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  • AwesomeMania – Stomping Fest Where We Won’t Let Him STAY DEAD!!! * NSFW*

    AwesomeMania – Stomping Fest Where We Won’t Let Him STAY DEAD!!! * NSFW*

    Welcome to AwesomeMania!!

     

    Twitch Version:

    https://www.twitch.tv/videos/445145794

     

    Audio Version:

     

     

    Ben and Michael are back for another edition of AwesomeMania as they go over WWE and AEW News, plus some discussion in regards to WWE Stomping Grounds, the return of The Undertaker, Paul Heyman and Eric Bischoff’s new WWE roles, and AEW Fyter Fest Predictions. Plus Fantasy Booking returns as Michael and Ben book what they would do if they were Paul Heyman and Eric Bischoff in their new roles.

     

    Opening Music from https://filmmusic.io:
    “Motherlode” by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com)
    Licence: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

    This week’s episode was recorded on Thursday, June 27th, 2019

    Have a question you want answered on the show? Ask us! Comment on here or on one of our Social Media outlets, and we’ll answer it.

  • NWHL News and Notes – June 26th, 2019

    NWHL News and Notes – June 26th, 2019

    Today in the NWHL the Minnesota White Caps announced that they have re-signed Lisa Martinson for the 2019-20 season.

     

    IMG_20190626_151529

    Prior to coming to the Whitecaps Martinson played 126 games for St. Cloud State where she posted 19 points (7-12-19) for the Huskies. Martinson’s salary was not disclosed.

     

    All players will partake in the 50 percent cut of revenue from league sponsorship and media deals. Plus they will also receive 15 percent of revenue from apparel sold with their name on it.

    TXHT will continue to provide NWHL coverage as more signings are announced.

    *Graphics courtesy of the NWHL.

  • 2019 Hockey Hall of Fame Inductees

    2019 Hockey Hall of Fame Inductees

    Yesterday the 2019 hockey Hall of Fame class has finally been decided on and announced. This year’s class features one of the greatest Canadian women’s hockey players, a 2-time time Stanley Cup champion defenseman from Russia, a former Montreal Canadiens great, a Czech player who defected from the other side of the “Iron Curtain”, and two builders who helped build and shape their respective teams. Here at TXHT, we are proud to share with you the 2019 hockey Hall of Fame class which is:

     

    Haley Wickenheiser- the 7th Canadien woman to be inducted into the HHOF & a winner of seven world championships and four Olympic gold-medals

     

    Sergei Zubov- put up 888 career points in the NHL in 1,232 career games as a defenseman. Zubov also on the Stanley Cup twice once for the New York Rangers and on the second time for the Dallas Stars

     

    Guy Carbonneau- a three time Stanley Cup champion, once with the Dallas Stars in 1999 & twice with the Montréal Canadiens in 1986 & 1993. Carbonneau was also a three time Selke trophy winner as the league’s best defensive forward

     

    Vaclav Nedomansky- was the first European player to deflect from the other side of the “Iron Curtain” started in the World Hockey Association and went on to record 278 points in 421 NHL games with the Detroit Red Wings, St Louis Blues, and Rangers. Also helped Czechoslovakia win the silver medal at the 1968 Olympics & win the 1972 World Championships

     

    Jim Rutherford- known for being the longtime general manager of the Hartford Whalers/Carolina Hurricanes and Pittsburgh Penguins. Rutherford went on to win the Stanley Cup Championships As a general manager in 2006, 2016, & 2017

     

    Jerry York- known for coaching college hockey programs such as Bowling Green and Boston College to five national titles and currently has the most wins of any active NCAA Division I men’s hockey coach.


     

    Congrats to the class of 2019… very well deserved class of all time greats!

  • Brooks Orpik Announces Retirement After 15 Seasons

    Brooks Orpik Announces Retirement After 15 Seasons

    Today Washington  Capitals defenseman Brooks Orpik announced his retirement after playing for 15 seasons.

     

    Orpik, who was drafted 18th overall in 2000 by the Pittsburgh Penguins, would spend the first 10 seasons of his career with the Penguins before signing with the Capitals on July 1st, 2014 to a five year contract.

     

    With both the Penguins and Capitals Orpik would capture two Stanley Cups, the first coming in 2009 with Pittsburgh when they defeated the Detroit Red Wings in seven games. Then with the Capitals in 2018 when they defeated the Vegas Golden Knights in five games.

     

    On the International stage, Orpik represented the United States on multiple occasions, including the IIHF World Junior Championship in 2000, the 2006 IIHF World Hockey Championship as well as the 2010 and 2014 Winter Olympic Games. Orpik was a key defender on the 2010 US Olympic Team as they would win silver in Vancouver that year.

     

    Statement from the Washington Capitals: 

    “On behalf of the entire Washington Capitals organization, we would like to congratulate Brooks on a terrific NHL career. Throughout his tenure in the league, Brooks epitomized leadership and hard work. He had a tremendous influence on his teammates both on and off the ice and was instrumental in helping us capture our first Stanley Cup. We thank Brooks for the impact he had across the organization and the Washington, D.C., community over the course of five seasons and wish him, his wife Erin, and daughters Harlow and Brooklyn all the best.”

     

    Orpik’s impact in Washington was felt by all, and the love and support from his teammates was evident as some of his teammates had the following to say about him.

     

    Alex Ovechkin

    “Batya was a great leader in our locker room and was so important for us to win our first Stanley Cup. We will miss his presence in the room and on the ice. Not only was he a great leader and a player, but he was a better person. I’m so happy I had a chance to play with him and for our young guys to have had the chance to learn from him. I want to wish him, Erin and his kids the best. We will miss him and the Batya protein shakes!”

     

    Nicklas Backstrom

    “Brooks was one of the best leaders I’ve had the chance to play with in my career. It is difficult to find a better teammate, and a player who worked harder and enjoyed the game as much as Brooks. We all learned from Brooks and he made his teammates better every day. It was a pleasure playing with him and I wish him and his family all the best.”

     

    John Carlson

    “I had the great opportunity to see up close how impactful Brooks was for our team. Spending time as his defensive partner and playing alongside Brooks was something that I will always cherish. He showed his teammates the importance of hard work, accountability and always being there for your team every time he stepped on the ice. We all learned from Brooks; he was our role model and he made us better. I wish him and his family all the best!”

     

    We here at TXHT would like to congratulate Brooks Orpik on a fantastic NHL career, and that we wish him the best in everything he does in the future.

     

    *Feature Graphic courtesy of the NHLPA

  • NWHL News and Notes – June 24th, 2019

    NWHL News and Notes – June 24th, 2019

    Today in the NWHL both the Boston Pride and Minnesota Whitecaps re-signed players for the 2019-20 season.

     

    First for the Pride they re-signed defender Lauren Kelly to a one year contract.

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    Kelly becomes the fifth defender to sign with the Pride for the 2019-20 season. She will also be entering second season with the team.

     

    Then the Whitecaps re-signed Brooke White-Lancette to a one year contract.

    IMG_20190624_104647.jpg

    White-Lancette will be entering her second season with the Whitecaps in the NWHL and 16th overall with the franchise.

     

    Both players did not have their salaries disclosed.

     

    All players will partake in the 50 percent cut of revenue from league sponsorship and media deals. Plus they will also receive 15 percent of revenue from apparel sold with their name on it.

    TXHT will continue to provide NWHL coverage as more signings are announced.

    *Graphics courtesy of the NWHL.

  • 2019 NHL Entry Draft Recap- Round 1

    2019 NHL Entry Draft Recap- Round 1

    My fellow Hockey fans, we are now officially in phase one of the NHL offseason! Tonight begins round one of the 2019 NHL entry draft. This is considered to be one of the most deepest draft classes in recent memory highlighted by superstar prospects in American born center Jack Hughes & Finnish winger Kappo Kakko. Each of these two prospects are capable of turning around a teams misfortunes and help speed up the process of becoming a Stanley Cup contender again. Jack Hughes is expected to be your prototypical number one center who can create plays, score goals, pass, defend, and can overall make his teammates better players. Kappo Kakko on the other hand really showed how capable he can be as a superstar goal scorer at the National Hockey League level as he showcased his abilities at the IIHF 2019 World Championships. While these two are expected to be generational and franchise changing players, this draft class also shows there are other players that have excellent abilities that could help a franchise improve their depth in a big way. Let’s take a look at the draft results:

    Draft Results:

    1. Devils – Jack Hughes, USNTDP

    https://twitter.com/NJDevils/status/1142225278455799809?s=19
    2. Rangers – Kaapo Kakko, TPS (Finland)


    3. BLACKHAWKS – Kirby Dach, Saskatoon (WHL)


    4. Avalanche (via Senators) – Bowen Byram, Vancouver (WHL)


    5. Kings – Alex Turcotte, USNTDP


    6. Red Wings – Moritz Seider, Adler Mannheim (Germany)


    7. Sabres – Dylan Cozens, Lethbridge (WHL)


    8. Oilers – Philip Broberg, AIK (Sweden)


    9. Ducks – Trevor Zegras, USNTDP

    https://twitter.com/AnaheimDucks/status/1142237184675631104?s=19
    10. Canucks – Vasili Podkolzin, SKA (Russia)


    11. Coyotes (via Flyers) – Victor Söderström, Brynäs IF (Sweden)


    12. Wild – Matthew Boldy, USNTDP


    13. Panthers – Spencer Knight, USNTDP


    14. Flyers (via Coyotes) – Cam York, USNTDP


    15. Canadiens – Cole Caufield, USNTDP


    16. Avalanche – Alex Newhook, Victoria (BCHL)


    17. Golden Knights – Peyton Krebs, Kootenay (WHL)


    18. Stars – Thomas Harley, Mississauga (OHL)


    19. Senators (via Blue Jackets) – Lassi Thomson, Kelowna (WHL)


    20. Jets (via Rangers) – Ville Heinola, Lukko (Finland)


    21. Penguins – Samuel Poulin, Sherbrooke (QMJHL)


    22. Kings (via Maple Leafs) – Tobias Bjornfot, Djurgårdens IF (Sweden)

    https://twitter.com/LAKings/status/1142259915353780224?s=19
    23. Islanders – Simon Holmstrom, HV71 (Sweden)


    24. Predators – Philip Tomasino, Niagara (OHL)


    25. Capitals – Connor McMichael, London (OHL)


    26. Flames – Jakob Pelletier, Moncton (QMJHL)


    27. Lightning – Nolan Foote, Kelowna (WHL)


    28. Hurricanes – Ryan Suzuki, Barrie (OHL)


    29. Ducks (via Sabres/Sharks) – Brayden Tracey, Moose Jaw (WHL)

    https://twitter.com/AnaheimDucks/status/1142268296395235330?s=19
    30. Bruins – John Beecher, USNTDP


    31. Sabres (via Blues) – Ryan Johnson, Sioux Falls (USHL)

     

    Analysis:

    This draft class as stated earlier featured generational stars and a lot of depth. Obviously Jack Hughes & Kappo Kakko will change the New Jersey Devils & New York Rangers each respectively in a HUGE way. It really could’ve went either way who would’ve went first or second. It just depended on what each team’s plans were. The Devils are looking to build their team with Center ice depth down the middle which has been the trend of teams that have won the Stanley Cup in recent memory. It definitely factored into them drafting Hughes number one. The Rangers on the other hand are looking to speed up their rebuild a little bit faster by adding a more polished product while Hughes may take a year to develop despite his higher overall talent ceiling. The fact that Kaako is more “NHL ready” falls in line with the Rangers plans of speeding up the rebuilding process which certainly factored into their decision. Tonight’s draft also featured a record-setting eight American first-round draft picks. Obviously, tonight was a great night for USA hockey overall and the national development program. There were some other picks within this round I really liked and one that shocked me being drafted highest:

    Chicago Blackhawks: I really like the Blackhawks drafting Kirby Dach. Other scouts have made comparisons of his game with Anaheim Ducks center Ryan Getzlaf. He has size like him, can score, and is a very great play maker. Dach also has the benefit of learning how to play a full 200 foot game in the NHL from a great center like Jonathan Toews.

    Colorado Avalanche– drafting Bowen Byram is a great choice as he has shown so far in his development he could possibly play in the NHL very soon with comparisons to a young Duncan Keith. He can potentially add a lot more to the Avalanche’s already impressive d-core with fellow youngster Cale Makar.

    Buffalo Sabres- The Sabres pick of Dylan Cozens is a pick I’m a big fan of. His game reminds me a lot of a young Ryan Kessler. Like Kessler, he plays a full 200 foot game, plays with a tough competitive edge, and also has a bit of a scoring capability like Kessler. He definitely has the potential of being a Selke trophy nominee or winner

    Detroit Red Wings- the Wings pick of German defenseman Moritz Seider at #6 was a big shock amongst other scouts and GMs as he wasn’t projected to be selected that high. Maybe Steve Yzerman knows something we don’t? Yzerman when he was a consultant with the Lightning had a lot of time to travel and scout a lot of these young players. Time will tell how this pick works out

    Washington Capitals: The Capitals with the 25th pick drafted London Knights Center Connor McMichael. From watching highlights, he really seems like he has a scoring touch with a nose for the net. McMichael has a nice release and is capable of shooting and scoring from anywhere. He also is very versatile and can play on the wing as well as a Center.

     

    What’s Next/Important Dates:

    NHL Free Agent interview period- begins this Sunday June 23rd

    2019-2020 Schedule Release: June 25th

    Restricted Free Agent Qualifying Offers due: June 25th

    Restricted Free Agent contact period: June 26th

    1st Buyout Period ends: June 26th @ 5pm

    NHL Free Agency- begins July 1st

  • NWHL News and Notes – June 21st, 2019

    NWHL News and Notes – June 21st, 2019

    Today in the NWHL the Buffalo Beauts have announced that they have signed highly skilled forward Brooke Stacey from the University of Maine.

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    Stacey will be entering her first season in the NWHL and with the Beauts. During her time at the University of Maine, Stacey registered 13 goals and 17 assists for 30 points in 36 games last season. Stacey’s salary was not disclosed.

     

    All players will partake in the 50 percent cut of revenue from league sponsorship and media deals. Plus they will also receive 15 percent of revenue from apparel sold with their name on it.

    TXHT will continue to provide NWHL coverage as more signings are announced.

    *Graphics courtesy of the NWHL.

  • New Rules Changes introduced for the 2019/2020 NHL Season

    New Rules Changes introduced for the 2019/2020 NHL Season

    After an interesting playoff with many controversial calls that affected so many outcomes of games, The NHL has decided to make a few rule changes for the upcoming season in hopes of making games better for both teams.

    3 sets of changes were made, Coaches Challenge, Penalty Review, and Other Changes.

    Coaches Challenge:

    EXPANSION OF COACH’S CHALLENGE

    NEW CATEGORY: In addition to Coach’s Challenge for “Off-side” and “Interference on the Goalkeeper”, a third category will allow for the Coach’s Challenge of goal calls on the ice that follow plays in the Offensive Zone that should have resulted in a play stoppage, but did not.

    This change will allow Challenges of plays that may involve pucks that hit the spectator netting, pucks that are high-sticked to a teammate in the offensive zone, pucks that have gone out of play but are subsequently touched in the offensive zone and hand passes that precede without a play stoppage and ultimately conclude in the scoring of a goal.  Plays that entail “discretionary stoppages” (e.g. penalty calls) will not be subject to a Coach’s Challenge.

    Coach’s Challenges for these types of plays (and for “Off-Side” Challenges) will only be available if the puck does not come out of the attacking zone between the time of the “missed” infraction and the time the goal is scored.

    PENALTIES FOR UNSUCCESSFUL CHALLENGES: The number of Coach’s Challenges that can be made will no longer be limited based on the availability of a team’s time-out.  Teams will be permitted to exercise a Coach’s Challenge at any time, but with escalating “consequences” for unsuccessful Challenges. The consequences of unsuccessful Coach’s Challenges will be made consistent across all three Categories of Coach’s Challenges: (1) minor penalty for Delaying the Game on a Club’s first unsuccessful Coach’s Challenge; and (2) double minor penalty for Delaying the Game for each additional Coach’s Challenge that is unsuccessful.

    The Situation Room in Toronto will continue to be responsible for initiating video review in the final minute of regulation time and overtime as well as continue to have final authority over all Coach’s Challenge video review decisions with input and consultation from both the On-Ice Officials and a former Official staffed in the Situation Room.

    Penalty Review:

    REFEREES REVIEW OF MAJOR/MATCH PENALTY CALLS AND DOUBLE MINOR HIGH-STICKING PENALTIES

    MAJOR & MATCH PENALTIES: Referees will be required to conduct an on-ice video review for all Major (non-fighting) and Match Penalties they assess on the ice for the purpose of: (a) “confirming” the penalty; or (b) “reducing” the penalty to a two-minute minor penalty.  Referees shall not have the option to rescind a called penalty altogether.

    The Referees will be provided with all available video to review their own calls but will not otherwise consult with the NHL Situation Room with respect to their review.

    DOUBLE MINOR FOR HIGH-STICKING: Referees will have the ability to conduct an on-ice video review to confirm (or not) their original call on the ice, and, in particular, whether the stick causing the apparent injury was actually the stick of the Player being penalized.  The Referee’s review of all High-Sticking/Double-Minor Penalties will be discretionary and not mandatory and will be conducted without consultation with the NHL Situation Room.

    Other Rule Changes:

    OTHER APPROVED RULE CHANGES

    HELMETS: Subject to further consultation with the NHL Players’ Association on precise language, a Player on the ice whose helmet comes off during play must (a) exit the playing surface, or (b) retrieve and replace his helmet properly on his head (with or without his chin strap fastened). A Player who is making a play on the puck or who is in position to make an immediate play on the puck at the time his helmet comes off, shall be given a reasonable opportunity to complete the play before either exiting the ice or retrieving and replacing his helmet. Failure to comply with the above will result in a minor penalty being assessed on the offending player. A Player who intentionally removes an opponent’s helmet during play shall be assessed a minor penalty for roughing.
    LINE CHANGES FOR DEFENSIVE TEAM: The defensive team will not be permitted a line change when a goalie freezes the puck on any shot from outside the center red line. Similarly, if the actions of a skater of the defensive team cause a stoppage by unintentionally dislodging the net from its moorings, the defensive team will not be permitted to make a line change. In both of these instances, the offensive team will have the choice of which end zone dot the face-off will take place.

    FACE-OFFS FOLLOWING AN ICING & TO BEGIN A POWER-PLAY: Following an icing as well as at the beginning of any power-play, the offensive team will have the choice of which end zone dot the face-off will take place.

    AWARDED GOAL: If the goal post is deliberately displaced by a goalkeeper during the course of a “breakaway”, a goal will be awarded to the non-offending team.

    PUCK OUT OF BOUNDS: When the attacking team is responsible for the puck going out of play in the attacking zone, in all instances, the face-off will be conducted at one of the two face-off dots in the attacking zone.

    It will be interesting to watch as these rules come into effect and what part they will play in game outcomes. As of right now, it’s a start but we will revisit this later in the season to see if it has made any difference at all.

  • X75 Unsanctioned – Season 2 Debut!!

    X75 Unsanctioned – Season 2 Debut!!

    X75 goes Unsanctioned!!

     

    YouTube Version:

     

    Twitch Version:

    https://www.twitch.tv/videos/441922444

     

    Welcome to the Season 2 debut of X75 Unsanctioned with Michael Lindenbaum!!
    It’s been a good while since the last time we did this show and to kick start the second season of the show Michael is playing some Horizon Zero Dawn on PS4.

     

    Want to see Michael and his friends play a certain game? Let us know and we’ll put it on the list of games to play.

  • NWHL News and Notes – June 20th, 2019

    NWHL News and Notes – June 20th, 2019

    Today in the NWHL, we had one announcement today that Boston Pride has re-signed forward McKenna Brand for the 2019-20 season.

    IMG_20190620_110135

    Brand, who will be entering her second season with the Pride and the NWHL, scored 6 goals and 11 assists for 17 points in her rookie season in 2018-19, and ranked fifth overall in scoring in the NWHL. Brand’s salary was not disclosed.

     

    All players will partake in the 50 percent cut of revenue from league sponsorship and media deals. Plus they will also receive 15 percent of revenue from apparel sold with their name on it.

    TXHT will continue to provide NWHL coverage as more signings are announced.

    *Graphics courtesy of the NWHL.