The Great Montana Defection of 2006
With the Billings Bulls, and Helena Bighorns leaving the NAHL, it appears that the Icedogs will be joining forces with them to reform the old AWHL. I can't say I'm overly familiar with that specific league or its alumni, but I
believe that it does pose some interesting aspects to the game of hockey. If it does manage to reform, the AWHL would do anything but spell the demise of hockey in the mountain state. The regional aspect of the game may boost support for the franchises. While attending the games here in Bozeman, and the one I went to in Billings I noticed the largest section of fans were local Montanans proper. Not too many transplants at these games. Well, not seemingly from the larger western states such as California, and
Washington. Not really the hockey types, it almost seems like those individuals
prefer their homes on the hill, or the snotty confines of transplated wine bars and yuppie sub-urbanite lounges. I acutally recall one fine game when one of the interesting transplants decided to seat herself in front us this season. I believe she and her husband lasted about a period before our vulgarness chased her away.
Regardless, I'm all for the regionalization of most any economics. I've been a long time advocate of bioregionalism (yep, dating back to my old days under John Wadland at Trent University), and I
figure why not include hockey under that umbrella. With these continent wide hockey leagues we often lose the little teams that carry with them such individuality and civic/town pride. I've uploaded a couple of logos from the old AWHL, including Fernie (BC), Butte, Great Falls, and orginal Helena logo. Maybe with a little more concentration on the local aspects of hockey in Montana, junior hockey support can establish a greater base. A bedrock to link itself to, if you will. In such an entity, there could readily be places for towns like Livingston, Missoula, Kalispel, and Miles City to participate. Smaller is better in many cases, and this could be one of those times.
As far as facilities go here in Bozeman, undoubtedly Budwieser will buy up the Valley Ice Gardens and convert it into its lovely warehouse. This does pose a problem. Budwieser does this often in markets it does not control. By flooding the market with deeply discounted products they seek to eat up the market and knock out its competition. In the case of this region, it includes Bozone, Madison River, Wolf Pack (although rumour has it they're already moving), and Neptune. This is sick and sad. Support your local breweries, simply stated they make better beer.
Martel is also rumoured to be looking into the construction of brand new ice facility for the Bozeman community. This is by all measures a great idea. The present ceiling/roof at the Valley Icegardens is far too low. They could also clearly use a better accoustic configuration, and a tad better of a scoreboard. A major money maker, the club and vip seats should also gather more attention. The lack of adequate bathroom facilities is another issue that should be addressed. Lastly, its distance from the population base of Bozeman is also a concern. Perhaps teaming up with the University might help some planning and land purchasing concerns.
Quick Notes on the NAHL
In news I just recently discovered, the NAHL appears all but gone from the state Montana. The recent inability of the Billings Bull to sign a new agreement to play in the massive Metra Park arena has had clear implications to the future of junior hockey in the state. The NAHL board also approved the relocation of the Helena Bighorns to Taylor, MI starting next season. This leaves the Icedogs without instate opponents. The NAHL responded by firing back that because of insane travel distances, the Icedogs will most likely not play in NAHL again. Sad, especially because they finished second to Texas Tornado in the cup. The Valley Ice Gardens appear closer to being sold by owner Mr.Martel. A cronic money-loser, the arena has been on the selling block for a several years. A deal appears close with a prospective buyer who convert the gardens into a cold storage unit for Beer. This clearly puts hockey in jeopardy for Gallatin Valley. Good-bye Blackhawks, good-bye Hellcats. Nothing is certain yet about the Ice Gardens, but the future of the NAHL in Montana seems to nothing but the past.
More thoughts on Moby Dick
Still working my way through Moby Dick. Heck of a book to be looking at outside of class. Interesting thus far, but still doesn't seem to be holding the attention that Early Modern and Resoration Period in English literature. It's great on its own level. Clearly reminsicent of Frankenstein, but much more masterfully written.
In the first hundred pages the most clear image that stands out is Ishmael's view of the universe. Mapple and his speech from the pulpit, and its clear symbolism of God leading the boat with all of humanity in it. It is beautifully painted scene by Melville and strikes some brilliant mental pictures of New Bedford's ecclectic community. I can picture the interior of a church not too dissimilar to the one I viewed in Lunenburg, NS almost a decade ago. The dark and forbodding aspects of the air inside that ancient building seem to ooze across the pages of Melville's masterpiece. Dark but fascinating and inviting.
Stanley Kunitz Passes On
America's poet laurate passed away this week. At 100, he lived a fantastic life. Reading the NY Times article on the man, I came across a quote I believe to be extremely important to put up on this blog. As a writer, I couldn't agree more with this statement:
"Poetry is ultimately mythology, the telling of stories of the soul," he wrote. "The old myths, the old gods, the old heroes have never died. They are only sleeping at the bottom of our minds, waiting for our call. We have need of them, for in their sum they epitomize the wisdom and experience of the race."
Thanks Mr. Kunitz.
On the Move Again.
We just rented out a new place this afternoon. Even smaller than the last. We seem to be downsizing, which makes sense. I plans hold up, there will be a required move across continent, and the less stuff we have the better. It's a little closer than the last to campus, and its at least not up hill. After my working experiences in Bozeman, I'm pretty much done with the community. You would figure they'd embrace the Bobcat presence in their town, but instead they shun it at best, or openly hate it at worst. Sad really. Without the 12,000+ students and jobs for locals, this town wouldn't be much. That might be better than what it's becoming. Either way, not altogether too important. Our rent is cheaper, we're closer to MSU, and in no time we'll be moving on.
Quick Thoughts on the End of A Run
The 'Dogs finished second last night in their Robertson Cup final match against the Texas Tornado. Appeared very much like the offense left Dalton out to dry, as they failed to score more than four goals in any of the matches during the tourney. I couldn't bring myself to watch the awarding of the trophies to Texas. Not out of any disappointment for the 'Dogs, they did well and finished in the position they should have. I simply recall the grace with which the Tornadoes have carried themselves with all season. I had desire to watch a repeat of the men's final four crescendo. I have no room in sports for poor winners. They are for all intents and purposes worse than poor losers. Class men. Class. I won't be watching the Texas Tornadoes as any indication of that.
Sunshine on Green Gallatin Valley
Another beautiful spring day here in the Gallatin Valley. Spent a couple of bucks greasing up my bike chain yesterday, and enjoyed a little football tossing in Bogart Park. The Icedogs are rolling into the Championship game this evening, and if the season series has anything to illustrate about this game, things don't boad well for them. Dalton has carried them on his back their first two games, but this clearly can't last forever. We need a little offence.
Last semester proved rather successful GPA wise, and Emily and I spent as much time as our free internet connection would allow us, looking at Condos and Co-Ops in Downtown Detroit. All in all, its not that far off. Graduate School at Way
ne State, would be hardly anything to complain about. Not to mention the beauty of those buildings in the old Paris of the Midwest. What can I say, be broke in an area as sought after is nowhere to near as nice as making it in the Motor City. The poverty out here in Rocky Mountain west can be rather distressing. This is only made worse by the tight-fistedness and greed of many of the money holders. Honestly, I've rarely seen anything like the way that business owners in Bozeman cling to their money. It's their sick little god. To many of them, the university and its students are a nasty little mess they have to deal with. Probably more like they can't abuse them readily as they abuse the impoverish, under-education element of Bozeman's populace.
Don't think this is the same case throughout the whole state of Montana. Most of these people seem like the transplant type from California and/or Washington State.
Still working away on Moby Dick. Fascinating book. Little different undertaking a book of its depth and reputation without the framework of an university course. But, its still nonetheless worth doing. The cannibal harponer is a fascinating creature. Enjoying.
Some thoughts on Moby Dick, the Icedogs, and Water
Just started reading Moby Dick this afternoon, and have to say that I've really connected with the first chapter. Ahab's discussion on how people are so drawn to water really struck a chord with me. I miss my Saturday and Sunday mornings lounging around on Windsor's waterfront and watching the countless freighters and sailboats drift by. It was simply amazing who blue the Detroit River looks on some summer days. Easily that was the most fantastic part of life the city. I've traded that view in for the one I now have of the Bridger, Hylite, and Tobacco Root Mountains. I'm almost starting to want a refund. The mountain tax hits you hard, and somehow those white cap beauties never seem as serenly awe-inspiring as when I first arrived some two years ago. Maybe that's just nostalgia for you. Water though is beautiful, and without it I at times feel at least a little lost.
"
Go visit the Prairies in June, when scores on scores of miles you wade knee-deep among Tiger-lilies - what is the one charm wanting? Water - there is not a drop of water there!"On a much more cheery note, the Icedogs keep a rolling. Propped up by MVP goaltender the 'dogs got past Cleveland in their first game. In honour of that first win, I'm posting some pictures I snapped at the Valley Ice Gardens earlier this season. March I believe.
Beowulf, Translations, and Women
Just finishing up Reading Heaney translation of Beowulf. If you haven't read this guy yet, you really have to. The man captures the story so beautifully. I had the misfortune of recently reading the Longman English Anthology's version. It was lackluster to say the least. It was clearly an abridged version. What is fantastic about Heaney's is the Old English text appearing on the opposite page. I'm fascinated with linguistics, and as such love looking at the old language written down. Watching the difference between the beat patterns is fascinating (OE beat pattern / / ^ / /). As far as the women are represented in this epic is interesting. Think about Grendel's mother, and daughter of the Spear-Danes. Without men power figures they clearly seem to resemble the wild women/witch type figure we see in Medea. Did Classical societies (Greek and Roman) have so much contact with Germanic societies that they could cause some cross-cultural archetypes to appear? Little bit of backing up of one my personal favourites Carl Jung? I think so.
As a bit of a sidenote, here's a link to the recent Canadian Film based on Beowulf:
www.beowulfandgrendel.comNever sure how to feel on the film industries adaptation of books. This looks brilliantly shot, and on its own is propably a fun story to watch. The lines from the movie don't really match up with text (either of the translations I've looked at). That I find sad. All in all though, it appears visually stunning. Filmed in Iceland I believe. Still don't think it could match up with a scop singing the original epic. That I would love to hear some day.
Icedogs and the Robertson Cup
Yesterday morning the Icedogs departed their mountain enclave for the grassy flats of Ohio to participate in the Robertson Cup Championship Tourney. The Bourne cup champs rode in style all the way to Billings and were paraded through the length of Main Street by a Police Harley escort. Scenes somewhat remeniscent of Slapshot. Small town hockey support. Not really anything I witnessed before living in the Motorcities. Goaltender Matt Dalton is up for two awards as the MVP of the league and rookie of the year. Coach LaFontaine is also up for coach of the year. I had the pleasure to interview both of them for the Exponent. Great guys, couldn't have hoped for two better nominations. The awards will be handed out tonight prior to the start of the tournament.
The Icedogs are ranked number one entering competition, and as such will face off against Cleveland. There should be a good number of Bozeman households tuned in tomorrow to witness the first game. Go Dogs Go.
Hammering on Some Ringing Rocks
Just a little ways outside of Butte, MT there is cool structure of rocks that rings like a bell when struck with either a hammer or another rock. The girl and I spent or first Sunday afternoon off visiting this crazy little place. I'll post some pictures of when they get developed. Really crazy place, still no sure what the deal is with them. If you remove a rock from the pile then the rock simply doesn't ring. Just a usual little rock. Pretty cool place to spend an entertaining afternoon. As I was poking around it, I realized the view up there would be just awesome at night. Camping up there, pretty sweet. Little dry though, so the whole campfire deal might be a little hit and miss. Take the Pipestone exit, and its about a 20 minute drive straight back.
From Windsor to Bozeman in a Handbasket
After all the classes I've taken at Montana State University, I've decided to put up a blog to just merely discuss life in and around the interesting town of Bozeman, MT. After being here for almost two years, I'm starting to feel that a running commentary may pose some interest. Well, interest to my self anyhow. Being a literature major, I'm sure I'll supply some commentary on my present reading. It's summer break now, so it's all pleasure for me. Read away and Cheers.
believe that it does pose some interesting aspects to the game of hockey. If it does manage to reform, the AWHL would do anything but spell the demise of hockey in the mountain state. The regional aspect of the game may boost support for the franchises. While attending the games here in Bozeman, and the one I went to in Billings I noticed the largest section of fans were local Montanans proper. Not too many transplants at these games. Well, not seemingly from the larger western states such as California, and 
Washington. Not really the hockey types, it almost seems like those individuals 
prefer their homes on the hill, or the snotty confines of transplated wine bars and yuppie sub-urbanite lounges. I acutally recall one fine game when one of the interesting transplants decided to seat herself in front us this season. I believe she and her husband lasted about a period before our vulgarness chased her away.
figure why not include hockey under that umbrella. With these continent wide hockey leagues we often lose the little teams that carry with them such individuality and civic/town pride. I've uploaded a couple of logos from the old AWHL, including Fernie (BC), Butte, Great Falls, and orginal Helena logo. Maybe with a little more concentration on the local aspects of hockey in Montana, junior hockey support can establish a greater base. A bedrock to link itself to, if you will. In such an entity, there could readily be places for towns like Livingston, Missoula, Kalispel, and Miles City to participate. Smaller is better in many cases, and this could be one of those times.
