Having been around hockey for so long, I’m used to the smell and many times unaware of its effects on others.  I have actually had a conversation with my wife and many of the other players’ wives over the years discussing how bad the smell is and what can be done to put an end to “Hockey Hands.”

REMEDIES:

Unfortunately ladies, there is nothing that can be done to stop the smell, but there are a few helpful remedies out there that can help mask the smell postgame.  

First, and probably the most effective, is generously lathering the hands with shaving cream while in the shower.  The thickness of the cream, combined with its pleasant aroma, seems to tackle the unwelcoming stench.  

Sometimes if I’m in a rush, and forget to use the shaving cream, I turn to my wife’s fruity hand lotion!! Yes, I’m not afraid to admit that I prefer the flowery or fruity smell of women’s hand lotion rather than the unpleasant order of my hockey gloves.  Plus, with my hands smelling better after games, I don’t have to hear about it from the wife and that fits right into the married guys handbook rule number one: Happy Wife equals Happy Life!!!

THE ICE CREAM CRITIC IS BACK!!!

Back by popular demand, I will again be rating our pre-game ice cream meals at the various hotels on the road.  For those you who don’t know, I have a bit of a sweet tooth and thoroughly enjoy devouring ice cream and other sweets.  I take my ice cream very seriously and in order to earn top scores, hotels need to bring their best.  

The ice cream gets rated on the following criteria:

• The overall presentation of the ice cream.  Are the bowls appropriate size? Is it pre-scooped? If I have to scoop myself, is there a proper scooper? Etc.
• The ice cream itself, texture, frost-bitten, flavor, etc.
• The variety of toppings. Many guys have different likes when it comes to toppings.  Is there enough variety to satisfy the whole team?
• The timing of the dessert.  A common mistake is bringing out the ice cream to early and it starts to melt or the opposite side bringing it out to late and messing with players’ schedules.

So, as you can see, ice cream is very important to a lot of players on the road.  Many feel that a little scoop helps them digest their big meal, while others find that it helps relax them before pre-game nap!!!  Anyways, the moral of the story is never take life to seriously, unless you’re dealing with dessert!!!

Maddog…OUT!

As mentioned in my previous blog, we had our first road trip of the year last week.  Overall, it was a good weekend, we obviously didn’t get two wins, but we did end with a split.  

Many of you probably know how the weekend went and were able to watch the game or at least find out the scores, so I’m not going to bother recapping the on-ice details. I want the purpose of my blog to give you, the fans, a glimpse of what happens away from the rink.

For Starters, I’m Canadian. One of the perks of playing a Canadian team is the fact that you have a chance to be back in your home country.  It’s always nice to grab some dinner from a familiar restaurant or visit places that are local to the area.  Anyone from Canada will tell you that Tim Hortons is a landmark establishment across the country. So, you could imagine my excitement when I landed in Vancouver, after a four hour plane ride, and the first restaurant I see is a beautiful Tim Hortons.  Unfortunately, the excitement diminished rather quickly, because the service was not up to par.  I was one of the first to order and I decided to go with a Panini Sandwich and a side donut, obviously.  Sure enough, orders start coming out and I’m a little concerned that the people behind me had gotten their order first, but I had my donut so I wasn’t about to panic yet.  But then the same thing continued to happen as order after order came out and still my sandwich was a no-show!! At this point I was pretty fired up about the situation and couldn’t believe that Timmy’s had let me down.   Finally, after almost 25 minutes of waiting and having to eventually re-order the sandwich, I received my Panini.  By that time, the excitement had worn off and the sandwich seemed average.  Come on, Tim’s…. You Are Better Than This!!!!!  

Fortunately, our team dinner that night at the Cactus Club made me soon forget about the Tim Hortons debacle.  The food, service and of course the company there was excellent.  A chance for the booooyss to relax after a long travel day, share some food, drinks, laughs and enjoy the Canadian scenery.  It gives us players a chance to share funny stories of each other’s past and share our thoughts on various topics like discussing why Apple products are the best with Bill Sweatt. What’s interesting about hockey is that in the hockey world you soon discover that there is about four degrees of separation between you and any other hockey player in the world.  The hockey world truly is a small one!

This is why road trips can be so important in creating a close atmosphere amongst the team.  It begins to feel more like a family and thanks to our great organization, we are provided with various opportunities that give us the chance to hang out amongst our teammates and form the necessary bonds that can last a lifetime.  

On a side note, the return plane ride home was a bit of a grind for me.  I was in the middle of heated game on my Ipad with Yann Sauve, when I got a bit excited and knocked an entire glass of water onto my lap.  Of course I was wearing a grey suit, so the water splotch was very noticeable, which made the location of the spill that much more unfortunate.  Definitely had a flashback of kindergarten class.  Fair to say some of the boys had a good chuckle as I spent the next two hours sitting on a blanket and attempting to dry off using a napkin.  Thankfully it was only water as I wish I could say that this was the first time that this I had spilt my drink on a plane! Helpful Tip: Don’t fall asleep with your drink still on your tray. 

This weekend we head north of the border to play two games in Abbotsford, BC against the Heat. Unlike most road trips, we actually get a warm reception in Abbotsford, because we are associated with the Vancouver Canucks, who play about an hour away.

Packing for a road trip is something I haven’t had to do in quite a while.  Over the years, I have picked up some tips to successfully packing for a weekend of hockey.  A suit is essential, as we are required to wear one while traveling, as well as, to and from games.  Shoes and a toothbrush are the other key essentials.  Unfortunately, I know from personal experience that forgetting dress shoes can be a costly mistake, because your only options are to buy a new pair, or pay the fine and have the #thebooys remind you of it for weeks to come.  The option I chose, trying to pass black sneakers for dress shoes, was a poor one as I didn’t even make it down the hotel hallway before I heard laughter and saw some pictures being taken. 

Personally, another key item to pack is an extra dress shirt or two depending on the length of the trip.  Nothing worse than only having the one shirt and you end up spilling something down the front.  For me, it’s usually the chocolate sauce from the pregame ice cream. 

The last key to packing for a road trip is managing to get everything to fit into a carry-on bag.  Here the usual tricks work, travel size toiletries, rolled up tees, etc.  It’s a lot easier for the European players, because their clothes tend to be smaller and a bit tight, not to mention any specific players, but one rhymes with Smeddie Tack!

Maddog….out!

The 28-year-old blueliner ranked third among Wolves rear guards with 15 points (2G, 13A) in 60 games last season. He also ranked second among team defensemen and shared fifth overall on Chicago with a +9 plus/minus rating.

The Calgary, Alberta, native also appeared in five Calder Cup playoff tilts with the Wolves last year.

Overall, MATHESON has racked up 17 goals, 83 assists, and 100 points in 320 career AHL contests with the Wolves and Milwaukee Admirals, spanning six seasons (2006-12). He also skated in 31 Calder Cup playoff contests with Chicago and Milwaukee, collecting six points (G, 5A) and 14 penalty minutes.

In accordance with team policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.

For information on season tickets or group outingsfor the 2012-13 season, call 1-800-THE-WOLVES or visit chicagowolves.com.

Hey Wolves Fans...Wish this blog was coming with a update on our travel in the second round. As I'm sure many of you are, the entire organization is disappointed to be finished with our year so early.

We thought we had the right team to go far into playoffs, but unfortunately we fell short in the final game of the series. Sometimes in playoffs, a little bounce can be the difference in the series.  I want to thank all of you for your loyal support throughout the entire season! We definitely have the best fans in the league.

I also want to thank those of you that have shown concern over Twitter regarding my injury in the final game of the year. For those who don't know, I was hit in the head with a slap shot in the second overtime period of Game 5. The puck actually hit me in the ear and fortunately my eardrum was not damaged. Right now my ear is cut, swollen, and bruised, but I expect to be fully recovered in a couple of weeks.

At the end of the hockey year, most players take no longer than a week to tie off loose ends and pack up their stuff before leaving town. It's always a strange feeling at the end of a season, because the same group of people that you have spent every day with over the past nine months is suddenly gone. I guess it's just a part of a hockey player’s life.

This year will actually be a nice change because there are a few players, including myself, that are hanging out for awhile. It will be fun to have a chance to further explore the great city of Chicago, take in a few ballgames, eat at some unique spots, etc. I wish all of you a safe and happy summer!

Follow me on Twitter @25Maddog. Maddog...out!!

Hey, Wolves Fans. Not the start we were looking for in the first round of the playoffs. Both games in San Antonio were very close and could have gone either way.

We got back Sunday, had practice this morning and now are resting up for what will have to be a great effort tomorrow. As a team we are very positive and confident that we can do what it takes to win three in a row and take the series.

It's going to be a tough road ahead, but we are just focused on winning tomorrow and taking it one step at a time. I look forward to playing in front of our home crowd and winning Game 3. Hope to see lots of you there!!!

The best part about the playoffs besides the hockey…the BEARD!!! It is a grand tradition that has been around for more than 30 years.

Here is a quick history lesson for those of you who may be unaware of the importance of the BEARD: It was the 1980 New York Islanders who first started growing beards.

The team had four games in five nights and no one bothered to shave and from there it just seemed to stick with them. They won four Championships in a row, and now almost every team grows beards along their journey through the postseason in search for the Cup.

Some look at it as more of a superstition, while others look at it as a reminder of a long and taxing playoff run.  I think the playoff beard is great because it unites a team and is a constant reminder of how special it is to be able to battle together against the best teams in the league on a quest toward winning a championship.   
 
That’s good news for the Wolves fans because there are a large number of beauties on the team that are well on their way to growing a gorgeous, lush beard.

I would like to give honorable mention to Mancari and Duco, who have significant growth already. Haydar and Parent recently shaved in preparation, but don’t worry as they will be in full bloom come Saturday!

There are those players on the team that struggle to grow facial hair and won’t start budding until the final round. Miller and Lack deserve a shoutout for giving an honest effort early. Their beards are a little straggly and a bit patchy in places, but nonetheless they are doing their best for the boooyyys.

Can’t forget to mention Clackson, who is going to give it his best shot, but unfortunately the playoffs would have to be about 10 rounds in order to witness a Clackson beard.

Also, want to mention the BEARD’s partner in crime, the PLAYOFF MUSTACHE!! Designed for those who struggle to grow a beard, but do have significant growth on the upper lip. None better this year than Frankie, who is currently sporting a greasy, black mustache. I will be sure to keep you up-to-date on the status of the boooyyys’ BEARDS.

I plan on growing a beard and will be sure to keep you informed of the different stages of growing a solid BEARD.  But you will have to wait for my picture. I will show you guys mine when I have some solid growth going!

Let  me know what you think at  @25maddog on Twitter.  Let’s go Wolves!

Hey guys, I hope everyone is excited to start the playoff season. Yesterday, we put the finishing touches on a very solid year in which we put ourselves in a good position heading into the postseason.

There is a definite energy in the room among the players, coaches, and organization, because we have the team that could potentially have a very successful playoff run.

I’m looking forward to writing this blog throughout our journey and will be sure to keep you updated with travel on the road, beard-growing status (for those players that can actually grow a beard) and a few other behind-the-scenes looks.

If there’s anything you, the fans, would like me to blog about, feel free to write in questions and I will do my best to address them. You guys are the best fans in the league and we really appreciate the continued support.

Follow me on Twitter @25maddog.

By Justin Skelnik | Photos by Ross Dettman

Growing up in Calgary, hockey was life for defenseman Mark Matheson. His parents put him into skating lessons and signed him up for his first team at the age of five. The rest, as they say, would be history. Except that was not necessarily the case for him.

“I really enjoyed being in those skating classes and always wanted to play hockey, but I wasn’t the best skater at first,” Matheson said. “My parents always laugh looking back because after the first year of hockey, they thought there was no way I would continue to play, because I was the worst skater on the team. I could barely stand up.”

Matheson decided to stick with the sport and enrolled in power skating lessons. Two years after he was deemed the team’s worst skater, he became one of the best skaters through hard work and determination. His youth hockey career blossomed after that.

“I was fortunate enough to live in Calgary, which has a great youth hockey program and was lucky to be on really good teams,” Matheson said. “The guys I grew up playing with, we all moved up together. It has thinned out now and I am the only one still playing from our little group, but we all had pro aspirations.”

Matheson played minor hockey up to midget and then was scouted to play juniors in Calgary. He also was a two-sport athlete growing up. In addition to hockey, he was a competitive lacrosse player.

“Lacrosse is a sport that kind of goes hand in hand with hockey with all the hand eye coordination,” Matheson said. “The same group of guys I played hockey with, I played competitive lacrosse with. We were all pretty good at lacrosse and we competed in some national tournaments.”

One of the players Matheson played lacrosse with was former Wolves forward Jamie Hunt. The two grew up playing against each other and then ended up at the same high school and became teammates and friends. Matheson’s lacrosse career came to an end once he began playing junior hockey due to the time commitment. He also didn’t want to risk getting injured playing lacrosse, plus hockey was always his true passion.

“I enjoyed lacrosse, but hockey has always been my No. 1 sport for sure,” Matheson said. “A lot of my friends chose to play lacrosse because they thought it gave them a better chance to earn a US college scholarship and I thought the exact opposite.”

Matheson turned his one season of juniors into a scholarship offer from the University of Massachusetts-Amherst. He accepted and became teammates with another former Wolves forward, Matt Anderson.
“I really enjoyed the whole college experience,” Matheson said. “I had a pretty solid career, especially my junior and senior seasons. My senior season, we went to the Frozen Four for the first time in school history and it was pretty special. There was a core group of guys, including Matt Anderson, that all came together at the right time. To be able to get to the Frozen Four and have the support from our school was something I won’t soon forget.”

The day after UMass lost in the Frozen Four, Matheson received a call from the assistant general manager of the National Hockey League’s Nashville Predators, asking if he wanted to play for their American Hockey League affiliate, the Milwaukee Admirals. It was an opportunity Matheson jumped at and eventually turned that tryout into a contract.

He spent the next three seasons toiling the Admirals blueline, where he posted 46 assists and 52 points in 190 games. In the summer of 2010, he departed Milwaukee and signed a free agent contract with the Admirals’ fiercest rival – the Chicago Wolves.

“It was definitely weird at the start of last year’s training camp being a member of the Wolves,” Matheson said. “Milwaukee was my first, and only, pro organization. After three years, you get comfortable and you get this mindset of wanting to beat the Wolves. Then to put on a Wolves jersey and go the other way, it was weird.

“At the same time, it was exciting. I knew quite a few people on the Wolves roster and in the organization. I didn’t know how awkward it was going to be playing against Milwaukee, but I enjoyed those games and had a lot of fun. Now my mindset is I want to beat
my old team.”

Matheson’s first season with the Wolves didn’t start off like he hoped.
He was a healthy scratch the first seven games before getting into the lineup. Sitting was something he was not accustomed to in Milwaukee.

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“The beginning of last year was pretty frustrating,” Matheson said. “But it is no different anywhere else when you are the new guy in the organization and there are lots of players fighting for a few spots. I tried to wait for my spot and when I got it, I tried to keep it by working hard.”

Keep it he did. Matheson would go on to appear in 69 of the team’s final 72 contests. He set career-highs in every offensive category with 9 goals, 24 assists and 33 points. His 9 goals were three more than he scored in his three years combined with Milwaukee.

“As I played more and more, I gained more confidence and I was able to start creating and really owned my spot,” Matheson said. “Around Christmas, I was able to work my way onto the top special teams units and was able to stay there. That really is what helped me put up career points.”
In addition to increased ice time, a nickname from the past crept back into Matheson’s life to ease his transition in a new town and team.

“If people know me well enough, they know my nickname is Mad Dog,” Matheson said. “It comes as a bit of a shocker for most because I am kind of a calm person and I don’t often get rattled. Last year, (Wolves Senior VP of Operations) Courtney Mahoney learned of my nickname and started calling me by it. People in the organization got wind of it and it picked up steam.”

Matheson wasn’t the first Mad Dog in the family. His dad held the original claim to the moniker and it was passed to Mark when he was younger and had a quick temper.

“The name was used a little in hockey because of my dad having the name but it really stuck in lacrosse because of my quick temper on the field,” Matheson said. “It died for a while in college because I was really calm and no one knew my nickname from back home. Every now and then I go back home to Calgary and I’ll be with my wife and people will call me Mad Dog and she always gets a kick out of it. I am kind of a silent worker so the name doesn’t really fit, but I like it.”

Back for his second season with the Wolves, Matheson has his goals set on another career year, but would put the individual accolades aside for team success.

“Personally, I just want to pick up where I left off from last season,” Matheson said. “I think all you can ask from yourself is to work hard, give a consistent effort and try to get better every game.

For the team obviously it starts with making the playoffs and you never know what can happen once you get in. We just have to go from a bunch of people and come together as a team. We can find our own ways to bond and hopefully we have a good year.”