Author Archives: @sourcefrias

2018 BOURQUE GOLF – Celebrity Tournament

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Here is your chance to golf with Ray Bourque and other Boston sports greats. 

Photo courtesy:
Bourque Family Foundation

Bourque Golf is a celebrity golf tournament hosted by NHL Hall of Famer Ray Bourque. The event is held every year to help the Bourque Family Foundation raise money for charitable and educational endeavors, spanning all different organizations, people, and communities. Participants at the tournament go to the Golf Club and are treated to an entire day of golf with celebrity hosts, food, and auctions.

Bourque Golf 2018

Bourque hosts his celebrity golf tournament in conjunction with the Celebrities for Charity Foundation. This year’s event on August 30th at The Golf Club of New England in Stratham, NH. Former Bruins, Boston sports greats, and other local celebrities will be in attendance.

This past June they also hosted the Bourque 7.7K Race.

Back in June, over 400 New Englanders participated in Bourque’s 7.7K race at the Ferncroft Country Club in Middleton, MA. After completing the course, participants and spectators enjoyed live music, food, and drinks.

The Foundation presented checks to The Joseph Middlemiss Big Heart Foundation and the Journey Forward Foundation on behalf of Joel Gonzalez.

Photo courtesy:
Bourque Family Foundation

The foundation has helped raise money for many charities. Ray plans is to have three events a year, the third this year being a curling competition.

Photo courtesy: Bourque Family Foundation

For more information, or if you would like to sign up or give, please visit : https://bourquefamilyfoundation.org/golf/

Follow me on Twitter: @SOURCEFRIAS

World Cup Quarterfinals Preview and Predictions

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There are only eight teams left as the battle for world supremacy continues. Will we see two teams in the final that no expects like Russia and Belgium, or will it be two powerhouses like England and Brazil?

Here are the matchups and my choices of who advances to the semifinals.

Photo courtesy: FIFA

France vs. Uruguay

Photo courtesy: FOX

Both teams are playing strong at the right time. However, Uruguay’s Cavani isn’t at 100%, and that could be a factor in their game plan. Meanwhile, France is a very focused team and with everyone rallying around Mbappe, anything but a championship will be a failure.

Verdict: France will get the victory in this one.

Brazil vs. Belgium

Photo courtesy: Bleacher Report

Neymar and his team have found their rhythm in this tournament. Belgium, on the other hand, is a team of destiny. Their heroics during their last match just adds to their story.

Verdict: Belgium stuns Brazil and their fairy-tale goes on to the semifinals.

Russia vs. Croatia

Photo courtesy: Goal.com

No one expected them to advance out of the group, never mind have a chance at winning it all. Russia has gained from all the support their home turf has given, and they seem to have found the right mixture. Croatia has slipped lately, and playing against the hosts in their homeland is a very tough task to overcome at this stage.

Verdict: The hosts carry the support of the country and Russia moves on.

England vs. Sweden

Photo courtesy:
The Quint

Sweden has been a strong team this whole tournament, and England has the leading goal-scorer. Something has to give as both battle for a spot in the semifinal. Does Kane keep up his torrid pace, or does Sweden’s team strategy prevail?

Verdict: Sweden advances in penalties as England lose again in the shootout. 

 

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Recapping the World Cup Round of 16

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This World Cup has been nothing but surprises and the Round of 16 games were no different.

The road ended abruptly for both Ronaldo and Messi fans. The team many expected to win it all were ousted by the host nation. There some familiar names still remaining, as well as others who are battling to win it for the first time.

Let’s Break it Down

France vs Argentina

Photo courtesy: FIFA

In one of the most entertaining games so far of the tournament, France prevailed after taking an early lead. Even after Argentina fought back to take a 2-1 lead, Mbappe took over the game and lead them to a 4-3 win. There is even speculation that this could have been Messi’s last game for Argentina.

Uruguay vs Portugal


Photo courtesy: FIFA

Cavani was the star of this game, scoring both goals for Uruguay. An earlier header broke the game open. Portugal would go on to tie it, but moments later Cavani’s beautiful strike ended Ronaldo’s hopes of World Cup glory.

Russia vs Spain

Photo courtesy: FIFA

In a game many expected to to go Spain’s way, Russia silenced the doubters. Both teams exchanged goals in regular time, but in spectacular fashion, the Russian goalie made clutch saves and a beautiful kick save on the final chance for Spain. The Russians relished in the 4-3 win on penalties.

Croatia vs Denmark

Photo courtesy: FOX

This game was a goalie duel. Both teams worked tirelessly to notch the winning goal in full time. Croatia had a penalty awarded to them in the final moments and had a chance to win the game, but the shot was stopped. No goals were scored in extra time. Croatia finally won 3-2 on penalties after several exciting saves by both goalies.

Brazil vs Mexico

Photo courtesy: FIFA

Mexico has never prevailed past this round and this year was no different. Brazil, who started the tournament slowly, has finally found its groove and won 2-0 as Neymar scored and assisted on both goals. Mexico had their chances but simply could not capitalize.

Belgium vs Japan 

Photo courtesy: FIFA

Japan looked to upset the world. However, Belgium clawed its way out of the depths of soccer despair. Japan was able to take a 2-0 lead, but Belgium snatched momentum back in a matter of minutes. A three-pass sequence from Belgium ended with the ball in the back of the net right before extra time. Belgium was the first team to come back from two goals in the second half in World Cup history.

Sweden vs Switzerland

Photo courtesy: FIFA

Sweden is heading to the Quarterfinals as they held on to beat Switzerland by a score of 1-0. This was a game that started off in a fast pace and was back and forth. But as the game went along, it became a stalemate. Switzerland tried to find the equalizer, but other than a header in the box in the final moments that was stopped, they didn’t have many good chances.

England vs Columbia 

Photo courtesy: FIFA

England finally broke its curse with penalties but not after a scare. Kane had scored a penalty and it looked like they were on their way to victory. Columbia mustered a late-time header to tie it up. Despite both teams having their chances in extra time, the game needed to be decided in penalties, . England finally were victorious in penalty kicks; they flipped the script of the previous three games in which they were eliminated. The keeper made a beautiful one-handed save and sealed the 4-3 win.

 

Lookout for the next article where I will preview and predict the Group of 8 games.

Follow me on Twitter: @SOURCEFRIAS

Bruins Attack Free Agency Day in the NHL

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The Bruins have lost out on the Tavares sweepstakes, as he decided to fulfill a childhood dream of playing for his hometown Toronto Maple Leafs on Canada Day.

Let’s take a look at the moves that Boston has made in this chaotic first day of NHL’s free agency period.

PLAYERS ON THE MOVE 

Anton Khudobin

Dobby was looking to get a raise, but the Bruins’ brass decided they wanted someone with more experience. He has now signed on with the Dallas Stars.

Riley Nash

He was a factor in the Bruins success last season, being a solid option in times of need. He will be missed as he moves on to Columbus.

Nick Holden

Nick played sparingly with the team this season and decided to move on to Sin City.

Tommy Cross 

Another player who didn’t see much ice time in Boston is moving on to Columbus as well.

Austin Czarnik

This is a player the B’s had interest in keeping. However, the roster depth on the Bruins made him expendable, and he is heading out west to Calgary.

Kenny Agostino

Agostino showed some flashes, but never really caught on with the team. He will now be wearing Montreal colors.

Welcome to Boston

Jaroslav Halak

Almost as soon as it was known that they had lost Anton, the Bruins acquired the experienced backup goalie they were looking for. Coming over from the Islanders, this will be Halak’s fifth team.

Jacob Nordstrom

Nordstrom is a LW who will fill a role on the fourth line. He was currently in Carolina, and also won a Stanley Cup with the Blackhawks in 2015.

Jason Moore

The left-handed defenseman is a spot the team was looking to bolster. At 6’2″, the former Devil will fill in well behind Chara.

Chris Wagner

Wagner was second in the league in most hits by a forward last season. He is also a Walpole, Mass native, and will be joining the B’s after stints with the Ducks and Islanders.

 

To get detailed information regarding all these contracts go to: https://www.capfriendly.com

 

Image credit to : Boston Herald

Follow me on Twitter: @SOURCEFRIAS

WORLD CUP – Knockout Stage Preview and Predictions

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Photo courtesy: FOX SPORTS

Photo courtesy: FOX SPORTS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ronaldo, Messi, Neymar and Kane big names in Europe-South America who dominate the big stage. Of the 20 previous World Cups, Europe has lifted the trophy 11 times and South America nine. The world awaits, as they dream of a Ronaldo-Messi matchup and will Spain and Brazil dominate as they have before?

  • France and Uruguay have had a good tournament but both Portugal and Argentina have struggled to get in gear.
  • Spain and host team Russia both have shown signs of brilliance, as Croatia and Denmark have also had a good showing.
  • Belgium has been the dark horse of the tournament, and also Brazil has found their swagger. Mexico and Japan backed up into the knockout round.
  • Sweden and England seem to be the teams no one wants to face, as Columbia and Switzerland just seem to be in their way.

Here are the matchups

Saturday, June 30

France vs. Argentina – 10:00 a.m. EST

Verdict: Argentina wins a close one

 

Uruguay vs. Portugal – 2:00 p.m. EST

Verdict: Ronaldo helps Portugal advance

Photo Courtesy: Sporting News

Sunday, July 1

Spain vs. Russia – 10:00 a.m. EST

Verdict: Spain to edge it.

 

Croatia vs. Denmark – 2:00 p.m. EST

Verdict: Croatia keeps looking strong

 

Monday, July 2

Brazil vs. Mexico – 10:00 a.m. EST

Verdict: Brazil advances in penalties

 

Belgium vs. Japan – 2:00 p.m. EST

Verdict: Belgium takes it comfortably.

 

Tuesday, July 3

Sweden vs. Switzerland – 10:00 a.m. EST

Verdict: Sweden gets ready to face England

 

Colombia vs. England – 2:00 p.m. EST

Verdict: Harry Kane and England prevail.

 

Follow me on Twitter: @SOURCEFRIAS

BRUINS SCHEDULE: Important Games to Highlight

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Photo Credit: TD Garden

 

When the NHL schedule was announced, it was an exciting time for fans and teams alike to make sure dates were circled and highlighted. The TD Garden ice is ready and it’s getting close to hockey time in Boston.

Here are some important games on the schedule. 

Oct. 3 at Washington
The Bruins open the NHL season as opponents against defending Stanley Cup Champions, the Washington Capitals, as their banner gets raised to the rafters.

Oct. 8 vs. Ottawa
The Bruins for the first time have their regular season opener as a matinee game on Columbus Day.

Oct. 27 vs. Montreal
The Bruins versus Canadiens is one of the best rivalries in the NHL and is a date both fan bases circle when the schedule comes out.

Nov. 10 vs. Toronto
The Maple Leafs come to Boston for the first time since the Bruins defeated them in a thrilling Game 7.

Jan. 1 at Chicago (Winter Classic – Notre Dame Stadium)
Two Original Six franchises square off in the 2019 Bridgestone NHL Winter Classic, as the Bruins will take on the Chicago Blackhawks. The game will be the Bruins third Winter Classic and the fourth for Chicago.

Apr. 6 vs. Tampa Bay 
The B’s will finish up the regular season against the Lightning, and if it’s anything resembling last season, it could determine who wins the division.

Other notable notes regarding the schedule include:

  • Longest road stretch: 5 games – Feb 15-23, against the Ducks, Kings, Sharks, Golden Knights and Blues.
  • Longest Homestand: 6 games – Feb 26-Mar 9, against Sharks, Lightning, Devils, Hurricanes, Panthers, and Senators.
  • The All-Star Break will be Jan. 25-28, with the game on Jan. 27 at SAP Center in San Jose.

The Bruins play in four home matinees, with the first being the home opener against Ottawa on Columbus Day.

Follow me on Twitter: @SOURCEFRIAS

Boston Bruins 2018 Development Camp

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The Bruins Development Camp is here, and it’s only a matter of time before the veterans show up for some preseason games.

The Bruins’ preseason will begin to take shape. Their Rookie Camp will run from Tuesday, June 26 – Friday, June 29 at Warrior Ice Arena in Brighton, Massachusetts.

This year’s Development Camp roster features 29 players, including 16 forwards, ten defensemen, and three goaltenders. The roster includes 18 players within the Bruins organization and 11 players who will attend on an invite basis.

Forwards: Martin Bakos, Stephen Baylis, Jack Becker, Henry Bowlby, Mitchell Fossier, Curtis Hall, Joona Koppanen, Karson Kuhlman, Philip Lagunov, Jakub Lauko, Tom Marchin, Cedric Pare, Pavel Shen, Oskar Steen, Jack Studnicka, Colin Theisen.

Defensemen: Nick Albano, Axel Andersson, Philip Beaulieu, Victor Berglund, Daniel Bukac, Lucas Ekestahl-Jonsson, Teemu Kivihalme, Dustyn McFaul, Urho Vaakanainen, Nick Wolff.

Goaltenders: Kyle Keyser, Jeremy Swayman, Dan Vladar

Player to watch for – Jack Studnicka

Jack Studnicka- selected 53rd overall in the NHL Entry Draft. – Photo Courtesy of @NHLBruins

The Boston Bruins drafted Jack Studnicka 53rd overall in the 2017 NHL draft. Studnicka has spent the last three seasons with the Oshawa Generals of the Ontario Hockey League. He was captain of the team in 2017-18. He led the club in scoring with 72 points and was awarded the Marc Savard Award. Studnicka also represented Canada at the 2017 U-18 World Championship. He had also played for his country at the 2016 Ivan Hlinka Memorial and the 2015-16 U-17 World Hockey Challenge. He took part in Boston’s rookie camp in Buffalo 2017 and joined Providence after being reassigned by Boston from Oshawa at the conclusion of their season.

During the team media availability, he stated ” I want to make the team this year, I plan on being in the NHL”

Players are available to the media after practice. Also, a member of the Bruins Hockey Operations staff is available to the media after player availability.

All the sessions are open to the public.

If you are betting the Bruins this season make sure you check out BetQL for expert NHL picks.

Follow me on Twitter: @SOURCEFRIAS

Charlie McAvoy – Next Bruins Superstar

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Charlie McAvoy is looking like the next Bruins superstar and foundation defenseman.

We can go all the way back to the 70s to see the all the great defensemen the Bruins enjoyed.

Orr , Bourque and Chara.

We were able to experience one of the greatest, if not the greatest player of all time, in Bobby Orr. He won the Norris Trophy as best defenseman eight times and won the Stanley Cup twice during the 70s era. Orr then passed it on to Brad Park, who was just keeping the seat warm for Ray Bourque, the true leader of the blue line during the 80s. Bourque himself won the Norris five times in his career. Once Ray moved on to win his Cup, the Bruins picked up Zdeno Chara as a free agent. Chara also won a Stanley Cup and Norris trophy as a member of Boston’s illustrious defensemen in their history.

McAvoy Is Next Up

Bruins next superstar.

Charlie McAvoy has had success wherever he has gone due to his talent, hard work and the determination to keep learning.

He had a successful career at Boston University, which made the scouts in Boston aware to draft him 14th overall in the 2016 NHL Draft. He has also left his mark in international play, representing USA in the World Juniors. There McAvoy won Player of the Game in the 2017 Gold Medal game.

During his short career, he has been faced with adversity. He missed time after a heart procedure this past season. Once he recovered, he suffered a knee injury that sidelined him for four weeks.

Despite this, Charlie was named to the NHL All-Rookie Team and came in fifth in Rookie of the Year honors. It is easy to see his natural talent hockey skills he’s on the ice. He is has exhibited that he’s not afraid to throw his weight around, either. McAvoy is known to deliver highlight hits and drop his gloves when needed to stick up for his teammates. He’s a natural leader.

We all know Chara gives his all in the locker room and on the ice, but it’s good to know that once he decides it is time to move on, that we have Charlie McAvoy waiting to be added to the great defensemen in Bruins history.

Boston Bruins Charlie McAvoy and Zdeno Chara.

Follow me on Twitter: @SOURCEFRIAS

2018 NHL Award Winners

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The NHL Awards celebrated its ninth season in Las Vegas this summer. Here are the players that brought home some hardware.

The Bruins were represented by Head Coach Bruce Cassidy and Patrice Bergeron.
The most emotional and memorable part of the night was when the Humboldt Broncos reunited on stage to give the Willie O’Ree Award to their head coach, who did not survive the crash.

Humboldt Broncos

Hart Trophy — League MVP.
Taylor Hall beat out Anze Kopitar and Nathan MacKinnon for this award.

Vezina Trophy — Best Goaltender.
Pekka Rinne was awarded the trophy over Connor Hellebuyck and Andrei Vasilevskiy.

Norris Trophy — Top Defenseman.
Victoe Hedman was victorious over Drew Doughty and P.K. Subban.

Calder Trophy — Best Rookie.
Mathew Barzal won this trophy over Brock Boeser and Clayton Keller.

Selke Trophy — Top Defensive Forward.

Anze Kopitar narrowly beat out Patrice Bergeron of the Bruins and Sean Couturier. Bergeron had won the award in 2012, 2014, 2015 & 2017.

Jack Adams Award — Best coach.
Gerard Gallant beat out Boston’s Bruce Cassidy and Jared Bednar to win the award.

General Manager of the Year —
George McPhee was rewarded in his first season of the Knights over Kevin Cheveldayoff and Steve Yzerman.

Ted Lindsay Award — Most outstanding player voted by the members of the NHL Players’ Association.
Connor McDavid was voted by his peers over Taylor Hall and Nathan MacKinnon.

Lady Byng Trophy — Most gentlemanly player.
William Karlsson was voted over Aleksander Barkov and Ryan O’Reilly .

Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy — Perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to hockey.
Brian Boyle was the recipient of this award over Roberto Luongo and Jordan Staal.

King Clancy Memorial Trophy — Humanitarian Award.
Daniel and Henrik Sedin were the winners beating out P.K. Subban and Jason Zucker.

Mark Messier NHL Leadership Award — Leadership qualities on and off the ice.

Deryk Engelland won the award over Wayne Simmonds and Blake Wheeler .

NHL Foundation Player Award — Community service award.
Humboldt Bronco coach Darcy Hauger.

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Bourque Family Foundation 7.7K

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We all have that memory of Ray Bourque helping Normand Leveille around the Boston Garden ice for one last skate. Now off the ice, the NHL Hall of Famer and Bruins legend and his family launched their own charity to help others as he did that special night.

Throughout Bourque‘s time in the NHL, he became not only an accomplished athlete, but also a leader in the community. He has contributed over $20 million to over 1,000 different organizations.
In 2017, Ray, Christiane, Melissa, Christopher, and Ryan founded their own public charity: the Bourque Family Foundation.

Photo courtesy of Bourque Family Foundation.

In its inaugural year, the Bourque Family Foundation held a 7.7K race at the Ferncroft Country Club. This year, the race was June 9th, and was also set on the 17th year anniversary of Bourque hoisting the Stanley Cup. Bourque made the race 7.7K to match his retired jersey number.

Photo courtesy of Bourque Family Foundation.

Photo courtesy of Bourque Family Foundation.

The Boston Bruins Foundation was the presenting sponsor for the event.

More Events to Come

Ray stated that the foundation’s plan is to do three events a year. He has the 7.7K race, and on August 30th they will have an event at the Golf Club of New England in Stratham, NH. After that, the there will be a curling competition in the winter.
Follow the Bourque Family Foundation on Instagram , Facebook, and Twitter to stay updated on events.