After a year of holding his tongue, Oilers GM Kevin Lowe finally let his opinions of Brian Burke be known. Weâll tell you exactly what he said as we begin Quick Hits, followed by news on all the notable trades and signings of the past week. On The Bubble, as always, features Listener Email, and the Gong Bangerâs final appearance of the season in the Troubling Fact of the Week.

To conclude the segment, the host of Off The Record on TSN, Michael Landsberg joins us as we get his take on the Maple Leafs moves, Mats Sundinâs future, salary inflation and much more. Finally, rigamarole wraps the show by explaining why it really is not all about the money for Mats Sundin.

The second edition of the AFITC Year End Awards will be released in early August. As a result, the polls will remain open accepting votes in the following categories until the end of July: Whipping Boy of the Year, AFITC Leaf Player of the Year, Email of the Year, Emailer of the Year, Rigamarole of the Year and Guest of the Year! Check back on our site early in August for the awards show!

As we reach the end of our third season there are numerous people that we must thank for their contributions and support of our show. First of all, each of our guests who have taken time over the past year for our show has helped immensely in furthering its credibility. Thanks go out most sincerely to Dr. Pat Graham, Damien Cox, Shredder, Russell and StooLi from Sens Underground, two-time guest Paul Hendrick, four-time guest James Duthie, John Iaboni, four-time guest Michael Landsberg, Corey Landsberg, Louie Caporusso, Wade Belak, John Scrymgeour, three-time guest Bob McKenzie, three-time guest Andy Frost, three-time guest Jennifer Hedger, Nick DâAgostino, Brandon Burlon, Justin Hodgman, two-time guest Matt Stajan, and Matt Marquardt, all of whom appeared this season on AFITC.

Secondly, thanks to everyone who took the time to correspond with us throughout the season on the program. Whether it is a comment about the show, an opinion on a team, player, coach, or manager or just somebody wanting to talk hockey, hearing from our listeners is what makes doing the show worthwhile for us! Thanks to all of you!

Finally, we cannot express enough how fortunate our show has been to have such incredible support through each of its three years of existence and especially this season as the new levels of listener interest it has received has been staggering. We do not say this often enough but today we will: without each and every one of our listeners, there would be no show! The show is for you and we could not appreciate your support more than we do!

Become an AFITC Insider by joining A Foot In The Crease Fans on Facebook.

Feel free to continue sending listener email along throughout the summer to afootinthecrease@gmail.com. We will respond to each one we get and feature as many as possible on Episode 4.1 of AFITC to be released during the second week of September.

Quick Hits features lots of news regarding the Tampa Bay Lightning, news from Anaheim including Scott Niedermayerâs decision for next year and a departure from the Ducks, a new contract for Jeff Carter, a trio of signings in Calgary and San Jose, a pair in Colorado and two departures from Ottawa. On The Bubble features Listener Email and the return of the Gong Banger in the Troubling Fact of the Week.

Rigamarole concludes the show by cautioning the Maple Leafs as to why it would be a good idea to tread carefully once the free agency market opens for business.

As we approach the end of Season Three of the show with the final episode to be released on July 6th, we would like to get your input for the AFITC Year End Awards in the following categories: Whipping Boy of the Year, AFITC Leaf Player of the Year, Email of the Year, Emailer of the Year, Rigamarole of the Year and Guest of the Year!

Refer to the âGuest Listâ to the right of this page for links to each program on which a guest appeared and to www.daveintoronto.blogspot.com for written transcripts of each edition of rigamarole. Send your votes along for each category to afootinthecrease@gmail.com and we will announce the winners near the end of our season.

Become an AFITC Insider by joining A Foot In The Crease Fans on Facebook. Send along listener email to afootinthecrease@gmail.com.

Later in the Redline Report, Quick Hits brings you news on major trades involving Alex Tanguay, Olli Jokinen and Mike Cammalleri to go down at the Entry Draft, two signings in Nashville and one from Ottawa, who will guide the Thrashers behind the bench next season, and where the much sought after Dave Nonis is headed.

On The Bubble kicks off with Listener Email from Stuart, Mark, Will, Alan and Aaron and concludes with this weekâs guest.

Boston Bruinsâ prospect Matt Marquardt joins us to discuss his path to the NHL, his last year of junior hockey with the Moncton Wildcats and the Baie-Comeau Drakkar of the QMJHL and much more. Rigamarole concludes the show by explaining why this year is the year of the defenseman in the NHL.

As we approach the end of Season Three of the show with the final episode to be released on July 6th, we would like to get your input for the AFITC Year End Awards in the following categories: Whipping Boy of the Year, AFITC Leaf Player of the Year, Email of the Year, Emailer of the Year, Rigamarole of the Year and Guest of the Year!

Refer to the âGuest Listâ to the right of this page for links to each program on which a guest appeared and to www.daveintoronto.blogspot.com for written transcripts of each edition of rigamarole. Send your votes along for each category to afootinthecrease@gmail.com and we will announce the winners near the end of our season.

Congratulations go out to Brandon Burlon and Nick DâAgostino, both of whom were selected at the 2008 NHL Entry Draft. Burlon, who appeared on Episode 3.38 of AFITC, was taken 53rd overall by the New Jersey Devils and DâAgostino, who joined us on Episode 3.37 of the program, was selected 210th overall by the Stanley Cup finalist Pittsburgh Penguins. All of us at AFITC wish to congratulate them on these outstanding accomplishments!

Become an AFITC Insider by joining A Foot In The Crease Fans on Facebook. Send along listener email to afootinthecrease@gmail.com.

Quick Hits features news on the retirement of three more prominent veterans, contract signings by the Habs and Hurricanes, a coachâs contract extension, new head coaches for the Sharks, Panthers and Senators, a new head coaching vacancy, an update on the injury status of Tomas Holmstrom and a new home for âThe Hockey Theme.â On The Bubble brings you listener email and an appearance by the host of the NHL on TSN, James Duthie!

Finally rigamarole looks at which player is becoming the most marketable asset for the NHL during a time of positive transition and interest growth in the United States.

Special thanks to James Duthie for joining us on todayâs show! Always such a pleasure to talk to, James, as usual, was a great guest on the program!

As we approach the end of Season Three of the show with the final episode to be released on July 6th, we would like to get your input for the AFITC Year End Awards in the following categories: Whipping Boy of the Year, AFITC Leaf Player of the Year, Email of the Year, Emailer of the Year, Rigamarole of the Year and Guest of the Year!

Refer to the âGuest Listâ to the right of this page for links to each program on which a guest appeared and to www.daveintoronto.blogspot.com for written transcripts of each edition of rigamarole. Send your votes along for each category to afootinthecrease@gmail.com and we will announce the winners near the end of our season.

Become an AFITC Insider by joining A Foot In The Crease Fans on Facebook. Send along listener email to afootinthecrease@gmail.com.

Quick Hits wraps the Redline Report with news on a couple of retirements, a signing in Carolina, a coach getting the axe, and a minor trade. Also during this segment, all those rumors about Brian Burke becoming the GM of a new team were true. Weâll tell you which team it is and also touch on the fate of Canadaâs second national anthem: the Hockey Night In Canada theme song. On the Bubble features more listener email, a Troubling Fact of the Week and this weekâs guest.

We are pleased to welcome #14 Matt Stajan of the Toronto Maple Leafs back to the program as he makes his return to AFITC during On The Bubble.

Rigamarole, as always, will wrap up this weekâs proceedings with a look at how a team, but perhaps not the one you may think of, from this yearâs Stanley Cup Finals could be champions for years to come.

Big thanks to Matt Stajan for taking time for us this past week to make his second appearance on AFITC. What a treat to get him on the program!

Become an AFITC Insider by joining A Foot In The Crease Fans on Facebook. Send along listener email to afootinthecrease@gmail.com.

Quick Hits wraps the Redline Report with the terrible news of the loss of Canucks prospect Luc Bourdon. Also in the segment, we touch on a trade involving the Bruins and Blue Jackets, a new contract for Starsâ defenseman Trevor Daley, and a front office hiring by the St. Louis Blues. On The Bubble features, as always, listener email. To conclude the segment, we welcome this weekâs guest, #88 Justin Hodgman from the IHLâs Fort Wayne Komets, to the program.

Finally, rigamarole wraps the show with a look at how Mats Sundinâs legacy in Toronto will depend entirely on the next major decision he makes: what to do about next season.

Special thanks to Justin Hodgman for joining us this week on Episode 3.39 of AFITC! Check out Justinâs IHL championship winning goal in triple overtime.

Next week on Episode 3.40, #14 Matt Stajan of the Toronto Maple Leafs joins us. Be sure to listen to next weekâs program!

Become an AFITC Insider by joining A Foot In The Crease Fans on Facebook. Send along listener email to afootinthecrease@gmail.com.]]> podcasts Mon, 2 Jun 2008 05:51:00 GMT http://www.afootinthecrease.com/index.php?post_id=345551# Jeff Hume, Dave McCarthy No http://www.afootinthecrease.com/index.php?post_id=344856#
#88 Justin Hodgman, a forward with the Fort Wayne Komets of the International Hockey League, scored the championship winning goal in triple overtime of game seven of the IHL finals, capping an impressive comeback in which the Komets rebounded from a three games to one deficit against the Port Huron Icehawks to capture the Turner Cup.

Prior to joining the Komets late in the 2007-2008 season, Hodgman skated with the Erie Otters of the Ontario Hockey League, leading the Otters in regular season scoring.

During the interview, Hodgman explains what it was like on the Komets' bench as the game stretched into multiple overtimes, how he was able to find such success so quickly in the IHL and lets us know if Steven Stamkos is the real deal and worth all the hype after having played with him and against several times throughout the OHL season. Hear the answers to those questions and many more in On The Bubble on Episode 3.39 to be released in the morning of June 2nd, 2008.

Episode 3.40 of AFITC will be released on June 9th, 2008 and feature the return of #14 Matt Stajan of the Toronto Maple Leafs to the program. Stajan, who appeared on AFITC during Season Two on Episode 2.37, had a strong season with the Maple Leafs while emerging as one of the clubâs leaders during a tumultuous campaign.

By the end of the season, several media pundits were lauding Stajanâs leadership as the stuff of a potential captain. Weâll ask Matt about that along with what caused last season to go awry, how much of a distraction the numerous off ice issues surrounding the Maple Leafs proved to be, his thoughts heading into next year and much more.

]]> general Sat, 31 May 2008 04:50:00 GMT http://www.afootinthecrease.com/index.php?post_id=344856# Jeff Hume, Dave McCarthy No http://www.afootinthecrease.com/index.php?post_id=343109# At long last, the Stanley Cup Final is underway and of course we are all over it here on Episode 3.38 of AFITC. Will Detroitâs experience be too much for the Penguins to handle? Will Pittsburgh be able to learn the ropes in the Finals quick enough to get back on track? We answer all those questions and more coming up in the Redline Report. Before that though, we start the show with news on John Pohl and the Toronto Marlies playoff run in the Leaf Notes portion of the show.

Quick Hits concludes the Redline Report with news on Jeremy Roenick, Alain Vigneault, Tony Granato, the coaching and GM situation in Dallas and this yearâs deadline for Scott Niedermayer and Teemu Selanne. On The Bubble brings you more listener email, a Troubling Fact of the Week, and at the end of the segment, we welcome this weekâs guest to the program.

Joining us this week is St. Michaelâs Buzzers defenseman #6 Brandon Burlon. Brandon is ranked 41st among North American skaters for the upcoming NHL Entry Draft and we will talk to him about what got him to this position, what he expects heading toward the draft and look ahead to next year when he will skate with the University of Michigan Wolverines. And finally, rigamarole tells you which team the Pittsburgh Penguins resembled in game one of the Stanley Cup Finals.

Thanks go out to Brandon Burlon for joining us on AFITC this past week! We wish him all the best as he goes into the NHL Entry Draft at the end of June.

Become an AFITC Insider by joining A Foot In The Crease Fans on Facebook and check out the new Quotes section developed recently. Send along listener email to afootinthecrease@gmail.com.

Photo courtesy of St. Michael's Buzzers

Quick Hits brings the Redline Report to a close as we take our final look at Team Canada at the World Hockey Championships, and touch on news regarding Ron Wilson, Martin Erat, Chuck Kobasew and Jacques Martin. On The Bubble follows with Listener Email and this weekâs guest: St. Michaelâs Buzzers defenseman #8 Nick DâAgostino. Heâll join us at the end of On The Bubble.

Rigamarole wraps the show with a look at why the Pittsburgh Penguins have been so dominant thus far in the playoffs and surprisingly, it is not because of Sidney Crosby or Evgeni Malkin.

Big thanks to Nick DâAgostino for joining us on the program this week! We wish him all the best heading toward the 2008 NHL Entry Draft.

Next week on Episode 3.38, we will welcome Nickâs teammate from this past season with the St. Michaelâs Buzzers, #6 Brandon Burlon. In the final NHL Central Scouting Rankings, Brandon was ranked 41st among North American skaters. Among the topics we will discuss next week on the program are what it took to get to this position and what lies ahead including next season where he will be a member of the University of Michigan Wolverines and what he expects as the 2008 NHL Entry Draft draws near.

Become an AFITC Insider by joining A Foot In The Crease Fans on Facebook and check out the new Quotes section developed recently. Send along listener email to afootinthecrease@gmail.com.

Photo courtesy of St. Michael's Buzzers

The NHL Playoff Recap follows Leaf Notes as we wrap up the second round and set the Conference Finals match ups including their progress thus far. Quick Hits wraps the Redline Report with news on Team Canada at the Worlds, Wade Belak, Fabian Brunnstrom, Joel Quenneville and Olaf Kolzig. In On The Bubble, we announce the nominees for the Bill Masterton Trophy and the Jack Adams Award, feature Listener Email and welcome the Gong Banger in for another Troubling Fact of the Week.

And finally to wrap the show in rigamarole, we look at whether or not the Brian Burke to Toronto scenario really is as dead as it seemed two weeks ago.

Become an AFITC Insider by joining A Foot In The Crease Fans on Facebook and check out the new Quotes section developed recently. Send along listener email to afootinthecrease@gmail.com. ]]> podcasts Sun, 11 May 2008 21:45:00 GMT http://www.afootinthecrease.com/index.php?post_id=338211# Jeff Hume, Dave McCarthy No http://www.afootinthecrease.com/index.php?post_id=335741# Ahead on Episode 3.35 of AFITC, Mats Sundin is no longer a free agent, at least not of the social kind. With Sundin engaged to be married, will that affect his playing future? We speculate on that, finally reveal the International Man of Mystery and take you through the continuing progress of the Toronto Marlies in the AHL playoffs to begin the Redline Report. Later, NHL playoff coverage and news on Team Canadaâs first game at the World Hockey Championships will wrap the segment.

In On The Bubble, we announce the nominees and our picks for the Frank J. Selke trophy and feature more Listener Email. Concluding the segment, we are pleased to welcome TSN Sportscentre anchor Jennifer Hedger back to our program. Fresh off her trip to Afghanistan, we talk to her about the conditions she saw, what this trip meant to her, what hockey means for Canadian Troops as well as some NHL playoff talk.

Rigamarole wraps the show as it always does, this week with a look at which team Fabian Brunnstrom should sign with.

Special thanks to Jennifer Hedger for appearing on our program this week. What a treat it was for us to hear about such a remarkable experience!

Become an AFITC Insider by joining A Foot In The Crease Fans on Facebook and check out the new Quotes section developed recently. Send along listener email to afootinthecrease@gmail.com.]]> podcasts Sun, 4 May 2008 23:05:00 GMT http://www.afootinthecrease.com/index.php?post_id=335741# Jeff Hume, Dave McCarthy No http://www.afootinthecrease.com/index.php?post_id=333324# Episode 3.34 of AFITC brings you big news regarding the next Maple Leafs general manager, well alright; we tell who it wonât be. As well, Cliff Fletcher thinks he knows which way Mats Sundin is leaning. Weâll let you know which way that is as well as getting you up to date with the progress of the Toronto Marlies playoff run. Also in the Redline Report, we conclude our coverage of the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs, set the second round and let you know the happenings in that round thus far.

To conclude the Redline Report, Quick Hits feature news on the new GM of the Canucks, Bruce Boudreau, Barry Trotz, Scott Niedermayer and Team Canada at the World Championships. In On The Bubble, we reveal the nominees for the Vezina, Norris and Calder Trophies along with our picks to walk away with the hardware. Also, weâll quickly touch on the final NHL Central Scouting Service rankings released this week and of course feature more Listener Email.

Rigamarole concludes the show and explains how the Brian Burke speculation got right out of hand last week. Become an AFITC Insider by joining A Foot In The Crease Fans on Facebook and check out the new âQuotesâ? section developed this week. Send along listener email to afootinthecrease@gmail.com. ]]> podcasts Sun, 27 Apr 2008 22:11:00 GMT http://www.afootinthecrease.com/index.php?post_id=333324# Jeff Hume, Dave McCarthy No http://www.afootinthecrease.com/index.php?post_id=330925# Episode 3.33 of AFITC hits the air today with the NHL well into the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs. Some surprises, some upsets, some teams cruising right on through. Weâll go in depth once again on all that has transpired thus far in the Redline Report. To kick off the segment though, we discuss more news on the Maple Leafs including potential buyouts, the Leafsâ draft position and the progress of the Toronto Marlies in the AHL playoffs.

Quick Hits wrap the Redline Report with big news out of the front office in Vancouver, along with the future of Ray Emery, the status of Jacques Martin, a new deal for Sergei Samsonov and the possibility of moving to an eighty four game schedule. On The Bubble follows with Listener Email featuring several quality emails touching on a variety of topics.

At the end of the segment, Andy Frost â the public address announcer for the Toronto Maple Leafs at Air Canada Centre and host of Psychedelic Psunday on Q107 among his various other responsibilities â makes his return to AFITC to offer his thoughts on the Maple Leafs and the start of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

Rigamarole concludes the show with a look at why their could be so much on the line in game seven of the Montreal Boston for Carey Price, apart from just winning the series.

Big thanks to Andy Frost for taking time to join us on this weekâs program! Become an AFITC Insider by joining A Foot In The Crease Fans on Facebook.

Send along listener email to afootinthecrease@gmail.com.

Quick Hits bring the Redline Report to a close with news on Team Canada for the upcoming World Championships, the Edmonton Oilers, Jacques Martin, and Patrice Bergeron. In On the Bubble, we bring you more listener email and a playoff edition of the Troubling Fact of the Week.

To conclude the show, rigamarole looks at why the Ottawa Senators are experiencing so much trouble in the playoffs and who is partly responsible for it. All that and lots more on the first playoff edition of the program for season three.

Become an AFITC Insider by joining A Foot In The Crease Fans on Facebook.

Send along listener email to afootinthecrease@gmail.com. ]]> podcasts Mon, 14 Apr 2008 06:23:00 GMT http://www.afootinthecrease.com/index.php?post_id=328349# Jeff Hume, Dave McCarthy No http://www.afootinthecrease.com/index.php?post_id=325904# The Maple Leafs bowed out with a curtain call this week of three more meaningless games: a shootout loss to Buffalo followed up with two more losses against rivals Ottawa and Montreal. We cover those games, hand out the final AFITC Player of the Week award for season three and talk about changes in the Redline Reportâ who must go, who should stay, the biggest surprise, the biggest disappointment, is Paul Maurice still the man to coach this team, among other things â all questions that must be answered for next season.

Quick Hits feature news on the Senators and Habs injuries, Vincent Lecavalier and Ken Hitchcock. In On The Bubble, we hear more final thoughts on the Maple Leafs season with Listener Email and deliver another Troubling Fact of the Week.

Rigamarole wraps the show with a look at the great story that is the Washington Capitals.

Become an AFITC Insider by joining A Foot In The Crease Fans on Facebook. Send along listener email to afootinthecrease@gmail.com.]]> podcasts Mon, 7 Apr 2008 04:37:00 GMT http://www.afootinthecrease.com/index.php?post_id=325904# Jeff Hume, Dave McCarthy No http://www.afootinthecrease.com/index.php?post_id=323096# In the words of the immortal Led Zeppelin, âClose the door. Turn out the lights. No they wonât be home tonight,â? or rather this spring as in no playoff hockey at the ACC for a third consecutive season. Two losses last week in keys games against the Bruins sealed that fate. We explain what went wrong in the games with the season on the line and touch on the first meaningless game: a win Saturday over Montreal.

Later in the Redline Report, we hand out the AFITC Player of the Week Award, touch on the again murky future of Mats Sundin in a Maple Leaf uniform and tell you who Cliff Fletcher signed this week. To conclude the Redline Report, we touch on news regarding Pat Quinn and the injury statuses of the Canadiens, Bruins and Canucks. On the Bubble brings listener email from Stuart, Alan and Aaron along with another Troubling Fact of the Week.

Rigamarole wraps the show looking at one playoff dream that died and another one that still lives after last week. Become an AFITC Insider by joining A Foot In The Crease Fans on Facebook.

Send along listener email to afootinthecrease@gmail.com. Check out the article about AFITC in the Ryersonian newspaper.

Finally, after hearing the premiere of the three latest tunes by The Printing Press on each of the last three shows, be sure to visit the website to download your own copy of each of the songs. ]]> podcasts Mon, 31 Mar 2008 04:24:00 GMT http://www.afootinthecrease.com/index.php?post_id=323096# Jeff Hume, Dave McCarthy No http://www.afootinthecrease.com/index.php?post_id=320688# A perfect week with wins against the Islanders, Sabres and Senators has left the Leafs four points out of the playoffs with six games left but with four teams to pass in the process. Weâll break down each of those games, hand out the legendary AFITC player of the week award to one of the several nominees this week, spin through a crowded Revolving Door and once again, address the chance the Leafs have at the playoffs in the Redline Report.

Busy in the front office too this week as Cliff Fletcher signed a goalie. Weâll tell you who and what plans are in store for him going forward. Quick Hits wraps the segment with news on Rick Dipietro, Tim Connolly and Kurtis Foster. On The Bubble brings you some more outstanding Listener Email and a Troubling Fact of the Week.

Rigamarole this week explains why it is so hard to see the Leafs miss the playoffs the way they have each of the past two seasons. We said last week nine wins in the last nine games would be necessary. Well three down, six to go.

Become an AFITC Insider by joining A Foot In The Crease Fans on Facebook. Send along listener email to afootinthecrease@gmail.com.

Check out the article about AFITC in the Ryersonian newspaper.

Quick Hits wraps the Redline Report with news on Sidney Crosby, and suspensions to Steve Ott, James Wisniewski, Georges Laraque, Andrew Peters and Chris Pronger. On The Bubble brings more listener email and a Troubling Fact of the Week.

Rigamarole wraps the show, this week with a look at whether the hill to the post season is too steep for the Maple Leafs to climb.

Become an AFITC Insider by joining A Foot In The Crease Fans on Facebook.

Send along listener email to afootinthecrease@gmail.com.

To view the article written about our show in the Ryersonian, click here.

The Redline Report wraps up with Quick Hits featuring Sidney Crosby, Corey Perry, Chad Kilger and Alexander Ovechkin. In On The Bubble we bring you more Listener Email, this week from Cathy, Chris, Stuart and Aaron along with the triumphant return of the Gong Banger and the Troubling Fact of the Week.

Finally, rigamarole concludes the show with a look at why the Maple Leafs must continue to try to win games down the stretch.

Become an AFITC Insider by joining A Foot In The Crease Fans on Facebook. Send along listener email to afootinthecrease@gmail.com. ]]> podcasts Sun, 9 Mar 2008 23:43:00 GMT http://www.afootinthecrease.com/index.php?post_id=315686# Jeff Hume, Dave McCarthy No http://www.afootinthecrease.com/index.php?post_id=313165# Episode 3.26 of AFITC â the trade deadline wrap up show â comes your way on the heels of a busy week of player movement in the NHL. Some big deals, some minor deals, even some Maple Leaf deals were made this week. We get you caught up on everything you need to know about what happened before the NHL Trade Deadline throughout the show in the Redline Report and in On The Bubble with the help of NHL on TSN Insider Bob McKenzie.

On the Maple Leafs front, a four game road trip yielded an impressive seven points keeping the Maple Leafs in the hunt for the playoffs. Weâll review the games against Ottawa, Florida, Tampa Bay and Washington in the Redline Report along with naming the recipient of the heavily coveted AFITC player of the week award. Quick Hits conclude the Redline Report with notes on Ethan Moreau, Darren McCarty, Barret Jackman, Dan Boyle, Mike Comrie, Brad Richards, Peter Forsberg, Adam Foote and Brian Campbell.

Listener email will be included in On The Bubble along with an interview with Bob McKenzie. Finally, rigamarole looks at why the Ottawa Senators are starting to resemble the Canadian government.

Big thanks to Bob McKenzie for joining us on the show this week during one of his busiest weeks of the year!

Become an AFITC Insider by joining A Foot In The Crease Fans on Facebook. Send along listener email to afootinthecrease@gmail.com.

We cover the three games the Maple Leafs played this past week against Columbus, Buffalo and Atlanta; hand out a Player of the Week Award; touch on news regarding Alex Steen and Mats Sundin; spin through the Revolving Door with injury updates on Deveraux and Ponikarovsky and wrap the Redline Report with Quick Hits.

On The Bubble brings plenty of listener email this week. Later in the segment, Lake Superior State University forward John Scrymgeour joins us to discuss his season thus far with the Lakers. Finally, rigamarole explains why everybody should just get off Mats Sundinâs back.

Special thanks to John for appearing on our program this week! It was a pleasure having him on the show!

Become an AFITC Insider by joining A Foot In The Crease Fans on Facebook.

Send along listener email to afootinthecrease@gmail.com.

Picture courtesy of St. Michael's Buzzers

To wrap the Maple Leaf portion, we touch on two significant quotes: one from Matt Stajan and one from an unnamed NHL executive. We conclude the Redline Report by discussing Richard Zednik and his terrifying injury along with news on Rod BrindâAmour, Sheldon Souray, Hendrik Lundqvist and the first trade of note before the deadline.

Listener email follows in On The Bubble. Later in the segment, #3 Wade Belak of the Toronto Maple Leafs joins us to discuss what to expect from the Maple Leafs over the last quarter of the season, the importance of toughness, and the possibility of wearing a neck guard among many other topics. Big thanks to Wade for taking time out of his day to come on the program!

Rigamarole wraps the show and looks at why so few transactions have been consummated thus far. Become an AFITC Insider by joining A Foot In The Crease Fans on Facebook. Send along listener email to afootinthecrease@gmail.com.

News regarding Andy Wozniewski, the Player of the Week Award and updates on injured Leafs Alexei Ponikarovsky and Darryl Boyce wrap the Maple Leaf portion of the Redline Report. Quick Hits conclude the segment with news on Steve Yzerman, Shawn Horcoff, the Montreal goaltending situation, Dion Phaneuf and John Ferguson Jr.

On The Bubble brings more listener email and an interview with the Ottawa Senators 3rd round pick in 2007, Louie Caporusso: a former St. Michaelâs Buzzer and current star forward with the University of Michigan Wolverines. Rigamarole concludes the show with a look back at CBCâs annual Hockey Day in Canada.

We conclude the program with another major guest announcement during Parting Shots. If you are a fan of the Maple Leafs and a fan of good, solid physical play, you will not want to miss next weekâs guest. Find out who in Parting Shots or become an AFITC Insider by joining A Foot In The Crease Fans on Facebook.

Big thanks to Louie Caporusso for taking time to join us on the program! We discussed his career with the St. Michaelâs Buzzers, his transition to the NCAA with the University of Michigan Wolverines, and his selection by the Ottawa Senators in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft among various other things!

Send along listener email to afootinthecrease@gmail.com

Picture courtesy of St. Michael's Buzzers

The Redline Report concludes with Quick Hits regarding Teemu Selanne, Peter Forsberg, Jordin Tootoo, JP Dumont and perhaps the first of many trades to come in advance of NHL Trade Deadline Day. In On The Bubble, we bring you more Listener Email and the Gong Banger checks back in for work with another Troubling Fact of the Week.

Finally in rigmarole, we take a look at the finest prospects the Maple Leafs have to boast.

On next weekâs program, Episode 3.23, we will be joined by Louie Caporusso (3rd round selection, 90th overall by the Ottawa Senators in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft) who is currently playing for the University of Michigan Wolverines. Currently in the midst of a fine debut season in the NCAA, Louie will join us to discuss his days as a member of the St. Michaelâs Buzzers, his transition to NCAA hockey, how it felt to hear his name called by the Ottawa Senators last June and much more! Do not miss Louie Caporusso on Episode 3.23 of AFITC!

Become an AFITC Insider by joining A Foot In The Crease Fans on Facebook.

Send along listener email to afootinthecrease@gmail.com. ]]> podcasts Mon, 4 Feb 2008 07:06:00 GMT http://www.afootinthecrease.com/index.php?post_id=303562# Jeff Hume, Dave McCarthy No http://www.afootinthecrease.com/index.php?post_id=301124# The worst kept secret in Toronto sports was made public this week when the Maple Leafs fired John Ferguson Jr and hired Cliff Fletcher to be the general manager in an interim basis. Was this the right move? Will it make a difference? What else has to be done? Later in the show we welcome Michael Landsberg, the host of âOff The Recordâ? on TSN, back to our program to help us answer these questions at the end of On The Bubble.

Before that though, in the Redline Report, we cover the games the Maple Leafs played this past week against New Jersey, and Washington. Three new members joined the Revolving Door club, all with the similar injuries. We tell you whoâs on the shelf and conclude with Quick Hits featuring Ilja Bryzgalov and where the 2008-2009 NHL season will begin.

Finally in rigamarole, we tell you why the word rebuilding doesnât have to be as dirty as itâs made out to be in Toronto.

Big thanks to Michael Landsberg for joining us on this weekâs edition of AFITC!

Become an AFITC Insider by joining A Foot In The Crease Fans on Facebook. Send along listener email to afootinthecrease@gmail.com. For post game articles and analysis, check out daveintoronto.blogspot.com.

We ask Michael if Cliff Fletcher is the right man to lead the Maple Leafs back to respectability, if Fergusonâs dismissal was handled properly by Maple Leafs Sports and Entertainment, if Richard Peddie should be involved in the search for a permanent replacement to Ferguson and why the Maple Leafs lack toughness on the ice among many other questions.

Do not miss Episode 3.21 of AFITC with Michael Landsberg!

Quick Hits concludes the Redline Report featuring news on Curtis Joseph, Peter Forsberg, Michael Nylander and Sidney Crosby. In On The Bubble, we bring you more listener email, this week from Mark, Alan and Aaron. Also a Troubling Fact of the Week and an email to the gong banger follows at the end of the segment.

And in Rigamarole, we tell you if the Maple Leafs have done enough to turn their fortunes around or if significant changes still need to be made. Stick around and find out when episode 3.20 of AFITC starts now!

Become an AFITC Insider by joining A Foot In The Crease Fans on Facebook.

Send along listener email to afootinthecrease@gmail.com.

For post game articles and analysis, check out daveintoronto.blogspot.com. ]]> podcasts Mon, 21 Jan 2008 07:13:00 GMT http://www.afootinthecrease.com/index.php?post_id=298729# Jeff Hume, Dave McCarthy No http://www.afootinthecrease.com/index.php?post_id=296407# Ahead on this weekâs show, we bring you news of an utterly discouraging Maple Leafs road trip. Anybody who has any hope left for this season ought to give their head a shake because the Maple Leafs will not be making the playoffs this year. Three convincing defeats at the hands of Anaheim, Los Angeles, and San Jose sealed their fate this season. Off the ice, the Maple Leafs claimed a forward off waivers and had their all star representative named. Weâll tell you who they were as well as finally connecting the dots in the Scotty Bowman saga.

To conclude the Redline Report, we examine Alex Ovechkinâs mammoth contract and touch on stories regarding Dany Heatley, Raffi Torres, Mike Ribeiro, Sergei Samsonov, Chris Osgood and Roberto Luongo.

In On The Bubble, we highlight Brandon Burlon of the St. Michaelâs Buzzers who was slotted fifty seventh overall on the mid-season rankings for North American skaters released this week by NHL Central Scouting. More listener email comes your way as well along with a Troubling Fact of the Week again courtesy of the Philadelphia Flyers.

In rigmarole, we shed some light on the underlying irony at this yearâs all star game in Atlanta. What should the Maple Leafs do to turn this ship around? Stick around and weâll tell you coming up on Episode 3.19 of AFITC.

Become an AFITC Insider by joining A Foot In The Crease Fans on Facebook. Send along listener email to afootinthecrease@gmail.com. For post game articles and analysis, check out daveintoronto.blogspot.com.]]> podcasts Mon, 14 Jan 2008 10:49:00 GMT http://www.afootinthecrease.com/index.php?post_id=296407# Jeff Hume, Dave McCarthy No http://www.afootinthecrease.com/index.php?post_id=294515# UPDATE: We apologize for a technical issue surrounding this episode. If you downloaded this before 5PM Monday January 7th, the last 27 minutes or so of the file are silence. Please try downloading again! Thanks go to listener Dave Fellows for pointing this out to us. Sorry for any inconvenience!

Episode 3.18 of AFITC struggles to bring any good news from Leafs Nation this past week. One shootout win against Tampa Bay was overshadowed by two convincing defeats at the hands of Pittsburgh and Philadelphia along with more injuries beginning to pile up. We have all the details on the three games the Leafs played as well as an update on the current membership in the Revolving Door Club.

Great ratings for the NHLâs Winter Classic in Buffalo on New Yearâs Day. We will look at the viewership of this game, discuss the possibilities of the Leafs holding a similar game and find out what it was like in Buffalo at Ralph Wilson stadium from Corey Landsberg who was in attendance at the game. On The Bubble features more listener email from Mark, Andre, Will, Alan, and Aaron along with a discussion on the success of Team Canada at the World Junior Hockey Championship.

Rigamarole looks at why the Maple Leafs are a different team in front of Vesa Toskala then compared with the other men who have tended goal for them this season.

Big thanks to Corey Landsberg for coming on the show to give us a first hand account of what it was like at the Winter Classic in Buffalo on New Yearâs Day!

Become an AFITC Insider by joining A Foot In The Crease Fans on Facebook.

Send along listener email to afootinthecrease@gmail.com.

For post game articles and analysis, check out daveintoronto.blogspot.com.]]> podcasts Mon, 7 Jan 2008 21:59:00 GMT http://www.afootinthecrease.com/index.php?post_id=294515# Jeff Hume, Dave McCarthy No http://www.afootinthecrease.com/index.php?post_id=292118# Episode 3.17 comes your way today on the final day of 2007. We look back at the past week in Maple Leaf action that saw them pick up only one of a possible six points in games against the Islanders, Flyers and Rangers. Updates on injured Leafs Vesa Toskala and Bryan McCabe follow in the Revolving Door. Also, we tell you why Anton Stralman is now in this dubious club.

To conclude the Redline Report, we touch on the Ray Emery soap opera in Ottawa and Quick Hits featuring Marc Denis, Sergei Samsonov, Alex Ovechkin and Chris Osgood. On the Bubble brings you more listener email and the Troubling Fact of the Week along with a look at the progress of Team Canada at the World Junior Hockey Championship.

And in rigamarole this week, we examine exactly what has to happen to prompt a significant shake up in the front office of the Maple Leafs. Become an AFITC Insider by joining A Foot In The Crease Fans on Facebook. Send along listener email to afootinthecrease@gmail.com. For post game articles and analysis, check out daveintoronto.blogspot.com. ]]> podcasts Mon, 31 Dec 2007 07:22:00 GMT http://www.afootinthecrease.com/index.php?post_id=292118# Jeff Hume, Dave McCarthy No http://www.afootinthecrease.com/index.php?post_id=290692# Apologies for the technical difficulties experienced with this episode. If you downloaded the episode earlier today you will have only received a file a minute and some seconds in length. This new posting of this weeks episode should be the full version.

Episode 3.16 of AFITC â The Holiday Edition â arrives today with news on the continuing progress of the Maple Leafsâ road trip. Games against the Carolina Hurricanes, Tampa Bay Lightning and Florida Panthers this week yielded one win, one loss and one overtime loss. We tell you all about those games as well as filling you in on the status of Carlo Colaiacovo and his possible return to the lineup. Later in the Redline Report, we hand out the AFITC Player of the Week award and check in with news on two suspensions handed out this past week to Chris Simon and Craig Adams.

In On The Bubble, we feature listener emails from Mark, Alan and Aaron and look at how improved play of late for the Maple Leafs still manages to make the Troubling Fact of the Week segment.

Rigamarole wraps the show with a look ahead to what the Maple Leafs must do over the final two games of their road trip.

Best of the season and Happy Holidays to all our great listeners who continue to offer the show tremendous support!

Become an AFITC Insider by joining A Foot In The Crease Fans on Facebook.

Send along listener email to afootinthecrease@gmail.com.

For post game articles and analysis, check out daveintoronto.blogspot.com.

To conclude the Redline Report, we touch on news regarding Mike Richards, the Scott Niedermayer affair and another award for Sid the Kid. In On The Bubble, we look at more of your emails and check on this weekâs Troubling Fact of the Week.

Rigamarole wraps the show as always and tells you this week why Bryan McCabe has had all the bad luck. Check out www.stmichaelsbuzzers.com for information on Homecoming Night on December 21st for the St. Michaelâs Buzzers against the Durham Fury as promoted on this weekâs show! Become an AFITC Insider by joining A Foot In The Crease Fans on Facebook. Send along listener email to afootinthecrease@gmail.com. For post game articles and analysis, check out daveintoronto.blogspot.com.

More Leaf news regarding Mats Sundin, Staffan Kronwall and Jiri Tlusty follow the game reports as well as an anointment of Maple Leaf player of the week will. Quick Hits conclude the Redline Report with news on Scott Niedermayer, Alex Auld, Sam Gagne and Mark Recchi. In On The Bubble, we feature listener email, a Troubling Fact of the Week and the return of Michael Landsberg, the host of OTR on TSN, on AFITC.

And in Rigmarole, we look at the continuing struggles of the Maple Leafs power play. Four wins in a row is a nice change of pace for Maple Leaf fans. Hey did I mention the Sens lost seven straight?

Big thanks to Michael Landsberg for joining us on this weekâs edition of the program! As always, it is a treat to get him on the show!

Also check out www.stmichaelsbuzzers.com for information on Homecoming Night on December 21st for the St. Michaelâs Buzzers against the Durham Fury as promoted on this weekâs show!

Become an AFITC Insider by joining A Foot In The Crease Fans on Facebook.

Send along listener email to afootinthecrease@gmail.com.

For post game articles and analysis, check out daveintoronto.blogspot.com.

To conclude the Redline Report, we will discuss a possible change to next yearâs schedule format up for discussion at the upcoming Board of Governors meetings in California along with the potential for NHL participation in the 2014 Winter Olympics. In On The Bubble, we welcome you, the listeners, to the show with listener email, some fantastic comments from the audience and a few trivia questions as well. As always, a Troubling Fact of the Week concludes this segment.

And in rigamarole, we discuss Richard Peddieâs questionable admission regarding the hiring of John Ferguson Jr.

Special thanks to The Shamrock & Thistle â located at 4923 Dundas Street West in Etobicoke â for hosting another edition of AFITC Live and to everybody who joined us on the program to share their thoughts on the Maple Leafs! We look forward to our next visit after another great night!

Become an AFITC Insider by joining A Foot In The Crease Fans on Facebook. Send along listener email to afootinthecrease@gmail.com. For post game articles and analysis, check out daveintoronto.blogspot.com.

Quick Hits conclude the Redline Report with news on Glen Hanlon, Daniel Alfredsson, Matt Carle and the Tickets for Troops promotion in Edmonton. On the Bubble features more listener email, a Troubling Fact of the Week and a Babble of Ontario with the fellows from Sens Underground.

Rigamarole looks at some of the reasons why the Maple Leafs have struggled over the past few weeks.

Thanks to Shredder, Russell and StooLi from Sens Underground for another great Babble Of Ontario.

Become an AFITC Insider by joining A Foot In The Crease Fans on Facebook. Send along listener email to afootinthecrease@gmail.com. For post game articles and analysis, check out daveintoronto.blogspot.com.

In On The Bubble, we feature more Listener Email from Andre, Gregory, David, Alan and Aaron as well as a Troubling Fact of the Week Incidentally support seems to be growing for the oft-disgruntled Gong Banger in the form of a Facebook group started by listener and regular contributor Alan Bass. Join that group if you sympathize with the Gong Banger.

To wrap the segment, we welcome John Iaboni to AFITC for the first time. John is the current editor of Leafs Nation Program at Air Canada Centre and has been covering the Maple Leafs for over thirty years. He brings a tremendous wealth of knowledge to the show during our twenty minute talk. Big thanks to John for taking sometime for us last week!

Rigamarole tells you what needs to happen for the Maple Leafs to get their power play back on track.

AFITC Live @ The Shamrock & Thistle is coming up in less than two weeks on November 29th, 2007. The Maple Leafs will take on the Atlanta Thrashers in a Leafs TV exclusive on that night and we welcome you to come out and join us for a great evening of Maple Leafs hockey at a tremendous bar and restaurant. Check out all the details in our AFITC Insiders group on Facebook where the Event Profile is listed. To hear some of the fun from our last engagement at The Shamrock & Thistle, go back and listen to Episode 3.2.

Become an AFITC Insider by joining A Foot In The Crease Fans on Facebook. Send along listener email to afootinthecrease@gmail.com. For post game articles and analysis, check out daveintoronto.blogspot.com.

Additional Leaf notes this week feature Anton Stralman and Simon Gamache. Former Leaf Eric Lindros retired from the NHL this past week. A great career, but is it Hall of Fame worthy. Weâll answer that question and conclude the Redline Report with Quick Hits featuring Mike Modano and Jeremy Roenick. On the Bubble features our most ambitious portion of listener email yet and another Troubling Fact of the Week, this week featuring Kevin Bieksa again.

To conclude the segment, James Duthie â the host of the NHL on TSN joins us to discuss a variety of topics pertaining to the Maple Leafs and issues around the NHL. A great guest as always, you wonât want to miss James Duthie near the end of the program. Big thanks go out to James who took time out of his very busy week to join us on the program!

Rigamarole will conclude the show and touch on what Mark Bell will bring to the Maple Leafs.

Thanks to everybody who sent us an email on the program this week. Itâs great to know where the show is being heard! Become an AFITC Insider by joining A Foot In The Crease Fans on Facebook.

Send along listener email to afootinthecrease@gmail.com. For post game articles and analysis, check out daveintoronto.blogspot.com.

In On The Bubble, listener email comes your way along with another Troubling Fact of the Week, this week featuring an erratic gong banger and a gruesome injury.

In rigamarole, we will look at whether or not the Leafs are deserving of their current spot in the Eastern Conference Standings.

Next week will mark out century episode as AFITC will reach one hundred shows in its history. On that show, James Duthie â the host of the NHL on TSN â will be along with us as our special guest. Become an AFITC Insider by joining A Foot In The Crease Fans on Facebook.

Send along listener email to afootinthecrease@gmail.com For post game articles and analysis, check out daveintoronto.blogspot.com.

The Toronto Marlies lost a player after he decided to go home. Weâll tell you who wonât be making an appearance in a Leaf uniform anytime soon. To conclude the Redline Report, we touch on stories focusing on Danny Markov, Alexander Semin, Dominik Hasek, Jesse Boulerice and the NHLPA. Lots of listener email this week featuring a variety of thought provoking ideas on visors, a suspension cap and whether the Maple Leafs actually have incentive to win the Stanley Cup. Weâll spend a good chunk of time discussing your thoughts in On The Bubble and wrap with another Troubling Fact of the Week.

Rigamarole will wrap the show with a look at John Tavares and his chances of becoming a Maple Leaf in the not too distant future. Become an AFITC Insider by joining A Foot In The Crease Fans on Facebook.

Send along listener email to afootinthecrease@gmail.com For post game articles and analysis, check out daveintoronto.blogspot.com.

In On The Bubble, we feature Listener Email and a Troubling Fact of the Week: this week looking at the New York Rangers. To wrap this segment, Paul Hendrick of Leafs TV makes his return to the program and joins us to discuss Mats Sundinâs recent accomplishments and other issues surrounding the start of the Maple Leafs season.

Rigamarole looks at why the Maple Leafs cannot seem to play effective hockey in the third period of play.

Special thanks to Paul Hendrick for taking time to come on the program this week. Itâs always a pleasure speaking with him! Become an AFITC Insider by joining A Foot In The Crease Fans on Facebook. Send along listener email to afootinthecrease@gmail.com For post game articles and analysis, check out daveintoronto.blogspot.com. ]]> podcasts Mon, 22 Oct 2007 04:42:00 GMT http://www.afootinthecrease.com/index.php?post_id=269465# Jeff Hume, Dave McCarthy No http://www.afootinthecrease.com/index.php?post_id=266768# Episode 3.6 of AFITC comes your way today as we venture to get the show back to our regular recording time of Sunday. In todayâs program, we discuss the back and forth efforts of the Maple Leafs to establish some consistency in their play. This week, two discouraging losses at the hands of the Carolina Hurricanes and Pittsburgh Penguins bookend an impressive victory over the New York Islanders. We pass along injury updates pertaining to Kyle Wellwood, Carlo Colaiacovo and Alexei Ponikarovsky in the Revolving Door. We saw more on-ice nastiness this week, this time care of Jesse Boulerice. He was handed a significant suspension and we discuss its ramifications in the Redline Report. To conclude that segment, we feature two Quick Hits pertaining to the business side of the game: one on the possible announcement of Paul Kelly as the new Executive Director of the NHLPA and the other on Jim Balsillieâs renewed interest in the Nashville Predators.

On The Bubble has more Listener Email along with a Troubling Fact of the Week. Rigamarole discusses the continuing plight of Bryan McCabe.

On the program, we also announce the second edition of âA Foot In The Crease Live @ The Shamrock & Thistleâ? slated to take place on November 29th, 2007 when the Maple Leafs take on the Atlanta Thrashers. The Shamrock & Thistle is located at 4923 Dundas Street West in Etobicoke, Ontario. For more information on this upcoming event, see its Event Profile on Facebook.

Become an AFITC Insider by joining A Foot In The Crease Fans on Facebook.

Send along listener email to afootinthecrease@gmail.com

For post game articles and analysis, check out daveintoronto.blogspot.com.

Next Week on AFITC
We just got word after recording the episode that Paul Hendrick is set to guest on next week's episode of AFITC!]]> podcasts Mon, 15 Oct 2007 04:53:00 GMT http://www.afootinthecrease.com/index.php?post_id=266768# Jeff Hume, Dave McCarthy No http://www.afootinthecrease.com/index.php?post_id=264987# Episode 3.5 of AFITC brings you the first edition of this yearâs Babble Of Ontario with the boys from Sens Underground. As always, we spend more time than planned discussing all things Leafs and Senators. You will hear it at the end of this weekâs edition of On The Bubble.

Before that though, we look at the first three regular season games for the Toronto Maple Leafs in the Redline Report. Jason Blake received some very tough news this week but seems to be taking it positively. We discuss his situation and how it will affect him going forward. We also provided updates on the status of both Kyle Wellwood and Carlo Colaiacovo and revisit the situations of last players cut from training camp last week. To conclude the Redline Report, we tell you about two more Leaf demotions and feature a variety of Quick Hits pertaining to Steve Downie, Ladislav Smid, Karel Pilar, Kevin Lowe, Rory Fitzpatrick and Dany Heatley.

Lots of listener email as always in On The Bubble as well as another Troubling Fact of the Week, this episode featuring Ducks GM Brian Burke. In rigamarole, we explain to you the value of good goaltending.

Thanks go out to Shredder, Russell and StooLi from Sens Underground for a great first edition of the 2007-2008 Babble of Ontario. Also, thanks to Billy Wood for designing a fabulous promotional poster for the Babble of Ontario! Finally do check out www.daveintoronto.blogspot.com for our post game articles and analysis! Become an AFITC Insider by joining A Foot In The Crease Fans on Facebook. Send along listener email to afootinthecrease@gmail.com

Everyone seems to have an opinion on Steve Downieâs hit on Dean McAmmond and we will tell you what we think regarding said incident during the Redline Report. Also we highlight several young players looking to make their mark with Canadian teams this season and tell you who will wear the âCâ? for the Philadelphia Flyers.

On The Bubble, also known this week as the Shameless Plug portion of the show, brings you more listener email, some breaking news regarding Mark Bell, Ron McLean and Harry Neale and a Troubling Fact of the Week. As mentioned on the show, check out Jeffâs bandâs website at www.theprintingpress.ca for information on the bandâs latest release Exhibit A among other things. Also have a look at Daveâs columns at www.stmichaelsbuzzers.com along with tuning into Rogers Television, Channel 10 in Toronto or online on the website Fridays at 7:30pm to see the Buzzers in action! If you are in Halifax, Nova Scotia looking for a place to watch Wednesdayâs Maple Leaf season opener, consider The Grawood Campus Pub at Dalhousie University. See the Facebook Event for all the details.

Rigamarole provides you with a look at our predictions of the results of the 2007-2008 NHL regular season.

Become an AFITC Insider by joining A Foot In The Crease Fans on Facebook.

Send along listener email to afootinthecrease@gmail.com

Toronto Star columnist Damien Cox joins us on this weekâs program to look ahead toward the upcoming season and to offer his opinion on a variety of issues going on around the league. Many thanks to Damien for taking some time for us this past week to make his inaugural appearance on the show!

Rigamarole explains why eight preseason games is just too many to have to put up with, whether you are a fan, broadcaster, player or really anyone who has anything to do with the game of hockey. Become an AFITC Insider by joining A Foot In The Crease Fans on Facebook. Send along listener email to afootinthecrease@gmail.com

On The Bubble includes listener email from Alan and Aaron. Those that we did not get to on todayâs show will be featured on next weekâs program. In the interest of brevity, we decided to pre-empt the Troubling Fact of the Week, but fear not those for whom this segment is their favourite; it will return next week on Episode 3.3! Rigamarole looks at how solid the ground is that John Ferguson Jr. is standing on when it comes to retaining his job as Maple Leaf general manager.

Thereâs the usual stuff, now comes the bonus material. We were lucky enough to be joined by former Maple Leaf Pat Graham for ten minutes or so as he dropped by our booth. We talked to Pat about his role with the 1983-1984 Leafs, the style of play today compared with the style he saw first hand during his playing days and the Mark Bell affair among other things. Pat also shared a few stories from back during his playing career; the result of one is still being felt in the NHL today. Being a former St. Michaelâs Buzzer, Pat also discussed with us the quality of hockey in the OPJHL and the leagueâs ability to produce quality prospects as good as those developed in the CHL. Big thanks to Pat Graham for spending some time with us on Tuesday night!

We also walk around and chat with a few patrons at The Shamrock & Thistle to find out their opinions on a variety of topics including the expectations of this yearâs Maple Leaf team. Thanks to some fabulous prizes that were donated for the event, we played some Maple Leaf trivia with the patrons at The Shamrock & Thistle and handed out several great prizes!

We would like to thank everybody who attended the event and helped make our first foray out of the studio relatively smooth and successful. Also, to Andre and the entire staff at The Shamrock & Thistle, thank you so much for making us feel so welcome and giving us this opportunity. It was certainly a great night for the show!

Become an AFITC Insider by joining A Foot In The Crease Fans on Facebook.

Send along listener email to afootinthecrease@gmail.com

The Redline Report looks at the Leafsâ signing of Tony Salmelainen, the promotion of Jeff Jackson to Assistant GM and Director of Hockey Operations, the continuing legal issues facing Mark Bell and where to find the Maple Leafs this year on television. If you do not have Leafs TV, get ready to open your pocketbook. Former Maple Leafs Mike Peca and Ed Belfour are both seeking hockey refuge elsewhere and we will tell you where you can see them play this season. We also check in on some San Jose Shark news pertaining to Jeremy Roenick and Patrick Marleau and encourage Scott Niedermayer to make a decision one way or the other on whether he wants to continue playing.

On The Bubble features Listener Email and the seasonâs first Troubling Fact of the Week.

Rigamarole looks at John Tavares and the special treatment he feels he deserves.

Do your best to make it out to The Shamrock & Thistle, 4923 Dundas Street West, Etobicoke, Ontario, on September 18th at 8:30pm when AFITC records live during the Maple Leafs first preseason game of their schedule against the Edmonton Oilers. We would love the chance to meet some of our tremendous listeners and get them on the show! All the details are on our website or on our AFITC Insiders Group on Facebook. Become an AFITC Insider by joining A Foot In The Crease Fans on Facebook.

Send along listener email to afootinthecrease@gmail.com]]> podcasts Mon, 10 Sep 2007 00:22:00 GMT http://www.afootinthecrease.com/index.php?post_id=254160# Jeff Hume, Dave McCarthy No http://www.afootinthecrease.com/index.php?post_id=251920# Come and join Dave and Jeff as AFITC records live from The Shamrock & Thistle Bar in Etobicoke, Ontario on Tuesday September 18th, 2007. Interact with the show as we will invite people to share their opinions and expectations of the Maple Leafs for this coming season on the program. Prizes are also in the works. Watch the Maple Leafs preseason opener along with other games around the NHL on that night in a fantastic environment with passionate hockey fans. It promises to be a tremendous night! Underage? Not to worry. This is an all ages event!

The Shamrock & Thistle Bar is located one block west of Islington Ave. on the south side of Dundas St. The address is 4923 Dundas St. West in Etobicoke. The event starts at 8:30 and the game at 9:00.

On the TTC, take the Subway to Islington Station and take the bus north on Islington Ave. to Dundas St. Easily within walking distance from the Subway Station itself.]]> general Mon, 3 Sep 2007 17:29:00 GMT http://www.afootinthecrease.com/index.php?post_id=251920# Jeff Hume, Dave McCarthy No http://www.afootinthecrease.com/index.php?post_id=246483# Episode 2.44, we asked our tremendous group of listeners to stick with us over our summer hiatus as season three would be underway in no time. Well we were not kidding! Here we sit with the month of August winding down and staring us right in the face is Episode 3.1 of AFITC, expected to be released sometime within the first ten days of September.

Jeff is currently on the other side of the world getting acquainted with things Italian but we are nevertheless planning a number of things to help kick start Season Three of the program. This past week, we managed to secure two fantastic guests who will appear on the program in the early part of September. We are also working on several other initiatives to bring new excitement to the show, and perhaps the show itself to where it has not been before!

AFITC Insiders on Facebook have the first crack at finding out who will be joining us to preview the Maple Leafs upcoming season and look back at how the off-season has proceeded thus far. If you are an AFITC Insider on Facebook, log on and check it out. If not, the time has come for you to get involved! We appreciate every new person joining the group as its membership continues to grow thanks to all your support!

Of course, there is much to be discussed on Episode 3.1 of the program. Topics will include the impending legal issues new Maple Leaf Mark Bell is facing at the conclusion of this coming season and the destination of Peter Forsberg (we hear Ottawa is interested and Bryan Murray sees no reason as to why the Senators should not have as good a chance as anyone to land the Swedish sniper...in the immortal words of George Costanza, âItâs not a lie, if you believe itâ?).

Two years probation for Rick Tocchet and his role in an illegal gambling ring, think backâremember Operation Slapshot.

The demand for ex-Maple Leafs has been off the charts this off season except if your name is Ed Belfour, Curtis Joseph, JS Aubin, Jason Allison, Bryan Berard, Danny Markov, Travis Green, Jeff OâNeill, Mike Peca and Eric Lindrosâalright well, maybe not; perhaps that says all you need to know about the Leafsâ recent past.

Incidentally, the career of Luke Richardson continues this season in Ottawa. He must have reached the year where his birthdays start counting down instead of up. If that is not the case and he is, in fact, two years older, not two years younger than when he last played for the Leafs, Iâd like Bryan Murray to answer this simple questionâwhy?

Several Maple Leafs have commenced informal workouts in advance of training camp at the teamâs training complex in the quiet, cozy hamlet of Etobicoke, Ontario. Matt Stajan, Darcy Tucker, Carlo Colaiacovo, Hal Gil, Nik Antropov, Alexei Ponikarovsky, Jay Harrison and Andrew Raycroft are among those getting jump starts to the season.

Speaking of Raycroft, he has said he is looking forward to the competition between himself and Vesa Toskala and that sharing the workload will be a good thing in the long run. See this comment comes at a time when Raycroft still thinks he has as good a shot as Toskala to start the season as the Leafsâ number one netminderâwait until the end of October when he has not seen the ice in three weeks.

Get your emails into Afootinthecrease@gmail.com in advance of Episode 3.1 of the program and let us know what you think on all those aforementioned storylines, the off season or anything else you care to share with us from the world of hockey. We will feature every single one of them on the show!]]> general Sat, 18 Aug 2007 04:23:00 GMT http://www.afootinthecrease.com/index.php?post_id=246483# Jeff Hume, Dave McCarthy No http://www.afootinthecrease.com/index.php?post_id=235066# Forty four weeks in a row, forty four shows and with that Season 2 of AFITC comes to an end. On todayâs episode of the program, we evaluate the signing of erstwhile Devils netminder Scott Clemmensen, discuss the benefits of the Maple Leafs possibly adding a senior executive to their management team and look over the key dates in the 2007-2008 schedule for the Maple Leafs. The Redline Report continues with Quick Hits where we examine the signings of Sidney Crosby, Bill Guerin, Mike Comrie, Sean Hill, Hendrik Lundqvist, Brendan Shanahan and Sheldon Souray. We also look at the unhappiness of Alexei Yashin and the two coaching positions filled this week: John Paddock in Ottawa and Brent Sutter in New Jersey.

On The Bubble features our final segment of Listener Email this season with comments from Travis, Andre, Alan, and Aaron. Rigamarole looks at the âThomas Vanek Affair.â?

Thanks go out to everyone who made themselves a part of the program anytime throughout Season 2. All of our emailers, we mentioned some by name on the show but undoubtedly, we did not get to everybody. To all of you, thank you!

Thanks to our fellow podcasters, Crazy Ivan, Shredder and Russell from Sens Underground for several outstanding editions of the Babble of Ontario. Hereâs to many more next year! Also, thanks to Scott and Jay from the Dallas Stars Podcast and to Dave Chochla from NHLanalysis.com for their contributions to our program this year!

To all of our guests: Michael Landsberg, James Duthie, Jennifer Hedger, Bob McKenzie, Paul Hendrick, Andy Frost, John Ondrasik, Brendan Smith and Matt Stajan, thanks to all of you for adding so much more credibility to our program this season! Your time could not have been anymore appreciated!

And finally, to you. Thanks to each and every single one of you who took the time to download and listen to our show. Whether you heard one or all of our shows this season, it is our listeners that make the show what it is. Thank you!

Become an AFITC Insider by joining A Foot In The Crease Fans on Facebook.

Please continue sending listener email to afootinthecrease@gmail.com throughout the summer. We will feature all of them on Episode 3.1 of the program to come your way at the beginning of September. ]]> podcasts Sat, 14 Jul 2007 07:04:00 GMT http://www.afootinthecrease.com/index.php?post_id=235066# Jeff Hume, Dave McCarthy No http://www.afootinthecrease.com/index.php?post_id=234420# ]]> general Thu, 12 Jul 2007 05:05:00 GMT http://www.afootinthecrease.com/index.php?post_id=234420# Jeff Hume, Dave McCarthy No http://www.afootinthecrease.com/index.php?post_id=232290# The penultimate edition of AFITC comes your way today as we examine all of the significant wheelings and dealings around the league in one of the busiest weeks of player movement all year long. The Redline Report begins with a look at the Maple Leafs big signing in Jason Blake and the contract extensions of Vesa Toskala and Bates Battaglia. Next we go Across The Country to check in with all the Canadian teams detailing their important moves. To conclude, we examine the remaining deals of note including those relating to Daniel Briere, Chris Drury, Scott Gomez, Ryan Smyth, Brian Rafalski, Mathieu Schneider and Todd Bertuzzi in the Quick Hits portion of the Redline Report.

On The Bubble features Listener Email as always. Rigamarole discusses the winners and losers since the start of the NHLâs silly season.

Become an AFITC Insider by joining A Foot In The Crease Fans on Facebook.

Send along listener email to afootinthecrease@gmail.com]]> podcasts Thu, 5 Jul 2007 07:14:00 GMT http://www.afootinthecrease.com/index.php?post_id=232290# Jeff Hume, Dave McCarthy No http://www.afootinthecrease.com/index.php?post_id=229978# After a three day break to allow Jeff to safely make his way home from a rigorous canoeing trip, Episode 2.42 of AFITC â The Draft Wrap Edition, comes your way today. We start the Redline Report with Leaf Notes discussing the acquisition of Vesa Toskala and Mark Bell. Also we announce the contract extensions of Carlo Colaiacovo, Jay Harrison and the newly signed 2001 CHL player of the year Simon Gamache. Finally we have a look at what the Maple Leafs did at the draft once they got around to making selections in the third round.

The Redline Report continues with a