Euro Cup 2012

  The stage is set...  after Italy's victory over Germany, they will battle with Spain this coming Sunday for the European Cup.  This should be a good game, Italy has shown its willingness to attack and create opportunities in this tournament, while Spain has overwhelmed teams with its ball control, precision passing and timely scoring.  If Italy can keep the ball away from the Spaniards,  meaning close to 50% posession;  I think they can  win the game.  Spain will need to get off to a good start and impose their will over the Italians, while keeping an eye on emerging national hero Mario Balotelli who has created a lot of space and chances while scoring some key goals this tournament.   I think it will be a close one with back and forth action...  Not gonna pick a winner I just wanna enjoy the game!

New Hockey Hall members all worthy of induction

Hall of fame teammates Joe Sakic and Mats Sundin as members of the the Quebec Nordiques.

Adam Oates as member of his first team, the Detroit Red Wings

  Joe Sakic, Pavel Bure, Adam Oates, and Mats Sundin...  they were all great players, and now they are Hall of Famers.  The class of 2012 wasn't elected without controversy, as many thought Brendan Shanahan was a sure bet to go in on the first ballot along with Joe Sakic.  In my view, Sakic was the only sure bet.  Oates and Bure were denied in the past but now belong in the exclusive club, although many past  shaky selections  have many questioning the true value of a Hall of Famer.  Sundin had a very good, long career,  and he was the epitome of consistency; the smooth skating Swede with the long reach and soft hands.  Although I believe he deserves induction, Im not sure he is a true first ballot Hall of Famer.   Shanahan also had a great career; a true power forward with a great scorers touch, but I dont believe he was a sure thing to be inducted... his turn will likely come  very shortly.

Pavel Bure as a Vancouver Canuck on one of his many breakaways.

    Im really happy for Oates, as Im sure some of his Hall of Fame wingers such as Brett Hull and Cam Neely are.  Oates helped them achieve greatness with his precision passing and playmaking ability.  Although not one of the swiftest skaters and definitely not a hard shooter, Oates was a highly intelligent player who made all those around him better.  I congratulate him on his honor and on being named coach of the Capitals on the same day.
  Bure was probably the most electrifying hockey player I have ever seen play.  From his first shift in the NHL, he played as if he was shot out of a cannon.  His breathtaking speed and super quick hands were a nightmare for many NHL defencemen.  He was a weapon...  a goal scorer that other teams had no choice but to attempt to contain.  Although his career was  cut short due to injuries, he definitely deserves his induction.
  As for Joe Sakic...  what esle can we say...  the consumate professional, a winner, a champion...  a classy guy who was great for the game.  I remember when he broke in with the Nordiques on a pretty poor team..  there was just something about him that was special.  I wonder if Guy Lafleur, playing in his last NHL season, ever though he would be playing with two  future Hall Of Famers in Joe Sakic and Mats Sundin. 
  After Sundin left, the team was built around Sakic.   He had it all; great playmaking ability, a great hockey mind and the will to win, a great wrist shot...  he knew how to win.   Scoring Champ, Stanley cup Champion, this is the icing  on the cake.  One of the greatest players I have ever watched.

  Congratulations to the four  new members... The selections were well done...