Written by: Paul Kukla
Hello, my name is Paul Kukla and I am a hockey fan. A fan of the game for over 45 years.
How could I turn down an invitation to write a blog at a website called Hockey.com? I wish I would have grabbed that domain name, but who in the world would have thought it was even available!?
Some of you may know me as the owner of Kukla's Korner, some of you may have read my weekly blog at NHL.com. Some of you have no idea who the heck I am so please allow me to introduce myself.
Fact: My real name is Paul Kukla
Fact: I never played the game
Fact: I am a Detroit Red Wings fan
Fact: I am also a fan of the game
Fact: Every game should be broadcast in high-definition
Fact: I am not a journalist, even a self-appointed one
Fact: I have met many NHL players, coaches, GMs, etc. I have met many of the national main stream media (MSM)
Fact: A little over three years ago, I had no idea what a blog was
Fiction: Blogging is easy, anyone can do it.
Fiction: I can write lies, since I am my own boss.
Fiction: I can get free tickets to any NHL game I want to
Now for some questions you may have..
Why would I want to read what you have to say? Good question Paul, and getting this far into my first blog is a good sign. I hope to bring to you the view of the game you normally don't read about on a day-to-day basis. I write my blogs on the same day they are posted, I attempt to write as you would, if you had the opportunity to do so. I am a fan first, always thinking about what may be on your mind and writing about from the perspective of a hockey fan.
Do you have a full-time job? Yes, this is it and to be truthful, the more you work, the more you have to work. I put in about 75-80 hours a week but doing something you love has always been my goal in life, and I have reached that goal.
How often will you blog for hockey.com? Plans right now call for me to blog at least twice a week. If you heap tons of praise on me, maybe they will call it Kukla's/Hockey.com!
Can I contact you? Sure, my email is pk@kuklaskorner.com
Why are you blogging at Hockey.com? Another good question Paul! There are a few reason, first of all, I don't get the opportunity go do much blogging at Kukla's Korner. KK has become a great resource to inform fans of what is going on in the hockey world, so I normally don't express my views there, rather, I depend on the KK readers to comment and express their views. I do have a few bloggers at KK and I want to be just like them, so how could I pass up this opportunity.
At my NHL.com blog, I touch on many subjects and blogging at Hockey.com is another opportunity for me to do more of the same, perhaps even a little more cutting edge. But I won't turn into a "critical blogging machine", that is just not my style.
Weekly Observations
The Flyers, Senators and Canadiens must get their goaltending situation settled quickly. Philadelphia has been struggling lately, and are considered "iffy" for a playoff spot. Someone needs to get hot in a hurry or else they just may be watching from the first tee in mid-April.
The teams from Ottawa and Montreal have to establish their #1 goaltender in order to feel comfortable going into the 2nd season. I have my doubts about Carey Price, who may become a great goaltender but right now may have a few holes that need to be patched up in a hurry.
Panic in Detroit? Nope! The Wings will be just fine, it may take them until mid-March to find their game again, but they shall return! Mike Babcock will make sure of it, have no fear Detroit fans, patience is a virtue, mark my words.
Is it me, or has Cliff Fletcher aged about two years in the last two weeks?
Sean Avery has been too quiet, the bloggers are depressed, no one to quote and write about. Come on Sean, say something, anything!
Who is the next, recently traded player to have a great first game for their new team?
Jim Hughson is the best TV play-by-play man in the game today. I could watch any game he broadcasts!
Brian Burke reminds me of my father, even though he is only a year older than me. Why is that?
My only UFA rumor... Mats Sundin will be linked to about 16 teams come July 1st. You see, that was easy, anyone could do that!
I tried out those heated blades... Should have removed my rubber blade guards before activating the heat!
I am hoping for a Detroit/Montreal SCF. Can you imagine the great picture of Gordie Howe and Jean Beliveau dropping the ceremonial puck!
It is great to be blogging for Hockey.com. I hope you return on a regular basis and look forward to your comments, suggestions, etc.
Paul