It's Tuesday

It's Tuesday. Here's what's happening....

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Today is May 1st, the 122nd day of 2012. There are 244 days left in the year.

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Monday's Scores:

East --

Washington 3, New York Rangers 2 (Series tied 1-1)

Wast --

Los Angeles 5, St. Louis 2 (Los Angeles leads series 2-0)

Tuesday's Games:

East --

New Jersey at Philadelphia (Philadelphia leads series 1-0) 7:30pm EDT NBCSN

West --

No games

Adams finalists: Hitchcock, MacLean, Tortorella.

Alfredsson to play for Sweden at World Championship.

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

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Today's Birthdays: Former astronaut Scott Carpenter (one of the original seven astronauts selected for NASA's Project Mercury) is 87; TV personality Paul Teutul Sr. (American Chopper) is 63; Country singer/actor Tim McGraw (Friday Night Lights) is 45.

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NTDP Announces Six Commitments for 2012-13 Season

Three Forwards, Two Defensemen and One Netminder Latest to be Named to U.S. Nat'l Under-17 Team

ANN ARBOR, Mich. - Forwards Anders Bjork (Mequon, Wis.), Nolan Stevens (Manhattan Beach, Calif.) and Joe Wegwerth (Brewster, N.Y.), along with defensemen Ryan Collins (Bloomington, Minn.) and Johnathan MacLeod (Dracut, Mass.) and netminder Blake Weyrick (Ojai, Calif.) have committed to join USA Hockey’s National Team Development Program for the 2012-13 season, it was announced today. The players, all from the 1996 birth year, will compete as members of the U.S. National Under-17 Team.

“We are proud and excited to welcome these six players,” said Peter Ward, director of player personnel for the NTDP. "The character and commitment level on each of these young men is outstanding."

Bjork appeared in 29 games for the Chicago Mission Midget Minor team of the High Performance Hockey League, tallying 14 goals and recording nine assists. His six game-winning goals were most in the HPHL, while his three power-play markers were a team best. Additionally, Bjork helped lead his team to the 2012 National Championship, Tier I Youth Under-16 semifinals.

Stevens played for the Los Angeles Junior Kings Midget Minor team of the Tier One Elite League. He averaged over a point per game (1.33), scoring 17 goals and adding 15 assists in 24 contests, missing time earlier in the year due to injury. He also helped lead his squad to the 2012 National Championship, Tier I Youth Under-16 semifinals.

Wegwerth comes from the Brewster Bulldogs of the Empire Junior Hockey League where he served as team captain during the 2011-12 season. He tallied 17 goals and collected 35 helpers in 34 games played.

Collins skated for Benilde-St. Margaret's (Minn.) High School of the Minnesota State High School League and notched one goal and recorded four assists in 29 games as the Red Knights claimed the 2012 MSHSL Class AA State Championship. He also registered a plus-11 rating on the season.

During the 2011-12 season, MacLeod skated for Kimball Union Academy (N.H.), helping the Wildcats claim the New England Prep School Ice Hockey Association championship. He collected 13 assists in 31 games.

Weyrick was most recently featured between the pipes for Shattuck-St. Mary's (Minn.), where he posted a 18-4-8 (W-L-T) record. He recorded a 2.43 goals-against average and a .900 save percentage.

NOTES: Wegwerth competed for Team USA in the 2012 Winter Youth Olympic Games from Jan. 13-22, 2012, in Innsbruck, Austria ... The 2012-13 U.S. National Under-17 Team will play in the United States Hockey League, the top junior league in the U.S. It will also compete in three international competitions, including the 2013 World Under-17 Challenge … The U.S. National Under-17 Team will be comprised of two goaltenders, 12 forwards and eight defensemen ... The roster currently stands at 11 forwards, seven defensemen and one goaltender, having previously announced commitments by forwards Jack Eichel (North Chelmsford, Mass.), Jared Fiegl (Parker, Colo.), Ryan Hitchcock (Manhasset, N.Y.), Dylan Larkin (Waterford, Mich.), Ryan MacInnis (St. Louis, Mo.), Sonny Milano (Massapequa, N.Y.), Alex Tuch (Baldwinsville, N.Y.) and Chris Wilkie (Omaha, Neb.), along with defensemen Louis Belpedio (Skokie, Ill.), Nathan Billitier (Spencerport, N.Y.), Ryan Bliss (Bedford, N.H.), Jack Glover (Golden Valley, Minn.) and Joshua Wesley (Raleigh, N.C.).

Palmieri Added to 2012 U.S. Men's National Team

Team USA to Compete in IIHF World Men's Championship, May 4-20, in Finland

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. - Forward Kyle Palmieri (Smithtown, N.Y./Anaheim Ducks/Univ. of Notre Dame) has been added to the U.S. Men's National Team roster for the 2012 International Ice Hockey Federation Men's World Championship it was announced today by USA Hockey. The tournament begins Friday (May 4) and runs through May 20 in Helsinki, Finland, and Stockholm, Sweden.

Palmieri will be making his U.S. Men's National Team debut, however, he is no stranger to international competition. He helped the United States capture the gold medal at the 2010 IIHF World Junior Championship and also a bronze medal at the 2011 IIHF World Junior Championship. He was also part of the bronze medal-winning U.S. National Under-18 Team at the 2008 IIHF Men's Under-18 World Championship.

Team USA's roster now includes 13 forwards, seven defensemen and three goaltenders. The maximum roster size is 25, which includes three goaltenders and 22 forwards and defensemen.

For Team USA's updated roster, click here.

NOTES: Twenty of the 23 members of Team USA announced played U.S. college hockey ... Six of the 23 players announced are products of USA Hockey's National Team Development Program, including Joey Crabb, Justin Faulk, Cam Fowler, Jimmy Howard, Jack Johnson and Kyle Palmieri ... Fourteen NHL teams are represented on the roster. The Anaheim Ducks have three representatives, while the Carolina Hurricanes, Columbus Blue Jackets, Dallas Stars, Detroit Red Wings and Tampa Bay Lightning have two players apiece ... Scott Gordon is the head coach of the 2012 U.S. Men's National Team. Greg Cronin and David Quinn will serve as assistant coaches ... The 2012 U.S. Men’s National Team is under the direction of the U.S. Men’s National Team Advisory Group, led by Jim Johannson, assistant executive director of hockey operations for USA Hockey. Other members include NHL general managers Stan Bowman (Chicago), Brian Burke (Toronto), Paul Holmgren (Philadelphia), Dean Lombardi (Los Angeles), David Poile (Nashville), Ray Shero (Pittsburgh) and Dale Tallon (Florida) and Pittsburgh Penguins pro scout Don Waddell ... USA Hockey's international council, chaired by Tony Rossi, vice president of USA Hockey, has oversight responsibilities for all U.S. national teams ... Sixteen teams will compete at 2012 IIHF Men's World Championship. There will be two groups of eight with one group playing in Helsinki, Finland, and the other playing in Stockholm, Sweden. The semifinals and medal games will be conducted in Helsinski ... NBC Sports is scheduled to televise all Team USA games in the 2012 IIHF Men's World Championship. The complete television schedule is available here.

Team USA 2012 IIHF Men's World Championship Schedule
May 4 - 20 • Helsinki, Finland & Stockholm, Sweden

Date Opponent Location Time (Local/EDT)
Television

Fri., May 4 France Helsinki 12:15 p.m./5:15 a.m. NBC Sports Network (Live)
Sat., May 5 Canada Helsinki 7:00 p.m./12:00 p.m. NBC Sports Network
(Delay/10:30 p.m. ET)
Mon., May 7 Slovakia Helsinki 8:15 p.m./1:15 p.m. NBC Sports Network (Live)
Thurs., May 10 Belarus Helsinki 4:15 p.m./9:15 a.m. NBC Sports Network (Live)
Fri., May 11 Kazakhstan Helsinki 4:15 p.m./9:15 a.m. NBC Sports Network (Live)
Sun., May 13 Finland Helsinki 4:15 p.m./9:15 a.m. NBC Sports Network (Live)
Tues., May 15 Switzerland Helsinki 8:15 p.m./1:15 p.m. NBC Sports Network (Live)
Thurs., May 17 Quarterfinals Helsinki TBD NBC Sports Network (Live)
Sat., May 19 Semifinals Helsinki TBD NBC Sports Network (TBD)
Sun., May 20 Bronze-Medal Game Helsinki 4:00 p.m./9:00 a.m. NBC Sports Network (Live)
Gold-Medal Game Helsinki 8:30 p.m./1:30 p.m. NBC Sports Network (Delay/9 p.m. ET)

Arenas: Hartwall Arena (Helsinki); Ericsson Globe (Stockholm)

USA Hockey Renews Agreement with Easton Sports


COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. -- USA Hockey today announced the renewal of an agreement with longtime partner Easton Sports as an Official Equipment Supplier and an Official Marketing Partner.

Easton will provide hockey equipment to all U.S. National Teams and various USA Hockey programs over the term of the agreement.

"It was important for us to extend our relationship with such a valued brand," said Dave Ogrean, executive director of USA Hockey. "Easton has been a significant partner for many years and shares in our interest in the continued growth and development of the sport."

“We’re excited to continue our partnership with USA Hockey," said Chris Zimmerman, president of Easton Sports. "Their expertise in elevating youth hockey in the United States is unparalleled and with the enormous responsibility they carry in moving the sport forward in the coming years, we are proud to play a role."

ABOUT USA HOCKEY
USA Hockey, Inc., founded in 1937 and headquartered in Colorado Springs, Colo., is the National Governing Body of the sport of ice hockey in the United States. With a membership of nearly 600,000 players, coaches, officials and volunteers that span all 50 states, USA Hockey provides the foundation for the sport of ice hockey in America; helps young people become leaders, sometimes even Olympic heroes; and connects the game at every level while promoting a lifelong love of the sport. For more information, visit usahockey.com.

ABOUT EASTON:
Easton Sports is a developer, manufacturer, marketer and distributor of baseball, softball, hockey, and lacrosse equipment for both sports professionals and enthusiasts. Easton focuses on its ability to innovate and create products of unmatched quality and performance including the #1 bat in the College World Series®, Women’s College World Series®, Little League World Series®, and Slow-Pitch Softball, as well as the #1 stick in the National Hockey League. Headquartered in Van Nuys, Calif., Easton Sports maintains facilities in Utah, California, Mexico, Canada and Asia. For further information, please visit the company online at www.easton.com.

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Bread Pudding Recipe Exchange Week and Update Your References Week both start today.

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Saskatchewan tosses around new stadium pitch from Regina, but no price tag.

Sanchez, Geathers vying to be Leos.

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

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Today is: Amtrak Day, Batman Day, Childhood Depression Awareness Day, Executive Coaching Day, Global Love Day, Keep Kids Alive! Drive 25 Day, Law Day, Lei Day, Loyalty Day, Mother Goose Day, National Dance Day, New Homeowner's Day, School Principal's Day, Silver Star Day, Stepmother's Day and World Asthma Day.

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Are you ready for some football?

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Let's see, what's on the agenda for today....Go to the doctor (different one), wash dishes, cook dinner, watch some hockey and love my family. How 'bout you?

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St. Petersburg, FL. -- The Rays received another dose of walk-off magic Monday night, ending April on a high note as they beat the Mariners, 3-2, in 12 innings before a Tropicana Field crowd of 9,458.

In Tampa Bay's first extra-inning game of the season, Elliot Johnson knocked an RBI single to left field against Mariners closer Brandon League to score Ben Zobrist. Zobrist reached on a one-out walk and moved to second on Carlos Pena's single, then scored on Johnson's first career walk-off hit.

The win brought the Rays' April record to 15-8, the second-best in franchise history behind only the 17-6 mark they posted in April 2010.

Read the rest here.

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ON DVD TODAY - Joyful Noise (Queen Latifah, Dolly Parton); Haywire (Gina Carano, Michael Fassbender, Michael Douglas); New Year's Eve (Halle Berry, Jessica Biel, Jon Bon Jovi, Abigail Breslin, Chris "Ludacris" Bridges, Robert De Niro, Josh Duhamel, Zac Efron, Héctor Elizondo, Katherine Heigl, Ashton Kutcher, Seth Meyers, Lea Michele, Sarah Jessica Parker, Michelle Pfeiffer, Hilary Swank, Sofía Vergara); W.E. (directed by Madonna); Who Do You Think You Are? - Season 2; Kojak - Season 4; Felicity - Season 1; Felicity - Season 2

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San Francisco, CA.-- Barry Bonds gestured toward a Jumbotron-size photograph of a teenage girl, clad in a Giants cap and full uniform, sitting on the top step of AT&T Park's home dugout while resting a bat on her left shoulder and gazing longingly toward home plate.

"That's who I saw," Bonds said, sharing his enduring image of Alexis Busch.

Read the rest here.

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The Avengers movie opens Friday. [An all-star group of superheroes form a new team and soon face their first major challenge: staying under the salary cap.]

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Today in Elvis History

1956 - The Elvis Presley album "Heartbreak Hotel" and his single "I Want You, I Need You, I Love You," were released.

1962 - Upon returning to California, from Hawaii, Elvis Presley resumed filming "Girls! Girls! Girls!" on Stage 5 at the Paramount Studios.

1967 - Elvis Presley and Priscilla Beaulieu were married in Las Vegas. They were together until 1973.

1987 - A U.S. federal court ruled that a British retailer could not sell unlicensed Elvis Presley merchandise.

2001 - Lisa Marie Presley sold her waterfront mansion in Clearwater, FL, to Kirstie Alley.

2003 - Lisa Marie Presley was a guest and performer on "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno."

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Nadya Suleman, better known as "Octomom," is officially bankrupt. The mother of 14 has filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in federal court.

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Today in Beatles History:

1963 - The Beatles hired Tony Barrow as their press agent.

1966 - The Beatles played for their last paying audience in the U.K. The event was the New Musical Express Poll Winner's Party. Actor Clint Walker presented the Beatles with their award.

1968 - At London's Royal Albert Hall, Paul McCartney and John Lennon attended Bill Haley's concert.

1970 - George Harrison and Bob Dylan recorded together. They played the Beatles' "Yesterday," Dylan's "Just Like Tom Thumb's Blues," and "Da Doo Ron Ron."

1999 - An exhibition of Paul McCartney's paintings opened in Seigen, Germany. One of the works was a portrait of David Bowie.

2012 - The documentary "George Harrison: Living In The Material World" was released.

2012 - The soundtrack "Early Takes Volume 1: Music From The Martin Scorsese Picture Living In The Material World" was released.

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One of the Jonas Brothers is jumping on the reality TV bandwagon. Married To Jonas will follow the newly married Kevin and Danielle Jonas as they face the struggles of everyday life and staged television scenarios together. Ryan Seacrest Productions has undertaken the project and will produce a 10-episode, half-hour series for E!

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Today in Sports History:

1883 - In Philadelphia, the first National League game was played since 1876.

1884 - Moses Walker became the first black player in major league baseball.

1901 - The Detroit Tigers committed 12 errors against the Chicago White Sox.

1901 - Herb McFarland hit the first grand slam in the American League.

1920 - Babe Ruth hit his first home run as a New York Yankee. It was his 50th career home run.

1920 - The Brooklyn Dodgers and the Boston Braves tied after a 26-inning game.

1922 - Charlie Robertson (Chicago White Sox) pitched a perfect no-hit, no-run game against the Detroit Tigers. The Sox won 3-0. Another perfect game did not come along until 46 years later.

1926 - Satchel Page made his pitching debut in the Negro Southern League.

1951 - Mickey Mantle hit his first home run.

1951 - Minnie Minoso became the first black player to play for the Chicago White Sox.

1962 - Bo Belinsky pitched a no-hitter in only his fourth start.

1969 - Leonard Tose bought the NFL's Philadelphia Eagles for $16,155,000.

1986 - Bill Elliot set a stock car speed record when he went 212.229 mile per hour.

1991 - Nolan Ryan (Texas Rangers) pitched his 7th no-hitter.

1992 - The Los Angeles Dodgers postponed three games due to riots due to the Rodney King case.

1992 - Rickey Henderson stole his 1,000th base.

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If you like Men in Black movies and time travel movies, Will Smith hopes you like this summer's Men in Black III. The idea to turn MiB III into a time travel flick was his idea -- conceived ten years ago during the filming of Men in Black II.

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Coming up:

Tonight --

MLB -- Tampa Bay Rays vs Seattle Mariners 7:10pm EDT

MLB -- San Francisco Giants vs Florida Marlins 10:15pm EDT

Wednesday --

MLB -- Tampa Bay Rays vs Seattle Mariners 7:10pm EDT

MLB -- San Francisco Giants vs Florida Marlins 10:15pm EDT

Thursday --

MLB -- Tampa Bay Rays vs Seattle Mariners 1:10pm EDT

MLB -- San Francisco Giants vs Florida Marlins 3:45pm EDT

Friday --

MLB -- Tampa Bay Rays vs Oakland Athletics 7:10pm EDT

MLB -- San Francisco Giants vs Milwaukee Brewers 10:15pm EDT

Saturday --

Nascar Nationwide Series -- Aaron's 312 at Talladega Superspeedway 3:00pm EDT

MLB -- San Francisco Giants vs Milwaukee Brewers 4:05pm EDT

MLB -- Tampa Bay Rays vs Oakland Athletics 7:10pm EDT

Sunday --

Nascar Sprint Cup Series -- Aaron's 499 at Talladega Superspeedway 12:00pm EDT

MLB -- Tampa Bay Rays vs Oakland Athletics 1:40pm EDT

MLB -- San Francisco Giants vs Milwaukee Brewers 4:05pm EDT

Monday --

MLB -- San Francisco Giants at Los Angeles Dodgers 10:10pm EDT

Tuesday --

MLB -- Tampa Bay Rays at New York Yankees 7:05pm EDT

MLB -- San Francisco Giants at Los Angeles Dodgers 10:10pm EDT

Wednesday --

MLB -- Tampa Bay Rays at New York Yankees 7:05pm EDT

MLB -- San Francisco Giants at Los Angeles Dodgers 10:10pm EDT

Thursday --

MLB -- Tampa Bay Rays at New York Yankees 7:05pm EDT

Friday --

MLB -- Tampa Bay Rays at Baltimore Orioles 7:05pm EDT

MLB -- San Francisco Giants at Arizona Diamondbacks 9:40pm EDT

Saturday --

Nascar Nationwide Series -- Aaron's 312 at Talladega Superspeedway 3:00pm EDT

MLB -- Tampa Bay Rays at Baltimore Orioles 7:05pm EDT

MLB -- San Francisco Giants at Arizona Diamondbacks 8:10pm EDT

Sunday --

Nascar Sprint Cup Series -- Aaron's 499 at Talladega Superspeedway 12:00pm EDT

MLB -- Tampa Bay Rays at Baltimore Orioles 1:35pm EDT

MLB -- San Francisco Giants at Arizona Diamondbacks 4:10pm 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!