Hockey Arcade is shutting down

OK, folks, here's the deal. I've been doing these Hockey Arcades for a month now and I'm only getting, at most, two responses. I tried to make it interesting as well as informative. My goal was to show that there was more to hockey than just the NHL.

Though it certainly wasn't heavy lifting on my part, preparing these took the longest of any of the 260-plus posts I've done this season. And even though I had fun doining it, I'd rather write about other hockey-related matters, especially as we near the trade deadline and the push for the playoffs.

If this is a disappointment, please accept my apologies. And to Drew, Jaci and Slegr_71, I appreciate your loyalty.

That doesn't mean, though, that I'm giving up on fun. Keep an eye out for a new feature: Hockey Word Association. I tried it during a recent "Ten questions with" interview and found it quite amusing. Please know, too, that comments on this aren't required. Hopefully, it'll provide some levity during breaks at work, classes or intermissions.

To provide closure, here are the answers to Hockey Arcade 1.2:

What's this? 2.2: The Cleveland Barons logo. You were close, Drew.
Who am I? Aaron Asham, Lasse Kukonen, Nikolai Zherdev, Patrick Rissmiller and Yotaka Fukufuji
Team quiz: 1-c; 2-a; 3-b; 4-d; and 5-e
They play the game: 1-d; 2-c; 3-e; 4-a; and 5-b
Brainbuster: Columbus' Fredrik Modin played for Brynas IF Gavle during the 1995-96 season of the Swedish Elite League.

Hockey Arcade 1.2

What's this? 2.2

Though the picture was small, I was surprised that no one dared venture a guess for last edition's item. You'll probably want to kick yourself, as it was none other than a hockey skate blade, specifically a t-blade.

Having been dealt a 12-5 butt-kicking last year, I'll celebrate my early 1-0 lead over readers.

Remember, all items, including this edition's offering, are related to hockey.

Who am I?

1.) Naora Mahas
2.) Sales Nukenok
3.) Linaiko Redzveh
4.) Kipcrat Smilerslri
5.) Tayaku Jukifufu

Team quiz
Match the following teams to its development leagues:

1.) Val-d'Or Foreurs
2.) Tri-City Storm
3.) Windsor Spitfires
4.) Vancouver Giants
5.) Fairbanks Ice Dogs

a.) USHL
b.) OHL
c.) QMJHL
d.) WHL
e.) NAHL

They play the game
Match the players to their professional teams:

1.) Colt King
2.) Allan Sirois
3.) Jimmy Callahan
4.) David Shantz
5.) Dan Ellis

a.) Florida Everblades
b.) Iowa Stars
c.) Pee Dee Cyclones
d.) Port Huron Flags
e.) Lubbock Cotton Kings

Puckhound's brain buster

What Swedish Elite League team did Columbus' Fredrik Modin play for in 1995-96?

Answers to Hockey Arcade 1.1

Who am I?: Milan Jurcina, Nolan Yonkman, Jocelyn Thibault, Kevin Bieksa and George Parros
Team quiz: 1-c; 2-d; 3-b; 4-e; and 5-a
They play the game: 1-d; 2-e; 3-a; 4-b; and 5-c
Puckhound's brain buster: Steve Poapst

To participate in this edition of Hockey Arcade, leave your answers within a comment. Thanks.

New year = New games

Rather than have two seperate postings for the various contests, quizzes and general tomfoolery available at Hound Central 2.0, Puckhound is moving everything under a single roof. Kind of like a hockey arcade. In fact, that'll be the new name.

Of course, you'll find existing features -- What's This?, player-name scramble (now known as Who Am I?) and the team quiz. The Hockey Arcade, though, is not only new, but it's also improved, with the introduction of three features.

So, if you're feeling smart and lucky, take a look below and test your hockey knowledge.

Oh, yeah, here are the rules:
1.) Answers must be left in a comment;
2.) Have fun; and
3.) Please, no wagering.

Hockey Arcade 1.1

What's this? 2.1

As promised, this year's items will be considerably more difficult, Or, at least, that's what I'm hoping. After getting spanked last year by Readers, 12-5, I'm looking to even the playing field.

Now, I won't be vindictive. They won't be so hard that they'll discourage you from playing, but they should be a little less obvious.

And, as always, the items will be related to hockey.

Who am I?

1.) Almin Crajinu
2.) Anlno Kynamno
3.) Lecjony Bathilut
4.) Ekniv Skabie
5.) Regoge Srapro

Team quiz
Match the following teams to their developmental leagues:

1.) Barrie Colts
2.) Moncton Wildcats
3.) Brandon Wheat Kings
4.) Bismarck Bobcats
5.) Green Bay Gamblers

A.) USHL
B.) WHL
C.) OHL
D.) QMJHL
E.) NAHL

They play the game
Match the player to his professional team:

1.) Adam Henrich
2.) Phil Gianfrancesco
3.) Travis Banga
4.) Greg Watson
5.) Nick Bootland

A.) Memphis Riverkings
B.) Pensacola Ice Pilots
C.) Kalamazoo Wings
D.) Johnstown Chiefs
E.) Florida Seals

Puckhound's brain buster

The Chicago Steel named what former NHL defenseman as its coach?

O! Canada

In living proof that men are pigs, here's a weekly review of Canadian national treasures.

To participate, leave your answers in a comment. Thanks.