
I have so much to talk about but before I do here is the Friday practice the Vancouver Canucks held at UBC before hitting the ice at Rogers Arena. For all you Vancouver fans, here you go.
What is on the agenda to talk about next? The Detroit Red Wings have a new Captain! Henrik Zetterberg! Congrats Henrik. The Dallas Stars have yet to sign power forward Jamie Benn to a contract. Benn is actually in Victoria, British Columbia getting ice time with the WHL's Victoria Royals. Plus what is going on with Lubomir Visnovsky? He is the only player who has not returned to his NHL post lockout. Enjoy everyone and HOCKEY IS BACK!

I was standing behind Lou toward the end of practice and who skates up to give Lou and gives one of the biggest man hugs I have ever seen? Keith Ballard. But no, Ballard wasn't done there. After hugging Lou, Ballard skated right over to Chris Higgins and began poking him with his stick. Higgins was quick to react and a sword fight of sorts began between the two. Don't believe me? Scroll down, I have photo evidence.
With all this Keith Ballard love I thought to myself "Who is Keith Ballard?" I have no idea, so I did some research.
1) Ballard is from Baudette, Minnesota
2) Ballard plays defence and was drafted 11th overall in the 2002 draft by the Buffalo Sabres
3) Ballard wears the number 4, stands 5'11", weighs 208 pounds and has blue eyes.
4) Ballard has played for the Phoenix Coyotes, Florida Panthers and Vancouver Canucks
5) Ballard is one of five Vancouver Canucks who came from Florida. Others include Jason Garrison, David Booth, Chris Higgins and Roberto Loungo. I think it is safe to say Mike Gillis has the Florida Panthers on speed dial!
6) Ballard is a husband and a father. His daughter is almost 3.
7) and finally Ballard has a sense of comedic timing I never would have guessed. If you missed it I have uploaded the video of Ballard helping out around the office while skating in Minnesota during the lockout!