Bring them back! NHL jerseys that need to be revived

July 24, 2013 / Rich Sports Talk / Leave a comment

With the zombie craze sweeping the nation, it made me think what NHL jerseys should rise from the hockey graveyard and be worn again? While I am glad that most teams are going back to more traditional uniforms instead of crazy designs, I still think there are a few looks that should grace the ice once again. Here are five jerseys that the NHL should bring back right away.

While Buffalo has some classic jerseys, these were some intimidating threads

5) Buffalo Sabres- Ok Buffalo fans I know you’re not going to love this one but give me a second. I do love the current Sabres sweaters and I’m not saying they should be replaced, but I wouldn’t mind seeing the Sabres don these a few times a year. Come on they’re better than those “Buffalo” script jerseys. These jerseys had it all. The black, red, and silver created an intimidating sweater with a very good logo. Add in the cool shoulder logos with the saber and B and you had a great combination. This jersey also was the banner for a Stanley Cup final team, and would give the Sabres a great intimidation factor when these were put on.

The Stars have had a mess of uniforms. It’s time to go back to the basics.

4) Minnesota North Stars- With the mess of Dallas Stars jerseys over the past decade, including their new threads, maybe they should go back in time. Adopt the green, white, and yellow color scheme of old. Instead of being the “N” for North Stars maybe they could do an “S” or “D” with the yellow star. Hey no one has this color scheme in the NHL right now, and it would be a vast improvement over their new ugly sweaters.

It’s time to bring back a Canadian icon

3) Winnipeg Jets- The new Jets uniforms are incredible. However, they don’t have an alternate uniform. Instead of trying something new, why not wear the classic Jets jerseys. The combo of red, white, and blue is well-balanced. The old Jets logo with the hockey stick inserted into the script in front of the white background really pops. Hey this was a great jersey back in the day. Why not bring this back and bring back nostalgia for those older fans who had the original Jets in Winnipeg.

This jersey was the best jersey with the Ducks, maybe keep the jersey but adjust color scheme

2) Mighty Ducks- Boy these were classic. Hey they might have come from a movie, but the white Mighty Ducks uniform with the purple and green was awesome. Add in a cool logo and these jerseys were fantastic. Here’s what I’m purposing. The new Mighty Ducks uniforms look terrible with the Ducks script or the “D” web foot logo on the chest. Instead keep the color scheme of black, gold, and orange in the third jersey and insert the old logo. Hey A black jersey with the orange and gold highlights would make this logo really pop and bring back the best logo in the club’s history while maintaining their new colors.

Black and silver look great, but purple and gold would give the Kings a distinctive look

1) L.A. Kings- While I do love the kings colors of black and silver there is one problem. How many teams now have black in their color palette? A lot. However, no one has a gold and purple color scheme. Hey this was their original look, and would look great alongside their L.A. counterparts, the Lakers. There is something about purple and gold that just evokes royalty, and sophistication. With so many teams having black now incorporated, wouldn’t it be a fresh take if the Kings wore something unique that made them stand out? The Kings would have a look that no one else in the NHL could copy or duplicate. Plus, this crown logo is probably the best they’ve had. Hey, it’s tinsel town, shouldn’t gold be a color for all the glitz and glamour in L.A.? All I know is that I’d love to see the Kings bring these jerseys out of retirement, and bring some L.A. flavor back to the NHL.

Where are they now? Gordon Bombay: The Minnesota Miracle Man

July 17, 2013 / Rich Sports Talk / Leave a comment

From community service to legendary coach

In any relationship there is give and take. When it comes to Gordon Bombay and the game of hockey, it’s been a rocky but satisfying relationship. It’s had heartbreak; The death of his father, being pushed to far as a kid by a ruthless coach, and blowing out his knee missing out on his opportunity to play in the NHL. However, for all the blows that hockey has dealt, it’s the positives that Bombay is known for. Taking the worst team in Minnesota to the state championship, and having the U.S.A. junior team to pull off the major upset against the best team in the world, Iceland. After the Junior Good Will victory, Bombay shocked the hockey world when he accepted the American ambassador role for the Good Will games. “I felt that I could’ve helped more kids in need in that position. The Ducks had grown up and I knew that I needed to let them soar on their own. Was it hard? It was the most difficult decision in my life but in the end I knew I would always be there for the Ducks whenever they needed me”. After helping hundreds of kids, the games would come to a close in 1998 and Bombay would be out of a job. What to do? The Ducks were all grown up and had gone their separate ways. While in L.A. Bombay was one of the driving forces

As a coach Bombay helped establish 2 NHL franchises including the Mighty Ducks

behind Anaheim getting a pro hockey franchise. When they looked a namesake, they looked no further than Bombay’s team for inspiration and adopted the banner Bombay helped to create. Although, it’s no coincidence, after all Bombay was always great at persuasion from his lawyer days. After establishing a franchise in L.A., Bombay used his abundant free time to help bring back a franchise back to Minnesota. After the North Stars departed after the 1993 season, Minneapolis was without a pro franchise. Bombay would be one of the men who lobbied to get an NHL franchise back, and in 2000 the dream was realized. Since their inception Bombay has remained in the Wild front office and is in charge of the player development. When asked if he would ever return to behind the bench again, Bombay smiles and stays with a chuckle, “I’m retired”. However, I follow the Minnesota miracle man after he leaves the Wild facility. When he stop his black Lincoln on the edge of a sea of glass ice, he puts on a pair of skates and grabs his stick from the backseat. Then I look out through the frozen mist and see the Ducks, like apparitions gliding through the winter evening. The stop when they see their former protege and burst out in a joyous roar. Then I see the group that enthralled a nation, resume what they’ve been doing for years, flying across the truth. Then I remember those famous words that Bombay once said and know that it is really true. Ducks will always fly together!

Where are they now? Ricky “The Wild Thing” Vaughn

July 14, 2013 / Rich Sports Talk / Leave a comment

The “Wild Thing” tattooed his unique legacy on the classic game

Like a cowboy in the wild west, when Rick Vaughn stared you down through those spectacles it made even the toughest man quiver in their boots. Is it because he can hurl an object at your head at a hundred miles per hour? Or that he could he beat you to a pulp in the blink of an eye? The answer is yes to both. When Ricky Vaughn broke into the Majors in 1989 he was raw power. A fastball that sat at a 100 MPH was his weapon of choice, the problem is he had no idea where it was going. With control problems garnering him the infamous nickname “The Wild Thing”, it wasn’t until Vaughn was given a pair of horn spectacles that he truly became one of the game’s elite. Armed with a fastball he called “the terminator” he helped to bring respect back to the Indians organization. After one of the best seasons as a rookie pitcher, Vaughn struggled in 1990 when he tried to “reinvent himself” by trying to improve on his secondary pitches and cleaning up his “bad boy attitude” It was a roller coaster season that led to Vaughn being demoted to the bullpen after a drop in velocity and sub par secondary pitches. However, in the Playoffs Vaughn found his velocity and attitude to once again become a force in the World Series. However, Jim Taylor decided to keep Vaughn in the bullpen, a decision he openly admits was a mistake, as the Indians would lose game seven while Vaughn, now the closer, never got into the game. The next two seasons Vaughn would win 20 and 21 games and helped the Indians to two more World Series appearances. But After the third consecutive World Series loss, Vaughn’s career would take a sharp down turn. On the way to the 1993 Spring Training, Vaughn crashed his Harley while doing a 120 MPH on the freeway. The accident caused severe head trauma and tore his rotator cuff. After rehabbing for a year and a half it looked like Vaughn would be able to join the Indians late in the 94 season, but the baseball strike that season brought that dream to an end. The late 90’s were not kind to Vaughn as he missed more time off the field with altercations, injuries, and

After years of turmoil Vaughn has found peace, for now

suspensions. These included bar fights off the field, failing drug tests, and suspended by the Indians for inappropriate “staff” relationships. After the 1999 season the Indians refused to resign Vaughn citing the off the field issues and a severe drop in velocity. With no other teams offering him a contract, Vaughn did what every washed up ball players does, head to the broadcast booth. This turned into a disaster when his constant swearing lead to a disagreement with Joe Buck. Vaughn would punch him live on TV in the face for “not shutting up” according to Vaughn. The Wild Thing has remained true to his namesake in the first decade of the twentieth century. With three different arrests including one for driving his Harley across the field during an Indians game, wearing only his sunglasses and a pair of underwear. After a second stint in rehab it looked like Vaughn was on the right track. But just as mysteriously as he arrived in the big leagues, he vanished. No one knows where Vaughn is these days, but he maintains a twitter account with over five million followers. It seems that Vaughn has been traveling around the country on his Harley occasionally posting a bizarre tweet or picture, just like last week when he posted a picture of himself giving a McDonald’s employee a wedgie. The reason? Apparently he wouldn’t give Vaughn a free meal for being a “celebrity”. Wherever he is one thing is for sure, he will always be the bad boy of baseball. “Wild Thing” you made baseball interesting.

How Superman became Kryptonite

July 7, 2013 / Rich Sports Talk / Leave a comment

From packing a punch to punch line

For the third time in three years Dwight Howard finds himself with a new team. It’s been a roller coaster career for the 27-year-old NBA star. From being the baby face star in Orlando, going to L.A. to make a west coast dream team, to becoming the diva of the NBA. For the past three years Howard’s antics and comments have made him go from the superhero of basketball, to the Lex Luthor of Houston. Outside of The Big Three in Miami, Howard is probably the most hated player in the NBA. How did this happen? When you force your way out of the franchise that drafted you by mocking the head coach and fan base that will tend to put you on people’s bad side. Then Dwight Howard went to LA to become a Laker phenom, which lasted only a year. Once again Dwight complained about the coaches, not being the focal point of a team with Kobe Bryant, and once again ridiculed yet another fan base. Is Dwight trying to be a villain? I think he’s trying too hard not to be a role model. Now the Howard road show will be heading to Houston. They say everything’s bigger in Texas, so naturally it might be the only place that can handle the NBA’s largest ego. While Houston has the talent to now become an NBA title contender, they need Howard to finally realize his full potential. There is no question that he is one of the greatest physically specimens in the game right now whose bursting at the seam with raw talent. However, for all of his physical gifts, Howard has never become the dominant player he should be. When at the top of their games big men like Shaq, Ewing, and Duncan couldn’t be stopped and took over the game. Howard is still a soft player who despite his physical prowess isn’t a bully in the paint. Maybe the third time will be the charm and Howard will become the force NBA scouts always dreamed about. If Houston wants a title, that is the Dwight Howard they need. The only drawback is that Howard brings more baggage then the Kardashian sisters going on vacation. The question is how long will Dwight Howard behave or be committed? Will this experiment only last a year and will he alienate himself from this fan base? When thing is for certain. Dwight Howard will always provide a show whether it’s on or off the court. Whether he’s throwing down a monster dunk, or participating in the Dwight Howard reality show on E, it’s going to be entertaining in Houston. Can someone pass the popcorn?

Where are they now? Benny “The Jet” Rodriguez

July 7, 2013April 9, 2015 / Rich Sports Talk / 5 Comments

Benny Rodriguez still has a major role in the game he loves

“Heroes get remembered, but legends never die”. These were the words that Benjamin Rodriguez lived by growing up. A simple yet powerful phrase that constantly reminded him that he could always be better.

Growing up in the San Fernando valley just outside of Los Angeles, Rodriguez didn’t play but lived the game baseball. With a Dodgers cap atop his head Rodriguez spent as much time as he could on the diamond. From sun up to sun down, if you wanted to find Benny just go to the ball field. His longtime friend Scott Smalls described Rodriguez’s obsession in an interview saying “Benny would have played ball day, night, rain, shine, tidal wave, whatever. Baseball was the only thing he cared about”.

After finishing high school as one of the top prospects in the nation, Rodriguez was drafted by his favorite team, the Los Angeles Dodgers, in the second round. It didn’t take long for Rodriguez to impress to Dodgers brass. Tommy Lasorda recalls the first time he saw Rodriguez on the field. “We were playing a inter-squad game in Vero Beach that spring and I remember Rodriguez lacing a single and then preceding to steal second and third. Then I saw the lead he was getting off of third and thought there’s no way he’s crazy enough to steal home. When he swiped home I just looked at my staff and their mouths were on the floor. After that day I knew we had a star in the making”.

By the age of 20, Rodriguez was hitting leadoff for the Dodgers and leaving his mark on baseball history. When he was 22, Rodriguez earned his nickname, Benny the Jet, by setting the Major League record for stealing home in a season. That year Rodriguez swiped home a record seven times, while hitting .355, and stealing a total of 71 bases. With Rodriguez’s unique 5 tool set, he helped the Dodgers win two World Series Championships, became a three-time MVP, and 11 time all-star. Sadly, “The Jet” was grounded before he reached pinnacle.

In pursuit of Ty Cobb’s infamous 54 home steals, Rodriguez was just two away from tying the record when he tried for number 53. This time as he slid toward home plate his right knee would connect with the catchers shin guard, his knee buckled. From that day forward Rodriguez never made a full recovery and never stole home again. Being only 31 at the time, it was only a matter of time until Rodriguez would have broken Cobb’s record.

Despite the injury Rodriguez would play for three more seasons. With his range crippled, the Dodgers moved him to first base where for two seasons he belted 45 home runs and hit for a .300 average. Despite this, the declining Rodriguez seemed destined to be moved to the American League to be the DH for the remainder of his career. However, Rodriguez wanting to only play for the Dodgers and realizing how far his skills had declined abruptly retired at 34. When he retired he had 1,301 stolen bases, 52 of which were home,with a career batting average of .317, and 396 home runs.

Retirement was tough on Rodriguez because for the first time in his life he wasn’t playing. “At first I just couldn’t handle it. I was in a dark place for a while without baseball. I tried to separate my self from the game, but I was depressed. Heck, Smalls even tried to get me in the booth, but that just wasn’t for me”.

After years of internal turmoil, baseball brought Benny back. After being given the manager’s job for the Las Vegas 51s, the Dodgers former Triple A team, Rodriguez realized that he had found what he was supposed to do. “I realized that I could make a difference in young players lives and loved the challenge”. Now the hitting coach with the Dodgers Rodriguez’s latest triumph is the Dodger’s latest phenom, Yasiel Puig. “It’s easy working with him, I’ve never seen a player with so much talent and a love for the game. It’s easy to work with someone who loves the game so much, and he reminds me of myself when I was playing”. When asked about the possibility of leaving for a managerial job Rodriguez replied “I’d never leave this organization. I was born a Dodger, I’ll die a Dodger”.

Benny the Jet will always have his place in Dodger history and in Cooperstown. One thing is for certain, this is one legend that will never die.

Diamonds in the rough: 5 players the Jets should sign

June 27, 2013 / Rich Sports Talk / Leave a comment

With training camp closing in the Jets still have many holes on this roster. Luckily here are five free agents still available who can help them for 2013.

5) Sione Pouha DT/NT

The Jets defensive could use this veteran

While the Jets did release Pouha earlier this year, the fact that he is still available should make the Jets bring him back. If the Jets could bring him back at minimum value, this could be a great signing. While Pouha does bring with him health concerns from last season, when healthy he is one of the NFL’s best run stuffers. With the Jets failing to address the nose tackle position and with a lack of depth after Sheldon Richardson, if the price is right the Jets should take this risk.

4) Dallas Clark TE

The Jets need help at TE

While hey may be old, Dallas Clark can catch a football. With the Jets receivers struggling to catch balls, and a depletion at tight end, Clark could be a versatile piece in the west coast offense. While he may not be an every down tight end at this stage in his career, he could be used in passing situations. Cumberland and Winslow aren’t exactly sure bets at tight end, so why not bring in a veteran who can also help the development of the young Jets quarterbacks.

3) Vonta Leach FB

Leach could bring some pound back to ground and pound

Ok what do the Jets do when they have the ball? Ground and pound! Ever since Tony Richardson retired the Jets have had a gaping hole in their rushing attack without a capable fullback. With the Super Bowl Champions releasing arguably the best fullback in the NFL, I’m shocked the Jets haven’t made an offer to Leach. A three-time pro bowler and all pro, Leach has helped Ray Rice become one of the most dangerous backs in the NFL. Listen the Jets QB situation is a problem, but the running game has serious potential. Why not give the running back bigger holes with Leach plowing ahead in front of them. The Jets need to ground and pound and adding Leach could help the Jets get back to number 1 in rushing in the NFL.

2) Braylon Edwards WR

With the Jets desperate for receivers Edwards could provide some depth

To say that the Jets are thin a wide receiver is a gross understatement. With Santonio Holmes will probably miss the start of the season with his injury, and the rest of the receiving core can’t even catch the ball in mini camp. Outside of Jeremy Kerley the Jets have nothing in the wide receiver department that warrants a threat. Unless Stephen Hill finally lives up to his potential, which I’m skeptical about this season, the Jets have a major problem. He may have some baggage but Braylon Edwards has had his best success in green and white. A physically gifted receiver who does have his warts, Edwards would be a cheap option with a lot of upside. Edwards has chemistry with Mark Sanchez and is at a point in his career where he needs to play well or face the threat of being out of the league. Look the Jets need a receiver, so why not bring one that’s had success in green and white and that would be a cheap option.

1) Kerry Rhodes S

It’s time to rebuild a burned bridge

Ok, ok I know this is a long-shot but hear me out. I understand that the Rex Ryan and Kerry Rhodes relationship was a tumultuous one at best, but it’s time to make amends. Chocolate, flowers, whatever it takes because like it or not these two need each other. Kerry Rhodes needs a place where he can be an aggressive safety and a place to get his career back on track. Rex Ryan’s job is on the line, so why not improve his defense. At the age of 30 he’s still got plenty left in the tank and adding him to the secondary would make the Jets a top secondary in the NFL. If the Jets are going to compete in 2013 they’re going to need a top 5 defense, and unless Rhodes is added it will be much more difficult to achieve this. Do you agree? Who else should the Jets look at? Comment below.

Rich Sports Talk

Tackling the biggest and latest stories in the sports world.

Sports Media