GOLD!!!!

I have been fortunate enough to see the U.S.A. Men's Olympic Hockey Team win the Gold Medal twice.  The 1980 win was exciting, the U.S. defeated the former Soviet Union, and then went on to win against Sweden to take the medal.  A bunch of college kids snagged Gold on the biggest world stage.

Today's win was well earned. Now NHL level athletes, the guys in the red, white, and blue fought off a very talented Canadian team. Connor Hellebuyck's goaltending was insane! The OT goal by Jack Hughes sealed the deal for the U.S.  I'm sure Johnny Gaudreau is smiling up on that big ice rink in the sky.

Congrats to Coach Sullivan and the entire staff.  Great job by all the players to get the win.  You guys earned it!

Big shout out to the ladies team for taking Gold in their 2-1 over Canada.  Way to go!!!!

Congrats to all the U.S. athletes that earned medals.  Your years of hard work paid off.  For those who didn't get any medals, you are among an elite few that can say you were/are an Olympian.  Hold your head high!  You did yourself, your family, and your country proud!

Finally, Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo, you put on one heck of an Olympic Games. It was very enjoyable.  I say well done!!!!

Not Quite There

I just not going to make it.  I'm going to come up a bit short I'm afraid.  I am currently finishing up one of the twins but that will still leave me five to go (counting the emperor).  While I had hoped to complete the Primarch Project by the end of the year, it's just not going to happen.

Unfortunately, I've been super busy.  I also have had some health issues that have set me back some.  So it looks like a few of the lads and their dad will have to wait a bit.  Reunion 2018 is going to happen!

Pittsburgh Pens are struggling.  Hopefully, Coach Sullivan can get the guys back on track.

A new Panda Express opened up near where I live.  I went there last week.  Loved it!  A ton of really good food for the money.  Excellent service!  Plan to go back soon.

Adios, Amigos!

It's always sad to see players from the sports teams that you love get traded.  To you the fan, these players are a big part of the reason why you enjoy the team and the sport itself.  The Stanley Cup Champion Pittsburgh Penguins are no exception.  A bunch of the guys that Pens fans have cheered their hearts out for years are gone.  So long guys and thank you for all of your hard work, hustle, leadership, no-quit mentality, and for doing the black and gold proud.

Exiting the Pens:  Marc-Andre Fleury, Kris Kunitz, Matt Cullen, Trevor Daley, Nick Bonino, and Oskar Sundqvist.  It appears that recently acquired D-men, Ron Hainsey and Mark Streit won't be back either.  You guys will be missed.  There would be no Stanley Cup in the 'Burgh without all of you.  To the fans here in Pittsburgh, you will always be Penguins!  We will miss you.  Best of luck with your new teams!!!

So next season, Pens fans will see some new faces and have to learn some new names,  That's how it will be.  We will welcome the new guys and welcome back the vets.  Coach Sullivan and company will have the boys in black and gold ready to play.  The puck will drop and a new season will begin.  I can't wait!  Let's Go Pens!

WRONG - Wouldn't Be The 1st Time

A while back I blogged about Geno Malkin becoming the captain of the Pittsburgh Penguins.  I went on to say that Crosby's time had come and gone.  Could I have been more wrong????  Sorry Sid!  Please forgive me for my stupid remarks.

Since those remarks Crosby has become the hottest thing on two skates and the Pens are on the march into the playoffs.  Since Geno went out with an injury, the Pens are 10 and 1.  I don't know what that says about the big Russian.

Certainly the new guys have made an enormous impact.  Kudos to Jim Rutherford for making great trades.  The guys from Wilkes-Barre have done an outstanding job stepping up.  No more "Baby Pens" in that group.  These guys are legit NHL hockey players.  Last but not least Coach Sullivan has got the Penguins playing at a very high level.  Let's Go Pens!!!!

I have enjoyed watching the Pens while knocking back a couple of Negra Modelos.  This lager beer from Mexico is outstanding.  I love its sweet Dunkel style taste!!!  If you haven't tried it...give it a shot!  I've been turning a lot of friends onto this lately.  None have seemed disappointed.

For Christmas I was given a set of Cygnar Jacks and Warcasters from a special someone in my life.  I don't collect any metal miniatures, but the young lady didn't know this.  Since she is wonderful and was excited to give them to me I decided to keep them, build them, and paint them.  I finished the last of them today.  All-in-all the group turned out well.  I tried to keep loyal to the Cygnar theme while including some ideas from my friend.  I hope to get a pic or two up with the next entry.