Happy New Year!

It's Wednesday. Here's what's happening....

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Today is January 1st, the 1st day of 2014. There are 364 days left in the year.

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Canada edges U.S., takes first place in Group A.

Olympic Stock Report: Ice size in Sochi a factor.

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

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On this date in 0404, the last gladiator competition was held in Rome.

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Vancouver, BC. -- Coach Jon Cooper did not want to be overly dramatic in discussing the Lightning's next eight games.

Read the rest here.

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On this date in 1622, the Papal Chancery adopted January 1st as the beginning of the New Year (instead of March 25th).

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Seventh Annual Hockey Weekend Across AmericaSet for Feb. 28-March 2 HWAA "Great Day for Hockey" Sweepstakes Begins Jan. 1 COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – USA Hockey will lead the nation in the seventh annual Hockey Weekend Across America, presented by CCM, Feb. 28-March 2. "Hockey Weekend Across America is one of the marquee events on the calendar each year," said Dave Ogrean, executive director of USA Hockey. "This year will be unique as we'll celebrate Hockey Weekend Across America the weekend immediately following the conclusion of the Olympic Winter Games." Each of the three days of Hockey Weekend Across America features a special theme. "Wear Your Favorite Jersey Day" on Friday, Feb. 28, is the day for fans to show off their hockey pride by wearing their prized hockey jerseys. USA Hockey's Facebook andTwitter pages will accept photos from families, friends, and colleagues in search of the most passionate hockey fans. On Saturday, March 1, as part of Try Hockey Day, sponsored by the NHL, hundreds of rinks nationwide will host "Try Hockey for Free" clinics, sponsored by Liberty Mutual and Total Hockey, allowing thousands of children to experience hockey for the first time. Arenas interested in hosting an event and players wishing to take part should visit HockeyWeekendAcrossAmerica.com for more details. To cap off the weekend, "Celebrate Local Hockey Heroes" day on Sunday, March 2, encourages hockey programs nationwide to develop ways to honor their local hockey heroes. USA Hockey invites all to post pictures and stories on its Facebook and Twitter pages. The day also includes NBC's Hockey Day in America coverage. Fans 13 years of age and older can begin registering for the Hockey Weekend Across America "Great Day for Hockey" Sweepstakes tomorrow (Jan. 1) at HockeyWeekendAcrossAmerica.com. Three grand prize packages will be awarded, each including hockey skates, hockey stick, helmet/facemask combo and hockey gloves, courtesy of CCM. Second and third prizes will also be awarded with the drawing taking place. At each of 15 NHL games in American cities during Hockey Weekend Across America, two young officials will have a chance to meet the NHL officials working the particular contest prior to the game and then stay to watch those NHL officials in action. For full information surrounding the weekend, visit HockeyWeekendAcrossAmerica.com. Visitors can seek out activities around their community or across the country, participate in exciting giveaways and download promotional materials. Associations and teams celebrating Hockey Weekend Across America are encouraged to submit their event plans to USA Hockey on this site. Hockey Weekend Across America was created by USA Hockey in 2008 to engage the hockey community in celebrating the sport of hockey at all levels and exposing the sport to new audiences.

U.S. Men's National Under-17 Team Downs Atlantic at 2014 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge White Scores Twice, Adds Three Assists SYDNEY, Nova Scotia - Colin White (Hanover, Mass.) scored five points, including two goals, as the U.S. Men's National Under-17 Team downed the host team Atlantic, 9-1, here today at the Centre 200 in its third game of the 2014 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge. With the win Team USA's record improves to a perfect 3-0-0-0 (W-OTW-OTL-L). "I liked the way our team maintained focus in a very physical game that had its share of adversity," said Don Granato, head coach of the U.S. Men's National Under-17 Team. "We'll use the day off tomorrow to get ready for Ontario Thursday and hopefully more games to come." Team USA opened the scoring for the third-straight game of the tournament 3:41 into the first period. White took a cross-ice pass from Jordan Greenway (Potsdam, N.Y.) in the right faceoff circle. His one-timer shot beat Atlantic goaltender Frederic Foulem before he could get into position. Auston Matthews (Scottsdale, Ariz.) doubled the U.S. lead at 11:36, ripping a one-timer of his own into the net. Christian Fischer (Wayne, Ill.) cycled the puck back to Brendan Warren (Carleton, Mich.) in the left corner, and Warren fed Fischer as he moved along the half-boards. Fischer sent a quick pass to Matthews in the slot who fired the puck into the top-left corner. Luke Kunin (Chesterfield, Mo.) started a four-goal period for the U.S. three minutes into the second stanza. Matthew Tkachuk (St. Louis, Mo.) fed Kunin with a pass across the slot and Kunin one-timed the puck into the open net. Jeremy Bracco (Freeport, N.Y.) pushed it to a 4-0 lead 2:02 later, swatting a bouncing rebound out of the air and off the back of Foulem as he skated behind the net. Luke Kirwan (Dewitt, N.Y.) and White added helpers on the play. It became a five-goal lead for the U.S. 39 seconds later on a shot from the point by Christian Evers (Waukee, Iowa). Caleb Jones (Frisco, Texas) and White assisted on the marker. Kirwan notched a power-play goal at 14:30, with White collecting his third assist and Jones his second. Atlantic scored a power-play goal to inch closer, but Bracco responded with Team USA's first short-handed tally of the tournament. Nicholas Boka (Plymouth, Mich.) picked up an assist, helping to complete the two-on-one odd man rush. White added his second of the night with 6:18 left in the game and Fischer added one more to 16:06 secure the 9-1 victory. Michael Lackey (Washington, D.C.) made 20 saves for Team USA in the win, while Foulem blocked 46 shots for Atlantic. 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 next plays Thursday, Jan. 2, when it takes on Ontario at the Centre 200 in Sydney, Nova Scotia. A complete schedule can be found here. NOTES: For a complete box score, click here ... Zach Werenski (Grosse Pointe, Mich.) 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, visitUSAHockeyIntelliGym.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 Live Streaming Sat., Dec. 28 Quebec* Richmond Arena W, 6-2 FASTHockey Sun., Dec 29 Russia Civic Centre W, 5-1 FASTHockey Mon., Dec. 30 Germany Emera Centre North W, 14-1 FASTHockey Tues., Dec. 31 Atlantic Centre 200 W, 9-1 FASTHockey Thurs., Jan. 2 Ontario 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. ************************************************ The first traveler's checks were issued in London on this date in 1772. ************************************************

Looking ahead to 2014 in the CFL.

Top 10 Defensive Plays of 2013.

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

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On this date in 1797, Albany became the capital of New York state, replacing New York City.

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Tampa, FL. — Sunday's action finalized the regular-season standings and at the same time completed Tampa Bay's list of opponents for 2014, with the Redskins and Rams becoming the last two teams added to the list.

Read the rest here.

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U.S. President Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation on this date in 1863, which declared that all slaves in the rebel states were free.

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Look at the rhinos Daddy!

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You're reading the Johnny Blog. Almost as much fun as getting a clean bill of health at your post-op follow up, isn't it?

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Today in Elvis History

1956 - The Carl Perkins song "Blue Suede Shoes" was released. Elvis Presley recorded the song on January 30, 1956.

1959 - Elvis Presley's BMW was destroyed on Germany's Autobahn by his father. German newspapers reported inaccurately that Elvis had died in the accident.

1966 - Elvis Presley's soundtrack "Harum Scarum" hit #8 on the U.S. charts.

1992 - The Rodgers & Hammerstein Organization took over exclusive U.S. and Canadian administration for the Elvis Presley music catalogs through a deal with the Presley estate, Gary Horey, Julian and Jean Aberbach.

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On this date in 1913, the post office began parcel post deliveries.

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Today in Beatles History:

1962 -  The Beatles auditioned for Decca Records in London. The company opted for Brian Polle & the Tremeloes because the group was based in the south of England.

1991 - Paul McCartney performed on MTV. The album "Unplugged - Official Bootleg" documented his performance.

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"The Cuckoo Hour" was heard for the first time on the NBC-Blue Network, which later became ABC Radio, on this date in 1930.

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Today in Sports History:

1902 - 1902 - The first Tournament of Roses (later the Rose Bowl) collegiate football game was played in Pasadena, CA.

1926 - The Rose Bowl was carried coast to coast on network radio for the first time.

1933 - The first Orange Bowl was played. Miami defeated Manhattan 7-0.

1935 - The first Sugar Bowl was played. Tulane defeated Temple 20-14.

1935 - The first Sun Bowl was played. Hardin Simmons and New Mexico State tied 14-14.

1937 - The First Cotton Bowl football game was played in Dallas, TX. Texas Christian University (T.C.U.) beat Marquette, 16-6.

1954 - The Rose Bowl and the Cotton Bowl were shown in color for the first time.

1961 - Briggs Stadium was renamed Tigers Stadium.

1968 - Evil Knievel, daredevil, lost control of his motorcycle midway through a jump of 141 feet over the ornamental fountains in front of Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas.

1969 - Los Angeles Kings owner Jack Kent Cooke fined each of his players $100 for "not" arguing with the referee.

1992 - The ESPN Radio Network was officially launched.

2007 - In Denver, CO, Darrent Williams (Denver Broncos) was killed in a drive-by shooting outside a nightclub.

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The Hewlett-Packard partnership was formed on this date in 1939.

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Coming Up:

Tonight --

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!