Summer NHL Research Via YouTube

September 4, 2009 – Larry Gasik

To me – the off season is hell. I love watching games, and following news, but in the off season, I get bored. Therefore, I look more at the players and learn about them through interviews, what they’re like away from the ice, and so on. And it really is great because for the most part, they’re just the same as you and me, but with more money. They’ve got families, cars, and other hobbies that they like to discuss.

I took some time over the past few days and just learned about the players personalities by just watching some videos on YouTube.

Mark Bell who is not a stranger to bad news over his career talked about the then recent DUI arrest in San Jose, in addition to how inspired he is by his nephew who has a brain disorder. Further research on my part says Bell claims that the incident in San Jose opened his eyes, and has been sober since. He has been invited to the Flyers’ training camp.

Fan favorites Alexander Ovechkin and Mike Green aren’t strangers to having fun before games. I’m sure most of us have seen the video with the descending door and cart. Makes you realize that these guys are just kids.

I’m going to think that he gets a lot of heat from these types of interviews. I’m not really into fashion, but Vesa Toskala clearly is, showing off his suits, hats and… purse? He carries a purse? Yeah, I’m sure Burke likes that kind of toughness on his roster!

During a preseason game in Las Vegas, there was a stoppage in play due to some glass being replaced. Well, no stranger to entertaining the fans and himself, Roenick decided to bust a move all the way back to his bench. Sad he had to retire, but he will not be forgotten.

Sean Avery – the most hated guy in hockey. Did you know he likes dolls? How about purses? He had an internship at Vogue one offseason. For a guy who has a reputation as a pest, there is no question that he has a life that he enjoys away from the ice. Would you like dating the super models he has? Who cares if they’re sloppy seconds? But what is interesting is he knows what he does, he knows the reaction he’ll get and he loves it!

Either way, it is now time to focus on the upcoming season. It has been a long off season and training camp is a few days away. Fans are going to get to see a lot of new faces and stars emerge. Can’t wait to see how this season turns out for the guys I listed above, and the rest of the players.