My only hockey post ever

This sport is the topic for today because "Dollar" Bill Wirtz has just died. For those who don't know, the Wirtz family has owned the Chicago Blackhawks for over half a century, and most of the fans blame him and his crony, Bob Pulford, for the longest Stanley Cup drought in The Minor American Sports League Formerly Known As The NHL.

Needless to say, count me among those dissatisfied with his policies and actions, dating back to his mistreatment of hockey great (and terrible person) Bobby Hull. In no other city does a minor league franchise (the Wolves) have the ability to compete with a major league franchise. For damning evidence, note that the Blackhawks home games are never televised, while the Wolves have EVERY game on cable TV. No other team in the AHL (the Wolves' league, the highest level of minor league hockey) can say that.

Because of Wirtz, I never wear my Blackhawks sweater anymore, and the team's mediocre performances barely register a blip on my personal sports radar. Eventually, I may return to the fandom. It's going to take much more for them to fall back into my father' good graces.


While I'm on hockey, I want to mention something that's bothered me for a few years. The North Stars ripped out the heart of one of the two biggest hockey states in the Union fifteen years ago. The team's fanbase certainly spread to Iowa, and included at least one friend of mine. Why, then, would the Dallas Stars want to twist the knife in the collective wound by trotting out an affiliate franchise with the same name in Des Moines?

My guesses are because some people never care about hockey, some people don't care about hockey anymore, or the Minnesota Wild have sealed the wound for those that still love hockey. (That last sentence was fun to read in my head because I pronounce it "HAW-kee.")

In closing, I shall repeat what has been said by many people for about a decade: get rid of commissioner Gary Bettman.

Welcoming back with open arms

(obligatory Tivo reference follows) Thanks to Tivo, I'm watching last night's Daily Show right now. Rob Corddry is back! Maybe I couldn't see him (he was in a bathroom stall), but I immediately recognized his voice.

For those who don't know, Rob is returning from his WILDLY successful sitcom, "The Winner." Wonderful.

Maybe he can start a feud with fellow bald man, Dan Bakkedahl. "Finally, the Cord has come back to the Daily Show!"

...

Oh. Sorry. That must be because I watched wrestling all summer.

Anyways, this event begs the question: with the quick demise of "Studio 60," is Nate Corddry coming back too?