Meet the staff- Angelique

During the off-season, we've been getting to know you a bit more and have had awesome discussions because of this. Continuing today, you can learn more about the MHH staff through a series of questions.

Today is all about Jori, and her super knowledge when it comes to prospects.

What attracted you to hockey? Does your family have a passion for it, was it always the Avalanche that you liked?
My mother is Canadian, so hockey is in the blood…right?
What attracted me most about hockey was the speed of the game; few sports can be as graceful and brutal at the same time.

Though my mother is Canadian, she is more of a casual fan. The same could not be said for my maternal grandfather who was a huge Montreal Canadiens fan; as is most of my extended family on my mother’s side. One of my uncles used to coach youth hockey back in the day and one of his players as a youngster was none other than Jose Theodore.

I was more of a follower of college hockey before the Avalanche came to town, but did watch NHL games on CBC through my old c-band satellite dish (those were the days).

What about MHH? How'd you find it, what kept you here? How'd you become part of the staff?  What is your favorite part of MHH?

I found out about MHH while visiting the Rockies blog, the Purple Row. Yet, I also stumbled upon it when I noticed Avs fans from Hockey’s Future began migrating to the blog.

What keeps me here? Other than the fat pay check…the witty banter of course.

I’ve ran my Avs prospects blog for over four years now and at least a handful of people have read it; among those David, who approached me about contributing some pieces to the site. I feel bad for not contributing more, but that will change!

What I like most about MHH is the community of fans. Really, without them places like SBN wouldn’t exist. Seriously, you guys rock!

What are you looking forward to the most about this up-coming season?
As a prospects follower, I’m really looking forward to seeing how Gabriel Landeskog will fit into the lineup and whether someone like Tyson Barrie or Stefan Elliott can be a surprise in training camp and make the opening night roster.
I want to see this team exceed expectations from the hockey pundits and "shock" the world and make the playoffs.
I’m curious as to whether the Lake Erie Monsters can take the next step with plenty of new personnel.

Who is your "sleeper" pick for the 2012 season?

I’ll keep this prospect related and go with Joel Chouinard. I don’t expect him to have much of an impact with the Avalanche this year, but if healthy, I expect huge numbers for him in Lake Erie.

What are some nicknames you go by?
I’m cool with Jori, since most folks don’t associate me by my real name ☺

Your favorite player? Is there one guy that you could just watch for hours and not get bored?
Chris Drury. I’ve been a fan since his days at Boston University and the guy just owned the Red Wings…what’s not to love? I wish him all the best in his retirement.

All Star weekend yay or nay?
What about meh? I’ve honestly lost interest in the All-Star weekend for the past few years. I will admit that the fan experience is great. I remember when the All-Star Game was in Colorado back in 2001; I barely remember the game itself, but I certainly enjoyed walking through the Colorado Convention Center for all the festivities.

Your favorite hockey book?

I’m more of a science-fiction/fantasy reader, but a tip of the hat to Mr. Adrian Dater for Blood Fued and a nod to Black Ice: The Lost History of the Colored Hockey League of the Maritimes, 1895-1925, by George and Darril Fosty.

Outside of MHH, what's your favorite website?

Hockey’s Future. I wrote for the site very briefly and I’ve been a moderator on the Avs board for the past few years. I’ve been a member of the forums for almost a decade (yeah I’m old…get off my lawn). The site isn’t perfect, but you can’t beat the Trade Rumors forum…am I right? ;-)

I also frequent plenty of tech sites and blogs…just too many to name.

During the offseason what is your favorite thing to do?
Besides crying everyday waiting for hockey to return? I watch the Colorado Rockies continue to break my heart. I check out a few of the summer blockbusters at the theater. Mostly, I get caught up on my sci-fi/fantasy reading (damn you George R.R. Martin!).

What is your favorite hockey movie?

Slap Shot; Miracle as a close second.

The thing you want to know most about another staff member?
I’m really in awe of the work of everyone at MHH, I’m a lazy bum compared to the rest of the staff. So I must ask…how do you do it? I hope one day I’ll get to ask them in person!

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And for the Cupcakes today, it seems only fitting that they are about the Juniors. The OHL is bringing a new rule to protect players.

The Ontario Hockey League is instituting equipment changes designed to make the game safer.

The league announced Wednesday that all players must wear soft cap shoulder and elbow pads for the upcoming season.