Our opening story today has to be the Hockey Hall of Fame Class of 2008. The Hockey Hall of Fame, one the most prestigious honors that can be bestowed upon a hockey player - rates right up there with winning the Stanley Cup and receiving a UFA contract.
This year's class was composed of two players - Igor Larionov and Glenn Anderson, a "builder" - Ed Chynoweth, and a zebra - Ray Scapinello.
Larionov was a pioneer in Russian hockey, coming to the NHL in 1989. A three time cup winner with the Red Wings, Larionov was part of the famed ‘Russian Five’, which also included Sergei Fedorov, Slava Kozlov, Vyacheslav Fetisov and Vladimir Konstantinov. Larionov was also part of the much less popular "Russian Jive"... 
Larionov was in the news last week when Alex Ovechkin took his daughter to the NHL awards show. Not sure if they meet on the internet like Ovechkin and his last girlfriend. But anyway, congrats to Larionov, this is the most historic thing to happen to an Igor since the Mel Brooks film "Young Frankenstein"...
Glenn Anderson was a member of the Edmonton Oilers Dynasty of the 80s. He won the Cup six times in his career, five with Edmonton, once with the Rags. This selection is the biggest news for an Anderson since... 
On the opposite end of the spectrum, there were some hopefuls that didn't hear the phone ring this year.
Pavel Bure, the "Russian Rocket", failed to launch {snicker}.Bure is considered one of the fastest players to ever play in the league, he recorded back-to-back 60 goal seasons, and lead the league in goals twice.
Adam Oates, who recorded 1420 career points (15th all-time), was rejected yet again. His lack of playoff success, is the main reason he hasn't received the call.
Phil Housley was decline again as well. Housley was the All-Time leading scorer for an American born player until Modano broke it last season. Housely is a member of the United States Hockey Hall of Fame {snicker}.
The NHL Draft is tomorrow, and there is some news concerning it.
Philadelphia Flyers GM Paul Holmgren traded away all their draft picks to the "Pat's Steaks Midget A Hockey Team", for a cheese steak. The trade took place around 1:30PM yesterday, as Holmgren had missed lunch and had an early breakfast. He was quoted "It was just to good to pass up."
Tampa Bay will select forward Steve Stamkos first overall, no surprise there. The big surprise it that the Toronto Maple Leafs look to draft Romany Malco 7th overall, after seeing The Love Guru.
I'll finish with some trade rumors from my sources:
1. Tampa Bay is looking to trade Vincent Lecavalier to Pittsburgh for the rights to Jeff Taffe.
2. Toronto will trade the rights to Mats Sundin to Detroit for a photoshopped picture of the Leafs winning the Cup and an a game-worn Dominik Hasek sock.
3. Yashin may to return to Islanders-no joke.
That's it for the first ever edition to The Cross-Check, come back tomorrow for the second edition.
On the opposite end of the spectrum, there were some hopefuls that didn't hear the phone ring this year.Pavel Bure, the "Russian Rocket", failed to launch {snicker}.
Adam Oates, who recorded 1420 career points (15th all-time), was rejected yet again. His lack of playoff success, is the main reason he hasn't received the call.
Phil Housley was decline again as well. Housley was the All-Time leading scorer for an American born player until Modano broke it last season. Housely is a member of the United States Hockey Hall of Fame {snicker}.
The NHL Draft is tomorrow, and there is some news concerning it.
Philadelphia Flyers GM Paul Holmgren traded away all their draft picks to the "Pat's Steaks Midget A Hockey Team", for a cheese steak. The trade took place around 1:30PM yesterday, as Holmgren had missed lunch and had an early breakfast. He was quoted "It was just to good to pass up."
Tampa Bay will select forward Steve Stamkos first overall, no surprise there. The big surprise it that the Toronto Maple Leafs look to draft Romany Malco 7th overall, after seeing The Love Guru.I'll finish with some trade rumors from my sources:
1. Tampa Bay is looking to trade Vincent Lecavalier to Pittsburgh for the rights to Jeff Taffe.
2. Toronto will trade the rights to Mats Sundin to Detroit for a photoshopped picture of the Leafs winning the Cup and an a game-worn Dominik Hasek sock.
3. Yashin may to return to Islanders-no joke.
That's it for the first ever edition to The Cross-Check, come back tomorrow for the second edition.
