Saturday Night Hockey: On A Lighter Note

Since last week was pretty morbid, it'll be nice to lighten the tone this week.

Orebro HK Fans Support Player's Mother

(Image via Aftonbladet)

In a recent interview, Orebro HK player Jared Aulin mentioned that his mother was currently diagnosis with cancer. As a result of the news, the fans of Orebro HK showed up at their next home game with a banner supporting Mrs. Aulin's fight again cancer. Aulin (who has dealt with hardships of his own) thanked the fans for their support in an post-game interview, saying "What the fans did today...I don't think I've ever seen that in sports"

The San Jose Make-A-Wishers

When the Make-A-Wish Foundation gets involved with sports teams it's usually along the lines of what happened in February when Jonathan Toews granted 4-year-old Nicholas Skretkowski's wish (hang out with the players,  maybe practice with the team and tickets to a game). The San Jose Sharks upped the ante on Tuesday, as not only did Sam Tageson got to hang out with the team during the day, he even got to skate out during the pre-game warmup and stand on the blueline for the nation anthem.

*sniff* did it just get dusty in here?

Putting The Back(dat)up In Backup Goalie

Last Saturday, Shannon Szabados made her SPHL debut with the Columbus Cottonmouths. It didn't end well for the Cottonmouths though, as they would lose 4-3 to the Knoxville Ice Bears. While Szabados was focussed on the game, the Cottonmouths backup (and regular starter) Adam Loewen decided to use his free time to join the cheerleaders and moscot in The Wobble.

Lineup Notables

Ottawa Senators vs. Dallas Stars

Ottawa: Craig Anderson (shoulder) is questionable. Robin Lehner starts this afternoon
Dallas: Rich Peverley (heart) and Shawn Horcoff (upper body) are out. Kari Lehtonen is expected to start.

Montreal Canadiens vs. Toronto Maple Leafs

Habs: Brandon Prust (upper body) and Josh Gorges (hand) are out. Carey Price will start.
Leafs: Paul Ranger (head/neck) and Jonathan Bernier (groin) are out. James Reimer is in net.

Carolina Hurricanes vs. Winnipeg Jets

Carolina: Joni Pitkanen (heel) is out while Ryan Murphy (upper body) is questionable. Cam Ward might start.
Winnipeg: James Wright (ankle) and Grant Clitsome (back) are out. Al Montoya should be in net.

Calgary Flames vs. Edmonton Oilers

Calgary: David Jones (shoulder), Markus Granlund (upper body) and Dennis Wideman (upper body) are out. Karri Ramo starts.
Edmonton: Jesse Joensuu (high ankle sprain) and Anton Belov (oblique) are out while Nail Yakupov (ankle) and Jordan Eberle (knee) are questionable. Viktor Fasth will start tonight.