It's Tuesday

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

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Today is December 16th, the 349th day of 2014. There are 16 days left in the year.

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Around the League notebook for Monday, Dec. 15.

NHL Winter Classic ice plant arrives in Washington.

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

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Today's Birthdays: TV journalist Lesley Stahl (60 Minutes) is 73. Billy Gibbons of ZZ Top is 65. Benjamin Bratt ( Law & Order, The Cleaner) is 51. Krysten Ritter (Gilmore Girls, Gossip Girl) is 33.

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Tampa, FL. -- The Tampa Bay Lightning have been snakebitten in recent visits to Pittsburgh’s CONSOL Energy Center, the Bolts dropping their last nine games (eight in regulation) at the five-year old arena.

Read the rest here.

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On this date in 1773, nearly 350 chests of tea were dumped into Boston Harbor off of British ships by Colonial patriots. The patriots were disguised as Indians. The act was to protest taxation without representation and the monopoly the government granted to the East India Company.

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U.S. National Junior Team Camp Starts Today in Boston Event to Culminate With Game Against Boston University Friday Night COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. - A total of 30 players will descend upon Boston University’s Walter Brown Arena today (Dec. 16) in hopes of landing a spot on U.S. National Junior Team that will compete in the 2015 International Ice Hockey Federation World Junior Championship, Dec. 26-Jan. 5, in Montreal, Quebec, and Toronto, Ontario. “I know we’ll have a very competitive camp in Boston,” said Jim Johannson, general manager of the 2015 U.S. National Junior Team and also the assistant executive director of hockey operations for USA Hockey. “There are 30 great players that came through a wide variety of development programs within USA Hockey and I know our coaches are excited about the talent pool we have to build our final roster from." The training camp will include practices at Walter Brown Arena Tuesday-Thursday (Dec. 16-18) from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. In addition, on Dec. 19, a one-hour practice session will begin at 10 a.m. with a game against Boston University that evening at 7 o’clock. All practices are open to the public and the game against BU will be streamed live without charge by clicking here. Complete coverage of the U.S. National Junior Team can be found here. NOTES: USA Hockey will announce the final roster for the 2015 U.S. National Junior Team by Dec. 24 … Use #USAWJC on Twitter to join the conversation about the 2015 U.S. National Junior Team … Following its time in Boston, the U.S. will move to Kingston, Ontario, where it will continue preparations for the 2015 IIHF World Junior Championship. The camp will include games against Germany on Dec. 21 and Sweden on Dec. 23. Both contests, which will be live streamed byFASTHockey.com, will be played at the Rogers K-Rock Centre where the U.S. will be based for its camp … Mark Osiecki (Burnsville, Minn.) is head coach of the 2015 U.S. National Junior Team. He is currently an associate coach for the American Hockey League's Rockford IceHogs ... The assistant coaches for Team USA are Don Granato (Downers Grove, Ill./U.S. National Under-18 Team), Kevin Patrick (Schenectady, N.Y./Univ. of Vermont) and Mike Ayers (Hingham, Mass./Boston College) ... Adam Nightingale (Cheboygan, Mich./Shattuck St. Mary's School) is the video coordinator, while Mike Sullivan (Marshfield, Mass.) is serving as advance scout ... Jim Johannson (Colorado Springs, Colo.), USA Hockey's assistant executive director of hockey operations, is the general manager of the U.S. National Junior Team for the sixth consecutive year ... Ryan Martin(Simsbury, Conn.), Ray Shero (St. Paul, Minn.), Ben Smith (Gloucester, Mass.) and Don Waddell (Detroit, Mich.) are assisting with player evaluation for the 2015 U.S. National Junior Team ... Team USA has medaled in three of the last five IIHF World Junior Championships, winning gold in 2010 and 2013, plus bronze in 2011. The U.S. placed fifth in last year's tournament ... In August, 42 players attended the 2014 U.S. National Junior Evaluation Camp in Lake Placid, New York. Complete details from that camp can be found here. ... USA Hockey's international council, chaired by Gavin Regan (Potsdam, N.Y.), vice president of USA Hockey, has oversight responsibilities for all U.S. national teams. Boston University back to No. 1 in  USA Today/USA Hockey Magazine College Hockey Poll USA Today/USA Hockey Magazine 2014-15 Men's College Hockey Poll - Regular Season #12 (First-place votes in parentheses) Rank School Last Week's Rank 2014-15 Record Weeks in Top 15 1. Boston University, 472 (19) 2 11-3-2 12 2. University of North Dakota, 435 (5) 1 13-4-2 12 3. Minnesota State University, 412 3 13-4-0 12 4. Harvard University, 393 (9) 5 9-1-2 3 5. Michigan Tech University, 358 4 13-3-0 7 6. Miami University, 319 7 11-5-0 12 7. UMass Lowell, 277 8 10-3-3 10 8. University of Minnesota, 263 6 9-4-1 12 9. University of Vermont, 261 10 13-3-1 8 10. University of Minnesota Duluth, 256 9 12-6-0 6 11. University of Denver, 200 11 10-5-0 10 12. University of Nebraska Omaha, 160 (1) 12 10-4-2 6 13. Bowling Green State University, 94 14 11-3-2 4 14. Colgate University, 44 13 9-6-1 12 15. Quinnipiac University, 43 15 10-5-1 7 Others Receiving Votes: Boston College, 27; Providence College, 25; Merrimack College, 20; Yale University, 10; Robert Morris University, 9; Union College, 1. Notes: The USA Today/USAH Magazine Men's College Hockey Poll is on hiatus until Monday, Jan. 5 ... A total of 21 schools received votes in this week's poll ... The National Collegiate Hockey Conference has five ranked in this week's poll. ECAC Hockey, the Hockey East Association and the Western Collegiate Hockey Association each have three. The Big Ten Conference has one ... This season's previous polls can be found here. About the Poll: The 20th annual USA Today/USA Hockey Magazine Men's College Hockey Poll is conducted each week in conjunction with the American Hockey Coaches Association. The poll includes input from coaches and journalists representing each of the six NCAA Division I ice hockey conferences, as well as composite votes from officers of the AHCA and USA Hockey. U.S. Junior Select Team Blanks Switzerland, 7-0, in Opening Game of 2014 World Junior A Challenge Angello Nets Four Points in Preliminary Round Game and Schierhorn Makes 26 Saves for Shutout Victory KINDERSLEY, Saskatchewan — The U.S. Junior Select Team defeated Switzerland, 7-0, in its opening contest of the 2014 World Junior A Challenge. Goaltender Eric Schierhorn (Anchorage, Alaska/Muskegon Lumberjacks) stopped 26 shots for the shutout, while Anthony Angello(Manilus, N.Y./Omaha Lancers) lead the U.S. with four points (1-3). “I thought we had a really good team effort tonight,” said Jay Varady, head coach of the U.S. Junior Select Team. “We had a lot of contributors on offense  and defense, as well as a great outing from our goaltender.” For a complete recap, click here. Team USA is back in action tomorrow afternoon against Canada East. Puck drop is at 4:30 p.m. ET, and a game live stream is available here. Check USAHockey.com for complete Team USA coverage at the 2014 World Junior A Challenge. For in-game updates, follow @USAHockeyScores and use #WJAC2014.

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On this date in 1901, "The Tale of Peter Rabbit," by Beatrix Potter, was printed for the first time.

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The Tampa Bay Juniors take part in the USPHL's Southern Winter Showcase in Ellenton this coming weekend. On Thursday, December 18th, the Elite Juniors meet Richmond at 7:45pm. On Friday, the 19th, the Elite team plays East Coast at 1pm and the Empire team plays Hampton Roads at 7pm. On Sar=turday the 20th, the Elite team plays Hampton Roads at 9am, while the Empire team hooks up with Richmond at 1pm and Atlanta at 8pm. Then, on Sunday the 20th, both teams play Atlanta. The Elite game starts at 2:30pm and the Empire game at 3pm. (All times are EST.) All games will be available for viewing at Fasthockey.com. Admission to the showcase is $25 for the weekend, or $10 a day. Children 12 and under get in free.

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On this date in 1912, the first postage stamp to depict an airplane was issued was a 20-cent parcel-post stamp.

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Calvillo to resume Als career as an offensive coach.

Smith staying with Stamps.

Please visit the league's official website, http://www.cfl.ca.

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NEW ON DVD - Released December 16

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
The Maze Runner
This is Where I Leave You
Magic in the Moonlight
Peter Pan Live!
Americans: Season 2
Arrested Development: Season 4

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Tampa, FL. -- During his weekly Monday press conference with reporters today, Buccaneers head coach Lovie Smith confirmed DT Gerald McCoy (knee), Austin Seferian-Jenkins (back) and WR Louis Murphy (ankle) will all be placed on season-ending injured reserve.

Read the rest here.

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Paris’ famous and gargantuan Louvre Museum is slated to undergo an overhaul to make it less likely for visitors to get lost. [For example, they’re getting rid of the corn maze.]

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Corvallis, OR. --Gary Payton II joined his father Gary Payton as the only Beavers ever with triple-doubles as the younger Payton scored 10 points, grabbed 12 rebounds and dished out 10 assists as Oregon State routed Grambling State 71-43 Monday at Gill Coliseum. The elder Payton had 20 points, 14 rebounds and 11 assists vs. Portland on Nov. 26, 1988.

Read the rest here.

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Everyone dies, but a new study says feeling sprightly might suggest a person has more time left than people who feel their age or older. Older people in the UK who felt at least three years younger than their chronological age were less likely to die over the next eight years than those who felt equal to or older than their actual age.

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Yay! It's my new classroom!

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You're reading the Johnny Blog. Almost as much fun as celebrating Rod Pedersen's birthday, isn't it?

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Today in Elvis History:

1956 - Elvis Presley made his 50th and final appearance on "Louisianna Hayride." 

1957 - The Memphis Draft Board announced that Elvis Presley would be receiving his draft notice soon. 

1957 - Elvis Presley purchased a Santa sleigh and eight reindeer that became a regular holiday decoration at Graceland. 

1961 - Elvis Presley's soundtrack to "Blue Hawaii" reached #1 on the album charts. It remained at #1 for 20 weeks. 

1973 - Elvis Presley recorded the song "Promised Land." 

1978 - The reissue of "Elvis' 40 Greatest Hits" hit #40 in the U.K. 

2004 - It was reproted the Lisa Marie Presley would keep Graceland but sell the bulk of the Elvis estate. The deal, worth approximately $100 million, included the rights to the Elvis Presley name and image. The agreement stated that Elvis Presley Enterprises Inc. would sell 85 percent of its assets to businessman Robert F.X. Sillerman. The new publicly traded name would be called CKX Inc.

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A passenger on a Chinese airline flight opened an emergency exit door to get a breath of fresh air as the plane prepared for takeoff. The crew immediately closed the door and changed the man’s seat.

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Today in Beatles History:

1972 - Paul McCartney’s single, "Hi, Hi, Hi," was released.

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TV TONIGHT: ELF: BUDDY’S CHRISTMAS MUSICAL - This new animated special is based on the popular film Elf and the hit Broadway show Elf: The Musical. Jim Parsons (The Big Bang Theory) stars as Buddy. The voice cast also includes Mark Hamill, Ed Asner, Fred Armisen, Jay Leno, Matt Lauer, and Gilbert Gottfried. (8p ET, NBC)

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Today in Sports History:

1929 - The Chicago Blackhawks played their first game at Chicago Stadium. They beat the Pittsburgh Pirates 3-1. 

1972 - The Miami Dolphins became the first NFL team to go unbeaten and untied in a 14-game regular season. 

1973 - O.J. Simpson broke Jim Brown’s single-season rushing record in the NFL. Brown had rushed for 1,863 yards, while Simpson became the first NFL player to rush for more than 2,000 yards when he attained 2,003 yards in a single season. 

1979 - Roger Staubach (Dallas Cowboys) played his last regular season game. The Cowboys came from behind to win the game in the last five minutes. 

1990 - Warren Moon (Houston Oilers) threw for 527 yards against the Kansas City Chiefs. 

1991 - The Tampa Bay Lightning and Ottawa Senators were officially granted membership in the NHL. 

1995 - Fox-TV aired a fight between Mike Tyson and Buster Mathis Jr. Tyson knocked Mathis out in the third round. The fight brought in Fox's highest Nielsen rating to date. 

2001 - The Detroit Lions won their first game of the 2001-2002 season against the Minnesota Vikings. The Lions, after the win, had the record 1-12. 

2001 - An instant replay decision led to a bottle-throwing melee in a game between the Cleveland Browns and the Jacksonville Jaguars. The decision disallowed a catch by the Browns with 48 seconds left in the game. The Jaguars won the game 15-10. 

2006 - During a game in New York, a fight occurred between multiple players for the Denver Nuggets and the New York Knicks. Ten players were ejected from the game. The NBA suspended several players and both teams were fined $500,000.

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On this date in 1951, NBC-TV debuted "Dragnet" in a special preview on "Chesterfield Sound Off Time". The show began officially on January 3, 1952.

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Coming Up:

Tonight --

NHL Hockey -- Tampa Bay Lightning at Philadelphia Flyers 7:00pm EST

Wednesday --

Nothin' Doin'

Thursday --

USPHL Elite Hockey -- Tampa Bay Juniors vs Richmond Generals 7:45pm EST

Friday --

USPHL Elite Hockey -- Tampa Bay Juniors vs East Coast Eagles 1:00pm EST

USPHL Empire Hockey -- Tampa Bay Juniors vs Hampton Roads Whalers 7:00pm EST

NHL Hockey -- Tampa Bay Lightning at New Jersey Devils 7:00pm EST

Saturday --

USPHL Elite Hockey -- Tampa Bay Juniors vs Hampton Roads Whalers 9:00am EST

USPHL Empire Hockey -- Tampa Bay Juniors vs Richmond Generals 1:00pm EST

NHL Hockey -- Tampa Bay Lightning at New York Islanders 7:00pm EST

USPHL Empire Hockey -- Tampa Bay Juniors vs Atlanta Junior Knights 8:00pm EST

Sunday --

NFL Football -- Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs Green Bay Packers 1:00pm EST

USPHL Elite Hockey -- Tampa Bay Juniors vs Atlanta Junior Knights 2:30pm EST

USPHL Empire Hockey -- Tampa Bay Juniors vs Atlanta Junior Knights 3:00pm EST

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