It's Saturday

It's Saturday. Here's what's happening....

************************************************

Today is October 6th, the 280th day of 2012. There are 86 days left in the year.

************************************************

NHL, NHLPA meet in Toronto for CBA discussion.

Former NBA player Jones helps groom son for NHL.

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

************************************************

The steamboat SS California left New York Harbor for San Francisco via Cape Horn on this date in 1848. The steamboat service arrived on February 28, 1849. The trip took 4 months and 21 days.

************************************************

Inaugural CCM/USA Hockey All-American Prospects Game a Resounding Success

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – By all accounts, the inaugural CCM/USA Hockey All-American Prospects Game that was played last Saturday (Sept. 29) at the First Niagara Center in Buffalo, N.Y., was a resounding success. "I think in the end, we could not have been more pleased," said Dave Ogrean, executive director of USA Hockey. "For an inaugural effort, our feedback has been extremely positive from fans, players, scouts, media and our sponsors." More than 150 National Hockey League scouts and management personnel attended the event for the chance to observe 40 of the top American-born players eligible for the 2013 NHL Entry Draft. Additionally, media from across North America filled the press box to cover the talent-rich U.S. draft pool. "This event is the next logical step in showcasing the best kids in the country every year," said Brian Burke, president and general manager of the Toronto Maple Leafs and also the general manager of the 2010 U.S. Olympic Men's Ice Hockey Team. "USA Hockey made a concerted effort about 15 years ago to positively influence the development environment for junior-aged players. It created the National Team Development Program, which has been a terrific success and has helped junior hockey overall in the United States become better. We've got more kids playing hockey and are providing development avenues for those of all ability levels, including those who have the potential to play in the NHL, like the young men that played Saturday in Buffalo." "It was amazing, a great experience," said J.T. Compher, a forward who NHL Central Scouting projects to be a first-round draft pick in June. "I had so much fun in Buffalo. The Sabres were great. USA Hockey is amazing. It means a lot knowing that young kids are going to look at this game and say, 'I want to play in the [CCM/USA Hockey All-American] Prospects Game.'" Two legendary hockey figures in Phil Housley and Rob McClanahan served as head coaches for the game and in the end it was Team McClanahan that outdueled Team Housley by a 5-2 count. "I was really excited to be asked to coach in this game," said McClanahan, who played on the 1980 "Miracle on Ice" Team that won the gold medal at the 1980 Olympic Winter Games in Lake Placid, N.Y. "It was fun to get to see and interact with some of our top prospects and it is really great to see how hockey continues to grow in prominence in our country." Some 5,500 fans seized the opportunity to watch America's brightest young hockey stars in person at the First Niagara Center. Lengthy lines formed after the game in the concourse as fans had a chance to meet and get autographs from the head coaches and many of the players. "Going out on the ice in an NHL building was pretty surreal," said Team Housley defenseman Ian McCoshen. "There were a lot of fans out there. It is a pretty spectacular facility that the Buffalo Sabres have. What an honor to be in that game." "(The competition) was unbelievable," said Tyler Motte, a forward from Team Housley. "It was fun and some of the most competitive hockey I've ever played." "The Buffalo Sabres organization was thrilled to host the inaugural CCM/USA Hockey All-American Prospects Game," said Ted Black, president of the Buffalo Sabres. "From all reports, it was a great experience for everyone involved and that was our goal from the beginning." According to Ogrean, USA Hockey expects the game to be an annual event. "Our staff is in the process of fully reviewing all aspects of the game and we'll make a decision on the way forward likely by the end of the year." NOTES: Ryan Fitzgerald was named the Most Valuable Player of the inaugural CCM/USA Hockey All-American Prospects Game … The official attendance was 5,519 … Scotty Bowman, the all-time winningest coach in NHL history, dropped the ceremonial first puck. Bowman spent sevens of his 30 NHL seasons as head coach of the Buffalo Sabres (1979-87) and had a hand in bringing Phil Housley and Rob McClanahan, the head coaches for the game, to Buffalo in the early 1980s ... Players selected to compete in the inauguralCCM/USA Hockey All-American Prospects Game were chosen by USA Hockey in conjunction with NHL Central Scouting ... Of the 40 players that competed in the inaugural CCM/USA Hockey All-American Prospects Game, 30 were from the United States Hockey League, the top junior league in America, including 21from USA Hockey's National Team Development Program in Ann Arbor, Mich. Additionally, some 34 of the 40 are future NCAA Division I college players ... Players selected to participate represent 13 different states. Minnesota led the way with eight, followed by Michigan (6) and Massachusetts (5). Other states included California, Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas and Wisconsin ... The on-ice officials included referees Tom Chmielewski and Chris Pitosciaand linesmen Alex Stagnone and Brian Oliver … The uniforms for the event were designed and produced by USA Hockey partner Nike. Team Housley wore blue uniforms and Team McClanahan wore white uniforms. Click here to view the uniforms ... FASTHockey.com provided a live free-for-view stream of the CCM/USA Hockey All-American Prospects Game. For a replay, visit usahockey.fasthockey.com ... Two youth contests preceded the game Saturday -- Buffalo Saints 18U vs. Amherst Knights 18U and Buffalo Jr. Sabres 18U vs. Greater Boston Jr. Bruins 18U … Local Mite teams participated in cross-ice games between both periods of the CCM/USA Hockey All-American Prospects Game. ************************************************ The Oregon State beavers put their 3-0(2-0 in the Pac-12) record on the line tomorrow, when they host the 2-3 (0-2 in the Pac-12) Washington State Cougars. Kickoff is set for 6:00pm EDT on 1190 KEX, the Beaver Sports Network or via the listen link on the left side of this blog. The game can be seen nationally on the Pac-12 Networks. The view from Corvallis: Cooks and Wheaton make quite a team. The view from Pullman: Washington State plays at No. 14 Oregon State. Visit the Oregon State Athletics department official web site. ************************************************ The first Turkish bath was opened in Brooklyn, NY, by Dr. Charles Shepard on this date in 1863. ************************************************ Esks restore confidence with Friday night victory. Morris: Lions offence making adjustments on the fly. Visit the leagues' official website, http://www.cfl.ca/. ************************************************ The Reno Brothers pulled the first train robbery in America near Seymour, IN on this date in 1866. They got away with $10,000. ************************************************ A newer, stronger, smarter Darian Durant? With the win over BC, Saskatchewan improves to 7-6, ahead of a Monday, October 8th game in Toronto against the Argonauts. Kickoff is set for 4:30pm EDT on 620 CKRM and the Rider Radio Network, with Rod Pedersen and Carm Carteri calling the action. The game can be seen in Canada on TSN and in the U.S., the game can be seen online on ESPN3.com. Visit the team's official website, http://www.riderville.com/. ************************************************ The Kinescope was exhibited by Thomas Edison on this date in 1889. He had patented the moving picture machine in 1887. ************************************************ Tampa, FL. —This week's studies include a look at how well the Bucs' D-Line has played the run, the effect of two 100-yard receivers in one game, and more. Read the rest here. ************************************************ "The Jazz Singer" opened in New York starring Al Jolson on this date in 1927. The film was based on the short story "The Day of Atonement" by Sampson Raphaelson. ************************************************ Go Beavers! ************************************************ Let's see, what's on the agenda for today....Beaver football on TV. How 'bout you? ************************************************ St. Louis beat Atlanta 6-3 in the N.L. Wild Card game while over the the A.L., it was Baltimore over Texas 5-1. Division series games start today, with Oakland at Detroit in the American League at 6:00pm EDT and Cincinnati at San Francisco in the National League. Both games are on TBS TV and ESPN Radio. ************************************************ "Hobby Lobby" debuted on CBS radio on this date in 1937. ************************************************ San Francisco, CA. -- From the first pitch of Game 1, and even before it, the National League Division Series matchup between the Reds and Giants promises to deliver all the ingredients of an October classic. It'll feature a thunderous playoff atmosphere, begin with a stellar pitching matchup and include offenses that can make exciting things happen, albeit in different ways. Add it all together, and it's hard to tell where this matchup is headed or how it's going to end. Read the rest here. ************************************************ On this date in 1948, "Summer and Smoke" by Tennessee Williams opened on Broadway. ************************************************ Today in Elvis History 1974 - Elvis Presley gave a matinee and an evening concert in Dayton, OH. Parts of the matinee show were released on the album "A Profile - The King On Stage Vol. 2" and the evening show was used on "Breathing Out Fire."   ************************************************ E.L. Lyon became the first male nurse for the U.S. Army on this date in 1954. ************************************************ Today in Beatles History: 1964 -The Beatles recorded 13 takes of "Eight Days a Week." 1968 - On "The Smothers Brothers Show" a promotional clip for the Beatles' "Hey Jude" was shown. 1969 - For the first time in Beatles history a George Harrison song got the A side of a 45, "Something"/"Come Together." ************************************************ Robert Goulet began the role of Sir Lancelot in "Camelot" on this date in 1962. ************************************************ Today in Sports History: 1880 -  The National League kicked the Cincinnati Reds out for selling beer. 1983 - Mike Bossy (New York Islanders) got his 25th career hat trick. 1985 - Joe Montana (San Francisco 49ers) set an NFL record with 57 pass attempts. He threw for five touchdowns and 429 yards. 1995 - The Colorado Avalanche (formerly the Quebec Nordiques) won their first NHL game when they beat the Detroit Red Wings. 2003 - The Indianapolis Colts became the first team in NFL history to win after trailing by 21 or more points with less than four minutes to play in regulation. The game went to an extra period where the Colts defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 38-35. ************************************************ Elizabeth Taylor married Larry Fortensky on this date in 1991. The ceremony was held at Michael Jackson's estate near Los Angeles, CA. It was Taylor's 8th marriage and Fortensky's 3rd. ************************************************ Tonight -- Junior Hockey -- Tampa Bay Juniors at Charlotte Showcase TBA College Football -- Oregon State Beavers vs Washington State Beavers 6:00pm EDT MLB -- San Francisco Giants vs Cincinnati Reds 9:37pm EDT Sunday -- Nascar Sprint Cup Series -- Good Sam Roadside Assistance 500 at Talladega Superspeedway 1:00pm EDT MLB -- San Francisco Giants vs Cincinnati Reds 9:37pm EDT Junior Hockey -- Tampa Bay Juniors at Charlotte Showcase TBA ************************************************ That's it for today. Thanks for stopping by, I hope that you'll do so tomorrow too. Thanks again!