April Fools!: Sharks sign free agent defenseman Bret Hedican for playoff push
by Matthew_Taylor on Apr 1, 2010 3:00 AM PDT
in Fear The Fin News
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The San Jose Sharks today signed free agent defenseman Bret Hedican with the intention that he will challenge the Sharks current compliment of defenseman for a playoff roster spot.
Sharks General Manager Doug Wilson was excited about the move. "We wanted to add to our team without subtracting," Wilson said. "We wanted to get the right piece at the right time to be able to integrate and assimilate him into the lineup."
Hedican's credentials are impressive. The former St. Louis Blues draft pick won a Stanley Cup in the 2005-2006 season with the Carolina Hurricanes. He is a 17 year NHL veteran, and a two time Olympian for the United States. Hedican has served as an analyst for Comcast Sports Net Bay Area since the beginning of the current NHL season.
Through a team statement, Wilson detailed the team's long time interest in the former Stanley Cup winner. "Bret's a player that we've wanted to acquire for a long while now, and the opportunity finally presented itself. He has the reputation of being a real 'rink rat', which is something we've been looking to add to the team. Bret also has a Stanley Cup ring, and we think that he will bring needed experience to the dressing room."
As per team policy, financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Wilson's interest in Hedican was reignited during a recent charity game played at HP Pavilion. "I was impressed with Hedican's play at the charity tournament; it was quickly evident that Brett still had some fuel left in the tank, and could contribute to the team. I also want to point out that he has covered the team for the better part of the year. He's familiar with the players and our system, and should fit in nicely."
Coach Todd McLellan had more to say on the signing, but tempered his expectations for the 39 year old defenseman. "We think that he'll provide the hockey club some energy and some grit and that's all we're asking of him," McLellan said. "If we ask any more of him or expect any more from him, I don't think we have a chance of success. We have to give hm a chance to feel good about himself and help him fit in with the team."
Niclas Wallin, who was acquired at the deadline by San Jose, is a former teammate of Hedican. Wallin, however, could not be reached for comment, but indicated through a team official that he was excited to have the opportunity to play with Hedican once more.
Hedican is expected to meet the team in Minnesota prior to their game on Friday, although it is unknown if he will dress for the game against the Wild.
For more information, please visit David Pollak's Working the Corners blog, or Comcast Sports Net Bay Area.
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I like it.
Dude’s got a Stanley Cup. He’s a gritty gamer. Plus, instant chemistry with Hamburgers.
I’m just surprised they were allowed to sign him after the deadline. I’m wondering if it was an emergency thing what with all the injuries from the last few games.
"Shave it, and you will score." - Randy Hahn
Proud member of the "Lifetime Contract for Marleau" Club
I for one
am cautiously optimistic. Other teams in the playoffs might just dangerously lowball what could be our strongest defensive weak point. DW may destroy the old files, but he makes copies first.
by ToddMclellan'shair on Apr 1, 2010 3:59 AM PDT up reply actions
I was gonna say...
I know DW likes doing things for charity, but signing a guy who’s been in the booth all season after seeing him play in a charity tournament? Even that was too much. Good one guys.
by Chicago Shark on Apr 2, 2010 5:07 AM PDT up reply actions
on the contrary
Rick Astley has two billboard #1 singles and three additional top ten singles.
by a10dency2ask on Apr 1, 2010 10:08 AM PDT up reply actions
Well done
It takes a big man to cry and it takes a bigger man to laugh at that man. -Jamie Baker
Proud member of the "Keep Marleau Forever" Club
Dang....
So, we are not getting a 39 year old Defenseman? With Wallin and Blake out there, its not far fetched? right?
Fact Check
Hmmmm……
Stanley Cup with Hurricanes
17 year NHL career
2 time Olympian
Are you sure about that resume? I don’t think I’ve ever seen those qualifications attributed to Hedican before.
I was surprised, too, that a player with those credentials was available.
Fear the Fin: Sharing Joe Thornton's love of wooly mammoths since 2009.
by Matthew_Taylor on Apr 1, 2010 7:19 AM PDT up reply actions
I was just sayin
Last night i was joking with my buddy that we needed Hedican to suit up and step up our D. It would be effing awesome!
Also, the guy is married to Kristi Yamaguchi. To which i say WTF?
Great 4/1 post. Epic Hedican Beard Pic.
You hear that Stormy? DIE!
UPI - Picked this story up! HAHAHAHAH
“100” years of Journalistic Excellence" Whoops
http://www.upi.com/Top_News/Local/2010/04/01/Sharks-sign-free-agent-defenseman-Bret-Hedican-for-playoff-push/1-5b259a3227
It's gone
I think they might have realized it was a joke.
"Sleep is for the off season."~ Randy Hahn. Never question why the man is up at midnight.
by ZombieSkittles on Apr 1, 2010 10:55 AM PDT up reply actions
What does DW have with signing old retired players? Although I do like this a hell off a lot more then the Claude Lemiuex signing.
by Icing On The Power Play on Apr 1, 2010 8:16 AM PDT reply actions
Wait…shit…it’s April Fools isn’t it.
I feel stupid.
by Icing On The Power Play on Apr 1, 2010 8:16 AM PDT up reply actions
Fantastic!
I heard he won a Stanley Cup once. Great addition.
Also I’m dead. April fools.
"I think people were ready to watch some hockey. We took up enough of everyone’s time."
-Jody Shelley after 87 seconds of hockey fighting against Cam Janssen
Awesome!
I was waiting for him to get so frustrated with our team he’d just suit up an play! TEAM HEDICAN!!!! Throw in Bakes too and maybe Drew and Randy those guys can be our D. :) you guys are bad.
"The coaches should tell the goalies to do the splits and then windshield wipers. That's how you'll block shots every time." - Peeny 3.13.10
"Hockey players wear numbers because you can’t always identify the body with dental records."—Anonymous
Oh goodness.
Check out SLGT’s APD joke. That one actually scared me.
"I think people were ready to watch some hockey. We took up enough of everyone’s time."
-Jody Shelley after 87 seconds of hockey fighting against Cam Janssen
Nice
Granted, I logged onto the computer expected a slew of April Fools jokes, so this didn’t really fool me. But man, you got DW and McLellan down pat – the only change I’d made is change “rink rat” to “hockey rat,” but I think only someone who has listened to far too many DW interviews would catch the difference.
I topekaed some of the other sites I go to, and this one probably has the most effort put into it, easy. And likely the most convincing.
"I think I realized after the second or third punch, I should have taken his helmet off sooner." - Ryane Clowe
Proud member of the "Re-Sign Marleau" Club
Fools and Sages
wasn't that like an exact quotation of
what he said when they acquired dan boyle or rob blake or one of them?
by a10dency2ask on Apr 1, 2010 10:10 AM PDT up reply actions
It is.
Fear the Fin: Sharing Joe Thornton's love of wooly mammoths since 2009.
by Matthew_Taylor on Apr 1, 2010 10:19 AM PDT up reply actions
Well then, I feel silly.
"I think I realized after the second or third punch, I should have taken his helmet off sooner." - Ryane Clowe
Proud member of the "Re-Sign Marleau" Club
Fools and Sages
Besides the charity game quote, they were all straight from WTC.
Fear the Fin: Sharing Joe Thornton's love of wooly mammoths since 2009.
by Matthew_Taylor on Apr 1, 2010 10:22 AM PDT up reply actions
That’s what makes this a good April Fools joke, the tone and language are pitch perfect.
Juan Carlos Perez, please start hitting.
Seeing how Walin and Demers played together last night, I wish this was true.
Fear the Fin - all Evgeni, all the time.
That’s some gold here TCY, however..
“Bret’s a player that we’ve wanted to acquire for a long while now, and the opportunity finally presented itself. He has the reputation of being a real ‘rink rat’, which is something we’ve been looking to add to the team. Bret also has a Stanley Cup ring, and we think that he will bring needed experience to the dressing room.”
Pure Doug Wilson. I can even hear his voice.
Fear the Fin - all Evgeni, all the time.
I think that quote is a compilation of other DW sound bytes, verbatim (minus the name “Bret”).
Fear The Fin = Man goes into cage... Cage goes into salsa... Shark's in the salsa... Our shark.
Pure Awesomeness TCY!
This is so full of pure win and awesomeness! I loved seeing the serious comments and then seem them back track when they finally got that today is the 1st.
I hope this Is true but is this a april fool's joke?
Im alittle shocked hearing this and it better not be an April Fools joke. I live in Canada and I have lots of Local Hockey TV/Radio channels
TSN
Sportsnet
The Score
The Fan 590
There is NO NEWS on this!!!
Bret Hedican is better then Niclas Wallin!
This is why I love FTF.
They’re a local blog so usually they report all the news first. Greatest blog ever!
"I think people were ready to watch some hockey. We took up enough of everyone’s time."
-Jody Shelley after 87 seconds of hockey fighting against Cam Janssen
Ears to the ground.
Fear the Fin: Sharing Joe Thornton's love of wooly mammoths since 2009.
by Matthew_Taylor on Apr 1, 2010 9:37 AM PDT up reply actions
Plus, the Canadian news outlets don’t pay attention to the Sharks unless it’s the playoffs/some guy just spurned two Canadian teams before being traded here.
"I think I realized after the second or third punch, I should have taken his helmet off sooner." - Ryane Clowe
Proud member of the "Re-Sign Marleau" Club
Fools and Sages
Is it bad...
That I really want Hedican to see this?
Fear the Fin: Sharing Joe Thornton's love of wooly mammoths since 2009.
I’ll go ahead and send him a DM on Twitter, since he’s following me for whatever reason.
Fear the Fin - all Evgeni, all the time.
Great minds Ivano :)
"The coaches should tell the goalies to do the splits and then windshield wipers. That's how you'll block shots every time." - Peeny 3.13.10
"Hockey players wear numbers because you can’t always identify the body with dental records."—Anonymous
by mssjsclowie29 on Apr 1, 2010 9:49 AM PDT up reply actions
Nope...
not at all….he’d probably get a good laugh out of it and spread the word about FTF. Isn’t he on Twitter? Link him….>D
"The coaches should tell the goalies to do the splits and then windshield wipers. That's how you'll block shots every time." - Peeny 3.13.10
"Hockey players wear numbers because you can’t always identify the body with dental records."—Anonymous
by mssjsclowie29 on Apr 1, 2010 9:49 AM PDT up reply actions
He's @BretHedican on Twitter
I @-replied this link to him this morning when I first read this. He’s really great about replying (via DM) on Twitter, so I’m sure he’ll see it and get a good laugh. Well done!
HEHE
keep the boys updated on this thing…hopefully FTF will get a Hedican shout-out
"The coaches should tell the goalies to do the splits and then windshield wipers. That's how you'll block shots every time." - Peeny 3.13.10
"Hockey players wear numbers because you can’t always identify the body with dental records."—Anonymous
by mssjsclowie29 on Apr 1, 2010 10:22 AM PDT up reply actions
Probably
the most well-done April Fool’s prank I’ve read today. Still doesn’t lessen my dislike of the day any less, though.
Lol City
I knew better than to click on those links.
resident cartoonist @CouchTarts Lightning is seven times as hot as the surface of the sun.
That’s still not as hot as Douglas Murray. -mymclife
Bret Hedican has heart and grit. Timely signing.
I was wondering if yall would put up something in honor of the big 4/1. Well played, sir.
I can’t get the links to work on my computer at work (firewall that blocks youtube)…but is it fair to assume I’d be rick rolled if I did?
"I want people to be afraid of how much they love me." ~Michael Scott
The great thing about this joke is that the integrity of the blog has been built up over the past two years, with the interviews with various members of the Sharks organization and constantly having breaking news. And today, all of that integrity has been destroyed in one fell swoop (kidding, of course).
"I think I realized after the second or third punch, I should have taken his helmet off sooner." - Ryane Clowe
Proud member of the "Re-Sign Marleau" Club
Fools and Sages
If Google can do it, hell… so can we.
Fear the Fin: Sharing Joe Thornton's love of wooly mammoths since 2009.
by Matthew_Taylor on Apr 1, 2010 10:27 AM PDT up reply actions
TOPEKA!!!
Fear The Fin = Man goes into cage... Cage goes into salsa... Shark's in the salsa... Our shark.
wait wait wait!
Do we get his beard to?! No deal without that beard. Listen to me DW! Get that beard!
resident cartoonist @CouchTarts Lightning is seven times as hot as the surface of the sun.
That’s still not as hot as Douglas Murray. -mymclife
Yeah, something has to replace Semenov’s beard!
"I think I realized after the second or third punch, I should have taken his helmet off sooner." - Ryane Clowe
Proud member of the "Re-Sign Marleau" Club
Fools and Sages
Lord Stanley's Beard
"The coaches should tell the goalies to do the splits and then windshield wipers. That's how you'll block shots every time." - Peeny 3.13.10
"Hockey players wear numbers because you can’t always identify the body with dental records."—Anonymous
by mssjsclowie29 on Apr 1, 2010 10:14 AM PDT up reply actions
I just forwarded this to my co-worker, who forwarded it to her whole family...
Her husband is “questioning the timing of this signing” and her mother, I’m pretty sure, is throwing things around the room, screaming obscenities about DW.
I don’t think I can bring myself to tell them it’s a joke.
"It's not so much me as it's Roenick."
Definitely an upgrade over Jamie Baker
Not many people know this, but Brett Hedican is a Stanley Cup winning defenseman, and he’s married to figure skating great, Kristi Yamaguchi.
They're not getting this kind of coverage at "Hockey Night In Canada" folks! - Randy Hahn
Did you also know he's married to Kristi Yamaguchi?
I’m not sure if you mentioned that above.
"iaT"S FUCKINGE LIEK CONICO DO MAYO!!!!!111"
Mr. K. 5/5/2009
Don't forget the Stanley Cup with the Hurricanes
Or his two Olympics appearances!
(Man, this must be what it feels like to be in a Comcast SportsNet production meeting).
Well done....
This is almost as good as Klosterman’s fake review of Chinese Democracy a few years back
"I was right and you were wrong." - Ray Fosse
That's it, I quit this place.
I like my goals like I like my booze..... Top shelf.
by GhostOfLinkGaetz on Apr 1, 2010 12:23 PM PDT reply actions
poor sport
"Sleep is for the off season."~ Randy Hahn. Never question why the man is up at midnight.
by ZombieSkittles on Apr 1, 2010 12:28 PM PDT up reply actions
Well played...
Perfectly written, and just on the edge of “Would they really do that? He’s younger than Lemieux or Blake!” enough to make it work.
On any other day I would have fallen hook, line and sinker for it
Very well written.
"Douglas Murray is a humongous human being." – Drew Remenda
Yea...
Clowie skated during practice today…
http://www.facebook.com/pages/San-Jose-Sharks/61490642668?ref=nf
"The coaches should tell the goalies to do the splits and then windshield wipers. That's how you'll block shots every time." - Peeny 3.13.10
"Hockey players wear numbers because you can’t always identify the body with dental records."—Anonymous
by mssjsclowie29 on Apr 1, 2010 2:15 PM PDT up reply actions
sounds like Joe is getting fiesty
what with glaring at Mitchell. When get gets back on the ice i’m hoping to see him just blow everyone away.
"Sleep is for the off season."~ Randy Hahn. Never question why the man is up at midnight.
by ZombieSkittles on Apr 1, 2010 2:44 PM PDT up reply actions
Torrey is just doing his part to bring out Angry Joe. The League will have hell to pay when he gets back.
"I want people to be afraid of how much they love me." ~Michael Scott
by ZeroIndulgence on Apr 1, 2010 3:15 PM PDT up reply actions
I wanna see flames in his eyes.
"Sleep is for the off season."~ Randy Hahn. Never question why the man is up at midnight.
by ZombieSkittles on Apr 1, 2010 3:23 PM PDT up reply actions
Flashbacks...
I was a rookie skiier and managed to plant my ski pole in front of me as I fell forward. It hit me just below the adam’s apple and I could feel the front of my throat touch the back. Hard to describe the ickiness. Just like Clowe, it took a while before I no longer felt like I was going to puke. Glad to hear he is ok.
by calixtus on Apr 1, 2010 4:47 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions
Per a Twitter DM from the man himself...
“Are you sure you want to do this? I’ve been hit in the head w/a few pucks in my day! Try to make it worth your while.”
Hedican = One of my new favorite people.
Fear the Fin: Sharing Joe Thornton's love of wooly mammoths since 2009.
sweet :D
"The coaches should tell the goalies to do the splits and then windshield wipers. That's how you'll block shots every time." - Peeny 3.13.10
"Hockey players wear numbers because you can’t always identify the body with dental records."—Anonymous
by mssjsclowie29 on Apr 1, 2010 2:52 PM PDT up reply actions
I can top that!
Brodie Brazil tweeted me. I bet all of you guys are jealous……….
"I think people were ready to watch some hockey. We took up enough of everyone’s time."
-Jody Shelley after 87 seconds of hockey fighting against Cam Janssen
I met Doug Wilson
And he called me.
I win.
They're not getting this kind of coverage at "Hockey Night In Canada" folks! - Randy Hahn
Brooooooooooooooooooodie
Fear the Fin: Sharing Joe Thornton's love of wooly mammoths since 2009.
by Matthew_Taylor on Apr 1, 2010 3:29 PM PDT up reply actions
aww he sent that exact same message to me.
now i dont feel as special.
"Shave it, and you will score." - Randy Hahn
Proud member of the "Lifetime Contract for Marleau" Club
I'm disappointed
that it’s not true lol.
"What an idiot" - Craig Rivet
"Al Stalock, his reflexes are so good he can smell a fart before someone even lays one"
Dude
I didn’t get to read the story before my husband sent me a text this morning saying the sharks were signing him as D. Since it was morning i recognized his name, but couldn’t for the life of me remember if he was still a player or not, so i started talking about how it would be nice to see some good defensive players added to the roster before he told me it was a joke.
"Sleep is for the off season."~ Randy Hahn. Never question why the man is up at midnight.
For TCY
Not sure if you’ve seen this one yet, but it just may be real.
Fear the Fin - all Evgeni, all the time.
I remember hearing about that
right after the death star was blown to bits.
"Sleep is for the off season."~ Randy Hahn. Never question why the man is up at midnight.
by ZombieSkittles on Apr 1, 2010 5:44 PM PDT up reply actions
He shoulda stayed on target
They're not getting this kind of coverage at "Hockey Night In Canada" folks! - Randy Hahn
Hahahaha. Hoax.
I mean, the X foils are already locked in attack position.
Fear the Fin: Sharing Joe Thornton's love of wooly mammoths since 2009.
by Matthew_Taylor on Apr 2, 2010 7:41 AM PDT up reply actions
Wow I got so owned...
Didn’t even realize it was april fools today till I got rick rolled by the FTF crew lol!
Great idea for a Fool's Joke.
I was interested in what you guys would do, and you did not disappoint.
Proud member of the "Don't Trade Marleau" club.
Fear the Fin: Where Sharks Fans Aren't Like Other Sharks Fans.
by SharksFanEst.1994 on Apr 1, 2010 8:20 PM PDT reply actions
Awaiting Hedican reaction...
"I think people were ready to watch some hockey. We took up enough of everyone’s time."
-Jody Shelley after 87 seconds of hockey fighting against Cam Janssen
Sleek bought it in the Kings gameday thread on BoC
"Douglas Murray is a humongous human being." – Drew Remenda
So the earlier Hedican tweet was a automated message.. this wasn't
Hedican: “I signed with the Sharks?…. news to me! Please let me know what I’m missing.”
Fear the Fin: Sharing Joe Thornton's love of wooly mammoths since 2009.
If you even fooled Bret with this one you know it was one hell of a success.
by Icing On The Power Play on Apr 1, 2010 11:12 PM PDT up reply actions
More from @BretHedican
Who ever sent out that nice April fools joke that I signed with the Sharks for the playoff push even had me going…
That 4/1 joke was so good, that I even was saying, “I just did what?”! Hats off to whoever pulled the wool over my eyes!
Fear the Fin: Sharing Joe Thornton's love of wooly mammoths since 2009.
Awesome!
Maybe he might give a FTF shout-out during the pre-game, hmm…..
"I think people were ready to watch some hockey. We took up enough of everyone’s time."
-Jody Shelley after 87 seconds of hockey fighting against Cam Janssen
Damn
Kudos to you TCY. That’s pretty awesome.
"Sleep is for the off season."~ Randy Hahn. Never question why the man is up at midnight.
by ZombieSkittles on Apr 2, 2010 11:26 AM PDT up reply actions
I guess "THAT'LL CHEECH YOU" for falling for this.
All yesterday I really thought the sharks signed him. I am so pissed! :( Good April fools!
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