Bobby Ryan on being traded

The constant subject of trade rumors and the “whipping boy” for former Ducks coach, Randy Carlyle, Ducks forward Bobby Ryan has done nothing more than score goals.  In his four seasons in Anaheim, Ryan has never scored less than 31 goals, this despite never seeing time on the number one power play unit.  

Today, I had a chance to sit down with Bobby Ryan and discuss everything from trade rumors to his love for fine wine.

 Now that you have missed your first paycheck, has the lockout finally hit home?

To be honest with you it has been the last thing on my mind.  With the talk of an 82 game schedule being put out there I am optimistic that things are going to get worked out and we are going to be back playing sooner than later.

If a deal got done in the coming days are you ready to go?

I’m in good shape. I’ve been skating with the boys here in Anaheim.  There is me Lupul, Saku, Getzlaf, Fowler, Hiller and a bunch of others.

Was it tough for you seeing the Kings winning the Stanley Cup?

It was a tough pill to swallow.  It’s only going to intensify our rivalry. It was also a little bittersweet for me. I’m buddies with Trevor Lewis and Brad Richardson.  We played together with Owen Sound (OHL).

Did you watch any of the games?

I was overseas playing for Team USA at the World Championships and I watched game 6.  Man, it was tough though.  Not because it was the Kings but it didn’t start till 330am.

How was the World Championship experience?

It shouldn’t be tough to get motivated to play for your country but there were days that it was tough.  You there for a month after a long season and to be honest with you there were nights when I wanted to check in on the NHL playoff games to see how my buddies were doing.  With those games starting at 2am, getting up the next day was challenging.  That being said, I would do it again in a heartbeat if the Ducks were eliminated from the playoffs.

Once again, you have been front and center for trade rumors.  Has management clarified your situation?

I had a chance to talk with General Manager Bob Murray recently and we had a great talk and he told me that there are no plans to move me.  That being said he told me he would not apologize if he were to make a deal that would improve the team.

With the team having limited options at center and thin on the blueline would not be fair to say that you would be one piece the team could afford to move?

I get it.  I just don’t want to leave here.  I signed a 5 year deal with the idea of being a part of the solution to make this team a Stanley Cup winner.

How does your passion for wine compare with that of being an NHL player?

I love a good bottle of wine and I built this amazing wine cellar at my off-season home in Idaho.  I’m a huge red wine guy.  I’ve become somewhat of a collector with my collection at about 550 bottles.

Do you have a favorite bottle?

That would be Hundred Acre – Few and Far Between. A Syrah from Napa.  It’s always rated in the top 10.

So Why Idaho?

It is just amazing out there.  I live on a golf course.  I can play 4-5 times a week.  There is mountain biking.  I have so much open land around me. There is a barn across the way from me which has been labeled a historical landmark so the barn can’t be torn down and you can’t build on the property.   It is just so peaceful. It is 85 degrees during the day and cools down to the 40’s at night.

Ever thought about asking the Samueli family to relocate the team?

Not a bad idea.

Bobby Ryan on being traded

The constant subject of trade rumors and the “whipping boy” for former Ducks coach, Randy Carlyle, Ducks forward Bobby Ryan has done nothing more than score goals.  In his four seasons in Anaheim, Ryan has never scored less than 31 goals, this despite never seeing time on the number one power play unit.  

Today, I had a chance to sit down with Bobby Ryan and discuss everything from trade rumors to his love for fine wine.

 Now that you have missed your first paycheck, has the lockout finally hit home?

To be honest with you it has been the last thing on my mind.  With the talk of an 82 game schedule being put out there I am optimistic that things are going to get worked out and we are going to be back playing sooner than later.

If a deal got done in the coming days are you ready to go?

I’m in good shape. I’ve been skating with the boys here in Anaheim.  There is me Lupul, Saku, Getzlaf, Fowler, Hiller and a bunch of others.

Was it tough for you seeing the Kings winning the Stanley Cup?

It was a tough pill to swallow.  It’s only going to intensify our rivalry. It was also a little bittersweet for me. I’m buddies with Trevor Lewis and Brad Richardson.  We played together with Owen Sound (OHL).

Did you watch any of the games?

I was overseas playing for Team USA at the World Championships and I watched game 6.  Man, it was tough though.  Not because it was the Kings but it didn’t start till 330am.

How was the World Championship experience?

It shouldn’t be tough to get motivated to play for your country but there were days that it was tough.  You there for a month after a long season and to be honest with you there were nights when I wanted to check in on the NHL playoff games to see how my buddies were doing.  With those games starting at 2am, getting up the next day was challenging.  That being said, I would do it again in a heartbeat if the Ducks were eliminated from the playoffs.

Once again, you have been front and center for trade rumors.  Has management clarified your situation?

I had a chance to talk with General Manager Bob Murray recently and we had a great talk and he told me that there are no plans to move me.  That being said he told me he would not apologize if he were to make a deal that would improve the team.

With the team having limited options at center and thin on the blueline would not be fair to say that you would be one piece the team could afford to move?

I get it.  I just don’t want to leave here.  I signed a 5 year deal with the idea of being a part of the solution to make this team a Stanley Cup winner.

How does your passion for wine compare with that of being an NHL player?

I love a good bottle of wine and I built this amazing wine cellar at my off-season home in Idaho.  I’m a huge red wine guy.  I’ve become somewhat of a collector with my collection at about 550 bottles.

Do you have a favorite bottle?

That would be Hundred Acre – Few and Far Between. A Syrah from Napa.  It’s always rated in the top 10.

So Why Idaho?

It is just amazing out there.  I live on a golf course.  I can play 4-5 times a week.  There is mountain biking.  I have so much open land around me. There is a barn across the way from me which has been labeled a historical landmark so the barn can’t be torn down and you can’t build on the property.   It is just so peaceful. It is 85 degrees during the day and cools down to the 40’s at night.

Ever thought about asking the Samueli family to relocate the team?

Not a bad idea.

NFL ODDS AND ENDS

Here are some interesting notes for those of you who like to wager on NFL games.  Of the 77 games played to date, 63 of those games (82%) the favorite has covered the spread or the underdog won the game outright.  The point being that 82% of the time the spread was never a deciding factor in the bettor winning his/her bet.

Here are some other numbers.  The favorite has covered the spread 34 of the 67 games.  The underdog has covered the spread 41 of the 67 games and twice the spread fell exactly on the posted number, meaning neither the favorite or underdog covered the spread.

Finally, if you like to wager on the total points going over or under, 36 games have gone over the posted total and 41 games have gone under the posted total.

Here is a further breakdown for those of you who like to bet on NFL totals....

Game total 36-40 1/2  - 7 games have gone over,   4 games have gone under

Game total 41-45 1/2  - 14 games have gone over,  20 games have gone under

Game total 46-50 1/2  -  11 games have gone over, 15 games have gone under

Game total 51 or higher - 3 games have gone over, 2 games have gone under

Other Notes

Home Underdogs are 11-12-1 ATS

Kelly Laing Bikini Hockey League

Here is a second installment of my series with the BHL. 

1.  Give the readers some insight into what the Bikini Hockey League is all about?

The BHL is a women's roller hockey league that is fast paced, intense and exciting. The league will have women of all ages and from very different hockey backgrounds.

8.  So how would you handle an opponent intentionally causing a “clothing malfunction”?

2.  Are you really just wearing bikini's?  What equipment if any?

When it comes to the equipment, we wear bikini tops, roller skates, padded short-shorts, elbow pads, helmets shin pads and a stick.

3.  Does it ever get rough out there?

There is a lot of contact, but obviously shots to the head, and anything in excess will not be tolerated! It has the same feel as if you were playing a scrappy road hockey game, its intense, but you still respect the other player enough to know when to tone it down. I think as far as "tough girls" everyone is tough. I think every girl in our league can hold her own and when she is pushed to the edge she will defend herself.

4.  How would you take care of things if an opponent intentionally caused a “clothing malfunction”?

I don't think a clothing malfunction would stop the play. The girls are so intense they probably wouldn't even notice! I think I would be pretty pissed if one of my opponents caused a clothing malfunction! Especially if it was intentional! Let’s just say once I was done with her she would probably think twice about doing it again to me.

5.  What is your hockey background?

I grew up playing hockey, I played competitive hockey most of my life and was going to pursue playing it in college but I choose to pursue track and field in University and I am currently a student-athlete at a University here in Canada.

6.  So hockey was big in your house?

My whole family is hockey lovers. My dad played JR.A hockey here in Canada and my younger brother and sister also play. I love hockey, and the Bikini Hockey League gives me the chance to be able to play at a high level again.

7.  When you’re not playing hockey….

When I am not lacing up the skates, I am going to University full time. I am pursuing a degree in English and Biology and I want to become a teacher or a representative for a shoe/running company.

8.  Favorite NHL player?
Alex Ovechkin. I have Russian roots and I love the passion he brings to the game. I also love Bobby Orr. I believe he is the best player of all time. An aggressive defenseman who controlled and changed the game forever.

Sabina Scott Bikini Hockey League

Today, I had a chance to sit down with Sabina Scott from the Bikini Hockey League.  We talked about everything from hockey to "clothing malfunctions".

1.  Give the readers some insight into what the Bikini Hockey League is all about? 

The Bikini Hockey League is in negotiations for the league to begin as a reality show. This show will follow the making of and behind the scenes of the struggles and triumphs of putting together such an organization. We like to think of it as an interactive experience where you might watch the in's and out's of the league as well as get to know the players on a more personal level and then have the opportunity to go see them play on the weekend. The Bikini Hockey League is not only real in showing the daily lives, but the league itself will showcase numerous talented, athletic and beautiful women. These girls can flat out play with the best of them.

2.  Are you really just wearing bikini's?  What equipment if any?

Theres a little more to it then just our bikinis. We wear bikini tops and compression shorts with padding on the hips and tailbone area. Then we wear shin pads, elbow pads, gloves, and helmets.

3.  Are you playing on ice or roller hockey?

The bikini hockey league plays roller hockey. Although most of the girls experience is ice hockey we still tear it up and it's a lot of fun. 

4.  How much contact is allowed?

It's full contact! Finally no restrictions because we're women! I can't wait!

5.  Do teams have "tough girls". You know, like "goons" in the NHL?

Erin Honto likes to think she's a "goon" 

As you can see that's her head in my fists. Kinda looks like I might throw down! I think we're all a bit aggressive ..  Ok maybe not Jessica M. shes the sweetheart But everyone else gets pretty tough once the puck drops!

6.  Did you grow up playing hockey?

Of course I did, I'm Canadian!! I started out figure skating and then quickly switched over to hockey. I played both men's and women's hockey competitively for 16 years.

7.  Do you have brothers or sisters who also played?

Yea.. We're kind of a hockey family. My older brother 'Graham Scott' played tier 2 Jr. A for the Kingston Voyageurs and  Jr. B for the Strathroy Rockets. My two older sisters played competitively growing up as well. Actually even my dad tried to learn and played pickup a couples years. I say I got my talent from my Nana Scott in England! She used to tear it up in field hockey and was quite the athlete!

8.  Did you know that the Blues, Andy McDonald and Brian Campbell of the Florida Panthers are from your home town?

I did know that actually. Brian Campbell's dad was the principle at my elementary school. Brian was the guest speaker at my 8th grade graduation. Strathroy has produced a lot of great hockey players!

9.  This is obviously not a full time job, yet.  What are you doing when you are not lacing up the skates?

I recently started competing in bodybuilding competitions in the bikini division. Also I'm a server at the Barking Frog Nightclub in London. We do a lot of events and its so much fun working there. like next week we are having frogtoberfest! Of course it has to be the best event over my birthday week! :) can't wait for Das Boot and beer wench costumes.

10. Favorite NHL player?

I actually don't have a favorite NHL player but 'Steven Oleksy' from the Hersey Bears weighed in and Alex Ovechkin is now my fav. But I do have a favorite BHL player.. Heather Josie Moore of course!! 

11.  Would a "clothing malfunction" cause a stop in play or would you just keep going?

Fortunately we have Paradise Bikini as the official sponsor of the BHL bikinis and uniforms. I think they do a really great job designing everything so we stay in them.

12.  If one of your opponents caused a "clothing malfunction".  How would you react? 

It's hockey.. I'd probably toss out a chirp. I'm just excited to play the game I'm not concerned about the bikini aspect of it. I think.. Actually I know everyone will be surprised and impressed at how talent we are!

Twitter @westcoasthky

blog      westcoasthky.blogspot.com