Monday Morning Meissnervations

It's Monday. Here's what's happening....

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Today is December 30th, the 364th day of 2013. There is 1 day left in the year.

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Special teams spark U.S. past Germany.

Winter Classic a big undertaking at Big House.

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

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On this date in 1853, the United States bought about 45,000 square miles of land from Mexico in a deal known as the Gadsden Purchase.

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Tampa, FL. -- For the second time in two nights the Tampa Bay Lightning's inability to begin the game with steam cost them in a 4-3 loss to the New York Rangers Sunday at the Tampa Bay Times Forum.

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Gilbert and Sullivan's "The Pirates of Penzance" was first performed on this date in 1879, at Paignton, Devon, England.

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U.S. Men's National Under-17 Team Defeats Quebec in 2014 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge Pre-Tournament Game

Bracco, Kirwan and White Register Three-Point Efforts

LOUISDALE, Nova Scotia - Jeremy Bracco (Freeport, N.Y./1-2), Luke Kirwan (Dewitt, N.Y./1-2) and Colin White (Hanover, Mass./2-1) each registered three-point efforts, as the U.S. Men's National Under-17 Team defeated Canada's Team Quebec, 6-2, here today at Richmond Arena. The game precedes the 2014 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge, running Dec. 28, 2013 - Jan. 4, 2014, in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia. "This was a good tune-up for our team after a lengthy break in between games," said Don Granato, head coach of the U.S. Men's National Under-17 Team. "The real work begins now as we have a tough test ahead against Russia tomorrow." Quebec notched the lone goal of the opening frame at 5:12. Team USA put six shots on Callum Booth in the first 20 minutes, but the netminder turned away each attempt to keep the U.S. scoreless. White pulled the U.S. even just 1:27 into the second stanza with a power-play marker. Kirwan worked the puck to Zach Werenski (Grosse Pointe, Mich.) at the left point. Werenski sent a wrist shot toward the net and White tipped it high over Callum's glove for the score. Auston Matthews (Scottsdale, Ariz.) gave Team USA the lead at 5:13. While on the forecheck,Christian Fischer (Wayne, Ill.) dug the puck out of the right corner and found Matthews parked in front of the net. Matthews had his intitial redirection stopped, but followed up his own rebound and flicked the puck up and over Callum. Dennis Yan (Troy, Mich.) extended the U.S. lead to two goals, 3-1, late in the frame. Skating close to the center hashmarks, Bracco flung a cross-slot pass to Yan who one-timed the puck into the net for the score. White notched his second of the game at 3:08 of the final frame to make it a 4-1 game. Kirwan sprung Bracco with a outlet pass, who then found White trailing the play. White hit the low slot to receive the saucer pass from Bracco before dekeing Olivier Tremblay and depositing the puck into the net. Quebec inched closer at 7:57, but Kirwan responded with a one-timer off a faceoff at 10:14 to reclaim the three-goal lead for the U.S. White picked up his third point of the game with an assist off the draw. Bracco sealed the 6-2 victory off an empty net goal with 36 seconds remaining on the clock. Nicholas Boka (Plymouth, Mich.) and Jack Roslovic(Columbus, Ohio) recorded assists. Michael Lackey (Washington, D.C.) and Luke Opilka (St. Louis, Mo.) split duties in net, kicking out a combined 28 shots in the win for Team USA. Booth and Tremblay made 29 saves in the loss for Quebec. All games of the 2014 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge will be streamed live, and also available on-demand, at FASTHockey.com. The U.S. Men's National Under-17 Team will open tournament play tomorrow, Dec. 29, against Russia at the Civic Centre in Port Hawkesbury, Nova Scotia. Puck drop is schedule for 1 p.m. EST. NOTES: For a complete box score, click here ... Dennis Yan was named Team USA's player of the game ... For Team USA's full roster, click here ... All 22 players on the roster come from the U.S. National Under-17 Team that is part of USA Hockey's National Team Development Program based in Ann Arbor, Mich. ... The 2014 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge includes two pools of five teams. Pool A consists of teams from the Czech Republic, Pacific, Quebec, Sweden and West. Pool B consists of teams from Atlantic, Germany, Ontario, Russia and the United States ... The U.S. enters the tournament having captured first place three times (2001-02, 2010) and second place four times (1999, 2008, 2011-12) ... Follow @USAHockeyScores on Twitter for live scoring updates during the tournament. Scores will be designated with #WU17 ... For additional coverage, visit the NTDP Facebook page and follow @USANTDP on Twitter ... The U.S. National Under-17 Team trains with The Hockey IntelliGym, a revolutionary software program that trains hockey sense. To learn more, visit USAHockeyIntelliGym.com Team USA 2014 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge ScheduleDec. 28, 2013 - Jan. 4, 2014 • Cape Breton, Nova Scotia Date Opponent Location Time (EST)/Result Streaming Sat., Dec. 28 Quebec* Richmond Arena W, 6-2 -- Sun., Dec 29 Russia Civic Centre 1:00 p.m. FASTHockey Mon., Dec. 30 Germany Emera Centre North 1:00 p.m. FASTHockey Tues., Dec. 31 Atlantic Centre 200 6:00 p.m. FASTHockey Thurs., Jan. 2 Slovakia Centre 200 6:00 p.m. FASTHockey Fri., Jan. 3 Semifinal Centre 200 6:00 p.m. FASTHockey Semifinal Emera Centre North 6:00 p.m. FASTHockey Sat., Jan. 4 Third-Place Game Centre 200 11:00 a.m. FASTHockey Championship Game Centre 200 4:00 p.m. FASTHockey *Pre-tournament game ABOUT THE NTDP: In 1996, USA Hockey launched a new initiative called the National Team Development Program, based in Ann Arbor, Mich. Celebrating its 17th season of play in 2013-14, the goal of this full-time development program is to prepare student-athletes under the age of 18 for participation on U.S. National Teams and success in their future hockey careers. Its efforts focus not only on high-caliber participation on the ice, but creating well-rounded individuals off the ice. U.S. Women's National Team Defeats Canada, 3-2, in Shootout Hilary Knight Tallies Three Points and Jessie Vetter Makes 37 Saves ST. PAUL, Minn. – The U.S. Women’s National Team defeated Canada, 3-2, in a shootout this afternoon at the Xcel Energy Center. Hilary Knight (Sun Valley, Idaho) scored the decisive shootout goal and added a pair of assists to pace the team offensively. Goaltender Jessie Vetter (Cottage Grove, Wis.) made 37 saves and turned aside all three Canadian shootout attempts. "We didn’t have the same intensity as before the break but we started getting our legs back and found a way to win,” said Katey Stone, head coach of the 2014 U.S. Olympic Women's Ice Hockey Team. “Fortunately, Jessie was a rock back there and she settled things down when we really needed it.” Kelli Stack (Brooklyn Heights, Ohio) opened the scoring for Team USA at the 13:54 of the first period when Knight’s wrap-around attempt was stopped by Canadian goaltender Charline Labonte but the rebound came to Stack who was left alone in the slot with an open net. With nine seconds remaining in the second period, Alex Carpenter (North Reading, Mass.) fought off a defender and picked up a rebound to score a power play goal and make it 2-0. Canada would tie the score, 2-2, with a pair of goals in the third period but after a scoreless overtime, the U.S. would prevail in the shootout with Knight scoring the lone tally and Vetter denying three Canadian shooters in front of 9,012 fans in attendance. The win was Team USA’s third consecutive victory over Canada, knotting the rivals’ head-to-head pre-Olympic tour record at three wins apiece. The two teams will face each other at the Air Canada Centre in Toronto, Ontario, on Monday at 7 p.m. ET for the final time before the 2014 Olympic Winter Games. For a complete box score, click here. For more information on the Bring on the World Tour, including ticket information and television coverage for Tour events and the entire Tour schedule, click here. NOTES: The final 2014 U.S. Olympic Women’s Ice Hockey Team, which will include 18 forwards/defensemen and three goaltenders, will be announced on Jan. 1, 2014 at the NHL Winter Classic in Ann Arbor, Mich. The 2014 U.S. Olympic Women's Ice Hockey Team is under the direction of Reagan Carey (Colorado Springs, Colo.), director of women's hockey for USA Hockey ... Katey Stone (Arlington, Mass.) was named head coach of the 2014 U.S. Olympic Women's Ice Hockey Team on June 8, 2012 ... USA Hockey's international council, chaired byGavin Regan, vice president of USA Hockey, has oversight responsibilities for all U.S. National Teams ... The 2014 Olympic Winter Games will take place Feb. 7-23, 2014, in Sochi, Russia. U.S. Men's National Under-17 Team Topples Russia, 5-1, in 2014 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge Opener Warren Registers Three Assists PORT HAWKESBURY, Nova Scotia - Brendan Warren (Carleton, Mich.) registered three assists, and nine additional U.S. skaters picked up a point, as the U.S. Men's National Under-17 Team toppled Russia, 5-1, here today at the Civic Centre. "This was a great start for our team and something positive to build from," said Don Granato, head coach of the U.S. Men's National Under-17 Team. "Russia is a big rival and to get a win over them to open the tournament is huge. But it's right back to work on our next opponent." Jack Roslovic (Columbus, Ohio) opened scoring at 12:57 of the first period. Receiving a pass from Michael Floodstrand (Hinsdale, Ill.) while behind the net, Warren drove hard to the front of Ilya Samsonov's crease and forced a wrap-around shot. Samsonov made the initial save, but Roslovic jammed the rebound home for the tally. Team USA appeared to have gained a two-goal lead when Jeremy Bracco (Freeport, N.Y.) swatted the puck into the net, but the goal was waved off on a high-stick call. Noah Hanifin(Norwood, Mass.) doubled the U.S. lead with just 1:41 remaining in the period. Skating in a four-on-three disadvantage, Hanifin began a breakout with Warren and Zach Werenski(Grosse Pointe, Mich.). Warren and Werenski traded passes before Warren teed up a one-timer on Samsonov. After the initial shot was blocked by the Russian netminder, a trailing Hanifin lit the lamp with a rebound tally. The U.S. pushed it's lead to three goals just 1:45 into the final frame when Auston Matthews(Scottsdale, Ariz.) lifted a puck into the top corner of the net after a carom off the post.Christian Fischer (Wayne, Ill.) and Warren picked up assists on the play. Russia pulled within two goals at the 4:40 mark, but Colin White (Hanover, Mass.) restaked a three-goal cushion for the United States at 11:37. Both goals were scored on the power play. Floodstrand capped the scoring at 16:26, taking a Jordan Greenway (Potsdam, N.Y.) feed and beating Samsonov for his second point of the contest. Roslovic also earned a helper on the score. Michael Lackey (Washington, D.C.) stopped 17 shots for Team USA in the win, while Samsonov made 55 saves for Russia. All games of the 2014 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge will be streamed live, and also available on-demand, at FASTHockey.com. The U.S. Men's National Under-17 Team will continue tournament play tomorrow, Dec. 30, against Germany. Puck drop is scheduled for 1 p.m. EST in North Sydney, Nova Scotia at theEmera Centre Northside. NOTES: For a complete box score, click here ... Colin White was named Team USA's player of the game ... For Team USA's full roster, click here ... All 22 players on the roster come from the U.S. National Under-17 Team that is part of USA Hockey's National Team Development Program based in Ann Arbor, Mich. ... The 2014 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge includes two pools of five teams. Pool A consists of teams from the Czech Republic, Pacific, Quebec, Sweden and West. Pool B consists of teams from Atlantic, Germany, Ontario, Russia and the United States ... The U.S. enters the tournament having captured first place three times (2001-02, 2010) and second place four times (1999, 2008, 2011-12) ... Follow @USAHockeyScores on Twitter for live scoring updates during the tournament. Scores will be designated with #WU17 ... For additional coverage, visit the NTDP Facebook page and follow @USANTDP on Twitter ... The U.S. National Under-17 Team trains with The Hockey IntelliGym, a revolutionary software program that trains hockey sense. To learn more, visit USAHockeyIntelliGym.com Team USA 2014 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge ScheduleDec. 28, 2013 - Jan. 4, 2014 • Cape Breton, Nova Scotia Date Opponent Location Time (EST)/Result Streaming Sat., Dec. 28 Quebec* Richmond Arena W, 6-2 -- Sun., Dec 29 Russia Civic Centre W, 5-1 FASTHockey Mon., Dec. 30 Germany Emera Centre North 1:00 p.m. FASTHockey Tues., Dec. 31 Atlantic Centre 200 6:00 p.m. FASTHockey Thurs., Jan. 2 Slovakia Centre 200 6:00 p.m. FASTHockey Fri., Jan. 3 Semifinal Centre 200 6:00 p.m. FASTHockey Semifinal Emera Centre North 6:00 p.m. FASTHockey Sat., Jan. 4 Third-Place Game Centre 200 11:00 a.m. FASTHockey Championship Game Centre 200 4:00 p.m. FASTHockey *Pre-tournament game ABOUT THE NTDP: In 1996, USA Hockey launched a new initiative called the National Team Development Program, based in Ann Arbor, Mich. Celebrating its 17th season of play in 2013-14, the goal of this full-time development program is to prepare student-athletes under the age of 18 for participation on U.S. National Teams and success in their future hockey careers. Its efforts focus not only on high-caliber participation on the ice, but creating well-rounded individuals off the ice. ************************************************ Edwin Hubble announced the existence of other galactic systems on this date in 1924. ************************************************

Top 10 Hits of 2013.

Alouettes will be at a crossroad in 2014.

Please visit the league's official website, cfl.ca.

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The first subway in the Orient was dedicated in Tokyo, Japan on this date in 1927.

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Regina, SK. -Corey Chamblin could win another 10 football championships and never duplicate the one he earned this year with the Saskatchewan Roughriders.

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California's first freeway was officially opened on this date in 1940. It was the Arroyo Seco Parkway connecting Los Angeles and Pasadena.

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New Orleans, LA. — A shootout with Drew Brees got away from the visiting Buccaneers in the second half, as New Orleans wrapped up a Wild Card berth with a 42-17 victory on Sunday in the Superdome

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"Mr. and Mrs. North" debuted on NBC radio on this date in 1942.

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Let's go see more zoo Daddy!

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You're reading the Johnny Blog. Almost as much fun as a follow-up doctor's visit, isn't it?

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Today in Elvis History

1957 - The album "Elvis' Christmas Album" hit #1 in the U.S.

1970 - Elvis Presley was given a tour at the FBI's headquarters in Washington, DC.

1970 - "Elvis' Golder Records, Vol. 1" hit #21 in the U.K.

1970 - The Elvis Presley album "Worldwide 50 Gold Award Hits Vol. 1" hit #49 in the U.K.

1971 - Elvis Presley announced that Priscilla was leaving him.

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On this date in 1948, "Kiss Me Kate" opened at the New Century Theatre in New York City. Cole Porter composed the music for the classic play that ran for 1,077 performances.

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Today in Beatles History:

1970 - Paul McCartney sued the other three Beatles to dissolve the partnership and gain control of his interest.

1999 - George Harrison and his wife were attacked in their home during a robbery. Though, Harrison was stabbed in the chest four times, he and his wife were able to subdue the assailant until police arrived.

2001 - It was announced that the glasses of a John Lennon statue had been stolen in Havana, Cuba. The theft had actually occurred on December 21, 2000.

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On this date in 1953, the first color TV sets went on sale for about $1,175.

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Today in Sports History:

1926 - The Chicago Tribune broke a story that the Detroit Tigers threw a 4-game series to the Chicago White Sox in 1917.

1934 - Two NHL games ended in a scoreless tie. The games were Boston at the New York Rangers and the New York Americans at Detroit.

1954 - The 24-second shot clock was used for the first time in professional basketball.

1961 - Jack Nicklaus lost his first attempt at pro golf to Gary Player in an exhibition match in Miami, FL.

1978 - Ohio State University fired Woody Hayes as its football coach, one day after Hayes punched Clemson University player Charlie Bauman during the Gator Bowl. Bauman had intercepted an Ohio State pass.

1983 - Julius "Dr. J" Erving (Philadelphia 76ers) became the 9th basketball player to reach 25,000 points.

1996 - Brett Favre (Green Bay Packers) became only the second player to win consecutive NFL MVP Awards.

1997 - Michael Jordan (Chicago Bulls) scored more than 10 points in 788 consecutive games.

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James Arness made his dramatic TV debut in "The Chase" on this date in 1954. The "Gunsmoke" series didn’t begin for Arness until the fall of 1955.

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Coming Up:

Tonight --

Nothin' Doin'

Tuesday --

Nothin' Doin'

Wednesday --

NHL Hockey -- Tampa Bay Lightning at Vancouver Canucks 10:00pm EST

Thursday --

Nothin' Doin'

Friday --

NHL Hockey -- Tampa Bay Lightning at Calgary Flames 9:00pm EST

NAHL Hockey -- Wenatchee Wild vs Fairbanks Ice Dogs 10:05pm EST

USPHL Hockey -- Tampa Bay Juniors at New England Showcase

Saturday --

NAHL Hockey -- Wenatchee Wild vs Fairbanks Ice Dogs 10:05pm EST

USPHL Hockey -- Tampa Bay Juniors at New England Showcase

Sunday --

NHL Hockey -- Tampa Bay Lightning at Edmonton Oilers 8:00pm EST

USPHL Hockey -- Tampa Bay Juniors at New England Showcase

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That's all for today. Thanks for stopping by, see you tomorrow!