the Rangers, I phoned right away to Valleyfield and they gave me a better contract.”

The Valleyfield Braves’ investment in Larry Kwong would be repaid in spades, as he led the team to an Alexander Cup title, the Canadian major senior championship, in 1951. That season, Kwong was named the MVP of the Quebec League, which would launch future stars like Jean Beliveau, Dickie Moore, and Jacques Plante. Even so, Larry Kwong would not get another shot at the big league.

“When I won the Vimy (MVP) Trophy, our team photographer, Mr. Beauchamp, made a cartoon – he drew it himself. It was congratulations on winning the Vimy, and he had me in iron chains, saying that my adversaries wanted to see me tied up,” laughs Kwong.

Although “King” Kwong was ultimately prevented from realizing his great promise in his sport, he did make good on his promise to his mother. With the money he earned playing hockey, the youngest son built his mom a house.


Next issue: The campaign to recognize Larry Kwong, a hero of diversity and a champion of fair play to all, ignored for half a century.




6/24/2009: SONAHHR SPECIAL REPORT: A CONVERSATION WITH HERB CARNEGIE

A Conversation with Herb Carnegie

This interview was performed in July 2007 by SONAHHR CANADA"S CHAD SOON for Hobby Insider, and reprinted in the February 2009 issue of Insider’s Edge magazine.


Q: Herb, you were one of the finest hockey players of your generation. Many have attested to this fact, including Hall-of-Famers such as Red Storey and Jean Beliveau. Why didn’t you play in the NHL?

A: The simple answer is that I came along and they tell me I came too soon, because of my colour. There was this thing called the colour bar, and I would say that’s why, plain and simple.

Q: How do you know you were good enough?

A: You know what you do on the ice. You know how you stand up against the other players when you’re in the game – how you can stickhandle, how you shoot, how you score. Your own body actions tell you whether you’re good enough or not.

Q: What was the highlight of your hockey career?

A: Any time you’re on a championship team, I suppose that becomes the highlight because it’s a team accomplishment. That came very early to me. I was on the Junior B team of Northern Vocational School when we beat the Barrie Colts in the 1936-37 season and we won the Ontario Junior B Championship. I was seventeen and I don’t think you could have a more exhilarating feeling than at that particular time.

Q: After being effectively barred from the NHL, how much pain and anger is left in you today?

A: I’ve tried to leave the pain and anger behind me, but when you can look back over the years, knowing that you were denied the opportunity to participate with the best players, the sadness within that story does not go away, particularly when you hear some of the fellows, like Jean Beliveau and Punch Imlach – these were my peers, shall I say, with the Quebec Aces, and lovely people to know – and they had their time in the big league and you’re wondering what it would be like for you to be there.

Q: Would hockey be the best game you can name?

A: Without question I would say that hockey is by far the best game, because it involves teamwork and great competition and setting up plays….Teamwork is something that we need all through our lives, and to learn it at a young age…I recommend it to the girls and boys. And, of course, seeing the girls play now – I think that’s a real plus for hockey.

Q: Many people don’t know that you were also an ace golfer. There was a time when you were barred from golf clubs because of your colour. Nevertheless, you went on to win back-to-back Canadian Senior Golf Championships. Would it be a tough call for you: Stanley Cup or Green Jacket?

A: I really don’t know. The difference between the two is having the Green Jacket is something you can say, “I did it.” You’re not necessarily a team, unless it’s your caddie and the individuals who helped you learn the game…but I like hockey because of the team aspect of it – it’s a ‘we’ game and every person is so important in hockey. Nevertheless, the thrill of having a Green Jacket would be ideal.

Q: You’ve received the Order of Canada, among many other awards, for your social activism. What is your Future Aces program about? How successful do you feel it has been?

A: I point to attitude as our most important value, because I believe that attitude directs our behaviour. It’s up to each one of us to have a strong and positive attitude to accomplish what we feel is important to ourselves and to other people. I have a world vision that some day nations will try to communicate with one another to minimize our wars. The (Future Aces) Creed is saying: try to communicate with one another, listen to one another, consider what you’re doing to or what you’re doing for somebody else. Help one another. That’s what we need. I know it’s going to take probably millions of years to heal, but nevertheless we must plant the right seed now, so that it can grow.

Q: Recently, at the 1967 Leafs Anniversary Show, you were reunited with your Quebec Aces teammate, Jean Beliveau. It was a touching moment. Could you share what words you exchanged? What do two hockey legends, ex-teammates, talk about when they get back together?

A: (Laughs) Well, it’s sort of: “You remember that night in Quebec when we met and hadn’t seen each other for twenty-some years – how nice it was to be in the same arena where we had so many wonderful games? And here we are back in the same place, not as spry as we used to be. We’re having a great time.”

Q: Your first hockey card was in the 1951-52 Laval Dairy set. Was getting your first hockey card significant for you at all? When did you find out you had a card?

A: Two or three years later, I think. Someone wrote me a letter and was asking me something, but I don’t really recall the details.

Q: How do you feel about the cards In The Game has made of you recently?

A: I think that it’s certainly nice to have a card out there and to be recognized as one of the coloured players that played the game of hockey with a respectable record. Every now and then you’ll get a note in the mail asking for a card or asking for some information about the card and feeling pleased that the holder of the card is speaking through the mail to “a legend of the game.” This is, shall we say…Would you call it an heirloom? (laughs) Now and then somebody will say, “Oh, I got one of your cards.” “Can I have one too? Do you got any more?” (laughs again)

Q: Charlie Conacher was one of your idols growing up?

A: I could say yes, because when Charlie Conacher was playing great hockey for the Toronto Maple Leafs, my brother, Ossie, and I were playing hockey on our side driveway, and he was Charlie Conacher and I was Joe Primeau….If you can imagine these two little kids of colour being these big white guys and playing for the Maple Leafs.

Q: What memorabilia have you kept from your playing days? Did you keep any of your old jerseys, sticks, skates?

A: No, I don’t recall doing that.

Q: How would you feel about your own memorabilia being put into cards, assuming you were compensated fairly?

A: I have such a love for the game that I think I would be pleased to know that there are bits and pieces of me still out there in the form of clothing or something from the game and this is what Carnegie used.

Q: How would you feel about some of your memorabilia being displayed in the Hockey Hall of Fame?

A: Oh, that would be an interesting development, if that ever came to pass.

Q: Blindness is a challenge you now have to deal with. It took about five hours, spread over a few evenings, to sign three hundred stickers for In The Game. What was that experience like? Would you do it again?

A: Depending on what the organization or person wanted the information for would be a consideration now probably more so because of the blindness where it’s a difficult process to go through. I cannot see any area of definition at all. Everything has to be done by feel. It’s getting a little more tiring now to do in great numbers.

Q: I remember pretty clearly the concentration that was required of you to do that. We were using a paperclip (to outline the sticker) and you had to feel the paperclip; we had to position you pen….

A: And try to make my writing understandable! (laughs) That was a tiring exercise.

Q: When people meet you, they are invariably lifted by your extraordinary energy, purpose, and optimism. I’ve seen people moved to tears. You’re eighty-seven years old. What drives you still?

A: My concern is my helping someone to reach his or her goal….It’s nice to help somebody if you can. I think probably that’s why I do it.




6/24/2009: HERB CARNEGIE: THE LONGEST CARD

he following article appeared in the April 2006 issue of Beckett Hockey.

The Longest Card

50 years after his NHL dream was crushed, a fan sees to it that Herb Carnegie finally earns his cardboard due

By CHAD SOON, SONAHHR CANADA


Born in 1919, the same year as Jackie Robinson, Herb Carnegie was poised to match Robinson’s heroics and break the National Hockey League’s colour barrier.

He certainly had the talent. He was a star forward for the Quebec Aces of the Quebec Senior League, where his teammates included Jean Beliveau, Jean-Guy Talbot and Marcel Bonin.

But the NHL didn’t have a figure as progressive as baseball’s Branch Rickey, the man who was willing to judge Robinson by his talent rather than his skin. Instead, Carnegie’s fate was sealed by comments such as this one from Toronto Maple Leafs owner, Conn Smythe: “I will give $10,000 to anyone who can turn Carnegie white.”

Now 86, Herb still feels the pain of his crushed dream. But rather than letting the disappointment consume him, Carnegie dedicated himself to his family, built a career as an award-winning financial advisor, and won two Canadian Senior Golf Championships.

But his lasting legacy will be the first hockey school in Canada: Future Aces. He created a set of mission statements for his young players that was revolutionary, and 50 years later continues to inspire schoolchildren. His foundation has provided scholarships for hundreds of civic-minded students. For his efforts, Carnegie recently received the Stanley Cup of citizenship awards: the Order of Canada.

As a fan of Herb’s, I wanted to give something back. He seemed to have everything…except a rookie card. As a collector, I thought I could help. I set my sights on In The Game. They seemed to be a natural fit, with their passion for the history of the game. The fact that they too had been excluded by the NHL for questionable reasons made them the obvious choice.

It was October, 2005, when I emailed ITG with my recommendation for their next free-agent signing. Four days later, Dr. Brian Price, the president of ITG, responded: “We tried to contact Mr. Carnegie to be in [2005-06 ITG Heroes & Prospects] but he did not return our calls.”

A dead end? No way. I got on the line to Herb’s daughter, Bernice, the director of Future Aces. She agreed that a card would be a nice promotion for their cause, and she set about taking care of business with In The Game herself.

For two weeks I heard nothing. Then, a shocker: I learned from Bernice that Herb had declined ITG’s offer. For Herb, cardboard immortality was not the honour I’d assumed he’d think it was. Unfamiliar with the industry, he decided he was not comfortable with signing away the rights to his name and image.

At that point, a smarter man might have let the idea die. But within minutes, I emailed ITG again, pleading with them to let me try to sell Herb on the idea personally. I quickly got my answer from Dr. Price. “It would have been an honour for us to include Mr. Carnegie, but our attempt was unsuccessful. Sorry.”

Undaunted, I phoned Herb. He had all kinds of questions about the business of trading cards. Surprisingly, he only recently had become aware that two cards (1951-52 Laval Dairy #16 and 1952-53 St. Lawrence Sales #53) had been produced of him during his playing days. I suggested a new card would introduce people to his story and help spread his vision. That seemed to win him over.

My next step: the 2005 Toronto Sportcard & Memorabilia Fall Expo, where I would pitch the concept of a Carnegie card to ITG and Upper Deck. I put together two promo booklets on Herb, including an essay, articles, stats, photos and a testimonial from Beliveau. I presented the first one to Upper Deck’s Karvin Cheung. He was skeptical of his company’s interest since Herb had not played in the NHL.

Back to ITG. Dr. Price humoured me for a few minutes, but no commitment was forthcoming. Discouraged? Sure. Seemingly at a dead end, I took a month off from the Carnegie business, but in mid-December I gave it another shot. I tried a different approach. Would Brian Price like an autographed copy of Herb’s book?

That worked. Within minutes of my email, I had a PDF contract in my inbox. Before meeting with Herb to finalize his end of the deal, I came back to ITG with a condition: Future Aces should be mentioned on the card back. ITG’s reply: “I think that might be possible.”

Then, when my client wished to personally discuss the deal with Dr. Price, it became apparent that the ITG boss’ patience had just about run out. He couldn’t understand Herb’s reluctance. In Dr. Price’s mind, ITG was taking a risk on Herb’s collector appeal.

However, Herb was ready to call it off too. It looked like this thing just might not be in the cards, but stubbornly I could not let go. I had to assure Herb that In The Game presented no risk to his hard-earned reputation, that they would in no way misuse his name.

He had to take my word for it. Herb is now blind, so he can’t see their products for himself. To convince him, I read him some of ITG’s best work, including card back comments on the exemplary citizenship of Beliveau, Trevor Linden and Sylvester Flis, the American sledge hockey player featured in the 2003-04 BAP Memorabilia series. That seemed to do the trick, as Herb finally consented to appear on a base card and even sign a few hundred autographs.

In the end, he agreed to sign not for the recognition, and certainly not for the money. He agreed to do it as a favour, a Christmas present, for a fanatic teacher and his classroom full of Future Aces who had been so helpful throughout the process. None of this would have happened without my students’ work. For weeks they had been writing questions and comments to stimulate Herb’s ideas for his new book.

The final deal called for Herb to provide 300 signatures. Not much work for most, but, remember, Herb’s blind. To ensure that his signature would fit on the stickers, I fashioned a label-sized window out of a paperclip so Herb could feel the space he had to work with. I placed the little piece of metal on each label, and he was able to locate the starting point for his pen.

Herb had to condense his autograph considerably to fit each sticker. A few of the signatures went long, a few had to be aborted, a few got smudged, and some went off on an angle. But overall his penmanship was easily superior to that of most current players. He signed 100 autographs with Bernice’s help, and the other 200 with me over the course of three evenings. We averaged about one autograph per minute.

After all that work, Herb Carnegie’s long overdue “rookie card” is set to be released in 2005-06 ITG Heroes & Prospects Series 2. Hopefully, a new generation of fans will come to appreciate Herb and his magnificent life, just as I have.






6/15/2009: NEW FOSTY BROTHER BOOK SCHEDULED RELEASE DATE ANNOUNCED.

New York City. 06/15/09. Stryker-Indigo New York announced today the scheduled release of George and Darril Fosty's latest book on Canadian History.
The book, "Goodbye is Forever: The Battle Of Dieppe 1942" is expected to be released in late August.   The book covers the disastrous 1942 Allied assault on the French Port of Dieppe, the darkest day in Canadian military history.


6/13/2009: TONY McCLEAN'S RUNDOWN FOR THIS WEEKENDS SPORTS RAP

SATURDAY'S WEEKEND SPORTS RAP
(June 13, 2-4 p.m. ET on BlogTalkRadio.com and BASN)

Co-Hosts: Michael-Louis Ingram and Chris Murray from the Sports MC's.

ALL GUESTS: Please call (646) 727-2642.

2:05: General sports talk and open phones (NBA, NHL, MLB, NFL, etc.)

2:35: BASN soccer writer Andrew Dixon talks about
Team USA, 2010 World Cup qualifying the world over, the MLS, and other related topics.

3:05: Sean L. Gibson, Executive Director of the Josh Gibson Foundation, talks about his great grandfather and other related topics

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Remember, you can listen to the show every Saturday (2 to 4 pm ET) at www.blogtalkradio.com and www.blackathlete.com. Just go to the search section at the top of the page and type in the keywords "Tony McClean" or "Weekend Sports Rap" and it will take you to my page.

You can listen online or call in and express your thoughts, ask a question or make comments at (646) 727-2642 or our chatroom. To get in touch with the host, e-mail Tony at teemack@blackathlete.com or teemack2000@comcast.net.

Thanks for your support and please let all of your sports-minded friends and colleagues know about "The Weekend Sports Rap".

NOTE: You can also checkout show archives at
www.blogtalkradio.com/Tony-McClean and www.blackathlete.com.


6/9/2009: NOVA SCOTIA TURNS LEFT -NDP SWEEPS INTO POWER

Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. 06/09/09. For the first time in its history, the Province of Nova Scotia will have a New Democratic Party (NDP) Provincial Government. The NDP swept to power in a landslide winning 31 0f the 52 provincial seats. The Liberal party finished second will 11 seats. The Progressive Conservative Party, having governed the Province for the past 10-years finished the evening with only 10 seats.

The NDP victory marks a major political shift in Canadian politics and is seen as a major shift away from the traditional status-quo and conservative nature of the region towards a center-left (Social Democrat) platform.

The Provincial election was being watched closely by the Society of North American Hockey Historians And Researchers (SONAHHR) as two of its current Executive Board Members, George Jordan and Tony Ince, were running for political office on behalf of the Progressive Conservative and Liberal Parties.

Regardless of running successful grassroots campaigns, both George Jordan (Progressive Conservative Party ) and Tony Ince (Liberal Party) went down to defeat at the hands of their respective NDP opponents.

George W. Jordan is a broadcaster, writer, actor, and producer in Halifax, Nova scotia, Canada. His career spans 41 years and includes work in radio, television, film, and on stage. He has acted at Neptune Theatre in Halifax, appeared in a continuing role in CBC Radio's "Clean Sweep" mystery series, and made an appearance in "Black Harbour" on CBC Television. His most recent film is entitled "Halifax Harbour: A Geological Journey" on which he was a co-writer and presenter. For 25 years he was the host and interviewer on CBC Radio's "Mainstreet" in Nova Scotia. Prior to that he worked as a staff announcer and program host for sixteen years with various broadcast outlets in Halifax, Peterborough, Toronto, and Montreal.

Tony Ince was born and raised in the north-end of Halifax, Nova Scotia. He attended York University in Toronto, Canada, majoring in History and Education. From 1996 to 2002, Mr. Ince worked for the Toronto District School Board as an Emergency Supply Teacher. He also taught History, Drama workshop, Physical Education and Social Studies. For more than a decade he has been active in the promotion of Cultural Diversity and Community Improvement Programs. In recent years, he has worked as an Actor on a number of Canadian film productions. recently, he was part of the production team for the 2008 Stryker-Indigo New York documentary "Black Ice".

Both Tony Ince and George Jordan are founding members of the Society of North American Hockey Historians and Researchers as well as a founding members of the Black Ice Hockey And Sports Hall of Fame Conference. Both Ince and Jordan currently head up SONAHR FILM, a social network comprised of American and Canadian filmmakers and actors affiliated with the Society of North American Historians And Researchers.


6/9/2009: CALL FOR PAPERS

CALL FOR PAPERS

Hockey on the Border: An International Scholarly Conference

June 3 - 5, 2010

Buffalo, New York, U.S.A.

Sports, like all things, contain borders or boundaries that define them and give them limits and meanings. All borders are rigid and porous; they both divide and connect. Hockey’s borders are no different. Hockey is made up of a series of communities defined by their boundaries: players and coaches, producers and consumers; Canadians, Americans and others; labour and capital; men and women; spectators and performers, aggressors and victims, storytellers and their audiences. “Hockey on the Border” is a multidisciplinary conference that will bring together the interests of those who study hockey in its variety of forms and contexts, past and present. Located in one of the sport’s best-known border cities, this three-day event will examine how hockey works and what it has come to mean to Canadians, Americans and others around the globe. Scholars from all academic disciplines and critical perspectives are invited to submit presentation proposals and to participate. All papers that examine hockey in a scholarly way will be considered, but proposals involving the following themes are especially encouraged:

Hockey as a transborder phenomenon
International trade and the commerce of hockey
Media coverage and the representation of hockey in international context
Hockey’s internal boundaries: gender, race, class (and others)
PuckLit: the borders of hockey fiction
Memoirs, memory, nostalgia and myth
Violence: a marginal role?
Hockey as labour, hockey as management
“Hockey on the Border” is co-hosted by the Department of Sport Management, Brock University; the Canadian Studies Program at Bridgewater State College; the Canadian Studies Committee of the University at Buffalo; the Sport Administration Program at Canisius College; and the Middle Atlantic and New England Council for Canadian Studies. The conference continues the occasional series of scholarly conferences on hockey begun at Saint Mary’s University (Halifax) in 2001 and hosted most recently by the University of Victoria in 2007.

Presentation abstracts of no more than 300 words should be submitted electronically or in hard copy by December 10, 2009 to both of the conference co-chairs:

Julie Stevens, PhD, Department of Sport Management, Brock University, St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada L2H 2B5 tel. 905.688.5550 ext.4668; email: jstevens@brocku.ca .
Andrew Holman, History and Canadian Studies, 236 Tillinghast Hall, Bridgewater State College
Bridgewater, Mass. USA 02325 tel. 508.531.2688; email: a2holman@bridgew.edu


5/20/2009: 2009 Nova Scotia Provincial Election Update

New York City 05/19/09. SONAHHR Board Members, George Jordan, Conservative Party, and Tony Ince, Liberal Party are both running for seats in the June 6, 2009 Province of Nova Scotia Provincial elections. Both George Jordan and Tony Ince are longtime Executive Members of the Society of North American Hockey Historians And Researchers. In addition, they are also two of the original founders of the Black Ice Hockey And Sports Hall of Fame Conference in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. Good Luck to both candidates.


5/20/2009: SONAHR BOXING SPECIAL: THE SWEAT SCIENCE.

TIME FOR THE CULT OF ‘0’ TO GO

By Charles Saunders
SONAHHR Vice, President, Boxing

Back in the days when boxing and baseball were the premier sports in the United States, talented pugilistic prospects underwent a process known as “seasoning.” They refined their craft by fighting a variety of opponents, each of whom provided a barometer of the prospect’s progress and taught him something new. Even though long unbeaten streaks could spark enthusiasm about a fighter, the occasional loss was simply chalked up to experience. For the most part, a loss was considered a temporary setback, not a career-killer. Ultimately, a well-seasoned fighter was less likely to fall apart when confronted by a skilled and determined opponent who had no intention of losing.

Those halcyon days are now part of the distant past. Football has long since displaced baseball as “America’s Game.” And boxing has been relegated to the status of a “niche” sport, facing a strong challenge from the trendy Mixed Martial Arts brand of mayhem. The seasoning process of old is no longer practical, or even possible. There are not enough fighters, enough venues, or enough cards to support a long learning curve. Sparring provides the main in-ring education now. But sparring sessions are no substitute for actual bouts.

And then there’s the Cult of “0.”

The “0” stands for “zero” – as in zero defeats. For a young fighter today, an undefeated record is the ticket to success – or, at least, a shot at one of four major world titles available in each of 17 weight divisions. The least-risky way to remain undefeated is to fight a succession of hopeless opponents. Even though a loss may be educational, it can end a fighter’s momentum in the eyes of fans who worship at the altar of “0.” The road back to contention can be difficult for a fighter who loses his undefeated record.

Promoters and fans’ attitudes and expectations are the reason the Cult of “0” has persisted since the late 1980s, when boxing began to disappear from the rosters of major television networks. Ironically, a generation before that it was the availability of fights on free TV that led to the demise of the fight clubs that were primary seasoning grounds. Free TV gave way to cable, closed-circuit and pay-per-view. No longer was the living room a free fight club. With the drastic drop in available fight dates, promoters suddenly had good reason to zealously protect their fighters’ “0.” To that end, the same chronic losers’ names began to appear on the records of prospects and proven contenders alike. The words “promotion” and “protection” have become synonymous.

Now, though, there are signs that the Cult of “0” is waning. British prospect Amir Khan, for example, lost his “0” last year via a crushing one-round knockout at the hands of Breidis Prescott. Only a few comeback fights later, Khan is scheduled to face Andriy Kotelnik for the WBA light-welterweight title.

Paul Williams suffered an upset defeat to Carlos Quintana. With his “0” gone, Williams obliterated Quintana in a rematch, and has regained his status as one of the most feared fighters operating between 147 and 160 pounds.

Tomasz Adamek lost his “0” to Chad Dawson at light-heavyweight, then moved up to cruiserweight and has become the dominant fighter in that division now that David Haye moved up to heavyweight.

Haye lost his own “0” early in his career when he was stopped by Carl Thompson. Shaking off that defeat, Haye eventually unified the cruiserweight titles, then trash-talked his way into an upcoming heavyweight title bout against Wladimir Klitschko.

Now, let’s look at some fighters who have managed to maintain their “0” as of this writing:

Heavyweight prospect Chris Arreola has won 27 straight, with 24 knockouts. Yet experts give him only a “puncher’s chance” to defeat any of the reigning heavyweight title-holders, or even the top contenders.

Andre Ward recently kept his “0” by outpointing the hard-hitting Edison Miranda. That fight was a definite risk for Ward, because Miranda rates a “puncher’s chance” against anyone he faces. Ward’s victory is likely to propel him to a supermiddleweight title shot. But with only 19 bouts to his name, he isn’t very seasoned.

Andre Berto holds the WBC welterweight title. His record stands at 24-0, with 19 stoppages. Yet he is still considered untested, and not the best fighter in his division despite his title and undefeated slate.

IBF light-heavyweight champion Chad Dawson is 28-0, with 17 knockouts. Along with his defeat of Adamek, he has beaten Antonio Tarver twice and also holds a disputed decision over Glen Johnson. But even with those former champions’ names on his resume, Dawson has not yet broken into The Ring magazine’s Top 10 Pound-for-Pound ratings. Neither, for that matter, have Berto, Ward or Arreola.

Here are the fighters who have made that elite roster:

Manny Pacquiao (49-3-2 (37)
Juan Manuel Marquez (50-4-1 (37
Bernard Hopkins 49-5-1 (32)
Shane Mosley 46-5 (39)
Israel Vazquez 43-4 (31)
Rafael Marquez 37-5 (33)
Miguel Cotto 33-1 (27)
Nonito Donaire 21-1 (14)
Victor Darchinyan 32-1-1 (26)
Celestino Caballero 32-2 (22)                  
You will notice that none of these top P4P fighters is undefeated. Indeed, all the ones in the first five have more than one loss on their records. And four of that top five have fought more than 50 bouts, which counts as a well-seasoned career by today’s standards.

Recently, two undefeated P4P stars – Joe Calzaghe and Floyd Mayweather Jr. – retired from the ring. Although Calzaghe took criticism for the poor quality of his opponents during most of his career, he ultimately stepped up his opposition sufficiently to forestall second-guessing about his all-time status. Mayweather was also slammed for ducking worthwhile challengers. Now, he’s come out of retirement, risking the loss of his “0.”

There’s no way the seasoning process of the past can be revived; conditions have changed too much for that to be possible. But if promoters and the public continue to wean themselves away from the Cult of “0,” the quality of performances at the top level will improve. And that will put boxing in a better position to resist Mixed Martial Arts’ incursion, and whatever other challenges the future may bring.


5/7/2009: 4TH BLACK ICE HOCKEY AND SPORTS HALL OF FAME CONFERENCE POSTPONED!

Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, Canada. 05/07/09. The Board of Directors of The Black Ice Hockey And Sports Hall Of Fame has announced that the 4th Black Ice Hockey And Sports Hall of Fame Conference has been postponed until August, 2010.

The one-year delay has been initiated due to the recent economic downturn and to allow time for the Hall of Fame to complete organizational restructuring as well as to complete plans for a series of public awareness and fundraising events.

The Hall of Fame apologizes for this postponement and looks forward to seeing everyone in 2010.


5/7/2009: CHAD SOON NAMED TO SONAHHR CANADA EXECUTIVE BOARD

New York City. 05/07/09. The Society of North American Hockey Historians And Researchers (SONAHHR) announced today that Mr. Chad Soon has been named to the Executive Board of Sonahhr Canada.

The 2008 Omni TV Golden Apple Award Teacher of the Year, Chad Soon regularly incorporates hockey content into his lessons. Vital to Mr. Soon’s teaching is Future Aces, Herb Carnegie’s philosophy of positive living. As a member of the Future Aces Writing Team, Mr. Soon has developed lesson plans for schoolchildren with the aim of building character and promoting social justice. Mr. Soon has also co-authored a children’s book with Herb Carnegie. In addition, he contributed material for Don Fraser’s Taking the Numb out of Numbers (Revised Ed.), a book of fun math activities. He was a regular contributor to Beckett Hockey, before moving on to currently write for Insider’s Edge magazine.

Mr. Soon has enriched student learning through classroom visits by hockey trailblazers, Herb Carnegie and Larry Kwong, as well as NHL stars, such as Mats Sundin and Mike Peca. Mr. Soon has been a leader in the campaign to win recognition for Larry Kwong as a champion of diversity and fair play for all. He organized a triumphant homecoming for Mr. Kwong, culminating in the presentation of SONAHHR’s Heritage Award at “Larry Kwong Night” at a packed Westbild Centre in Vernon , BC . As well, Chad Soon secured hockey card deals for both Mr. Carnegie and Mr. Kwong with In The Game Trading Cards, with the goal of spreading their inspirational stories to a worldwide audience.

Chad Soon received his B.A. in English Literature from the University of British Columbia in 1996 and his B.Ed. from the University of Toronto in 2000. He now teaches in Vernon , British Columbia , where he resides with his wife, Zoe, and their two children.


5/7/2009: Dr. Richard Zamoff Joins SONAHHR Executive Board.

New York City. 05/07/09. The Society of North American Hockey Historians And Researchers (SONAHHR) announced today that Dr. Richard Zamoff has joined their Executive Board.

Dr. Richard Zamoff is an Associate Professor of Sociology at The George Washington University in Washington, D.C. where he has served since 1982. Prior to arriving at GW, Dr. Zamoff taught at Columbia College, Queens College of the City University of New York, and Trinity University. He has also served as a Senior Research Associate at The Urban Institute, a Senior Scientist at the National Institute for Advanced Studies, a Senior Staff Associate at the Center for Urban Education, and an Associate Field Manager at the National Opinion Research Center at the University of Chicago.

Dr. Zamoff specializes in the Sociology of Sports, Research Methods and Program Evaluation, the Sociology of Education, and Contemporary Social Problems. He is especially interested in the historical and current relationship between race and sports. Since 1996, he has directed The Jackie Robinson Project and since 2000, he has served as a faculty advisor to the Jackie Robinson Society (a student organization). In 1999, Dr. Zamoff introduced a class titled, "Jackie Robinson: Race, Sports, and the American Dream." This class is now offered every fall and is accompanied by a Jackie Robinson Lecture Series (open to the entire GW community). It has been identified by the GW Media Relations Office as one of the most popular courses on campus.

Since 2006, Dr. Zamoff has been a supporter/promoter of the Society of North American Hockey Historians, The Black Ice Project, and North American research into the Colored Hockey League of the Maritimes. In addition, he has hosted three Colored Hockey League multi-media and lecture presentations on the GW campus in conjunction with the Jackie Robinson Lecture Series.




5/5/2009: Patricia Kinney, Granddaughter of James Kinney, Dies From Cancer

New York City. 05/04/09. It is with deep sorrow and regret that the Society of North American Hockey Historians and Researchers announces the passing of Sonahhr Executive Member, Patricia Kinney.

Ms. Patricia Kinney was born in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. She was the youngest daughter of Ida and Ross Kinney and the granddaughter of James A.R. Kinney Sr., the first President of the Colored Hockey League of the Maritimes (1895-1930). She was one of five siblings.

As a young child, her home was located on the grounds of the Home for Coloured Children. Therefore, she grew up immersed in the activities of the Orphanage first attending its Primary School, the Henry G. Bauld. She attended St. Peter’s High School and graduated in Education and Journalism from Mount Saint Vincent and St. Mary’s University, respectively.

Following her studies, Patricia embarked on a career in Toronto. She began her teaching career at George Brown College. After teaching for approximately three years, her interests turned to immigrant settlement matters given the cosmopolitan/multicultural and racial environment of the City. She was particularly interested in immigrant settlement matters as they pertained to equity in education and employment. To gain exposure and knowledge, she joined the Public Service Commission. Following extensive training and experience in all aspects of the field of Human Resources, Patricia was awarded a CHRP designation. She was appointed a compliance auditor of Human Resource Management Services in the Public Service nationally for an extensive period of time. Subsequently, she was appointed a mediator of disputes regarding the application of the Public Service Employment Act and Regulations.

In recent years, Patricia pursued her career related interest on a contract ad/or voluntary basis. For instance, she was employed as an investigator for the Canadian Human Rights Commission on a contract basis; most recently, she was the A/Director of an African Immigrant Counselling Centre on a voluntary basis.   In addition to her volunteer work, she was also an advocate of African-Canadian history and had worked to have the book, Black Ice: The Lost History of the Colored Hockey League, accepted into the Toronto School Curriculum. This effort was ongoing and has yet to be achieved.

Recently, she was named to the Board of Directors of the Black Ice Project and was also a member of the Association of Families of the Coloured Hockey League. Funeral services are scheduled this Friday in Toronto. No further information is available.


4/15/2009: ROBERT CLAYTON NAMED TO BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE BLACK ICE PROJECT

New York City. 04/14/09. The Stryker-Indigo Publishing Company, Inc. announced today that Mr. Robert Clayton, President and Founder of the Clayton Group (Washington, D.C.) has been named to the Board of Directors for The Black Ice Project www.theblackiceproject.com .

Mr. Clayton has a J.D. from the George Washington University National Law Center, Washington, D.C., as well as a A.B. in Social Relations from Harvard University.

For nearly three-decades, Mr. Clayton has been a leader in Sports and Labor Relations Law. His labor management efforts have been focused on representing corporations and public institutions in labor and employment litigation and in federal administrative proceedings. He has served as lead counsel in federal and state court litigation, NLRB representation and unfair labor practice cases, and in collective bargaining negotiations in the construction, transportation and gaming industries. He has substantial experience in handling EEOC discrimination cases. In addition, he has counseled companies on strike management planning, union corporate campaign strategy and EEO compliance. Primary labor counsel for TMSEL/Regional Transit Authority and Bally’s Casino. Primary EEO counsel in Louisiana for Kansas City Southern Railway Company.

In February 2009, he formed The Clayton Group, LLC. The Clayton Group specializes in Labor-Management Relations, Corporate and University Diversity Risk Management, Emerging Growth Company Development, NCAA and US DOE Title IV, VI and IX Compliance, Sports Business Transactions and Governmental Relations. The Labor management practice focuses on strategic labor-management partnering, arbitration and mediation, and collective bargaining advice. Counsel companies on union corporate campaign strategy and corporate diversity risk management. The Education practice focuses on admission policies and hiring diversity risk management, labor relations, campus security and athletics crisis management and advises universities and secondary school districts on NCAA, Federation and US DOE Title IV, VI and IX compliance matters. The Governmental relations practice focuses on the development of emerging growth companies in the advanced energy industry. Counsel to sports marketing firm in the negotiation of broadcasting, licensing and corporate sponsorship agreements.

Mr. Clayton is a Current Member, Board of Directors, Friends of Fort Dupont Ice Arena (Washington D.C.). In addition, he is also a Current Member, Board of Directors, Reach for College! (Washington D.C.).

He is a regular contributor to Athletic Business, University Business, Legal Issues in College Athletics and Sports Litigation Alert. He is also a Contributing Editor to The Developing Labor Law. A nationally recognized speaker, he has been a guest speaker at annual conferences of the American Bar Association, National Bar Association, National Association of College and University Attorneys, National Employment Law Council, National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletic and the Eastern College Athletic Conference. In 2004, he was named the National Bar Association's Sports & Entertainment Lawyer of the Year.




4/14/2009: HOCKEYTALK RADIO NOW ONLINE!!

The pilot episode of Hockeytalk Radio with Josh Brewster on AM830 is available for online listening:

www.hockeytalk.biz



4/14/2009: SONAHR BOXING SPECIAL: BARE KNUCKLES VS. GLOVES

BARE KNUCKLES VS. GLOVES

by CHARLES SAUNDERS, VCE-PRESIDENT SONAHR BOXING

        Used-book stores can yield unexpected treasures. I found mine one day about 10 years ago, when I went to one of my regular stops and saw a cache of back issues of The Ring magazine for sale. Many of them had come out long before I was born – and I came into this world the year after World War II ended. And … the price was reasonable, even to a person whose discretionary income wasn’t all that much.

        I bought as many of those yellowing magazines as I could afford that day. And I kept going back for more as the weeks passed – until the day somebody with more money that I had scooped up all the ones I hadn’t already accounted for. Despite that disappointment, I still had more old Rings than I ever thought I’d be able to obtain.

        Those magazines have given me a lot of joy since I first bought them. They’re full of lore I had only read about second-hand, in later editions. Back in the 1930s and ‘40s, the “old-timers” wrote about their memories of the early 1900s and late 1800s as though they were yesterday. Some of them were able to make direct, eyewitness comparisons between the way boxing was conducted under the London Prize Ring bareknuckle rules and the Marquess of Queensberry rules, which require fighters to wear gloves.

        The March 1942 issue of The Ring contains an article titled “Famous Fighting Codes,” by George T. Pardy.   In it, Pardy examines the Queensberry Rules and the ones that came before them. An interview Pardy conducted with a man who fought several bareknuckle bouts before switching permanently to the Queensberry Rules.

        That man was none other than Bob Fitzsimmons, who was the third world heavyweight champion under the Queensberry rules and also held the middleweight and light-heavyweight crowns, making him boxing’s first triple-crown king. Here’s what “Ruby Robert” told Pardy back in 1897, 45 years before being published in The Ring and 112 years before now:

        “The old style wasn’t ’arf bad,” said Bob.   “The trouble wasn’t with the kind of fightin’ so much as getting’ chivied around by the police, and not knowin’ where you’d find yourself before some bloomin’, bad-tempered beak, who might give you a year or so in quod. One thing, no chap ’ad any business in a London ring unless he was a fair nippy wrestler. You ’ad to be up to every trick in the ’uggin’ gyme, an’ strong into the bargain.

        “Because my legs was always thin, lots of fellows figured they’d never ’old up under me in wrestlin’. That’s where I fooled ’em! My legs never went back on me, and I was always sweet on wrestlin’ from the time I was a kid. Fact is, I learned to wrestle all styles long before I knew anything about sparrin’. And believe me, that was a big ’elp when I fought with the raw ’uns.

        “You ’ad to look out for yourself more than with the mitts, because there was a ’undred little ways of trickin’ a man with fouls that the referee wouldn’t be likely to get on to. And there was them spikes in the shoes! A foul fighter could cut up your legs and feet nasty with spikes, and do it in such style that it ’ud seem accidental, and not anything that ’e could help. That Pat Carney chap, for h’instance, ’im that I fought in my first real pro scrap under London rules! Pat cut me twice after we’d been at it about ten minutes. I ’ad a tear along my left calf, and a gash over my instep. But Pat apologized, said it was sort of accidental, and the referee said nothing.

“So ’arf a moment later we were locked and wrestling against the ropes, and I spiked Mr. Pat just as accidental as he’d done it to me. He yelled bloody murder, but the referee only grinned and shouted something about – ‘wot’s good for the goose is good for the gander!’ and Pat shut up. He tried no more monkey business, and neither did I. I put him to sleep fair and square and everybody on my side was satisfied, and the other side ’ad no kick comin’!

“All in all I ’ad four scraps under London rules, and that was the only time I got spiked. You see, the other fellow always knew you could get back at him at his own gyme, and there was no fun in that cutting racket. A referee wouldn’t disqualify you easy in the old style of fighting, it had to be something very raw, and anyway, ’ee’d warn a man plenty before ’ee’d think of stopping things.

“In one way, there’s more nervous strain fighting Queensberry style than with the bare knuckles. The tension’s higher with the gloves. There’s the three minutes of boxing and the minute rest between rounds, all arranged on schedule, and not so much chance for stalling as on the turf. Under London rules, every knockdown meant the close of a round. There was only thirty seconds of rest in between rounds, but if a chap was tired and groggy, he could drop from a light tap on his body or face, and string the fight out round after round. You were in danger of being disqualified if you fell without being hit, but how was the referee or anybody else to know for sure whether the wallop that sent you down had force behind it? That’s one trick you can’t pull often in modern boxing and get away with.

“None of my bare knuckle fights lasted long, but I can easily understand how tiresome some of the old-time scraps that were hours long must have been, not only for the principals, but the chaps at the ringside. Of course, the London Prize Ring was all out of date and had to go, but it surely developed some mighty fine sluggers. These boys who are looking for a living today don’t know how lucky they are. Not that I’m saying they couldn’t adapt themselves to the old order of things if they had to. It’s just a matter of muscle and gameness and one generation is equal to another in that respect.”

Fitzsimmons’ words of wisdom do, indeed, stretch across the generations. If he were alive today, he might consider the practice of “taking a knee” to get eight seconds of rest as akin to going down without being hit hard in the London game. But he’d be glad to see that the practice of “spiking” has not made a comeback. Because fights continue to occur on canvas rather than turf or muddy ground, there’s no need for boxers to wear spiked shoes to maintain their footing.

As for me, I continue to be glad I went into that bookstore years ago.




4/4/2009: TONY McCLEAN'S RUNDOWN FOR THIS WEEKENDS SPORTS RAP

RUNDOWN FOR THE WEEKEND SPORTS RAP
(Saturday, April 4, 2:00 to 4:00 ET on BlogTalkRadio.com)

Our Co-Hosts: Michael-Louis Ingram and Chris Murray from the Sports MC's.

ALL GUESTS: Please call (646) 727-2642.

2:35 to 3:00: BASN's L.A. Batchelor of "The Batchelor Pad" joins us for general sports discussion (i.e. Final Four, NFL happenings, MLB season openers.

3:05 to 3:30: BASN's soccer writer Andrew Dixon talks about blacks in "futbol", the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, and the 2009 MLS season.

3:35 to 4:00: Hockey writer Chasta Piatakovas ("Love the Game, Don't Like Puck Bunnies") talks about the NHL playoff race, especially the Eastern Conference and the Washington Capitals.

==================================================================
Remember, you can listen to the show (every Saturday from 2 to 4 pm ET) at www.blogtalkradio.com and www.blackathlete.com. Just go to the search section at the top of the page and type in the keywords "Tony McClean" or "Weekend Sports Rap" and it will take you to my page.

You can listen online or call in and express your thoughts, ask a question or make comments at (646) 727-2642 or our chatroom. To get in touch with the host, e-mail Tony at teemack@blackathlete.com or teemack2000@comcast.net.

Thanks for your support and please let all of your sports-minded friends and colleagues know about "The Weekend Sports Rap".

NOTE: You can also checkout show archives at www.blogtalkradio.com/Tony-McClean and www.blackathlete.com.


4/1/2009: LARRY KWONG, FIRST ASIAN TO PLAY IN THE NHL, AWARDED HONORARY SONAHHR LIFETIME MEMBER STATUS

New York City. 03/31/09. The Society of North American Hockey Historians And Researchers announced today that Mr. Larry Kwong has been made a "Lifetime Honorary Member of the SONAHHR."

On March 13, 1948, Mr. Kwong made his debut in the NHL playing for the New York Rangers in a game in Montreal. An apparent victim of racism, Mr. Kwong played only one minute in the game before his debut in the NHL was ended permanently.

Mr. Larry Kwong was born in Vernon, B.C. He played for the Trail Smoke Eaters prior to the 1941-42 season. The "Smokies" were considered the finest amateur hockey team in Canada prior to World War Two. Later, he played for the Nanaimo Clippers.

Following his debut with the New York Rangers, he played for the Valleyfield Braves in Quebec. Mr. Kwong played for a season in England with the Nottingham Panthers. Mr. Kwong is 85 years of age and resides in Calgary, Alberta.

Mr. Kwong is the first person to be be awarded a lifetime member status


3/28/2009: STRYKER-INDIGO NEW YORK TO UNVEIL 400-YEAR SOCCER HISTORY EXHIBIT.

09/28/09
New York City.

Stryker-Indigo New York has announced the creation of KICKING BACK: THE 400-YEAR HISTORY OF NORTH AMERICAN SOCCER MUSEUM EXHIBIT as part of the White Buffalo Rising and Pele's Children Documentary Projects.

The traveling museum exhibit, to be unveiled in the Summer of 2010, is designed to promote the 400-year history of North American Soccer.   The total size of the exhibit will be 1,500 square feet.

Divided into nine separate zones, the exhibit will be presented in a chronological format with emphasis on the development of amateur soccer in North America. The Zones are as follows:

Zone One: Early North American Soccer History 1607-1890.
Zone Two: U.S. Soccer 1890-1930
Zone Three: Canadian Soccer 1840-1930
Zone Four: U.S. Soccer 1930-1968
Zone Five: Canadian Soccer 1930-1968
Zone Six: The North American Soccer League 1968-1984
Zone Seven: White Buffalo Rising: Wyoming Soccer
Zone Eight: Pele's Children: An Hawaiian Soccer History
Zone Nine: The North American Game 1984-Present

Each Zone will contain video presentations of between 1-3 minutes. These cutaways will be supplied by Stryker-Indigo New York. Two special short film presentations from the documentaries White Buffalo Rising, www.whitebuffalorising.com, and Pele's Children: An Hawaiian Soccer History, www.peleschildren.com, will be made available for exhibit viewing.

All artifacts for the display would be supplied through Stryker-Indigo New York.

If your museum, organization or company would like to participate in this project, please send an email titled "Kicking Back" to: info@stryker-indigo.com .

Please include your name, the name of your company or organization, and your email and telephone number.





3/27/2009: LARRY KWONG, FIRST ASIAN TO PLAY IN THE NHL, AWARDED SONAHHR HERITAGE AWARD!

Vernon, British Columbia, Canada. 03/27/09.    An estimated six-thousand hockey fans were on hand this evening to witness a special intermission ceremony at the Westville Centre Arena, in Vernon, British Columbia, Canada when Society of North American Hockey Historians And Researchers Canadian Executive Board Director, Barry Marsman, presented Mr. Larry Kwong with a special SONAHHR Heritage Award in recognition of the 60th Anniversary of his being the first athlete of Asian ancestry to play in the National Hockey League.

On March 13, 1948, Mr. Kwong made his debut in the NHL playing for the New York Rangers in a game in Montreal. An apparent victim of racism, Mr. Kwong played only one minute in the game before his debut in the NHL was ended permanently.

Mr. Larry Kwong was born in Vernon, B.C. He played for the Trail Smoke Eaters prior to the 1941-42 season. The "Smokies" were considered the finest amateur hockey team in Canada prior to World War Two. Later, he played for the Nanaimo Clippers.

Following his debut with the New York Rangers, he played for he Valleyfield Braves in Quebec. Mr. Kwong played for a season in England with the Nottingham Panthers. Mr. Kwong is 85 years of age and resides in Calgary, Alberta. Sonahhr's Barry Marsman is a direct descendant of players who played in the Colored Hockey League of the Maritimes.

Congratulations Larry!


3/27/2009: TRUE TO THE GAME HIP HOP TRIBUTE HITS STORES!

CONTACT:        Bob Kendrick                                                          
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(888) 221-NLBM                                            March 22, 2009
                                                
NLBM partners with Stadium Entertainment on True to the Game
Long-awaited Hip-Hop tribute to the Negro Leagues compilation CD in stores nationwide on Tuesday; proceeds from every unit sold benefits the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum.

Kansas City, MO –The Negro Leagues Baseball Museum (NLBM) is set to move to a new groove with the Tuesday, March 24 release of “True to the Game, Vol. 1,” the museum’s long-awaited Hip-Hop salute to the Negro Leagues compilation CD. The music project, developed in partnership with New York City-based Stadium Entertainment, features some of the industry’s biggest names lending their voice to pay tribute to the legacy of the Negro Leagues. A portion of proceeds from every CD sold benefits the NLBM.

True to the Game, features 14 blazing original tracks from an All-Star roster of platinum and multi-platinum selling artists paired with emerging new artists. The line-up includes: Yung Joc, Raiyn and Talib Kweli, Tay Dizm, T-Pain and Rick Ross, Macy Gray and Marsha Ambrosius, GLC and Kanye West, Sam Chris and Big Boi (from the group Outkast), Mikkey Halsted and Klass, Ziggy Nina and Chingy, Porta Prince and Ray J, Jarvis and Ludacris, Mario, DJ Pharris & Shawna & Paul Wall & Lil Scrappy, Brandon Hines, and Hustle Boyz and Snoop Dogg. All the music on the CD is suitable for listening audiences of any age.

The current single, The Big Screen, features Hip-Hop icon Kanye West and his protégé GLC who is an emerging voice in urban music. GLC, a childhood friend of West, had previously appeared on West’s critically acclaimed releases The College Dropout and Late Registration. West and GLC were the first artists to agree to participate on the True to the Game project. Simultaneously, a new track titled, Still Hurts, by Grammy-nominated singer, songwriter, producer and actress, Macy Gray and Marsha Ambrosious, formerly of the Grammy-nominated group Floetry, has been serviced to radio stations across the country.

“The development and release of this CD is a milestone moment for the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum and demonstrates the progressive thinking and entrepreneurial spirit of the organization,” said Bob Kendrick, vice-president of marketing for the NLBM. “Our goal is to use the pervasive power of Hip-Hop to introduce and give voice to the story of the Negro Leagues to a new generation while creating a non-traditional stream of revenue in support of museum operations.”

The groundbreaking music project, three-years in the making, is licensed by the NLBM in partnership with Stadium Entertainment and is the first of a planned four volumes of releases from the label as a fundraising tool for the NLBM. Music industry veterans Gary Katz, Camille Barbone and Jerome Mas founded Stadium Entertainment in 2006.

According to Barbone, who formerly managed Madonna, the company was created in response to the “need to create a new paradigm in an industry that often forgets that its reach and power comes with certain responsibilities.” The goal of the company is to use part of its revenue stream to support a wide-range of philanthropic and social justice organizations, while attempting to “edutain” consumers who aren’t aware of important issues like the legacy of the Negro Leagues. As Barbone further explains, “We’ve created a new business model where the artists, their music and worthy charities can come together to create entertainment projects that have a profound impact on the lives of others.”

True to the Game, Vol. 1 is available at the NLBM, on-line at NLBM.com and in stores that sell music across the country.




3/27/2009: TONY McCLEAN'S RUNDOWN FOR THE WEEKEND SPORTS RAP


(Saturday, March 28, 2:00 to 4:00 ET on BlogTalkRadio.com)

NOTE: Our annual baseball show with the Sports MC's Michael-Louis Ingram and Chris Murray.

ALL GUESTS: Please call (646) 727-2642

2:05 to 2:30: Members of the Emmett Ashford Society which includes Ms. Adrienne Bratton (his daughter) and founding member/advisor Edward Kile on the possibility of the pioneering umpire being inducted into the Hall of Fame.

2:35 to 3:00: Open phones and general sports discussion.

3:05 to 3:30: Reporter Fred Mitchell of the Chicago Tribune talks about the Cubs and White Sox as well as baseball in general.

3:35 to 4:00: Free-lance writer Justice B. Hill talks the state of baseball and his Negro League pieces for MLB.com .

==================================================================
Remember, you can listen to the show (every Saturday from 2 to 4 pm ET) at www.blogtalkradio.com and www.blackathlete.com. Just go to the search section at the top of the page and type in the keywords "Tony McClean" or "Weekend Sports Rap" and it will take you to my page.

You can listen online or call in and express your thoughts, ask a question or make comments at (646) 727-2642 or our chatroom. To get in touch with the host, e-mail Tony at teemack@blackathlete.com or teemack2000@comcast.net.

Thanks for your support and please let all of your sports-minded friends and colleagues know about "The Weekend Sports Rap".

NOTE: You can also checkout show archives at www.blogtalkradio.com/Tony-McClean and www.blackathlete.com.


3/24/2009: ssg summer shorts fest



Posted: March 24, 2009 by Darril
SSG SUMMER SHORTS FEST
Beverly Hills, California - USA
July 24 to 26, 2009

In the Spotlight this week is the brand new SSG SUMMER SHORTS FEST, situated in Beverly Hills, California, the world-famous city-within-a-city where moviedom's most successful creative executives and power brokers live, work, and discover.

Technically new to the growing community of quality Los Angeles-based specialty film fests, Summer Shorts emerges as the latest pedigree project from the Screening Services Group and the Fine Arts Theatre, whose collaborations have also yielded the well-established Beverly Hills Hi-Def Film Festival and the popular SSG Screening Series.

To kick things off in style, the Festival has founded an Audience Award offering cash prizes for First, Second, and Third Place. Boasting opening and closing receptions, filmmaker Q&A's, a Hollywood audience, a state-of-the-art screening venue, and incentives for filmmakers to build and attract their own audience with reward packages, the Fest is an enviable shorts showcase for emerging or experienced filmmakers to debut their work.
   
UPCOMING DEADLINE
March 31, 2009 - STANDARD and STUDENT Deadline
Upgraded projects save $5 off this deadline
MISSION AND OBJECTIVE
SSG Summer Shorts Fest wants to present the best in shorts filmmaking using only the best sound, equipment, projection, and space. SSG Summer Shorts Fest not only celebrates but rewards captivating film experiences with prizes and press recognition.
MORE ABOUT THE FESTIVAL
The Fine Arts Theatre, located in Beverly Hills, has long been recognized by industry insiders to be one of the premier movie houses in Los Angeles since it was built in 1937. Today, the theatre continues the proud tradition of providing among the finest cinematic experiences in Southern California, and recently the art deco gem underwent $280,000 renovations, giving selected filmmakers a prime opportunity to screen their films in a uniquely pristine environment.

The ambitious renovation is apparent in the venue's screening capabilities. In-house equipment includes 35mm with both Dolby Digital 5.1 & 7.1, Dolby E, Dolby 2D and 3D D-Cinema, HDCAM-SR, D5, HDCAM, HDV, Blu-Ray, HD-DVD, D-VHS, Digi-Beta, Beta-SP, DVCam, Mini-DV and DVD. All films are screened from the in-house Christie 2K D-Cinema projector in HDCam, HDCamSR, D5, DCP, Digibeta, and BetaSP formats. Filmmakers seeking the perfect technical presentation before a savvy crowd of Hollywood insiders need look no further than SSG SUMMER SHORTS FEST. Submit today!

link: https://www.withoutabox.com/03film/03t_fin/03t_fin_fest_01over.php?festival_id=7654


3/24/2009: SONAHR FILM: INDUSTRY NEWS HEADLINES, MARCH 24

Sony In Expansion Of U.S. and Foreign TV Business


www.nytimes.com/2009/03/23/business/media/23sony.html


Warner Bros. Customizing DVD Purchases


www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/content_display/news/e3i2ded48a3101e540b15e37163179e3905


Warner Bros. Taps Archives For DVD Service


www.variety.com/article/VR1118001517.html


Networks Search for 10 PM Gold


www.variety.com/article/VR1118001488.html


Broadcast-Cable Gap Shrinking


adage.com/mediaworks/article


3/24/2009: STRYKER-INDIGO NEW YORK REPORTS PROFITABLE 2008.

New York City. 03/24/09. The Stryker-Indigo Publishing Company, Inc. , announced today that they had a profitable 2008, despite the current economic downturn.

According to the company, 2008 saw a tremendous amount of restructuring and change at Stryker-Indigo. The company eliminated three of its websites, discontinued its hockey book Splendid Is The Sun: The 5,000 Year History of Hockey, eliminated its online Skeena Sixty clearance store, and sold off its Canadian/U.S. Research Library in Hicksville, New York.

At the same time, Stryker-Indigo expanded its digital video production and stock footage libraries, upgraded its company computers, software, and HD production cameras, all-the-while continuing to work on the production and development of a number of book and documentary projects.

For most of 2008, the company operated two independent Canadian-U.S. documentary production and editing teams. In August, the company released the 41-minute documentary, Black Ice, winner of the Best Short Film at the 10th Annual Roxbury Film Festival in Boston.

In April 2008, the company also expanded into the area of Soccer, launching their Stryker-indigo Sports Stores International online store specializing in soccer collectibles. Stryker-Indigo continues to work on two soccer documentaries and companion books scheduled for release some time in 2010.

In January 2009, the company announced it is creating Brighton Beach Productions, a new documentary division specializing in New York regional histories.   The company is also expected e to expand its presence in the area of hockey history under the company's Colored Hockey League, LLC banner.

Stryker-Indigo is a privately-held corporation incorporated under the laws of New York State. The company was founded in 1996 by Canadian historians George and Darril Fosty.


3/23/2009: SCREENWRITERS -READY FOR FIFTEEN MINUTES OF FAME!!!

WGAE Accepting Screenplays for June 22nd Screenplay Reading
Deadline is Monday, April 27th


The WGAE Activities Committee is encouraging new submissions from WGAE members for its popular Screenplay Reading Series held at the JCC in Manhattan . If you would like your unproduced screenplay to be considered for the upcoming program on June 22nd, please submit a synopsis and a 15- to 20-page excerpt from the screenplay to screenplayreadings@wgaeast.org. Please include a one-paragraph bio with your submission and make sure to indicate the excerpt's placement within the script. Two screenplays will be chosen for the next reading. Our casting agent will cast your screenplay with talented New York actors and they will read under the direction of our gifted director. After the reading, our moderator will conduct a Q&A on-stage with the screenwriter.


Past readings were performed in front of packed and enthusiastic audiences. A wine reception follows the event. The WGAE Screenplay Reading Series is an ongoing program. Submissions for the June 22 reading must be emailed by Monday, April 27th for consideration. Submissions received after that date will be considered for future programs.


3/23/2009: TOTAL HOCKEY MUSEUM ARTIFACTS UPDATE

Until recently, Clarington was the home of the Total Hockey, an interactive, educational museum which told the story of the history of hockey and celebrated our national past time. The museum was based on the artifact collection of hockey icon Brian McFarlane, which the Municipality of Clarington purchased in 2003.

The collection consists of approx. 1400 artifacts which Brian assembled through his many hockey connections. The majority of the artifacts are photographs which detail the history of the game and highlighting significant events in the games evolution. There are also numerous memorabilia items, including a vintage skate collection and other items of equipment and sweaters.

The museum is now closed and the artifacts are in storage.

I am presently reviewing the future of the collection and one option we are investigating is the possibility of loaning the collection out to other hockey themed museums and facilities for a defined term, while still retaining ownership of the collection. The recipient museum would be responsible for the cost of transportation and would accept responsibility for the entire collection for the duration of the term. At this point there is no intention to separate the collection into smaller parcels.

Please consider this a fact finding mission at this time, to see if there is interest within the hockey community in pursuing this as a viable option. The collection is a wonderful history of the game of hockey and should be shared with hockey enthusiasts and historians. I would be interested in hearing from you, with the name and number of a contact person, if your organization would be interested in pursing this further. Cheers!

Skip Crosby
Community Service Coordinator
Clarington Community Services
905-623-5728 ext.621


3/23/2009: UNION OF FILM, TV WORKERS APPROVE NEW CONTRACT

Mar 21, 1:13 AM EDT


LOS ANGELES (AP) -- A union that represents more than 35,000 film and television workers has approved a three-year contract with Hollywood producers.
Officials from the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees said Friday the contract was unanimously endorsed by all 15 Hollywood local groups.
The contract, which goes into effect Aug. 1, includes some modest pay hikes but also cuts in health and pension benefits.
An opposition campaign by some union members accused their leaders of selling them short at the bargaining table. But a majority of members were swayed by leaders' argument that the contract was the best that could be expected given the industry's recent struggles.
Word of a potential deal with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers was first announced in November.


3/23/2009: TIME TO END AMATEUR HOUR

TIME TO END AMATEUR HOUR

By Charles Saunders
SONAHHR Vice-President, Boxing

In just about every major sport, the amateur and minor-league versions are close to – if not identical with – the professional versions of the games. Variations of the rules may crop up here and there. But for the most part, the rules and skills involved in a given sport are the same, regardless of whether its participants receive payment for their efforts.

Thus, the minor-league World Series in baseball is similar to the major-league spectacle. College bowl games in football are a reasonable facsimile of the Super Bowl. The game played in basketball’s March Madness isn’t all that different from what we see in the NBA’s playoffs. Skaters in the NHL and junior-hockey ranks shoot the puck the same way. And amateur golf champions putt and chip like their professional counterparts. Same sports, different levels.

Boxing? Not so much.

The Olympic Games are the pinnacle of amateur boxing. A gold medal, or even a respectable performance, can jump-start a fighter’s professional career in terms of money and promotion. But professional and amateur boxing have diverged so far that they’ve become the equivalent of two different sports. The rules are different, the strategies are different, the equipment is different – even the weight classes are not the same.

Amateur boxers wear headgear in bouts; pros wear headgear only in training, not in bouts.

Amateur boxers use larger gloves than do professionals.

Amateur boxers wear singlets that cover their upper bodies; pros (at least the men) do not.

Amateur bouts are limited to four two-minute rounds; professional bouts are set for four, six, eight, 10, or 12 three-minute rounds.

Amateur bouts – in the Olympics, at least – are scored by judges who press buttons to indicate scoring punches. Professional judges score by assessing the contestants’ use of effective aggression and successful defense. The only buttons they push are those of spectators who disagree with their decisions.

The difference between a professional world-championship fight and an Olympic gold-medal bout is like the difference between tennis and badminton. On the surface, tennis and badminton look similar, but in reality they’re two entirely different sports. Pro and amateur boxing profess to be different levels of the same sport, with gloves, a ring and a referee. But these days, they are not much alike at all, as anyone who watches both can plainly see.

That wasn’t the case decades ago. The amateurs of the old days didn’t wear helmets, and they fought in the same basic style as the pros. The difference was that amateur bouts were limited to three three-minute rounds. Back then, the amateurs were something of a gigantic farm team for the pros. And a Golden Gloves title meant more than a gold medal.

As time passed, rules changed, primarily with the safety of amateur boxers in mind. The push-button scoring system came in response to the way judges in the 1988 Olympics robbed Roy Jones Jr. of a gold medal. Adapting to those changes, fighters developed a hunt-and-peck style intended to induce the judges to press the right button at the right time. The eye-hand coordination of the judges has become more relevant than the ring skills of the boxers.

The boxing competition used to be one of the premier events of the Summer Olympics – right up there with track-and-field and swimming. Thanks to the new rules and the unwatchable style they spawned, however, boxing was hard to find on TV during the 2008 Games. An Olympic gold medal is no longer a guarantee of box-office gold. There’s even been talk of dropping boxing as an Olympic sport after the 2012 Games, if not before.

Amateur boxing used to provide a vital apprenticeship for future professionals. Now, it’s become something very different. Amateurs who fight in an aggressive, professional manner are penalized, while the slap-happy style that makes amateur judges push a button in a split-second looks a lot less impressive to their professional counterparts. Of course, professional judges are a long way from perfect. If you had a dime for each time “the worst decision ever” was announced after a pro bout, you’d be a millionaire. But at least pro judges aren’t obliged to split their concentration between the fighters and a keypad.

The International Amateur Boxing Association is not likely to change the rules that govern world and Olympic amateur contests. At that level, the disconnect between pro and amateur boxing is more likely to widen than become narrower. And who knows what the consequences of an end to Olympic boxing might be?

Although the powers-that-be in boxing are primarily concerned with competition from Mixed Martial Arts, they need to focus on boxing’s training ground as well. After all, boxers have to learn the fundamentals of the game somewhere.

Of course, amateur boxing isn’t primarily a pipeline to the pros. Most amateur boxers never enter the punch-for-pay ranks, but they still gain from their time in the gym. The sport teaches discipline and self-defense, the training involved promotes physical fitness. Those beneficial aspects of the amateur experience should not be overlooked. Boxing does not need to be professional to have value for its participants.

Still, given the widening gap between the amateur and professional games, promoters might want to look into establishing a minor league for boxers who are serious about becoming professionals, and aren’t gearing their hopes toward the Olympics. Such a minor league could provide training and experience in the “pro style” that doesn’t seem to go over well with the button-pushers at amateur ringsides. In the absence of Olympic gold, perhaps recognition like that bestowed by the reality-TV show “The Contender” could be the goal these minor-leaguers would pursue. Contracts with major promoters could be offered to the winners.

That’s just one idea. Surely, there are many others. Hopefully, a change for the better will come, because boxing’s current “amateur hour” is at the point where it needs to hear the final bell.




3/6/2009: Reviews Black Ice: The Lost History of the Coloured Hockey League of the Maritimes, 1895-1925

College Quarterly
Summer 2008 - Volume 11 Number 3

Reviews        Black Ice: The Lost History of the Coloured Hockey League of the Maritimes, 1895-1925
George Fosty and Darril Fosty

New York: Stryker-Indigo Publishing, 2004

Reviewed by James Satterfield

Having grown up in the American South, I became fascinated with learning about the plight of slaves brought to America. I traveled some of the paths taken by slaves on the Underground Railroad. As a young adult, I reread the story of Henry “Box” Brown and how he shipped himself from Virginia to Pennsylvania to escape slavery. The story left me with new questions about other slaves who achieved freedom in the North. I asked myself, with this new-found freedom, how did they negotiate their place in their new society, how difficult was it to adopt new cultural norms, and what did they do for fun. These questions, at least in part, have been answered by brothers and authors George and Darril Fosty’s book, Black Ice: The Lost History of the Coloured Hockey League of the Maritimes, 1895-1925.

It is well documented that sports in society can contribute to the defining of a community’s social structure, the development of sociological norms and, in some cases, has the capability to explain the history. The Fosty’s book is a prime example of how perception can sometimes pass as reality. When thinking of sports and history as they relate to people of colour, most think of Jackie Robinson breaking the Major League Baseball colour barrier in 1947, Willie O’Ree having his debut with the Boston Bruins in 1958, or the Negro Baseball League of the early twentieth century. However, what people do not think of are the coloured hockey leagues in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

To major hockey enthusiasts, this book might lack some of the detail when chronicling the Black Loyalist, the Maroon Colony, and the development of Africville, a community located on the shore of the Bedford Basin in Halifax. Conversely, for the beginner to intermediate historian, this book offers wonderful lessons in Canadian history; and, for hockey enthusiasts, Black Ice offers a window into a largely forgotten part of Canadian hockey.

As with most history books, Black Ice is not without controversy. The authors suggest that the contributions made by the Black hockey players largely went ignored. For example, they state that Black goaltender Henry “Braces” Franklyn was the first player to drop to his knees to tend goal. In addition, the authors also say that Joseph André “Boom Boom” Geoffrion was not the inventor of the slap shot, but rather that it was a Black man named Edward “Eddie” Martin, the captain of the all-Halifax Eurekas. Although there are written and oral histories to substantiate the authors’ claim, the manner in which Black Ice is written displays some antipathy to the historical misrepresentations of Black contributions to the sport. Depending on the reader, the presentation of the facts could be understood as a purposeful slighting of African Canadians’ place in history.

What this book does not provide is any great deal of information about individual players; however, what it lacks in specifics, it surely makes up by identifying the teams. There were team names such as the Africville Brown Bombers, the Coloured Magnets, and the New Glasgow Speed Boys, just to name a few. The Fostys make it obvious that the team names offered a new sense of pride to a group of young men who were not far removed from slavery. This idea leads to another important fact explored by the Fostys.

The authors bring to the reader’s attention the Coloured League’s unique organizing principle. The league used the Bible as its rule book, and sought to inspire Blacks to compete equally with their White brethren. Through Black Ice, the Fostys show how the game of hockey was the catalyst that brought teamwork, determination, leadership and a sense of community to its participants and supporters.

As with most good things, the Colored Hockey League came to an end. The Fostys have done a good job of detailing the beginnings of the league, describing its transitional periods and explaining its end. They also were able to highlight the social mechanisms that contributed to the disbanding of the league.

The book ends with a chapter called “The Death of Africville.” This chapter is particularly well done because it brings together all of the pride, hope and determination demonstrated by the men of the hockey league, and shows how social programs can sometimes cause the death of something beautiful. After reading Black Ice, I do not believe I’ll ever look at hockey in the same way.

James Satterfield teaches in the Eugene T. Moore School of Education at Clemson University in South Carolina. He can be reached at satter3@clemson.edu


3/5/2009: Heroes Wanted Wins PBS Best Short Film Contest


New York City. 03/05/08. The Marquette Jones' Short Film, "Heroes Wanted", starring Underground Railroad/Colored Hockey League Historian Drakeford Levi, won last week's PBS Thirteen Short Film Contest.

If you did not get a chance to see the film or comment, you can access it under the Blog 13 Column at:   http://www.thirteen.org/sites/reel13/


link: http://www.thirteen.org/sites/reel13/category/shorts/


3/4/2009: MAXHOCKEY.COM LAUNCHES 24/7 NHL COVERAGE

March 3, 2009 - MaxHockey.com today launched its 24/7 NHL coverage; just in time for tommorow's NHL trade deadline.

The site features original columns by its staff of writers including Stan Fischler, David Kolb and Debbie Elicksen, among others.

A prominent and groundbreaking feature on the site is the MaxHockey News Wire; where current news stories or breaking news from newspapers and websites throughout North America will be available to you, all in one place!

MaxHockey.com will also feature player blogs. We are happy to announce that Ron Hainsey of the Atlanta Thrashers, Blake Wheeler from the Boston Bruins and Jamie Rivers from the Chicago Wolves will be blogging, sharing their experiences throughout the rest of the season. Of course we plan on adding more players along the way!

Perhaps you missed your team play? No problem. Head to your team's MaxHockey.com team page by clicking their logo shortly after a game, and catch all the highlights.

These are but a few of the many features that separate MaxHockey.com from any other hockey site out there today.

We hope you enjoy the site!

David Kolb
MaxHockey.com
Managing Editor




3/3/2009: Africville Genealogy Launches New Website.

The Africville Genealogy Society is pleased to announce the launch of it's website. Work continues and more info will be added in the upcoming months. Please feel free to respond with your comments and suggestions.

The web address is: www.africville.ca

For much of its existence, Africville was your typical Nova Scotian seaside village. what made it unique was that it was founded by people of African descent — former slaves, escaped slaves and free people who came to Nova Scotia for promise of a better life. The Community was bulldozed by the City of Halifax in the 1960s.

Historically speaking , Africville is considered the birthplace of the Colored Hockey League.


3/2/2009: Journeys Into Hockey Radio Special: Black Ice

Journeys Into Hockey. Exploring hockey's offbeat, off the beaten path, overlooked and forgotten - with Eric Model

SUNDAY, MARCH 1, 2009
Black Ice: “The Lost History of the Colored Hockey League of the Maritimes: 1895-1925″.
Comprised of the sons and grandsons of runaway American slaves, the Colored Hockey League of the Maritimes helped pioneer the sport of ice hockey changing this winter game from the primitive “gentleman’s past-time” of the nineteenth century to the modern fast moving game of today. In an era when many believed blacks could not endure cold, possessed ankles too weak to effectively skate, etc. (”and lacked the intelligence for organized sport”), these men defied the defined myths.

We speak with George Fosty, one of the co-authors of “Black Ice”.

Aired on Xm Radio - Channel 204 in February, 2009.

At:
http://conversationsontheroad.com


2/28/2009: SONAHHR ALERT: DRAKEFORD LEVI STARS IN HEROES WANTED!

As many in the hockey community already know, Colored Hockey League/Underground Railroad Historian, Drakeford Levi is also an accomplished Actor here in New York City.

If you would like to view one of his latest roles, playing a homeless man in Heroes Wanted, you can view it at:

http://www.thirteen.org/sites/reel13/category/shorts/

Heroes Wanted runs approximately 3-minutes. Feel free to post a comment on the PBS website.


2/27/2009: Duck Calls With Josh Brewster

Duck Calls with Josh Brewster
Anaheim Ducks Radio on AM830

New!
Guest
JAMES DUTHIE
TV Studio Host, TSN

and

KEVIN SYLVESTER
TV Studio Host, Buffalo Sabres TV

L I S T E N    O N L I N E

www.hockeytalk.biz


==============================================================
Josh Brewster
310.621.4790
email: josh@hockeytalk.biz
Producer of Hockey Talk Web Radio
Host of Anaheim Ducks postgame show, "Duck Calls"

www.hockeytalk.biz



2/25/2009: SONAHHR SOCCER ALERT!

TONIGHT, FEBRUARY 25th, 8:00 EST - Montreal Impact play Santos Laguna of the Mexican premier division in the Quarterfinals of the CONCACAF champions league. They are expecting over 50,000 at the game in Montreal tonight (about 40,000 more than a regular Impact game). By the way there are two USL teams left (Montreal and Puerto Rico) and only one MSL team left (Houston). Should be good.


2/24/2009: WBAI NEW YORK PUBLIC RADIO DISCUSSION ON HOCKEY

THE WBAI NEW YORK PUBLIC RADIO DISCUSSION ON HOCKEY FEATURING CANADIAN HOCKEY HISTORIAN GEORGE FOSTY CAN BE HEARD AT THE FOLLOWING LINK:

http://archive.wbai.org/files/mp3/090224_020001tue2to4am.MP3


PLEASE NOTE, THE HOCKEY SEGMENT BEGINS AT THE 26.40 MARK OF THE PROGRAM AND RUNS FOR AN HOUR.


2/22/2009: SONAHHR BOXING SPECIAL: STYLES MAKE FIGHTERS

STYLES MAKE FIGHTERS

By Charles Saunders

SONAHHR Vice-President, Boxing

One of boxing’s most enduring truisms is that “styles make fights.” It explains why Fighter A beats Fighter B, and Fighter B beats Fighter C, but then Fighter C turns around and beats Fighter A. In any given matchup, however, strategy counts as much as style. Fighter A may indeed have the right style to beat Fighter B, but failure to employ a strategy that makes appropriate use of that style can result in defeat rather than victory.

It might be more accurate to say that strategies make fights, and styles make fighters.

In boxing, styles are as individual as the fighters themselves. Many are similar on the surface, but differ in detail. A fighter’s style is defined by how he or she utilizes the two basic elements of the “sweet science”: boxing and punching.

Boxing is what separates pugilists from street brawlers. It’s the art of self-defense; the ability to hit without being hit; the skill of making one’s opponent do what one wants him to do … while at the same time conning him into thinking it’s his idea.

Punching is the underlying link between the bout and the brawl. It’s pure offense. It’s throwing blows with the intention of “getting the opponent out of there.” It’s the reason people have followed the sport since its bare-knuckle beginnings.

As stated above, styles are individual. Still, there are certain broad categories that define several overall styles that have developed since those bare knuckles began to be covered with gloves and legal (are you listening, Antonio Margarito?) handwraps. Let’s take an overview of those categories.

BOXER-PUNCHER: This is a fighter who excels in the art and science of self-defense, and also possesses enough punching power to knock an opponent out at any time. A boxer-puncher’s defense is often employed to set up his offense. He usually prefers to box, but can punch when he wants or needs to. Most fighters on all-time Top Ten lists are boxer-punchers. Examples: Benny Leonard, Sugar Ray Robinson, Sugar Ray Leonard, Floyd Mayweather Jr.

PUNCHER-BOXER: Unlike the Boxer-Puncher, the Puncher-Boxer prefers offense to defense, and goes into his bouts looking for the knockout. For that reason, his other skills are sometimes overlooked. But he can also exhibit the slick tricks of the trade when necessary, and throws his bad-intentions punches accurately, not wildly. All-time greats who are not Boxer-Punchers tend to be Puncher-Boxers. Examples: Joe Louis, Roberto Duran, Evander Holyfield, Manny Pacquiao.

ARTIST: Either through choice or necessity, the Artist would rather box than bash. Their stock-in-trade is to make their opponents miss, then make ’em pay; hit ’em quick and get out of the way. Artists may not score many knockouts, but discerning spectators can appreciate their adroitness. Examples: Willie Pep, Pernell Whitaker, Wilfred Benitez, Ivan Calderon.

SLUGGER: These fighters live and die by the sword. Like a home-run hitter in baseball, the Slugger tries to slam it out of the park with every punch he throws, jabbing be damned. In the ring, a single punch from a Slugger can end a fight – if it lands. But if the Slugger misses too many shots, he becomes vulnerable because he lacks defensive skills. Examples: Earnie Shavers, the young George Foreman, Pipino Cuevas, Edison Miranda.

NONPAREIL: This label was first attached to the original Jack Dempsey, a nineteenth-century middleweight king. It means “without equal.” Modern-day Nonpareils are basically unorthodox Artists. They box out of the box, doing things their way, much to the chagrin of purists – not to mention their opponents. Their speed and reflexes enable them to perform feats other fighters cannot even dream of, let alone duplicate. Examples: Muhammad Ali, Roy Jones Jr., Prince Naseem Hamed, Joe Calzaghe.

MECHANIC: This is a boxer who has mastered his trade over the years and applies all aspects of the game with thorough professionalism – but without the panache of an Artist or a Nonpareil. The Mechanic may not be as spectacular as a Boxer-Puncher, but sometimes he can carry out a strategy that will defeat a more-talented foe, as Max Schmeling did in his first fight against Joe Louis. Examples: Gene Tunney, Joe Brown, Larry Holmes, Bernard Hopkins.

SWARMER: Quantity is the watchword of the Swarmer. He may not have the raw power of a Slugger, but he makes up for it with the sheer volume of the punches he throws, minute-by-minute, round-by-round. An abundance of stamina and an above-average chin are needed to have success at practicing this energetic style. Examples: Henry Armstrong, Jake LaMotta, Rocky Marciano, Joe Frazier.

SPOILER: Back in the day, this type of fighter was referred to as a “cutie.” Spoilers specialize in making their opponents look bad. First they make their opponents miss – then they tie them up. Occasionally, they’ll land a counterpunch – then go for a walk. They may not hurt their opponents all that much, but they will often humiliate them. Nobody wants to fight a Spoiler, but sometimes, they can’t be avoided. Examples: Sammy Angott, Maxie Rosenbloom, Jimmy Young, John Ruiz.

IRONMAN: Fighters of this type are the human shock-absorbers of the ring. They’re the ones with cast-iron jaws and rock-hard ribs that are seemingly impervious to punishment. They may not be able to box very well, and they may not pack much of a punch. But they seldom go down, and despite the beatings they usually take, they’re still in there when the final bell clangs. And sometimes, they become champions. Examples: Battling Nelson, George Chuvalo, Randall “Tex” Cobb, Carlos Baldomir.

As any trainer worth his or her salt knows, studying styles is the key to devising effective strategies. But upsets still happen, and that’s why people continue to watch the fights.




2/19/2009: VIRGINIA: RICHMOND HOCKEY FIGHTS CANCER ANNUAL FUNDRAISER, MARCH 21st

SPREAD THE WORD!

Hockey For Hope 5, Five For Fighting

March 21st , 2pm
Richmond Coliseum
RHFC vs Sperry Marine

Tickets for the RHFC game, Gades legends game and Gades game that night are only $10 and can be purchased at: www.teamrhfc.com


Tickets are not required for the Hockey for hope game if thats all you can make it to. We would just ask for a donation.

Please support the RHFC team and cause, we are also looking for sponsors so if you can help or know a buisness that can please have them contact us at lstryker09@aol.com


Also March 14 at Capital Ale HousE: Benefit Concert with Sin City $10 tickets at the door.

THANKS AND SEE YOU THERE!


2/18/2009: TORONTO THE GOOD -FEBRUARY 26th

You are invited to attend Toronto the Good with the OBHS -
A fundraiser for the Ontario Black History Society!!
DATE - February 26
TIME - 8:00 P.M.
COST - $26
TICKETS - Call the OBHS for reservations: 416 867-9420

ONTARIO BLACK HISTORY SOCIETY NIGHT IS FEB 26rd!!

JOIN US - CALL US TO RESERVE YOUR TICKET! 416 867-9420



"The CN Tower is shining in the night sky, pointing to some far off destination in the universe, out into infinity." - Almanda in TORONTO THE GOOD

Chalmers Award-winning playwright Andrew Moodie (Riot, The Real McCoy) investigates the politics of race in our own backyard with TORONTO THE GOOD. A black youth is stopped by a white police officer. The officer finds a gun. The white defense attorney claims racial profiling. The black crown attorney is faced with the most challenging case of his career as he questions his own values and identity. A riveting and complex journey where the personal and political collide.

"The topical drama is a lament for
a changing city…" - Globe and Mail

Starring
STÉPHANIE BROSCHART, MIRANDA EDWARDS, SANDRA FORSELL, XUAN FRASER,
BRIAN MARLER, MARCEL STEWART

Set & Costumes by KELLY WOLF
Lighting Design by REBECCA PICHERACK
Sound Design by CHRISTOPHER STANTON
Stage Management by ANDREA SCHURMAN

BUY NOW! 416 867-9420
                                                                                                         admin@blackhistorysociety.ca




2/18/2009: The Color Purple -Toronto - March 3, 2009


Oprah Winfrey Presents THE COLOR PURPLE, a soul-stirring
musical based on the classic Pulitzer Prize-winning novel by
Alice Walker and the Oscar nominated film by Steven Spielberg.
It is the unforgettable and inspiring story of a woman named
Celie, who triumphs over tremendous odds to find joy in life,
and her true inner beauty. Nominated for eleven Tony Awards®,
THE COLOR PURPLE is a landmark theatrical event. With a joyous
Grammy®-nominated score featuring jazz, gospel and blues,
COLOR PURPLE is capturing the hearts of young and old, and
uniting audiences in a celebration of love.
"A soaring epic, joyful noise in my heart." - TIME MAGAZINE
"Blessed with talent"- NEW YORK TIMES
Only 18 tickets left! Get yours now!

THE Ontario Black History Society NIGHT: Tuesday, Mar 3, 2009 @ 8pm
GREAT SEATS!!Tickets only $76.00!(Marked down from $100)
PLEASE CONTACT PAMELA HOUSTON @ 416-867-9420
RSVP DEADLINE FEB 27, 2009


2/15/2009: Stryker-Indigo Accepting New York Documentary Proposals

02/15/09. New York City. Stryker-Indigo New York is currently accepting documentary film proposals for development consideration for their new Brighton Beach Entertainment Division.

Brighton Beach Entertainment will specialize in New York Regional stories and projects.

Please send a 1-2 page proposal letter with a Self-Addressed-Stamped-Envelope to:

Stryker-Indigo New York
37 Rolling Lane,
Levittown, NY 11756
Attn: Acquisitions/Proposals




2/14/2009: Stryker-Indigo To Launch New Entertainment Division

02/14/09

New York, NY - The Stryker-Indigo Publishing Company, Inc. has announced the creation of a new entertainment division.

The division, to be named Brighton Beach Entertainment, will be a full service company designed to develop, produce, purchase, exhibit and distribute New York-themed stories and products in all media formats, including documentaries, fictional films, and music.

Brighton Beach Entertainment is expected to be operational by late April.


2/3/2009: BLACK ICE HOCKEY AND SPORTS HALL OF FAME FUND RAISER HOCKEY GAME

FUND RAISER HOCKEY GAME

Remembering the Colored Hockey League
of the Maritimes, 1895 - 1930
A Presentation of SONAHHAR Canada Black Sports Awards
THE AFRICVILLE SEASIDES, NS, 1901 CHL CHAMPIONS
VS
THE WEST END RANGERS, PEI, 1902 CHL CHAMPIONS


Friday, February 20, 2009 at 9:00 PM
Shannon Park Arena
474 Princess Margaret Blvd., Dartmouth, NS
(BESIDE A. MURRAY MACKAY BRIDGE)
AN ALL STAR ICE HOCKEY GAME, FEATURING AFRICAN NOVA SCOTIAN PLAYERS, WILL TAKE PLACE, TO COMMEMORATE THE SPIRIT OF THE ORIGINAL COLORED HOCKEY LEAGUE OF THE MARITIMES, 1895-1930.
BRING THE WHOLE FAMILY AND CHEER ON YOUR FAVOURITE TEAM.
GENERAL ADMISSION - $5.00
YOUTH ADMISSION - $2.00
CHILDREN 5 YEARS & UNDER ARE ADMITTED FREE

Advanced Tickets are available from Hall Of Fame Board Members:
Lee Francis, Andrew Tench, Barbara Borden, Wilfred & Olive Jackson.

For More Information Email: Wilfred Jackson at: wilfmanjack2002@yahoo.ca


2/3/2009: New Rules For Black Ice Hockey And Sports Hall Of Fame Inductions

Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. 02/02/09. The Black Ice Hockey And Sports Hall Of Fame have announced new rules for induction effective immediate. They are:


THE BLACK ICE HOCKEY & SPORTS HALL OF FAME

2009 CRITERIA FOR INDUCTION


Inductees into the Black Ice Hockey Hall of Fame will be selected, following careful consideration & evaluation of the following criteria.

1)         Priority shall be given to Former Players, Teams and Builders of the Colored Hockey League of the Maritimes, 1895 - 1930.

2)         Hockey Historians, Researchers & Writers who have made a significant contribution to the role of Blacks in the evolution of Sports.

3)         Significant contribution of an individual or team to the perpetuation of North American sporting excellence of black in sports will be recognized, including builders and other Sports.

4)         Outstanding career achievements.

5)         No active players will be considered .

NOMINATION PROCESS:

-          A complete resume and photo must be submitted on the Nominee.
-          The nominee or descendants must be aware and accept the nomination.
-          All Nominations must be received before the deadline.
-          All applications will be forwarded to the Board of Directors.

ELECTION PROCESS:

-          Nominations will be evaluated & selected by a majority vote of the
Board of Directors.

-          Upon completion notification of election to Hall of Fame will be announced.

-          A Ceremonial plaque will be presented to the Inductee, or a designated family Member.

THE BLACK ICE HOCKEY & SPORTS HALL OF FAME CONFERENCE

- A Formal presentation shall be made to the Inductees at the close of this event.




1/29/2009: John Paris Jr.Joins Sonahhr Canada Executive Board

01/29/09. New York City. The Society of North American Hockey Historians And researchers announced today that Mr. John Paris, Jr. has joined their Sonahhr Canada Executive Board.

John Paris Jr. was born in Windsor , Nova Scotia , where most of his early sports memories concern learning to skate, and playing hockey & baseball with his father. Later, he played within the Windsor minor hockey system from where he was recruited by the Montreal Canadian organization. This marked the start of his journey that provided the ground work for the pages now etched in sports history, as he holds the distinction of being the first Black Head Coach and/or Gm in the history of Professional hockey; this same intent includes the Canadian Major Junior Hockey League & Midget AAA.

In addition to his hockey career, Mr. Paris is also known for his coaching stance against Prejudice & Hazing almost 40 years ago when he stated that no athlete should have to suffer humiliation nor rituals that are demeaning to ones personal well being, simply to be considered part of a team or event, and that talent, attitude & performance only, should be an automatic guarantee of acceptance.

His guest speaking appearances include over 6 decades of experiences, anecdotes, comparisons on topics ranging from motivation to sports performance . He remains active in the coaching field, and is presently working upon the final stages of an autobiography entitled “Circle of Mirrors.”

John’s family consists of his wife Stephanie, daughters Jocya, Chantal & son Robert with four grand children, Jean Christophe, Amir, Gabrielle & Anais.




1/25/2009: Jeff Eigen To Narrate White Buffalo Rising.

New York City. 01/25/09. Stryker-Indigo New York has announced that American actor and voiceover specialist, Jeff Eigen, (www.voice123.com/jeffeigen , www.jeffeigen.com) has been chosen to narrate George and Darril Fosty's soccer documentary White Buffalo Rising.

White Buffalo Rising ( www.whitebuffalorising.com ) tells the story of the sport of Soccer in the State of Wyoming as seen through the personal perspectives and accounts of foreign athletes who played across the State.

Eigen, a native of New York City, is a veteran of radio and television. Some of his voiceover work includes Sam Adams Summer Ale, HBO, Ricola Cough Drops, Seamans Kids Furniture, BMG Music Club, Knoll Medical Sales, CIS Marketing, Toymax, Y-Snore Nose Drops, Staten Island Cable, as well as Kids of America.

He has also worked on the PBS documentary; The City of Greater New York: The Story of Consolidation, the animated TV series; Monica's Gang, and Anime Films; Harmageddon and Wild Cardz.

In addition, he has appeared as a principal actor in numerous commercials such as AT&T, Ricola, Medicare with Leslie Nielsen, Comedy Central, ESPN, and the Goodwill Games.

His website voiceover work includes Stryker-Indigo Pubishing www.stryker-indigo.com and the Black Ice Project www.theblackiceproject.com. This is his second film narration project with Stryker-Indigo. In 2008, he narrated Stryker-Indigo's award-winning documentary, Black Ice.




1/25/2009: SONAHHR BOXING SPECIAL: GREATS AND NEAR GREATS.

By Charles Saunders
SONAHHR Vice-President, Boxing

Usually, speculation concerning the greatest champions in the history of a division, or pound-for-pound, takes the form of lists: the top 10, 12, 15, whatever. The assumption is that the fighters ranked higher on the list would beat the ones ranked lower, and the No. 1 fighter would beat all the others.

But that’s not necessarily so. Styles and strategies make fights. This truism has been demonstrated again and again – most recently in a succession of welterweight wars involving Miguel Cotto, Antonio Margarito and Shane Moseley. In late 2007, Cotto beat Mosley. Last year, Margarito stopped Cotto. Then, on January 24 of this year, Mosley kayoed Margarito.

Another example: In 1971, Joe Frazier beat Muhammad Ali. Two years later, George Foreman clobbered Frazier. A year after that, Ali ‘rope-a-doped” Foreman into oblivion.

In both examples, the outcomes were a matter of how the fighters did or did not solve the problems presented by different styles of boxing.

If you could match the all-time top 10 or 12 fighters of a division in a round-robin tournament of dream duels, one of the participants would emerge with the best record, and be crowned “The Greatest.” But none of them would be undefeated. Even the greatest could be baffled by the strategy of someone lower on the list.

So, there’s no real point in trying to determine a ranking of all-time greats. It might be more realistic to use broader categories. I propose two: “Greats” and “Near-Greats.”

I define a Great as a champion who dominated his division during the time he held the title, taking all – or, at least most – comers and showing the ability to overcome adversity in the ring. Historical impact outside the ring is a plus, but not a necessity. Greats are the names that immediately come to mind when an all-time top 10 list is considered.

A Near-Great is a champ who had the ability to be great, but did not answer the door (or the bell) when opportunity knocked. Their primes, and their title reigns, may not have been as long as they should have been, and they may not have faced their most formidable challengers. Also, they may have done what some of the greats did, but not as often or as well.

What follows is a roster of the fighters I consider to be Greats and Near-Greats among the heavyweights. Considering the abysmal state of the division today, the past is more compelling than the present. I also include an Honorable Mention category, recognizing fighters who made a mark, but fell short of even near-greatness. The fighters are listed in chronological order.

THE GREATS

JIM JEFFRIES: Champion from 1899 to 1904, “The Boilermaker” was considered invincible during his prime. At 6’2” and 210 to 220 lbs., he was a big man for his time, and used his bulk to outmuscle the outstanding smaller men he faced. He was the first heavyweight champion to make regular defenses of his title, instead of using the title to promote exhibition bouts and stage appearances. His 18-1 (15) record may look skimpy, but he beat three of the best fighters of his time – Jim Corbett, Bob Fitzsimmons and Tom Sharkey – twice apiece. Had he not attempted an ill-fated comeback against the next champion on this list, Jeffries would have been the standard by against which all other champions would be compared.

JACK JOHNSON: As the first black heavyweight champion, Johnson’s place in history is secure. His reign, from 1908 to 1915, was one of the longest and he scored eight successful title defenses. A defensive fighter of often taunted his foes, Johnson’s style was the opposite of the aggressive attack of fighters like Jeffries. Although he beat most of the best white and black fighters of his time, Johnson never gave his top contender – fellow black heavyweight Sam Langford – a title shot, though he had defeated Langford in 1906. His loss of the championship to Jess Willard has long been considered dubious. Despite – or perhaps because of – his excesses and egotism, Johnson’s legend is as fascinating now as it was more than 100 years ago.

JACK DEMPSEY: Not only did “The Manassa Mauler” dominate the heavyweights during the 1920s, he helped to define the decade. His ferocious, slam-bang style captivated audiences, and problems with women and the military draft outside the ring kept him in the headlines. His popularity led to boxing’s first “million-dollar gates.” On the minus side, Dempsey made only five title defenses in a reign that lasted from 1919 to 1926, and he did not fight at all for three years before losing a decision to Gene Tunney. Also, Dempsey did not fight his top contender, Harry Wills, primarily because Dempsey’s promoter wasn’t willing to give a black man like Wills the chance. Still, Dempsey did enough to deserve to be included among the Greats.

JOE LOUIS: “The Brown Bomber” is the definition of greatness. His 25 successful title defenses and 12-year reign are records that remain unbroken. A murderous puncher and underrated boxer, Louis struck terror into the hearts of his opponents long before the time of the erstwhile “Baddest Man on the Planet.” Sometimes, slick boxers would give him problems the first time around. But in rematches, it was “lights out.” Had he not taken time off to serve in the military during the Second World War, his title-defense record would have been even more unreachable. Louis may have been the most beloved champion in history, which makes his sad fate after his ring career ended even more unconscionable.

ROCKY MARCIANO: Undefeated. That single word is the foundation of Marciano’s status as a ring legend. “The Brockton Blockbuster” amassed a professional record of 49 wins and no defeats, with 43 knockouts (he did lose a few as an amateur). His title reign, from 1952 to 1955, was relatively short, but he managed six successful defenses during that time. Marciano made the most of what he had: a granite jaw, endless stamina and a wrecking-ball right hand. Some critics devalue his feats by saying most of his opponents were “old men.” But he was there when boxing needed a superstar to succeed Louis. Imagine what the heavyweights would have been like without “The Rock” during the early 1950s. Then be glad he was around to display his greatness.

MUHAMMAD ALI: Maybe Ali was “The Greatest”; maybe not. But there’s no denying the accomplishments of a fighter who dominated two decades – the 1960s and ’70s – and became the most famous person in the world. His legs were his primary asset during the first part of his career. After a three-year layoff stole the spring from his step, he relied on his heart to carry him through brutal bouts against the murderer’s row of Frazier, Foreman and Ken Norton. Ali’s stand against the Vietnam War made him the most controversial champion since Johnson. The mellowing of his personality after his career was over led to adoration that rivaled that of Louis. In any discussion of who the greatest heavyweight really was, Ali’s name will be mentioned for years to come.

LARRY HOLMES: The decision to place Holmes among the Greats was complicated. He was never universally recognized as champion, and he didn’t fight all the best contenders of his time, primarily because of sanctioning-organization politics. Still, from the time he won the vacant WBC title in 1978 to his loss of the IBF belt in 1985, there was no denying that “The Easton Assassin” was “The Man” among the big fellows. He never held the WBA title, but he did beat Mike Weaver, who would go on to take that belt. Holmes’s lance-like jab, classic boxing skills and huge heart helped to carry him at least part of the way out of Ali’s shadow. And that’s good enough to earn Holmes greatness in his own right.

NEAR-GREATS

JOHN L. SULLIVAN: As a London Prize Ring Rules fighter during the 1880s, Sullivan was one of the best. But those were the bareknuckle days; it was a different game then. Under the Marquess of Queensberry Rules (which Sullivan came to prefer), he did not fight long enough to be able to make the style transitions the new way of fighting demanded. He qualifies as a Near-Great because he was the first sports superstar, and helped to hasten the advent of the Queensberry Rules.

JIM CORBETT: “Gentleman Jim” is credited with bringing “scientific boxing” to the heavyweights after he beat Sullivan. Corbett is often considered one of the all-time greats in top-10 compilations, especially those of fans who like the old-timers. But look at his record: 16-4-3, with four knockouts. In title fights, his mark is 2-3. Of his last five bouts, he lost four, three by knockout. During his five-year championship reign, he managed only one successful defense before falling to Bob Fitzsimmons, who was a middleweight. This is not the record of a great fighter.

BOB FITZSIMMONS: If this were a pound-for-pound discussion, “Ruby Robert” would rank near the top. He was the first fighter to win three titles (middleweight, light-heavyweight and heavyweight), and was outweighed by 17 pounds when he knocked out Corbett to lift the heavyweight crown in 1897. He was one of the hardest hitters ever. But he only held the heavyweight title for two years, and in his first defense, he was knocked out by Jeffries. Good as he was, Fitzsimmons never dominated the heavyweights.

GENE TUNNEY: The conqueror of Dempsey lost only one fight in a total of 81. He never lost as a heavyweight; his lone defeat came as a light-heavy at the hands of Harry Greb. Tunney avenged that loss several times over. Even so, his reputation is based on two decision victories over a faded Dempsey. And in their second fight, Tunney was nearly knocked out during the famous “long-count” incident. He retired without testing the next generation of heavyweights. Tunney was undoubtedly a great light-heavyweight, but his heavyweight credentials are a bit thin.

SONNY LISTON: A pair of bizarre knockout losses at the hands of Ali tainted the legacy of man who was once the most-feared fighter in the world. During his prime, his jab was on a par with those of Louis and Holmes, and his power-punching was unmatched. During the late 1950s and early ’60s, Liston was considered the “uncrowned champ” while Floyd Patterson and Ingemar Johansson traded the title. When Liston finally got Patterson into the ring, Floyd didn’t last a round. Then along came Ali … and away went Liston’s reputation, as well as his claim to greatness.

JOE FRAZIER: On March 8, 1971, “Smokin’ Joe” was a great fighter. That was the night he beat Ali to become the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world. Ali wasn’t the fighter he’s been in the 1960s, but he was still good enough to have beaten any other contemporary contender. But it was Joe’s night; he could have beaten any of the greats then, including the younger Ali. After “The Fight,” though, Frazier went downhill, losing twice to Ali and twice to George Foreman. Joe’s brush with greatness was brief – but no one can take what he accomplished in his first fight with Ali away from him.

MIKE TYSON: The prime of “Iron Mike” lasted only a few years, from 1986 to 1989. But what years they were. With his unique blend of speed and power, he petrified his opponents, then pulverized them. But he lacked strength of character, and that flaw led to his downfall in and out of the ring. He abandoned the dedication and discipline that brought him to the brink of greatness, and he was never the same fighter after his upset loss to James “Buster” Douglas. Yet Tyson’s best years should not be dismissed just because of his subsequent decline. Imagine what the period between 1985 and 1989 would have been like for the heavyweights without Mike’s presence. Can you say “Ewwww”?

EVANDER HOLYFIELD: “The Real Deal” is the only one on this list who is still fighting. At age 46, he dropped a close decision to the gigantic Nikolay Valuev. Holyfield is the only four-time heavyweight champ, which brings him close to greatness. But none of those title reigns was long or noteworthy. Had Holyfield not beaten Tyson twice, Evander would be remembered as the guy who couldn’t knock out 40-plus-year-old ex-champs Foreman and Holmes. Holyfield may be remembered as the most persistent heavyweight champion, but persistence alone does not equal greatness.

LENNOX LEWIS: In three title reigns, Lewis dominated the division during the 1990s and early 2000s. He lost only two of 41 fights, and he reversed both defeats. The only outstanding contemporary he didn’t face was Riddick Bowe, the fighter he beat to win the gold medal in the 1988 Olympics. His signature fights were a draw and win against Holyfield and a kayo defeat of a badly faded Tyson. The factor that separates Lewis from greatness is the manner of his two losses: knockouts by Oliver McCall and Hasim Rahman. Yes, he avenged those setbacks. But a great fighter would not have been stopped by the likes of McCall and Rahman in the first place.

HONORABLE MENTION

MAX SCHMELING: The late Ring magazine founder Nat Fleischer included the German in his all-time heavyweight top 10, but no one else does. Schmeling is best known for winning his title on a foul, then losing it via a decision that is disputed to this day. He was also the first fighter to defeat Joe Louis, though Louis destroyed him in the rematch. Schmeling was very good, but still a few notches below great.

JERSEY JOE WALCOTT: Before Foreman regained the title at age 45, Walcott was the oldest man to become champion when, at the age of 37, he kayoed Ezzard Charles. Also, Walcott was ahead on points when Marciano dethroned him in the 13th round of their first fight. Here’s an interesting bit of trivia: Walcott was the only fighter ever to have decked both Louis and Marciano, although both men still beat him.

FLOYD PATTERSON: One boxing writer described Patterson as having “a heavyweight’s punch, a light-heavyweight’s body and a middleweight’s chin.” Even so, Patterson made history as the youngest fighter to win the heavyweight crown – a record he held until Tyson became WBC champ in 1986. Patterson was also the first heavyweight champ to regain his title. Unfortunately, Sonny Liston had Floyd’s number: one, the number of rounds each of his two fights with “The Big Ugly Bear” lasted.

GEORGE FOREMAN: There is no doubt that Foreman’s ring accomplishments were remarkable. In his 20s, he demolished the formidable duo of Joe Frazier and Ken Norton in two rounds apiece. In his 40s, he regained the WBA title by knocking out Michael Moorer. Amazing as those feats are, though, neither of George’s title reigns lasted as long as two years. Ali brought a crashing halt to the first one, and he was stripped of his second belt. Had Foreman not been bamboozled by Ali, he would have made the Greats list without question, remaining champion throughout most of the 1970s.

It will be interesting to see how many additions there may be to these listings 10, 20 or 30 years from now. I doubt there will be more than a few, and perhaps none at all.




1/24/2009: SONAHHR SPECIAL REPORT: MORE THAN A GAME -PELE'S CHILDREN SOCCER DOCUMENTARY GOES ON THE OFFENSIVE

01/24/09. New York City. It has been almost three years since production began on the Stryker-Indigo New York (www.stryker-indigo.com/ www.strykerindigo.com) eight-part soccer series Pele's Children: An Hawaiian Soccer History. The one-hundred year history on Hawaiian Soccer is the most ambitious project ever undertaken by Stryker-Indigo, and one which promises to change perceptions of American sport and its soccer traditions.

The first round of video production began on April 5, 2006 in New York City and continued throughout the Summer of 2006. In October, 2006 the first stage of Hawaiian background filming began on the Islands of Maui and the Big Island of Hawaii. During the Spring of 2007, production continued on the Big Island using the services of Tropical Vision Video, Inc. of Hilo, Hawaii - a company known for its breathtaking nature footage and images of Mauna Loa and Kilauea Volcanos.

To date, twenty-eight hours of video production, and over 180,000 feet of Hawaiian and Soccer 8mm, Super 8mm, and 16mm film footage have been gathered, purchased, identified and screened - with much of it being sent to Videolab Productions in Strongville, Ohio (www.videolab1.com ) for video transfer and HD processing.

From the Fall of 2007 through much of 2008, extensive research was undertaken in an effort to locate film footage, newspaper articles, personal diaries, and historic images relevant to the story lines. The Producers worked closely with former soccer players and officials in four countries (Australia, England, Canada and the United States) in efforts to identify and record all aspects of Hawaii's history. Over 170 soccer players and individuals have been contacted including a number of former North American Soccer League players who played in Hawaii during the 1970s.

In addition, Archive and Museum searches were undertaken in Hawaii, Australia and across the Western United States and Canada.   So complete has been the research that extensive player rosters of obscure teams dating from the 1890s have been compiled, and dozens of early individual stories and biographies documented.

In October 2008, hundreds of Hawaiian documents, books, videos, magazines and films were donated to the University of Hawaii at Hilo to augment their Special Hawaiian Studies Research Library. The materials were part of the project research that had been eliminated from the production.

In early January 2009, the final research was completed. The research is expected to be incorporated into the manuscript and companion aspects of the project. There are four companion books and local histories in development being written by Canadian historians George and Darril Fosty. A fifth manuscript, expected to be released prior to the 2010 World Cup, was completed in 2007.

Last August, Stryker-Indigo established an online Ebay sports memorabilia store specializing in soccer collectibles. The store, Stryker-Indigo Sports Stores International ( SISSI-THE TOUGHEST NAME IN SPORTS) , is expected to be fully operational on the day of the documentary release. SISSI will be the largest online soccer memorabilia and video store in existence; the official store for all Pele's Children merchandise and related international socccer collectibles.

In preparation of the SISSI/Pele's Children roll out, Stryker-Indigo has purchased large lots of soccer merchandise product on the English and North American secondary collectibles markets. Most of these items, including at least one-million individual soccer cards dating from 1900 -1990, have been warehoused awaiting the release date. Already, with only a fraction of its memorabilia posted online, the SISSI store has become one of the premier soccer sites on Ebay - a favorite of many former professional NASL and MISL soccer players in search of their own obscure cards.

According to Stryker-Indigo officials, the SISSI site will be linked to a number of future soccer documentary and Stryker-Indigo merchandise websites, including the Pele's Children site, www.peleschildren.com, and a second documentary currently in the works, White Buffalo Rising, www.whitebuffalorising.com , a Stryker documentary chronicling the story of Wyoming Soccer as seen through the eyes of foreign players who played across the State.

Additional soccer websites across Europe are expected to also be linked to the Stryker/SISSI networks - effectively creating a soccer history, information, video streaming, and merchandise structure second to none .

In recent weeks, Stryker-Indigo has been approaching a number of American and United Kingdom television networks to see if there is program interest. In addition, they have been in discussions with potential investors and a number of non-profit soccer organizations in an effort to structure a comprehensive marketing strategy and program. Among the discussions has been the intriguing possibility of unveiling White Buffalo Rising, the sister documentary, at an outdoor Soccer Stadium in Birmingham, England.

Though no date for the release of the Pele's Children or White Buffalo has been set, the company is well aware of that timing is important. The fact that the 2010 World Cup is a year away has not been missed by anyone.





1/24/2009: First Sponsors Announced: 4th Black Ice Hockey And Sports Hall Of Fame Conference

01/24/09. Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, Canada. As of January 20th, the following Companies and Organizations have confirmed their sponsorship and/or participation at the August 2009 4th Black Ice Hockey And Sports Hall Of Fame Conference :

MATTER, INC., LOS ANGELES
STRYKER-INDIGO NEW YORK
GEORGE JORDAN MEDIA, HALIFAX
THE DAN SAN ORGANIZATION OF NEW YORK
THE COLORED HOCKEY LEAGUE, LLC
AAB TALENT, TORONTO
SONAHHR (CANADA, ENGLAND, SWEDEN, USA)
VISUAL2.CA

If your organization or corporation would like to participate in, or be a sponsor at the August 2009 4th Black Ice Hockey And Sports Hall Of Fame Conference scheduled for Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, Canada please contact Black Ice Hockey And Sports Hall Of Fame President Wilfred Jackson at: wilfmanjack2002@yahoo.com


1/24/2009: Special Announcement: 4th Black Ice Hockey And Sports Hall Of Fame.

01/24/09. Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, Canada. Preparations are now underway for the 4th Black Ice Hockey And Sports Hall Of Fame Conference scheduled for August, 2009 in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, Canada.

If you or your company would like to participate in, or be a sponsor at this event, please contact Hall of Fame President Wilfred Jackson, at: wilfmanjack2002@yahoo.ca


1/24/2009: Nominations Being Accepted For 2009 Bobby Bryde Memorial Trophy.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE. New York City. 01/24/09. The Society of North American Hockey Historians And Researchers www.sonahhr.com announced today that nominations are being accepted for the 2009 Bobby Bryde Memorial Trophy.

The Award, nicknamed The Hockeymeister, is the most prestigous hockey award presented by Sonahhr and is presented annually to an author, illustrator, or hockey official whose work has made a substantial and lasting contribution to the promotion of ice hockey.

The Hockeymeister, is named in memory of Bobby Bryde, a hockey sports writer and Las Vegas gaming expert. Bryde was the author of the first-ever book on handicapping hockey, Betting Hockey 1988-89, and had been writing columns on hockey and sports and gaming since 1989.

Known as "Herr Hockeymeister", Bobby Bryde called some of the biggest upsets in NHL history. He was frequently quoted in newspapers and magazines across the USA and Canada, and was considered by many in the Las Vegas gaming industry to be “the authority” on hockey betting.

Though he was often critical of the NHL establishment, Bobby Bryde happened to be one of professional hockey's biggest fans. He loved the game tremendously, watching virtually every single NHL game either live or on tape from his office in Las Vegas. He also boasted one of the largest video archives of past National Hockey League games in existence; he compiled an impressive collection of over 1500 games.

In recent years, Bobby Bryde was also one of the founding members of the Society of North American Hockey Historians and Researchers, and he served on the Black Hockey And Sports Hall Of Fame Advisory Committee as well as being a valued member of the writing staff of Inside Hockey. www.insidehockey.com

Originally from Long Island, New York, Bobby Bryde died in late June 2006 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

This is the fourth year of the Award. Past recipients have been Mr. Stan Fischler, Susan Foster, and Bill Fitsell.

If you would like to recommend a person for this award, please email your nominations by February 28, 2009 to: george@stryker-indigo.com

The 2009 recipient will be announced in August during the 4th Black Ice Hockey And Sports Hall of Fame Conference in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, Canada.


1/24/2009: Nominations Being Accepted For 2009 Heritage Award.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE. 01/24/09. NEW YORK CITY. The Society Of North American Historians And Researchers www.sonahhr.com announced today that nominations for the 2009 Heritage Award for Outstanding Sports Research are being accepted.

If you would like to recommend a person (or persons) for this award, please email your nominations by February 28, 2009 to: george@stryker-indigo.com

The Heritage Awards are presented annually to Historians and Researchers who demonstrate excellence in sports writing and research. This is the fourth year of the Award.

Winners of the Award will be announced in August during the 4th Black Ice Hockey And Sports Hall of Fame Conference in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, Canada .


1/24/2009: Imaro #3 Hits The Bookstores!

01/24/09. New York City. Charles R. Saunders' much awaited third book in the Imaro series, Imaro: The Trail of Bohu, has been released. The book, an African-oriented fantasy novel about a heroic warrior named Imaro, can be purchased at: www.lulul.com


Charles R. Saunders is the author of Black and Bluenose: The Contemporary History of a Community as well as Share & Care: The Story of the Nova Scotia Home for Colored Children. He has contributed to the retrospective history The Spirit of Africville - a beautiful, poignant account of a proud African Nova Scotian community, and of the systematic neglect, ignorance and arrogance that destroyed it.

In his book, Share & Care, he chronicles the life of James A.R. Kinney, one of the founding members of the Colored Hockey League and follower of Booker T. Washington, and Kinney’s efforts to established the Nova Scotia Home for Colored Children which he founded in 1921. Share & Care is an important history inasmuch as it the story of the Canadian model based on Booker T. Washington’s Tuskegee Institute, and as such, is the final lasting legacy to the Colored Hockey League. Saunder’s work fulfills a historic need and helps us complete the story and legacy that was the Colored Hockey League. He is the author of Africville: The Spirit That Lives On.

In addition to these important works, Charles R. Saunders is also the author of Sweat and Soul: The Saga of Black Boxers in the Maritimes from the Halifax Forum to Caesars Palace. He is considered by many to be one of the leading authorities on Boxing in Canada.

On August 26, 2006, Charles R. Saunders was inducted into the Black Hockey And Sports Hall Of Fame under the category of Journalist.


1/24/2009: The Latest NHL Job Postings

The Latest NHL Job Postings:


Front Desk Administrator - Tampa Bay Lightning (Tampa, FL)
[ http://hockeyjobs.nhl.com/teamwork/r.cfm?i=22857 ]

Sales Manager-Sharks, Corporate Partnerships - San Jose Sharks (San Jose, Ca)
[ http://hockeyjobs.nhl.com/teamwork/r.cfm?i=22830 ]


1/24/2009: Sonahhr Newsletter Update.

01/24/09. New York City. The Society of North American Historians And Researchers is expected to resume their bi-monthly Soccer and Hockey Newsletters in early February. The Newsletters were cancelled in October 2008 due to the sudden economic downturn and the resulting loss of corporate sponsors.


1/24/2009: 2008 SONAHHR AWARD BACKLOG UPDATE

01/23/09. New York City. The Society of North American Hockey Historians And Researchers are expected to begin presenting and mailing out a number of sports awards to recipients starting next week. The mailings were delayed due to the economic downturn which resulted in the loss of promised corporate sponsorships and revenues. According to Society President, George Fosty, "A number of past sponsors informed the Society that, due to the economic downturn, they would not be able to fulfill their sponsorship promises. As a result, a number of Award and Program Initiatives were delayed." Since that time, SONAHHR has been working to obtain additional sponsors and revenue sources. Among the Awards expected to be presented, is a 2008 Heritage Award to Mr. Harry Kwong, the first Asian-Canadian to play in the NHL. The Award will be presented personally to Mr. Kwong in Calgary, Alberta.


1/24/2009: Hockey Great George Scott Joins SONAHHR CANADA Executive

01/24/09. New York City. The Society of North American Hockey Historians And Researchers ("SONAHHR") www.sonahhr.com, announced today that Mr. George Scott has joined the Sonahhr Canada Executive Board.

George Scott began hockey at the age of 13, an was an original member of the Windsor Minor Hockey League in 1954-55. His first 2 years was played on championship teams. (1954-55 & 1955-56) At 15 years old, he went to Patterson High School and played school hockey in 1956-57.

The following year he joined the Riverside Region's and was the champion of the play-offs as a defence player. A year later, he played for the Windsor Micmac and subsequently went on to the league finals against the Detroit Jr. Red Wings in which he was the first black player to lead a Jr. team in scoring. It would be an accomplishment that would only be equalled nearly two-decades later by Tony McKegney.

As an assistant trainer and back-up goalie, we won the Allan Cup in 1962-63. The next 10 years he played intermediate senior hockey and was given a try-out by the Detroit Red Wings in 1972. S ince then he have been with the Compuware Hockey Program ( 27 years). Compuware Hockey also owns the Carolina Hurricanes, Plymouth Whalers and the Florida Everglades. During the course of his career, he have assisted in the teaching and training of 68 previous and current NHL players.


1/24/2009: Kenneth Frazer Joins SONAHHR USA Executive Board

01/23/09. New York City. The Society of North American Hockey Historians And Researchers ("SONAHHR") announces that Mr. Kenneth Frazer has joined the SONAHHR USA Executive Board.

Kenneth Frazer is a graphic artist and retired member of the New York Police Department ("NYPD"). He currently is involved in the federal protection services. He was born and raised in NYC, before moving to White Plains, NY in 1988. He attended the High School of Art & Design as well as Pratt Institute and John Jay College of Criminal Justice.

An avid NY Rangers hockey fan since the 70's, his only child was drawn to the game and began playing at the age of nine. He quickly became a gifted goaltender and has just completed his final travel team season this year (2008) as well as making his varsity team, number three in the state as a freshman.His biggest thrill sports-wise has been meeting Willie O'Ree at the 2004 AHL All Star game in Manchester, N.H. His other interests include motorsports, particularily Formula One and he is a muscle car collector. Mr. Frazer, his wife and child now reside just outside of Saratoga Springs, N.Y.

Since his coaching days (defensive) are behind him as of February 2008, he assists his sons stat person for the Shenendehowa Plainsmen Varsity team. When time allows, he follows pro hockey on the Center Ice package. He also attends local college games.


1/24/2009: George Jordan Media/Stryker-Indigo Begin Work On First Co-Production.

01/23/09. New York City/Halifax, Nova Scotia. George W. Jordan Media Inc. of Halifax, Nova Scotia and Stryker-Indigo New York confirmed today that they have begun pre-production research, writing and preparations for their first Canadian documentary co-production. No further details have been announced.

George W. Jordan Media Inc. is headed by George W. Jordan, a veteran broadcast and production professional. Mr. Jordan worked for 25 years with the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation in various on air , production, and training positions.

Stryker-Indigo Publishing Company, Inc. (a.k.a./ d.b.a. "Stryker-Indigo New York" and "Stryker-Indigo") is a private multi-media film and print production corporation founded in 1996 in New York City by Canadian historians and documentary filmmakers George and Darril Fosty. The company's purpose is the production and marketing of American and Canadian historic books, documentaries and consumer products.

In August 2007, George W. Jordan Media and Stryker-Indigo agreed to work together on the production of an undisclosed number of historical Atlantic Canadian documentaries and other projects for use across various distribution platforms including the internet, radio, film and television.




1/24/2009: Andrew Tench Joins SONAHHR FILM Executive

New York City. 01/23/09. The Society of North American Historians And Researchers announced today that Mr. Andrew Tench has joined the SONAHR Independent Film and Motion Picture Executive Board.

Andrew Tench is originally from the Caribbean country of Belize and moved to Nova Scotia, Canada with his family at the young age of six. As a child he played a lot of sports with his favorite being Ice hockey. He played Jr.A in Truro and for Dartmouth. Later went on to play for Dalhousie University and many years of Senior Hockey followed. He still plays in a number of leagues today and recently held an Assistant Coaching position with the Dartmouth Destroyers.

He has had many careers. He owned and operated one of the fastest growing local courier companies in Halifax as well a large trucking firms. He was an Executive Director of Development with the Federal government for a few years but his passion lies in the Arts and Entertainment industry. He is an accomplished Stills Photographer and is an active member of the I.A.T.S.E. camera crew Union 667. He has worked on over 25 high profile motion pictures such as Striptease and Wisegirls. He is also an Actor and has been cast in a number of Stunt roles.

Mr. Tench is highly interested in further developing the film industry in Nova Scotia and is in the process of undertaking the development of a large motion picture studio village in the province. This will further develop the necessary infrastructure to attract bigger film/movie, music videos and sporting projects to the area. It will also incorporate a state of the art training facility.

He also founded Visually Creative Artist Society, a non-profit group set up to provide facilities, training and equipment for up and coming, low budgeted Artists.

He presently resides in Halifax, Nova Scotia with his daughter & son, Kassy & Payton and partner Jennifer. Payton has taken to Hockey also and Kassy to track and field and swimming.

Since 2005, Mr. Tench has served on the Executive Board of SONAHHR CANADA, and is a Founding Member of the Black Ice Hockey And Sports Hall Of Fame and Conference. He is the current Vice President of the Black Ice Hockey And Sports Hall Of Fame.

SONAHR FILM is a specific division within the Society of North American Historians And Researchers designed to bring together independent filmmakers and others within the Motion Picture and Multi-Media Industry for      professional interaction and networking.


1/24/2009: Patricia Kinney, Granddaughter of james Kinney, Joins Sonahhr Executive Board

New York City. 01/23/09. The Society of North American Hockey Historians And Researchers ("Sonahhr"), www.sonahhr.com, announced today that Ms. Patricia Kinney has joined their Executive Board.

Patricia Kinney was born in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. She is the youngest daughter of Ida and Ross Kinney and the granddaughter of James A.R. Kinney Sr., the first President of the Colored Hockey League of the Maritimes (1895-1930). She is one of five siblings.

Her home was located on the grounds of the Home for Coloured Children. Therefore, she grew up immersed in the activities of the Orphanage first attending its Primary School, the Henry G. Bauld. She attended St. Peter’s High School and graduated in Education and Journalism from Mount Saint Vincent and St. Mary’s University, respectively.

Following her studies, Patricia embarked on a career in Toronto. She began her teaching career at George Brown College. After teaching for approximately three years, her interests turned to immigrant settlement matters given the cosmopolitan/multicultural and racial environment of the City. She was particularly interested in immigrant settlement matters as they pertained to equity in education and employment. To gain exposure and knowledge, she joined the Public Service Commission. Following extensive training and experience in all aspects of the field of Human Resources, Patricia was awarded a CHRP designation. She was appointed a compliance auditor of Human Resource Management Services in the Public Service nationally for an extensive period of time. Subsequently, she was appointed a mediator of disputes regarding the application of the Public Service Employment Act and Regulations.

Currently, Patricia pursues her career related interest on a contract ad/or voluntary basis. For instance, she was employed as an investigator for the Canadian Human Rights Commission on a contract basis; most recently, she was the A/Director of an African Immigrant Counselling Centre on a voluntary basis.   

Ms. Kinney joins a growing number of descendants of players who played in the original the Colored Hockey League and who are now part of the SONAHHR organization. SONAHHR currently has descendants representing 22 of the original families of the Colored Hockey League on their Executive. In late October, the Society established a special division comprised of Colored Hockey League descendants.


11/23/2008: Special History Feature: In Search Of The Garden Of Eden: A Day In The Life Of The Black Ice Project.

by George Fosty, SONAHHR President, N.A.


For the past five years, as part of the Black Ice Project, wwww.theblackiceproject.com , the Dan San Organization, working in conjunction with the historians of Stryker-Indigo New York, www.strykerindigo.com , and the Society of North American Hockey Historians And Researchers, www.sonahhr.com , have been busy researching the history of the Underground Railroad on Long Island and its historic links to Nova Scotia, Canada.

The project's goal is to identify the original Quaker (Hicksite) and Black families who served as Conductors and Station Managers along this stretch of the Underground Railroad and to contact descendants of these groups in order to re-establish links and organizational ties between 19th Century Emancipator families and the descendants of Colored Hockey League families who escaped to Canada. The historical work is complex, with lofty goals, since much of this history has either been destroyed or misplaced. Add to this, the fact that much of the research has been done in-house and void of outside corporate funding or support and one can get a sense of the difficulties of the task at hand. Still, undaunted, we continue to move forward determined to reach the end of this journey; in search of the proverbial 'Last Hockey Stop on the Underground Railroad.'

The SONAHHR historian Drakeford Levi, the president and founder of Dan San, is a direct descendant of Eliakim Levi, a leader of the Black community of Guinea Town, New York - the oldest freed Black and runaway slave community in existence on Long Island during the 1790s-1800s. Eliakim Levi was a Conductor on the Underground Railroad. He worked closely with the local Hicksite leadership of nearby Hempstead, New York to transport runaway slaves from Long Island north to Canada. Guinea Town and Hempstead where the main terminals and gathering points on Long Island for runaway slaves and their families moving north to Nova Scotia from the Louisiana - Pennsylvania regions. Once at Guinea Town or Hempstead, the runaways were smuggled northwards towards the Quaker community of Dartmouth, Nova Scotia.

As part of this project, we are attempting to identify Quaker families who resided in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia during the early to mid-1800s. We are also working to obtain the names of Black families currently living in Nova Scotia who credit their presence in Nova Scotia to the Underground Railroad. To date, we have had some limited success and we continue to follow-up on research into half-a-dozen family genealogy and historic leads. We are confident, that eventually, we will find the answers, and in doing so, write yet another new chapter in Underground Railroad and hockey history.

Walking through the Quaker graveyards of the Hicksites, one is struck by the repetitive family surnames. Three of the most common are: Hicks, Seaman, and Post. All three families had deep roots on Long Island, and many of their descendants continue to live in the New York region.

The other day, while researching the Post Family, I was taken aback by the story of C.W. Post, a wealthy businessman on Long Island, who had funded weather modification experiments in the American Midwest during the early 1900's. Post was a man of The Bible. By all accounts, he truly wanted to use his wealth for the common good. So much so, that he spent a small fortune on rainmaking experiments in an attempt to turn the Great American Desert (the central region of the United States) into an agriculture paradise - a food-bearing Garden of Eden.

Post spent over one-million dollars on these experiments; but to no avail. It is a fascinating story, and one that caught my attention since, eighteen years earlier, while employed as a Military Historian at Sheppard Air Force Base in North Texas, I had researched the military use and history of Weather Modification in Texas as part of Sheppard's 50th Anniversary Celebrations.

It should be no great surprise to anyone that militarists have often dreamed of using nature as a weapon of war. Since the dawn of civilization man has seen the potential of controlling the weather for purely military purposes. Though few people realize the degree with which nature has influenced military history, even less are aware that rainmaking (cloud-seeding), a relatively new concept of geophysical warfare, had historic roots to the religious doctrine of a reborn Garden of Eden; a concept at the heart of Quakerism, the Underground Railroad, and the flight of runaway slaves north into Canada. How, therefore, was it possible for such a divine concept to become so twisted?

On May 31, 1912, one of the first rainmaking experiments ever attempted occurred near Wichita Falls, Texas. It was on this day, following six weeks of drought, that Colonel T.R.T. Orth and three associates detonated 3 tons of dynamite on Skinout Mountain in hopes that vibrations and smoke would create enough of an atmospheric change to induce rain fall. Following the blasts, local residents claimed "windows...shattered and chinaware
broke...but no rain." Though rain did not fall on Wichita Falls, a heavy deluge was registered a day later near the Texas communities of Decatur and Plano.

Undaunted by the lack of rain fall Orth and his companions attempted yet another dynamite explosion. Two days after the second incident, the local newspapers announced that rain had fallen throughout the region, and the six week long drought was over. In the years following Orth's efforts, similar rainmaking attempts were carried out in California and Oklahoma.

After World War Two, the United States military took the Orth experiments one step further and began spending millions of dollars on rainmaking
research.

Using silver-iodide crystals military aircraft flew at high altitudes dispersing the chemical into cloud formations. This was done in hopes that it would create a "few showers upon an enemy." Years later, a U.S. Navy scientist told Congress the early tests "had been conducted as a means of presenting the military with the capability of modifying the environment for their own advantages." He later added, "Any thing one can use to get his way is a weapon and the weather is a good a one as any."

On July 2, 1972, Victor Cohn, a reporter for the Washington Post, wrote that Indochina by evidence of a long ignored passage in the Pentagon Papers had been a testing ground for purposeful rainmaking along the Ho Chi Minh trails. Cohn went on to suggest that the Vietnam conflict allowed the United States the perfect opportunity to test, monitor, and experiment in rainmaking warfare as part of a wider program of environmental adjustment to suit military actions. Later, others surmised that the Department
of Defense (DOD) believed heavy rainfall would create quagmires and landslides along enemy trail systems.

Cohn reported that as early as the Spring of 1963 secret CIA rainmaking operations had been carried out successfully over Saigon as a way of breaking up large Buddhist demonstrations. In 1965, as American involvement in Vietnam increased, USAF scientists began to study ways of "turning nature into a military tool." Soon afterward, the Office of Defense Research and Engineering cited benefits in using weather modification to hamper enemy supply lines. By October 1966, a controlled experiment was undertaken over the Laos Panhandle in which a total of 56 cloud formations were seeded. Of that number 85 percent, or approximately 48 clouds, produced rainfall.

By military standards the secret rainmaking program, codenamed Operation Intermediary Compatriot, was not costly. The operation utilized only three WC-130 and two RF-4C aircraft, their crews, and maintenance personnel. With a payload of 104 seeding canisters (approximately 300 pounds in total weight) each of the aircraft were capable of influencing four or five cloud formations per day. Under ideal conditions the ensuing downpour would last six hours. Usually, however, it lasted only 30 minutes; ample time to saturate ground soils. According to the DOD, the induced downpours added from one to seven inches of additional rainfall over the intended areas.

Years ago, Professor Paul Brock, a Hydrologist at the University of Connecticut, argued such rain falls, in conjunction with B-52 bombardments, successfully obliterated the area soils and produced erosion rates as high as 20,000-40,000 times the normalcy.

Although there has yet to be any substantive historic studies on the impact of rainmaking warfare in Vietnam, it appears that the experiments were highly successful. Over the seven years that Project Intermediary Compatriot was in effect, an estimated 47,409 canisters of silver-iodide and other chemicals were released into cloud formations. The sheer volume of the chemicals used, and the extensive secrecy of the program, implies that the operation proved itself a reliable military weapon.

In November 1990, it was reported that Iraqi scientists were conducting rainmaking experiments in hopes of turning desert regions of their country into fertile food producing zones. The purpose behind the efforts was to ensure a long term food supply for Saddam Hussein's Republican Guard in the wake of United Nations sanctions. Saddam wanted to recreate 'The Garden of Eden' and feed his Army so that they would not march on empty stomachs. Though little attention has ever been focused on this development it is indeed important since it marks yet another chapter in the ongoing proliferation of rainmaking warfare. When the Quaker businessman C.W. Post embarked on his rainmaking quest, he could not have known that his goodwill efforts would inspire others to utilize the research for these military purposes.

The other day, while driving around the North Shore of Long Island, following up on the Black Ice Project research, I happened to pass the C.W. Post Campus at Adelphi University. For a moment, my mind wandered. I glanced up at the clear blue sky of a bright New York day. Just like Post and his rainmaking experiments, only time will tell if the Black Ice Project will succeed in achieving the desired result. Yet, like Post, we too are positive in mind and determined in soul. On this day, looking up at the sky, I can only smile as there is not a single dark cloud in sight. As William Shakespeare reminds us, "Men judge by the complexion of the sky the state and inclination of the day." What a great day to be a historian and to be working on the Black Ice Project.


11/23/2008: Barbara Borden Named Technology Director of Black Ice Hockey And Sports Hall Of Fame

Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, Canada. 11/22/08. The Black Ice Hockey And Sports Hall Of Fame announced today that Barbara Borden has been named to associations the Board of Directors under the tile of Technology Director.

Ms. Borden is a Registration Coordinator within the University Computing And Information Services Department of Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.

From 2006-2008 she served as a Governor on the Board of Directors of the Black Ice Hockey And Sports Hall Of Fame and Conference. During this period, she also served as a member of the Hall of Fame Halifax Planning Committee.
Since 2006, she has also served as an Executive Member of SONAHHR CANADA.

Ms. Borden is a direct descendant of Frederick "Spider" Borden, an star goalie, and George Albert Clyke Jr., a star forward, former players with the Dartmouth Jubilees, Dartmouth Victorias, and Truro Victorias of the original Colored Hockey League of the Maritimes (1895-1930).


11/23/2008: Olive Jackson Named Secretary of Black Ice Hockey And Sports Hall Of Fame

Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, Canada. 11/22/08. Olive Jackson, the daughter of the late James A. Clyke, a star player with the Truro Sheiks of the original Colored Hockey League of the Maritimes, has been named to the position of Secretary on the Board of Directors of the Black Ice Hockey And Sports Hall Of Fame.

Olive Jackson retired in 2006, as a Real Estate Advisor, having spent her last 25 working years with Public Works and Government Services Canada (PWGSC). Olive was an active advocate for change in her workplace and community environment, spending many hours on employment equity issues. She was a dedicated Public Service Alliance for Canada (PSAC) member where she was a member of the Anti-Racism Committee, the Regional Women's Committee, the national Equal Opportunities Committee. She was PWGSC's Atlantic representative on their national Employment Equity
Committee and also a member of the National Council for Visible Minorities.

Olive was very active in her workplace charity committee, where she spent countless hours collecting money and Christmas shopping for needy families. She also found time to do her work well and received the Realty Excellence Award for her exceptional contribution to the achievement of Realty's goals.

Olive has received several awards for her dedication to employment equity, such as PWGSC's Minister and Deputy Minister Employment Equity Awards for exemplary services to EE initiatives. PWGSC also recommended Olive for the Queen's Golden Jubilee Medal, which she received in 2003.

Her father, James A. Clyke, and uncles George, Alexander, Edward, Ansel and William were members of the Colored Hockey League of the Maritimes, having played for the Truro Victorias and the Truro Sheiks Hockey teams during the 1920s -1930s.

Olive Jackson has served on the Executive Board of SONAHHR CANADA since 2006. From 2006-2008 she served on the Halifax Planning Committee for the Black Ice Hockey And Sports Hall Of Fame and Conference overseeing all aspects of the annual Black Ice Hockey And Sports Hall of Fame Conference.



11/22/2008: IRVINE CARVERY NAMED VICE PRESIDENT OF SONAHHR'S ASSOCIATION OF ORIGINAL FAMILIES OF THE COLORED HOCKEY LEAGUE

New York City. 11/22/08. The Society of North American Hockey Historians And Researchers announced today that Irvine Carvery, of Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, has been named Vice President of SONAHHR's Association Of Original Families of the Colored Hockey League.

Mr. Carvery is the current President of the Africville Geneaological Society of Nova Scotia. For the past two decades, Mr. Carvery has helped lead efforts to seek reparations on behalf of the original families of Africville, Nova Scotia, a Black-Canadian enclave that was bulldozed in the 1960s. Prior to its destruction, Africville was the oldest surviving free Black settlement in North America. The Africville Genealogical Society was formed in 1981 by families forced to relocate from Africville during the 1960s. The Society recognizes its elders and tries to instill a sense of historic pride in its children. Their motto is to “preserve the past, care for the present, and prepare for the future”.

Irvine Carvery is one of the Founding Members of the Black Ice Hockey And Sports Hall Of Fame and Conference. From 2005-2008 he served on the Board of Governors of the Black Ice Hockey and Sports Hall Of Fame. In addition, during the same period, he also served on the Hall of Fame's Induction Committee. Mr. Carvery is a descendant of William, Richard and James Carvery, three of the original founding members of the Colored Hockey League of the Maritimes (1895-1925). Mr. Carvery currently serves on the Executive Board of SONAHHR CANADA.

The SONAHHR ASSOCIATION OF ORIGINAL FAMILIES OF THE COLORED HOCKEY LEAGUE is designed to promote the legacy of the CHL and to identify descendants and families of the League. There are currently descendants representing 22 of the original Colored Hockey League Families affiliated with SONAHHR.


11/22/2008: DR. WAYNE ADAMS NAMED PRESIDENT OF SONAHHR'S ASSOCIATION OF ORIGINAL FAMILIES OF THE COLORED HOCKEY LEAGUE

New York City. 11/22/08. The Society of North American Hockey Historians And Researchers announced today that Dr. Wayne Adams, of Preston, Nova Scotia, Canada, has been named President of the SONAHHR's Association Of Original Families of the Colored Hockey League.

Dr. Wayne Adams: community leader, environmentalist, human rights proponent, journalist, broadcaster, politician, pioneer and volunteer. Dr. Adams is a life-spirit, a self-made man who has melded his busy work world with service to his community and his fellow citizens. He is a leader and a role model, not only for his people, but for all peoples. Dr. Adams has been recognized over the years for his work. Most recently he was made a Member of the Order of Canada, received an Honorary Doctorate from Saint Mary’s University and was named The Halifax Chamber of Commerce “Person of the Year” for 2004.

A native of Halifax, he became the first African-Canadian person in the history of Nova Scotia to be elected to its Legislative assembly, and subsequently the first and only African-Canadian Cabinet Minister to serve the province.

It is his environmental legacy for which Dr. Adams is perhaps best known As environment minister in the provincial government of the early 1990s, Adams introduced Canada’s most comprehensive solid-waste strategy. Nova Scotia is now seen as a leader in waste management practices across Canada. Dr. Adams is a sought after speaker on how to mobilize communities and exercise political action to achieve productive results on environmental and social issues. His down to earth, humorous style and inspirational messages make him popular with audiences of all ages. Business opportunities and challenges in environmental industries are topic areas Wayne is comfortable addressing with his background and experience.

Black history is another of Dr. Adam’s passions. He also speaks of his own roots and growing up in Halifax and turning challenges into opportunities. An inspiring message for all. His approach to life is simple. “You’re supposed to live a spirit-led life; I do and I enjoy life,” he says. “If you don’t have some fun, you’ll be sick and miserable, may even die early. Life is about trying, not crying. It’s all people-driven—and divinely blessed. Be positive, be realistic, quit sweating the small stuff, believe in God and just live in the world of common sense.”

Dr. Wayne Adams is the grandson of Augustus Adams one of the original founding members of the Colored Hockey League of the Maritimes (1895-1925). Dr. Adams is a Founding Member of the Black Ice Hockey And Sports Hall Of Fame And Conference. From 2005-2008 he served on the Board of Directors of the Black Hockey And Sports Hall Of Fame. He currently serves on the Executive Board of SONAHHR CANADA. The SONAHHR ASSOCIATION OF ORIGINAL FAMILIES OF THE COLORED HOCKEY LEAGUE is designed to promote the legacy of the CHL and to identify descendants and families of the League. There are currently descendants representing 22 of the original Colored Hockey League Families affiliated with SONAHHR.



11/22/2008: ANDREW TENCH NAMED VICE PRESIDENT OF THE BLACK ICE HOCKEY AND SPORTS HALL OF FAME

Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, Canada. 11/20/08. The Black Ice Hockey And Sports Hall Of Fame announced today that Mr. Andrew Tench has been named Vice President of the Hall of Fame.

Mr. Tench is originally from the Caribbean country of Belize and moved to Nova Scotia, Canada with his family at the young age of six. As a child he played a lot of sports with his favorite being Ice hockey. He played Jr.A in Truro and for Dartmouth. Later went on to play for Dalhousie University and many years of Senior Hockey followed. He still plays in a number of leagues today and recently held an Assistant Coaching position with the Dartmouth Destroyers.

He has had many careers. He owned and operated one of the fastest growing local courier companies in Halifax as well a large trucking firms. He was an Executive Director of Development with the Federal government for a few years but his passion lies in the Arts and Entertainment industry. He is an accomplished Stills Photographer and is an active member of the I.A.T.S.E. camera crew Union 667. He has worked on over 25 high profile movies such as Striptease and Wisegirls to mention a few. He is also an Actor and is cast in a lot of Stunt roles.

Mr. Tench is highly interested in further developing the film industry in Nova Scotia and is in the process of undertaking the development of a large motion picture studio village in the province. This will further develop the necessary infrastructure to attract bigger film/movie, music videos and sporting projects to the area. It will also incorporate a state of the art training facilities, etc. He also founded Visually Creative Artist Society, a non-profit group set up to provide facilities, training and equipment for up and coming, low budgeted Artists.

Since 2005, Mr. Tench has served on the Executive Board of SONAHHR CANADA, and is a Founding Member of the Black Ice Hockey And Sports Hall Of Fame and Conference.

Mr. Tench presently resides in Halifax, Nova Scotia with his daughter & son, Kassy & Payton and partner Jennifer. Payton has taken to Hockey also and Kassy to track and field and swimming.



11/22/2008: Dr. JUNEAU ROBBINS NAMED VICE PRESIDENT OF SONAHHR CANADA

New York City. 11/22/08. The Society of North American Hockey Historians And Researchers announced today that Dr. Juneau Robbins, a direct descendant of James A.R. Kinney, a founding member and the first League President of the original Colored Hockey League of the Maritimes (1895-1908), has been named Vice President of SONAHHR CANADA.

Dr. Juneau Robbins is a practicing chiropractor, author and speaker residing in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Originally from Toronto, Canada, he is a graduate of Northwestern Health Sciences University in Bloomington, MN. A strong advocate of wellness healthcare and self-empowerment through means of self-responsibility, Dr. Robbins is the Clinic Director of Cultural Chiropractic, P.A. in Minneapolis.

Along with his father, Larry Mansfield Robbins, B.A., M.Ed., Dr. Robbins is the co-author of a self-published parenting tip book titled 121 Tips on Raising a Child of Color. He has been involved with Big Brothers / Big Sisters Organizations of North America for over a decade, mentoring young people toward personal and professional success.

As the founder of BlackChiropractors.com (along with its sister site, www.BlackNutrition.com ) Dr. Robbins has embarked on a mission to provide valuable wellness information and resources to anyone interested in learning to live healthier lives for themselves and their families. Dr. Robbins is a frequent contributor to the Twin Cities’ minority media and has been interviewed by Black Enterprise Magazine. He serves as the Communications Chair and sits on the Board of Directors for the American Black Chiropractic Association.


11/22/2008: Black Ice Hall Of Fame Announces New Executive Officers -SONAHHR Expansion Planned.

11/21/08. Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. The Black Ice Hockey And Sports Hall Of Fame today announced the Officers of the new Executive Board.

The Officers are: President:Wilfred Jackson; Vice President: Andrew Tench; Treasurer:Leland (Lee) Francis; Secretary: Olive Jackson; and Internet Technology Director:Barbara Borden.

All of the members of the new Executive reside in the Halifax-Dartmouth, Nova Scotia region and were former members of the Halifax Hall of Fame Halifax Committee; the planning committee was responsible for organizing and staging the very successful 2007 and 2008 Hall of Fame Conferences.

According to the Sonahhr President, George Fosty, "We are excited with the new changes to the Hall of Fame Executive. Every member of the new Executive is a seasoned veteran of the previous Halifax Hall of Fame Conference Planning Committee and each one has individually proven themselves to be self-starters, as well as exceptional leaders and organizers. By having this new Executive in place, we are now able to move many of the original and founding Executive Members of the Hall of Fame into new areas of hockey promotion."

It is expected that the original Founding Executive members of the Black Ice Hockey and Sports Hall of Fame and Conference, including former President Craig Smith, former Vice-President Tony Ince, former Treasurer George Jordan, and Board Member Dr. Wayne Adams, Board Member Darril Fosty, and Board Member George Fosty, will take up new organizational and executive responsibilities within the Society of North American Hockey Historians in order to assist the SONAHHR in national and international expansion efforts. According to Fosty, "Having the original Founding Executive of the Black Ice Hockey And Sports Hall of Fame Conference working specifically within SONAHHR will dramatically change the way the organization operates and coordinates its efforts. We could not ask for a more talented and experienced group of organizers and experts."

Congratulations to all of the new Black Ice Hockey And Sports Hall of Fame Executive Officers!


11/22/2008: Warren Beatty Named President of SONAHR FILM.

New York City. 11/22/08. The Society of North American Historians And Researchers (SONAHR) has named Mr. Warren Beatty of Toronto, Ontario as the President of SONAHR FILM. The purpose of SONAHR FILM is to promote and develop an appreciation of independent films, as well as create an international contact social network for filmmakers and writers.

Warren Beatty's introduction to Canada's entertainment industry was in 1989 as an actor. Appearing in films, television series and numerous commercials he accumulated enough credits within eleven months to gain ACTRA membership. Prior to acting Warren was a Reserve Air Force Officer and a Crew Scheduling Supervisor with Canada's largest charter airline Wardair. He was also a Big Brother and a volunteer coach of Basketball, Football and Baseball for fourteen years at Jarvis Collegiate.

In 1993 Warren was invited to bring his extensive organizational skills & industry knowledge into Brooke Talent. Since then, Warren has offered full representation to both union and non-union talent.

Brooke Talent has since become an agency that represent both emerging and established talent in the entertainment industry and is ideally positioned to help them further their career goals.

Warren Beatty currently oversees the AAB Talent Management with his business partner, Thomas Yee. AAB Talent Management is committed to devote its many years of experience in the entertainment industry, to help guide and support their clients in the pursuit of obtaining work and to advance their Performing career.

From 2007-2008, Mr. Beatty was employed as the Canadian Production and Marketing Manager on the Stryker-Indigo New York documentary BLACK ICE. The documentary would subsequently win the Best Documentary Award at the 2008 10th Annual Roxbury International Film Festival in Boston, Massachusetts.

When he is not working in the film industry, Mr. Beatty is actively involved in the promotion of African-Canadian history. From 2006 - 2008 he served as a Special Advisor to the Board of Directors of the Black Ice Hockey And Sports Hall of Fame and Conference.


11/22/2008: TONY INCE NAMED VICE PRESIDENT SONAHR FILM

New York City. 11/21/08. The Society of North American Historians And Researchers announced today that Mr. Tony Ince, of Halifax, Nova Scotia, has been named to the position of Vice President Sonahr Film.

Mr. Ince is also an aspiring actor. He has worked in the television and film industry since 1994; having appeared in many movies and commercials. Recently, Mr. Ince was part of the Stryker-Indigo Production Team during filming of the documentary BLACK ICE.

In addition to his film career, Mr. Ince is a Founding Member of the Black Ice Hockey And Sports Hall Of Fame And Conference. From 2005-2008 he served as the Vice-President of the Black Ice Hockey And Sports Hall Of Fame.

Tony Ince was born and raised in the north-end of Halifax Nova Scotia. He began his education career attending York University in Toronto, Ontario, Canada majoring in History and Education.

From 1996 to 2002 Mr. Ince worked for the Toronto District School Board as an Emergency Supply Teacher. He taught History, Drama Workshop, Physical Education, and Social Studies.

While working for the school board he was a program assistant for the Oakwood Youth First Project at Oakwood Collegiate. This was a project that focused on at risk youth and a partnership between co-op school programs and community businesses.

Mr. Ince was also involved with many other school programs such as, teaching equity/diversity programs within Ontario high schools. He also served on the Urban Alliance and Race Relations Committee in Toronto. He has worked diligently in the school system and received an Anti-Racism certificate from the Dr. Wilson Head Institute. The Institute was established in the spring of 1995, it is an organization that is pioneering education and research in the field of ethno-racial diversity. It was established to advance and promote Human Rights and Diversity Management.

Mr. Ince sits on the African Nova Scotian Advisory committee for the Halifax Regional School Board and is a member of the BEA (Black Educators Association.

Mr. Ince has brought members of the black community together with Canadian and American celebrities like Danny Glover, Flex Alexander, Maestro Fresh Wes, K.C. Collins, Rossif Sutherland, as well as local director and Producer Chaz Thorne, Producer and Director Clement Virgo All from the feature film POOR BOY'S GAME (2006),to foster greater awareness of the black communities in Nova Scotia.

Mr. Ince currently works for Xerox Canada. Prior to this, he was employed with Social Services (Children’s Aid Society). Since 2005, he has served on the Executive Board of SONAHHR CANADA.


11/22/2008: CRAIG MARSHALL SMITH NAMED PRESIDENT OF SONAHHR CANADA

New York City. 11/21/08. The Society of North American Hockey Historians And Researchers has named Craig Marshall Smith to the position of President of SONAHHR CANADA.

Mr. Craig Marshall Smith is a Corporal with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. He is one of only a handful of African Canadians to have ever worn an RCMP uniform. Mr. Smith was born and raised in north-end Halifax, Nova Scotia. He served on the Halifax City Police Department’s Police & Black Community Liaison Committee as committee member and co-chair from it’s inception in 1992 until it was disbanded in 1996.

From 1992 to 1995 he served as a member of the National Contact Group of the Urban Rural Mission (URM Canada). He was a steering committee member and participated in meetings and discussions between American counterparts and URM world head office in Geneva, Switzerland on matters pertaining to the formation of a unified North American URM. From 1992 to 1994 he also served on the Multicultural Liaison Committee of the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police. He has created a number of educational tools that celebrate and acknowledge African Canadian and Nova Scotian achievement and history.

In 1993, he and his wife Lisa Adams-Smith created the Black First’s in Nova Scotia poster; in 1996 the African Canadians of Achievement poster; and in 2000 the Historic Black Maritimes poster. That same year, Mr. Smith created and published Journey, an African Canadian educational resource guide and the accompanying teachers instructional guide. Journey highlights 78 outstanding African Canadians and their accomplishments. In 2000 he was appointed to the African Canadian Advisory Committee to the Nova Scotia Community College. Mr. Smith was inducted into the Dr. Rev. William P. Oliver Black Wall of Honour by the Black Cultural Society of Nova Scotia in February 1999. In 2002 he was named to the inaugural Who’s Who in Black Canada - 2002. He is a 2003 Winner of the Canadian National Griot Award for Community Service. He is the author of the recently released book You Had Better Be White By 06:00am/African Canadian History in the RCMP. The book chronicles the often turbulent history that has existed between black Canadian society and the Canadian policing community chronicling the work that has been done to build bridges between the two groups. In 2006, Mr. Smith completed a follow-up to Journey entitled: 50 African Canadians of Achievement, which he presented to the Boys & Girls Club and School Board of Alachua County in Gainesville, Florida. He has been married for 22 years to Lisa Adams-Smith and has two daughters.

Mr. Smith is one of the Founding Members of the Black Hockey and Sports Hall of Fame and Conference. From 2005-2008, he served as the President of the Black Hockey And Sports Hall Of Fame. The position of SONAHHR CANADA PRESIDENT was previously held, from 2005-2008, by SONAHHR Co-Founder and English-born hockey historian John Jelley. John Jelley is the co-author of Splendid Is The Sun: The 5,000 Year History of Hockey (Stryker-Indigo, 2003).


11/17/2008: WILFRED JACKSON NAMED PRESIDENT OF THE BLACK ICE HOCKEY AND SPORTS HALL OF FAME

11/17/08. Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, Canada. The Black Ice Hockey And Sports Hall Of Fame Conference has elected Wilfred Jackson as the new President of the Black Ice Hockey And Sports Hall Of Fame. Jackson, the former Chairman of the Hall Of Fame's Halifax Conference Committee, is the organization's second president, replacing Craig Smith who held the title for three years.

Wilfred A. Jackson has a Master of Science from Southeastern University, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida and a Bachelor of Arts in Applied Social Science from Sir George Williams University in Montreal, Quebec.

From 1980 –2005 (Retired), he was the Executive Director for the Nova Scotia Home for Colored Children in Preston, Nova Scotia. [The Nova Scotia Home for Colored Children was founded in 1915 by James A.R. Kinney and James Robinson Johnston two of the original officials of the Colored Hockey League.] Prior to 1980, Mr. Jackson served thirteen-years as Director for the Camps and Conference Centre, Catholic Community Service, Inc. in Montreal.

Among his many activities and titles, he is the current President of the Canadian Camping Association; President for the Council of Canadian Child & Youth Care Associations; and serves on the Board of Directors for the YMCA of Greater Halifax/Dartmouth.


11/17/2008: BOXING FEATURE: NAME THAT WEIGHT CLASS



By Charles Saunders

SONAHHR Vice-President, Boxing

In 1900, boxing boasted a grand total of seven weight classes, with one world champion in each. The divisions were, in descending order: heavyweight, middleweight, welterweight, lightweight, featherweight, bantamweight and flyweight. A new division, light-heavyweight, was created in 1903, to accommodate fighters who were too big to be middleweight, but not big enough to compete with the heavyweights. Light-heavyweight was soon recognized as the eighth “original” weight class.

Since then, the number of weight classes has ballooned, as has the number of title-sanctioning organizations. We now have 17 divisions, some separated by only a few pounds. And for each division, there are four “world” title belts, not to mention that of The Ring magazine.

The upside of this proliferation of titles is that deserving fighters who may have been denied a shot at a title in the old days now have more of a chance to win a belt and make big money defending it. The downside is that only rarely do “true” champions emerge from a gaggle of title-holders so numerous even a Jeopardy contestant couldn’t identify all of them.

The profusion of weight divisions is a cash cow for fighters and promoters alike. So we can’t expect consolidation or dropping of classes. If anything, more divisions may be on the way. Already, there’s talk of creating a “super-heavyweight” division to make ample room for the behemoths of boxing.

If the current classes are here to stay, one way to make them more palatable would be to give some of them catchier and more compelling names. Because the newer divisions had to be wedged between the original eight classes, they were called “junior-” this and “super-” that and “light-” something else. All these compound names have led to confusion, making it even more difficult for fans to identify champions. Even worse, some divisions are known by two or more names.

The exception to the naming dilemma is light-heavyweight, because that name made sense at the time the division was created, and it has historical provenance. The “original eight” classes are recognizable brands, and should not be changed. But most of the other “in-between” divisions are in dire need of updated labeling.

Here are some suggestions.

HEAVYWEIGHT
201 lb. and above

If the heavyweight division ever does split into two classes, “super-heavyweight” would not be the best choice of name for the heavier half – even though that’s what it’s now called in the amateurs. The term “heavyweight” has a mystique all its own, which should not be tampered with. If a separate division for fighters weighing more than, say, 230 lb. is established, it should be called “heavyweight.” The heavyweights should continue to be at the top of the boxing heap. The suffix “super” doesn’t really add anything to the division’s appeal.

So, if 230-plus pounds defines today’s heavyweights – and it does, as a look at any organization’s Top 10 will tell you – then a new division for fighters between 201 and 230 lb. would need to be established. What to call it? Maybe “powerweight, because punching power is the calling card of the heavier divisions.

Some smaller heavyweights can hold their own against the giants. For the most part, though, a fighter like 6-foot-7, 240 lb. Wladimir Klitschko has too many advantages for significantly smaller challengers to overcome. A “powerweight” championship would be a good alternative for fighters who can’t comfortably make the 200 lb. cruiserweight limit, but lose effectiveness when they bulk up for the big boys.


CRUISERWEIGHT
200 lb.

This division started nearly 30 years ago, with a 190 lb. limit. At first, its name was confusing because it was the one by which the British used to refer to light-heavyweights. The new division was also called “junior-heavyweight.” That term eventually fell into disuse. It’s a necessary division, especially now that the difference between heavyweights and light-heavyweights has widened to a chasm. The name “cruiserweight” is taken from a type of warship that is the next class down from a battleship. It’s an example of the right name for an “in-between” division, and there’s no need to change it. In this case, the authorities got it right the first time.


SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHT
168 lb.

Skipping over the light-heavies (175 lb.), we come to our first division in need to a name change. Thankfully, all the alphabet groups use the same name for the class. But it still needs a more evocative label. “Pantherweight” would be an interesting name. After all, a panther isn’t as big as a lion or tiger, but it can do just as much damage.


JUNIOR MIDDLEWEIGHT
154 lb.

Again, we skip an original class, the 160 lb. middleweights – a perfect name, by the way. The 154 lb. division is also known as “super-welterweight” and “light-middleweight.” That’s too many names, and they’re all a mouthful. The division needs a shorter name; a name that packs a punch. “Cloutweight” fills that bill.


JUNIOR WELTERWEIGHT
140 lb.

Another class with too many names, this one is also called “super-lightweight” and “light-welterweight.” It was one of the first “junior” divisions, created to fill the gap between welterweight (147 lb.) and lightweight (135 lb.). It took two tries to get the division going, and now it’s a mainstay. It shouldn’t be “junior” anything. So, what should it be called now? Let’s try “cobraweight,” after the deadly hooded serpent that strikes fast and hard.


JUNIOR LIGHTWEIGHT
130 lb.

This division, also known as “super-featherweight,” has a history similar to that of junior-welter. It was meant to be a bridge between lightweight and featherweight (126 lb.). It also took two tries to become established. An appropriate name for it would be “flashweight,” in honor of one of its greatest champions: Gabriel “Flash” Elorde.


JUNIOR FEATHERWEIGHT
122 lb.

Also called “super-bantamweight,” this is one of the many divisions that now crowd the low-weight district. Since it ranks above bantamweight (118 lb.), which is named after a rooster, a more formidable bird should define this class. “Falconweight” fits the bill.


JUNIOR BANTAMWEIGHT
115 lb.

This class is also known as “super-flyweight.” Taking a cue from junior-featherweight, let’s call this division “hornet-weight,” because even though its denizens are small, they can sting 112 lb. flyweights.


JUNIOR FLYWEIGHT
108 lb.

Also called “light-flyweight,” this division is perfect for a name from the past. Back when there were only seven divisions, flyweight was sometimes called “paperweight.” That name eventually fell out of use. But it should be revived for this modern class.


STRAWWEIGHT
105 lb.

The littlest division is also called “mini-flyweight” and “minimum-weight.” It deserves better. One alternative would be “atomweight,” in honor of Jimmy “The Mighty Atom” Wilde, an early flyweight champion who weighed only a little more than 100 lb., but is considered one of the hardest pound-for-pound punchers of all time.


SUMMARY

Heavyweight
231 lb. and above

Powerweight
230 lb.

Cruiserweight
200 lb.

Light-heavyweight
175 lb.

Pantherweight
168 lb.

Middleweight
160 lb.

Cloutweight
154 lb.

Welterweight
147 lb.

Cobraweight
140 lb.

Lightweight
135 lb.

Flashweight
130 lb.

Featherweight
126 lb.

Falconweight
122 lb.

Bantamweight
118 lb.

Hornetweight
115 lb.

Flyweight
112 lb.

Paperweight
108 lb.

Atomweight
105 lb.

Now, you’re probably wondering whether the above is tongue-in-cheek. Only slightly. Even so, the least boxing authorities can do is agree on one name per weight class, to help ease the confusion.




11/17/2008: Stryker-Indigo To Donate Research Archive To The University of Hawaii-Hilo

11/17/08. New York City. Stryker-Indigo New York has reached an agreement with the University of Hawaii at Hilo Special Collections Library to assist them in efforts to rebuild their Hawaii Studies Collection. Stryker-Indigo will be donating all of their Hawaiian History Books and Videos from the Pele's Children production to the UHH Library as the materials are cleared from the production. In the last two-weeks Stryker has donated three large boxes of books, magazines and videos pertaining to Hawaii and the South Pacific. More materials are expected to be released and mailed out soon.

The collection of books and materials are part of the Pele's Children Soccer documentary production, a nine-part series chronicling the history of Hawaiian Soccer. The production has been ongoing since March 2006.


11/17/2008: BOXING SPECIAL: THE ENDURANCE LEGEND

By Charles Saunders

SONAHHR Vice-President, Boxing

In these modern days of boxing, when no fight goes beyond 12 rounds, the 15-round title bout is remembered with nostalgia – and some fight fans wish the longer distance could be revived. Before the 15-round limit was established, however, fights often lasted much longer. That era is considered ancient history now. No one wants to bring back 20-rounders, or the notorious “fight-to-the-finish.”

Still, there is reason to admire the grit of old-timers who struggled through matches that lasted 30, 40, 50, even more than 100 three-minute rounds under the Marquess of Queensberry Rules. Those early fighters may not yet have developed fully modern techniques, but their stamina cannot be disputed. Indeed, some historians hold those pioneer pugilists up as supermen, and they bemoan the decline in the quality of today’s ringmen. And they point to the endurance fights of yesteryear as the proof in the punching.

One example of a legendary endurance fight was the May 21, 1891 match between Californian Jim Corbett and Peter Jackson of Australia by way of the West Indies. Both men were leading contenders for John L. Sullivan’s heavyweight championship. Corbett would go on to take the crown from Sullivan the next year. Jackson was denied a shot at the title because he was black.

The Corbett-Jackson battle lasted 61 rounds under Queensberry Rules, which by then were supplanting the old bareknuckle London Prize Ring Rules. Depending on which record book you consult, the result was either a draw or a no-contest. The venue was in San Francisco, and the referee – the sole official – was Hiram Cook.

Sixty-one rounds! That’s three 15-rounders, plus an extra frame for good measure. If Corbett and Jackson had fought full-speed over that distance, they would, indeed, have been supermen. Especially considering that Jackson went into the match with a left-knee injury, while Corbett had hurt his right hand.

But is that what really happened?

In the November 1945 issue of The Ring magazine, Daniel M. Daniel wrote an article titled “Corbett vs. Jackson 4 Hour ‘No Contest’.” In it, he gave an account of the fight. Let’s pick up his description of the action, starting after the sixth round:

On they fought, round after round, minute after minute, clever, crafty, calculating, neither man taking any chances, each respecting the other.

In the fourteenth, Corbett belted a sharp left to the nose. This was Jim’s best punch up to that time.

The fifteenth and the next one were nothing to get excited about, in the seventeenth Corbett hurt Peter with two drives to the neck. The Negro drove right and left to the jaw and scored first blood, a distinction back in those diaper days of glove fighting.

As they answered the bell for round No. 18, Jackson poked a left to the jaw but Jim replied with a wallop to the neck – and just as hard.

Jackson kept going without letting Jim get a moment’s rest. In the twenty-first round, the American, apparently on advice from (his manager Bill) Delaney, shifted suddenly to infighting, but this proved no success.

They went along into the twenty-sixth, which saw Corbett start moving out in front. In the twenty-seventh, the Negro rallied, but in the twenty-eighth, Jim outhit and outboxed his man and showed a slight advantage.

In the thirtieth, Corbett kept right on rushing his opponent. With this session the more interesting half of the contest may be said to have come to a close.

Now they realized that they would go on and on, without any evidence of definite superiority on either side.

Corbett now knew that unless Jackson’s knee gave way, he would not be able to stop him, and Peter said to himself, “I won’t win unless his hand forces him to quit.”

Punch and jump, feint and wallop, drive and scramble, they kept it up for ten more sessions, and in the forty-first, Jackson organized a rally with lefts to the head and a hard right to the wind.

After the forty-first, they slowed down to a walk. They fast were nearing exhaustion, and each was afraid he might be overpowered by Nature, rather than his opponent.

The onlookers were getting woozy. They wanted more action. They were not much concerned with anything except the fight, and the referee took his cue and told the men that they would have to tone up the fight or be thrown out.

In these days, the boys would have got the Merry Widow.

In Round No. 60, Cook said to the fighters, “The board of directors has just informed me that if you men don’t show more fight, the purse will be forfeited.”

The men walked about eyeing each other and did not land a real blow, in spite of the warning.

The onlookers were tolerant. They knew that neither Corbett nor Jackson could deliver a telling punch and wanted the referee to stop it and call it a draw.

However, had he done this, he would have recognized it as an official 61-round contest, and each fighter would have been entitled to half of the $10,000 purse.

By calling it “no contest,” the referee saved $5,000 for the California club.

“You can see that these men cannot go on,” Cook announced, “So I call it no contest.”

There you have it. The Corbett-Jackson bout was, indeed, a feat of endurance that today’s fighters – who are not trained to go ultra-marathon distances – would be hard-pressed to match.



11/17/2008: BOXING SPECIAL: THE ENDURANCE LEGEND

By Charles Saunders

SONAHHR Vice-President, Boxing

In these modern days of boxing, when no fight goes beyond 12 rounds, the 15-round title bout is remembered with nostalgia – and some fight fans wish the longer distance could be revived. Before the 15-round limit was established, however, fights often lasted much longer. That era is considered ancient history now. No one wants to bring back 20-rounders, or the notorious “fight-to-the-finish.”

Still, there is reason to admire the grit of old-timers who struggled through matches that lasted 30, 40, 50, even more than 100 three-minute rounds under the Marquess of Queensberry Rules. Those early fighters may not yet have developed fully modern techniques, but their stamina cannot be disputed. Indeed, some historians hold those pioneer pugilists up as supermen, and they bemoan the decline in the quality of today’s ringmen. And they point to the endurance fights of yesteryear as the proof in the punching.

One example of a legendary endurance fight was the May 21, 1891 match between Californian Jim Corbett and Peter Jackson of Australia by way of the West Indies. Both men were leading contenders for John L. Sullivan’s heavyweight championship. Corbett would go on to take the crown from Sullivan the next year. Jackson was denied a shot at the title because he was black.

The Corbett-Jackson battle lasted 61 rounds under Queensberry Rules, which by then were supplanting the old bareknuckle London Prize Ring Rules. Depending on which record book you consult, the result was either a draw or a no-contest. The venue was in San Francisco, and the referee – the sole official – was Hiram Cook.

Sixty-one rounds! That’s three 15-rounders, plus an extra frame for good measure. If Corbett and Jackson had fought full-speed over that distance, they would, indeed, have been supermen. Especially considering that Jackson went into the match with a left-knee injury, while Corbett had hurt his right hand.

But is that what really happened?

In the November 1945 issue of The Ring magazine, Daniel M. Daniel wrote an article titled “Corbett vs. Jackson 4 Hour ‘No Contest’.” In it, he gave an account of the fight. Let’s pick up his description of the action, starting after the sixth round:

On they fought, round after round, minute after minute, clever, crafty, calculating, neither man taking any chances, each respecting the other.

In the fourteenth, Corbett belted a sharp left to the nose. This was Jim’s best punch up to that time.

The fifteenth and the next one were nothing to get excited about, in the seventeenth Corbett hurt Peter with two drives to the neck. The Negro drove right and left to the jaw and scored first blood, a distinction back in those diaper days of glove fighting.

As they answered the bell for round No. 18, Jackson poked a left to the jaw but Jim replied with a wallop to the neck – and just as hard.

Jackson kept going without letting Jim get a moment’s rest. In the twenty-first round, the American, apparently on advice from (his manager Bill) Delaney, shifted suddenly to infighting, but this proved no success.

They went along into the twenty-sixth, which saw Corbett start moving out in front. In the twenty-seventh, the Negro rallied, but in the twenty-eighth, Jim outhit and outboxed his man and showed a slight advantage.

In the thirtieth, Corbett kept right on rushing his opponent. With this session the more interesting half of the contest may be said to have come to a close.

Now they realized that they would go on and on, without any evidence of definite superiority on either side.

Corbett now knew that unless Jackson’s knee gave way, he would not be able to stop him, and Peter said to himself, “I won’t win unless his hand forces him to quit.”

Punch and jump, feint and wallop, drive and scramble, they kept it up for ten more sessions, and in the forty-first, Jackson organized a rally with lefts to the head and a hard right to the wind.

After the forty-first, they slowed down to a walk. They fast were nearing exhaustion, and each was afraid he might be overpowered by Nature, rather than his opponent.

The onlookers were getting woozy. They wanted more action. They were not much concerned with anything except the fight, and the referee took his cue and told the men that they would have to tone up the fight or be thrown out.

In these days, the boys would have got the Merry Widow.

In Round No. 60, Cook said to the fighters, “The board of directors has just informed me that if you men don’t show more fight, the purse will be forfeited.”

The men walked about eyeing each other and did not land a real blow, in spite of the warning.

The onlookers were tolerant. They knew that neither Corbett nor Jackson could deliver a telling punch and wanted the referee to stop it and call it a draw.

However, had he done this, he would have recognized it as an official 61-round contest, and each fighter would have been entitled to half of the $10,000 purse.

By calling it “no contest,” the referee saved $5,000 for the California club.

“You can see that these men cannot go on,” Cook announced, “So I call it no contest.”

There you have it. The Corbett-Jackson bout was, indeed, a feat of endurance that today’s fighters – who are not trained to go ultra-marathon distances – would be hard-pressed to match.



9/27/2008: NAME THAT WEIGHT CLASS



By Charles Saunders

SONAHHR Vice-President, Boxing

In 1900, boxing boasted a grand total of seven weight classes, with one world champion in each. The divisions were, in descending order: heavyweight, middleweight, welterweight, lightweight, featherweight, bantamweight and flyweight. A new division, light-heavyweight, was created in 1903, to accommodate fighters who were too big to be middleweight, but not big enough to compete with the heavyweights. Light-heavyweight was soon recognized as the eighth “original” weight class.

Since then, the number of weight classes has ballooned, as has the number of title-sanctioning organizations. We now have 17 divisions, some separated by only a few pounds. And for each division, there are four “world” title belts, not to mention that of The Ring magazine.

The upside of this proliferation of titles is that deserving fighters who may have been denied a shot at a title in the old days now have more of a chance to win a belt and make big money defending it. The downside is that only rarely do “true” champions emerge from a gaggle of title-holders so numerous even a Jeopardy contestant couldn’t identify all of them.

The profusion of weight divisions is a cash cow for fighters and promoters alike. So we can’t expect consolidation or dropping of classes. If anything, more divisions may be on the way. Already, there’s talk of creating a “super-heavyweight” division to make ample room for the behemoths of boxing.

If the current classes are here to stay, one way to make them more palatable would be to give some of them catchier and more compelling names. Because the newer divisions had to be wedged between the original eight classes, they were called “junior-” this and “super-” that and “light-” something else. All these compound names have led to confusion, making it even more difficult for fans to identify champions. Even worse, some divisions are known by two or more names.

The exception to the naming dilemma is light-heavyweight, because that name made sense at the time the division was created, and it has historical provenance. The “original eight” classes are recognizable brands, and should not be changed. But most of the other “in-between” divisions are in dire need of updated labeling.

Here are some suggestions.

HEAVYWEIGHT
201 lb. and above

If the heavyweight division ever does split into two classes, “super-heavyweight” would not be the best choice of name for the heavier half – even though that’s what it’s now called in the amateurs. The term “heavyweight” has a mystique all its own, which should not be tampered with. If a separate division for fighters weighing more than, say, 230 lb. is established, it should be called “heavyweight.” The heavyweights should continue to be at the top of the boxing heap. The suffix “super” doesn’t really add anything to the division’s appeal.

So, if 230-plus pounds defines today’s heavyweights – and it does, as a look at any organization’s Top 10 will tell you – then a new division for fighters between 201 and 230 lb. would need to be established. What to call it? Maybe “powerweight, because punching power is the calling card of the heavier divisions.

Some smaller heavyweights can hold their own against the giants. For the most part, though, a fighter like 6-foot-7, 240 lb. Wladimir Klitschko has too many advantages for significantly smaller challengers to overcome. A “powerweight” championship would be a good alternative for fighters who can’t comfortably make the 200 lb. cruiserweight limit, but lose effectiveness when they bulk up for the big boys.


CRUISERWEIGHT
200 lb.

This division started nearly 30 years ago, with a 190 lb. limit. At first, its name was confusing because it was the one by which the British used to refer to light-heavyweights. The new division was also called “junior-heavyweight.” That term eventually fell into disuse. It’s a necessary division, especially now that the difference between heavyweights and light-heavyweights has widened to a chasm. The name “cruiserweight” is taken from a type of warship that is the next class down from a battleship. It’s an example of the right name for an “in-between” division, and there’s no need to change it. In this case, the authorities got it right the first time.


SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHT
168 lb.

Skipping over the light-heavies (175 lb.), we come to our first division in need to a name change. Thankfully, all the alphabet groups use the same name for the class. But it still needs a more evocative label. “Pantherweight” would be an interesting name. After all, a panther isn’t as big as a lion or tiger, but it can do just as much damage.


JUNIOR MIDDLEWEIGHT
154 lb.

Again, we skip an original class, the 160 lb. middleweights – a perfect name, by the way. The 154 lb. division is also known as “super-welterweight” and “light-middleweight.” That’s too many names, and they’re all a mouthful. The division needs a shorter name; a name that packs a punch. “Cloutweight” fills that bill.


JUNIOR WELTERWEIGHT
140 lb.

Another class with too many names, this one is also called “super-lightweight” and “light-welterweight.” It was one of the first “junior” divisions, created to fill the gap between welterweight (147 lb.) and lightweight (135 lb.). It took two tries to get the division going, and now it’s a mainstay. It shouldn’t be “junior” anything. So, what should it be called now? Let’s try “cobraweight,” after the deadly hooded serpent that strikes fast and hard.


JUNIOR LIGHTWEIGHT
130 lb.

This division, also known as “super-featherweight,” has a history similar to that of junior-welter. It was meant to be a bridge between lightweight and featherweight (126 lb.). It also took two tries to become established. An appropriate name for it would be “flashweight,” in honor of one of its greatest champions: Gabriel “Flash” Elorde.


JUNIOR FEATHERWEIGHT
122 lb.

Also called “super-bantamweight,” this is one of the many divisions that now crowd the low-weight district. Since it ranks above bantamweight (118 lb.), which is named after a rooster, a more formidable bird should define this class. “Falconweight” fits the bill.


JUNIOR BANTAMWEIGHT
115 lb.

This class is also known as “super-flyweight.” Taking a cue from junior-featherweight, let’s call this division “hornet-weight,” because even though its denizens are small, they can sting 112 lb. flyweights.


JUNIOR FLYWEIGHT
108 lb.

Also called “light-flyweight,” this division is perfect for a name from the past. Back when there were only seven divisions, flyweight was sometimes called “paperweight.” That name eventually fell out of use. But it should be revived for this modern class.


STRAWWEIGHT
105 lb.

The littlest division is also called “mini-flyweight” and “minimum-weight.” It deserves better. One alternative would be “atomweight,” in honor of Jimmy “The Mighty Atom” Wilde, an early flyweight champion who weighed only a little more than 100 lb., but is considered one of the hardest pound-for-pound punchers of all time.


SUMMARY

Heavyweight
231 lb. and above

Powerweight
230 lb.

Cruiserweight
200 lb.

Light-heavyweight
175 lb.

Pantherweight
168 lb.

Middleweight
160 lb.

Cloutweight
154 lb.

Welterweight
147 lb.

Cobraweight
140 lb.

Lightweight
135 lb.

Flashweight
130 lb.

Featherweight
126 lb.

Falconweight
122 lb.

Bantamweight
118 lb.

Hornetweight
115 lb.

Flyweight
112 lb.

Paperweight
108 lb.

Atomweight
105 lb.

Now, you’re probably wondering whether the above is tongue-in-cheek. Only slightly. Even so, the least boxing authorities can do is agree on one name per weight class, to help ease the confusion.


9/27/2008: NCAA CHAMPION HOCKEY COACH HARKNESS DIES AT 89



ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) September 19th - Ned Harkness, who coached NCAA champion hockey teams as well as lacrosse, has died. He was 89. Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute said Harkness, who won NCAA championships in 1954 with RPI and in 1967 and 1970 with Cornell University, died in Rochester on Friday on his 89th birthday. He had recently suffered a stroke. Born in Ottawa, Harkness also coached the NHL's Detroit Red Wings and was the first president and CEO of the New York Olympic Regional Development Authority. "Inside College Hockey" lists Harkness fifth among the 16 best college hockey coaches of all time, noting he was one of two to win NCAA championships at different schools. Harkness coached at RPI from 1949-63, at Cornell from 1963-70, and at RPI rival Union College from 1975-77.


9/27/2008: HOCKEY WRITER JACK FALLA DIES AT 62



BOSTON (AP) September 15th - Jack Falla, a hockey writer and communications professor at Boston University, has died. The university says Falla, of Natick, died of a heart attack Sunday while in Maine with his family. He was 62. Falla covered the NHL for Sports Illustrated in the 1980s and also wrote several books on hockey, including "Open Ice: Reflections and Confession of a Hockey Lifer," which was released this month. At BU, he taught sports writing and sports communications. Lou Ureneck, chairman of BU's journalism department, said Falla was popular with students because of his passion for sports and teaching.




8/29/2008: BARAK OBAMA'S CONVENTION SPEECH ADDRESS AUGUST 28, 2008

DENVER - Prepared remarks of Sen. Barack Obama for his address to the Democratic National Convention on Thursday night in Denver, as released by the campaign:

To Chairman Dean and my great friend Dick Durbin, and to all my fellow citizens of this great nation: With profound gratitude and great humility, I accept your nomination for the presidency of the United States.

Let me express my thanks to the historic slate of candidates who accompanied me on this journey, and especially the one who traveled the farthest_ a champion for working Americans and an inspiration to my daughters and to yours — Hillary Rodham Clinton. To President Clinton, who last night made the case for change as only he can make it; to Ted Kennedy, who embodies the spirit of service; and to the next vice president of the United States, Joe Biden, I thank you. I am grateful to finish this journey with one of the finest statesmen of our time, a man at ease with everyone from world leaders to the conductors on the Amtrak train he still takes home every night.

To the love of my life, our next first lady, Michelle Obama, and to Sasha and Malia, I love you so much, and I'm so proud of all of you.

Four years ago, I stood before you and told you my story of the brief union between a young man from Kenya and a young woman from Kansas who weren't well-off or well-known, but shared a belief that in America, their son could achieve whatever he put his mind to.

It is that promise that has always set this country apart, that through hard work and sacrifice, each of us can pursue our individual dreams but still come together as one American family, to ensure that the next generation can pursue their dreams as well.

That's why I stand here tonight. Because for 232 years, at each moment when that promise was in jeopardy, ordinary men and women, students and soldiers, farmers and teachers, nurses and janitors, found the courage to keep it alive.

We meet at one of those defining moments, a moment when our nation is at war, our economy is in turmoil, and the American promise has been threatened once more.

Tonight, more Americans are out of work, and more are working harder for less. More of you have lost your homes, and even more are watching your home values plummet. More of you have cars you can't afford to drive, credit card bills you can't afford to pay, and tuition that's beyond your reach.

These challenges are not all of government's making. But the failure to respond is a direct result of a broken politics in Washington and the failed policies of George W. Bush.

America, we are better than these last eight years. We are a better country than this.

This country is more decent than one where a woman in Ohio, on the brink of retirement, finds herself one illness away from disaster after a lifetime of hard work.

This country is more generous than one where a man in Indiana has to pack up the equipment he's worked on for twenty years and watch it shipped off to China, and then chokes up as he explains how he felt like a failure when he went home to tell his family the news.

We are more compassionate than a government that lets veterans sleep on our streets and families slide into poverty; that sits on its hands while a major American city drowns before our eyes.

Tonight, I say to the American people, to Democrats and Republicans and Independents across this great land: enough! This moment, this election is our chance to keep, in the 21st century, the American promise alive. Because next week, in Minnesota, the same party that brought you two terms of George Bush and Dick Cheney will ask this country for a third. And we are here because we love this country too much to let the next four years look like the last eight. On Nov. 4, we must stand up and say: "Eight is enough."

Now let there be no doubt. The Republican nominee, John McCain, has worn the uniform of our country with bravery and distinction, and for that, we owe him our gratitude and respect. And next week, we'll also hear about those occasions when he's broken with his party as evidence that he can deliver the change that we need.

But the record's clear: John McCain has voted with George Bush 90 percent of the time. Senator McCain likes to talk about judgment, but really, what does it say about your judgment when you think George Bush has been right more than ninety percent of the time? I don't know about you, but I'm not ready to take a ten percent chance on change.

The truth is, on issue after issue that would make a difference in your lives, on health care and education and the economy, Senator McCain has been anything but independent. He said that our economy has made "great progress" under this president. He said that the fundamentals of the economy are strong. And when one of his chief advisers, the man who wrote his economic plan, was talking about the anxiety Americans are feeling, he said that we were just suffering from a "mental recession," and that we've become, and I quote, "a nation of whiners."

A nation of whiners? Tell that to the proud auto workers at a Michigan plant who, after they found out it was closing, kept showing up every day and working as hard as ever, because they knew there were people who counted on the brakes that they made. Tell that to the military families who shoulder their burdens silently as they watch their loved ones leave for their third or fourth or fifth tour of duty. These are not whiners. They work hard and give back and keep going without complaint. These are the Americans that I know.

Now, I don't believe that Senator McCain doesn't care what's going on in the lives of Americans. I just think he doesn't know. Why else would he define middle-class as someone making under $5 million a year? How else could he propose hundreds of billions in tax breaks for big corporations and oil companies but not one penny of tax relief to more than 100 million Americans? How else could he offer a health care plan that would actually tax people's benefits, or an education plan that would do nothing to help families pay for college, or a plan that would privatize Social Security and gamble your retirement?

It's not because John McCain doesn't care. It's because John McCain doesn't get it.

For over two decades, he's subscribed to that old, discredited Republican philosophy — give more and more to those with the most and hope that prosperity trickles down to everyone else. In Washington, they call this the Ownership Society, but what it really means is, you're on your own. Out of work? Tough luck. No health care? The market will fix it. Born into poverty? Pull yourself up by your own bootstraps, even if you don't have boots. You're on your own.

Well, it's time for them to own their failure. It's time for us to change America.

You see, we Democrats have a very different measure of what constitutes progress in this country.

We measure progress by how many people can find a job that pays the mortgage; whether you can put a little extra money away at the end of each month so you can someday watch your child receive her college diploma. We measure progress in the 23 million new jobs that were created when Bill Clinton was president, when the average American family saw its income go up $7,500 instead of down $2,000, like it has under George Bush.

We measure the strength of our economy not by the number of billionaires we have or the profits of the Fortune 500, but by whether someone with a good idea can take a risk and start a new business, or whether the waitress who lives on tips can take a day off to look after a sick kid without losing her job an economy that honors the dignity of work.

The fundamentals we use to measure economic strength are whether we are living up to that fundamental promise that has made this country great, a promise that is the only reason I am standing here tonight.

Because in the faces of those young veterans who come back from Iraq and Afghanistan, I see my grandfather, who signed up after Pearl Harbor, marched in Patton's Army and was rewarded by a grateful nation with the chance to go to college on the GI Bill.

In the face of that young student who sleeps just three hours before working the night shift, I think about my mom, who raised my sister and me on her own while she worked and earned her degree; who once turned to food stamps but was still able to send us to the best schools in the country with the help of student loans and scholarships.

When I listen to another worker tell me that his factory has shut down, I remember all those men and women on the South Side of Chicago who I stood by and fought for two decades ago after the local steel plant closed.

And when I hear a woman talk about the difficulties of starting her own business, I think about my grandmother, who worked her way up from the secretarial pool to middle-management, despite years of being passed over for promotions because she was a woman. She's the one who taught me about hard work. She's the one who put off buying a new car or a new dress for herself so that I could have a better life. She poured everything she had into me. And although she can no longer travel, I know that she's watching tonight, and that tonight is her night as well.

I don't know what kind of lives John McCain thinks that celebrities lead, but this has been mine. These are my heroes. Theirs are the stories that shaped me. And it is on their behalf that I intend to win this election and keep our promise alive as president of the United States.

What is that promise?

It's a promise that says each of us has the freedom to make of our own lives what we will, but that we also have the obligation to treat each other with dignity and respect.

It's a promise that says the market should reward drive and innovation and generate growth, but that businesses should live up to their responsibilities to create American jobs, look out for American workers, and play by the rules of the road.

Ours is a promise that says government cannot solve all our problems, but what it should do is that which we cannot do for ourselves, protect us from harm and provide every child a decent education; keep our water clean and our toys safe; invest in new schools and new roads and new science and technology.

Our government should work for us, not against us. It should help us, not hurt us. It should ensure opportunity, not just for those with the most money and influence, but for every American who's willing to work.

That's the promise of America, the idea that we are responsible for ourselves, but that we also rise or fall as one nation; the fundamental belief that I am my brother's keeper; I am my sister's keeper.

That's the promise we need to keep. That's the change we need right now. So let me spell out exactly what that change would mean if I am president.

Change means a tax code that doesn't reward the lobbyists who wrote it, but the American workers and small businesses who deserve it.

Unlike John McCain, I will stop giving tax breaks to corporations that ship jobs overseas, and I will start giving them to companies that create good jobs right here in America.

I will eliminate capital gains taxes for the small businesses and the startups that will create the high-wage, high-tech jobs of tomorrow.

I will cut taxes — cut taxes for 95% of all working families. Because in an economy like this, the last thing we should do is raise taxes on the middle-class.

And for the sake of our economy, our security, and the future of our planet, I will set a clear goal as president: In ten years, we will finally end our dependence on oil from the Middle East.

Washington's been talking about our oil addiction for the last thirty years, and John McCain has been there for twenty-six of them. In that time, he's said no to higher fuel-efficiency standards for cars, no to investments in renewable energy, no to renewable fuels. And today, we import triple the amount of oil as the day that Senator McCain took office.

Now is the time to end this addiction, and to understand that drilling is a stopgap measure, not a long-term solution. Not even close.

As president, I will tap our natural gas reserves, invest in clean coal technology, and find ways to safely harness nuclear power. I'll help our auto companies retool, so that the fuel-efficient cars of the future are built right here in America. I'll make it easier for the American people to afford these new cars. And I'll invest 150 billion dollars over the next decade in affordable, renewable sources of energy; wind power and solar power and the next generation of biofuels; an investment that will lead to new industries and 5 million new jobs that pay well and can't ever be outsourced.

America, now is not the time for small plans.

Now is the time to finally meet our moral obligation to provide every child a world-class education, because it will take nothing less to compete in the global economy. Michelle and I are only here tonight because we were given a chance at an education. And I will not settle for an America where some kids don't have that chance. I'll invest in early childhood education. I'll recruit an army of new teachers, and pay them higher salaries and give them more support. And in exchange, I'll ask for higher standards and more accountability. And we will keep our promise to every young American — if you commit to serving your community or your country, we will make sure you can afford a college education.

Now is the time to finally keep the promise of affordable, accessible health care for every single American. If you have health care, my plan will lower your premiums. If you don't, you'll be able to get the same kind of coverage that members of Congress give themselves. And as someone who watched my mother argue with insurance companies while she lay in bed dying of cancer, I will make certain those companies stop discriminating against those who are sick and need care the most.

Now is the time to help families with paid sick days and better family leave, because nobody in America should have to choose between keeping their jobs and caring for a sick child or ailing parent.

Now is the time to change our bankruptcy laws, so that your pensions are protected ahead of CEO bonuses; and the time to protect Social Security for future generations.

And now is the time to keep the promise of equal pay for an equal day's work, because I want my daughters to have exactly the same opportunities as your sons.

Now, many of these plans will cost money, which is why I've laid out how I'll pay for every dime, by closing corporate loopholes and tax havens that don't help America grow. But I will also go through the federal budget, line by line, eliminating programs that no longer work and making the ones we do need work better and cost less because we cannot meet 21st century challenges with a 20th century bureaucracy.

And Democrats, we must also admit that fulfilling America's promise will require more than just money. It will require a renewed sense of responsibility from each of us to recover what John F. Kennedy called our "intellectual and moral strength." Yes, government must lead on energy independence, but each of us must do our part to make our homes and businesses more efficient. Yes, we must provide more ladders to success for young men who fall into lives of crime and despair. But we must also admit that programs alone can't replace parents; that government can't turn off the television and make a child do her homework; that fathers must take more responsibility for providing the love and guidance their children need.

Individual responsibility and mutual responsibility — that's the essence of America's promise.

And just as we keep our keep our promise to the next generation here at home, so must we keep America's promise abroad. If John McCain wants to have a debate about who has the temperament, and judgment, to serve as the next commander in chief, that's a debate I'm ready to have.

For while Senator McCain was turning his sights to Iraq just days after 9/11, I stood up and opposed this war, knowing that it would distract us from the real threats we face. When John McCain said we could just "muddle through" in Afghanistan, I argued for more resources and more troops to finish the fight against the terrorists who actually attacked us on 9/11, and made clear that we must take out Osama bin Laden and his lieutenants if we have them in our sights. John McCain likes to say that he'll follow bin Laden to the Gates of Hell, but he won't even go to the cave where he lives.

And today, as my call for a time frame to remove our troops from Iraq has been echoed by the Iraqi government and even the Bush administration, even after we learned that Iraq has a $79 billion surplus while we're wallowing in deficits, John McCain stands alone in his stubborn refusal to end a misguided war.

That's not the judgment we need. That won't keep America safe. We need a president who can face the threats of the future, not keep grasping at the ideas of the past.

You don't defeat a terrorist network that operates in 80 countries by occupying Iraq. You don't protect Israel and deter Iran just by talking tough in Washington. You can't truly stand up for Georgia when you've strained our oldest alliances. If John McCain wants to follow George Bush with more tough talk and bad strategy, that is his choice, but it is not the change we need.

We are the party of Roosevelt. We are the party of Kennedy. So don't tell me that Democrats won't defend this country. Don't tell me that Democrats won't keep us safe. The Bush-McCain foreign policy has squandered the legacy that generations of Americans — Democrats and Republicans have built, and we are here to restore that legacy.

As commander in chief, I will never hesitate to defend this nation, but I will only send our troops into harm's way with a clear mission and a sacred commitment to give them the equipment they need in battle and the care and benefits they deserve when they come home.

I will end this war in Iraq responsibly and finish the fight against al-Qaida and the Taliban in Afghanistan. I will rebuild our military to meet future conflicts. But I will also renew the tough, direct diplomacy that can prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons and curb Russian aggression. I will build new partnerships to defeat the threats of the 21st century: terrorism and nuclear proliferation; poverty and genocide; climate change and disease. And I will restore our moral standing, so that America is once again that last, best hope for all who are called to the cause of freedom, who long for lives of peace, and who yearn for a better future.

These are the policies I will pursue. And in the weeks ahead, I look forward to debating them with John McCain.

But what I will not do is suggest that the senator takes his positions for political purposes. Because one of the things that we have to change in our politics is the idea that people cannot disagree without challenging each other's character and patriotism.

The times are too serious, the stakes are too high for this same partisan playbook. So let us agree that patriotism has no party. I love this country, and so do you, and so does John McCain. The men and women who serve in our battlefields may be Democrats and Republicans and Independents, but they have fought together and bled together and some died together under the same proud flag. They have not served a Red America or a Blue America, they have served the United States of America.

So I've got news for you, John McCain. We all put our country first.

America, our work will not be easy. The challenges we face require tough choices, and Democrats as well as Republicans will need to cast off the worn-out ideas and politics of the past. For part of what has been lost these past eight years can't just be measured by lost wages or bigger trade deficits. What has also been lost is our sense of common purpose our sense of higher purpose. And that's what we have to restore.

We may not agree on abortion, but surely we can agree on reducing the number of unwanted pregnancies in this country. The reality of gun ownership may be different for hunters in rural Ohio than for those plagued by gang-violence in Cleveland, but don't tell me we can't uphold the Second Amendment while keeping AK-47s out of the hands of criminals. I know there are differences on same-sex marriage, but surely we can agree that our gay and lesbian brothers and sisters deserve to visit the person they love in the hospital and to live lives free of discrimination. Passions fly on immigration, but I don't know anyone who benefits when a mother is separated from her infant child or an employer undercuts American wages by hiring illegal workers. This, too, is part of America's promise, the promise of a democracy where we can find the strength and grace to bridge divides and unite in common effort.

I know there are those who dismiss such beliefs as happy talk. They claim that our insistence on something larger, something firmer and more honest in our public life is just a Trojan horse for higher taxes and the abandonment of traditional values. And that's to be expected. Because if you don't have any fresh ideas, then you use stale tactics to scare the voters. If you don't have a record to run on, then you paint your opponent as someone people should run from.

You make a big election about small things.

And you know what it's worked before. Because it feeds into the cynicism we all have about government. When Washington doesn't work, all its promises seem empty. If your hopes have been dashed again and again, then it's best to stop hoping, and settle for what you already know.

I get it. I realize that I am not the likeliest candidate for this office. I don't fit the typical pedigree, and I haven't spent my career in the halls of Washington.

But I stand before you tonight because all across America something is stirring. What the naysayers don't understand is that this election has never been about me. It's been about you.

For eighteen long months, you have stood up, one by one, and said enough to the politics of the past. You understand that in this election, the greatest risk we can take is to try the same old politics with the same old players and expect a different result. You have shown what history teaches us that at defining moments like this one, the change we need doesn't come from Washington. Change comes to Washington. Change happens because the American people demand it, because they rise up and insist on new ideas and new leadership, a new politics for a new time.

America, this is one of those moments.

I believe that as hard as it will be, the change we need is coming. Because I've seen it. Because I've lived it. I've seen it in Illinois, when we provided health care to more children and moved more families from welfare to work. I've seen it in Washington, when we worked across party lines to open up government and hold lobbyists more accountable, to give better care for our veterans and keep nuclear weapons out of terrorist hands.

And I've seen it in this campaign. In the young people who voted for the first time, and in those who got involved again after a very long time. In the Republicans who never thought they'd pick up a Democratic ballot, but did. I've seen it in the workers who would rather cut their hours back a day than see their friends lose their jobs, in the soldiers who re-enlist after losing a limb, in the good neighbors who take a stranger in when a hurricane strikes and the floodwaters rise.

This country of ours has more wealth than any nation, but that's not what makes us rich. We have the most powerful military on Earth, but that's not what makes us strong. Our universities and our culture are the envy of the world, but that's not what keeps the world coming to our shores.

Instead, it is that American spirit that American promise that pushes us forward even when the path is uncertain; that binds us together in spite of our differences; that makes us fix our eye not on what is seen, but what is unseen, that better place around the bend.

That promise is our greatest inheritance. It's a promise I make to my daughters when I tuck them in at night, and a promise that you make to yours, a promise that has led immigrants to cross oceans and pioneers to travel west; a promise that led workers to picket lines, and women to reach for the ballot.

And it is that promise that forty five years ago today, brought Americans from every corner of this land to stand together on a Mall in Washington, before Lincoln's Memorial, and hear a young preacher from Georgia speak of his dream.

The men and women who gathered there could've heard many things. They could've heard words of anger and discord. They could've been told to succumb to the fear and frustration of so many dreams deferred.

But what the people heard instead, people of every creed and color, from every walk of life, is that in America, our destiny is inextricably linked. That together, our dreams can be one.

"We cannot walk alone," the preacher cried. "And as we walk, we must make the pledge that we shall always march ahead. We cannot turn back."

America, we cannot turn back. Not with so much work to be done. Not with so many children to educate, and so many veterans to care for. Not with an economy to fix and cities to rebuild and farms to save. Not with so many families to protect and so many lives to mend. America, we cannot turn back. We cannot walk alone. At this moment, in this election, we must pledge once more to march into the future. Let us keep that promise, that American promise, and in the words of Scripture, hold firmly, without wavering, to the hope that we confess.

Thank you, God bless you, and God bless the United States of America.




8/19/2008: 2008 HERITAGE AWARD RECIPIENTS ANNOUNCED!!!!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

08/19/08. New York City. The Society Of North American Hockey Historians And Researchers, in conjunction with the Black Hockey And Sports Hall Of Fame, announced today the 2008 recipients of The Heritage Award For Outstanding Hockey Research And Writing . A total of eight hockey books and ten authors are being recognized this year. This year’s recipients are:

1.        Timothy Gassen - Red, White & Blues: A Personal History Of The Indianapolis Racers Hockey 1974-1979

2.         Michael McKinley - Putting A Roof On Winter: Hockey's Rise From Sports To Spectacle

3.         Andrew Podnieks - A Canadian Saturday Night: Hockey And The Culture

4.         Brad Kurtzberg - Shorthanded: The Untold Story Of The Seals: Hockeys Most Colourful Team

5.        James Mancuso and Fred Zalatan -The Clinton Comets: An EHL Dynasty

6.      Todd Jones -The History Of Cambridge Hockey

7.      Martin C. Jones - Homes Of British Ice Hockey

8.      George and Darril Fosty -Black Ice: The Lost History Of The Colored Hockey League of the Maritimes, 1895-1925

In addition to the ten Heritage Awards for outstanding sports writing and research, the Society Of North American Hockey Historians And Researchers and the Black Hockey And Sports Hall Of Fame have commissioned a special Heritage Award in recognition of outstanding contributions to the game of ice hockey. The 2008 award is presented to:

Mr. Larry Kwong of Calgary, Alberta - In Recognition of the 60th Anniversary of being the first Asian to play in the National Hockey League


This is the third year of the Heritage Awards. The Awards will be presented individually or mailed to the recipients beginning in mid-September 2008.


CONGRATULATIONS TO THE 2008 AWARD WINNERS !!


8/14/2008: 3RD BLACK ICE HOCKEY HALL OF FAME CONFERENCE BEGINS!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE



3RD BLACK ICE HOCKEY HALL OF FAME CONFERENCE BEGINS!



Dartmouth Nova Scotia, Canada 08/14/08. The 3rd Black Ice Hockey & Sports Hall of Fame Conference begins on Friday, August 15, 2008 at Alderney Landing Cultural Centre, Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, Canada, at 5:00 pm.


Former NHL players, Coaches, Olympic athletes and other special guests will be in attendance throughout the weekend such as Bill Riley, John Paris, Jr., Marjorie Turner-Bailey and Christine Parris-Washington among others.



Though the festivities formally begin on Friday, a commemorative hockey game will be played on Thursday, August 14 at Centennial Arena in honour of two great teams of yesteryear. Descendants, professionals and local community members will represent The Halifax Eurekas, 1903 Coloured Hockey League Champions, and The Truro Sheiks, 1930 Coloured Hockey League Champions, both 2008 Hall of Fame Inductees. The puck will be dropped promptly at 8:00 pm.



The conference agenda is loaded with special guest speakers and there will be a special viewing of a documentary based on the book "Black Ice: The Lost History of the Colored Hockey League of the Maritimes, 1895-1925", written by George and Darril Fosty who will also be present.



Tickets for the conference weekend are $25 for adults and $10 for children.



For further information, please contact:



Cecil Wright: (902) 471-2477.



8/13/2008: 3RD BLACK ICE HOCKEY AND SPORTS HALL OF FAME CONFERENCE SCHEDULE

3rd BLACK ICE HOCKEY & SPORTS HALL OF FAME CONFERENCE
ALDERNEY LANDING CULTURAL CONVENTION CENTER (2Nd Floor)
2 Ochterloney St., Dartmouth NS ( Waterfront Theatre)

    Theme: “One and God Make a Majority” - Frederick Douglass


Pre- Conference Event: Thursday, August 14, 2008.
8:00 PM    -Black Ice Hockey Game at Centennial Arena

Conference Day 1 Events: Friday, August 15, 2008.
5:00 PM    Registration (Meet & Greet)
6:00    Official Opening
6:15    History of the Society of North American Hockey
          Historians & Researchers by George Fosty, President & Founder
6:40    Black Ice documentary (Part 1) with Warren Beatty & Tony Ince
7:00    Tim Horton’s Coffee Break (Sponsor)
7:20    Black Ice documentary (Part 2) with Warren Beatty & Tony Ince
7:45    Behind the Scenes with the Black Ice Documentary with Darril Fosty
8:00    The State and Progress of The Black Ice Project and the African,
          Quaker, Native Continuum Project and the Vision for the Black
          Ice Hockey & Sports Hall of Fame in the New Millennium with
          Drakeford Levi & George Fosty

Followed By Refreshments

Conference Day 2 Events: Saturday, August 16, 2008.

9:30 AM    Welcome
9:45       Lee Francis, A Personal Hockey History
10:10       Darren Cossar, Executive Director, Hockey Nova Scotia
10:35       Tim Horton Coffee Break (Sponsor)
10:50       LaToya Clarke, 2004 NCAA Division 1 Women’s Hockey Championship
11:15       Round Table on Diversity, Racism & Barriers in hockey & the NHL

12:00 PM    Lunch On Your Own

2:00       Bill Riley, Retired NHL Player
2:25       Brad Barton, Olympic & International Volleyball Referee
2:50       Christine Parris Washington, Canadian Women’s Olympic Softball
3:15       Tim Horton Coffee Break (Sponsor)
3:30       Marjorie Turner Bailey, Olympic Track & Field
3:55       John Paris, Jr., First Black Professional Hockey Coach

7:00 PM    - BLACK ICE HOCKEY & SPORTS HALL OF FAME INDUCTION
This evening two original Colored Hockey League Championship Teams and 21 Individuals will be Inducted into the 2008 Black Ice Hockey & Sports Hall of Fame. Mr. Cecil Wright, will act as Master of Ceremonies.    A RECEPTION TO FOLLOW

Adult- $25, 13-17 yrs.- $10, 12 & under- Free, Induction Only- $15
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Thanks to the Centennial Arena, NHL, Eastlink TV, SONAHHR, SONAHHAR Canada Black Sports Awards, Stryker Indigo Publishing, Molson Breweries, Hockey Nova Scotia, Visually Creative Artists Society, Christopher Cromwell’s Hair Salon, Sam’s Seafood & Grill, Holiday Inn Harbourview, Tim Horton’s, DanSan, the Colored Hockey League, LLC,



8/7/2008: Historic African-Canadian Hockey Game Set

Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. 08/07/08. The Black Ice Hockey And Sports Hall Of Fame Conference Committee has released the hockey team rosters for the two all- African-Canadian men's hockey teams scheduled to play in an historic match designed to kick off the 3rd Black Ice Hockey and Sports Hall of Fame Conference, August 14-16, 2008 in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia.

The two teams will be wearing the uniforms of the Truro Sheiks and the Halifax Eurekas, two of the original teams of the historic Colored Hockey League of the Maritimes, 1895-1925. The team rosters are as follows:

Halifax Eurekas:

# 7 Dwight Lucas
# 9 Payton Tench
# 15 Andrew Tench
# 16 Dwayne Saunders
# 5 Lee Francis
# 4 Bob Dawson
# 2 Leonard "Snooky" Kane
# 12 Tyrone David