Omark to Edmonton
Here’s a fun diversion from our usual business of Japanese baseball: the moribund Edmonton Oilers have signed Swedish forward Linus Omark away from the KHL. Edmonton drafted Omark in the 4th round back in 2007.
Despite a casual interest in European hockey, I first heard of Omark when everyone else did — last year when his creative shootout goal hit YouTube. I’ve seen more of Omark since, and he really is a clever player, and a lot of fun to watch. I’m looking forward to seeing how his game translates against more physical players on the smaller NHL rink. Here are some clips, enjoy!
09/04/2010 at 2:59 am Permalink
Speaking of european hockey the german league is pretty much at its knees at the moment. A lot of clubs have financial problems, especially my hometown Koelner Haie (Cologne Sharks), who might have to file for bankruptcy. It all started when the abandoned the relegation/promotion system and set up one professional league like the north american ones. I should write a post about that, I guess 😉
My interest in hockey was renewed with the olympics this year and my visit to Toronto, which to me looked like a hockey crazy town. Watching Hockey Night in Canada with my hosts sure came in handy, hehe 😉
Nice post, thanks for the videos, Patrick!
09/04/2010 at 8:13 am Permalink
Good to hear from you Jan. That’s a shame about the DEL. When I was in Europe two years ago, I tried to go to a in the Czech league (I think called the ExtraLigue, but I may have the spelling off). Everyone I asked said something like “hockey? I only care about the NHL.” I’d definitely be interested in reading your post on the DEL, please send a link if you write it.
16/04/2010 at 5:11 am Permalink
There you go: http://janblurr.wordpress.com/2010/04/16/the-current-state-of-german-ice-hockey/