Hockey anyone?

I've dealt with the CHL brass for a while and they're most easy to deal with and the league is very well-run. They were the first minor league to use a real-time scoring system and they never fail to be media-friendly.

 

Good to hear. I appreciate all the responses and input. Helps a lot.

 

One other thing that might help. Find a couple of books on intro to coaching hockey, even (especially) the ones for coaching kids. Those will give you a primer on basic plays and practice drills, and will help you learn game terminology. Also, don't be afraid to ask what you think might be dumb questions. Your readers probably don't know the sport that well, so the coaches and staff might be a little more forgiving, and take a little more time to explain to you why they do what they do.

 

This link could be useful:

http://www.oursportscentral.com/sports/?l_id=19

 

If I wanted to learn how to write high school football, I’d read the big Texas papers daily. And if I wanted to learn hockey…

http://www.globesports.com/
http://www.thestar.com/sports
http://www.slam.ca
http://www.canada.com/nationalpost/news/sports/index.html

The Globe and Mail, Toronto Star, the Sun chain and the National post.

TSN has been mentioned, keep an eye on Canada’s other major sports network as well:

http://www.sportsnet.ca

 

Can't back this up enough.
When the strike happened, there were a few players from NHL teams that went to the CHL to play. Morrow from the Dallas Stars going to OKC to play for the Blazers being the highest profile player.
When I was researching the story, the CHL league office and the teams were very good about getting back to me and helping me with whatever they could.

 

Find and read Jason Cohen's Zamboni Rodeo.

 

Very good book. I've taken a few long bus trips with teams myself and he "captures the spirit of the thing" when it comes to the minors. www.zambonirodeo.com

 

I've got Zamboni Rodeo at home on the bookshelf, but I've barely cracked it yet. I'll have to move it forward on the priority list.

 

I'll throw my two Canadian cents in.

In my opinion, the best hockey blog is by James Mirtle--a desk guy at the Globe & Mail.

It's consistently in the top five most read hockey blogs.

http://mirtle.blogspot.com/

Lots of good stuff on a daily basis.

 

Also, keep in mind that the guys at the CHL level aren't getting paid a handsome sum for their efforts. They're still travelling the Iron Lung and they do it because they love the game and are still hoping for their big break (see Slap Shot).