On the Beat with the Chicago Bliss-02/24/2014

After missing the Chicago Bliss practices while I was in Florida, I was back at the Darien SportsPlex to get back onto the Bliss Beat.  As much as I loved Florida, I really did miss the Bliss.
We are just about six weeks away from the season opener for the Legends Football League and the Chicago Bliss.  The Bliss travel to Milwaukee to start their title defense against the Green Bay Chill on April 5.  I am really looking forward to that game!
For now though, I am enjoying the Bliss practices.  Despite all of their hard work, I think the coaches, veterans and rookies are also enjoying practices.  The team is starting to take shape.  The veterans look to be game-day ready and the rookies are learning the plays, the drills and the overall feel of the Bliss.
At the Monday practice, we talked to another interesting mix of players.  We interviewed Alli Alberts, one of the top rookies of 2013.  We also talked to Katy Massey and Emma Kuhns, two Bliss prospects.  Each brought a unique and interesting perspective.

As my coverage partner Jack says, "You have beauty, brutality and really excellent football."  We will continue to do our best to spread the word and get more people on the Bliss bandwagon!

Eric St. Vaughn is in the House!

The picture below represents a lot of fun, courtesy of Resistance Pro Wrestling and Wizard World Conventions.  Both organizations continue to bring entertainment and surprises to the fans.

I have written many times about both R  Pro and Wizard World.  I attend as many events by either as is possible.  Both provide a lot of content for JohngysBeat.com.

One of the fun parts of Wizard World is meeting the other fans there.  R Pro's Eric St. Vaughn is a huge fan of He-Man and he could be seen stocking up on some cool He-Man merchandise.  We even got ESV to conduct an interview with Tom Cook, noted He-Man animator.  That can be seen at On the Beat with Tom Cook at Wizard World.

ESV is just one notable fan we have encountered.  I have also run into Joe Knetter and Sarah French (famous horror couple), Tim White (legendary WWF ref), Elliott Harris (features writer) and many more celebs.  The crowd can be almost as fun as the celeb guests.

As for R Pro, they had a booth at Wizard World, because they want to be available to the public.  They can be seen at charity events, schools and other places, along with their regular wrestling events.  Likewise at R Pro shows, you never know what you might see.  I have run into Lin Brehmer (radio legend), Professor Kliq (Chicago musician) and Mancow.  R Pro attracts all sorts of people.

The moral of this story is for a fun time year round, check out Resistance Pro.  For a fun event once a year, check out Wizard World.  You will see me at both.  Maybe next time, you will be pictured here.

Matt Parker, Eric St. Vaughn and me in Rosemont, IL-August 2013.

Could Chris Burnham Save Aquaman?

I remember drawing comics when I was a kid.  I know most of my friends did, too.  We all dreamed of becoming comic book creators, but illustrator Chris Burnham is living that dream.

Perhaps best known for his work on Batman Incorporated, Burnham already has a lengthy resume at an early age.  He has done interior and cover work for such companies as Marvel, DC and many others.  The man is massively talented.  He was also massively popular at the conventions when I saw him.

I admit, I tried wooing him over to the aquatic side.  Maybe Aquaman could gain some momentum with a creative force like Burnham working on it.  I think Burnham is a bit too busy, but if he wanted a real challenge, restoring Aquaman to its former glory would be a great addition to his resume.

I really appreciate Burnham talking to us.  Despite the long line of his fans and the many demands on his time, he took some of his valuable time and gave us a fun interview.

My interview with him can be found at On the Beat with Chris Burnham at Wizard World.

Chris Burnham and me in Rosemont, IL-August 2013.

Michael Kingston Puts the Reader in a Headlock!

Professional wrestling and comic boos seem like a natural fit.  Michael kingston apparently thought so.  Kingston is the creator of Headlocked, a comic book based on professional wrestling which debuted in 2007.

The main character is a college student who drops out to pursue a career in pro wrestling.  We get to view wrestling through his eyes.  It is a great story with beautiful graphics created by pro wrestlers, including Jerry "the King" Lawler.

Kingston was very passionate about his creation when I talked to him.  As a creative wrestling fan, he is able to tell a realistic story and an interesting one.  Headlocked was a real hit at Wizard World.  Kingston did a great job of promoting Headlocked to everyone (not just wrestling fans).

For more info on Kingston, check out Headlockedcomic.com.  You can also check out my interview with Kingston at Wizard World last year at On the Beat with Michael Kingston.

Michael Kingston and me in Rosemont, IL-August 2013.

Friendly Encounters: Rob Myers Meets Roddy Piper

This is a weekly series featuring friends who have met celebrities.

I first met Rob Myers when I attended a POWW (Purely Obsessed Wrestling World) event.  Rob is the photographer for POWW (and other companies).
Rob was very helpful as I stumbled my way through photographing the events for my wrestling coverage on JohngysBeat.com.  He never asked for anything and often went out of his way to lend me insight into where I should be for the best shots.
I see Rob occasionally at wrestling events and I follow him on Facebook.  The man is everywhere, photographing everything.  If you are a wrestling fan or a model in the area, chances are you have seen him.
Today, I am turning the tables on the man I call "Paparazzi" (okay, I am not original).  Despite all of his photographs, I don't see many of Rob and celebrities.  He apparently likes being behind the camera better.
I did find on.e cool picture of Rob.  He posed with Roddy Piper, one of my all time favorites.
Rob has obviously met many celebrities, but one who really intrigues me is Rowdy Roddy Piper.  Rod and Rob.  Piper and Paparazzi.
Actually, it doesn't matter much who is in the picture with Rob.  It just matters that I am featuring Rob today.  Rob is a great guy and a fantastic photog.  If you see him, tell him Johngy sent you to bug him.  Be prepared though, Rob has a quick and somewhat evil wit.  It's part of his charm.

Roddy Piper and Rob Myers in Racine, WI-April 2010.

Cards That Never Were-Tony Esposito

Tony Esposito stared his NHL career by playing 13 games for the 1968-69 Montreal Canadiens.  He was claimed by the Blackhawks in an intra-league draft during the offseason.  He played 15 seasons in Chicago, winng 3 Vezina trophies and playing in 6 All-Star games, on his way to a Hall of Fame career.
While I loved Esposito and clearly he will always be remembered for his time with the Hawks, I always like to see players pictured with every team for which they played.  When I saw that Espo had a 1969-70 card, I was surprised to see him pictured with the Hawks.
He joined the Hawks in the offseason, yet his card shows him with the Hawks?  Times have changed in the world of sports cards.  Now, you might not get shown in your new uniform even if you played or them at the end of the previous season.  So much for technology, but I digress.
I cannot say Topps was wrong for showing Espo in the Hawks sweater, but I decided to make an alternate card to their offering.  There are not that many pictures of Espo with the Canadiens, but I found one that worked.
Tony Esposito is one of the greatest Blackhawks ever.  He was one of my mom's favorites and he is one of my favorites.  I will always think of him as a Blackhawk, but I now present Espo as he started with Les Habs.

What's Up with CM Punk?

CM PUnk is an interesting guy.  He was a very popular star on the independent wrestling scene and eventually joined the WWE in 2005.  He did not have immediate major success there, although he remained very popular.
Over the last couple years, his success increased as did his popularity.  He was red-hot.  He was clearly one of the top guys at the WWE.
Recently however, Punk walked away from the WWE.  The rumor is that he was upset with part-timers getting main event slots.  If that is true, I cannot blame him.
It is hard to tell.  Wrestling imitates life and all the lines are blurred to make things look real (or to make the reality seem like part of a planned storyline).
Punk has been known to be less than pleasant to fans, except at organized events, where I have heard of and seen him be completely pleasant.  He is reported to have handled his money well and can afford to stay away from wrestling.
Punk has been called a lot of names (good and bad).  I applaud him for sticking to his principles and walking away from a big pay day at WrestleMania.  He did not just sit back and collect the cash.
Of course, there is the possibility that all of this is part of the storyline.  In that case, I applaud the WWE and Punk for making it work.
Confused?  Join the club.  The Punk situation has the wrestling community confused, divided and talking.  In the end, I guess all of that is good for business.

CM Punk, Matt Parker and me in Rosemont, IL-August 2013

Celebrity Jersey Cards #162 Jack Nicklaus & Sylvester Stallone

This is a recurring series which attempts to combine my lifelong passion of bubblegum cards with my semi-professional interest in celebrities.  Today we are going old school hockey.

"The Golden Bear" Jack Nicklaus was born in Columbus, OH, and excelled in all sports as a youth.  He chose golf and became arguably the most accomplished golfer of all time.  For this Celebrity Jersey Card, I had to do a little time travel and make a Blue Jackets card for about 40 years before they even existed.  You do those sort of things for a Hall of Famer though!

A few years after the Philadelphia Flyers debuted in the NHL, Sylvester Stallone debuted on the big screen.  Although he was born in New York, Stallone will always be associated with Philadelphia, thanks to Rocky Balboa, his underdog character.  Rocky would have made a great brawling defenseman on the old Broad Street Bullies.  He still received thunderous applause at the Flyers game, about 40 years after Rocky first appeared.  I am not sure about his #6.  Since I don't think it represents 2006, I am calling it an homage top Andre Dupont, a member of those Broad Street Bully teams!  Of course, he is listed as a "left wing" on his Celebrity Jersey Card, because Rocky was a southpaw.

Thinking About Andrea Evans

Andrea Evans was probably my first major celebrity crush.  I saw her on tv's One Life to Live and immediately I was hooked.

Andrea came and left OLTL several times between 1979 and 2011 (when the show was taken off the air).  She also appeared in a few other shows and a handful of movies and plays.  One such play was The Vagina Monologues (and yes, I was in attendance).  Andrea also has been very active with the Walk for Hope.

I met Andrea many times and I had the pleasure of working with her for her appearance in Lerner's literacy ad series (which I ran).  Twenty plus years after spotting her on tv, there she was in my ad series.  Talk about surreal.

Andrea has always been very kind to me and patient with me.  I might have asked for a few too many pictures over the years, but Andrea always obliged.  When you meet one of your all-time favorites, you always want another photo, even if you have several from previous times.

Andrea has always been just a complete sweetheart and has given me several great memories.  Meeting your favorites is always cool, but when they turn out to be completely sweet people it is just a fantastic experience.  When you develop a bit of a friendship, it just makes it wonderful.

I have not seen Andrea in years.  I would love to see her again, but I always have the great memories of our previous times (see, glad I got those pictures).

Andrea Evans, her mom and me in Evanston, IL-Fall 2003.

On the Beat at Resistance Pro's "Vulgar Display of Power"

Resistance Pro Wrestling kicked off 2014 with "Vulgar Display of Power" at 115 Bourbon Street in Merrionette Park, IL.  At the risk of being redundant, it was another great night at R Pro.  "Vulgar Display of Power" featured the usual core of entertaining R Pro wrestlers, plus wrestling legends Raven, Tommy Dreamer and Tracy Smothers, with the lovely Jessie Belle.
We got a bunch of interviews with the talent on hand, including Dreamer, who wasn't too pleased with the events of the evening (he got double-crossed by longtime rival Raven).  We also got Jessie Belle, who was making her return to R Pro after over a year.  After his debut match, Michael Bradley spoke to us.  We also revisited heavyweight champ Jocephus Brody, Thunderkitty, Chris Hall and Team I.O.U.  We finally got Remi Wilkins for the first time.  Those interviews are below.
Debuting wrestler Diablo Jones spoke to us briefly and Colonel Jesse Corgan blew us off.  Video footage of those moments can be found on the R Pro Girls Girls Girls! Facebook events page.
"Girls Girls Girls!" is the next show for Resistance Pro and it takes place this Saturday, February 22.  It features the Samuel J. Thompson Memorial Tournament, an eight women tourney for an R Pro contract.  I will be there and I am bringing several members of the Chicago Bliss, 2013 Legends League champions!  Will the Bliss get involved in any of the action?  You have to come to the show to find out.  This one promises to be another winner for R Pro.

Happy Birthday Sam Parker

My niece Sam Parker is celebrating her birthday today.  Somehow, the cute little girl grew up into a beautiful, intelligent, awesome young woman.

Sam is the best.  She is due to graduate from Iowa this spring and then she will start the next phase of her adult life.  Thanks to Sam, I finally got to experience a college football weekend, when we all went to see the Hawkeyes.

Sam has a bright future.  She deserves all of the happiness and success she will get.  I have no doubt Sam will succeed in life.

Happy birthday Sam!  I love you and hope your day is awesome and your year even better!

Kyle Kolb and Sam Parker in IA-September 2013.

Cards That Never Were: Bobby Hull & Dennis Hull

This is a series concept which I borrowed from other bloggers.  When I was a kid, it drove me crazy that there was not a card for every player with each team on which he played.  I am now trying to correct some of those oversights.

Bobby Hull represents one of the biggest mistakes the Blackhawks ever made.  After 15 stellar seasons with the Hawks, Hull jumped to the WHA because of the frugality of the Hawks management.  Hull went on to play 7 seasons with the Winnipeg Jets in the WHA (he was also a coach for the team).  When the WHA folded and four teams were brought into the NHL, Hull should have returned to the Hawks, but management blundered and he returned to the Winnipeg Jets for part of the 1978-79 season, before ending his career with the Hartford Whalers (where he teamed with Gordie Howe).  The Hawks would bumble once more several years later when they failed to sign Brett Hull as a free agent.

Dennis Hull is Bobby's younger often underrated brother.  In his book, The Third Best Hull, he tells the interesting story of his start with the Hawks.  Bobby and Dennis took advantage of an "ice time" rule, which then forced the Hawks into keeping Dennis on their roster.  It paid off well for them though, as he went on to play 13 excellent seasons for the Hawks.  He played his final season in Detroit, as a favor to Ted Lindsay, then the GM.  I think the expression on Hull's face on this card sums up his feelings for playing in Detroit.

Friendly Encounters: Michael Bradley Meets Tim White

This is a weekly series featuring friends who have met celebrities.

Michael Bradley is another great guy I met through Resistance Pro Wrestling.  Bradley (or sometimes Malcolm West) is another versatile member of the R Pro family.  Sometimes he works security.  Sometimes he fills in elsewhere.  He is also in training for a wrestling career.  Whatever he does, he is beloved and valuable.
He made his in-ring wrestling debut for R Pro at "Vulgar Display of Power" last month.  He faced Diablo Jones in the opening match and did well for himself.
I was very happy and proud of Bradley.  His hard work and determination paid off.  He wrestled an actual match and will certainly wrestle more.
Bradley also made his JohngysBeat.com debut when he interviewed New Orleans artist Damon Bowie at Wizard World last year.  That interview can be found at On the Beat with Damon Bowie.  Bradley did his usual great job and I was very happy to have him join the JohngysBeat.com team, even if it was only for one interview.  Maybe like his wrestling match, there will be more in the future!  Bradley is always welcome on my team.
Also at Wizard World last year, Bradley met legendary WWE ref Tim White.  This was a great encounter.  I would have loved to meet White.  He reffed so many of the matches I saw as a youngster.  Leave it to Bradley to score this gem.
When Bradley wrestles again, I will be sure to cover it for ResistancePro.com and right here.  Once again, congratulations Michael Bradley.  It could not have happened to a better and more deserving guy.

Tim White and Michael Bradley in Rosemont, IL-August 2013.

Happy Birthday Louie

I have known Louie for over 26 years.  He has grown from a co-worker to a friend to a brother.  We are business partners, too.  I could not ask for a better person to fill any of those roles.

One of the greatest things is that I know Louie always has my back.  I can count on Louie no matter what.  That is an unbelievable feeling.  I am lucky to have found a great friend and business partner.

I think Louie knows I will always have his back, too.  I know he is not online much, but someday he might look at this (or maybe his kids or Effie will see it) and he will know that I appreciate him greatly and that I am wishing him a great birthday.

Happy birthday Luigi!

Louie Atsaves and me in Palatine, IL-June 2013.

On the Beat with the Chicago Bliss-02/10/2014

The Chicago Bliss entered their second month of practices as they prepare to defend their 2013 Legends Football League title.  Coach Keith Hac has already guaranteed a repeat and the path to the 2014 title starts with these practices.
As much as I look forward to the actual games, these practices have been very interesting.  I see veterans busting their butts as they strive to be bigger, faster, stronger (that's my recurring theme for them).  I see rookie prospects learning and pushing themselves.
Some of the coolest things are seeing the veterans helping the rookies.  I have seen many occasions where one of the vets took time to give a little one-on-one talk to a rookie.  It is all about making the team better.  I have heard many rookies say that even if they can't make the team, at least they pushed the veterans.
The good of having so many women attend the tryouts is that the Bliss will be comprised of the best of the best.  The bad part is several talented, eager, nice women will not make the cut.  Coach Hac and his staff have some tough decisions, but I know that the final roster will be the best group to chase the 2014 title.
At the 2/10 practice, we talked to veteran Yahshi Rice, along with rookie prospects Lindsey Mikulecky, Jess Price, Jeanne Knepper and Kira Brabeck.  Rice gave us her thoughts on 2013 and 2014, while we talked to the rookies about their path to the Bliss.

I hope you enjoy these as much as I enjoy doing them.  The Chicago Bliss are a blast.  They are hard-working, tough, and entertaining.  I strongly encourage everyone to get on the Bliss bandwagon and enjoy the ride.

Happy Valentine's Day

Who better to feature on Valentine's Day than the two sweetest people I know, otherwise known as my sisters.  They put up with my nonsense.  They support me always.  They comfort, advise, encourage and uplift me.  They are my rocks.

I love you guys and happy Valentine's Day to you both!

Nancy Blais, me and Jean Parker in Mokena, December 2010.

Undead Aquaman?

I am not sure when the Zombie craze started.  I know it was strong in 2010, because I saw a lot of Zombie variations at the Motor City Comic Con that year.  I even saw a Zombie Aquaman!

Aquaman is the most underrated superhero.  He is also one of the least selected superheroes for people choosing to dress up as superheroes at these conventions.  I am usually happy if I see one Aquaman at every con.

In 2010, I saw the usual Aquaman (I believe his name is Scott) at the MCCC.  I got my picture and figured that would be the last Aquaman sighting.  Later, as we were leaving, I ran into another Aquaman, a version I had never seen before.

Zombie Aquaman!

Now this was cool and different.  Maybe if the writers of Aquaman thought of stuff like this, he might gain some popularity!  Maybe others would start seeing the coolness and potential in Aquaman.  Maybe I would see more Aquamen (and Aquawomen) at these conventions!

Zombie Aquaman and me in Novi, MI-May 2010.

Happy Birthday Jason Fleigel

I have known Jason Fleigel for almost 20 years now.  He started as a part-time telemarketer for me at Lerner Newspapers.  While he wasn't a very good (or motivated) telemarketer, he turned out to be a great friend.  Part brother, part friend, part cohort, Jason has been an important part of my life.

Last year, he married Heather and I have never seen him happier or more at peace.  It is almost unsettling, but he does deserve all the happiness he can get.  He is a great guy and they are an excellent couple.

One of my proudest days was when I was one of Jason's groomsmen.  I know he has several good friends and to be selected to be there with him on his most special day meant a lot to me.

Today I wish a great birthday to my bud Jason.  I am sure he will be celebrating with his beloved bride, ensconced in their happiness.  That is the best birthday I could imagine for him (unless the Hawks popped in for a visit).

Happy birthday Jason!  To quote the immortal Ric Flair, "Woooooooooooooooooooooo!"

Jason Fleigel and me in  June 2013.

Aquaman Johngy?

I have to admit I was tempted to grab the Aquaman costume when I saw it just hanging there at the 2012 Motor City Comic Con.  How many chances would I ever get to dress fully as Aquaman?

The costume looked so sad and lonely just hanging there.  Much like the actual Aquaman, the suit needed life breathed into it.  Sure I don't look like the traditional Auaman, but I would bring energy and gusto to the role.  Besides, the writers have changed several things about Aquaman over the years to raise interest.  Why not have a Johngy Aquaman.  I think it would be interesting.

I also have to laugh at the irony of a Robin costume hanging next to it.  Often these two superheroes are listed as the "most useless" superheroes.  I do not agree with that opinion.  Again, I just think Aquaman needs better writers to bring him back to the mainstream audience.

This brings me back to the Johngy Aquaman.  I am ready, willing and able to go anytime.  If the writers are willing to think outside of the box a little (or a lot), I would love to don the orange and green!

Robin and Aquaman costumes in Novi, MI-May 2012.

Friendly Encounters: Heather Dorff and Jessica Cameron Meet Danny Trejo

This is a weekly series featuring friends who have met celebrities.

While at last year's Days of the Dead in Chicago, I literally stumbled upon the Truth or Dare booth.  It was a case of great luck on my part.
Truth or Dare is the story of college students who play Truth or Dare with a violent twist.  They become internet stars, but the fun stops when a fan starts playing by his own set of rules.  It was co-written and co-produced by Indy Scream Queen Jessica Cameron.
Cameron and co-star Heather Dorff were promoting the movie (including a showing that night).  They agreed to do an interview with us (which can be found at On the Beat with Jessica Cameron and Heather Dorff).  They were pleasant, easy-going and fun.  While I enjoyed the interview and was interested in Truth or Dare, I had no idea how awesome these women were.
I have done several hundred interviews.  Most of the subjects were friendly.  Some helped promote the interview through some form of social media.  Heather and Jessica have gone above and beyond anyone else though.
Since the interview first aired, it has been promoted regularly on their Facebook or Twitter accounts.  I knew they were tirelessly and passionately promoting Truth or Dare, but I was pleasantly surprised to see my interview so regularly promoted and shared.
I appreciate their passion,  I really appreciate their promotion of our interview.  Rarely have I seen such overall dedication to promoting a project.  I applaud them loudly and publicly.
I felt compelled to write another story here (and will definitely write more in the future).  They deserve the exposure.  Truth or Dare deserves the attention.  These women do not need me or JohngysBeat.com, but since they promoted the interview so often, I want to give a little back and promote them a little more.
The picture below is also from Days of the Dead.  The ladies met actor Danny Trejo.  I love this shot.  The veteran Trejo is sandwiched by the young stars.  Years from now, Trejo will probably brag that he met them.  I know I already brag that I met them.  I only hope to meet them again and get an even better interview!
I highly encourage everyone to check out TruthorDaretheMovie.com to learn more about this intriguing film.  Also, check out JessicaCameron.com and HeatherDorff.com to learn all about these two young stars.

Heather Dorff, Danny Trejo and Jessica Cameron in Schaumburg, IL-November 2013.

Celebrity Jersey Cards #161 Ann Wilson & Jessie James

This is a recurring series which attempts to combine my lifelong passion for trading cards with my semi-professional interest in celebrities.  Today I am featuring representatives for the Super Bowl winner and loser.

Although she was born in San Diego, CA, Ann Wilson's family eventually settled in Seattle.  Wilson went on to have a Hall of Fame singing career, which came in handy when she sang the National Anthem and raised the 12th Man flag.  I have to bend the timeline by creating a Celebrity Jersey Card for Wilson with the Seahawks several years before they existed.  Although I cheered for the Broncos, I have to admit the Seahawks showed they had a lot of "heart."

Singer Jessie James became a Broncos fan by way of her husband, wide receiver Eric Decker.  That explains the #87 on her Celebrity Jersey Card.  The Broncos lost the big game, but James is a winner in my book!

We Had and Lost Crystal White

Crystal White represents a lost opportunity for me.  It si one of the rare times our equipment failed and JohngysBeat.com lost an interview we thought we had.  

In September of 2012, White was making her debut for Resistance Pro Wrestling at Excalibur.  We always like to talk to new performers in R Pro and we locked in an interview with White.

After her match with Thunderkitty, White gave us an interesting interview.  We thought our mic was working, but it wasn't.  I was left with a solid 5 minutes of White talking to me, which was drowned out by the background noise.

While staring at White for 5 minutes is not a bad thing (many men stared at her all night), it pales in comparison to hearing her thoughts (while staring at her for 5 minutes).

White lives and works in the Chicago area.  She is still involved in wrestling.  I should have an opportunity to make up this lost opportunity.  This is one of my goals for 2014.

I will be checking her schedule and I will attend one of her events and ask for the replacement interview.  This time, I will take no chances on faulty equipment.  This time, I will make sure Ms. White officially joins the JohngysBeat.com interview club.

Crystal White and me in Chicago, IL-September 2012.

Meeting the Boz

In the world of sports, "The Boz" usually refers to Brian Bosworth controversial former football player with the Seattle Seahawks.  That Boz lasted three seasons in the NFL.

There is another Boz who lasted a lot longer though.  On the wrestling scene, "the Boz" is none other than Steve Boz.

The Chicago native has been working his magic in the ring for about 20 years.  He has worked just about everywhere, including the WWE.  The man is a pro's pro, as they say.

I have seen The Boz wrestle many times and he always gives the fans a great showing.  I interviewed him for the first time at A chicago Style Wrestling charity event at Niles West High School last year.  That interview can be found at On the Beat with Steve Boz.

Steve Boz and me in Lincolnwood, IL-Winter 2013.

More Hog Talk

Yesterday, I wrote about the demise of the Chicago Express ending my run as their beat writer, but also starting a run with the Rockford IceHogs.  To their credit, the IceHogs organization has beeen just as open and friendly as the Express.

Currently the IceHogs are in a heated battle for second place.  First place is occupied by the Grand Rapids Griffins, who hold a double-digit point lead over second place.  The other four teams are only separated by 6 points.  This is a dogfight and one of the teams is the Chicago Wolves.

Am I cheering for the IceHogs over the Wolves?  May the best team win.  Okay, that is not concrete enough.  I must pick a side.  I go with the team who has welcomed JohngysBeat.com.  That team is the IceHogs!

While there is no cheering in the pressbox (thank you and RIP Jerome Holtzman), I have been known to (mostly) silently root for the IceHogs when I am there in person.  As the season winds down and the standings tighten up, I have to declare my loyalty here for all to see.

I was in the stands in 2000 when the Wolves won the championship.   Hopefully, I will be in the pressbox when the IceHogs win the championship this year.  In the meantime, please check out my video coverage at my Rockford IceHogs playlist on YouTube.

Coach Ted Dent and me in Rockford, IL-December 2013.

Missing the Chicago Express

In 2012, I was very excited when I signed on to cover the expansion Chicago Express hockey team of the ECHL.  The organization embraced JohngysBeat.com and what we brought to the table.  Unfortunately, the Express folded after that season.  Despite the association with the team being short-lived, it was fun while it lasted. 
The coach of the Express was Steve Martinson, who had a 19 year career as a player.  Martinson spent time with the Detroit Red Wings, the Montreal Canadiens and the Minnesota North Stars, although most of his career was in the minors.  He was definitely a hockey lifer.
He went into coaching immediately after playing and has spent the last 19 seasons as the head coach for various teams, including his one season with the Express.  Currently he coaches the Allen Americans in the CHL.  Based out of Allen, TX, the Americans are in the running for the top spot in the CHL.
I really enjoyed watching the Express practice.  I learned a great deal about hockey just from those few times.  Martinson is the kind of guy I would like to interview at length sometime.  I think he is a pleasant guy who has a ton of hockey knowledge and probably many great hockey stories.  I would have had that chance if the Express had survived.
I can mourn the loss of the Express or I can celebrate the addition of the Rockford IceHogs. While it wasn't exactly a trade, it somehow has worked out that way.  I will still continue to follow Martinson (and hopefully I will interview him again) and I have become a much bigger fan of the IceHogs.
Thanks for the memories Express.  Go IceHogs!!

Steve Martinson and me in Palatine, IL-Winter 2011.

Friendly Encounters: Frank Wroblewski Meets Michael Kostka

This is a weekly series about friends who have met celebrities.

There he is again doing my job.  My dad is meeting more and more celebrities and reporting back to me proudly.  He is almost boasting.  Practically taunting me with his conquests.

His latest celebrity was Michael Kostka of the Chicago Blackhawks.  My dad met Kostka at Bridges Scoreboard Sports Bar, his usual watering hole and place of choice to meet athletes.  

My dad gets a real kick out of attending these events and deliverig the picture and story to JohngysBeat.com.  He is usually sporting either the Johngy shirt or a shirt representing the player appearing.  In this case, he is wearing a Marian Hossa Hawks shirt.  I have to admire his style.

Kostka is one of the newer Hawks.  At 28, he is not that young, but he is trying to get himself into the regular rotation.  According to my dad, Kostka was very pleasant and outgoing.  He was great with the kids, too.

As always, I appreciate my dad's contributions.  As long as I don't start seeing a FrankiesBeat.com, I will be completely fine with it.

Michael Kostka and Frank Wroblewski in Griffith, IN-January 2014.

Celebrity Jersey Cards #160 Trey Parker & Steve August

This is a recurring series which attempts to combine my lifelong passion for trading cards with my semi-professional interest in celebrities.  Today, I am saluting the two teams in the Super Bowl (am I allowed to call it the Super Bowl or do I have to refer to it as the big game?).

Denver native Trey Parker has never strayed far from his roots.  His animated series South Park is set in Denver and contains a lot of Denver references.  For his Celebrity Jersey Card, Parker is sporting John Elway's #7 (or maybe Craig Morton?), but I am listing him at safety.  Back in his rookie year, he certainlyu would not have beaten out Elway and today he could never beat out Peyton Manning.  Therefore, I think he would be a good addition to the secondary.  In any case, Parker is a great representative for the Broncos!

Steve August played offensive tackle for 8 years in the NFL, mostly with the Seattle Seahawks.  He joined the Hawks in their second year and stayed in Seattle until midway through his last year, which he finished with the Pittsburgh Steelers.  He wore #76 for the Seahawks during huis career and #12 when he raised the 12th Man flag at a game.  August never had a regular issue Topps football card, so I am giving him a Celebrity Jersey Card.

Roddy Piper and My Mom

I have been a fan of Roddy Piper for over 30 years.  I totally enjoyed his work in the wrestling ring.  His verbal skills are among the top few in wrestling history.  The man can cut a promo!

Whenever I see Piper, I always think of my mom.  I can't say my mom was a wrestling fan, but I think she did occasionally watch Saturday Night Main Event.

I remember one specific time I came home from a date and my mom was still awake.  She tld me (somewhat proudly and a little bit excitedly) that she had recorded a segment with Piper.  It was the famous scene when Piper returned to the WWE and destroyed the Flower Shop set.

I don't know why my mom had any sort of appreciation for Piper.  I really should have just asked her.  I think it would be interesting to get her take.

Obviously, Piper is one of the most colorful characters in wrestling history.  So is Hulk Hogan and my mom never had much interest in him though (no offense to the Hulkamaniacs out there).  I wonder what in Piper grabbed my mom's attention.

Maybe she just followed my lead.  Maybe she kept an eye on Piper for me.  I am sure that is part of it, but I don't think it is the whole story.

Unfortunately, my mom is gone.  Of course, if I had the chance to talk to her again, her affection for Piper wouldn't be my first choice for topics, but it certainly would come up.

Roddy Piper and me in Rosemont, IL-Early 2000's.