Z, I Did It Again

At the NHL SuperSkills Competition held at the Scotiabank Place in the Canadian capital of Ottawa, ex-Senator and now Boston Bruins captain Zdeno Chara did it again. The 6'9'' defenseman has been the Hardest Shot champion for four straight years, and in his fifth appearance, he once again broke his own record, clocking in 108.8 mph on his slapshot, easily besting the 105.9 he set at Raleigh's RBC Center last year. 

Zdeno Chara's record-breaking slapshot in the NHL Hardest Shot
competition at the Scotiabank Place, Ottawa on January 28, 2012.

Though Daniel Alfredsson's team won on points, Team Chara still made it a meaningful evening for them, when Chicago Blackhawks forward Patrick Kane won the Breakaway Challenge with a nod to Orlando Magic center Dwight Howard, using the Superman cape to win the fan's votes. With Alexander Ovechkin not participating at his request, the Breakaway Challenge saw a new champion crowned after Ovi won the first three editions.

Patrick Kane with his Superman cape and Clark Kent glasses
that won him the Breakaway Challenge.

Team Alfredsson's victories came at the Fastest Skater challenge (Carl Hagelin), the Skills Challenge Relay, and the Elimination Shootout (Steven Stamkos). Team Chara's other victory was courtesy of the Accuracy Shootout (Jamie Benn).

The NHL All-Star Game is later today at 4:00 p.m. EST on the NBC Sports Network. Despite the absences of Alexander Ovechkin and Sidney Crosby, there is indeed enough star power to make this All-Star Game a meaningful one.

Oldies But Goodies: The Oldest American Stadiums

In recent years, aging American stadiums have been replaced by newer, modern ones, equipped with plush seating, luxury boxes and club seats, as well as modern conveniences such as wifi connection, elevators and escalators, and digital ad placements. However, there are still the granddaddies of them all: the classic stadiums that have stood the test of time.

We look at some of America's old stadiums that are still going strong despite their age.

Fenway Park - Opened 1912

Boston's most cherished sports venue is entering its 100th year. Despite efforts to replace the ballpark, loyal and traditional Red Sox fans refuse to leave Fenway Park behind. Thanks to the efforts of owners John Henry and Tom Werner, the park was gradually modernized to keep up with the changing times. Seats were added at the infamous Green Monster, new HD scoreboard were placed, luxury boxes and club seats were introduced, and some aging wooden seats were replaced by more comfortable padded foam seats. The most traditional reminder is that the manual scoreboard is still operational. The Red Sox won six World Series titles while playing at Fenway, and has endured 'The Curse of the Bambino', among others. Home games at the park has been sold out consistently since 2003.

Wrigley Field - Opened 1914

The oldest National League ballpark, Wrigley Field has yet to witness a World Series championship. The Cubs have been afflicted with a curse that doesn't seem to go away, having been without a World Series title since 1908. Wrigley is known for its ivy-filled walls that cushion the impact of players catching fly balls while colliding to this wall. Like Fenway Park, Wrigley Field's scoreboard is operated manually. Other features include rooftop seats, the classic red marquee on the entrance, and the advantage of winds which may affect either pitching or hitting.

Lambeau Field - Opened 1957

Now why not Soldier Field? Chicago's football stadium opened in 1924, but the Bears didn't make it their home until 1971. Lambeau, on the other hand, has been the Green Bay Packers' fortress since it opened in 1957. The field has been unique because it was constructed and later renovated using only the taxes that the citizens of Green Bay have been paying. The field is also known by the nickname 'Titletown USA', after the Packers' four Super Bowl victories. The field has also been said to be advantageous for the Packers during winter playoff games, in which the snowy turf mixed with mud would prove to be a hindrance for opponents.

Madison Square Garden - Opened 1968

The 'World's Most Famous Arena' is the fourth incarnation of MSG, which first opened in 1879. The oldest active arena in both the NHL and NBA, the Garden has become one of the most iconic buildings in New York City, due to its storied history of holding the most memorable sports events, concerts, and political and religious conventions. The Garden is currently being renovated and modernized to keep up with the evolving modernization of sports arenas, which is expected to finish by 2014. 

These storied icons have become a part of American sports culture. If you think they should be replaced, think again. As long as they continue to fill the cravings of a sports-crazy American, then they'll be standing tall for years to come. 

Father Meets Son

In honor of the recent signing of Prince Fielder to his father Cecil's former team, the Detroit Tigers, we look back at father-and-son combos who were employed for the same team, whether together or in different periods.

Baseball

Bobby and Barry Bonds, San Francisco Giants

Felipe and Moises Alou, San Francisco Giants

Ken Griffey Jr. and Ken Griffey Sr., Seattle Mariners

Cal Ripken Jr. and Cal Ripken Sr., Baltimore Orioles

Tony Gwynn Sr. and Tony Gwynn Jr., San Diego Padres

Basketball

Rick and Jon Barry, Golden State Warriors

Rick, Jon and Brent Barry, Houston Rockets

Henry and Mike Bibby, New York Knicks

Ron and Ronnie Brewer, Chicago Bulls

John Lucas II and John Lucas III, Houston Rockets

Mike Dunleavy Sr. and Mike Dunleavy Jr., Milwaukee Bucks

Ice Hockey

Mark, Gordie and Marty Howe, Hartford Whalers

Emile and Pierre Bouchard, Montreal Canadiens

Scotty and Stan Bowman, Chicago Blackhawks

Bill and Kevin Dineen, Philadelphia Flyers

Ken Hodge Sr. and Ken Hodge Jr., Boston Bruins

Peter and Paul Stastny, Quebec Nordiques/Colorado Avalanche franchise

A son following the footsteps of a father is a good thing, but playing for one of his father's former teams is quite honorary and distinctive. For Prince Fielder, equaling, if not surpassing, his father Cecil's accomplishments in Detroit is a challenge that is hard to resist. Winning a World Series title is an even bigger task. Oh well, good luck for Prince and his Detroit career. 

Concussion City

A concussion epidemic has been spreading like a virus in the NHL, and Philadelphia seems to be the most affected by the storm. Seven of their players have been diagnosed with concussions, which is uncharacteristic for a team valued for its physical ferocity since the 1970s Broad Street Bullies era. 

The concussion awareness alert started with Pittsburgh's Sidney Crosby. At the 2011 Winter Classic in Pittsburgh's Heinz Field, Crosby took a hit in the head by then-Capital David Steckel. On January 5, he was hit again, this time by Tampa Bay's Victor Hedman, ruling him out for the season. He made it back on the ice 10 months later, only to not suit up again after eight games. Crosby's on-ice popularity has raised awareness towards the concussion, which also hit numerous other NHL players. And no one was hit the hardest than the Flyers.

Seven players in the orange and black sweater have been diagnosed with a concussion: Chris Pronger, James van Riemsdyk, Claude Giroux, Matt Read, Ian Laperriere, and Brayden Schenn. Pronger has yet to play this season, but the captain has been ruled out for good. Even before that, the Flyers have been embroiled in a controversy involving former player Eric Lindros, whose tenure with the Flyers abruptly ended not only by a series of concussions, but also in a word war with then-GM Bobby Clarke. 

The defending champion Boston Bruins weren't spared either. Marc Savard suffered a concussion on March 5, 2010 when Penguins player Matt Cooke hit him hard on the boards. Savard did return in the playoffs, scoring a game-winning OT goal in Game 1 of the semifinals against the Flyers. He played another 25 games in the 2010-11 season before suffering another concussion at Denver on January 22. Savard has never played since, missing out on the team's Stanley Cup title run in 2011. Nathan Horton suffered a concussion of his own after a hit by the Canucks' Aaron Rome in Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Finals. Horton ultimately survived this episode.

Several other players have been hit by concussions before, and despite the NHL's best efforts to revise the rules involving hits to the head, the concussion epidemic may continue for a long while. For now, the league needs to review even further, and hope they raise further awareness regarding the situation. 

Enter the Dragon

As the Chinese calendar turns from rabbit to dragon on January 23, why don't we look at some of the my favorite dragons in pop culture.

Dragon Tales, a children's TV program.

Dratini, Dragonair and Dragonite from the Pokemon series.
I didn't include Charizard for he's more of a flying lizard than a dragon.

Sheron, an eternal wishing dragon from the Dragon Ball manga.

Stuff the Magic Dragon of the NBA's Orlando Magic

Dungeons and Dragons role playing game, featuring various dragons.

On January 23, the Chinese people all over the world will turn their calendar from rabbit to dragon. 2012 will be known as the 'Year of the Water Dragon', and if you're lucky to be born in the Year of the Dragon, all signs point to prosperity and promise for the future. 

Kung Hei Fat Choi, everyone!!! Happy Chinese New Year. 

The Road to Indianapolis

The NFL playoffs has reached the conference championship, with the AFC and NFC champions facing off in Indianapolis's Lucas Oil Stadium in two weeks' time. But before all the fireworks, we look at the four teams participating in their respective conference championships.

AFC Championship

Baltimore Ravens @ New England Patriots

The Patriots have owned the Ravens all-time (6-1), but their lone playoff meeting saw the Ravens win 33-14 in the 2009 Wild Card playoff at Gillette Stadium. This time, the stakes are higher with a trip to the Super Bowl on the line. Once again, the Patriots will rely on their experienced QB Tom Brady and improving tight end combination of Aaron Hernandez and Rob Gronkowski. However, they are about to face one of the NFL'S stingiest defenses led by Ed Reed and Ray Lewis. At the other end, Joe Flacco is hoping to take advantage of the porous Patriot defense and find receivers such as Ray Rice, while Matt Light, Rob Ninkovich and Vince Wilfork are hoping to stop Flacco and Rice's every move.

NFC Championship

New York Giants @ San Francisco 49ers

Not since Joe Montana, Jerry Rice and Bill Walsh's glory days has 49ers fans see a lot of heightened playoff excitement in Candlestick Park. The Giants and 49ers are meeting for the eighth time in the playoffs, with the 49ers leading 4-3 all-time. And rightfully so, having toppled two of the NFL's most prolific offenses and the past two Super Bowl champions in the Green Bay Packers and New Orleans Saints, respectively. Again this will be an offense-defense matchup. The Giants will rely offensively on Eli Manning, Victor Cruz and Hakeem Nicks, and defensively on Jason Pierre-Paul and Justin Tuck, while the 49ers will play their offensive cards on Alex Smith, Vernon Davis and Michael Crabtree, while the defense will rely on Carlos Rogers and Justin Smith.

A lot of storylines will occur in the upcoming Super Bowl XLVI. Will it be a 'Harbaugh Bowl', a Super Bowl XLII rematch, or the first Super Bowl meetings between the Patriots and 49ers or the Ravens and Giants? We'll find out as kickoff dawns this Sunday, with the Super Bowl trip on the line.

The Harbaugh Bowl

This year's NFL postseason features two coaching brothers leading their teams deep into the playoffs. John Harbaugh of the Baltimore Orioles, and his younger brother Jim of the San Francisco 49ers, have led their teams to their respective conference championships, which envisions the possibility of the first Super Bowl involving two brothers in the coaching ranks.

Jim Harbaugh, left, and brother John, right, before a game between the
49ers and Ravens at M&T Bank Park on November 24, 2011

The elder Harbaugh has been the coach of the Ravens since 2008, and have led the team to the playoffs in all of his four seasons. The younger Harbaugh is in his first season with the 49ers, and is credited to turning the team's fortunes around as well as sticking through embattled quarterback Alex Smith. This year, both brothers made the playoffs, earning first-round byes in the process. 

On November 24, the Harbaughs faced off for the first time when the 49ers visited the Ravens at M&T Bank Park on Thanksgiving. The Ravens won, 16-6, in a low-scoring game that demonstrated the coaches' defensive-minded approach.

Last Saturday, Jim's 49ers overcame two late-game deficits against the New Orleans Saints to win 36-32, highlighted by Alex Smith's game winning touchdown pass to Vernon Davis, in what was later dubbed in San Francisco sports lore as 'The Grab.' John's Ravens played the next day against the Houston Texans, with Baltimore winning 20-13. It was the brothers' first NFL playoff wins as coaches, though Jim won it in his first playoff game; John won in his fourth. 

While the Harbaughs have made their mark as coaches, Jim actually has a more extensive NFL experience than John, having played 14 seasons as an NFL quarterback with the Chicago Bears, Indianapolis Colts, Baltimore Ravens and San Diego Chargers, earning All-Pro honors in 1995. John began his odyssey as a college football assistant for various universities before being hired by the Philadelphia Eagles to be their special teams coordinator and later defensive backs coach, roles he held from 1998-2007. Jim also served as a college football assistant with Western Kentucky University under his father Jack during his final seven NFL seasons, before briefly serving as a quarterback coach for the Oakland Raiders from 2002-03.  He then coached the University of San Diego for three seasons, then at Stanford for four seasons, before landing his first NFL head coaching gig with the 49ers. 

Their biggest test as coaches will come next week, as they face two Super Bowl-winning veterans in Bill Belichick and Tom Coughlin, respectively. The Harbaugh family will be in Foxboro and San Francisco, respectively, to cheer for the NFL's coaching brothers. If both prevail, then we may as well rename Super Bowl XLVI into the 'Harbaugh Bowl.'