If a tree falls in the woods and no one hears it, does it make a sound?

Or, if The Stanley Cup Finals is on, but no one is watching, is the game really happening? Since the lockout year of 2004-2005, the NHL has gotten less publicity than it did when the game was not going on. The rules have been altered to make the game a lot better, but still no one is watching.

There are many problems with the NHL, the first one is the get the game out there. Gary Bettman needs to find their way back on a major cable network, preferably ESPN, but TNT, USA, TBS or even Spike would suffice. A Network people watch and is available to a majority. ESPN is the best option, They are the ALL-Sports channel with many channels under the ESPN umbrella. They can promote the game better through their outlets.

Second, the NHL has to market their Superstars. They need to be household names, much like NASCAR does.

Third, the game has to show people its fan friendly and not just a bunch of goons who fight on the ice. If it means banning fighting, so be it.

Fourth, Ticket prices need to be slashed, get people to the games, there is not a better game to watch live and that includes football. Make it affordable for a family to see the games, get the next generation into hockey.

Finally, the NHL needs better exposure. The league needs to go out on an all-around PR tour throughout the US. People have to know these are good guys, who play hard and stay out of trouble. They are more Role Models than say Michael Vick, let the public know that.

DUI Cheatem and How?

Why is it that Athletes and Celebrities have a major drinking and driving problem? If they are going to go out and have a few and even a few more, why can't they call a taxi, a limo or a sober friend? St. Louis Cardnals Pitcher Josh Hancock, legally drunk killed himself driving his car home from a bar early in the morning. All he had to do is make a little phone call to the Cardnals and before he could have blinked, someone would have been there to get him to where he had to go.

TV Celeb Ty Pennington was lucky no one was hurt, including himself last Sunday, drunk and driving. He apologized for his actions, but lets face it, he was lucky. How many Celebrities and Athletes drive home drunk? Too many. If they can't be responsible, maybe their "people" should be.

This has got to change or the next time I mention drunk driving, I will be talking about the next Josh Hancock.

The NFL Draft - An After Thought

I am one of the few people who actually enjoy the NFL Draft, I think it's quite interesting even though I will be the first to admit I have no idea who a majority of these guys are. I listen to all of the talking heads after the college season is over until the NFL draft begins. They all have their opinions, some better than others. But how can they grade someone's draft? Don't you think it would make more sense for them to grade the draft of 2 years prior?

This past season, Every talking head criticized The Eagles for trading down to take a Quarterback with their first pick (#40 in the Second Round - Houston's Kevin Kolb.) The Heads criticized the Miami Dolphins for taking Ted Ginn at 9 instead of Brady Quinn. The Talking Heads talked up certain players, it put it in the heads of Philly and Miami fans, who got suckered into listening and inturn booed these drafts.

The Eagles have done a nice job pf selecting players in the draft, through trades and free agency. They have made the playoffs 5 of the last 6 season. The Dolphins on the other hand, well, hopefully they will put things together.

Here's a look at the 2005 draft, lets grade it
Eagles: My Grade - B
1 31 Mike Patterson DT Southern California (An Emerging Starter)
2 35 Reggie Brown WR Georgia (#1 Receiver)
2 63 Matt McCoy OLB San Diego State (Decent Lineback)
3 77 Ryan Moats RB Louisiana Tech (A Bust)
4 102 Sean Considine SS Iowa (Solid Contributor)
4 126 Todd Herremans G Saginaw Valley (Starter, Solid Contributor)
5 146 Trent Cole DE Cincinnati (Solid Contributor)

Dolphins: My Grade - B+
1 2 Ronnie Brown RB Auburn (An Emerging Star, Breakout Potential)
2 46 Matt Roth DE Iowa (Solid Contributor)
3 70 Channing Crowder OLB Florida (Starter, Getting Better Every Game)
4 104 Travis Daniels CB Louisiana State (Solid Contributor)