It's Friday

It's Friday. Here's what's happening elsewhere....

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Today is May 25th, the 146th day of 2012. There are 220 days left in the year.

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Western Conference Finals (Phoenix Coyotes vs. Los Angeles Kings):

Sunday, May 13th Los Angeles 3 at Phoenix 2
Tuesday, May 15th Los Angeles 4 at Phoenix 0
Thursday, May 17th Phoenix 1 at Los Angeles 2
Sunday, May 20th Phoenix 2 at Los Angeles 0
Tuesday, May 22nd Los Angeles 4 at Phoenix 3 OT (Los Angeles wins series 4-1)

Eastern Conference Finals (New York Rangers vs. New Jersey Devils):

Monday, May 14th New Jersey 0 at New York 3
Wednesday, May 16th New Jersey 3 at New York 2
Saturday, May 19th New York 3 at New Jersey 0
Monday, May 21st New York 1 at New Jersey 4
Wednesday, May 23rd New Jersey 5 at New York 3 (New Jersey leads series 3-2)
Friday, May 25th New York at New Jersey 8:00pm NBCSN
*Sunday, May 27th New Jersey at New York 8:00pm EDT NBCSN

* -- If necessary

Stanley Cup Finals (New York Rangers or New Jersey Devils vs. Los Angeles Kings:

Wednesday, May 30th Los Angeles at New York/New Jersey 8:00pm EDT NBC
Saturday, June 2nd Los Angeles at New York/New Jersey 8:00pm EDT NBC
Monday, June 4th New York/New Jersey at Los Angeles 8:00pm EDT NBCSN
Wednesday, June 6th New York/New Jersey at Los Angeles 8:00pm EDT NBCSN
*Saturday, June 9th Los Angeles at New York/New Jersey 8:00pm EDT NBC
*Monday, June 11th New York/New Jersey at Los Angeles 8:00pm EDT NBC
*Wednesday, June 13th Los Angeles at New York/New Jersey 8:00pm EDT NBC

* -- If necessary

Late push from DeBoer one reason Devils near Final.

Rangers no strangers to fighting for playoff lives.

Visit the official league website, http://www.nhl.com/.

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The Constitutional convention opened in Philadelphia with George Washington presiding on this date in 1787.

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USA Hockey Annual Congress Held in Two Weeks; Award Winners Announced

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. - USA Hockey will host its 2012 Annual Congress from Wednesday, June 6, through Saturday, June 9, at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Colorado Springs, Colo. The four-day event provides USA Hockey's various councils, committees and affiliates the opportunity to conduct the business of the national governing body and celebrate the year's accomplishments. In addition, two dinners will be staged to honor those who have contributed to the great success of USA Hockey and celebrate the 75th anniversary of the organization.

USA Hockey
2012 Annual Congress
Awards Dinner Honorees
Wed., June 6, 2012

Adult Ironman of the Year,
presented by Labatt Blue
Bobby Lund (Roseau, Minn.)

Bob Allen Women's Player of the Year
Kelli Stack (Brooklyn Heights, Ohio)

Dave Tyler Junior Player of the Year
Andrew Welinski (Duluth, Minn.)

Dave Peterson Goalie of the Year,
presented by Bauer Hockey
Ryan McKay (Palatine, Ill.)

College Player of the Year,
presented by Bauer Hockey
Jack Connolly (Duluth, Minn.)

Disabled Athlete of the Year
Ron Hermansen (Coon Rapids, Minn.)

Excellence in Safety Award,
presented by Shock Doctor
Dr. Charles Tator (Toronto, Ont.)

Chet Stewart Award
Bruce "Buzz" Olson (Thief River Falls, Minn.)

Adult Member of the Year,
presented by Labatt Blue
Dr. Alan Murdoch (Ames, Iowa)

Walter Yaciuk Award
Harry McDonald (Eagle River, Alaska)

75th Anniversary Gala Honorees
Fri., June 8, 2012

Distinguished Achievement Award
Peter Karmanos (Detroit, Mich.)

Wm. Thayer Tutt Award
Paul Moore (Falmouth, Mass.)

Bob Johnson Award
Jack Johnson (Ann Arbor, Mich.)

USA Hockey will honor its service award recipients and most of its top awards on June 6 at its annual Night of Tribute Awards Dinner.

The award recipients include Adult Ironman of the Year Bobby Lund (Roseau, Minn.), Bob Allen Women's Player of the Year Kelli Stack (Brooklyn Heights, Ohio), Dave Tyler Junior Player of the Year Andrew Welinski (Duluth, Minn.), Dave Peterson Goalie of the Year Ryan McKay (Palatine, Ill.), College Player of the Year Jack Connolly (Duluth, Minn.) and Disabled Athlete of the Year Ron Hermansen (Coon Rapids, Minn.).

Other honorees will include Excellence in Safety Award recipient Dr. Charles Tator (Toronto, Ont.), Chet Stewart Award winner Bruce "Buzz" Olson (Thief River Falls, Minn.), Adult Member of the Year Dr. Alan Murdoch (Ames, Iowa) and the Walter Yaciuk Award recipient Harry McDonald (Eagle River, Alaska).

USA Hockey will stage its 75th Anniversary Gala on Friday, June 8, at the Broadmoor International Center. Honorees will include the Distinguised Achievement Award winner Peter Karmanos (Raleigh, N.C.), the Wm. Thayer Tutt Award recipient Paul Moore (Falmouth, Mass.) and the Bob Johnson Award winner Jack Johnson (Ann Arbor, Mich.).

The gala will also honor five of the most prominent teams in the history of USA Hockey, including the 1960 Olympic Men's Ice Hockey Team, the 1980 Olympic Men's Ice Hockey Team, the 1996 World Cup Team, the 1998 Olympic Women's Ice Hockey Team and the 2010 U.S. Paralympic Ice Hockey Team.

Media are invited to attend both awards dinners. Please contact Courtney Welch (courtneyw@usahockey.org or 719-538-1169 ) in USA Hockey's communications department by June 1 for accreditation and seating. Athletes, coaches and dignitaries will be made available for interviews upon request.

AWARD DINNER WINNERS

Bobby Lund
Adult Ironman of the Year, presented by Labatt Blue

Since picking up the game when he was 10-years-old, Bobby Lund has never put his skates away. In April, Lund and his Byfuglien Trucking squad won their fourth consecutive USA Hockey National Championship at the 60 & Over Tier I level. This year’s national championship marked Lund’s fifth straight, as he played for the Minnesota Old Timers in 2008. Lund won a state championship as a member of the Roseau High School hockey team and went on to play at the University of Minnesota Duluth (1959-60, 1962-65). He also was selected for the 1965 U.S. Men’s National Team to compete at the International Ice Hockey Federation Men’s World Championship in Tampere, Finland. Lund has continued playing at a high level of adult hockey and travels the country with several teams playing in national tournaments.

Kelli Stack
Bob Allen Women's Player of the Year

Kelli Stack’s speed and playmaking abilities during the 2011-12 season helped her earn the directorate award as best forward in the 2012 International Ice Hockey Federation Women’s World Championship in Burlington, Vt., where she finished second in the event with 13 points (5-8) in five games. In addition, Stack recorded five goals and two assists in four games en route to being named the top forward at the 2011 Four Nations Cup in Nykoping, Sweden, and helping Team USA win its first championship at the event since 2008. Professionally, Stack played in all 27 games for the Boston Blades of the Canadian Women’s Hockey League and finished fourth in the league with 42 points (25-17). Stack’s 25 goals were third highest in the league.

Andrew Welinski
Dave Tyler Junior Player of the Year

As an alternate captain for the Green Bay Gamblers of the United States Hockey League, Andrew Welinski helped lead the Gamblers to an Anderson Cup title, thanks to a 47-9-4 record in regular-season play. He was named the 2011-12 USHL Defenseman of the Year and concluded his USHL career by raising the Clark Cup in the USHL playoffs. A two-way defenseman, Welinski was tied for first in the league among defensemen with 15 goals, while his 37 points ranked fifth among blueliners. In the playoffs, Welinski tallied two goals and two assists in 12 games to help the Gamblers win their second Clark Cup in three years. He also represented Team USA at the 2011 World Junior A Challenge as a member of the U.S. Junior Select Team that finished third. During the tournament, Welinski posted a goal and an assist in five games. He was also named Team USA’s Player of the Game against Canada East in the tournament semifinals. The Anaheim Ducks selected the 6-foot-2, 192-pounder in the third round of the 2011 NHL Entry Draft. Welinski will return to his hometown and play for the University of Minnesota Duluth in the 2012-13 season.

Ryan McKay
Dave Peterson Goalie of the Year, presented by Bauer Hockey

Ryan McKay backstopped the United States Hockey League’s Green Bay Gamblers to the 2011-12 Anderson Cup as the league regular-season champion. Weeks later, he was named a co-recipient of the USHL Goaltender of the Year award and completed his junior hockey career by carrying the Gamblers to their fourth Clark Cup title as USHL playoff champions. McKay’s led the USHL with a 2.18 goals against average during the regular season, which contributed to Green Bay posting the league’s best goals against mark. His .920 save percentage ranked second in the USHL by a thousandth of a point. In the playoffs, McKay maintained his consistency, winning nine of 12 starts to clinch the Clark Cup for Green Bay. His 81 career wins are tops all-time in Gamblers history. McKay was a member of the U.S. Junior Select Team that finished in third place at the 2011 World Junior A Challenge. He posted a 2-0-0-1 record with a 2.68 goals-against average and a .908 save percentage in the tournament. McKay will play college hockey for Miami University starting in 2012-13.

Jack Connolly
College Player of the Year, presented by Bauer Hockey

Jack Connolly concluded his four-year career at the University of Minnesota Duluth by becoming the fifth Bulldog to earn the Hobey Baker Memorial Award. Connolly’s 60 points in 41 games ranked second in the country in 2011-12, as did his 40 assists, which led to American Hockey Coaches Association West All-America First Team recognition for a second season in a row. Voted the WCHA Player of the Year, he led the conference with 43 points (16-27) in 28 games as the Bulldogs placed second in the WCHA standings. Connolly never missed a game in his Minnesota Duluth career, setting a program record with 166 consecutive games played. He was a three-time All-WCHA First Team selection and an AHCA West All-America Second Team honoree in 2009-10. For his actions on and off the ice, Connolly was the recipient of the 2012 Lowe’s Senior CLASS Award for classroom, character, community and competition. The winner of the Dave Tyler Junior Player of the Year Award in 2008, Connolly will continue his hockey career in the Swedish Elite League for Farjestad BK, in 2012-13.

Ron Hermansen
Disabled Athlete of the Year

An ambassador to the special sports world, Ron Hermansen has displayed his commitment to help Minnesota Special Hockey grow through his efforts to promote the game and his constant demonstration of sportsmanship, hard work and determination. Hermansen, who has a developmental disability, had an immediate impact on Minnesota Special Hockey when he joined in the fall of 2008. He has coordinated fundraisers and traveled the state to speak at major events to help the organization gain exposure. A selfless player on the ice, Hermansen prides himself in making the extra pass to give his teammates an opportunity to shine. He also takes the time to work with the younger skaters in the program who are still learning the game – even if they are not on his team. Off the ice, Hermansen has worked to recruit players for Minnesota Special Hockey. For his committment to special sports, Hermansen was named the 2007 Minnesota Special Olympics Athlete of the Year.

Dr. Charles Tator
Excellence in Safety Award, presented by Shock Doctor

A neurosurgeon, scientist, researcher and lover of the game, Charles Tator, M.D., Ph.D, is one of the foremost experts on the issue of concussions in hockey. In response to spinal cord and brain injuries in hockey and other sports, Dr. Tator put his 40 years of experience in prevention, treatment and research to work – founding the athletic safety group ThinkFirst to educate young people about safety while participating in sports. ThinkFirst has also worked with the National Hockey League and other sports organizations to increase awareness of the dangers posed by head injuries. His studies have led to the adoption of new legislation and guidelines to prevent spinal cord injuries in hockey. In addition, Dr. Tator established the first acute spinal cord injury unit in Canada that has become known for the introduction of halo vests for treatment. For his work, Dr. Tator was issued the American Spinal Injury Association Lifetime Achievement Award (2011) for his contribution to the world of spinal cord injury care and is a member of the Canadian Medical Hall of Fame (2009).

Bruce "Buzz" Olson
Chet Stewart Award

Currently the north vice president of the Minnesota Hockey Officials Association, Bruce “Buzz” Olson has been a registered official with USA Hockey for more than 30 years and has coached various sports, including hockey, for more than four decades. Olson played college hockey at Bemidji State University (1965-69) and helped the team to a National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics national championship in 1968. After graduating, Olson served as the head coach of the East Grand Forks (Minn.) High School hockey team for seven years, along with coaching football for 36 years and track and field for 27 seasons. In addition to coaching, Olson has officiated more than 1,000 games. He wore the stripes for the Minnesota State High School League until 2009 and officiated in the Western Collegiate Hockey Association from 1982-1992. He has also worked some of the biggest youth contests in the country, including the Minnesota State High School League Hockey Tournament, the North Dakota State High School State Tournament and the USA Hockey National Bantam Tournament.

Dr. Alan Murdoch
Adult Member of the Year, presented by Labatt Blue

The founder of the Iowa State University club hockey team, Dr. Alan Murdoch has been behind the bench for more than four decades and is the only collegiate hockey coach with more than 1,000 wins to his credit. By the early-1980s, Murdoch had changed the landscape of Iowa State hockey by helping the team join the Central States Collegiate Hockey League and move its games to the newly constructed Cyclone Area Community Center. In addition, Murdoch played a vital role in leading a campaign to build the Ames/Iowa State University Ice Arena, which opened prior to the 2001 season. Behind the bench, Murdoch has led the Cyclones to 12 CSCHL Tournament championships, three CSCHL regular-season titles and the inaugural ACHA Men’s Division I championship in 1992. Murdoch also served as the head coach for Team USA’s first entry in the World University Games in 2001 and served as the team’s general manager on three occasions (2003, 2009, 2011).

Harry McDonald
Walter Yaciuk Award

A beloved hockey coach and local hero, Harry McDonald was a role model to countless young people in Chugiak and Eagle River, Alaska. Tragically, his life was cut short after a plane accident in 1994. A physical education teacher at Chugiak High School for 27 years, McDonald had an impact on the lives of countless students. He played a crucial role in bringing an indoor hockey rink and recreation center to Eagle River, Alaska, and took a leading role in establishing the Mustang Hockey Association. The league gave local children an opportunity to try hockey in a rink close to their homes. For more than 30 years, McDonald coached hockey at all levels, from four-year-olds to adults. Following his death, the rink that he played such a large part in constructing was renamed the Harry J. McDonald Memorial Center.

75TH ANNIVERSARY GALA WINNERS

Peter Karmanos
Distinguished Achievement Award

The owner and chief executive officer of the National Hockey League's Carolina Hurricanes, Peter Karmanos, Jr., has used his business acumen to build an empire of hockey at all levels of the game in the United States for more than five decades. As executive chairman of the board for Compuware, Karmanos established one of America’s most successful club hockey programs. In 1994, he acquired the Hartford Whalers and two seasons later moved the team to Raleigh, N.C. Since the team’s arrival in North Carolina, the Hurricanes have enjoyed success both on and off the ice, highlighted by winning the Stanley Cup in 2006. In addition, the team has advanced to the conference finals three times in the last 10 seasons and captured the Eastern Conference title in 2002 and 2006. Off the ice, the Hurricanes were recognized as the top hockey franchise and second-ranked franchise in all of sports by ESPN in the “Ultimate Standings,” a collection of data and survey results that take into account a team’s on-ice success as well as its community impact and overall fan experience. Karmanos has received numerous awards and honors, among them being the prestigious Lester Patrick Award in 1998 for his outstanding service to hockey in the United States.

Paul Moore
Wm. Thayer Tutt Award

Paul Moore has given countless hours of his time to not only help grow the game of hockey in his home state of Massachusetts, but also in working to make sure the game is available for kids of all ages and skill levels. After helping Southeastern Massachusetts University — now UMass-Dartmouth — to three consecutive ECAC Division III title in his four years with the team (1981-85) and playing two years in in the International Hockey League (1985-87), Moore returned to his hometown of Falmouth, Mass., focused on giving back to hockey through volunteer efforts. He has had many notable accomplishments in helping hockey since returning to Falmouth, perhaps none as significant as the new eco-friendly ice arena that is scheduled to open in the town this June. Under his leadership on the building and fundraising committees, Falmouth Youth Hockey raised nearly $6 million to finance the one-and-a-half sheet facility, when most thought it not possible. In his roles as director of development and the director of coaching, Moore created a program that has resulted in four elementary schools offering after-school skating and learn to play programs for grades one-through-four. As a result of this program, Falmouth Youth Hockey was awarded the Massachusetts Hockey Mike Cheever “Grow Hockey Development” grant for the last two seasons. Moore has also been committed to maintaining financial resources to offer “Try Hockey for Free” programs to encourage new participation in the sport.

Jack Johnson
Bob Johnson Award

Jack Johnson captained the 2012 U.S. Men’s National Team, marking the second time in three years he’s worn the “C” for Team USA at the International Ice Hockey Federation World Championship. In this year’s tournament, Johnson tallied three goals and an assist to help the U.S. to a 6-2 record, the most wins by a U.S. squad in the world championship since 1990 and the best winning percentage in the event by Team USA since 1949. Johnson tallied a power-play goal against France in Team USA’s 7-2 win and scored two power-play goals, including the game winner in overtime, to propel the U.S. past Canada, 5-4. Johnson has represented the United States in international competition on 10 different occasions, including the 2010 Olympic Winter Games. A product of USA Hockey’s National Team Development Program, Johnson has 32 points (16-16) in 69 career games for Team USA, including 18 points (10-8) in 30 games in the IIHF Men's World Championship. Professionally, Johnson plays in the National Hockey League for the Columbus Blue Jackets. In 21 games with the Blue Jackets this season, he recorded 14 points (4-10). Johnson started the year with the Los Angeles Kings and tallied eight goals and 16 assists in 61 games.

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The gasoline engine was patented by Stuart Perry on this date in 1844.

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There's a new mayor in Swaggerville.

Moffat: What more does AC have to prove?

Visit the leagues' official website, http://www.cfl.ca/.

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On this date in 1844, the first telegraphed news dispatch, sent from Washington, DC, to Baltimore, MD, appeared in the Baltimore "Patriot."

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Look Jimmy, the game is starting.

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Let's see, what's on the agenda for today....hang out with Jimmy, clean house, including washing dishes (That would shock my wife!) and love my family. How 'bout you?

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Boston, MA. -- The Rays, who were off yesterday, open up a three-game set tonight at the Boston Red Sox. Alex Cobb starts for the Rays, Jon Lester for Boston. First pitch is at 7:10pm EDT.

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The Isley Brothers released "Twist and Shout" on this date in 1962.

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Miami, FL.-- While receiving their first look at Marlins Park on Thursday, the Giants gave themselves a sight to remember in addition to the tropical fish aquarium in the backstop, the nightclub beyond left field and the bobblehead museum.

The Giants were directly responsible for the novelty of Anibal Sanchez trudging off the mound in the middle of the sixth inning, subdued by San Francisco's offense.

Breaking the spell that Sanchez had held over them, the Giants broke a sixth-inning tie with four runs, two coming on Angel Pagan's bases-loaded double, and proceeded to rout the Marlins, 14-7.

Read the rest here.

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Today is National Tap Dance Day and Towel Day.

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Today in Elvis History

1963 - The Elvis Presley soundtrack album "It Happened At The World's Fair" hit #4 in the U.S. and U.K.

1965 - Filming began on the Elvis Presley movie "Frankie and Johnny."

1966 - In Nashville, Elvis Presley worked with producer Felton Jarvis for the first time.

1966 - Elvis Presley recorded "How Great Thou Art" for the first time.

1985 - The Elvis Presley compilation album "Reconsider Baby" hit #92 in the U.K.

2001 - Lisa Marie Presley arrived with Nicolas Cage when he received an honorary doctorate of fine arts from Cal State University Fullerton.

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Carole King performed in New York's Central Park on this date in 1973. The show attracted an audience of 100,000.

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Today in Beatles History:

1967 - John Lennon took possession of his psychedelic painted Rolls Royce.

1973 - The Paul McCartney and Wings album "Red Rose Speedway" was certified gold by the RIAA.

1973 - George Harrison's "Give Me Love" was released in the U.K.

1977 - The album "Beatles Live! At the Star-Club in Hamburg Germany" was released.

1995 - Ringo Starr was a guest on CBS-TVs "Late Show With David Letterman."

2000 - Paul McCartney won the first Fellowship of the British Academy of Composers & Songwriters Award during the annual Ivor Novello awards in London.

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Debbie Gibson's "Foolish Beat" hit #1 on this date in 1988, making her the youngest artist to write, sing and produce a #1 hit. She was 17 years old at the time.

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Today in Sports History:

1922 - Babe Ruth was suspended for one day and fined $200 for throwing dirt on an umpire.

1935 - Babe Ruth hit his final homerun, his 714th, and set a record that would stand for 39 years. He hit three home runs in the game.

1935 - Jesse Owens tied the world record for the 100-yard dash. He ran it in 9.4 seconds. He also broke three other world track records.

1963 - Early Wynn won his 300th baseball game.

1981 - Al Unser became the first Indianapolis 500 winner to be disqualified.

1982 - Ferguson Jenkins became the 7th pitcher to strike out 3,000 batters.

1989 - The Calgary Flames won their first NHL Stanley Cup by defeating the Montreal Canadiens.

1995 - The NHL announced the sale of the Quebec Nordiques to COMSAT, who moved the team to Colorado.

1997 - The Minnesota Twins retired Kirby Puckett's number.

1997 - Todd and Mel Stottlemyre became the first father and son to win 100 baseball games.

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Jay Leno debuted as the new permanent host of NBC's "Tonight Show" on this date in 1992.

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Coming up:

Tonight --

MLB -- Tampa Bay Rays at Boston Red Sox 7:10pm EDT

MLB -- San Francisco Giants at Miami Marlins 7:10pm EDT

Saturday --

Nascar Nationwide Series -- History 300 at Charlotte Motor Speedway 2:30pm EDT

MLB -- San Francisco Giants at Miami Marlins 4:10pm EDT

MLB -- Tampa Bay Rays at Boston Red Sox 7:15pm EDT

Sunday --

IZOD Indy Car Series -- Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway 12:00pm EDT

MLB -- San Francisco Giants at Miami Marlins 1:10pm EDT

MLB -- Tampa Bay Rays at Boston Red Sox 1:35pm EDT

Nascar Sprint Cup Series -- Cocoa Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway 5:30pm EDT

Monday --

MLB -- Tampa Bay Rays vs Chicago White Sox 3:10pm EDT

MLB -- San Francisco Giants vs Arizona Diamondbacks 5:05pm EDT

Tuesday --

MLB -- Tampa Bay Rays vs Chicago White Sox 7:10pm EDT

MLB -- San Francisco Giants vs Arizona Diamondbacks 10:15pm EDT

Wednesday --

MLB -- Tampa Bay Rays vs Chicago White Sox 1:10pm EDT

MLB -- San Francisco Giants vs Arizona Diamondbacks 10:15pm EDT

Thursday --

Nothin' Doin'

Friday --

MLB -- Tampa Bay Rays vs Baltimore Orioles 7:10pm EDT

MLB -- San Francisco Giants vs Chicago Cubs 10:15pm EDT

Saturday --

Nascar Nationwide Series -- 5-hour Energy 200 at Dover International Speedway 1:30pm EDT

MLB -- Tampa Bay Rays vs Baltimore Orioles 4:10pm EDT

MLB -- San Francisco Giants vs Chicago Cubs 7:15pm EDT

Sunday --

Nascar Nationwide Series -- FedEx 400 400 benefiting Autism Speaks at Dover International Speedway 12:30pm EDT

MLB -- Tampa Bay Rays vs Baltimore Orioles 1:40pm EDT

IZOD Indy Car Series -- Chevrolet Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix at Detroit 3:30pm EDT

MLB -- San Francisco Giants vs Chicago Cubs 4:05pm EDT

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That's it for today. Thanks for stopping by, I hope that you'll do so tomorrow too. Thanks again!