Extras
NeedMoreHockey.com is very please to bring you our first interview. We got a chance to pick the brain of hockey analyst Lyle Richardson. I was happy Lyle could take time out of his schedule to answer a few questions for NeedMoreHockey.com and tell us a bit about his career and viewpoints on the game. Lets jump in.
Intro:
Please allow me to introduce myself. I’m not a man of wealth but I think I’ve got taste. Anyway, I’m Lyle Richardson, the creator of Spector’s Hockey and a free lance contributor to Foxsports, The Hockey News and Germany’s Eishockey News. I’ve been covering the NHL providing my unique commentary for over a decade but I’ve only been making a living at this for three years now. It was my passion for hockey – especially NHL hockey – that got me involved in writing about it and I’m very fortunate and thankful that something I started as a hobby has blossomed into a modicum of success.
What got you started reporting on hockey and the NHL?
I started in 1998. Back then there was no such thing as blogs – or at least not in the hockey world anyway – and few personal websites devoted to NHL coverage. I like to think of myself as a pioneer of hockey blogging, others might think differently.
What has surprised you most about the NHL over the past 10-15 years?
I’ve been surprised by the escalating number of injuries due to cheap shots, especially head injuries, and the league and the NHLPA’s seeming unwillingness to address the problem. Someone’s gonna get killed or crippled before any action is taken.
Is there one thing that irritates you most about the NHL?
The over the glass delay of game rule. It’s the stupidest rule ever implemented in the NHL’s long history. Someday the Stanley Cup will be decided by that rule and create a huge embarrassment for the NHL, just as Brett Hull’s infamous Cup winning goal was in the 1999 Cup Final. No offense to Hull and the Stars.
(I really love the above answer for many reasons and not just because I live in Buffalo.)
In your opinion what changes do you feel need (or don’t need) to happen to the game to make it “better”?
I want fighting abolished, not because I’m a bleeding heart as I’ve enjoyed a good hockey fight but because I feel the game is growing beyond it now.
What is your fondest hockey memory or memories?
My fondest hockey memory was watching Paul Henderson score his famous goal that decided the 1972 Summit Series. Yes, folks, I’m that old!
Stanley Cup prediction?
San Jose Sharks. This will finally be their year.
Cheers,
Lyle Richardson
Spector’s Hockey
www.spectorshockey.net
Our notes: Please be sure to visit Lyle’s site SpectorsHockey.net. It is the ultimate resource for finding out more on contract talks, trades, trade rumors, and all around news. And check out hos work on Fox Sports as well. Thanks Lyle.
