To keep looking like this:

Some of our 100+ Stamkos posts have been pretty legendary, including those times he:

… was so cute at 20 that I said, “Call me when you don’t need a fake ID.’

.. turned 21. Then 22, and then 23. (He’s 25 now.)

… shoveled snow in shorts.

… wore, and I mean wore, blue pants to play golf. The white pants were good too.

… and James Neal cried laughing at Intern Jeff Skinner‘s mortal humiliation.

… scored 50 goals. Then made it 60 goals.

… did this:

… pretended to forget his skates while Jordan Eberle pretended to be mean in a Coke Zero commerical.

… and Neal, Tavares and Jeff Carter had an imaginary argument about the scoring race.

… Tweeted a photo of his busted face.

… jumped freakishly high. Which is probably all the time.

… cut/didn’t cut his hair.

… poured water of himself in the name of charity.

… went to the wire on a contract deal. No, the other time.

Curls for the girls

It’s been 4 years, 7 months and 22 days since Steven’s first mention on WUYS. That means he’s gone 1697 days without being Foxy Friday! Criminal! Finally, we correct this error of 242.5 weeks. (And on a day that Steven and the Bolts play Pittsburgh. I waited 5 years to probably shoot myself in the foot and cost my team their whole season. Yay,)

In honor of Steven finally being named, we’re bringing you ALL NEW (to this blog, mostly, we think) Steven Stamkos content! Skinny legs and all.

getouthere @NikeTraining pic.twitter.com/5PfNtGSAaU

— Steven Stamkos (@RealStamkos91) November 6, 2015

When Steven is on the ice, he is:

When he’s not on the ice, you can find him being cute with a puppy:

I don’t need any treats, I’m good here.

And with many puppies:

My actual dream come true.

And with his own puppy:

Some people are obsessed with their dogs, okay? Gosh.

Also with children:

High school is going to be rough with these standards.

Cabbie:

or product placement:

I would pay $1000 for this shirt.

You’ll find him hanging with his related Tumblr searches:

I’ve got friends in Southern Ontario places…

Notice that “Hand” is the only thing capitalized.

And most importantly, doing activities:

I play Frisbee every day with my dog, I could coach this. Will work for everyone’s shirts.

I could go on all day (or for the past five years). Stammer’s contract is up at the end of this season, and the drama is already at peak hysteria. The Lightning have said it’s their “number one priority” – well, duh. Steven has said little other than he loves playing in Tampa. We’ve heard guys say that and take reasonable contracts to stay put, or shout is as they’re rolling toward a new team in an armored truck full of cash. My bet is on Stamkos staying with the Lightning.

If you’re not already following him on twitter (@RealStamkos91), you’re doing it wrong. The guy knows what we want! It’s almost as good as the Steven Stamkos Tumblr feed.

Happy finally Foxy Friday, Steven. Try not to score too many again the Penguins tonight, yeah? Kthanksbye.

Today’s Foxy Friday has played for not one but TWO of the teams in the NHL that fuel my hate fire. But today, I will smother that raging hate fire and look past the jersey.

Today, I will also forget that he is named after one of of the Ninja Turtles and will focus on what is really important on this most special and holy of days.

Ladies (and gentlemen?), meet Raphael Diaz.

This is a man who name invokes images of the Bernabeu, emerald green pitches, and the white noise drone of the vuvuzela, not the Saddledome, sheets of ice, and pop tunes played by a pipe organ.   This 5’11” blueliner was born in Zug, Switzerland, which sounds more like an alien race from Doctor Who than an actually place, and he joins fellow Swiss Foxy Friday Honoree Roman Josi in making us sit up and take notice of that little neutral nation.

We, as true intrepid journalists (!) need to know what other hockey foxes are hiding up there in the Alps.  Is Switzerland the new Sweden?

Like Sue-Ellen, we “right on top of that, Rose.”

Diaz is a newcomer to the NHL, but has already had quite the journey.  He was signed by the Canadiens in 2011 to an entry level contract. He was traded to the Canucks in February 2014, who then turned around before the ink was even dry and traded him to the Rangers a month later. Then in  October 2014, he went to Calgary’s camp on a try-out and ended up signing a one-year contract at the start of this season.

That’s a lot of new jerseys, new locker rooms in new cities, and through it all, he still managed to look like this.

He works out.

If Sidney Crosby and Karl Urban had a baby, Raphael Diaz would be their little bundle of joy.

Hey, girl, hey…

Diaz is foxy because his role model is obviously John Tavares. As a newbie NHLer, it is important to establish your identity early on.  Diaz is working the “Accountant-by-day-Hockey-Player-by-night” look with the best of them.

GET THIS MAN SOME KHAKIS!

I’ve been waiting for you all night…by this pineapple

Diaz is truly foxy when he has no idea what we are saying…

Only if you insist…

…And when he’s acting like a giant toddler.

He is foxy because his eyebrow game is ON POINT, even though his beard game needs a bit of work.

But you know what really gets us? Those smile lines around his eyes

Those just destroy every fiber of my being.

So in conclusion…

Yes, Raphael.  I think we just did.

You can follow Raphael on twitter at @diaz_raphael_61.

Foxy Friday: Tom Wilson

Tom Wilson has been on the list for future Friday-ing since, well, since he was way too young to be on that list.  Aren’t they always? He had also been in the Capitals lineup consistently, spending time on the Ovi/Backstrom line, and some more time in the box for boxing.

Since December 23, Tom has been fighting that elusive illness we call “healthy scratch.” It bit him again Wednesday night in San Jose. Now, we’re not doctors, but we watch them on TV. And the only prescription for this is more Foxy Friday.

First, the good news: Tom Wilson is 20.

Wait, that’s not good news. He was born in 1994, the same year as my first car. It’s times like this that I enjoy my inability to properly process math.

He’s from Toronto, and is pretty much the future pool-boy-next-door of college-aged Chuck’s dreams: 6’4″, longish hair, looks like he could rock a mean flannel, chop down trees, rescue you in the forest – general woodsman duties. Not sure about the beard though, not on this babyface.

EPIX’s “Road to the Winter Classic” show gave us a look inside the bachelor pad Tom shares with Caps teammate Michael Latta.  These two are besties in the best ways. Vacation:

Guest star Foxy Friday: Liam O’Brien. Here’s another.

Slumber parties:

Gracias, instagram.com/latta17.

Twitter discussions of the English language:

A wacky Twitter Q&A in which they agree with everything I have ever said:

Driving with expired inspection stickers and bulk buying ketchup. (In an unrelated story, @lm1485 and I once convinced our boss that ketchup was the Official Condiment of the Washington Capitals. WE WERE RIGHT!)

This & many more from www.russianmachineneverbreaks.com

[More video: Tom’s game commentary, ride along with Latta & Schmidt]

I’ve met Tom twice, and he is the strapping, handsome, friendly guy with the reach to knock out an opponent that you imagine. You would have spent high school writing “Mr. And Mrs. Chuck-Wilson” on your binder, while your dad sat on the porch with a goalie stick (it’s Canada) to make sure no one snuck out (or climbed in. See: woodsman duties.).

How did we live before internet?

Did I mention Tom is Mr. February on the Capitals Canine Calendar? He gazes across DC offices from his softly-lit clearing in the woods (!), hair all glossy and holding not one, but two puppies! Only he isn’t holding them because why, why would they run away when Valentine’s Day is just arriving? This should be a Lifetime movie, where a nerdy girl who volunteers at an animal shelter meets the hunk of her dreams at a charity calendar photo shoot. Consider this my copyright.

Pupface says it all.

That puppy on the right is hitting the high note in “I Will Always Love You.”

Tom has played on the Caps top line. He fights too, rather often – I’ve seen more Tom Wilson fights in person than any other player. Maybe he’s trying to impress me., though I was more impressed by this one time he didn’t fight. (Against a Flyer, no less. What is happening to me?) And by this time he got KO’d by a Make a Wish kid. He’s been called the team’s “heart and soul” and the Caps have said they don’t want to “dull his edge” – but they also don’t want him turning the puck over, especially not during valuable Oveckhin ice time.

Not-So-Average Joes

Lately, Tom has also been instrumental in the Captials’ support of young fan Bensten Schone, who was hurt in a sledding accident. You can help too – send him some love using #prayforBman. See the Caps video for Bensten, and watch (we mean cry) as Bensten watches it for the first time.

Also, watch Caps announcer Wes Johnson’s awesome video.

The Caps are out west for the weekend (vs. LA and ANA) then in Pittsburgh Tuesday night, where I will not be rooting for Tom or any combination of the Washington lineup. Until then, may this Friday help a fox get his groove back.

What, you want more puppies?

Pocketful of puppy.

Like the puppy you missed in the bottom there?

MY TURN?? MY TURN!!

Because I can go all day.

Puppyselfie. That does it.

Follow Tom on Twitter (@tom_wilso) and Instagram, and hopefully on TV during a Caps game soon.  Until then, enjoy this time the boys all went to see The Interview:

And where, while ‘working’ my real job, I didn’t get out of the shot fast enough.

Busted. (You bet I volunteered to work that event.)

#AllGrownsUp

Besides the obvious (#Sweden), I honestly had no idea who Elias Lindholm was.

But I do now.

Bless you, Ellie, for enlightening me.

Everyone meet Elias Viktor Zebulon Lindholm.

You can ring my bell.

Yes, that it is actually his name, and yes, it is all kinds of awesome.  Sort of makes him sound like a member of the Swedish Royal Family or something.  Name me one girl on this planet that wouldn’t want a prince like this of her very own.

Elias is foxy because he understands the value of learning from the Master.

A Jedi and his young Padawan

Elias is also foxy because he kinda has a young Mike Modano thing happening.  Or maybe it is a Mitchell Goosen thing.

Either way, we dig….hardcore.

“You hockey warrior! Hockey Nintendo!”

Elias is foxy because of this hair.  It’s fantastic.  But would you really expect anything less from a man from the land of perfect hockey players.

He woke up like this.

Seriously.  The flow – spectacular spectaular. WUYS Approved!

You lace the track. I’ll rock the flow.

Now, are we SURE he is only 19?   Because this is not the face, nor the beard of a 19-year-old.

#BeardWatch2015

But probably Elias’ best and most endearing attribute – his bromance with Intern Jeff Skinner.

Hey, bro. Let me copy your answers.

Rutti Tutti, Fresh and Fruity

Grumpy Cat & Travel Gnome

We love Intern Jeff Skinner.  If Intern Jeff Skinner thinks that Elias is good people, well then, that is good enough for us.

—-

Note: There is a distinct possibility that I will be meeting some of the Carolina players after their game with Boston on Saturday, so I’ll let you know if he’s cuter in person.   Stay tuned to WUYS twitter feed for updates!

FOXY FRIDAY!

Today, we’re featuring a guy with one of the coolest names in hockey – Nino Niederreiter.

Say that five times fast.

But who exactly IS Nino Niederreiter?

Nino is part of the youth movement in Minnesota, part of a core group of players which are poised to be an integral part of the Wild’s climb in the very difficult Central Division.

He was born in 1992 in Switzerland, land of Ricola and neutrality. One might not think of Switzerland as a hockey powerhouse, but over the last few years, there has been an emergence of Swiss talent joining the NHL ranks.

Roman Josi. Damien Brunner. Yannick Weber.  All Swiss. All love chocolate.

Mister…Randy…Watson!

Niederreiter, AKA El Nino, was drafted 5th overall by the Islanders in the 2010 Entry Draft, making him the highest drafted Swiss player in NHL History. At the 2013 Entry Draft, he was traded to the Wild in exchange for Cal Clutterbuck and a 3rd round pick.  He’s 6’2″, 210 lbs, shoots left and this season, he has 2 G and 2A in 9 games.

Also, his eyebrows are working for us.

My eyebrows are up here, ladies.

In last year’s playoff game 7 verses the Avalanche, Nino had two goals and an assist including the OT game-winner to advance his team to the second round, earning his forever place in the hearts of Wild fans everywhere.

Snipe.

Some other important things you should know about the newest member of the Foxy Friday Fraternity –

He loves slides.

Weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!

And Pictionary.

Boo.

His favorite mode of transportation are of the two-wheeled variety.

They see me rollin’…they hatin’

Beep! Beep! Who got the keys to the Jeep?

In his spare time, he enjoys knitting/wearing amazing boyfriend cardigans.

Knit 2, Purl 1

“If you want to destroy my sweateerrrrrrrrrrrr”

Perfecting his model look into middle distance. (it’s alot harder than it looks, people.)

Le Tigre

Channeling Sidney Crosby and his #AwkwardPockets.

#awkwardpockets

After his hockey career ends, we think he’d have a great future as a lumberjack.

“How much wood…

…could a woodchuck chuck…

…if a woodchuck could chuck wood?”

And in honor of Halloween, we give you this gem.

Iceman, Maverick, and Goose

Top Gun Boys.  Get us every time.

Check out Nino on the twitter at @thelnino22.

As I was combing through the Foxy Friday archives, I came to realize that out of the all the teams not making it to the Playoffs,the Calgary Flames are the only ones who do not have a Foxy Friday on their roster.   Other teams have a embarrassment of Foxy Fridays gracing their roster. The Flames? Zilch.

Edmonton had three.  Florida had one. Even Buffalo…poor sad, 51-point-getting Buffalo had one.

That changes today. You have TJ Brodie to thank.

Sure, the Flames might have finished 13th (out of 14 teams in the West), but at least they’ve got this guy.

Since 2010, he’s been up and down with the Flames but this season saw him play 80 games with the team. He had a very respectable 30 points this season (4 G and 26 A).  That’s gotta be worth some Foxy Friday points, right? That’s what I thought too.

His team is might be crappier than a port-a-potty at a chili festival, but he’s got some Foxy Friday potential, like….

Eyebrows.

Tattoo.

A Beeker Face.

A wicked cool scar. (and a vampire hairline)

Safety always comes first with TJ.

The beginnings of an excellent playoff beard.

But alas…twas not meant to be.  Maybe next year, TJ.

In the meantime, we hope you and your fellow non-playoff friends have a great summer golfing, ski-dooing on Canadian lakes, and working out with Gary Roberts.

And instagramming/tweeting every glorious moment.

You loving on TJ? I bet you are.  Check out more about our newest Foxy Friday honoree here.

It’s our First Foxy Friday of the Year and we’re starting it off right.

It all actually started in 2013 when there I was,  just minding my own business, drinking a glass of delicious scotch, talking on the twitter, when WUYS reader @sarahconnors drops this Foxy Friday bomb on me.

“WHO THE HELL IS THIS?”, I exclaimed. “IS HE REAL LIFE? I don’t believe you.”

Yes it is, friends.  And his name is Roman Josi.

The Swiss are known for a few things – Chocolate. Emmental cheese. Political Neutrality.

Devastatingly handsome hockey players is not one of them.

Until now.

God Bless Switzerland.

The 23-year-old Swiss went pro in 2006 with his hometown team, Schlittschuh Club Bern.  In 2008, the 6’1″ defensemen was selected by the Predators in the 2nd round (38th overall) in the NHL Entry Draft.  

While he is fairly new to the NHL season (only having made his debut in 2011), Josi has represented Switzerland in number of international competitions, including the 2010 Olympics and the 2013 Hockey World Championships, where he was named MVP.

This season, Roman has 12 points.  He is also -14, but when you look this good, does it really matter?  With this visage, I really don’t want him taking any unnecessary pucks to the face.

Besides the glaringly obvious, what else makes Roman Josi worthy of this Foxy Friday honor?

He likes long walks on the beach, followed by meditation while staring off in the middle distance.

His best friend can beat up your best friend.

Couple of years in Nashville and already he’s turning into a cowboy.

Euro Cowboy

His cornhole game is as tight as his pants.

Are those cornhold bags in your pockets, or are you just happy to see me?

 He wears a deep v like it meant to be.

No man like this should ever be alone in a photo booth. EVER.  I volunteer!

I bet this is what he looks like on Sunday mornings, after he’s made you breakfast in bed. A bowl of muesli with some yogurt, fresh fruit, and French-press coffee, natch.)

Roman Josi is undeniably and unapologetically foxy.  And unapologetically Swiss.   

Moooooo hmmmmm

On this Let’s just take a pause for a moment to appreciate the masculine beauty of this man.

No, he is not a figment of your imagination or some sexy hallucination.

This is a real life, flesh and blood human being.

Roman Josi, people.

Straight Up Life Ruiner.

 You can follow Roman on the twitter at @rjosi90

And totally crush-worthy.

This week’s honoree has got it in spades.

So let’s look at the reasons why Barty gets this week’s honor (besides his obvious awesomeness)

In the pantheon of NHL defensemen, Bartkowski does get instant name recognition (not yet at least).  The 25 year old defenseman is in his 1st full NHL season and along with Torey Krug and Dougie Hamilton, is leading the wave of up and coming Bruins’ blueliners.

I’m Polish. He has a Polish last name.  Now, I don’t know if he is Polish like I’m Polish, but I bet my Babcia wouldn’t mind if I brought him home for dinner.  I hope he likes pierogi and kielbasa.

He is a Pittsburgh native (Mt. Lebanon, to be specific).  While the Pens aren’t my team, I do like their city. Especially the maple bacon donuts from Peace, Love, and Little Donuts. Who am I kidding? I LOVE these mini pieces of heaven.

We could eat them together as we ride the city’s incline trains.

His budding bromace with Torey Krug.  Watching this love story develop is really quite beautiful.  It’s like a really good Hallmark movie…except with more hockey and less dying or drama.

To see more of their love, check out episode 3 of “Behind the B”. There is a car-sing long.  To Rush, no less. #epic #nerdtastic 

Fashion.  It don’t mean a thing to him. He’s a simple man.

We appreciated a man who takes the time to learn our language.

Who got the FLOW? Matt got the flow.  And it’s amazing.

Matt Bartkowski, ladies and gentleman.  I’m crushing.  Hard.  If this was high school, I would now be doodling Matt + Chuck 4-eva on my trapper keeper and finding out ways to get him to ask me to prom.

That’s what we said.

We’re used to seeing names like Crosby, Ovechkin, and Sedin atop the NHL stats page but then we see this…

And we’re all…

St. Louis Blues forward Alexander Steen has been tearing…it…up this season. He’s got 14 goals & 20 points so far.  Blues are 10-2-2  in what is proving to be a very hard Central division.

Last night, Steen reclaimed the league lead in goals with the game winner vs the Flames and was named the #1 Star.

More stars than the night sky.

No denying that scoring goals is foxy but what else is there that makes our newest honoree worthy?

Born in Winnipeg on March 1, 1984, which makes him a very WUYS-age appropriate 29 years old.  Steen was drafted 24th overall in the 2002 NHL Entry draft by the Toronto Maple Leafs and in 2008, he was traded to the Blues.

He’s Swedish AND Canadian!  A combination of two of the MOST perfect male/hockey gene pools in the whole wide world.

He has dual citizenship and has chosen to represent Sweden in international hockey competitions. ( because Canada has an embarrassment of riches and Sweden has an embarrassment of attractiveness.)

Foxy. Each and every one of them.

He’s got an excellent hockey pedigree – his father Thomas is a former Winnipeg Jets star.  Papa Steen scored 817 points in 950 NHL games and now serves as a Canadian politician.

Steen, along with his family, created the Amadeus Steen Foundation which raises funds to enhance the well-being of children in Manitoba. The foundation was created in memory of Steen’s youngest brother, Amadeus who died at the age of two months from a heart condition.

He’s a dog lover and animal rescuer. Let’s face it – Hockey Players + Puppies + Extraordinary acts of kindness are our jam.

Much like us, he appreciates the fine art & skill of a good photo bomb.

We love a man who isn’t afraid to have a little fun.

His choice of sweaters makes us so so happy. Is there anything better than a guy in a fantastic sweater? We think not.

If we were Blues fans, we’d be pretty stoked right now.  Team is playing well and if Steen keeps on burying the biscuit like he has been, the road to the Stanley Cup Playoffs could be very lovely indeed.

Follow him on twitter at @Steener20

Foxy Friday: Patrik Berglund

The boring stuff – Born 1988 (aged 25).  6’3″, 220 lb C/LW drafted 25th overall by the Blues in 2006.  In his very young NHL career, he has a respectable 93 goals & 99 assists.

The foxy stuff –

– Those dimples.  Oh sweet baby Jesus, the dimples.

– His adorable bromance with TJ Oshie.  #Oshberg

– He’s not afraid to be a little silly.  We love silly.

Tell me you like my hat.

– Hmmmm…tattoos.

– Deep love and appreciation for fuzzy, adorable animals.  (I’m sensing a theme this week.)

– He poses just like I do in photos.  Tyra would be proud.

Werk.

Fierce.

 – He can tickle the ivories.

I think I speak for us all when I say that I’m glad Patrik has seen the error of his ways and parted ways with this hair style.

The hair is very Johnny Rzenick-Goo Goo Dolls.  But in Patrik’s defense it was 2006, he was 18 years old, and he’s European.  We certainly can’t judge anyone for their hair style choice at 18.

Glad to see he’s grown out of what can only be described as is “awkward” phase and taken his place among his fellow countrymen and Foxy Friday brothers.

Damn it, Sweden!

You’re doing it right.  So very very right.

Ryan O’Reilly

The basics – Born in 1991. 6′ ft, 200 lbs centerman.  Drafted by the Avalanche 33rd overall in 2009. Career stats – 269 games played, 47 goals, 83 assists.

Now those are all well and good but let’s get down to the real reasons he’s our Foxy Friday.

He kinda has a Zach Parise thing going on.  And everyone knows that is a good thing.

 His name makes him sound like he’s an Irish guy from Southie…

from gingerbeardsandparenteaus.tumblr.com

Or a boy-bander.

Girl.  Let me love you.

Excellent WUYS-approved eyebrows.

 A quintessential hockey smile.

He can serenade you with a song.

Killer dance moves.

Just like us, he enjoys ice cream in moderation.

..and wee little bebbies.

He understands the power of a good workout video. (Seriously. This thing is amazing.  I could do an entire post on it alone.  Brilliance.)

When you’re besties with Gabe Landeskog, one cannot help but become foxy.  It’s osmosis.

Welcome to the Foxy Friday Fraternity, Ryan O’Reilly.

Your face.

We like that ‘ish.

Follow Ryan on the twitter at @Ryan_OReilly90

My preferred method of working out is swimming, 1) because I don’t feel myself sweating and 2) because sometimes I pretend that I’m a mermaid.

But as some of you may be aware, Pants and I are in “training” for the Chicago URBANATHLON in October.  The 10.8 (!) mile course is like a Tough Mudder without the mud.  We get to climb over a bus, run the stairs of Soldier Field, and jump over police barricades.

In short- we are preparing for the Zombie Apocalypse.

Since we signed up to do this thing, I’ve seriously had to re-evaluate my aversion to the gym, especially since I want to finish the race, eat a deep dish pizza, and make it to the Hawks game that night. (What? You didn’t think Pants and I would be in Chicago and NOT go to a game.?  Silly rabbits.)

This week’s Foxy Friday, Gary Roberts, has helped me to do just that.

photo from www.fitnessinstitute.com

Roberts is a former NHLer who after his playing days were over, transitioned to becoming one of the most sought after trainers in hockey.  His gym, Gary Roberts High Performance Centre, is where most of our favorite players work out in the off-season.

It’s like our perfect version of summer camp.  Exceptionally talented and attractive hockey players just hanging out, doing squats and whatever these things are called.

With this race looming large and my ever increasing fear of not making it through all the obstacles, I’m using Gary (and his videos) as my inspiration.

Every time that I work out from now on, I’m going to imagine Gary standing over my shoulder, looking and judging my utter lack of upper body strength.

photo from www.fitnessinstitute.com

When I don’t want to run any more because my compression sports bra is cutting off circulation to my brain, I’m going to think of Gary.

from finnohara.com

Remember ladies (and gents), next time you are at the gym and don’t really want to be, pretend that Gary is there.  .

Now when I’m working out, I’m going to pretend that Gary and all the “campers” working out next to me.

My goal is to look (and feel) like this..

But until then…I’ll look (and feel) like this.

Follow Gary on Twitter at @GaryRobertsHPT

from bosstownsports.tumblr.com

In case you’ve been living under a rock since Wednesday, just take a moment to review what transpired to bring about this Foxy Friday Sequel.

We wouldn’t know it officially until yesterday but Campbell broke his leg on that shot…and kept playing.

from fictionmist.tumblr.com

We all know that hockey players are notorious for being one of the toughest, if not THE toughest athletes on the planet.  (Rugby players are right up there especially that guy that lost a testicle during a game and kept playing. Talk about cojones.)

But what Campbell did on Wednesday was incredible.  To have the presence of mind to get back up and keep playing when you are in obvious intense physical pain is just remarkable.

Some might call it stupid or reckless.

We just call it foxy.

Cue bad-ass strut walk music. 

He could have easily collapse to the ice and waited for a whistle.

But he didn’t.

He put his team before himself, got back up, and finished his shift.

If you watch Bruins hockey with any regularity, you are quite familiar with Campbell and how he plays.  It’s smart, aggressive, and unselfish.  If he gets a goal occasionally, that’s cool.  But it seems for him, it is more about doing what is best for his team and his teammates without regard for personal gain.

He’ll scrap. He’ll muck and he’ll grind. And apparently he’ll even play on a broken leg if that is what it takes.

With one act of incredible courage and self-sacrifice, Gregory Campbell has become a Boston sports legend.  

Parents will tell their kids about what he did.  They’ll use it as a metaphor about how to never give up, even when it hurts, because there are people counting on you.

We’ll use it as a reminder of what it means to be part of a team, to be part of something bigger than yourself.  That no one person is more important than another and the only way to win is if you work together.

Much like Nathan Horton was in the 2011 Stanley Cup Finals, Campbell will serve as inspiration, motivation, and as an emotional linchpin for this team.

Right now, everyone on that Bruins team has a singular collective focus – to win the Stanley Cup and to win it for Gregory Campbell.

P.S. Get well soon, Soupy!

I sent the word out last night that I was looking for Foxy Friday nominees and our twitter feed blew up with a ton of suggestions.

As I started to google them to ascertain their Foxy Friday potential, there was one that clearly stood out amongst the rest.

Detroit Red Wings’ Brendan Smith.

Let’s be honest here.  It’s the smile that did me in.

It’s just so happy and shiny and genuine.  You know that when is his smiling, he REALLY means it.

My heart just bursts with rainbows and glitter when I see it.

You see the ways his eyes crinkle up when he flashes that grin.  That’s when you know it is legit.

Also his teeth are perfect.  Sure some of them might be fake but if they are, kudos to his dentist.  I work at a dental school so I know a little something about teeth.

Thanks to the magic of the interwebs, I’ve been able to learn a bit more about Brendan Smith.

He loves Tim Horton’s donuts.

He loves knee socks.

When learning to skate, he’ll always be there to help you up.

 He knows how to work the beanie/hoodie fashion combo.

If you took him to a Jason Alden concert, he’d fit right in.

If you’re feeling sad, he’ll write you a poem.

Should you ever become stranded in the wilderness, you wouldn’t starve to death.

When his hockey career is over, he could get a job on late night TV.  He’s a natural…who also likes PF Chang’s.

Thank you for opening my eyes to the foxiness that is Brendan Smith.

I am forever in your debt.

During the regular season, he is just this mild-mannered guy, playing good hockey.  He’s not particularly flashy.   In fact, some times you don’t even realize he is there.

Then playoffs come around.

And he becomes this.

In just four games this post season, Krejci has 10 points.

10 POINTS!

That’s an average of 2.5 points a game (!).  In 46 games in the regular season, he had 33 points (10 goals, 23 assists.)

He has scored 5 goals and 3 of those game on Wednesday, when DK46 lit up the Leafs and helped the Bruins take a 3-1 series lead.

No affects of kryptonite here, people.

His Superhero hockey powers no doubt make him worthy of this Foxy Friday honor, but there are plenty of other reasons why he is so deserving.

So who exactly is #46 in the Black and Gold?

• He is the love child of Mike Modano and Napoleon Dynamite.

• He rocks camo way better than those guys from Duck Dynasty. (Except maybe Jace.)

• He is the creamy vanilla middle of this black and gold Oreo.

• Proper hydration is very important to him.

• If this blog has taught you anything, it is that we appreciate a man that can rock the plaid.

• He loves Tyler Seguin.  So do we. So…Do…We.

Bruins can close out the series with the Leafs on home ice today and move onto the 2nd round.

I, for one, can’t wait.  I might even sing about it.

Well folks, it’s the final Friday of April, which means the final entry for the Foxy Friday Fan Challenge.

This week,  Brenda (@wishinonehand) wins again.  We swear it isn’t nepotism, but when you submit good stuff, we have to share it.

And this one is most defintely a keeper.

Sadly, we don’t get to watch much Red Wings hockey but next season we’re about to watch a WHOLE  lot more.

We definitively don’t mind seeing more of this guy.

Don’t mind at all.

[Chuck’s note:  His beard.  Good lord the beard. I’m swooning here. Quick! Someone get a me a chaise that I can swoon dramatically on to.]

How Swede It Is

In case it hasn’t been said before… thank you, Sweden.  You are so generous with your vast foxy fortunes.  You have given us:

Peter Forsberg

 Why yes, that IS a Norse god.

Nick Lidstrom

 He may have retired from hockey, but he will never retire from hotness.

Markus Naslund

His foxiness even transcends a Canucks jersey. 

Andreas Lilja

This is the very definition of ruggedly handsome.

Henrik & Joel Lundqvist (Twinsies!)

Don’t know what’s going on here.
Don’t much care, either.

Gabriel Landeskog

The young & the foxy.

Now that is an embarrassment of riches, right there.

But you, Sweden, you did not stop there.

You dug deep into your foxy reserves and also bestowed upon us…

Henrik Zetterberg (and a pug)

All of a sudden I’m feeling very motivated to learn Swedish.   Do you think Rosetta Stone has rush shipping?

Wonder how you say “ridiculously hot”?  I’m going to go with “Henrik”.

The Cliff’s Notes on Henrik are as follows:

• Born October 9, 1980. (perfectly age appropriate)
• 6’1″ & 195
• Wasn’t drafted until the seventh round (210th overall)

Zetterberg also has a pretty impressive resume and collection of hardware – a Stanley Cup, a Selke Trophy, Conn Smythe, a Olympic Gold Medal, and a whole host of others.

He has complied the sort of resume that makes GMs drool.  And also Wayne Gretzky apparently.  Gretzkey said “I think Zetterberg is the best player in the game (at his age)… he’s just very special. I think he’s the best Swedish player they’ve ever put into the National Hockey League, and there has been a lot of great ones.”  High praise from the greatest hockey player of all time ever.

And that is what we call ‘salty’

If this oh-so-foxy-face looks familiar to you, maybe it’s because this guy has not one but two famous doppelgangers:

We love you, Jordan Catalano!

Even when he’s trying to look mean, he melts your heart.

Henrik did his best to end the lockout this summer – by wearing it on his chest.

 Henrik Zetterberg: sartorial zen master and hero.

 Zetterberg is so foxy that he even inspired a web series a la “The Office”.

Ladies and Gentleman – meet Fake Zetterberg.

Before we go, how about a little word association?  I’ll name an adjective, and then Henrik will demonstrate it.

Sensitive

Lustrous (specifically, hair)

Smoldering

Sophisticated

Charming

Blush-inducing

 Let us all give thanks and praise to the almighty country of Sweden.

Oh, can we get a hug?

Many thanks to all that submitted your entries for our 1st Foxy Friday Fan Challenge!

We know it isn’t easy to write these so we appreciate your time and effort to share who you find foxiest with us.

As always, hit us up on twitter (@WhatsUp_YaSieve) with any suggestions of who you’d like to see featured.  Remember to hashtag #FoxyFriday.

Love!

~ C & P

Remember that time in late January/early February 2012 we went a little crazy and named a bunch of New York Rangers at Foxy Fridays?

Yea, well this guy wasn’t one of them.  We’re idiots.  Thank goodness, WUYS fan Brenda (@wishinonehand) is on top of it.  She is this week’s Foxy Friday Fan Challenge winner!  Check out her ode to Dan Girardi and his face below.

Nothin’ but a G Thing

To all 30 NHL GMs who failed to draft Dan Girardi, who’s laughing now?

The New York Rangers signed Girardi as an undrafted free agent on July 1, 2006 and since then, all he’s done is play his damn heart out. From 2007 through 2012, Girardi played an astonishing 408 out of 410 regular season games (plus 42 playoff games, but who’s counting?).  Danny’s minutes are hard minutes: he regularly plays over 25 min/game, mostly against opponents’ top lines and during the PK.  He blocks shots like a boss and comes back the next shift like it never happened, causing some to wonder: Is Dan Girardi a Mutant?

by blog.nyrfulltilt.com

Super indeed.

Danny G made his first All Star team last season, which was very well-deserved.  He may only be 6’1″ and 203 pounds and had just 5G / 24A last season, but especially when Marc Staal was out with a concussion (and now with a horrible eye injury – get well soon, Staalsy!), Girardi is the absolute backbone of this team. Did I mention that he’s also an Alternate Captain when Staal is out?

Congratulations, Danny!  

But I’m getting distracted. You came here for foxiness. Where do I start?

Gorgeous big blue eyes that make the crystal clear Caribbean waters weep?

Check.

A cleft chin that Cary Grant (Ask your moms, whippersnappers!) would envy?

Check.

Lips that are absolutely perfectly… ahem, I don’t think I can even finish that sentence on a family-friendly blog, but… CHECK.

Oh, did I mention that he’s a doting father to the cutest son ever?  Commence ovarian meltdown in 3, 2, 1…

I mean, I don’t even want kids and I turn into a complete puddle over this.

On a team stacked with an embarrassment of foxy riches, Girardi is a standout.

Note from Pants & Chuck: asdfghjkl!

Seriously, can we please insist on full face cages? It would be irresponsible to destroy all this beauty.

Ssshhhh… Don’t talk. Don’t ruin the moment.

Do you need a glass of water?  We’ll wait.

Girardi’s hotness will stop for no woman. Don’t believe me?

What’s black & white and covered in grease paint? Girardi’s foxiness, of course.

Putting the “classic” in Winter Classic.

Put him in your Aunt Joan’s ugly holiday sweater with a pair of cheesy shades – he’s still hot like fire.  Bonus if you’ve got SKIN TIGHT RED JEANS!

Merry Christmas, indeed.

Does he even sweat during workouts?  If he’s not, I am.

Dan’s foxiness extends to his sense of humor and being OCD about neatness. All this hotness and he puts away his clothes, too?

How can you not swoon over a boy who loves Swedish Fish and Frosted Flakes?

I’ll wait while you watch that pelvic thrust a few hundred more times…

…

Dan Girardi, this week’s Foxy Friday.  #5 for the New York Rangers, but #1 in your heart.

Pants & Chuck Note: Halloween?  Get us a phone booth, a cape and DG.  Stat.

Your post didn’t get chosen? Didn’t get a chance to submit ?

Don’t worry! There are still three Fridays left, so keep those submissions coming.  Entries sent for this week are still eligible too, while Pants and Chuck, relax, take long lunches and watch Intern Jeff Skinner rearrange the office.

I mean, he’s a Canuck, for pete’s sake.  AND a Montreal Canadien. These alone make our skin crawl.  It fills us with the fire of a thousands suns.  It makes us rage like a Desperate Housewife who has drank up all her chardonnay and has no alimony money left to buy more.

But for today (and only today) do we put aside our blinding hatred and name Chris Higgins from the Vancouver Canucks this week’s Foxy Friday.

Chris Higgins is 100% Foxy.  Here’s how we break it down.

85% – Abs.  Those glorious, perfect, mantacular abs.

 We feel like Emma Stone in “Crazy, Stupid Love” when she sees Ryan Gosling with his shirt off.

8% – Beard.

7% – Smile and overall adorableness.

Obviously, he has some hockey skills too, but we wouldn’t know.

We’re too distracted.

Three things we love and post about probably more often than is normal.  But we can’t help it.

And when you have all three AT THE SAME TIME – well, we’re just smitten.  We must honor you with our most prestigious award.

This week’s Foxy Friday is Adam McQuaid of the Boston Bruins

This 6’5″ defencemen from Prince Edward Island might not be known to many outside of Boston but we’re out to change all that.

He’s so adorably Canadian, using words like “o-fence” and “eh”.  With eyebrows like his and a full mane of luxurious hair, all the world shall know the name “McQuaid.”

McQuaid is perhaps most famous for his hair, a riotous accumulation of dark curls like no other. It just won’t quit.

Seriously, it’s amazing.  I’m obsessed with it.

And apparently so is Adam.

Even in mullet form, his coif is pretty spectacular, while at the same time delightfully hilarious.

It takes a very special, confident man to wear this hair.  His hair alone is worthy of this Foxy Friday honor.

 In addition to the hair, he has also got some sweet eyebrows.  Look out, Zach Bogosian and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins Molly Ringwald.  You’ve been put on notice.

McQuaid is a classic defencemen – big, physical, and not afraid to mix it up when needed.  Like when he beat down Raffi Torres.

And Inigo Montoya.

Or this Canuck.

Now one must keep in top physical form in order to beat opposing players to a pulp.  Also, when Zdeno Chara freak of nature is your team mate, you best be hitting that gym wicked hahd. (God Bless the interweb and tumblr)

Squats.

Crazy legs.

Arms.

Walking.

Running.

Only adding to his legend is his nickname – Darth Quaider.  It might be one of the best EVER.  For Star Wars nerds like us, this is just beyond perfect!

from daysofyorr.com

If you’re ever find yourself lost in the woods with only a bag full of hockey sticks, some inner tubes, and a plank of wood, he’s a good friend to have.  You might even survive.

Besides all of these things, he’s just really freaking adorable.

Hope you enjoyed this week’s Foxy Friday, Mr. Adam McQuaid.  I know we certainly have.

“Oh what’s that you say?  You want to take me out on a date?”

Well, if you insist.

Fasth has burst onto the NHL scene in this shortened as the back-up to Jonas Hiller in Anaheim.  Initially, Fasth wasn’t expected to play much but instead has dominated in a most unexpected way.

The Ducks are on a winning streak and the rookie goaltender is 4-0 as a starter.   This week, he got his first NHL shut-out with a 3-0 blanking of the Colorado Avalanche.

Fasth leads the league with an infinitesimal GAA and impressive save percentage.  In fact, he’s allowed only 4 goals this season and the Ducks are currently 1st in the Pacific Division and off to their best start since they won the Stanley Cup in 2007.  This upsets my cousin Tom and WUYS Contributor, Aaron very much. (They are both Kings fans).

Coach Bruce Boudreau has a problem that every NHL coach would kill to have – two great goaltenders, playing well, and winning games.

No doubt that Fasth is a goalie to watch this season, but there are a few other reasons why he is deserving of this honor

• His name is seriously cool – Erik Sixten Viktor Fasth.  This is not the name of a hockey player. This is the name of a Swedish prince.  Also, his last name amuses us.  No lack of “Fasth and the Furious” puns here.  (Side note: Pants is WICKED excited about the new Fast & Furious movie. Like seriously. She loves her some Paul Walker for eva and eva.
• He was born in 1982, which makes him 30 years old. Age-appropriate, ya’ll.
• He has perfected his “Hey Gurl” face.

• He must protect his house. Always.

• 

  

  The hair.  The hair alone is worth the honor.  He seems to have been diligently studying Mike Green and James Neal post game video clips (and this blog) in an effort to achieve that perfect “undone, yet perfectly done” look that we so admire.  Mission Accomplished.

•  Again, the hair.  And also the suit.  And the face. What is it with these Swedish people?  Sweden is like an alternate universe were all citizens have been genetically engineered to have perfect hair and have impeccable style.

Well there you have it – Sweden wins again.

We love this beautiful country.

Not only for its affordable, yet slightly infuriating to assemble furniture, but more so for their ability to produce countless Foxy Fridays.

Keep ’em coming, Sweden.