Monthly Archives: April 2013

Prepare Yourself for Phantoms Hockey

I didn’t really pay much attention to hockey as a kid. I don’t know what icing is despite looking it up on Wikipedia nor do I understand every detail of the game. Maybe you’re like me or perhaps you are a rabid hockey fan ready for the Phantoms to start their first season here in the Lehigh Valley.

Either way, my preparations included watching some classic (and not so classic) hockey movies to get ready for Lehigh Valley hockey!

I started off with the Mighty Ducks. Perhaps not the greatest hockey movie but it does have its moments:

How could you not love a Knucklepuck?

Ducks fly together!

I moved onto a newer movie, “Goon” starring the guy everyone recognizes as Stiffler from American Pie.

Although not a hockey movie, Happy Gilmore does have a few hockey “moments”

Then there’s Mystery Alaska! Love this movie…

I couldn’t find any online clips from Miracle on Ice but I did find footage of the last minute of the actual game.

And finally, perhaps the greatest hockey movie ever made. Slapshot.

Complete with action..

…and some comedy.

Enjoy!

2 Comments

Filed under Phantoms Hockey

GAME PREVIEW: STEELHAWKS LOOK TO TAME LIONS

Bethlehem, PA: The Lehigh Valley Steelhawks (2-4), coming off a series of tough losses, will be battling the Columbus Lions (3-3) when they come to the Valley this Sunday, May 5th for a 4pm game. The game is deemed Health Awareness Night and is presented by St. Luke’s University Health Network. It will also feature a Precious Metal Dance clinic prior to the game, and special performance by all the participants at half time.

The Steelhawks defense needs to find its rhythm again as they face a top scoring offense in Columbus. The Lions are led by QB Marcus Jones, he is their top passer (821 yds, 16 tds) and rusher (108 yds, 6 tds). He has found solid targets in three different receivers, all with more than 20 receptions on the season- Maurice Dupree (36 catches, 601 yds, 12 tds), Jarmon Fortsen (21 catches, 229 yds, 3 tds), and Gerald Gales (20 catches, 279 yds, 8 tds).

Lehigh Valley has been dangerous on offense every week. QB Adam Bednarik (1,275 yds, 22 tds, on 69% completion rate) utilizes all his receiving weapons; all three receivers have more than 300 yds already this year- Tom Gilson (46 catches, 412 yds, 7 tds), Tyrone Collins (30 catches, 318 yds, 8 tds), and Torieal Gibson (27 catches, 399 yds, 5 tds).

Kickoff is slated for 4:05 (EST), this Sunday. Steelhawk 2013 home games will be broadcast on Service Electric TV2 Sports.

The Steelhawks will be on the road in Knoxville for their game next week but then will return back home to the Valley for their final two home games of the season May 18th and 25th. The game on the 18th is Non Profit Awareness night and is also a night dedicated to the Race for Adam.

The Steelhawks have been working hard, both on and off the field, filling their roster with a ton of talent and adding great partners to the Steelhawk family. The Steelhawks’ 2013 PIFL schedule is now available online and individual and season tickets are available. Get your season ticket flex plans now and you will get a FREE Steelhawk 9th Man jersey, and be entered to win a FREE vacation from Boscov’s Travel! For further information please call Lehigh Valley Steelhawks Executive Vice President and General Manager Mike Clark at (610) 282-3100, or visit our website at http://www.LVSteelhawks.com for the latest Steelhawks news!

Fans are reminded that 2013 season ticket flex plans are available. You can reserve your seats by calling the Steelhawks front office at 610-282-3100.

The Steelhawks are a PROFESSIONAL Arena Football team that plays in The Professional Indoor Football League. The PIFL (www.proifl.com) is a seven team league with franchises in six states. The league holds a 12-game regular season schedule that runs March through June. The PIFL’s playoffs culminate in late June with the PIFL Championship Cup. Season ticket packages start as low as $8 per game (or $48 for the full season) and games are an exciting event for people of the Lehigh Valley to attend on weekend nights.

Leave a comment

Filed under Steel Hawks

Valley Preferred Cycling Center – The Velodrome Visit – Part I

My childhood home was 3 miles from The Lehigh County Velodrome (as it was so titled then) and I have fond memories of Friday night visits as a teenager.

When I discovered some of our friends had taken an opportunity to work for the non-profit Valley Preferred Cycling Center (as it is now titled), I contacted them to see what they were up to and what is happening this summer at the track.

Valley Preferred Cycling Center Entrance

So courtesy of Alicia Marinelli and Matt Hagen I had the recent pleasure to visit The Velodrome, located at 1151 Mosser Road, 

Breinigsville, PA 18031 on a beautiful spring day.

In Part I of this series we’ll take a look at some hot off the presses marketing material including the 2013 Racing Schedule, Cycling Development Programs, and end with some views of a sunny spring day in T-Town.

(Don’t forget this Saturday’s (May 4th) upcoming VeloFest detailed in this post.)

The Velodrome has some exciting races and events coming this season – with Alicia and Matt on board along with Executive Director Marty Nothstein, it’s going to be a HOT Summer in T-Town!

Speaking of two time Olympic medalist Marty Nothstein, be sure to stay tuned for Part II where we sit down for a candid conversation covering his career, what’s coming up at The Velodrome and even a few other surprises.

World Series of Bicycling – 2013 Schedule

The World Series of Bicycling will bring Olympic action to the Valley Preferred Cycling Center every Friday night this summer. The Friday night lineup, starting June 7th, is a mix of sprint and endurance events that will bring the world’s best track cycling talent to T-Town this summer. Last season, VPCC brought in racers from 13 countries, including 12 Olympians.

Click image to enlarge

Click image to enlarge

Air Products Developmental Cycling Program

For 35 years the Air Products Developmental Cycling Program at the Valley Preferred Cycling Center has been the starting point for many of America’s best track cyclists. From Olympic Gold Medalist and multiple World Champion Marty Nothstein and former Junior World Champion Sarah Uhl, to current champions Bobby Lea and Kim Geist; the Air Products program is recognized around the globe for its legendary graduates.

Air Products Developmental Cycling Program

Click image for viewable/printable PDF

Red Robin Marty Nothstein Bicycle Racing League

The Red Robin Marty Nothstein Bicycle Racing League (BRL) introduces new riders ages 9-16 with no previous experience to the thrill and excitement of bicycle racing. The 2013 BRL program format consists of five teams that will practice and race for eight to ten weeks before the season culminates with the Team Championships at the nation’s premier outdoor track cycling facility, the Valley Preferred Cycling Center.

Click image for viewable/printable PDF.

Click image for viewable/printable PDF

Spring Photgraphs at The Velodrome – click on any picture to start the show!

1 Comment

Filed under DiPro's Dish, The Velodrome, Valley Preferred Cycing Center

@mcall My Choice Voice Awards!

Check this out! Good times!

mychoicevoicead

1 Comment

Filed under Uncategorized

The Velodrome – VeloFest 2013 – Nation’s largest cycling flea market!

Valley Preferred Cycling Center – aka – The Velodrome in Trexlertown are holding their annual VeloFest on Saturday, May 4, 2013 and you don’t have to be a professional cyclist to check it out.  There will be lots of fun, good food and certainly tons of cycling related items.  Click here for the full menu.  I’m going to check it out and you should too!

Aside from shopping, Clover Hill Winery will be present sampling their wine that is made right here in the Lehigh Valley. The Bud Light Girls will also be on hand sampling their popular margarita products including the Lime-a-rita and the brand new Straw-ber-rita. VeloFest also will be serving delicious breakfast and lunch options from Rodale Catering as well as everyday unbeatable prices on beer and wine.  – from thevelodrome.com

Velofest 2013

Great Deal are Coming to T-Town!

Pre-Purchase your VeloFest wristbands and avoid waiting in lines! To be the first in the gates, shoppers are recommended to pre-purchase wristbands at the Valley Preferred Cycling Center offices at $10.00 per ticket. Office hours are M-F 8AM-4PM.

Money can’t buy everything … but it can sure get you some great deals at VeloFest.Velofest

We are days away from the nation’s largest cycling flea market held at Valley Preferred Cycling Center in Trexlertown, PA.

Bike shops, manufacturers, individuals, collectors and artists will be dealing all thing cycling from vintage and modern bikes, messenger bags, shoes, jerseys, bike art, tubes, tires and screaming deals on parts and accessories.

VeloFest opens bright and early Saturday morning, May 4th, at 8:30 a.m. We’ll be dealing until 2:00 p.m. Tickets are just $8 each, and free for kids 12 and under.

Eat, Shop, Drink, Be Happy! Enjoy delicious food, great deals,wine and sangria sampling from Clover Hill Winery, new margarita sampling from Bud Light, and an overall great time!

EVERY BUYER NEEDS A SELLER! Reserve space at this spring’s event to sell your stuff!Vendors

Commercial Vendors are on hand to reduce inventory, clear overstock and blow out current models.

Private Vendors from near and far make a semi-annual pilgrimage to the concrete crater for some serious iron horse trading.

  • Does your car not fit in your garage?
  • Do you ” squirrel away” derailleurs and brake calipers for a rainy day?
  • Is your basement easily mistaken for an eBay warehouse?
  • If you answered “yes” to one or more of these questions, you fit the profile of a private vendor. Convert your dust collectors into CASH.

Got Questions? Call Andy at 610-395-7000 x334.

You can also find more information at thevelodrome.com

Leave a comment

Filed under DiPro's Dish, The Velodrome, Valley Preferred Cycing Center

The Fastest Man in Baseball

Beginning Saturday evening, the Louisville Bats will be the opponents of the Lehigh Valley Ironpigs in 8 of their next 12 games.  Much of the success of the Louisville Bats this year has to be credited to their pitching staff which has the 2nd best team ERA in the International League.  But, the Bats currently have the worst hitting team in the International League with their team batting average at .201,  just barely above the Mendoza line.   Outfielder Felix Perez (.275) is the only player hitting over .240 with old friend Jason Donald next at .238.  Louisville has scored the fewest runs, they have the fewest hits, the fewest RBI’s, the lowest on base percentage and the lowest slugging percentage in the league.  However, even with the poor team offensive numbers, they can score runs in other ways, mainly because of one man.

At the top of their batting order is 22 year old switch hitting outfielder Billy Hamilton, the #1 prospect in the Cincinnati Reds organization.  In case you don’t know him, Billy Hamilton was the 2nd round draft pick (57th overall) of the Cincinnati Reds in the 2009 player draft.  He began last season playing in the California League where he hit .323 and stole an amazing 104 bases in just 82 games.  But he didn’t stop there.  He was promoted to the AA Southern League where he played in 50 more games.  In those 50 games he hit .286 and stole an additional 51 bases giving him a 2012 stolen base total of 155 in 132 games.  Everyone has heard the baseball phrase, “a walk is as good as a hit”, but in the case of Billy Hamilton, quite often a walk will turn into a triple because he is going to run and he is going to run often.

It could be advantageous to the Ironpigs that they are facing Louisville while they are in the midst of a team hitting slump.   The lack of hitting has also affected Billy Hamilton as he is hitting just .213 in 75 at bats this year, but even with the low average he still has stolen 14 bases in 15 attempts this year which easily tops the International League in both categories.

I have mixed feeling going into the upcoming 8 games against Louisville.  As an Ironpigs fan I always want to see our team win.  But at the same time, as a baseball fan, I want to see Billy Hamilton run.  Maybe we can win and throw him out a few times when he tries to steal.  That would be perfect.

Leave a comment

Filed under From the Desk of Decal, Lehigh Valley IronPigs

NoiseCast – Episode IV – A New Hope

Epi 4 – Kram209 and I talk some IronPigs and Philly Baseball stuff.

Recorded after the double-header on Wednesday, April 24, 2013.
(stats are from up to and including the 1st game of the DH)

[audio http://www.dccvoip.com/audio/NoiseCast_Episode_4.mp3]

Right click (download) – click for mobile

Leave a comment

Filed under Coca Cola Park, DiPro's Dish, Kram's Korner - From the Club Level, Lehigh Valley IronPigs

Ruiz to Rehab in Reading Friday & Saturday!

From Reading’s media dept:

Ruiz will join the Fightin Phils on Friday and Saturday as part of his rehab assignment

READING, Pa.—Philadelphia Phillies catcher Carlos Ruiz will join the Reading Fightin Phils on Major League rehab assignment Friday and Saturday when the team returns home after a seven-game homestand to face the New Hampshire Fisher Cats (Toronto Blue Jays). Friday’s game at FirstEnergy Stadium starts at 7:05 p.m. and Saturday’s game begins at 6:05 p.m.

Ruiz is currently in the midst of a 25-game suspension after testing positive for a banned substance during the offseason. Prior to playing Reading on Friday and Saturday, Ruiz is scheduled to play a pair of games with the Clearwater Threshers (A+) tonight and Wednesday. He can join the Phillies on Sunday when they face the New York Mets at Citi Field.

The catcher will be making his first trip back to Reading since playing with the club from 2003-2004. During his 2004 season in Baseballtown, Ruiz hit 17 home runs and drove in 50 runs while hitting .284. His home run total was second among Eastern League catchers (Eli Whiteside, Bowie, 18).

Last season, the Panamanian earned his first All-Star selection and set career highs in hits (121), doubles (32), home runs (16), RBIs (68), runs (56), extra-base hits (48), and total bases (201). He also hit .325 and caught a career-high 21 of 85 potential base stealers.

Signed as an amateur free agent by Philadelphia in 1998, Ruiz started every postseason game in 2008 at catcher and helped the Phillies go on to win their second World Series in team history.

Tickets for both Friday and Saturday’s games at FirstEnergy Stadium are available by visiting Fightins.com, calling the Fightin Phils Ticket Office at 610-370-BALL, or by visiting the Fightin Phils Ticket Office in person at FirstEnergy Stadium. Both games will feature a post-game fireworks show thanks to All Star Distributing/Labatt Blue on the 26th and Carpenter Technology Corp. on the 27th.

1 Comment

Filed under Reading Phillies

Welcome Phielder’s Choice @PhieldersChoice

We made some new friends today, check out their Phillies news site at Phielder’s Choice!

http://phielderschoice.com/

Leave a comment

Filed under Noise Nation History

TV was on Mute – Radio was On. IronPigs are Homesick

Before we look at this morning’s game I want to start with this…

Pig fans who don’t listen to the IronPig’s radio game broadcast are missing out. Matt Provence and Jon Schaeffer are on 1320 and 1230 AM doling out the play by play and commentary for every IronPigs game.

Honestly, I was excited to see our friends get National Media Attention with a game airing live on the MLB Network this morning. A high class baseball production, in HD, far exceeding many minor league teams. I subscribed to MiLB TV several years and many of those teams cannot even be viewed in the same category as Service Electric when it comes to its baseball programming.

But.. BUT.. I always mute the TV because I prefer the radio.

I think others do as well.

Each game I wait anxiously for the Trivia question. I prep myself on the PC (Or phone if at CCP). Baseball reference’s website is open to the International league historical stats. A Google search window is open. The email is prepped and ready and waiting for the answer to be typed in and sent. I’m listening to the radio because it is a good 30-45 seconds ahead of the online streaming audio. Sounds like a lot right?

Usually around the 3rd or 4th inning Matt Provence will send the ever increasingly difficult trivia question out.

Then the frantic madness begins.

Find the answer online. Type it in. Click Send. Sigh of relief and then wait.

Sometime around the 7th or 8th inning the answer, and winner, are announced.

I usually have my answer out within 5 seconds. I’ve won once this season so far. Most of my answers are correct.

The radio@ironpigsbaseball.com mailbox must be overflowing in that insane minute of submissions but only the first correct answer wins.

Pigs Radio hasn’t replaced those great memories of Harry and Richie from my childhood but it’s close.
****

The IronPigs must be happy to jump on the wagon train west this afternoon. They head to Indianapolis for 4 games, then to Louisville for 4 before returning back to Coca Cola Park for identical series to start off May. (Wonder if they’ll carpool)

I am looking forward to May. It will signify the IronPigs return home to CCP but also a fresh start at CCP.

IronPig’s road record to date: 5 wins 2 losses

IronPig’s home record to date: 2 wins 8 losses

They are struggling at home. No doubt.

Today’s game was no different.

Starter Tyler Cloyd looked great in the first two innings but faltered in the 3rd allowing 4 runs on a bunch of singles. He allowed 2 more runs in the 6th and his final line of 6 innings, 6 runs on 9 hits. Tyler struck out 4 and walked 3.

Some excitement in the 9th inning. Manager Dave Brundage earned his first ejection of the season arguing a very questionable balk call in the top of the ninth. Steve Lerud followed suit and left the game as well. Pigs Radio did note that the IL Umpire evaluator was in attendance at this game and has a first hand view of the play in question. Punishments probably await them.

The Pigs certainly hit the ball well today but fighting high winds and bad luck, their 11 hits only combined for 2 runs.

Final Score: Bison 8 – IronPigs 2

4 Comments

Filed under Lehigh Valley IronPigs