More about the Predators, and a special concert 
It looks like Predators fans can stop making up funny names for Jim Balsillie and possibly switch over to Boots. Predators owner, Craig Leipold has walked away from the Balsillie money, to look at a smaller offer from William “Boots” DelBiaggio. If Boots closes the deal, will he keep the Predators in Nashville?  Hang in there Predator Fans, if you can get through this summer and still keep your team, maybe Sports Illustrated could do a cover story on you and this roller coaster ride of an off season you are having. Ladies and gentlemen, start your email campaign now! Going to be in Nashville on July 10th? Check out the Rutledge for a Save the Predators benefit concert and silent auction. Visit www.savethepredators.com for more info. Go Predators Fans GO!

Canucks Season Ticket Holders Gather…
The Vancouver Canucks hosted their annual State of the Franchise meeting this week.  Many fans attended the family BBQ, sat through a discussion with local radio personalities covering all of the “same old same old” talk radio hockey topics that they beat to death everyday, then listened to short speeches from President and CEO Chris Zimmerman and GM Dave Nonis, who then participated in a ½ hour Q&A with the audience, which spilled over to the cement floor as the two went one on one with many fans. Ten Canucks third Jerseys were given away during a prize draw, not long after Zimmerman insisted Canucks Mascot, Fin would be a part of the team next season. Hmmm…could this possibly be a tell tale sign Canucks fans will endure yet another identity crisis and have a new logo for next season…yikes! Fin was not at this event, as he had a prior commitment in Orlando, Florida competing in the 15th annual Celebrity Mascot Games, a charity event benefiting New Hope for Kids happening this weekend. Go FIN GO!!

"Random Hockey photo"

Jordan Sigalet and Shut Out MS
More from Vancouver…Shut Out MS, Boston Bruin Goalie draft pick, Jordan Sigalet’s project to raise funds and find a cure for Multiple Sclerosis has planned a special day of fundraising including a Charity Classic Hockey Game, taking place at the Burnaby Winter Club Saturday July 7, 2007 1pm to 3pm. A great group of players are hitting the ice, including Columbus Blue Jackets Gilbert Brule, Vancouver Canucks Kevin Bieksa, NY Ranger Ryan Hollweg, the recently signed with the Florida Panthers, 2007 Memorial Cup winning Vancouver Giant, Kendall McCardle, Jordan, Jonathan and Stephan Sigalet to name a few. After the game, attend the 2007 Shutout MS dinner and silent auction at the Executive Plaza Hotel in Coquitlam. Goalie enthusiasts may want to bring extra money for bidding, as they will find memorabilia signed by some big name goalies. A big cheer to Jordan and his family for their commitment to SHUT OUT MS. Please visit www.shutoutms.com for more info… 

The Weekend of the Rat
Speaking of Florida, something special is happening with the Panthers Hockey Club…a reunion of the 1996 Stanley Cup Finalist team. The Weekend of the Rat, July 27 and 28th 2007 to be exact, unites all kinds of cats: Current Panthers, Alumni Panthers, and those extra extra special Cats from the 1996 Eastern Conference championship team/ Stanley Cup finalists. These cute and cuddly kitties will play some golf and then some hockey with ALL proceeds benefiting Florida Youth Hockey. Tickets for the open house and alumni hockey game are only $5 !!!! Please visit www.panthers.nhl.com for complete details and schedule.

A Deal to Howl Over…
Phoenix Coyotes have an amazing deal right now: buy one lower bowl season ticket and receive a second season ticket for free. This two for one season ticket offer is available for sections 115 to 119 rows U toY. They are calling this “The Best Deal in Sports” and it could very well be. With this deal, fans will receive full season ticket holder benefits, too numerous to mention. They had us at complimentary priority parking…  www.coyotes.nhl.com