Does this look like the face of a guy who had a Hat Trick on Future NHL Hall a famer Dominik Hasek!!!

Ryan Vesce is prepared for battle!!

Just a little summary on who my boy Ryan Vesce had a Hat trick against the other night!!! NO BIG DEAL, just another day at the office.

Dominik Hašek is a Czech ice hockey goaltender currently playing for HC Spartak Moscow of the Kontinental Hockey League. (same league as Ryan Vesce)


In his 16-season National Hockey League (NHL) career, he played for the Chicago Blackhawks, Buffalo Sabres, Detroit Red Wings, and the Ottawa Senators. During his years in Buffalo, he became one of the league's finest goaltenders, earning him the nickname "The Dominator". His strong play has been credited with establishing European goaltenders in a league widely dominated by North Americans.

Hašek was one of the league's most successful goaltenders of the 1990s and early 2000s. From 1993 to 2001, he won six Vezina Trophies, and in 1998 he became the first goaltender to win consecutive Hart Trophies. During the 1998 Winter Olympics in Nagano, Japan, he led the Czech national ice hockey team to its first and only Olympic gold medal. The feat made him a popular figure in his home country and prompted hockey legend Wayne Gretzky to call him "the best player in the game". While with the Red Wings in 2002, Hašek became the first European starting goaltender to win the Stanley Cup.In the process, he set a record for shutouts in a postseason year.

Hašek is considered an unorthodox goaltender, with a distinct style that has labeled him a "flopper". He is best known for his concentration, foot speed, flexibility, and unconventional saves, such as covering the puck with his blocker rather than his trapper.
Hašek is the only goalie in NHL history to win the Hart Memorial Trophy twice (most valuable player). He holds the highest saving percentage in all time career (92.23%)  and the highest saving percentage in a single season [8] (1998–99) (93.66%).

Hašek is regarded as a future Hall of Famer by those in the hockey world. At the time of his retirement, he was the oldest active goalie in the NHL at 43, and the second oldest active player in the league after Red Wings teammate Chris Chelios, who was 46. Hašek announced his retirement on June 9, 2008, but on April 21, 2009 he announced a comeback to professional hockey and signed a contract with HC Pardubice of the Czech Extraliga. On June 7, 2010 he signed with Spartak Moscow of the KHL

4th win in a row!!!

                                            Joachim Holten Møller scores first goal in 2 years!!


Things are looking good so far.  Our team still hasn't played its best hockey yet, which is a bit scary considering we've won our first 4 games. Tuesday was a close game that resulted in 3-2 win. Plus it was against my old buddy Steve Birnstil, which made it that much better.  It was 2-2 but with just over 2 minutes remaining in the game I came across the blue line, hit the breaks and saw my Dman coming in late. I hit him with a hard pass and he didnt hesitate and fired one into the back of the net, scoring his first goal in 2 years!!!! We all piled up on him and at first I didnt realize why everyone was so excited. I mean of course I was happy that we took the lead with 2 minutes left in the game, but what I didnt know was it was "Juuks" first goal in the league in 2 years.  It wasn't a game where we played the full 60 minutes, but in the end we came away with a "W".  Mission accomplished!!!

Feeling a bit better.

So I ended up playing the last game that we won 4-0. The team played really well and my line had 2 of 4 goals, but I was held off the score sheet. My groin felt ok but its still a bit weak and Ive been getting therapy everyday. Hopefully it will be 100% come tuesday for our next game. Currently we are 3-0 and in first place. The team is starting to look better and better as the games go on. Ive been playing really well and cant seem to get a break when it comes to scoring a goal. Like my dad says all the time you got to shoot to score Jason. So Im going to start being a bit more selfish and start shooting before I pass (in a good way).  Overall Im happy with my performance and will continue to do what Ive been doing, which is to help the team win every night.

Game tomorrow.

Our 3rd game of the season is tomorrow but I might be sitting this one out due to some lower back/groin problems. The last game we played I stepped on a players stick which knocked my groin out of whack. Got some therapy yesterday and will do the same today. Hopefully when I try to skate today at practice its 100%, if not I wont play. Groins are tricky injuries, the slightest discomfort restricts players from skating at top speeds and it will only make the injury worse. Ill keep you updated with the injury, but hopefully its just a minor set back. Sports injuries are bound to happen every year, you just always hope they dont happen to you. I mean I do turn 30 in April, so this old man doesnt recover like he did in his college days.

Boston you're my Home!!!

So Im here in Australia and Jenn is in Beantown . You might start to think that who is doing all the Unpacking , cleaning , moving, Sweating , struggling etc on our new condo . Yessss its Jenn . Well I got to admit Jenn has done an unreal job with the place. Its coming along slowly but can you blame here , she puts in 10 hour days at work. What is it that shes doing you may ask, something along the lines of trying to cure cancer. No big deal . So on top of working herself into the ground to Dana Farber , she comes home to a condo that needs to be organized. While I take pregame naps here in Australia . What a life ! I got this feeling that when I get home in April Jenn is going to have a list for me. Im very thankful for what my wife is doing with the place and it looks great. Here are some pics of the place.

Smiles around!!

left: Christian Moller our goalie,  right: Mick Jensen, my left winger.

Smiles on the bus ride home from our game, well Mick is.

Last night we played our 2nd game of the season and pulled off a 2-0 win. It was 1-0 after the first period where Dustin Vanballegooie (had taco night at his place) scored on the Power Play. Mick Jensen and myself were rewarded with apples (assist) on the goal. It was a high speed game and we kept our lead of 1-0 up until about 8 mins left in the third period where our Danish 1st line scored a power play goal, and from there our opponent Herning Blue Foxes had no chance. It was a successful game and coach was happy with our performance. 

Taco night at the Vanballegooie's!!!

Last night I was invited over to Dustin and Kirsten Vanballegooie's place for Mexican night. Dustin and Kirsten are from Canada and have been here for the past two hockey seasons. They have an awesome dog called Kane, that is a Swiss Shepherd. This dog is massive, but is the friendliest dog ever. Kane is a little older than a year and still acts like a puppy, from trying to steal food from the table to jumping on you, while he thinks hes still a "little" puppy. Dinner was unreal, Mrs. Gooie out did herself. I was really impressed with her cooking, and Dustin did an excellet job cleaning dishes hahah. Matt Macdonald and his Fiance Erin also enjoyed taco night, which im pretty sure Matt ate about 10 tacos. So if you are thinking, yes I was the fifth wheel, but I was very thankful for them inviting me over for an awesome dinner.  I used my Blackberry phone to snap some pictures of the meal and the Gooie's dog.

1st game 1st win!!

First off I just want to say thanks to all family and friends for watching the game on the Internet tonight.  For those who watched, it was a roller coaster of a hockey game as my buddy Kenny Turano told me a few minutes ago on skype, who watched it from work.  It was for sure an exciting game for the fans as they were entertained with 14 goals combined. At one point we had a 5-0 lead and it looked as though the game was going to be a breeze. Rolling into the 3rd period it was 6-3 us, and the very first shift they scored to make it 6-4. Two shifts later it was 6-5. At this point our team was a bit timid in making the plays that got us that 5-0 lead. Hockey is a funny sport sometimes. You get a lead like we did  5-0, you start trying different things and playing in ways that you usually don't, which in our case resulted in a much closer game than needed.  Overall I was happy with my play .I was on the ice for 5 of our 8 eight goals and came a way with one apple (assist).  The main objective tonight was to come away with a "W" and we did just that. Even though we won, its unacceptable to give up 6 goals in a hockey game. Last year this team averaged only 2 goals against the entire year.  Coach was a bit passive tonight on the bench, which is unusual, but later after the game I was told he was mike'd up because it was a TV game hahaha. 

Watch my game Live Firday Sept 17th

Its time to drop the puck (notice my left skate where the puck is, that's a face off win!!).

Here’s the link to the live-stream of our game on Friday Sept 17th, we play at 9pm, yes 9pm. That's 3pm for everyone back home on the east coast. This is our first regular season game which we will be playing at home in Vojens. If you decided to watch it I'm the smallest guy on the ice wearing #12.




The price is 39kr. about 8$

http://tv2sport.dk/node/63033



You will have to click the “Bestil Event” (thats in Danish) button, but you can google translate the page and it should be much easier. It seems pretty simple to do, Ive been to the site.

Best friend retires from hockey!!!

MEMORIES NO REGRETS!!!!

One of my best men at my wedding, Rich Hansen has retired from hockey. I can't imagine how I will feel when that day presents itself but I feel its closing in.  Rich was my best friend since we met in 1988 where we did practically everything together. He comes from a loving and supportive family and was recently married this past summer to his wife Courtney.  Rich will go on to do great things with his life where I know he will be successful. Rich is the kind of guy no matter the situation he will make you laugh. That's what life is all about, Living loving and laughing often and Rich does these to the fullest. I wish you the best of luck Rich in the future, while a new journey awaits you.

New rink to be ready in February.

The building attached to the new arena being built is our rink now.

Here you see the rink at present time (big building with white roof in middle of the pic). Much larger than our gymnasium of a rink to the left.

February is the set date when we will be playing in the new arena. The new rink will be only the 20th Ice Hockey Rink in all of Denmark (that's it!!!). Yeah, as of right now there is only 19 rinks in the country.  Here are a couple picks of the rink being built. Its actually moving along much faster than I anticipated. The rink is going to hold 5500 seats. It should be treat considering the rink we play in right now holds only 2500 people (all standing room).  How they get 2500 people into the rink is beyond me. If you walked into the rink and saw it you would say about 500 people tops can fit. Somehow, someway they fit 2500 people. They must pay off the Local Fire Marshals because Im pretty sure I saw a sign that said capacity 1000 people.

It feels something like this (below), if this train was our rink!!!!!

Zamboni breaks down, morning practiced canceled!!

(Not our Zamboni or rink)

Practice was canceled this morning due to the Zamboni breaking down on the ice.  I guess it will be fixed for tonight's practice, but this morning we hit the gym for a full body workout instead of an on ice session.

Regular season starts Friday Sept 17th

Last night was our last preseason game and it resulted in 2-0 win. It was a fast pace game that came down to special teams. We scored on the power play in the first period and held onto that lead until the last minute where my left winger Mick Jensen scored an empty netter to complete the game.  I was really happy with my play last night and overall the entire preseason. Personally I had 11 points in 5 preseason games, against other teams in our league. It should be an exciting year and everyone in the town is talking how they want us to win the Championship for the 3rd year in a row. Its a bit of pressure but after seeing other teams play, I truly feel that we have a great chance in winning it all again.  

Nordea bank account. Houston we have a problem!!

So I got set up with a bank account (Nordea) about 2 weeks ago and knew from the start, talking to the lady helping me that something was going to go wrong. First question I asked was, Is your website in English? She says, I think so. Hmmm I think so, well can you find out for me. Another lady comes over and uses the words, I believe so. I think so and I believe so, are the same ladies, as I think to myself. I just want to hear her say, Yes it is!!  So I decided to go with the second lady and her, I believe so.  My other question was, is this card going to work in Germany and other countries. I got a sold Yes!!! Still I was a bit skeptical and felt that her Yes was still, I think so!!
Off to Germany I go to get some groceries where its much cheaper and the entire 30 min drive I'm thinking that my Nordea Visa card isn't going to work. As I pile groceries into my cart and pull up to the check out, the cashiers says in German, 104 Euros Bitte (please).  I say, I will use my Visa Nordea card, while thinking to myself that its not going to work. Drum roll....... Yeap it didn't work. So I start to panic as Germans behind me in line are grilling me for holding up the line. I told the cashier that I will leave my stuff and be right back, I'm going to the ATM. I hurry back to the line, but still I'm Euroless. I got nothing I tell her. Luckily my buddy was shopping there too, so I grabbed him quickly while leaving my stuff with the cashier. At this point everyone in the line is taking there stuff off the belt and moving to another cashier. I get my buddy Matt and rushed back to the line where I see the cashier taking my stuff and putting it back on the shelves. Hey Hey Hey ..... She looks at me, like damn he caught me. I grab my stuff back and go through the process of re-checking all my stuff. Matt swipes his card. NOPE!!!! Now I'm sweating pretty hard.  Now I think of my wife, which is back in NY and what she would be saying to me. She would say take a deep breath and stop being such a stress case. The Cashier is NOT impressed by us foreigner's one bit. Luckily Matt had cash on him and he paid for me. 
So today I go back and tell the lady at my bank that my card didn't work. She says, ohh did you activate it. Ummm no, (although I should of realized all cards need to be activated before using. Partly my fault.)  she smiles and says yes we sent you information to activate your card. She says it was the yellow paper that was in Danish. I asked her if she thought I could speak Danish, she said no of course. So than I asked her if She thought I could read Danish, she said no.  I said do see why I have a problem here. She said her famous 3 words to me.... "I think so".  I'm not the smartest guy by any means, but throw me a bone here lady and help me out. Maybe I'm being a typical stubborn American, but isn't the customer always right hahahhaha ( I don't agree with that actually).

Line changes today. Meet Mick Jensen!!

Today my left winger Christoffer Kjaergaard was reunited with his old center and right winger from last year (still our team).  My new left winger is Mick Jensen. He is an awesome guy that has been on the Danish National team and won many Championships here in Vojens (see pic above).  Mick cracks me up though, because he is a bit of a germ-a-phobe. So knowing this I make it my goal everyday to piss him off by shaking his hand, than he proceeds to the bathroom to wash his hands. Yeah weird!!! Other than that Mick is a great guy and I'm excited to play with him (play hockey that is). Our most recent game where we won 7-2, and I had a goal and 3 assists. Mick was a key factor in my success. We should be a good match and hopefully continue to put some pucks in the back of the net.

Happy Birthday Nick Curato

Born Sept 5th 1984

Just wanted to say Happy Birthday to Nick from Denmark. Nick is my wife's brother who thinks that hes getting a boat from me as a gift. Its in the mail bud.

Hope you're enjoying your day of birth.

Team event was a blast.

Today our team went clay pigeon shooting  at some farm out in the middle of no where. It was a great time watching some of the guys shoot these guns because they were horrified that they were going do something wrong. Most of the guys were surprisingly good, considering they had never shot a gun before. When we got there, I was favored best shooter and I was nervous that I was going to be a flop. You know me though, when it comes to competition I bring my "A" game.  I was really rusty in the beginning but came on strong near the end going 5 for 6, 4 for 6, and 12 for 15. It was a fun time and I might go back on a day off with some guys to do it again.  After, we made or way back to the rink where we had a little BBQ. It was time to eat some ribs, but I'm always disappointed when eating ribs because there are NO ribs, I repeat NO ribs better than my wife's father Mike Curato's. I'm not just saying this to score brownie points, but in all honesty his ribs hands down can compete with anyones. Its was a great day, nothing better than Shooting some guns and eating Ribs.

This was the Shot gun I was using today. 12gauge Beretta

Game today, Clay shooting tomorrow!!

So I'm off to my home game today in about an hour where Ill be playing my buddy Steve Birnstill from my NU days, but tomorrow is what I'm really excited for. We have a team event where we are all going clay shooting. Being an avid hunter and understanding how to use a gun properly, I feel safe. However, I took a hard look around the locker room yesterday and about 15 of 22 guys, I WOULD NOT give them a gun to shoot. So it should be interesting to see what happens tomorrow at this event. 

Move in date has arrived!!!

Priceless!!!

Jenn just posted these pics on Facebook of my college buddies moving all our stuff into our new place. Somehow they found the box with all my Hockey Jerseys.

Lost 5-3.

Steve Birnstill at Northeastern University

Last nights game was a disaster from the start, plain and simple our team just wasn't ready. We looked tired and worn out. At one point we were down 5-0. Yeah coach was not a happy camper.  So we paid for it this morning at 9am. We did battle drills and skated for the entire 45 mins. It was brutal, considering we got home at 2am in the morning and I fell asleep around 330am, than made my way to the rink around 8am. UGHHHHH! Well I'm going to try to get some rest and prepare for what coach has planned for us at 5pm practice. Also we have a game tomorrow at 3pm, so hopefully he gives us a little slack this next practice.
The team we play tomorrow, has one of my good friends from college on it, Steve Birnstill. He was a D-man at NU and we've been trash talking each other all summer which team will be better. Hopefully we can beat him tomorrow so I can have some bragging rights for a bit.

Its official!!!

(Keys in Jenn's Hand)

                                       Jenn and I closed today.  Home Owners at last!!!!
                                                                 Boston here we come.

No cat for this guy, but I'll take a Golden Helmet!!!

I decided not to adopt a cat, but one of the import players on my team and his wife got a baby kitten. Ill just go over to his place if I want to play with the kitten. 
So tomorrow we have another exhibition game on the road. This team has come in second for the past two years, so there is lots of tension between that team and the team I'm on, considering they've won it the last 2 years.  Heyyyy ohhh!!  We're looking to win it 3 years in a row, and the rumor is that no European team has won 3 championships in a row. Trying to make history here in Vojens Denmark.  When you win the league, every player gets a golden helmet. Its pretty cool actually (see pic above of last yrs team after winning the championship).  Hopefully I can get myself one of these Golden helmets!!!