Apparently we are in the midst of last days of something called "Hockey Week" here in Philadelphia. According to the rumors, there was an official declaration with a proper certificate adorned with a big gold ribbon and that fancy calligraphy writing.
Yep, they went all out at City Hall. After all, public officials don't go about making edicts and issuing ribbons all willy-nilly like. But after having had the chase to talk the mayor, the Honorable Michael Nutter, it's evident that the man has a wicked sense of humor. Oh yeah, it doesn't show, but Mayor Nutter gets jokes and has a tremendous laugh - you know, one of those laughs that makes the funny thing even funnier.
So, the idea that the mayor decreed that this was "Hockey Week," and not even in an Olympic year, to boot, is knee-slapping hilarious.
Mayor Nutter... what a hoot!
What also is funny about the concept of "Hockey Week" is that how quickly the attention went elsewhere. After all, it is almost the third full week of February and there is a chance that the Eagles could sign a taxi-squad punter. Sure, Sav Rocca seems to have the punting position nailed down, but what about in a couple of years?
But more than the Eagles, the looming minicamp, Sav Rocca, punting and punters, "Hockey Week" took a back seat to the fast-approaching NBA trading deadline, which potentially could reshape the look of the 76ers for the rest of the season and beyond. It's quite a decision GM Ed Stefanski has to make on Andre Miller. Definitely a pickle, indeed.
The biggest news hitting the ether regards the local baseball club and how the New York Mets have reacted to the WFC-ness of the WFC Phillies.
Apparently the Mets can't keep their mouths shut. Or, better yet, to use a hockey term, "yaps." Those Mets sure are yapping up a storm. During the past week we've heard from Jose Reyes, Carlos Beltran and newly acquired closer Francisco Rodriguez. The interesting part about the Mets' trash-talking has been the boringness of it. Almost as boring as getting all worked up for "Hockey Week."