#minor hockey forum

[minorhockeytalks]

Exploring the Excitement of NJ Devils and Nashville Predators Forums

The NJ Devils Forum: A Hub for Passionate Fans

The NJ Devils forum is an excellent place where fans can discuss everything concerning their favorite team. Starting in 1982, the New Jersey Devils have a very impressive history with a number of Stanley Cup triumphs. In the forum, enthusiasts are free to discuss game strategy, player performance, and the latest trades.

There you will find conversations from critiques of how this season’s team performed to nostalgic posts about this great franchise when things were also at their best. Fans go pretty gung-ho talking over which player stays, which one gets traded, and what their prospects are for this season’s playoffs. The forum is a community-based facility that fosters camaraderie among supporters, and every true Devils fan should visit it.

Nashville Predators Forum: Bridging the Gap Between Fans

As ardent as the Devils’ faithful, the online forum of the Nashville Predators is based around the phrase “Smashville,” an extremely dedicated fan base since the Predators were first announced in 1998. The franchise quickly built up a devoted following ready to discuss more than just games generally, but also highlights and statistics on players.

The Nashville Predators Forum is not just an analysis of wins and losses but a space to celebrate hockey culture in Nashville. With this exciting play style and electrifying atmosphere at Bridgestone Arena, one has no choice but to want to share experiences and support the team. Here you can read about games in the future, fan events, and where the Predators draw their strength from: it is one of the best NHL teams feared.

British Columbia Hockey League: A Vital Development Pathway

At the New Jersey Devils forum and Nashville Predators forum, it is easy to get lost in NHL fans, but there is a significant lesson found on how vital the junior leagues like BCHL in British Columbia are in preparing hockey players. BCHL serves as an important developmental pathway for aspiring hockey players in Canada. Most players who have gone on to play in the NHL first had to face cutthroat training in leagues such as BCHL.

Austin Bruins Hockey: A Junior Team on the Rise

Another compelling point about the junior hockey circuit is the Austin Bruins ice hockey team. Playing in the North American Hockey League (NAHL), the Bruins have built a vast population of fans in their hometown community. Their forum is a melting pot where everyone can and does rejoice at their wins and dissect the strategies used by the team to achieve such wins.

The Austin Bruins hockey community is very devoted and often revolves around the concern about the influence the team has on local youth hockey programs. Fans will argue how important it is that the Bruins help develop the younger crowds with passion for hockey. The forum marries supporters of the same understanding to cultivate talent in their locality into a rather odd union.

Conclusion: A Shared Love for Hockey

Whether you come through the NJ Devils forum, the Nashville Predators forum, or leagues like the British Columbia Hockey League and Austin Bruins hockey, in general opinion, the love for hockey transcends borders and leagues. Every forum stands as a testament to the passion of fans coming together for the sake of their team and its love for the game.

With the game still growing in so many ways, the communities around these forums will continue to find a spot as part of the game experience: there, they can connect, share insights, and-most important-cheer for teams. Always discussing strategy, celebrating victories, and dissecting player performance, the spirit of hockey thrives in these energetic forums.

[mirkwoodest]

Batshit take defending RPF that I unfortunately have seen more than once

There are so many issues with this including

Holy shit, you don't get to decide who is and isn't a "real person" and you do not get to decide if someone (presenting themselves as a real person) is or isn't secretly "playing a character." This is like saying someone who puts on their customer service voice at work is no longer a real person. Insane shit.

More and more these days, the definition of celebrity is nebulous and many people don't have a choice about whether or not they're a celebrity. Did your mom decide you and your family should appear on Toddlers and Tiaras when you were seven? Cool, you're a celebrity now. Did you start posting videos about minecraft when you were fifteen? Cool, you're a celebrity now. Are you a singer-songwriter with a modest online following? Cool, you're a celebrity now.

Even if you're a "celebrity" why does this mean people are allowed to write crude sexual things about you in public forums? Does playing in a band, playing a sport, or being an actor suddenly mean that you have to tolerate sexual harassment?

You can talk all you want about RPF not being harassment because it's just fantasizing. After all, if you're posting it on AO3 "they only see it if they go looking for it," but that's not how the world works. I agree that it's okay to talk about or write about your private fantasies about people, but when you act like it's normal to post those fantasies for potentially tens of thousands of strangers to see them, you cross into new, dangerous territory. Even if you don't, people post it on tumblr, twitter, instagram, tiktok, where algorithms can carry those fantasies directly to the dehumanized object of affection, as well as to their family.

A vocal minority begins to think it's fine to send or say these things to people directly and think when the dehumanized object becomes aware of it, it's funny.

I can think of an example from just this summer. Fans were posting shit about hockey players on tiktok, and the player and his wife kept seeing it without any desire to. Worse, emboldened fans began repeating some of this stuff directly to the player's face. When the couple talked openly about it, there was backlash and outrage from fans. How dare a professional athlete and his wife be uncomfortable with him being the center of an onslaught of publically posted, sexually fantasies! Don't you know that's what happens to all celebrities? If you are paid to play a game, you must also endure the dehumanization! You aren't a real person, you're playing a character!

People have always fantasized about real people and they've also always taken it too far. I wouldn't go so far as to say that posting RPF should be illegal, but I will never agree that it's morally right.

[pucktalk7]

Dive into the World of Hockey Discussions: The Best NHL and AHL Forums

Hockey is more than just a sport; it’s a passion that unites fans across the globe. Whether you’re cheering for your favorite NHL team, tracking the next generation of stars in the AHL, or analyzing game strategies, hockey forums provide the perfect space to engage, debate, and connect with fellow enthusiasts. In this blog, we’ll explore the most popular forums for NHL and AHL fans, where you can find vibrant discussions on everything hockey-related.

Colorado Avalanche Forum: A Hub for Avs Fans

The Colorado Avalanche forum is the ultimate destination for passionate fans of the Avs. From analyzing Cale Makar’s brilliant plays to discussing the team’s quest for another Stanley Cup, this forum is buzzing with energy. Fans gather here to share predictions, break down game strategies, and celebrate key moments together. Whether you’re a long-time supporter or new to the Avalanche fandom, this forum offers something for everyone.

If you’re looking for a forum that covers all aspects of hockey, the Minnhock hockey forum is the place to be. This vibrant community discusses everything from NHL trades to minor league updates. It’s the perfect spot for fans who want to dive deep into hockey at all levels, engage in debates, and connect with like-minded enthusiasts.

Toronto Maple Leafs Forum: Where Leafs Nation Unites

Few fanbases are as passionate as Leafs Nation, and the Toronto Maple Leafs forum is where it all comes alive. Whether you’re analyzing Auston Matthews’ performance or debating trade rumors, this forum offers endless opportunities for engaging discussions. Fans come together to celebrate wins, analyze losses, and share their unwavering support for one of the NHL’s most storied franchises.

Vancouver Canucks Forum: Passionate Discussions for Canucks Fans

The Vancouver Canucks forum is a lively space for fans to discuss the team’s progress, player performances, and game strategies. From analyzing Elias Pettersson’s plays to speculating on potential trades, Canucks fans gather here to share insights and enjoy spirited debates.

AHL Expansion: The Future of Hockey Development

The AHL expansion is a hot topic among hockey fans, as it shapes the future of player development. Discussions often revolve around potential new teams, the impact on NHL affiliations, and how these expansions will influence the league’s competitive landscape. Fans eagerly speculate on which cities might gain new AHL teams and what that means for the future of hockey.

Anaheim Ducks AHL Team: Tracking the Next Generation

Fans of the Ducks closely follow the Anaheim Ducks AHL team to see which prospects are developing into future NHL stars. The forum provides updates on player progress, standout performances, and how the team is building its pipeline for long-term success.

The Anaheim Ducks forums and Anaheim Ducks message board are vibrant spaces for Ducks fans to connect. Whether you’re dissecting game results, debating coaching strategies, or celebrating victories, these Anaheim Ducks discussion forums offer everything a Ducks fan needs to stay informed and engaged.

Hockey Future Forum: Speculate on Rising Stars

For those interested in the next wave of NHL talent, the hockey future forum is a must-visit. Fans discuss top prospects, draft picks, and young players making their way through the ranks. It’s a great place to speculate on who might become the NHL’s next big star.

Leafs Forums: The Heartbeat of Leafs Nation

Few fanbases are as passionate and loyal as Leafs Nation, and Leafs forums provide the perfect space to bring that passion to life. Fans dive deep into every aspect of the Toronto Maple Leafs, from analyzing Auston Matthews’ scoring prowess to debating trade rumors and playoff predictions. Whether celebrating victories or dissecting tough losses, these forums are the ultimate hub for dedicated Leafs fans.

STL Blues Forum: Rally with the Blues Faithful

In the STL Blues forum, St. Louis Blues fans gather to share their unwavering support for the team. From dissecting game strategies to celebrating big wins, this forum is where Blues fans connect over their shared passion. Discussions often focus on standout players, coaching decisions, and the team’s pursuit of another championship. It’s a vibrant community where fans can celebrate every goal and debate the next big move.

Calgary AHL Team: Tracking the Flames’ Future Stars

Florida Panthers Forum: Join the Panthers Community

The Florida Panthers forum offers a lively space for fans to discuss game results, player stats, and the team’s journey toward success. From celebrating wins to analyzing trades and player performance, this forum is where Panthers fans connect, engage, and share their passion for the game.

Los Angeles Kings AHL Team: Developing Tomorrow’s NHL Stars

The Los Angeles Kings AHL team plays a crucial role in nurturing the next generation of Kings players. Fans gather to track the progress of prospects, analyze standout performances, and speculate on who might make the jump to the NHL. This forum is perfect for those invested in the Kings’ future and the development of young talent.

Ottawa Senators AHL: Building the Senators’ Future

The Ottawa Senators AHL forum is a hub for fans eager to follow the progress of the Senators’ prospects. Discussions often center around player development, standout games, and how these future stars will impact the NHL roster. It’s an excellent space for those looking to stay updated on the Senators’ developmental system.

Tampa Bay Lightning Forum: Bolts Fans Unite

The Tampa Bay Lightning forum is where Bolts fans come together to share their excitement for one of the NHL’s most electrifying teams. From celebrating victories to analyzing player stats and team strategies, this forum is the go-to place for all things Lightning. Fans can engage in spirited debates and connect with others who share their passion for the game.

Edmonton Oilers Fan Forum: Celebrate Oil Country

The Edmonton Oilers fan forum is a vibrant community where fans gather to discuss everything from Connor McDavid’s brilliance to the team’s playoff aspirations. Whether analyzing game highlights or speculating on trades, this forum offers a space for Oilers fans to connect, share insights, and celebrate their love for the team.

Nashville Predators Forum: Engage with the Preds Community

In the Nashville Predators forum, fans come together to discuss game results, player performance, and coaching strategies. It’s a lively space where Preds fans share their passion, engage in debates, and celebrate the team’s achievements. Whether following the latest game or discussing future prospects, this forum keeps fans informed and connected.

Conclusion

Hockey forums provide the perfect space for fans to connect, share insights, and discuss every aspect of the game. Whether you’re following the NHL, tracking AHL prospects, or speculating on future stars, these forums offer vibrant communities where hockey enthusiasts can come together and celebrate their love for the game. So, pick your favorite forum, join the conversation, and dive into the exciting world of hockey discussions!

[rinkrats]

It is a dialogue Akim Aliu has been seeking to advance ever since the Blackhawks’ second-round pick revealed on Twitter that his coach in the minors, Bill Peters, had “dropped the N-bomb” on him during the ’09–10 season “because he didn’t like my choice of music”.

Aliu hoped his revelations would spark a long overdue reckoning for the white-as-ice hockey world and its shut-up-and-stick-handle culture.

As another season begins, Aliu believes the league is no closer to truly reckoning with its racial issues. And in the 14 months since his tweets, he’s grown more fed up than ever with the game that he continues to love, even if he hasn’t always felt that it loves him back. “It’s not hard to figure out our sport is suffering,” Aliu says. “Whatever the NHL is doing is clearly not working. It’s just posturing, window-washing, nonmeaningful half measures. That’s all it is.”

*

On Dec 5, 2019, at 3:38 p.m., Aliu sent the first message in a text thread that he titled, Hockey Diversity Committee. Initially composed of about 10 NHL players of color, within two days the chat swelled to 20-plus.

There was plenty to discuss. In the league’s 103-year existence, no team has employed a Black general manager. ...On-ice representation isn’t much more diverse. In addition to the 18 Black players who appeared in more than five games in 2019–20, the league counted just a handful more identifying as Asian (eight), Indigenous (six), Hispanic/Latino (four) or Arab/Middle Eastern (four).

“There’s that sense of loneliness we’ve all felt,” says Wild defenseman Matt Dumba, who is Filipino Canadian. “Who do you tell when you’re going through these things, besides your family? None of your teammates are going through it. And what am I going to say to a GM, an older white gentleman, who hasn’t seen the game the way I have?”

The forum that Aliu wanted, though, never materialized. Some players were spooked that he included his lawyers on calls and wondered whether he was trying to rally support for himself.

“I think guys were concerned with Akim wanting to sue,” says Trevor Daley, a defenseman who recently retired after 16 years in the NHL.

Other players voiced concerns about the career risk of speaking out... A few players dropped off the thread without explanation. “It was completely dead,” said Aliu.

*

The Hockey Diversity Alliance officially launched June 8, with... a message for the NHL: “We are hopeful that we will work productively with the league to accomplish these important changes.”

In response, the NHL invited the HDA to spell out its objectives in a virtual meeting in late June with Bettman and Kim Davis, who had been hired from a corporate advisory firm in 2017 to focus on diversity and inclusion. The players saw an opportunity to tell the commissioner about their encounters with racism in the sport.

Joel Ward spoke about being bombarded with racist tweets from Bruins fans after his Game 7 overtime goal for Washington eliminated Boston from the 2012 playoffs. Wayne Simmonds discussed having a banana thrown at him by a fan during a 2011 exhibition. Daley recounted how his then Ontario Hockey League coach John Vanbiesbrouck called him the n-word in 2003. (Vanbiesbrouck resigned shortly thereafter, acknowledging the slur. He is now an executive for USA Hockey.) Evander Kane described a fan yelling at him to go play basketball as he sat in the penalty box in Colorado during the 2019 playoffs. (Kane says he reported the incident to an on-ice official, but “there was zero follow-up” from the league. In the past, the NHL has said that the teams were aware, but the issue never reached the league office.)

As members began blasting Bettman for not doing more to prevent these incidents, the commissioner seemed to grow defensive. Citing various NHL diversity initiatives during his 27-year tenure, he then asked the players what they had done and where they had been in the fight against racism. He quickly backtracked, but the damage was done.

“I think he knew he had put his foot in his mouth,” Kane says. “Everyone on that call has done a lot of things on their own to grow the game within our own communities. A comment like that really rubbed guys the wrong way.” (Through a spokesperson, Bettman declined comment.)

On July 14, two weeks before the season restarted, the HDA presented Davis, Bettman and other league officials with a PowerPoint deck titled, Our Ask of the NHL. Much of the request focused on an eight-point “HDA pledge” that the coalition wanted the league to sign; items included specific hiring targets for Black personnel in league and team front offices (including 5% Black hockey-related personnel by the end of 2020–21) and funding of $100 million over the next decade (or just above $300,000 per team, per year) to back grassroots initiatives and other programming. The HDA also asked for various antiracism displays during the upcoming playoffs, such as changing the blue lines to black and painting the HDA logo on the ice. Kane recalls Davis and Bettman commending the presentation’s thoroughness. “I was hopeful,” Kane says.

But disappointment soon followed: The NHL built its postseason messaging campaign around a catch-all hashtag, #WeSkateFor, lumping the Black Lives Matter movement with the pandemic and other unrelated causes. “It’s like showing up to the breast cancer fundraiser and protesting that there’s other diseases, too,” Dumba says.

-Excerpts from The Fight Over Hockey’s Racial Reckoning by Alex Prewitt, 19 Jan 2021

If you read one thing today, let it be this

[weirdcanucks]

Today I’m sharing William Douglas’ pieces on Asians’ involvement in professional hockey and Larry Kwong’s legacy. 

Hockey has come a long way since Larry Kwong became the first Chinese-Canadian – and some historians argue the first person of color – to play in the NHL when he skated a single one-minute shift for the New York Rangers in a game against the Montreal Canadiens at the Montreal Forum during the 1947-48 season. A decade later, in 1958, Willie O’Ree became the NHL’s first black player when he skated for the Bruins, ironically, against the Canadiens.

With his 60-second shift, Larry Kwong “created a shift in perception for minority people in Canada, and he had an impact in the (United) States as well,” said Chad Soon, a family friend who has campaigned for greater recognition for the high-scoring forward who was nicknamed “King Kwong” and the “China Clipper.”

“Born in Canada but not being considered Canadian, growing up in a country that had officially racist laws that prevented Chinese people from coming, that prevented Chinese-Canadians from voting, to achieve the Canadian dream coming from those humble beginnings is something,” Soon told me. “Society may not have been ready for him given that he was given only that one minute, but he opened the door and moved society forward.”

[the-empress-7]

The hockey story is long. She was seriously involved with Michael Del Zotto when he was a rising star with the Islanders Michael got sent back to the minors allegedly for too much partying. She then embarked on conquest of most of the Maple Leafs. On hockey forums (before scrubbing) she was known as a hockey WAG. A party girl. Lots of stories tweets between her and players were found by bloggers.

I just linked an article from The Sun. There seems to be a lot of smoke behind this figurative fire....also I can totally she her as a WAG. 

[minorhockeytalks]

Exploring NHL and Youth Hockey Forums: A Community for All

Hockey is one of the most popular sports in North America, residing at the heart of online forums that integrate fans, players, and families in discussing their passion for hockey. From its NHL forums to the youth hockey forums, the site is a unique place where enthusiasts can connect, share insights, and support one another.

NHL Hockey Forums: Where Fans Unite

The NHL hockey forum are online rallying grounds for enthusiasts who cannot wait to discuss the best teams, players, and new game strategy. Such forums hold different opinions, analysis, and lively debates. Die-hard Minnesota Wild fans can find some suitable discussion to participate in by checking out the latest trades and drafts.

Youth Hockey Forums: Building the Future of the Game

Apart from professional leagues, youth hockey forums are as important. These serve more to teach the young players and keep the families of the young players involved. Probably the topics touched include tips from coaches, a schedule of tournaments, and the strategy for playing development. In youth hockey forum, there are where parents share experiences, seek advice, and discuss the problems that come with coping in minor leagues.

In these forums, topics may include the best equipment for young skaters or ways to improve performance on the ice. Stories are shared by parents and encourage others in similar situations. The community of the sport is so important for the families participating.

Minnesota Hockey Forums: A Local Touch

The Minnesota hockey forums are a localized perspective for those in the Midwest. Minnesota is one of the states having an extremely strong hockey culture, and therefore, these forums celebrate that legacy. Discussions about local teams, such as the Minnesota Wilderness, and the reputation of high school hockey in the state are common.

Minor Hockey Leagues: The Foundation of the Sport

Minor hockey leagues are at the heart of youth and recreational hockey. These leagues prove to be an essential base for shaping skills, sportsmanship, and teamwork in the minds of young players. Forums related to minor hockey leagues could be very resourceful for topics concerning league structures, schedules, or generally accepted good coaching practices.

People may seek advice on how to navigate their way through the dilemmas of minor hockey-from charting a course in player development, to ensuring fair play. Forums such as this one are invaluable to everyone who plays the game, and help cement the ideals that govern hockey at every level.

Conclusion

In the digital age, NHL and youth hockey forums represent contexts in which connection and discussion can be articulated. Whether a hockey enthusiast, the parent of a hockey player, or an appreciation from local teams in Minnesota, these forums unite people for their passion in the game. In engaging them, you become part of a thriving culture that celebrates the sport as well as its athletes. Therefore, speak out, share your thoughts, and appreciate the friendship brought about by hockey fans.

[unfolded73]

Husbands: Two Years In (1/5) - schitt’s creek ff

Hi, remember me? I finally wrote something new. This fic is complete, and will be posted over the course of the next two weeks. While I'm including it as part of the "Labels" series, the preceding fics are not required reading. Previous fics in this series: Boyfriends; “I Love You”, Partners, Fiancés 

Warning: This fic deals with depression as one of its major topics.

Rated Explicit, this chapter 5059 words. (ao3)

Thanks to @high-seas-swan for cheerleading and B13_MaybeThisTime for many valuable comments (and also cheerleading).

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Chapter 1: Winter

Patrick stuck his head behind the beige curtain of the storeroom at Rose Apothecary. “Bethany, can you cover the register? I’ve got to get to my council meeting.”

“Sure,” she said, leaving off from the merchandise she’d been unpacking and joining him behind the counter.

“I should be back in an hour and a half,” he said, slipping his laptop into his messenger bag.

“No problem. Is David planning to come back to the store today?” she asked.

“I doubt it. He’s gone more than halfway to Thornbridge to meet with potential vendors, so I expect he’ll be late getting back.” Patrick’s thumb strayed to the smooth gold of his wedding ring and he gave it a turn, an ingrained habit now after a year and a half of marriage.

“Okay,” Bethany said to him before turning to the customer who had just approached the register. “Find everything you were looking for today?” she asked in a cheerful, retail clerk voice.

Patrick ducked into the back again to get his coat and gloves and hat, pulling them on and zipping his parka up to his neck before braving the icy temperatures outside. Not for the first time, he wished the store had a vestibule and another set of doors to keep the cold from rushing in every time people came and went during the winter months. He made a mental note to add that to their wish list for a second Rose Apothecary location, when and if that ever became a reality.

David was certainly invested in the idea, spending more time out on the road these days, wooing new vendors or shoring up renewal contracts with existing ones. Hiring Bethany meant they didn’t need to be in the store at the same time, and while the flexibility was more than worth it in terms of the time it gave them to work on growing the business, Patrick had to admit he missed the old days sometimes. When it was only him and David at the store together, sneaking into the back to make out when things were slow.

On the other hand, there was probably something to be said for not spending every hour of every day together, he told himself. Marriages thrived on a little bit of separation. But looking up at the grey sky while he walked through town, it was hard not to feel lonely, the oppressive winter weighing him down.

Patrick ducked into the town hall, always drafty in winter, and pulled his hat and gloves off as he made his way to the desk he used during council meetings and during the one afternoon a week that it was his turn to be on duty, handing out permits and answering questions. It was a good system in a town too small to pay for municipal employees, and helping his fellow townspeople was probably his favorite part of serving on town council.

“Patrick,” Ronnie muttered as he passed by her desk. “Kind of you to grace us with your presence.”

Patrick glanced at his phone. “I’m literally one minute late, Ronnie.”

“One minute late is late.”

“Also, Roland’s not here yet,” Patrick said as he dropped into his desk chair and set up his laptop to take the minutes of their meeting. Ronnie had been quick to inform him that taking minutes always fell to the newest member on town council, although when he expressed his surprise at the idea of Moira Rose doing that job, she’d had to admit that Moira had never actually taken any minutes. Patrick easily agreed to take over from Bob, whom everyone agreed had been terrible at it.

Ronnie just rolled her eyes and waved a hand dismissively at him. She had sort of supported Patrick when he ran unopposed for Moira’s vacated seat (although he also suspected she was behind the whisper campaign to write in Ted the Turtle, Alexis’s former pet who now belonged to Roland Junior — Ted got thirteen percent of the vote), but that didn’t stop her from continuing to needle him at every opportunity.

Roland finally arrived ten minutes later, and they began working their way through the agenda as Roland wolfed down a sizable sandwich at his desk with table manners that his three-year-old son would have looked askance at. They voted on whether to have a stop light installed outside the café (2-2; tabled for further discussion after the next public forum), whether to confer historic landmark status on the old Hockley barn (1-3 nay), and on whether to finalize the calendar for the “Clean up the Creek” days in the summer (4-0 yea).

“What’s next on the agenda, Ronnie?” Roland asked, his mouth full of his lunch, as if he didn’t have a copy of the agenda on his desk. Patrick looked over, and noticed that Roland had emptied a bag of potato chips onto his agenda.

“The annual blood drive,” she replied, consulting the paper in front of her. “Canadian Blood Services is requesting six volunteers, as we’ve provided in the past, to log people in and to hand out juice and cookies after. We need to have the promotional posters printed and get the word out, and then a volunteer meeting will need to be organized by the end of the month. Patrick, you wanna take the lead on this?”

He looked up from his laptop. “On the blood drive?” His stomach twisted, and he considered saying no. “Uh… sure. Sure.” He typed that into the minutes, his fingers tapping sharply on the keys.

The rest of the meeting passed uneventfully, and they disbanded after another twenty minutes. Ronnie made her way over to Patrick as he was emailing the completed minutes out to the other members of council, a task he liked to do right away before he forgot about it.

“You didn’t seem thrilled to be put in charge of the blood drive. If you’re squeamish around needles—”

“I’m not squeamish about giving blood.” He snapped his laptop closed and shoved it into his bag. “I earned a lapel pin in college for donating blood,” he muttered.

“Oh. Then what’s the problem?”

“There’s no problem. I said I’d do it.” He stood up and shouldered his bag. “Be in charge of it, I mean. I won’t be donating blood because I’m not allowed.”

Ronnie’s eyes turned sympathetic. “Right.” She sighed. “The blood donation rules about gay men are outdated and discriminatory; you don’t have to tell me.”

Patrick shrugged. “It is what it is. I really don’t mind being in charge of the blood drive.” He did, a little, but not enough to make a fuss about it. If this was the only way he could contribute now that he fell into the ‘men who have sex with men’ category, then so be it.

When he was halfway to the door, she called out, making him stop in his tracks. “If our community always just said ‘it is what it is,’ then we wouldn’t have made the progress we’ve made. You wouldn’t have been able to stand in this room and marry the person you love. If it’s wrong, then we fight.”

Patrick turned and looked at her. “I kind of missed the activism part of the queer experience,” he admitted. “Although, I used to buy cupcakes from the GSA bake sale in high school.”

Ronnie rolled her eyes, heading out the door and leaving Patrick to follow her. “You are truly a pillar of the queer community,” she drawled, but there wasn’t any heat in it. She even patted his shoulder and said “see you around” as they parted ways.

Still, he felt unsettled as he walked back to the store. The extent of the time that he’d been aware of his sexuality, he’d mostly spent in a homophobia-free bubble. The people of Schitt’s Creek accepted him, his family (with a couple of notable exceptions whom he no longer spoke to) accepted him. He wasn’t used to being confronted with discrimination, and so even this relatively minor thing in his life, that he couldn’t donate blood — as anonymous and bureaucratic as it was, it was still painful.

The rest of the afternoon did little to lift his mood, and he dragged through the motions of closing up the store with Bethany, then drove home alone. He didn’t want to text David in case he was driving, so when he got home he checked the location of David’s phone and saw that he was still at least two hours away, assuming he was even on his way yet. With a heavy sigh, Patrick let himself into their quiet house.

It was almost nine o’clock when David finally arrived, the familiar sound of him knocking snow off his boots rousing Patrick’s attention from his phone. He flipped off the television, the hockey game he wasn’t really paying attention to disappearing into blackness, and turned toward the door as it opened and David came in with a swirl of snowflakes.

“It’s starting to really come down out there,” David said breathlessly, unlooping his scarf from around his neck and hanging it on the coat rack by the front door. “I’m glad I wasn’t running any later.”

“Me too. It’s supposed to be ten centimeters by morning.” Patrick leaned up and kissed David’s cheek, cold against his lips.

David grimaced. “Just enough to be annoying, but not enough to close the store for the day.” He braced himself on the wall and lifted first one foot and then the other to pull off his boots.

“Yeah.” Their front door tended to stick, not quite latching, so Patrick leaned over and gave it a little push, listening for the click of the latch before he locked it. “Did you eat?”

“I grabbed a burger on the road.” His winter coat off, David pulled Patrick into a hug, his long arms moving into their usual place over Patrick’s shoulders and wrapping around him. “Aren’t you going to ask me how it went?”

“How did it go?”

“I got the clover honey contract.”

Patrick grinned. “I knew you would. And the others?”

“The woman who crochets those little animals is still mulling it over. She might be a no. Belinda Jensen signed on to provide the larger supply of soap we asked for. A couple of others — I left all the paperwork in the car.” He kissed Patrick quickly on the lips. “How was your day?”

Patrick struggled to remember through the fog in his brain what he’d done all day — work and his council meeting and the leftovers he’d reheated for dinner and the hockey game he hadn’t been watching. “Uneventful,” he finally replied.

He felt a surge of irrational anger that David had such a wildly productive day, a day that materially benefited their business, while Patrick had… treaded water. He pushed the anger away — he had no reason to be angry with David. He should be proud of David, of the way he continued to work to make their business thrive, of how good he was with the vendors.

The remainder of the evening was quiet, David on the sofa intermittently reading and texting with Alexis while Patrick made a grocery list, and then another list of tasks he wanted to accomplish over the weekend. It only served to remind him of all things he’d meant to do this winter that he hadn’t gotten around to yet. He just kept getting paralyzed lately; going over and over all the things he needed to do in his mind, but not actually starting any of them.

“I’m ready for spring,” he muttered to himself.

David looked up from his phone. “What are you talking about, you love winter! Winter has hockey, which you love.”

“Yeah.” Patrick sighed. “I’m not really feeling it this year. I’m exhausted.”

Reaching over to rub his shoulder, David gave him a look full of sympathy. “Anything I can do?”

Patrick shook his head and stood up. There wasn’t really anything wrong, so what could David do? “I’m gonna get ready for bed.”

“Okay, I’ll meet you up there in a minute,” David said, distracted by another text from Alexis that made him smile down at his phone.

Patrick had dozed off into a light sleep by the time David crawled into bed next to him, but the dip of the mattress woke him. He rolled over toward his husband, lips against the stubble of David’s jaw, inhaling the scent of his moisturizer. “Missed you today,” he murmured sleepily.

“Missed you too.” David turned his head, brushing his lips against Patrick’s. “Mm, you’re warm.” He wriggled his body, snuggling closer.

Patrick pressed another kiss against David’s mouth, and then another, with softer lips — a little bit longer, a little bit slower.

“Thought you were sleeping,” David said, his voice syrupy and mellow.

“I’m kissing you goodnight,” Patrick said. Another kiss — longer still, slower still.

“That’s how it starts,” David said with a smile, his hand burrowing down and finding the jut of Patrick’s hipbone.

He had a point. There were times when they went to bed with no particular intention to have sex, but the simple press of their mouths together would ignite a fire between them. Patrick wondered if that tendency would ever fade. He hoped not. Especially lately, the physical intimacy he shared with David was one of the only things that made him feel good. It was the only time that he didn’t feel like everything was sort of disappointing and foggy, when he could ignore all of life’s recent shortcomings and annoyances. He could turn off those thoughts and feel the pleasure that David was an expert in drawing out of him.

“Do you wanna have sex?” Patrick asked.

David gave him a crooked smile. “I thought I was too tired, but I might be coming around to the idea.”

Patrick scratched his blunt nails across the back of David’s neck, humming into his mouth as their kisses got deeper and messier. His heartbeat accelerating, that good, fizzy feeling suffusing his body, Patrick shifted closer, enjoying the sensation of their bodies together through their pajamas.

Long before they were married, they established a pattern where Patrick was more often than not the one to take charge in bed, but tonight he wanted it to be David. He felt like he needed to be taken, and used, and useful.

“Can you…” he started to ask, then paused as he tried to figure out how to put what he needed into words. He still struggled with the vulnerability of that, sometimes. Of asking for what he needed. He found it much easier to let David ask for things.

“Tell me what you need, honey,” David whispered as they pulled off their clothes.

Make me forget that I’ve been feeling so shitty, Patrick thought. Show me you still need me.

“Can you hold me down and… fuck my thighs?” Patrick asked instead. The sex act was easier to talk about than the feelings that were underneath it.

“Mm hmm, I can do that,” David said. In the dark, Patrick couldn’t make out David’s facial expression, didn’t know if David was reading any of his churning thoughts. Couldn’t tell if David thought it was odd that Patrick was asking for him to be the dominant one. Not that he’d never been submissive in bed, he had, but he’d done it because it was something David was in the mood for. He’d almost never asked for it.

“Turn over,” David said, the liquid tone of his voice making Patrick shiver as he followed the direction.

Patrick reached over for the lube from the bedside table, handing it back to David before he positioned his back against David’s chest. David didn’t do anything with it right away, though, his mouth wet and sure against Patrick’s shoulder, hand running up and down his hip and thigh over and over, then coming around to gently scrape his fingernails across Patrick’s balls before taking his dick in a loose fist, stroking with a teasing lack of pressure. Patrick moaned, pushing back against David’s erection. He almost changed his mind and asked David to fuck his ass instead — having David inside him really would get him out of his head; it always did. But both of them were tired and the preparation would take awhile, and his original instinct was fine. He didn’t say anything, tipping his head to give David more access to his neck.

After a few more minutes of foreplay, David finally grabbed the lube, getting the inside of Patrick’s thighs and his own cock slick before positioning himself. Patrick clenched his thighs together and David groaned at the friction, fingers clenching on Patick’s hip briefly before his hand moved around and took hold of Patrick’s cock again, matching the rhythm of his hips to the rhythm of his stroking. He wasn’t trying to draw things out now; he was working Patrick’s cock to get him off quickly, and the sensation of it, the way it demonstrated how perfectly David knew him, knew his body, allowed Patrick to stop thinking and sink into the pleasure. He had just enough presence of mind to cup his own palm over himself before spilling over David’s fist, coming with a gasp and a bitten off moan.

David let him pause long enough to grab one of the little towels they kept a stack of on the bedside table to clean himself up, to keep the sheets unscathed, before pushing Patrick down onto his stomach and fucking more vigorously, his cock sliding between Patrick’s thighs and against his balls. Patrick closed his eyes tight and gripped his pillow and let David take him, let him fuck against him, his weight bearing down on Patrick’s back, his pelvis slapping against Patrick’s ass.

“Fuck,” David whispered, and then he lifted up, pulling away from Patrick’s body. “I need to…” he said, and then Patrick heard the slick noise of David jacking himself, and then very quickly the warmth and wetness of David coming on his lower back.

“Sorry for the unnegotiated cumshot,” David said as soon as he caught his breath enough to speak.

Patrick held the towel he was still clutching up for David to take, laughing. “You’re good,” he said as David cleaned him up. “I only need warning if it’s gonna be on my face,” he continued as he flipped over, taking the towel from David and tossing it toward the laundry hamper. While David went to the bathroom to wash his hands and then pulled his pajamas back on, Patrick considered doing the same, but then David was curling around him under their heavy duvet and Patrick couldn’t bring himself to move. He closed his eyes and let the drowsiness from his orgasm pull him under.

~*~

His alarm went off early, and it took Patrick a few seconds to remember why he’d set it so early: the snow.

Mournfully extracting himself from the warmth of bed, Patrick pulled on yesterday’s jeans and a hoodie, then made his way downstairs to don all of his winter gear. Opening the front door, he took a second to admire the pure, untouched snow that blanketed the world before he perturbed it with his boot prints.

Everything seemed preternaturally quiet, the snow dampening what little noise there was. Patrick thought there would have been a time when he would have loved this quiet, would have loved being alone with his thoughts while he did some meditative manual labor. This morning, he shied away from the contents of his own brain, electing to put his earbuds in and to listen to a podcast instead. Patrick fell into a rhythm of snow shoveling in the winter pre-dawn light — push, lift, throw, repeat — so he didn’t notice David until he was almost down to the end of the driveway where Patrick was working.

“David!” Patrick pulled one of his earbuds out, letting it hang. The cold had made the wire stiff, the angle of it unnatural. “I didn’t think you’d be awake yet.”

David had jammed his feet into snow boots, the joggers he’d worn to bed bunching up around his calves. A hat was jammed down on his head, covering his ears, and he shivered as he struggled to zip his coat with gloved fingers. “You not being in bed wakes me up sometimes. And I felt bad that you were out here by yourself.”

“You don’t need to feel bad — you’re covering the store today.” They each had a day each week when they worked the store with Bethany while the other had the day off, and today was David’s day to work. “The least I can do is dig your car out for you.”

David huffed. “Let me help.”

Patrick tilted his head to the side, regarding his husband thoughtfully. “Okay, David. There’s another shovel in the shed.”

David tromped away as directed, and a minute later he was shoveling in a parallel track to where Patrick had been working. It wasn’t something that Patrick could have pictured David Rose doing a few years ago, but David had seemed determined to meet the challenge of homeownership in a lot of ways that Patrick couldn’t have pictured before they were married.

When they finished and went back inside, David groaned as he bent over to pull his boots off. “Ugh, my back,” he whined.

Patrick tried to put a hand on David’s lower back, but his puffy winter coat prevented any contact. “Go take a shower and I’ll make your coffee,” he said.

Patrick put on water to heat up, rubbing his hands together to warm himself, and began getting things set up for breakfast: he ground coffee beans for David’s French press and got out tea for himself and eggs for both of them. He moved automatically through the morning routine, ingrained habits from their year and a half of marriage and from all the mornings before that, when David spent the night at Patrick’s apartment.

After making David breakfast and seeing him out the door with a reminder to drive carefully, Patrick curled up on the sofa with his phone. He had a list of chores he wanted to tackle, and he had a book he wanted to read, but he spent over an hour switching between social media apps, dipping into the first few paragraphs of news articles before dipping back out, not focusing on any one thing for more than a few minutes. He opened a couple of game apps, but closed them again just as quickly without doing anything. These days he’d been mostly avoiding Facebook — he knew the ethical thing to do these days was to delete your Facebook account, but he was afraid of losing touch with all the people he didn’t communicate with any other way. He opened the app now, scrolling through the posts on his feed, most of them family members and friends from high school and college.

He paused briefly on a candid picture on his cousin Sara’s page of her son Justin. “Justin’s last performance in Newsies was last night!!! Great job to all!!!!” Wrinkling his nose at all the exclamation points, he took a good look at his cousin’s kid. They weren’t at the wedding, but he had seen Justin very briefly at the engagement barbecue his parents had thrown for him and David. He’d been a gawky fifteen-year-old at the time, quiet, ghosting along beside his parents with the disdain for attending a family function that only a teenager was capable of. The boy in the picture was older, and something about the way he looked in the picture, his arms slung over the shoulders of a couple of his castmates, made Patrick smile. Congrats to Justin!, he typed into the comments.

Finally, he dragged himself upstairs to shower and get dressed in some clean clothes, regretting that he’d already squandered part of his day off. He could have gone into the store with David if the alternative was this, a day at home feeling adrift and empty.

A hot shower helped, and afterward Patrick started a load of laundry, settling onto the sofa with a basket of towels from the dryer to fold. He unlocked his phone and started one of his history podcasts playing. Most of the rest of the day passed by as Patrick did the bare minimum of household chores, interrupted by long stretches of lost time when he was doing nothing in particular.

Stevie stopped by at a little past five o’clock, flopping down at the kitchen table while Patrick looked in the fridge and tried to decide what he was going to make for dinner.

“Do you want to hear something hilarious?” Stevie asked as Patrick took a packet of chicken breasts out and checked the date. They were still good, and he figured they would do for dinner. A serviceable, boring dinner — the Patrick Brewer of dinners, he thought uncharitably. He also took out some mushrooms, and grabbed an onion from the bowl on the counter.

“Sure,” he answered.

“I saw Gwen yesterday.”

“Bob’s Gwen?” He pulled a chef’s knife from the block and sliced the onion in half.

“Okay, she hasn’t been Bob’s Gwen for a few years.”

Patrick huffed. “No, I know, I was just asking if that’s who you meant. Because she moved to Elm… somewhere. Elm Valley?”

“She moved to Elm Ridge, actually, but she was in town for some reason, and I saw her.”

He squinted at Stevie. “And?”

“And she asked how it was working out among the three of us, and it was clear she meant… like, she thought we’re a throuple.”

Patrick laughed. “We do spend a lot of time together, you, me, and David.”

“I know, but you’re gay.”

“Sure, but I can’t say I’ve ever explained the particulars of my sexual orientation to Gwen. Maybe she assumes I’m pansexual like David.” He blinked up at her. “Are you worried that people will think you’re off the market?”

Stevie shrugged. “The kinds of people I tend to hook up with wouldn’t care.”

“Fair enough.” Patrick felt the old impulse to reassure Stevie that she’d find the right person eventually, and he had to remind himself that he needed to take her at her word, that romance and love weren’t necessarily what she was looking for.

“Are you okay?” she asked with narrowed eyes, watching him carefully as he put dinner together.

“I’m just tired. Had kind of a shitty day.” He couldn’t articulate what made it shitty, though. It was the vague ennui that had been plaguing him lately, the pregnant rain clouds in his brain that were casting a shadow over everything, washing the colour out. “ You staying for dinner?”

“Yeah, if it’s not too much trouble.”

“It’s always fine, Stevie. You know that.”

“Thanks.” She walked over and grabbed a beer out of the fridge, opening it with the magnetic bottle opener that Patrick kept on the door.

“Maybe I just haven’t been getting enough sunshine lately,” Patrick said.

“Do we need to get you one of those light therapy things?” Stevie asked, taking a swig of her beer.

Patrick chuckled. “I don’t know, maybe.” He bit his lip, unsure if he should share more. “It kind of reminds me of the way I used to feel before I ran away and moved here. But back then, I had a good reason to be sad. I’ve got no reason to be sad now.”

“Depression doesn’t have to have a reason. I mean, it doesn’t have to be because you’re… engaged to the wrong person, for example.”

He knew that, intellectually. But he wasn’t sure he really believed it, deep down. “I guess.” He didn’t want to talk about it anymore. “When’s your next trip?” he asked to divert the conversation onto another track.

Patrick cooked and the two of them gossiped for a bit longer until David got home from the store, planting a kiss on Patrick’s lips when he joined them in the kitchen. The easy banter among the three of them over dinner quelled some of Patrick’s unhappiness, and he found himself laughing through the familiar see-saw of their interactions, as they cycled through every combination of two-against-one. They finally settled on the sofa, David putting on the episode of Derry Girls that they had left off with the last time Stevie was over. Stevie sat between them, leaning against Patrick’s shoulder with her socked feet up on David’s lap.

“Can’t imagine why people think we’re a throuple,” Patrick said, lifting his shoulder and adjusting to a more comfortable position before gesturing for her to lean on him again.

Stevie snorted. “In your dreams, Brewer.”

“Nope.” Then he thought about it. “Well, there was that one time during Cabaret, but I’m not responsible for who turns up in my sex dreams.”

David turned and eyed him. “Who turned up in your sex dreams?”

“Me, apparently,” Stevie said as she poked David in the leg with her toe.

“Ew,” David said.

“Ted, a few times,” Patrick said, which got him an eye roll from his husband.

“I assume you mean the turtle,” David said, looking back at the television.

“Yeah, I’m so hot for turtles.”

Stevie started flipping through a dating app on her phone, her attention only half on the show they were watching.

“What do you think of this one?” she said, holding up the phone so that Patrick could see the blandly handsome shirtless guy on the screen.

“Meh.”

“He’s got nice arms,” Stevie said.

“He looks like an asshole.”

“Doesn’t mean he won’t be a good fuck.”

He supposed not, and it didn’t seem like Stevie really wanted his opinion anyway, even though she’d asked for it. He watched as she swiped right on Mr. Shirtless.

Patrick dozed off after a little while, existing in that place between wakefulness and sleep where he was still convinced he was following the story of the show they were watching even though his eyes were closed. He was distantly aware of the warmth of Stevie pressed up against his side and the smell of her hair, and of the safety of being with the two people who knew him best in the world.

(Chapter 2)

[aqours-remade]

Thoughts on Pillowfort so far.

I’ll do more posts when the site finally stops crapping all over the bed and works but here’s my analysis so far.

I won’t lie, I discovered tumblr when I was 18 specifically for RPing, so that does to an extent make up a big aspect of my thoughts, and I want to share it with both people who intend to be regular users and roleplayers in general.

Good aspects of pillowfort:

Community system is a feature not given by tumblr or twitter, and in an era where forums are becoming more of a niche if this takes off you’ll be able to experience forum-based interaction in addition to everything else.

Community system also gives a place to users who don’t like interacting with people heavily and so publicly like twitter and tumblr a place to use the site even if their blog itself is relatively untouched.

When you delete an OP post it deletes it from everyone else’s blog too. So if something goes bad with a post or you get embarrassed, blam! Its gone everywhere. Of course, this also means we might lose some good posts now and then...

Able to make reblogs and stuff private like on twitter.

Pillowfort’s TOS protects your intellectual property as an artist.

Built-in blocklist.

You can export your blog to your new pillowfort account.

ToS regarding harassing, callouts, mob mentality and the like specifically exists to oppress kinblr for the most part is very fair and reasonable and is specifically designed to keep the site relatively drama-free and actively punishing those who create lots of problems. People who do not like the drama associated with this website or the feeling of screwing up will be relieved by that.

When it works, the actual system for styling your post basically already has absolutely everything you could already want:

Bad aspects of pillowfort:

THE SITE DOESN’T FUCKING WORK YET YOU CAN’T USE THE WEBSITE IN ITS CURRENT STATE WITHOUT IT CRAPPING OUT EVERY 10 SECONDS.

I’m not saying that to be sarcastic or anything I genuinely cannot recommend the site in its current state until pillowfort’s team can stabilize the servers. As it is I can only recommend it if you’re determined to snag a good canon url now. It has a small anime community (rn its mostly Marvel) and not too much of a gaming community yet so... if it does take off now’s your chance to snag one-word name urls and just kinda bide your time until its actually functioning, that’s certainly an idea. I’m very happy I was able to get the dream url there that I wasn’t able to get here... but with the site Error 500ing me so much I can’t really use it.

We‘re still not 100% what the NSFW situation actually is, as the TOS is vague and there are conflicting beliefs about what .io’s policy on NSFW actually is. If you’re coming SPECIFICALLY because of the NSFW ban that’s going to be implemented I would encourage you to wait until we have 100% confirmation. Personally I like it already enough even if tumblr were to reverse the situation I think I’d use this place. I think Pillowfort really needs to come clear about this very soon, because if they don’t and people learn that “oh we can’t host NSFW after all,” despite claiming it a lot of people are gonna want their money back or at least wait until its free to use. The general belief is that as long as you don’t post NSFW in tags that doesn’t belong (like porn in #gardening) then it should be fine... so they say. We really need pillowfort to address people’s concerns, even though I think it’ll be fine, as this is a major reason why people are considering the move. The staff of pillowfort have said on twitter that they are in the process of finding a new domain. As such, as of this moment, pillowfort does not allow for nsfw. However, it will in the future. The best thing to do is be patient until then, I think the goods outweight hte bads.

Even though it’ll go away in 2019 you kinda. Gotta pay to use it right now. That’s kind of a thing.

No sideblog feature nor do I believe its planned, but I do believe the pillowfort team wants a system like the twitter app to quickly switch between full blogs.

While some people might consider this a plus, being able to add onto a post with text or photos has been a staple of both tumblr and twitter since the beginning. I see this changing as a major factor of whether or not people make the big move.

MCU, Detroit Become Human, Supernatural, and apparently hockey (and maybe Overwatch?) are the only big fandoms right now. While that already appeals to a lot of people, those of us into anime and the like have relatively few blogs from what we’ve seen. While this might change as time goes on, at least for the time being, anime and video game bloggers aren’t gonna have a lot for us. On the other hand, though? This also gives you the opportunity to make your claim as a fandom content creator.

Inability to make Communities private (right now) leaves that at potential risks of being raided.

(Minor) No custom themes it looks like, but that might be fore the better in the same vain? In your blog desc you can still link to other sites so now might be a good time to get used to listography instead of relying on custom links. To an extent you can control the colors of your blog though. Some people who hate eye-strainy themes on here or autodirect themes might actually find this a plus.

(Minor/Niche) Blogs themselves are bad for RPing if you’re into that. The forums however seem to provide an adequate place for forum-based RPing. But this would also make forum administrators responsible for upholding standards like “not jumping into other people’s RPs” and basic RP etiquette we have here. And forum-based rping would make finding RP partners outside of tags like #anime rp, #indie rp, etc to find people’s promos easier, depending on which becomes more popular. Even if you can add onto posts if you can’t trim the posts like we can on here (ty x-kit) it’d result in extremely long threads that would clog the dashboard significantly. I personally HIGHLY doubt the ability to edit other people’s posts or cut out replies will ever be a thing, so chances are RPing on pillowfort are gonna be Community-oriented and not on dash. At most people will make IC posts meant to be replied to and the like and headcanon memes while keeping actually threading in Communities, which will very well rely on the Community itself to be Not Shit.

Lacks instant messaging in its current state.

Despite the fact the bad really outweighs the good... I liked what little I could do. It genuinely feels like the only “true” tumblr alternative out there, even though its in beta. I just can’t really say much until the servers stabilize. This website is still in beta, so of course it has a lot of issues to work out, and of course it doesn’t have all the features this 11+ year old website has. I’m just stating these so people who are making the move who used this as their main website are aware of that.

I’m very excited to see this website grow, though!

[atlanticcanada]

‘It’s going to break all numbers’: Two Cape Breton hockey draws expect large prizes

When a ticket is picked out of the big drum at the Glace Bay Miner's Forum Sunday, the owner is sure to win big.

"All indications are that it's going to break all records,” said Glace Bay Minor Hockey President James Edwards of this year’s holiday draw.

Last year, Georgina Byrne of Port Morien, N.S., took home the 50/50 grand prize.

"All indications are that this draw is going to be even bigger and I'm predicting that it's going to eclipse the $200,000 mark,” Edwards said.

In Sydney and surrounding communities, there's another minor hockey draw this weekend with a big jackpot.

"I'd say we'll be over $100,000 again,” said Christina Lamey, an organizer of the Cape Breton Minor Hockey Partners 50/50.

"$100,000 can make a big difference in someone's bills, and even just what they can afford as a family - what kind of housing, everything - it's a big number."

With inflation and some financial fallout from Fiona, winning a large sum of cash may mean a bit more this year.

"Everything from house repairs to property repairs,” Edwards said. “Oil has gone up, gas has gone up, everything has gone up."

Both draws help offset the price for kids to play hockey and while some associations have seen a dip in registration numbers, Edwards and Lamey say it’s not the same for theirs.

"Winning the draw - absolutely a life-changing moment,” Lamey said. “But the draw's real value is in helping all those families afford their kids' sports."

Both draws are set to take place Sunday.

from CTV News - Atlantic https://ift.tt/pMYuAS2

[zepuckinghockey]

Hockey Holidays Dear Author Letter

Hello author!

Thank you for reading this. I'm really excited to see what you come up with. If you want clarification on something here or to check if I like something specific, you can message me on anon or message @ice-ice-lizzie. She knows my tastes really well 😂

I’ll share some specific ideas for the pairings, but here is also a list of some tropes that I really like in general, and if one of theses speaks to you more than whatever I put in the actual pairing prompt, please go for it!

General Likes:

Established relationship

A/B/O

Secret relationships

Sugar Baby AUs (bonus points if they’re both somehow still in the NHL)

Enemies to Lovers

All Star Game / international game shenanigans

Light miscommunication

Body swap

Hockey curses

Werewolf AUs

Media fic (Twitter, Instagram, news articles, text messages, etc)

Goalie nesting

Identity porn

Falling in love over technology (texting/dating app/online forum)

Two person love triangle (I love my teammate but also this mysterious online person, and they’re the same person)

Christmas!

If you’re writing something smutty, I like genuine affection, laughs during sex, daddy kink, kink negotiation, Winner’s Room, consensual somnophilia, trying out new kinks in an established relationship, and size difference.

I’m not a fan of humiliation, an entire scene of rimming (sorry Nate), actual injuries caused by the scene (but if someone is injured and then goes into winner’s room, we’re good), boundary pushing during sex, straight up rape (don’t mind dubcon due to being drunk or winner’s room or similar).

General Dislikes:

Non-linear timelines

Kidfic (de-aging is totally fine! Just don’t want like wishbabies or other kids)

Name Soulmate AUs (where the name is written on the wrist or something)

AUs where neither person is a hockey player (AUs where one person is in the NHL and the other is not are still good)

Genderswap / Rule 63 / Always a Girl AU

Sad Endings

Existing real life partner bashing (just pretend they don’t exist if needed)

Death – major characters, minor characters, pets, don’t want none of it

Pairing Specific Info - this is all the same as the prompts on AO3:

Joey Daccord/Chris Driedger/Philipp Grubauer: This is such a fun trio for me. Some ideas for them: preseason ’22 shenanigans being soft with injured Chris, Grubi trying to get them to do German Christmas celebrations, goalie nesting (with one, two, or three of them at the same time), Joey as their joint sugar baby, online dating without realizing who they’re talking to

Sidney Crosby/Nathan MacKinnon: Strongly prefer Nate to be 20+ for any relationship. Some ideas for them: A/B/O courting chaos, Sid giving gifts, long distance communication (texting/calling through the season or playoffs), their families celebrating Christmas together, drunk hook-up at Nate’s Cup Day

Sidney Crosby/Claude Giroux: Enemies to lovers, my beloved. Some ideas for them: outsider POV on their established relationship, summer wedding date, hook-up at an international tournament/ASG, winner’s room during their peak anger years or as cheerfully familiar vets.

Leon Draisaitl/Connor McDavid: Secret relationship (how good they are at it up to you), hanging out in Connor's hot tub (and/or skinny dipping), rewards for milestones/good hockey, bio dom/sub AU, Grindr hook-up not knowing who they're talking to

Andre Burakovsky/Philipp Grubauer: Burky following Grubi from team to team makes my heart melt. Would love to see him as Grubi's preferred nesting partner, A/B/O dynamics, secret relationship, comfort during injuries, or soft away-from-families Christmas fic.

Thank you!

[seat-safety-switch]

In my spare time, I like to help the police solve crimes. Today’s law enforcement is stretched too thin, dealing with minor crimes such as felony speeding and bicycle theft instead of major crimes, like driving too slowly in the left lane. That’s why when I won the lottery, I poured my earnings into becoming a costumed vigilante.

Often, I prefer to do my crime fighting the easy way: by hanging out on the local serial killer forums. Despite what you may have heard from certain subcultures, you don’t necessarily need to dress up like some kind of giant mammal-human hybrid in order to visit the internet. It’s way easier on the dry cleaning budget.

You wouldn’t think that these people would be so willing to open up about their crimes, especially since conventional wisdom holds them to be frustrated loners who can’t fit into society, but when you build a club, they will come. What’s really surprising is how civil their flame wars are. I guess when you know the guy on the other side of the screen is entirely capable of beheading you during Tuesday afternoon errands and getting away with it scot-free, you’re more inclined to be nice.

There is one segment of the serial-killer population that is unaccounted for, and as such the existing coterie of established homicidal maniacs complain about them constantly: millennials.

The complaints about those millennial serial killers are what you’d expect. Nobody wants to even wear a hockey mask for a serial killing anymore - it’s so 1980. Killers today can’t afford a new knife, so they use a rusty one and get really sloppy cuts. Young murderers are more interested in building their brand than they are in getting away with a spree of unthinkable crimes. They don’t even slaughter the disadvantaged even though they’re way easier targets!

They’re right, to a certain extent, but when I throw a thousand-dollar carbon-fibre razor-sharp boomerang in the shape of a Quechuan mouse opossum into the chest of a young spree killer, I feel that heart-felt passion for the craft in their resistance. And that really shows up in practice. Most of the boomer-stabbers get confused and Airdrop me a signed confession and photos while I’m beating them up.

[two-us-two-ks]

Fic Writing Meme

I was tagged by pob-lwc-caixa - thank you!

What is your total posted word count on AO3? (Go to your Works, then click Statistics.)

Currently none. I have posted fics but never on there (and the forum I wrote on is long gone)

How often do you write?

Whenever I feel inspired. Which is a bad way to approach things, I know. Luckily it’s November and Nanowrimo starts soon.

Do you have a routine for writing?

Nope. The only routine-like thing with me and writing is the fact that I never finish my ideas. That’s a bad routine to have and I should get rid of it.

What’s your favorite kinks/tropes/pairing?

Kinks: Well, it depends on so many things. D/s for sure. One certain pairing may have introduced me to daddy kink. I’m still coming to terms with it.

Tropes: This depends on many things as well. I’m down with most of them if I feel like it. It would be easier to list my non-favorite tropes tbh.

Pairing: That would be a long list. Main ones right now: prefix boys (+Aho), the Finnish Predator goalie tandem, and a pairing I’m still trying to get used to (first of all it broke my ot3, secondly I know next to nothing about the other one + I feel like a cradle robber)

Do you have a favorite fic of yours?

Lamniformes. Also goes by “shark ideas” in the tags of my side blog. I’m still waiting for a green light from the person who had the original idea though (please go and read and appreciate Ursa minor, it’s amazing!)

Your fic with the most kudos?

None yet

Anything you don’t like about your writing?

The fact I never finish anything. And whenever I feel like I can’t express my vision in any language.

Now something you do like.

I feel like I’m good with dialogue. At least I’m comfortable and confident with it, and in Finnish I love to play with dialects. I’ve tried the same with English accents, but so far I’ve only managed to do that with an over-the-top Australian (non-hockey, sorry)

No tagging, feel free to snatch this :)

[minorhockeytalks]

Exploring Minnesota Hockey: From Youth to NHL

THE HEART OF HOCKEY

In Minnesota, hockey is the sport intertwined in daily living. Many Minnesota forums accommodate hockey in each of its aspects: game strategies, player development, and skill improvement. These forums are the best source for a person who wants to be part of the youth hockey due to the various discussions related to training techniques, coaching tips, and news regarding the teams.

Youth Hockey Rankings

Some of the hottest topics that come up in minnesota hockey forums are the rankings. These rankings are how one would determine the performance of players and teams during their season. Coaches and scouts take the rankings very seriously because sometimes these rankings will affect a player’s opportunities for moving up into a higher league than they are currently playing. Often, rankings feature prominent players to show their skill and contribution to their team and maybe a way to enter junior leagues or beyond.

The Minor League Hockey System

The minor hockey league system forms one massive stepping stone for young players in the pursuit to secure positions in the NHL. Well executed in Minnesota, the system addresses several levels of play, including house leagues, travel teams, and select programs. This will help players progress from a low to a high skill level while continuing to work together as a team.

The minor league hockey system develops the players physically, but their mental toughness and resilience are just as important. Coaches put much effort into instilling these values into the players in order to prepare them better for the rigors they will face as they move along through the system.

Transitioning to the NHL

The majority of players make their way into the NHL once they find their stride in this minor hockey league. Minnesota has had a decently run youth hockey program, thus producing a good number of NHL players. The transition from the youth league into professional hockey is definitely not guaranteed or easy, but those who hang in there usually do end up successful

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Community and Culture

Community support wraps itself within the culture of hockey in Minnesota. It’s about families gathering to support their teams at a local rink, trying to develop a sense of pride and camaraderie. The memories created last a lifetime, as shared experiences by all players and fans alike provide a strong network for support.

Conclusion

The Minnesota hockey landscape is one filled with vitality and myriad opportunities that present themselves to the young athlete. Through active involvement in Minnesota hockey forums, following the rankings of the various youth hockey leagues, and engaging with the minor league, players will be afforded the opportunity to make their way from local rinks to the bright lights of the NHL. With Minnesota continuing to develop its hockey talent, the future certainly is bright for young, up-and-coming players within the North Star State.

[orientallyyours]

Larry Kwong 吳啟光 (1923-) was born in Vernon, BC to immigrant parents, and the Kwongs were one of only three Chinese families living in Vernon at the time. His older brothers played hockey for fun but he was the only one who wanted to play hockey for a living. Kwong started in 1939 for the Vernon Hydrophones minor team and then moving on to senior hockey with the Trail Smoke Eaters in 1941. His speed on the ice earned him the nickname “The China Clipper” and “King Kwong.”

The West Kootenay Hockey League, where Kwong was playing, suspended operations because of World War II. Kwong was drafted and while he had basic training and had expected to be deployed overseas, he was drafted instead to play hockey to entertain the troops. 

In 1945 Kwong returned to play a winning season with the Smoke Eaters, when he was approached by a scout for the New York Rangers and asked to play for the Rangers farm team, the New York Rovers. He would get the chance to don a New York Rangers uniform and face off against the Montreal Canadiens on March 13th, 1948, at the Forum in Montreal, when he became the first person of Asian ancestry to play in the NHL. 

Source: Pacific Rim Magazine