Mike Commodore Photo by Jason Haas

As a journeyman than has spent part of the last 11 NHL seasons with 7 different teams, it’s not too surprising to see that defenseman Mike Commodore is on a new adventure. Commodore has signed with the AHL’s Hamilton Bulldogs on a Professional Try-Out Contract. He’ll join the team for a practice on Saturday.

Commodore is an avid Twitter member and he had this to say about his new team:

“If I want to continue my career I need to play. I felt the @BulldogsAHL is my best option. Young team looking for some experience. Perfect.” (@commie22)

Originally drafted by the New Jersey Devils in the second round of the 1999 NHL Entry Draft, the 33 year old blue liner is an easily identified figure with his giant red afro and giant personality. In 484 regular season games he has accumulated 106 points and 686 penalty minutes.

Already a familiar face for long time Lightning fans, Commodore was a member of the 2004 Calgary Flames that faced off against the Bolts in the Stanley Cup Finals. He went on to win the Cup with the Carolina Hurricanes in 2006. His status as a free agent is affected by the lockout, so it’s good to see that he’s found a place to play that may lead to more opportunity in the future.

Steven Stamkos Photo by Linda Hamilton

-The lockout sucks. We can all pretty much agree  on that much. Hockey fans are going to great lengths to get their fix and Sun Sports seems happy to oblige us. “Classic” Lightning games began to be broadcast to fill the void left by cancelled games. It’s actually been a pretty awesome trip down memory lane.

Nostalgia will continue as the network will continue to show important games from seasons past on Thursday nights. This Thursday we’ll get to see the Game 7 defeat of the Philadelphia Flyers in the 2004 Eastern Conference Finals. Next week it’s Marty St. Louis’ double overtime goal in Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Finals against the Calgary Flames.

» Continue reading “Nuts & Bolts: Classic Games Continue, Stamkos Keeps Training”

Chris Dingman Photo by Linda Hamilton

- Newer hockey fans may know former Bolt Chris Dingman for his work in the media than on the ice. A staple of the Sun Sports television broadcast, he shared some of his favorite hockey memories with The Hockey News.

Dinger played for Calgary, Colorado, and Carolina before landing in Tampa. The two time Stanley Cup Champion known for his tough play shared some great stuff. Ever wonder how he got the nickname “Dish” or the funniest hockey person he came across? Wonder no more.

» Continue reading “Nuts & Bolts: Dingman’s Hockey Memories, Lightning Essentials”